The $40 Pull List Live – July 2009 (Transcript)
8:00 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:00:10 PM Overture… hit the lights…
8:00 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:00:21 PM
This is it folks, the start of another installment of the ever popular, growing by leaps and bounds comiXtreme.com $40 Pull List! Welcome to July! I am your host, Craig Reade, and that guy is Mr. B. Schatz. Say hello B
8:01 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:01:06 PM ‘Allo. Pomplemouse. Or however the french spell “grapefruit”.
8:01 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:01:21 PM You know, if they liked freedom, they’d just call it grapefruit, and be done with it.
8:01 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:01:39 PM Indeed. This month should be interesting, we are conducting this column without the aid of outside chatter of any kind! Hope it works!
8:01 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:01:58 PM Freedom, like grapefruit, is a little sour, and is better with a dash of sugar.
8:03 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:03:03 PM In this metaphor, Craig is the grapefruit, and I am the sugar. That’s what you’re getting at, right Craig?
8:03 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:03:13 PM I’m going to go with a pre-emptive: yes indeedy.
8:03 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:03:24 PM
You want to be ins… well, this is an all ages site, so I shall stop there.
8:03 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:03:33 PM Anyway, on with the show!
8:03
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:03:39 PM phpCdLj5Wbatmanrobin1.jpg
8:03 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:03:48 PM
Batman and Robin #1, $2.99, DC Comics Due Out 06/03/09 ON TIME
Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Frank Quietly, Colors by Alex Sinclair
Together again, for the first time! Aaaand… that’s about it.
8:04 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:04:34 PM What, you wanted something more? I thought this issue was pretty dang fantastic… especially after the confusion that was Batman RIP… and the blandness that was the Battle for the Cowl.
8:05 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:05:21 PM Fantastic is going a bit far, I think. It wasn’t bad, but there wasn’t much meat in this one. I found myself not caring what came next. I kind of thing a short little one-shot might have done a better job of introducing the new status Quo.
8:06 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:06:23 PM DC tried that… they called it “Battle for the Cowl”. Which Grant Morrison more or less explained in the space of two panels in this issue. Personally, I could’ve done with this issue, and without the Battle.
8:06 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:06:24 PM
Still – there is enough of a nugget there that makes me want to continue on a bit. Shall we move on?
8:06 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:06:48 PM I’ll say this: I’ve read the second issue, and it *does* get meatier. Me thinks.
8:06 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:06:53 PM So let’s, yes!
8:06
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:06:56 PM phpgLliGDProof20.jpg
8:07 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:07:00 PM
Proof #20, $3.50, Image. Due Out 05/27/09 DELAYED: RELEASED 06/10/09
Written by Alex Grecian, Art by Riley Rossmo & Marck Labas, Colors by Dave Casey & Riley Rossmo
Lots of people talk about death, and the difference between man and beast is explored. In the back-up, Autumn Song makes her way to the Kingdom of Zhen Ying.
Since #21 was released on time, we might as well discuss these two issues together.
8:07
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:07:02 PM phpHsJ09Bproof21.jpg
8:07 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:07:10 PM
Proof #21, $3.50, Image. Due Out 06/24/09 ON TIME
Written by Alex Grecian, Art by Riley Rossmo, Colors by Dave Casey
Springheel Jack strikes again, and is wounded. Orangutans turn on Tesla, Jack’s creator, and Julia departs for Russia with her husband.
8:07 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:07:30 PM Gotta say I am still not feeling Proof B…
8:08 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:08:01 PM When are women going to learn NOT to go away with their husbands and such. First Rick gets left in Casablanca, and now this…
8:08 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:08:43 PM You know, I’m with you to an extent. Starting with the first issue helps, but when you’re in the business of trying to pick up new readers with each arc, you really gotta’ get more inside your chracters.
8:08 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:08:44 PM Indeed. This whole “not leaving your husband for the freak” thing is so last year.
Honestly, this thing is boring me to tears. It’s possible that something of great import happened in these issues that long time readers would get, but being someone who just started with this arc, I am totally lost. Nothing meant anything here – the story on its own merits was totally empty. Credit for being on time with the second issue after #20 was late, but seriously – there is nothing going on here.
8:09 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:09:13 PM Way too long of an arc for so little. I don’t even think it is over yet… is it?
8:09 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:09:33 PM Nope. Two more issues, I believe.
8:09 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:09:54 PM Jeez. I don’t think there has been enough real content in this entire arc to fill an issue yet!
8:10 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:10:38 PM
Well, I honestly don’t think there is much more to talk about in either of those issues – the art still looks like mud to me, and you know I am not a huge fan of the story. Press on?
8:10 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:10:55 PM Sure thing.
8:11
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:11:04 PM php9XolXOwarofKings4.jpg
8:11 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:11:09 PM
War of Kings #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/03/09 ON TIME
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Pencils by Paul Pelletier, Inks by Rick Maygar, Colors by Will Quintana.
Vulcan is faced with the reality that his troops are spread thin. The Fraternity of Raptors arrives to protect and serve the Emperor, Crystal and Ronan have a heart-to-heart, and Lilandra asserts herself before the High Council, just before the Death Commandos try to end her coup attempt. They fail, but at the same time, another seemingly succeeds…
8:11 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:11:36 PM Uhhh…. can I just say… “snap?”
8:11 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:11:42 PM That was a crazy ending.
8:12 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:12:22 PM Seriously. The Darkhawk angle came in nicely, and Lilandra’s apparant death is a tasty morsel to make you want to come back for more. She seems dead – but that may not be the case. A good reason to see what happens next.
8:12 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:12:43 PM I like how the tide keeps going back and forth between the two sides logically.
8:12 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:12:52 PM Oh, lady is dead, my friend.
8:13 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:13:13 PM So it would seem, but we have to assume nothing until the next issue emerges!
8:13 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:13:39 PM In interviews, Abnett and Lanning have described this book as their attempt to write a big event in the form of “Dune” – which I haven’t made past the sixth page of, so I’m going to have to ask you if that seems accurate.
8:14 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:14:03 PM More of a focus on the world, and the politics of war, rather than the battles.
8:14 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:14:41 PM Overall, this is how a summer event should be done. None of the characters are forced into the scene – gratuitous tie-ins are kept to a minimum, the story is engaging, lots of action – I love it.
Dune? Well, I guess I could see the parallels, the universe they are building is complex – but the story isn’t a thing like Dune.
8:15 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:15:09 PM Because it’s about sand, right? I mean, it’s right on the cover.
8:15 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:15:11 PM
Whatever they are doing, it is working though, so I won’t pick apart the comparison.
8:15 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:15:16 PM Like sands through the hour glass.
8:15 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:15:30 PM Hey, is Dune like Days of Our Lives, Craig?
8:15 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:15:39 PM
In a strange way, very much so.
