The Pulse #13

    The event of the year is happening just beyond the front doors of Doctor Strange's sanctum santorum: the birth of baby Cage-Jones! And you folks get to witness it all!!!  From the nervous pacings of a dad-to-be to the extremely salty language of the mother in labor; The entire superhero community is on hand to provide crowd control and safety from the crowds outside and to providing state-of-the-art scientific monitorings of the health of the mother and baby. 

   Bendis once again takes us out of the battlefield and into the living rooms/ bedrooms/ kitchens of the superpowered elite in another fascinating chapter of the Pulse. With 3 straight issues not dealing with heroes battling villains, it's no wonder that this series didn't last that long. But, I am not one of the haters. 

   Stan Lee made the Marvel Universe what it is because he took people with extraordinary powers and abilities and made them relatable. Over the years, Marvel kinda lost it's way and focused more on action and less on the real meat and potatoes of a true epic written in the Marvel-style. Bendis was one of those writers in the new millennium that worked to put Marvel back on track to how their comics should be crafted.

    I'll even give credit where it is due, as if it wasn't for editor Joe Quesada, Marvel would have continued to produce the poorly inked and even poorer plotted fluff it was churning out in the 90s. Thank you, Joe Q, for despite all your flaws (and I can name quite a few), you did return the word 'Idea' back into the House of Ideas.

    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars

Banned Books Week 2015- What Gives a Book a Bad Name?

 
   Yesterday we looked at the people who asked for books to be banned. Today, we're going to look at the factors that give a book a bad name.

  So, just what gets a book banned?

    The answer: Just about anything. From depictions of sexual situations to drug and alcohol use. Accounts of homosexuality to portrayals of religions- both Christain and not. Offensive language, violence, and rape are other reasons people demand a book be banned from schools, stores, and libraries. My favorite reason is differing political viewpoints.

    Well, folks, if these were the reasons to ban a book then you'd never be able to get you hands on a copy of the Bible, Torah, Koran, or most other religious texts. (And this insight is coming from a Christian!!!)

   Another reason books are banned are because people violate the number #1 of selecting a book: They judge it by its cover. Take the book I am reading right now. As you can see on the cover of Maus, it depicts 2 mice huddling under a poster of a cat that looks an awful lot like Hitler. There is also a swastika behind the Hitler-cat. Well, I posted this exact picture yesterday (see right) and my mother-in-law flipped. She thought I was reading a pro-Nazi text.

    She hasn't been the only one ever to do this. Art Spiegelman's Maus has been challenged numerous times because people see the cover and think 'Oh, my God! Someone is making the Nazis kid friendly. I must stop this." But in reality the artist used Mice to represent the Jews and Cats as the Nazis to show how Hitler referred to the Jews- as vermin that needed to be extinguished! And what is nature's most perfect exterminator of mice? Why, it's a cat! Click here to read more...

    After I explained all of this to my mother-in-law (and mentioned that it takes place in her ancestral home of Poland), I think I came ever so close to convincing her to actually read a graphic novel!!!

    Anyway, my point to this article is is that so many times a book gets banned or a bad reputation is because someone looks at the cover, is repulsed, and automatically calls for its censor. But if people would just research the book, a lot of the legal tie-ups about censorship would be erased from dockets nationwide.

    One neat thing my library does every Banned Book Week is that they take a number of books on the list, wrap them in brown paper, and only tell the patron what things got the book banned. I think it's brilliant as it erases the stigma of judging books by their cover and lets the reader go into the book with very little prejudice.

    Now, if you were to see from the listing of grievances that one of those books dealt with something you didn't like- such as violence or homosexuality; here's my advice: don't check it out! Get something else. No one is forcing you to read this stuff... TO BE CONTINUED...

   (coming Friday:  A Family Comic Friday Special Report- Banned Books in School: Assignment Vs. Parental Control.)

The Pulse #12

  

   When you are a superhero in action, you can get away with bending a few laws here and there. You might even be able to commandeer a taxi or two. But when it's your girlfriend in labor, superheroes like Luke Cage still have to keep their cool and wait it out in traffic like everyone else. 

    While the father is stuck in traffic, mother-to-be Jessica Jones sees what it's like to be a superhero at a normal hospital. Fear over the possibility that she is a mutant and if her baby will start blasting people with laser eyes the moment they emerge from the womb, puts the locale of the former hero's delivery in some serious doubt. The Pulse might just have an exclusive here folks: 'Superhero gives birth on sidewalk in front of Big Apple ER!'

   It's a good thing Cage and Jones have some connections in the superhero community and might be able to pull a few strings. This is if they can reach the prospective parents in time.

    Another fun story by Bendis that focuses on superheroes trying to live out normal lives. Lots of laughs are contained in this issue. But what really sold this chapter for me were the protocols used by a hospitial that operates in a metropolis filled with super-powered people. This is just one of those things that unless your at your LCS, you just don't really think about. 

   I may have to bring this up the next time I'm at the store raiding the bargain bins.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Banned Book Week 2015: So Who Bans a Book Anyway?

I went to my local library today to drop out some books due. I'm on staycation, so I thought I'd check out their Banned Books Weeks display. It was a fairly decent little display, 6-sided, but nothing really eye-catching- except for a very information info sheet on the top of the display.

   I was very surprised to learn that of the challenges to books in the past year, only 18% of those who sought to ban a particular book were politicians, religious groups/ clergy, pressure groups, or other governing bodies. The majority of people who attempted to have a book banned were patrons/ customer and parents at 58%.

