Gob - I Hear You Calling
Off the album "The World According To Gob" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-world-according-to-gob/id306580793
Thursday, 31 October 2013
(Halloween) Song of the day: October 31, 2013
(Halloween themed) Song of the day: October 31, 2013:
Gob - I Hear You Calling
Off the album "The World According To Gob" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-world-according-to-gob/id306580793
Gob - I Hear You Calling
Off the album "The World According To Gob" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-world-according-to-gob/id306580793
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
(Halloween) Song of the day: October 30, 2013
(Halloween themed) Song of the day: October 30, 2013:
Linkin Park - Papercut
Off the album "Hybid Theory" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/hybrid-theory/id528436018
Linkin Park - Papercut
Off the album "Hybid Theory" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/hybrid-theory/id528436018
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Comic Shop Corner: October 30, 2013
Woo! Comic Shop Corner! Yay! Comics! Neat!
Dark Horse Comics
Blood Brothers #3
It's not too often we see a horror series aimed at children, but that's exactly what this series does with it's ages 8+ rating as this mini series concludes with this issue. As the vernal equinox approaches, a ritual begins which could give one vampire dominion over an army of immortal warriors. Still butting heads because Nick wants to forsake his immortality for the woman he loves, can our two blood-drinking heroes quit bickering long enough to save the world?
Also available: True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys #5, Star Wars Dark Times: A Spark Remains #4, King Conan: The Hour Of The Dragon #6, Itty Bitty Hellboy #3, Astounding Villain House One-Shot, Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven And The Red Death One-Shot, Captain Midnight #4, and many more!
DC Comics
Sandman: Overture #1
Twenty-five years since The Sandman changed the landscape of modern comics, Neil Gaiman's legendary series is back! New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman's return to the art form that made him famous, ably abetted by artistic luminary JH Williams III (Batwoman, Promethea), whose lush, widescreen images provide an epic scope to The Sandman's origin story. From the birth of a galaxy to the moment that Morpheus is captured, The Sandman: Overture will feature cameo appearances by fan-favorite characters such as The Corinthian, Merv Pumpkinhead and, of course, the Dream King's siblings: Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny.
Also available: Green Lantern Annual #2, Damian: Son Of Batman #1, Action Comics Annual #2, Forever Evil A.R.G.U.S. #1, Nightwing Annual #1, and many more!
IDW Publishing
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villain Micro-Series #7 Bebop & Rocksteady
From the classic movies to the page! The IDW debut of these powerful villains has arrived! The routine life of a street-level goon can get dull, so when opportunity presents itself these two won't let it pass them by, but as they are about to learn the hard way, there's more to being a successful mutant menace than just strength. Don't miss this bone shattering issue that sets the stage for the final showdown in next month's City Fall finale!
Also available: My Little Pony 2013 Annual, Powerpuff Girls #2, Transformers Robots In Disguise #22, Wild Blue Yonder #3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #27, KISS Kids #3, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #12, Danger Girl: The Chase #2, Transformers Prime Beast Hunters #6, and many more!
Image Comics
Bushido #5
VAMPIRES IN FEUDAL JAPAN! Kichiro is an outsider in feudal Japan. Lacking the Japanese blood that would allow him to become a samurai, Kichiro must fulfill his dreams of serving the shogun in a less traditional manner... by eliminating every foreign supernatural threat that rears its fangs! This Halloween month, we've been treated to an issue of Bushido each Wednesday! That's right, all FIVE issues of Top Cow's and Heroes and Villains Entertainment's latest series has been a treat for all horror fans this October.
Also availble: Saga #15, Prophet #40, Sex #8, Distant Soil #42, Mice Templar IV Legend #8, Witchblade #170, Five Ghosts #6, Thought Bubble Anthology #3 (2013), and many more!
Marvel Comics
Cataclysm #0.1
Why with X-Men Battle Of The Atom finishing and Infinity ongoing would I decide to spotlight this? Well there is so much secretcy around it. First in October's solicitations it read "Classified" then we were told at SDCC that Galactus was going to tear open the barrier between the ultimate and main Marvel universe and that the Ultimates would have to fight him. Then we get a preview that is unlettered (read: Just the art) what can be hiding in these pages? I'm excited to find out...
Also available: Infinty #5, X-Men: Battle Of The Atom #2, Avengers #22, Captain America: Living Legend #2, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up Special #1, Guardians Of The Galaxy #8, Kick-Ass 3 #4, Superior Spider-Man #20, Punisher: The Trial Of The Punisher #2, Avengers A.I. #5, and many more!
Spotlight:
BOOM! Studios: Hellraiser Annual 2013
WHY I LIKE IT: A big part of what makes Hellraiser a horror classic is its expansive world and deep mythology, and annuals give you an opportunity to dive deeper! WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT: Brandon Seifert created and writes one of our favorite horror procedurals, Witch Doctor, and truly understands what makes the Cenobites tick. And lets not forget Clive Barker is still overseeing this. WHAT IT'S ABOUT: In this extra-large special issue, Brandon Seifert and Ben Meares go even deeper into the mysteries of Leviathan and his plans for Harry D'Amour, Kirsty Cotton, and Elliott Spencer.
Well guys hope you enjoyed this last Halloween special, look forward to November when I give you a break from this just to blindside you with Christmas specials in December.
Dark Horse ComicsBlood Brothers #3
It's not too often we see a horror series aimed at children, but that's exactly what this series does with it's ages 8+ rating as this mini series concludes with this issue. As the vernal equinox approaches, a ritual begins which could give one vampire dominion over an army of immortal warriors. Still butting heads because Nick wants to forsake his immortality for the woman he loves, can our two blood-drinking heroes quit bickering long enough to save the world?
Also available: True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys #5, Star Wars Dark Times: A Spark Remains #4, King Conan: The Hour Of The Dragon #6, Itty Bitty Hellboy #3, Astounding Villain House One-Shot, Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven And The Red Death One-Shot, Captain Midnight #4, and many more!
DC Comics
Sandman: Overture #1
Twenty-five years since The Sandman changed the landscape of modern comics, Neil Gaiman's legendary series is back! New York Times best-selling writer Neil Gaiman's return to the art form that made him famous, ably abetted by artistic luminary JH Williams III (Batwoman, Promethea), whose lush, widescreen images provide an epic scope to The Sandman's origin story. From the birth of a galaxy to the moment that Morpheus is captured, The Sandman: Overture will feature cameo appearances by fan-favorite characters such as The Corinthian, Merv Pumpkinhead and, of course, the Dream King's siblings: Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium, Destruction and Destiny.
Also available: Green Lantern Annual #2, Damian: Son Of Batman #1, Action Comics Annual #2, Forever Evil A.R.G.U.S. #1, Nightwing Annual #1, and many more!
IDW PublishingTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villain Micro-Series #7 Bebop & Rocksteady
From the classic movies to the page! The IDW debut of these powerful villains has arrived! The routine life of a street-level goon can get dull, so when opportunity presents itself these two won't let it pass them by, but as they are about to learn the hard way, there's more to being a successful mutant menace than just strength. Don't miss this bone shattering issue that sets the stage for the final showdown in next month's City Fall finale!
Also available: My Little Pony 2013 Annual, Powerpuff Girls #2, Transformers Robots In Disguise #22, Wild Blue Yonder #3, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #27, KISS Kids #3, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #12, Danger Girl: The Chase #2, Transformers Prime Beast Hunters #6, and many more!
Image ComicsBushido #5
VAMPIRES IN FEUDAL JAPAN! Kichiro is an outsider in feudal Japan. Lacking the Japanese blood that would allow him to become a samurai, Kichiro must fulfill his dreams of serving the shogun in a less traditional manner... by eliminating every foreign supernatural threat that rears its fangs! This Halloween month, we've been treated to an issue of Bushido each Wednesday! That's right, all FIVE issues of Top Cow's and Heroes and Villains Entertainment's latest series has been a treat for all horror fans this October.
Also availble: Saga #15, Prophet #40, Sex #8, Distant Soil #42, Mice Templar IV Legend #8, Witchblade #170, Five Ghosts #6, Thought Bubble Anthology #3 (2013), and many more!
Marvel ComicsCataclysm #0.1
Why with X-Men Battle Of The Atom finishing and Infinity ongoing would I decide to spotlight this? Well there is so much secretcy around it. First in October's solicitations it read "Classified" then we were told at SDCC that Galactus was going to tear open the barrier between the ultimate and main Marvel universe and that the Ultimates would have to fight him. Then we get a preview that is unlettered (read: Just the art) what can be hiding in these pages? I'm excited to find out...
Also available: Infinty #5, X-Men: Battle Of The Atom #2, Avengers #22, Captain America: Living Legend #2, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up Special #1, Guardians Of The Galaxy #8, Kick-Ass 3 #4, Superior Spider-Man #20, Punisher: The Trial Of The Punisher #2, Avengers A.I. #5, and many more!
Spotlight:BOOM! Studios: Hellraiser Annual 2013
WHY I LIKE IT: A big part of what makes Hellraiser a horror classic is its expansive world and deep mythology, and annuals give you an opportunity to dive deeper! WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT: Brandon Seifert created and writes one of our favorite horror procedurals, Witch Doctor, and truly understands what makes the Cenobites tick. And lets not forget Clive Barker is still overseeing this. WHAT IT'S ABOUT: In this extra-large special issue, Brandon Seifert and Ben Meares go even deeper into the mysteries of Leviathan and his plans for Harry D'Amour, Kirsty Cotton, and Elliott Spencer.
Well guys hope you enjoyed this last Halloween special, look forward to November when I give you a break from this just to blindside you with Christmas specials in December.
(Halloween) Song of the day: October 29, 2013
(Halloween themed) Song of the day: October 29, 2013:
The Early November - Decoration
Off the album "The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/mother-mechanic-path/id275737924
The Early November - Decoration
Off the album "The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/mother-mechanic-path/id275737924
Monday, 28 October 2013
(Halloween) Song of the day: October 28, 2013
(Halloween themed) Song of the day: October 28, 2013:
Michael Jacksom - Thriller
Off the album "Thriller" out now.
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/thriller/id269572838
Michael Jacksom - Thriller
Off the album "Thriller" out now.
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/thriller/id269572838
Saturday, 26 October 2013
(Halloween) Song of the day: October 26, 2013
(Halloween themed) Song of the day: October 26, 2013:
New Found Glory - Don't Let Her Pull You Down
New Found Glory - Don't Let Her Pull You Down
Off the album "Not Without A Fight" out now
Top 10 Countdown: October 26, 2013
Another Saturday! That means watching cartoons in your underpants eating lucky charms!! Oh wait that's just me... Oh well, at least do yourselves a favour and listen to this weeks top 10...
10. Patent Pending - Let Go
Last week: NEW!
9. Tonight Alive - Come Home
Last week: 8.
8. Silverstein - A Better Place
Last week: 10.
7. Hawthorne Heights - Golden Parachutes
Last week: 6.
6. State Champs - Hard To Please
Last week: 7.
5. State Champs - Elevated
Last week: 5.
4. Real Friends - Late Nights In My Car
Last week: 2.
3. New Found Glory - Connect The Dots
Last week: 4.
2. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
Last week: 1.
1. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nikki
Last week: 3.
That's it this week kids, a lot of movement in the top 4. Remember to tweet at me @DonnyForTheWin and to always use protection.
10. Patent Pending - Let Go
Last week: NEW!
9. Tonight Alive - Come Home
Last week: 8.
8. Silverstein - A Better Place
Last week: 10.
