I Read Comic Books

NOLA Comic-Con 2011 Preview

2011-05-11T12:09:00.000-05:00

That's right you can come see me at the third annual NOLA Comic-Con 2011. This will be the second appearance of my comic Strange City Heroes at NOLA Comic-Con. I will be selling comic books, posters, and sketching. Comic books range in price from $2.00 - $4.99, Posters $15 and sketches start at $15. Come on out and support local artist.

The Info:
The third annual NOLA Comic-Con will have a dealers room with a large selection of comics, toys, anime, manga, statues, original art, and more. It has expanded to now feature panels, cosplay, and contests!

Saturday, May 14, 2011
10:00am-6:00pm

Sunday, May 15, 2011
10:00am-6:00pm

Admission is $20 per day, or $30 for a two-day pass.
Children seven and under are admitted for free.
Validated parking for convention is $5.00 for up to 10 hours.

The Westin New Orleans Canal Place
100 Rue Iberville
New Orleans, LA‎ 70130
(504) 566-7006‎

Who will be there:501st Legion
The Barely Rotten Girls
The Blind Eye
Bluecamp Arts
Mitch Bird
Kody Chamberlain
Michael Champion
R.J. Clark
CONtraflow
Jessie W. Craig
Deaf Samurai Productions
John Dell
Derec Donovan
Garage Raja
Agnes Garbowska
Rob Guillory
Samantha Hallenus
John Holland
Kevin P. Johnson
Andy Kuhn
Robert James Luedke
Tim Lattie
Louisiana Ghostbusters
Francis Manapul
Robby Musso
Brent Peeples
The Rebel Legion
Red Stick Rebellion
Seraphemera Books
Vernon Smith
Voodoo Maverick Publishing

3 Alarm Comics
Captain Comics
Crazy Ed's Comics
Louisiana's Double Play
Magic Comics and Hobbies
Media Underground Comics
Skip N' Whistle
Time Machine

Panels

Saturday, May 14
11:00am-11:45am
Star Wars Collecting and the Current Economy: A Round-table Discussion
hosted by The Red Stick Rebellion

12:00pm-12:45pm
Lord Vader Wants You! Meet the 501st Legion
hosted by the 501st Legion Bast Alpha Garrison

3:00pm-3:45pm
Q&A with Francis Manapul
moderated by Blake Petit

4:00pm-4:45pm
Local Talent: Making Your Mark in the Comics Industry
moderated by Blake Petit

Sunday, May 15
11:00am-11:45am
Giving Yourself to the Dark Side: Costuming with the 501st
hosted by the 501st Legion Bast Alpha Garrison

12:00pm-12:45pm
Creating Custom Cardbacks
hosted by The Red Stick Rebellion

1:00pm-1:45pm
Q&A with Andy Kuhn
moderated by Blake Petit

2:00pm-2:45pm
From Pencils to Pixels: A Webcomic Round-table
moderated by Blake Petit

3:00pm-3:45pm
Plastic Surgery: Action Figure Customization
hosted by Scott Rivet

Information collected from NOLA Comic-Con

Free Comic Book Day at Magic Comics and Hobbies

2011-05-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

Free Comic Book Day is an annual event happening the first Saturday in May for comic book fans and newcomers to gather in comic book stores around the country to get samples of mainstream and independent comic books and plenty of kids comics as well. As a fan of almost every style of comics and art I try to get as many of the offered books as I can and most years I visit multiple stores to see if they may have something different or have a store special and as a rule I will buy something at each store that I get free comic books from because I know that what is Free for me is not free for the comic shop.

This year I spent the day at Magic Comics and Hobbies in Slidell, LA as a guest artist along with Transformers artist Robby Musso and upcoming artist Mark Rhodes who plans to produce comic books in the near future. I only did two sketches but I had fun seeing old friends, talking about comics, video games of yesteryear, and just about everything else under the Geek Sun.

Here's what I drew:

There are a lot of free comics to be found on Free Comic Book Day at Magic Comics and Hobbies and they let you take whichever ones you want. Owner David Strecker does a great job of having a large supply of the comics available and most customers get the comics they were looking for in the program. For me I as I said before I want to get as many as I can (my collector brain loves free stuff) below is a list of comic books that I got this year (A major haul).

What I got :

Sideshow Collectibles Catalog

The Tick: FCBD 2011

Green Lantern Flashpoint Special

Locke & Key FCBD 2011

World's Of Aspen 2011

Young Justice Batman Super Sampler

The Mis-adventures of Adam West/Things To Come . . .

Jake The Dreaming

The Amazing Spider-Man

Elric: The Balance Lost FCBD

Path of the Plainswalker

Mouse Guard/The Dark Crystal

Super Dinosaur: Origin Special!

2000 AD

Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Predators/Top 10 Deadliest Sharks

Inspector Gadget/Johnny Test

Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers/Darkwing Duck

Geronimo Stilton and The Smurfs

Atomic Robo/Foster Broussard/Moon Girl

John Stanley's Summer Fun!

Pep Comics featuring Betty & Veronica

Rated Free For Everyone!

Witch & Wizard

The Stuff of Legend/The Intrepid Escape Goat

Bongo Free-For-All 2011

Baltimore/Criminal Macabre

Top Shelf Kid's Club

Spontaneous

Captain America and Thor The Mighty Fighting Avengers

Sonic The Hedgehog

Richie Rich in Eruption Disruption!/Kung Fu Panda

Silver Scorpion

Loose Ends/I.C.E. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The Darkness: Confession

Star Wars: The Clone Wars/Avatar: The Last Airbender

Civil War Adventure

White Lantern Ring

Black lantern Ring

IDW Star Trek Infestation Patch

Sideshow Collectibles Keychain

Green Lantern Hero Clix figure

Ultimate Flame-O (Strange City Heroes) Sketch

I love that there are so many comics and that there is a such a great variety of art styles that makes every comic stand out as a star. I have only read one so far but I keep looking at the pile and am ready to jump in and read things I may never have been exposed to if not for Free Comic Book Day and Magic Comic and Hobbies.

I hope that the tradition of free comic book day continues for years to come because it seems to get bigger and better each and every year.

Another big tradition at comic book events is that the Louisiana Chapter of the 501st Legion Bast Alpha Garrison show up and help bring in the crowds who want to take pictures with official looking replicas of the characters from the Star Wars movies and these guys take it very seriously when it comes to making their costumes look authentic. The 501st Legion has branches all over the world and make appearances at events and raise money for charities of all sorts. Along with the Star Wars characters a beautiful pirate lady showed up and posed for pictures as well.

Free Comic Book Day 2011 was great fun. I'd like to thank David Strecker and the Magic Comics and Hobbies staff Trey and Mikey for allowing me to be a guest in their store and for being such a great place that helps spread the love of comic books. The customers there are also great and there is always a great conversation to be had. If you're in Slidell check them out its an awesome place with an awesome supply of comic books, toys, models, games, statues and action figures (and probably a heck of a lot more.)

Magic Comics & Hobbies LLC
727 Robert Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70458
(985)649-4171

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson

Thor - The Movie

2011-05-09T12:00:00.115-05:00

I just saw the Thor movie and I must say that I think it was really good and I fully enjoyed it. I think that most of comic book fans would agree that this movie was made as an into to the Thor character so that people would know him in the upcoming Avengers movie. This movie was so that Thor already have an established history on the big screen along with Iron Man, Hulk and Captain America (coming this summer). With Marvel leading the way on most of their movies these days Thor worked really well on the big screen.

Without spoiling the movie too badly Thor is to become king of Asgard when there is an attack by the Frost Giants. He takes it upon himself to enact revenge against his father Odin's wishes. Odin finds out about this and banishes a powerless Thor and his hammer Mjolnir to earth and he must find his way back to Asgard if only he can regain his power and lift the hammer.

The movie did a good job of including a fair amount of scenes on Asgard and Jotunheim (home of the Frost Giants) as well as earth to allow us to understand that there are more things out there besides us. The costumes looked great Thor looking like the modern comic book version (with a beard) and a lot of the characters kept a close look to the way that they appear in the comic books. Loki's helmet had the classic bent horns and that was enough comic book reality for me.

I think that they did a real good job of telling the story and it seems to me that it's pretty close to the way things happened in the comics (I haven't read the old stories in a long time). All the characters seemed to be playing the roles they were supposed to and it felt just like a comic book on the screen to me . . . and it had humor sprinkled throughout that kept the movie from being stale.

For those wondering the characters that make an appearance are : Thor, Odin, Loki, Heimdall, Laufey (King of the Frost Giants), Volstagg, Sif, Fandral, Frigga, S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Phil Coulson (from the Iron Man filems) & The Destroyer. Nick Fury also appears after the credits.

My only complaints about the Thor film and they are minor. First Volstagg wasn't fat enough . . . I like the guy that played him I just think he needed a little more belly fat which they could have done with costume effects. Secondly the battle with The Destroyer was pretty cool but wasn't epic enough. I could have used 5 more minutes of the fight to make it more awesome.

Thor worked well, it looked like a comic book, it felt like a comic book it had adventure and fun and built a character for the future of Marvel Comics movies and I'm happy with it.

Thanks for reading,

Kevin P. Johnson

SUPER DINOSAUR #1

2011-05-06T12:00:00.095-05:00

They had me at Super Dinosaur.
They had me at armored rocket launching T-Rex.
They had me at talking dinosaur people from the middle of the earth.
They had me at Robert Kirkman has a new comic book out called Super Dinosaur.

