7:10 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:10:34 PM Welcome once again to the comiXtreme.com $40 Pull List. LIVE IN TECHNICOLOR!

7:10 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:10:44 PM From the bowels of the SPAM Corporate Annex in beautiful Nanuktuk
California… it’s the $40 Pull List!

7:12 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:12:01 PM As always, please feel free to share your comments – some we will post as the column continutes!

It was a strange month – everything came out on time, with the exeption of issues that were already late and had new release dates announced. So that was kind of nice.

7:12 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:12:43 PM Nice??! It’s the end of times, Craigers J. Even Ultimate Wolverine VS. Hulk is coming out.

7:12 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:12:50 PM We’re doomed, you hear me??

7:12 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:12:56 PM DOOMED

7:13 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:13:03 PM It will be the end of times when Negation War #3 comes out, my friend.

7:13 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:13:44 PM True, true. Oh. By the way. My name is Brandon Schatz. That dude right there is Craig Reade. We’re the Sid and Nancy of Comixtreme. Or something not even remotely like that.

7:14 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:14:00 PM

Not even close!

Without further ado, let’s move on to April’s issues!

7:14

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:14:08 PM DEi6EX9L0dteentitans69.jpg

7:14 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:14:14 PM

Teen Titans #69, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/25/09 DELAYED 04/01/09

Written by Sean McKeever and Allan Goldman, Pencils by Yildiray Cinar, Ink by Julio Ferreira, Colors by JD Smith, Letters by Sal Cipriano

7:14 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:14:28 PM

Well, in this issue, the new Teen Titans team is established by taking a bunch of superpowered teams, offering them a place to stay, and giving spots on the team to the people that decided they didn’t really want to be anywhere but there.

7:14 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:14:38 PM After all the complaining I was doing about previous issues – I’m almost sad
to see this title leave. And it’s not because I like to complain about
comics – in a perfect world, comic book websites would be used as a place to
talk about the merits of comic books, rather than focusing almost
exclusively on their faults. But I digress.

7:15 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:15:09 PM This book really came together nicely with this issue. An new team finally formed, and some solid groundwork was laid for the future. Unfortunately, all that nice work is going to be thrown in the woodchipper with the status-quo changing crossover with Titans and the departure of McKeever from the book.
 

7:15 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:15:46 PM Honestly, this issue made me happy it was gone. I know we should focus on the positives, but this issue was horrible. The new team consists of people whose standards were low enough to take them? Not the cream of the crop, but the people who could put up with being a Titan? Messed up.

7:16 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:16:09 PM And don’t get me started about Static Shock. Some characters should be in the comics, others should stay on TV.

7:16 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:16:21 PM But… but that dude started in comics…

7:16 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:16:59 PM He was better on the tele :P. Point remains … people should want to be a Titan. They shouldn’t have to beg for members among the dregs with nowhere better to go.

7:17 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:17:44 PM Yeah, true. I just saw it as them offering refuge to all of them… and not, you know the dregs.

7:17 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:17:52 PM Oh well. At least we got to see a character called “The Face” (who’s power revolves around being a giant energy blasting face get kicked square in the junk by Aquagirl. That was just good comics.

7:18 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:18:40 PM Not that the issue didn’t have good moments – that was one. The Face was indeed awesome.

But, it may well be time to move on. Titans is gone, so little use wasting more time on it.

7:18

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:18:49 PM yMAeR81jsYFlashRebirth_1.jpg

7:18 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:18:56 PM

The Flash: The Rebirth #1 (of 5), $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 04/01/09 ON TIME

Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Ethan Van Sciver, Color by Alex Sinclair, Letters by Rob Leigh.

This issue – Barry Allen is back. And everyone talks about Barry being back. That’s pretty much it.

7:19 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:19:09 PM This issue! Barry Allen and Hal talk about the good ol’ days in a museum filled with giant statues of rapists and cokeheads. If Jonah Hex weren’t such a loner/nomad, he’d totally have a museum exactly like this.

7:19 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:19:21 PM

“Character driven” has become the new “Deliberately paced.” It is a buzzword that means “Nothing happened here, but I want to sound smart when describing a bad issue by looking like I see something deeper in the story.” An actual character story actually builds character – just having a bunch of characters standing around saying predictable scenes doesn’t constitute a character story. You want a good Character Story? Look at this month’s Jonah Hex. That’s how you do it.