7. Hawthorne Heights - Golden Parachutes
Last week: 6.
6. State Champs - Hard To Please
Last week: 7.
5. State Champs - Elevated
Last week: 5.
4. Real Friends - Late Nights In My Car
Last week: 2.
3. New Found Glory - Connect The Dots
Last week: 4.
2. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
Last week: 1.
1. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nikki
Last week: 3.
That's it this week kids, a lot of movement in the top 4. Remember to tweet at me @DonnyForTheWin and to always use protection.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Halloween Song of the day: October 25, 2013
(Halloween Themed) Song of the day: October 25, 2013:
Fall Out Boy - A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"
Fall Out Boy - A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More "Touch Me"
Off the album "From Under The Cork Tree" out now
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Song of the day: October 23, 2013
Song of the day: October 23, 2013:
We Are The In Crowd - Both Sides Of The Story
Off the album "Guaranteed To Disagree" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/guaranteed-to-disagree/id485573316
We Are The In Crowd - Both Sides Of The Story
Off the album "Guaranteed To Disagree" out now
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/guaranteed-to-disagree/id485573316
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Song of the day: October 22, 2013
Song of the day: October 22, 2013:
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Eminem - Lose Yourself
Off the album "Curtain Call - The Hits" out now
Comic Shop Corner: October 23, 2013
2nd last New Comic Book day before Halloween so you better hurry and grab some all ages comics to give to Trick or Treaters this October 31st. Here's some treats to get yourself while you're there...
Dark Horse Comics
Mass Effect: Foundation #4
If you've ever been like me and sat around wondering what was the missing information you never got with the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC, fear not we can rest easy knowing this comic helps as it ties in directly with it (full disclosure: I've never actually touched a Mass Effect game). Far away from Earth, on Gagarin Station-or "Brain Camp," as its students call it-a young Kaidan Alenko undergoes his biotic training. During an exceptionally grueling lesson, Kaidan steps in to defend the lovely Rahna from the brutal Commander Vyrnnu-but his rash actions have tragic consequences! This comic was written by the lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and 3 so fear not fanboys, this comic is very aware of the Mass Effect mythos.
Also available: Mind MGMT #16, Star Wars Legacy II #18, Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1, and many more!
DC Comics
Aquaman #24
All his life, Arthur's been told that he is the King of the Seven Seas. But he's about to learn exactly what that title means--and the dark power and legacy it carries with it. Is it possible for one man to rule every living thing in the ocean? Or is the King of the Seven Seas always doomed to die trying? Prepare for the new epic story "Scrounge Of The Seven Seas" featuring the return of bearded Aquaman (Somewhere Eric Neron is celebrating).
Also available: Justice League #24, Beware The Batman #1, Red Lanterns #24, Injustice: Gods Among Us #10, Teen Titans #24, Talon #12, Justice League Dark #24, Larfleeze #4, Flash #24, Unwritten #54, Batman: The Dark Knight #24, Arrow #12, Catwoman #24, Tom Strong And The Planet Of Peril #4, Superman #24, and many more!
IDW Publishing
Zombie War #1
When the denizens of Earth's military cemeteries begin to rise from the dead, who will stop them? Over ZOMBIE WAR's two giant-sized issues, Jina, a tough-as-nails fighter pilot sets about uncovering what reanimated these heavily armed monsters and more importantly, what will stop them?! This is the first time we see Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of TMNT, Zombie War in full colour with 2 giant sized issues coloured by TMNT colourist Ronda Pattison.
Also available: Samurai Jack #1, Star Trek #26, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Animated Adventures #4, Doctor Who #14, Other Dead #2, Transformers Regeneration One #95, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #3, Judge Dredd #12, Crow Curare #3, Rocketeer/The Spirit Pulp Fiction #2, and many more
Image Comics
Pretty Deadly #1
Kelly Sue DeConnick (Avengers Assemble, Captain Marvel) & Emma Rios (Strange, Osborn) reunite to bring you an all-new ongoing series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the western brutality of Preacher. Death's daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father. Her tale of retribution is as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage. If you've ever read Hexed, you know that Rios can handle the mythical just fine, and DeConnick is having a strong run on Captain Marvel and just released the critically acclaimed Witching Hour over at Vertigo. In short this is a can't miss for fans of many different genres.
Also available: Sex Criminals #2, Satellite Sam #4, Velvet #1, Bounce #6, Great Pacific #11, and many more!
Marvel Comics
Marvel Now What!? #1
A cast of comedy's shining stars and Marvel's most exciting artists bring you the stories of Marvel NOW that you never thought you'd ever want to see -- but you do want ot see it, and you want it NOW! SEE NOW! Captain America get Cat Fished! SEE NOW! The Intervention of the Watcher! SEE NOW! The Wedding of Thor and Storm! Obviously the nowest book in Marvel NOW! History... God I love capital letters and exclamation marks. Baby marvel cartoonist Skottie Young, the Deadpool team (Posehn and Duggan) and many more come up with the craziest stories you'll ever see. If you like to laugh at comics, don't let this one pass you by.
Also available: Secret Avengers #11, Daredevil #32, Indestructible Hulk #14, Wolverine And The X-Men #37, Iron Man #17, Venom #42, Young Avengers #11, FF #13, and many more!
Spotlight
Aspen Comics: All New Executive Assistant Iris #2
Well that title alone is a mouthful but by choosing Zombie War I have my halloween pick and I'm able to spotlight some good independant action-adventure from Aspen Comics, one of the top up and coming publishers out there. So who exactly is Iris? Iris is Secretary, Bodyguard and Assassin. An Executive Assistant for her boss Mr. Ching. This is volume 4, and Brian Buccellato is writing it, if the name sounds familiar it's likely because you've seen it on the cover of The Flash since The New 52 relaunch, though he's soon to leave Flash and start up on Detective Comics and is also writing The Black Bat for Dynamite. Finally to answer the question of what exactly happens in this issue? Shao and his cadre of armed mercenaries confront Iris and Maly, but the true conflict is not found in their present-but, in their past. The brutal sacrifice of Maly's actions many years ago have now come back to haunt her, and force Iris to make a decision she's not entire comfortable making. A decision that could be extremely dangerous for her future! Aspen knew what they were doing when they inked this creative team and Iris is bound to grow in popularity because of it.
Dark Horse Comics
Mass Effect: Foundation #4
If you've ever been like me and sat around wondering what was the missing information you never got with the Mass Effect 3: Citadel DLC, fear not we can rest easy knowing this comic helps as it ties in directly with it (full disclosure: I've never actually touched a Mass Effect game). Far away from Earth, on Gagarin Station-or "Brain Camp," as its students call it-a young Kaidan Alenko undergoes his biotic training. During an exceptionally grueling lesson, Kaidan steps in to defend the lovely Rahna from the brutal Commander Vyrnnu-but his rash actions have tragic consequences! This comic was written by the lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and 3 so fear not fanboys, this comic is very aware of the Mass Effect mythos.
Also available: Mind MGMT #16, Star Wars Legacy II #18, Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1, and many more!
DC ComicsAquaman #24
All his life, Arthur's been told that he is the King of the Seven Seas. But he's about to learn exactly what that title means--and the dark power and legacy it carries with it. Is it possible for one man to rule every living thing in the ocean? Or is the King of the Seven Seas always doomed to die trying? Prepare for the new epic story "Scrounge Of The Seven Seas" featuring the return of bearded Aquaman (Somewhere Eric Neron is celebrating).
Also available: Justice League #24, Beware The Batman #1, Red Lanterns #24, Injustice: Gods Among Us #10, Teen Titans #24, Talon #12, Justice League Dark #24, Larfleeze #4, Flash #24, Unwritten #54, Batman: The Dark Knight #24, Arrow #12, Catwoman #24, Tom Strong And The Planet Of Peril #4, Superman #24, and many more!
IDW PublishingZombie War #1
When the denizens of Earth's military cemeteries begin to rise from the dead, who will stop them? Over ZOMBIE WAR's two giant-sized issues, Jina, a tough-as-nails fighter pilot sets about uncovering what reanimated these heavily armed monsters and more importantly, what will stop them?! This is the first time we see Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of TMNT, Zombie War in full colour with 2 giant sized issues coloured by TMNT colourist Ronda Pattison.
Also available: Samurai Jack #1, Star Trek #26, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Animated Adventures #4, Doctor Who #14, Other Dead #2, Transformers Regeneration One #95, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #3, Judge Dredd #12, Crow Curare #3, Rocketeer/The Spirit Pulp Fiction #2, and many more
Image ComicsPretty Deadly #1
Kelly Sue DeConnick (Avengers Assemble, Captain Marvel) & Emma Rios (Strange, Osborn) reunite to bring you an all-new ongoing series that marries the magical realism of Sandman with the western brutality of Preacher. Death's daughter rides the wind on a horse made of smoke and her face bears the skull marks of her father. Her tale of retribution is as beautifully lush as it is unflinchingly savage. If you've ever read Hexed, you know that Rios can handle the mythical just fine, and DeConnick is having a strong run on Captain Marvel and just released the critically acclaimed Witching Hour over at Vertigo. In short this is a can't miss for fans of many different genres.
Also available: Sex Criminals #2, Satellite Sam #4, Velvet #1, Bounce #6, Great Pacific #11, and many more!
Marvel Comics
Marvel Now What!? #1
A cast of comedy's shining stars and Marvel's most exciting artists bring you the stories of Marvel NOW that you never thought you'd ever want to see -- but you do want ot see it, and you want it NOW! SEE NOW! Captain America get Cat Fished! SEE NOW! The Intervention of the Watcher! SEE NOW! The Wedding of Thor and Storm! Obviously the nowest book in Marvel NOW! History... God I love capital letters and exclamation marks. Baby marvel cartoonist Skottie Young, the Deadpool team (Posehn and Duggan) and many more come up with the craziest stories you'll ever see. If you like to laugh at comics, don't let this one pass you by.
Also available: Secret Avengers #11, Daredevil #32, Indestructible Hulk #14, Wolverine And The X-Men #37, Iron Man #17, Venom #42, Young Avengers #11, FF #13, and many more!
Spotlight
Aspen Comics: All New Executive Assistant Iris #2
Well that title alone is a mouthful but by choosing Zombie War I have my halloween pick and I'm able to spotlight some good independant action-adventure from Aspen Comics, one of the top up and coming publishers out there. So who exactly is Iris? Iris is Secretary, Bodyguard and Assassin. An Executive Assistant for her boss Mr. Ching. This is volume 4, and Brian Buccellato is writing it, if the name sounds familiar it's likely because you've seen it on the cover of The Flash since The New 52 relaunch, though he's soon to leave Flash and start up on Detective Comics and is also writing The Black Bat for Dynamite. Finally to answer the question of what exactly happens in this issue? Shao and his cadre of armed mercenaries confront Iris and Maly, but the true conflict is not found in their present-but, in their past. The brutal sacrifice of Maly's actions many years ago have now come back to haunt her, and force Iris to make a decision she's not entire comfortable making. A decision that could be extremely dangerous for her future! Aspen knew what they were doing when they inked this creative team and Iris is bound to grow in popularity because of it.
Monday, 21 October 2013
Song of the day: October 21, 2013
Song of the day: October 21, 2013:
A Loss For Words - Pray For Rain
From the album "No Sanctuary" out now.
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-sanctuary/id471774606
A Loss For Words - Pray For Rain
From the album "No Sanctuary" out now.
