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August 31, 2009

The $40 Pull List Live! September 2009 (Transcript)

Filed under: The $40 Pull List — Craig Reade @ 7:30 pm

 

7:30
 Craig Reade:  It is that time! Welcome once again to the comiXtreme.com $40 Pull List – LIVE for the month of September!
7:31
B. Schatz:  We’re coming to you live from the palatial Spam corporate annex in the beautful nub of Nanuktuk, Ca, and man oh man, am I ready to talk comics.
7:31
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
Thank you for doing this Craig
7:31
Craig Reade:  

Don’t forget the Canadian Kid
7:32
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
and B. Scjatz
7:32
Craig Reade:  This month was a fairly decent one – all of the books were on time again… I am not sure what to do with this regularity!
7:32
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
*Schatz
7:32
Which title should be dropped this month?
Blackest Night

 ( 33% )

Batman and Robin

 ( 33% )

Deadpool

 ( 17% )

Avengers: The Initiative

 ( 0% )

Secret Six

 ( 0% )

Power Girl

 ( 17% )
7:32
B. Schatz:  Nobody remembers Canada. Jerk-faces.
7:33
Craig Reade:  As always, we will have a couple poll questions – please answer them! I am not saying it will mean anything, but it is fun nonetheless!
7:33
Craig Reade:  Without further ado, let’s jam on last month’s issues! Starting off…
7:34
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
I love Canada my uncle lives there
7:34

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7:34
B. Schatz:  Steve? I love that dude.
7:34
Craig Reade:  

War of Kings #6 (of 6), $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/05/09 ON TIME

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Pencils by Paul Pelletier, Inks by Rick Maygar & Andrew Hennessy, Colors by Will Quintana.

 

In the event conclusion, Black Bolt and Emperor Vulcan meet head-to-head, while the rest of the Inhumans and Ronan debate about his course of action. Crystal and Lockjaw elect to try and save him, over the objections of Medusa, and Gladiator is proclaimed Majestor by a frightened populace. Finally, the War Ends with the apparent death of both Kings, and the Sh’iar suing for peace.
7:35
B. Schatz:  Hot damn, am I right? Okay, so going into this, I wasn’t really thinking about the whole situation. These dudes? Are out in space. If you blow crap up there, nobody really cares. And most of the characters? Are expendable. And man. That ending. Wow.
7:35
Craig Reade:  

I have to say that I loved how this ended up. No forced inclusion of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova, or any other Annihilation alums… the story was allowed to conclude on its own, and the net effect was the expansion of Marvel’s already detailed Cosmic Universe. Plus there was plenty left for upcoming stories… the already teased story of who will assume the respective thrones to start. I am also curious about the giant rip in space/time that sits right between the two empires (seen also in Nova), you know that will be a major story point.
7:35
Craig Reade:  Good stuff coming, and no unneccesary story interruptions. The perfect comic event.
7:36
B. Schatz:  Psh. I eat giant rips in space and time for BREAKFAST. In my Armageddios.
7:36
B. Schatz:  THey’re a delicious part of a complete breakfast (and zombie invasion).
7:37
Craig Reade:  

I think it is safe to say that this event was well worth the money, and I am sad it didn’t get its own cereal.
7:37
B. Schatz:  True enough.
7:37
Craig Reade:  It’s over!
7:37
Craig Reade:  Onward.
7:37

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7:37
Craig Reade:  

Jonah Hex #46, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/05/09 ON TIME

Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Cristiano Cucina, Colors by Rob Schwager

 

In Part 3 of the Six Gun War, Jonah Hex arrives with Lazarus Lane and the Comanche just in time to save Bat Lash and Tallulah Black from execution. El Papagayo is “interrogated” by El Diablo, to determine the location of Turnbull. Meanwhile, Turnbull hires a cadre of assassins to take out Jonah Hex and his friends. Finally, Hex begins the tale of his history with Quentin Turnbull’s son Jeb.
7:38
B. Schatz:  I’ve been reminded that there is no such thing as consentual rape. Therefor, I must conclude that Rape did NOT make an appearance in this issue.
7:38
Craig Reade:  Or it did, but it was soundly defeated by Consentual Sex, its nemesis.
7:38
Craig Reade:  

