Wacky Squirrel and Mr. Monster want you to have a spook-tacular holiday!
-Swinebread
Friday, October 31, 2008
My New Comics
This week’s best cover is The Astounding Wolf-Man #9.
The War That Time Forgot #6, DC.
Solomon Kane #2 Dark Horse Comics.
Guardians of the Galaxy #6, Marvel Comics.
Marvel Apes #4, Marvel Comics.
The Astounding Wolf-Man #9, Image Comics.
Northlanders #11, DC/Vertigo.
Cthulhu Tales #7, Boom Studios.
Red Sonja #38, Dynamite Entertainment.
-Swinebread
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Jack-O'-Lanterns
I was planning on something more dramatic for our Halloween Jack-O’-Lanterns but with Swinebread Jr. down with a cold, I had to quickly carve out our pumpkins this year. The big one on the left was mildly influenced by the pic below of the Spiderman villain Jack-O’-Lantern. I realize now that it would have been fun to make it even more like the image. Plus, I couldn’t quite figure out how to have the flames burning on the outside. Oh well, I think my pumpkin has the right attitude though.
The next one is the traditional design, which the SO likes, and I picked up a tiny painted pumpkin for Swinebread Jr. as this is his first Halloween.
-Swinebread
Halloween Quizzes
You Are a Zombie |
 You're a pretty apathetic person, and you often feel like you're sleep walking through life. You don't necessarily have a case of the “blues”, but you do have a case of the “blahs.” It's hard for you to snap out of your boring every day routine. You're a bit burned out. The only thing you crave is the company of others. But you're not too nice to the people who do hang around you. Your greatest power: Your lack of a normal conscience Your greatest weakness: Your lack of most emotions You play well with: Aliens |
Your Monster Profile |
 Behemoth Enigma You Feast On: Coffee You Lurk Around In: Public Restrooms You Especially Like to Torment: Hicks |
What Your Love of Butterfinger Says About You |
 You are a smooth character. Your charm is legendary. You're the type of person who could get away with almost anything. People don't know much about you, except that you're complicated. You also tend to be flaky. You can't be trusted to always follow through, but people still crave your company. |
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Movie of the Week: Nosferatu
The 1979 remake... how about that for Halloween!
It's German, made in the '70s and it's about a Dracula... what more could you ask for!
Several different trailers:
-Swinebread
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Quick Comic Reviews
Brothers in Arms
Probably the best War Comic I’ve ever read although I haven’t read a lot to be honest. If you’re into WWII action this is the place to be. With the 4th issue we’re at D-Day +1 and not everything is going according to plan, in fact the airborne troops are mostly wiped out in this one. Excellent plotting by Neumann and Wohl; we’re not told how to feel about the horrors of combat… we’re shown. I’m also enjoying the accuracy of the arms, uniforms and equipment without the Fetishization of them. If you want something akin to Saving Private Ryan in comic form, this is it.
Army of Darkness 14
If there was an Army of Darkness TV show, I bet the plot of one of the episodes would look a lot like this issue. Ash is back from time traveling… again and figures he’s gotta’ separate himself and the Necronomicon from the rest of humanity. Sadly, a couple of forest rangers interfered with those plans. The last panel reminded me of horrors that were unleashed in ROM #56. This is a mostly transitional issue that leads into a new storyline. Also, I don’t usually like comic art with a slightly cartoony touch but it works for me in this title.
Xena/Army of Darkness #1
Things go from corny to cornball with this first issue of the second Crossover of Xena and AoD. Ash went back in time in the last outing so now we get the reverse with Xena. My thoughts: A little too much exposition perhaps? I mean really, who didn’t pick up the first crossover that’s not gonna pick up this one? I know this is gonna have more laughs but maybe dynamite should have made this a 5-issue mini to make up for the exposition we are forced to go through. Mig’s art is serviceable but not great. A weak opening to a great concept.
Hulk #7
First off let me say I’m not a fan of Arthur Adams manga-ish art style and I’m certainly not a fan of the Grey Hulk and the psychological mumbo jumbo he represents but that’s what we get in the first of two stories in Hulk #7. I’m much more interested in the second story that centers around She-hulk forming a team to battle the Red Hulk. Frank Cho’s art is wonderful in this second story and it’s just makes more sense plot wise. So this issue is half good and half bad.