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-sanctuary/id471774606
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Review: Comic #1's
So in pondering what I should do for this week's special... Yes I realize none were done last week but I'm allowed to take the holidays off I think... Anyways... I have a stack of comics on my table and I decided to delve into them and I noticed I have a large amount of number 1's so why not review those? Sure let's do it...
First off courtesy of Marvel Comics we see the return of their "Marvel Knights" imprint with Marvel Knights: Spider-Man. The cover alone is enough to draw you to the book, even if you know nothing about Marvel Knights you may take it up to the counter and say something the lines of "Hey cool comic shop employee, what's the dillio with this book?" they will then tell you that it is from an amazing writer in Matt Kindt and is a 5 part mini-series where Spider-Man has to take down 99 of the world's most vile villains or a bomb will go off killing millions. My original gripe with this was a simple one... How do you fit 99 villains into 5 books? Now villain overload is a real problem to have (See: Deadpool Now's first dead president arc) where you seen them for a panel and then gone. But the reviews were so good for this book I figured "Hey, maybe they pull it off"... Well let me just tell you something, this first book is nothing but a set-up for the gauntlet you see a couple villains poke their head in but Spider-Man doesn't defeat them... They seem to be a means to set up and not part of the 99 so my original worry about having 99 villains in 5 books is really 99 in 4 books... That's 25 a book, and this title is a 32 pager so I'll let you figure out the math on that one... Fractions... Ouch... Decimals... Am I supposed to carry the 3... Sorry. Back on point. Although this book does give me some fears and issue 1 did nothing to quell those, I will continue to pick up the series in hopes that it delivers on the excitement it has promised.
Rating: "Pull" for now anyways...
Next up we have those crazy wholesome teenagers at it again. That's right the Riverdale gang are back and up to their old tricks as Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and all are celebrating Halloween, fighting over each other, living the high school life, killing dogs, becoming zombies... Wait what? Are you sure this is an Archie title? Yup sure is. In Afterlife With Archie the gang is back and normal or so we think... This dark tale begins to spin once Jughead visits Sabrina The Teenage with his dog Hot Dog to see if her and her magical aunts can help Hot Dog seeing how he has been hit by a car. They are unable to do anything as the dog has already passed on, Sabrina, against her aunts wishes, perform Necromancy and raise Hot Dog, although the price is very high. Sabrina gets in massive trouble with her aunts and Jughead gets a zombie dog. So not only does Archie have to deal with Betty and Veronica fighting over him to be his date to the Halloween dance, he's dealing with Jughead's sudden "sickness" as well as Reg's sudden depression... This was a very fun book and I highly recommend it.
Rating: "Pull"
Moving on let's take a look at Dynamite's Cryptozoic Man. Fans of AMC's Comic Book Men (Starring Silent Bob, Kevin Smith) will recognize this title as it was a focal point of the 2nd season as they created the pitch, got Stan Lee to endorse it and got Dynamite to pick it up. The writing was handled by relative newcomer, he's got 2 comcis credits to his name, and Comic Book Men main caster Bryan Johnson off a story that he and artist Walt Flannagan, also a Comic Book Men main stay though he's much more veteran having drawn Johnson's previous comics as well as Kevin Smith's Batman: Cacophony and Batman: The Widening Gyre. The premise itself was interesting enough for me to pick it up, and the connection with the show ensured I picked up the monthly's instead of the trade. And I just got to tell you after reading issue #1, I am very dissapointed. The storytelling definitely lacks, and Flannagan's art is nice and right in his wheelhouse but overall given the bouncy nature of the story it's just not something I can fully appreciate thanks to the scripting. This is a 4 issue mini series and I will likely be getting them all since I'm willing to give it a 2nd and maybe even 3rd chance, and by that point what is the harm in grabbing the final issue for collections sake, I would not recommend this book to anyone at this point. It may still redeem itself now that hopefully the sloppy origin is out of the way but if not, you didn't waste your money, if it does get better, there is always the trade to look forward to.
Rating: "Don't touch"
Finally, I've been in love with Forever Evil since the first issue which litterally blew my mind. So how does the mini-series tie-in Forever Evil: Arkham War hold up? Well it's written by Peter Tomasi who has a string of goodwill behind him after his excellent handling of Damian Wayne in Batman and Robin, now known as Batman and... The premise is this, the nutjobs at Arkham Asylum are out and have divied up Gotham into districts in which each villain controls, all overseen by mayor Penguin of course.But Bane and his Blackgate prison pals have also broken out and aim to take control of Arkham. The premise had me hooked as the thought of Team Bane vs. Team Scarecrow duking it out gave me a nerd boner, but this first issue offers very little. We see Bane take out Professor Pyg and Scarecrow meet with Penguin. So although a first issue should get you hooked and make you not want to wait for the following issues, Arkham War doesn't. Although I'm still hoping to see an all out war errupt in the following 5 issues so I'm not about to give up on it similar to Marvel Knights Spider-Man the premise is too strong to give up on after 1 issue, and again it wasn't that bad, it just wasn't amazing like I would have expected.
Rating: "Pull" for now.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on these books and some others you may have recently read so tweet at me @DonnyForTheWin and keep loving comics kids.
First off courtesy of Marvel Comics we see the return of their "Marvel Knights" imprint with Marvel Knights: Spider-Man. The cover alone is enough to draw you to the book, even if you know nothing about Marvel Knights you may take it up to the counter and say something the lines of "Hey cool comic shop employee, what's the dillio with this book?" they will then tell you that it is from an amazing writer in Matt Kindt and is a 5 part mini-series where Spider-Man has to take down 99 of the world's most vile villains or a bomb will go off killing millions. My original gripe with this was a simple one... How do you fit 99 villains into 5 books? Now villain overload is a real problem to have (See: Deadpool Now's first dead president arc) where you seen them for a panel and then gone. But the reviews were so good for this book I figured "Hey, maybe they pull it off"... Well let me just tell you something, this first book is nothing but a set-up for the gauntlet you see a couple villains poke their head in but Spider-Man doesn't defeat them... They seem to be a means to set up and not part of the 99 so my original worry about having 99 villains in 5 books is really 99 in 4 books... That's 25 a book, and this title is a 32 pager so I'll let you figure out the math on that one... Fractions... Ouch... Decimals... Am I supposed to carry the 3... Sorry. Back on point. Although this book does give me some fears and issue 1 did nothing to quell those, I will continue to pick up the series in hopes that it delivers on the excitement it has promised.Rating: "Pull" for now anyways...
Next up we have those crazy wholesome teenagers at it again. That's right the Riverdale gang are back and up to their old tricks as Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica and all are celebrating Halloween, fighting over each other, living the high school life, killing dogs, becoming zombies... Wait what? Are you sure this is an Archie title? Yup sure is. In Afterlife With Archie the gang is back and normal or so we think... This dark tale begins to spin once Jughead visits Sabrina The Teenage with his dog Hot Dog to see if her and her magical aunts can help Hot Dog seeing how he has been hit by a car. They are unable to do anything as the dog has already passed on, Sabrina, against her aunts wishes, perform Necromancy and raise Hot Dog, although the price is very high. Sabrina gets in massive trouble with her aunts and Jughead gets a zombie dog. So not only does Archie have to deal with Betty and Veronica fighting over him to be his date to the Halloween dance, he's dealing with Jughead's sudden "sickness" as well as Reg's sudden depression... This was a very fun book and I highly recommend it.Rating: "Pull"
Moving on let's take a look at Dynamite's Cryptozoic Man. Fans of AMC's Comic Book Men (Starring Silent Bob, Kevin Smith) will recognize this title as it was a focal point of the 2nd season as they created the pitch, got Stan Lee to endorse it and got Dynamite to pick it up. The writing was handled by relative newcomer, he's got 2 comcis credits to his name, and Comic Book Men main caster Bryan Johnson off a story that he and artist Walt Flannagan, also a Comic Book Men main stay though he's much more veteran having drawn Johnson's previous comics as well as Kevin Smith's Batman: Cacophony and Batman: The Widening Gyre. The premise itself was interesting enough for me to pick it up, and the connection with the show ensured I picked up the monthly's instead of the trade. And I just got to tell you after reading issue #1, I am very dissapointed. The storytelling definitely lacks, and Flannagan's art is nice and right in his wheelhouse but overall given the bouncy nature of the story it's just not something I can fully appreciate thanks to the scripting. This is a 4 issue mini series and I will likely be getting them all since I'm willing to give it a 2nd and maybe even 3rd chance, and by that point what is the harm in grabbing the final issue for collections sake, I would not recommend this book to anyone at this point. It may still redeem itself now that hopefully the sloppy origin is out of the way but if not, you didn't waste your money, if it does get better, there is always the trade to look forward to.Rating: "Don't touch"
Finally, I've been in love with Forever Evil since the first issue which litterally blew my mind. So how does the mini-series tie-in Forever Evil: Arkham War hold up? Well it's written by Peter Tomasi who has a string of goodwill behind him after his excellent handling of Damian Wayne in Batman and Robin, now known as Batman and... The premise is this, the nutjobs at Arkham Asylum are out and have divied up Gotham into districts in which each villain controls, all overseen by mayor Penguin of course.But Bane and his Blackgate prison pals have also broken out and aim to take control of Arkham. The premise had me hooked as the thought of Team Bane vs. Team Scarecrow duking it out gave me a nerd boner, but this first issue offers very little. We see Bane take out Professor Pyg and Scarecrow meet with Penguin. So although a first issue should get you hooked and make you not want to wait for the following issues, Arkham War doesn't. Although I'm still hoping to see an all out war errupt in the following 5 issues so I'm not about to give up on it similar to Marvel Knights Spider-Man the premise is too strong to give up on after 1 issue, and again it wasn't that bad, it just wasn't amazing like I would have expected.Rating: "Pull" for now.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on these books and some others you may have recently read so tweet at me @DonnyForTheWin and keep loving comics kids.
Saturday, 19 October 2013
Top 10 Countdown: October 19, 2013
Another saturday another ranking of my top 10 songs this week... It was a heavy week of new releases but alas only 1 new song cracked the top 10, let's take a look...
10. Silverstein - A Better Place
Last week: NEW!
9. The Wonder Years - Passing Through A Screen Door
Last week: 7.
8. Tonight Alive - Come Home
Last week: 8.
7. State Champs - Hard To Please
Last week: 9.
6. Hawthorne Heights - Golden Parachutes
Last week: 6.
5. State Champs - Elevated
Last week: 5.
4. New Found Glory - Connect The Dots
Last week: 5.
3. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nikki
Last week: 4.
2. Real Friends - Late Nights In My Car
Last week: 2.
1. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
Last week: 1.
And that concludes our 6th countdown despite only have 3 different songs at number 1 as You Me At Six has held the mantle for 2 weeks now after State Champs grabbed a hold for 3. Not to mention our original number 1/oldest song on the list "Passing Through A Screen Door" is in danger of falling off the list. Remmeber to tweet at me your thoughts @DonnyForTheWin and keep loving music guys.
10. Silverstein - A Better Place
Last week: NEW!
9. The Wonder Years - Passing Through A Screen Door
Last week: 7.
8. Tonight Alive - Come Home
Last week: 8.
7. State Champs - Hard To Please
Last week: 9.
6. Hawthorne Heights - Golden Parachutes
Last week: 6.
5. State Champs - Elevated
Last week: 5.
4. New Found Glory - Connect The Dots
Last week: 5.
3. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nikki
Last week: 4.
2. Real Friends - Late Nights In My Car
Last week: 2.
1. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
Last week: 1.
