Backing Boards #6 - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz #1

So I had heard abot this Wonderful Wizard of Oz comic coming out from Marvel Comics. Well I as a kid did not like the movie I think it was because I was forced to watch it because it always seemed to be on TV around Christmas time and all the other kids in the family seemed to want to watch it. I have not seen it in many years and didn't think I would be buying the comic book but I knew Skottie Young was doing the art and he's just so good. I didn't order it but I just happened to go into BSI Comics in Metairie, Louisiana and they had #1 so I picked it up and flipped through the pages. Man Skottie Young is good stuff and I bought it for the art alone.

So I just read #1 and its really good . . . given me new faith in the old Wizard of Oz story. The comic seems to be written for everyone, a child could read it or an adult and have fun with it and if the future issues are anything like #1 it'll be great when they release it in tradepaperback (I hope they do an oversized hardcover).

The characters look amazing and although we've only met Dorothy, The Witch of The North and the Scarecrow as for major characters I absolutely love the look of the Scarecrow and he's going to be my favorite character in the series. I'll have to hunt for #2 since I missed the order from DCBS on it but I will find it you can count on that.

Damn you Skottie Young it seems I like the Wizard of Oz now.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order December 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of December 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

I'm late on the blog again it's been pretty hard to work on the blog and do a webcomic at the same time but I'm trying.

Action Comics #874
Amazing Spider-Man #585
Amazing Spider-Man #586
Amazing Spider-Man #587
Batman #686
Captain America #47
Dark Avengers #2
Detective Comics #853
Green Arrow & Black Canary #17
Hulk #10
Justice League of America #30
Justice Society of America #24
Mighty Avengers #22
Moon Knight #27
Ms. Marvel #36
New Avengers #50
Spawn #189
Terry Moore's Echo #10
Uncanny X-Men #506
Usagi Yojimbo #118
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz #3 (of 8)
Wonder Woman #29
X-Factor #40
X-Men Legacy #221

Comics Now #5 (magazine)


Breakdown:
Marvel - 14
DC - 7
Abstract Studio - 1
Dark Horse Comics - 1
Image - 1


Breakdown of comics ordered from DCBS as of December 2008:
Marvel Comics - 300
DC Comics - 254
Abstract Studio - 9
Dark Horse -9
Image - 5
Ape Entertainment - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 3
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1
Unknown Publisher - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 51.02% of the comics ordered from DCBS and DC Comics drops to 43.12% all other indie's move up to 5.86%.


- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards #5 - Amazing Spider-Man: New Ways To Die

I love Spider-Man,
I love comic books,
This is a great comic book,
This is a great comic book about Spider-Man that I love!

To me this is old school comics in a modern world. I've enjoyed every moment of Spider-Man since One More Day (I still want Spidey and Mary Jane back married though) and each issue is just plain fun. I'm not sure where Spider-Man is going but I can't wait to get there!!


- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards #4 - SPAWN

Spawn #185 came out with the news that Todd McFarlane would be back on the book. Now I have not read Spawn in quite a while #119 was the last issue I bought after a run from #88 -119. I missed out on a lot of Spawn over the years before #88 and after #119 but always wanted to read the entire story. Anyway I heard McFarlane would be on and Whilce Portacio would be penciling and longtime Spawn writer Brian Holguin would be writing along with McFarlane. This seemed like a great team to me. So I got in #185 and on the inside cover it say Todd McFarlane digital inks this made me happy because Todd doesn't do much art anymore (for published comics anyway) so this is a nice thing for me because I always liked his work and will take what I can get.

I read the issue and it was a pretty fast read but eventful and I'm excited to get the next issue. I had heard that this issue was the start of a reboot for Spawn and it would be a great jumping on point so I wasn't worried about being lost or anything (I had a few questions) but it seems like this is going to be a fun comic again. If you have not read Spawn #185 yet I promise you will be blown away by the end of the issue and wondering what's going to happen next.

I'm ready to be a Spawn fan again and as long as Image keeps it coming out every month I'll stay on this book for a while.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order November 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of November 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

Well I've been away from the blog for over a month but I'm back to get a few in tonight.

I got my DCBS order almost perfectly down to budget which is $50 with a total cost of $53.13 and I got a decent amount of comics too.

Here's the new order:
Action Comics #873
Amazing Spider-Man #582
Amazing Spider-Man #583
Amazing Spider-Man #584
Batman #685

Captain America #46

Dark Avengers #1

Detective Comics #852

Faces Of Evil: Grundy #1 (1 Shot)

Final Crisis #7 (of 7)

Green Arrow and Black Canary #16

Justice League of America #29

Justice Society of America #23

Mighty Avengers #21

Moon Knight #26

Ms. Marvel #35

New Avengers #49

Spawn #188

Terry Moore's Echo #6

Thor #600

Uncanny X-Men Annual #2

Usagi Yojimbo #117

Wonder Woman #28

X-Factor #39

X-Men Legacy #220

Breakdown:

Marvel - 13

DC - 9

Abstract Studio - 1

Dark Horse Comics - 1

Image - 1

Breakdown of comics ordered from DCBS as of October 2008:

Marvel Comics - 286

DC Comics - 247

Abstract Studio - 8

Dark Horse -8

Ape Entertainment - 4

Image - 4

Archaia Studios Press - 3

Boom! Studios - 1

Evil Twin Comics - 1

Super Real Graphics - 1

Unknown Publisher - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 50.71% of the comics ordered from DCBS and DC Comics drops to 43.79% all other indie's move up to 5.5%.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order October 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of October 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

I got back to my budget this month and sold some stuff on eBay to make up for last months over doing it whew! The only extra I got this time around is the Hulk 100 Project...I love art books so this should be pretty nice to have.

