Archive for the ‘Comic collecting’ Category

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The Flash: Rebirth

May 31, 2011

Finally, after being all over Hal Jordan and the rest of the GL crew, DC has decided to shift focus on another character, The Flash. With the new Flashpoint series DC is currently pushing (and I’m currently not buying until a graphic novel comes out), I picked up the newish graphic novel, The Flash: Rebirth. Plus, it was $5 for a hardcover at a convention, so really how could I say no.

Barry Allen is back, from outer space. I’m sure Wally West was thinking maybe he should have changed that stupid lock, or maybe made him leave his key, but Barry is back! And there’s going to be various parades welcoming The Flash home. However all is not right in the world; Two scientists are killed, some other bad crap happens, and any one else who can run fast as hell is turning into dust when Barry touches them. As it would turn out, Professor Thawne, who is an evil, yellow Flash, is trying to destroy Barry and his whole world, by going back in time and killing or changing everything he loves. So, it’s up to Barry and the rest of the Flash family to stop Thawne in order to save the world.

I found the story to be a little confusing. A lot is happening in here; Barry is the main focus, but that doesn’t mean the other guys who also call themselves The Flash don’t get attention either. And that’s where I think this series has its biggest flaw; There is too much going on all at once. Something is wrong with Irey; Something is wrong with Jay; Something is wrong with everyone else who can run fast as hell, and somehow, it is all connected to Barry Allen. The core concept is clear as day; Barry Allen is brought back to life, and he has to prove himself worthy of being back by defeating Thawne. Everything else added in here just seems like extra garbage; which is a shame, because I genuinely like Barry Allen and Wally West.

Still, if you stumble on this book in a $5 bin, it’s worth a read. Some parts of it are amazing, but some of it will leave you thinking ‘What the dick is that.’

-Lauren

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Iceman & Angel One Shot

May 18, 2011

I’m a big enough person to admit that I don’t read Marvel that much. I grew up as a DC and Archie fan, but I’ve always respected Marvel. Of course the only time I actually read Marvel, is when they release a one shot, as is the case with this Iceman and Angel one shot. I don’t know much about the X-Men. These one shots are a great way to introduce myself and hopefully new readers to various X-Men and women, which is what this comic did perfectly.

Neither character got a back story, but a back story would honestly bog down the plot. The two are on vacation, but they’re in New York City instead of a real spring break place. While they are roaming around like “little old ladies”, a giant monster which looks like Thing shows up, causing havoc in its path. The two of them naturally go after it, but only ro distract it until the Avengers, Fantastic Four, or even the military show up.

Which they never do. The Avengers are being held captive in space, the Fantastic Four are also being held captive, and the military is too busy cornering Namor, who in an honest to goodness laugh out loud moment quips “For the last time, I can’t “surrender”! This isn’t an invasion of your surface world! I just wanted a bagel! We don’t have them down there!” So it’s up to the two boys to get past their differences, and to fight this monster.

Only the monster isn’t there to fight. He’s there to locate his also Thing look-a-like son, who attends college on Earth.

This is one of the few one shots aside from Lady Deadpool where you will laugh at something on almost every other page. Brian Clevinger is a witty writer, and should probably get a raise. Artist Joan Doe adds to the comic relief with perfect facial expressions, and the monsters are really adorable, for well, being monsters. This is a perfect example of an easy read without being bogged down by having to buy 25 issues just to get to the end. This is much akin to the comics of yesteryear, where a storyline was done in either one or two issues. Of course, then we would be missing out on some *killer* story arcs, such as Blackest Night, but would we honestly know any better?

That being said, bravo to Clevinger and Doe! This was a great addition to my comic collection.

-Lauren

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I’m in a book about Archie!

May 12, 2011

Ok, not me per say, but some of the comics you see in this book are from my collection. Plus, my name is in the ‘Thank you’ section, in a book about Archie. That’s a natural high that I’m sure I won’t be able to duplicate for a while.

 Look how damn happy I am.

The book is beautiful. Clocking in at over 200+ pages, there is a little bit of everything covering the long life of Archie and his pals. It also gives a rare glimpse into a side of MLJ I was unaware of; the pin-up side! The introduction is also written really, really well, and full of love. You can’t help but smile when it finally gets to the part about the red-headed freckle face I’ve been a fan of for my whole life. You can pick it up at any local comic shop, or just have them order you one! It will be the best $50 you’ll spend this year. I PROMISE.