Halfway into the event, and things are shaping up quite well. This chapter not only started to give us the reasons for Turnbull’s hatred of Jonah Hex, but we are also seeing the set-up to a pretty spectacular conclusion. I have to admit that I feared this event would just be a drawn-out story that followed the usual Hex formula, only slower. Thus far, that has definitely not been the case.
7:39
B. Schatz:  So much is happening in the pages – and there’s STILL room for some good old fashioned silent western fight scenes. Seriously, the boys are hitting it out of the park with this arc. And to think, I was almost getting bored of this book.
7:40
Craig Reade:  Almost, but not quite. And things look like they are setting up for a pretty epic shootout down the road
7:40
Craig Reade:  Which will be awesome.
7:40
Craig Reade:  In the end, so far so good… safe to move on here.
7:41

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7:41
Craig Reade:  

Secret Six #12, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/05/09 ON TIME

Written by Gail Simone, Pencils by Nicola Scott, Inks by Doug Hazlewood and Mark McKenna, Colors by Jason Wright

 

Wonder Woman and the Six battle – with the fight eventually coming down to Jeannette and Diana, the Banshee surfacing and ultimately claiming victory. Artemis, of course, lives, and is “rescued” by three of the Six. As a reward for the loyalty of the remaining three (with Wonder Woman in tow), Mr. Smyth treats them to a tour of his “Nine Circles,” along with an introduction to his Devil.
7:42
Craig Reade:  

A step up from the last issue – though I still think Wonder Woman’s inclusion was forced. It still seemed like everything to do with her was a muddle of illogic. The core of the story itself is solid though, which made the issue readable. Still – I maintain that Gail Simone can’t write a good Wonder Woman at all (Her Wonder Woman has flashes of good moments, but little more) and is only getting rave reviews because people are still excited about the prospect of her writing Diana, and refuse to see reality. Ah, the loyalty of the comic fan.
7:42
B. Schatz:  So personally, my fears about this title were washed away with this issue. I was afraid the book would become this weird anti-hero thing – and not a straight up villain book… and really, these characters are still pretty reprehensible. I love ti.
7:44
Craig Reade:  I actually found it tough to tell the difference. A couple of the characters are still evil – but a few seem to have a disgusting morality creeping in. I think the only real flaw in this issue was the afforementioned inclusion of Wonder Woman – she could have gone with countless other things there and it would have turned out much better.
7:44
Craig Reade:  I would also think that Wonder Woman, with her abilities, would be able to tell the difference between a dead sister, and a mildly unconcious one.
7:44
Craig Reade:  The "Ooops, not dead, all better" moment was pretty sorry.
7:45
B. Schatz:  Also? I think Simone and Scott have found a nice ballance between male and female shirtless-bondage-fun-time. A title the whole family can enjoy! But yeah, I sort of agree with the Wonder Woman thing here. I think Wonder Woman is capable of being a great character… but she’s built in such a way that makes it hard to do. She’s very offputting.
7:45
B. Schatz:  Everyone knows that women can’t detect death properly. Or smell.
7:46
B. Schatz:  And that, my friends, was your Canadian Science Minute.
7:46
Craig Reade:  

So it would seem. To avoid talking about Wonder Woman any longer, I will comment that I find the nudity funny. If you have a problem with female nudity in comics, the solution isn’t to add male nudity – its to give them clothes. It doesn’t bother me, but the hypocricy is a little funny.
7:46
Craig Reade:  ANYWAY…

Onward!

7:46

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7:47
Craig Reade:  

Ghost Rider: Heaven’s Fire #1 (of 6), $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 08/05/09 ON TIME

Written by Jason Aaron, Pencils by Roland Boschi, Colors by Dan Brown

 

Picking up from the recently cancelled series, Hellstorm goes off in search of the potential Anti-Christ (nice Heroes pun in the title there) that escaped the slaughter of his Satanist “parents” at the hands of some angels. Meanwhile, Johnny Blaze and Caretaker set off to try and track down the angel Zadkiel. They learn that Zadkiel seeks to unmake prophecy by having the Anti-Christ killed, so that there can be no Armageddon. “Anton Satan” is almost killed by one of Zadkiel’s agents, only to be saved by Jane Cutter.
7:47
Craig Reade:  Or is it Hellstrom? I can never keep the name right. They should stick to one…
7:47
B. Schatz:  Okay, so seriously? Johnny Blaze just effed up some new age chakra wearing hippies. And it was freakin’ AWESOME.
7:48
Craig Reade:  I am always in favor of hippies getting effed up.
7:48
Craig Reade:  

