Mucho Man #1 by Chris Marino

Mucho Man by Chris Marino
Issue #1 Free (digital), future issues $1.00 (digital)
Color covers, black and white interiors
27 pages (including cover)

Read the digital comics here 

So what is Mucho Man? In the world where Mucho Man exist each country has a superhero representative sent to worldwide team called the "United Mega-Heroes" that started after the "Mega War".

Issue #1 starts with the last tale of El Pistolero the current member of the United Mega-Heroes representing Mexico. El Pistolero is a gun toting sombrero wearing badass that never misses a shot. He has no superpowers and yet has been the only Mexican representative in the United Mega-Heroes. What you will get from the El Pistolero story is the building blocks for why Mucho Man becomes Mexico's new hero. I won't spoil it but I will say that whatever happens involves armored flying prawns and that's worth cover price for sure (and since it's FREE it feels like you are stealing). I hope this comic comes back to the El Pistolero character in the future telling more of his past because he seems to be a character I could read for days on end.

You also meet Magnanimous who is America's hero with the power to create magnetic orbs and generate electro-magnetic pulses . . . he can also fly which I assume is sort of the same thing as Marvel Comics' Magneto does. Magnanimous is put in charge of bringing Mexico's newest hero into the United Mega-Heroes and has to convince him to quit his current occupation and become what he is meant to be.

After Mucho Man takes the reigns as Mexico's hero something wonderful happens that put's this comic on a level that I don't want to come down from. The villain . . . Austrian born fish throwing menace The Red Herring . . . he comes in at the end of the book but we get one of the best 6 page fight scenes I've seen in a long time . . . mostly because fish are weapons and that made me laugh (out loud at that) and I want more of it.

The art of Mucho Man  has a slight indie feel to it but works really well on this superhero book. The characters are original and creatively thought out and the overall silly ideas placed around a good story make for nothing but fun. The only thing I wish that I could change about this comic is that it's not in color and I love the colors of the characters on the covers.

Original Sketch CD ROM's

The comic is only available on the web through Graphicly at $1.00 an issue or you can get a CD ROM version from Chris if you see him at a convention that he will do an original sketch on which makes them extra cool . . . I'll be getting one of these.

I've thrown in some of the covers below for you to check out . . . GO READ THIS COMIC NOW!

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Mucho Man #2

Mucho Man #3

Mucho Man #5

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright ©2013 Chris Marino and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon the request of Chris Marino.

Superior Spider-Man #1-8, Marvel Comics . . . A few thoughts

Superior Spider-Man

Superior Spider-Man #1 Variant Cover

So I just read Superior Spider-Man a few days ago (I just got them all in) and I know that there are a lot of haters out there but I actually like it . . . a lot.

That being said I absolutely hate that Doc Ock is inside Spider-Man's body and I want him out of it as bad as everyone else but I am willing to let the story play out for a little while.

My theory from the end of Amazing Spider-Man #700 was that this wasn't going to be permanent. Marvel would destroy Spider-Man's life and then put Peter back in the costume and back in his body. With Superior Spider-Man my thoughts became even stronger about this when the "ghost" of Peter Parker appears and has been following Doc Ock around and is slowly starting to take back what is his.

Spider-Man's life has been too good as of late, great job, back with Mary Jane, on the Avengers and FF . . . it's a perfect life . . . Spider-Man is best when he's fighting to make things better and my theory is that he will lose all of these things and possibly more under Doc Ock's reign and then most likely Doctor Strange will come in and work his magic to get Peter back where he belongs.

So far it's playing out almost exactly as I expected but I'm hoping that it doesn't go on much longer because Peter Parker is my favorite character and the only real Spider-Man as far as I am concerned.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Image is copyright ©2012 Marvel Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon the request of  Marvel Comics.

A NORMAL GIRL - Kickstarter Project

Check out this great new Kickstarter Project by comic book artist Joe Badon.

Support the project at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1857321894/a-normal-girl

A quirky, serious, fantasy family film. A young girl who attends a school for "gifted" children believes she may soon have the gift of flight (the one talent that her school and her parents believe to be impossible).

It's fun, silly and serious low budget movie that mixes David Lynch, Napoleon Dynamite and Tim Burton into a touching family film.

WE NEED YOU TO HELP FINISH THE MOVIE! 

We need some shots that may require rented locations, equipment, etc...

Also, we'll need funding for creating the DVD's, distribution to film festivals, etc...