8:16 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:16:13 PM [Horror] Dear lord, I was making a joke… uh… we should move on.
8:16 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:16:16 PM
Lots of tangled romances, surprising revelations about bloodlines, drugs and multiple sex partners – Dune could well be a soap.
8:16 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:16:24 PM Indeed. On with the show!
8:16
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:16:27 PM phpd6c1VPjonahhex44.jpg
8:16 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:16:38 PM
Jonah Hex #44, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/03/09 ON TIME
Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Cristiano Cucina, Colors by Rob Schwager
The Six Gun War begins as a Quentin Turnbull (a classic Hex foil to be played by John Malkovich in the upcoming movie) springs a trap on Jonah Hex, who he believes to be responsible for the death of his son. Hex is buried alive, but the timely criminal activity of two grave robbers save him from death. Tallulah Black, meanwhile, rescues Bat Lash from a poker game gone bad down in Mexico, after which, they run into El Papagayo, Turnbull’s “henchman,” who tell the pair of his involvement in Hex’s demise. Black and Lash are captured, and Jonah Hex seeks out Lazarus Lane (El Diablo). What do you know, the whole gang’s here – minus Rape though, sadly.
8:17 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:17:48 PM What I think the game plan here is… for all of the western heroes and villains to have a bit of misunderstanding… and then gang up together to fight the real enemy: Rape.
8:18 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:18:26 PM And if DC was smart, they’d market the crap out of a “Death of Rape” storyline. And with the movie coming out? The timing couldn’t be better.
8:18 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:18:40 PM I actually see Rape turning and joining up with the heroes. We need “Six Guns” – we have Jonah, Tallulah, Bat, and El Diablo going into this. We need two more. I predict Rape will be the 6th ally to join the fray.
8:19 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:19:10 PM Are the six guns all allies? It is a war, after all…
8:19 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:19:56 PM But still… Rape riding in to save the day would be highly interesting.
8:20 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:20:05 PM If not visually stunning.
8:20 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:20:21 PM Certainly something to think about.
I do have to credit G&P on this one… they have started what seems to be a solid story, bringing together many elements that are unique to this version of Hex, and bringing in some old elements from previous runs. A nice mesh overall. And the art ain’t half bad.
8:20 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:20:47 PM I actually marked out when Bat Lash’s hat popped up. That’s a good sign.
8:21 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:21:26 PM The art – I thought – was great. Here’s hoping this artist sticks around for all six – probably the longest a Hex artist has gone in a row.
8:21 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:21:48 PM
Seriously – this title needs some visual consistency to be sure.
8:22 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:22:10 PM Works for me. Onwards, my grapefruit!
8:22 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:22:20 PM A quick reminder to our readers – you are free to comment – we will post relavent comments and discuss them at the appropriate time. And don’t forget to vote in the polls!
8:22
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:22:23 PM phpxDtqRzsecretsix10.jpg
8:22 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:22:27 PM
Secret Six #10, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/03/09 ON TIME
Written by Gail Simone, Pencils by Nicola Scott, Inks by Doug Hazlewood and Mike Sellers, Colors by Jason Wright
In the start of a new story arc (Depths), Bane tried to break his addiction to the Venom with the help of Scandal Savage, Deadshot and Jeannette get hired by someone calling himself “Mockingbird.”
8:23 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:23:37 PM A bit of back-story… Mockingbird was the mastermind who brought the Six together in the first place… and it turned out to be some bogus Lex Luthor, or something.
8:23 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:23:54 PM I still haven’t read Infinite Crisis, so I don’t really know what became of all of that. BUT.
8:23 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:23:59 PM Indeed. Back during Infinite Crisis? I think it was that far back. Clearly, this isn’t Luthor.
8:24 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:24:07 PM
I think this is the first time in recent memory that I have seen more naked men than women in a comic book. Bane was basically nude the whole first chunk of the issue, while the women were not objectified once. Of course, personally, I couldn’t care less about it, but I do have to wonder if those that complain that women are objectified in comics have a problem with this as well.
8:25 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:25:00 PM Still, I think he fits well in this book. His new “anti-hero” – sorta status works well with this team.
8:25 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:25:10 PM Bane that is.
8:25 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:25:21 PM Yeah, the “original” Six united in Villains United to unite against the united villains in the prelude to Infinite Crisis.
8:25 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:25:39 PM Boy, time does fly.
8:26 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:26:40 PM I have to say that this title is far and away better than Simone’s current work on Wonder Woman (I still don’t understand why that title gets rave reviews). Nicola Scott’s art is strong, her art team has put together a good look for this book.
8:26 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:26:54 PM Yeah, I definitely enjoy what they have going with Bane… and his odd moral structure. My only problem is… this book is getting dangerously close to the generic “they aren’t really villains” territory. Granted, this is a lot more interesting than most of those stories, but I’m holding out hope for the reprehensible nature of these characters to continue.
8:28 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:28:07 PM True indeed – though the totally remoseless random killing of the slave girl really helped keep them on the side of the devils. Most didn’t care in the least – this book does need little reminders like that from time to time that these folks are evil.
8:28 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:28:47 PM Agreed.
8:28
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:28:53 PM phpIWb8Jyglc37.jpg
8:28 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:28:57 PM
Green Lantern Corps #37, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/10/09 ON TIME
Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Pencils by Patrick Gleason, Inks by Rebecca Buchman & Tom Nguyen, Colors by Randy Mayor & Gabe Eltaeb
Sodam Yat turns Daxam’s sun yellow, beginning the Daxamite revolt, and the war on Oa gets a little more interesting.
8:29 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:29:35 PM A very exciting issue, leading to Blackest Night, though honestly? The last couple issues haven’t really progressed things that much. Seems like they are pacing a bit. Lots of action – but not much else.
8:32 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:32:00 PM Really? I felt like a whole lot happened. Granted, it was a lot of set-up, but still. I get the sense from the past two issues that…
1. There’s going to be far too many rookies…
2. There’s going to be a lot of dead lanterns to deal with…
3. The power structure of Daxam is going to come into play and…
4. There’s going to be something huge happening with Sodam Yot during Blackest Night.
8:32 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:32:28 PM Which is about 4 more things than I can say happened in Green Lantern during the Agent Orange arc.
8:33 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:33:07 PM Those are fair points. There are a ton of plotlines going – almost too many, however. It is causing things to crawl. Still – this title is solid, and agreed – far and away better than the Green Lantern title. Blackest Night is promising still.
8:33 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:33:08 PM Which thought me about how much of a jerk Hal is. And I already knew that…
8:33 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:33:23 PM That it is!
8:33 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:33:24 PM Is it too late to kill him again?
8:34 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:00 PM Because seriously? I would buy his return way more as a Black Lantern than the way he came back the first time.
