Happy 4th of July

Have a safe, happy holiday to my fellow Americans and to rest of the world... I hope for Freedom, Peace, and Justice.

Yeah, I know that's a tall order.

and now for those of you that need something a little more patriotic and stuff:



-Swinebread

Happy Father's Day

I so glad there is something wondeful to focus on this Sunday. Today is my first Father's Day! Little Swinebread Jr. is almost eleven months now and is absolutely into all kinds of mischief. Me and the misses have to watch him like a hawk.


-Swinebread

Happy May Day

Superman, the commie one, bids you a happy May Day!

He Can Shamble Over Tall Buildings in a Single Bound.

If you haven't seen this then you might be unaware that DC Comics will be ripping off honoring Marvel's "Marvel Zombie" universe this summer with their "Blackest Night" line. Earth 2 Superman will be zombified.

It's going to be tough to match the dark humor and creativity that the Marvel series had reached with their own zombie heroes.

-Dean

My Sorta New Comics

This is just a formality at this point.


Last week’s best cover is Action Comics #872. You Gotta’ Love the Return of the Creature Commandos.


Marvel Apes #0, Marvel Comics.

Army of Darkness #15, Dynamite Entertainment.

Action Comics #872, DC Comics.

Ambush Bug: Year None #5, DC Comics.

The Man with No Name #6, Dynamite Entertainment.

Secret Six #4, DC Comics.

Fall of Cthulhu: GodWar #4, Boom Studios.

Doctor Who Classics Series 2 #1, IDW.



Trade Paperbacks:
I also picked a trade of the first Marvel Zombies.



-Swinebread

Fat Necks and Skin Suits

I saw this ad in one of my DC comics and I was just floored. I just hate this style of drawing. I’ll never understand why this is so popular. Look at Supes and Icon. They both have huge monstrous necks with hyper-detailed steroid muscles that impossibly show through their costumes. This is just plain ugly. When I started reading comics, these body types would have been a joke or a parody but now they are often the standard look.

I dunno, maybe folks illustrate like this to disguise the fact that they don’t really know how to draw in the first place… …like Rob Liefeld, the godfather of crap illustration. Here’s my advice, look at the body shapes of Navy Seals and Delta Force guys. That is what someone looks like who is really in shape.





-Swinebread

The Obama Presidency Takes Flight!

-Swinebread

Born On Krypton

When Barack Obama jokingly said "Contrary to the rumors you have heard, I was not born in a manger. I was actually born on Krypton and sent here by my father, Jor-el, to save the planet Earth," at the Al Smith Dinner, it reminded me of a black Superman character from 1999. In Legends of the DC Universe: Crisis on Infinite Earths #1, long time fans were treated to a lost chapter from the famous maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths. In this comic, an interesting universe was depicted which featured ethnically diverse versions of several regular DC Superheroes, such as a Japanese Flash, a black Superman, a Middle Eastern Wonder Woman and a Native American Green Arrow. This world had silver age storytelling sensibilities but with a contemporary multi-cultural dynamic.

What’s more interesting (and coincidental) is that the Superman of this earth had a round S-symbol and he was married to a Super-Girl who wasn’t his cousin.

And what was the name of this alternate world? “Earth D”

Heh Heh I think it’s a good year to be a Democrat. Could this the dawning of Earth D?

Oh and on a side note, there was an “Earth R” too. It was a world created by the villain Despero and it was populated with Reptilian lifeforms… I guess that figures.



-Swinebread

Watcthfriends - Watchmen meets Super-Friends

It had to be done by somebody right! Great job Ironycoast!





-Swinebread

The Amazing Super-Baby

Just a quick post to let you all know he's here! The Amazing Swinebread Jr. Super-baby is really here!

He's healthy and so is his mom!

He was born at 8:30 P.M. on July 22nd.

more to come soon.


-Swinebread

My Top Ten Comic Book Movies

Heidi Meeley made a Top Ten Comic Book Movie list a while ago so I thought I’d make my own list. Note that I don’t include TV shows but I do include direct to video movies.

I don’t have a particular order.

Superman II – This film has some corny aspects but Superman II boasts the first spectacular superhero battle ever to grace the silver screen. You gotta love Supes flinging General Zod into the that coke sign. Plus, I really liked that fact that the villains are truly evil. After watching the Batman TV show it came as quite a shock to see psychopaths running around the with same powers as Superman.