    To be fair, almost a quarter of legal challenges to banned books were kept confidential or of another criteria that didn't fit in any other category, so there could be some pressure groups or senators or priests lurking in that category unaccounted for. But still, it's a lot smaller percentage than I thought it would be.

  I think the reason behind this is that the news is more likely to cover a story about censorship if it involves a politician or religious group. Why is this? Mostly because sensationalism brings in viewers and readers. CNN doesn't want to devote time to a patron who bought a book and didn't like it and is trying to get it removed from stores. The media would rather cover a group of angry politicians and preachers seeking to have a book not just banned but burnt to a crisp than over a group of mothers irate that little Johnny saw Dr. Manhattan's dingle when he read Watchmen.

  Another issue that makes Banned Book week so important is that there were more challenges toward banning books last year than in any other year in the past decade. So what is the cause for this?

I think it can be broken down into 5 ways:

1. Public mores has changed. Alternative lifestyles are more accepted. Also, People are way more sensitive towards discrimination than ever before. and that leads into #2
2. We are a social media culture. It's a lot easier to get people to rally behind a cause like Black Lives Matter because you have the internet to spread your message more quickly. That leads to #3
3. Companies are afraid of losing money more than ever before. When a variant cover depicting the Joker holding Batgirl hostage, people went to their mobile devices and started a campaign demanding that DC Comics cancel the cover or face a financial boycott. The economy might be better than it was a decade ago, but one major slip in profits is enough for a media giant like DC to have nightmares.
4. Speaking of nightmares- parenting is another reason for why we see so many challenges in the legal system about banning books. Parents, these days are either A) not engaged enough or B) too engaged to the point that they put their child in a bubble. (I was more of a B-child, my sister 12-years younger than I, was more of an A-child.) Anyway, you get these hyperactive parents who see things in books like Harry Potter practicing witchcraft or an alien mom breastfeeding her child and parents go nuts. This leads to my final point...
5. There aren't enough people trying to educate readers on age appropriateness. 

    A favorite story I like to tell folks is how I found a copy of the ground-breaking miniseries Watchmen in the all-ages section of my local library. The book contains nudity, sex, and lots of swears. There's also some violence, but compared to other comics out in the 80s, it's mild. 

   See, I know from experience what's in this book! But the librarian who processed it did n;t. She thought because it was about superheroes, published by DC, and soon to become a movie, then it was okay for all readers. Interestingly enough, she thought I wanted the book banned. I just wanted it put in a more age appropriate place so that we could avoid this from being an issue when a child brought this home to a family who would petition for the book to be banned from the library. 

   So, I encourage you adults out there to please look at the books out there on the market and review them for age appropriateness. That's completely fine to say that my 6-year-old can read Batman Adventures but must be 14 before I'll let them read The Killing Joke. Just don't look at a book and say that because it doesn't fit you views that the book should be outlawed. 

   You may not agree with Mein Kampf or the Communist Manifesto, but this is a country where freedom of speech is protected. Plus, the countries where those works were published had a lengthy and bloody history on banning books and eventually began targeting those who thought differently to those viewpoints with imprisonment, torture, and death.

     Remember folks, when we fail to remember history, we are more than likely doomed to repeat it.
  
   Just a little food for thought on this Tuesday of Banned Books Week, 2015.

  Happy Reading!!!

Banned Books Week, 2015: Some Suggested Readings

Today marks the beginning of Banned Books Week. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year as it gives me a chance to speak out against censorship while pointing out some great books that you might have overlooked. I'll be posting more about BBW, with links, suggestions, and more. 

   Today, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund issued a list of banned graphic novels that fans of the comic book medium might have overlooked. Below is a link to the suggested titles that the CBLDF listed on their Facebook page. 

   Thanks to them and their ideas, I think this might very well be the week I finally read Art Speigelman's Maus (#15) a comic account of the Holocaust in which Jews are portrayed as Mice and the Nazis as Cats. 

   Happy Reading!!!

 

The Pulse #11

 

   Being a superhero doesn't alleviate the fears of being a new mom for Jessica Jones. So fellow superhero Carol Danvers arranges a special lunch meeting with the matriarch of the Marvel Universe, Sue Storm.

   Another masterpiece by Bendis. Some of the best stories don't involve superheroes being heroic and BMB is the master of these types of stories. Sometimes, the better tales have the hero dealing with normal fears that their powers can't control. With her boyfriend having almost died in the events of Secret War and the who Osborne-fiasco, Jessica Jones' fears of becoming a new mom are grounded. 

    The cover is also a classic by series artist Mike Mayhew. However, it's a little bit of a fake-out. Unlike what the cover shows, baby Cage-Jones isn't born in this issue- yet...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

 

Marvel Illustrated Books: Star Wars, Volume 1

  Last month at a comic book show in Raleigh, NC, I came across something that I never thought existed. It was one of the Marvel Illustrated Books from, you guessed it, Marvel Comics. This tiny pocket-sized paperback from 1981 contains 4 'never before published' comics from the original Marvel Star Wars series. 

    The book is near mint with pristine pages and the going price was $15. But, I managed to talk the dealer down to $10, mostly because he knew next to nothing about it and I promised I would do some research on this book and one day get back with him on it.
   