8:34 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:00 PM Unfortunately. Maybe at the end of Geoff’s run. Maybe he’s trying to remind us how much of a tool that guy is… and then letting ol’ Hal rest.
8:34 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:06 PM I doubt it, but a guy can dream, right?
8:34 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:12 PM One can only hope.
8:34 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:28 PM Moving on!
8:34
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:32 PM phpuTzFNPironman14.jpg
8:34 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:34:35 PM
Invincible Iron Man #14, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/17/09 ON TIME
Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca, Colors by Frank D’Armata
Tony has a run-in with the Crimson Dynamo, and later turns his fire on Rescue, aka Pepper Potts! Meanwhile, Maria Hill looks for help from the Black Widow.
8:35 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:35:26 PM Still enjoying the decline of Tony Stark. REALLY enjoyed all the Russian stuff. And it was about dang time someone told Norman Osborne to eat a bag of wangs.
8:35 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:35:31 PM I can say that, right?
8:36 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:36:04 PM I am pretty sure you can.
8:36 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:36:47 PM I am burnt out on Osborne, truth be told, he is everywhere. Still, it makes sense for him to be here.
8:37 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:37:03 PM He just isn’t cool when he doesn’t hop on that glider and toss pumkins around.
8:37 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:37:08 PM Pumpkins, that is.
8:37 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:37:33 PM Rockin’. Yeah, old Stormin’ Norman looks like he’s entering a bit of a decline, which is cool. And Tony is getting more and more desperate, which is cool. And I definitely have NO idea how this arc is going to end. Tony’s not going to die… but how is he going to survive this?!
8:37 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:37:59 PM Hey, I pronounce it “punkins”, so whatever floats your boat.
8:38 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:38:41 PM How gullible is Potts though? Who didn’t call Osborne tracking her 2 issues ago?
No doubt he will live – I am still wondering how he will get his smarts back. I don’t see this ending like Flowers for Algernon – a stupid Iron Man does no one any good. We already have War Machine, after all – we don’t need another armored brute.
8:39 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:39:45 PM No, Potts is no spy. Has lots of common sense, but generally takes things at face value.
8:40 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:40:21 PM No, I am sure she is loyal, just not very bright when it came to Osborne’s motives.
8:40 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:40:25 PM I’m good here, move on?
8:40 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:40:52 PM But yeah – I definitely get the sense that Dark Reign ends the current Marvel cycle of DOOM regarding heroes with Tony Stark, Steve Rogers and Thor storming Asgard and kicking arse. When it happens, remember you heard it here first.
8:40 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:40:55 PM Yup!
8:40
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:40:59 PM phpaMlroVpowergirl2.jpg
8:41 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:41:03 PM
Power Girl #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 06/17/09 ON TIME
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, Art by Amanda Conner, Colors by Paul Mounts
Power Girl goes head to head with the Ultra Humanite (with a little monologuing backstory to boot), and the JSA try to hold things together in New York without her.
8:42 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:42:04 PM Words! So many words! Not that I don’t mind actually getting substance from my comics… I do. It’s just the only thing I can think to say about this issue, quite honestly.
8:42 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:42:21 PM Also, the Ultrahumanite is one creepy mo-fo. But we knew that.
8:43 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:43:03 PM I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, I was expecting something with a lot more substance. For all the exposition, this has been a very, very light book so far. On the other hand, there is a little element of fun here, which is always appreciated in a comic. To me, anyway.
8:44 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:44:45 PM I was actually expecting no substance with this book. I mean… Amanda Conner drawing Power Girl. That tends to lend itself to more of an Action flick type with a popcorn quality. Honestly, I think that’s why all the words stood out to me. I was expecting the whole “less is more” approach with this book. That said, I still enjoy it. :)
8:45 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:45:21 PM No doubt! Someone seems to want it canned though – it has some votes in the poll. Time enough to discuss that later.
8:45
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:45:23 PM phpPAdB6oinitiative25.jpg
8:45 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:45:27 PM
Avengers: The Initiative #25, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/24/09 ON TIME
Written by Christos N. Gage, Art by Humberto Ramos, Colors by Edgar Delgado.
MVP’s body is returned to his father, while Osborne and Taskmasker pay a visit to Robbie Baldwin. Later, Osborne informs Tigra that he will be taking her baby, whether she carries it to term or aborts it, and Gauntlet is ordered to surrender his arm. Tigra and Gauntlet revolt and make a break for it, Trauma tries to resign, but is talked into staying, Prodigy is assigned to lead the Nevada team, and Gravity is transferred to lead the Wisconsin team (The Great Lakes Initiative!).
8:46 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:46:35 PM Wow… it’s like they combined a favourite of mine with a favourite of yours! Is it wrong for me to want to see Gravity and the Great Lakes Initiative in their own book? Because I do.
8:47 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:47:13 PM And hey, when is Squirrel Girl going to go to the future and bring Real Speedball back? I need this to happen. Yesterday.
8:47 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:47:58 PM That would be great. I found it awesome that after all these years of trying to recruit people, someone was forced to join them. And how happy they were! It was perfect!
Honestly, I have to credit Gage. In general, he does a great job characterizing some C-List (but personal favorite) characters. Still, he does too good a job incorporating bad characterizations from the past, seemingly in an effort to “fix” them. Namely, Prodigy and Penance. Guh, I am sorry – every time I see what they have done to S&M man, it makes me a little sick. There may not have been Rape in Jonah Hex this month, but Speedball’s rape lingers to this day.
No doubt – SG and Bobbie need some time alone in a serious way.
8:49 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:49:28 PM Let’s pitch it to Marvel! The GLI go to The Future to save Real Speedball. It will sell tens! Tens, I tell you!
8:49 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:49:34 PM (But it will be awesome.)
8:49 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:49:53 PM
Marvel has a policy against printing awesome books of that nature, I believe…You, no doubt, are happy to see that this was Ramos’ final issue, Rafa Sandoval will be taking over the art chores starting next issue.
8:51 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:51:06 PM Yeah, I just don’t think Ramos jived with this book. I like the guy, but not the thing for him. Here’s hoping the next one is a better fit.
8:51 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:51:16 PM Indeed.
8:51
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:51:23 PM phpuwctAMnova26.jpg
8:51 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:51:31 PM
Nova #26, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/24/09 ON TIME
Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Art by Andrea DiVito, Colors by Bruno Hang.
Nova goes out to rescue some of the Centurions stranded after the events of last issue and to find his brother. Meanwhile, Strontian is sent to kill Lord Ravenous, only to be stopped by Richard.
8:52 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:52:39 PM Okay – I have to go with the truth on this one: I’ve failed you, Craig. Being a good shop manager, I gave my copy away to a customer in need, and have yet to read the new one… it sits by me now, crying deeply.
8:53 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:53:22 PM On the bright side, I can’t up my Nova orders fast enough. Each time I bump, we sell out. This event has been good for the title.
