Free Comics Contest

[Darthphere]

That last image is freakin great!

I know.

 

[Anubis]

Title: Captain Marvel Vol 4

Writer/Artist: Peter David/Chris Cross, Michael Ryan, Paul Azaceta, Aaron Lopresti, Ivan Reis, and Kyle Hotz

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Summary: What happens when having omnipotence comes back to bite you in the ass? You lose your mind of course. That's basically the running theme here in PAD's critically acclaimed run on Volume 4 of the Captain Marvel series. We bear witness to the fall of a hero. Done in by his own powers. Genis Vel, after a good couple of years as successor to his legendary father, Captain Mar-Vel, has finally come into his own. He's mastered Cosmic Awareness, or so he thought. How does Genis go from up and coming hero to nutbag? Well, usually, when you have to chose, weather or not to save a planet full of people, or one young girl, the answer is simple. Needs of the Many and all that. Genis thought that too, until he sees that he just let the next space ghandi die. Realizing what he let happen, this totally shatters Genis' mind beyond repair. Now, out of his mind, Genis starts down a road of madness that takes him on a wild ride throughout the Marvel Universe while Rick Jones (Superhero sidekick extraordinaire) is forced to sit back and watch it all.

Peter David, along with his many collaborators put together an epic run that takes you from the mean streets of Marvel New York, to the spires of Asgard, to the end of the Universe, and even to the far future of the Marvel Universe. This run was great. It had action, drama, and lets face it, crazy guys with God like powers are always a laugh riot.

Format: This entire run is collected in trade paperback format. Starting with Nothing to Lose, Coven, Crazy like a Fox, and finishing up with Odyssey.

You may be able to find them at your local LCS, or Tales of Wonder.com
http://talesofwonder.com//search/sessearch.php?ae=%DF&q=Captain+Marvel&op=and

 

[lokisixnine]

king hippo lol

 

[Elijya]

I was starting on a Sin City write-up,but figured id ask if you wanted the whole series or just each book individually.

Ideally I'd say: brief summary on the nature of the series itself, then a brief run down on each of the books with a one or two sentences note on each of them. Like:

Sin City is yadda yadda yadda. Frank Miller's baby, yadda yadda yadda. If you liked the movie, the books are yadda yadda yadda. You can read them in any order yadda yadda yadda.

-The Hard Goodbye: Marv is yadda yadda yadda and does yadda yadda yadda. The original and one of the best.

-The Big Fat Kill: Dwight, Jackie Boy, Old town, yadda yadda yadda

etc.

yeah, each book does NOT need it's own entry

 

[Anubis]

Title: Animal Man (Grant Morrison run)
Writer/Artist: Grant Morrison/Chas Trudg, Doug Hazlewood, Tom Grummett, Steve Montano, Mark McKenna, Paris Cullins, and Mark Farmer.

Publisher: DC/Vertigo

Summary: Buddy Baker was just a regular guy who one day got animal powers from space aliens. Pretty simple huh? Yeah, that's what Animal Man was for most of his existence. A rather forgettable character. But then, along came a little maxi series called the Crisis on Infinite Earths, which, kinda restarted the DCU, enabling a number of characters to get a make over. Mr. Baker was one such a character. And he got his makeover at the hands of one of comics best, Grant Morrison. Of course, he wasn't all that well known at the time, Grant Morrison took this simple, rather forgettable character, and created one of the all time great comics in my opinion. Securing himself as one of the elite writers in the medium. He really kinda revolutionized things, like adding to the character certain things that, logically you might expect from a guy with animal powers. Like, becoming an animal rights activist. I mean, if your getting your powers from them, the least you could do is become a vegetarian right? We got a closer look at Buddy, the family man. One of the few heroes to operate with a wife and kids, and still manage to stay interesting and relevant. We saw fascinating stories like the Amazing "Coyote Gospel" and "Hour of the Beast". But the thing that makes this book stand out the most was the obliterating of the Fourth Wall. It's been done before, and many times after, but it still stands as the best, and all around freakiest attempts.

Animal Man is definitely one of Grant Morrison's best works to date. If you liked anything from Morrison, this would be highly recommended. I would consider this as standard reading for serious comic fans. A heart wrenching, laugh out loud, awe inspiring, mind f**k of a run.

Format: Grant Morrison's Animal Man is collected in three trade paperbacks. They are in order of Animal Man, Origin of the Species, and Dues ex Machina. All of which should be readily available at your local LCS, Boarders, Barns & Noble, etc.

Here's a look them at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=br_ss_hs/002-0423067-7139250?platform=gurupa&url=index%3Dblended&keywords=Animal+Man

 

[Darthphere]

Awesome, I love Animal Man.

 

[Anubis]

Animal Man f**king rulz.

 

[Kool-Aid]

I'm not much of a cosmic fan, but that first pic for the Captain Marvel rec makes me want to check it out. The fact that the Animal Man one is Vertigo makes me want to check that aswell. DC really should do a Batman or Joker mini through the Vertigo line.