Nothing happened in this issue – it bored me to tears. Its another example of a hype-driven and produced story, padded to the extreme so that there will be more issues for eager readers to buy. I can honestly say that if you missed this, don’t worry – you can start with issue #2 and you won’t have missed a thing. Maybe it will get better as it goes on, but right now it is another in a long line of “New DC” events that put the marketing hype before story quality.

7:20 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:20:27 PM The worst scene in the issue? The clichéed meeting with Hal Jordan. “Hey dude, I was dead too, and came back in a fairly popular mini series written by the same writer! Isn’t that weird? We have so much in common”

7:20 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:20:43 PM I agree. There were a few things I liked about it. The re-establishing of Bart as… you know, and impulsive, fun character… that, I liked. Even if it was a bit weird, continuity-wise. And the other thing? The fact that even Barry was like… “Why?”

7:21 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:21:24 PM This entire issue reeked of a Marvel marketing ploy from 5 years ago. I could find little redeeming about it. Very disappointing.

7:23 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:23:49 PM Agreed. Uhh… I’m still here, right? Stupid internet…

7:23 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:23:56 PM Man… are we still here?

7:24 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:24:12 PM

LOL yessir we are. Welcome back Brandon. Continue!

7:24 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:24:35 PM Let’s go ahead and move on to something a little better.

7:24

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:24:41 PM ZoCSdzpVpsWar_of_Kings_2.jpg

7:24 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:24:51 PM

War of Kings #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/01/09 ON TIME

Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Pencils by Paul Pelletier, Inks by Rick Maygar, Color by Wil Quintana, Letters by Joe Caramanga.

The Inhumans reel from the surprise Shi’ar attack, and the Kree’s faith in their new rulers is shaken. The Inhumans retaliate, and deal a severe blow to the Shi’ar invaders, and as a result Lilandra’s life hangs in the balance.

7:24 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:24:59 PM Crazy explodo-space action! Just how you like it!

7:25 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:25:07 PM I loved all the political manuevering in this issue – and the Inhumans taking Vulcan to school (what a jerk).

7:26 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:26:26 PM

The story was a little formulaic, but you really couldn’t ask for anything else here. A nice retaliation to level the playing field, and the war is suddenly less one-sided and a lot more desrtuctive. The politics was a nice angle too. Crystal was on her game, and her relationship with Ronan suddenly got interesting.

7:26 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:26:42 PM The only thing that felt a bit off was starting the issue with “I’m going to kill Arrow-Hair lady” and ending the issue with “I’m going to kill Arrow-Hair lady”. But it’s a small quibble.

7:27 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:27:02 PM But yeah – the Crystal stuff was amazing. Turning the tide like that. A very nice touch.

7:27 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:27:27 PM Now he just wanted to “torture” her first. Now he is so pissed he wants to KILL HER NOW. Will the Starjammers get to Liliandra in time?

7:27 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:27:35 PM A nice cliffhanger.

7:27 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:27:41 PM Dun-dun DUNNNNNN!!!!

7:27 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:27:45 PM Anyway…

7:27

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:27:51 PM DvvAVuRPWMironman12.jpg

7:28 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:28:03 PM

Invincible Iron Man #12, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/01/09 ON TIME

Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca, Color by Frank D’Armata, Letters by Joe Caramanga.

Tony has his confrontation with Namor, Pepper tries her hand at heroics, and Maria’s mission runs into something of a snag.

7:28 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:28:35 PM I don’t know about all of you – but this is exactly how I like my Namor – a complete and utter jerk bag who can throw a punch with the best of them.
 

7:28 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:28:42 PM Add to it the nice Pepper Potts plot, and the creepiness with Maria Hill and the Controller… you get a comic that is still awesome – despite being about Iron Man.

7:29 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:29:33 PM A selfish prick – a “tweener” in wrestling parlance… that is exactly how Namor should be. He should be perfectly fine with colluding with Osborne, and here he was. Gotta love Matt Fraction’s characterizations.

7:30 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:30:00 PM

Seriously. A year ago, if you would have told me that I would have liked an Iron Man comic, I would have laughed in your face.

7:30 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:30:49 PM That’s because Tony Stark is a jerk. When I saw the movie, all I wanted was that. Aaaaaannd that kind’ve just ended up happening.