8:53 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:53:25 PM You missed awesomeness in raw form. It tied into War of Kings, but it was its own story. DnA do this event thing flawlessly.
8:54 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:54:03 PM It helps that they’re writing all four books – seriously, it’s the best way to do it. When you have this solid of a writing team, that is.
8:54 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:54:25 PM The only bad thing I can say about this issue was Nova’s new costume. I don’t like his Nova Prime gear. Bring back his old Annihilation custom gear I say!
This book is shaping up nicely, still. Constantly good, constantly evolving. Count me as one happy fanboy.
8:54 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:54:48 PM Anyway, tough to discuss a book you haven’t yet read, so we will just mark this as awesome and move on.
8:55 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:55:02 PM To our final issue…
8:55
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:55:05 PM phpafc2HBsgtrock6.jpg
8:55 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:55:08 PM
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #6 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/24/09 ON TIME
By Billy Tucci
The Lost Battalion is finally rescued. The End.
8:55 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:55:14 PM You may now cheer, Canadian…
8:55 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:55:21 PM FINAL ISSUE! YES! YEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!! WOOOO!!
8:56 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:56:03 PM But in all seriousness – this was a well crafted book. I’m always willing to conceed that point. Just definitely not for me.
8:56 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:56:09 PM This one really was one for the war comic lover. It was a thing of beauty, but if you don’t sit there and watch hours of war documentaries like I do, you likely couldn’t appreciate it. I found it worth the wait, and the money. Tucci did an outstanding job.
8:56 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:56:43 PM Although the scene where Lando escapes from the exploding Death Star was surprising.
8:56 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:56:52 PM Still, I am glad you can finally move on to something you will enjoy a little more. I felt your pain these last few months.
8:57 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:57:13 PM True enough!
8:57 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:57:19 PM Moving on to our Delayed Title -
8:57
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:57:21 PM phpaWYokVswdt14.jpg
8:57 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:57:25 PM
Star Wars: Dark Times #14, $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 06/10/09 DELAYED: DUE 08/12/09
This is something you might call a “sticky wicket.” This book has been pushed back two full months, and the next two issues solicitation date seems to back that up.
Based on the new release date for this issue, it will trip the two-months-late auto cancellation rule. Is there any reason we should be ignoring this?
8:58 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:58:49 PM While I enjoyed the book, I’m a big proponent of “rules are rules” for the $40 Pull List… even before I was a part of it. Without the rules, this all falls apart.
8:59 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:59:01 PM Cats and dogs, living together!
8:59 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:59:19 PM Indeed. Mass hysteria!
Barring something unforseen, we will count this book CANCELLED.
8:59 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 9:59:40 PM On to the CHOPPING BLOCK
9:00 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:00:38 PM There is only one book that comes to mind here for me (I am not ready to give up on Power Girl)… and that’s Proof. That was your first pick on this column, so I will give you a chance to defend.
9:01 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:01:52 PM I wish I could, but really… you stuck out for four issues of a storyline that’s not quite grabbing me… and I’ve been with the book since day one.
9:02 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:02:32 PM I’ll still recommend the trades to anyone in the shop, or to anyone reading this, but we’re dealing with a mere $40 here. We have to spend wisely, and aim for AWESOME over decent.
9:02 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:02:32 PM Not totally unexpected. So the question is – axe it? Or do we ride out the arc?
9:03 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:03:59 PM Urm…
9:05 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:05:37 PM Let’s keep it. If only to save us from adding more than three books to the stack this time around.
9:06 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:06:03 PM What say you?
9:06 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:06:07 PM Sounds like a reasonable reason to give it one last chance. Filling so many holes in a month is tough.
9:06 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:06:16 PM
Probation!
9:06 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:06:23 PM That leaves us with…
9:06 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:06:26 PM
- The List So Far
Batman and Robin #2, $2.99, DC Comics Due Out 07/01/09
War of Kings #5, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/01/09
Jonah Hex #45, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/01/09
Secret Six #11, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/01/09
Green Lantern Corps #38, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/01/09
Invincible Iron Man #15, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/01/09
Power Girl #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/22/09
Avengers: The Initiative #26, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/22/09
Nova #27, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/22/09
Proof #22, $3.50, Image. Due Out 07/29/09
Preliminary Math
$1.89 (Bank from May) + $3.22 (Star Wars: Dark Times #14) + $40 (July Budget) = $45.11
$45.11 – $31.41 (July issues) – $2.36 (tax) = $11.34
9:06 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:06:53 PM
New Titles
Well, it looks like both Marvel and DC have decided to release almost everything on July 1st, leaving the rest of the month a little dry. As it stands now, we have room for two or three new titles. Any suggestions?
9:08 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:08:02 PM Well, what with us enjoying Green Lantern Corps so much, I think we should mirror what we did for Nova, and add Blackest Night to our list.
9:09 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:09:27 PM That was on the top of my list. Blackest Night it is!
Blackest Night #1 (of 8), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/15/09
Now with that annoying $3.99 #1 issue trend, we probably only have room for 2 new books (which works out, and will make it easier next month). Two come to mind…
Deadpool: Marc With a Mouth #1, $3.99, Marvel. Due Out 07/01/09
Captain America Reborn #1, $3.99, Marvel. Due Out 07/01/09
Being the Deadpool fan that I am, I am leaning towards the first. Your thoughts?
9:10 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:10:33 PM Deadpool, for two reasons.
9:11 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:11:04 PM 1. It’ll go down to $2.99 with the second issue, and…
2. Reborn was, uh… it was boring.
9:11 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:11:35 PM A great issue of Cap, but not enough to spin it out into an event book, IMO.
9:11 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:11:41 PM Ignoring #2, since books don’t exist until they come out, #1 is all the reason I need.
9:11 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:11:54 PM Deadpool it is.
Wrapping up!
9:11 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:11:56 PM
- The Math
$1.89 (Bank from May) + $3.22 (Star Wars: Dark Times #14) + $40 (July Budget) = $45.11
$45.11 – $39.39 (July issues) – $3.05 (tax) = $2.67 Banked for August
9:11 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:11:59 PM I mean, uh… buy your copy tomorrow, kids!
9:12 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:12:24 PM Yay!
9:13 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:03 PM
| And with that, we should bring our little column to a close. We are running a bit long as it is. |
9:13 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:22 PM
| Hornet! Class. |
9:13 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:41 PM
| I forgot about our avatars. I shall have to fix yours for next month. |
9:13 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:52 PM
| Which will be viewed by dozens more readers! |
9:14 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:01 PM
| Heh. Sounds decent! Something to look forward to… for next time! |
9:14 B. Schatz
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:09 PM
| Cliffhanger! |
9:14 Craig Reade
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:30 PM
| Thanks for reading – don’t forget to comment in the thread if you have anything to say. For B. – and myself… goodnight! |
9:14
Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:43 PM
Post your comments in the Forum!
