Backing Boards #8 - Usagi Yojimbo #141 (Usagi Yojimbo's 200th Issue)

Reading through a short stack of currently unread Usagi Yojimbo comic books I got to #141 and found out that this was the 200th issue (in total) of the title. WOW! how many black and white indie comics can claim that title?

The rest of this post will spoil the issue (kinda).

So this issue was typical Usagi fare, innocent townsfolk being tormented by powerful bad guys with gangs of thugs . . . with swords and other awesome Japanese weapons . . . a magical formula that never fails making "typical" into completely awesome comics. This time we get bad guy Kaba trying to take over the town with his gang of bandits but a local Artisan has a dream and believes if he makes 200 Jizo statues it will stop the threat of the evildoers. Needless to say a few good fights break out leaving a few dead bad guys. Usagi ends up fighting with Kaba and then chasing him out into the rain amongst the Jizo statues. The weight of the statues causes a mud slide and Kaba is crushed to death under the weight of the statues.

Stan Sakai makes great comics that feel amazingly fun even though they are actually some of the most violent comic books out there. His art is amazing, his stories are simple yet complicated, and everyone that reads comics should be reading Usagi Yojimbo. I am ashamed to say that I don't own all of the 203 issues that are currently out but my 58 issues and an old trade paperback are all 100% awesome.

Usagi Yojimbo
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Cover Price $3.50
Created by Stan Sakai

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Image is copyright © 2011 Dark Horse Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Dark Horse Comics.

COMICONN - AUGUST 24, 2013, TRUMBULL, CT

If you're going to be in Connecticut in August check out this convention it'll have lots of great guest.

For all the details on this convention visit www.comiconn.com

Backing Boards Returns

Remember that old thing I started doing a long long time ago called Backing Boards? It was where I did a one paragraph summary of a comic I read . . . yeah I didn't think you did either. Well upon review of blog stats that seemed to be the most popular thing I was doing so I plan on bringing that idea back, continuing with #8. Check for it soon.

Thanks for reading,
Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Image is copyright © BCW Supplies and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of BCW Supplies.

Transformers Universe Limited Series (Marvel Comics 1986)



Transformers Universe #1, 1986 Marvel Comics

 

Page from Transformers Universe #2, 1987 Marvel Comics



 Transformers Universe (Limited Series)

Published by Marvel Comics

Cover Price $1.25 each

4 Issues, 32 pages each + interior covers as pages, full color, wraparound covers

December 1986 - March 1987

Transformers Universe is one of the prized sets of comic books in my collection not because of it's value (about $5.50 each in mint condition) but because it was presented in the same way the Official Handbook Of The Marvel Universe was and it was all the Transformers (as far as I know) at the time.



 These books included in total around 128 character profiles from the TV, Movies (the 80's one) and comic books. It's format was kept pretty simple too. A full sized picture of the Transformer with his vehicle form below. Most characters got one page entries that included it's Name, Allegiance, Function, First Appearance, a quote from the character, Profile, Abilities and Weaknesses. This was a perfect book for any fan to get to know the characters or refresh themselves on characters they may have forgotten about. The only thing odd I found about the entries is that some of the characters bio's did not include a First Appearance listing. I figure that these characters did not appear in the comic books up until this point and that they were characters from the TV show.



Transformers Universe #2, 1987 Marvel Comics

  The art in the series is all basically the same style poses where characters are standing at a slight angle with arms down in most cases. This gives you a pretty good view of how the character looks from top to bottom. I am not sure who actually drew these books there are a lot of names at the beginnings of the books but no pencilers were listed just the two inkers/embelishers Ian Akin and Brian Garvey with "Artwork based on model sheets by Marvel Productions" under their names in issues 2-4.



 I found these issues at the K&B Drugs store way back in 1987 and as a kid and already a fan of the Official Handbook Of The Marvel Universe I was really excited about this and luckily I found all 4 of these on the same day because back then I had no way of getting comic books except through drug stores or grocery stores it was rare that I ever made it to a comic book store. My copies of these comics are in really good condition still to this day they are a bit worn and nowhere near mint condition but they are cherished. Every now and then I like to revisit these issues to look back on all the characters that  helped give the kids of the 1980's a great childhood.

Transformers Universe #3, 1987 Marvel Comics

 I'll leave you with a quote from just about everyone's favorite Transformer Optimus Prime "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."

Thanks for reading,

Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright © 1986-1987 Marvel Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Marvel Comics.