I wasn't expecting this comic book . . . hell I didn't even know that it was coming out until I saw a video by Jason and Monty of BSI Comics where they talked about it. Well I went over to the store and bought it and it was soooooooo worth it. This comic is what I'd like to call crazy . . . good crazy . . . fun crazy. You've got mad scientist, a talking T-Rex, a bunch of dinosaur men that can also talk, a genius kid that helps his scientist dad figure out how to make things work and some robots just for fun. Oh and before its over there is a work crew that reminds me of some sort of modern day Speed Racer pit crew.

The basic plot is that Super Dinosaur and young Derek Dynamo (son of Doctor Dynamo) and his robot Wheels are a team that each day set out to stop the evil plans of the evil Dinosaur Men created by Max Maximus. They do pretty well with this but the armor Super Dinosaur is not quite strong enough to do the job and the new "Pit Crew" comes in and helps fix all the problems making Super Dinosaur and super bad-ass missile shooting talking T-Rex. Oh and lets not forget the rebellion amongst the dinosaur men.

The book is fairly fast paced and makes great strides in its efforts to include a little bit of the many directions this book will go and introduces a cast of characters that all seem to have unique personalities. The book knows its crazy and all about a Super Dinosaur but I think Kirkman and the gang have set themselves up to have great fun and play as if they were 8 year old's. It seems I'm never in on that comic that is really cool and everyone loves and just a few months later its all sold out and the 1st issue is marked up to $20. Well I don't know if it'll be like that but it feels like a special title that everyone should read if they like having fun with comic books.

If you don't believe me that its is awesome you better be sure to pick up the FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2011 - SUPER DINOSAUR ORIGIN SPECIAL! Get it on Saturday May 7, 2011 at your local comic book store. It'll be free.

Story by Robert Kirkman, Art & Colors by Jason Howard, Letters by Rus Wooton, Cover by Jason Howard, Publisher - Image Comics, Cover Price - $2.99, 28 pages, full color.

Thanks for reading,

Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson
Images are copyright © 2011 Image Comics are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Image Comics.

Teen Titans: A Kid's Game (Trade Paperback) - DC Comics

2011-05-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

Teen Titans . . . can't say that I have ever read anything about the team besides the Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans crossover from 1982 . . . and I read that probably in the late 1980's . . . and I can't say that I have any memory as to what happened in that comic (maybe I'll have to read it again) but it is the only connection I can think of that I have to the Teen Titans.

I bought this trade because the Boarders bookstore in my town was closing and there were great discounts to be had and I tried to get as many trades as I could afford before they shut the doors. I got A Kid's Game for $4.99 which is a great price but when I got home I found that the cover is detached from the spine so I'm pretending that it is a slipcase edition and it's cooler than everyone else's copy (yes I know I need help.)

So the reason for buying this besides the super sale price was to try to get to know a little more about the characters in the DC Universe. And maybe get introduced to a few that I had never heard of or never read about very much about in my brief knowledge of DC Comics.

The book is set up where a new team of Teen Titan's is forming and most of the young heroes are being sent to be part of the team by a mentor hero like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. The group is set up as a weekend warrior type thing for these kids and they will go back to their regular lives after the weekend is over. So the young heroes are brought together and almost instantly they are confronted with an attack by Deathstroke who is bound and determined to kill one of the Titans so that their will be no more groups of children brought together as a super team.

The speedster Impulse is shot in the knee by Deathstroke and the Justice League shows up with fighting amongst friends quickly ensuing over mixed beliefs on how things are to be with the team. Starfire and Wonder Woman clash, Impulse full of angst goes a little tantrum-ish and becomes Kid Flash no matter what anyone says.

The book set's up friendships between Robin and Superboy, Impulse and Wondergirl and a blooming romance between Superboy and Wondergirl and gives lots of room to grow. My favorite line in many years of reading comics has to be when Wondergirl states to Robin ". . . wait a second. You just lied to Starfire?!" and he responds with "I lie to Batman." To me that is how you know Robin is the real deal.

By the end of this book the terms of the team are settled the JLA and Teen Titans are in agreement how things will work, but I think Wonder Woman isn't happy about it, a twist in Deathstroke's character is revealed and Superboy gets a dog.

I really enjoyed this book and will try to find more of the trades in the future. Another small note Deathstroke has one of my favorite costumes of all times and was the sole reason I bought many issues of the Deathstroke: The Terminator series back in the early 1990's . . . he's also an awesome villain.

This book also includes Cover pages and sketch cover art, Mike McKone's sketches, and a character description pages of all the Teen Titans and Deathstroke.

192 pages Trade paperback
Geoff Johns - writer
Mike McKone - pencils
Marlo Alquiza - inks
Jeromy Cox - colors
Comicraft - colors
Covers and backup art by Michael Turner
Other artist featured on backup section.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright © 2011 DC and Marvel Comics are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of DC or Marvel Comics.

What's In The Box - May 2011

2011-05-04T12:00:00.002-05:00

As you may already know if you have gone back to the start of this blog I order my monthly comic books from Discount Comic Book Service (DCBS) in order to get the discout that I need to be able to get most of the comics I want within my budget. I do try to support local comic shops (LCS) as much as I can by buying trades and when I want to try out a new series.

Now when I get my comics its usually a month or more after they have been out so I can never have the hot new issue when everyone else does and sometimes I'll go buy important series from my LCS because waiting for some comic books just isn't fun and worth the extra few dollars to get them as they come out Civil War, Fear Itself, Final Crisis to name a few of the titles I did this for.

I think this section of the blog will replace the "Pull List" I've done so that I can put a picture of what I got in and if anyone wants to discuss what I got we can go from there and I always enjoy seing pictures of what other people added to teir collections.

So this is what's In the Box recieved in May 2011:

The Amazing Spider-Man #658-659, Annual #38

Justice Society of America #50

Usagi Yojimbo #136

X-Factor #218

Justice League of America #56

Brightest Day #23-24

The Avengers #12

Captain America #617

The New Avengers #11

The Mighty Thor #1

Journey Into Mystery #622

X-Men Legacy #247

Secret Avengers #12

Uncanny X-Men #535-536

Batman #709

19 comics this month I usually average about 22 - 25 but I think a few series ended the month I made this order. I hope that this was mildly interesting and that you'll check in for my next review.

Thanks for reading,

Kevin P. Johnson

Mini-Comics: Zombie Crisis - Dollar Bin Productions

2011-05-03T12:00:00.059-05:00

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh ZOMBIE CRISIS! Sounds scary doesn't it well this mini-comic is a quick read that has a moment of scary, a moment of shock, a moment of kicking ass and a moment of relief. Zombie Crisis is a black and white 11 page wonderfully drawn comic that really gets the message of the story across quickly. It uses all 10 of its story pages to create a mood and feel that fully explain where you are and how it feels to be in Columbia, South Carolina that kinda tragic day when the zombie came.

Written by Adam Daughhetee of the Dollar Bin podcast with editor Ted Tarver a fun horrific zombie tale is quickly told on a hot summer day in South Carolina, a day that the citizens will never forget . . .well at least they won't forget that guy that kicks ass on zombies. Andy Jewett's art is wonderful and includes a lot more detail than I have seen in the few mini-comics that have been able to acquire in my years of collecting comics.

Contact Adam at the Dollar Bin to see if you can get your hands on this awesome looking little mini-comic. 11 pages, B&W, No price on the comic.

Note: There is a drawing on the back cover of a zombie fairy and zombie godmother signed by LATTA not sure who that is but it is really cute and awesome and I would love to see more art by that person (you'll have to get a copy of Zombie Crisis to see that . . . for now).

- Kevin P. Johnson

A Call For Links

2011-05-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hey there everyone I am about to set up a links page for this blog and I am looking to link to comic book creators, comic book companies, webcomics, comic blogs and anything that relates to comic books. I won't bother you for anything more than a link. If your sight contains material that is pornographic I will not link to you (I'm going to check). I'll have the link page up soon.

Thanks,
Kevin P. Johnson

Mini-Comics: Zombie Ween - An Up An Adam Product

2011-05-02T12:00:00.076-05:00

Zombie Ween . . . what happens when Roger a changeling has to pick a costume for Halloween when he can be anything that he wants? Well of course he chooses to become a zombie . . . who wouldn't . . . the problem with that is well zombies aren't that smart and might not remember how to change back.

This little mini-comic is a fun and cute little zombie story for all ages and its a quick read too. I've read this little comic maybe thirty times (it only takes about a minute) and I smile every time. Zombie Ween is a comic filled with simple one panel little drawings and just a few words on each page that allow you just enough to understand what is happening. I'm not sure how available these comics are but you should try to get one by contacting Adam at his pod cast website (linked below) and I'm sure he could hook you up.

19 pages B&W by Adam Daughhetee and Duane Ballenger there is no cover price on this little gem. Adam is one of the host of the podcast The Dollar Bin and has published several mini-comics and compilation comics for his show.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Hero By Night (Hardcover) - Platinum Studios Comics/ Top Cow

2011-05-01T12:00:00.083-05:00

Hero By Night . . . never heard of it . . . me either.

So I went into BSI Comics in Metairie, LA and as I am looking through the used trade paperback and graphic novel section and what catches my eye besides Hero By Night and its awesome blue flame cover (my photo does not do it justice). The cover has a foil stamped logo and some of the flames are also treated the same way.

The basic story is that a young man who isn't really living up to his fathers expectations finds the hidden base of Hero By Night a superhero who was last seen in 1956. He soon finds out that a ring that is included with the journals and costumes gives him power.