 

[warren_sparta27]

Batman: Hush

Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Jim Lee
Inker: Scott Williams
Letterer: Richard Starkings
Colorist: Alex Sinclair
Publisher: DC Comics
Genre: Superheroes

What makes a great comic book story? Action, Mystery, Romance, Twists and Turns, well Batman: Hush delivers on all accounts. Jeph Loeb (The Long Halloween, Superman/ Batman) is back to deliver us one of the most talked about moments in Batman’s long history. Complementing Leobs’ amazing story is the beautiful art of Jim Lee (Wildcats/ All Star Batman and Robin) which is spectacular to say the least.
This is all about people from Bruce’s past coming back into his life. The introduction of one of the most interesting and mysterious bat-villians, Hush. This has everything from Batman fighting the man of Steel, to him revealing his true identity to one of his old rogues. And who is back from the dead stirring up trouble for the dark knight? And what old friends are there to save Batman when things get out of his hands?
With appearances from The Joker, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, Poison Ivy, Superman, Catwoman and Nightwing this is one of the greatest Batman adventures that have come out in the last few years.

Format:
Batman: Hush is a 12-part story that took place in Batman #608-619, it is collected in an oversized hardcover edition that collects the whole story as well as having a Jim Lee sketchbook and an issue-by-issue commentary by the creative team.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401204260/qid=1152447398/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-9832276-0905518?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
Or it is available in two separate parts, both available in either hard or soft cover.
Batman: Hush volume 1: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401200605/qid=1152447464/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/104-9832276-0905518?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
Batman: Hush volume 2: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401200923/qid=1152447539/sr=2-3/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_3/104-9832276-0905518?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

The mysterious villain Hush makes his return in ‘Batman: Hush Returns’ written by A.J. Lieberman, art by Al Barrionuevo, Javier Pina, Francis Portela, Jimmy Palmiotti and Bit. For more info on this title:
http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=4691
Or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401209009/qid=1152447732/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-9832276-0905518?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

 

[Darthphere]

Title:Identity Crisis
Writer/Artist:Brad Meltzer and Rags Morales
Publisher:DC Comics

Summary:The life of superheroes will never be the same after this 2004 mini by Brad Meltzer. A shocking death of someone close to the superhero community sends shockwaves throughout the DC universe. The heroes come to terms with their mortality and the never ending danger their loves ones are put every time to put on a cape. And for others a betrayal long forgotten comes back to haunt them in a devastating ways. This is the world of Identity Crisis. Nobody is safe and nobody is innocent. The line between villain and hero are crossed and their lives will never be the same.

Rags Morales in his breakout title provides crisp beautiful pencils that captures the wide range of emotions present in this book. Spectacularly rendered small moments between loved ones and epic fight scenes are showcased. In essence, Identity Crisis is a murder mystery but it really is so much more. The DC Universe was never the same and its effects are still felt today. Definitely a must buy for any DC fan. And defintitely worth checking out if you’re not.

Format:Originally a 7 issue mini-series its now collected in hardcover and trade paperback.
Identity Crisis (Hardcover)
Identity Crisis (Paperback)

write up originally by Darthphere

 

[warren_sparta27]

Batman: Year One

Writter: Frank Miller
Artist: David Mazzucchelli
Publisher: DC Comics
So you’ve seen Batman Begins and now you want to get into the character but don’t know where to start? Look no further than Frank Miller’s (Sin City) Batman Year One, one of the main inspirations for the Batman Begins film. Year One is the origin story, how he became the dark knight, why he chooses to put on the cape and cowl and strike fear and terror into the villains that terrorize the streets of Gotham City. Not only does this book explore Batman’s first year as the caped crusader, it also features James Gordon’s first year in the city. How he copes with the pressures of raising a family, adjusts to a corrupt police force, and more importantly how he tries to discover who is The Batman. On first glance the artwork may not look amazing, but once you read the first couple of pages you’ll see that gritty art style by David Mazzacchelli is the perfect balance to the wonderful story presented here. Any Batman fan that wants to start reading the comics this is the place to start, it doesn’t get much better than Batman: Year One.

Format:
Year One was originally released as a four part mini series. All four parts are now collected in either soft or hardcover trades.
For more info on the softcover: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0930289331/sr=8-3/qid=1152460258/ref=sr_1_3/104-9832276-0905518?ie=UTF8

The other collection of this story is the deluxe hardcover edition, featuring extra art by Mazzucchelli, introductions by Frank Miller and Mazzucchelli, script pages, promotional art and a number of other treats for any Batman fan.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401206905/sr=8-1/qid=1152460377/ref=sr_1_1/104-9832276-0905518?ie=UTF8

To read a preview of Batman: Year One: http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=1287

 

[Darthphere]

Title:Jonah Hex
Writer/Artist:Justin Gray/Jimmy Palmiotti and Luke Ross
Publisher:DC Comics

Summary: Jonah Hex is really a book any fan of westerns can read and enjoy. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti have set out to re-introducing Jonah Hex to a new generation of readers. Jonah Hex, an ex Civil War soldier turned bounty hunter is a pretty simple guy, he likes his booze and his women but lives by a very odd moral code. He really is just another cowboy trying to get on with his life. But his disfigured face keeps many people from really getting to know who Jonah Hex is.

