Is Superior Spider-Man, Superior?

I have to imagine when Amazing Spider-Man #700 was released, no one expected what happened at the end, myself included. I associate the final pages of this historic issue with page 271 of Star Wars: Vector Prime. What happened was so unexpected; so terrifying that it had to be read again. I couldn't believe what was on the printed page even after reading it the second time. The final pages of ASM #700 had me experience the feeling of What The...? once again. Dan Slott had me riveted with excitement, followed by dread. The impossible was possible, Peter Parker was no more.

Issue seven hundred ended a series beginning back in 1963. This changed to Volume Two with a new #1 right after issue #441 somewhere in the late nineties (Nov. 98') and reverted back to its original numbering with its milestone five hundred (Dec. 03') while becoming volume one, once again. And if that's not confusing enough, Marvel might start over again to make sure the readers aren't thoroughly confused. Oh wait, they did, this time however, instead of starting over in a brand new direction with Amazing Spider-Man #1 (or #701), they started over with something superior.

But is Superior, superior? A CGC copy of Amazing Spider-Man seven hundred in a 9.8 condition has sold anywhere between $18 and $2550 (with a universal label), variants included. To be fair, the $18 price tag had a broken slab; if you do not include that particular copy then $22 was the next cheapest sale price. If I include the signature series versions, the price tags become loftier. I could only imagine if one eventually turns up with Steve Ditko's signature on it. And if the last issue is fetching these prices, did speculation cause the first issue of Dan Slott's re-visioning of Stan and Steve's 1963 creation to be just as successful?

An encapsulated copy of Superior Spider-Man issue #1 sold for $13 while the highest cost was a variant by Joe Quesada (sketch cover) at $450, (once again, a universal label). This is nowhere near the famous issue where Peter Parker dies (?), which was released only a few months earlier. Covers might not make a comic superior, although it could make it somewhat more desirable, look at the recently released Forever Evil #1 lenticular 3D cover. Although the cover might be the reason to pick the comic book off the shelf, I feel it's the writer that keeps you coming back.

Dan Slott has completed almost two years with an exceptional title, I speak of Superior Spider-man and not the amazing title that preceded it. Even after death threats and hate mail (aplenty) he chugged away to tell a story. It might not be Peter Parker's story, but it is Spider-Man's story, which once again begs me to ask, is Superior Spider-Man superior? With the recent annual released, written by Christos N. Gage, I had the chance to find out. Ever since the first New Mutants Annual was published I always believed the extra issue added to the overall story. This favorite tale of mine, “The Cosmic Cannonball Caper” was written by X-Men scribe Chris Claremont, the same writer of the first fifty four issues; two more in the sixties, one in the eighties, and the first three annuals. Superior Spider-Man could not say the same. 

Christos N. Gage started writing comics in 2004. Dan Slott started in the early 1990's as an intern at Marvel until his big break with his first monthly title, Ren and Stimpy. After his first successful title, of which number one was a scratch-N-Sniff polybagged issue (and yes I bought two), Dan cut and sharpened his teeth on many titles before landing the "big comic book". Although Christos has co-writing credits on a few Superior Spider-Man issues (11, 12, and 13), it was Dan's creativity that filled in the slot. (I am so sorry, I couldn't pass that up.)

With great power comes great responsibility was not only Ben Parker's greatest advice, it was also Peter's greatest crutch, which is what made him Amazing. Otto Octavius wasn't the first Superior Spider-Man. That credit goes to Kravenand J.M. DeMatteis. Otto isn't even what makes Spider-Man superior, as the unexciting annual that was recently released ascertains. 

I perused through the copy at Fat Jack's Comicrypt in Philadelphia and decided against its purchase. The money would be better off spent in other ways, but at least it helped me answer the question of "Is Superior Spider-Man, superior?" Yes it is, but only because of Dan Slott, much like the reason why Spider-Man was so amazing when it was written by Stan Lee.

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Is it Worth Ten Grand? A Roundabout Review

The Long of it:

I am trying to keep an open mind. I want to be able to try new things. I want to be captured and enthralled within the time it takes to read approximately 22 pages. I never picked up the Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman when it first came out because I wasn't into Zombies nor did I like black and white comic books. I never picked up Morning Glories either. This time I didn't have the Zombie black and white comic excuse either.  It was because I was biased against Image. I remembered how much they let me down in the nineties.

DC rebooted and I wanted to try many different titles but I chose two and am now at three. Marvel began their Marvel Now program, which as they say is not a reboot, but a perfect opportunity for New Readers. Marvel captures the majority of my comic book budget.  Image’s Whilce Portacio’s work on Non-Humans gave me the opportunity to purchase a digital comic book. Although this book is in print, this was the title I decided to purchase only digitally. Being that it was touted as a limited series I was only in it for four issues.

It didn't help that Comixology.com has sales every Monday. Other than certain Marvel issues being .99 they also occasionally have the same price for a three day sales event; allowing me to finally try issue #1 of Morning Glories, then issues two, but decided I would stop at issue three.

After purchasing all twenty five issues I figured I would stop and wait for the rest to be sold digitally and for .99. I figure I would have to wait until issue 50. Image surprised me by publishing issue 26 for only $1 and its digital counterpart for the sale price of one cent less. They conspired against me because how can you not pick two formats on a brand new comic book for the cost of a cup of coffee. Twenty seven was back at full price, and now Morning Glories is one of my monthly books to purchase.

 With more of an open mind East of West was picked up on the date of its release. Currently, issue three is waiting to be read, but Ten Grand captured me. I picked issue one up and looked through it. I put it back. There was enough for me today and Wizard World Philadelphia just had their convention this first weekend of June and garnished a good amount of my funds. I checked to make sure I had all the books I wanted, and the book called out to me again. The original reason I picked up the book because the title itself, the way it was written looked like it read Neil Gaiman. Maybe it was an omen.

