The Blog Monster

If You Missed It Last Week Comic Recommendation

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:54:00 +0000

ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction #1

Script: Kevin Grevioux
Pencils: Geraldo Borges
Inks: Jimmy Reves, David Rivera, and Tony Kordos
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Letters: Troy Peteri
Cover Art: Paul Ballard

Publisher: Red 5 Comics

If you are a zombie fan, and a comic fan, then new zombie titles fill you with a mixture of child-like anticipation and pessimistic impending doom. I mean, after Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead spearheaded a market place influx of zombie titles, it was like Russian roulette with three options: cool, mediocre, or crap. Titles began to blur together and as new titles were released you began to think, "C'mon! They're all the same!"

But Kevin Grevioux's ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, immediately sets itself up as something different. The title alone lets you know this is not your average zombie tale.

Issue #1 starts off with a television news report about rumors of conflict in Iran and whether or not the United States would intervene is the fighting is going on. Meanwhile, we see the fighting is not a rumor, and despite the declaration that "there is not nor will there be any U.S. involvement," we know the truth because we know that F-117 Nighthawk stealth bomber anywhere.

But they're not carrying bombs, they're carrying zombies set to be dropped into the middle of the enemy and take them out. Then the carnage. The art beautifully (probably an odd choice of word there) depicts the chaos on the ground. No need for heavy text. No need for dialogue of the victims screams and terror. Just images of terror. I insist, when you pick this up, that you take your time with the panels from when the first zombie is revealed on his splash page until the sun comes up turning all the zombies to dust, all of the zombies...except one.

Grevioux's concept has already been optioned for a movie by Benderspink Productions who produced the movies Final Destination and The Ring. But don't wait for the movie, because you don't want to miss the art.

Comic Catch 07/23/08

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:35:00 +0000

Ambush Bug Year None #1

The wait is over — everyone's favorite Bug is back, courtesy of the original AMBUSH BUG team of Keith Giffen and Robert Loren Fleming! Cities will be destroyed! Cats and dogs will live in sin! Every unanswered question of the DC Universe will be answered! Live heroes will die and dead heroes will live! Okay, none of that actually happens, but join us anyway for this totally irreverent romp through the DC Universe as only Ambush Bug could give you!

Invincibe #51

New costume! New beginning! New home! New Partner! Everything is all-new starting with this issue. Featuring an all-new cover by comic book super-star JIM LEE! If you’ve ever thought about reading INVINCIBLE this is the jumping-on point you’ve been waiting for. The next fifty issues start here!

Justice League of America #23

It's all-out Amazon fury against Amazo! Wonder Woman is the last Leaguer standing against the souped-up android — and the prize is Red Tornado's body!

New Avengers #43

SPIDER-MAN VERSUS CAPTAIN AMERICA IN THE JUNGLES OF THE SAVAGE LAND! But who is who and what is what?? At least one of these people isn't who they say they are. Plus a huge chapter in the Secret Invasion story as more information as to how the Skrulls set their major plans in motion is revealed... Guest-starring Ka-Zar and Shanna and featuring spectacular artwork from rising star Billy Tan.

Number of the Beast #8

WildStorm Earth stands on the brink of annihilation as the Reaper Initiative is launched! As The Paladins clash with The Authority in the Nevada desert, a long-lost hero makes a stand against StormWatch to learn the truth behind the Number of the Beast program. How are aliens and atom bombs tied to Armageddon?

She-Hulk #31

SECRET INVASION tie-in and X-FACTOR crossover issue! It’s double the trouble as our gamma-ray glamazon finds herself on a collision course with the mystery-solving X-Factor and hip-deep in the Skrull infestation! What does She-Hulk’s partner Jazinda – who just happens to be a Skrull – know about the invasion…and is she part of it? And why has writer Peter David pitted the heroes of his two books against one another? All the answers are waiting for you here…and so is an exciting new art team!

Sparks #2

A “golden age” super hero walks into a newspaper to report a murder, his. Then we begin to learn the story of Sparks. The first issue relates his origin and how he teams up with a super heroine and life is sweet.

Ultimate X-Men #96

X-Men vs. X-Men! After their attack on Alpha Flight, Colossus and his team are wanted fugitives! Worse, they’ve become addicted to the insidious drug known as Banshee! Now it’s up to the other X-Men to take them down. Yes, it’s mutant vs. mutant! When the X-Men go to war with each other, who wins? Plus, the startling revelation of Jean Grey! Where did she go after defeating Apocalypse? Find out here!

Uncanny X-Men #500

Sentinels? What? And Magneto? And is that the Master Mold? What the hell is going on in San Francisco now that the Uncanny X-Men have relocated there? They’ve got a new Headquarters and a new status quo as the gauntlet is thrown for a new era of mutantkind. It’s all here in the double-sized anniversary issue that sets up the plotlines that will be developed over the next year in UNCANNY. And it’s all brought to you by the hot writing team of Ed Brubaker & Matt Fraction and fan favorite artists Greg Land and Terry Dodson . New creators, new home. The future begins now. 4 covers!

X-Men: Legacy #214

Sinister’s machinations finally come to a head, after decades of preparations. Can Xavier discover the secrets to the plot against his mind before his loses his sanity? Or will he become another in a long line of victims? Either way, he just may learn things about his past he’ll come to regret. Guest starring Sebastian Shaw and the deadliest gator in the swamp, Gambit!

Youngblood #4

The ratings are through the roof and the critics have labeled it a smash hit! And it's all leading up to the big showdown: Youngblood vs. Mayhem, Inc! Head-to-head combat! Who lives? Who dies? And who's sponsoring the whole thing? Celebrity superheroes like you've never seen them before! Plus, the return of a hero and a messenger from beyond the stars!

Comic Review: Helm #1

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Helm #1

Story: Jim Hardison

Breakdowns: Bart Sears

Finishes: Randy Elliott

Colors: Dan Jackson

Letters: Dave Lanphear

Published by: Dark Horse Comics

What if YOU had a magical superpower...AND IT HATED YOUR GUTS?

The cover of Helm #1 asks that question and Mathew Blurdy is going to have to answer it. While several heroes have come into possession of evil artifacts and paraphernalia which worked contrary to their heroic intent, such as Spider-Man's symbiote costume and Marvel's Black Knight, Dane Whitman, whose Ebony Blade drove him ever closer to madness everytime it drew blood. Mathew Blurdy's new helmet, however, is not cursed or evil. It just doesn't like him.

