Monday, January 31, 2005

New Comics for February 2

Well, my computer's motherboard got toasted today at work, so it hasn't been the greatest day ever, but I did manage to print out the Diamond List anyway. Here is the swag for this week.

Adam Strange #5- cool, outer spacy stuff
Deadshot #3
Detective Comics #803
Justice League Elite #8
Razors Edge Warblade #4
Superman #213
Superman Batman #17- I can't wait to read this!
Swamp Thing #12
Darkness #18
Black Panther #1
Excalibur #9 - I am desperately trying to like this
New Avengers #3
Supreme Power #15
Ultimate Spider-Man #72
Uncanny X-Men #455 - two issues in two weeks!!
X-Men Phoenix Endsong #2- Hurrah!

Have a great week and happy reading!

Sunday, January 30, 2005

It's been one of those weeks...

My blogging has been extra bad this week due to unforseen circumstances. Unfortunately, it also means I haven't done more then skim my comics for the week, so I can't even articulate about those.

I am blogging from work right now as we are cutting over from our old AS400 to a new I-Series. One of my co-workers and myself are the techies of the company so we are here to be at the installer's beck and call. Heck of a way to spend a Sunday, huh?

The one thing I can talk about is that the Emerald City Con is coming up this weekend. It is February 5 and 6 in Seattle. Jim and I are making the trek, and at this point he is way more excited then I am. I am very distracted with work and my weight loss contest. I am hoping that once we get there, I will catch the fever!

I will be very frank that my blogging will be absolute crap until after February 10, which is my company's annual trade show. My boss and I are co-chairing it so to speak, so that is another bit of life drama.

Sorry that my posts have been un-comic book related for the most part. It has been hectic, but I don't want to hang up my blog because I will be able to be more regular after a point.

Take care all!

Thursday, January 27, 2005

It's An Omen

I broke the pedal off the exercise bike at the Athletic Club. I think that's a sign to be done for the night.

X-23 #2 looks promising. Call me a sucker, but I like a heart warming tale about a born killing machine.

Have a great night all! I am off to eat something boring for dinner.

Monday, January 24, 2005

Comics for January 26

Jeez, I can hardly believe it is Monday again! Time flies way too fast! Here is a list of the stuff I am picking up this week.

Conan #12
Batgirl #60 - I am seeing where the new direction takes her
Batman #636
Flash #218
Hellblazer #204
JLA Classified #3
JSA Strange Adventures #6
Legion of Super Heroes #2
Nightwing #102
Robin #134
WE3 #3
Witching #8
Y The Last Man #30
Witchblade #82
Amazing Spider-Man #516 - part two of a new crappy story!
Black Widow #5
Fantastic Four #522
New X-Men #9 - I gotta keep reading this until Rahne gets caught fooling around with that kid!
Ultimate Fantastic Four #15
Ultimate X-Men #55 - I hated part one of this storyline. I hope this is better.
Uncanny X-Men #454
X-23 #2
Soulfire #3

No shows: Green Lantern Rebirth and Superman. What the hell? I didn't see either on next weeks list as well. Hmmmm...

Sunday, January 23, 2005

Review at 4CR

I did a review of Hellblazer: Hard Time, a great trade paperback, over at 4 Color Review. If you get a chance, give it a look.

Otherwise, it has been quite the weekend. I am working out like crazy and trying to acclimate to a new diet so I am quite crabby. My poor husband! My doctor warned me the first week is the hardest because your body is adjusting, so we are forewarned.

I am finally going to go read my comics for the week. I have been having a harder time getting to them before Sunday for the last month. I am able to give them all a glance, but by the time I can just sit and read them, half the week is already gone! I am hoping to fix that by the middle of February when things should quiet down for me at work.

Here's a hot reminder: The Emerald City Comicon is February 5 and 6 in Seattle. Jim and I will be there with bells on. Anyone else going?

Have a great week!

Friday, January 21, 2005

Catching up

I had the strangest bad day today. At my work we had to let go someone I really liked. It was extremely painful and has left me feeling down and out.

