Hulk Good...?

The buzz on the Incredible Hulk is out... and it’s good!

Except for one or two quiet moments shared by Banner and his girlfriend while on the lam, Incredible Hulk doesn’t waste a single frame on dull talky exposition. It is all plot-driven and action-filled. In fact, unlike the much-hyped Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, The Incredible Hulk never runs out of steam. Put simply: this is the movie which audiences wanted to see back in 2003. No dull existential angst and weird split screen film techniques. No mutant poodles either. Instead we get some nice comic asides, including another cameo by Stan Lee and a riff on those mega-stretchy purple pants Banner always seems to wear.

With The Incredible Hulk Marvel has done it again. Like the recent Iron Man, Incredible Hulk is a definite Saturday matinee crowd-pleaser. Kids – and their parents – will love it. Unfortunately the only thing standing in the way of Incredible Hulk becoming the summer hit it deserves to be will be audiences’ negative memories of the 2003 original. Well, forget about all that: The Incredible Hulk may ultimately be as brainless as its main character, but it really is “incredible” this time around. And Hulk smashes stuff too . . .

from here

I was very angry with the first film in that Ang Lee completely missed the point of the character and tried to do some boring psycho babble story that wasn't in the spirit of the comics or the Hulk character. The Hulk is the most straightforward superhero of the marvel universe and putting layers of drama over the top of him is unnecessary and dull. Hulk has all the drama he needs just being himself. The Hulk comic has an amazing collection of villains and the fact that none of them were used in the first film shows you that the director didn't have a clue... a gamma poodle? Please. Lee's fiasco delayed a Hulk franchise by years. I'm glad Marvel decided to take a chance and remake the Hulk before his horrible version had faded from pop memory. The sooner we get a successful Hulk series of films the sooner we get a She-Hulk.

The fanboys (and girls) simply want "Hulk Smash" is that troo much to ask for?

Marvel Studios hit a homer with Iron Man, so lets hope they have resurrected the big o' mean and green from the grave.



-Swinebread

Obama and His Amazing Friends

I try not to get carried away with politics on this blog but this week, Barack Obama has secured the democratic nomination. His team deserves kudos for their efforts, but I am a little worried about the scorched earth that occurred during the primary. Nonetheless, It’s an important week for the Democrats and Obama and I’m looking forward to the general election.

One of the fun facts I learned about the Democratic nominee this week, amid all the hoopla, is that Obama collected Conan and Spiderman comics… Now, as a comic geek, that gives me alotta’ hope that we can turn things around.


-Swinebread

He's Baaaaaaak!

Here's buggy's house ad, which was mentioned at the last Emerald City Comic Con. I guess DC is trying to wet our whistle.

Only one more month until the Ambush Bug: Year None six issue mini-series begins!

We're at the dawning of the age of ambush bug, am-bush bug... AM-BUSH-BUG! (to the tune of Age of Aquarius). I know it is a short age but I gotta' get my laughs while I can. nyuck nyuck...

It's about time superhero comics were funny again!

Honk if you love Ambush Bug! HONK HONK!


-Swinbread

My New Comics

This week’s best cover is Haunt of Horror #1.


Jonah Hex #32, DC Comics. Hex in Mexico.

Doctor Who Classics #7, IDW. Daleks!

Tor #2, DC Comics. More prehistoric adventure.

Buckaroo Banzi: Return of the Screw #1, Moonstone. Red Lectroids from the 8th dimension are back.

Haunt of Horror #1, Marvel Comics. Richard Corben does Lovecraft.

Wrath of the Titans #4, Bluewater Comics.

The Dark Tower: The Long Road Home #4, Marvel Comics.

The War that Time Forgot #2, DC Comics. A certain Robot shows up!

Omega the Unknown #9, Marvel Comics.

Red Sonja #34, Dynamite Entertainment.

The Evil Dead #4, Dark Horse Comics.

Avengers/Invaders #2, Marvel Comics.


Trade Paperbacks
Witness to War Transfuzion Publishing. Fictional account of a female reporter during the Battle of the Bulge.


