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Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Blu-ray Review: "Sadako 3D"
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Blu-ray Review: "Sadako 3D"
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Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Blu-ray Review: "Captain America: Collector's Edition"
Before 1998's "Blade," Marvel Comics couldn't seem to catch a break when it came to movie versions of their different properties. In the wake of "Iron Man 3" and "The Avengers," I know that's very hard to believe. There was a serial for Captain America released in 1944 through Republic Pictures. George Lucas executive produced a live-action adaptation of "Howard the Duck" in 1986.
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Blu-ray Review: "Captain America: Collector's Edition"
Before 1998's "Blade," Marvel Comics couldn't seem to catch a break when it came to movie versions of their different properties. In the wake of "Iron Man 3" and "The Avengers," I know that's very hard to believe. There was a serial for Captain America released in 1944 through Republic Pictures. George Lucas executive produced a live-action adaptation of "Howard the Duck" in 1986.
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Monday, May 27, 2013
Dallas Comic-Con Keeps Growing in 2013
Before the doors of the Irving Convention Center even opened on Saturday, it was very evident that Dallas Comic-Con is no longer just a local Texas event. Just by reading the convention's Facebook page, you could see people sharing their stories of how far they had traveled to meet their favorite celebrities. Many were from out of state or distant corners of the Lone Star State.
Let's just get the negative out of the way so we can get to the good points. Yes, there were a few cancellations. One was felt more than the others. The first day of the event, Nathan Fillion's representatives contacted Comic-Con management and told them the actor wouldn't be attending because of health reasons.
Since the Comic-Con personnel can't just say it out of tact and professional reason, let me do the talking for them. Anyone who drives or flies thousands of miles just to meet one celebrity is asking for disappointment. These people are actors and artists.
They're at the beckoned call of someone much larger than a pack of disgruntled fans. These entertainers are at the mercy of giant machines called Hollywood and publishers. Episodes of "Castle" don't just make themselves, folks. If the studio needs Nathan Fillion an extra day on set or he gets suddenly sick, he has to cancel everything else to be ready to perform.
Dallas Comic-Con continues to outdo themselves year after year. This year's high profile guests included newcomers Brandon Routh (the Man of Steel in "Superman Returns"), Ioann Gruffold (Mr. Fantastic in the "Fantastic Four" films), Natasha Henstridge (the lovely-yet-deadly creature in "Species"), LeVar Burton (Geordi in "Star Trek: The Next Generation") and 1980s heartthrob Andrew McCarthy ("Pretty in Pink").
Returning guests included William Shatner, Kevin Conroy (the voice of the Dark Knight in everything from "Batman: The Animated Series" to "Batman: Arkham City"), Brent Spiner (Data in "Star Trek: The Next Generation"), Ernie Hudson ("Ghostbusters"), and many more. Each of these celebrities greeted fans, signed autographs, and took what is the equivalent of family portraits with anyone willing to pay the price.
Dallas Comic-Con was a blast for everyone who could look past having to stand in long lines or shake off the inconvenience of bumping into people. Where else can geeks from all walks of life come together in unison to celebrate their individual loves for TV shows, comic books, and toys? For three days, the Irving Convention Center was a safe place for the thousands of people referred to as nerds by society. I'm proud to say I was there with my six-year-old son in tow.
The highlight of the con for me was catching up with "All-Star Western" and "Jonah Hex" writer / artist Jimmy Palmiotti and meeting "Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre" artist Amanda Connor. I had Palmiotti autograph both of my New 52 "All-Star Western" trade paperbacks. Connor signed all four of my issues of "Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre" and took the time to pose for a photo with them. Palmiotti posed like he was pointing a gun at the camera in front of his Jonah Hex banner for me as well.
Just like many people there, I had my moment of disappointment. I was too late for artist John Romita Jr. to sign a print of Punisher and Batman trading blows while the Joker looked on laughing. My buddy wanted Kevin Conroy's autograph and we arrived at his booth just in time to be notified he had left for the day. Although we were bummed, we didn't let these things ruin our good time.