The other thing I had to do today is weigh in for the Gold's Fitness contest. They also checked my body fat and took pictures of me standing there in a two piece swimsuit. It wasn't exactly a dream come true as I am pretty modest to start with. I really want to win this contest though, because I need to get in better shape and boost my self esteem. This should do the trick.

The problem was that I had to go do this wonderful weigh in directly after the person was let go. I did a full hour of cardio, and it didn't even dent my emotions. Normally if I get on the treadmill or stair climber and really work out, I can start to feel the tension leave my body. Today it didn't touch it.

The other problem is that I can't even stress eat because the contest is on. Hee hee. I also can't have a drink to chill me out because alcohol isn't allowed. I figured coming here and venting was my best bet for getting it out. Aren't you lucky?

I will be boring you to death with periodic updates on my fitness contest. I will try not to let it take over the blog, and continue to bring comic book related items to the forefront.

Speaking of comics, I really liked Wonder Woman and Adventures of Superman this week. Did any of you catch those? It was interesting to see the dynamic between Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as portrayed by Greg Rucka.

Have a great Friday night! I am happy to be home so I can relax and try and de-stress some more.

Monday, January 17, 2005

New Comics For January 19

Here is the list of what I have coming in this week. It's another barn burner!

Samurai: Heaven & Earth #2
Adventures of Superman #636
Authority Revolution #4
Batman Gotham Knights #61
Birds of Prey #78
Catwoman #39
Hawkman #36
Manhunter #6
Outsiders #19
Teen Titans #20
Terra Obscura Vol 2 #5
Wonder Woman #212
Invincible #19
Tomb Raider #49
Ultra #6
Wanted #6 - Finally!
Bullseye Greatest Hits #5 - sad to see this one end
Daredevil #69
Powers #8
Rogue #7
Ultimate Spider-Man #71
Wolverine #24
Wolverine The End #6- Another FINALLY
X-Men #166

Yikes! It should be an expensive but great week!

Sunday, January 16, 2005

X-23 Review at 4CR

I finally got off my butt and put up a new review over at 4 Color Review. I reviewed X-23 #1, and was pleasantly surprised by what I read.

Now it's off to pay bills, which is definitely not my favorite thing. Then laundry and housework. Last on the agenda is reading comics and watching Desperate Housewives.

Have a great week!

Saturday, January 15, 2005

Celebrating in the Snow

Thursday was my husband Jim's birthday and we went out to a low key dinner, but tonight is when we are planning to go out with friends. Of course it is snowing like crazy and way cold, so it should make being out and around nuts. Hopefully it slows down a little before the actual time we had planned to go out.

I just got done reading 100 Bullets- it is outstanding! I am more convinced then ever that this series is meant to be read in arcs though. It is intricate and involved, with a much bigger story going on behind the scenes. The issue I just read finished the "Wylie Runs Down the Voodoo" story, and it brings the arc full circle. Wow. If you are an adult who isn't reading 100 Bullets, give it a try sometime. Pick up a trade paperback or two for the full effect.

I am off and about to read some more new issues. I had a full week, so it should be reading heaven.

SPECIAL NOTE TO MY HUBBY: Happy belated Birthday Honey! After 8 years together I love you more then ever!

Have a great day all!

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Liefeld perpetuates his own image

I don't know how many of you read "Lying in the Gutters" over at Comic Book Resources, but the guy that does the column, Rich Johnston, has a good bead on the industry, and usually has the best gossip. This week's column has a great bit about Rob Liefeld. It has some editorializing that is much needed- I hope Rob reads it himself for some self-truth.

You can find it at:

http://www.comicbookresources.com/columns/?column=13

What do you think?

Monday, January 10, 2005

New Comics for January 12

Wow, this is a big week for me! I just printed out the Diamond Pull list, and the following is a list of the comics I will be picking up this week.