-Lauren

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Free Comic Book Day 2011

May 10, 2011

Saturday, May 7th 2011 was Free Comic Book Day all across the nation. I went to Collectors Corner after having to go to my real job cause of an emergency. Thanks, work problem. I got like no sleep because of you.

First off, I must give props to Collectors Corner, in Parkville Maryland. Randy (and the rest of his amazing staff who I love very very much) runs one helluva great shop. Between comic clubs, movie nights, gaming nights, and a Girls Only Comic Club, there is literally something for everyone. There is almost always a sale, too!

For FCBD, Randy almost always has the best party (or whatever) in town. It’s like a mini con inside of his store. Artists, cosplayers, free food, gaming, and cheap comics. Everyone working and volunteering always do a great job getting people whatever they want and need, within reason. I had a ton of fun that day. It was great to see so many kids come out with their parents and getting comics, which will hopefully make them lifelong fans.

And now, some pictures:

All in all, it was a great day. I did visit a few other shops in the area, but by far and large Collectors Corner always has one of the best turnouts, and parties, in the Baltimore area for FCBD. Hell, the cosplayers even caused a car accident. That’s pretty awesome.

-Lauren

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Verily, I saw Thor.

May 8, 2011

Hey look! Another post that isn’t about Free Comic Book Day. I promise, I’ll post one up probably later today.

Last night I saw Thor. You’d think after a long day of being a nerd I’d want to go home and sleep or drink heavily, but instead I saw Thor.

My initial reaction after the movie was over? It was cute. Then I slept on that thought, woke up this morning, and yes, it was cute. It wasn’t like Iron Man, which made me feel like I just saw the greatest superhero movie of all time (at least until The Dark Knight came out). It didn’t fill me with a sense of geek pride, and it didn’t make me feel like I was ready to go out and fuck some shit up. Once the movie (the ENTIRE movie, even after the credits) was over, I got up, left, and went to dinner. I didn’t text any of my friends, I didn’t really care too.

So I guess that’s the problem with it. It was just an alright movie. Thor did what it was supposed to do; Set up the characters and the basic background story for future movies. The plot is simple enough: Thor (Chris Hemsworth) provokes the Frost Giants into war after a few of them tried to steal back The Casket of Ancient Winters (a box that shoots out cold crap such as ice and snow), which Odin (Anthony Hopkins) had taken long before then so the Frost Giant’s wouldn’t destroy Earth. Right before our hero and friends are killed, Odin steps in (and what a fucking entrance that was, damn son) and takes his son and his friend’s home. Once there, Odin strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Earth. Thor is then hit by a car, and somehow saved by Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Now Thor must prove himself worthy to actually be Thor, in order to save us and other planets from Loki (Tom Hiddleston).

Everyone was cast perfectly. Not a single person seemed out-of-place, and the chemistry between all of the characters was perfect. While I found Portman to be the weakest of everyone in the film, she still did a good job playing the girl-falling-for-God-of-thunder card well. The best actor in my opinion, was Idris Elba, who plays Heimdall, who is the gatekeeper between Asgard and other worlds. His character is bad ass though. If only they had used him more in the film. Plus, it’s Idris fucking Elba. He is a great actor. For real.

The dialogue was pretty campy though, even for a comic book movie. I found myself laughing awkwardly at things characters were saying, or just rolling my eyes. The CG was also a little much in some parts, but overall you can’t help but be impressed by it. It was also a funny movie; You will genuinely laugh at some of the things the characters say. Agent Smith is probably the funniest one, but only because by now we all know he is a dry, straight shooter type. I also enjoyed the Hawkeye cameo. The fight scenes should also get a special nod, as they were executed really well. And keep your eyes peeled for a certain billboard in New Mexico that says ‘Journey Into Mystery’. I fangirled in my seat when I saw that.

Overall, you should see this movie. However, it’s probably not worth it in 3D or IMAX. I saw it on a regular screen and it was fine. Also, don’t spend more than $10 on it. I feel like you would be wasting your money on it.

-Lauren

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I Laugh At Butt Jokes

May 7, 2011

I hope everyone had a great Free Comic Book Day! I’ll share my thoughts and stories and pictures later (I’m too lazy to upload them right now). For now, I’m gonna share with you guys a pretty funny comic I scored at FCBD 2011.

