Road Rage #1

(IDW – writers: Joe Hill and Stephen King; adapted by Chris Ryall; art: Nelson Daniel)

With the talent attached to this title, I had very high expectations. I’m a huge Stephen King fan. I have all the first editions of his books, as well as several limited editions of his Dark Tower series, and I jumped on board American Vampire, initially, because of him. The same can be said for Joe Hill. Locke & Key is one of my favorite series, and I’ve read and enjoyed both Horns and Heart-Shaped Box. (more…)

One Model Nation is a graphic novel written by The Dandy Warhols frontman Courtney Taylor-Taylor, with art by Jim Rugg, whose previous work includes The Guild from Dark Horse Comics. Set in 1977 Berlin, it is a multimedia music and graphic novel project about an immensely popular (and fictional) German electronic rock band called One Model Nation. Historical tidbits from that decade of German history are woven into the main plot about the band, which is targeted as a terrorist group by the German government, mainly because of its popularity amongst the youth and counterculture. (more…)

When we think of superheroes on stage these days, the horrible truth is that we’re likely to picture Spider-Man flying through (falling from?) the air before anything else. Julie Taymor isn’t to blame for this, at least not directly. She has merely followed in the footsteps of the most successful superhero filmmakers who, for the last decade, have made films that are too serious and too intensely immersive to be anything but emotional rides of wonderment and despair. (more…)

Deadpool #50

(Marvel – writer: Daniel Way; art: Carlo Barberi)

My only real experience with the character of Deadpool is through Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force. In that series, Deadpool is limited to a few quips, and he doesn’t serve a major role in the story. He does provide serious muscle and comic relief.

I also know that Deadpool can’t die. This factor has come up a few times in Uncanny X-Force, so when I saw that Deadpool would be facing death in his own series, I wanted to find out how. The comic I read, however, lacks coherence and clarity, and it only showed me why I’m glad I haven’t read an issue of Deadpool before and why I won’t again. (more…)

If you haven’t watched the trailer for the upcoming Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, then do yourself a favor and check it out. Not only does it feature Nicholas Cage in crazy mode (as opposed to his more typical “jobbing mode”), but it also shows a CG Ghost Rider pissing fire after being asked by a kid if he can do so. It’s from the guys who brought us the Crank movies (where Jason Statham has sex to survive), so I’m sure that ridiculousness is only the tip of the iceberg. (more…)

Legendary EC Comics and Marvel Comics Artist, John Severin, has passed away. He was 90 years-old. (more…)

Amazing Spider-Man #679

(Marvel – writer: Dan Slott; art: Humberto Ramos)

In the previous issue of Amazing Spider-Man, one of Peter’s colleagues at Horizon Labs opened a portal to 24 hours into the future. What he saw was the total destruction of New York City. Given just hours to figure out how to save everyone, Spider-Man swings all over the city, trying his hardest to avoid a catastrophe he can’t locate. The issue ended with Peter’s time running out as he waited for the world to end. So when I opened this issue, I couldn’t wait to see how Slott was going to resolve one of his best cliff-hangers. The resolution, however, sucked. And this issue was a slap in the face to Spidey fans. (more…)