Here's the new order:
Action Comics #872
Amazing Spider-Man #579
Amazing Spider-Man #580
Amazing Spider-Man #581
Batman #684
Captain America #45
Detective Comics #851
Green Arrow and Black Canary #15
Hulk #9
Hulk 100 Project
Justice League Of America #28
Justice Society Of America #22
Ms. Marvel #34
Moon Knight #25
New Avengers #48
Patsy Walker Hellcat #5 (of 5)
Spawn #187
Terry Moore's Echo #9
Uncanny X-Men #505
Usagi Youjimbo #116
Wonder Woman #27
X-Factor #38
X-Men Legacy #219

Breakdown:
Marvel - 13
DC - 7
Abstract Studio - 1
Dark Horse Comics - 1
Image - 1


Breakdown of comics ordered from DCBS as of October 2008:
Marvel Comics - 273
DC Comics - 238
Abstract Studio - 7
Dark Horse - 7
Ape Entertainment - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 3
Image - 3
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1
Unknown Publisher - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 50.65% of the comics ordered from DCBS and DC Comics drops to 44.15% all other indie's move up to 5.2%.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards #3 - The Amazing Spider-Man 3 Times A Month

Well for the third Backing Boards I thought why not mention The Amazing Spider-Man from Marvel Comics. I had been behind on Spider-Man comics for a while (what's new right) but was collecting all the main titles anyway and reading a bit here and there. When I heard that Spider-Man was going to only one title "Amazing Spider-Man" three times a month I had a happy thought now its all together and going to be easy to keep up. I came in on the three titles to read the "One More Day Story Arc" and although many people don't agree with the outcome of that story it has provided us all with an Amazingly fun and exciting Spider-Man title. Besides we all know that Spidey and Mary Jane will find each other again someday and everyone will be happy again.

Spider-Man is now usually the first thing I read every month when I get my DCBS order in and I've been nothing but happy every step of the way. I wish Marvel would do this with the X-Men titles all under the Uncanny banner and it wouldn't be that bad with the Avengers either one Avengers title three times a month would be ok even if it is an extra comic every month.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards #2 - Moon Knight

I think I have mentioned before that Moon Knight is one of my favorite characters and that his current series has been much more than less than satisfying. I told myself that if it didn't turn around by issue #20 that I'd have to consider dropping the title. I was sick of every issue being about how crazy Moon Knight is and the constant harping on it. I think we all get it and after the first story arc it would be nice to move on and keep the crazy as that back story thats always there but not the focus of everything. Issue #20 came out and it was to be a Werewolf By Night story...I was happy when I heard this because I've never read those original stories. Well the issue was great and surprisingly the first appearence of Moon Knight was reprinted in the back of the issue...it was pretty terrible but I loved it anyway because it was fun. #21 was good stuff too because the baddies are finally here and Moon Knight is back to being a hero who fights the bad guys and not just his personal demons. Hopefully this keeps up for a long, long time.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards #1 - Action Comics

I have collected Action Comics since issue #835...but have never read an issue until #866 the first part of the Braniac story arc. That seems like a quite waste of money to me but someday I plan on going back and reading them. I decided to collect Action Comics around the time I really wanted to learn more about the DC Universe. I chose Action because I thought I needed a Superman comic and this one has been around longer than anything else. I've never been a huge fan of Superman, I like him but I just never got into him. The Braniac story seemed like a good place to jump on being I know nothing about Braniac at all this seemed like I couldn't lose. Well the story is really good through three parts (I think its 4 parts) and I do want to keep up on Action Comics now. My only complaint is that Superman looks like Christopher Reeve. I liked Christopher Reeve but I never thought he looked like Superman but I can live with it for a while.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards - A New Segment

Well it seems that I never have time to really get into blogging but I don't want to abandon the blog so I have come up with a new segment that I hope can get me going. Instead of doing a long review all the time I thought maybe just do a short post about something I read or something I'm thinking about in the comics realm. I'm calling these post Backing Boards and will give each post a number and try to keep it down to about one paragraph.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order September 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of September 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

I went a bit over budget this month...better sell some stuff on eBay.

Action Comics #871
Amazing Spider-Man #576
Amazing Spider-Man #577
Amazing Spider-Man #578
Batman #682
Batman #683
Captain America #44
Detective Comics #850
Final Crisis #6 (of 7)
Green Arrow and Black Canary #14
Hulk #8
Justice League Of America #27
Justice Society Of America #21
Mighty Avengers #20
Ms. Marvel #33
Ms. Marvel Special Storyteller
Moon Knight #24
New Avengers #47
Patsy Walker Hellcat #4 (of 5)
Secret Invasion #8 (of 8)
Spawn #186
Terry Moore's Echo #8
Thor #12
U Is For United 2008 Comic Geek Speak Listener Anthology
Uncanny X-Men #504
Wonder Woman #26
X-Factor #37
X-Men Legacy #218

Comics Now Magazine #4

Breakdown:
Marvel - 16
DC - 9
Abstract Studio - 1
Image - 1
Unknown Publisher - 1

Went way over budget this month with 2 extra comics and a magazine. Next month a few things will drop off and I'm going to have to maybe drop a few titles.

Breakdown as of September 2008:
Marvel Comics - 260
DC Comics - 231
Abstract Studio - 6

Dark Horse - 6

Ape Entertainment - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 3
Image - 2
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1
Unknown Publisher - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 50.4% of the comics ordered from DCBS and DC Comics drops to 44.8% all other indie's move up to 4.8%. The Comic Geek Speak Book is bieng published by someone unknown to me at this time and I almost missed it on the order I'll updated this if and when I find out who the publisher is.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Strange City Heroes - A Webcomic by me

Hi all just wanted to let you all know that my webcomic Strange City Heroes is up and running. I hope you enjoy. The comic can be found at www.strangedrawingsartgallery.com

- Kevin Johnson

My Current DCBS Order August 2008

I'm a bit late with this I've been working on my website and had to put this blog on hold for a while. So anyway here's the update.

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of August 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

Action Comics #870
Amazing Spider-Man #573
Amazing Spider-Man #574
Amazing Spider-Man #575
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1
Batman #681
Captain America #43
Detective Comics #849
Final Crisis #5 (of 7)
Green Arrow and Black Canary #13
Hulk #7
Justice League of America #26
Justice Society of America #20
Mighty Avengers #19
Monster Size Hulk #1
Moon Knight #23
Ms. Marvel #32
New Avengers #46
Secret Invasion #7 (of 6)
Spawn #185
Terry Moore's Echo #7
Uncanny X-Men #503
Usagi Yojimbo #115
Wonder Woman #25
X-Factor #36
X-Men Legacy #217

Breakdown:
Marvel - 15
DC - 8
Abstract Studio - 1
Dark Horse Comics - 1
Image - 1

2 less comics this month and again Marvel dominates the month holding number 1 spot. As you can tell I mostly "Make Mine Marvel" always have probably always will. I haven't bought anything from Image in a while but with Todd McFarlane back involved with Spawn I thought I'd check it out for a while.