June 1, 2009
The $40 Pull List Live – June 2009 (Transcript)
7:18 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:18:28 PM
Welcome once again to the comiXtreme.com $40 Pull List – LIVE! I am your host, Craig Reade. My esteemed colleague Brandon Schatz has yet to arrive at the cX Building at the SPAM Corperate complex in sunny Nanuktuk, California… I suspect some irate Star Wars fanboys finally got to him.
7:18 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:18:42 PM Oh wait, there he is, just slightly bloodied.
7:19 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:19:29 PM While we are waiting for Mr. Schatz to hobble in, we will start with the first poll question!
7:20 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:20:14 PM As usual, you are free to comment – during specific points in tonight’s program, we will post comments and discuss them.
7:20 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:20:23 PM I made it! I swear to God I’m here. And stuff.
7:21 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:21:01 PM Welcome back, B. Hopefully those guys dressed as Storm Troopers and bikini Princess Leia didn’t hurt you too badly.
7:22 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:22:11 PM No, not this time. Jeeze. Man. Breathe. Next time, I’m going to eff Boba Fett inthe face.
7:22 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:22:30 PM Now that you have caught your breath, we will move right into last month’s books!
7:22
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:22:32 PM phpaKYhDyFlashRebirth2.jpg
7:22 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:22:38 PM
The Flash: The Rebirth #2 (of 5), $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 05/06/09 ON TIME
Barry Allen mopes a little more about his return, but is forced to come to grips and investigate the death of Savitar and seizures suffered by various speedsters. Only to discover that he is the new Black Flash!
7:22 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:22:58 PM Oh snap, that ending! I’m… I… okay, I don’t know who any of the Flash related characters really are… I haven’t really read Flash before – DC never seemed to be able to get collections of Geoff John’s (first?) Flash run together in any kind of order – and then there was that terrible “let’s make Bart the Flash” run which was flawed from the get-go. While I can see the shape of why this story is important to the speedsters, I just can’t really grab the whole… why I’m caring thing.
7:24 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:24:16 PM Eh, I never thought too highly of the whole Black Flash concept, so I was unimpressed. Actually, I found the sequence fitting, considering one of the guys behind the creation of The Black Flash (if I am not mistaken) has “sensational moments” to thank for his entire career and fanbase. That last moment was about the only thing worth talking about this issue.
7:25 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:25:08 PM Well, basically what I’m saying is… this needs more monkeys. BRING ME GORILLA CITY!
7:25 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:25:32 PM Or, at least more of it.
7:25 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:25:34 PM Slightly better than issue #1, but I have no idea why this book is getting any praise. Well, I do understand why – same reason titles like All Star Batman and Robin get high marks really. Yes – needs more gorillas.
7:25 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:25:45 PM I am getting bored just talking about this book. Time to move on…
7:25 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:25:54 PM Ha. Mmkay.
7:25 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:25:57 PM
War of Kings #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/06/09 ON TIME
7:26
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:26:00 PM phpBEyEIqWarofKings3.jpg
7:26 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:26:08 PM
Vulcan is convinced not to kill Lilandra, meanwhile Crystal discovers that the Uplift Program has hit a snag. Later, the Starjammers and the Guardians of the Galaxy attempt rescue Lilandra, and Gladiator makes his true loyalties known.
7:26 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:26:22 PM Remember the last time a big important event realized that wasn’t afraid to be funny?! Yeah, neither do I. But here, you’ve got a raccoon with a mop and his giant-tree sidekick being all kinds of awesome – which is just inherently funny.
7:27 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:27:13 PM Also, I really enjoyed this book. If you’re not reading the other DnA produced cosmic books (like… let’s say Nova) you’re still getting a complete story. But if you do happen to be reading those other books, events in each dovetail into each other nicely, without getting in the way of each other too much. How they’re writing the four cosmic books, plus The Authority for Wildstorm, and Fusion for Top Cow while maintaining the integrity and timing of what’s going on out in space is beyond me – but I’m super glad they’re doing it.
7:27 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:27:20 PM
That is what makes the Guardians of the Galaxy so fun – Groot and Rocket. I was glad to see them. In all, this event is going off quite well. Much better than that Flash book.
7:27 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:27:51 PM DnA are indeed two of the best things happening in comics today, and a big reason why Marvel is better than they have been of late.
7:28 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:28:39 PM Agreed. And I gotta’ say – I don’t really care for the Inhumans, and didn’t care about ANY of the space characters before DnA arrived – and now, I can’t stay away. Awesome job and wot.
7:28 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:28:49 PM (That’s British)
7:29 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:29:00 PM (Ya, dirty yank.)
7:29 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:29:16 PM Indeedy. Looking forward to more Crystal and Ronan too. Anywhich, onward and upward.
7:29 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:29:20 PM
Invincible Iron Man #13, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/06/09 ON TIME
7:29
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:29:22 PM phpPNbIviInvincibleIronMan13.jpg
7:29 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:29:31 PM
Tony plans for the inevitable by trying to dumb down the Iron Man tech, while on the run from HAMMER. Maria Hill escapes from the Controller and gets away with Drive X, while Pepper stymies Osborn’s attempts to pressure her, gains her freedom, and sets off in search of Tony.
7:29 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:29:51 PM And with that, we’re halfway through the arc. Normally, I balk at the big “twelve part storyline” – but man… this thing is humming along nicely. You get to see Tony’s mind start to abandon him as things become increasingly dire – and yet still hold on to a little bit of charm. Meanwhile, Maria Hill gets a little more development, and we learn a little about her mission – while it looks like Pepper’s might be grinding to a stop.
7:30 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:30:32 PM Shoot. Well, her time as a “legitimate” hero, anyway…
7:30 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:30:46 PM Overall, I think this issue was a real step up over the last couple… it seemed like there was too much going on, and it has finally started to shake out a bit. Seriously dumb on Pepper’s part though – you know they tagged her somehow, and she is going to lead them right to Tony. Not bas story-wise mind you, but I did peg her as smarter.
7:31 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:31:09 PM And yes – I continue to be amazed that Maria Hill is suddenly a sympathetic character. High praise on that count.
7:31 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:31:36 PM Well, she’s kind’ve a novice at superheroing… but yeah – she DID run The Order – and she’s pretty good with tactical stuff. Oh well. Still makes fora wicked story..
7:31 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:31:47 PM No doubt.
7:31 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:31:49 PM
Power Girl #1, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 05/06/09 ON TIME
7:31
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:31:50 PM phpExrLOrPowerGirl1A.jpg
7:31
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:31:52 PM phpcYrTUwPowerGirl1B.jpg
7:32 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:32:02 PM
New York City is under attack by the Ultrahumanite. His target? Power Girl’s body!