As with the ongoing – solid. A nice cheesy action feel. Sad that we really haven’t gotten to see Danny Ketch yet, but I imagine he will be turning up sooner or later.
7:48
B. Schatz:  The trade I got here staring the dude says Hellstorm, but these things happen. Maybe.
7:48
B. Schatz:  Oh yeah. And Big Wheel, and the All New Orb, and a whole lot more cheese. Seriously, I’m pulling for a Highwayman cameo before all is said and done. So cheesy, so grindhouse, so awesome.
7:49
B. Schatz:  I would eat Jason Aaron’s entire family, if that meant I could keep him.
7:49
 [Comment From Guest]
It’s hard when you get that old
7:49
Craig Reade:  

That’s what she said.
7:49
B. Schatz:  Zing!
7:49
 [Comment From Guest]
That was to Craig forgetting the character’s name
7:49
Craig Reade:  

Ba rump bum bum
7:50
Craig Reade:  It isn’t forgetting – the kids name has been on many occasions Daimon Hellstrom. Look it up :)
7:50
B. Schatz:  I need to find that "The More You Know" sign, for when Craig says "Look it up". I know it doesn’t happen often, but I think it needs to be accompanied by that shooting star.
7:51
Craig Reade:  In any case- I am very glad this mini retained the feel of the ongoing. There are few ridiculous fun books on the market right now, and this one nails the genre.
7:51
Craig Reade:  Onward!
7:51
 [Comment From Guest]
Yeah I know, but you’re still an old fart
7:51

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7:52
Craig Reade:  

Invincible Iron Man #16, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/05/09 ON TIME

Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca, Colors by Frank D’Armata

 

Madam Masque becomes unhinged and tries to force Tony to choose her over Pepper. Meanwhile, Maria Hill struggles to cope with Control’s manipulation. Pepper helps Tony escape, and then she goes toe-to-toe with Madame Masque to cover his escape.
7:52
B. Schatz:  Oh Mark. To me, you’re BOTH incredibly old. :)
7:52
B. Schatz:  So anyway, was it just me, or was this book super boring this time around? I’m really waiting for it to get out of the second act and get to the part where butts are handed to various peoples.
7:53
Craig Reade:  

Still good, but boy is this story crawling! The Maria Hill subplot is way more interesting to me right now, and even that is slow.
7:53
Craig Reade:  Supposedly, there are what – 3 issues left in this one? The solicit for the second issue next month mentioned that there was only one more left.
7:53
Craig Reade:  Way too much padding in an otherwise outstanding series.
7:54
B. Schatz:  What I’m saying is, I require some solid hand/butt action. And yeah, the most progression was definitely there. In any case, the past few issues could’ve been condensed a bit more… let it be a 10 or 9 issue mini. Would’ve been a whole lot more awesome. But hey, it’s still better than most, I’d say.
7:54
B. Schatz:  Yup. Three more issues, and things are over. It’s confrontation time, crackers!
7:54
 [Comment From Guest]
I hate you B. I’d go to Canada but you already lost just living there!
7:54
Craig Reade:  This whole story should have capped out at 6 issues, really.
7:54
Craig Reade:  

Still, I am willing to continue reading this one…
7:55
Craig Reade:  Onward to something a little more… well, something.
7:55

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7:55
Craig Reade:  

Deadpool: Merc With a Mouth #2 (of 6), $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/05/09 ON TIME

Written by Victor Gishler, Art by Bong Dazo, Colors by Matt Milla, Inks by José Pimentel

 

We get a flashback to the events of Marvel Zombies #4, explaining where the Zombie Deadpool head came from. Deadpool and Doctor Betty make their escape, only to end up in the crosshairs of some HYDRA agents.
7:55
B. Schatz:  Ack. My heart, she is wounded by an attack against Canada. I think I will get it fixed for free. (Damn, I should be focusing more… Blicharz!!!!!!)
7:56
Craig Reade:  