Breakdown as of August 2008:
Marvel Comics - 244
DC Comics - 222
Dark Horse - 6
Abstract Studio - 5
Ape Entertainment - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 3
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Image - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 50% of the comics ordered from DCBS and DC Comics drops to 45.5% all other indie's move up to 4.5%. I really want to see how far ahead Marvel gets over time. I enjoy all brands of comics but Marvel is where my heart is I guess. Someday I'm going to get a complete list of all of my comics and really get an accurate count.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Star Wars: the Clone Wars

This image is copyright © 2008 Lucas Film and is used as Fair Use Review images only.
Image will be removed upon request of Lucas Film, ILM or any other official Star Wars copyright owner.

Well Star Wars: The Clone Wars came out today and (drumroll please) IT WAS A OK (cymbal crash). So I went in not really knowing what to expect from this movie and it gave me plenty of the unexpected. I don't know how well this is going to do in theatres because it is kind of a filler movie and it really doesn't advance the story much but with that being said it was a fun, action packed adventure movie and it looked really good.
I'm a huge Star Wars fan and I like all of the movies Episode I - VI as well as the two Clone Wars TV series. The Clone Wars isn't going to be considered the best Star Wars movie but it does give us a great look at some characters that have not had much screen time and a new character Zero The Hutt who is some sort of gay, southern, English speaking, tattooed, Hutt that I nearly peed my pants when I heard him talk.

My only problems with the movie are this:1 - the voices and the movement of lips really didn't match up well and I kept noticing it...I hope they fix that on the DVD.

2 - I kinda wish I had known what the Sub-Story was (SMALL SPOILER ALERT) was because it was a bit weird. Jabba's baby was kinda hokey but I understand where they are going with it because if there is an Episode VII and beyond this character will be important (I think). I guess if I had paid more attention to the trailers and website I'd have know about it but I didn't want to know much so it would be fun and it really was.

I could watch more Star Wars movies like this but I still want more live action if they are going to make more movies.
Here's to George Lucas!!! I don't care what anyone may say I like what you do my friend!

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Jumping On

So it seems to me that most people who read and collect comic books at some point get behind on their reading and then never seem to catch up. I personally am a professional at this I have years worth of some titles that I buy every month that I am several years behind on reading namely Batman, Action Comics, Detective Comics, Uncanny X-Men & X-Men Legacy and maybe there are a few others. I decided this week that its time to just "Jump On" I did this a few months ago with Spider-Man during the "One More Day" story and its worked out fine. I'm just thinking that I'm wasting money buying stuff that is just sitting here waiting to be read when I have more than enough time to read everything I get in a month but the catching up 50 issues of X-Men seems like it would take forever.

I guess the real question is why do we do this? Why is it so hard to just jump on a title? I don't ever have a problem starting in on a comic I have never read before usually within three months I know what is going on.

The point of this blog....if I buy it I'm reading it the month I get it from now on!

- Kevin Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order July 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of July 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about. This order includes two back issues that I didn't order in the last two months.

Action Comics #869
Amazing Spider-Man #570
Amazing Spider-Man #571
Amazing Spider-Man #572
Captain America #42
Detective Comics #848
Femme Noir: Dark City Diaries #4 (of 4)
Final Crisis #4 (of 7)
Green Arrow and Black Canary #12
Hulk #6
Justice League of America #25
Justice Society of America #10
Mighty Avengers #18
Moon Knight #22
Ms. Marvel #31
Ms. Marvel Annual #1
New Avengers #45
Patsy Walker: Hellcat #1 (of 6)
Patsy Walker: Hellcat #2 (of 6)
Patsy Walker: Hellcat #3 (of 6)
Secret Invasion #6 (of 6)
Terry Moore's Echo #6
Thor #11
Uncanny X-Men #502
Usagi Yojimbo #114
Wonder Woman #24
X-Factor #35
X-Men Legacy #216

Breakdown:
Marvel - 18
DC - 7
Ape Entertainment - 1
Abstract Studio - 1
Dark Horse Comics - 1


Marvel dominates this month holding number 1 spot overall and pulling away quickly. DC is still falling away from the top.

Breakdown as of July 2008:
Marvel Comics - 229
DC Comics - 214
Dark Horse - 5
Ape Entertainment - 4
Abstract Studio - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 3
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 49.6% of the comics ordered and DC Comics drops to 46.3% all other indie's move up to 4.1%.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

HULK SMASH! The Incredible Hulk Movie

This image is copyright © 2008 Marvel Comics and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of Marvel Comics.



So I went in to this movie with no expectations. I had been more interested in seeing the Iron Man connection and how for the first time the Marvel Universe was actually related on the movie screen. I saw it opening weekend at my new favorite even the Saturday Matenee.


This movie was awesome from the start, I decided to go in and forget that I felt the Hulk and Abomination looked like big rubber monsters. (I didn't see the first Hulk movie because of this)

Ed Norton to me looks like Bruce Banner and I'm glad he got the part and I hope he sticks around for another movie even though he's been upset that his preferred cut of the movie was not released.


This movie was action packed and great fun for all the fanboys out there with plenty of Easter Egg moments to enjoy. The best moments, THUNDERCLAP, "Hulk Smash!", Stan Lee, and the fighting.


This is one of the better comic book movies yet it wasn't the best but its a good quality movie that sits well alongside of Spider-Man 1 & 2, Batman Returns, Iron Man, X-Men 2, & Sin City.


4.75 Stars out of 5


- Kevin Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Goodbye Michael Turner You Will Be Missed

This image is copyright © 2008 DC Comics and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of DC Comics.

Today I learned that artist Michael Turner passed away. Although I never met him I feel like I lost a friend. I enjoyed Michael's art even if some people criticized it I always loved looking at his covers. Rest in peace Michael you've left us with your art and you will be remembered always.