Since the Helm is now bound to Blurdy until his death, it decides to see if he can turn the gamer geek into a valiant hero, or in the attempt if Blurdy gets killed, well, it'll be free for a new wearer more worthy to wear it.

That's the premise behind Jim Hardison hilarious new comic from Dark Horse. Blurdy, the 30 year-old who works in a video store and lives with his mother, is The Helm's straightman as it constantly barbs and berates the hapless loser, but still finds a way to impress, at least a little, the enchanted helmet. Will The Helm bring Mathew Blurdy out of loserdom and become the most unlikely Valhalladrim ever?

Bart Sears, Randy Elliott, and Dan Jackson shows us Hardison's story making us cringe at every Blurdy fat roll and butt crack. The Helm's facial expressions are priceless, and Sears's Blurdy, with assists from Elliott and Jackson, comes alive.

One of the things I appreciate about The Helm #1 is that the cover isn't just a pin-up. It's an altered version of a panel from inside the comic book, you know, like used to be common in the old days. I love it when comic covers actually tell me something about the story inside and wish it would be done more often *cough*DCandMarvel*cough*

If you haven't picked it up yet, prove yourself to be, as The Helm tells Blurdy, "neither as stupid nor pathetic as you first appear," and pick it up. According to DarkHorse.com, issue two comes out August 20th, so you have time to get this first issue before it comes out. Don't let destiny pass you by!

The Helm's MySpace page

Mathew Blurdy's MySpace page

The Helm Comic Site

Quick Announcement...Doctor Horrible!

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 13:38:00 +0000

I'm about to invade town for comics and P-36 Space Modulators and Uranium and stuff, but I wanted to annouce Joss Whedon's Doctor Horrible before I left. I'll look into it more when I return and before I continue development of my death-ray.

Doctor Horrible's Sing-along blog

Comic Catch: July 16, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:51:00 +0000

Helm #1

By Jim Hardison and Bart Sears

When an ancient-looking helmet calls to him as "the Chosen One," exhorting him to don the mantle of the "Valhalladrim," Matt touches it with trembling fingers--and is jolted by raw magical power. Holy crap! Is he going to be a superhero? Is this why he always felt special even when everyone else thought he was a loser? Then the helm gets a sense of whom it's dealing with. Suddenly, it changes its tune: "I was mistaken. You are not the chosen one. Good day."

Published by Dark Horse Comics

Mighty Avengers #16

By Briand Michael Bendis and Khoi Pham

SECRET INVASION TIE-IN! ELEKTRA IS A SKRULL!! Words that have echoed through Marvel Comics for the last two years. But how did this happen and for how long has this been true? THE ANSWER IS HERE! Hint! She went down swinging. Plus the answer to the biggest question in modern Avengers history...

Published by Marvel Comics

Perhapanauts #3

By Todd Dezago and Craig Rousseau

"TRIANGLE," Part Three It is the veritable Calm before the Storm as secrets continue to be revealed about ALL of your favorite BEDLAM Agents! Big and The Merrow travel to the UK to get some answers as Choopie tries to cope with the unseen responsibilities of being a King! Also, The Mothmen tip to what went on back in the Bermuda Triangle, and they are NOT pleased...!

Published by Image Comics

Scream Queen #2

By Brendan Hay and Nate Watson

BOOM!’s first horror-romance continues! The Terror of Rumson continues to stalk high-schooler Molly, intent on making her dreams come true—and eager to use a chain saw to do it! THE DAILY SHOW staff writer Brendan Hay continues to bring a HEATHERS-meets-CARRIE sensibility to his horror series debut!

Published by BOOM! Studios

X-factor #33

By Peter David and Larry Stroman

Secret Invasion tie-in! A She-Hulk crossover! Darwin and Longshot show up! New cover artist, Boo Cook! New interior artist, Larry Stroman! And...oh yeah...X-Factor's new digs! What do we have to do, put it in your hands ourselves?!

Published by Marvel Comics

ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction #1

By Kevin Grevioux and Geraldo Borges

With public patience for Middle East casualties wearing thin, the U.S. military adopts a new weapon... zombies. Air-dropped into hot zones, the walking dead indiscriminately infect everyone. Engineered to dissolve at daybreak, they create a safe combatant-free zone. What could go wrong? From the creator the of UNDERWORLD movie franchise.

Published by Red 5 Comics

New Spin-Off Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:44:00 +0000

Announcing my new horror movie review blog, Horror Movie Night Orgy!

I've decided that, rather than having comic AND film reviews in this one blog, I should split them up. The Blog Monster will remain my comic review blog, and Horror Movie Night Orgy will be the movie review blog. First review is up about the 2006 When a Stranger Calls. Check it out!

Comic Review: Savage Dragon #136

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:46:00 +0000

Savage Dragon #136

By: Erik Larsen
Lettering: John Workman and Tom Orzechowski

Story: Prism Attacks!

I loves Larsen's Savage Dragon. I've read every issue of the ongoing series and most of the limited series. That doesn't mean I always like what I find, but I'm usually satisfied. Unfortunately, "Prism Attacks!" is a bit of a let down.

Most of the time, Larsen's huge, blow out, chaotic battles serve a purpose showing how violent and confusing a big super battle would be. But in issue #136 we start off with one which doesn't seem to have much point. One problem is that Larsen's irregular printing schedule makes it hard to remember what's going on. I forgot we had met Prism and the Centurions last time. I don't remember who started the fight between Dragon and the Centurions against the Power Broke and his gang. It's important because Dragon just wanted to ask if he'd seen Dragon's wife. I'm sure Power Broker did, but it's a nagging question. Then there's the fight between Dragon and Prism. Let's just say there's more to Prism than meets the eye which leads to the conflict between the two partners. But other than showing something about a character that we've seen little of before and which, most likely, we won't see much of based on Larsen's style these days, I'm not sure what the point was. Was the fight exciting? Yes. Are the characters interesting? Sure. I would love to see more of Prism and the Centurions. And Prism's wife, hubba hubba.

This issue makes it very difficult to review with any certainty. I love the idea of comics where they can stand alone without having read the previous issue and without having to get the next one. I think the big two should do more of those. But, while Savage Dragon #136 bares many qualities like a stand alone, it's not exactly a stand alone issue because there are ongoing pertinent threads like what's happened to Dragon's wife Jennifer? What's going to happen to She-Dragon in an apparently unrelated story? Can they fix the portal to Dimension X so that Dragon can look for his son? What's going to happen with that band of baddies threatening to kill the Liberty League?

If Prism and the Centurions become Savage Dragon regulars, my opinion of the episode being rather superfluous.