There were plenty of other things to do. The vendor area was filled with all sorts of interesting items you could purchase or just gawk at. There were vintage dolls and action figures, reproductions of weapons, and hard-to-find comic books and movies to dig through.
I took my son to play Blast-A-Stormtrooper, which was a charity benefit put on by the 501st. When we got there, it had turned into Blast-A-Darth Vader. It was funny seeing little kids pelting the Dark Lord of the Sith with Nerf missiles as he tried to deflect them with his lightsaber.
Dallas Comic-Con was a lot of fun again this year. Just like any event that continues to get larger, it can't help but suffer some growing pains. Understanding all of this, comic-con promoters can count on my support and attendance next year and for Fan Days in October.
Click here for pictures of the 2013 Dallas Comic-Con.
Dallas Comic-Con Keeps Growing in 2013
Before the doors of the Irving Convention Center even opened on Saturday, it was very evident that Dallas Comic-Con is no longer just a local Texas event. Just by reading the convention's Facebook page, you could see people sharing their stories of how far they had traveled to meet their favorite celebrities. Many were from out of state or distant corners of the Lone Star State.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Exploring What Could Have Been the Official "Star Wars" Sequel: "Splinter of the Mind's Eye"
This year marks the 33rd Anniversary of the release of "The Empire Strikes Back." Thanks to the success of "Star Wars," George Lucas went on to make five sequels to the movie and create one of the greatest space sagas ever. However, what if "Star Wars" hadn't been as successful as it ended up being?
What if the film now referred to as "Episode IV: A New Hope" only found a niche crowd of sci-fi devotees? One thing I can assure you is Lucas wasn't ready to just hang up his dreams of exploring a galaxy far, far away. It would have just been on a much smaller budget with a simpler story.
Science Fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was hired by Lucas to ghost write a novelization of his "Star Wars" movie to release before the film hit theaters in 1977. What many people don't know is that Foster was commissioned to come up with a budget-conscious sequel to it as well. He was to write the follow-up book with the idea in mind that "Star Wars" might not be a big hit at the box office. In that case, Lucas would have a means of continuing his saga in a less complex manner.
Foster began penning what would become "Splinter of the Mind's Eye." Lucas gave him a lot of freedom to go where he wanted to as far as story and plot was concerned. He only had a few requests of Foster as he fleshed out the book. Lucas needed him to stick to scenarios in which the existing props from "Star Wars" could be recycled for the new film. With this in mind, the writer put ideas down on paper.
He made the setting of the story a misty jungle planet. This would help reduce the cost of having to create artificial sets and backgrounds. An isolated stretch of forest that could stand in as a jungle wouldn't be that hard for a location scout to find.
In the book, Luke Skywalker volunteers to accompany Princess Leia Organa on a mission to the planet Circarpous. When her ship is damaged, they're forced to make an emergency landing on the jungle planet Mimban. He soon discovers that a mysterious gem called the Kaiburr crystal is found on the planet. The crystal gives the one who possesses it unlimited powers over the Force. Luke must find the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands. These wrong hands could include those of Darth Vader.
Upon finishing the novel and showing Lucas, the "Star Wars" creator had only one editing request. He wanted Foster to remove a space battle involving Luke and Leia before they crash-landed on the jungle planet. Lucas was afraid the sequence would require too many special effects and cost too much money to film.
There were many aspects of "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" which would come to contradict the future history of the "Star Wars" universe. For starters, there are some obvious romantic feelings between Luke and Leia. R2-D2 is referred to as a "detoo" unit instead of an "artoo" unit, which is what the model has continued to be called throughout the six movies.
Luke's dueling skills are also described as being far more advanced than what they were in "The Empire Strikes Back." Leia keeps Vader at bay during a battle as well. However, both of these could easily be explained away by revelations in "Empire" and "Return of the Jedi" that they have inherited Force powers since Vader is their father.
Another discrepancy found in the book revolves around Vader telling Luke he had a hard to time finding out he was the one who shot up his TIE fighter during the Battle of the Death Star. Han Solo was responsible for taking the Dark Lord of the Sith out of the fight.