Still a bit light, but overall a wholly enjoyable over-the-top read. I didn’t expect any more from this title, so expectations met!
7:57
B. Schatz:  So, the problem here, me thinks was Gischler tried to put too much plot into the story. Each event seemed to require the next one to happen, and Deadpool seems to thrive on a more… jazz music style of foundation, with improvised zany options – and there was no room for that here.
7:57
B. Schatz:  Tears, sadness.
7:57
Craig Reade:  It could be terrible – like most minis like this tend to be. Though I have to admit – I was really eager for Zombie Deadpool to heal into 616 Deadpool stomach when he stuffed him down his pants, Quato-style.
7:57
Craig Reade:  Alas, it was not to be. As to the plot  - yeah, there seemed to be a fair bit of it, though it really didn’t bother me that much. I found it adequate.
7:58
B. Schatz:  That would have been awesome. Yet… sadly, it was not meant to be. And hey, this ain’t no mini. It’s the second of three Deadpool ongoings.
7:59
Craig Reade:  

Anywhich… next!
8:00

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8:00
Craig Reade:  

Green Lantern Corps #39, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/12/09 ON TIME

Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Pencils by Patrick Gleason, Inks by Rebecca Buchman   & Tom Nguyen, Colors by Randy Mayor & Gabe Eltaeb

 

Kyle and Guy run into Iolande and Soranik Natu on their way back to Oa, only to run into a cloud of Back Rings. Arisia is kicked off a newly free Daxam while Mongul establishes his Corps on Korugar. The Black Rings enter the Lantern Crypt and resurrect new members from the corpses and Kyle is confronted with a Black Lantern Jade.
8:01
B. Schatz:  So, still much better than the regular Green Lantern book – and still the hardest of the two t sell. I get that it’s looked at as a spin-off… but man. This is where it’s at. Explosions, deaths, consequences, soap opera… lots happens here, and the story always moves forward at an insane pace. I love this book.
8:01
Craig Reade:  

This was what Blackest Night #1 should have been. So much easier to explain what I was talking about when it is there on paper! While a Black Lantern Ralph and Sue has a little bit of a cool factor, it is way more impressive   to have Jade come back as a Black Lantern. And the return of Bzzt, only undead! Sure, at the time, I figured that was bound to happen, but there has been so much going on that I totally forgot about it. A great issue.

8:02
Craig Reade:  

Exactly what I wanted from this event, only in the title the fewest people care about. Gotta love the comic industry.
8:02
B. Schatz:  Agreed, entirely. It’s actually the one Blackest Night title I’m thinking of continuing with…
8:02
B. Schatz:  Speaking of…
8:02
Craig Reade:  Indeed.
8:02

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8:03
Craig Reade:  

Blackest Night #2 (of 8), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/12/09 ON TIME

Written by Geoff Johns, Pencils by Ivan Reis, Inks by Oclair Albert, Color by Alex Sinclair

 

A bunch more Black Lanterns pop up – including Deadman, Aquaman, and the Spectre… and that’s about it. Honestly, there was so little of real merit happening in this issue that I feel like a recap is a waste.

 

This event is horrible. The entire issue was “So and so is a Black Lantern! OMG!” We got one SINGLE panel showing what really mattered in this story – what is happening in Green Lantern Corps. Truthfully, the temptation to drop this part of the event is strong. It’s literally garbage in comic form – cheap sensational fluff designed to make comic geeks get excited, and absolutely nothing that has any real import or staying power. I got more out of a couple pages of Green Lantern Corps #39 than I have both Blackest Night issues put together.
8:03
Craig Reade:  This whole thing from this perspective is coming off like DC wanted to rip off Marvel Zombies. It’s not good at all.
8:04
B. Schatz:  So okay, who is tired of the whole "let’s kill people off to show how crazy the threat is" game? That would be me. I actually liked how things were handled in the first issue, but man… issue two, and it’s just more of the same: death for death’s sake.
8:05
B. Schatz:  I get that it’s more or less the point of the series… for there to be crispsy corpses around to poke and such, but feh. FEH, I say. It’s not special when it’s been happening for YEARS.
8:05
Craig Reade:  This entire issue seemed like a retread of issue #1. What happened? More people became dead. They didn’t advance a plot, reveal anything about the threat, or even actually combat the evil. It was Millar Moments over and over again.
8:05
Which title is doing a better job representing the Blackest Night story?
Blackest Night (the event mini)