Spiderman – Thee best adaptation of an origin story I’ve ever watched. Seeing Spiderman on the big screen is the fulfillment of a childhood dream. The overall sweep of the film is very evocative of the comics and Toby Maguire is excellent as Peter Parker.



Ghost World – This adaptation of Daniel Clowes’ comic of the same name, is an amazing film. It’s about the comedy and tragedy of two girls facing the horrible world of post high school in a suburban wasteland. It was nominated for best-adapted screenplay. It should have won.



Hellboy – A smoking and drinking demon saves the world. Ron Pearlman was born for this role and he made the character come alive. In some sense, Hellboy is the best visual realization of a comic book character ever.



X-Men – What I really like about this movie is that it’s a case of making lemonade out of lemons. It didn’t really have enough of a budget to do the X-men properly and so the creators focused on the emotional context of the characters, which is what the X-men are really all about anyway. Hugh Jackman is a total coup as wolverine and the chemistry between all the actors is truly what makes the movie.



The Mask – A zany and crazy live action cartoon is what you get with the Mask. Jim Carry’s best role imo and Dark Horse Entertainment’s first big success. What happens when your id is released onto the world? Watch The Mask and find out. The dance numbers are outta this world!



Iron Man – Iron Man is one of those movies that meets the expectations of the trailer, films rarely accomplish this. Casting Robert Down Jr. as shell head is a masterstroke and updating his origin story for our time works perfectly. It’s a tight film with plenty of action, lots of laughs and a pop culture mea culpa for the horrible things the US had done for the last seven years.


Justice League: The New Frontier – I’ve already done a review of this see here. An excellent straight to video movie adapted from an excellent comic.



American Splendor – A wonderful cross between a dramatic film and a docudrama, which I never thought was possible until I saw this film. The drama of everyday life and stress of just being alive spills onto the screen in a tale that only Harvey Pekar could tell but is relatable to everybody. One of the best films ever despite the fact it’s a “comic book movie.”



Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Seriously, The first film was a very faithful adaptation of the original black and white comic that started it all. Aspects of it are very dark and not like the kiddy cartoon at all but ninja turtles still is rather funny. It never pretends to be more than it is but it delivers the goods with a solid action oriented story. Plus, seeing a Muppet splinter doing martial arts is awesome.



Honorable Mention:

Creepshow – An homage as opposed to an adaptation of the EC Horror comics from the 1950s

Persepolis – I haven’t seen the film or read the book but I suspect that both are very good.

V for Vendetta – A good movie and Hugo Weaving is amazing as V but since Alan Moore hates it, V for Vendetta can’t be in my top ten.

Batman Begins – You know, I’m not really a Batman fan and I’ve come to terms with that. I hate all the Bat films but this one. (and maybe Dark Knight but it’s not out yet).


Manga
This post is about American comics but if I included Japanese manga it would push many of the American titles off the top ten, but here’s a few:

Lone Wolf and Cub (Shogun Assassin) – Yes it’s from a comic book.

Naüsicaa of the Valley of the Wind – Hayao Miyazaki made the comic first so he could make the film.

Akira – Cyberpunk at it’s best.


-Swinebread

My New Comics

This week’s best cover is Army of Darkness #8.


The Brave and the Bold #12, DC Comics. Superman and Ultraman together again.…

Army of Darkness #8, Dynamite Entertainment. I love this title.

Cthulhu Tales #1, Boom Studios. 1st issue of the “new” regular series!

Badger Saves the World #5, IDW. Wow I don’t like the cover this time but the homage to Bruce Lee is cool.

War is Hell: the First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #2, Marvel Comics. The colorist is lost.

Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #1 Marvel Comics. Dr. Doom, Tony Stark and Camelot… what else do you want?

The Infinite Horizon #1, Image. I think this is a little late….

The Lone Ranger #11, Dynamite Entertainment. Now this is how your color somebody with a scratchy style.

Red Sonja #32, Dynamite Entertainment. (hear music) Memories…

Bat Lash #2, DC Comics. Better and sadder than I thought…

Trade Paperbacks:
Red Sonja: Travels Dynamite Entertainment. Reprints the Red Sonja one-shots

The Comic Book Holocaust Oh Man this is some nasty stuff, but its funny if you’re a long time comics reader and find south park funny.