Trailer Credits:
Written and Directed by: Joe Badon
Cinematography by: Emma Badon
Additional Footage by http://BottledVideo.com

Actors:
Dad: Joe Badon
Jane: Sophie Badon

Music by:
Kevin Macleod http://incompetech.com/

Risks and challenges

The big challenge is just completing the rest of the film (ie: setting up location shots, scheduling around actor and crew schedules, etc...). The more funds we have the easier it will be to get the right locations, pay actors, feed the crew, etc...

The Sire #1-3, Mikebooks/Aftershock Comics

The Sire (2011)
Published by: Mikebooks/Aftershock Comics
Cover Price: #1 $2.99, #2-3 $3.99

Michael Dolce - Creator/Writer/Colorist
Dan Leister - Penciler
Talent Caldwell - Cover Artist #1-2
Tyler Kirkham - Cover Artist #3
Darren Sanchez - Editor
Catrina Cerise-Arana - Colorist

The Sire #1

The Sire Interior page

The Sire #2

The Sire #3

             The Sire #1-3 begins the tale of a young man named Donald Wright who accidentally comes into a costume that gives him the superpowers of The Sire. The costume has an agenda of it's own and takes control of Donald and forces him to save the world from evil doers. His identity is covered by a mask but he is recognized by his boss TV reporter J.J. Waterson and a psychotic millionaire who is behind more than Donald knows at first.

Donald is not the only one who has gained powers it seems to have happened all around the world including three prisoners who use their new found powers for crime. These three villains become the main threat to Donald in the first three issues and are what I'd describe as "Starter Viliiains" for our hero. I think they will

Overall I like the book, I think the story has promise and is a bit different than most superhero comic books where the hero isn't in control of his actions (at this point anyway). I like the covers on these comics done by Talent Caldwell (#1 & 2) they have a bit of a 1990's feel to them but are simple and effective. The cover for #3 is by a different artist Tyler Kirkham but has the same feel with a bit more details.

The interior art is by Dan Leister and it is a little different than the covers but maintains that 1990's influenced style. It works for me some panels are better than others but it is pretty consistent throughout the three issues. The colors of The Sire comic are by Michael Dolce and really well done and fitting for this comics style.

The Sire has a classic superhero costume which is memorable in it's simplicity. On the other hand the villains that we meet in the first three issues are not much more than regular looking people in prison jumpsuits and we don't get a real super bad guy until the end of issue three when we get a demonic looking creature that looks to be a real threatening supervillain (you'll have to read the book to get a picture of him). I do think that the three prisoners we meet will have an ongoing story and possibly become real threats in the future to the Sire.

Overall the story is good and the characters seem really interesting, my only complaint about the book is that the fight scenes seem to be a bit short with a lot of talking during the fights. I don't mind there being a lot of talking in the comics but I'd like to see longer superhero fight scenes that last five or six pages and full of action. I feel like this hero can be an awesome force once he learns the abilities of his costume and it should be shown over multiple pages at a time. I'd definitely like to read more of this comic in the future I'm a sucker for a superhero book with new and interesting characters.

The Sire is currently on issue #8 and is available in print as well as digital editions. You can get the print books from the online store here and get all of the digital versions on Comixology.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright © 2011 Mike Books/Aftershock Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Mike Books/Aftershock Comics.

Backing Boards #10 - Johnny Boo & Harold in Tricky Treaters - Halloween Comic Fest 2012

Cover Johnny Boo & Harold in Tricky Treaters

Interior page of Johnny Boo and Harold in Tricky Treaters

Johnny Boo & Harold in Tricky Treaters
Publisher: Top Shelf Kids Club
Cover Price: FREE
Creators: James Kolchalka and Jess Smart Smiley

Halloween Comic Fest . . . I've never been part of one of these just heard the rumors that it existed. Well on Free Comic Book Day 2013 I got a nice stack of these little Mini-Comics.

I love Johnny Boo (and now Harold) the comics are simplified and silly and full of humor for kids . . . the kind of comics I like to make myself.

 The Johnny Boo section of the comic is a full color Halloween story about a little ghost and his silly friends and well ice cream. Very simple story that will put a smile on your face and give you a feeling of what reading comic books as a kid was all about.

Harold is a black, white and green comic about vampires that is also very simple in art, lettering, and color. In this tale Harold forgets about Halloween and is then run through a series of tricks by several talking bats before finally receiving his treat. . . cute and funny stuff.

You can usually find Johnny Boo in the Top Shelf Free Comic Book Day comics and you should take a chance on the regular issues if you have kids or are a kid at heart.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright © 2012 Top Shelf Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon the request of Top Shelf Comics. 

