With the release of The Incredible Hulk Marvel Studios has cemented its place within Hollywood as a major contender and also silenced critics who thought that one superhero blockbuster was not possible–yet alone two back to back. Riding the success of Iron Man, the Hulk, whether loathed or loved was at least a financial windfall for Marvel who plans to release more titles in the future with the possibility of Captain America. The Hulk has already made over 54.5 million dollars in its first week. So DC now has to up the ante to compete with Marvel in film. The release of The Dark Knight on July 18th is a good starting point.

So why are comic book movies so compelling and successful this summer. I think that has to do more with the state of the nation than stories alone. Sure, they are all fairly entertaining, but can you think of any other vacation day that you spend less than going to the movies? With gas prices skyrocketing no one is going anywhere, The movies are local, affordable, and does provide that sense of escape that travel often does. What else are portable, affordable, and provides entertainment and escapism–comic books. Comic books plus movies equals summer vacation family fun that’s entertaining and inexpensive. Now is the time for the industry to really boom again and if publishers can capitalize on the market at this time, they could rebuild a loyal fan base for generations to come.

That’s this blogger’s view. With the economy being in its current state, it’s important for everyone to try to contribute to the health of the environment to use less expensive fuel and maintain the health of the planet. That’s why I’m going to have a bit of a contest. I have a comic book collection. I do not read all the titles I have every day. So I’m looking for some inventive ways to recycle my old comics. For the person who can come up with the most creative and original way to recycle or use old comic books will win–you guessed it, a HUGE stack of my old comics. Some could be valuable, some may not. They’re really not organized nor in alphabetical order. I’ll leave that to you. I’m running this contest until the July 4th, so put on your thinking caps. I’ll link to this post every so often for a reminder, and as always leave comments or send emails for entries.

Looking for cool things to customize your ride this summer check this out: http://www.comicbookjournal.net/top-ten-comic-book-auto-accessories/

Ok. For starters, I don’t know all that much about the character of the Atom, just that DC has relaunched the title before, so how does this fairly reincarnation stack up? With this title, DC might have also reinvented classic sci-fi in comics. The story was engaging, and the plot fast-paced throughout. The scripting and dialogue was also tight and Rick Remender’s use of caption drew me into the story. This dynamic interaction between written word and reader erased the fourth wall, leading to a thoroughly enjoyable read. Also–the art. Kudos to Pat Olliffe. The panels, the cover, the splash page, the detail, and the backgrounds, all virtually flawless. His style meshes perfectly with this genre as well, at times I felt I was reading a vintage pulp as the clear joy the artist has while drawing seems to seep through the pencils and inks. The only flaw I have with this book, and as I do with many runs on a series, is the lack of character introduction and a “previously” section in the beginning. With that said, I’d have to give thie book a solid nine out of ten. DC has stepped up their game, especially in sci-fi. Do they have any competition? I guess we’ll see, huh? For the skinny on other DC titles, see my recent review of the Action Comics annual at http://www.comicbookjournal.net/action-comics-annual-11/

With a title like Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters, I was not expecting to be entertained. In fact, I was expecting another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles rip-off. And I though the days of animals having human characteristics were over. I thought Dynamite was a one-trick pony with Battlestar Galactica, but Dynamite has created an entertaining read with this series. Far from parody, ARBBH shows two aging former super hamsters fighting chupacabra in the Texas sun and reuniting with old allies.

While the story is entertaining and the artwork is nuanced and meshes well with the story, the book, in my humble opinion is overpriced. At $3.50 an issue the series, despite its high production quality will find it hard to attain and maintain readership. Overall, I’d give this book a seven out of ten. The comic is highly original with stylized artwork and high quality production– sure to attract new and younger readers, yet it could sink under the weight of its hefty price.

Interested in having a hamster of your own check out the forum on pets at home zookeeper on our own 451 Press. I’m sure you can search to find valuable advice on caring for your very own radioactive hamster. Here’s a link to one of the posts there: http://www.homezookeeper.com/wordless-wednesday-goofy-hat-boy/

Still more to come….