I looked at the book again, this time issue two and the art by Ben Templesmith reminds me of Bill Sienkiewicz, an artist I hated when he first took over the New Mutants. Since I have aged, I have grown and learned to truly appreciate what a grand scope of an artist he is. The thought of not giving Bill a chance all those years ago and only buying it because of the Story Chris Claremont weaved, could I do no less for this tale from J. Michael Straczynski. Ironically enough, cover B of Ten Grand is from Bill Sienkiewicz, and what was even better at the end of issue one; there is a notation by Tom Mandrake for a future book called SideKick. At the end of issue two I get to see the original artwork I fell in love with splashed on the pages of my favorite hobby again.

I couldn't wait to get home. I read one other book first and made my way into Ten Grand. I was on the second issue before I knew it and began to conspire what to write. I sent out a picture on Instagram immediately to tell anyone paying attention that issue one and two are worth picking up. The scope of the story feels like the waves of the ocean as it flows up the beach; knowing the vastness beyond with the glimmer of the sunrise over the open sea are just pieces of what’s to come.

 OK Image, you have my attention, what are you going to do with it?

The short of it: WOW!!!

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Wizard World Philadelphia: How I love thee

It's Christmas morning 

I wonder what Dorothy would have done if she woke up knowing she was off to see the Wizard! Christmas Day never had the allure or promise of if I behaved then Santa Clause would reward me by climbing down the chimney and putting presents under a tree. We had no chimney. We had no tree.

I wake early, earlier than I have too. Sleep was restless as I tried to slumber but I had comic books on the brain. I went to bed late hoping I would wake up just as late, but suffice to say after three hours sleep and nine hours before the doors open I did what every other pet owner does and fed my cat. He doesn't understand what today actually means.

Normally everyday I grab the cleanest clothes I have and make sure I look presentable, today I acted unlike any other time with the exception of last years Wizard World and thought those alien words strung together of "What should I wear?", which kind of scares me because if I feel this way today, how am I going to feel tomorrow when I meet Stan Lee?...again! 

Wizard World from its inception in Philadelphia has been a three day event until last year when they added a fourth, an opening salvo if you will. I like this first day, but more like a get your feet wet sort of day, its Friday and Saturday that the vastness of what Wizard World has put together sets in. When Sunday arrives I realize how much money I spent and then on Monday I find out I could have spent more. 

As a younger man I disliked spending money at the door. Admission would take away from my comic book fund. As an older man I still do, but I understand. Wizard World charges patrons to get in the door, they charge companies and budding artists a fee to set up tables to either sell their wares or bring attention to their products. Deeply rooted in my mind is "For Zombies". But, what we get in return is a huge amount of things to do. With fifteen pages of panels there is an amazing selection.  Wizard World will continue to bring in money from ticket sales, but this event would not succeed without the throng of fans waiting for the doors to open today and each consecutive day.

With a bit over six hours to go I, for one, cannot wait. Finally, Wizard World Philadelphia is here. Check out #wizardworld , #wizardworldphilly and #WizardWorldPhiladelphia all weekend long.

Thanks for Reading 

Wizard World: The People I Know

After collecting comic books for so many years one tends to meet new people and reacquaint with old friends. Although Keegan from Comics to Astonish sells at this event, it was a smaller event that I met him and since then he is one of the sellers I trust on price and quality. Being that he goes to other cons to set up and sell he is also the guy I choose first to get me signatures for CGC graded books. As you walk around the convention floor, I recommend stepping by his booth for a great selection at a great price

Then there is Ashleigh Arsenic. Another artist I didn’t meet at Wizard World, but a diner some two or three in the morning. She created and founded Pretty Poison Burlesque and I have read more Facebook status' at how hard she works but is thankful she loves it. I hope to stop by her booth and help her anyway I can, I hope you might do the same to show your support as well, and if you are a David Bowie fan, especially of his performance in Labyrinth, you might want to ask her to show you her tattoo.

The third I can't wait to see is Brad Guigar. At least this is a person I met at Wizard World but have followed him to other shows and purchased some of his original strips which he will have some at Wizard World Philadelphia 2013 along with his seven volumes of Evil Inc, a personal favorite of mine. He began doing webcomics over ten years ago and I was fortunate to find him syndicated through a local newspaper. And if any of the little bit of information I gave you was wrong, Evil Atom made me say it.

The last of those I know at follow are two friends of mine. One I have known before I was a teenager while the other one I met at a Halloween party hosted by my lifelong friend. John Iwasz and Sanj Surati would be the type to decide having a zombie as a pet would be pretty cool. They both started with small vignettes for YouTube with dear Zombie letters, along with Cocktails for zombies and Brewing for zombies. Both can be followed along and produce said cocktails or beer…with subtitles of course. Their pet project Zombie casserole is busy being edited and a trailer should be ready to be viewed at Wizard World.

Hopefully by this time next year I can add to the list of people I know, however I must give props to those that work at CGC making sure all the books are set to be witnessed and graded, but that is for a whole other time.

Thanks for reading.

Off to see (the) Wizard... World

In younger years this was said on days before we found out the Wizard of Oz would be playing this upcoming Saturday night. This news would be a small blurb in the free TV Week that was given with every Sunday Inquirer. I no longer pay attention to any TV Guide and off to see the Wizard means something slightly different. Wizard World has changed and morphed from a singular comic con to a pop cultural event. No longer is the Philadelphia Convention Center filled with only comic book collectors, but it is now filled with Wrestling fans, Trekkies, Star Wars aficionados, Whovians, Zombie lovers, Cosplayers, Speculators, Spectators, and Autograph hounds.