Interior panel of Johnny Boo and Harold in Tricky Treaters

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013

Me, my art and comics

My ad for Free Comic Book Day

 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2013, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2013, BSI COMICS, 3030 Severn Ave., Metairie, LA 70002

Saturday was a great day . . . FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is basically geek Christmas. If you don't know what happens you just show show up at a comic book store  on the first Saturday in May and they give you some free comic books.

The last few years I have been one of the guest artist at different shops in my area and this year was really good for sales, it seemed like the customers were a lot more interested in the artist and writers than in the past and I think everyone did well.

So what did I get for free comic book day this year. Well as a guest artist I was able to get more books than the regular customers because I was there before the store opened and the folks handing out the comics said I could take whatever I wanted . . . I call that a perk and I like to have as many as I can get to check out the many different art styles from kids comics to adult comics. A lot of the comic books that I got this year were leftovers from last year that I missed out on . . . that's a win/win situation for me.

Free Comic Books

Here's my list (all 2013 unless noted):
World of Archie Digest #1
Ernest & Rebecca: The Haunted House Mini-Comic (2011)
Johnny Boo & Harold in Tricky Treaters Mini-Comic (2012)
Ghostbusters: Times Square Mini-Comic (2012)
Scouts! Prepare For Adversity: Drafted!/Strawberry Shortcake Mini-Comic (2012)
Cow Boy: Hallow's Mini-Comic (2012)
New Crusaders: Rise of the Heroes Mini-Comic (2012)

Free Comic Books

Zombie Kid Diaries: Grossery Games Mini-Comic (2012)
Spacehawk Mini-Comic (2012)
Snarked Mini-Comic (2012)
Bongo Comics Free-For-All! 2013
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H./Avengers Assemble
Infinity #1
Judge Dredd Classics
Grimm #0
Top Shelf kids Club 2013
Molly Danger

Free Comic Books

World's of Aspen 2013
NFL Rush Zone
Atomic Robo/Brodie Troll
DC Nation Super Sampler
Bleeding Cool
Bluff & Tales from a Forgotten Planet
Mass Effect/R.I.P.D./ The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys
Valiant 2013
Valiant Masters
Ugly Doll Comics
The Walking Dead
Impact University Volume 2 (2006)
DC Nation Super Sampler (2012)
Superman Last Son of Krypton #1
Kaboom Summer Blast
Drink N Draw Society New Orleans FCBD 2013
Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell
Overstreet's Comic Book Marketplace
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures
The Strangers
The Steam Engines of Oz #1 (2012)
Spongebob Freestyle Funnies
Mega Man/Sonic The Hedgehog Worlds Collide: Prelude #0
The Smurfs
Star Wars/Avatar The Last Airbender
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Halloween Edition #1 (2012)
Sesame Street/Strawberry Shortcake

That's a pretty big haul . . . I plan on doing reviews of as many of them as I can.

Below are some sketch covers that I had for sale (didn't sell them) and a few pictures and sketches that I did for people at the event.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Hellcat Sketch Cover by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

The Thing Sketch Cover by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

Superman Sketch Cover by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

Venom Sketch Cover by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

Dazzler Sketch Cover by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

Young Comic Book Fans

Girl with Poison Ivy sketch

Lewis Aleman and Comic Book Fans

Me Sketch Cover by Tim Fletcher

Poison Ivy sketch by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

Outback sketch by Kevin P. Johnson 2013

Tattoo Kid

Red Hood

Iron Man 3 Movie Review

Spoiler Free.

So what did I think of Iron Man 3 . . . it was a damned good time.

I  decided long ago that comic book movies are not to be judged on the comic books they are based on and I just look for the nods to source material and let the movies be their own universe. Iron Man 3 was funny, it had a lot of action, it had a major unexpected twist to the plot of the story and it had tons of armor (lots based on the armor appearing in the comic books over the years).

I've seen a few people giving it early bad reviews but I'm here to say it was a really good movie that will give you laughs, superhero fun and even a few moments of Pepper Potts bad assedness. Movies will never be the exact same as the source material, this is something you just have to live with.

During the film there was a lot of talk about events in other Marvel movies (Avengers & Thor) that kept the universe connected which is something that I always enjoy. Robert Downy Jr. gives another great performance as Tony Stark and has some great scenes with young actor Ty Simpkins that were really funny. It wasn't all Iron Man saving the day on his own, he had help, kinda like the comics, I got what I expected from this movie and I mostly got what I wanted out of an Iron Man movie. Lots of crazy tech, armor flying all over crashing bashing and crashing through baddies, plenty of explosions and some "Hot" new villains.

This may be the last Iron Man movie in the series but I could go for one more.

I give this movie a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Image ia copyright © 2013 Marvel Studios and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon the request of Marvel Studios.