Westside Goth Show #31: Comic Adaptations

November Favorites 2010

Here it is...


6. X-Men #5-Vampires vs. Mutants! Epicness! Plus Cyclops once again proves why he runs the whole mutant business by making Wolverine bait! And Wolverine didn't see it coming!


5. Deadpool: Wade Wilsons War HC-A twisted Deadpool story about the notorious Wade Wilson on trial and makes you question is Deadpool who he says he is or is he just a crazy guy who thinks his a super mercenary. Plus Jason Pearson's art is awesome.


4. Batman & Robin #16-Batman shows up in time to help out Batman and Robin. yeah, that's what went down.


3. Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #6-Another of 4 Grant Morrison Batman books that happened last month. This one is the conclusion of Bruce Wayne s return to the present time. I really like how Morrison writes Wonder Woman in this. Yeah, I'm bias...


2. Teen Titans #89-Damian Wayne is officially the second best Robin behind the original Dick Grayson(formerly Nightwing and currently Batman. There's two!). Here Robin teams with the Teen Titans and things get a little screwed up in the end because of him. Nicola Scott's art is damn good.


1. Batman Incorporated #1-Grant Morrison presents the batman initiative, aka Batman Inc. Batmen for every nation. Dick Graysons got Gotham locked down so Bruce and Catwoman go to japan to recruit Mr. unknown and give him backing only to show up and find out he's dead at the hands of Lord Death Man. A character created for the Japanese Batman manga based on a little known Batman villain(The Japanese added the Lord to his name). Hentai tentacle jokes included!

Other Morrison books were the good Batman: The Return where Batman explains his plans. The final volume of his JLA collection, and the Absolute All Star Superman book which is mammoth. Oh yeah...

Comic Book Favorite: Gotham Central #32

Yo... it's your boy... and since the major solicits have dropped its time for another spotlight. This time set in everyone's favorite fictional superhero town of Gotham City.



Gotham Central was a title about the cops in Gotham city, obviously. But between the major arcs, which were pretty damn good, there were stories that just felt like filler. This however, was not one of them.

Issue #32 was initially to be the starting point for the arc Dead Robin but was pushed back a month to tell the story of some crooked cops trying to cover up the accidental murder of a teen runaway who saw them harassing a local dealer who gives them a cut of his earnings.

These two cops work to try and make sure they don't get connected all the while we see just what kind of corrupt lowlifes continue to work for the GCPD. As the story moves forward one of their friends informs them of a job wanting to be done by a certain Gotham resident known as Black Mask. The two cops get an evidence bag requested and are asked to deliver it to the park. Thats when the rugs pulled out from other them.

The hustler informed a certain Poison Ivy about who murdered the girl and the Black Mask job was all a scam for her to get revenge. Seems at this time Ivy was taking care of Gotham's runaways and felt the cops needed to be brutally punished.

I remember reading this issue and completely forgetting Poison Ivy was on the cover. I was just so enthralled with what was going on that when they walked into the park I suddenly remembered she was suppose to be in the issue. Greg Rucka is a great writer and Steve Liebers art works perfectly. You should seek this one out.

September Favorites 2009

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9. Gotham City Sirens #4-Scott Lobdell fills in on a story starring the Riddler. Thus the best issue yet. Weird.


8. Wonder Woman #36


7. Detective Comics #857


6. Yotsuba&! Vol. 6-New company to release the English-language series. Yeah!


5. Gunsmith Cats: Burst Vol. 4-Finally.


4. Runaways #14-Big shocking ending. And a hiatus. Lame...


3. Nana Vol. 18-Surprise? I know I am.


2. The Life & Times of Martha Washington in the 23rd Century Complete Collection


1. Batman & Robin #4

Whats Up With Me?

Got a Nintendo DS and playing my bros Final Fantasy III remake(the real one FFIII. Not number 6 which was dubbed FFIII in the states). Its wasting my time. Taking it from my valuable writing. But I'm losing at it now so I might just quit altogether.

