Follow Up Review: X-Men #7

It seems like yesterday I was writing the review for the first issue of the new X-Men series written by Victor Gischler, and here we are, one arc down and already on issue number seven.

The series just wrapped up its six issue Curse of the Mutants arc, and now the X-Men are starting to gain popularity in the San Francisco area, beginning to be commonly referred to as San Francisco’s X-Men; kind of like how New York has the Avengers. Many of the X-Men are enjoying helping the people of San Francisco with their day-to-day problems, whether it be a house burning down, a robbery, or even a cat stuck in a tree, while others feel as though their powers and abilities could be put to better use.

In this issue a handful of the X-Men are sent to New York City to investigate an issue that is “too small for the Avengers, but too big for local law enforcement”. This group of X-Men find themselves in the NYC sewer system searching for the source of the problem.

Superman Returns (Again)

Looks like Zack Snyder has found his leading man for his upcoming Superman reboot, tentatively subtitled Man of Steel and set for a December 2012 release. Tudors star Henry Cavill will be donning the cape and tights to take on the title role. Says Zack Snyder of the decision in Entertainment Weekly, “In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen....I also join Warner Bros., Legendary and the producers in saying how excited we are about the casting of Henry. He is the perfect choice to don the cape and S shield.”

I cannot claim to be an avid follower of Superman. In fact I know very little about him. Similarly, I have seen very little of Cavill in terms of his previous work. That being said, I can certainly visualize him in the role, at least as far as looks go. Little else is known about Man of Steel, other than the fact that Snyder will be shooting from a script by Batman Begins scribe David S. Goyer, based on a story treatment developed with Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight). Nolan will also serve as a producer on the film.

As far as the story goes, I hope we see Supes going up against a super-powered villain (he has plenty in his rogues' gallery). Sure, Lex Luthor is iconic, but I think we have seen enough of him as the central baddie. Bring on Zod, Doomsday, or Darkseid, someone that is a real threat to our hero, or at least whose primary advantage in battle isn't kryptonite.

As for casting, I'm not really sure. Since there doesn't seem to be any word as to what characters will be appearing yet, cast speculation seems rather pointless. Now, I know there were many....

Click here to read more.

83rd Annual Academy Award Nominations

Please Check out the great site Denzel, Wa for their reviews of  a handful of the nominated films!

Here is the full nomination list
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/25/whos-up-for-an-oscar/

Where's the beef?

Here's more fun with the Taco Bell story: no one really cares that the "beef" may only be 35% beef.
Look at the stock for YUM!  Which owns Taco Bell and other food properties.
I thought maybe it would take a huge dive.....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31260763/ns/business-markets?q=YUM

HOLY CRAP TUESDAY #2 (Comics Code Authority Gone?)

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/comics-code-authority-defunct-since-2009-110124.html

HOLY CRAP TUESDAY #1 (Wizard Closing?)

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/comic-pros-react-wizard-end-110124.html

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/01/24/a-view-from-mark-allen-haverty-wizards-ex-price-guide-writer/

Taco Bell Sued for use of the word "Beef"

Check out this article from MSNBC about how Taco Bell is being sued for how it advertises....

Read More Here

Herobot Nominations

It's Herobot Award Mania! If you haven't already done it, you can still email your nominations to herobotawards@gmail.com

You can also check up an updated list of which comics have been officially nominated so far at herobotawards.blogspot.com

Here's a shining example of a quick, concise and accurate nomination ballot:

Writer: Geoff Johns, Brian Bendis, Kevin Smith, Brad Meltzer, Robert Kirkman

New Talent/Breakout: Scott Snyder, ......does Paul Cornell count as breakout?

Interior Art: Ivan Reis, Olivier Coipel, Amy Reeder, Alex Maleev, Simon Bianci, Jim Cheung, Adam Kubert

Covers: Alex Ross, Jo Chen, Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke

New Ongoing: iZombie, American Vampire, Scarlet, S.H.I.E.L.D.

Ongoing: Unwritten, Action Comics, Secret Warriors, Chew, Fables

Maxi: Blackest Night.... and The Widening Gyre if 6 issues is a maxi

Mini: Astonishing Spider-man/Wolverine, Siege...... and The Widening Gyre if 6 is a mini

Indy: Scott Pilgrim, Buffy, Chew, and Portland based Scarlett if Icon counts as Indy

Single Issue: Siege #2 (Ares), Buffy #34 (...in space), Action Comics #894 (Death), Blackest Night #8 (Deadman Lives?!), iZombie #6 (Chimp), Unwritten #17 (Choose Your Own)

Most Underrated: Air (So underrated, I'm guessing I'm the only one to nominate it), Ultimate Spider-man, Iron Man Legacy, Thor: Mighty Avenger

Biggest Disappointment: No Joe the Barbarian #8; Powers "monthly" to "bimonthly" to "eventually" schedule changes; Not enough hot female customers; The Tron covers from Marvel.