And that concludes our 6th countdown despite only have 3 different songs at number 1 as You Me At Six has held the mantle for 2 weeks now after State Champs grabbed a hold for 3. Not to mention our original number 1/oldest song on the list "Passing Through A Screen Door" is in danger of falling off the list. Remmeber to tweet at me your thoughts @DonnyForTheWin and keep loving music guys.
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
Comic Shop Corner: October 16, 2013
Everyone over their Villains Month hangover yet? I'm just about there but in the meantime let's take a look at the books coming out this week that will hopefully eventually find their way to the top of my stack.
Dark Horse Comics
Conan The Barbarian #21
With the movie reboot tanking and the Arnold movies long forgotten it's weird to see Conan doing this well at Dark Horse as this is the most talked about I've ever heard Conan be. Mind you Brian Wood has goodwill behind him after his day 1 sellout of Star Wars so there seems to be at least some good writing to look forward to as a twisted religious order targets the heathens Conan and Bêlit, who flee with a relic of immeasurable value. Mad warrior monks pursue the couple across a mazelike landscape, cutting off every avenue of escape. With no other options, Bêlit looks to the mysterious item, hoping to find some salvation within.
Also available: Bloodhound Crowbar Medicine #1, Strain The Fall #4, B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #112, Brain Boy #2, S.H.O.O.O.T. First #1, and many more!
DC Comics
Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1
The Rogues call no man boss, but a new evil threat might not leave them much choice! Will they fall in line, or refuse and risk certain death? The answer will tear the Rogues apart! You have to give me some credit I've been trying not to push Forever Evil that much but this series has been so good I can't help it. This mini-series tie-in focuses on The Flash's most renowed villains group as they decide wheather they will fight with or against The Secret Society of Earth 3.
Also available: Batman/Superman #4, Justice League of America #8, Green Lantern New Guardians #24, Batman '66 #4, Batwoman #24, 100 Bullets Brother Lono #5, Wonder Woman #24, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #4, Supergirl #24, Batman Beyond Universe #3, Animal Man #24, Fables #134, and many more!
IDW Publishing
Star Trek Khan #1
"Shall we begin?" Don't miss this all-new mini-series event overseen by Star Trek Into Darkness writer/producer Roberto Orci! Witness the shocking origin of Khan Noonien Singh from his earliest years through his rise to power during the epic Eugenics Wars! Behold the events that led to his escape from Earth aboard the Botany Bay! Learn the truth behind his re-awakening by Admiral Marcus and Section 31! It's the origin of Star Trek's greatest villain, only from IDW!
Also available: Transformers More Than Meets The Eye #22, X-Files Season 10 #5, G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #195, and many more!
Image Comics
Whispers #6
After his journey through hell, Sam is able to untangle reality from fiction and discover the shocking truth about his powers. But when he confronts the source, will he be able to discover the truth about himself? It all ends here in the dramatic conclusion of Whispers! The best part about this ending? Now I can look forward to a trade to read it all since I missed out on the first couple issues but if you were smart, unlike me, this epic conclusion promises to be tasty.
Also available: Zero #2, Thief Of Thieves #17, Nowhere Men #6, Invincible #106, Bushido #3, Morning Glories #33, and many more!
Marvel Comics
Superior Spider-Man #19
Necessary Evil concludes in this thrilling issue as we finally encounter the moment that changes world of Spider-Man, and the Marvel Universe for years to come.Which Spider-Man is responsible for such a thing? Spider-Man 2099 or the Superior Spider-Man? Major developments for both Spider-Man's cast... and for the future. And the variant cover pictured here is just beautiful.
Also available: Avengers Assemble #20, Guardians Of The Galaxy #7, Indestructible Hulk Special #1, Avengers #21, Wolverine MAX #12, Hunger #4, Fantastic Four #13, Cable And X-Force #15, Hawkeye #13, Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man #19, A+X #13, X-Men Legacy #18, New Avengers #11, Uncanny X-Men #13, and many more!
Spotlight:
Monsterverse Comics: Devils Dog #1
You thought we were going to go a week without a Halloween book didn't you? Ha! In this new 3 part horror mini series a mysterious driver in a Plymouth Barracuda (with the body of a young female hitchhiker in the trunk) passes through a small Oklahoma town in the Summer of 1969. But his evil nature is somehow sensed by a local resident who has the town staked out for himself. After a beastly attack, a demonic curse is passed on to the stranger and his full evil will finally be released in this dark tale of the supernatural by a newcomer in writer/artist Scott Youtsey.
Dark Horse ComicsConan The Barbarian #21
With the movie reboot tanking and the Arnold movies long forgotten it's weird to see Conan doing this well at Dark Horse as this is the most talked about I've ever heard Conan be. Mind you Brian Wood has goodwill behind him after his day 1 sellout of Star Wars so there seems to be at least some good writing to look forward to as a twisted religious order targets the heathens Conan and Bêlit, who flee with a relic of immeasurable value. Mad warrior monks pursue the couple across a mazelike landscape, cutting off every avenue of escape. With no other options, Bêlit looks to the mysterious item, hoping to find some salvation within.
Also available: Bloodhound Crowbar Medicine #1, Strain The Fall #4, B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #112, Brain Boy #2, S.H.O.O.O.T. First #1, and many more!
DC ComicsForever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1
The Rogues call no man boss, but a new evil threat might not leave them much choice! Will they fall in line, or refuse and risk certain death? The answer will tear the Rogues apart! You have to give me some credit I've been trying not to push Forever Evil that much but this series has been so good I can't help it. This mini-series tie-in focuses on The Flash's most renowed villains group as they decide wheather they will fight with or against The Secret Society of Earth 3.
Also available: Batman/Superman #4, Justice League of America #8, Green Lantern New Guardians #24, Batman '66 #4, Batwoman #24, 100 Bullets Brother Lono #5, Wonder Woman #24, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #4, Supergirl #24, Batman Beyond Universe #3, Animal Man #24, Fables #134, and many more!
IDW PublishingStar Trek Khan #1
"Shall we begin?" Don't miss this all-new mini-series event overseen by Star Trek Into Darkness writer/producer Roberto Orci! Witness the shocking origin of Khan Noonien Singh from his earliest years through his rise to power during the epic Eugenics Wars! Behold the events that led to his escape from Earth aboard the Botany Bay! Learn the truth behind his re-awakening by Admiral Marcus and Section 31! It's the origin of Star Trek's greatest villain, only from IDW!
Also available: Transformers More Than Meets The Eye #22, X-Files Season 10 #5, G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #195, and many more!
Image ComicsWhispers #6
After his journey through hell, Sam is able to untangle reality from fiction and discover the shocking truth about his powers. But when he confronts the source, will he be able to discover the truth about himself? It all ends here in the dramatic conclusion of Whispers! The best part about this ending? Now I can look forward to a trade to read it all since I missed out on the first couple issues but if you were smart, unlike me, this epic conclusion promises to be tasty.
Also available: Zero #2, Thief Of Thieves #17, Nowhere Men #6, Invincible #106, Bushido #3, Morning Glories #33, and many more!
Marvel ComicsSuperior Spider-Man #19
Necessary Evil concludes in this thrilling issue as we finally encounter the moment that changes world of Spider-Man, and the Marvel Universe for years to come.Which Spider-Man is responsible for such a thing? Spider-Man 2099 or the Superior Spider-Man? Major developments for both Spider-Man's cast... and for the future. And the variant cover pictured here is just beautiful.
Also available: Avengers Assemble #20, Guardians Of The Galaxy #7, Indestructible Hulk Special #1, Avengers #21, Wolverine MAX #12, Hunger #4, Fantastic Four #13, Cable And X-Force #15, Hawkeye #13, Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man #19, A+X #13, X-Men Legacy #18, New Avengers #11, Uncanny X-Men #13, and many more!
Spotlight:Monsterverse Comics: Devils Dog #1
You thought we were going to go a week without a Halloween book didn't you? Ha! In this new 3 part horror mini series a mysterious driver in a Plymouth Barracuda (with the body of a young female hitchhiker in the trunk) passes through a small Oklahoma town in the Summer of 1969. But his evil nature is somehow sensed by a local resident who has the town staked out for himself. After a beastly attack, a demonic curse is passed on to the stranger and his full evil will finally be released in this dark tale of the supernatural by a newcomer in writer/artist Scott Youtsey.
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Top 10 Countdown: October 12, 2013
It's been 3 weeks State Champs has ruled at the top... Will it continue??
10. Fall Out Boy - Alone Together
Last week: 5.
9. State Champs - Hard To Please
Last week: NEW!
8. Tonight Alive - Come Home
Last week: 9.
7. The Wonder Years - Passing Through A Screen Door
Last week: 6.
6. Hawthorne Heights - Golden Parachutes
Last week: 8.
5. New Found Glory - Connect The Dots
Last week: 7.
4. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nikki
Last week: 4.
3. State Champs - Elevated
Last week: 1.
2. Real Friends - Late Nights In My Car
Last week: 3.
1. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
Last week: 2.
Well there you have it we have a new number 1 and a new State Champs song in the Top 10. Be sure to tweet at me@DonnyForTheWin
10. Fall Out Boy - Alone Together
Last week: 5.
9. State Champs - Hard To Please
Last week: NEW!
8. Tonight Alive - Come Home
Last week: 9.
7. The Wonder Years - Passing Through A Screen Door
Last week: 6.
6. Hawthorne Heights - Golden Parachutes
Last week: 8.
5. New Found Glory - Connect The Dots
Last week: 7.
4. Forever The Sickest Kids - Nikki
Last week: 4.
3. State Champs - Elevated
Last week: 1.
2. Real Friends - Late Nights In My Car
Last week: 3.
1. You Me At Six - Lived A Lie
Last week: 2.
Well there you have it we have a new number 1 and a new State Champs song in the Top 10. Be sure to tweet at me
Monthly Movie Madness: October
As you may have noticed Box Office preview hasn't been done for a while. That's mostly because due to time constraints something had to go, not only was that one of the more time consuming endeavours but it was also the thing getting the least amount of views so insted of letting you know what's happening at the movies weekly I've decided to do a preview for the month, on the first friday of every new month I'll be looking at what are my most anticipated movies for that month, ignoring the fact that this is the 2nd friday in October let's delve right into this month.
Before we start I must admit Because this was done late I've already seen Gravity, had I of not it would've been in the top 3 likely but because it has been seen I am leaving it off. Now here's my Top 5 for October:
5. CBGB: Okay so the early reviews aren't great, but being a punk kid, it'd be a travesty to not have this one on my list. It's only hitting limited theatres so if you're one of the lucky ones check it out and if it helps Ron Weasley and Snape of Harry Potter are headlining the cast, that's Rupert Grint and Alan Rickman for all you non-nerds out there. If by chance it isn't playing near you, don't fret it'll be on DVD by the new year.
Synopsis: CBGB looks at New York's dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 originally as a home for "country, bluegrass and blues" (thus the club's name) and which showcased cutting-edge bands through its closing in 2006. The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, Bad Brains, Green Day, Soul Asylum, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Everclear, George Thorogood, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Runaways, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tool and The Wallflowers are just some of the thousands of bands that played the club over the years.
4. Captain Phillips: So Tom Hanks hasn't had a hit in a while, but this is right in his wheelhouse. The early reviews are great and I can see it having Zero Dark Thirty lasting power, though I don't see it quite matching up with the incredible holds put up by Argo last fall. This is the 2nd, after Gravity, big Best Picture contender to open this year and I tihkn it'll do just fine come award season.