Finished Private Wars by Greg Rucka. The second novel based on the Queen & Country comic series. I like Gentleman's Game better. But its still good.

Reading manga! I am indeed enjoying Hunter X Hunter. Got two volumes today that I plan on reading. Special A was dipping in volume 2 until the end in which it rose up like a phoenix. Bout volume 4 today and enjoyed it. Working through High School debut vol. 3. If I don't like it I'm done with the series. Its okay but not much else.

BTW, I liked Batman RIP. Suck it!

Watched Bubba Ho-Tep. Fun flick. The King vs the King of the Undead! Starring Bruce Campbell. Trailer below.

January Jones For Catwoman!!!!!!

I've told my family, my friends, and now you... Warner Bros. and Chris Nolan...


HIRE JANUARY JONES FOR CATWOMAN!!!

This woman is dynamite on Mad Men. She's even better now in season two than in season one. I'm expecting Emmy and Golden Globe nods next time around. She has this subtle, nuanced, and powerful portrayal of Betty Draper in this show. I think she would be perfect for Batman's number one Femme Fatale. Especially as she looks like the live action version of the original Selina Kyle design from Batman the Animated Series.

Neil Gaiman to Write Batman Story

I'm not one of these huge Gaiman fans. Hell, I think Sandman is a good series but not great. That of course has to do with the fact I'm much more into big action, humor, and not a big literary guy. That said, I do enjoy what I've read from him and I am interested in him and Andy Kuberts Batman story for 2009. That was indeed a big announcement.

May Favorites 2008

Only nine for May despite being a pretty good month. Spot 10 probably would've been Robin but I dropped it and a few other books to make room. Now Dixon leaving means that was a good decision anyway. Mostly DC as I don't buy much marvel since nothing there right interests me and there was no now trulyManga I liked enough to list. Though the second volume of Harukaze Bitter Bop was pretty good. That said, I'm reading Great Teacher Onizuka and the original series starring Eikichi Onizuka, Shonan Junai Gumi right now and those are awesome.


9. Teen Titans #59:Clock King comes off as pretty damn cool here. The overall story of the Terror Titans beaten up and selling the Teen titans to the Dark Side Club is pretty cool. Though the teaser makes me worry for my fav Titan, Ravager. If she leaves I might as well.


8.Young Liars #3: The title of this chapter is "A Hard Knock Life" and it lives up to that. Picking up where issue one left off with a flashback set after the flashback issue number 2 this is big, loud and crazy. Good times.


7. Justice Society of America #15: I missed this/ Huge superhero battles. And I mean huge. Good looking and well written with a truly epic feeling.


6. Fables #73: The war is on and so far things are looking alright for the Fables. Until the cliffhanger at least.


5. Wonder Woman #20: The third arc on Gail's run begins and she's joined with new artist Aaron Lopretsi. Aaron brings more depth and substance than the previous artists with his line work. This issue has Beowulf, a character called Stalker, and all kinds of awesome.


4. Booster Gold #9: JLI geekasm! The bands back together and kicking ass! Just in time for some serious party crashers. Plus the Mister Miracle scene with the him as the only prisoner in a super deluxe booby trapped prison was a damn fine part.


3. Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men #1: Damn nice ending. Though the delays have forced certain comics to reveal spoilers, I was able to avoid most of them. This issue was a nice conclusion to an uneven run that had lots of highs, a few lows, and long breaks between. This was one of the high points.


2. All Star Superman #11: Superman's dead! The penultimate issue is here and makes me sad the series will soon be ending. (Pssst... Superman isn't really dead. At least not yet.)


1. Batman #676-677: RIP is kicking and so far it's been thrilling. We meet the Black Glove and get a twisted scene with the Joker in the first part. Plus a wonderful scene with Batman and Robin in that same issue. Things are taken to the next level in the second part with the Black Glove making its move and certain elements dividing fans. Oh, this is interesting. really interesting. Really, really good.