7:31 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:31:30 PM I agree. I have been down on Marvel for many years now, but lately, they know how to pull things off.

7:32 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:09 PM END TIMES, man.

7:32 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:15 PM Seriously.

7:32

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:17 PM 0MLlkiHJpHJonahHex_42.jpg

7:32 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:24 PM

Jonah Hex #42, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/01/09 ON TIME

Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Jordi Bernet, Colors by Rob Schwager, Letters by Rob Leigh

A trio of men try and take revenge for a beating they took at the hands of his father.

7:32 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:30 PM At the rate this book is going, I won’t be able to make “rape” jokes. I don’t like this turn of events.

7:32 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:37 PM I did like this issue better than the last, mainly because it mixed the elements up a little.

7:32 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:32:43 PM  Next issue after next starts the big 6-part hoo-haa… so it should be interesting to see where things go from here…

7:33 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:33:03 PM There was Jonah’s Dad beating his Mom… that’s close to rape…

7:33 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:33:27 PM Close, but no penis.

7:33 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:33:30 PM I mean, cigar.

7:34 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:34:02 PM OK Sigmond. But still, I rather thought it was a good issue.

See… this is a “Character Driven Story” – only a real one, not a cool sounding way to make a boring book sound interesting. You have a look at Jonah’s past, but through the prism of something that is happening in the present. Unlike Flash, where we just had a bunch of people talking. A “Character Driven Story” actually shapes the character in question. A long list of supporting characters expressing different opinions about something doesn’t shape a thing.

7:34 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:34:43 PM Definitely. And there were a few different story telling tricks in this one. A few different motivators than normal. All in all, a resounding win.

7:35 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:35:14 PM Jonah Hex has had its ups and downs – we have had a few strong issues. I do like the turn things have taken on this book. Maybe they listen to me…

7:35 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:35:41 PM Please tell them to add a monkey. Every comic needs a monkey.

7:36 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:36:08 PM Justin and Jimmy! ADD A MONKEY!

7:37 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:37:26 PM Seriously you guys? Everything is better with a monkey. Not just comics.

7:37 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:37:32 PM Picture your life with a monkey.

7:37 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:37:49 PM Picture the theme song to your wicked situational comedy show.

7:38 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:38:02 PM One Guy, and a Monkey.

7:38 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:38:17 PM Coming this fall. Instead of Chuck. Maybe.

7:38 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:38:45 PM Heh. OK then. Moving on…

7:40

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:40:08 PM jRCZ3b1Jq0ssix_cv8.jpg

7:40 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:40:17 PM

Secret Six #8, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/08/09 ON TIME

Written by Gail Simone, Pencils by Carlos Rodriguez, Inks by Bit, Colors by Jason Wright, Letters by Sal Cipriano

In this issue, Deadshot has a date. Scandal does too, but it is with a familiar face!

7:40 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:40:24 PM Oh Gail Simone, you are a delight.

7:40 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:40:34 PM I was about to call this issue a “fill-in” – it’s not. Nicola Scott took the issue off, yes, and there isn’t anything “big” going on – but this was definitely one of my favourite issues of Secret Six so far.
 

7:41 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:41:00 PM All of these characters are terrible human beings, and I want more. And while the Tiny Titans-esque second-story didn’t hit my sweet spot… the rest? Comedic gold.

7:42 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:42:08 PM

It was a decent issue, but like many Villain-centric titles, you are seeing the protagonists stop being so evil. I am not entirely sure that is good for their characters in the long run. It was good – but if they get anymore “normal” it might not work anymore.

7:42 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:42:29 PM Still, this was a good read. Nice call on it last month, it was worth checking out.

7:43 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:43:02 PM Eh. I think they’re far enough from being “good” that I’m still okay with it. You haven’t read the previous arc, but there’s some henious crap floating around in the group – and it’ll blow up baaaaadddd…

7:43 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:43:51 PM Looking forward to seeing it. The stuff with the stripper was amusing. I am good with that book sticking around.

7:44 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:02 PM Sure thing.

7:44

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:02 PM XtgSuQZqDUglcor_35.jpg

7:44 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:17 PM

Green Lantern Corps #35, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/15/09 ON TIME

Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Pencils by Patrick Gleason, Ink by Rebecca Buchman, Color by Randy Major, Letters by Steve Wands.

A Red Lantern escapes the Sciencells, the Yellow Rings are freed, and we have a couple of family reunions.