As any broke young person might think he quickly decides to sell his findings on eBay. This only notifies the bad guys that the ring has been found. Before you know it our young friend (Jack King) is thrust into becoming the new version of the superhero Hero By Night.

I'm not going to spoil this comic any more for you because I want you all to read it. It's a really fun read and can be found online for free at this link: Hero By Night the website includes the entire book in the Mini-Series section but the really cool thing about the site is that it also includes the Journals from 1945-1956 of the original Hero By Night and then there is an Ongoing Series section that seems to have ended in 2008.

Hero By Night does a good job of being fun and original and I think that people who have read and enjoyed The Escapist will find a familiar feel about this book and will have a great time reading it as I did.

Note: I have not yet read the webcomic pages yet but I do look forward to it it looks just as fun as this book.

Hero By Night is written and drawn by D. J. Coffman with colors by Jason Embury. Hardcover, 96 pages, full color. Cover price $12.99.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson

Image is copyright © 2007 Platinum Studios Comics and used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon the request of Platinum Studios Comics.

PULL LIST

2011-04-27T19:39:00.000-05:00

This first blog in the "new age" is just what I'm collecting and very likely to be talking about but rest assured I do vary from the list and as we say "Keep It Real"

Titles That I'm Currently Collecting:
Amazing Spider-Man
Avengers
Batman
Captain America
DMZ (Trade Only)
Fear Itself (Limited Series)

Journey Into Mystery
Justice League of America
Justice Society of America
Kirby Genesis
Mighty Thor
Moon Knight
New Avengers
Scion (Limited Series)
Secret Avengers
Uncanny X-Men
Usagi Yojimbo
The Walking Dead (Hardcover Only)
X-Factor
X-Men Legacy

Now I am behind on most of these titles (seems to be my lot in life) but I'm trying to have a day of the week where I use to catch up because the pile is getting pretty big. 18 monthly titles isn't a huge amout of comics to collect and it seems like I could keep up with that but I think we all know how easy it is to buy the comics we want and then lose the time to read them all.

As for other things I have come into recently 2 of the Batman Showcase editions, Teen Titans: A Kids Game trade, A bunch of Y The Last Man trades, Wednesday Comics Hardcover, Berona's War: Field Guide, a stack of Queen and Country trades, Mouse Guard: Legend's of the Guard hardcover, Dead @17 Deluxe Edition trade and a few other things . . . the good thing is that I have read a lot of this stuff already so I can do reviews for you soon.

So this is where I'm at as for recent collecting so look for some reviews in the next few days and please tell me what you are reading.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2011 Kevin P. Johnson

Once Again We Blog

2011-04-27T18:55:00.000-05:00

Graphic NovelsHey there everyone out in comic book land,

Today marks another return/another try at bringing you a blog on my thoughts on all things comic books and geek related.

I'd love to get some interviews and reviews with independent comic book creators to help spread the word about your comics. Please contact me here and I will tell you how to send me your comics. I will also be looking at some webcomics for the first time and more movies as I can.

I've tried this blog thing before a few times and I put too much pressure on myself to get it out on time and I just couldn't keep up and so I cancelled it. This time around I'll have no schedule but try to get something out every week.

I hope you all come back and enjoy some comics with me.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2011 Kevin P. Johnson

DESPICABLE ME IN 3D - MOVIE SNEAK PREVIEW

2010-06-05T13:09:00.001-05:00

DESPICABLE ME the new animated film from Universal Pictures is soon to be a hit . . . that's right I'm calling it early. Earlier in the week I received a phone call from Universal Pictures asking me if I wanted two tickets to the sneak preview showing of the film . . . I quickly said yes. Well somehow they got my information through my webcomic Strange City Heroes and they sent me 20 tickets to get two people in to the preview. Sadly I did not get the tickets until 6:30 P.M. yesterday and the movie was at 10:00 A.M. this morning. I was able to give away a few at the theatre and one family gave up going to see Marmaduke in favor of free tickets to Despicable Me.

I had wanted to see this movie since I first saw the trailer for it because it just looked really funny and I'm a fan of animated movies. I didn't really know what to expect this movie to be but I am more than happy in what I found out.

This movie is based around the world's Super Villains and how extreme a heist they can pull off (I won't tell you what the big heist is though). There are wonderful inventions, lots of ray guns there are shrink rays, ice rays and uhhhhhh squid guns and land and flying machines that take imagination and turn it up to 11.

The main characters are Gru (Steve Carell), Vector (Jason Segal), Dr. Nefario (Russel Brand), Miss Hattie (Kristen Wiig) and three wonderful orphan girls Margo, Edith, and Agnes (Miranda Cosgrove, Elise Fisher, & Dana Gaier).

The plot takes Gru who is the world's greatest villain to a point where he has been bested by a newer younger villain who has stolen the Great Pyramids of Egypt and forces him to think of the biggest heist he can imagine and for this he will need a shrink ray and funding from the bank (banks loan to evil super villains you know.) Insert three little girls (If I ever have kids I want little girls) who steal the show and just might make evil a little less evil.

You will leave this movie knowing you saw a funny movie, a movie with a heart, I superhero errr super villain adventure that ranks up there with some of the best, and something both kids and adults will enjoy . . . I know because there were as many laughs by children as adults in the theatre and the children seemed genuinely interested in the movie from start to finish.

Despicable Me was my first modern full length 3D movie and I was impressed how much 3D seems to have changed. There were times when things looked a little blurry but things were moving and I can live with that because it wasn't much. The 3D effects were there but not overly in your face and at the end as the credits start to roll there is some fun had with the 3D that you will get a few more good laughs out of.

Oh you are wondering well what about those yellow guys . . . well those guys are awesome and very funny. The yellow guys work in a secret lab beneath the home of Gru as his minions and they do all the dirty work in making super villain-ing a science. You will love these guys and probably wish you had a few around the house to aid you in your own super villain escapades.

Don't miss this one, take your kids to see it, take your wife or husband, take a friend, take grandma you will have fun, you will see a sweet story unfold and most of all you will laugh. 5 Stars!

http://www.despicable.me/

- Kevin P. Johnson

Firestar #1 - One-Shot

2010-05-04T22:30:00.002-05:00

They had me at Firestar and in the end I truely was had. When I heard Marvel was doing a One-Shot Firestar comic I was excited because I have read very little about the character and have always wanted to know more about her since I was 10 years old way back in 1981 when the character was created for the animated TV show Spider-Man and His Amazing-Friends.

When I saw the Stephanie Hans cover for this comic I was blown away and this has instantly become a member of my favorite comic book covers of all time. Sadly this is the best thing about the whole comic book.

The writing was fine, the art was good but the comic was a big nothing throw away. There is no adventure, there is no villain, there is no earth shattering fight scene, its just a story about Firestar's non-superhero personal life.

It has a nice moment where Firestar and her highschool enemy (now alcoholic soon to be divorced) have a turning moment in their lives where they just might end up friends but it's the kind of thing that should be the back story in an ongoing series and not the focus of a one-shot comic that has a $3.99 price tag.

The comic goes nowhere exciting until the very end when Firestar decides to continue being a Superhero andflies out the window right into a tag line that says "follow FIRESTAR into the pages of YOUNG ALLIES #1 on sale in JUNE!" I've been had and this was all a big advertisement for another series that I do not plan on buying and I suggest that you also pass on the Firestar #1 One-Shot . . . unless you are buying it for the cover . . . I do love the cover.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Thor Movie Picture Released.

2010-04-30T15:18:00.002-05:00

The first image of Thor has been released I'm hoping this movie will be awesome!

I am happy that they have chosen this costume which seems to be much like the current costume in the mainstream Marvel Universe.

I await the first SMITE!

- Kevin P. Johnson

Image is copyright © 2010 Mark Fellman and Paramount Pictures and used as a Fair Use Review image only. Images will be removed upon the request of Mark Fellman or Paramount Pictures.

Look a ticket to NOLA Comic-Con 2010

2010-04-20T13:12:00.001-05:00

Of course you know I took out the barcodes so you don't try to scam your way in for free.

- Kevin

KICK-ASS The Movie / KICK-ASS The Comic

2010-04-19T21:13:00.001-05:00

So on Friday I went to see KICK-ASS the movie. I had no idea what the story was about outside what the commercials let on and I knew that this was roumered to be a comic that was made in order to get a movie deal (I should find out if that's true or not.) Now despite the 8 or 10 jerks who sat behind me talking the entire movie (one even proclaimed he was "trippin' on extacy") this move was indeed KICK-ASS. I went in knowing nothing and came out with the opinion that this was the best comic book movie ever.

This is what I imagine a real world superhero would go through nothing really working out but still as long as he or she was breathing justice would be served. This movie had the heart of Spider-Man with the grit and violence of Sin City and all of the characters seemed real enough that you might just know them. The name dropping in this movie is a Fanboys wildest dream and everything that fits in with comic book fandom was in this movie.

I don't want to spoil the movie but I promise you that the price of admission is well worth it . . . the child vigilante hero Hit Girl is worth the price of admission this this kid is the best on screen killing machine I think I've ever seen kinda like a baby Puinsher. This movie is not for kids but if you are old enough to see a Rated R movie GO SEE KICK-ASS.

After the movie I thought I have to go get the trade paperback of this book (that turned out to be a hardcover trade) and just looking at the cover I knew that this was going to be just as wild a ride as the movie.