Top 10 for November 2006

#10: Pirates of Coney Island #2(of 8)
Rick Spears
Vasilis Lolos

Can't, for the best of me, figure out exactly what this comic is about other than a runaway in Coney Island and the people he's meeting. However the oddness and beautiful artwork by Lolos edged this into my top 10 another month in a row.(last months top 10 is on my Myspace so we'll ignore that.) This issue has our mystery runaway(unless I somehow missed his name), now one eyed, pick pocketing people until he's spotted by the cops. A motley group called the pirates pick him up for the save and recruit him into their group. They even give him a patch. Just a beautiful looking book with the same enticing storytelling Rick Spears used on Teenagers From Mars. Great stuff.



#9: Superman: Confidential #1
Darwyn Cooke
Tim Sale

Take the talents of one Darwyn Cooke and hook him up with an amazing artist in Tim Sale and what you have is gold. That's right, GOLD! The first issue in one of this new Superman title is set in the early days of Clark Kent's career as the protector of Metropolis. The story is set around Superman's first encounter with Kryptonite but in part one we get a slamming fight scene with the Royal Flush Gang all while Clark, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen are looking to nail Casino owner Anthony Gallo who they believe is attributing to the rise of crime in Metropolis. This is my first time reading Cooke as only a writer but Tim Sale on art is a good match. These two produce an issue that makes one wonder-what is the best Superman title out right now. Makes it sad this tag team made in heavens only doing six issues.



#8: Batman/the Spirit
Jeph Loeb
Darwyn Cooke

From writer to artist, Darwyn Cooke takes to sequential storytelling in this first ever, and maybe even long awaited, team up between the Dark Knight and classic newspaper comic icon. Written by Jeph Loeb who I admittedly am not sure what to think about half the time, produces a very well done script about villains of both heroes luring certain officers of the law to a special getaway. A trap no doubt to take out both the Batman and the Spirit. The two run into each other and Spirit doesn't believe Batman's Batman because he's a myth the Gotham City police department made up. "Let me assure you-- I am very real." The book has tons of Batman's rogues and some familiar faces from the Spirit. For me, this is probably the best Loeb script I read in a while. I was not impressed with anything but the art on Superman/Batman and Supergirl was corny fun. The real star of course is Darwyn Cooke. The man is amazing with his cartoony, expressive, and very detailed art.



#7: Checkmate #8
Greg Rucka
Jesus Saiz

While OMAC Project wasn't my favorite Countdown mini, it certainly produced my favorite spin off in this espionage thriller set in the superhero world of DC Comics. Checkmate is an organization with checks and balances. A white side and a black side with agents corresponding to the pieces in chess. Featuring DC characters like Fire, Mr. Terrific and others. Greg Rucka is one of those writers who builds over time but unlike other writers of the decompression style he still knows when and where to put action sequences to keep the fans contempt to wiat for the break out moment. This series however has been off and running since issue #4 and #8 is the first part in an exciting new arc entitled Pawn 502 about a Checkmate agent trying to infiltrate the terrorist organization known as Kobra. The story has a nice twist ending that I didn't see coming as well as Ruckas great dialogue and handling of such a large cast. Jesus Saiz provides artwork. The regular artist returns after a hiatus to show off his artwork which feels at times like a cross between Neal Adams and Mike Lark. Definitely good stuff.



#6: DMZ #13
Brian Wood
Riccardo Burchielli

Matty goes undercover in Trustwell, a company reward with select rebuilding projects within Manhattan to expose the secrets from within. Part one of Public Works starts off strong with the main character getting an assignment from an independent news source to look into Trustwells operations. Once there he sees suicide bombers and workers sabotaging the site. not to mention the Trustwell security have a very hands on interrogation process. When he doesn't report his fellow workers, they offer him a way to make some money. DMZ is a dark, gritty, very realistic comic book about life in a city torn apart by war; in this case civil. These are the comics I tend to disregard but DMZ is strongly written with great art. How can you expect any less of Vertigo whose arguably putting out the best comics today. Even the books I don't care for are still better than most books published but DMZ I do like and is one of the titles I look forward to each and every month.