 ( 17% )

Green Lantern Corps

 ( 83% )
8:06
B. Schatz:  Here’s the event I want: a dire event… where people FRIGGEN LIVE. These are heroes. Superheroes. They have fun adventures! They don’t complain about their jobs ALL THE TIME (I’m looking at you, Barry Allan and Hal Jordan).
8:06
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
LOL
8:07
Craig Reade:  The only people who seem to know how to do that anymore are Abnett & Lanning, sadly. Events across the board – from both companies – haven’t told good stories so much as just used the event to sell sensationalism.
8:07
Craig Reade:  

I really wish we’d go back to dead means dead frankly – that worked out so well for the couple of years it was tried.
8:07
B. Schatz:  And hey – with Abnett and Lanning, it seems that with every death, they expand and bring more people in. Seriously, they know how to do gooder fun times.
8:08
 [Comment From Guest]
Barry hasn’t complained once though
8:08
B. Schatz:  Other than, you know, Flash Rebirth 1-3.
8:08
 [Comment From Guest]
That’s not Blackest Night, B
8:08
Craig Reade:  

I was going to say – that is all Barry DID in Flash Rebirth was whine.
8:08
B. Schatz:  Oh sorry, and Blackest Night #0 and 1.
8:09
Craig Reade:  Anyway – back on track – onward to something more interesting.
8:09

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8:09
Craig Reade:  

Power Girl #4, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 08/19/09 ON TIME

Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, Art by Amanda Conner, Colors by Paul Mounts

 

Power Girl and Terra take in a movie, and round off the evening by taking on a giant lizard monster and Zoraida the Elf Queen. The next day, “Miss Starr” has to deal with some budget issues in the office, then finally finds a place to call home.
8:09
Craig Reade:  

OK… a quick aside –  why does Terra decide that just taking off her pants is a perfectly acceptable substitute when lacking a costume?
8:10
B. Schatz:  Speaking of fun comics…! I really, really, really enjoy this book. I’m over the whole Terra thing – using your own created character in a new book for funsies… because it looks like she’s going to add a whole lot to the book.
8:10
Craig Reade:  I didn’t know whether to laugh or actually find that offensive. Probably both, truth be told.
8:10
Craig Reade:  Terra was ok in this issue – last issue not-so-much, but if she is going to act the sidekick to Power Girl, I really am ok with that.
8:11
B. Schatz:  You’re seriously going to ask me if I think taking pants off is a bad thing? It’s like you don’t know me at all, Craig.
8:11
B. Schatz:  All your pants are belong to me.
8:11
Craig Reade:  Oiy, I should have remembered who I was talking to – the slacks-burgler.

And I totally agree – this title is very tongue-in-cheek fun. I was hoping for something way more serious when this title was first announced, so it was a bit of a shock, but I have grown used to it quickly.

8:12
B. Schatz:  It feels like we’re getting a better sense of the ensamble the team is trying to build for the book. More confort is being established. I’m very much in the mood for this.
8:12
Craig Reade:  Indeed – well done on the supporting cast as well – crucial to any book.
8:12

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8:12
Craig Reade:  

Avengers: The Initiative #27, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/26/09 ON TIME

Written by Christos N. Gage, Pencils by Rafa Sandoval, Inks by Roger Bonet, Colors by Edgar Delgado.

 

We start with a nice character story about Johnny Guitar, a brief overview of his history and what lead someone like him to become a part of the new Shadow Initiative. After his expected death, the story shifts to the rest of the team sent to recapture 42. After we Hardballs’ recruitment by Blastaar, we see him work to sabotage the defense of the 42 prison from within.