    I happen to have a complete run of the Marvel comic series under the Dark Horse trade title of 'Star Wars: A Long Time Age' and comparing every story from the adaptation of the first film up to the comic's version of Empire Strikes Back, again, it was confirmed that these are never before published Star Wars comics and perhaps the rarest of the bunch. 

Well, That last statement is partially true. Marvel Illustrated Books: Star Wars is comprised of 4 issues that for one reason or another, never made it into the actual series. They either didn't make a publication deadline or perhaps were rejected by Lucasfilm, who had final say over stories before they could be published by Marvel- IN THE STATES!!! (More on that shortly.)

   The first story called 'The Way of the Wookiee' takes place right before the events of Episode IV. In the prequel story, Han and Chewie pick up a shipment for Jabba the Hutt. However, when Chewbacca comes to the defense on an old Wookiee adversary, the smugglers find themselves betrayed by their spice distributor. 

    Then in another prequel tale, learn of how Princess Leia became adept with a blaster despite that her home planet of Alderaan forbids the use of weapons.

    The remaining two stories take place right after the destruction of the Death Star. First in 'the Day AFTER the Death Star' the Rebel Alliance almost loses their newest hero, when Luke Skywalker recklessly goes on a joyride to unwind from the post-celebration festivities. This was a really awesome story as in it, we learn the REAL reason Chewbacca didn't receive a medal in the final scene of Episode IV. 

    The final adventure is a very short one in which Luke must rescue Leia from Imperial forces on a diplomatic mission to a barren ice planet. I thought the main reason this story didn't see monthly publication status wasn't over length but because of the setting of the ice planet being too much like Hoth and Lucas might have been afraid that this might spoil what he had in store for Empire.
Turns out, I was wrong...

  Of the 4 tales in this book, 3 were published in the UK's Star Wars Weekly. It was common practice that if a story didn't make the cut by Lucasfilm, it wasn't scrapped but sent across the pond as the Marvel UK title wasn't restricted by the rules imposed by 20th Century Fox and George Lucas. The fourth story, about the ice planet, was short because it was the final chapter in a Star Wars serial published in the Marvel magazine Pizzazz, which was cancelled before this final chapter could see print. 

Speaking of rules, if you expect to see Darth Vader here, don't. Lucas was strict that the characters of Luke and Vader were not to met up prior to Episode V. But there is plenty of Imperial nasties and bounty hunters in this elusive Star Wars collection. A very enjoyable read with very good, but not great art, and fairly decent storytelling. As for rarity of this book, I was unable to find a copy at Milehighcomics.com and only one copy was available on eBay. Seller was asking for $55!

      Featuring artwork by Marvel/DC  legends Carmine Infantino, John Romita, Marie Severin, and Dave Cockrum along with being written and edited by Archie Goodwin and Jim Shooter this book is a Who's Who of some of the best talent to fill the bullpen at the House of Ideas in the late 70s. 

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #10

 

 Welcome to the House of M. In this alternate timeline of the Marvel Universe, mutants are the dominant species over the human race. They are lead by Magneto and his two children, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch. The House of M is due to the fractured psyche of the Scarlet Witch, who went insane upon discovering that the children she mourned over so passionately were figments of her imagination. Unable to cope with this revelation, the mutant viciously attacked her closest friends, the Avengers, killing several and subsequently this resulted in the team's ultimate disbandment.

  In this House of M crossover, one of the victim's of the Scarlet Witch's assault has returned from the dead- Hawkeye. Possessing knowledge that he shouldn't be alive, Clint Barton infiltrates the archives of the Daily Bugle is order to learn more about this new version of reality. His break-in attracts the attention of a Bugle reporter who assists him in his quest for knowledge. But with anti-human Sentinels closing in, will the reporter be able to continue with Hawkeye in his quest of returning the universe back to normal by killing the Scarlet Witch?  

    I had read the House of M many years ago and I loved that alternate reality mutant thriller. Like with just about any Marvel crossover event, there are dozens of tie-in issues and storylines contained in the pages of the publisher's monthly titles.        

   Maybe it's because I erroneously thought that Marvel only tied in the X-titles. (Silly Madman...) Since I've been trying to collect and eventually read this entire series, this is my first real glimpse at the House of M from a non-mutant point of view.

   The Pulse #10 was very interesting. By making humans second class citizens, the tables have been reversed with the mutants getting the accolades, positions or power, and chance to rule for once. I had always thought of House of M as a dynamic alternate history story. But at its heart, M is a top notch look at civil rights. The added twist is that the majority (humans) are in fact the minority because they do not have special powers.

    Bendis just keeps writing gems like this. I don't know how he does it and I am a little jealous. This story is self-contained enough that you do not have to read House of M to follow or enjoy this issue- but you really should! Also featured really excellent art by Michael Lark (Daredevil) and yet another wicked cover by series artist Mike Mayhew.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Battling Boy: The Rise of Aurora West

 

  I love Paul Pope's work. Ever since the day I first came across Batman: Year 100 at my local library many years ago, I've been a fan. So, when on Goodreads.com, I saw a drawing to win a free copy of this graphic novel, I gladly entered my name. With great luck, I won this book and within about a week, I was taking my first journey into the world of Battling Boy. 

    I really thought I was going to be lost reading this book as I've not read Battling Boy. But, upon further research, I discover that the Rise of Aurora West is a very good place to start because this book is actually the prequel to Battling Boy, Volume 1!