7:44 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:36 PM There’s part of me that wants to get rid of this book, because our posts about it are becoming super lame.

7:44 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:43 PM “Oh, this was great…”

7:44 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:50 PM “Tomasi is doing an awesome job”

7:44 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:44:58 PM  
It’s crap. I don’t like it.

7:45 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:45:00 PM It’s not fun anymore.

7:45 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:45:50 PM Well, how about I change all that? It was a nice smash-em up issue, though I do with we had a little something more. Yeah, the Sinestro stuff was an interesting bombshell, but let’s get some development on the other power colors. We got the angry red guy, and the Sinestros have been done. Let’s get some blue and orange action! They don’t have that much time left… and the other colors need some development.

7:46 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:46:06 PM (Although, what a nice reveal at the end – that the chick what’s doinking Kyle Rayner is Butlertron’s daughter.)

7:46 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:46:15 PM Indigo doesn’t get touched until July…

7:46 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:46:36 PM Butlerton… that’s a new one!

7:46 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:46:37 PM By the way, I think Sinestro is the universe’s most angry looking butler.

7:47 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:47:13 PM But even that – that I thought was lame. What, she has to be his daughter? Why does there have to be a connection at all? I’ll deal with it, but it was an   unneeded link.

7:47 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:47:51 PM I wanted to photoshop the cover of Sinestro Corps Special to have Sinestro in front of a laugue of angry butlers, like Jarvis and Alfred and Mr. Butlertron from Clone High… and Mr Belvedere. Or whoever that dude was from that show.

7:48 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:48:22 PM This book is much better than the parent title though. I still think so.

7:48 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:48:26 PM

I have nothing to say to that.

7:48 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:48:33 PM It always has been, frankly.

7:48

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:48:51 PM l4AHvLe3IbRock5.jpg

7:48 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:48:56 PM

Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #5 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/15/09 DELAYED 04/22/09

By Billy Tucci

7:49 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:49:26 PM The issue opens with Admeral Ackbar detailing the plan for attack for the Allied forces. Unfortunately, it’s a trap – and it’s up to Indiana Jones and his Space Bear save the day. He ends up doing fairly good for a guy who was recently frozen in carbonite and beseiged by annoying little fur creatures (Europeans). Meanwhile, Sgt. Rock makes out with his sister a little, and takes down Space Hitler. Oh, and a black dude takes down the Death Star, but it’s not depicted in this issue. Racism?

7:49 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:49:50 PM That was… almost right? I suppose. Someone finally finished Star Wars, as required?

7:50 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:50:07 PM That he did.

7:50 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:50:22 PM He was also bored by both this issue, and Episodes 5 and 6.

7:51 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:51:19 PM That doesn’t mean I think they’re bad. Both are very capable – but war books tend to bore me, and I already knew exactly what would happen when I watched the Star Wars movies… not for me.

7:51 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:51:45 PM I don’t think there were furry creatures – unless you are counting the Japanese unit, but I don’t think they were very furry. And there was no making out with sisters. It was a decent penultimate chapter that sets up what should be a bloody rescue in the last issue. I enjoyed it, but then we seem to be in the same place we have been every issue since this one.

And I will defer your bludgeoning to our readers.

7:51 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:51:56 PM Err… reader.

7:52 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:52:18 PM I can take them.

7:52 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:52:25 PM Do we have a reader?

7:52 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:52:28 PM For the record, I live in California, and look like Craig.

7:52 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:52:33 PM Exactly like Craig.

7:52 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:52:49 PM Don’t worry my slight Canadian friend. I will defend you.

7:53 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:01 PM Rock.

7:53 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:02 PM Speaking of Star Wars…

7:53

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:04 PM 2WUuTi8SrxSWDarkTimes13.jpg

7:53 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:16 PM

Star Wars: Dark Times #13, $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 04/22/09 ON TIME

Written by Mick Harrison, Pencills by Douglas Wheatley, Color by Dave McCaig

Darth Vadar is sent away on a mission of distraction by the Emperor, and Dass Jennir discovers that there is more to the job he recently accepted than meets the eye.

7:53 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:41 PM I don’t like it when I can’t pronounce a person’s name. Its one of the reasons I really don’t care for the sci-fi genre. However, after some crap I didn’t really care about with Darth Vader, we got to the part where some dude rides a space boat and learns about some old school ninja law.