-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

4 Color Melancholia in Black and White

pic from http://www.myspace.com/thecomicbooklady

Got the comic book blues? You're not alone. The Comic Book Lady has got it bad and with the awful husband and crappy cutomers you can see why.

Shot on 16mm in black and white, The Comic Book Lady follows ten days in the life of a comics store owner (Kathleen Jackson) who is dealing with trouble on the home front and ongoing eccentricities on the professional side. The film is set to screen June 11th at England’s International Film Festival and June 20th and the San Antonio Film Festival.

The movie was written and directed by store employee Shayne Barker, who began scripting the project in 2002 and shooting it with Miller in 2004. "We shot some initial test shots in color, but the Comic Book Lady character in the film is depressed," Miller tells the paper. "The comics in the background made things so colorful that it really didn't convey a feeling of depression. So we switched to the black-and-white film, which not only did a better job of conveying the feel of the film, it was also cheaper to purchase and process."

from here

the trailer:



-Swinebread

Army of Darkness/Xena 2

While reading the publisher page in Army of Darkness/Xena: Why Not? #3, I've discovered that this mini series has been really successful. It's so successful in fact that Dynamite Entertainment has decided that a second outing for Ash and Xena is a must. No details yet but this is great news for all you horror-comedy, sword & sorcery fans out there.

Give me some Sugar Xena!


-Swinebread

Indy 4

I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull last Sunday night. The Verdict: I was disappointed. George Lucas’ sticky fingers are over this film and frankly it’s a mess. There’s too much CG, and there’s not enough care and attention paid to the plot and characters. People were introduced in such a haphazard manner and so I never cared about them for the entire movie. Basically, the Indiana Jones franchise has moved closer to something akin to the Mummy Movies… and I hate those films. It’s not as bad as say the Star War Prequels but I guess that’s not saying a lot.

I didn’t have a problem with 1950s setting, which includes things like cold war paranoia, atomic age sci-fi and Rock and Roll. It was actually fun to see Indy dealing with these things and they’re very endemic to the time. Remember both movie serials and the pulps (which Indy epitomizes) both died in the 1950s, so the sense of handing off the franchise to a new generation was fine.

I guess when it comes down to it there weren’t that many surprises because everything was broadcast so far in advance long before it happened. So, to enjoy Kingdom of the Crystal Skull you have like the ride but the CG heavy effects and plot problems constantly took me out of the film. Monkeys anyone?

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



Indy survives a nuclear explosion! That was very cool. Ridiculous yes, but a nice meeting of pulp age and the Atomic age.

Cate Blanchett was great as the main villain.

Indy’s discussion of his time in WWII, maybe we’ll get at book about those adventures.

The valley was destroyed at the end of the film

The alien-lost world was sound as a idea if not the execution.

The Marcus Brody Statue thing was nice

Jokes about Jones age.

The motorcycle chase

traditional stuntwork used

The fencing jokes and gags.

Making Mutt a greaser.

Just seeing Indy in the old gear again.

I actually like the whole X-Files aspect of the film.



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


Too much exposition dialog. Show don’t tell.

LeBeouf as Tarzan flying through the air at 70 miles an hour with a monkey attack, not fun just silly.

I hated George "Mac" McHale being revealed as a traitor early in the film. That made him superfluous and unlikable for the whole movie.

Why was Harold Oxly in the film? This character had no other point than to mutter exposition. He was one character too many.

The Indy meeting with Marion moment was hijacked by being in the middle of too many other events going on.

Why were there some Brazilian Capoeira guys in a Peruvian cemetery?

Digital grading was used and it made the characters look unreal or fake at various points in the film. It was unnecessary

Seeing a CG prairie dog in the fist 10 seconds of the movie was not a good omen.

Wow, that Nevada base was not well guarded and it’s funny that guys that speak only Russian can just traipse through 1950s US.

It didn’t seem like the Soviets really needed Dr. Jones.

Too many nods to previous movies and unfortunately they got in the way of the story.

Too predictable

Did I mention the Monkeys?




Missed Opportunities: 


I wanted an opening sequence that was only tangentially connected to the rest of the story like the previous Indy films.

I wanted Spalko to make more of a pass at Mutt. (I’m just sick like that).

