QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 05-20-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 05-20-09
By John Judy

AGENTS OF ATLAS #5 by Jeff Parker and Carlo Pagulayan. The AoA vs. the New Avengers (the ones with Wolverine). Big Fight!

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #594 by Mark Waid, Barry Kitson and Mike McKone. Spidey’s non-stop campaign is catching up with him and so is New York Mayor J. Jonah Jameson!

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #3 of 3 by Tony Daniel and Sandu Florea. One of these goofballs gets to be Batman until Bruce comes back from the dead. Oops, did I give something away?

BOYS: HEROGASM #1 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. The first-ever BOYS spin-off series, re-uniting Ennis with HITMAN co-creator John McCrea! What Secret, Final Infinite War-Crisis could be so earth-shaking that it requires every supe on the planet to gather for one common cause? And will it show up on YouTube? The trademark Ennis black humor is in full effect as the title suggests so this one is Not For Kids. Recommended anyway.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #50 by Ed Brubaker and Luke Ross. It’s Bucky America’s birthday! “Eighty-something years young!” Recommended.

EX MACHINA #42 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Pushing the boundaries of what a superhero comic can be, Vaughan and Harris take a standard-issue guy who can talk to machines and build jetpacks and make him do something truly superhuman: Raising taxes on Americans and not lying or apologizing for it! “The Galactus Trilogy” now seems tame… Highly recommended.

FANTASTIC FOUR #566 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. The gang has to fight the guys who taught Dr. Doom how to be a creep! And you thought he was self-taught…

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: DANCE #1 of 6 by Joe Casey ChrisCross. Japan’s “Super Young Team” follow up on their distracting and meaningless appearance in FINAL CRISIS with… a little soft-shoe, a little rumba, maybe some ballroom… I hear one of them does “The Robot” really well because he is one! A Must-Have for both of you FINAL CRISIS completists out there!

GOON, VOL. 7: PLACE OF HEARTACHE AND GRIEF SC written and drawn by Eric Powell. “We love Oprah droppings!” Almost as much as we love THE GOON and Eric Powell. Collecting issues 19-23, “The Return of Labrazio!” Highly recommended.

HELLBLAZER #255 by Peter Milligan and Goran Sudzuka. Fever. Delirium. Constantine appears to have Swine Flu. Awesome cover by Lee Bermejo.

HULK #12 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. The Defenders versus the Offenders (seriously) fight comes to an end with “a twist ending you will never see coming!” Most likely because it will make no sense whatsoever! The bad Hulk is red!

MARVEL MYSTERY COMICS 70th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 by Tom DeFalco and Chris Burnham. A ten-page golden-age reprint plus an all-new story of the Human Torch, Toro, Namor, the Angel and…. The Ferret? Is that what they were calling Wolverine back then? Gotta look!

THUNDERBOLTS #132 by Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre. The T-Bolts recruit Mr. X! No, not the bald, indy guy with the glasses, the other one, the one who fought Wolverine.

UNCANNY X-MEN #510 by Matt Fraction and Greg Land. Big fight! “You won’t believe the ferocity! No one is safe!” Bad day to be wearing a red shirt to class!

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #2 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. The Wolvie Dream Team of Aaron and Garney are back! They’re the ones who make the Wolverine comics that don’t suck! Read it! Please. Highly recommended.

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Comic Riffs interviewed animator Robert Smigel

See "The Interview: 'SNL' Writer/Animator Robert Smigel," By Michael Cavna, May 15, 2009.

May 18: Spider-Man 3 in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

May 18, 2009 - Spider-Man 3
May 20, 2009 - Spider-Man 3 - at CCSP
May 25, 2009 - The Hulk
May 27, 2009 - The Hulk - at CCSP
June 1, 2009 - Hulk 2: The Incredible Hulk
June 3, 2009 - Hulk 2: The Incredible Hulk - at CCSP
June 8, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie
June 10, 2009 - Superman: The Superman Movie - at CCSP
June 15, 2009 - Superman 2
June 17, 2009 - Superman 2 - at CCSP
June 22, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman
June 24, 2009 - Superman 3: Superman vs. Superman - at CCSP
June 29, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace
June 31, 2009 - Superman 4: The Quest for Peace - at CCSP
July 6, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns
July 8, 2009 - Superman 5: Superman Returns - at CCSP
July 13, 2009 - X-Men
July 15, 2009 - X-Men - at CCSP
July 20, 2009 - X2
July 22, 2009 - X2 - at CCSP
July 27, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand
July 29, 2009 - X-Men: The Last Stand - at CCSP
August 3, 2009 - Fantastic Four
August 5, 2009 - Fantastic Four - at CCSP
August 10, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
August 12, 2009 - Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer - at CCSP
August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