    The Battling Boy books are set in the future during a monster apocalypse in the city of Arcopolis. Young Aurora West is the sidekick to hero adventurer inventor father turned vigilante, Haggard West. Aurora is literally in training for her very life because the monsters of Arcopolis steal children for an unknown purpose. (It's postulated that the kids are stolen for food, but there are clues to another more sinister purpose for their kidnappings.)

   On a patrol with her father, Aurora sees a symbol that looks very familiar to her. When she shows it to her nanny, Aurora learns that she used to draw the symbol all the time as a little girl, saying it was in reference to her imaginary friend, Mr. Wurple. This revelation brings back memories to the time when her mother was alive before the monsters came. 

   Using her training, smarts, and her handy Kenpo sticks, the girl secretly begins an investigation in her mother's mysterious murder. But will the answers she finds be the ones she's really looking for and how does it involve the shadowy Mr. Wurple who disappeared on the night of Mrs. West's death?

    I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Yes- the family's last name is West. Dad drives the West-mobile and is a vigilante. Plus, Aurora uses similar weapons and training as one young Mindy McCready. So even though this story borrows heavily from Batman and Hitgirl (from the Kick-Ass franchise), this book was fresh and exciting. 

The mystery of just who killed Aurora West's mother is one of the reason's I liked this book so much. The spooky monster villains are another unique perk that this graphic novel has to offer. But it's the art-style that really made this edition seem so different than just about anything on the market today.

    Though this book was illustrated by David Rubin (The Fiction), the Rise of Aurora West really emanates primary author, Paul Pope and his iconic style. Pope's works are heavily influenced by German neo-classicalism. The style takes the gritty and often absurd scenery of avant-garde films such as Fritz Lang's Metropolis and Robert Weine's Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and is infused with the Imperialist splendor of great civilization's such as Rome and Athens. A prime example of this type of work is in the 1938 Olympics posters of the Nazi regime. (Interestingly enough, Pope crafted an Elseworlds story based on if Batman operated as a Jewish sympathizer in Nazi Germany in the pages of The Batman Chronicles (issue #11, Winter, 1998.))

     With great writing by Pope and co-author JT Petty, superb artwork, and an eclectic cast of characters, The Rise of Aurora West was a fantastic sci-fi/horror thriller that will keep the reader guessing and since this is the first of two volumes- wanting more. (The sequel: Battling Boy: the Fall of the House of West is due in stores October 13th.)

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Looney Tunes #212 (Family Comics Friday)

  

   If you were to try and guess what the longest running DC Comics title is currently still on the market; what would be you guess? Would you say it's the book that started the superhero phenomenon with the introduction of Superman- Action Comics? Or would you guess Detective Comics, the oldest title created by DC when it was originally known as National Publications? Those are both good guesses, but with the 2011 reboot of the DC Universe, thanks to events in the miniseries 'Flashpoint,' you'd be wrong. 

   So what's the correct answer? I'll give a small hint: since the 1970s, Warner Brothers has in some form or another owned DC eventually turning the publisher into a subsidiary in 2009.

   Give up? Or did you figure it out, Doc? 

  With over 226 issues and counting, would you ever have been able to guess it was Looney Tunes?  Started in 1994, the title has run bi-monthly for over 21 years and has featured some of the most iconic (and a few obscure) characters in the Looney Tunes franchise. From Bugs Bunny to Sam Sheepdog to Yosemite Sam, if they starred in the countless number Warner Brothers cartoons, you'll probably find them in the pages of Looney Tunes Comics. 

    This issue I selected to review was issue #212 from 2013. Featuring 3 short stories, this was a fun collection of stories starring some fan favorites.

    First up, Bugs Bunny takes a wrong turn in Albuquerque and tunnels into Sing Song Prison instead of the Paris Canned Carrot Festival. Forced to help Mugsy and his Boss, Rocky,  escape prison, the Rascally Rabbit will take them anywhere but to freedom. Written by the master of DC's all-ages comics, Sholly Fisch, this story could've been a Looney Tunes cartoon!

    Then jump to the 24th-and-a-1/2 Century and explore the furthest reaches of the universe with Duck Dodgers and his faithful sidekick, the Eager Young Space Cadet (Porky Pig.) Uh, wait a minute... that adventure has been put on hold as Dodgers and Cadet are going on vacation. Wouldn't you know it? The duo just happens to pick the very same planet that arch-enemy Marvin the Martian has decided to terraform into a Martian resort!

   Lastly, Granny takes Tweety Bird to the vet for a check-up. But why does the vet seem to speak with a lisp and smell an awful lot like a cat? Could it be another one of Sylvester the Cat's schemes to make the beloved canary his next meal?

    Looney Tunes the comic is a 32-page bi-monthly adventure with a slew of classic characters that generations of fans have grown up with and loved. Though this series has not been collected in trade form, this book is very accessible for families on a budget. New issues can be bought at cost or lower. Older issues are rarely marked up and found in bargain bins.
  
     But there's a catch to all this: you have to be willing to look for them. If you have a local comic book store that has a good all-ages section, you should be able to find this series with no problem. But since all-ages books aren't normally considered profitable, if no one shows an interest in this series, they won't buy it. 

   That's actually a problem right now with the current issue of Scooby-Doo Team-Up (#12). Only 7,000 issues were ordered and with the current issue starring ever so popular Harley Quinn, the book sold out real quick and is selling for upwards of $20-50 apiece. Sure, this issue will probably be reprinted, but it wasn't fair for loyal fans of that series who purchase that fun series on a regular basis. 