-Swinebread

Pics from the Road

Here are some shots from the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Road. It's Stars Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, and Kodi Smit-McPhee as the boy. It will be released this November.








I think Viggo is a good choice for the the father and the images look appropriately grim enough. The Road is about love, and it's about survival, but don't call it post-apocalyptic sci-fi because the masses would never enjoy anything like that.


-Swinebread

My New Comics

This week’s best cover is The Astounding Wolf-Man #6.


Shadowpact #25, DC Comics. The last issue.

Northlanders #6, DC Comics/Vertigo.

Star Trek: Year Four: The Enterprise Experiment #2, IDW.

1985 #1, Marvel Comics. I remember reading comics in 1985, that’s why I picked this up.

Army of Darkness/Xena #3, Dynamite Entertainment.

Salem: Queen of Thorns #1, Boom Studios.

The Astounding Wolf-Man #6, Image.

She-Hulk #29, Marvel Comics.


Trade Paperbacks
Heartburst King in Hell. Rick Veitch’s Sci-Fi graphic novel.

The Savage Sword of Conan Volume #3, Dark Horse Comics.


-Swinebread

Favorite Martians

Last Sunday, I watched coverage of the Phoenix land on Mars. I’m happy that it landed safely and that the mission has been such a success so far. It was fun to see the crew get so excited by the whole process. The Phoenix also made me think that if we’re going to waste billions of tax dollars, it should be “wasted” on exploring our solar system not on a stupid war like the Iraq debacle.

All this info about the new Mars mission also got me thinking about my favorite Martians from fiction, comics, and film. Too bad Mars is a dead planet.


Marvin the Martian

This soft-spoken alien packs a big disintegrating punch. He’s the first Martian I remember and he’s one of the funniest Looney Tunes ever IMO. What’s even more fantabulous is that he’s on the official mission patch for the Mars Rovers.
This is Marvin's best appearance in the famous cartoon Duck Doddgers in the 24th and ½ Century:


And just because Marvin is so cool here’s his first appearance in Haredevil Hare from 1948:



War of the Worlds Martians

H.G. Wells created something both exciting and shocking with his WotW Martians. Every alien invasion and sci-fi horror story ever written owes so much to these grotesque blobs that pilot tripod death machines. Regardless of whether they’re plausible or not they’re still very scary and have shown up and been reinvented numerous times. You just gotta’ love ‘em.

The High Overlord and Skar

In 1973, Marvel Comics published a post-apocalyptic series in the pages Amazing Adventures. In this title, the Martians from H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds came rushing back to earth and conquered our planet in the year 2001 and this time they inoculated themselves against the our planet's microbes. Almost two decades later, the earth is much transformed by the invaders into an almost Barsoom-like place and a hero, Killraven, rises to battle these Martian conquers. His most fearsome reoccurring enemies were Skar, a cyborg assassin, and the High Overlord, a Martian that had his alien body modified to fit inside bipedal suit of armor. They’re wild and wacky, but these two sci-fi evildoers are great pulpy villains none-the-less.

Mars Attacks Martians

I’m much too young to remember the Trading Cards but the movie was a real hoot. These gross looking Martians almost conquered the world using every trick known to the atomic horror genre. These little nasties are a great antidote to “serious” invasion monsters from films like Independence Day. It was almost a relief when they blew up the federal government. Too bad they couldn’t withstand Slim Whitman.



Dejah Thoris

This Red Martian hottie hails from Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom and makes the grade because of her wild adventures with John Carter, her regal rule of the city state of Helium, and her lack of clothes. Sword and Planet has never seen anything better.


Martian Manhunter

I’d never been particularly interested in J’onn J’onzz until I read The New Frontier and watched Justice League: The New Frontier animated movie. I’m finding his desire to understand humanity and his alien nature fascinating. He’s kinda’ like half Spock and half Klaatu with superpowers.
J’onn J’onzz with the Kents at Xmas:



Martian Chronicles Martians


The introspective and telepathic aliens of Ray Bradbury’s Martians Chronicles are eerie and haunting. They turn the invasion scenario on its head by being the victims of Human colonization (in a metaphor of western frontier migration). They are not particularly malevolent like other Martians and are unable to deal with the threat the Human setters represent. Ultimately, they pass away except for a few ghosts and their cities are the ruins that the humans build a new Mars based culture upon.