There were also a couple of ideas that made it into the future "Star Wars" movies. It's obvious that the jungle planet of Mimban transformed into Dagobah. Luke also severs Vader's hand in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye," which comes to pass in "Return of the Jedi."
Something else noticeable about "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" is the absence of Han Solo and Chewbacca. At the time the novel was written, Harrison Ford wasn't under contract to return as the heroic smuggler in a sequel. Therefore, Lucas didn't want to include him in this quick follow-up.
As history dictates, "Star Wars" went on to be a huge blockbuster and "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" was nixed as being the follow-up film. Lucas decided to go in another higher-budgeted direction and "The Empire Strikes Back" was born. The novel was released in 1978 through Ballantine Books with the accompanying tagline "The Further Adventures of Luke Skywalker." It became the first entry in what would become known as the "Star Wars Expanded Universe."
"Splinter of the Mind's Eye" is available now in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions.
Exploring What Could Have Been the Official "Star Wars" Sequel: "Splinter of the Mind's Eye"
This year marks the 33rd Anniversary of the release of "The Empire Strikes Back." Thanks to the success of "Star Wars," George Lucas went on to make five sequels to the movie and create one of the greatest space sagas ever. However, what if "Star Wars" hadn't been as successful as it ended up being?
Thursday, May 23, 2013
"Star Trek into Darkness" Movie Review
Remember that excited feeling you had when seeing "The Empire Strikes Back" for the first time ever? How about that stunned feeling you felt when Darth Vader tells Luke Skywalker he's his father? That's the sort of feelings I walked away with after watching "Star Trek Into Darkness." I'm so happy I avoided all spoilers for it. I walked into the movie blindly and was so thrilled I couldn't stop smiling through the entire thing.
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"Star Trek into Darkness" Movie Review
Remember that excited feeling you had when seeing "The Empire Strikes Back" for the first time ever? How about that stunned feeling you felt when Darth Vader tells Luke Skywalker he's his father? That's the sort of feelings I walked away with after watching "Star Trek Into Darkness." I'm so happy I avoided all spoilers for it. I walked into the movie blindly and was so thrilled I couldn't stop smiling through the entire thing.
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Blu-ray Review: "Dark Skies"
When first viewing the trailer for "Dark Skies," I was immediately excited to see it. It appeared to be another supernatural horror film concerning a creepy little kid. You can never go wrong using that concept. My interest waned a bit upon learning the movie revolved around an alien encounter. I don't dislike movies about aliens, but they just don't excite me as much as a good ghost story or haunted house flick.
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Blu-ray Review: "Dark Skies"
When first viewing the trailer for "Dark Skies," I was immediately excited to see it. It appeared to be another supernatural horror film concerning a creepy little kid. You can never go wrong using that concept. My interest waned a bit upon learning the movie revolved around an alien encounter. I don't dislike movies about aliens, but they just don't excite me as much as a good ghost story or haunted house flick.
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Artist Norm Breyfogle Talks Batman Beyond Unlimited and "Beware the Batman"
Like many youth in 1988, the release of Tim Burton's "Batman" ushered in a renewed interest in reading the Dark Knight's comic book adventures. That summer, I borrowed stacks of Detective and Batman comics and devoured them in late night cramming sessions. Many of those comics were illustrated by Norm Breyfogle.
Breyfogle's Batman continues to be one of my favorite depictions of the character. His grim look and long ears remind me of how Bob Kane first envisioned and drew the Caped Crusader. Breyfogle also co-created Ratcatcher and Anarky, which are two of the most memorable super villains of the late 1980s.
When it was announced Breyfogle was providing the art for the digital series Batman Beyond Unlimited, I couldn't have been more excited. Now it's been released in a collected paperback edition entitled "Batman Beyond Unlimited: 10,000 Clowns." Breyfogle got even more recognition when DC released a comic book preview of the new "Beware the Batman" TV show on Free Comic Book Day. It was revealed that the super villain Anarky will be the Dark Knight's main nemesis for the series.