The movie version of the story is very close to the comic book story and even includes many incodents of exact dialogue that appeared in the comics. (My Only Spoiler is that both the movie and comic ends with the exact same words.) Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. tell the tale of the modern day, real life superhero who has no clue as to the how he's going to save the world three days during the week and Sundays but he knows that if not him then who? KICK-ASS is simply the story of a teenage boy who for all intents and purposes just plainly exists in a world full of nobodies called high school, he has friends but he's just there and it is time that he stood up and did something that changed the world. Read this story, see the movie and if you get the chance go out and become a superhero . . . of course if you get hurt or hurt someone else that is your own doing and I am not to blame for giving you that idea.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright © 2010 Universal Pictures/Lionsgate and Icon Comics are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Universal Pictures/Lionsgate or Icon Comics .

2010-04-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone the NOLA Comic-Con is back and will be two days this year. I’ll be out there taking pictures and just being a fan (can’t be in it this time) but I wanted to let you know some of the people that will be there.

Kody Chamberlain
Derec Donovan
Rob Guillory
Dave Johnson
Robby Musso
Darick Robertson
John Dell
Victor Gischler
Big Easy Comics
BSI Comics
Crescent City Comics
Gotham City Collectables
Louisiana Double Play
Magic Comics and Hobbies
Media Underground Comics
More Fun Comics
The Barely Rotten Girls
Changeling FX
Find out more at http://www.nolacomic.com/index.html

Blackest Night - A Few Words

2010-04-07T20:12:00.001-05:00

So Blackest Night DC's latest big thing super-crossover event of the year. I just got number 8 last night (Mail order comics put you behind a bit) and I've got to say I was pretty happy with the outcome.

I didn't get into all of the crossovers and other limited series that went along with this (currently not able to buy a lot of DC titles) but I have read the crossovers in JLA and JSA and those couple of comics you got the free rings with and I have to say that I am pleased in what I've read.

I'm really going to have to read the series over because there is so much about DC Comics that I don't understand and Blackest Night has a lot happening in it that makes me scratch my head but boy does it look awesome, Ivan Reis can draw all of my comics and I'd be ok with that.

This post isn't to really spoil it or tell you about the story I'd rather not do that right now so I'm here to give a few words on what I think the result will do.

Blackest Night resulted in bringing back several major characters from the dead. Some of the final words of the series by Hal Jordan spoke that I think will impact DC for years to come "I Think Dead Is Dead From Here On Out," those are powerful words in comics and I hope that they are true. In my mind I'm going to believe that DC brought back all of the characters that they want alive and those that remained dead will stay dead forever. Believing this will probably burn me but I think people are getting tired of seeing characters die and come back so much and hopefully the creators and publishers will see that death is a serious thing and changes the universe and has lasting effect on all those who survive.

DC you did a great thing with Blackest Night and I'm looking forward to reading the Brightest Day series coming out soon. I hope that you run with what you have set up and make the best comics you possibly can. This series alone has me interested in reading Green Lantern and comic books featuring all of the other Lantern Corps.

As for who they brought back to life . . . that you'll just have to read the series for now. I may come back later on and give a full review of the series with full on spoilers and just ruin it for everyone.

- Kevin P. Johnson

The New Fantastic Four (Hard Cover)

2010-04-05T18:20:00.001-05:00

The New Fantastic Four
Marvel Comics
$19.99

The Fantastic Four have been around a long time, they have been one the major titles in the Marvel Universe since 1961 and I know very little about them. I came across the hardcover of The New Fantastic Four on the bargain table at Barnes and Noble which reprints Fantastic Four #544-550 and saw the price tag of $6.95 and thought that this would be a great buy. You can't go wrong with hardcover comics right?

Well I flipped through it and quickly noticed that included were the original cover's to the issues as well as variants and they were all full size. I don't know why more collections do not do this. The original covers were drawn by the late Michael Turner an artist that I loved. Turner gets a hard time from some fans and critics but I like what he did my only complaint is that it seems that every woman he drew was the same woman . . . fortunately she was a beautiful woman and I can live with that. I also noticed that the colors were amazing, bright and wonderful (by Paul Mounts). I was no doubt buying this.

So why have I not really read much of the Fantastic Four? The answer is I don't really know. I don't really have anything against them I like The Human Torch, The Thing & The Invisible Woman (Sue Storm) and although I'm not a big fan of Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards) I don't hate him. Something just has never made me pick up this comic book on a regular basis.

So this story takes place over seven issues of the regular series and a lot happens. Reed and Sue are taking a break from the team to go on a long overdue honeymoon. Storm (of X-Men Fame) and The Black Panther are here and invited to stay with the Fantastic Four. Almost instantly this new group finds themself in outer space looking for the exhumed body of their friend Gravity.

Before long the New Fantastic Four run into the alien being Epoch who had kidnapped Gravity to help save her from Galactus by giving him the Power Cosmic making him Protector Of The Universe. A battle ensues with the heralds of Galactus the Silver Surfer and Stardust and with the Black Panther and Storm's help Gravity uses his Power Cosmic to satiate Galactus' need to feed and Galactus promises to no long seek Epoch as a source to feed on.

You'd think I'd have spoiled the comic by now but that is only the half of it if you pick this up you will see a ton of Watchers, The Frightful Four, Eternity, Dr. Strange, TWO ALIEN RACES, a crack in space that could mean big trouble for everyone, all six New Fantastic Four members, more Silver Surfer and a ton of Gravity.

I enjoyed this story and although I have not put the Fantastic Four on my monthly pull list I am considering looking for more collections especially if I can find them at a great deal like I did with this book.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson
Images are copyright © 2010 Marvel Comics are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Marvel Comics.

Guest Review of Batman and Philosophy: The Dark Knight of the Soul with Shannon O'Neal

2010-03-31T18:58:00.000-05:00

Because you don’t know me the first thing I should tell you is that I’m a nerd. I don’t know very many people who read philosophy books for fun, well I do. When I first saw the philosophy and pop culture series several years ago, I was intrigued. Mostly because the book I picked up was about one of my favorite movies, The Matrix, but also because I saw there were others like it. You like “The Family Guy”? There’s a book for that. What about Metallica? There’s one for that, too. The Office, 30 Rock, The Daily Show, Lord of the Rings, The Legend of Zelda, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, Baseball, Bob Dylan, Monty Python...I bet you didn’t expect that, kinda like the Spanish Inquisition, all have books in this series. Each book is broken down into a series of essays written by a philosopher, normally a professor, who uses examples from the topic of the book to make his or her argument. The essays are written in a fairly simple way, so that one does not need a huge knowledge of philosophy to understand the concepts, just the desire to learn something new.

Now, let’s get to my review. Of the 6 books in the series that I’ve read, to me this one is the best. The articles are more cohesive with some of the issues the Dark Knight faces and it seems that the writers are not just people who know that Batman wears a cape and cowl, but actually think about what he goes through while fighting some of Gotham’s worst. The articles cover topics ranging from if it is right to make a “Robin” to whether or not the Joker is morally culpable for what he does, there’s even an article about Alfred.

While the writers do seem to show a good bit of Bat-knowledge, the focus of the essays are on just a few of the stories in the Batman collection. Batman: Year One, Batman: Arkham Asylum, and The Killing Joke get most of the references, with the movies and comics and television shows sprinkled throughout. Some of the philosophical arguments reach quite a bit for the point they’re trying to make, but as you learn in philosophy making that reach is part of the fun. One essay I found to be quite poignant compared the city of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to Gotham City throughout the “No Man’s Land” crossover comic from 1999.

The only issue I had with the book is the only villain the book was ultimately concerned with was the Joker. As Kevin will tell you, I’m pretty much obsessed with the man myself, but there are other villains in the Batman world that I feel could have been used to write articles, such the relationship between Batman and Catwoman or how duality of human existence is really portrayed through Harvey Dent.

All in all, the book was good and can be picked up by anyone and as I said earlier, understood easily without any formal philosophy training. I would also suggest the other books of the series, while I haven’t read all the books there are (probably over 50) I’m sure there would be something to interest anyone. I’m going to give this book 3 Harley Quinn’s.

- Shannon O'Neal

Batman & Philosophy: The Dark Night Of The Soul image copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons Inc. and is used as Fair Use Review image only. Image will be removed upon the request of John Wiley & Sons Inc. Batman & Harley Quinn images copyright © 2010 DC Comics and is used as Fair Use Review image only. Image will be removed upon the request of DC Comics.

Make Mine Marvel

2010-03-29T21:19:00.007-05:00

I love comic books . . . all kinds of comic books . . . I even create comic books (see my link below) but when I think of comics my first thought has always been and will always be Marvel Comics. There is something about the characters that Marvel has created over the years that just feels like home . . . like family. Spider-Man is the guy like most relates to comic book readers, Kittie Pryde is that first girl you ever thought of as not having cooties, Johnny Storm the Human Torch is like your cool older brother and Wolverine is that uncle that would show you awesome things as long as you didn't tell your Mom. Marvel Comics has thousands of characters heroes, villains, supporting cast and for some reason when something happens to any one of them it hits hard and that doesn't happen very often outside of Marvel for me (except for in my own comics). Every character no matter how outlandish they may be has the characteristics of someone that you probably know in your real everyday life (or at least you might have seen someone like them on TV) and that brings a certain humanity into the fictional universe Marvel brings us every week. The Marvel Universe has its ups and downs but there are always the stories where our friends grow up, fall in love, defeat an unspeakable evil, sometimes they die, sometimes they get married or even have everyone forget that a certain marraige ever existed. All of these things stick with you and they touch you, if you tried to explain it people might think that you were being silly but still you know the pain of Gwen Stacy and her tragic death, you remember as if it were yesterday when Captain America was shot, you understand that the X-Men are a symbol of the fight for equal rights for everyone, you know that Peter Parker and Mary Jane did get married (even if Joe Quesada doesn't want it that way) all of these things may be fictional but they happen to our friends and for that I will always MAKE MINE MARVEL!