Here's a scene from the 1979 TV adatption of The Martian Chronicles. (The TV show was OK but it is dated)



-Swinebread

I just finished the season 2 finale of the Tudors. I hope it's not a surprise if I say Ann lost her head. Great scripts, great actors, great sets, great costumes, great show. What more could you want?

Memorial Day

There actually was a comic book story about the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing in Lebanon. It was told in issue #7 of Semper Fi'. I liked this particular comic series because it didn't sugarcoat the Marines wartime experiences and because Semper Fi' told a story about an event that happened in my living memory.

There were so many lessons that were learned from this act of terrorism, but sadly they were all forgotten in the current climate.

When it comes down it, you have to remember that no matter the war or military action, there are families that didn't have a son or daughter, husband or wife, or mother or father come home. That's a powerful thought. Everyday should be Memorial Day.


-Swinebread

Chimps in Space & Terminators in the Future

Well this was totally off my radar. I might be too busy in July to see Space Chimps but dam, I do loves me some monkeys. I think I see a few nods to the POTA movies in those costumes... and ah... to Evel Knievel as well.

trailer:


________________________________________________



Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins is now in production with a release set for May 22, 2009. The official site has it's first blog post up:

We’ve officially started principal photography on Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins. Like you guys, I’ve been a long-time fan of the series and I understand your passion for the Terminator movies -- and it’s my full intention to deliver a film that lives up to the previous three installments. I’ve spent time with James Cameron, spoken to Arnold Schwarzenegger, gone over the story with Jonah Nolan, and enlisted Stan Winston.

Everything we’re shooting is designed to be tactile and real, you’ll be seeing a whole set of inspired designs you’ve never seen before, and best of all you’ll finally get to see some of the post-judgment day future that was only hinted at in the previous movies.

John Connor will be pushed to the brink. And for me, Christian Bale embodies Connor’s strength and tenacity perfectly. And after visiting Sam Worthington on the set of Avatar, I know he’s perfect for his role.

As you know, Anton Yelchin is playing Kyle Reese, and his prep has been unbelievable. The guy's been watching all three Terminators incessantly and he’s definitely going to capture the essence of the character Michael Biehn created in Cameron’s first film.

We started principal photography with a sequence at Griffith Observatory. I've already seen a cut of it -- Anton and Sam are excellent. I’ll have more on that soon, and can’t wait to share some of what we’re doing with you all. Stay tuned for more.

McG

With this new film and the TV show, the terminator franchise is on a role.


-Swinebread

Indy Furthers His Adventures

I don't think I'm going to be able to see Indy 4 this weekend. Maybe I can get to it on Monday. Dean Wormer has a nice review here


I picked up a few issues of the Further Adventures of Indiana Jones comics way back in early '80s. This is the first issue I bought #7. The Marvel Jones comics don't get much respect but they're fun in a pulpy kinda way. I regret not picking up more, but back then I was all about the superheroes and a kid's budget only goes so far. I'm hearing good things about the new Dark Horse Indy Comics though.


-Swinebread

My New Comics

This week’s best cover is Amazing Spiderman #560.


War is Hell: First Flight of the Phantom Eagle #3, Marvel Comics.

Brothers In Arms #1, Dynamite Entertainment. WWII Action.

Star Trek: Assignment Earth #1, IDW. Gary 7 is back.

The End League #3, Dark Horse Comics.

Amazing Spiderman #560, Marvel Comics. I got this for one reason, the cover.

Fall of Cthulhu #12, Boom Studios. Boy, is this late.

Magazine
Alter Ego #76, TwoMorrows Publishing. This issue has been out for awhile but it has a nice interview with Joe Simon.