I met Breyfogle at Dallas Comic-Con a while back and told him I'd love to interview him. Unfortunately, my busy schedule distracted me from ever getting back with him until now. With so much of his work being highlighted through both Batman Beyond Unlimited and "Beware the Batman," I felt like the time was right to talk with him about his past, present, and future projects.
First off, how did you come about working on Batman Beyond Unlimited? Was it something you sought out or did DC approach you with the project?
Jim Chadwick, my first editor on Batman Beyond Unlimited, emailed me with the offer after I'd drawn for him the "Batman Retroactive 1990s" book which Alan Grant wrote.
How do you approach Batman Beyond Unlimited differently than you do / did the original Batman?
Since it was a digital title, the main difference for me was the format, which divided each page into two sections which fit the digital format.
Also, I felt it necessary to watch all the "Batman Beyond" animated series episodes and try to stay close to the designs in it.
No matter what you do, it seems like the Dark Knight always draws you back. What is it about Batman that keeps you coming back?
DC editor offers, and the fact that DC pays well. (LOL)
I've loved the look and character of Batman since childhood, and it's the fulfillment of a major dream of mine to drawn his adventures. But, I do love drawing ANY characters.
You've probably known for a while, but it was recently announced to the public that Anarky is going to be the main villain in the new "Beware the Batman" TV show. How does it feel to have a character you co-created become the epicenter of a series soon to be watched by possibly millions of people?
It's good. I just hope my and Alan Grant's equity request for that character (which I only filed a couple of months ago) is accepted!
Batman Beyond Unlimited was just released in a trade paperback version. Do you ever go back and thumb through your work and say, "I really did great work on this" or "I wish I would have had more time to work on that?"
Certainly! "The unexamined life is not worth living." -Socrates
What are you working on now that you can talk about?
I just finished a job I for which I signed an NDA, so I can't yet talk about it, but it will be seen on TV in the next month or so.
I'm presently penciling 48 pages for the title The Danger's Dozen, published by A First Salvo, a company for which I drew many pages about 6-7 years ago.
After that, I'm taking a long summer vacation for the first time in many years. After the summer? I'm presently reviewing my options/opportunities.
For more information on Norm Breyfogle, go to his official website.
Artist Norm Breyfogle Talks Batman Beyond Unlimited and "Beware the Batman"
Like many youth in 1988, the release of Tim Burton's "Batman" ushered in a renewed interest in reading the Dark Knight's comic book adventures. That summer, I borrowed stacks of Detective and Batman comics and devoured them in late night cramming sessions. Many of those comics were illustrated by Norm Breyfogle.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
“Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2” Graphic Novel Review
It's amazing the things you discover reflecting on the works of one artist during a specific period of time in the publishing history of a comic book. Growing up, I read Batman comics from all eras of the Dark Knight's long career. I remember checking out this monstrous hardcover book from my elementary school library that featured reprints of Batman comics from the 1930s all the way through the 1970s. One of the comic book covers that stood out in my young mind at the time and stayed with me as one of my favorites was by an artist I now in my old age have come to respect and hold dear to my heart named Neal Adams. My eight-year-old self would have never guessed that at age 40 I would be reading "Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2" and see that cover again.
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“Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2” Graphic Novel Review
It's amazing the things you discover reflecting on the works of one artist during a specific period of time in the publishing history of a comic book. Growing up, I read Batman comics from all eras of the Dark Knight's long career. I remember checking out this monstrous hardcover book from my elementary school library that featured reprints of Batman comics from the 1930s all the way through the 1970s. One of the comic book covers that stood out in my young mind at the time and stayed with me as one of my favorites was by an artist I now in my old age have come to respect and hold dear to my heart named Neal Adams. My eight-year-old self would have never guessed that at age 40 I would be reading "Batman Illustrated by Neal Adams Volume 2" and see that cover again.