Wizard World has redefined the convention experience. Only a few years ago after a Texas based Wizard World was cancelled and postponed a Los Angeles show rumors were flying in Philly on the show floor that this year might have been the last year. That rumor was squashed at day’s end when they released the dates of the next year’s show. I started to attend in 2007 and in the past years the convention that was is different than the convention that is. Wizard world has created an event for everyone. They created V.I.P. tickets for the greatest names, or the most beloved. Photo companies swooped in to take pictures of you and your favorite Icon and Meet and Greets were created for a small amount of time with your favorites in separate rooms away from the throngs of fans.

The Wizard World clock is counting and I check out Wizard World everyday to see who is attending, I even cross reference other shows and wish that Alan Davis was also included on the Philadelphia itinerary as he is in Chicago. There are so many movie and TV stars, comic book contributors, and wrestling legends that I have peruse the list multiple times to make sure I didn’t miss anyone. The panel list is currently about fifteen pages long and even after cutting out anything I don’t want to see or partake in, I am still at five pages. Wizard World has even acquired Con Bro Chill to play at the Trocadero, free for V.I.P. pass holders, on Thursday night at 8PM, the first day at the show.

There are two jobs I have, the job I work and the job I love. Writing is what I love and I hope over the next few weeks you will pay attention to me either here on A Shot of Comics, or throughCircuit 42, and check out the pictures that will be posted through Instagram and twitter with the #WizardWorld or #WizardWorldPhilly. Tickets are still available and if one day is all you can spend, I recommend Saturday for anyone looking to see people dress up and Sunday for anyone looking for deals on Comic Books, and as much as I believe every line will seem equally as long…if I were a betting man, I would put my money on Stan Lee as the winner.

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Wizard World: The Just Listed Category

Wizard World, the Just listed category.

Although I was never into power rangers, I am a bit older, my son was at that age where it was all the rave to talk about, then again so was pogs. Now to be honest I am glad he never got into the Power Rangers because then he would want the toys, and the toys broke. Each week my friend/roommate kept buying these Bandai toys for his kid, each week they broke. Fortunately my son’s toys of choice were Star Wars, and I wonder where he got that from. But, let’s face it the Power Rangers were a reckoning force and I expect that with the recent announcement of Jason David Frank, or Tommy Oliver, and although he had a few different incarnations as a Ranger, it was the White Ranger I remember hearing my roommates son discuss to me at length why he is the best one.

The other is, in my opinion, even greater. Marvel will be sending over a representative, in the form of C.B. Cubulski. I wonder if he will be doing any signings. I like any con to have Marvel and DC there, not just the artists from those companies but the companies themselves. As Wizard World morphed and grew these two have been absent from this major event here in Philadelphia. I am hoping that this portfolio review and the two panels that were announce, Marvel: From NOW! To Infinity and Marvel: Breaking into comics the Marvel way re just the beginnings of this great company presenting once again at Wizard World. I will tell you more about these panels as long as I am able to attend.

(Looking forward to Bob Layton)

There will be lots to do at Philadelphia, whether you will look at back issue after back issue, get CGC to witness your signature for their signature series, or even get books graded for their Universal label, Wizard has a slew of events to keep you busy and as I mentioned earlier, bottled water, comfortable shoes, and prepare to have a good time.

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Wizard World Philadelphia: The Countdown Continues

There are fourteen days left to wait before Wizard WorldPhiladelphia can begin. In 2011 this was only a three day event and expanded to four in 2012. The extra day was such a success that once again this year they will be ready for a slew of attendees over this four day period and will open their doors at 3pm, if you have a V.I.P. pass then you get in one half hour earlier. At the moment there are still tickets available. Since of course this is my home town convention, it is easier to get to than others. Although I have heard good things about the Louisiana show, I wish one day to make it to the one in Chicago.

(Billy Dee showed up in 2011)

Not including Philadelphia they have five more shows this year before they begin the convention circuit off again with Portland in January of 2014. Somehow Wizard turned from a small magazine talking about comic books to one of the largest shows of the year. In years past a V.I.P. ticket was maybe for one popular start or another but with so many Wizard catered to the masses. Firefly, Walking Dead, Charmed, and the WWE Triple V.I.P experience which has sold out. Smaller V.I.P. packages include Summer Glau, John Barrowman, and my favorite, Stan Lee.

They have tickets for individual days and a three day pass. All the while a lot of walking will ensure, and lines, let’s face it will grow. One day is not enough for an event this big and I recommend a few necessities. Bottled water is a must. Even the most anti social of people will love to talk about whoever they came to see. And whether you are in line to see William Shatner and can recite line per line of every Star Trek show there was, and maybe a few TJ. Hooker episodes too, a mouth can dry out rather hastily. Comfortable shoes are a next must have. Don't buy shoes the day before the event and feel that you will be fine, you won’t. And the third thing, other than fire safety and knowing your exits, with all the bottled water that you will be drinking…make sure to know where the bathrooms are. And of course the ATM’s too.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks for Reading

Wizard World 2013: A Roundabout Preview

In 1993 I went to my first major comic book event. It would be over another decade and a half before I went to another one. I attended this with my father and my son. The year was 2007. The following year in 2008 we did the same thing. It was in 2009 that I started to go by myself that this iconic event morphed into something different. Directly on the website WizardWorld.com a countdown timer has been worked onto the front page. I have been staring at it for the past two weeks watching has the chosen event has become a Mecca of a sort, a calling I cannot seem to deny. Last year with press credentials in hand, I did the impossible, I bought a ticket, How could I not, as a fan first, purchase tickets to meet Stan Lee?

I was part of a larger conglomerate then. There were a slew of us attending and we all had our own assignments. Mine was to find out about CGC. This was more my speed then all the others who were giddy about either this or that. The thing is Wizard World changed from a Comic Book convention into a pop cultural phenomenon. Joining the countdown timer on the homepage was a floating picture display changing from one major guest to another. Stan Lee being the most iconic comic book deity, was followed by Neal Adams (he will be at Chicago and not Philadelphia), another major legend, one of which Batman never would have been the same about, but even today, two weeks before the event they have not stopped adding, with tickets still available, the Ramones are making an appearance. Do I even have to mention various stars of the Walking Dead?

