Bought/Thought May 23

[Phaedrus45]

I don't know, at this point it just seems like Dread is coming up with reasons not to read Captain America. Next time it will be a choice between Cap and Essential Dazzler.

I'd buy Essential Dazzler! (I own her complete series and finally got my hands on a first edition of Dazzler The Movie Graphic Novel.) Just look at the line-up that they could have with Volume 1: The X-Men, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Enchantress, Dr. Doom, The Hulk, Project Pegasus, Galactus, Terrax, Spider-Woman, She-Hulk, Absorbing Man, Rogue, and Power Man and Iron Fist. (That's issues 1-24...but, they might not get that far if they throw in an issues she appeared in other comics.)

Here is the first Dazzler comic I got:

 

[yenaled]

Only one trade left to be released of Y.

 

[Anubis]

I just got Volume six. I like to take my time.

 

[Dread]

For what it's worth, reading just #25/26 has been enough for me to give a damn. I'm buying that Omnibus.

Touche'. Thanks for the opinion.

Simple answer, yes.

Simple reply, thanks.

Wow. The question now becomes which do you pick up, Captain America or Hellboy? In my opinion, you're going to enjoy both of them, no question. It really just depends on what your cup of tea is. Do you like red demons fighting Nazis or Super Soldiers?

The omnibus is going to set you back a pretty penny. The Hellboy trades you can pick up for next to nothing. I'd try either Amazon or Ebay. I myself have been working Ebay for all it's worth regarding Hellboy. I've been able to snatch up every major issue for less than $60, and I don't buy trades. It's actually less daunting than you think. Here's the list:

Seed of Destruction 1-4
Wake the Devil 1-5
Almost Colossus 1-2
Box Full of Evil 1-2
Conqueror Worm 1-4
Third Wish 1-2
The Island 1-2
and the current Darkness Calls (on issue #1 right now)

So that's only 21 issues of essential backstory. Sure there's the Hellboy Junior stories, and the Weird Tales, but they're not necessary.

Like I said, it'll come down to personal preference. I think your wallet would fare better with Hellboy, though.

Hope that helps.

It does plenty. The ugly reality is my options via Amazon or eBay are limited because I lack a credit or debit card. I have enough bills without a credit card for the moment. Ordering via check or money order on Amazon has been an utter nightmare every time, and you can't buy cheaper, "used" or low price items from independent sellers without a card.

I mentioned HELLBOY because I've liked the movie and the DTV (as well as the AMAZING SCREW ON HEAD pilot), so I figure why not give the comics a try eventually.

I don't know, at this point it just seems like Dread is coming up with reasons not to read Captain America. Next time it will be a choice between Cap and Essential Dazzler.

I'd pick Cap over Dazzler. I haven't minded Dazz on the X-Men but I wouldn't read a solo of her.

The biggest hurdles are money and, inevitably, eating crow. Even if no one rags on my retraction, I'll know I was dead wrong. As a peak into my twisted soul, I am the type who if you ask, "Would you rather be Right or Happy?", it is a moral dilemma. I make up for a lack of courage, looks, or charm by being cynical and stubborn. Single for a reason, kids!

Except when arguing with a woman. I learned how to back down to be happy.

With Dread it's like pulling teeth. I tried for two years to get the guy to read Invincible, and the only thing that finally did it was Dew basically giving him some hardcovers. I'm like, you bastard, i've been telling you to get that stuff for years!

Dew and I are close, and secondly, hey, if you went out, got my address and sent me the first two trades of Brubaker's CA, I'd likely grab the rest within 1-4 months if not weeks. Getting the first HC as a gift for INVINCIBLE cut the cost by like $30 or so for the entire shebang and made it much more available.

I have a limited budget and until I start making more disposable income, that will always be the first hurdle. When I have a slow week I can't go, "Hey, I can buy a trade", I usually go, "hey, I have an extra $5-10 to eat with". Comics are one of my only vices.