She-Hulk #34
Hey Marvel! Grow a pair… I don’t think you’re going to loose any readers in Burma or create political problems by actually setting the story in Myanmar. I’m really sick of fake countries. If you want to make a statement about human suffering then make it and stop pussyfooting around. That said, I enjoyed the implication from Thundra that maybe She-hulk and Jazinda should be lovers. I also like the fact that Thundra’s costume is still the same style she’s worn since the 1970s. Not everything needs to be updated. The last page reveal was cool too as I like this super group a lot.
-Swinebread
Probably the best War Comic I’ve ever read although I haven’t read a lot to be honest. If you’re into WWII action this is the place to be. With the 4th issue we’re at D-Day +1 and not everything is going according to plan, in fact the airborne troops are mostly wiped out in this one. Excellent plotting by Neumann and Wohl; we’re not told how to feel about the horrors of combat… we’re shown. I’m also enjoying the accuracy of the arms, uniforms and equipment without the Fetishization of them. If you want something akin to Saving Private Ryan in comic form, this is it.
Army of Darkness 14
If there was an Army of Darkness TV show, I bet the plot of one of the episodes would look a lot like this issue. Ash is back from time traveling… again and figures he’s gotta’ separate himself and the Necronomicon from the rest of humanity. Sadly, a couple of forest rangers interfered with those plans. The last panel reminded me of horrors that were unleashed in ROM #56. This is a mostly transitional issue that leads into a new storyline. Also, I don’t usually like comic art with a slightly cartoony touch but it works for me in this title.
Xena/Army of Darkness #1
Things go from corny to cornball with this first issue of the second Crossover of Xena and AoD. Ash went back in time in the last outing so now we get the reverse with Xena. My thoughts: A little too much exposition perhaps? I mean really, who didn’t pick up the first crossover that’s not gonna pick up this one? I know this is gonna have more laughs but maybe dynamite should have made this a 5-issue mini to make up for the exposition we are forced to go through. Mig’s art is serviceable but not great. A weak opening to a great concept.
Hulk #7
First off let me say I’m not a fan of Arthur Adams manga-ish art style and I’m certainly not a fan of the Grey Hulk and the psychological mumbo jumbo he represents but that’s what we get in the first of two stories in Hulk #7. I’m much more interested in the second story that centers around She-hulk forming a team to battle the Red Hulk. Frank Cho’s art is wonderful in this second story and it’s just makes more sense plot wise. So this issue is half good and half bad.
She-Hulk #34
Hey Marvel! Grow a pair… I don’t think you’re going to loose any readers in Burma or create political problems by actually setting the story in Myanmar. I’m really sick of fake countries. If you want to make a statement about human suffering then make it and stop pussyfooting around. That said, I enjoyed the implication from Thundra that maybe She-hulk and Jazinda should be lovers. I also like the fact that Thundra’s costume is still the same style she’s worn since the 1970s. Not everything needs to be updated. The last page reveal was cool too as I like this super group a lot.
-Swinebread
They Still Live... We Still Sleep
I took some time out from carving my Jack-O-lantern last night to watch They Live. Great flick. I hadn't viewed it in a very long time but I really enjoyed it this time around. The perfect B-movie sci-fi comment on our times... still relevant 20 years after it was made. (20 years! sheesh!)
What's extra cool is that They Live adapted a comic book story from one of my all time favortie series Alien Encounters. It was a titled Nada and it appeared in issue #6. Nada adapted the earlier published short story 8 O'Clock in the Morning. John Carpenter secured the rights to both before making the film.
Here's the trailer:
Here's the scene where our hero, played by Rowdy Roddy Piper, discovers what the world is really like for the first time with the help of some special sun glasses.
Don't forget to stay asleep and Obey!
-Swinebread
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Favorite Costumes
Since it’s almost Halloween, I thought I’d list some of my favorite comic book costumes from years gone by. You'll notice no Superman, Batman, or X-men costumes (except for Dark Phoenix) because I'm just too overexposed to them. In no particular order:
Fantastic Four She-Hulk
Shulkie is interesting because she's never really had a costume per se except for her time in the mid '80s with the FF. The results were stunning don't you think?
Spiderman
Spidey's look is as iconic as DC's big three but somehow his costume still seems fresh after all these years.
Doctor Spectrum
I enjoy this Marvelized Green Lantern for his bold colors and simple masked design.
