Saturday, April 28, 2007

Hiatus Time

For the two of you out there that actually read my blog, you've probably noticed that I haven't updated in, like, forever. I'm just feeling really lazy and school sucks and my A/C is broken, so I'm probably not going to be updating for a while. In the mean time, enjoy this:


Friday, April 20, 2007

Thanks For The Birthday Wishes!

Hey all. I just wanted to thank everyone who took time out of their day to wish me a happy birthday and I figured this would be the easiest way to do it. I had a pretty good time today, ate some good food, and had some good alcohol, so overall I'd call today a success. So thanks again everybody!

And just to keep face,


Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Saturday, April 14, 2007

This Week In Comics: Apr. 11, 2007


Iron Man #16
Writers: Daniel & Charles Knauf
Artist: Roberto de la Torre

If you're at all interested in the Iron Man ongoing, you've probably heard from a lot of different web sites that this issue was more C.S.I. than Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and they're right. Problem is, I don't see this as a waste of an issue. Sure, parts are tedious and seemingly unnecessary, but I think it's presented in this fashion for a reason. As Stark said in the issue, "That's what I do. I run companies." He's never had to talk to families of his employees trying to console them, telling them that the death wasn't in vain. It's certain that Tony's dealt with death in the past, but seldom has he been directly responsible for the lives of those lost. The pages and pages of going over tissue samples and what not are just the Knauf's way of showing that Tony may not be as prepared as he'd like to be in order to run a major military operation. I think this is an important step in the development of Tony Stark's character.

Oh, and the Mandarin's back, w00t.

New Avengers #29
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Leinil Yu

After last month's douche bag move on the part of the Mighty Avengers, it was nice to see that the New Avengers are perfectly capable of fighting dirty. Of course, the question of what the hell Dr. Strange can actually contribute to the team arises. I mean, he uses his magic to conjure the Mighty Avengers worst nightmares (with Tony's being particularly chilling and relevant) but he can't teleport the team to Japan. Or he can teleport the team to Japan but he can't beat Brother Voodoo. F#*$ing Brother Voodoo! Who the f#*$ is Brother Voodoo? I mean, I didn't hate this book, but I'm just not digging Dr. Strange's role because I'm still not exactly sure what he can do. As for the rest of the book, it was OK. I'd like to see some progression beyond "the legal Avengers/Elektra's evil" storyline, because it feels like the title characters have been in the same predicament for the past three issues. And with the "surprise" ending, nest issue better kick some mighty ass.

Punisher War Journal #6
Writer: Matt Fraction
Ariel Olivetti

"I'm going to
Mexico, and I'm gonna shoot that guy in the face."

That one line just about sums up everything that is badass about this issue. Matt Fraction is te freakin' man and he continues to prove it every issue. If you're not reading this book, you have no soul and should be shot in the face.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Hulk's Hit List

Those of you that keep your ears to the ground for new comic book news (like me, for example) may know about a little upcoming event known as World War Hulk.


I don't know about you, but that's some scary shit. Seriously, if that happened, I'd crap my pants.

But I'm not here to talk about what's in my pants. No, today I' talking about Hulk's Hit List.


Sure, this is probably nothing more than a spiffy marketing tool that Marvel is using to draw in outside readers, and I can accept this. My problem is the idea that this image is conveying: that the Hulk is a straight up killer.

I know it's foolish to think that the Hulk has never killed anyone, but I don't think it's foolish to think that he's never killed someone intentionally, especially when dealing with civilians. The key to the Hulk's strength is his rage. The angrier he gets, the stronger he gets. So if the military won't get of his back, or some clandestine group like the Illuminati ships his ass of to some God-forsaken planet, he's gonna be plenty pissed. I get this.

But correct my if I'm wrong: isn't the Hulk supposed to be a hero, albeit a misunderstood one? I understand that Hulk is coming to earth with the intent to make everyone pay, but only two people involved with the "Planet Hulk" situation are on that list. What the hell is Spider-Man and the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing doing on that list?

I obviously don't know hw this is going to turn out, but at this point, the idea of the Hulk having a hit list doesn't sit well with me. End transmission.

Saturday, April 07, 2007

This Week In Comics: Apr 4, 2007

Avengers: The Initiative #1
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Stefano Caselli

I couldn't be more pleased with this book. In the course of one issue, Slott manages to introduce to several new characters and surprisingly, gives us a reason to care for them. By the end of this story, I was comfortable with the characters. And as quickly as you can say BLAM, he shatters you're perceptions and makes you realize that this series is going to be a lot different from what you were expecting. Over-powered badasses, lovable losers, government conspiracies, and suspense, it's all here. But the it's sense of uncertainty, the sense that anything can happen because we're dealing with mostly new characters, that will keep me coming back.

Detective Comics #831
Writer: Paul Dini
Artist: Don Kramer

Paul Dini is the man, and if you think otherwise, you have no soul. The mastermind behind Batman: The Animated Series continues to prove that he can write some of the best Batman stories around. With far too many stories focusing on the actions/evil nature of Batman's rogues gallery, it's easy to forget that they are people, with feelings and personalities. While I'm not familiar with most of Harley's actions in the DCU proper, it seems as if Dini is going back to Batman: TAS and writing a story that pegs her as someone who really wants to be a good person. We also get to see a flashback that shows Arnold Wesker as someone more than a trouble psychopath, proving that Batman does have one of the most interesting rogue's gallery in all of comicdom. Dini is a great storyteller, so don't let these issues pass you up.

Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America: Wolverine
Writer: Jeph Loeb
Artist: Leinil Yu

In a five-issue mini-series depicting the five stages of grief one goes through when a loved one dies, I can't think of a better person to right this story than Jeph Loeb. With his son passing away less than two years ago, he understands these emotions better than anyone. And it seems fitting that Wolverine would experience denial. With all the crap that Wolverine's been through, it's easy to see why he would think Cap's death was nothing more than a conspiracy. While certain elements in this book seem pointless, such as the inclusion of Daredevil, Loeb manages to tell a tight story. All without the use of a single caption box, so that's definitely a plus.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

The Charleston

Usually I'd be posting comic book reviews that no one reads right about now, but that can wait until tomorrow. In the mean time, here's an awesome video.



People just knew how to jive back in the day.

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

The United States Government...



Taking the secret out of secret headquarters since 1999.