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Celebrating 33 Years of "The Empire Strikes Back"
33 years ago today, the first audiences for "The Empire Strikes Back" stumbled out of theaters with their mouths wide open in shock over what they had just witnessed. Could Darth Vader really be Luke Skywalker’s father? Will Han Solo ever be freed from his Carbonite prison?
"Star Wars" certainly kicked off the greatest space saga ever. However, "The Empire Strikes Back" officially ushered in enough dysfunctional family issues to fill up four more films, a few television shows and movies, and countless comic books and novels.
The story picks up three years after "Star Wars," with the Rebel Alliance hiding out from the Empire on the frozen planet Hoth. After Darth Vader and his armada of Star Destroyers discover the whereabouts of the Rebels, he attacks them and sends them scrambling in different directions. Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 fly off to train under a Jedi Master named Yoda. Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia Organa, and C-3PO are chased across the galaxy by Vader to a city in the clouds ran by Solo's old friend, Lando Calrissian.
Vader is told by the Emperor he must confront a great disturbance in the Force named Luke Skywalker. The Dark Lord of the Sith captures Han, Leia, Chewie, and C-3PO on Cloud City as a trap to lure Luke away from his training. Vader's goal is to recruit Luke as an ally of the Dark Side or eliminate him.
Creator George Lucas decided to step away from the Director's chair and hand the reins over to his USC School of Cinematic Arts professor Irvin Kirshner. Kirshner refused to do it at first, not wanting to direct a sequel which was destined to be inferior to the original. Thankfully, Kirshner's agent talked him into taking the job.
It's also important to note that this was the first of the "Star Wars" movies to carry an episode title. "Empire" held the sub-title "Episode V" as soon as it was released in theaters. "Episode IV" wasn't added to the beginning crawl of "Star Wars" until its re-release in 1981.
"The Empire Strikes Back" is my personal favorite of the "Star Wars" movies. Its darker atmosphere is one element that puts it at the top of my list. A greater focus on Han Solo is another reason I love the film. I was always attracted to Solo's rebellious attitude and confident swagger. The climactic lightsaber battle between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker was the cherry on top.
Originally, many critics frowned on "Empire" as having no real beginning, middle, or end. They felt it was merely a movie created to bridge the gap between the start of the story and the finale. It has since gone on to be praised as the best film out of all the chapters in the "Star Wars" saga.
"The Empire Strikes Back" is available now on Blu-ray.
Celebrating 33 Years of "The Empire Strikes Back"
33 years ago today, the first audiences for "The Empire Strikes Back" stumbled out of theaters with their mouths wide open in shock over what they had just witnessed. Could Darth Vader really be Luke Skywalker’s father? Will Han Solo ever be freed from his Carbonite prison?
Monday, May 20, 2013
"Texas Chainsaw" DVD Review
Imagine, if you will, a world where "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2," "Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III," and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" never happened. We won't even mention the remake and its sequel since they're not part of the original canon. The slate of what many consider inadequate follow-ups to the original is wiped completely clean. This scenario is exactly what "Texas Chainsaw" asks of its audience.
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"Texas Chainsaw" DVD Review
Imagine, if you will, a world where "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2," "Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III," and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation" never happened. We won't even mention the remake and its sequel since they're not part of the original canon. The slate of what many consider inadequate follow-ups to the original is wiped completely clean. This scenario is exactly what "Texas Chainsaw" asks of its audience.
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Friday, May 17, 2013
"Superman Unbound" Blu-ray Review
For the past eight years, Batman received all the love at the movies when it comes to DC Comics' characters. That's all about to change on June 14 when "Man of Steel" hits theaters. DC and Warner Premiere aren't going to settle for TV commercials and trailers to get people pumped up. Two new comic books and a DC Universe Animated Original Movie entitled "Superman Unbound" are keeping the super hero fresh on everyone's minds as well.
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"Superman Unbound" Blu-ray Review
For the past eight years, Batman received all the love at the movies when it comes to DC Comics' characters. That's all about to change on June 14 when "Man of Steel" hits theaters. DC and Warner Premiere aren't going to settle for TV commercials and trailers to get people pumped up. Two new comic books and a DC Universe Animated Original Movie entitled "Superman Unbound" are keeping the super hero fresh on everyone's minds as well.