- Kevin P. Johnson

Catching Up With The X-Men

2010-03-25T21:30:00.001-05:00

Since the very beginning of my comic book collecting days there were the X-Men and I loved them. The 80's were awesome I think most people love that era I missed most of the 90's because I was not collecting but around 1999 I got back into comics and the first thing I bought was a stack of X-Men comics and I loved them again.

For some reason in aound 2005 I think right after hurricane Katrina I just stopped reading the X-Men comics without any real reason I didn't hate them I wasn't upset about anything I just stopped reading but I didn't stop buying.

A few weeks ago I decided that I would catch up on all of the comic books I had in the "To Read Box" which is really two long boxes and does not include the other boxes of stuff that are in the "To Read Whenever Boxes" but anyway there are several years of Uncanny X-Men (Issues #469 - 521), X-Factor (#33 - 50 & 200-202 - returned to original numbering) & X-Men (Issues #177 - 207) which become X-Men Legacy (Issues #208-232) plus a few Annuals and a few specials.

I started with X-Factor and blew through that and I highly recommend it, its super-hero stuff but it has a real life feel to it and the characters are all in that not too popular to steal the show vein. The book focuses on Jamie Maddrox The Multiple Man and all the good and bad that being able to make duplicates of yourself with different parts of your personality can bring. And then there is Lala Miller and "She knows stuff." I am completely caught up with this series except for the Endangered Species & Messiah Complex crossover issues because I have not got there yet with the other X-Men Books.

Now I kinda look at Uncanny X-Men and X-Men/X-Men Legacy as pretty much the same books I know they are not but they have crossed over so many times and I just always feel like they are just one comic in two books. Jumping back into what I had not remembered what was going on wasn't so bad and the teams has a few of my favorite characters still running around Havok, Rogue, Polaris, Emma Frost (The White Queen), Ice Man and a few others. I have just reached the Endangered Species crossovers which is about half way though the catching up process. These comics are good and but not the most amazing things I have ever read it sofar is just keepin in touch with old friends (wondering if I will ever really like Cyclops) and watching them grow a little along with some characters I don't know much about. A lot of people do not like the X-Men anymore and I don't really get why because these comics are as good as anything else out there just not blow you away amazing every issue.

If you are looking for old school X-Men and can only have it that way then I think you may just want to pass on the X-Men titles but check out the modern X-Factor series it is really an excellent comic book series.

-Kevin P. Johnson

It's not supposed to be the way you want it to be

2010-03-24T22:41:00.000-05:00

Did you ever hear someone say "the X-Men suck they aren't the way they are supposed to be anymore" or "George Lucas screwed up Star Wars by making those prequils"? Well I say thats a load of crap and I'll tell you why.

When you are introduced to something weather it be comic books or movies or even music what you get in the beginning from whatever point you start enjoying it is what you at that time decide to either love or hate. If you love it you will claim it as your own and don't believe that your new love should ever change and if it does it should only change in the course that you see fit. I think that we all have a tendency of doing this and we will even go as far as saying I like "old Metallica" but that "new Metallica" sucks.

Is it our right to want to control what is not ours? I say no. We love these little worlds because someone else created them and we didn't know what there vision was when they started creating it but we loved it and we just had to know where it was going. Sometimes things would end the way we wanted and sometimes they did not.

Surely it is ok that we can agree or not agree to take the ride but we should never ever say it should have been a certain way that we have in our own minds. What would be the point of having writer's, artist, or musicians? What if Joe Quesada came to you and said ok (your name here) you are writing Spider-Man for the next year. What would you do? And when you do it, do you think that everyone will agree that that is the way its supposed to be?

I'm not saying that any of us should agree with everything that happens and should surely say hey I don't like that if you don't like it but you should never say that's not how it is supposed to be because its not supposed to be the way you want it to be it is supposed to be the way whomever is creating it see's fit . . . unless someone gives you the keys to the castle and lets you write the story for a while.

- Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2010 Kevin P. Johnson

An Interview with Comic Book fan Ashley Oglesby

2010-03-22T19:27:00.005-05:00

So I have chosen for my first interview to go with a fan of Comic Books my good friend Ashley Oglesby from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

I READ COMIC BOOKS: Ashley is there anything that we should know about you before we start?

ASHLEY: Nothing all that fascinating. I'm a man of many hobbies (pro wrestling and comics being the primary ones) and as you may soon discover, when I'm into a hobby I'm into it pretty hardcore. I'm lucky enough to be married to a woman that can put up with my little obsessions.

IRCB: We should note that Ashley's wife carries a gun for work and can end his hobbies whenever she wants to do so.

IRCB:So Ashley you have a pretty unique way of reading comics that I don't think most of us would attempt to do. Tell us your process and where you are starting from.

A: HAHA that is true but she's a cool chick and just goes along with it.

A: Yeah I started a comic reading project almost three years ago. I've always loved comics but previously couldn't really afford to keep up with it regularly. But as of three years ago I could and started thinking about how I wanted to proceed. The mutant universe has always fascinated me but by 2007, if you've never really followed the X-Men and other mutant groups, the sheer volume of history involved with those titles can be overwhelming to try to get into. It was around the same time that I discovered that Marvel had released DVD ROMs of every single issue of their main titles up to about 2006. So it got me to thinking: All the major titles are one continuous story that started in the 60s. And to me, there's only one way to read a story and that is from the beginning. So I headed to the local comic shop and picked up the Amazing Spiderman and Uncanny X-Men DVD ROMs. I was a bit surprised at how well the stories held up from way back then (especially Spidey) so I decided what I would do is read EVERY Spiderman and Mutant title form the very beginning on. The way I approach it is I pretend I'm a comic fan from whichever month I happen to be in and am going to pick up that month's titles and read them. I read everything in cover date order, so say whichever Spiderman and mutant related titles were cover dated April of 1982 I read, then move on to May of 1983, and so on.

IRCB: So you didn't go back to the 1960's your timeline starts in 1982?

A: No I started in the 60s and have worked my way through. I'm currently in April of 1983 so I'm just now starting to get into the New Mutants. Alpha Flight is right around the corner. I should note that I'm getting EVERY title so that would include Marvel Team Up and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spiderman (when's the last time you heard THAT full title) as far as Spidey titles. My focus is on the Spiderman and Mutant titles.

Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider Man is a great title and I love a lot of the cover images appeared in that comic.

Spider-Man and the X-Men are also my favorite comics of all-time and Uncanny X-Men #170 is really what got me into comic books.

IRCB: Now you read each comic month by month as if you went to the comic book store to buy them every month. In the 80's you will start to find out what the Major Crossover is will you be buying all the tie-in comics that go along with Secret Wars and all of the many cross-over’s to come in the 1990's and beyond? Do you think that these crossovers make peak your interest in other titles such as The Avengers or The Incredible Hulk?

A: Wow that's a great question. I am fascinated by many of the characters in the Marvel U (Marvel Team Up was a great way to get introduced to them). I do plan to get every issue of every crossover so long as the event takes place in one of the core titles I'm reading (or if one of the characters are in a big crossover mini-series ala Secret Wars). As far as branching off into other characters' titles, I doubt it. This project is so massive in scope that you do have to set some limits. Now that's not to say that I won't pick up the occasional TPB of some characters that intrigue me along the way to read on the side. But as far as this project goes, my focus is on Spiderman and all mutant titles.

IRCB: You gotta respect a man with a plan.

IRCB: Now to some serious business. Who killed Gwen Stacy? And if you had to choose Gwen or Mary Jane?

A: Ooooooh I love this question. This is my theory on the death of Gwen: The Goblin already killed her before they got to the bridge. She was completely motionless the whole time she was up there. Of course Spidey didn't know she was dead so he had to fight to save her. Goblin knocks her off the bridge, Spidey slings a web line to save her and does indeed snap her neck in the process. Spidey thereby thinks he was responsible for her death. The fact that she was dead before Spidey even got there but him blaming himself for her death makes it all the more tragic.

This leads me to a side note. The death of Gwen is arguably one of the biggest events in comics history. Anybody can go and read those couple of issues. However, having read everything from her first appearance and all the different phases of her relationship with Peter makes reading her death all the more impactful. I seriously had to brace myself before reading her death because I really didn't want her to die even though I knew exactly what was going to happen because it's such a famous story.

As for your second question, Gwen all the way. Peter was saving up money to buy her an engagement ring right before she died and she was really good for him Now, to be fair, I'm only in 1983 right now so haven't yet gotten to the good stuff of Peter and MJ's romance.

IRCB: Hmmmmmmmm you know that your theory is fightin' words for a large portion of the comic book geek society.

A: All I can say is the good ole' Spidey can't really go wrong in his choice of women he's always got the hotness surrounding him.

A: Yeah I know that's not the most popular theory, but reading the issues allows for some variance of interpretation.

IRCB: So we know you are a big Spider-Man fan but who are your favorite characters so far in your reading? Feel free to include superheroes, villains, and supporting cast.

A: Favorite characters. Wow, that could be quite the list. Here we go:

Spidey supporting characters: Robbie Robertson - constantly the voice of calm and reason in the midst of all the chaos.