“i taste sound”, by Mike Riley, can be summed up in one word: Fuckinghysterical. And no, it’s not two words in one, IT’S ONE WORD. The comics are originally from the web (cause it’s a web comic, duh) and are therefore short, sweet, and again, fuckinghysterical. The one liners are smart, and the more than one liners are pretty witty. The art is drawn in an almost childlike manner, which really adds to the comedic value of the one panel goodness. My favorite comics are the butt jokes, because deep inside I’m really just a 12-year-old boy. That kind of sounded wrong, but it is what it is. The best comic out of this book is the ‘My Little Glue’ page. I’ve never intentionally laughed at something I loved as a child in such a sick way so hard in my life. Also, Freudian Slip and Slide? That’s actually the story of my life.

Here, have a look!

Again, these are all one panel stories (ok, save for like, two of them), so the funny is quick and witty. Some of these comics will make you go “Ahahahaha wut” while other’s will make you go “This guy is a genius”. You can buy this book online, or at comic shops, or you can go too http://www.itastesound.com/ to check out more. The artist/writer (Mike Riley, for those of you who forgot from one paragraph ago) is also a talented Baltimore based artist. You can check out his personal work here: http://riley23.blogspot.com/ 

-Lauren

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Lenore #2

April 1, 2011

Remember a few months ago when I was really happy about a new Lenore comic coming out and then I never went and picked it up when it came out because I’m both lazy and busy with school at the same time? No? Well I do. And yea, I love me some long run on sentences.

I bought the newest Lenore comic on Sunday, and I can say I laughed my imaginary balls off. In this issue Mr. Gosh, the adorably creepy sock puppet thing, finally realizes Lenore hates him more than I hate Aquaman, and thus decides to move on with his life. By move on I mean move into his families Cupcake Castle. This instantly attracts Lenore, since she is still under the age of 10 (I imagine. I mean, she is a zombie, and I’m pretty sure she died before the age of 10) she does what every good gold digger does. She falls instantly in love with him.

And stalks him.

The love is fleeting. Mr. Gosh in a real character development moment, really tries to get her to go away. I actually feel bad for him, which shows that Roman Dirge has indeed improved over the years as a writer. After all, Mr. Gosh was a piece of shit stalker, and look, I feel bad for him. Mr. Gosh knows Lenore is using him, and to prove to himself (and her) that she is just a gold digger, he blows up the castle. In true Lenore fashion, she leaves him.

This issue was surprisingly ripe with character development. Mostly with Mr. Gosh, but we do get another side to Lenore. Before she was just crazy, but with her gold digging streak in this issue, there’s clearly more to her then killing bugs and having hair hobo’s living in her hair. We also learn that her last name is Lynchfast, and at one time was arrested for something. Possibly killing a small child.

The art has also greatly improved. With the aid of computers comic art in general has (for the most part) become better, and Lenore is one of those comics. I’ve enjoyed watching Dirge grow as both a writer and an artist, even though it takes 173538202 years for a new Lenore comic to come out. I also wish he would release a solo comic called “Things About Me”, as those little extras in the comics are hysterical. I know it’s wrong to laugh at some of the things he’s been through (for instance, he was once on fire), but Dirge realizes this and uses it as a comedic tool, and it works. Roman Dirge is really fucking funny.

So off with you, fair readers! Lenore will not let you down. And if it does, then you suck.

-Lauren

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Adrianne Palacki as Wonder Woman

March 18, 2011

I can’t help it, but I love it. It’s so colorful and shiny and gaudy. Do want, times 1000.

-Lauren

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You paid what for an Amazing Fantasy 15?!

March 9, 2011

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_EXPENSIVE_SPIDER_MAN_COMIC?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

I had a longer entry, but all I can honestly say is “Really? Really?! I just…I don’t even…” Honest to God. That’s all I got.

Congrats to the seller and to the auction house, though! Mazel tov!

-Lauren

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Tid bits.

January 26, 2011

-Johnny Storm died.  However, in normal modern comic fashion, he will be back within a few issues. That being said, now would be a great time to re-introduce the original Human Torch to the current Marvel line.

-Prices have been slashed on almost all comics. D.C. has pledged no comic over $2.99…yea we’ll see.

-It’s snowing like a mofo outside so I’m drinking red wine out of a Batman glass:

-Lauren

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