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 1^st, 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

9:13 B. Schatz

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:22 PM

9:13 Craig Reade

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:41 PM

9:13 Craig Reade

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:13:52 PM

9:14 B. Schatz

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:01 PM

9:14 B. Schatz

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:09 PM

9:14 Craig Reade

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:30 PM

9:14

Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:14:43 PM  

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