 

[Darthphere]

I'd pick Cap over Dazzler. I haven't minded Dazz on the X-Men but I wouldn't read a solo of her.

The biggest hurdles are money and, inevitably, eating crow. Even if no one rags on my retraction, I'll know I was dead wrong. As a peak into my twisted soul, I am the type who if you ask, "Would you rather be Right or Happy?", it is a moral dilemma. I make up for a lack of courage, looks, or charm by being cynical and stubborn. Single for a reason, kids!

Except when arguing with a woman. I learned how to back down to be happy.

I'm not one to condone these actions, but why not just download the comics. If you like it, buy it. If you don't well, you saved yourself money. I know a lot of people are completely against downloading. But if downloading a comic moves you towards buying it, I don't see the problem. It's people who download comics and never buy a single comic that are the problem.

 

[KAD]

I've been thinking about doing video reviews in addition or maybe instead of written ones. Would you guys be interested in watching something like that? Or is that just a waste of time?

Gey hot girls in tight close to do the reviews and of course a male version for the ladies to read the reviews

 

[PhotoJones]

Gey hot girls in tight close to do the reviews and of course a male version for the ladies to read the reviews

"Gey hot girls in tight close"?

 

[Darthphere]

"Gey hot girls in tight close"?

It's either: "Lesbian hot girls in a tight close shot" or "Get hot girls in tight clothes"

 

[PhotoJones]

It's either: "Lesbian hot girls in a tight close shot" or "Get hot girls in tight clothes"

I know. That's where I'm confused. I'll use my powers of deduction:

KAD obviously can't spell. That means he's either lacking the smarts department or....doesn't look at what he's typing. I'll start with the first one. Assuming that he's a tad dim, he probably thinks that a lesbian means "girl who sleeps with another girl...and then they both sleep with a lucky guy". Because all dumb males think lesbians could be into them. When in reality they couldn't care less about you. That leads me to assume he meant, "Lesbian hot girls in a tight close shot".

Now, if he just can't type for ****, he probably meant "Get hot girls in tight clothes".

So what it boils down to is....are you smart or not, KAD?

 

[Dread]

I'm not one to condone these actions, but why not just download the comics. If you like it, buy it. If you don't well, you saved yourself money. I know a lot of people are completely against downloading. But if downloading a comic moves you towards buying it, I don't see the problem. It's people who download comics and never buy a single comic that are the problem.

1). My comp usually isn't very good for downloading
2). DL'd comics are annoying to read
3). Need source to DL from
4). Might be too cheap to buy a comic I DL'd and read already, although in my defense, modern "previews" reveal half a comic's content yet I buy those anyway.

 

[PhotoJones]

It does plenty. The ugly reality is my options via Amazon or eBay are limited because I lack a credit or debit card. I have enough bills without a credit card for the moment. Ordering via check or money order on Amazon has been an utter nightmare every time, and you can't buy cheaper, "used" or low price items from independent sellers without a card.

I mentioned HELLBOY because I've liked the movie and the DTV (as well as the AMAZING SCREW ON HEAD pilot), so I figure why not give the comics a try eventually.

You buy comics every week, so I'm going to assume you have cash money. Cash money is typically tied to a checking account. And a checking account is all you need for Paypal. Paypal is how you pay sellers on Ebay. BAM. Get you some trades for cheap, brother.

And how is it you get along without a check card?

 

[iloveclones]

1). My comp usually isn't very good for downloading
2). DL'd comics are annoying to read
3). Need source to DL from
4). Might be too cheap to buy a comic I DL'd and read already, although in my defense, modern "previews" reveal half a comic's content yet I buy those anyway.

Doesn't address #2, but I own (and love) the DVD-Rom versions of Spidey, X-Men, Avengers, and with some birthday money, am going to get Cap, Hulk, and Ghost Rider. For 40 bucks, you get the whole run to the present(for Cap, through Dec 2006) with the ads which are kind of fun to look at, and bullpen bits, etc. Personally, those factors make them much more appealing than the downloaded ones. AND, you're not stealing in any way. For someone like you, Dread, who spends a fair amount of time here doing reviews and whatnot, they're a great resource to answer a bit of trivia when you want to recall some fact without going through the longboxes.And it's a great way to "jump on" to a series.