7:32 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:32:14 PM The beginning of this book reminded me about the fantastic way Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly “explained” Superman with four panels, and eight words. Instead of going that route, Gray and Palmiotti went for the gold star by listing almost everything they could to “explain” Power Girl. While it’s commendable to show your audience that you know and respect everything that’s been happening with the character – that’s not what you want to do on the first two pages of your new series.
7:32 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:32:42 PM Devoted readers will already know all that information – and new readers might be a little overwhelmed by it. Using something as simple as “super powered being sent here from another reality” works nicely. If you want to go deeper into more details, stealth it in later in the story – but selling a story with “I have the same origin as Superman, only I’m a girl, and from a parallel earth and eventually became a part of the JSA, but then went back to my old reality where I found out I had been replaced, and that’s why I’m here” won’t sell a comic.
7:32 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:32:44 PM [/rant]
7:33 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:33:47 PM I thought it was a decent issue – but was shocked at how light it was. I suppose I shouldn’t expect much more out of an action packed issue – I just didn’t think I would read it that fast. The setup was great, we got decent action, a good look at PG’s powers and abilities… and a cliffhanger. It was text-book … the flashbacks were very cumbersome though, and the issue may have suffered a bit for them. Even still – I was happy with it… this might be a case of expectations being too high.
7:35 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:35:51 PM Well, other than the begininng, I actually enjoed the book. A different kind of punch ‘em up, or whatever. Plus, the prerequisite boob jokes were told with a bit of a wink, and a dash of “you’re a terrible person at laughing at that”. Which I thought as classy. Ish.
7:37 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:37:08 PM There was some good set-up though – I have to give it high marks. There are clear parallels to the guy PG threw out of her office for wanting to remake the human race via genetic re-engineering… there are some definite parallels to Ultrahumanite, and I would not be surprised to see that he was the man behind the attacking machines.
7:37 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:37:35 PM And you can’t have a Power Girl comic without boob jokes. It’s the law.
7:38 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:38:06 PM Heck yeah.
7:38 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:38:10 PM
Jonah Hex #43, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/06/09 ON TIME
7:38
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:38:12 PM phprsaLHlJonahHex43.jpg
7:38 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:38:20 PM
Jonah rescues the kidnapped daughter of a hotel owner, but there appears to be a problem with the ransom on the back end. However – the rescued daughter proves to be most resourceful.
7:38 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:38:44 PM This issue featured the return of rape – this time, played off in a “think of England” kind of way. I’ll give kudos to the creative teams for getting away from the device for a while – but I don’t think it was really needed in this book.
7:38 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:38:57 PM You know, other than to feature a naked girl running out of a burning building. (Plot!)
7:39 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:39:17 PM It’s always good when a popular supporting character returns to any title, I was pleased to see Rape make its long-awaited comeback.
7:39 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:39:47 PM Let’s hope it stays away from the livestock…
7:39 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:39:49 PM Though, going into the big 6 parter, maybe Rape wasn’t going to be a part of it, and they thought a cameo was in order.
7:40 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:40:18 PM In all, I thought it a decent stock Jonah Hex story… last one for the road, I suppose. Not a bad issue, but I can’t rave about it.
7:40 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:40:32 PM Well, except for the art. Decent art for a change – usually this book is a mess.
7:40 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:40:56 PM It’d be odd to have a character feature so prominently, and then drop it during the big “event” arc. Methinks this is where Jonah Hex and rape finally have it out. It’ll be a rapetacular.
7:41 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:23 PM I think we beat that one to death. No need to rape a dead horse.
7:41 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:28 PM Moving on…
7:41 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:33 PM
Secret Six #9, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/13/09 ON TIME
7:41 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:33 PM Again.
7:41
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:35 PM phpzvqhuVSecretSix9.jpg
7:41 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:42 PM
Catman and Ragdoll lend Bane a hand in Gotham ending a plot to kidnap the children of Gothamite millionaires – the topic of Batman’s heir ever-present.
7:41 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:41:52 PM Bat! Man! Nana nana nana nana nana nana nana nana, Bat! Man!
So two super-lame bat villains take to the streets after Batman disappears and meter out paid justice. Their methods definitely don’t lend themselves to the “heroic” role – made all the more obvious by their sidekick – a Robin-dressed Ragdoll.
7:42 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:42:49 PM A decent filler – and a nic Battle for the Cowl tie-in. The “I don’t wanna be Batman, I could be Batman – no you couldn’t” was a little much at times, but it played well.
7:43 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:43:08 PM Which basically takes all the weird sexual undertones of dressing up a boy as your ward, and having it switch rolls with the more prevelant “sidekick” nonsense.
7:43 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:43:13 PM and yes, Ragdoll was precious. Why would he even dress up as Robin? Who knows…
7:43 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:43:27 PM
Sexual perversion run wild.
7:43 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:43:28 PM On the serious, you have to hand it to Gail Simone for taking crappy villains and doing this with them – and you have to give it to Nicola Scott – who has been killing this book, ever since she started. Seriously, she’s one of the best out there right now
7:43 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:43:42 PM Who knew women could do things other than cook or clean?
(See… if Andrea were here right now, she’d probably kill me. But she isn’t…)
(Right???)
7:44 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:44:05 PM Can’t complain really – I am not ready to sing Simone’s praises (her horrible Wonder Woman work still ever present on the mind), but she may redeem herself yet.
7:44 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:44:15 PM Man, I could go for a sandwhich…
7:44 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:44:35 PM Who COULDN’T use a sammy?
7:44 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:44:37 PM
The Unwritten #1, $1, DC Comics. Due out 05/13/09 ON TIME
7:44
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:44:41 PM phpzkQRk5UnWritten1.jpg
7:44 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:44:49 PM
During a signing, Tom Taylor is exposed as something of a fraud when he learns that he is indeed not the son of the popular children’s novelist. While trying to weather the storm, he starts to encounter characters from the novels in a real-life setting.
7:45 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:45:13 PM Rant time deux!
7:45 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:45:25 PM Well, that was something. In a time where companies are looking to increase prices – with this series (and all other ongoings to come, it seems) are going the route of giving readers a huge bang for their buck. Will it catch on? Well… that depends on a couple of things.
See, while those of us on this site are fairly informed in terms of upcoming books, and price points and whatnot – we are the minority. The people coming into the comic shop – by and large – are coming in, looking for the books that they are already getting – and other new superhero books that catch their eye. Not many are willing to go out on a limb for a new Vertigo book – and most of them don’t even know when those books come out.
For example – I made sure to order quite a few copies of this book for the stands, thinking “people will know its in and grab it from the shelf”. Nobody did.