Minicomics review: John Dimes' Lo, the Abusive Undertones!!!!

John Dimes sent me his two minicomics, Lo, the Abusive Undertones!!!!, a few weeks ago. John's minis hark back to the DIY age of photocopying that's starting to fade in the age of webcomics. The two volumes he has out now tell the beginnings of a story of anthropomorphic birds (they dress in human clothes, and act human, etc, etc). In vol. 1, Leonard and his girlfriend Shelly trade jibes about marriage and commitment, until Leonard says he'll take Shelly to meet his Mom and the mini ends there. John's art is competent - you can tell what's happening with no trouble - but feels as though he hasn't completely settled into his mature style yet. Vol. 2 picks up with Shelly and Mom meeting. Mom's got a mean streak - when talking to a friend on the phone about Shelly, Mom noted, "She complained about persistent back pain. I simply suggested that she should 'stay off of it sometimes,' and she got offended." Badda-bum. The two trade insults through most of the comic and by the end, John implies they'll be fast friends. I found it amusing to be honest, although some of the jokes can be a bit ribald.

To find these and other minis, John's website is www.johndimes.com

Comic characters at last week's Patent and Trademark Expo

Dennis the Menace was on hand to greet us.


And so was Betty Boop - hubba, hubba. Art Rhode, Betty Boop, Mike Rhode. Boop looks good for a 79-year old.

The International Trademark Association had a table to inform you how to be sure of your superhero paraphernalia's status.


Batman counterfeit on right, and true merchandise on left at the Patent and Trademark Expo.


Dastardly Tweety Bird counterfeit on left, and true merchandise on right at the Patent and Trademark Expo.


Superman and Harry Potter counterfeits on left, and true merchandise on right at the Patent and Trademark Expo.


And don't be making your own Mickey Mouse ears - they're trademarked!


Dennis the Menace plays football. He actually caught the ball.

Former VCU student Carolyn Belefski and her webcomic

See "BELEFSKI'S COMICAL CURLS," by Jennifer M. Contino, Comicon's The Pulse May 12 2009 for an interview with Carolyn Belefski on her webcomic, Curls. She started the comic when she was at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Otis Sweat cartoon artwork returns in Post mag

Like last year, today's Post Hunt contest was started in the Post Magazine which had a ton of artwork by Otis Sweat and it's online too. Sweat's done cartoons for the early Florida-based hunts.

Crazy! cat

David Hagen's taken some scans of panels that stand alone of Herriman's best creation and made Zazzle products including t-shirts, mugs and postcards. In panels from 2 Sunday strips, you can appeal to a crossword puzzle addict, a gourmand, a lover or a caffeine addict.

And he's also got his own cartoons on stuff, including the Drop Everything and Read coffee mug that I'll be ordering.

Harvey Pekar interview online

Tom Waters talks to Harvey at 5/13/09 Episode 38: 'Making It Big'.

Independents video interview link

One of the things that's been sitting around waiting to be reviewed is Chris Brandt's documentary film Independents. It's still waiting unfortunately, buy you can hear an interview with him at Inkstuds.

Post on Up, Times on Simpsons

Cannes opened for the first time with an animated movie - "Thanks to Pixar, a Cannes Launch Most Uplifting," By Ann Hornaday, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, May 14, 2009.

And apparently the Simpsons channeled Ayn Rand - "Hot Button: Maggie goes Roark," By Amanda Carpenter, Washington Times Thursday, May 14, 2009.