Personally, I've really liked Cap. I hate to tell people how to spend their money, but you know we've had a few common "underappreciated" titles, Dread. So, go get it.

 

[iloveclones]

Thoughts:



She-Hulk #18: It's almost insulting that Marvel withheld so many comics coming out last year to appease the lateness of Civil War...yet, they give away everything that happens in this issue two weeks prior to it coming out. It definitely takes away the readers enjoyment, knowing exactly what will happen in the end. Plus, what makes Slott so good on She-Hulk is definitely missing in this issue: The wit and humor. This issue was more like Slott's Avengers. Those two things make the reader come away thinking, "It was good, but ....." 8/10

Normally, I would disagree with you. I don't mind so much when things are a little out of order. But this one did bother me. I would rather they have delayed Hulk a week. But, oh well.

 

[Phaedrus45]

More Marvel Thoughts:

Marvel Adventures Iron Man #1: The newest addition to the kid-friendly Marvel Adventures line starts with a retooled retelling of Iron Man's origin. This line of books has started to improve over the last few months, and Iron Man just might be the best first issue I've read from all the MA series. Plus, if current readers are already tired of the hated version of Tony Stark we've seen since Civil War started, they can go back to a Tony Stark that's more reminiscent of the past. While this comic doesn't quite warrant a rating of 8 out of 10, it comes pretty close. If I was around 10 or so, I might go that high; but, in the end, it's still Marvel Adventures, just much better when compared to past endevors. 7/10

Captain America #26: Another great issue by Brubaker, only tarnished with Marvel already showing reactions to Steve's death in Fallen Son and other titles. But, he keeps the story rolling by not only showing reactions to the death of Captain America, but advancing his Red Skull storyline and seeing what others within Steve's social circle are doing.

Now, I'll go with one of my current gripes. I'm tired of how all these comics from Marvel and DC are over-using the $#@% to relay a cuss word. In this issue, we see The Falcon say, "Wow, when Fury said you were in the $#@&, I had no idea..." For me, it stops the pace of the comic, and I'm left wondering what word they wanted to imply with those symbols. Heck, I still don't know what the word in question is with that quote. I know the writers want to show an edginess with their characters; but, it was never needed in the past, and it's now turned into a distraction. Enough already.

Anyway, this issue gets a 9/10.

Heroes For Hire #10: The Heroes For Hire continue their effort to capture and bring Mon-Boy back to the states, where his DNA might be able to cure many diseases, including cancer. For me, this is an enjoyable title, mainly because of the interpersonal relationships between the various team members is perfectly mixed with a good amount of action and humor. Plus, this latest storyline with Moon-Boy and Devil Dinosaur has made those two characters very interesting again. It's just good to see a writer take many of Marvel's B-list characters and make them extremely interesting. 9/10

New Universal #6: Not the best issue from this title. Most of it is spent in the political b.s. than getting to advance the story very much. This is supposedly suppose to be the conclusion to the first storyline; but, it really doesn't conclude anything. Plus, with another issue not scheduled for quite a few months, I can't see why a casual reader would bother picking up this title. Just like with Squadron Supreme, which hasn't had a new issue for over seven months, these fancy retellings of past Marvel properties are greatly hurt with the time inbetween issues. (Even the truly awful Onslaught Reborn is now suffering from Liefeld's usual lateness.) 7/10

 

[Anubis]

I'm tired of how all these comics from Marvel and DC are over-using the $#@% to relay a cuss word. In this issue, we see The Falcon say, "Wow, when Fury said you were in the $#@&, I had no idea..." For me, it stops the pace of the comic, and I'm left wondering what word they wanted to imply with those symbols. Heck, I still don't know what the word in question is with that quote. I know the writers want to show an edginess with their characters; but, it was never needed in the past, and it's now turned into a distraction. Enough already.

