Thursday, February 28, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #26

Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #26
With such tiny detail, I left the cover
image a little on the big side for readers.
 


The Weirdworld storyline ends on a positive note that has some loose ends and it made me wanting more.
Then there is this really good Captain America story that features what I think is the definitive artwork of the character. He’s drawn with a bravado and strength not seen since the days of Jack Kirby. Sadly, they’ll never be another story like this because this was writer/artist Will Jungkuntz’ last and only work on the living symbol of America.

RIP Jungkuntz, it was really awesome.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Fanfare #25

Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #25
A larger than normal image to
better view the fine details of the art work.



For some reason, the artists decided to change the appearance of one of the main characters. It’s like a soap opera changing actors from one day to the next.
That’s a major no-no and you’d think a quality publisher like Marvel wouldn’t have let that happened.

The story is okay. But, for someone who knows nothing about the content, to have a total revamp of a character for no reason like a magic spell or a Freaky Friday type mind swap, makes for a very confusing read.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #24


Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #24

Welcome to Weirdworld. Don’t know what that is? Don’t feel bad, neither do I. For some reason, Marvel decided to having it’s superhero anthology feature a clone of D&D meets Elfquest.
This story involves a trio of elves, one of which stole something important from a wizard named Lord Raven. As they battle werewolves, trolls, and drunken bar patrons, the group learn that they reluctantly might be the saviors of Weirdworld.
The story and art was pretty good. The biggest problem is that most of the characters were previously established in another title, and I know zilch about this series. Secondly, I think the series has some obvious cliche flaws. For example, the female elf is born from a flower only to be wearing a skimpy 2-piece fur bikini. Talk about being geared for roaring hormones of adolescent boys.
It’s worth consuming, but it just doesn’t fit with the Marvel Fanfare line AND it panders to horny teens.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #23


 Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #23

Part 2 of the Iron Man Vs. Spidey’s biggest foes storyline starts off with the super-villain maximum security center in shambles and Tony Stark at risk at losing his company- AGAIN!

The only way to save the day is to bring those fugitives to justice. But since Iron Man couldn’t do it on his on, it looks like he may need to call in a few favors from some of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

The art continues to astound. But, what really shines here is the story itself. There are some big teases to Stark’s alcoholism and this issue could be an afterword to the “Demon in a Bottle” storyline.

With an acceptable finish to Tony’s battle with the bottle, this story is an instant classic and very much Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Friday, February 22, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #21


Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #21

The Thing faces a mind-controlled Hulk for the very soul of the Sorcerer Supreme. 

It’s another classic match-up between two of the biggest, baddest bruisers in the Marvel Universe. The art was fantastic and the ending was very funny! I actually wouldn’t have minded if this storyline stretched another issue or two- it’s that well done!

There’s also some pin-ups. But, they don’t take up as much real estate as in the previous issue to make me feel like I was given only half a book.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Marvel Fanfare #20


Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #20

In a Defenders tale of strange proportions, Doctor Strange is held prisoner in one of those mystic universes of his. Using his projection ability, he recruits the Thing to the rescue. Things look really good until one of Thing’s all-time greatest foes is recruited by Strange’s captor.

If this issue was just this story, I’d give it the maximum allotted amount of stars. However, about half of the book is taken up by pin-ups. The art is very good and it includes some of my favorite marvel characters including several famous Asgardians. But, when I buy a book, I expect a story- not a mere portfolio of great art. There must be a balance of both for me to feel like I got my money’s worth.

Worth Consuming.
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Buffy the Vampire Slayer & The Guild FCBD 2012


Buffy the Vampire Slayer/The Guild: Free Comic Book Day 2012 (2012) #One-Shot

For some reason, Buffy and Spike venture into outer space to track an interstellar vampire. Only this blood-sucker is the- oh, I can’t give away the spoiler. But, I loved the cameo of the non-Buffy property baddie! It was awesome!

Then, there’s the Guild. It’s a web-comic in print form about a group of online gamers who meet up in person once a week and have oddball adventures. This time around, there meeting moves from the usual meeting place of Shoney’s to the beach! The blending of reality and cyberspace is a clever plot device that lead’s to some crazy antics. I’ve never seen this series before, but I am on the hunt!

Very well written. Very Smart. If you like The Big Band Theory, you’re gonna love this!


Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Star Wars/ Serenity Free Comic Book Day 2012 Flipbook



It’s Whedon-o-rama in this issue. Brothers Zack and Josh Whedon provide a double dose of entertainment in this Free Comic Book Day offering from 2012. First, the Whedon's take on the Star Wars universe with a story featuring Han and Chewie during their pre-Yavin smuggling days. The story’s not bad and it has some really funny moments of banter between the pilot and co-pilot of the Millenium Falcon. However, it’s not familiar Whedon territory and it shows at times. But the art is very well done and captures Ford’s likeness well.
Then the brothers tackle the crew of Serenity as they make a routine delivery. Now, I am not very familiar with this series and so I can’t really judge if it was great or not. I liked what I read, but a serious Firefly fan would know better than me if this was quality or not.