8:14
Craig Reade:  One of the most awesome things about this book ? I can honestly see some teams splitting both of these "chapters" into their own issues, and throwing in lots of splash pages (Iron Man anyone?) – both were the perfect length, and well executed.
8:14
B. Schatz:  Go Butterball! Seriously, this issue? Was fantastic. Between the moving Johnny Guitar and Dr. Sax story (you read right) and the Butterball adventure…. this book is really back on track. The stories were getting away from what made this book so great in the first place – focusing on the characters, and not the crazy stories and plot circumstances. A great, great return to form.
8:14
B. Schatz:  Despite Penance.
8:14
Craig Reade:  

An overall decent issue. It was nice to see Butterball in action – in a context that made sense. I do think Osborne’s overexposure remains a problem, but I really can’t complain too much all-in-all.
8:14
Craig Reade:  There was no Emo-kid in this issue, so that probably contributed to its awesomeness.
8:15
Craig Reade:  Or, none worth speaking of anyway.
8:16
B. Schatz:  Indeed. Easily ignored admist a sea of awesome. And to be fair, this was less of the Norman Osborn show too. Although stories seem to be building towards Norman’s time ending around November-ish… so I’m looking forward to that.
8:16
Craig Reade:  This title scares me a little to be honest – issues like this make me LOVE it. Then there are other issues that get bogged down in over-arching universe continuity, and I cringe. It would take so little to push this title either to greatness or birdcage-liner…
8:17
B. Schatz:  I agree. It’s shakey, but man, when it’s good… I’m just hoping the last story arc was jsut a means to an end, and we’ll be getting this from here on in.
8:17
 [Comment From Wolfwood]
"All your pants are belong to me." You really should make that into a bumper sticker.
8:17
B. Schatz:  Imma get on it.
8:17
Craig Reade:  

Indeed indeed… seging into…
8:17

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8:17
Craig Reade:  

Nova #28, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/26/09 ON TIME

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Art by Andrea DiVito, Colors by Bruno Hang.

 

Nova and Xenith square off, and Richard comes to terms with King Blastaar, and returns home with Ravenous and his brother. After wrapping things up and setting the foundation for the new Corps, the group goes to investigate the spacial tear between Sh’iar and Kree, and discover an old Nova Corps Starship.

8:18
B. Schatz:  AN old Nova Corps Starship, or THE Nova Corps starship… what blew up at the start of Annihilation.
8:18
B. Schatz:  ?
8:19
Craig Reade:  No no – this is kind of a throwback for old-school Nova fans. Its like the Green Lantern Corps – they don’t really need ships, but then, a ship crashed on Earth and Hal ended up with a ring?
8:20
Craig Reade:  Its like that. Obviously the Nova Corps don’t need ships anymore. Hence "old."
8:20
Craig Reade:  Then I might be the only person that read and enjoyed Nova pre-Annihilation :)
8:20
Craig Reade:  

Oddly, this is the first time I feel like we have “caught up” since the series began. Things were moving so quickly, so many plots, two major events – and finally Richard is at peace with Worldmind, the new Corps is forming, Nova’s made peace with his brother joining the Corps, he’s not infected with the Transmode virus, and he isn’t going insane or about to die. It is a strange status-quo for this book to say the least!
8:20
B. Schatz:  That is probably a truth fact. I only knew Nova as the jerk from Spider-Girl… IN THE FU-TURRRRRE….
8:21
Craig Reade:  

We will not speak of him – though he was rad in his own way.
8:21
B. Schatz:  True – but I think the momentum the book has is necessary – it would be very easy for people to drop this book, what wit hit being on the outskirts of terra based Marvel.
8:22
Craig Reade:  True enough. But it still has direction – only a lot of old plot threads are finally knotted up. The book is strong – I have no reason at all to complain. Nor would I want to.
8:22
Craig Reade:  On to something slightly less awesome.
8:22

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8:22
Craig Reade:  

Batman and Robin #3, $2.99, DC Comics Due Out 08/26/09 ON TIME

Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Frank Quietly, Colors by Alex Sinclair

 

Batman gets some answers, while Robin, a prisoner, is about to be operated on by Professor Pyg. Robin breaks free, and almost escapes – only Batman arrives in the nick of time to help him across the finish line. Pyg’s ring is broken up, but one of his “victims” is approached by the Red Hood.
8:23
B. Schatz:  I still like this book, but I was really hoping we’d remain firmly in All Star Superman territory, and do without the heavy Morrison crazy speak. And then, Professor Pyg went crazy-go-nuts.
8:24
Craig Reade:  