After clicking on the Philadelphia highlighted event, a slew of actors, artists, enthusiasts, and special guests could be seen listed. The top and foremost area are the Special Guests, currently there are 54 with pictures and a link for their bio. Next up are the Featured guest, these are mostly stars from shows like Firefly, past iconic movies, and Wrestling. The last category, the one I pay most attention to are the Comic Creators themselves, with over two hundred listed. But that wasn't enough, a fourth category for the fans themselves, there are at least 35 people presenting under the Cosplay & Fan communities section.

The countdown won’t stop. It will keep going until the event has begun and once it has I can only imagine that it will start again for the New York City Experience.

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Iron Man 3: A Roundabout Review

Read Away, and know that I will not spoil the movie for you.

The Long of it:

As I begin typing, the midnight showing has begun of Iron Man 3. I have already seen it. The movie theatre of choice had a nine o’clock showing. I and my companion arrived early to an already filling auditorium. The center seats were already filled; it was just a matter of every other seat filling around it. I couldn't wait for this movie. I caught the first preview and refused to watch any other. I was already upset at seeing an army of iron come to the rescue.

The Mandarin was my first Iron Man villain. I started to collect with issue #181 with Jim Rhodes donning the armor with the help of Morley Erwin while Tony Stark was living as a homeless drunk. Finally in issue two hundred the prodigal son returned to battle Obadiah Stane, who donned the War Monger armor portrayed in the first Iron Man movie. I hopped that the third movie in the franchise would portray this villain in a shining light, after all Whiplash was a character I knew about before I collected comic books from Tales to Astonish #97, a book given to me before I was ten.

I watched Iron Man 2 and although I enjoyed it and will probably watch it again after I finish writing this, it wasn't as good as the first. It had after all suffered the sequel curse of not being good as the first. So what could Shane Black do with the third that wasn't done before? How could he make sure that the Mandarin was every bit as the villain he should be portrayed as? Could Sir Ben Kinglsey, a renown British actor portray a “set in stone” Marvel comic book Chinese character. They tried and failed with the late Michael Clarke Duncan in Daredevil as Wilson Fisk.

Can an actor transgress against what people have known for decades? Let’s be honest Samuel L. Jackson made a much better Nick Fury then David Hasselhoff ever did. In fact Marvel Comics changed their whole universe and created a way for Nick Fury to be identical to the character in the movies. I did my best not to read anything, or watch anything to give away what surely could possibly be a flop.  My Junior Mints in hand with a beverage in the cup holder  I sat in the theatre with a few who dared to dress as Tony Stark complete with glowing chest and then the lights dimmed, the previews played, and Action…

The Short of it:

If I knew I would enjoy the movie it that much I would have pre-purchased tickets for the midnight showing too.

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oh and about that secret ending...SHHHHH

Free Comic Book Day: A Roundabout Review

Where will you go May 4th 2014? Comic book stores across the country will be giving out free comic books. No gimmicks at all with the word free. Some comic book shops have sales to accommodate the throngs of customers coming into get their free stuff but what about all the juicy back stock, trades, and or special blow out sales. 

I work nights, but I plan on after leaning work at seven am Saturday morning to go home and change before going to my LCS Fat Jack's ComicCrypt on Sansom street in Center City Philadelphia. I've been shopping there for over three years, on a regular basis, of course this is every Wednesday. The kicker is it is one of the farthest comic book shops from where I live. So What makes the travel worth it. Other than having coffee with my dad.

Occasionally I make banter with the staff and the clientele. This makes it an ideal spot to go. I can find out about new books and tally the back issue bins for old ones. I tend to always attribute the seriousness of a comic shop by the back issues, in other words, no back issues means not a seriously good comic book shop.

I first found out about Fat Jack's over twenty-Five years ago when they were next store from their current location. My father worked around the corner and for thirty minutes I was allowed to peruse through the store. It was never enough. I still go and my father goes with. He's bored and for me there is still not enough time. 

I invite you all to go the first Saturday of May, but besides picking up the free comic books they'll have but maybe a back issue or two.

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A Glorious Morning: A Roundabout Review

The long of it:

Image has been a small powerhouse originally taking a piece of the industrial pie from the major two, DC and Marvel. Of course when they were first created it was almost like they were a Marvel lite. Titles such as Spawn, Youngblood, and Wildcats were added to my subscription list. I was Well into my adult life when I had to stop collecting. Space became scarce and my purge of possessions ended with the majority of my comic books. After my reclamation to the comic market I picked up my favorites based on memory. Image was not part of that process. I never jumped on the Walking Dead band wagon and still haven't, mainly because I'm not a Zombie Fan. I even skipped a few other decent stories due to the lack of money but now that Comixology has specials every Monday for .99 I have found it to be a glorious Monday indeed.

Stuck on a slow day at work I decided to purchase Morning Glories #1 and Son of Merlin #1. The following issues of the Son of Merlin were subsequently higher in price so I passed, as much as I enjoyed the premiere. Morning Glories however had issues one through twenty five all below one dollar. I have picked this up in Fat Jack's, skimmed through it, and passed on purchasing the book. At ninety nine cents I vowed to only buy the first one, then I vowed I would only buy the first story line. I didn't abide by that either. After reading a full nine issues at work on my iPhone and another nine issues at home I plan on getting to the last issue I have. But, then what? Will I continue to collect at the full retail price or wait again for a sale?

The artwork is clear cut and easy on the eyes. The story is J.J. Abrams-esque by giving flashbacks with the characters mainly involved. Nick Spencer is spinning a tale that Joe Eisma articulates very well. The covers alone by Rodin Esquejo are tantalizing that purchasing copies graded by CGC are weighing heavily on my mind and I wonder why I didn't skip a cup of coffee or two just to purchase the book...ok I know why I didn't skip coffee.