Transformers Universe #, 1987 Marvel Comics









New York Comic Book Marketplace, Saturday April 13, 2013

New York Comic Book Marketplace, Saturday April 13, 2013

Mike Carbonaro, New York City's comic convention impresario, returns with another edition of his independent, one-day show, the New York Comic Book Marketplace on the 18th floor of the historic Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 7th Ave, New York, New York, 10001 between 32nd & 33rd St.

The guest list so far:

Comics:
Chris Claremont
George Perez
Ken Bald
Rich Buckler
Billy Tucci
Jim Salicrup
Danny Fingeroth
Larry Hama
Mark Texiera
Sean Chen
Ken Bald
Mark Bellomo
Tom Smith
Guy Dorian
Ian Dorian
Calmixx
Eric Cooper
Mark Morales
Cory Fields
Brian Kong
Mike Lilly
Alex Maleev
Daxiong
Mindy Indy
Derek Muterspaw & Edwin Hernandez
Jason Quinones
Ben Templesmith
Chris Townsend
Guy Fox
Emilio Velez, Jr.
Guillermo Zubiaga
Matthew Monteleone & Pedro Lajud
Mike Zapcic (AMC's Comic Book Men)
Ming Chen (AMC's Comic Book Men)
Robert Bruce (AMC's Comic Book Men)
Howard Rogofsky (founding father of comic book price guides)
Mark Bellomo

Pro Wrestling:
Sgt. Slaughter
Rikishi
Ashley Massaro

Film, TV & media celebrities:
Johnny Brennan (Jerky Boys, Family Guy)
Brian O'Halloran (Clerks)
Scott Schiaffo (Clerks)
Paris Themmen (Mike TeeVee of WillyWonka and the Chocolate Factory)
Tina Krause (Penny Dreadful, Zombiegeddon)
Chris Notarille (Methodic, Deadpool webseries)
Captain Zorikh (Sci-Fi Science, Jedi Junkies, Team USA of Battle of the Nations)

There will also be over 100 dealer tables selling comic books, collectibles, toys, t-shirts, and related media.

A major feature of this event will be a live authenticity and appraisal clinic and buying event. Bring your comics, trading cards, artwork toys, rock & roll/celebrity/movie/pop culture memorabilia for a FREE appraisal, evaluation, and cash offer. Individual items and entire collections will be bought on the spot! If we purchase over $300 of your collection we will pay $25 for your transportation and admission to the show!

Call Mike for more info 201-892-1212
Tickets are on sale now! $10 general admission, $20 early entry VIP.
http://www.nycbm.com/


Information above is Copyright © 2013 New York Comic Book Marketplace - All Rights Reserved and will be removed upon request of  New York Comic Book Marketplace

Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (Marvel Comics 2013)

Guardians Of The Galaxy Issue #1

Published by Marvel Comics

Cover Price $3.99

21 story pages, full color

May, 2013

Brian Michael Bendis - Writer
Steve McNiven - Penciler
John Dell - Inker
Justin Ponser - Colors

Well this is where the story should have started. A much better introduction than the 0.1 issue for sure but still the book seems to be mainly focused on Star-Lord. It does take about half the book before we get the names of the entire team Gamora, Drax The Destroyer, Groot, Rocket Raccoon and of course Star-Lord and umm Iron Man maybe?


Interior pencils from Guardians Of The Galaxy #1



The issue starts off with Star-Lord (Peter Quill) being met by his father the King of Spartax Planetary System. They have a light hearted argument yet heated argument and basically it ends up that Star-Lord is to leave the Earth alone and it will be left alone by all others as well. Well Star-Lord see's flaws in this theory and heads to Earth anyway.

When approaching Earth Star-Lord and the Guardians Of The Galaxy meet up with Iron Man who has come into battle in space near the Earth with an alien race known as the Badoon. The battle rages on and a really good fight scene ends up taking the last eleven pages of the book. In the battle Groot the tree-like character who looks pretty awesome is blow up but I assume he can regenerate because Rocket Raccoon finds a little piece of him and it seems that that is all that is needed.



Interior spread art used as a Marvel Comics Wallpaper



So this issue to me is a lot better than the 0.1 issue and has taken that rub the wrong way and put it back to a neutral rub. I like the art, the inking is done by a local guy (for me) John Dell and you can't go wrong with big fight scenes. I still don't really know anything about these characters but I'll try a few more issues and see where it goes.

Rocket Raccoon Limited Series #1

The one thing I really don't like about this issue is that Rocket Raccoon doesn't look cool, he doesn't look awesome and he doesn't look funny, he looks like a crazed freak. Actually he almost looks like a cat and that helmet he's wearing has got to go. I prefer the Rocket Raccoon of old over this version any day.