#5: Doctor Strange: The Oath #2(of 5)
Brian K. Vaughan
Marcos Martin

I never cared too much for Doc. Strange. I thought his portrayal in the last defenders mini was amusing but the only reason I picked this bad boy up was for the artwork of Marcos Martin who wowed me on the short lived Breach series. Paired up with BKV who writes the wonderful Runaways series they produce a fun, escapist, and thrilling fantasy/superhero comic. Doc. Strange is looking to relocate a vial of magic elixir stolen form him that could cure his servant Wong of his terminal illness. Assisted by the Night Nurse the three track down the crook who stole the elixir and almost killed Strange. Also, much like issue one, BKV gives those of us unfamiliar with Strange a look into his origin. Thanks BKV. Marcos Martin is one of the most underrated artists working today. If you like Tim Sale and Darwyn Cooke, who themselves are awesome, you should really take a look at Marcos Martins work. It has the same animated feel but still a look all unto it self. Do yourself a favor and check out this gem.



#4: Astonishing X-Men #4
Joss Whedon
John Cassaday

Scott Summers capping away at members of the Hellfire Club while the rest of his team are trying to come to their senses after the mental attacks which were orchestrated by the White Queen/Emma Frost. To add some more problems as My favorite X-Men book by a mile. I really don't know what to say about this title that hasn't already been said by lovers of this book. Great dialogue, wonderful handling of these characters, and amazing art. This issue wraps up the current arc which is more of a lead in to Whedon and Cassadays finale. This book opens with the newly biclops Ord and Danger hit the x-mansion each looking for a level of revenge. Then SWORD drops by to pick the entire gang up and head to the alien planet of Break World. Yeah, this is going to be fun.



#3: Runaways #22
Brian K. Vaughan
Adrain Alphona

books and soon it'll be none. Until then time to enjoy his last arc on Runaways. The book survived cancellation to get rebooted with better sales and now him and artist Adrian It's been awhile since I've bought two consecutive BKVAlphona are leaving with issue #24. The final story, Live Fast, has Chase still reeling after the death of his girlfriend Gertrude. So much so it worries his team mates. Victor even suggest him leaving the group. Chase however has alternate plans as he deals with the Gibborim, the force that the Runaways parents were working with. Chase is looking to resurrect his love but for that he needs to offer a pure soul. As per usual Alphona artwork is brilliant on this series. new artist Mike Ryan is going to have one hell of a time following up as will Alphona to find a title that best exemplifies his talent like this book does. I'm anxious to see where this is going and how Joss Whedon and Mike Ryan plan to follow such an amazing run.


#2: Justice League of America #3
Brad Meltzer
Ed Benes

I think a number of critics and fans are giving this book a hard time for no other reason then they didn't like Identity Crisis. I liked IDC but I also enjoyed Meltzer's green arrow arc as well as Benes Birds of Prey work and the little of his Superman I saw. This title is going slow but it's still has some great character moments and some nice action, especially this issue. The scene with Arsenal, Hal Jordan/Green Lantern, and Black Canary taking on dozens of Red Tornado clone-bots. The best stuff has been with Red Tornado himself. Now human, it adds an extra amount of tension with his wife and adopted daughter that if he dies this time he really dies, rather then being an elemental who can live on in robotic bodies. Yes, complex origin but Meltzer made me care for a hero I knew next to nothing about. the mystery villain and his plans add a good level of mystery to this series. Ed Benes art here is strong though I wish Alex Lei was doing his inking and Sno-Cone on colors but it's still a good looking superhero comic. Justice League is only three issues in and I am loving it.