Coming Soon Comic Review: Chumble Spuzz #2

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Chumble Spuzz #2

The One to Blame: Ethan Nicolle
Guilt by Association: Isaiah Nicolle
Who Should Have Known Better: SLG Publishing

Take Loony Tunes. Splice with Beavis and Butthead and South Park. Fling in your choice of movie mockery. You'll get Chumble Spuzz, a casserole of comedy and pop culture references. Chumble Spuzz is returning with a second volume this month.

This time around, Gunthar and Klem meet, the Pigeon-Man, a man raised by pigeons. Pigeon-Man leads to encounters with Frok's Feral Human Zoo, and a PBJ-Bot, "the most advanced PBJ technology to date!!!" Throw in some Michael Vick-esque underground Feral Human fighting and some Island of Moreau gene-splicing, and rescue attempt led my General Woodchuck and Colonel Corn Nut, and you have an epic love story with comedy, action, and nuclear warfare. Well, and let me not forget to mention the rampant nudity and poo slinging.

The second tale in this volume is Death Sings the Blues which beings with the line, "Our story begins with the tragic death of a beloved pet sea monkey..." In this tale, the death of Klem's beloved pet sea monkey and Death's desire to play the Blues as well as Blind Willie Phillips leads, inadvertently to the death of Death and a zombie horde, including Klem's sea monkey, over-running the Earth. Also, this story reveals the secret behind an influencial German dictator named Adolph and Gunthar learns the value of wiping another person's ass.

This time around, Ethan Nicolle is joined by younger brother Isaiah Nicolle on the writing chores. Both Nicolle's provide a strong plot with witty, irreverant comedy which is hard to find anywhere else in comics today. Certainly comedy of this quality is hard to find.

Chumble Spuzz #2 will be out sometime in July. Ask your comic shop about, or go to SLG Publishing to pre-oreder a copy today.

Comic Review: Mighty Avengers #15

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:34:00 +0000

Mighty Avengers #15

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Breakdowns: John Romita, Jr.
Finishes: Klaus Janson & Tom Palmer
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Dave Lanphear
Publisher: Marvel Comics

The Secret Invasion is exposed a bit more in Might Avengers #15. It turns out that Henry Pym was replaced by a Skrull a while back. Pym's a dick, and has been for a while and we see that more. Bendis shows us Pym ignoring his wife, Janet van Dyne, the Wasp. She leaves him...again...and he shacks up with an inquisitive college student. Of course, she's a Skrull. Let's pause for a moment to laugh at Pym umping uglies with a Skrull. Hah-ha! Skrull Pym finds himself in a position to learn from the Ultron attack several issues ago how to get around Tony Stark's Iron Man defenses allowing them to shut down his armor as well as SHIELD defenses. Also Skrull-Pym gives Wasp a new growth formula, so she's in for some trouble.

Despite a lack of action, Bendis gives us an interesting read. He doesn't hold back showing us how big of a jerk Pym is, and how childish Janet is, making it understandable why that train wreck of a relationship doesn't work.

Romita's art is good. I'll admit I'm not a huge fan, but he's amazing with facial expressions.

An interesting note about Mighty Avengers #15 is that the cover is a Skrullish reproduction of Avengers #213. One interesting difference, other than the Skrull faces, is that little bits of blood have been added alluding to Pym's violent defeat.

Comic Catch June 18, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:21:00 +0000

This week, Evil Genius Comics freely endorses-

Blood Bowl: Killer Contract #1 - Welcome to the hyper-violent hilarity of Blood Bowl, the mini-series that puts the fantasy (as in elves, dwarfs, orcs, and ogres) back into football! Blood Bowl novelist Matt Forbeck brings his trademark twisted blend of humor and action to the first-ever Blood Bowl comic book, featuring the now-legendary Bad Bay Hackers in a grudge match against the ever-evil Orcland Raders! Join the Hackers as they begin their brutal march to their next championship game, filled with spiked balls, corrupt refs, and giant-sized barrels of Bugman's XXXXXX!

Cthulhu Tales #3 - Acclaimed writer William Messner-Loebs (JOURNEY) joins the BOOM! family! Don't tell the Elder Gods, or they'll take him from us! Messner-Loebs and Michael Alan (FALL OF CTHULHU) Nelson chill the blood in the new, monthly anthology series! Something big is happening in the BOOM! horror universe in 2008...and it starts here! Heed the call of Cthulhu!

Everybody's Dead #4 - After three issues, two-thirds of our leads are still alive. That's something, right? Congratulations to them. Now, they've got a new plan for survival -- hole up in their house until it all blows over. Small problem -- every zombie in the state is at their door. This can't end well.

Gemini #2 - Gemini is one of The Constellation's top super-operatives. So why have they sent another one of their operatives, the Lynx, after him?

Guardians of the Galaxy #2 - As the newly formed Guardians of the Galaxy embark on a deadly mission, their only hope for success may rest with the return of a beloved Marvel hero…but just who? And why do they have Captain America's shield?

Justice League of America #22 - An all-out action issue as Red Tornado is given another chance at life! The problem is that the dormant Amazo program within him wants the death of all League members! Plus, Zatanna and Animal Man come to aid Vixen with her power problem.

Sparks #1 - Set in 1948, this super-noir thriller follows Ian Sparks, a masked vigilante who discovers the price to pay to become a hero is too high, finding himself in a dark, relentless story about self discovery, heroism, failed lives and redemption. And if you notice the name William Katt on the top of that cover, that's right, brought to us by Ralph Hinkley, the Greatest American Hero.

Ultimate Fantastic Four #55 - Are you ready for Ultimate Salem’s Seven? Who are they, and what do they want with the Human Torch? Unfortunately, Johnny and the rest of the FF are dealing with a troubling enemy of their own at the Baxter Building, as the enigmatic woman known as Agatha Harkness introduces her new regime. There are mysteries aplenty to plague our foursome, threatening to tear them apart from without and within!

Ultimate X-Men #95 - HEROES writer Aron Eli Coleite continues his run – and introduces a team of X-Men like you’ve never seen before! Who are Ultimate Alpha Flight? What do they want with Northstar? What is Colossus willing to do to get him back? And just wait until you see that last-page shocker!

X-Factor #32 - After the recent loss of both Wolfsbane and Layla Miller, and the destruction and evacuation of the former Mutant Town, X-Factor is left questioning their purpose more than ever. At that lowest moment, Val Cooper and the O*N*E* step in, giving the group an ultimatum that will change everything about the team.

Comic Catch June 11, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:45:00 +0000

This week, Evil Genius Comics freely endorses...