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Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Blu-ray Review: "The Burning: Collector's Edition"
I believe I've found what must be the seminal summer camp slasher film of the 1980s. It captures every element of the decade's obsession with movies like "Friday the 13th" and "Meatballs" and puts them in one package. Shout! Factory has scored again with their Blu-ray release of "The Burning."
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Blu-ray Review: "The Burning: Collector's Edition"
I believe I've found what must be the seminal summer camp slasher film of the 1980s. It captures every element of the decade's obsession with movies like "Friday the 13th" and "Meatballs" and puts them in one package. Shout! Factory has scored again with their Blu-ray release of "The Burning."
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Friday, May 10, 2013
"Iron Man 3" Movie Review
I had such mixed emotions walking out of "Iron Man 3." There were things I really liked about it and others I didn't. One thing I can say is it's the best and most complex of the three films concentrating on the heavy metal super hero.
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"Iron Man 3" Movie Review
I had such mixed emotions walking out of "Iron Man 3." There were things I really liked about it and others I didn't. One thing I can say is it's the best and most complex of the three films concentrating on the heavy metal super hero.
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Thursday, May 9, 2013
"State of Emergency" DVD Review
In a day and age where zombie movies are a dime a dozen, filmmakers have to do something in order to stand out from the crowd. It's not enough to just show the walking dead running or lumbering toward victims and then eating them. There's only so many times you can be shocked by a flesh-eater getting plugged in the head with a rifle. George Romero, Danny Broiled, and countless other directors have already given us those moments hundreds of times over. Unfortunately, "State of Emergency" is another in a long line of films that brings nothing new to the table at all.
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"State of Emergency" DVD Review
In a day and age where zombie movies are a dime a dozen, filmmakers have to do something in order to stand out from the crowd. It's not enough to just show the walking dead running or lumbering toward victims and then eating them. There's only so many times you can be shocked by a flesh-eater getting plugged in the head with a rifle. George Romero, Danny Broiled, and countless other directors have already given us those moments hundreds of times over. Unfortunately, "State of Emergency" is another in a long line of films that brings nothing new to the table at all.
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Monday, May 6, 2013
“Batwing Volume 2: In the Shadow of the Ancients” Graphic Novel Review
"Batwing Volume 2: In the Shadow of the Ancients" collects issues #0 and 7 through 12 of the monthly title. The Dark Knight of Africa is a character I was immediately excited and fascinated by when the launch of the New 52 was announced. I'm happy to say that the feeling is still with me.
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“Batwing Volume 2: In the Shadow of the Ancients” Graphic Novel Review
"Batwing Volume 2: In the Shadow of the Ancients" collects issues #0 and 7 through 12 of the monthly title. The Dark Knight of Africa is a character I was immediately excited and fascinated by when the launch of the New 52 was announced. I'm happy to say that the feeling is still with me.
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“Batman: Gotham by Gaslight” Graphic Novel Review
Being a big fan of Victorian-era literature and films, I can't think of a better pairing than my favorite super hero and that time period. The only way it could get any better is if he's teamed up with Sherlock Holmes or pitted against Jack the Ripper. That's exactly what "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" gives readers.
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“Batman: Gotham by Gaslight” Graphic Novel Review
Being a big fan of Victorian-era literature and films, I can't think of a better pairing than my favorite super hero and that time period. The only way it could get any better is if he's teamed up with Sherlock Holmes or pitted against Jack the Ripper. That's exactly what "Batman: Gotham by Gaslight" gives readers.
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Saturday, May 4, 2013
Top Four "Before Watchmen" Titles
The controversial "Before Watchmen" event came to a close with the sixth and final issue of the Comedian's title. To say it ended the entire affair with a bang would be both accurate and an understatement. Just like everyone, I have my favorites and want to give them the praise they deserve.