- Kevin Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Final Crisis # 1 & 2

So I just read number 2 and all I can say is What The Fuck? (Yep its in need of the dirty word.) I have no idea what I just read and I gotta say I've totally lost interest...I'll buy the series until the end though and pray it gets better...pray it gets to something I understand. The first two issue have had no effect on my knowledge of the DC universe which is not a whole lot but this should be the series that brings me in...at this point it is not bringing me anywhere.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Why I Buy What I Buy

Boy I'm behind on blogging but I still have things to write about one being the question of why do you buy the comics that you buy?

So everyone out there has reasons for why they started collecting comics and why they collect what they collect I'd love to hear responses from people out there on why they do what they do but for now I'll tell you about my comics buying process.

1st and foremost the characters are the main thing for me and I will rarely drop a title because I don't like the writing or artwork. The worst Moon Knight comic is better than no moon Knight at all (this could cause the title to keep being bad though). Spider-Man, Hawkeye, X-Men, Batman, Wolverine (on a team) are longtime favorites and comics featuring them get huge runs.

2nd is title loyalty. I am loyal to certain titles for pretty much the long hall and will always buy it no matter what is going on or who the creative team is. Amazing Spider-Man & Uncanny X-Men are the biggest comics in my collection but not the only comics I will never drop unless the comic is cancelled. Currently these are the comics I have no intention of ever dropping even if I'm years behind in reading some of them The Amazing Spider-Man, The Uncanny X-Men, Batman, Detective Comics, New Avengers, X-Factor, New X-Men/X-Men Legacy, Ms. Marvel, Justice League of America, Justice Society of America, Terry Moore's Echo & Thor. These titles are my favorites and will stay with them as long as I can pay for them. Some of these are titles that I just started collecting with the current series but I have so much interest in the character that I am committed for the long haul these are JLA, JSA, Ms. Marvel, Thor, and Echo.

3rd would be art and artist. The art is very important to me I love comic book art from every era and every style. I will often try a title because of the artist or even the cover art. If the art grabs me I will buy it almost evrytime (I avoid looking at stuff in the store because of this sometimes) I have a list of favorites that isn't yet on this blog but really its incomplete because sometimes I don't remember the name of the artist and even though I absolutely love their artwork I'll be posting that at some point so you all can see who I like (for the most part).

4th writer...to be honest up until Brian Michael Bendis started on Sam and Twitch I really didn't buy comics based on who wrote them and often didn't even know or care as long as I got my favorite heroes. This has changed a lot and I often spend time at the bookstore or comic shop looking for writer's in trade paperbacks (especially indie comics). I should come up with a list for these guys as well.

Lastly what have I heard was good. Many reviews on podcast or magazines put ideas in my head and when I'm at the bookstore I often sit there for an hour or two mulling over the titles trying to find a trade paperback that is new to me or I just have been dying to read. This has started a trade only titles for me too. Some I have a few trades some I just have the first one with the intention to get the rest. Titles include DMZ, Invinceable, The Walking Dead (hardcovers), The Exterminators, Fables, Strangers In Paradise and Ex Machina.

So Thats about it for this blog,

Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order June 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of June 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

ACTION COMICS #868
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #567
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #568
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #569
BATMAN #680
CAPTAIN AMERICA #41
DETECTIVE COMICS #847
FEMME NOIR DARK CITY DIARIES #3 (OF 4)
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #11
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #24
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #18
MIGHTY AVENGERS #17
MOON KNIGHT #21
MOUSE GUARD WINTER 1152 #6 (OF 6)
MS MARVEL #30
NEW AVENGERS #44
SECRET INVASION #5 (OF 8)
UNCANNY X-MEN #501
WONDER WOMAN #23
X-FACTOR #34
X-MEN LEGACY #215

Breakdown:
Marvel - 12
DC - 7
Ape Entertainment - 1
Archaia Studio Press - 1

Marvel has the edge again this month even with a few titles not coming out this month and taking over the number 1 spot overall. DC stays close in the totals but slips back to second overall. A few Amendments to last months order Terry Moore's ECHO #3 & #4 were added from Abstract Studio as well as Justice Society Of America Annual #1 from DC. These comics are added to the overall totals.

Breakdown as of April 2008:
Marvel Comics - 211
DC Comics - 207
Dark Horse - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 3
Ape Entertainment - 3
Abstract Studio - 3
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1

Marvel Comics now leads with 48.6% of the comics ordered and DC is a close second with 47.7% all other indie's combining for 3.7%.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

MACH GO! GO! GO! - Speed Racer The Movie

This image is copyright © 2008 Warner Brothers Pictures and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of Warner Brothers Pictures.


So I had heard that this wasn't a good movie, I heard it wasn't making any money at the box office, and I heard it was not worth seeing. All that negativity made me want to see it more and I really wanted to see it on the big screen. I had not been able to get to the theatre until today and after tomorrow I think it will be out of theatres or at least by the middle of the week when new movies are released. So I had to go now and I've got to tell you matinee is the way to go $4.75 for a movie is kinda like doing something illegal these days.

I went in knowing that this movie was a cartoon made into a live action movie and it would be aimed at kids. That sounds great to me!!! So at the beginning there is a shot of young Speed Racer's shoe and it has drawings on it and the word GO for me that was all I needed to know I was going like this movie.

Its been a long time since I have watched the cartoon of Speed Racer but I do remember loving it as a child in the 1970's. This movie quickly let you know that it was still a cartoon and it was going to be ridiculous and wonderful and I think a lot of people will not allow themselves to get that. I get it. The movie was filmed using the brightest colors and fast action and there were constant flash backs and split screens and overlaying screens and a lot of stuff going on...I loved it. Crazy races and fight scene's, did I mention NINJAS?, and really cool cars and drivers. It really was a fun movie. The colors are really what got me wanting to see this on the big screen because I am known in my own art to use brilliant colors and I just had to see this.