-Swinebread

Pop Randomness

Caprica is a go. After languishing in development hell while turd piles like Flash Gordon get made in to unwatchable shows, Sci Fi has finally seen the light (the green light that is) as it has nothing in the pipeline. Interest in the program should be high as Battlestar Galactica will finish out it’s run this year and fans are sure to be hungry for a more BSG.

Set 50 years before the events of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica follows two rival families--the Greystones and the Adamas --as they grow, compete and thrive in the vibrant world of the 12 Colonies. Enmeshed in the burgeoning technology of artificial intelligence and robotics that will eventually lead to the creation of the Cylons, the two houses go toe to toe.

“I'm thrilled with the chance to expand on the Galactica world and get deeper into the origins of the story we've been telling," Moore said in a statement. "It's also great to have a chance at doing a completely different kind of science fiction series, one that's even more character-oriented and doesn't rely on pyrotechnics to carry the story."

From here

Now we’ll get to see the first cylon war and the original toasters, Yes! (Don’t forget the new and final season starts next week)



Speaking of the dog crap that was Flash Gordon, it sounds like we got as close as we’re gonna’ to an apology from Sci Fi’s for their “interpretation” of the character:

(David) Howe says Sci Fi didn't treat the iconic character of Flash Gordon with enough care. In a few years, he says, the network may take it up again, with a fresh take and a bigger budget.

From here

“Oh, sorry we took a big giant dump all over Flash Gordon’s Legacy so we could try to squeeze a few bucks of profit out of a science fiction brand we ruined. We just didn’t want to spend any money on it… Our Bad!” Grrrr. It’s terrible shows like Flash Gordon that give sci-fi fans a bad rep in the wider culture. Plus, what also made me even angrier is that the FG actors were shocked that so many vehemently, and publicly hated the show. Hey guys? Do some research before you sign up for a program that totally sucks like reading the script.



I greatly enjoyed the last episode of The Spectacular Spiderman. They’ve really found a good balance between Peter at school and the demands of being Spiderman. Sandman was fun too. His introduction really worked well and reminded me of the comics. In the show, he’s just a thug that’s tired of Spidey bustin’ him every time he robs a bank, so he makes a deal with the super-criminal underground and “accidentally” gets powered up. Also, Aunt May mentions maybe Peter should take her friend’s daughter to the dance… some chick named Mary Jane.



A new Lone Ranger movie is on the horizon!

The writing duo, best known for their work on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, are in final negotiations to write a live-action big-screen adaptation of "The Lone Ranger" for Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The project will be made by Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films in association with Entertainment Rights.

From Here

Wow, I can’t wait for the amazing CG effects, huge explosions, and Kung-fu fighting that’s sure to please western fans out there. Nothing says Lone Ranger like Jerry Bruckheimer. ….ugh…


Ever wanted to be knocked out and tied up? Of course we all do, but how many of you have also wanted to chloroform yourself as well? In a superhero outfit? I came across superbecca on youtube. She’s got a fetish site that’s all about woman, dressed up as supers, getting knocked out, tied up, and dominated. Take a look!



Here she is chloroforming herself



In what seems to be a very big precedent setting case, the Siegel Family has been awarded the rights to Superman based on Acton Comics #1. See Heidi MacDonald's take and links here. I guess there is a little truth and justice in the world after all.


-Swinebread

Justice League: The New Frontier

Using the “Justice League” title with “The New Frontier” is somewhat of a misnomer as Darwyn Cooke’s original comic dealt with the transition from the Golden Age of superheroes to the Silver and the period just before the creation of the Justice League of America. But the Justice League is a recognizable brand and tying this project to that brand makes sense from a marketing standpoint.

But is it any good? Yes, it is good. I was a little worried because the online chatter had been mixed, however, I realized after watching JLTNF that most folks who were disappointed wanted something else and not Darwyn Cook’s amazing work. What they wanted was some sort of tie-in to the Justice League cartoons, this is simply crazy as the New Frontier story could never connect to those shows because it’s set in the 1950s and it's different in theme to those shows.

The story is very faithful to the original comic, but it does drop most of the mini-plots to focus in the main thrust of the story, that thrust being the rise of a new era of heroes and a threat to human existence on the planet. The story was so faithful in fact that there weren’t any surprises for those of us that have read the New Frontier comic book. So, the film’s enjoyment comes from seeing a great story animated, with excellent voice acting. It would be interesting to hear reactions from folks that haven’t read the original.