Action Comics #866 - Superstar artist Gary Frank returns as the new world of Superman for 2008 and beyond begins in Part 1 of "Brainiac"! Decades ago, Krypton went to war with Brainiac, a cold and callous alien obsessed with the control of knowledge. Superman believes he's faced Brainiac before, but he's about to learn the truth behind his close encounters as he heads down the road to his greatest triumph...and greatest tragedy.

Evil Genius Commentary: Geoff Johns is your man if you want to update old characters rather than warping them for a new era. His Toyman from last issue was fascinating, and everyone knows of his work with Flash and his Rogues...It'll be interesting to see what he has planned for Brainiac. And I'm curious what he would do with some of Marvel's properties...

BPRD: War on Frogs #1 - As the frog cult spreads across America, Roger the Homunculus returns to the site of the B.P.R.D.'s first clash with the frog creatures--the ruins of Cavendish Hall, where Hellboy, Abe, and Liz first encountered both the frogs and Rasputin (Hellboy: Seed of Destruction)--to track down the final pieces of the puzzle of the Cavendish family.

Evil Genius Commentary: Anything associated with Mignola's Hellboy universe is gold! And we get to see more FROGS!

Captain Britain and MI 13 #2 - The Skrulls are winning in England. Their mysterious goal there could turn the tide of the invasion. The emergence of the fabled sword Excalibur (once again locked in stone) may lead to salvation. But who can claim the mythic weapon? Pete Wisdom? Spitfire? John the Skrull? The Black Knight ? And what is the fate of Captain Britain?

Evil Genius Commentary: I've always liked Captain Britain and most British heroes. The fact that there's a series focusing on Britain during the Skrull Invasion is surprising. Hopefully this will lead to an MI6 series.

Charlatan's Ball #1 - Meet Chuck Amok, a down-and-out stage magician pumping the sleaze 'n' peanut circuit. When he and his trusty rabbit, Caesar, are transported to a reality where magic actually works! Chuck’s showbiz compulsions take on a whole new meaning. But why was this wayward chucker picked? Only the vile Demon Empty knows for sure! Take your comic book rulebook and tear it up, y'all! This is graphic fiction on shrooms, True Believer!

Evil Genius Commentary: This is a Joe Casey original, and I tend to like Casey. A struggling stage magician confronted by a real demon? Sounds like crazy fun.

Goon #25 - Buzzard returns from Horse Eater's Woods with the tale of how the terrible curse that plagues the town began. He also knows what it means for Goon. Will Goon turn his back on those that need him most to escape his fate?

Evil Genius Commentary: You can't go wrong with the Goon! 'Nuff Said!

Invincible #50 - It’s all been building to this. After five long years, the best superhero comic book in the universe has reached its monumental FIFTIETH ISSUE! Invincible and Cecil Stedman face off and after this issue, nothing will ever be the same. Also in this issue, Science Dog returns in an all-new back-up story... and the ORIGIN OF CECIL STEDMAN!

Evil Genius Commentary: Kirkman is great. Invincible is great. A confrontation between Cecil and Invincible will be exciting. And more Science Dog!

Last Defenders #4 - After leading a rogue Defenders team into battle, Nighthawk comes face to face with Tony Stark and Henry Gyrich – and…well…they’re not called the LAST Defenders for nothing! But can the Defenders get it in gear for one last battle as the mysterious Yandroth makes his move? And what roles do KRANG and the SON OF SATAN play in the Defenders ultimate chapter?

Evil Genius Commentary: I've been a long time fan of the Defenders in all of their forms, and I'm wondering if this series isn't a microcosm of the Defenders run. Tony Stark calculates who's on the team like Dr. Strange calculated the first Defenders, etcetera...I'll decide when it's all said and done...

Locke and Key #5 - The Locke family plays houseguest to Sam Lesser, just in from the West Coast, and ready to kill them one at a time to get what he came for: the key that will set his master loose.

Evil Genius Commentary: Written by Joe Hill, Stephen King's son. A chilling story of murder, madness, and ghosts...

Number of the Beast #5 - The end of the world has come for the Paladins, and it's an apocalypse at the hands of the newly returned High! But is this tragic hero — believed to have perished in a violent collision with SkyWatch years ago — the Anti-Christ to a world in the grip of its own private Armageddon, or is he its sole surviving savior? And what secret does death hold for the Paladins, heroes considered a "lost generation" by everyone but them? The answers edge the WildStorm Universe ever closer to oblivion!

Evil Genius Commentary: The questions keep mounting...and how does this series connect with the rest of Wildstorm?

Skaar: Son of Hulk #1 - Born in fire. Raised by monsters. Destined to destroy. On an alien planet shattered by war, no one is stronger than Skaar, the savage Son of Hulk. But as a Fillian warlord, an Imperial princess, and a mysterious Earthman spread chaos through the wastelands, will Skaar save the puny survivors -- or smash them? Another epic fever dream from Greg Pak, writer of "Planet Hulk" and World War Hulk" -- featuring the return of legendary Hulk artist Ron Garney!

Evil Genius Commentary: I'm hesitant about this. I haven't been happy with the Hulk in a long time...Can Marvel impress me with Son of Hulk?

Titans #3 - Random hook-ups, internal fighting, envy…what's going on with Nightwing, Starfire, Flash, Beast Boy, Raven, Donna and Red Arrow? Can this team get their act together before their mysterious foes reveal themselves?

Evil Genius Commentary: These are the Titans with which I grew up. Well, except for Red Arrow or Speedy as he was known back then. These are the Titans that gave the Uncanny X-Men a run for their money in the sales. Well, except for Cyborg...where's Cyborg? These are the Titans that showed us that characters like Robin could evolve into adults like Nightwing and still be popular. Well, except for Changeling who's gone back to the childish name of Beast Boy.

Twelve #6 - The Laughing Mask--behind bars! Secrets of the Black Widow--revealed! Dynamic Man kicks ass! The Blue Blade bombs out! And the truth behind the origin of underground secret agent Rockman!

Evil Genius Commentary: The fascinating return of some unknown heroes from Marvel's Timely age. How these guys hadn't been brought back until now, I dunno. Well, ok, I can see with the Blue Blade...

Vaistron vol. 1 - Desperate for cash, criminal Gabriella Bukowsky kidnaps the richest man in the city’s girlfriend and demands a king’s ransom, only to find herself facing a cult of self-decapitators, clueless superheroes, and, oh yeah, cannibals. This volume collects all five issues of the dystopian, aggressively offensive mini-series, and includes a new 12 page story starring everyone’s favorite psychotic anarchist.