Synopsis: Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is - through director Paul Greengrass's distinctive lens - simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama's commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (two time Academy Award (R)-winner Tom Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips' unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control. The film is directed by Academy Award (R) nominee Paul Greengrass, from a screenplay by Billy Ray based upon the book, A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty. The film is produced by Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, and Michael De Luca.
3. Runner Runner: Bad reviews be damned, I still want to see this movie, sure it opened last week to bad reviews and low box office figures but it's still Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake, yes that Justin Timberlake, I'm actually of the opinion he can act, have you seen Alpha Dog? I'm not sure I'll get the chance to see this in theatres as there are things ahead of it as well as the low figures likely means a quick exit from theatres.
Synopsis: Richie, a Princeton college student who pays for school with on-line gambling, bottoms out and travels to Costa Rica to confront the on-line mastermind, Ivan, whom he believes has swindled him. Ivan sees a kindred spirit in Richie and brings the younger man into his operation. When the stakes get incredibly high and dangerous, and Richie comes to fully understand the deviousness of his new boss, he tries to turn the tables on him.
2. The Counselor: I love me some Ridley Scott films and that cast... Oh my god... That cast. The early results seem preferable as it currently sports an incredible 97% want to see rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Opening at the end of the month, The Counselor should turn heads and be front and center come award season.
Synopsis: Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott and Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) have joined forces in the motion picture thriller THE COUNSELOR, starring Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt. McCarthy, making his screenwriting debut and Scott interweave the author's characteristic wit and dark humor with a nightmarish scenario, in which a respected lawyer's one-time dalliance with an illegal business deal spirals out of control.
1. Carrie: Okay so had this film of come out in any other month it likely wouldn't of cracked #1 but let's be fair here. It's October, Halloween month, of course I'm going to want to go to the theatre and check out a sweet horror movie, and even though it's slim-pickings this month, Carrie still looks really good. Chloe Grace Moretz is the leading lady in the re-imagining of the classic horror hit.
Synopsis: A reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie is directed by Kimberly Peirce with a screenplay by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
Honourable mentions: The aforementioned Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, Escape Plan, and Kill Your Darlings
Before we start I must admit Because this was done late I've already seen Gravity, had I of not it would've been in the top 3 likely but because it has been seen I am leaving it off. Now here's my Top 5 for October:
5. CBGB: Okay so the early reviews aren't great, but being a punk kid, it'd be a travesty to not have this one on my list. It's only hitting limited theatres so if you're one of the lucky ones check it out and if it helps Ron Weasley and Snape of Harry Potter are headlining the cast, that's Rupert Grint and Alan Rickman for all you non-nerds out there. If by chance it isn't playing near you, don't fret it'll be on DVD by the new year.Synopsis: CBGB looks at New York's dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground-breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal in 1973 originally as a home for "country, bluegrass and blues" (thus the club's name) and which showcased cutting-edge bands through its closing in 2006. The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, Bad Brains, Green Day, Soul Asylum, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, Everclear, George Thorogood, The Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips, The Goo Goo Dolls, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The B-52s, The Runaways, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Tool and The Wallflowers are just some of the thousands of bands that played the club over the years.
4. Captain Phillips: So Tom Hanks hasn't had a hit in a while, but this is right in his wheelhouse. The early reviews are great and I can see it having Zero Dark Thirty lasting power, though I don't see it quite matching up with the incredible holds put up by Argo last fall. This is the 2nd, after Gravity, big Best Picture contender to open this year and I tihkn it'll do just fine come award season.Synopsis: Captain Phillips is a multi-layered examination of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates. It is - through director Paul Greengrass's distinctive lens - simultaneously a pulse-pounding thriller, and a complex portrait of the myriad effects of globalization. The film focuses on the relationship between the Alabama's commanding officer, Captain Richard Phillips (two time Academy Award (R)-winner Tom Hanks), and the Somali pirate captain, Muse (Barkhad Abdi), who takes him hostage. Phillips and Muse are set on an unstoppable collision course when Muse and his crew target Phillips' unarmed ship; in the ensuing standoff, 145 miles off the Somali coast, both men will find themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control. The film is directed by Academy Award (R) nominee Paul Greengrass, from a screenplay by Billy Ray based upon the book, A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Richard Phillips with Stephan Talty. The film is produced by Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, and Michael De Luca.
3. Runner Runner: Bad reviews be damned, I still want to see this movie, sure it opened last week to bad reviews and low box office figures but it's still Ben Affleck and Justin Timberlake, yes that Justin Timberlake, I'm actually of the opinion he can act, have you seen Alpha Dog? I'm not sure I'll get the chance to see this in theatres as there are things ahead of it as well as the low figures likely means a quick exit from theatres. Synopsis: Richie, a Princeton college student who pays for school with on-line gambling, bottoms out and travels to Costa Rica to confront the on-line mastermind, Ivan, whom he believes has swindled him. Ivan sees a kindred spirit in Richie and brings the younger man into his operation. When the stakes get incredibly high and dangerous, and Richie comes to fully understand the deviousness of his new boss, he tries to turn the tables on him.
Synopsis: Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott and Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy (No Country for Old Men) have joined forces in the motion picture thriller THE COUNSELOR, starring Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, and Brad Pitt. McCarthy, making his screenwriting debut and Scott interweave the author's characteristic wit and dark humor with a nightmarish scenario, in which a respected lawyer's one-time dalliance with an illegal business deal spirals out of control.
1. Carrie: Okay so had this film of come out in any other month it likely wouldn't of cracked #1 but let's be fair here. It's October, Halloween month, of course I'm going to want to go to the theatre and check out a sweet horror movie, and even though it's slim-pickings this month, Carrie still looks really good. Chloe Grace Moretz is the leading lady in the re-imagining of the classic horror hit.Synopsis: A reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie is directed by Kimberly Peirce with a screenplay by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.
Honourable mentions: The aforementioned Gravity, 12 Years a Slave, Escape Plan, and Kill Your Darlings
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Comic Shop Corner: October 9, 2013
Another week, another hit to your wallet as your money leaves faster than a speeding bullet. Let's see where your cash should go this week...
Dark Horse Comics
Shaolin Cowboy #1
From artist/writer Geof Darrow comes an all new story! The Shaolin Cowboy returns, but nowhere in sight is there a dead Robin, any infinity gauntlets, or a single conquering Ultron—just flat-out action, intrigue, and plenty of roadkill. Darrow’s slow-talkin’, kung-fu-gripping hero proves once again, in this brand-new new series, that the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a chainsaw! This issue is guaranteed to have more action in it's 32 pages than the rest of your pull list combined!
Also Available: Star Wars #10, Elfquest Special: The Final Quest, Halo: Initiation #3, Resident Alien: The Suicide Blonde #2, X #6, Creepy Comics #14, Abe Sapien #6, and many more!
DC Comics
Superman/Wonder Woman #1
Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favourite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it-and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!
Also Available: Batman #24, Forever Evil: Arkham War #1, Green Lantern Corps #24, Coffin Hill #1, Nightwing #24, Constantine #7, Suicide Squad #24, World's Finest #16, Batgirl #24, Astro City #5, Superboy #24, Trinity Of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #12, Stormwatch #24, and many more!
IDW Publishing
Memory Collectors
Well Halloween is just around the corner so why not spotlight a very intriguing horror book debuting this week? IDW brings us the story of three jaded fetish models who are unexpectedly thrown into a violent world and made to confront a horrible and unperceived truth: Hidden among us are entities that feed on the very thing we hold most sacred, our memories. No longer content with their lives as hunted cattle, they become the hunters. Known mostly for their contracted comics of characters we already know and love (TMNT, Transformers, etc.) It's nice to see IDW branch out.
Also Available: KISS Solo #1: The Demon, Mars Attacks Judge Dredd #2, Transformers Robots In Disguise #21, Ghostbusters #8, Popeye Classics #15, and many more!
Image Comics
Americas Got Powers #7
Too many Americans with too many powers...so the government decides it's time to wipe them all out and start from scratch. Nobody ever said it would be easy. Image's superhero title wraps up with this issue concluding the mini-series and I for one am anxious to see how it ends. Will they leave it open for an on going or is this the last we seen of Americas Got Powers?
Also Available: Walking Dead #115, Rocket Girl #1, Chew #37, Walking Dead Tyrese Special, Sidekick #3, Peter Panzerfaust #15, Three #1, Hoax Hunters #11, Miniature Jesus #5, Manhattan Projects #15, Ghosted #4, Think Tank #10, Bushido #2, Walking Dead #1 (10th Anniversary Special), and many more!
Marvel Comics
Astonishing X-Men #68
Through thick and thin, from marriage to apocalypse, the X-Men have always stood together as a family. Is there anything in this world--or any other--that could break them up? It all ends here as writer Marjorie Liu bids a fond farewell to the Astonishing team as this is the final issue of this long running ongoing.
Also Available: Infinity #4, Captain America #12, Avengers A.I. #4, X-Men #6, Thor: God Of Thunder #14, Deadpool #18, Dexter #4, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #4, Uncanny X-Force #12, Avengers Arena #16, Wolverine #10, Marvel Universe: Hulk Agents Of S.M.A.S.H. #1, Ultimate Comics: X-Men #32, Fearless Defenders #10, and many more!
Spotlight:
Archie Comics: Afterlife With Archie #1
That's right kiddies, Archie is releasing it's first Teens+ book starring your favourtie Riverdale characters, as Archie and the gang go where they've never been before... To the grave and back! A horrific accident sets off a series of grim events and Sabrina the Teenage Witch must try to repair the unspeakable evil her spell has unleashed. Gasp in horror as Riverdale faces an impending zombie Arch-pocalypse in this brand-new, spine-tingling ongoing series-but be warned, kiddies, this one's not for the faint of heart!
As always folks, feel free to tweet at me @DonnyForTheWin and let me know what you're looking forward to and what you thought of this week's Halloween themed comics.
Dark Horse ComicsShaolin Cowboy #1
From artist/writer Geof Darrow comes an all new story! The Shaolin Cowboy returns, but nowhere in sight is there a dead Robin, any infinity gauntlets, or a single conquering Ultron—just flat-out action, intrigue, and plenty of roadkill. Darrow’s slow-talkin’, kung-fu-gripping hero proves once again, in this brand-new new series, that the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a chainsaw! This issue is guaranteed to have more action in it's 32 pages than the rest of your pull list combined!
Also Available: Star Wars #10, Elfquest Special: The Final Quest, Halo: Initiation #3, Resident Alien: The Suicide Blonde #2, X #6, Creepy Comics #14, Abe Sapien #6, and many more!
DC ComicsSuperman/Wonder Woman #1
Beginning a bold new series that details the relationship between The Man of Steel and the Warrior Princess as rising star writer Charles Soule is joined by fan favourite artist Tony S. Daniel to tell the tale of a romance that will shake the stars themselves. These two super-beings love each other, but not everyone shares their joy. Some fear it, some test it-and some will try to kill for it. Some say love is a battlefield, but where Superman and Wonder Woman are concerned it spells Doomsday!
Also Available: Batman #24, Forever Evil: Arkham War #1, Green Lantern Corps #24, Coffin Hill #1, Nightwing #24, Constantine #7, Suicide Squad #24, World's Finest #16, Batgirl #24, Astro City #5, Superboy #24, Trinity Of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #12, Stormwatch #24, and many more!
