Comic Book Journal

Frank Frazetta’s Neanderthal #1 by Image Comics is an attempt by comic book creators to interpret and pay homage to some of the greatest fantasy paintings of all time. The good news–the art does Frazetta justice. The panels are luscious and the colors make the artwork pop. The bad news–the plot is a little weak and the one-shot format makes the story suffer in scope. The characterization of the neanderthals are fantastic as they in no way resemble modern man and the evolution of the weaponry used in the tribal warfare was interesting. What I like most about this story is, there were no words, save the opening captions. The artwork did the storytelling, as it does in Frazetta’s paintings. Maybe I find the subject matter a little dull for my tastes, but all in all the story didn’t do anything to draw my interest, it did however make me remember just how brilliant Frazetta’s work is. Tim Vigil does a fantastic job mirror his style to match Frazetta’s in terms of action and attention to subtle detail like leaves of grass, hairs on the animals, and facial expressions of the “cavemen.” All in all I’d give the one-shot a five out of ten. Sorry comics world, this one is for die-hard Frazetta fans only. It’s almost time–read the Free Comic Book Day survival guide here: http://www.comicbookjournal.net/its-like-christmas-in-may-how-to-gear-up-for-free-comic-book-day/

Battle for the Cowl: Underground #1 sees Gotham’s most notorious criminal masterminds cowering in fear of the Black Mask, who has turned them all against other in hopes of cleaning up the streets of Gotham once and for all. Not only that, the Batman has returned and is fiercer than ever. He even breaks his own #1 rule–Batman doesn’t kill. In this issues he doesn’t, but it is not for lack of trying. This new Batman isn’t playboy Bruce Wayne, moonlighting as someone who catches peeping Toms and helps old ladies across the street, there is layer upon layer of anger seething out of him as he now hprefers just to try and shoot the bad guys. All in all, I’d have to say this issue was descent, with DC making an attempt to make a dull, tired plot enjoyable, and almost believable. Who wouldn’t crack on the pressure of being dead then resurrected multiple times. I thought the art in this issue was quirky, and at times heavy handed, yet very stylistic. In a strange way, it works for this issue, showing a great grasp for action, and in this issue action does speak louder than words. I’d have to give this book a solid six out of ten. A solid stand alone, but save your cash for the collected versions. Not prepared for Free Comic Book Day yet? Well take a gander at this handy-dandy list for your convenience. It’s at ttp://www.comicbookjournal.net/its-like-christmas-in-may-how-to-gear-up-for-free-comic-book-day/

I’m sitting here was a stack of comics to review (some old, some new) and I’m anxiously awaiting the task of adding a few more to the pile after May 2nd. For those who do not know, Saturday, May 1st is Free Comic Book day, which launches nicely after the kickoff of the summer movie frenzy. Looks like there’s going to be some good ones this year, stay tuned for my review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine as soon as it opens. It’s going to be a scorcher. This year’s FCBD goodies also look mighty fine was plenty of titles to choose from. What I like most about Free Comic Book Day is it gives many people with no background in the comic book industry a chance to see what variety there is in the field and also it gives us die hard comic book geeks a chance to get out of the basement and into the spotlight. To help you gear up for the festivities I’ve compiled a list of titles out there. Also the one marked indicate a “gold” title, which means it’s pretty limited and could be hard to find, depending on how many titles your retailer has ordered from the publishers. So without further ado here’s the list:

• Archie Comics: Archie Presents: The Mighty Archie Art Players

• BOOM! Studios: Disney/Pixar’s Cars

• Bongo Comics: 2009 Free For All

• Dark Horse Comics: Star Wars: Clone Wars

• DC Comics: Blackest Night #0

• IDW Publishing: Transformers Animated/G.I. Joe

• Image Comics: Savage Dragon #148

• Oni Press: Resurrection #0

• Marvel Comics: The Avengers

• Viz Media: Shonen Jump Presents: Ultimo

Dark Horse Comics: Aliens/Predator

APE: Cartoonapalooza #2

Aracana Studio Presents

Atomic Robo And Friends

Attack Of The Alterna-Zombies!

Comics Festival! 2009 Volume 3

Contract #1

Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer Preview

Dabel Bros. Showcase

DC Kids Mega Sampler

FCHS

Fist Of Justice #1

Gold Digger #101/Prince Of Heroes

IMPACT University Volume 5

Love & Capes

Love & Rockets Sampler

Mercy Sparx: Under New Management

Nancy & Melvin Monster

NASCAR Heroes: Origins #1

Owly And Friends

Radical 2009 Preview

Sonic The Hedgehog: Evolution Of A Hero

Studio 407 Sampler

The Stuff of Legend

The Wizard Hot List

TMNT #1 25th Anniversary Reprint

Warhammer Fantasy

William Shatner Presents #1

Wolverine: Origin Of An X-Man

Worlds Of Aspen #4

I predict that of these titles the biggest sleeper hits will be Green Lantern: Blackest Night, which will shake up the DC Universe a bit. I’m a bit partial I’ve always been a big Green Lantern fan.

Also check out Shatner’s latest offering, with the upcoming Star Trek film I’d imagine a little Kirk nostalgia will likely drive sales of his upcoming title.

A pile of reviews will be coming tomorrow and also Saturday I’ll have the claws out for Wolverine! Be there at www.comicbookjournal.net