Favorite X-Man: Nightcrawler - I'm a man of the faith and so is he. I'll never forget this one issue where the X-Men were fighting Dracula. One of the X-Men (I believe Wolverine) held up some sticks to make a cross at Dracula and nothing happened. Dracula says "My friend, that trick only works for those who believe". He turns around and Nightcrawler's right there with a cross and yells "I BELIEVE!!!!" and down goes Dracula. Classic. The other appeal to Nightcrawler is he doesn't need to be the center of attention, is a true friend to his cohorts, and ya gotta love the smell of brimstone and BAMF!

A-Grade villains: Dr. Doom is always fun and Magneto is of course awesome because he truly believes his causes are altruistic. That makes for the best kind of evil.

B-Grade villain: Arcade. Give this guy his own book because I will follow him to the ends of the Earth. Murderworld is sooo much fun.

Other Heroes: Ben Grimm is a favorite of mine, mainly because sometimes he doesn't always wanna play the superhero bit, he just wants to lay on the couch, eat some chips, and watch some tee vee. That's how I roll!

IRCB: Those are some nice choices I do love Robbie Robertson he keeps it real all the time and Nightcrawler has been one of my favorite X-Men for a long time. You may be the only person on the planet that has serious love for Arcade but I can't hate on a man in a white suit.

IRCB: I noticed that you didn't take the bait with my last question possibly because your wife may read this but let’s talk about your one true love that I have known about for a while now the beautiful vixen Alison Blaire the DAZZLER. What is your fascination with the lovely lady?

A: Haha yeah I knew we'd get to this. It started out as kind of a joke. Dazzler was officially the first X-Men spinoff series (even before Wolverine's first limited series). From a lot of what I'd heard from people was that the series wasn't very good. So I was hyping about how excited I was to read the series in a tongue in cheek sort of way. But when I got to the series, I really didn't think it was bad at all. Now I'm not saying its Comic Book Shakespeare, but I do think it gets a bad rap that it doesn't deserve. First of all, she has powers but really doesn't want to be a hero at all. Now Spiderman sometimes falls into this way of thinking but Dazzler really means it. She just wants to be a singer but trouble keeps finding her. Plus she took on some real heavyweights in the series. In one of the first issues she talks some sense into Galactus. That took some real guts from a 20-something year old woman. The title also was not your typical comic book fare as many times the focal point is on her personal life instead of battles with the baddies. So kids, if anybody tries to tell you that Dazzler is lame, don't you fall for it, check it out for yourself!

IRCB: So you are alright with DAZZLER being the comic book ABBA and self lighting mirror ball? And have you found the 1984 Marvel Graphic Novel: Dazzler The Movie?

A: Well considering her first appearance was in 1980 and her series started in 1981, the country was in full on disco mode. Comics have always reflected the signs of the times and as embarrassing as the disco era might be to some, it only makes sense that Marvel created a character that reflected that subculture. Plus she did sing a Ramones song at one of her concerts, so she's A-OK with me. There was also some really good artwork on the covers of some of her later issues that hadn't been seen much at that time. And yes I do have Dazzler the Movie and will cherish it forever. If only they could make that movie a reality and put Gwen Stefani in the lead role. You know you'd go see it!

IRCB: Oh I'd go see it for sure. I'm a casual Dazzler fan myself and really just like giving people a hard time about her. This may or may not be a sin against all that is wonderful about Dazzler but check out this little website and think of all your dreams coming true. http://www.dazzlerband.com/home.cfm

IRCB: So now to some serious business before we rap this up. DC Comics, you have any love for them or any other comic book publishers?

A: Those jokers got nuttin on the lovely Ms. Blaire.

A: As far as DC goes, about all I can stand is Batman and even that in limited doses. I find the storylines of the greater DC Universe to be needlessly convoluted to where I seriously think you may need some herbs to get what the hell is going on. I even read All Star Superman which is supposed to be one of the best freshest representations of the Man of Steel. I thought it wasn't bad, but they did start to go into things such as the Phantom Zone and Underverse and it made me want to hurt myself. With that being said, DC does own the Vertigo imprint and thus they are forgiven. Y The Last Man is the GREATNESS.

IRCB: HA HA HA . . . Vertigo does have some greatness. I enjoy DMZ and Fables is quite awesome also.

IRCB: Any other Independent comics on your radar?

A: I've read some Image (mainly Sam and Twitch) and Frank Cho's Liberty Meadows. Those were both a lot of fun. I would like to get more involved with some indys because it looks like there's a lot of quality out there.

IRCB: There are plenty of good Indy comics out there that will take you in all kinds of directions.

IRCB: Ok to wrap this all up tell us what you are currently reading and where you are (Issue numbers) so that we can check back in with you later and see where you are and when do you expect to be caught up so that you can go to the comic book store and buy what came out that week?

A: Well I'm currently in April 1983 so that puts me at Amazing 239, Marvel Team Up 128, New Mutants 2, Spectacular Spiderman 77 and on tap for tonight is Uncanny X-Men 168. Can't wait to see Kitty's response to Professor X demoting her to the New Mutants. Methinks she won't go down fighting. As far as getting caught up, I'm not really concerned about that. I read one book a day, so assuming I live to be at least 73 I'll get there. The important thing to me is getting every piece of the story one layer at a time. It's a long process but I have been having a blast with it and don't regret the journey for a minute.

IRCB: Thanks for the interview Ashley and for keepin' it real one comic at a time. I'll be checking in with you from time to time to see where you are and you can tell us what we missed . . . or forgot.

A: Not a problem. And remember kids: If you take everything you've accomplished in your life and condense it to one day, it looks decent.

IRCB: And knowing is half the battle!

- Kevin P. Johnson

BLOG IS BACK!!!

2010-03-22T18:51:00.000-05:00

Ok gang its been quite a while since I've posted and I think that all that life that got in the way is done now and I can get on a better schedule with this. When I say schedule I mean that I will be posting regularly but not on any particular day of the week. I hope to bring new post to you at least twice a week and hopefully more.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Backing Boards # 7 : Justice League Of Ameica #30

2009-05-29T23:09:00.000-05:00

This issue of Justice League of America takes place in the middle of a story and isn't anything groundbreaking but it is getting a quick review because of the villain SHADOW THIEF. I don't know how long this character has been around but I really would enjoy reading more stories with him in them. Shadow Thief is a fun old school type of character can that take control of shadows including the shadow of his enemies. I'd love to read a comic where Superman had to fight his own shadow or the Flash had to out run his shadow to save the world (he did actually have to out-run his shadow in this issue).

Blackest Night #0 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

2009-05-08T23:25:00.001-05:00

Blackest Night #0 . . . Boy look what have I been missing!

DC Comics are often a bit confusing to me I know a lot of the characters but I don't know a lot of the stories. I've only been reading DC comic books regularly for about three or four years and have long wanted to read Green Lantern but have never been able to fit it into the old budget and for months I have heard how great the title is and all the different color lanterns that are out there and how it just sounds like great fun. I've listened to plenty of podcast's and they seem to drool over the Sinestro Corps and Green Lantern titles and I've missd it all.

Well on FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2009 I knew DC was giving away a the Blackest Night #0 and I figured I'd get it and flip through it and see what it was all about. Geoff Johns' writing was awesome as usual and the art by Ivan Reis blew me away.

Page 4 and 5 stand as my favorite comic book images in quite a while (at least this month) and I absolutely love the colors.

I don't have a clue as to what all these other lanters are about besides the brief review in the back but by the end of it I have put Blackest Night on my DCBS pull list and have began to seek out Green Lantern trades. There are sometimes that you hear about stuff for so long and ignore it for one reason or another but as soon as you get a taste you get hooked . . . I am hooked on the Blackest Night series already and I will somehow have to figure out how to get Green Lantern into my pull list.

-Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2009 Kevin P. Johnson

Marvel Mini-Comics free Comic Book Day 2009

2009-05-08T22:58:00.001-05:00

These images are copyright © 2009 Marvel Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Image will be removed upon request of Marvel Comics.

Last Saturday was FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2009 and there were some good things being given away this year. Among the most interesting were Marvel Comics two titles Wolverine and The Avengers. I read both of the issues this week and was happy they were both new comics the Wolverine was a retelling of his origin and seemed geared to a younger audience while the Avengers was a completely new story featuring the Avengers vs. the Dark Avengers vs. the Frost Giant Ymir. That was a fun story and I hope that it makes its way into future Avengers books and they left the ending open for such a story to happen.

The main thing about these comics are that they are smaller than normal comics by about 1/2 inch wide and about 3/4 of an inch in height. Now the thing is this doesn't bother me at all mostly we all want bigger comics to view the artwork but in the world we live in where everything is so expensive I think this format could make comics cheaper. I hope that Marvel and DC Comics try to experiment more with this maybe put out a few titles in the smaller format and see if it catches on. There would be less paper cost on the printing end and they still look great. I know some fans will rebel because the comics wont match their collections but if you put them in the same bags an boards you wouldn't even know the difference. I know that Marvel did this because they had to sell these comics to the stores cheaper than normal and that they had to cut their cost so that they wouldn't lose money in doing so. I personally think that they have stumbled upon something that can save everyone some money and make comics a little more afforable for everyone.

-Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2009 Kevin P. Johnson

NOLA Comic-Con 2009 Review

2009-05-01T19:27:00.002-05:00

Well last Saturday was the NOLA Comic-Con 2009 and it was a nice event. I was there promoting Strange City Heroes my webcomic/print comic. I took a few pictures and they can be found on the NOLA Comic-Con 2009 page. The convention was small but nice probably 600 people showed up and the age old saying that kids and women don't read comics is a falsehood. There were kids of all ages there and beautiful women all buying comic books . . . as well as all the boys. This was my first convention and it had its successes and failures but it was a good experience and I hope to do more of them. The highlight of the day was meeting Dave Pirner of the band Soul Asylum and having him buy my comics and ask me for my autograph.