IDW PublishingMemory Collectors
Well Halloween is just around the corner so why not spotlight a very intriguing horror book debuting this week? IDW brings us the story of three jaded fetish models who are unexpectedly thrown into a violent world and made to confront a horrible and unperceived truth: Hidden among us are entities that feed on the very thing we hold most sacred, our memories. No longer content with their lives as hunted cattle, they become the hunters. Known mostly for their contracted comics of characters we already know and love (TMNT, Transformers, etc.) It's nice to see IDW branch out.
Also Available: KISS Solo #1: The Demon, Mars Attacks Judge Dredd #2, Transformers Robots In Disguise #21, Ghostbusters #8, Popeye Classics #15, and many more!
Image ComicsAmericas Got Powers #7
Too many Americans with too many powers...so the government decides it's time to wipe them all out and start from scratch. Nobody ever said it would be easy. Image's superhero title wraps up with this issue concluding the mini-series and I for one am anxious to see how it ends. Will they leave it open for an on going or is this the last we seen of Americas Got Powers?
Also Available: Walking Dead #115, Rocket Girl #1, Chew #37, Walking Dead Tyrese Special, Sidekick #3, Peter Panzerfaust #15, Three #1, Hoax Hunters #11, Miniature Jesus #5, Manhattan Projects #15, Ghosted #4, Think Tank #10, Bushido #2, Walking Dead #1 (10th Anniversary Special), and many more!
Marvel ComicsAstonishing X-Men #68
Through thick and thin, from marriage to apocalypse, the X-Men have always stood together as a family. Is there anything in this world--or any other--that could break them up? It all ends here as writer Marjorie Liu bids a fond farewell to the Astonishing team as this is the final issue of this long running ongoing.
Also Available: Infinity #4, Captain America #12, Avengers A.I. #4, X-Men #6, Thor: God Of Thunder #14, Deadpool #18, Dexter #4, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #4, Uncanny X-Force #12, Avengers Arena #16, Wolverine #10, Marvel Universe: Hulk Agents Of S.M.A.S.H. #1, Ultimate Comics: X-Men #32, Fearless Defenders #10, and many more!
Spotlight:Archie Comics: Afterlife With Archie #1
That's right kiddies, Archie is releasing it's first Teens+ book starring your favourtie Riverdale characters, as Archie and the gang go where they've never been before... To the grave and back! A horrific accident sets off a series of grim events and Sabrina the Teenage Witch must try to repair the unspeakable evil her spell has unleashed. Gasp in horror as Riverdale faces an impending zombie Arch-pocalypse in this brand-new, spine-tingling ongoing series-but be warned, kiddies, this one's not for the faint of heart!
As always folks, feel free to tweet at me @DonnyForTheWin and let me know what you're looking forward to and what you thought of this week's Halloween themed comics.
Song of the day: October 8, 2013
Song of the day: October 8, 2013:
Handguns - Long October
Off the album "Angst" out now!
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/angst/id548322179
Handguns - Long October
Off the album "Angst" out now!
iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/angst/id548322179
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Ranking The New 52
Well here we are at the end of Villains Month and I thought it'd be fun to rank all the titles that have been released under "The New 52" moniker for DC Comics. To compile the list I used the average review for each issue and averages out each title. It's to be noted I did not include Villains month titles in the ranking since they, for the most part, weren't a part of the series they were numbered with nor have I included this weeks titles so essentially this ranking is as of the end of August. Anyways without further interuptions let's start the countdown with number 73...
73. Hawk and Dove (4.8/10)
I really like the characters, but Rob Liefeld..... ugh.
72. The Savage Hawkman (5.0/10)
I'm pretty sure the only reason this got so many issues is because DC was hoping unsuspecting parents would buy this instead of the Savage Wolverine issues their kid really wanted.
71. Katana (5.0/10)
DC decides to push a bloody violence filled book for adults in hopes that her appearances on Beware The Batman, a kids show will help with sales... Ummmm wut? With sale numbers like it's having it won't be around much longer.
70. Mister Terrific (5.5/10)
Remember when DC launched the new 52 claiming they wanted to make characters accessible to all races and genders? You do? Remember then when they proceeded to shit on all their African American characters? Good times.... Not really.
69. Static Shock (5.7/10)
See above.
68. Teen Titans (5.7/10)
Wondergirl is annoying. Superboy feels forced. Red Robin was never actually Robin. There's very good reason this is the lowest of the launch titles that are still in circulation. It needs another reboot though. Cancel it and try fresh with Young Justice please.
67. Catwoman (5.9/10)
At least it's not Halle Berry's Catwoman... Oh wait it basically is. FML
66. The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men (6.0/10)
The Sci-Fi elements weren't bad most of the time, but it got off to an awful start and never recovered.
65. Superboy (6.0/10)
For those of you counting at home Superboy is responsible for 2 out of the 4 lowest ranked titles still in circulation, along with Teen Titans, and that's counting Katana that had a small 7 issues thus far and likely won't make it past 12.
64. Red Lanterns (6.0/10)
Lantern titles always have the potential to be great... Red Lanterns squanders that... Make me rage. See what I did there?
63. Batman: The Dark Knight (6.1/10)
Our first bat family title! (I don't count Catwoman as "Bat Family" I love David Finch... But even I can't bring myself to read this title with the awful reviews. I'll get to it one day... Maybe...
62. The Green Team: Teen Trillionaires (6.1/10)
I hate when DC cancels good titles to make room for ones that they think "might find a better audience" just to see it crash and burn. (Read: Green Team)
61. Justice League International (6.1/10)
Remember when Batman was the boss of Booster Gold? Good reading... Not nearly as good as Justice League of America which replaced it though.
60. Grifter (6.2/10)
It was fun, high octane, not very deep but it was what it was... Then Rob Liefeld took a shit on it.
59. Deathstroke (6.2/10)
I really love Kyle Higgins' writing as you will see later... But Rob Liefeld has to stop leaving poop smears all over the New 52. Luckily he had nothing to do with any other titles after he killed Hawk and Dove, Deathstroke, Grifter and The Savage Hawkman.
58. Superman (6.2/10)
Wait Superman is this low?? Oh yeah Grant Morrison did Action Comics so all other Supes titles are shit in comparison. Makes sense.
57. Trinity of Sin: Pandora (6.3/10)
A relative new title to the list, I quite enjoy it 1 was boring but I felt it had to be to make Trinity War work, the other 2 were a bit better than okay, let's hope this picks up now that Trinity War is done, after all she did have a hand in creating The New 52.
56. Threshold (6.3/10)
I really really REALLY wanted to like this title... But I just couldn't. It's all over the place I don't know what to look for.
55. Constantine (6.4/10)
Is he a hero? Is he a villain? He's neither he's the star of a poorly received title that got a boost in sales due to his part in Trinity War where he tries to steal from a child... Talk about bad taste.
54. Red Hood and The Outlaws (6.4/10)
DC editors must have forgotten they didn't use Starfire in the new 52 so they threw her in this title where she feels incredibly out of place and looks almost as creepy as redneck Arsenal...
53. The Ravagers (6.5/10)
How could a book about angsty teenagers fail? Oh right Teen Titans... Ignore me.
52. Green Arrow (6.5/10)
Unfairly made boring but now with Jeff Lemire on board Green Arrow has been flying up this list, don't be surprised to see it jump up a couple more slots in a year. Though to be fair it does currently rank in the best of The New 52 if they were to relaunch as that... Again... Please don't though.
51. World's Finest: Huntress and Power Girl (6.5/10)
This was my favourite book at one time... Then the story telling got a little stale and Power Girl started making out with everyone but me... But hey at least her clothes get burned off in each issue... Funny how that happens...
50. Birds Of Prey (6.6/10)
The interesting characters can only take a story so far when they seem to try their hardest to make it complacent.
49. Detective Comics (6.6/10)
Tony Daniel's run was uneven at best but John Layman has kicked it up a notch since issue #13 we'll see if it holds up and brings the company's flagship title back to star quality.
48. Suicide Squad (6.6/10)
I must admit I like the new Amanda Waller, and after a horrendous start a new creative team is bringing this title back to being credible, I just wish people would stop bitching about Harley Quinn's new look though.
47. Legion Lost (6.6/10)
This was a spin off of Legion of Super Heroes that never seemed to click as it seemed the flagship title was having a hard enough time finding readers, let alone to convince other readers to buy this one.
46. Blackhawks (6.7/10)
This title was too frustrating with all the artist changes to get a serious look, not to mention it was part of the first wave of cancellations.
45. Captain Atom (6.8/10)
The first arc was so awful it turned most people off by the time the title started getting some potential the damage was done for this Dr. Manhattan clone.
44. Voodoo (6.8/10)
Never anything more than so-so, this title failed to grab readers from the outset.
43. Stormwatch (6.9/10)
This title always seemed destined for greatness with the premise and characters however DC is yet to find a capable writer of taking it to the next level.
42. Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger (6.9/10)
The Phantom started off badly but with a shift in the creative team and his inclusion in Trinity War, The Stranger is slowly climbing up from the depths of hell where it started... Again... See what I did there?
41. Larfleeze (6.9/10)
This title is hilarious, albeit not for everyone and if you didn't read the Threshold back-up stories starring Larfleeze you may be a little lost but there's a reason he was the breakout star of Darkest Night.
40. Legion Of Super-Heroes (6.9/10)
The teen titles have been sputtering in DC for a while and considering we are yet to hit the halfway point of our countdown and this is the 2nd to last title in the "Young Justice" section, including 3 in the bottom 6.
39. G.I. Combat (7/10)
A goofier Men of War, which itself wasn't that great to begin with.
38. DC Universe Presents (7/10)
DC's way of spotlighting certain characters that weren't going to be able to carry their own titles. More Hits (Kid Flash, Deadman) than misses (0 Issue, Beowulf).
37. Men of War (7/10)
A modern war comic set in the DCU. DC went heavy with the war comics before finally realising there was no market for them, just like their medieval titles (which were actually really good)
36. Team 7 (7/10)
This book was the early years of The New 52 as younger versions of Deathstroke, Amanda Waller, Black Canary and Grifter among others dealing with conflict amongst themselves during the Secret Wars. Justin Jordan's best work in The New 52 yet only made it to 9 issues.
35. Justice League of America (7/10)
Team 7 was created to combat Superman, the Justice League of America was created to defeat the whole Justice League with each member hand picked to take down a leaguer. Writer Geoff Johns lowest ranked of the 4 titles he's worked on for The New 52. You can't underestimate his earning potential.
34. The Movement (7.1/10)
I have to admit I haven't read this book yet, though I really want to. The Green Team is the 1% to The Movement's 99%. It's a shame that for being considered "the same" the sales figures for The Movement is awful for being associated with The Green Team, and likely won't last long.
33. Batwing (7.1/10)
Speaking of almost cancelled titles... This series has gotten complacent it was nice at the beginning to distinguish the tone from Batman but now it all seems to drag along and you always know what to expect from the Batman of Africa.
32. Blue Beetle (7.1/10)
I liked how this book juggled multiple plot elements between Jaime's daily life and super-hero life without missing a step, however as unfortunate as it is minority characters have a hard time finding an audience and this series has since been cancelled.
31. Green Lantern: New Guardians (7.1/10)
Not a lot for non Lantern fans to get here as it requires a bit of background info, therefore making it less accessible. Still a great read for any Lantern fans out there.
30. Sword Of Sorcery (7.1/10)
I think DC's main problem was the fact they didn't market this title very well and had an unknown in Christy Marx writing it so people weren't sure what to think before it got canned after 9 issues. This is the first of DC's medieval series on this list.