Sandman
The original pulp superhero. You gotta' love the gas mask and gas gun.
Harbinger
She's gotta' nice mix of Roman goddess and classic Sci-fi in her superhero outfit that gives her sexy regalness that brings it home for me.
Judge Dredd
Dredd has a hardcore, over the top, and supercool costume that's perfect for fighting crime in the future.
Doctor Doom
Doom is powerful and fearsome in his medieval looking armor and green cape. Plus his sidearm gives him that modern fascist look.
Supernova
He has kind of a generic costume but that's why I like it I think. It's sort of an everyman kinda look. The combo of full mask and cape really pulls the whole thing together.
Blue Beetle
I really groove on the cross Spiderman/Batman vibe that the Blue Beetle costume (at least the Ted Kord version) has.
Scarlet Witch
I love everything about how the she looks. The Scarlet Witch is the perfect gift for Valentine's day.
Gamora
She's had a lot of changes to her costume but I like the original the best. Sassy and deadly all in one.
Psycho-Pirate
His suit messes with my emotions...
The Question
Who doesn't like a guy with a fedora and trench-coat but when you add the blank face... classic!
The Shocker
I like the fact that this guy just looks like a thug.
G.I. Joe
I picked up a few issues of the G.I. Joe when I was a kid but I dropped it after I realized it was more about shooting people then having amazing superpowers, but I was still always attracted to the title for some reason. Now I know why. It was because of the costumes. Regardless of any jingoistic message of the series, G.I. Joe had and still does have a ton of wonderfully designed outfits. Basically, the X-men movie folks ripped off costume ideas from G.I. Joe when they went they looking for a more realistic look for the mutants. Here's a few of my top favorites.
Snake-eyes
Storm Shadow
Baroness
Cobra Commader with hate hood
Captain America
OK I admit the little wings don't work as well in this day and age but otherwise what we have here is the ultimate patriotic costume. Plus the Cap shield seals the deal for me. Cap is the Defender of Liberty not the attacker for Liberty and the Shield symbolically backs that up. Folks outside the US might not be able to appreciate his outfit as much which makes sense.
Valkrie
Does this really need to be explained to you?
Dark Phoenix
Sexy Cosmic Evil? ...I think so!
Moon Knight
I've never been a super big fan of Moon Knight but I keep coming back because of the excellent look that he has.
The Rocketeer
Best homage to retro-sci-fi ever. How could this wonderfully conceived outfit not be on any comic lover's list.
Vance Astro
The Guardians of the Galaxy are great and Vance has the best costume of the group with or without cap's shield. It's simple but elegant with an amazing abllity to stick to his face.
The Human Bomb
This guys is obviously dangerous and his costume says this in spades.
Doctor Fate
The archetypal superhero magic-user. I love the Helmet and color scheme .
Union Jack
I'm not an Anglophile but Union Jack sure has a kick-ass patriotic costume.
Jennifer Morgan
She sure looks like she has mystic powers right?
Nova
His suit has been messed with a lot over the years but I like the classic version the best although the latest one isn't too shabby.
Original Spider-Woman
One of the first amazing female costumes at Marvel IMHO. The 2nd Spider-Woman had a pretty good one as well.
Mr. Monster
Nothing says Halloween Like Mr. Monster!
Hobgoblin
Playful and Scary at the same time.
Kang the Conquerer
I know that most folks think his costume is dorky but there is just something about it that works for me.
Doctor Midnight
A classic cross of Pulp Adventurer and Superhero
Green Lantern
I think Hal Jordan's orginal sleek costume was a masterstroke from a design sense but I also like all the variations that DC has created for the different Green Lanterns over the years.
Dart
probably the best thing about the Atari Force comic was the character of Dart. I loved her her sci-fi mercenary look.
Jack of Hearts
He's always been one of my favs and his complicated playing card inspired costume is one of the reasons.
Wonder Woman
I'm not particularly into WW but you have to admit that her superhero costume is one of the best ever.
-Swinebread
Fantastic Four She-Hulk
Shulkie is interesting because she's never really had a costume per se except for her time in the mid '80s with the FF. The results were stunning don't you think?
Spiderman
Spidey's look is as iconic as DC's big three but somehow his costume still seems fresh after all these years.
Doctor Spectrum
I enjoy this Marvelized Green Lantern for his bold colors and simple masked design.
Sandman
The original pulp superhero. You gotta' love the gas mask and gas gun.