7:53 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:50 PM And I liked that.

7:53 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:53:55 PM  I liked it a lot.

7:55 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:55:16 PM The Dass Jennir stuff was outstanding, and the highlight of the story. If you haven’t, you should check out the MySpace Dark Horse presents stories. It was great set-up. And they are free!

7:55 Comment From Guest

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:55:34 PM Craig’s old as hell

7:55 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:55:38 PM Yes he is.

7:55 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:55:44 PM Thanks Mark.

7:55 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:55:59 PM I am hot as hell too, but you don’t hear me bragging.

7:56 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:56:16 PM Will do! Now. Should I actually venture out and watch episode’s 2 and 3? The roommate says I need to watch 3…

7:56 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:56:55 PM 3 is… well, passable. It isn’t GREAT, but it is just good enough to pass as a Star Wars movie. 2 was filled with bad, bad acting, and horrible chemistry.

7:57 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:57:40 PM

You only NEED to see the original trilogy though… the rest is elective. It is probably better if you don’t dirty your eyes with them. The Clone Wars cartoon is actually pretty good though.

7:58 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:58:07 PM But… have to collect them all? We’ll see. Probably in another 23 years.

7:58 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:58:34 PM Ummm… Im gonna say no. They are on TV enough.

7:58 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:58:42 PM MOVING ON!

7:58

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:58:46 PM ewxOsK0mdgInitiative23.jpg

7:58 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:58:52 PM

Avengers: The Initiative #23, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/22/09 ON TIME

Written by Christos N. Gage, Art by Humberto Ramos, Color by Edgar Delgado, Letters by Joe Caramanga

Justice reveals the truth about MVP, and Osborne swoops in to take advantage of the public outcry. Meanwhile, the Shadow Initiative’s mission goes horribly wrong.

7:59 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:59:06 PM Is Norman a little too prevalent in the Marvel U right now? Part of me thinks “yes”, but for the most part, when he appears, I’m always entertained. Sure, it’s not the most logical situation to be in… but this is also a book where a tiger lady might be pregnant with Skrull babies. So, uh… I’m going to roll with it.

7:59 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 8:59:15 PM Oh. But the art…? I dunno.

8:00 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:00:17 PM I actually agree. It is entertaining, but he is in too much. I would just assume he be more hands off with the Initiative, and let it do its own thing. Even if it is under his umbrella, we don’t really need to see him taking an active role in the story. That aside… its a decent story.

Ramos? I am generally a fan, though I will agree – his style doesn’t really work with this title.

8:00 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:00:50 PM I think it’s the fact that there’s no inker – they’re going straight from pencils here… and it comes out… odd.

8:01 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:01:11 PM Very interested to see where the book goes from here, though…

8:01 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:01:51 PM That could be part of it, but even still – I am not sure the inks would help. This isn’t really his kind of story. It was when things were a little lighter, but this is too dark for him.

8:02 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:02:34 PM True. Well, he’s off in the next issue or two, being replaced with Rafa Sandoval – so I’m cool with that.

8:02

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:02:40 PM x3ALoHfUlQGR34.jpg

8:02 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:02:48 PM

Ghost Rider #34, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/22/09 ON TIME

Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Tony Moore, Color by Dave McCaig, Letters by joe Caramanga

After causing the destruciton of Heaven, Danny Ketch is once again forced to assume the role of Ghost Rider and face off with the Highwayman.

8:03 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:03:10 PM The Highwayman… a US1 villian… makes an appearance in Ghost Rider. This is hardcore hillbillly grindhouse at its finest.
 

8:03 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:03:18 PM I want this book to go on forever. I want to stew in its juices.

8:03 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:03:32 PM I want to make wild, yet attentive love to anyone involved with this book.

8:03 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:03:43 PM  Anyone.
 
If you’re reading this.

8:03 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:03:51 PM This could be described as a “Popcorn comic.” I like it.

8:04 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:04:04 PM But unfortunately… next issue is the last for this run of Ghost Rider, due to sales.

8:04 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:04:14 PM  Jason Aaron is going to get a chance to wrap his run up in a 6 issue mini-series starting in August… which will probably run $3.99 a pop. But seriously? I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll take this book in whatever form I can right now.