Evil Genius Commentary: Before Bomb Queen, there was Gabriella Bukowsky. Wonderful dystopian satire with an edge. I read the original series and can't wait to see new stuff...and hopefully with enough attention they'll make some more...BUY THIS BOOK!

Wildguard: Insider #2 - Superstar artist TODD NAUCK (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Teen Titans) brings his popular made-for-TV super team, WildGuard, up close for an “insider” look! The collection of the exclusive WildGuard Internet comic strips continues with the next 20 strips collected here for the very first time! Also this issue, during an appearance on a late night talk show, Lily Hammer is haunted by her past. The fan favorite “Where Are They Now?” feature continues spotlighting rejected contenders, Astro-Girl and Power Temp!

Evil Genius Commentary: Fun, well-written, light-hearted superheroics.

Comic Catch June 4, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:49:00 +0000

Abe Sapien: The Drowning #5 - story Mike Mignola art Jason Shawn Alexander - Abe comes face to face with the power that has protected Saint Sébastien for centuries in this breathtaking conclusion to his first solo miniseries.

Detective Comics #845 - story Paul Dini art Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs - A killer stalks the city, taxing the wits of Batman, the Riddler and every other detective in Gotham. The Dark Knight's quest to unravel the truth behind the seemingly unrelated murders is complicated by the surprise return of a fan-favorite character. What sinister secret lies at the bottom of the gruesome murders plaguing Gotham City?

Justice Society of America #16 - story Geoff Johns and Alex Ross art Dale Eaglesham - The beginning of the end of the ever-growing Justice Society starts with a new storyline! In the first chapter of "Gog," meet Earth's future savior — the one, true Gog — as he offers the Justice Society of America something many of the members can't refuse. But the controversial goodwill threatens to splinter the team, and it's up to Alan, Jay and Wildcat to hold it together.

Scream Queen #1 - story Brendan Hay art Nate Watson - Everyone wants to be loved. Even the shambling, macabre mockery of a man who brings terror to the town of Rumson and leaves blood in his wake. But when he sets his sights on Molly, beauty queen of Rumson High, she’s going to be more than he can handle! THE DAILY SHOW and FRANK TV's Brendan Hay brings a AMERICAN PIE-meets-FRIDAY THE 13th sensibility to his horror series debut!

Secret Invasion #3 - story Brian Michael Bendis art Leinil Francis Yu - Its Avenger versus Avenger. Hero versus hero! Norman Osborn versus Captain Marvel?? The Initiative versus an army of Super-Skrulls? Is Tony Stark really a- -? And who's that guy with an eye patch coming to save the day?? And, oh man, who did he bring with him?

Spawn #179 - story DAVID HINE art BRIAN HABERLIN cover GREG CAPULLO - Spawn battles his greatest enemyÖ HIMSELF! When Al Simmons was resurrected as a Hellspawn, he became symbiotically connected to his living necroplasmic costume. Now that costume has turned against him, and it's tearing him apart.

Ultimate Origins #1 - story Brian Michael Bendis art Jackson Guice - This is it! The story that finally reveals the conspiracies behind the entire Ultimate Universe! When they first met, Bruce Banner mysteriously warned Spider-Man that "Everything is connected." Now it's time to discover the jaw-dropping secrets that men have fought and died to protect. From the dark days of World War II to the frightening present, journey through history to learn what's really behind the Super Soldier and Weapon X programs–and how heroes such as Captain America, Nick Fury and Wolverine have more in common than codenames and costumes. The dream team of Brian Michael Bendis and Butch Guice (CAPTAIN AMERICA, IRON MAN) unite for the first time for the Ultimate series of the year that is a must-read lead-in to ULTIMATUM!

Comic Catch May 28, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:18:00 +0000

Action Comics #865 - By Geoff Johns and Jesus Merino. I'm a Superman fan. I'm a Geoff Johns fan. He's bringing back the original Toyman. Gotta' check it out.

Firebreather #1 - By Phil Hester and Andy Kuhn. I loved the previous Firebreather. I've been wanted regular Firebreather for a long time. Basically take teenage Peter Parker and make it so that he cannot hide that he is Spider-Man...AND he wasn't bitten by the spider...the spider was his father...Ok, so the analogy is screwed up...it's still great reading and art...pick it up...don't make me wait a long time for more Firebreather.

Giant-Size Astonishing X-Men #1 - By Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. The Breakworld saga concludes and an X-Men doesn't walk away. I've been a big fan of Whedon's X-Men, though I have to admit my belief that the "X-Man" that doesn't make it is Armor makes me think that the shock ending won't be much shock...but I could be wrong.

New Avengers #41 - by Brian Michael Bendis and Billy Tan. Friend versus Foe in the Savage Land because...who's a Skrull and who isn't? The Skrull doing what they do best...confusion. Bendis and Tan doing what they do best...enthralling us. And Spidey doing what he does best...looking to team-up with Ka-Zar...but is he really Ka-Zar?

Number of the Beast #4 - By Scott Beatty and Chris Sprouse. The Paladins are doing what they can while the Apocalypse is at hand, but the Apocalypse is a virtual reality program...What the...?

She-Hulk #29 - By Peter David and Val Semeiks. How the sexiest woman in comics got disbarred is revealed...

Ultimate Spider-Man #122 - By Briand Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. Spider-Man captured. Who did what no other villain could do?

Uncanny X-Men #498 - By Ed Brubaker and Mike Choi. Cyclops and the White Queen find themselves stuck in psychadelic San Francisco a la 1969. Can they solve this strange mystery before Angel gets strung out...permanently? And Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Colossus do what they do best...cause trouble in Mother Russia.

X-Men: Legacy #212 - By Mike Carey and Scot Eaton. Xavier continues to put his memories back together and his father plays a role from the past.

Twilight Guardian and Bomb Queen V

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:23:00 +0000

Blog Monster Flashback Focus

Last week, these two titles came out...If they're still on the rack this week, here's some stuff to consider...

Twilight Guardian #1 - Written by Troy Hickman and drawn by Reza, this seemed like a safe read...It follows the Twilight Guardian, who patrols her nine block neighborhood for criminal activity. The Twilight Guardian is a normal girl wandering her streets for excitement, but nothing happens. Yes, the character is interesting, but nothing happens. Other than nothing happening, there's no conflict. Not a very good show for catching our attention...