Worth Consuming.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Bad Medicine: Free Comic Book Day 2012

 


Fringe meets CSI in this Free Comic Book Day offering. When a headless corpse turns out to just have an invisible head, a disgraced expert in Fringe science is called in to offer some advice. Adding to the intrigue, the doctor is haunted by the ghost of a woman his malpractice killed.
It’s eerie good. The art is gritty, but it’s the masterfully crafted story that takes the cake here. With a shocking cliffhanger, I hate that I only had the first issue!
Highly recommended by one out of one Madman!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #19


Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #19

The entire content of issue #19 features Cloak & Dagger, one of the least familiar Marvel duos to this reader. I know they’re some kind of metaphor for teen runaways and drug use in the 80s. But, even then, they just weren’t my cup of tea.

This story focuses on how Dagger needs Cloak to keep her grounded and vice versa. When the two separate, the drug lords of the Big Apple look to take down their biggest competition.

Again, I am just not a Cloak & Dagger fan. Their appearances in Vaughn’s Runaways are amongst my least favorite issues of that series. This issue being all C&D is perhaps one of my least favorite of the entire series. But, I will give credit to quality writing and artwork when it is due. Here in issue #19, the artwork is stunning, the pin-ups of the pair are fantastic, and the story is very good. I guess these crimefighters just rub me the wrong way.

Worth Consuming- if you are a Cloak and Dagger fan.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.


Marvel Fanfare #18

Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #18
A darn fine cover by the terrific Frank Miller.

Captain America faces off against an arson ring. The story seems awfully similar to a previous Fanfare story in which Daredevil fought against a firestarter. Later, readers will comment that this story wasn’t the right fit for Capt. and I am willing to agree. It’s like Marvel had decided it’s time for another Captain America story but didn’t have one ready, so they erased Daredevil and drew the American Hero over him.

I enjoyed the issue, it’s just that not all the pieces fit correctly to make for a superb story.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Essential Thor, Vol. 4

Essential Thor (2001-Present) #TP Vol 4


 
Volume 4 of Essential Thor is epic. Reprinting the Fall of Asgard, Thor’s reunion with Jane Foster, and Asgard’s ultimate battle with Eternity culminating with Thor’s attempt to escape Hades with the mother of all hide & seek games- you can see a lot of the works that influenced Kenneth Branagh when directing 2011’s Thor.

One reason for the magnitude of the stories is perhaps because this volume covers the final issues penned by Thor creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. It’s a fantastic volume that has me on edge for volume 5 and cementing Thor as one of my all-time favorite comic books!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Marvel Heartbreakers #1

Marvel Heartbreakers (2010) #1  

The ladies of Marvel shine in this one-shot that could be considered a Valentine’s special of sorts. Tales starring Mary Jane Watson and Gwen Stacy, Nextwave, Snowbird, and the Dazzler show that the ladies of the MCU are called heartbreakers for a reason. Almost all of the stories are really good. The Snowbird tale involving a pagan Eskimo wedding is the weakest tale. The girls of Spider-man and Nextwave are very funny and well drawn. The Dazzler tale which hearkens towards the end of her solo disco career is a very well-done tale of her origin with romantic overtones.


Overall, a superb one-shot that focuses on the fairer sex of Marvel.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #16


Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #16

Ever heard of the Sky Wolves? Sure you have, they're DC Comics property called Blackhawk. In this blatant rip-off, you’ve got a squad of experimental aircraft captained by a guy wearing a near exact Blackhawk replica costume, ordering around a bunch of ethnic sterotypes to blow-up Hitler. I really can’t believe Marvel got away with this copyright infringement.

The issue’s only saving grace is a beautiful Sub-Mariner tale that is a fable as to how the first sea horse came about. Adding to the excitement- it’s Mike Mignola’s (of Hellboy fame) first ever work published by Marvel. You can tell he’s a diamond in the rough here. That’s a rare treat worth the price of the book no matter how much Sky Wolves stinks up the issue’s first half.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

Marvel Fanfare #17


Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #17

The BlackHawks, I mean Sky Wolves story ends (thankfully) with more double-crosses than I can count. Plus, I’ve seen my share of goofy comic book vehicles in my day. But, the Flying Furhrer of Death has got to be the dumbest (and least aerodynamically sound) of them all!
The second feature has the Hulk in his endless quest to be left alone in peace. Only, a hungry grizzly stands in his way. It’s a pretty moronic fight. But, the ending is pleasing.
One of the worst issues that I’ve ever read. At least the art was half-way decent.

Not Worth Consuming.

Rating: 3 out of 10 stars

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #15

 Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #15


  
   Issue 15 starts off with a mad-cap story in which Johnny Storm attempts to pull off the greatest April Fool’s prank of all-time on the Thing. It’s extremely insane and tons of fun. I am surprised the Impossible Man wasn’t behind it all. The art was typical of Spike Jones but for an April Fool’s tale, it’s very fitting. 