Anyway, this issue gets a 9/10.

It's s**t. And by s**t, I mean feces. If you don't instinctively know that, then you've learned nothing. NOTHING!!!!

 

[GNR]

Yea the random characters used for cussing tends to get annoying and doesn't comes across as intense at all.

It would be awesome if curse words no longer need to be filtered out.That would be the day.

 

[PhotoJones]

Marvel Adventures Iron Man #1: The newest addition to the kid-friendly Marvel Adventures line starts with a retooled retelling of Iron Man's origin. This line of books has started to improve over the last few months, and Iron Man just might be the best first issue I've read from all the MA series. Plus, if current readers are already tired of the hated version of Tony Stark we've seen since Civil War started, they can go back to a Tony Stark that's more reminiscent of the past. While this comic doesn't quite warrant a rating of 8 out of 10, it comes pretty close. If I was around 10 or so, I might go that high; but, in the end, it's still Marvel Adventures, just much better when compared to past endevors. 7/10

Oh, Phaedrus....I can always count on you to read the titles that others won't (because you read them all ).

I was on the fence about getting this one, and in the end I opted for Ennis' Wormwood. The first couple of issues of MA: Avengers left a bad taste in mouth, that's only now begining to fade. I might have to pop back in the shop this weekend and pick this one up. Glad to hear it doesn't suck.

 

[Upset Spideyfan]

Yeah, the 616 Iron Man title isn't doing it for me. Its reading like a VERY SLOW Tom Clancy novel.

 

[Anubis]

Oh, Phaedrus....I can always count on you to read the titles that others won't (because you read them all ).

I was on the fence about getting this one, and in the end I opted for Ennis' Wormwood. The first couple of issues of MA: Avengers left a bad taste in mouth, that's only now begining to fade. I might have to pop back in the shop this weekend and pick this one up. Glad to hear it doesn't suck.

Wormwood rocks. It's not every day you see the Pope getting pounded by a nun with a strap on.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Final Marvel Thoughts:

Irredeemable Ant-Man #8: This is just an amazing title. The main character is so despicable, he makes Tony Stark look like less of a dirtbag. (Although, he didn't come off as bad as the earlier issues. Heck, I don't want to see him giving people tips!!!) I compare this book in my mind to Slott's She-Hulk; but, where She-Hulk is currently getting a bit too serious and missing a lot of Slott's former style with his "Planet Without A Hulk" tie-in, Kirkman's Ant-Man is rich with it. The reader can tell that Kirkman is having as much fun writing this story as the readers are who enjoy it month after month. He doesn't go overboard (so, maybe having him be a bit less of a dirtbag this month isn't so bad); but, tries to make us see a little bit of kindness is a person who just seems to make the wrong decision time after time. Heck, this might even be one of the most realistic heroes we've ever seen. I can see a friend I know acting just like the main character. 9/10

Iron Man - Hypervelocity #5: Wow! What a trip this limited series has been. Anyway, let me fill in those of you who haven't given this book a try. Tony Stark built a new Iron Man armor that could upload his consciousness if he was ever seriously injured. Of course, that is exactly what happened; but, in the process, the "enemy mecha" that attempted to kill Stark made sure to frame this new Tony Stark 2.0 Armor as going rogue, leaving SHIELD to be in constant pursuit and wanting it destroyed. While all this is happening, a "malicious virtual-reality avatar" named Absynthe has hacked into the 2.0 Armor and is now attempting to purge all of Tony's memories from it's system. This issue takes place as the memory purge is ongoing and SHIELD is deploying various weapons in an attempt to destroy the armor. It's all out action, and the art and writing is amazing. I usually hate when the Iron Man comics try to get all technical; but, writer Adam Warren really does a good job and uses his words very effectively. In truth, though, this mini would seriously be hurting if not for some very good art. Just seeing the very hot Absynthe as various members of the Avengers was just great (just look at the latest cover in your LCS, and read Thor's hammer, which says "Whosoeverth findeth this hammer, if she be hot, shall wield the power of the gnarly Thor" or any of the other artist renditions of the Abysnthe Avengers). It's funny that I wasn't looking forward to this book, and the first issue did nothing for me. But, now that's I've gotten totally into it, I have to give both writer and artist their props. 9/10