   Now, back to Looney Tunes. If your child likes this series, speak to the owner of the comic shop you frequent and tell them you want to buy more releases. With more interest, DC will publish more issues and there won't be shortage problems for the true fans these titles are meant for- kids.

   Lastly- another tip. Check out eBay. There are some really good lots of Looney Tunes comics that pop up on the site for decent prices. I'd normally suggest Amazon or even an online comics retailer. But, for the biggest bang for your buck, check out the original online auction site for more your favorite Warner Bros. icons. 

   Worth Consuming 

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars and that's all folks! 

Adventure Comics 80-page Giant No.1

Some of the best and brightest stars of Adventure Comics return for this 1998 80-page special. Most of the tales are fabulous. 

For example, the Bizarro tale about the origin of the Bizarro Code, i which everything is opposite from the ways of earth (such as criminals are rewarded and law-abiding Bizarros are put in jail) was a laugh riot. 

Another awesome tale is the Green Arrow story in which Oliver Queen's son, Connor, tries to follow in his father’s bow training footsteps. I'm not very familiar with the character of Connor, but the writing was very good.

Unfortunately,  the Supergirl tale was a mess. I love Superman's blonde cousin and I’m used to the Kara Supergirl- not this Linda Danvers/ Matrix version. When Supergirl all of sudden sprouts fiery angel wings and it's revealed that her Danvers identity had a past history of sexual abuse, I was completely lost. (Thanks Wikipedia for filling in those gaps.)

Not a bad title. Like any anthology, you have to take the good with the bad. That goes for writing and art as well. Thankfully, I got this little gem in a dollar box. In fact, I may have paid less than that.

Worth Consuming.

 

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Astro City: Private Lives

• A day in the life of the personal assistant of the world's greatest sorceress.
• An ex-con with exquisite taste in clothes struggles to go straight on a minimum wage salary.
• A museum devoted to evil robots, curated by an elderly woman with a shadowy past.
• A city, bit by the love bug, when the personification of desire visits planet earth.
• A teenaged criminal mastermind's birthday wish.

    Privates Lives is another volume into the world of Astro City. This volume focuses some of the lesser known heroes, villains, and citizens that have appeared in the background of one of those most all-encompassing comic universes of all-time. It's also one of my personal favorites. 

    Writer Kurt Busiek could write the Astro City phone book and I'd love it. Artist Brent Anderson would design all of the logos of businesses advertised therein and Alex Ross would paint the front and back cover and I'd adore it! That level of masterful detail into each and every corner of Astro City is what makes the 'Busiekverse' one of my all-time favorite worlds in all of comicdom.

    If you don't believe me, take a look at the nearly 40 pages of sketches, notes, and drafts at the end of this volume. Busiek might be the brains behind Astro City, but the community would be nothing without the extensive input the writer has with his artists cohorts. One of the great things about this series is that it doesn't just use comic books for inspiration but all of history and pop culture.

    A good example of this is the cover to issue 15. It shows the mysterious curator of the robot museum repairing an exhibit piece. That image alone by Ross is stunning. But look in the background of this work. There's a Cyberman's head from Doctor Who, a dormant Sentinel from the X-Men, the arm of C-3PO, and at least one of DC's Metal Men hiding in the curator's workshop. Not to mention countless more goodies lying about. This is a classic example of all the exciting eye candy that the trio of Busiek, Anderson, and Ross sprinkle throughout every page of this amazing series. 

    Yes, I'm giving great lip service to this series and its creators. But that doesn't mean that I thought everything was great. Storywise, I thought the tale about the wandering personification of desire was terrible. The prose was inconsistent and rambled just about as much as the story itself. One scene might take place at 4 pm and the next at 4 am. But, Busiek neglects to tell the reader if the story jumps to 4 am tomorrow or 4 am earlier that morning.  The art at least was of the same superior quality of the other issues in this volume, but it couldn't save this story.

    Despite my misgivings of that story, this volume was spectacular. With a cliffhanger that promises to tie in all of the stories in Privates Lives into a single sweeping mosaic, I can't wait for that follow-up volume to drop. At least I don't have to wait very long for it. (It's due in stores on Nov. 24th.) 

    So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags for an all-expenses-paid tour of Astro City. Just be sure to pack a basket for all the Easter eggs you're sure to find when your there.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Goon, Volume 14: Occasion of Revenge

 

    The cadre of Zombie Priests finally arrives in town after months of anticipation. The Goon and Franky have prepared for this and have a few tricks up their sleeves. But nothing will prepare the Goon for the trap the Priests have spent decades setting up.

     Occasion of Revenge is the first miniseries by Goon creator Eric Powell after the cancellation of the regular series. Shipping delays and other obligations lead Powell to focus on Goon universe a few issues at a time as opposed to a monthly series. Thankfully, this isn't the last Goon miniseries.

   What this story is, is dark. It's perhaps the darkest Goon storyline to date. The Goon's gang is put through the wringer here and by volume's end, the Goon and his allies will never be the same.

    Adding to the darkness is a secondary storyline involving a jilted lover who commits suicide. His pain and suffering are so great, the lover returns from the grave to haunt the woman who stole and broke his heart. This pair has an important connection to the zombie priests but just what is that tie that binds is is left for another volume to explore.

    Powell continues to produce quality stories with beautifully crafted artwork. His timeless style that incorporates film noir, pin-ups girls, and 1950s B-movies is unparalleled and it continues to amaze me. However, there's some pretty dark and foreboding stuff going on in this volume that kept it from being my favorite Goon volume. There are quite a few funny moments, mostly involving Franky. Yet, it's not enough for my tastes. 