   Then- Daredevil matches up against an Arsonist with personal ties to Matt Murdock. The story was good and the art was great. But, I felt the villainess was a rip-off of Eisner’s Sans Serif, as she’s a sort of paramour of the Spirit when they were kids. The same dynamic occurs here with Daredevil and his fire-loving foe.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Marvel Fanfare #14

Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #14
   It's the Avenger Vision vs. the Fantastic Four as the android hero is manipulated into believing the quartet is hurting the love of his life, Wanda Maximoff. The story goes from fantasy to reality pretty quick with multiple shifts in the Vision’s perception filter. It makes for a hard read with some very conveinent plot devices. I’ve read better.
The second feature has Quicksilver as he learns of another type of mutant prejudice when accused of theft amongst his in-laws, the Inhumans. This story, along with the art is much better. Plus, I like the irony that a race of people subject to prejudice (the Inhumans) are more than willing to dish it out on someone different from themselves. Marvel does such a great job being preachy without being too in your face. That parable is this issues saving grace and prevents it from not being worth consuming.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man Volume 1

 
Like Batman: Brave and the Bold, Ultimate Spider-Man started out very childish and then finally found it’s footing as an all-ages series that included imagination and sheer buffoonery with extremely popular story lines and crisp, clean art.

This collection of issues celebrates the Disney XD series. It not only captures the essence of that awesome series, it tries really hard to make the reader feel like they are actually watching an episode on TV. With extra features such as Marvel Mash-Ups (old Marvel comics are rewritten with goofy dialogue) and entries from Nick Fury’s Secret Files, the only thing missing is a remote and a large bowl of cereal.


A great read that Marvelites of all ages will love.

 
Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

Monday, February 4, 2013

Marvel Universe Avengers Earth's Mightiest Heroes Comic Reader #3


Marvel Universe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes Comic Reader (2012-Present) #TP Vol 3

Another great selection of stories taken from the comics based on a Disney XD show. Here Grandmaster and the Collector manipulate the Hulk and Thor to a battle royale, Wasp must defend an injured Captain America from the dreaded Windigo, and the Avengers pop up in Asgard only to find it under siege by a legion of trolls, giants, and elves turned to living stone by the Grey Gargoyle.

The stories that look like the show appeared to be directly imprinted from the TV scene aren't my favorite comic adaptations. I like that this series uses a variety of talents to make art that it’s just like the Disney show. ( Okay- I must say the photo-realistic story’s are the best visually. But I feel like I'm not getting my money's worth when I buy a book filled with scene shots instead of original artwork.) The plotting and stories themselves are fantastic.


Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

This reader reprints the following issues:

  • Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2011) #3
  • Marvel Universe Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes (2012-Present) #2
  • Saturday, February 2, 2013

    Marvel Fanfare #13


    Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #13

    Fantastic George Perez art abounds in this the final chapter of the Black Widow storyline. Widow must stop her duplicate from piloting the heli-carrier into a trap. The play is a little confusing on how this double is slated to do this, but the action is good and the art, like I said before, continues to amaze.
    Then, there is this Warriors Three tale which starts off pretty good, with the Asgardians searching for a missing bard in time for an important performance before Odin. But, the plot is completely predictable from the moment we meet the song writer and he claims to not have any ideas what to sing about. I’ll give you 3 guesses as to what he chooses for his ballad. It’s a little lame for such a great group of heroes.

    That along with the floppy plot in the first tale makes for this to be a read filled with plot holes. It’s okay, but not Eisner material.

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

    Marvel Fanfare #12

    Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #12



    Having just escaped one situation, the Black Widow is captured- AGAIN! This time by another player in her search for her former mentor. The plot is really getting tedious, but the art and inking are perfectly matched, along with another great George Perez cover.

    What I do not like was this bizarre Editor-gal story, about Fanfare editors being on vacation and the assistant’s take over. It’s the Marvel Bullpen at it’s worst. Since Atlas agent Jimmy Woo appears in the Widow tale, why couldn’t that have done a bonus feature of him and his colleagues instead?

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.


    Friday, February 1, 2013

    Marvel Fanfare #11


    Marvel Fanfare (1982-1992) #11

    After a lot of naggings, Nick Fury has broken down and approved for the Black Widow to return to the Soviet to rescue her mentor. In order to catch his trail, she poses as a defecting scientist. But in this bizarre undercover sting gone wrong, The Widow finds herself exposed by the man she wasn’t supposed to fall in love with, and some guns pointed at her too!
    The Jungle Book tales back-up feature end, with Mowgli kidnapped by monkeys and it’s up to Baloo and Mala to team up with the dangerous snake Kaa in order to save him.
    Both tales are wonderfully drawn. The story for Mowgli was excellent. The Widow tale is a bit of a mess.
    Still, the book as a whole is Worth Consuming.

    Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.