Iron Man 500

Upon us all is yet another Marvel landmark issue, Iron Man #500. Marvel decided once again it was time to re-number another one of their characters books like they have done in the past; Spider-Man, Daredevil, Fantastic Four.

Unlike many of the other landmark issues, Iron Man 500 utilizes its massive size to tell an extra long story, rather than containing many stories within the massive issue. One of the most interesting things about the story is that it utilizes two different artists to represent the different time periods that the story is taking place in. It really gives the story a certain feel to it that allows the reader to not only read that it’s a different place and/or time, but actually visualize and feel it as well. Marvel really did a great job with this set up.

Quick Green Hornet Review.

Ok movie. Don't see it in 3D.

The Hero-Bot Awards Site is Up and Running

http://herobotawards.blogspot.com/

Daredevil Reborn

This is the first issue of a 4 part mini series that chronicles what is happening with Daredevil in the aftermath of Shadowland; and also while Black Panther takes over the ongoing Daredevil series.

The issue begins with Matt Murdock having an internal conflict about finding himself, and touches upon on how he can hopefully redeem himself after everything that happened. The story takes place in New Mexico, for now at least, and Murdock find himself, but inevitably Murdock gets himself into some trouble with the locals, and on top of it, the local authority.

Paolo Rivera: Check Out His Blog!

One of the best blogs around I would have to say belongs to comic book artist, Paolo Rivera. It is not only beautiful in design, but he never has a bad post and I always find myself entertained when I visit his page. Check it for yourself here.
One of the greatest aspects of his page is that you don't only get to hear his crazy thoughts on life, comics, and art, but you also get to see many of his pieces such as the one featured above.

Make sure to check it out and comment on some of his posts, he always makes it a point to respond. In my opinion, this is a hard blog to beat.

Life with Archie #6

This issue of Life with Archie features two great stories featuring everyone’s favorite Riverdale residents.

The first story is about the on going Mayoral race between the incumbent Mayor and Riverdale’s up and coming politician Mason Marmaduke. But the story that makes this issue so groundbreaking is the second story that is featured, and that story is entitled “Farewell”.

Donkey Kong Update 2011

According to this news article Steve Wiebe is no longer the Donkey Kong world champion! It looks like third party competitor Hank Chien has once again claimed the title after it was re-gained by Wiebe in August of 2010.

It is a sad day of Wiebe fans, lets hope he has what it takes to re-gain his title once again.

Mark Millar: Cheap-@ss

Seriously, first he is a sell out and makes copious amounts of money not only on his popular comics, but off of the box office hits based on his comics. Then he can't even help boost the world economy by actually purchasing his own comics, and he is proud of how cheap he is.

Does anyone else feel a little put off about this?

Nemesis Fan Trailer: Yay or Nay?

Mark Millar posted on his Twitter account today that there was a Nemesis movie trailer, upon clicking on the link you learn that it is a fanedit trailer. I can't decide if I like it or not. Tell us what you think:

20th Century Ghosts

I am currently reading a collection of short stories from acclaimed artist, Joe Hill, entitled 20th Century Ghosts. I am about half way through and I felt as though I could accurately explain how great this collection is and how any book lover should check it out.

First off, if you don't know who Joe Hill is, then you have been living under a rock. Not only is he the author of one of the best comic series (Locke and Key), but he is also the son of one of the greatest authors to ever live, Mr. Steven King.

For any comic fans out there who may have recently read "The Cape" from IDW comics, which was recently reviewed by none other than yours truly, the original story is featured in this book and is just as great as the comic, if not better.

Blogger

For the last two days I have been fighting with blogger over the fact that the site decided that it no longer wanted to accept my email address I was using to log in. This has been by far the most annoying two days of my life when all I wanted to do was log in and make a post. But I guess in a way the post I am making now, is because of the undue frustration that was caused by this site.

Batman: The Dark Knight

I am personally not a big fan of Batman. Most of the time when a series comes out involving the character, it really depends on who is writing and/or who is doing the art. In the case of Batman: The Dark Knight, I was excited about the writer and the artist, due to the fact that the whole book is created by one man, the legendary David Finch.