     I prefer the funny and often zany Goon stories to the most somber ones such as Occasion of Revenge. I have a feeling that volume 15 isn't going to be a picnic either. Hopefully, the conflict with the cabal of zombie priests will conclude soon in order for the master of black comedy to truly return the Goon to his original roots.
   
    Worth Consuming

    Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Doomwar

  Doctor Doom unleashes a war on multiple fronts against the tiny, but powerful nation of Wakanda. But the despot can't just openly invade the homeland of the Black Panther, least he have to face an onslaught of UN forces, not to mention the superhero community. So, Doom secretly funds a coup which grants him diplomatic immunity in order for the leader of Latveria to legally claim all of Wakanda's remaining resources of vibranium.

    Since the government of Wakanda changed hands under a peaceful coup, the United Nations has tied the hands of former King T'Challa and his sister, Shuri, the current Black Panther. Even the superhero community cannot get involved to save Storm, accused of witchcraft, from the death penalty, without repercussions.
   
    Secretly, a small handful of X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and even the Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool come to the assistance of the deposed royal family in an attempt to wrestle the massive stockpile of vibranium weapons that Doom has amassed. But since T'Challa has been soundly defeated by Doctor Doom time and time again using technology, the former Black Panther may have to use magic infused physics to free his people and reclaim the throne of Wakanda.

     This is my second foray into works by the team of Jonathan Mayberry and Scot Eaton (The zombie epic Punisher Vs. the Marvel Universe was my first.) Unfortunately, I was not such a fan of this work as I was the apocalyptic thriller. The biggest reason for this is that in the first two issues, there is so much going on. There's minimal panelling, so I couldn't follow where the art was flowing. It also didn't follow any sort of set pattern. Sometimes it would go straight across the page. Sometimes it would go counterclockwise and the next would be clockwise. Then vice-versa a few pages later. It was very confusing. 

    There were only 6 issues in this miniseries. So, I'm wondering if there were originally supposed to be 7 or 8 but due to time or economics, the series was reduced to a half-dozen. Thus in order to not really lose any of the story, Mayberry and Eaton just crammed everything in those first couple of issues. I really think this is the case as the last 4 issues really flowed a lot better.

    The art itself was quite good. It was as outstanding as the 'Punisher Vs.' mini. In fact, there were some awesome double full-page spread scenes that featured Doctor Doom's face that were even better than that first series. Sadly, the covers by John Romita Jr. were not so good. They looked amateurish and didn't properly reflect his talent.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

The Manhattan Projects, Volume 4: Building

    

  Oppenheimer makes a deal with President Kennedy in an attempt to take over the Projects, resulting in the incarceration of the entire team. Meanwhile, in the brain of Oppenheimer Prime, the Blues go for the nuclear option in a final bid of ridding the physicist of the evil Reds. But a forgotten player in this epic series will have the last say over who takes final control of Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Projects as well.

    Volume 3 lacked the 'oomph' of the previous two volumes. This volume is a return to the level of quality storytelling that got me hooked in the Manhattan Projects in the first place. With tons of twists, turns, and shocking reveals, a history major like me has no idea where this series is gonna go next and that's a GREAT thing!

     There's only one volume of the exciting series left for me to read. Jonathan Hickman has crafted a story that is nearly flawless. It's so good, I don't want it to end, but I also want to know how things wrap up. That is a sign of a master storyteller.

    Worth Consuming!

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Cardboard (Family Comic Friday)

  

Technically, this book was found in the adult section of my library's graphic novel section. Though, the librarians did combine teens with adult last year, so maybe that is where this book came from originally...

   I don’t care if this is more of an all-ages graphic novel than geared for adults. It's by Doug TenNapel (Earthworm Jim) and he's regarded as one of the greatest all-ages graphic novelists of all-time. With Cardboard, TenNapel has done it again. His books are so geared for Disney Pixar status that I expect something like this book to become one day the next 'Big Hero Six." The characters are realistic; full of emotion and pathos that transpires on the page.

   In Cardboard, a young boy and his out of work dad come across some magic cardboard that can bring anything to life. The caveat is that the duo are instructed to A) not ask for more cardboard and B) return any unused portions to the seller. Making matters worse, the neighborhood bully has sights on stealing the cardboard for himself in order to make an army of corrugated monsters.

   Cardboard is a fantastic story that deserves feature film treatment someday. It is one of my favorites of TenNapel’s. In fact, the character of Boxer Bill might be one of my all-time favs. I loved this book and I cannot wait for the author’s next offering!

   Worth Consuming.

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Daredevil, Volume 3: The Daredevil You Know (Marvel NOW!)

   

   Matt Murdock agrees to defend an aged stunt driver in a copyright infringement case. Age and injury have caused the former thrill seeker to give up the rights to his original stage name, 'The Stuntman', to a pharmaceutical company. In turn, the corporation has hired out a young upstart that has taken to taunting his namesake.

     The attacks become so merciless, that the old man takes his own life unable to withstand the pressure of the looming court battle. This enrages Murdock to challenge the new Stuntman in order to restore his client's good name. But should the hero lose in a race across the Golden Gate Bridge, it will mean that he too must forfeit his right to the title of 'The Man Without Fear.'