8:04 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:04:42 PM This really is no surprise to be honest. I am not sure I am passionate enough about it to engage in a “Save Ghost Rider!” campaign, but I will check out the mini when it comes out.

8:05 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:05:09 PM Will have to add it to the list. This title is definitely unique… which is rare in comics anymore.

8:05 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:05:22 PM All the trades will be out by that time too… at least they’re doing that right, for the book.

8:05 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:05:45 PM Worth checking out for sure.

8:05

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:05:50 PM d1c6a2AM7pNOVA024_cov.jpg

8:05 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:05:59 PM

Nova #24, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/29/09 ON TIME

Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Pencils by Andrea DiVito, Bruno Hang, Leters by Cory Petit.

The Nova Corps get crushed by the Imperial Guard, and Richard Rider uses the Quantum Bands to check out what is happening with Ego.

8:06 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:06:08 PM You know what’s one of the most comic booky things ever? A dude with Quantum Bands fighting a sentient planet.
 

8:06 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:06:22 PM Also, that ending was a thing of beauty. We knew shit wasn’t right, but… frig, what does that even mean??!

8:06 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:06:35 PM A sentient planet that is possessed by a sentient computer program, to boot.

8:06 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:06:53 PM Is it? I thought the end meant things were going to other way around..

8:07 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:07:33 PM Simple really – it looks like the Worldmind uploaded itself into Ego the way it was uploaded before into Richard Rider. Which is safer – a computer system on a planet, or a computer system that IS a planet? Seemed a logical move actually.

8:07 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:07:51 PM Either way. CRAZY.

8:07 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:07:52 PM That said – this is still my second favourite appearance of Ego. The first
being in Marvel Adventures Avengers, where he was Ego the Loving planet, and
was trying to mate with the earth.
 
Hot.

8:08 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:08:46 PM No doubt. Good stuff nonetheless. I expect some serious backlash from the Corps’ defeat though. Worldmind’s kids aren’t ready to win, and he is going to try and force them to be more effective with more agressive brainwashing. Things could fall apart quickly. It will be entertaining!

8:09 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:09:08 PM Definitely.

8:09 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:09:14 PM

Indeed, that was an awesome story… both times we saw it.

8:09

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:09:55 PM ddz7qxMga8proof_cov19.jpg

8:10 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:10:05 PM

Proof #19, $3.50, Image. Due Out 04/29/09 ON TIME

Written by Alex Grecian, Art by Riley Rossmo and Dave Casey.

Springheel Jack strikes Julia Pastrana, and Proof has a confrontation with her husband.

8:10 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:10:35 PM I don’t know how I feel about this book – it still feels like I am missing so much. It is interesting – I want to see what is next, but there are elements to this story I don’t have a clue about.

8:10 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:10:51 PM Man… I’m still liking Proof, but there’s a bit of art weirdness in the fight scene, I’ll admit – but I’m loving this story arc.

8:11 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:11:15 PM The art on the issue as a whole really bothers me. It would be much better if it was a lot cleaner.

8:11 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:11:26 PM Umm… actually, all the back in the day stuff? Is just that. Those, for the most part, are completely “new” characters.

8:11 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:11:37 PM I’m for sticking with it for now, but things better clear up really soon.

8:12 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:12:16 PM I’ll probably be getting this book regardless – there’s a lot of stuff I want to see pay off in the future, but yeah. Some clean up would be keen.

8:12 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:12:27 PM Before we go away from Proof entirely, I want everyone to watch out for the interview that was done with Proof artist Riley Rossmo. It will appear in The Daily Grind on Thursday inside the newsroom.

8:12 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:12:49 PM Quiet you – we read no titles outside the Pull List! PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!

8:13 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:13:06 PM Yes, do check the interview out. It will be outstanding no doubt.

8:13 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:13:27 PM Math time!

8:13 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:13:51 PM On to THE CHOPPING BLOCK

Are there any titles you would like to see cut Brandon?

8:14 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:14:04 PM …balls. Riiiight. Chopping block.

8:14 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:14:40 PM Uuuhhmm.. I’m actually pretty cool with the books right now. I know Sgt. Rock will stay, because you’re mean, but other than that…

8:15 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:15:44 PM Well, there is only one issue of Sgt. Rock left, so it would be silly to slash it. But rest easy – it is off until June. So you get a break.