I picked up another Image title dubbed Non-Humans to figure out if I want the actual comic book or just the digital rendition. My decision was once that series was over I would stick with a Comic book I could hold in my hand and only get the digital copy if it came free with the comic book (thank you Marvel, but please have Daredevil added back to that mix). However, at .99 cents how could I pass on getting the whole series available.

The short of it:

Get the series by trade, back issues, or digital, but buy this title to read.

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Marvel Now: A 2nd Roundabout Review

Is Age of Ultron a Marvel Now title? And when does Marvel Now become Marvel Then? Besides I'm getting confused I don't know when the Avengers are? Iron Man is in space and now part of the Guardians of the Galaxy. The 616 universe, if that's still the universe we are in has finally brought Jim Shooter's New Universe into play. Although I vaguely remember Marvel trying something like this before, both StarBrand and NightMask are intriguing additions.

Mark Waid has been weaving a tale in Bruce Banner's Universe incorporating Sheild. Not to mention Daredevil which technically was started over with a new number one pre-Marvel Now. Both titles are part if my must get list. 

Uncanny Avengers I like the least, while with the Avengers I am waiting for Sam and Roberto to be used a bit more. New Avengers keeps  redefining what an avengers should be, especially in light of Captain America having his mind wiped. And how soon does Hank McCoy become like the Beast from the Apocalypse universe.

All New X-Men and  Uncanny X-Men continue to be the rock of my Marvel Universe. I like how the two titles read together give you more of a feel that you read three. If the universes could be made tighter like a good weave on an expensive oriental rug rather than start over with a new number one maybe their would be less of buying the next big thing and more buying of everything. 

As far as Captain America, FF, Fantastic Four, and a few other Marvel Now comic books, I'm sticking with the ones I mention in more than just name. 

DC added another title that I will give another month to and Valiant is still a short tight universe but I'm afraid with upcoming future titles I might just pass on. 

If I had to recommend one official Marvel Now title I'd  recommend the Indestructible Hulk primarily because you don't have read anything else to enjoy it.

Thanks for Reading. 

Locke & Key: A Roundabout Review

This is the end. I might not have started at the beginning but I started to follow after the third hardcover came out. Joe Hill started off with "Welcome to LoveCraft" and followed with "Headgames" and "Crown of Shadows" just finished. Free comic book day introduced me to the series and then "Keys to the Kingdom" came out. At first I thought I would wait for the next hardcover to come out, the thing is I couldn't. I needed to know what happened to the Locke children.

I continued with each new issue that came out. "Clockworks" became the first issue I purchased graded. The 9.9 signature series copy was the first one of its kind. Others have surfaced. I did eventually sell that copy. It now resides out in Seattle. The series ended with a beautiful cliff hanger and I had to wait yet again for the next limited series.

"Omega" arrived earlier this year and will end this year. This time it will be over. I am very much against constant relaunches. I would much rather have issues in the high hundreds for titles that originally started in the golden age through to today. But, I can withstand numerous number ones when it comes to a limited series. Dark Horse has been great at that for years, but IDW has proven itself among the greats and it was Locke and Key.

After reading Issue #4 as my last ComicBook for my weekly haul not only did I thoroughly enjoy it but I also felt a tinge of sadness. This great series is ending. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Read the trades and then anxiously wait for the end. I don't think I can do it alone.

Thanks for Reading

East of West: A Roundabout Review

The long if it:

I must admit it has been a while since I picked up an Image book. I recently have tried Non-Humans, but only in a digital format. And although I picked up a copy of Walking Dead #100 chromium cover variant, it was strictly to have it signed, graded, and sold. I accomplished this. The last books I believe I actually picked up from Image were Spawn, around the 180's and they were for my son.

I walked around my LCS in center city Philadelphia picking up my usual books when the bland looking western cover "East of West" series caught my eye. With my Age of Ultron, Aquaman, and a few other Marvel titles waiting to be purchased I skimmed through this last minute impulse buy. It was enough to spend my $3.50. 

A short walk later and I was in a crowded El with the raunchiest smelling commuter. Thankfully when he asked if this was the Broad Street Line, I happily said no. He exited and I had room to begin reading my weekly haul. I started with my unexpected pick up "East of West".

A lot of books are read so quickly now substituting images for words that I wonder if substance has been replaced with something a bit more processed. Comic books are a medium that should entertain, especially with an average of $4 a book. For years I have always read what I thought would be the best book last, after reading this I realized this book should have been anything but first. In fact when I get through the other handful of books I purchased, I think I'll read this one again? 

The short if it:

Did you miss out on the Walking Dead #1? I'm not saying that this book will reach the financial status Robert Kirkman's undead walkers have achieved but with as strong as this number one was, I look forward to getting a Chromium edition of issue #100 as well as the journey getting there.

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My Experiment with Pressing

Last year I went to the Baltimore Comic Con. I brought a few comic books with me for Matt Nelson formerly of Classics Incorporated and currently with Classics collectible services (CCS), a subdivision of Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). Was the talks if a transition even in place now. Was this a way for CGC to now add a purple restored label to pressed comic books or a way to start a new color label on this currently considered non-restorative technique.

I met Matt Nelson through Steven Ritter when they were partnered with WorldWide Comics. I have already been asking questions about this technique to improve upon a comic books condition, and yes it is also possible to decrease the condition. After questioning him the one day I decided to put my money where my mouth was. Was pressing the be all improvement on a books visual desirability or is it categorized incorrectly away from dreaded purple label of death.

I brought 14 books for him to look at, fourteen books to see if they could be improved with a pressing before passing them into CGC. As with algebra I needed a given, I needed an X. Out of the fourteen, some were raw, some were graded, others were regarded and dropped, while still others were regarded and stayed stationary. The books will be listed as follows. I will omit page color since it is irrelevant to the ordering procedure.