We didn’t sell a single copy of The Unwritten from the shelf. Luckily, I had a healthy stock by the till. All it took was a quick, “Would you like to try a book for a dollar?” and most were sold. Those that weren’t wanted to know a bit about the plot before taking the plunge. Only a handful declined to try the book (until we ran out of copies… a lesson to learn from for the upcoming Greek Street) – and only one hissed at me for trying to sell him a book published by DC (NOT A LIE).
7:45 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:45:25 PM Go for it
7:45 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:45:58 PM Anyway. The book! For a dollar, it was more than worth a read. Heck, for $3.99, this would’ve been worth the read. This Mike Carey fellow, and this Peter Gross chap got a future in this business, lemme tell ya’.
7:46 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:46:53 PM well, I had mixed feelings about the book. Was it good? Absolutely. But when it was over… it really felt like it was over. There was nothing in that issue to make me want to pick up issue #2. Everything seemed so… predictible. This was a fantastic “one-shot…”
7:47 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:47:19 PM I don’t know. I am still willing to read issue #2. And I enjoyed #1. But if #2 never came out, I can’t say I would be sad.
7:48 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:48:07 PM True enough. There *was* too much a of a conclusion, and very little to go forward on – but I like the whole… ambiguity of his being a ficiotnal character or whatnot. And how that happened exactly.
7:48 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:48:40 PM Yeah, but that has been done to death in other books, really. The lack of a real novel concept put a kibosk on me caring how it came about.
7:48 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:48:52 PM Kibosh, rather.
7:49 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:49:23 PM Like Abadazad, and what’s going on in Fables now… and… man, I’m sure I’m missing one… I swear there’s another one out like this RIGHT NOW too…
7:50 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:50:09 PM I’ll have to dig around. Or let someone remind me what it is in the comments, or what-have-you.
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:50:19 PM I wouldn’t stress the brain too much, it is all over fiction. Nonetheless… moving on…
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:50:26 PM
Green Lantern Corps #36, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 05/13/09 ON TIME
7:50
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:50:28 PM phproRhmHGreenLanternCorps36.jpg
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:50:37 PM
Soranik and Sinestro have a “father/daughter chat,” while the Sciencell breakout continues, and Sodam Yat is forced to try and unleash the Ion Power to confront Mongul.
7:50 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:50:48 PM HOLY CRAP!
Okay, by now, you should know the score. We read the books on the $40 Pull List, and we (sometimes) spoil the crap out of them. This is going to be one of those times – because I can’t – I just can’t do another boring “this book is good, and you should be reading it” post. Okay? You’ve been warned.
7:51 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:51:01 PM …
THEY JUST KILLED SODAM YAT.
7:51 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:51:04 PM Okay, probably not.
7:51 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:51:12 PM From all accounts of the future, his character is alive and well – but man… if he really is dead – that is the way to go out – exploding into a sun to radically change the course of a battle. Damn.
7:51 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:51:41 PM Not terribly sad – I never did care about that character much, frankly. At least he went out well though.
7:52 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:52:38 PM I say he survives. If Geof Johns has him in the wack-a-doo future of his, then he’s got “plans”. And Geoff Johns is pretty much the only guy who has the cache to actually tell the stires he *wants* at DC right now, it seems…
7:52 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:52:45 PM Without interference, anyway…
7:52 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:52:57 PM He said… making a huge generalization…
7:53 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:53:14 PM I have to say – I love this book, but it’s a freaking mess. Way too much going on at once. Unless all these plotlines somehow come together in a meaningful way, I am going to say that they should have probably been broken up into different arcs.
As far as Johns goes – that is apparent, but of late, I am starting to think that control is a bad idea. DC isn’t exactly getting much better.
7:53 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:53:58 PM Nope. They just put things on hold until Geoff gets around to him. Not a very solid game plan. BUT.
7:54 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:54:17 PM I gotta say – I much prefer this to Green Lantern proper – because stuff IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING in it.
7:55 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:55:31 PM Indeed. The main title has been pretty.. well… there since it came back. Comparing GLC to Green Lantern proper really shows that Hal’s return was far from needed.
7:55 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:55:53 PM Because he’s lame, and a jerk.
7:56 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:56:07 PM
Somethign like that.
Moving on!
7:56 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:56:09 PM
Avengers: The Initiative #24, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/27/09 ON TIME
7:56
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:56:12 PM phpQZXoFNAvengersInitiative24.jpg
7:56 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:56:20 PM
The Shadow Initiative is trapped behind enemy lines somehow manage to complete their mission, but not without Typhoid Mary going a little crazy.
7:56 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:56:37 PM This book seems to be really suffering from two things:
7:56 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:56:47 PM One: the art doesn’t QUITE match the tone… and two…
7:57 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:57:20 PM It’s taking too long to get to the place where other Marvel books were four to five months ago. I know decompressed storytelling is the way to go, but this arc has felt… too long.
7:57 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:57:47 PM One issue for the desolution of the old initiative, one issue for the mission, another issue for the aftermath. Bing-bang-boom.
7:57 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:57:50 PM Shoulda’ been how it went.
7:58 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:58:27 PM The art? I can deal with. It may not be perfect for the tone, but it is passable. It could be way worse. So I am happy.
Yeah – they should be past the post-Secret Invasion fallout at this point – but I can see why they aren’t. Then again – I am not generally a fan of a rigid company-wide timeline, so I don’t take as much issue with that. I would just assume every title not tie in together all the time.
7:58 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:58:54 PM Ignoring the rest of Marvel all together, and the story makes sense. So I am happy.
7:59 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:59:32 PM Eh. I’m willing to stick through to the after-arc. Should be neat once we get there.
7:59 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:59:37 PM No doubt.
7:59
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:59:41 PM phpf7finnGhostRider35.jpg
7:59 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:59:51 PM
Ghost Rider #35, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/27/09 ON TIME
7:59 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 8:59:53 PM
When fighting off demons, Johnny Blaze once again becomes Ghost Rider, and sets off to reclaim heaven. The end?
8:00 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:00:12 PM Well, this definitely didn’t match the sheer joy that was a Ghost Rider vs. a trucker from hell, this was still a pretty good read. Jason Aaron and Tony Moore both dig their heels into some Japan-style horror, and we get one of the creepiest looking villainess’ that I’ve seen for quite some time.
8:00 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:00:22 PM And keeping in the tradition of both Japanese manga and American comics – she has quite the rack. But… ew. Just… all kinds of ew.
*Shudders*
8:01 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:01:10 PM The weird sex demon was interesting, but it definitely felt like a rushed ending. Still, the prospect of an upcoming mini (?) seems appealing. Yes – Sailor Moon nasty demon? Very shudder.
8:01 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:01:56 PM Marvel’s making sure all of Jason Aaron’s stuff is collected before the mini hits oin August – so that’s good marketing. I can’t wait!
8:02 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:02:27 PM Indeed! Hopefully it is as strong as the last few issues of this have been.