29. Justice League of America's Vibe (7.2/10)
This title always felt forced to me as I really didn't care about Vibe and felt as if DC was throwing it at us to say "Hey see we're still trying with multi-ethnic" characters, but hey the reviews are good so maybe give it another look?
28. Green Lantern Corps (7.3/10)
The most accessible of the Lantern titles has Guy Gardner front and centre and is the perfect companion to the current Green Lantern title.
27. Resurrection Man (7.4/10)
Full of intriguing hooks, this title was well written but lost an audience when it seemed to lose touch with itself after the first few issues, it ended up picking back up but the damage had been done and Resurrection Man's run was short lived, although a good one.
26. Earth 2 (7.4/10)
This isn't the Earth 2 we grew up with but it's still a really fun title and outside of the Bat-titles likely my favourite series in the DCU right now as every week it ends up near or at the top of my stack.
25. Justice League (7.4/10)
The title that launched the New 52! This title is not without flaws as there is unbalanced character spotlighting as well as some questionable team dynamics but a huge factor is the great Captain Marvel story that went on for issues about Billy's origin and being center stage for Trinity War certainly helped.
24. Supergirl (7.4/10)
The uncomfortable journey for Kara as she tries to find a home away from the only place she ever knew Krypton. The storytelling has been above par and has proved to be one of the stongest titles in the Superman family.
23. Batgirl (7.5/10)
Once you get past the whole "Barbara is Batgirl again!?" you'll find this is actually a really strong series with smartly crafted villains even though there is a tendancy of skipping over fight scenes.
22. Talon (7.5/10)
James Tynion was doing a great job with Talon until around issue #8 where Talon had a crossover with Birds of Prey that was mediocre at best. Hopefully now with that over Talon can return to the heights it reached when it first launched.
21. Action Comics (7.6/10)
It may not be the most compelling series, but it's classic Morrison. He's rebuilt Superman from the same blue print but using modern materials. Though he is no longer involved, Action Comics continue to have his imprint, even if it isn't as good.
20. Nightwing (7.6/10)
I love Higgins work on Nightwing, and although the tone has fluctuated a lot, and I mean A LOT, it is still one of the strongest Bat Family series and promises to get even better with Forever Evil now in full swing.
19. The Flash (7.6/10)
Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul have been sharing the writing on Flash since it's relaunch and it has been one of the most consistant series in the New 52 with more hits than misses although the beginning did lack a major climax.
18. Justice Laague Dark (7.6/10)
Obscure magic users from the corners of the DCU and Vertigo leftovers rejoice. Jeff Lemire was given the reigns to write you and damn has he done a good job as his run has been pretty well flawless since taking over from Peter Milligan.
17. Green Lantern (7.7/10)
Johns has been building the Lantern mythos for well over half a decade now and he's done amazing things with the characters and this book is no exception, the only problem is a non-lantern fan will have a hard time following this and it's a lot to ask for readers to read 5+ years of Johns' saga to get caught up
16. Batman and Robin (7.7/10)
The start wasn't the greatest but it's rebounded nicely to be the best Batman book in my opinion not written by Scott Snyder. No offense Grant Morrison. I know it's no longer called Batman and Robin what with Robin dying but Batman and... has still been a very nice read albeit will no longer feel like a Robin solo series (unfortunetly)
15. O.M.A.C. (7.7/10)
This is where we begin the countdown of best series that unfortunetly got canned. Checking in at number 5 of that sublist is what many characterized as a Hulk clone but it was a fun book if not incredibly deep.
14. Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. (7.8/10)
Although he's finally found an audience as a member of the Justice League Dark, this book was great fun before it got canned, number 4 by the way on the aforementioned sub countdown, weird superheroes are awesome, just look at Doom Patrol.
13. All-Star Western (7.8/10)
This series was built on quality and now that Jonax Hex has found his way into modern times it just makes this title that much more interesting. Not that the old western arcs weren't up to snuff as they definitely raised the bar for Hex in modern age.
12. Aquaman (7.8/10)
We've all heard the jokes... But Aquaman is cool, like really cool. The characters are intriguing, the mythos it's building is incredibly interesting and the action sequences are really really nice to look at. Not the thinking man's book, but really a nice read.
11. Demon Knights (7.8/10)
I struggled when deciding if I should put this in the sub-countdown what with it receiving 24 issues but in the end it was a really good book that actually got bad reviews for it's last few issues as Robert Vendetti clearly was prioritizing his Green Lantern titles to his work on his soon to be cancelled Demon Knights series but I can't hold that against him. So this is number 3 on the sub-countdown of awesome books cancelled too early.
10. Dial H (7.9/10)
Ask anyone who has read Dial H what they think of the book and once they finish changing their underpants they will tell you it's FREAKIN' BONKERS in the best way. The "heroes" are barely heroes at all, and although this series got cancelled too early (Number 2 on sub-countdown) there is some hope as "Dial E" Justice League Villains Month title may introduce and excite many newcomers to the series.
9. Batman Incorporated (7.9/10)
Grant Morrison is on the final stretch of his 5+ years Batman epic. Need I say more, honestly? I left this one off the cancelled too soon list as DC wisely cancelled the title once Morrison walked away, but not before killing Damian Wayne's Robin in Issue #8.
8. Superman Unchained (7.9/10)
If you don't know who Scott Snyder is, hit yourself right now. He's working towards writing quite possibly the best Superman story in years and although this is only 3 issues in, it has enormous potential and the early reviews were enough to push it this high up the list.
7. I, Vampire (8/10)
I, Vampire is an intense experience, don't let the covers fool you, this is about as far away from Twilight as you could get and to DC's credit they really tried to keep this book going as long as possible but it was simply not possible anymore making it the best book that got cancelled much too soon.
6. Wonder Woman (8.1/10)
Brian Azzarello has made many very interested in a character that was apathetic to all for years. People used to scoff at Wonder Woman being considered a part of DC's trinity with Batman and Superman. Azzarello has put all those arguments to rest as this has been an amazing title from inception to present day.
5. Animal Man (8.1/10)
Foreman's art is incredibly well done in the beginning. Once Foreman stepped down and Steve Pugh took over, this series lost a little bit of it's soul, but not enough to really do any major harm to the quality, it's just not as good as the insanely great first 2 arcs.
4. Batwoman (8.1/10)
This title has had amazing creative teams. J.H. Williams III was a master artist before taking on the writing duties for everyone's favourite lesbian. Unfortunetly after 24 issues, this title has already seen 2 writers and an artist leave over creative issues with DC. Let's hope the new team can continue making Batwoman many readers favourite New 52 title.
3. Batman/Superman (8.1/10)
I had a problem putting this series so high. For one it is so new, only 3 issues in, but mostly it's that I'm not a huge fan. The art is interesting but other than that I don't feel this title has brought much other than a couple interesting pieces of dialogue. It'll be interesting to see how this holds up over time and if I end up keeping it in my pulls.
2. Swamp Thing (8.2/10)
Whether Alan Moore wants to admit it or not, he's left a legacy at DC and Swamp Thing is one of the many things he's left. Starting with superstar Scott Snyder and taken over by Charles Soule for writing this title hasn't missed a beat as Swamp Thing has built a masterful sense of dark tone and powerful character work.
1. Batman (8.5/10)
Scott Snyder has already brought us The Court Of Owls, Death of the Family and in the midst of Zero Year. We can't get enough Batman as Snyder and artist Capullo is bound to give us possible the greatest Batman run we have ever seen.
73. Hawk and Dove (4.8/10)I really like the characters, but Rob Liefeld..... ugh.
72. The Savage Hawkman (5.0/10)
I'm pretty sure the only reason this got so many issues is because DC was hoping unsuspecting parents would buy this instead of the Savage Wolverine issues their kid really wanted.
71. Katana (5.0/10)
DC decides to push a bloody violence filled book for adults in hopes that her appearances on Beware The Batman, a kids show will help with sales... Ummmm wut? With sale numbers like it's having it won't be around much longer.
70. Mister Terrific (5.5/10)
Remember when DC launched the new 52 claiming they wanted to make characters accessible to all races and genders? You do? Remember then when they proceeded to shit on all their African American characters? Good times.... Not really.
69. Static Shock (5.7/10)See above.
68. Teen Titans (5.7/10)
Wondergirl is annoying. Superboy feels forced. Red Robin was never actually Robin. There's very good reason this is the lowest of the launch titles that are still in circulation. It needs another reboot though. Cancel it and try fresh with Young Justice please.
67. Catwoman (5.9/10)
At least it's not Halle Berry's Catwoman... Oh wait it basically is. FML
66. The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men (6.0/10)
The Sci-Fi elements weren't bad most of the time, but it got off to an awful start and never recovered.
65. Superboy (6.0/10)For those of you counting at home Superboy is responsible for 2 out of the 4 lowest ranked titles still in circulation, along with Teen Titans, and that's counting Katana that had a small 7 issues thus far and likely won't make it past 12.
64. Red Lanterns (6.0/10)
Lantern titles always have the potential to be great... Red Lanterns squanders that... Make me rage. See what I did there?
63. Batman: The Dark Knight (6.1/10)
Our first bat family title! (I don't count Catwoman as "Bat Family" I love David Finch... But even I can't bring myself to read this title with the awful reviews. I'll get to it one day... Maybe...
62. The Green Team: Teen Trillionaires (6.1/10)
I hate when DC cancels good titles to make room for ones that they think "might find a better audience" just to see it crash and burn. (Read: Green Team)
61. Justice League International (6.1/10)Remember when Batman was the boss of Booster Gold? Good reading... Not nearly as good as Justice League of America which replaced it though.
60. Grifter (6.2/10)
It was fun, high octane, not very deep but it was what it was... Then Rob Liefeld took a shit on it.
59. Deathstroke (6.2/10)
I really love Kyle Higgins' writing as you will see later... But Rob Liefeld has to stop leaving poop smears all over the New 52. Luckily he had nothing to do with any other titles after he killed Hawk and Dove, Deathstroke, Grifter and The Savage Hawkman.
58. Superman (6.2/10)Wait Superman is this low?? Oh yeah Grant Morrison did Action Comics so all other Supes titles are shit in comparison. Makes sense.
57. Trinity of Sin: Pandora (6.3/10)
A relative new title to the list, I quite enjoy it 1 was boring but I felt it had to be to make Trinity War work, the other 2 were a bit better than okay, let's hope this picks up now that Trinity War is done, after all she did have a hand in creating The New 52.
56. Threshold (6.3/10)
I really really REALLY wanted to like this title... But I just couldn't. It's all over the place I don't know what to look for.
55. Constantine (6.4/10)Is he a hero? Is he a villain? He's neither he's the star of a poorly received title that got a boost in sales due to his part in Trinity War where he tries to steal from a child... Talk about bad taste.
54. Red Hood and The Outlaws (6.4/10)
DC editors must have forgotten they didn't use Starfire in the new 52 so they threw her in this title where she feels incredibly out of place and looks almost as creepy as redneck Arsenal...
53. The Ravagers (6.5/10)
How could a book about angsty teenagers fail? Oh right Teen Titans... Ignore me.
52. Green Arrow (6.5/10)Unfairly made boring but now with Jeff Lemire on board Green Arrow has been flying up this list, don't be surprised to see it jump up a couple more slots in a year. Though to be fair it does currently rank in the best of The New 52 if they were to relaunch as that... Again... Please don't though.