The actors all really fit the characters well and maintained the look and feel of the cartoon. Spritle and Chim Chim really stole the show with their crazy antics and provided a great deal of funny moments. When I think back of the characters they all look in this movie like they did in the cartoon. Trixie, Speed, Pops and Racer X were dead on as far as I remember with Mom Racer, Spritle, Chim Chim, Sparky, Inspector Detector & the rest all looking like they were if not perfect close enough for me. The only thing I found odd was the Mach 5 - Mach 6 thing? They used the Mach 5 some but Speed mostly used a car that had a 6 on the side. I'm not sure why they had to do this there was a part where Speed said that the Mach 5 was his brother Rex Racer's car but he still used the Mach 5 and I don't know why he didn't use it when he raced...I'll probably have to go back to the cartoon to figure this one out.

Anyway I enjoyed it. I think if grownups would allow themselves to be kids again for a few hours that they would enjoy this too and hopefully it will do well on DVD and rentals and maybe we can get a part 2.

MACH GO! GO! GO!

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

The Walking Dead Book One - Hardcover - Sorta Reviewed

This image is copyright © 2007 Image Comics and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of Image Comics.
The Walking Dead - Book One
Cover Price: $29.99
Publisher: Image Comics
Creator, Writer, Letterer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Gray Tones: Tony Moore

Penciler, Inker: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones: Cliff Rathburn

AWESOME

So I got this gift card for $25.00 to Borders and I went an had hoped to find two Graphic Novels and maybe only have to pay five bucks or so but the stuff they had was either way too expensive or just wasn't what I wanted to read right now. So I kept looking at the thing I've wanted for a long time now The Walking Dead in hardcover. For some reason I have refused to buy this series unless I get the hardcovers...I think its because I love the design of the cover that repeats on book two and three with different images. Finally I decide I gotta get it it $29.99 and I have $25.00 on the card so it'll be cheap and I'll finally have it. So I get to the register and the lady ask's if I have a Borders card and I say yes (It's free and you all need to get one - they always send great coupons) and she says oh great you get to use this coupon I have sitting here and I perk up and am like wha? Coupon? Sweet! So the coupon is 40% off and now the book is $19.56 so that means I got the Walking Dead for FREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn't get to read this yet but I have read the first six trade paperbacks because my co-worker and friend Heather Green loaned them to me we have this thing I buy the DMZ trades she gets The Walking Dead and we swaop for a few days.

Anyway The Walking Dead is a Zombie book that is really about the people who survive and the relationships they build with each other and has become one of my favorite comic book series of all time and is definitely among if not the best non-superhero comic I have ever read. Book One reprints issues number one thru twelve and I can hardly wait to read them again.

What is so cool about the hardcover? Well the previously mentioned cover for one great thing but the bonus section includes a six page story featuring Morgan and Duane the father and son from issue number one, a sketchbook section featuring cover ideas, a few random new drawings, head sketches, and fourteen full color, full bleed pages of cover art for issues one thru twelve and the cover for the first two trade paperbacks.

A most excellent book that I can hardly wait to read again.

-Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2008 - The Holdays are among us

So Free Comic Book Day was good this year again. We don't have conventions around here but we sure do have generous comic book stores. I went to three comic shops on Free Comic Book Day and got a boat load of stuff. In Metairie, Louisiana BSI Comics offered 10 free comics, & Media Underground Comics offered anything you wanted (they had a lot and some leftovers from previous years) both also had guest and heroclix and posters and stuff. Magic Comics and Hobbies in Slidell, Louisiana had all the big name books and some of the indie stuff, hero clix, Star Wars minatures figures and they were also giving away some Planet Hulk issues that they had overstock of. In years past I'd have gone to more stores but this year I was kina sick and had gotten most of the books so I called it a day and it was a good day.

Free Comic Book Days is my favorite holiday because to be honest I'm the only one in my family that is into comics and I don't have to worry about pleasing anyone or being at anyones house or whatever the other holidays bring.

So what did I get:

Lets start with the extras: I got three Iron Man Heroclix figures (not sure what series these are for) and one Iron Man (Supernova Series) Heroclix figure, one Wonder Woman (DC Heroclix Origin) Heroclix figure, three Batman (DC Heroclix Origin) Heroclix figures and 1 each of the Star Wars miniature figures Quarren and a clone trooper.

I got an autographed poster from the creators of Welcome To Border City the webcomic located at www.welcometobordercity.com and got to see some of the original artwork. NICE STUFF guys!!!

Now for the comis I got:
2 copies of the EC Sampler
1 copy of Nascar Heroes
1 copy of Comics Go Hollywood
3 copies of Owly and Friends
1 copy of Ignatz
1 copy of Maintenance
1 copy of Wizard's How To Draw
1 copy of Kid Houdini and The Silver Dollar Misfits
1 copy of Shin Chan (Ashcan sized comic)
1 copy of The Moth
1 copy of Hero By Night/Gunplay
1 copy of Gumby
1 copy of Hellboy: The Golden Army
2 copies of Hellboy: The Mole
2 copies of Cartoona Palooza (1 autographed by Tim Lattie artist of White Picket Fences)
2 copies of Broken Trinity
1 copy of Impact University Volume 4
1 copy of Shonen Jump Special
1 copy Transformers Animated
1 copy of Sonic The Hedgehog
1 copy of Archies Pal Jughead
1 copy Walt Disney's Gyro Gearloose
1 copy od The Incredible Hulk/Iron Man
2 copies of Marvel Adventures Iron Man & Hulk & Spider-Man
3 copies of All Star Superman
2 copies of Bongo Comics Free-For-All 2008
1 copy of Graphic Classics
2 copies of Tiny Titans
1 copy of Worlds Of Aspen #3
1 copy of Love And Capes #7
1 copy of Del Rey & Dabel Brothers 2008 Preview
2 copies of Avengers/Invaders Sketchbook
1 copy of Owly: Helping Hands
3 copies of X-Men
2 copies of Project Superpowers: The Death-Defying Devil
1 copy of Arcana Presents
2 copies of Dan Dare/TheStranded
1 copy of Atomic Robo/Neozoic
1 copy of Neotopia: The Enlightened Age Book 1 (full manga book in color)

yes it was a good day!

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Secret Invasion #2

This image is copyright © 2008 Marvel Comics and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of Marvel Comics.