X-Men #199: I'm starting to think this might be one of the worst X-Men teams they've thought of yet. Sabretooth just doesn't belong, and you'd think that was a lesson Marvel would have learned the first time they tried him out among the good guys; Cable is still a character out of place, and will continue to be without a very good writer; Cannonball is as boring as ever; Iceman and Rogue are the only real member of the X-Men with this group; and then they throw in three random women to try and up the hotness factor. It's really a hodgepodge of crap, all trying to fight one of the most boring foes ever in an X-Men comic, Hecatomb. Hopefully issue #200 will get this title back on its feet; because, it's one of the worst that Marvel has to offer its readers. 3/10

Criminal #6: A new story starts, and right from the first three pages we are brought into this new criminal's world with questions that will be unraveled over time. Right off, we see the main guy, Tracy Lawless, murder another man. We wonder, "why; and, for what reason did this murdered man call him Sam?" As the tale backtracks in time, we learn that Tracy's brother had been murdered, and somehow that will lead Tracy to kill the person in the beginning. By the time the reader gets to the last page, some mysteries will be revealed, while others will have to wait as further issues continue to unravel the mystery. Just like with the first storyarc, Brubaker does a great job of pacing and giving the book that noir feel. In fact, I almost prefer to read these stories in one sitting, as they lend themselves to the trade format so much better. They deserve to be read when the reader is in that right mood and the ambiance is perfect. Reading each issue a month apart just seems to take away from the enjoyment of the entirety of the story. 9/10

Red Prophet #7: This is a difficult book to explain; because so little happens in each issue, but's what does happen is rather complex in relating into words. I'm probably enjoying this Dabel Bros. book more than all the others; but, I recognize that most readers would become quickly bored with this "alternate universe" tale of historical events. For example, this issue is all about Alvin and Measure Miller deciding if they will stay with the native americans or go back home. That's the issue in a nutshell; but, it's really about so much more. There is the tension of war between the Indians and the Settlers; there is the idea that Alvin Miller has strange mystical powers and his connection with the Native Americans is essential for future developments; and there is various religious tones brought out within this story. I think most readers would object that this comic has a feel of being schooled; or, that it would fit into the Marvel Illustrated line. For me, I welcome these types of books that go against the grain of normal superhero comics. But, understand the high mark I give is subjective to my personality and would probably rank lower than 5 out of 10 to the average reader. 8/10

 

[Phaedrus45]

An honest, serious question, for those who seem to be liking Brubaker's CA: To someone who never, in their entire life, read a single solo issue of Cap because they really didn't care too, is it honestly good enough to make you give a damn? That Omnibus of the first 24-25 issues plus some one-shot's will be coming out later this year, and I've been seriously debating it. There's too much HELLBOY to start out on, after all. I'm the "buy everything at once" type of trade buyer, not a "buy one trade slowly over a period of months so you actually get it done and read vs. just saving and talking and never really reading anything" type of TPB buyer. So that Cap Omnibus is definitely on the radar. But if I am going to piss maybe $80 to the wind I want some guarantee's.

I've been collecting Captain America since 1981, (even after selling off my first collection in '87, I have rebought all the issues from 212 to present) and I can honestly say that his book has NEVER been so good as these issues, 1-26. Hands down, this is the best Cap has ever been. Heck, it even made Union Jack interesting again!

 

[Phaedrus45]

1). My comp usually isn't very good for downloading
2). DL'd comics are annoying to read
3). Need source to DL from
4). Might be too cheap to buy a comic I DL'd and read already, although in my defense, modern "previews" reveal half a comic's content yet I buy those anyway.