Honestly, if I had to pick one book to drop this month, Flash: Rebirth would top the list. Based on the first issue, this is such ab obviously manufactured event that I really believe that the series is a lost cause. Maybe issue #2 will prove me wrong, but issue #1 literally offered nothing: A total waste of money, and a real disappointment from Geoff Johns, someone who should be able to nail a story like this. $4 down the drain, and all we have so far is a tiny bit of set-up and a lot of padding. Time to cut our losses maybe? Though I would be willing to give it one more month.

8:16 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:16:36 PM Aw yeah, break time! Uuuhhh… well, at the very least this next issue is only $3.

8:16 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:16:46 PM So I say keep it.

8:16 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:16:51 PM Fair enough. LAST CHANCE Geoff Johns!!

8:17 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:17:01 PM

List so far:

The Flash: The Rebirth #2 (of 5), $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 05/06/09

War of Kings #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/06/09

Invincible Iron Man #13, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/06/09

Jonah Hex #43, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/06/09

Secret Six #9, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/13/09

Green Lantern Corps #36, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/13/09

Avengers: The Initiative #24, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/27/09

Ghost Rider #35, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/27/09

Nova #25, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/27/09

Proof #20, $3.50, Image. Due Out 05/28/09

Hiatus until June

Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #6 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/24/09

Star Wars: Dark Times #14, $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 06/10/09

8:17 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:17:05 PM You’re on Craig’s anger list.

8:17 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:17:10 PM It’s a long list.

8:17 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:17:23 PM That leaves us room for two more books this month!

You have something Brandon?

8:18 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:18:42 PM Definitely. Keeping in the spirit with whole… keeping comics on a budget thing… I’m suggesting The Unwritten #1.

8:19 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:19:16 PM It’ll be out from Vertigo in May, and it’s only $1 for 40 pages – and it’s got story and art by Mike Carey and Peter Gross, what did Lucifer.

8:19 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:19:22 PM So… should be good.

8:19 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:19:37 PM If not a little convoluted in the future.

8:20 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:20:26 PM

Sounds good to me!

The Unwritten #1, $1, DC Comics. Due out 05/13/09

For my pick, I went with the obvious.

Power Girl #1, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 05/06/09

This one seems like an obvious pick. This team put together a solid Terra mini, and Paliotti and Grey are almost always a reliable source of good stories. I suspect this will be a strong series.

8:21 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:21:46 PM Plus… Amanda Conner. Who draws some awesome, uh… layouts.

8:22 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:22:48 PM Heh. That is one thing I never really understood. Yeah – the focus on the sexual aspects of heriones in comics is a bit nuts. But large-breasted women do exist, and at least this one – when she is drawn well – has a body type that is realistic when you consider her endowment.

8:23 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:23:14 PM Yeah – hyper sexualized heroines isn’t good. But for Power Girl, I never saw her size to be an issue.

8:23 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:23:54 PM Well, as the legend goes – one of the dudes who originally drew Power Girl was given a note to make her layouts bigger. So he made them HUGE as a joke, and editor man was all “Heck yeah!”

8:24 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:24:13 PM And so now artists draw her like that for funsies. So said Adam Hughes.

8:25 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:25:14 PM

I have heard this much, but it does work for her character, if you ask me. Some women are like this – and she is proportioned right, so it works, And with a woman handling the art, you should be able to expect a reasonable portrayal.

8:25 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:25:24 PM Anyway…

So on to the math!

$.32 (Bank from April) + $40.00 = $40.32

$40.32 (May Budget) – $35.40 (May issues) – $2.74 (Tax) = $2.18 Banked for June.

8:25 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:25:48 PM Craig has enrolled in Speed Math. It’s just like Speed Dating. And just as sad.

8:26 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:26:19 PM A little prep goes a long way!

I think that’s all we have.

8:26 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:26:59 PM Yeah, I think we’re good!

8:28 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:28:02 PM I would like to thank all of the kind Staff and Readers at comiXtreme for supporting our endeavor by watching the column. We know everyone on the site right now tuned right in to watch and comment, and we really appreciate it! Really, I am sure you all did!

8:28 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:28:27 PM Thanks guys! Hugs and kisses.

8:28 Craig Reade

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:28:33 PM

Anyway, we should sign off now. See you in a month when we do it all again!

8:28 B. Schatz

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:28:48 PM Hasta, and whatnot!

8:28

Monday, May 04, 2009, 9:28:59 PM  

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