Was this book ever in All Star Superman territory? I can’t say it was. Tough to say if this issue was worse than the last – but I can say for certain that it isn’t any better. Things should improve next month when Philip Tan takes over the art chores – as acclaimed as this team was, Frank Quietly’s art was a major drag on this story.  
8:25
B. Schatz:  Gasp! You’re a liar and a charliton, Craigerton J. Reade. I’m one of those folk who really likes Farnk Quitely’s work – and I know that some people aren’t enjoying the way he’s changed it up a bit here, but I think the looser pencils lend itself to Batman, who is a looser character.
8:26
Craig Reade:  Quitely can be good – at times. I enjoyed him on All Star Superman, but here it is a mess. Not good at all – he seems almost as sloppy as JRJr I have to say.
8:26
Craig Reade:  scribble scribble scribble!
8:27
Craig Reade:  And the plot – well, it was a little better, but honestly I am not feeling it.
8:27
Craig Reade:  There is little to no character consistency.
8:28
B. Schatz:  You know, I’ve never been good at describing why exactly I like art, but I have to say, I’m not picking up on the JR Jr-ness of the work. And as for the story, I liked this issue less than the last, but really, you can’t top Robin beating a carnie to almost-death with a spoon and a bucket.
8:28
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
X-factor
8:29
B. Schatz:  It’s in the middle of a story arc…. maybe for 200???
8:29
Craig Reade:  I didn’t say there weren’t good moments in this book…
8:29
Craig Reade:  But on the whole – just not feeling it. not QUITE ready to give up on it, but it has a long way to go before it is great. Hopefully the art shift will help.
8:30
Craig Reade:  Anyway – people seem excited about the new book for next month, so let’s move on to that.
8:30
Craig Reade:  

- The List So Far

 

Jonah Hex #47, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/02/09

Ghost Riders: Heavens Fire #2 (of 6), $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 09/02/09

Invincible Iron Man #17, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/02/09

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

Green Lantern Corps #40, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/09/09

Batman and Robin #4, $2.99, DC Comics Due Out 09/16/09

Invincible Iron Man #18, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/16/09

Deadpool: Merc With a Mouth #3 (of 6), $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/16/09

Blackest Night #3 (of 8), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/16/09

Power Girl #5, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 09/23/09

Avengers: The Initiative #28, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/23/09

Nova #29, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/23/09

 

Preliminary Math

 

$1.30 (Bank from August) + $40 (September Budget) = $41.30

$41.30 – $37.88 (September  issues) – $2.94 (tax) = $.48 Banked for October
8:30
Craig Reade:  

- The Chopping Block

 

With War of Kings wrapping up, we do have room for our double helping of Invincible Iron Man next month. The problem is – we don’t have room for anything else! And as usual, a new title is required every month, which means we need to cancel something. Ideas?
8:31
B. Schatz:  My short list is Blackest Night and Deadpool, frankly.
8:31
Craig Reade:  On the poll we have a tie between Batman and Robin and Blackest Night – For me, I am ready to drop Blackest Night.
8:31
 [Comment From Wolfwood]
Sounds like you really didn’t like Blackest Night. It’s four bucks too, so I’d suggest that.
8:31
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
Drop Blackest Night.
8:31
B. Schatz:  A consensus! Huzzah!
8:32
Craig Reade:  Seems fairly unanimous. Blackest Night is out!
8:32
Craig Reade:  