In the not-so-distant past I reviewed an Action Comics annual didn’t I? Time flies when you’re having fun. Well this year’s annual wasn’t as light-hearted, nor attractive to new readers I fear. Here’s the scoop. That ne’er do well General Zod escaped from the Phantom Zone once again and it’s up to Kal-El, Last Son of Krypton, to save the world from the Kryptonian invasion. The twist at the end is, however, that lovable scamp, Christopher Kent saves the day instead, sacrificing himself into the Phantom Zone to save Earth. This issue is much darker than last year’s annual, and the story is more poignant then fun. Clark laments the fact he cannot bear children with Lois, and Lex Luthor falls deeper into madness, feeling invalidated by not receiving recognition in his part to design the weapons to take out Zod. All in all, I’d have to give this issue a xix out of ten (which to my recollection is what I gave the last annual) The story, with the exception of the biographies in the back, is not really a great jumping on point for new readers. While Richard Donner and Geoff Johns create a fairly good story about Superman’s heritage versus his role on Earth, it’s just all a little…depressing for an annual. On the plus side Adam Kubert’s artwork is outstanding and his different panel viewpoints and camera angles make for a visually compelling read. I’d recommend this title for Superman enthusiasts or completists only though. Novice readers I fear, won’t have much to connect with. Who’s funnier than Jerry Seinfeld? Practically no one. Who’s mightier than Superman? Practically no one. What do you get when you pair the two together? No kids, it’s not a credit card commercial. It’s that really cool page I found with the Superman references in Seinfeld. Here’s the link. Check it out. http://www.comicbookjournal.net/calling-all-superfriends/

Being a Mike Mignola fan, I thought I’d pick up an issue of Abe Sapien. Again, Dark Horse, has made a wise decision keeping Mike, and of course, Hellboy, in their stable of growing horror comics. Dark Horse, as a publisher, is in my opinion, one of the most fan-oriented publishers in the marketplace. They have also launched campaign to capture the hearts of online readers with their Myspace Dark Horse Presents site. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, back to Abe. Did Abe Sapien impress me? As far as story goes, I’ve seen a little better from Mignola. Did Abe Sapien intrigue me? Yes, yes it did. Granted, I picked up this issue right near the end of the storyline, so I wasn’t as engrossed with the storyline as I would have been if I followed the story from the beginning, but this is the beauty of Mike Mignola’s plotting. Through this stand-alone issue the compelling plot and the fantastic artwork did make me want to find the first three issues, or perhaps get the graphic novel when published. If the arc is finished with the same quality and care as this particular issue, I anticipate those sales figures to be strong and steady for Dark Horse. Do not be mistaken, this title is not the typical Hellboy fare, that at times can be tongue in cheek. This is a serious horror comic and has almost a Lovecraftian feel to it. Also I can’t say enough about Jason Shawn Alexander’s artwork. His detail, pacing, and textures give the artwork the exact same tone the storyline has as well. Again, shades of H.P. Lovecraft. On a scale of one to ten, I’d have to give this book a solid eight to ten on the basis of originality alone. For more reasons why I like Mike Mignola, see my post at: http://www.comicbookjournal.net/why-i-like-mike-mignola/
Stay tuned…more reviews cometh!

Speaking of Thor, does anyone remember the Incredible Hulk Returns. It was a TV movie in the late eighties which teamed up both the Hulk and Thor. Anyone wanting to take a trip down memory lane and enjoy this classic, see you tube. Here’s the link:link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PAYMlgFLgo

As far a merry Marvel movies go, this summer may be the hottest yet, Iron Man is still getting great critical reviews (I still haven’t went yet) and the new Incredible Hulk might be the marketing crossover giant this summer. That is, if DC doesn’t win out with the latest Batman. So go see Hulk on June 13th then go see Batman or vice versa.

Sorry, I went on a bit of a tangent there, I’ll be back soon with more reviews and hopefully some good news within the industry.