There are a few things to keep in mind. Much of JLTNF focuses on lesser-known characters in the DC Universe. The big three, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, have supporting roles. The main storyline focuses around Hal Jordan and the Martian Manhunter. The New Frontier is infused with events and the ethos of the 1950s and very early 1960s. Not knowing anything about the time period could reduce someone’s enjoyment (I’m thinking about you Dana Perino). This movie is certainly for the older crowd as suicide, murder, and horror figure into the plot of the film.

It’s a good film and despite some of it’s darker elements. The New Frontier gives a fresh take on the concept of heroism and what it really means. Many of the topics from the show resonate and that’s part of the appeal beyond the amazing artistic style. The idea that some shadowy crap is going on but at the same time there is still great hope for a new future truly resonates. That’s part of the brilliance of Justice League: the New Frontier.


Here is what I liked in no particular order (spoilers):



Darwyn Cooke’s original drawing style and designs are intact and look wonderful when animated.

I like the way Cook draws women and, by extension, how they appear in this film. They’re my kinda’ sexy.

The Martian Manhunter is great character. I never knew much about him before but both the comic and the movie have peeked my interest. He’s a great combination of sci-fi and noir.

Now we have a good reason for the new look Batman.

I like the Lovecraftian elements. It’s almost like the age of the Superhero finally overcomes its pulp origins with The New Frontier.

They kept the nod to John Henry in and I appreciated that.

I enjoyed the voice acting

The 1950s look of the story really helps convey how exciting the dawning of the silver age was.

I bought the cheap, single DVD version and was surprised by some good extra features like a Justice League doc, and commentary tracks.

Wonder Woman’s invisible plane bit is pure genius.

The “not so good” side of the 1950s is touched upon.

Events seem more connected in the film than in the comic.


Here is what I disliked in no particular order (spoilers):

Something is a little off with the Hal Jordan/Green Lantern storyline but I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Why didn’t The Martian Manhunter just impersonate one of the astronauts instead of showing up at the last minute and trying to ride the rocket from the outside?

I don’t think this film works well cross culturally.

I would have liked animated sequences rather than static images for the end speech.

Sometimes the horror aspects and Cooke’s style don’t quite work together. (Although, I think they work better here in the film than the comic)

Trailer:


WB's site for the film here


-Swinebread

Comics in a Museum?

Comic book history comes to the Montclair Art Museum in NJ. The camerawork and editing are annoying but the info in this video is engaging for both fans and neophytes alike. It’s nice to hear someone learned in history and art speak about comics… …I’m talking about the chief curator of the Montclair Art Museum not the chick that introduces the segment.

HVAtv.com - Issue 2 - Museum
Uploaded by HVAtv

Justice League: New Frontier Animated Preview

The Award winning DC: The New Frontier comic miniseries will be a DVD released movie next year titled Justice League: New Frontier.

If you know and love 1950s and early 1960s then this is the superhero movie for you. The Silver Age is back in a big bold way. I’m excited. (pandabonium take note ☺)


-Swinebread

Hi, I'm a Marvel...and I'm a DC

The Marvel and DC rivalry gets a funny turn in this parody of those Mac/PC ads. The lighting could be better but the voice work and script are quite funny. If you want to check them all out click here

Kryptonite found in Serbia

Well everybody has been talking and posting about this one, so I better get my 2 cents in as this is Atomic Romance. It seems a white chalky substance found in a Serbian mine has the same composition as the fabled science fiction substance that can bring Superman down, Kryptonite. As noted here.

While kryptonite is often depicted in Superman comic books and movies in the form of green crystals that possess the power to render the superhero weak and powerless, the actual mineral is white, powdery and ultimately harmless.
"The new mineral does not contain fluorine and is white rather than green, but in all other respects the chemistry matches that for the rock containing kryptonite," said Dr. Chris Stanley, a mineralogist at London's Natural History Museum.

Ahh... but you see, in the comics there are several different kinds of kryptonite and yes there is white kryptonite. It doesn’t hurt Superman actually, it’s a super plant killer. So, maybe we'll get the glowing, green, poisonous rock if we add a little fluorine right?… Ahh no. But, according to the BBC here, at least they’re giving the stuff a different name, Jadarite.

They have to as krypton is an actual substance not found in Jadarite, but that's OK. Let's keep sci-fi and reality separate in this case

Here’s a news report by the CBC:


And this one with a little more professional explanation


-Swinebread