The first book I'll start with is the Walking Dead Chromium Edition. He told me there was no reason to give him thus book, it was easily a 9.8. This was turned over to Desert Winds at the NYCC For Robert Kirkman's autograph. It was just returned as a SS 9.6. Was Matt's estimation off? Did Desert Winds somehow damage the book? Will I write about this in further detail?

The other books were:

X-Men #42 grade: 7.0 screen :7.5
X-Men #52 grade: 9.0 screen: N/A
X-Men #142 grade: 9.2 screen: N/A

X-Men/Alpha Flight #2
Grade: 9.4 SS screen: 9.8 SS

X-Infernus #3
grade: 9.4 SS screen: N/A

Amazing Spider-Man #129
Grade: 9.4 SS screen: 9.6 SS

New Mutants Annual #4
Grade: 8.5 screen: 9.6

New Mutants Summer Special #1
Grade: 9.0 screen: N/A

New Mutants #58
Grade: 9.6 SS screen: N/A

Daredevil #48
Grade: RAW screen: 8.0

X-Men #132
Grade: RAW screen: 9.4

X-Men #101
Grade: RAW screen: 6.5
And finally

X-Men #99
Grade: RAW screen: 9.0

Right off the bat I want to say I like the honesty that Matt showed. On these particular books above, any books marked under screen as N/A were turned down because he felt a press wouldn't do well, even asking if he was sure, especially on the New Mutants #58, he looked it over again. He told me once again he didn't think a press would work and put them in the do not press pile.

Out of 14 books shown he took only eight. The six he omitted were taken home. My understanding a bit better. Everyone already knows what happened to my Amazing Spider-Man #129 but what about the next seven? Was it wirth it? Was he right? Was he wrong?

Thanks for Reading

Tnerb

Marvel's Season One: A Roundabout Review

The Long of it.

This week an added book was waiting for me at Fat Jack's Comic Crypt. Among my normal weekly haul a single hardcover copy of Avengers Season One beckoned for me to take it home. This is the eighth $25 hardcover I picked up. But how was it? How was Marvels first idea before Marvel Now competed against DC's 52. And how does it stack up?

Each Season One has an original story and a backup story from the 616 universe. At first glance it looks like you're getting something extra, you're not its just filler, or the garnish you get ordering from a nice restaurant, it looks nice on the plate but has no substance. The extra stories are too new and feel like a gimmick to get me to jump on the title, this is against their policy, after all they started off with new number ones thinking I would be too confused to start in the middle with a large number and yet they give me an extra issue that doesn't make sense without the rest if the story.

All in all the season ones are an interesting new perspective. Some I enjoyed while others I lumbered through, this latest one written by the great Peter David. At the end I see how they illustrated the solidifying of the Avengers but I don't see why. The characters I have known became two dimensional again. I normally like to read a comic book in one sitting, this took three.  I wanted to be entertained, to be brought back to a time of comic book innocence and this left me feeling left out.

I will buy the next one and the one after that mostly because I like the format and I like to complete what I stated. Don’t get me wrong, for the novice reader it is a good start, but for someone who loves the 616 universe I feel somewhat like I was given an ice cream cone of an ice cream flavor I don’t like on a really hot day. It looks good, but when you get down to it, slightly unsatisfying. I hope the next one is better.

The Short of it

Buy the original in digital if you have too, at least then you will see how they evolved as they were meant to, one issue at a time.

Thanks for Reading

My Weekly Haul: A Roundabout Review

My Weekly Haul: A Roundabout Review.

Every week I go to the comic book shop. This week was no exception even after attending my first Convention of the year in Seattle, ECCC. At this con I met Fiona Staples. I heard about her comic book Saga but passed on it month after month. Even after looking at the book on my best friend’s kitchen table, I still passed. It wasn't until I had her autograph my first autograph book that I decided to pick one up, and that is what I did when I got my new releases for the week. It might not be a first edition, but it was enough to make me decide to get the trade, I encourage you to do the same.

The other books are heavily Marvel. I didn't get any DC books, and only one Valiant title, which introduced the first appearance of Doctor Mirage, albeit much different from her 90’s counterpart. Valiant is constantly growing and I am happy that I am collecting every book. However I am beginning to fear their mass explosion might implode only for the fact that Hard C.O.R.P.s is coming out and that is what I remember the beginning of the end of Valiant, for me anyway. Valiant, if you are reading this, please keep a tight controlled universe.

Then there is Marvel, my favorite Universe to play in. After choosing to read Superior Spider-Man, Avengers, and even Daredevil (a title I tend to leave for last), it was the “Age of Ultron” that had me anticipating the next big Marvel event, that doesn't seem to be hyped that way. When Secret wars came out I only knew what came out when it was on the stands. As I got older I figured out about Marvel Age, DC Currents, and Comic Shop News. These were my treasure maps, even overriding the great Previews magazine. My favorite though happens to be Comixology and that is how I found out about this new Story line by none other than Brian Michael Bendis.

I picked up two issues, because to be honest I want to see if I can send these books into CGC for grading. Can I pick a 9.8, or only a 9.6 and will my LCS Fat Jack’s tell me to step away from the shelves. Age of Ultron starts…

SPOILERS AHEAD

Age of Ultron Starts in an already desolate world, The Island of Manhattan seems to be a cesspool of poverty, grime, and corruption. In other words, only the evil and the strong survive.  The first panel shows New York behind a decapitated Statue of Liberty and a mammoth ship towering above.  The first words aren't even until the middle of page six giving an unnerving feeling that those that aren't quite are dead.  In the very beginning Hawkeye is tracking someone, and his aim is unnerving. I wonder what Dr. Fredric Wertham would have thought about it. And the building he enters is trafficking M.G.H. The girl wants nothing to do but sleep but here benefactors have something else on their mind.  Luckily for her, so does Clint, and he disposes of the jackals. This is where I question the book, and my only sense of fallacy on the writer’s part. If the girl only wanted to sleep, and wanted nothing to do with the hoodlums that were peddling their drugs, not to mentions the favors they wanted, why does she pick up a gun and threaten Hawkeye?