Harbinger
She's gotta' nice mix of Roman goddess and classic Sci-fi in her superhero outfit that gives her sexy regalness that brings it home for me.
Judge Dredd
Dredd has a hardcore, over the top, and supercool costume that's perfect for fighting crime in the future.
Doctor Doom
Doom is powerful and fearsome in his medieval looking armor and green cape. Plus his sidearm gives him that modern fascist look.
Supernova
He has kind of a generic costume but that's why I like it I think. It's sort of an everyman kinda look. The combo of full mask and cape really pulls the whole thing together.
Blue Beetle
I really groove on the cross Spiderman/Batman vibe that the Blue Beetle costume (at least the Ted Kord version) has.
Scarlet Witch
I love everything about how the she looks. The Scarlet Witch is the perfect gift for Valentine's day.
Gamora
She's had a lot of changes to her costume but I like the original the best. Sassy and deadly all in one.
Psycho-Pirate
His suit messes with my emotions...
The Question
Who doesn't like a guy with a fedora and trench-coat but when you add the blank face... classic!
The Shocker
I like the fact that this guy just looks like a thug.
G.I. Joe
I picked up a few issues of the G.I. Joe when I was a kid but I dropped it after I realized it was more about shooting people then having amazing superpowers, but I was still always attracted to the title for some reason. Now I know why. It was because of the costumes. Regardless of any jingoistic message of the series, G.I. Joe had and still does have a ton of wonderfully designed outfits. Basically, the X-men movie folks ripped off costume ideas from G.I. Joe when they went they looking for a more realistic look for the mutants. Here's a few of my top favorites.
Snake-eyes
Storm Shadow
Baroness
Cobra Commader with hate hood
Captain America
OK I admit the little wings don't work as well in this day and age but otherwise what we have here is the ultimate patriotic costume. Plus the Cap shield seals the deal for me. Cap is the Defender of Liberty not the attacker for Liberty and the Shield symbolically backs that up. Folks outside the US might not be able to appreciate his outfit as much which makes sense.
Valkrie
Does this really need to be explained to you?
Dark Phoenix
Sexy Cosmic Evil? ...I think so!
Moon Knight
I've never been a super big fan of Moon Knight but I keep coming back because of the excellent look that he has.
The Rocketeer
Best homage to retro-sci-fi ever. How could this wonderfully conceived outfit not be on any comic lover's list.
Vance Astro
The Guardians of the Galaxy are great and Vance has the best costume of the group with or without cap's shield. It's simple but elegant with an amazing abllity to stick to his face.
The Human Bomb
This guys is obviously dangerous and his costume says this in spades.
Doctor Fate
The archetypal superhero magic-user. I love the Helmet and color scheme .
Union Jack
I'm not an Anglophile but Union Jack sure has a kick-ass patriotic costume.
Jennifer Morgan
She sure looks like she has mystic powers right?
Nova
His suit has been messed with a lot over the years but I like the classic version the best although the latest one isn't too shabby.
Original Spider-Woman
One of the first amazing female costumes at Marvel IMHO. The 2nd Spider-Woman had a pretty good one as well.
Mr. Monster
Nothing says Halloween Like Mr. Monster!
Hobgoblin
Playful and Scary at the same time.
Kang the Conquerer
I know that most folks think his costume is dorky but there is just something about it that works for me.
Doctor Midnight
A classic cross of Pulp Adventurer and Superhero
Green Lantern
I think Hal Jordan's orginal sleek costume was a masterstroke from a design sense but I also like all the variations that DC has created for the different Green Lanterns over the years.
Dart
probably the best thing about the Atari Force comic was the character of Dart. I loved her her sci-fi mercenary look.
Jack of Hearts
He's always been one of my favs and his complicated playing card inspired costume is one of the reasons.
Wonder Woman
I'm not particularly into WW but you have to admit that her superhero costume is one of the best ever.
-Swinebread
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
My New Comics
This week’s best cover is Hulk #7 Cho Variant.
Brothers in Arms #4, Dynamite Entertainment.
Xena/Army of Darkness: What… Again?! #1 Dynamite Entertainment.
Army of Darkness #14, Dynamite Entertainment.
Hulk #7, Marvel Comics.
She-Hulk #34, Marvel Comics.
Men of Mystery: the Flame and Flame Girl #74, AC Comics.
-Swinebread
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