Ohio State's Cartoon collection - Matching the Schulz Challenge

Associate Curator Jenny Robb put this info in a comment, but let's copy it here so more people see it:

Thanks for asking how to contribute to the Schulz Challenge. People can donate online with a credit card at: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/igive/onlinegiving/search_results.aspx?fundnum=313023 or send a check to the The Ohio State University Cartoon Library and Museum, 27 W. 17th Avenue Mall, Columbus OH 43210-1393. Please indicate “Schulz Challenge” on the check.

Remember, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar by Jean Schulz.

Thanks for your support of this exciting project!
Jenny Robb
Associate Curator

How screwed is Marvel's collection publishing biz?

So screwed that yesterday they put out a free comic-sized publication, Marvel Reading Chronology 2009, to tell you what order you should read their collections in. So for example, after getting Daredevil vol. 13: The Murdock Papers tpb, you then need to jump to Daredevil: The Devil, Inside and Out vol. 1, tpb. Nice, huh?

Politics and Prose starts graphic novel group

The new Politics and Prose newsletter has some graphic novel recommendations (see May 14th entry) and the announcement of...

New Graphic Novel Book Group

P&P’s new Graphic Novel Reading Group will begin meeting the fourth Wednesday of each month. Please contact Adam Waterreus at awaterreus@politics-prose.com for information if you would like to join.

I wrote to Adam who responded with these details:

The group will meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month starting in June at 7:30pm. It will be led by myself, and possibly Thad Ellerbe, the other Graphic Novel buyer/enthusiast at the store. I'm hoping to read a variety of work, from superhero, to lit, experimental, word-less, manga, all of it as long as it's intriguing and fun to talk about. I decided on Ex Machina volume 1 by Brian Vaughn for the first book because it melds a good superhero premise with character driven/political plotting, not to mention it's accessible (for those unsure about reading a graphic novel) and cheap, $9.99, (for those with light wallets). Hopefully it goes well. I'm thinking that in the future the group might discuss to figure out what we'll read next, or maybe do themed readings...I don't know. One of the perks of the book-group will be that if you buy the book-group book from Politics and Prose you'll get a 20% discount.

So that sounds promising, doesn't it? I'll try to make it, and, although I've read that book and don't remember being overly impressed one way or another, I think Adam's made a good choice.

Did you know? Krazy Kat in Georgetown

Did you know that Georgetown University's Lauinger Library holds two original Krazy Kat Sunday pages by George Herriman? No, I didn't either. David Hagen showed them to me last week. They're in the Archives, of course, as is at least one large collection of political cartoons, from a politician who collected images of himself, I think. There's definitely a Clifford Berryman in there, and I saw a Gib Crockett on the University Archivist's wall. I'm afraid I can't figure out their website well enough to track down the collection though, but you could contact them to ask.

Weldon asks, 'what is that 24 page story-filled paper thing one buys each Wednesday anyway?'

See "What To Call the Comic Book?" by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (May 13 2009).

Oddly enough, the US Department of State examines some of the same issues in "Asian-American Authors Explore Identity, Cultural Roots," By Lauren Monsen, NewsBlaze May 12,2009, where she talks to "Adrian Tomine (a fourth-generation Japanese American), Gene Luen Yang (a Chinese American) and Derek Kirk Kim (a Korean American who immigrated to the United States at age 8)."

Weingarten on his new comic strip's lettering

Not much on comics this week, but this tidbit...

Chatological Humor: Single-handedly Saving the Newspaper Biz
aka Tuesdays With Moron
Gene Weingarten
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 12, 2009; 12:00 PM

Princeton, N.J.: Hey Gene - This may sound like a dumb question, but is the text in comics always all done by hand as well as the drawings? It always just seems so perfect and unwavering.

Thanks, mister.

Gene Weingarten: Some toonists still letter by hand. Some use computer lettering, which has gotten very sophisticated. Even the purist Garry Trudeau made the switch to computer lettering a couple of years ago -- I believe to a lettering system created from his own past lettering.

Barney and Clyde, the strip Dan'l and I are doing, will be hand lettered by the artist, David Clark.