100 Bullets #57 - the finale of the New Orleans storyline
Action Comics #823
Angeltown #3
Aquaman #26
Fables #33
Gotham Central #27 -second part of the Catwoman storyline
Green Arrow #46 - Ollie and Mia visit the Titans
JLA #110
JSA #69
Nightwing #101
Darkness Superman #1
District X #9
Marvel Knights 4 #14
New Thunderbolts #4
New X-Men #8
Pulse #7- second part of the Secret War tie-in
She-Hulk #11
Punisher #16
Ultimates 2 #2
X-23 #1

There should be lots of good stuff to review in this stack. I can hardly wait until Wednesday!

Saturday, January 08, 2005

Let It Snow

I am sitting here at work lamenting that it snowed four to five inches yesterday. I hate how my fellow mankind drives in it, and I hate it when my feet get wet. Needless to say, getting up to work an extra Saturday didn't exactly thrill me after already putting in 60 hours and knowing my hubby could sleep in!

On a more positive note, I am absolutely bowled over by the fantastic art by Greg Land on X-Men: Phoenix #1. I think he has moved to my number one artist for the day. It is funny because over at Newsarama there is lots of drama about this issue selling out, but after looking at the art, it is a no-brainer. I would imagine a great deal of customers picked it up on the fly, causing a major disturbance in the comic force.

Otherwise I haven't gotten very far in my new comic book pile because I was inspired to pull out the entire Grant Morrison run on New X-Men and read it. I finished issue #132 before I fell asleep last night. Man, in my book, Morrison is a cut above. I like his dry wit and fantastic storytelling. His run is a benchmark in my opinion.

At any rate, it's back to work for me. Have a great day!

Monday, January 03, 2005

Things to Look Forward to in 2005

Here is a brief list of things that have me looking forward to this year in comic books. This is not in order of excitement level, just a mixed bag.

1. DC Countdown. I am wondering who Batman is holding in his arms? I am also looking forward to seeing where this takes things as a result of Identity Crisis.

2. Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith. God help me, I am a fanatic. I have to know how our favorite badass got that way! Please don't disappoint me George Lucas. (Sorry, not exactly comic book related, but close.)

3. Ron Marz on Witchblade. After a really mediocre last couple of years, I am looking forward to seeing this title rejuvenated, and I think Ron can do it. Letting past writers ignore continuity in favor of a new spin has been a terrible mistake in the past, and I hope it isn't repeated. I also am crossing my fingers that the book gets put out regularly, according to Previews.

4. Lex Luthor: Man of Steel. Brain Azzarello is the man, and I am anxious to see his take on Lex. The art by Lee Bermejo should only enhance the experience.

5. Shanna, The She Devil by Frank Cho. If I can't get my hands on Liberty Meadows, I'll take a newly censored version of Shanna by Cho. I was lucky enough to see some preview pages way back when after meeting the man himself, and it looks incredible. Frank IS THE boob man of comics (sorry Adam Hughes).

6. Incredible Hulk with PeterDavid writing. I loved his run, and really have always felt he understands the Hulk to a depth many others can only aspire to. It is with great joy and anticipation I await the master's return.

7. I want to know what is going to happen to Kyle Rayner. Nuff said.

8. Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers "comic book event". I love you Grant! Your twisted, trancendental mind makes for A+ storytelling. Imagine if they let this man take over the DCU for a year? Of course, the image of Wonder Woman teaching Batman tantric techniques comes to mind, so maybe not.

9. Wonder Woman series. Greg Rucka has made me a happy camper with his take on Diana. I am having faith that the next year of storytelling is going to take her to the next level and establish her alongside Batman and Superman.

10. Rising Stars #24. It's about freakin' time! I was getting really angry at the dicking around for two years with just three issues left concept.

11. Phil Jimenez back on the scene with projects. I see that there is a Vertigo title from Phil called Otherworld that is coming out in March. The other rumor I hear is that Phil is bringing back Donna Troy. That would be super, and it would make me an even bigger fanboy then I already am.

As of today, these are the things I am buzzed about. As new projects are revealed, I am sure there will be more to get amped about.

What's your take?

New Comics for January 5

Here it is - the first list of 2005! I can hardly believe how fast time has flown! Without further ado, here we go!