     Speaking of the title- that's also what Murdock and his ghost writer Foggy Nelson is calling his autobiography. Making his deadline isn't going to be easy with a slew of baddies, mishaps, and betrayals will get in Daredevils way. All this leads to what is probably the worst Daredevil costume variant of all-time and in the superhero forging a deal with a most unexpected devil.

       Volume 3 is the penultimate Marvel NOW! collection by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee before the events of 2015's Secret Wars that will reboot not just the Daredevil franchise but the entire Marvel Universe. This was yet another fantastic offering by Waid and Samnee and it's Daredevil at his best.

     Things have been going pretty well for Matt Murdock lately. Yet, it can be said that Daredevil is at his best when he is at his lowest. And by the end of this volume, things are going to get so low, he may just have to sell his soul to his own personal devil if he's ever going to get another chance to make things right again.

    Worth Consuming but I wasn't such a big fan of the first story arc involving the Stuntman as I was in the rest of the comics reprinted in this edition.

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Miles Morales: The Ultimate Spider-Man, Volume 2: Revelations

  As the Ultimate Universe begins to unravel, all of the remaining secrets you've been waiting for answers are uncovered before the final curtain goes down on Miles Morales and his band of New Ultimates.

   Reveals include:

•    How did Norman Osborne survive after seemingly dying during his climatic battle with Peter Parker in revealed?
•     Is the Peter Parker who returned asking to for his mantle of Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man the real deal or a blasted clone?
•     Where's Miles' dad and what's been the deep dark secret he kept for so long?
• and much more...

   

    While this volume does tidy things up in a big way, the ending boasts the biggest question of 2015? Just what happens to Miles and the rest of the world in Secret Wars when the Battleworld arrives at the series end?

    That's right, this volume is the last we'll ever see of Miles Morales in the Ultimate Universe. Well, for now, at least, as nothing really is forever in comics. 

    A grand capper to a great character in a great alternate universe from Marvel Comics. 

    It's fitting that the mastermind behind the Ultimate Comics universe, Brian Michael Bendis, crafted the swan song to Ultimate Spider-Man. The artwork by David Marquez was also very good. However, he's not the original artist behind UC: Spider-Man #1. That would've been the icing of the proverbial cake.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #9

  In the Marvel Universe, if you want answers, there's one person you go to- Wolverine. Even if he doesn't know what you're looking for, he's that x-factor (forgive the pun) that will eliminate all other possibilities. He's the mutant embodiment of Sherlock Holmes' famous theory of deduction in which once you have eliminated the impossible options whatever remains is possible. Once Jessica completes her visit with Logan, journalist Ben Ulrich is able to deduce just where Luke Cage is. 

   Featuring a slew of twists and turns, this issue is a who's who of residents of Marvel Knights (Marvel's grittier imprint starring street fighter characters such as Jessica and Luke Cage.) Perhaps the biggest surprise is the appearance of a character that I didn't think remained in the Marvel Universe since their first appearance in a short-lived series of the same name from the 1970s. 

   I know this issue is almost 10-years old. But there are some major spoilers that really would ruin the mystery that has built up over the past 5 or 6 issues. Fantastic writing job by Bendis with killer Marvel Knights style art by Michael Lark.

   This is my favorite issue in the series, thus far.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #8

   Jessica Jones, in a bid to find Luke Cage after he was kidnapped from his hospital bed, returns to their apartment in hopes of uncovering clues as to his whereabouts. Assisting her is Ben Ulrich, whose been in constant contact with an informant at SHIELD which is in turmoil following the ousting of Nick Fury as its Director head. The superspy's absence has created a power vacuum of which fringe organizations such as Hydra and AIM are more than happy to fill. Will Jessica turn to one of these groups in order to find the answers she is looking for and more importantly, her boyfriend?

   A great issue that reads like a game of cat and mouse or cloak and dagger. Just about every major espionage organization in the Marvel U is represented here. With SHIELD literally impotent without Nick Fury, the representative at Hydra makes a compelling case for filling in the void. Unfortunately, that means that the world would be made free from democracy under the watchful eye of a fascist organization.

   It's scary stuff if you stop to think about it. Leave it to the great Brian Michael Bendis to make comics not just entertaining but thought provoking.


    Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.  

The Pulse #7

Awesome Steranko-like cover.

Assisting Jessica Jones with learning who and why Luke Cage was targeted by a mutant suicide bomber, Ben Ulrich learns just how dire things are at SHIELD. Nick Fury is no longer in charge. Plus, it looks very likely that Congress will enact legislation forcing those with super powers to register with the American government. Also, another suicide bomber attacks the hospital in which Power Man has been treated and if that wasn't bad enough: during the ensuing chaos, somebody has kidnapped Luke Cage from his hospital room.

    A thrilling issue of the Pulse that continues to tie in the Secret War storyline. I had said that having a little bit of back story might help me to better enjoy these tie-in issues and I was right. Not only that, but you really can see the seeds of the Marvel Civil War storyline being sown in this issue. 

    Though Civil War is a couple of years away from when this issue occurs, the hints of a superhero registration act are starting to appear. Plus, with Nick Fury in hiding, the events in this chapter will have ramifications for Marvel's Secret Invasion and Dark Reign story arcs as well. 

    The writing by Bendis is high quality. I just love the mystery he's woven. But now as the plot deepens and Luke Cage goes missing, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to know what happens more than ever before.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Pulse #6

   A mutant with the powers to detonate blows herself up in Jessica Jones and Luke Cage's apartment. Cage shield's Jessica from the apparent suicide bomber. But the lover's heroic actions result in Power Man being badly injured. Now in a coma, with his life hanging in the balance, Jessica will use her resources with the Daily Bugle to get to the bottom of her beloved's near fatal encounter.