Post profiles Naval Academy educational comic book

See "Survival Tips for Midshipmen Offered in Graphic Detail," By Ashley Halsey III, Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

May 12: Yuko Ota,, A Japanese comic illustrator at Library of Congress

Asian Pacific American History Month at the Library of Congress has a cartoonist appearing -

PROGRAM II: Japanese Illustrators Then and Now

Date/Time: Tuesday, May 12, 12:00 noon
Location: Dining Room C
"Then" Speaker - James Miho, A Bauhaus Illustrator (a "lost art" of Japanese illustration)
"Now" Speaker - Yuko Ota,, A Japanese comic illustrator

2009 Webportal Link: http://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/index.html

- thanks to Sara Duke for the tip.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 05-13-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 05-13-09
By John Judy

ACTION COMICS #877 by Greg Rucka and Eddy Barrows. Nightwing and Flamebird versus Ursa, Round Two. Expect twists that will actually make you care about Nightwing and Flamebird. Because Rucka really is just that good.

BLACK PANTHER #4 by Reginald Hudlin and Ken Lashley. Morlun, Devourer of Totems is back to mess with the Black Panther and eat your tiki bar! Hope Spidey doesn’t find out because of all that radically altered Spidey continuity biz!

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #13 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk. More vampiric intrigue among the British super-set. Continually better than it has a right to be with strong characterizations and clever twists adding life and undeath to a bunch of folks who have never really popped like this before. Well-worth checking out.

DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE #2 of 5 by Andy Diggle and Tom Raney. Already well on its way to being a seriously guilty pleasure this mini focuses on the bloodthirsty assassin Bullseye not really even half-trying to pass himself off as the iconic archer of the Avengers. Recommended.

DARK REIGN: YOUNG AVENGERS #1 of 5 by Paul Cornell and Mark Brooks. I would normally not give this title a look, but it’s by Paul Cornell who’s doing such interesting things over in CAPTAIN BRITAIN. Anyway, “Evil kids take over the franchise from the good kids.” Let’s see what Cornell and company do with this.

DARK TOWER: THE FALL OF GILEAD #1 of 6 by Peter David, Robin Furth and Richard Isanove. Roland kills his mom over a grapefruit. It’s a magic grapefruit, you see… Stephen King really knows his stuff but why did he have to call it “Maerlyn’s frickin’ Grapefruit?” It just kills the moment, y’know?

FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: ESCAPE #1 of 6 by Ivan Brandon and Marco Rudi. Wonder Woman’s boyfriend is being tortured, but when you’re Wonder Woman’s boyfriend that’s not so bad. Nope, not so bad at all….

LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #1 of 4 by Chris Eliopoulos and Ig Guara. Somebody at Marvel lost a serious bet. Was a short straw involved? Will this result in mandatory drug-testing at Marvel? Questions and more questions….

PUNISHER FRANK CASTLE MAX #70 by Duane Swierczynski and Michel Lacombe. Frank really needs the antidote to that poison he’s been dosed with. It would be quite a shame if an army of punks, gangsters and lowlifes were to find themselves between Frank and his object of desire, would it not? Recommended, especially if you’ve ever lived in Philadelphia.

SECRET SIX #9 by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott. Two of our group join the Battle for the Cowl. They want to be the new Batman, you see. It’s sort of like Sarah Palin wanting to be President. Fun to watch.

THOR: TALES OF ASGARD BY LEE AND KIRBY #1 of 6 by A Couple of Guys Named Stan and Jack. Collecting the legendary back-up stories from JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #97-104, re-mastered with new coloring and six new covers by red-hot THOR artist Olivier Coipel.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #132 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. MJ versus Kitty. Girl-fight at the end of the world.

UNWRITTEN #1 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross. The story of a guy who may or may not be a world-famous fictional boy wizard. Fun stuff but contains some of that famous Vertigo adult content.

WALKING DEAD #61 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. The zombie comic that urges you this month to “have a bit of priest!” Yum!

WOLVERINE #73 by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven. NOT!!! It’s actually a “70th Anniversary Issue” in honor of Wolverine’s first appearance in 1939. Okay, really “Old Man Logan” is taking a two issue hiatus to make room for two two-parters, one by Jason Aaron and Adam Kubert and the other by Daniel Way and Tommy Lee Edwards. I am torn on this because I hate fill-in issues and Daniel Way but I have a complete fan-crush on Jason Aaron. Recommended. Mostly…

www.johnjudy.net