Secret Invasion #2
Cover Price: $2.99
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Major Characters: SKRULLS, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Hawkeye/Ronin, Wolverine, Mokingbird, Luke Cage, Vision, Sentry, Ms. Marvel, Ares, Captain America, many character doubles

WHO DO YOU TRUST!

Man I just don't know and I am giving warning that I am spoiling some of this so if you have not read it you better stop reading this!

SKRULLS! SKRULLS! SKRULLS!

So in issue #1 a bunch of old school 70s and 80s style heroes jumped off of a crashed SKRULL ship. In issue #2 all hell breaks lose and Avengers old and new break out into battle. Its unclear who is a Skrull and who isn't (thats what they wanted right) so the battle breaks out and Ares is telling the Avengers that we know in todays comics to leave because this isn't the right fight to be involved in but the fight happens anyway and some of the pieces start to fall into place.

Several of the characters from the Skrull ship are revealed as Skrulls when they are killed in the fight or by the giant T-Rex that rips through the middle of the fray (Savage Land Style). Spider-Man & Hawkeye + dead = skrulls. I think some of the 70s/80s characters are going to be who they say they are. Emma Frost is shot with an arrow and is bleeding red blood (do skrulls have red blood?) and I anm going on record saying that I believe Mockingbird is the real deal.

In the 80's I was a huge fan of the West Coast Avengers and I loved Hawkeye and Mockingbirds relationship and really wished that they had not killed her off. I want these two back together almost as much as I want Spider-Man and Mary Jane back. I always found it interesting to have married heroes no matter what Joe Quesada thinks. I think Clint Bartons little test of what "October 12th" is one of those things that always works in the movies and it has to work here please Mr. Bendis for me let ths be the real Mockingbird and Hawkeye, please, please, please.

Anyway it ends up with a load of Skrulls descending on Manhattan looking like skrulls but dressed as a load of Avengers and X-Men with what looks like armor instead of spandex.

Francis Lenil Yu again does a nice job on the art and I am ready to read some of the comics that I get that tie-in to this series.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

DC Universe #0

This image is copyright © 2008 DC Comics and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of DC Comics.

DC Universe #0
Cover Price: .50 cents
Publisher: DC Comics
Major Characters: Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Joker, Flash, Green Lantern, Spectre, Rogues Gallery, Libra

So this is basically a issue long commercial for DC's upcoming Final Crisis and several tie-in limited series. Each section of the comic is followed by an ad for a new series DC hopes we will all buy. Normally this kind of thing would not be something I'd enjoy spending my money on but DC did the right thing by making it .50 cents and providing some great artwork and a nice lead in to Final Crisis. Lots of characters appear but what interested me most is the Batman/Joker stuff and I hope I don't need to buy Batman R.I.P. to read that one because it looks good and I hope they cover it in Final Crisis or I'll probably have to pick up the trade later on.

All in all I'm excited for Final Crisis to start up (I'll have to wait for my DCBS order to get this one though) and I don't blame DC for putting this out...hell I'd buy plenty more .50 cent comics for the art alone.

-Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

New Stats For My DCBS Ordering

So DCBS has an option to download all of the items that you have ordered from them so I can now have a more accurate count of the titles I've ordered and update statistics of my trends in ordering. I'm not sure what I'll come up with for a complete statistical measure of my collection being that its a lot of boxes and I have never been able to get a 100% complete list of everything I own. Anyway the newest statistics look better fo DC Comics in my DCBS ordering.

The Totals:
DC Comics - 199
Marvel Comics - 199
Dark Horse - 4
Archaia Studios Press - 2
Ape Entertainment - 2
Abstract Studio - 1
Boom! Studios - 1
Evil Twin Comics - 1
Super Real Graphics - 1

DC Comics and Marvel Comics tie with 48.5% each and all other indie's combining for 3%. Marvel will soon takeover the number one spot because I have recently dropped Flash and Supergirl and Countdown is over and I will not be getting another weekly title from DC.

Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

My Current DCBS Order for May 2008

These are the comics I have on order with DCBS for the month of May 2008, feel free to discuss what you are excited about.

ACTION COMICS #867
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #564
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #565
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #566
BATMAN #679
CAPTAIN AMERICA #40
DETECTIVE COMICS #846
FEMME NOIR DARK CITY DIARIES #2 (OF 4)
FINAL CRISIS #3 (OF 7)
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #10
HULK #5
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #23
MIGHTY AVENGERS #16
MOON KNIGHT #20
MS MARVEL #29
NEW AVENGERS #43
SECRET INVASION #4
SKRULLS ONE-SHOT
SPIDER-MAN BRAND NEW DAY EXTRA
TERRY MOORES ECHO #5
THOR #10
UNCANNY X-MEN #500
USAGI YOJIMBO #113
WONDER WOMAN #22
X-FACTOR #33
X-MEN LEGACY #214

Breakdown:
Marvel - 16
DC - 7
Ape Entertainment - 1
Abstract Studio - 1
Dark Horse Comics - 1

Marvel has a huge edge this month and it doesn't look like that will change anytime soon.

I'll also be keeping track of DCBS order totals as if April 2008 was the first order I have made maybe I will go back and figure out the real totals later on to see my ordering tendencies.

Breakdown as of April 2008:
Marvel - 28
DC - 15
Ape Entertainment - 2
Abstract Studio - 1
Archaia Studios Press - 1
Dark Horse Comics - 1

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Iron Man The Movie

So I just saw the movie a day early (not sure how the theatre got away with it but for me and the ten or so others that were there it was awesome)

I'm not gonna spoil it so here is a brief review:

Tony Stark: Kick Ass
Iron Man Armor Mark 1: Kick Ass
Iron Man Armor Mark II and beyond: Kick Ass
Pepper Potts: I wanna make babies with her - Kick Ass
Iron Monger Armor: Kick Ass
Random Afgani Soldiers: Got their Asses Kicked
Was That The Mandarin? - Dunno didn't pay attention in the credits
Music: AC/DC, Suicidal Tendencies, Black Sabbath - KICK ASS
James Rhodes: Gonna Kick Ass in part two
Jarvis: Very Interesting
Technology: KICK FUCKIN' ASS
Staying After The Credits: Priceless see also Kicking Ass


Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Comic Book Conventions and The Lack Thereof

So its convention season and all the podcasts are reporting from the cons and although its cool to hear the interviews it kinda sucks for me because we don't get any cons in Louisiana...maybe some small local stuff but nothing major. We had 1 good one here that I know of (ever) it was called The Big Easy Comic Con (It was owned by Mid-Ohio Comic Con) and it was awesome. I just wish we could get something down here Big Easy never came back due to the hotel selling their space for the next year (which they had already paid for). I got to meet Brian Michael Bendis when he was doing Sam and Twitch and got to talk to him for at least 30 minutes with just me and my friend. There are some funny stories to go along with this show but that's another blog. Anyway I felt like there was a lot of support in New Orleans for a Convention and I have always wondered why there are never any shows around here??? So if you have conventions around you or can afford to travel to them enjoy them to the fullest.


-Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Justice Society Of America #12 - 13

These images are copyright © 2008 DC Comics and is used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of DC Comics.

Justice Society of America #12 & 13

Cover Price: $2.99 each

Publisher: DC Comics

Major Characters: Green Lantern (Alan Scott), The Flash (Jay Garrick), Hawkman, Powergirl, Superman (Kal El - Kingdom Come), Mr. Terriffic, Dr. Mid-Nite, Liberty Belle, Hourman, Stargirl, Cyclone, Wildcat (Ted Grant), Wildcat (Tommy Bronson), Damage, Starman, Citizen Steel, Judomaster, Jakeem Thunder, Amazing Man, Superman (Clark Kent) and a few others

So the Justice Society keeps getting bigger and bigger and I'm still ok with that but lets get some action soon. I'm getting new characters every issue it seems and even though I've heard that this book is for old school DC Fanboys I still like it and have enjoyed every issue so far.

One part I have personal feelings about is the Amazing Man segment in issue #12. A character from New Orleans that I never knew about before makes me happy. They dabbled into the aftermath of hurricane Katrina and there was a barge that needed to be removed...this is based on a real story and to see Power Girl and the Kingdom Come Superman remove it made me feel good that DC treated my home with respect. I hope that they do more with this story.

The Kingdom Come element is fine with me. I read it a few years back and it was a great story. A lot of comic book fans don't want this in DC continuity but I'm good with it if they have alternate universes they can cross over and its just fine with me. I like the two Supermen and how they interact with each other its not quite normal for either of them as I see it but they know that they are both on the same side.

The one thing I find kinda weird and maybe even stupid is the fact that we have two Wildcats. Why do they both have to be named Wildcat and why doesn't this bother anyone? I understand the father and son thing but come on two people on the same team at the same time with the same name...its just weird to me. I know DC has a lot of this going on with other characters and I just wanted it to be known that it bothers me.

The cover to JSA #13 is simply beautiful. My preview here is something I found on the internet because the actual issue has a barcode on it and it takes away from the Alex Ross awesomeness. Its just a great image and all the heads around it (mostly looking in) work really well. I'd buy a poster of this one for sure.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

I'm Now Part of The Comic Blog Legion

So in trying to find a bigger readership and more comic bloggers I came across Redhead Fangirl whom I had heard do a podcast a while ago but I think she only had one or two episodes. Anyway I was looking over her blog ( http://redlibcomic.blogspot.com/ ) and I came across the Comic Blog Legion that she started. I asked to join and was granted membership (I don't think she'd refuse someone with a comic blog) and I hope to find friends and maybe gain some readership through the Comic Blog Legion. ( http://www.midjerseycomicon.com/bloglegion )

Thanks Redhead Fangirl!!!!

- Kevin Johnson
Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Terry Moore's ECHO #1 and #2

This image is copyright © 2008 Terry Moore in association with Abstract Studio and is used as a Fair Use Review image only. Image will be removed upon request of Terry Moore or Abstract Studio.

ECHO #1 & #2

Artist & Writer: Terry Moore

Cover Price: $3.50

Publisher: Abstract Studio

So I wasn't going to pick this comic up. I knew Terry Moore and Jeff Smith both had new comics coming out and I was interested in getting both Echo and Smith's RASL but I just didn't want to add anything to my pull list right now.

So I walked into BSI Comics in Metairie, Louisiana looking for that $4.99 Witchblade trade that came out and of course it was sold out but I looked on the shelves and saw ECHO #1 & #2 they had 1 copy of each left and as soon as I saw the covers I had to get these at least to tryout. Ok so I have an instant attraction to the girl on the cover she has the look that I like in women (man is that fanboy or what?). They had RASL too but sorry Jeff Smith I just didn't like what I saw and Terry Moore's covers blew me away.

So I go home and not knowing anything about what the story would be I dove right in. Instantly I was hooked. The story is about a mysterious material being experimented on by the government and a girl who happens to get herself in the way of the fallout of this experiment. The name ECHO is still a mystery as far as I can tell but I predict that it may have something to do with the name of the project that the government is working on (I'll have to read it again). I am also intrigued as to where this story will go because it has all the makings of a super hero type comic as well as a government conspiracy title.

Terry Moore's art is nice, I think he's best when he does a drawing with minimal background because his characters seem be natural figures and they often have wonderful facial expressions that leaves you not needing any more.

I expect issue #3 to start the figuring out of just what the main character Julie has stumbled upon as well as solidify the supporting cast. I just hope I can find a copy of #3 and #4 being that I don't have them on my pull list until #5 comes out.
-Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

300 by Frank Miller (Hardcover)

This image is copyright © 2006 Frank Miller in association with Dark Horse Comics and is used as a Fair Use Review image only. Image will be removed upon request of Frank Miller or Dark Horse Comics.

300
Frank Miller: Story and Art
Lynn Varley: Colors
Cover Price: $30.00
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

300 is the story of three hundred Spartans sworn to defend Sparta against the threat of the massive army of Persia lead by Xerxes the self proclaimed God king. Xerxes goal is to expand his kingdom beyond the borders of Greece and forcing the inhabitants to serve under him as their God and king.

The artwork and colors are beautiful and brutal at the same time. Battle scenes are filled with chaos and a style that only Frank Miller could bring to a comic. The hardcover edition of this book is oversized and worth every inch if you are looking to buy a copy of this book.