At this point the house is on alert, and they feel that it is Thor arriving, they might not understand the threat and subtlety of Hawkeye is just as a reason to be wary as the hammer of Thor. I didn’t expect Hammerhead but the Owl was foreshadowed by the use of the Mutant Growth Hormone. The incendiary panel on page 12 is colored so well that I applaud Paul Mounts, that’s not to say that Bryan Hitch and Paul Neary didn't do their part as well. The following page is where you see the prize Hawkeye has been seeking. Spider-man is tied to a chair, and more than wondering why is he tied to a chair, because his proportionate strength should free him, but is it Otto or Peter?

As “Owlsey” and Hammerhead get the drop on our heroes, all hell breaks loose, Ultron has arrived. These next few pages are blurry, more from the effects of the artwork than too much to drink. The book slows at this point allowing us to try to decipher what happened. Why did the story come to fruition in the middle rather than the beginning, and why is Hank Pym absent from the rest of the survivors? Even Tony Stark’s Tron like costume screams where’s his armor? I like how recently Hawkeye has been becoming a major player, one who is willing to speak his mind and go after the bad guy with wild abandon, and even question the man in charge. On the last page you find the one person who you never thought would look like he just gave up.

Although I spent a nice amount at the ECCC, mostly on grading, I am glad I had enough money to buy my books this week around. As far as traded go, please check out Saga, but as far as first issues go and a new release, get Ultron before Ultron gets you…that was so cheesy I had to use it.

Thanks for reading.

PS, try the AP features on this issue... and tell me if this next cover doesn't make you salivate?

Emerald City Comic Con: A Roundabout Review

My first ECCC

The Long if It.

I've heard on the past that CGC hasn't sold too well, this same person who frequents this event annually mentioned there were more graded books on display this year then the last three years combined. This defers widely with the east coast because there is an abundant amount of graded books at booth after booth.

There were also artists and writers plentiful in the masses. Gerry Conway being the main reason I decided I wanted to cover this event. The was also the legendary Neil Adams who I decided to purchase a book from with a character sketch (Pre-sketched) applied with a sticker and then personalized. I think I spent too much and wonder how strong that glue really is. I think I would have been more comfortable just buying the book with a personalization. Of course maybe twenty years from now I can say I met Neil Adams. Of course I can also say I met Gerry Conway,Rachel and Terry Dodson, Matt fraction, David Finch, Brad Guigar ,Skottie Young,Randy Stradley, Fiona Staples, Richard and Wendy Pini , Mike Dringenberg, Tim Vigil, Brian Pulido, David Finch, Chris Claremont and many others I didn't get to see, yes each of the above artists I have either had something signed by or a friend did, if not more.

Then there were the movie/television stars that filled a full floor if their own. Patrick Stewart, Wil Wheaton, Walter Koenig, among a slew of others I don't follow too well. At other conventions it always seems one part of a convention overrides another. This location, this convention, this time seemed perfect . Yes the floor was crowded and at times it felt like standing still was all you were going to do, but even at those times there was something else to look at.

I saw Darth Maul play the bagpipes on stilts. I watched Darth Vader ride on a unicycle in a kilt. There was Lego's galore from Star Trek to Star Wars and everything in between. This convention had a little bit if everything and was worth traveling over 3000 miles for it. As much as I went to experience a west coast con and compete it with an east coast con, it was CGC that I loved the most.

The ECCC was everything it was hyped to be and more. My line was much shorter than everyone else's, but with a friend in line I stood with him after retrieving my pass. After all how can I experience the convention without being a fan and going through what they do. Seattle wasn't as rainy as I expected which was good because for one city block we were escorted outside. I wonder what they would have had us do if it was raining. The good thing is if that's the only negative thing I could see how are they going to improve next year.

The short of it

ECCC wasn't just an event, it was the event that all others have to follow. Make sure to attend in 2014

Thanks for Reading

Guardians of the Galaxy: A Roundabout Review

Guardians of the Galaxy: A Roundabout Review

The long if it...

It's the Wednesday before the Emerald City Comic Con or as it is affectionately called by its brethren, ECCC and I am still making my weekly quest to Fat Jack's Comic Crypt for my addiction. Thankfully I knew I would only be picking up three titles for my weekly pull list, courtesy of Comixology. However, once in the comic book shop, all bets are off.

Between leaving my LCS and arriving home I read my comics in order of what I think would be best, last. In this case my copy of Uncanny Avengers #4. I shouldn't have, that honor should have gone to the Uncanny X-Men #2 which was damn close competing with DC's Aquaman #17 wrapping up the "Throne of Atlantis" with an epilogue hinting at a gritty future for the King if Atlantis . So what made me pick up a fourth book? Why did I leave with a copy of Guardians of the Galaxy?

Lets face it, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is the cosmic equivalent to The Human Fly or Team U.S.A. These space faring rejects were the characters not good enough to hang out with the Silver Surfer, Captain Marvel, or even Rom.

I was 18 in the summer of 90' when Vance Astro and the other Guardians entered my life. The series along with the likes of "SleepWalker" and "DarkHawk" littered the stands. I tried the cosmic title until a little past issue 25 because it was Marvel, but it lingered on long after I was disgusted with it, #62. It could only be doomed if the Spirit of Vengeance had to make an appearance in the 31st century (#13) to keep it going. I like cameos and guest appearances but this was stretching it.


Between leaving my LCS and arriving home I read my comics in order of what I think would be best, last. In this case my copy of Uncanny Avengers #4. I shouldn't have, that honor should have gone to the Uncanny X-Men #2 which was damn close competing with DC's Aquaman #17 wrapping up the "Throne of Atlantis" with an epilogue hinting at a gritty future for the King if Atlantis . So what made me pick up a fourth book? Why did I leave with a copy of Guardians of the Galaxy?