The show was put on by Media Underground Comics , with several other dealers from the area including Magic Comics and Hobbies , Louisiana Doubleplay and from beyond the grave Crescent City Comics were there.

Mass Casualty Comics came and put on a great horror makeup display as they had people walking around bloodied and gross and they said it smelled like cinnemon.

The 501st Legion of Baton Rouge Redstick Rebellion, LA was there and had many awesome Star Wars costumes to display. And the characters walked around in full costume taking pictures with everyone and just being awesome.

Next year the show will probably be bigger and better I can't wait I hope they do this every year. Next year I hope to get to shop.

Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright © 2009 Kevin P. Johnson

NOLA Comic-Con 2009

2009-04-24T23:49:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow April 25, 2009 will be the first Comic-Con in the New Orleans area in many years. I will be participating promoting my webcomic Strange City Heroes A full report coming next week. And hopefully I can read some comics too.

Media Underground Comics presents NOLA Comic-Con 2009.

$5 Admission (Children 6 and under Free)

Special Guest Derec Donavan Artist For: Youngblood, Conner Hawke, Robin Annual

Tim Lattie Artist For: White Picket Fences, Return To Point Pleasant

Kevin P. Johnson Artist and Creator: Strange City Heroes

- Kevin P. Johnson

SCUD The Disposable Assassin : The Whole Shebang! Beginning - Middle - and End

2009-04-18T23:24:00.001-05:00

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

Ok so its not Friday and barely Saturday anymore but it is an update!
SCUD The Disposable Assassin by Rob Schrab can only be described with one word and that word is WEIRD! But weird is good. The Whole Shebang! takes the entire twenty-four issue SCUD comic book series and puts it all in one massive book.
I have currently read eight issues worth of the book and I have to say that I wish I had bought this when it was coming out in issue format but am more than happy to have it in this nice thick book. SCUD is a robotic assassin who comes from a vending machine and his only mission is to carry out and assassination of your choice and upon completion of this task the unit will self destruct. SCUD figures out that he will die if he kills his target and decides he doesn't want to do that. I won't spoil what he does to stay alive but it is quite interesting.
The world SCUD lives in is not typical and that is the real fun of this book. Rob Scrab creates creatures out of what seems to be any random thought that enters his head . . . I love it! There are humans, robots, dinosaurs and the things I'll call the WTF's. My two favorite WTF's are Drywall and Jeff. Drywall is the sidekick of SCUD who seems to be a burlap sack with a ton of zippers he doesn't talk words (yet) but SCUD undestands him and he has an endless supply of everything inside of him. Jeff is the target SCUD is supposed to eliminate this guy is awesome he is a monster that has a plug for a head, a large squid tied to his chest, arms for legs and hands for feet with knees that have mouths that say the craziest things and are often pop culture references. Jeff also has mousetrap hands and the ability to take random thing and add it to itself for weapons or new appendages.
The story is odd and a little hard to read a lot of in one sitting but reading an issue at a time and taking a few days off (as I'm doing) helps it sink in more and has you ready for more. The artwork is what I love most about SCUD it is simply amazing black and white drawing that I wish I could look at every day and I don't think that it ever would need color even though I've seen plenty of color covers and images of SCUD.
I don't know how this book ends and I'm in no hurry to find out because I'm enjoying the adventure so much that I wish it could go on forever.
Kevin P. JohnsonCopyright © 2009 Kevin P. Johnson

DMZ Book 5 The Hidden War

2009-04-10T22:49:00.002-05:00

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 or Vertigo Comics.

DMZ is a comic created by Brian Wood for Vertigo Comics. The premise is what happens after a second civil war breaks out in the United States and New York City becomes the DMZ. The story follows reporter Matty Roth as he tries to tell the real story of the DMZ to the Free States of America.

I buy DMZ in trade paperback so I don't get the story right away and actually I'm one trade behind but I wanted to review this book because I found it an interesting choice that Brian Wood made and also kind of risky. The Hidden War reprints DMZ issues #23-#28 and up until this point it has been all about survival in the DMZ but these six issues flip the script and make the main characters background characters and introduce new characters to the story. This seems like an odd choice to put out 6 consecutive issues of a comic that has nothing to do with the main story from the main characters point of view. I liked the book but if I was reading it monthly I'd probably be kinda upset at the turn the book took. I think these issues would have worked better as a series of one shots.

The characters that are introduced are good and have a lot of potential and should help take the story into new and interesting places in the long run. "The Militant Mob Boss Of Chinatown" story is excellent and I hope that he becomes a major player in the series. The aging Graffiti artist story was very interesting too.

DMZ book 5 overall is good stuff but I just want to be back into the main story. Hopefully book 6 is in my near future.

Kevin P. Johnson
Copyright 2009 Kevin P. Johnson

My Return to the blog

2009-04-10T22:37:00.000-05:00

So I've been away for a while and have neglected this blog completely. I've been working on my webcomic Strange City Heroes and have got things to a point where I can attempt to come back to this blog. The schedule for this blog will be to make a post every Friday (no set time) and if there is time post whenever possible.

- Kevin P. Johnson

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

2008-12-26T23:48:00.001-06:00

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

2008-12-26T23:18:00.000-06:00

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

2008-11-09T22:36:00.000-06:00

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

2008-11-08T22:51:00.000-06:00

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

My Current DCBS Order November 2008

2008-11-08T22:08:00.000-06:00

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

My Current DCBS Order October 2008

2008-10-04T23:33:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-27T23:56:00.001-05:00

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

2008-09-27T00:24:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-27T00:05:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-26T23:58:00.000-05:00

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

2008-09-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-22T10:58:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-16T00:14:00.000-05:00

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

2008-08-15T23:36:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-11T21:28:00.000-05:00

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

2008-07-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

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

2008-06-30T20:30:00.001-05:00

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

2008-06-30T20:15:00.000-05:00

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

2008-06-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

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

2008-06-16T22:14:00.000-05:00

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

My Current DCBS Order June 2008

2008-06-06T22:33:00.000-05:00

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

2008-05-31T14:22:00.000-05:00

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

2008-05-17T23:26:00.003-05:00

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

2008-05-09T22:15:00.001-05:00

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

2008-05-09T21:18:00.000-05:00

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

DC Universe #0

2008-05-09T20:56:00.001-05:00

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.

New Stats For My DCBS Ordering

2008-05-09T13:49:00.000-05:00

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

2008-05-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

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

2008-05-01T23:58:00.002-05:00

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

2008-04-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-23T18:54:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-23T17:52:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-20T20:41:00.001-05:00

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

300 by Frank Miller (Hardcover)

2008-04-20T19:54:00.001-05:00

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!!!

2008-04-11T13:56:00.001-05:00

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

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

2008-04-07T23:52:00.000-05:00

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

2008-04-07T20:56:00.000-05:00

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

My Current DCBS Order April 2008

2008-04-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

Well I thought I'd start posting the comics that I order from DCBS so that any of you that are interested in one of these comics I can talk about it because I'll have it. I don't get Previews anymore so I can only assume that these are from the current Previews which is April this month and the comics should be out in two months. I'll do this each month and there will be a log of at least the definite comics I have that I can talk about.

Here's the list for April 2008:

Action Comics #866

Amazing Spider-Man #561, 562, & 563

Batman #678

Captain America #39

Detective Comics #845

Green Arrow & Black Canary #9

Justice League of America #22

Justice Society of America #17

Mighty Avengers #15

Moon Knight #19

Ms. Marvel #28

New Avengers #42

Uncanny X-Men #499

Wonder Woman #21

X-Factor #32

X-Men Legacy #213

Femme Noir: Dark City Diaries #1 (of 4)

Final Crisis #2 (of 7)

Secret Invasion #3 (of 8)

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 #5 (of 6)

Comics Now Magazine #3

Breakdown:

Marvel - 12

DC - 8

Ape Entertainment - 1

Archaia Studios Press - 1

Marvel has the edge this month and this will probably be a regular occurence being Marvel is my favorite. The indie titles will probably also remain small until I can afford to increase my spending.

- Kevin P. Johnson

What I'm Reading - My Pull List

2008-03-28T20:41:00.000-05:00

What I’m Reading – My Pull List

Almost everyone out there in comic book land has their monthly pull-list of comics that they collect or just have to have out of some sort of weird obsessive compulsive pattern of behavior that they just can’t help but satisfy. For me I tend to buy a comics series for a very long timer even if I am years behind on reading them for example I am probably 2 years or so on Green Arrow and I have not even started to read the new Green Arrow and Black Canary series because I just have to catch up yet on other occasions I just jump back in on a series and do the catching up later I had let Spider-Man titles lag for a while and when I heard that they were doing one title three times monthly I jumped into the One More Day story arc and have kept up to date on Amazing Spider-Man.

Most comic book stores allow customers to create a pull list and is the thing to do if you collect more than five titles a month (if your shop offers this). Having a pull list is often a great idea because in my experience the shop will get to know you better and they can suggest new titles and if there is something missing from your folder (a fancy name for pull list) they will often go out of their way to get you your comic. In my case I have a cash issue and I have gone to an Internet service so that I can get a discount and get most of the comics that I want to read the indies lose out these days and Marvel and DC dominate my pull list but I love independent comics too and try to read as many as I can.