300 Spartans set out to stop an army so large that it shakes the earth under its feet, 300 Spartans who move and fight as one entity, 300 Spartans for all of Greece.

I enjoyed this book a great deal. I've wanted to read it for several years and the hype did not ruin it for me. I had already seen the movie (the day it came out) and for once I find that the movie actually made this book even better. The scenes of the movie are directly from Frank Miller's artwork as was done in Sin City but the movie added even more to the story that alloewed for more understanding of what was going on back in Sparta.

I highly recommend this book and the movie as a special after reading treat.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Frank Miller's 300...I Got It Free WHOOOOO HOOOOO!!!

I've been wanting to buy Frank Miller's 300 for like 2 years now and I always put it back because it's $30 and I just seem to always have two other $15.99 books I want to get at the same time. So I'm at work today and I work for a book publisher and we sometimes get returns that are not from our company and they go into a little box that employees can just take...well to my surprise the guy who handles the returns has a stack of books he's bringing in and 2 copies of Frank Miller's 300 and 5 copies of 300 The Art Of The Film were in his hands. I said "what are you doing with those?" and he said "putting them in the free book box!" I said "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

I finally can read the book, hooray!!! And I have a copy of the Movie Art too. I gave away the other 300 book and 1 of the art books to a girl that works here and is slightly into comics. I'll probably give away the other three Art books too.

Ahhhhh FREE FRANK MILLER GOODNESS!!!!

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Oops forgot to metion the best of the week???

So I forgot the best stuff of the week...Thats to be expected I guess...but don't tell anyone.New Avengers #38-39 and Secret Invasion #1. In New Avengers the Invasion is starting to begin and Wolverine gets to do some good old killin' and Skrull is the best kind of killin' if ya ask me! New Avengers has been on of my favorite comic books since it came out and I hope none of these guys turn out to be a Skrull. I think Echo would be most likely if anyone but I'm afraid that Luke Cage or Jessica Jones could be a Skrull just to make me mad and then their baby would be some sort of Skrumanbieng or something. Secret Invasion #1 is a whole lot to take in and leaves you with quite a few oh crap moments and FOUR SKRULLS revealed I don't want to be a spoiler this early so I won't say who the Skrulls are but I'd feel it ok to say that Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards has a very small chance of being a Skrull being that he gets dealt with by a Skrull and all. I can't wait for number two!!!!

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright ©2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Ahhhh Comics Satisfaction - I've been reading a lot this week

Is it me or are comics really good right now?

I've been reading a lot this last week or so and have been totally satisified on almost everything I've read. Comics arejust fun and good these days. I did some catching up on DC's 52 (I'm so far behind) finishing issues 34-39 I really like this series becauise it gives me a chance to read many DC characters that I don't know about and it gives me a little better knowledge of the DCU. One of my favorite comics is Justice League of America for the same reason as 52 there are so many characters running around and although Batman, Wonderwoman and Superman are there there is a great cast that steals the show. In JLA I've heard people complain about Red Tornado and to be honest I had never heard of him until issue #1 and he is now one of my favorite DC characters and after issue #18 & 19 I'm looking forward to what happens in the next year with Red Tornado. Lastly in DC I caught up on Wonder Woman issues #12-18 and Annual #1. I like this title which I never thought I would when it came out. The question is often asked what should a girl read if she is new to comics and wants to try superheroes? I'd definitely suggest Wonder Woman especially since Gail Simone is writing it now.

I also read DMZ book 4 Friendly Fire from Vertigo. I love the art of Riccardo Burchielli on this book and and Brian Wood continues to make this story feel like this could actually happen someday.

Well remember my review of the Pat Lewis comic Abominable well I found the hardcover of The Claws Come Out which includes Abominable, Bad Date, Prowl, Zombie Trouble, & some Bonus Material all hosted by Lily St. Evil a voluptuous "Elvira" type horror hostess that make The Claws Come out a solid dose of Pat Lewis goodness! And its only $19.99 for 152 pages!

The last indie book of this round was Usagi Yojimbo #110 which was just a fun little story that makes me wonder why I ever stopped reading this comic? I gotta go find issues #1 - 104. I love Stan Saki...yes I said it.

Marvel maddness was goodness too. Thor #6-7 wow Thor is becoming what he always needed to be the heir to Odin's throne. This comic makes me happy that I read comics everytime I read a new issue. Mighty Avengers #9-11 are finally making me feel like this book is getting its legs but then a villian like Dr. Doom will do that. I don't like all of these Avengers but I'm sticking with the book for a while. Hulk #2 was interesting but I want to do a post on Hulk so I won't say more on that. Amazing Spider-Man #549-554. Spidey is really good these days even if I don't agree with how we got here its just really good. New villians, old friends and I know that Mary Jane and Pete are going to find their way back together so I'll go for the ride Joe Quesada has decided to put me on. Ms. Marvel #24-25. Carol Danvers has become my favorite female character in the last three years and this book has been fun for me. I don't know all about her past but this book is fun and now that there is a Skrull doppleganger in the mix we might have a chance to see Ms. Marvel beat herself. Ok so Captain America #35-36 are pretty good (I know they are awesome but I have missed most of this series). I like that Bucky is now Cap and that he's learning. I have to do some learning myself and pick up some of the trades so I can truly appreciate this title.

So all that goodness can't go without some bad right? Moon Knight! I read #15-16 and I just have to say Charlie Huston needs to be completely gone from this book. I love the Moon Knight character and I love the way he looks but I really dread reading this comic. I like most of the artwork and would say its all been great with the exception of so many panels of the faceless Bushman...its getting old, really, really old...I think everyone knows that Moon Knight is quite crazy but if this book doesn't get a Bendis makeover or something soon I'm gonna go as crazy as old Marc Spector. I read Moon Knight and I put the book down and I have no idea what I just read...with acception of the Annual #1 I gotta say this series is terrible. I don't want it to be cancelled and I am going to keep on buying it but if anyone can get Moon Knight on the streets fighting crime, fighting a good villian, talking to Khonshu instead of Bushman I would appreciate it.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright ©2008 Kevin P. Johnson