    Thus begins a multi-issue tie-in to Marvel's Secret War. Not Secret Wars or even Secret Wars II, both of which starred the mysterious Beyonder. I'm not even familiar with Secret War. So, I had to do a little research because I even got this storyline confused with Civil War- that's how out of the loop I am with this.

    Sometime prior, Nick Fury recruited Captain America, Wolverine, Luke Cage, and others to conduct a clandestine operation on Latveria. Well, the high ups of SHIELD weren't too happy about that and they will do any and everything in their power to ensure that those heroes who participated in the mission don't live to see another day.

    I wish I had read this backstory prior to having reading this issue. But, that's how it goes sometimes. Sadly, I just didn't enjoy this issue. 

    I love the Marvel stories that involve SHIELD and espionage. Nick Fury is freakin' awesome. And if you know me at all, then you'll know that Cap is my all-time favorite superhero!!! So, on paper, I should love Secret War. (It's now on my radar and wish list.)

   But what to rate this issue? It wouldn't be fair to say that it's a stinker. But I just didn't enjoy this story. But I think now that I have a little bit of back story and no longer am confusing this story line with Civil War, I will probably enjoy the rest of the Secret War tie-in issues of this series better.

   So out of all fairness, I will rate this right down the middle. If you've read Secret War, you might like this one.  So please, don't let this rating detract you from enjoying this issue.

    Rating: 5 out of 10 stars

The Pulse #5

 

    In the pages of New Avengers, Norman Osborn becomes quite the thorn in the team's side, particularly with Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. This issue is the birth of that feud. 

  If you've wanted to see Osborn get what's coming to him, this (and issue 4) are the issues you've been demanding. Of, course, being like the 3rd richest person in New York means that it won't be easy for the good guys to bring Osborn finally to justice as he'll hide behind lawyers, lackeys, and even his Green Goblin persona to save his slimy hide.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Ms. Marvel, Volume 3: Crushed (Marvel NOW!)

   Ms. Marvel continues her training as an Inhuman. But that doesn't mean life is all peaches and cream for young Kamala Khan. She still has to balance her home life and school work.

    When the son of a family friend moves into the neighborhood, it appears that Kamala has been bitten by the love bug. That affection seems to be destiny when the young man is revealed to also be an Inhuman. Sadly, Ms. Marvel will have to learn the hard way that just as there are good Inhumans, there are some rotten apples in the bunch too.

   Speaking of things not being as they seem, Loki- looking younger, hipper, and apparently on the side of good and not evil, arrives in Jersey City. (OK- When did this happen?) The former god of mischief's task, appointed by his mother Frigga, is to discover if there are any more threats from Ms. Marvel's arch-enemy, the Inventor. But in classic Marvel fashion, a battle between Ms. Marvel and the reformed Asgardian trickster breaks out before the two are able to realize that they are both fighting the same side for once.

    On paper, Ms. Marvel/ Kamala may seem to be the least Marvel-like superhero title currently out. The title's star is Muslim, she's Afghani, and she's a she. But this is probably the one modern Marvel title that is written consistently in that classic Marvel House of Ideas style. Let's compare Kamala with the character that defined the classic style of Marvel, the one, the only Peter Parker!

     Both began their careers as teens. Both are outsiders mostly for being geeks. But they are both brilliant nerds and rely on those smarts to save the day. Both teens come from working-class families and that makes things like costume repair a pressing concern when money is tight. Plus, with the two being in high school, a large number of their adventures take place in public education both as students and superheroes. And of course, there's the fair share of unrequited love and teen angst.

    Are you sure Stan Lee isn't writing this series?

    Lastly, for you fans of Agents of SHIELD, this volume contains a Ms. Marvel team-up with Phil Coulson and Agents Simmons. One of the students at Kamala's school is selling stolen super-villain tech. With SHIELD on his tail, the seller is quickly apprehended. But one of his stolen wares got mixed in with some of the food in the high school cafeteria. Thus, the ever popular pizza day is going to be one that Ms. Marvel's teammates will remember for years to come.

    I'm already a fan of this series and thanks to the bonus SHIELD issue, I'm a big fan of that series too. (I've been wanting to read it but on the fence as to whether it's worth $4 to find out. It is!) The quality of the new Ms. Marvel keeps getting better and better. This series deserves some Eisner Awards and a Hugo or two. For those of you feeling that it's unpatriotic to enjoy a book like Ms. Marvel, I say it's Un-American not too. 

   The Khan's are a typical immigrant family in that they keep their old world traditions alive while being proud to become Americans. Yes- Kamala's mom and dad are afraid that their daughter will be Americanized by their new homeland, but they are just as fearful that their son will fall in with the wrong Islamic crowd (in other words militant.) Plus, I don't know of any decent parent that doesn't want to lose their child to a growing ever so dangerous world of sex, drugs, crime, or death. 

   And no- this book is not some secret ISIS training manual or propaganda for luring kids into becoming followers of Islam. If you are that concerned, maybe you should read this book with your child. It will show an interest in things they like, such as reading comics. Plus, you can then be ready to answer or further research any questions about Islam or the war on terror that might pop up afterward.

   A quality series that keeps getting better with one of the single best issues of 2015 (SHIELD #2) inside.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.