If you are in the New Orleans, Louisiana area I suggest going over to BSI Comics in Metairie and talking to manager Jason Grazulis and he can set you up. The shop is well stocked and they even have a girl working there “WOOO HOOO” so check them out at

http://www.bsicomics.com/ or stop in and impulse buy like I do. Also in the New Orleans are on the northshore of Lake Pontchartrain stop in at Slidell’s best Magic Comics and Hobbies. Owner David Strecker is an awesome guy he even got me a copy of Captain America #25 on the day it came out when I didn’t even have it on my pull list. The shop is nice and they carry a wide variety of comics, toys, games and just about everything you can think of. Get on David’s good side and tell him you like Thor and ask him where he got that awesome book shelf that weighs about a million pounds. Check out http://www.magic-comics.com/index.html and find links to their online store. Since I’m on a budget I shop online at DCBS http://www.dcbservice.com/ they give great discount usually a minimum of 35% but sometimes 75% off on hot new # 1’s. I love this service and although they are an online service they treat you like they are their best friends. They go the extra mile for you and even find issues that they thought we out of stock for you. (Thanks Zack Ms. Marvel #25 is happy to be at my house I promise) Cameron Merkler is in charge over there (I think) and they do a great job of getting comics shipped quickly and in excellent 9.8 condition. Shipping is only $5.95 too for whatever you order.

So anyway here’s my current pull-list

Comics:

Action Comics
Amazing Spider-Man
Batman
Captain America
Detective Comics
Final Crisis
Green Arrow and Black Canary
Hulk
Justice League Of America
Justice Society Of America
Mighty Avengers
Moon Knight
Mouse Guard Winter 1152
Ms. Marvel
New Avengers
Secret Invasion
Thor
Uncanny X-Men
Usagi Yojimbo
Wonder Woman
X-Factor
X-Men Legacy

Magazines:

Comics Now
Wizard

That's it for now talk to you soon!!!

-Kevin P. Johnson

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Peterson

2008-03-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

This image is copyright 2007 David Peterson in association with Archaia Studios Press and is used as a Fair Use Review image only. Image will be removed upon request of David Peterson or Archaia Studios Press.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152
ISBN-10: 1932386572
192 pages
Published: May 2006
Story Titles: Chapter 1: Belly Of The Beast, Chapter 2: Shadows Within, Chapter 3, Rise Of The Axe, Chapter 4: The Dark Ghost, Chapter 5: Midnight's Dawn, Chapter 6: A Return To Honor
Cover Price: $24.95
Author & Illustrator: David Peterson

Major Characters: Kenzie, Saxon, Lieam, A Big Snake, Big Crabs, Gwendolyn, Conrad, Celanwe/The Black Axe, Sadie, Conrad

If you love comic books you already own this.

Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 was a six issue comic book presented in a format often reserved for children's paperback books (8" x 8' squarebound) and then was collected into a hardcover book and later a paperback book.

Mouse Guard is the creation of David Peterson featuring the adventures of three guardsmice Lieam, Saxon and Kenzie who are sworn to protect the mice in their territory. These three guardsmice find themselves in the middle of a mystery that leads from the disappearance of a local mouse to the return of someone calling himself The Black Axe. Without spoiling the story for you this story quickly goes from a few sweet looking mice into a fast paced romp with interestingly dark and dangerous characters. The guardsmice are your heroes and they prove themselves as protectors, warriors, and detectives.

Mouse Guard has often been compaired to Redwall by Brian Jacques but I find the world's similar but very different each standing on its own in a very enjoyable way. I've heard people say that they have read Mouse Guard to their young children ages three and four years old and the kids loved it. I don't think I could recommend Mouse Guard to children that young because there are some areas that are a bit dark and violent but I think at about eight or nine years old this would be great although at thirty-six its pretty great too.

In Mouse Guard you have two hooks that keep you wanting more. First there is the story. Loaded with fun, adventure and mystery it quickly brings a whole new world alive full of danger and leaving you wanting more and wondering what happens next. The story is enough to keep you interested and coming back but the art is what will make you fall in love. David Peterson is a master of taking a simple image often not very detailed and filling it with the most beautiful and delightful colors that make the images pop off the page in a way that just makes you feel good and has a warmth about it that you rarely find in comic books. Peterson knows the details too and for every simple image that there is it they are followed by complex towns and architecture that make this book a complete masterpiece.

The book is made complete with several pages bonus features and artwork. Beautiful maps of the Mouse Territories: 1150 appear on the endsheets. A wonderful dustjacket featuring artwork that is not part of the original series. The cover features a full color detail of the dustjacket image and the Archaia Studios Press Logo on the back. For a preview of the book go on over to http://www.davidpetersen.net/mouseguard/fall1152/index.htm where you can see seven pages from each of the original six issues of Mouse Guard: Fall 1152. Also visit www.aspcomics.com for more great comics.

Go Out, Buy This Book, You Will Be Happier For It!

- Kevin P. Johnson

Buy Art Cure Cancer

2008-03-14T15:48:00.000-05:00

Hey gang saw this in an email from Blue line Pro. Please go and check out all the great art and bid to help cure cancer.

http://stores.ebay.com/Comics-2-Games_W0QQ_trksidZp284Q2em158QQtZkm

This is text from one of the auctions that they all seem to have.

Comics for Cure / Comics2Games have come together to create a relay for life team called Comics for Cure for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life program. All proceeds form the auctions for the Comics for Cure relay for life team will be giving to the Northern Kentucky Kenton County American Cancer Society Relay for Life program. To find out more information on the Comics for Cure relay for life team check out these links here.

http://www.comics2cars.com/sketchcardshow.htm

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeMid-SouthDivision?pg=entry&fr_id=10127

Sketch cards are an easy and inexpensive way to collect original art. Plus by bidding on this card, you can be making someone’s struggle with cancer easier, and helping to find a cure.

Check It Out,
Kevin P. Johnson

So sorry I've been distracted

2008-03-12T23:01:00.000-05:00

Hey there all in blogland if you've been reading along I just wanted to let you know that I'll be back shortly. I've been distracted the last two weeks but I have finsihed reading Mouse Guard Fall 1152 and I'm about to start reading Identity Crisis for a review. I'm also going to give some opinions on Hulk #1-2 of the new ongoing series and try to get on a regular schedule of blogging.

Thanks For Reading,

Kevin P. Johnson

Get your official I Read Comic Books Merchandise at

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/members/products/index.aspx?s=4560492 and

http://www.cafepress.com/cp/members/products/index.aspx?s=4908750

Hank Ketchum's Complete Dennis The Menace 1951-1952

2008-03-02T18:28:00.001-06:00

This image is copyright © 2005 Fantagraphics Books and Hank Ketchum Enterprises, Inc. and is used as a Fair Use Review image only. Image will be removed upon request of Fantagraphics Books or Hank Ketchum Enterprises, Inc.

Hank Ketchum's Complete Dennis The Menace 1951-1952
Cover Price: $24.95
Writer & Artist: Hank Ketchum (March 14, 1920 - June 1, 2001)

Characters: Dennis, Dennis' Mom & Dad, Ruff, Mr. & Mrs. Wilson, Henry and Alice Mitchell, Joey and Margret and a cast of others.

So I had seen this book around along with all the other Fantagraphics Books reprints and I had always thought it was a wonderful idea for the classic strips to finally be reprinted. I had bought the first four Peanuts collections and had my eye on the Dick Tracy and Dennis The Menace collections. Of course money is always a factor and I'd never gotten around to getting them until about two weeks ago I walked into the Barnes And Noble in Gretna, Louisiana and I found the first volume of Dennis The Menace for $6.99 and so I now have it and am glad that I do.

Sometimes the things we see all the time are taken for granted that it will always be there and always has been but this shows that there was a beginning and a funny one at that. The very first strip in March 1951 shows Dennis sticking his head out of the backseat window looking toward a motorcycle cop with a smug look on his face. The caption reads "You didn't catch us! We ran out gas!"

The cartoons are all really well drawn, very stylized and sharp with great inking. I love that almost every cartoon has a nice solid black section that just pops the cartoon off the page. You can see that the art was different back in the 1950's and as this book ends you can see a big difference in what two years of drawing the same characters will do. If you visit the official website( http://www.dennisthemenace.com/index.html ) you can really see the differences.

The gags are really pretty funny and most stand up to today's standards, some are dated but fun nonetheless. Dennis is a character that says all the wrong things at exactly the right time, he causes trouble wherever he goes and he says what we are all thinking. This kid defines what it is to be a little kid and I think most of us can relate to the innocence of taking your shoes off and then splashing in a mud puddle so your Mom wouldn't be mad because you got your shoes muddy.

This is a wonderful collection and can stand alone but it makes me happy to know that this isn't the end of the line there are over 60 years worth of these comic strips.

- Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2008 Kevin P. Johnson

Snowman Hulk: A Parody Artwork

2008-02-29T23:04:00.000-06:00

Hello all,
Here is a little drawing I did its called Snowman Hulk: A Parody. I put it on eBay this week so if you like it go get it starting price is $9.99

This listing is for 1 original 5" x 7" drawing created by Kevin P. Johnson. This drawing features a parody of the Marvel Comics character The Incredible Hulk as a snowman and was hand drawn, inked and colored by the artist.
Title: "Snowman Hulk: A Parody"
Date: February 2008
Medium: Speedball Super Black India Ink
Paper: Strathmore Bristol 100 lb. Smooth

http://stores.ebay.com/Strangedrawings-ART-GALLERY

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