All eight titles in the series were met with mixed reactions from readers and critics. Overall, I believe "Before Watchmen" succeeded to do what Alan Moore thought was impossible. It breathed life into characters that were supposedly never meant to stand on their own outside of the "Watchmen" graphic novel.
"Before Watchmen: Ozymandias" is definitely my favorite of the titles. Original "Watchmen" editor Len Wein took the reins and penned a compelling story that took what I considered the most uninteresting character in the original book and gave him a colorful background which explained his slow descent into calculated madness. Penciler Jae Lee's unique blend of classic American artwork in the vein of Norman Rockwell and modern precision not unlike Jim Lee made each panel suitable for the wall of a museum.
"Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan" comes in at number two because of an excellent and complex tale spun by J. Michael Straczynski. He transports readers to alternate realities and shows them what might have been had Jon Osterman taken different paths in his life. Straczynski's side-by-side comparisons of different key events are captivating. Artist Adam Hughes did a great job combining his own drawing style while keeping in line with Dave Gibbons' original visions of the characters.
Coming in third is Darwyn Cooke's "Before Watchmen: Minutemen." I can't imagine how mentally and physically exhausting it was for Cooke to take on the art and scripting of this six issue series. He did an incredible job shining light on the crime fighting careers of the first masked vigilantes. His use of sex trafficking as a story vehicle shined a light on a problem that is more serious today than it ever has been. Cooke's art is reminiscent of the golden age works of Jack Kirby, Dick Sprang, and others.
I was immediately intrigued as soon as "Before Watchmen: Moloch" was announced. Alan Moore didn't go into detail on the origins of the character. This two issue series digs deep into the painful childhood and criminal career of Edgar Jacobi. Eduardo Risso's illustrations are unique and don't lean too heavily on Dave Gibbons' artwork for "Watchmen."
My only real complaint about the entire batch of "Before Watchmen" books was the unnecessary use of nudity. It felt as if each issue was trying to push the envelope every month. It was a distraction from the great writing and storytelling. In some ways it seemed to undermine the intentions of the writer and even contradict some of the messages being presented.
Those who didn't keep up with all the "Before Watchmen" titles as they were being published over the last year will get the chance to read them in collected editions soon as DC Comics is releasing all eight in four volumes. Only time will tell if they will have the enduring shelf life of Alan Moore's celebrated graphic novel. I believe all the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears the individual artists and writers put into the books is evident on every page and worthy of a spot right next to it.
"Before Watchmen: Minutemen/ Silk Spectre," "Before Watchmen: Comedian / Rorschach," "Before Watchmen: Nite Owl / Dr. Manhattan," and "Before Watchmen: Ozymandias / Crimson Corsair" are available now in hardcover editions.
Top Four "Before Watchmen" Titles
The controversial "Before Watchmen" event came to a close with the sixth and final issue of the Comedian's title. To say it ended the entire affair with a bang would be both accurate and an understatement. Just like everyone, I have my favorites and want to give them the praise they deserve.
Friday, May 3, 2013
DVD Review: "The Wicked"
Every town in America has their version of "The Wicked." They're the weird person, house, or other location kids whisper about amongst themselves in fear and parents use to threaten their children with. It's the old house on the hill everyone walks faster by on the way home from school or the old man or woman we're told not to talk to.
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DVD Review: "The Wicked"
Every town in America has their version of "The Wicked." They're the weird person, house, or other location kids whisper about amongst themselves in fear and parents use to threaten their children with. It's the old house on the hill everyone walks faster by on the way home from school or the old man or woman we're told not to talk to.
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Thursday, May 2, 2013
DVD Review: "Infected"
Zombie movies are the flavor of the moment and have been for a while now. At least one film featuring some variation of the walking dead is released a week. However, I wouldn't necessarily call the creatures we see in "Infected" traditional zombies.
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DVD Review: "Infected"
Zombie movies are the flavor of the moment and have been for a while now. At least one film featuring some variation of the walking dead is released a week. However, I wouldn't necessarily call the creatures we see in "Infected" traditional zombies.
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