Deadshot #2
Detective Comics #802
Flash #217 - a little late, I am dying to read it!
Justice League Elite #7
Swamp Thing #11
Noble Causes #6
PVP #13
The Gift #9
Captain America #2
Incredible Hulk #77 - Peter David is back! Thank God Almighty!
New Avengers #2
Ultimate X-Men #54
X-Men Phoenix Endsong #1
Strangers in Paradise #70

I am especially looking forward to the last- I love Strangers In Paradise! Should be sweet!

Take care all!

Saturday, January 01, 2005

Best Things About Comics in 2004

Since I listed the worst yesterday, it is only fair that today I rundown the best. Of course, this is my opinion, so you may not agree, but there is at least to be some enjoyment from the process!

1. Identity Crisis. Whether you loved it or hated it, Identity Crisis got everyone talking. I know that every time I knew it was going to be at the comic book shop on Wednesday, I wanted to get there as soon as I could to see what happened next. It took the characters from the era I most identify with and spun them through the blender. I personally enjoyed the suspense, and though the ending left me underwhelmed, suspect that it will echo through the DCU all throughout 2005 and beyond.

2. Spider-Man 2. The movie that I saw twice in three days because it was just that good. Jim and I went and got the deluxe edition DVD with Christmas money knowing that it will get good use, just as the first movie does. If pressed, I would even say that I like this sequel better then the original. It also does my heart good that my nephews think the movie rules, and are interested in learning more about the character.

3. Conan Series from Dark Horse. Kurt Busiek and Cary Nord have revitalized a classic character by taking him back to his roots while paying homage to his creator. Beautifully crafted and executed, this comic is worth the price of admission. My favorite issue was the first of the origin stories, titled "Born on the Battlefield", but all the tales have been well done. Conan is an example of how the journey is more important then gettting there.

4. Queen & Country Novel. I didn't know how one of my favorite comics would hold up in book form and was pleasantly surprised. Titled "A Gentleman's Game", this book is an incredible read. There isn't any drag in the middle, just action and suspense to the very end. How it changes lead character Tara Chace is earth shattering and emotional. I loved reading it, and give it a look periodically just to make sure the events really happened.

5. Batman: War Games. The events and aftermath of this Batman titles crossover are sure to have repercussions for some time. Oracle is splintered from her hometown and Robin is left homeless. How Batgirl and Nightwing continue to adapt is anyone's guess, but as shown in Detective Comics #800, it is a back-to-basics approach that is sure to alienate the Dark Knight further from his peers.

6. Astonishing X-Men. This is how it's done when staying true to the path cut by the brilliant Grant Morrison. Joss Whedon and John Cassaday have upped the ante and made the X-Men relevant again. No more storytelling for the sake of a legacy here. Whedon has an agenda that will serve to make the team evolve into a more credible fighting unit while staying true to the core of the Xavier dream.

7. She-Hulk series. Dan Slott has made She-Hulk the it-character in the Marvel Universe. He keeps her larger then life personality intact while bringing a sense of humanity and goodness to her image. I like Jennifer Walters and care for the character as a result of this title. It is the surprise hit of the year in my opinion.

8. Powers relaunch. Thank God it's back! Just when I was going through withdrawals, my favorite crime book is back. Bendis and Oeming are firing on all cylinders on this title, and the matter-of-fact storytelling style increases the enjoyment 100%.

9. Invincible series. I know that The Walking Dead gets all the hype, but Invincible is where it's at for me. Robert Kirkman has gold here with a sympathetic but brave character who has been through the ringer while trying to keep up his GPA in high school. Next is college, and I for one, can hardly wait.

10. 100 Bullets. The current storyline has been incredible and next issue puts it in the bag. "Wylie Runs down the Voodoo" has been going since #51 and as each issue comes out, I get closer to the edge of my seat. Brian Azzarello and Edward Risso have genius here. I have been told that the series is finite and runs to 100, which makes the wait even more unbearable. I don't want it to end, but I want to read the next storyline yesterday. I haven't felt this way about a comic book since Preacher.

That is my list of 10 cool things about comic books in 2004. Tomorrow I hope to bring you a list of things to watch for in 2005.

Happy New Year to all of you! Best wishes for great joy and success in the new year!