1) Yeah, you definitely need a good computer.
2) Yep, this is the biggest problem. I've got a ton of DLed comics; but, they are mainly a source for me in the Contest of Marvels tournament we run. But, it's also a great way to read some of the comics that are just too expensive to ever buy. (Especially DC ones, like World's Finest, that are not easy to find.)
3) I know the best source, but got in trouble for saying once....so, I best be quiet on the subject.
4) I had a gal friend strongly recommend Bone to me. I DLed it, loved it, and bought the humongous trade paperback collecting the entire thing. I find if it's that good, most people will shell out the money for it.

 

[Phaedrus45]

Captain America #26 - Well, this one's got me a little nervous. First of all, a lot of things take place off panel. Things like Falcon's speech, Tony's speech and the entirety of Steve's funeral. They're all referenced by characters in the issue, and in the case of Sam's speech, referenced many times. That must have been one hell of a speech. Where is it?

Going along with that, I have to wonder that if those scenes are shown in future issues, then where are we going? At this point, Steve's dead, and it's time to advance the plot. If I'm going to read Sam's eulogy, I wish I could've read it now, and not in the next issue or two. Basically what I'm saying is that I don't want to still be dealing with the immediate aftermath of Steve's death in three or four months. It wouldn't advance the story, and the impact would definetly be lessened.

That totally reflects what I thought of this issue. I acknowledge it was still pretty good; but, we've been dealing with Cap's death for a while now, and since this book took a while to come out after Cap #25, its impact was greatly lessened. (Kind of like this week's She-Hulk not being as powerful knowing exactly what was going to happen with events revealed 2 weeks prior.)

 

[Phaedrus45]

Thoughts on Pirates 3 (no spoilers, don't worry):

Prepare for a loooooooong movie. Almost 3 hours long, we went into a early preview last night for the 9:15 showing and didn't get out until 12:10 am. I enjoyed it much more than Spidey 3, although they really could have trimmed the movie down. At times, I thought I might enjoy it much more if I was on drugs, some of the scenes were so out there. Anyway, after being disappointed in the end of Spidey 3 and Heroes, you'll finally get a fight scene at the end of the movie worth the amount of time you have previously invested in the film or show. Probably won't be my favorite film of the summer...but, you'll get your money's worth. 8/10

Next up, I gotta see BUG.

 

[Anubis]

Bought

Dynamo 5 #3
Coundown 49
She-Hulk #18
Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #30

Dynamo 5 - Fast becoming one of the best books I'm buying. They go up against one of their dads old partners whose a f**king nut job with some serious power. They plan to have Myriad talk him down by impersonating their dad, but as it turns out, something else shows up and does the job. Super Ghost dad? WTF?!? Rating: Freakin' Sweet!

She-Hulk #18 - She beat Stark's ass, and he took her out. This would have been something else if I hadn't already seen the ending in the last issue of the Hulk. Rating:

Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes # 30 - Ending of the Dominators war. Brainy builds a Bomb, Mon El, dying of Lead poisoning, puts it in the core of the Dominator's homeworld, bye, bye Dominators. Sounds pretty messed up huh? Nah, Cos hasn't gone nuts. Instead, he got Brainy to make a Phantom Zone Projector powerful enough to send the entire planet of evil *****e bags to the Phantom Zone, along with the dying Mon El, giving him a shot at surviving long enough for Brainy to cure him. If that shocker wasn't enough, a freakin' superhero group from the 41st century has shown up, and recruited Cosmic Boy. Didn't see that one coming. Rating: Sweet

Countdown 49 - Also didn't see that one coming. Jimmy's got stretchy powers. Either that's a Jimmy from one of those Alternate Universes where he had all those freaky silver age powers he got, or somethings going on with Supes pal. The Monitors are beginning to form a split, and it looks like Piper's still on the side of angels. Good ish. Rating Sweet