Bomb Queen V: The Divine Comedy - Written and Drawn by Jim Robinson. I've been a fan of Bomb Queen since her debute, and I've found her and New Port City fascinating. However, this fifth chapter doesn't seem to be anything special. It seems tha Bomb Queen has become redundant and formulaic. I haven't given up completely and will give it an issue or two more, but Bomb Queen defending New Port City from the outside is getting old...

Please Excuse my Geekgasm...

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:50:00 +0000

But...Oh My Galactus! IRL Robotic suits and Super Soldiers? I have flashes of Sigourney Weaver in the loader from Aliens. Iron Man. Maybe not jet packs, but we're getting closer...closer...Mwahahahhahahahahahhaha!

Comic Catch May 21, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 20 May 2008 02:10:00 +0000

This week, we at Evil Genius Comics recommends the following selections...I've started putting images up to help those who are better at remembering covers than titles, but Blogger seems to be having issues with pics today. I may come back and add pictures if time permits and it's not too far past May 21.

Hellboy: The Companion - The definitive guide to the Hellboy universe. Finally a timeline of major events from Mignola's various series. Written by Stephen Weiner and Jason Hall.

Justice League of America #21 - Meet Libra and teh Human Flame, two central villains in DC's Final Crisis. Written by Dwayne McDuffie and Drawn by Carlos Pacheco.

Justice Society of America #15 - Learn who the Heartbreak Slayer is! Written by Geoff Johns and Drawn by Dale Eaglesham.

Mighty Avengers #14 - While in hiding, Nick Fury has put together a new band of Howling Commandos to stop the Skrull Invasion. Who are they and will they be enough? Written by Brian Michael Bendis Drawn by Khoi Pham

Perhapanauts #2 - Learn more about the m ysterious Arisa, see Choopie become King of the Gremlins, and shake as tensions between the Perhapanauts and the Mothmen mount toward war. Written by Todd Dezago and drawn by Craig Rousseau.

Ultimate X-Men #94 - After stopping Apocalypse, the X-Men encounter a seemingly unstoppable adversary. What are they willing to do, how far will they push themselves to stop the enemy? Written by Aron Coliete and Drawn by Mark Brooks.

X-Factor #31 - Mutant town is walled off and cut off by flames. Can X-Factor help? Written by Peter David, Drawn by Pablo Raimondi

Comic Catch May 14, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:24:00 +0000

This week Evil Genius Comics recommends...

All-New Iron Manual - I love these fact files, but what really sold me on this Iron Man focused manual is that it's going to have a run down on all of Iron Man's armors from the original to the current, I assume including the Hulkbuster version, etc. That's what I'm looking forward to.

BPRD: 1946 #5 - Mignola's trip down memory lane into a story involving the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Development pre Hellboy has been fascinating.

Captain Britain and MI13 #1 - I've always liked Captain Britain, even when he was a noncharacterized file in the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (thought I wish someone would adequately explain the switch from that Cap. Brit. to the British Superman he's become). But I have to give this a shot and I hope...hope...that they tie in some of Captain Britain's original UK stories and their wonderful characters. Crazy Gang anyone?

Cthulhu Tales #2 - Ia ia cthulhu fhtagn!

Death Grub - I'm sorry...how cool of a title is Death Grub. Talk about a cool band name...but beyond the title, Ryan Ottley is hella great and a human being given the power to stop said Death Grub before reaching the Earth and killing the populace sounds promising. Plus its tie in with a 24-hour comic challenge.

Fiction Clemens #1 - A sci-fi western. Interesting art (Check out that cover!)...I'm willing to take her for a spin.

Genext #1 - Chris Claremont, who made the X-Men popular to begin with, writes about the next generation of X-Men as if the Marvel Universe timeline progressed at the same pace as our own...What if the X-Men were really founded in the 1960s? What would the X-Men look like 40 years later in our time?

Goon #24 - Um...it's The Goon. Duh.

Guardians of the Galaxy #1 - I purchased the first Annihilation series and thought it was great, but I'm getting tired of the tie-in/miniseries mega-events, so I didn't continue when whatever the second one was called started...but this series has Rocket Raccoon...I have to see what they do with Rocket Raccoon.

Last Defenders #3 - I've been a fan of every incarnation of the Defenders, especially when they were the team book for C-List and lower heroes. I've enjoyed this series through anger at Stark for being so bloody minded because...I haven't seen any Defenders yet. Just Nighthawk with a hodgepodge of heroes. I have to just keep reading and wait for when Kyle puts Tony in his place.

Locke and Key #4 - Someone tell IDW that covers help sell. I couldn't find a cover to put up. But this is Joe Hill (Stephen King's son...sorry, Joe, I know you don't want that to be attached to your name everytime). This is creepy stuff. It's already been optioned by Diminsion Films...but I can't find a cover...wtf?

Number of the Beast #3 - The Paladins fight against the End of Days. Superheros versus the Apocalypse, so it seems...what's the truth? It's too soon to tell.

Project Superpowers #3 - Fighting Yank continues to try and make up for his mistake many years ago trapping the world's heroes. Great return of some forgotten great heroes.

Serenity: Better Days #3 - They can take the show away, but at least we have our comics. Shiny? Well, it'll do.

Titans #2 - Former Teen Titans who are no longer teens search for the identity of the person assaulting all known Titans. I love seeing how these characters who have really changed over the years reunite and work together.

Transhuman #2 - Companies compete in the new market of creating enhanced humans. If you've read Michael Crichton's Next then you can see where this comes from. Not that that's a prerequisite for this book about genetic testing and Big Business.

Twelve #5 - Unlike DC, Marvel never really embraced it's early superheroes...until now. 12 World War II era heroes awake in today's world. One thing I like is how awkward the heroes face the current era and how out of place they seem...something which, when Captain America resurfaced in modern day, didn't really seem to deal with.

X-Men: Legacy #211 - Professor X is still trying to piece together his memory and that's going to get him entangled with his long dead father and...the Hellfire Club?

Be sure to visit the Evil Genius Comics forums to discuss your comic picks...

Happy Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Fear.net, in honor of Mother's Day, published an article about theit top 10 milfs, Mother's I Love to Fear.

In honor of Mother's Day and the top 10 movie milfs, I've created the following...

Movie Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:13:00 +0000

The Iron Man movie has opened and ol' Shell-Head is leaving audiences shellshocked. I won't be seeing it until it comes out on DVD, but this initial excitement has me eagerly awaiting that day. Meanwhile, I'll appease myself with other sources of Iron Info, like Fear.net and its video interview with Jon Favreau and the stars, and this interview with Robert Downey, Jr., also from Fear.net. I was amused that Favreau was hesitant to call the villain Iron Monger, considering that's how the character is billed on IMDB. And Gwyneth Paltrow doesn't come off very eloquently. I laughed in Downey's solo interview when he expressed annoyance that people keep asking about this favor he did Marvel by filming a special walk-on, after-credits scene in the Hulk. I'm glad to see it though, because that's what Marvel should have been doing all along. Spider-Man swing overhead Punisher briefly. Have Punisher look in the newspaper and see an article about Daredevil. What Downey calls cross-pollinating.