- New Titles
8:33
Craig Reade:  With Blackest Night gone, we have room for our one required book. We had a suggestion of X-Factor –
8:35
Craig Reade:  I tend to agree with Brandon … in the middle of an arc isn’t the best time for a new add.
8:35
Craig Reade:  You will have to suggest that one when they are going into a new arc. Though to be fair – my Peter David boycott is still in effect.
8:35
Craig Reade:  So odds aren’t terribly good I’ll go for it.
8:35
B. Schatz:  I’ll say this, I’m definitely putting it in to contention for November’s edition when #200 hits. Plus, it would ship twice next month… and we’re already cutting things pretty close with an add.
8:36
 [Comment From Wolfwood]
Ultimate Comics Spiderman or Deadpool 900.
8:36
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
why are you boycotting him?
8:36
 [Comment From Wolfwood]
Wolverine: Weapon X is also awesome.
8:36
Craig Reade:  Heh – LONG story for another time. Let’s just say once upon a time, he was rather abusive to some of the staff here, and made a fool of himself on the site.
8:37
Craig Reade:  Ask an old timer.
8:37
B. Schatz:  I agree, that Wolverine Weapon X is awesome – and a new story arc is starting in Rocktober, so a good suggestion for then. (Also, by Jason Aaron, of Ghost Rider fame)
8:37
B. Schatz:  I’ll post it in the thread later, Gabe.
8:37
Craig Reade:  Indeed! Keep that one on the short list for next month.
8:38
Craig Reade:  We will need to sample something in November too – no Power Girl that month, if memory serves. But we are looking too far ahead. Thoughts for this month B?
8:38
B. Schatz:  Well, I found a couple for the shortlist, of things with new #1′s or story arcs coming out. The first is Sweet Tooth from Vertigo – just a buck for a story by Jeff Lemiere, of Essex County and The Nobody fame. Don’t hold this against him, but he’s also Candian.
8:40
B. Schatz:  There’s also Nomad from Marvel – written by Sean McKeever. It’s $3.99. Strange Tales is the Marvel Indie anthology but it’s $4.99 a pop…
8:40
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
What about secret warriors?
8:40
Craig Reade:  That one is only a buck – not terrible, but that would still leave us room.
8:41
Craig Reade:  You know what? I am going to enable your McKeever gayness, just this once.
8:41
Craig Reade:  Nomad #1 it is.
8:41
Craig Reade:  The list is really light on titles in that niche as it is.
8:41
B. Schatz:  Man, I don’t want to seem like we’re swatting off reader suggestions, because we’re not… but the new story arc started last month… we’ll have to wait for December to look at that one. But Hey, I’m going to keep these on file, and bring them up then. Sound good?
8:41
B. Schatz:  Sounds good.
8:42
B. Schatz:  Gah. That makes it sound like I’m talking to myself. Daggit, not what I intended.
8:43
B. Schatz:  While Craig does some maths, I am going to do some interperative dance, set to gentle murmers.
8:43
Craig Reade:  Indeed man. None of the suggestions are bad at all, but we kind of do need them to be at a good jumping on point. $40PL is all about bang for the buck – and starting in the middle of a story can be difficult.
8:43
B. Schatz:  Ah-tum-tee-tum-tee-tum…
8:43
B. Schatz:  Pah-rum-pah-doodle-doo…
8:44
Craig Reade:  

- ThSeptember List!

 

Jonah Hex #47, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/02/09

Ghost Riders: Heavens Fire #2 (of 6), $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 09/02/09

Invincible Iron Man #17, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/02/09

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

Nomad: Girl Without a World #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/09/09

Green Lantern Corps #40, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/09/09

Invincible Iron Man #18, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/16/09

Deadpool: Merc With a Mouth #3 (of 6), $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/16/09

Blackest Night #3 (of 8), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 09/16/09

Power Girl #5, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 09/23/09

Avengers: The Initiative #28, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/23/09

Nova #29, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 09/23/09

8:44
B. Schatz:  A-tap-a-tap-a-tappe…
8:44
B. Schatz:  Oh thank God…
8:44
Craig Reade:  

$1.30 (Bank from August) + $40 (September Budget) = $41.30

$41.30 – $37.88 (September  issues) – $2.94 (tax) = $.48 Banked for October
8:44
Craig Reade:  It’s over!
8:44
 [Comment From Gabriel Sosa]
ok, I thought the secret warriors arc started in september.
8:44
Craig Reade:  

With barely 50 cents to spare.
8:44
B. Schatz:  No worries. It happens to us all. Thanks for the suggestion, though, it’s an awesome book.
8:45
B. Schatz:  Ta-dah! We’ve done it again. Marvel at our awesome comic muscles. Grrrrrrrr
8:45
Craig Reade:  I think that concludes our broadcast day. Thanks to everyone for tuning in and commenting.
8:45
B. Schatz:  Stay thirsty, my friends.
8:45
Craig Reade:  Feel free to continue the conversation in the thread. You may also bash our horribly wrong opinions if you so choose.
8:45
Craig Reade:  See you next month!
8:46

 

 

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