51. World's Finest: Huntress and Power Girl (6.5/10)
This was my favourite book at one time... Then the story telling got a little stale and Power Girl started making out with everyone but me... But hey at least her clothes get burned off in each issue... Funny how that happens...
50. Birds Of Prey (6.6/10)
The interesting characters can only take a story so far when they seem to try their hardest to make it complacent.
49. Detective Comics (6.6/10)Tony Daniel's run was uneven at best but John Layman has kicked it up a notch since issue #13 we'll see if it holds up and brings the company's flagship title back to star quality.
48. Suicide Squad (6.6/10)
I must admit I like the new Amanda Waller, and after a horrendous start a new creative team is bringing this title back to being credible, I just wish people would stop bitching about Harley Quinn's new look though.
47. Legion Lost (6.6/10)
This was a spin off of Legion of Super Heroes that never seemed to click as it seemed the flagship title was having a hard enough time finding readers, let alone to convince other readers to buy this one.
46. Blackhawks (6.7/10)This title was too frustrating with all the artist changes to get a serious look, not to mention it was part of the first wave of cancellations.
45. Captain Atom (6.8/10)
The first arc was so awful it turned most people off by the time the title started getting some potential the damage was done for this Dr. Manhattan clone.
44. Voodoo (6.8/10)
Never anything more than so-so, this title failed to grab readers from the outset.
43. Stormwatch (6.9/10)
This title always seemed destined for greatness with the premise and characters however DC is yet to find a capable writer of taking it to the next level.
42. Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger (6.9/10)The Phantom started off badly but with a shift in the creative team and his inclusion in Trinity War, The Stranger is slowly climbing up from the depths of hell where it started... Again... See what I did there?
41. Larfleeze (6.9/10)
This title is hilarious, albeit not for everyone and if you didn't read the Threshold back-up stories starring Larfleeze you may be a little lost but there's a reason he was the breakout star of Darkest Night.
40. Legion Of Super-Heroes (6.9/10)
The teen titles have been sputtering in DC for a while and considering we are yet to hit the halfway point of our countdown and this is the 2nd to last title in the "Young Justice" section, including 3 in the bottom 6.
39. G.I. Combat (7/10)A goofier Men of War, which itself wasn't that great to begin with.
38. DC Universe Presents (7/10)
DC's way of spotlighting certain characters that weren't going to be able to carry their own titles. More Hits (Kid Flash, Deadman) than misses (0 Issue, Beowulf).
37. Men of War (7/10)
A modern war comic set in the DCU. DC went heavy with the war comics before finally realising there was no market for them, just like their medieval titles (which were actually really good)
36. Team 7 (7/10)
This book was the early years of The New 52 as younger versions of Deathstroke, Amanda Waller, Black Canary and Grifter among others dealing with conflict amongst themselves during the Secret Wars. Justin Jordan's best work in The New 52 yet only made it to 9 issues.
35. Justice League of America (7/10)Team 7 was created to combat Superman, the Justice League of America was created to defeat the whole Justice League with each member hand picked to take down a leaguer. Writer Geoff Johns lowest ranked of the 4 titles he's worked on for The New 52. You can't underestimate his earning potential.
34. The Movement (7.1/10)
I have to admit I haven't read this book yet, though I really want to. The Green Team is the 1% to The Movement's 99%. It's a shame that for being considered "the same" the sales figures for The Movement is awful for being associated with The Green Team, and likely won't last long.
33. Batwing (7.1/10)Speaking of almost cancelled titles... This series has gotten complacent it was nice at the beginning to distinguish the tone from Batman but now it all seems to drag along and you always know what to expect from the Batman of Africa.
32. Blue Beetle (7.1/10)
I liked how this book juggled multiple plot elements between Jaime's daily life and super-hero life without missing a step, however as unfortunate as it is minority characters have a hard time finding an audience and this series has since been cancelled.
31. Green Lantern: New Guardians (7.1/10)
Not a lot for non Lantern fans to get here as it requires a bit of background info, therefore making it less accessible. Still a great read for any Lantern fans out there.
30. Sword Of Sorcery (7.1/10)I think DC's main problem was the fact they didn't market this title very well and had an unknown in Christy Marx writing it so people weren't sure what to think before it got canned after 9 issues. This is the first of DC's medieval series on this list.
29. Justice League of America's Vibe (7.2/10)
This title always felt forced to me as I really didn't care about Vibe and felt as if DC was throwing it at us to say "Hey see we're still trying with multi-ethnic" characters, but hey the reviews are good so maybe give it another look?
28. Green Lantern Corps (7.3/10)
The most accessible of the Lantern titles has Guy Gardner front and centre and is the perfect companion to the current Green Lantern title.
27. Resurrection Man (7.4/10)Full of intriguing hooks, this title was well written but lost an audience when it seemed to lose touch with itself after the first few issues, it ended up picking back up but the damage had been done and Resurrection Man's run was short lived, although a good one.
26. Earth 2 (7.4/10)
This isn't the Earth 2 we grew up with but it's still a really fun title and outside of the Bat-titles likely my favourite series in the DCU right now as every week it ends up near or at the top of my stack.
25. Justice League (7.4/10)
The title that launched the New 52! This title is not without flaws as there is unbalanced character spotlighting as well as some questionable team dynamics but a huge factor is the great Captain Marvel story that went on for issues about Billy's origin and being center stage for Trinity War certainly helped.
24. Supergirl (7.4/10)The uncomfortable journey for Kara as she tries to find a home away from the only place she ever knew Krypton. The storytelling has been above par and has proved to be one of the stongest titles in the Superman family.
23. Batgirl (7.5/10)
Once you get past the whole "Barbara is Batgirl again!?" you'll find this is actually a really strong series with smartly crafted villains even though there is a tendancy of skipping over fight scenes.
22. Talon (7.5/10)
James Tynion was doing a great job with Talon until around issue #8 where Talon had a crossover with Birds of Prey that was mediocre at best. Hopefully now with that over Talon can return to the heights it reached when it first launched.
21. Action Comics (7.6/10)It may not be the most compelling series, but it's classic Morrison. He's rebuilt Superman from the same blue print but using modern materials. Though he is no longer involved, Action Comics continue to have his imprint, even if it isn't as good.
20. Nightwing (7.6/10)
I love Higgins work on Nightwing, and although the tone has fluctuated a lot, and I mean A LOT, it is still one of the strongest Bat Family series and promises to get even better with Forever Evil now in full swing.
19. The Flash (7.6/10)
Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul have been sharing the writing on Flash since it's relaunch and it has been one of the most consistant series in the New 52 with more hits than misses although the beginning did lack a major climax.
18. Justice Laague Dark (7.6/10)Obscure magic users from the corners of the DCU and Vertigo leftovers rejoice. Jeff Lemire was given the reigns to write you and damn has he done a good job as his run has been pretty well flawless since taking over from Peter Milligan.
17. Green Lantern (7.7/10)
Johns has been building the Lantern mythos for well over half a decade now and he's done amazing things with the characters and this book is no exception, the only problem is a non-lantern fan will have a hard time following this and it's a lot to ask for readers to read 5+ years of Johns' saga to get caught up
16. Batman and Robin (7.7/10)
The start wasn't the greatest but it's rebounded nicely to be the best Batman book in my opinion not written by Scott Snyder. No offense Grant Morrison. I know it's no longer called Batman and Robin what with Robin dying but Batman and... has still been a very nice read albeit will no longer feel like a Robin solo series (unfortunetly)
15. O.M.A.C. (7.7/10)This is where we begin the countdown of best series that unfortunetly got canned. Checking in at number 5 of that sublist is what many characterized as a Hulk clone but it was a fun book if not incredibly deep.
14. Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. (7.8/10)
Although he's finally found an audience as a member of the Justice League Dark, this book was great fun before it got canned, number 4 by the way on the aforementioned sub countdown, weird superheroes are awesome, just look at Doom Patrol.
13. All-Star Western (7.8/10)
This series was built on quality and now that Jonax Hex has found his way into modern times it just makes this title that much more interesting. Not that the old western arcs weren't up to snuff as they definitely raised the bar for Hex in modern age.
12. Aquaman (7.8/10)We've all heard the jokes... But Aquaman is cool, like really cool. The characters are intriguing, the mythos it's building is incredibly interesting and the action sequences are really really nice to look at. Not the thinking man's book, but really a nice read.
11. Demon Knights (7.8/10)
I struggled when deciding if I should put this in the sub-countdown what with it receiving 24 issues but in the end it was a really good book that actually got bad reviews for it's last few issues as Robert Vendetti clearly was prioritizing his Green Lantern titles to his work on his soon to be cancelled Demon Knights series but I can't hold that against him. So this is number 3 on the sub-countdown of awesome books cancelled too early.
10. Dial H (7.9/10)Ask anyone who has read Dial H what they think of the book and once they finish changing their underpants they will tell you it's FREAKIN' BONKERS in the best way. The "heroes" are barely heroes at all, and although this series got cancelled too early (Number 2 on sub-countdown) there is some hope as "Dial E" Justice League Villains Month title may introduce and excite many newcomers to the series.
9. Batman Incorporated (7.9/10)
Grant Morrison is on the final stretch of his 5+ years Batman epic. Need I say more, honestly? I left this one off the cancelled too soon list as DC wisely cancelled the title once Morrison walked away, but not before killing Damian Wayne's Robin in Issue #8.
8. Superman Unchained (7.9/10)
If you don't know who Scott Snyder is, hit yourself right now. He's working towards writing quite possibly the best Superman story in years and although this is only 3 issues in, it has enormous potential and the early reviews were enough to push it this high up the list.
7. I, Vampire (8/10)I, Vampire is an intense experience, don't let the covers fool you, this is about as far away from Twilight as you could get and to DC's credit they really tried to keep this book going as long as possible but it was simply not possible anymore making it the best book that got cancelled much too soon.
6. Wonder Woman (8.1/10)
Brian Azzarello has made many very interested in a character that was apathetic to all for years. People used to scoff at Wonder Woman being considered a part of DC's trinity with Batman and Superman. Azzarello has put all those arguments to rest as this has been an amazing title from inception to present day.
5. Animal Man (8.1/10)
Foreman's art is incredibly well done in the beginning. Once Foreman stepped down and Steve Pugh took over, this series lost a little bit of it's soul, but not enough to really do any major harm to the quality, it's just not as good as the insanely great first 2 arcs.
4. Batwoman (8.1/10)This title has had amazing creative teams. J.H. Williams III was a master artist before taking on the writing duties for everyone's favourite lesbian. Unfortunetly after 24 issues, this title has already seen 2 writers and an artist leave over creative issues with DC. Let's hope the new team can continue making Batwoman many readers favourite New 52 title.
3. Batman/Superman (8.1/10)
I had a problem putting this series so high. For one it is so new, only 3 issues in, but mostly it's that I'm not a huge fan. The art is interesting but other than that I don't feel this title has brought much other than a couple interesting pieces of dialogue. It'll be interesting to see how this holds up over time and if I end up keeping it in my pulls.
2. Swamp Thing (8.2/10)
Whether Alan Moore wants to admit it or not, he's left a legacy at DC and Swamp Thing is one of the many things he's left. Starting with superstar Scott Snyder and taken over by Charles Soule for writing this title hasn't missed a beat as Swamp Thing has built a masterful sense of dark tone and powerful character work.
1. Batman (8.5/10)
Scott Snyder has already brought us The Court Of Owls, Death of the Family and in the midst of Zero Year. We can't get enough Batman as Snyder and artist Capullo is bound to give us possible the greatest Batman run we have ever seen.
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