Luke Ross draws a beautiful western setting in this book, and his rendition of Jonah Hex looks eerily similar to that of a young Clint Eastwood. A book that’s really easy to get into since each issue is just a one-shot you could jump on at any point you like. Jonah Hex is a must for any fan of westerns and those old Sam Peckinpah westerns.

Format: Ongoing with the first six issues collected in a trade paperback.

Jonah Hex (Paperback)

 

[warren_sparta27]

that jonah hex guy has always scared the crap outta me

 

[Darthphere]

He shouldnt. Hes soft as a teddy bear.

 

[warren_sparta27]

i'll have to overcome my fears and pick his book up next time i'm at a store then, the art does look great from those previews.

 

[Anubis]

I'm not much of a cosmic fan, but that first pic for the Captain Marvel rec makes me want to check it out. The fact that the Animal Man one is Vertigo makes me want to check that aswell. DC really should do a Batman or Joker mini through the Vertigo line.

Well, Captain Marvel isn't really all that much of a cosmic story as it is simply, with great power, comes great responsibility, but what happens when that responsibility is simply far too great?

And yeah, I'd love to see a Batman story from Vertigo, but they seem to be working on separating the Vertigo line more from the main DCU, even though a couple of the books still take place in the DCU, like Hellblazer. Maybe they think that kids that don't know any better will pick up a book with Batman on the cover and accedently get exsposed to a ultra graphic shot of Joker skinning a guy alive or something.

 

[Anubis]

Title: Avengers Forever
Writer/Artist: Kurt Busiek/Carlos Pacheco
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Summary:

A must read for every Avengers fan. Kurt Busiek and Carlos Pacheco's epic, time spanning story of the Avengers. The story centers on Rick Jones. Sidekick extraordinaire. Friend to the Superhero community. You see, Rick Jones is dying, and nobody knows why. Having explored every avenue possible, the Avengers are left with no other option but to seek help from the Kree's Supreme Intelligence Who is imprisoned on the blue area of the moon. Little do the Avengers know, that by taking him to Supremor, they have set into motion events that could result in the death of the entire human race at the hands of those that seek to control time. Truely one of, if not the best Avengers tale I've ever read. Sure, it's a bit continuity heavy, but most of it is explained well enough that you can understand it fairly easily. It's just a great read. Kang the Conqueror is a total badass and if you never cared for the character this should change your opinion. We also get a look a number of other great characters from throughout the Avengers past, present, and future, all brought together to protect Rick Jones, and fight this threat. If you enjoy alternate realities and time travel stories, then this is a book for you. If you don't, well, buy it anyway. It's that good.

Format: The book is collected in tradepaperback form and you should be able to order it from your LCS.

Heres a copy at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0785107568/sr=8-1/qid=1152486063/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0423067-7139250?ie=UTF8

 

[Darthphere]

 

[warren_sparta27]

Batman: A Death in the Family

Writter: Jim Starlin
Artist: Jim Aparo
Publisher: DC Comics

Before you could vote for your favorite housemate on Big Brother, or you could vote for your favorite pop star on American Idol, you could vote to decide if Batman’s young partner lived or died. That's right fans of the comic book were able to ring up and determine the fate of this young hero. Jason Todd the second young teen to don the colorful guise of Robin begins the story on a search for his biological mother. His travels lead him overseas to Ethiopia where he and his mentor The Batman come face to face with Jason’s real mother, and a dangerous old enemy. Starlin has crafted together a touching story that makes you truly feel for the characters.
Some of the artwork in some parts may be alittle more violent than some people would except in a Batman comic, so be warmed.

Does Jason find his mother? Who is the dangerous Gotham criminal and what is he doing in Ethiopia? And what is the fate of the young superhero we know as Robin?

Format: Originally published in Batman #426-429 this story arc that rocked the Bat family is now collected in a soft cover edition, read more reviews and get more info on the softcover here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0930289447/sr=8-1/qid=1152540206/ref=sr_1_1/104-9832276-0905518?ie=UTF8

For a preview of A Death in the Family visit the link below, beware though it may contain some spoilers.
http://www.dccomics.com/media/excerpts/1223_x.pdf

 

[Darthphere]

So, youre just going to every famous Batman story ever?

 

[Anubis]

Well, somebodies gonna do it, might as well be him.

 

[Darthphere]

It shouldve been me!


No really I woke yesterday morning and was like im going to a Hush and Year One write-up. And there you go.

 

[Elijya]

you can always improve it

 

[Darthphere]

Nah, I got plenty of books to do write-ups on. I still have Inhumans to get cracking on, which ill do right now....

 

[warren_sparta27]

sorry darth
i don't have a heap of trades or graphic novels, all most the ones i do have are Batman ones. sorry again. i can take them down if you want?