#1: Birds of Prey #100
Gail Simone
Nicola Scott
Tony Bedard
Paulo Sequiera

Despite my joking around, Gail Simone is writ ting the one comic I've been buying for the longest time since making my way into comic as a hardcore collector and reader. Issue #100 is an amazing issue that marks another turning point in the series. Now, Black Canary has left the group and oracle has changed her way of operating. Zinda and Huntress are her top operatives with full access to her headquarters but she also employs other female operatives for specific missions. This issue has Huntress and Zinda teaming with Manhunter, Big Barda, and Judo Master to free a teenage girl from a Mexican prison and reunite her with her father. seems easy enough but with a twist in the end you know it's going to get seriously rocky. While new artist Nicola Scott is coming in after the amazing work of the likes of Ed Benes, Joe Bennett and Paulo Sequeria she does a sold job. Not blown away but she has chops and can no doubt get better in time. The back up story gives you background on the exiting Black Canary as she tells her adopted daughter Sin about her life as they plan on moving. Co-written by Tony Bedard and featuring art by outgoing artist Paulo Sequeria(DC better have something for him to do) this is a great origin recap that puts the Mark Waid/Howard Chaykin back up form 52 to shame. Though they did try it in two pages.

So there it is, my top 10 for November. My December one will probably be a tad late with holidays and shipping from Mail Order Comics.

Frank Miller Is Gangsta

Long time ago, as a wee comic fan of around nine years I would buy random comic books with Spider-Man or X-Men on the cover. But I had a soft spot for the Batman. I watched the old Adam West TV series, loved the Tim Burton movie, and was awaiting the new cartoon series. One special year my Uncle Mike hooked me up with two Batman books... Frank Millers The Dark Knight Returns(DKR for short) and Batman: Year One. For a nine year old-these books totally took me by surprise. They were darker, heaver in tone, and more violent than anything I had ever read-and up to that point seen on TV and movies.

Though, honestly, DKR isn't exactly a favorite book of mine it is visceral. The style and craft of Frank Miller is really hard to describe. The man just knows how to go about his artwork in a way where you see why he's such an icon. The story is fine, but the artwork always intrigued me more. That's why Batman: Year One is my favorite Batman comic of all time. I admit, I prefer my superheroes a little sunnier but Frank and artist David Mazzachulli's famed update of Batman(and Jim Gordon's) first year in Gotham City still puts other superhero titles to shame. Mazzachulli's beautiful art and Frank's writing just go together. You have to understand, as a young kid, I was handed the classics and most everything paled in comparison. Some of the books I loved when I was young no longer hold weight in my eyes but DKR and Year One continue to be examples of comics as literature.

Now as I got older I didn't exactly become a hardcore collector because, well, I didn't have much money and between other interests I got comics when I could and followed titles if able. During a time in which I was part of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Book Club I started buying trades like Preacher and Death but one time out I noticed they were selling a book called Ronin by Frank Miller. So I picked it up. I don't follow comic creators but this was the legend so I had to see what this was about and damn did Ronin kick some serious ass. The series was done after his stint on Daredevil and before DKR. Frank Millers story set in a decaying futuristic Manhattan about a reborn Samurai looking to finally defeat the demon Agat. This book looks so different than anything else I've ever read and a story so dark, menacing with so many thrilling moments I find it hard to believe some people never mention Ronin when talking about Franks great works.




Frank Miller has gone on to of course do works like Sin City and 300 which are both seminal comic works and have(or soon to) receive movie adaptations. I picked up the Sin City books after seeing the movie. Both those titles are stunning in their artwork. 300 specifically for its wide page formatting making everything more grand. Over recent years though he has been criticize for his work on All Star Batman & Robin with Jim Lee but I find myself greatly amused at the title. I look at it as camp and whether or not its terrible, I find it more shocking and gripping then most "good" comics. I mean, he just makes "bad" so fun to follow. Now I haven't the biggest Miller collection. I hope that titles like Martha Washington and Hard Boiled amongst others to get some reprints. I'm going to actually pawn an organ to get the Daredevil Omnibus.

The point to all this is pretty much say "Hey, Frank Miller is an icon, love him or hate him." Millers artwork stood out because it wasn't "superhero" art because he brought a real cinematic edge to his work and stole from the greats. His stories are written for a more mature audience. But most importantly, he's not afraid to piss people off with his work because he can do that, because he is Frank Miller. I salute him. He introduced me to mature comics and showed me books that are more timeless then 90% of comics being released today or even tomorrow. Plus he is total gangsta. Looking forward to the movies for 300 and Sin City 2.