-Swinebread

Cap's Gonna Fight the Nazis

Captain America’s movie will be set during WWII. This is a good first sign the character will be handled correctly. The wartime experience is so central to who Steve Rogers is that it’s just gotta be there. Obviously Cappy will need to be frozen at the end of they story so he can link up with his new buddies in the Avengers film that’s coming down the pike. (see here)

I like Cap a lot and I was pretty pissed when Marvel killed him off even though I wasn’t reading any current storylines. People like to say he’s simply a “boy scout” and not relevant anymore but I got a sneaky suspicion that folks will be pretty surprised how engaging Cap can be when his movie arrives. IMO, Captain America is a symbol of possibly and an avatar how a moral person really acts when faced with tough situations. I think we all could use a strong dose of the constructive/responsible patriotism that Steve Rogers represents… as long as it’s exciting and interesting of course. Plus, he’s cool because he was punching Hitler in the face way before the US got into WWII. He’s not behind the times, Cap’s ahead of the curve.

So we’ll get Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America, and then an Avengers movie. If the Hulk reboot is successful I’m sure they’ll throw him into the mix. Antman’s been kind of put on the back burner so maybe they just introduce him in the Avenger film.

On a side note, I've always thought Captain America would be the best lover for Wonder Woman if she were in a "straight" relationship. Too bad they're in separate universes.


-Swinebread

So I’ve narrowed the choices down to these 5 for the best made up dialog:

"Hi, we're from the Hillary Clinton campaign squad..." - Moody

"Woo-HOO! I'm the first to the ovum! I'm gonna fertilize the...Oh, [expletive]! It's Contraceptive Man!" - Moody

"We took a left at Albuquerque, didn't we..." - Eaglewing

"Damn! This is the computer and brain-surgery choking fantasy room. Where the heck is the gay sex room?" - Overdroid

"Don't worry! The ambiguously gay trio will save you!" - Overdroid




-Swinebread

The Oregonian's New Supervillain Team

I was reading an editorial about Bush's very clumsy use of the Nazis in a speech (Don't know much about history) when I came across these paragraphs:

"Some seem to believe we should negotiate with terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along," the president declared. "We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is -- the false comfort of appeasement." [Bush]

Perhaps the president and his speechwriters thought Israelis would welcome the analogy to the terrible era that led directly to the founding of the Jewish state. But more likely, he wanted to talk tough at the expense of some domestic critics.

Sadly, his misguided comments have bolstered the impression that he has little understanding of the differences among Adolf Hitler, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Attila the Hun, Professor Moriarty and the Joker.

Gathered together from remote corners of history and fiction... THE OREGONIAN SUPERVILLAIN LEAGUE!


-Swinebread

Random Comic Panel

Final splash page from Planet Comics #2 by the illustrious Blackthorne Publishing.

In case you can't read the word balloon of the blond beefcake, he says: "Guys... I don't think we're in Kanas anymore."

Ahh... 80's indys

Hey, how about posting new dialog for the Beefcake's word balloon? Best comment wins… ah... I’ll have to come up with something.

Making me laugh is a plus...


-Swinebread

Quickie News Story on Stan "The Man" Lee

Stan on Iron Man and Pow Entertainment:


-Swinebread

My New Comics

This week’s best cover is Cthulhu Tales #2.


The Twelve #5, Marvel Comics. .Witness protection.

The Un-Men #10, DC Comics. Freaks is Freaks..

Army of Darkness: Home Sweet Home #9, Dynamite Entertainment. Back to the shack.

Zorro #3, Dynamite Entertainment. The origin continues.

Dead of Night #4, Marvel Comics. Memories.

Cthulhu Tales #2, Boom Studios. Steve Niles pens a story..

North Wind #5, Boom Studios. The conclusion. I almost picked this issue as best cover. More please.

All-New Iron Man Manual #1, Marvel Comics. Tony sure has a crapload of different suits

Doctor Who: Classics #6, IDW. Werewolf Doctor.

Serenity #3, Dark Horse Comics.

The Last Defenders #3, Marvel Comics. .Man, this had a sucky cover.

Project Superpowers #3, Dynamite Entertainment.

Bat Lash #6, DC Comics. The Gun fighting conclusion!

The Walking Dead #49, Image. A child shall lead?.

Red Sonja #33, Dynamite Entertainment.

Iron Man: Legacy of Doom #2, Marvel Comics. Mogan Le Fey!.


Trade Paperbacks:
Life Sucks, First Second.


-Swinebread