Lets face it, "Guardians of the Galaxy" is the cosmic equivalent to The Human Fly or Team U.S.A. These space faring rejects were the characters not good enough to hang out with the Silver Surfer, Captain Marvel, or even Rom.

I could tell you that Peter Quill's father was a King of a galactic empire. I could tell you that he fell to Earth and stayed long enough to have an Earth woman fall in love with him. I could even tell you that this was enough for Meredith Quill to give birth nine months later. This was done all in one issue. And by the by I could also tell you that Iron Man is at the end talking to Peter Quill about joining the "Guardians". But I wont tell you any of that.

The book begins thirty years ago and jumps to ten yeas later by page 13, it wasn't the type of jump you would feel teaching a sixteen year old how to drive stick; Brian Michael Bendis created a smooth transition between two adults falling in love and creating a ten year old that acts like a ten year old, even upset towards his mother who is still in love with a man that was never there for them.

This couldn't be done without the artistic talents of Steve McNiven. Bendis has been (dare I say) an architect of the Marvel Universe for a great many years and I'm glad that he is changing the X-Men like he did the Avengers, but I would have to lie if I said that this Pre-issue one does not have me looking forward to the official start soon after spring arrives.

The short of it...
Buy it, read it, collect it

Thanks for Reading

ECCC: A Roundabout (P)Review

So here I am sitting in my humble abode wondering what I can bring with me across the country to this wonderful and beautiful comic con I have heard so much about in the past. I have comic after comic that I want to have signed and graded, but signed by who you ask. You can hurry now and visit their website to see all the illustrious creators they have. First and foremost for me is Gerry Conway to add his scrawl next to Stan Lee's and John Romita's on my Amazing Spider-Man #129.  And the likes of Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams will also be making their way there along with one half the creative team of the New Mutants, Chris Claremont. Should I mention the joy of an Epic Elfquest run reprinted by Marvel, maybe an issue #1 to be signed by Richard and Wendy Pini.

I was thinking of having my Marvels book signed, but then I wanted to have the only book of X-Infernus I don’t have in a 9.8 signed and graded, but for the life of me I can’t figure out where that book is. I will continue looking up to the day of my departure but what is this, these beautiful copies of the Spider Man and Black Cat story by Kevin Smith and Terry and Rachel Dodson, do I dare, can I dare? I printed out an invoice for those for CGC, the worst that could happen is my decision not to have them signed by the artists and graded by CGC.

But why, yes WHY am I going across country to a convention so far away from home when I can just wait until Wizard World arrives here in Philadelphia? Because it is the ECCC and as the time draws near I get more and more excited. This isn't just a comic-con, this is a chance to meet friends. A dinner is to be held for the “Boardies”, a bunch of us that love the idea of encapsulating a comic by CGC and placing them in a set on the registry of possibly the best comic book, recently I have fallen in love with the idea of getting the worst possible too.

I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be sitting at a dinner table with others just like me. Comic collectors, aficionados, geeks, nerds, dweebs, and any other assorted names that were given to what makes “The Big Bang Theory” such a big hit. I will be talking about the convention for weeks to come. I must imagine that if I am this excited before the event, by the time the event is done, I fear I will only be looking forward to go gain in 2014.

Thanks for Reading

Reading Books Last: A Roundabout Review

My reviews have been mostly about Marvel, it might be because I am biased on the company that helped ease me into collecting comic books the same way my sister taught me how to swim. They pulled me into the water and then when I was comfortable, let go. My sister of course would grab hold of me again, it never occurred to me she could have drown in the pool as well as I could, if not easier, she had no water wings on her arms to hold her afloat, I did. Marvel would do the same by introducing characters in various comics and then put them in an explosive environment that would have me riveted and waiting for the next month so I could find out what happened in the very next issue, this time I had no water wings, I was at the dreaded mercy of the writer.

As my weekly allotment grew and grew I would set aside my favorites to read last. It’s almost 30 years later and I still do the same thing. I remember reading in a “forward” from a trade paperback that they too saved the favorite for last until they were older. Now, as they are older, much like I am, they read their favorites first because they don’t have time for the crap. I might partially agree, but there has to be something last, there has to be something to make you wish it was the following month already and the latest issues of comic books are in your hands begging to be read. Which, once again, is why I read my favorites last, once in a while there are a few. This week I have to compete with Marvel’s Daredevil by Mark Waid and IDW’s Locke & Key by Joe Hill, not to mention DC’s Justice League by Geoff Johns.

Nine books made their way home from me from Jack’s Comic Crypt in Center City Philadelphia, Nine bags and boards accompanied them as I took the first one out on the elevated train. It wasn’t the worst but I started to read Justice League of America #1. It was new and also by Geoff Johns. By the end, I am willing to give #2 a try. I normally will read a second comic before I get to my stop, but today I was tired from working a night shift and wanted to be as alert as possible to enjoy the rest of my haul. Once home I thought I would sleep but both Harbinger and X-O Manowar begged to be read. I obliged. This company continues to impress.  My Fourth book for the week was Justice League, the conclusion to “Throne of Atlantis”. This book has been my last to read from time to time, and this book is good, so why do I still have five more to go.

Avenger’s #5 by Jonathon Hickman has me on the fence. It could be great, rather than just good. The last four I have yet to read. Of the remaining four, three are from Marvel and one is from IDW. Dan Slott’s Superior Spider-Man is, well, Superior. Joe Hill’s Locke & Key is coming to a close and Indestructible Hulk by Mark Waid is my surprise hit of the year competing against Daredevil, also by Mark Waid. So Instead of deciding what to read next I finally slept and woke up refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to read… to read, well to read the next book, whatever comic book that is.

 Thanks for Reading