Along with Iron Man, we have a lot of movies coming. Like the Incredible Hulk...

The Hulk has been one of my favorite characters ever, but he's proven to be very difficult to write for, apparently. Like most writers over at Marvel want a talking Hulk, which can be ok, but I prefer the barely verbal Hulk. Anyway, the last movie with Bana sucks. It's the Hulk and most of the movie is movie military equipment and angst. We want smash'em up action. Looks like they're leaning more that way in this new one, and Edward Norton I think will be a great choice.

And DC gives us The Dark Knight...

I'm going to venture out and say Heath Ledger pulls off the best Joker ever, here.

Will Smith steps up with an original hero, Hancock...

Will Smith rocks and this looks hilarious.

Then we have Mark Millar's Wanted...

I'm a little uncertain with this one. Mainly because I don't like Angelina Jolie, but I'll give it a shot. After all, it's got Terence Stamp!

ANd then what I thought I wouldn't want to see...until I saw the trailer...

The names Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, and John Goodman caught my attention, so I watched that trailer...Now I'm going to have to see it.

I was very happy to see that a second Hellboy was coming out...

and I'm signing off with that...except this cool Breaking Benjamin video featuring clips from the original Hellboy movie...

Comic Pull: April 30, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:12:00 +0000

This week, we at Evil Genius Comics recommend...

New Avengers #40 - More about the Skrulls and their invasion. By Brian Michael Bendis and Jim Cheung

Ultimate X-Men #93 - It's Robert Kirkman's final isse. Has Apocalypse won? Can the X-Men beat him before Robert leaves?

Urban Monsters #3 - On the way to Hollywood, the Urban Monstars are caotured by a Texas justice.

Wildguard: Insider#1 - Todd Nauck's Wildguard is back spotlighting the characters from the Wildguard universe. If you missed the first miniseries, don't miss this one!

X-Men: Legacy #210 - Mike Carey and Scot Eaton - Exodus versus Professor X on the psychic plane!

Youngblood #3 - Everyone makes fun of Rob Liefield these days, but back in the day he was something and no one wants to admit he liked his work. Well, I have no problem admitting I liked him then and I still like his characters...Now, Youngblood turns reality TV stars and things are going down hill fast.

Comic Pull: April 23, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 01:42:00 +0000

This Week, Evil Genius Comics recommends...

Justice League of America #20 - The Queen Bee and HIVE have Flash and Wonder Woman buzzing. By Dwayne McDuffie and Ethan Van Scriver.

Mighty Avengers #12 - Where's Nick Fury been? Find out here...by BM Bendis and Alex Maleev

She-Hulk #28 - Prison She-Hulk gone wild! By Peter David and Val Semeiks

Ultimate Spider-Man #121 - Omega Red hunts...J. Jonah Jameson? By BM Bendis and Stuart Immonen

Uncanny X-Men #497 - Can Cyclops and Emma Frost save Archangel from the 60s? And Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Wolverine's road trip does what all others have done...turn dangerous. By Ed Brubaker and Michael Choi

Just Back From Oolong Island

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:54:00 +0000

I know, I know...it's been about a month since Bloggie and I talked to you wonderfulk people about cool stuff. Well, we do apologize...right Bloggie?

Rrrrrr...

Yep. We had to sequester ourselves away as some of our projects from the past few months wrapped up. You know what they say about the devil in the details. Well, we wanted to make sure everything came to a devilish close, so we went incommunicado for those pesky little details. I still have some clumped under my fingernails.

Rrrrthhhh...

And in Bloggie's teeth. I'll get some more Blog Floss from Wal-Mart tomorrow, big guy.

Anyway, we wanted to stop by and assure you that we have not abandoned ship. We'll be returning next weekend with comic and movie reviews. We're even bringing back the weekly Pull List post to let you know from where we'll be getting our weekly news.

Also, last but not least...I'm proud to annouce the opening of the Evil Genius Forums. Come on over and talk comics, movies, and Blackadder. Oh, and current events...especially twigi events. Make sure you read the Rules of Play, because it's a public board that even innocents can join. However, we do have super secret private boards for anyone who has proven himself or herself to be evil enough.

Come back tomorrow for my Pull List recommendations, visit the forums...they're new, but be proactive and help us get 'em running, and we'll be seeing you.

Comic Review: Peckerwood: 24 Minutes

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Peckerwood: 24 minutes

Written by: Rob Dunlop
Art by: Peter Lumby
Published by: Ablaze Media

Where would you expect to find a super slut hoping to break into porn, an adrenaline junkie with a claw hand, and a movie nut trying to keep them from starving between acting jobs or kicked out of their apartment by their naked landlord and religious guru? Where will you find an assassin who sells his image to a video game production company, and a gender-bending government special agent? Welcome to Peckerwood, the other movie capital of the world.

Peckerwood: 24 Minutes is a social satire couched in the spoofery of hit TV show 24 starring Kiefer Sutherland and containing rude, irreverent jokes and stereotypes. Be warned, this comic is not for children or sensitive adults, and if you could be offended if you forget it’s satire.

Peckerwood: 24 Minutes follows friends Tozzer, Rod, and Hornie as they get wrapped up in international, political intrigue. Hired by Agent Jack Ass of the Technical Weapons and Tactics agency (yep, that’s TWAT), he tells the three, “During a recent telephone conversation, a South Korean canned fruit terrorist mentioned a popular brand of confectionary. So, in this mission…I mean scene, we’ll be infiltrating the factory where this Crack Rock Candy is made.” It seems the mysterious Englishman hopes to strain relations between the US and China and panda Jet-Li is the focus of the plot.

Peckerwood is filled with similar surreal characters and situations, like the President of the United States being a teddy bear and Agent Ass becoming more feminine as the story progresses. Also unbelievable is the bizarre passage of time as the story is told in “real time” a la 24, but the events couldn’t possibly occur within the set time, mocking some of the reality pushing events within the 24 hour time period in the hit show.