Well, we’ve just passed another free comic book day on May 3rd. This has been a really positive force in the industry and this May 3rd was no exception. What impressed me this go around was the variety that publishers were willing to put into the marketplace for the unofficial holiday. I took a few moments and perused one title, and that was the X-Men free comic book day edition. I was actually pleased and hope this title is an indication of what’s to come for the merry Marvel mutants. This was a simple story which involves a new mutant character, Pixie, who longs to be back at the Xavier Academy. She encounters a few baddies and attempts to save the day, but cannot do so alone as she is aided by the X-Men. What I like about this story is even though the Messiah Complex is over, there’s still a hardcore feel as to the atmosphere of danger, but at the same time there is a lightheartedness which gives the group a happy ending. The writing and artwork both remind me of the old Chris Claremont storylines. My prediction, is that Marvel’s back on top but this is the group to watch for 2008 and this issues is sure to be one of those sleeper collectibles that could be scarce in the future. Also corresponding with Free Comic Book Day Marvel released Iron Man this past weekend, and while I haven’t seen it yet I think I might either Saturday or Sunday, so stay tuned for my overly critical review true believers. I’ll give you the hardcore fan’s critical thoughts. The old shellhead looks exciting for once. Also stay tuned later in the week as I’ve had piles of reviews waiting to be posted.

Stay tuned for more reviews!

Now as a book for children this was not bad reading material. I would actually recommend back issues of the title for children in elementary school, or children trying to learn to read. So on a review basis I’d give the title a five out of ten. But it goes deeper than this

For those of you who may not know, and as I learned Whitman Comics was only an alternate distributing company for Gold Key Comics who was an imprint of the original Western Comics imprint. All properties were eventually engulfed by DC. The original titles, however, were impressive and could use a read even today. Whitman’s books included such titles as:

Battle of the Planets
The Beagle Boys Vs. Uncle Scrooge
The Black Hole
Buck Rogers
Bugs Bunny
Daffy Duck
Daisy and Donald
Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom
Flash Gordon
Grimm’s Ghost Stories
Huey, Dewey, and Louie
Little Lulu
Mickey Mouse
The Pink Panther and the Inspector
Porky Pig
Turok, Son of Stone
Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories
Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny.

These are considered classics and still cherished by many adults and are a throwback to simpler times of the silver age. So if you’re at a convention, and keep in mind convention season will be in full swing soon, stop by the quarter bin and you’re sure to find a handful of these. If you’re feeling generous, pass them out to the local schools and libraries in an effort to promote not only the comic book market, but literacy in general. So that’s my public service announcement for today.

Also if you know anyone who loves all the classic Disney characters, and who doesn’t know Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and the rest of the crew, have them check out the Disney Movie Club. Below are links to check out all the great benefits the club has to offer.

http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2191506-10511469
Get 3 Disney Movies for $1.99 Each, Plus Free Shipping! Join Now!“>Get 3 Disney Movies for $1.99 Each, Plus Free Shipping! Join Now!

Also for all who have commented–Yes, I do read the comments and I appreciate any feedback you have to give. Often, I may not take time to respond to each one personally, but I assure you they are all read! Have a webzine or e-comic you want reviewed? If so send me a comment or e-mail at Velma92181@yahoo.com and I’ll do my best to get it out to the world wide web. That is, unless you scared of what I think. Until tomorrow, all will remain quiet on the Western front.

In terms of storyline and plot I think I liked the light-hearted tone and the creepy factor in the first and second seasons the best where no one knew Clark’s secrets and practically everyone in Smallville as part of the freak fest after the meteor shower hit. I’m not saying that I dislike the show, because it is far better than most common fare on television today, all I’m saying is that it now lacks some of the magic and energy it had in the first three seasons. So now that Millar and Gough are departing, my bet is most of the original cast (who should almost be finished with their contract now) will part ways with the series as well. So will there be Smallville season eight? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. So until the end of the this season if you’re bored with television and want to check out what Superman is doing on the pages of the actual comic I recommend you check out All-Star Superman, as it is better than I’ve seen Superman done in the past three years. For a full review check out http://www.comicbookjournal.net/all-star-superman-10/.