So as I said before this series is at a draw for me now I'll need a lot more good than bad to become a permanent reader of Guardians Of The Galaxy but I think I should be ready for the movies by the time I figure out if this is a keeper title.

Thanks for reading,

Kevin P. Johnson 

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson

Images are copyright © 1985, 2013 Marvel Comics and are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Marvel Comics.



Awesome Collector Shows presents: Killeen, Texas Awesome Toy Collector Show, Saturday April 25, 2013

NOTICE DATE CHANGED TO APRIL 25, 2013

 

Awesome Collector Shows presents: Killeen, Texas Awesome Toy Collector Show, Saturday April 25, 2013
Courtyard Marriott - Killeen
1721 E. Central Texas Expressway
Killeen,Texas 76541
(US HWY 190@WS Young road/across from the Killeen Mall)

Buy - Sell - Trade with collectors and dealers of vintage to modern toy collectibles such as 

Action Figures, Barbies, Die Cast Toys, GI Joe, Hot Wheels, Marvel Legends, Power Rangers,

Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers, Walking Dead, Wrestling figures and more !

Hours: 11am - 5pm 

Admission: $2.00 (kids 12 and under free with paying adult)
Early Buyer Admission: $5.00 (10am -11am only)
Only the first 100 collectors will be admitted during the Early Buyer Hour !

Win a $25 shopping spree!

Drawings at 12:30pm and 4:30pm

Thinking about selling your toy collection?
Dealer Tables: (25 - 6ft. available)
Pre-pay with PayPal : $50.00 each per table
Call or e - mail today for availability !

For more info contact:
Awesome Collector Shows
Po Box 5055
Waco,Texas 76708
(254)722 -2399
e-mail: info@awesomecollectorshows.com
website:http://www.awesomecollectorshows.com/

Info Copyright © 2013 Awesome Collectors Shows and will be removed upon request of Awesome Collectors Shows
Images are copyright © Marvel Comics are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Marvel Comics. 

Guardians of the Galaxy #0.1 (Marvel Comics 2013)

Guardians Of The Galaxy Issue #0.1

Published by Marvel Comics

Cover Price $3.99

36 pages, full color

April, 2013

Brian Michael Bendis - Writer
Steve McNiven - Penciler
John Dell - Inker
Justin Ponser - Colors

1990's Guardians Of The Galaxy

Well it's just as I predicted as soon as Marvel announced its movie for Guardians Of The Galaxy . . . they would release a new series about a year before the movie hit theatres and try to build an audience. I think everyone else predicted that as well. Now I don't have much knowledge of the team but I do remember the series from 1990 I think I read the first 12 issues of that before I fell out of reading comics for a while. The first thing that I thought when I heard about this movie was "who in the world is going to go see it? Nobody knows those characters who really isn't really into comic books. They are going to have to appear in Iron Man 3 or Thor 2 right?" Well I don't know what the plans are for that movie business but I do know that the characters in the current series are not the same characters that I remember from back in the early 1990's which is a bit of a disappointment and also seems that it will make it less likely that anyone will know them.

Enough of the movie and 90's let's talk about this issue. I picked it up because I was looking for a new title that I could review from start to finish and thought that this could be it . . . I don't know if that thought will be a lasting one. Marvel loves to do it's point one (0.1) issues which are usually used as a jumping on point for new readers that kind of give you some background of what is going on in the title and introduces you to a good bit of the cast. This issue did not deliver on that and what you end up getting is the basic origins of two characters and the death of another character. The issue isn't actually bad but it just felt like a money grab to me by Marvel and this issue could have been told in a few pages of issue #1.

The main point of this issue is actually to introduce you to Peter Quill who will become Star-Lord leader of the Guardians Of The Galaxy. (This next part will be as spoiler free as possible)You see his mother and fathers first meeting, you see Peter as a child and then an alien attack that Peter is able to stop when he finds a special weapon left behind by his father. The entire issue is really about one character in the group and that kind of turned me off on this book right away since this is a team book. You do not get introduced to anyone else on the team and only see them on the last two pages of the story where Iron Man also appears and apparently is on the team . . . oh yeah movie tie-in . . . uggghhhhh.

I like the art and the story isn't bad it just rubbed me the wrong way and I would have much rather had something else be the start of this title.

Stay tuned I have a review of Issue #1 of Guardians Of The Galaxy coming up and hopefully that will be a little more hopeful for the future of this title.

Thanks for reading,

Kevin P. Johnson

Copyright © 2013 Kevin P. Johnson
Images are copyright © 1990-2013 Marvel Comics are used as Fair Use Review images only. Images will be removed upon the request of Marvel Comics.