Dunlop and Lumby have already been making names for themselves with Tozzer and company with his first series, Tozzer and the Invisible Lap Dancers and the follow up series, Tozzer 2. After reading Peckerwood: 24 Minutes, I plan on getting a hold of the two Tozzer books available at Amazon. Be sure to check out the previews readily available at http://www.tozzer.com/ where you can look at pages of the two Tozzer books as well as Peckerwood: 24 Minutes, which will be available June 2008. Be sure to check the April Previews for the order code. After all, you don’t find this sort or ribald wit and and whimsical insanity everyday…Well, unless you own plenty of Monty Python DVDs…

Comic Review: Chumble Spuzz: Kill the Devil

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Chumble Spuzz: Kill the Devil

Everything by: Ethan Nicolle
Cover Colors by: Katherine Garner
Published by: Slave Labor Graphics Publishing

What do you get when you take the religious spoofery of Robert Kirkman’s Battle Pope, the redneck, white-trash mockery of Eric Powell’s The Goon, and lead characters that seem like some acid-twisted versions of the sweet cartoon animals on which we grew up? Well, apparently…Chumble Spuzz.

Follow Klem and Gunther as they go to a carnival and win a pig possessed by Satan. Follow them, along with Reverend Mofo, General Woodchuck, and Kernal Corn Nut into the bowels of Hell to confront the root of all evil, Satan himself. See a zombie Colonel Sanders fight a vampire chicken! I know, I don’t have to tell you more…You want to run down to the comic shop right now and get a copy, or more likely, order a copy since you know these won’t sit on the rack for long. C’mon…I had you at “pig possessed by Satan”.

I emailed Nicolle and asked from where the title Chumble Spuzz came. He informs me that the Chumble Spuzz comes from a Calvin and Hobbes strip where Calvin responds to a test question with made up words, the last being "Chumble Spuzz".

Nicolle’s humor is wonderfully dark. You can see how good his art is in this post alone. I'm impressed with his ability to create images that are, at the same time, disgusting and funny. Reverend Mofo is a character worthy of a solo title. The scene where Gunther is “Bobbing for Bob” is hilarious! I can’t tell you everything that’s funny, because that would just ruin the experience. But I don’t have to convince you…just do the math…

Cartoon animals, carnivals, Satan, farm animals, POSSESSED farm animals (yes, there’s more than one), zombies, Colonel Sanders, vampire chickens, tanks (well, tank…did I mention that?), demons, a Baptist preacher monkey, and Jesus (who makes an appearance). That’s got to be worth the price. You'll laugh so hard, you'll crap your pants.

And just wait until July when another Chumble Spuzz hits the stands about...a guy raised by...pigeons?

Comic Review Blitz: 02/06/2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bodog) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:11:00 +0000

The following comics came out last week which you may want to check out if you missed them last week. Most recommended is at the top (Maintenance #8) and least at the bottom (ClanDestine #1)

Maintenance #8: Published by Oni Press, written by Jim Massey, and illustrated by Robbi Rodriguez, Maintenance has proven itself to by one of my most anticipated titles each month. Doug and Manny are the maintenance crew for Terromax, evil genius institute of terror. They find themselves cleaning up the terrifying messes of the Terromax staff. In issue #8, Manny and Doug mount a rescue after receptionist Mendy gets abducted by aliens. Whether this Terromax Magnificent Seven (or is it Dirty Dozen?) can rescue get their rescue mission underway with monkey obsessed Prof. von Woodburn, prehistoric Dr. Papritz, and an anthropomorphic shark, is the main question.

Quote: "Now that is one invisible monkey."

Abe Sapien: The Drowning #1: Published by Dark Horse Comics, story by Mike Mignola, and art by Jason Shawn Alexander, Abe Spaien: The Drowning is the most recent spin off title of Mignola's smash series Hellboy. Set in 1981 during one of Hellboy's leaves of absence from the BPRD, Abe is given his first mission without Hellboy to recover a sacred Lipu Dagger from the bottom of the sea, but this simple assignment is about to turn complicated as mysterious outside forces seek to stop the Lipu Dagger from being taken.

Quote: "If Hellboy was here, we wouldn't use him for this. It's too easy."

The Twelve #2: Published by Marvel Comics, written by J. Michael Straczynski, and drawn by Chris Weston, twelve superheroes from World War II are revived from cryogenic suspension in the year 2008. Told in a nonsequential style, one story involves the current discovery, by the Phantom Reporter, that the Blue Blade has been murdered. The second story involves the twelve superheroes from the past, months earlier, getting acquainted with their new world. A great series with golden age Marvel heroes not seen for a long time dealing with the serious repurcussions of waking up 60 years in the future with a touch of Watchmen mystery.

Quote: "Rocket packs. This is the future? Whenever I saw movies about the future, everybody had their own rocket packs and jet cars."

Justice Society of America #12: Published by DC, story by Geoff Johns and Alex Ross, Pencils by Dale Eaglesham, the Justice Society is on another recruitment drive. I enjoy these issues because they invariably introduce new characters spun-off from old characters. This time, the Justice Society is recruiting the new Judo Master, Mr. America, and Amazing Man, as well as Lance, Great-Grandson of Franklin Delano Rooselvelt, founder of the JSA, and the youngest daughter of Black Lightning.

Quote: "Who the $%#@ are you?!"

Halloween: Nightdance #1: Based on one of the greatest slasher horror movies to start thye craze, this is the first comic series to carry Michael Myers and the Halloween title into the realm of comics. The premiere issue follows two story lines as one teen receives disturbing cards from a child she used to babysit, and a couple head for Russelville because the wife hasn't been able to reach her parents in a while. Meanwhile, Michael's loose and killing. A little too mysterious about where the story is going to create real interest, but good enough for a possible second look.

Quote: "What are we all doing for Halloween?"

Uncanny X-Men #495: Published by Marvel Comics, written by Ed Brubaker, and art by Mike Choi, Professor X has been killed (again) and the X-Men have disbanded (again). So with this issue we have a look at the relationship between Cyclops and the White Queen, a relationship I have never endorsed. Otherwise, nothing significant happens except the revelation that the X-Men are not disbanded and Angel is caught up in some kind of 1960s druggie hallucination and the rest of the team are being called in. Admittedly well written, but same plot devices and a pair I don't care for.

Quote: "The only people who live here anymore are the dead."

ClanDestine #1: Published by Marvel Comics and story and pencils by Alan Davis. I vaguely knew of ClanDestine before I picked this up, and I don't know much more having read the first issue. It would have worked better with a double sized issue to better explain to the newbies what's going on and who'se who.

Meanwhile, be sure to check Diamond's shipping list to see what you're getting tomorrow.

Diamond Shipping List