8:02 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:02:47 PM So goodbye Ghost Rider, and hello another issue of
8:02 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:02:49 PM
Nova #25, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 05/27/09 ON TIME
8:02
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:02:51 PM phpBFaLExNova25.jpg
8:03 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:03:00 PM
Richard Rider engages Ego to save Worldmind. Victorious, he once again takes control of the Nova Force. Worldmind is forced to expunge his damaged personality and install a new one. Meanwhile, the last Nova Prime is rescued – by the former Super Nova!
8:03 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:03:01 PM Nova is definitely an example of change being done right. While the earthbound books struggle with changing course after two or three stories to conform to the new status quo – this book morphs and moulds into something new without feeling like the old has been discarded like an after thought.
8:03 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:03:35 PM Also… uh… explain to me what a Supernova is…
8:03 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:03:54 PM Personally, I love how War of Kings is just a side-plot here. The Nova Corps were involved – but because it made sense, but the real story was Richard Rider’s.
8:05 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:05:07 PM Ah – Supernova. A “Cliff’s Notes” version? Super Nova was Garthan Saal – a member of the Corps that hosted the full Nova Force, and went totally insane as a result. Hence all the worry abotu Richard Rider’s sanity this entire time.
8:05 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:05:37 PM If I recall, he ended up being like 30′ tall and kicked all kinds of butt.
8:05 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:05:37 PM Ooooooh. So *he’s* the guy everyone keeps warning him about. Nice. Nice touch.
8:06 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:06:16 PM Yes, yes indeed. It isn’t quite Diamondhead, but a nice blast from Nova’s past. I am a fan.
8:06 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:06:42 PM What’s a Diamondhead?
8:06 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:06:49 PM (Heh. Craig’sa nerd.)
8:06 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:06:59 PM Google. Diamondhead is one of Nova’s very old rogues.
8:07 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:07:14 PM Anyway, that’s the end of the current books – We had one delayed book…
8:07
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:07:17 PM phpgLliGDProof20.jpg
8:07 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:07:29 PM Apparently, the printer screwed the run up, and it’s been pushed back two weeks. I’m afraid that the mishap might doom this book – as we got two books returning next month, and most of the other books on are list are ridiculously stellar. Hurm
8:07 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:07:33 PM
Proof #20, $3.50, Image. Due Out 05/27/09 DELAYED: DUE 06/03/09
Maybe the week after this one? Not sure…
8:07 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:07:47 PM Oop.
8:07 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:07:53 PM
Proof #20, $3.50, Image. Due Out 05/27/09 DELAYED: DUE 06/03/09
8:08 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:08:25 PM So that brings us to…
8:08 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:08:41 PM The Chopping Block!
8:08 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:08:45 PM
Well, Ghost Rider is finished, so it is safe to remove that from the list. However, we are still in a bit of a pickle. We are over budget with the issues that are due out in June, and we are still required to pick up another issue.
So we are going to have to cut at least 2 more issues. As it stands, in order to make room for a single $2.99 issue, we need to cut $4.22 cents (cover price) from the budget – $5.30 if we want to add a $3.99 book.
My first choice to dump would be The Flash: The Rebirth. I have to be honest – that title is a waste of time. Issue #2 was marginally better, but only a little. There are tons of other books I would rather see on the list.
8:10 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:10:18 PM That is a truth fact, sir. I’m not sure what else I’d cut, though…
8:10 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:10:30 PM Proof? Only by omission?
8:10 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:10:31 PM So Flash is toast. Thank goodness.
8:11 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:11:11 PM Generally, I have a hard time cutting books on a month they don’t come out unless they are horrible.
8:11 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:11:33 PM A thought – The Unwritten. It seemed like a good ending…
8:12 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:12:13 PM Hurm. Bah. Sure. Bye bye, Unwritten. A victim of having too much good on the list…
8:12 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:12:34 PM Indeed. The 300% price increase was TOO MUCH TO BEAR!
8:13 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:13:01 PM So, the List So Far…
8:13 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:13:05 PM
Proof #20, $3.50, Image. Due Out 05/27/09 DELAYED: DUE 06/03/09
War of Kings #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/03/09
Jonah Hex #44, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/03/09
Secret Six #10, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/03/09
Star Wars: Dark Times #14, $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 06/10/09
Green Lantern Corps #37, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/10/09
Invincible Iron Man #14, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/17/09
Power Girl #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 06/17/09
Avengers: The Initiative #25, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/27/09
Proof #21, $3.50, Image. Due Out 06/24/09
Nova #26, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/24/09
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #6 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/24/09
8:13 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:13:27 PM Which means we need to come up with out new book. Any thoughts?
8:14 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:14:24 PM Batman & Robin? Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely? The All-Star Superman team, returning to be awesome?
8:15 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:15:09 PM Oh damn… I have to read Sgt. Rock again next month, *don’t* I… booooo….
8:15 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:15:17 PM
Sounds good to me. I am a little worried about Grant Morrison on the book, but I am willing to give it a chance. All Star Superman was outstanding, but those two couldn’t put a book out on time if their life depended on it it seemed. If we start having to wait months between issues, then it is gone.
8:15 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:15:26 PM And yes – you have to read the last issue. Muahahaha!
8:16 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:16:00 PM Waves of unending hatrid, Craig Reade. Undulating in your general vacinity.
8:16 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:16:10 PM Batman and Robin #1, $2.99, DC Comics Due Out 06/03/09
On the list!
8:16 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:16:40 PM Oh come now, it isn’t that bad – Just because your Canadian schools have brainwashed you about our role in WWII doesn’t mean you have to hate on Easy!
8:17 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:17:25 PM Easy Company… just like your *mom*…
…sorry about that… I think I regressed…
8:17 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:17:43 PM
Seriously regressed… lol
I guess that means it is time for some math. Which will follow….
8:18 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:18:03 PM
$2.18 (Bank from May) + $40 (June Budget) = $42.18
$42.18 - $37.39 (June issues) – $2.90 (tax) = $1.89 banked for July
8:18 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:18:20 PM Under budget with minimal pain! Always good.
8:18 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:18:47 PM I’m not used to this whole “cutting good books” thing, man. That was painful.
8:19 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:19:00 PM I’m WOUNDED Craig. WOUNDED.
8:19 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:19:06 PM
You get used to it after time.
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:20:05 PM With that, we conclude this month’s $40 Pull List. The next LIVE installment will ne Monday, June 29th, so mark your calendar’s now.
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:20:26 PM Thanks for reading, the dozens and dozens of you, and we will see you in 28 days!
8:20 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:20:35 PM Please. And thank you. This is far too easy to get through without people bugging us.
8:20 B. Schatz
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:20:40 PM Thugs and kisses! Bye!
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:20:47 PM This much is true.
8:21 Craig Reade
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:21:01 PM
Goodnight
8:21
Monday, June 01, 2009, 9:21:08 PM
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