Okay, so the preview thing didn't work out quite as well as I'd hoped. Obviously there's a couple of bugs on my end that need to be checked over. In the meantime, today was new comic book day and the release of a movie I've been waiting a REALLY long time to see.
First the comics. Wasn't a big lot for me this week, Countdown 44, The Immortal Iron Fist #6, Thunderbolts #115 and The Collected Tales of the TMNT Volume 3.
Countdown #44
I'm pretty sure most of you know about Countdown. It's the follow up to DC's weekly 52 event. Now, I didn't read every single part of 52 (I'd decided to go balls-out on Civil War) but did pick up the Bat-centric issues. Countdown wouldn't normally interest me in the slightest, however, there are two things about the event grabbed me. The first, Red Hood. I started going all out and picking up both Batman and Detective Comics on a regular basis when The Red Hood aka Jason Todd (formerly Robin, also formerly dead in one of the most controversial character deaths in comic history) came back. The outcry regarding the retconning of his death and how it was handled was pretty big. Personally, I really liked the arc up until they revealed HOW he came back - Superboy "Prime" punched reality, which sent aftershocks across the universe and resulted in Jason Todd's death being undone. Not being a huge DC reader beyond the Bat, this made little sense to me at the time, and now that I am a little wiser to the history of the DC universe, it makes perfect sense, but it doesn't stop it from being a pretty weak resurrection.
See, I'm a big sucker for characters coming back from the dead. The Green Goblin was well handled, it all made sense in the Marvel universe and you didn't have to know the entire Marvel U to understand it. Jason Todd could've been handled a lot better. As I said, I didn't mind it, and enjoyed reading the whole saga, but it could've been better and it should've been something that stayed within the confines of the Batman universe.
Anyway, getting back on track... Countdown deals with the Red Hood. He's one of the leads. The whole thing though, seems to be dealing with all these alternate universes and such and such a character from such and such a dimension going about their business in a dimension that isn't their own. In other words, it's dealing with a lot of the mess DC seems to bring upon itself with having the intertwining universes, and Jason Todd is one of them.
The second reason this book has me is because of Paul Dini, who is hands down, one of my favourite writers around. He's the dude responsible for the Batman animated series that ran through the 90's and the current Detective Comics (which is easily one of the best books on the market at the moment).
So far, Countdown has been interesting, but not enthralling. Whether or not it pulls a controversy card like 52 did with it's lesbian Batwoman remains to be seen, and admittedly it is only early in the series, so there are a lot of things still up in the air. I'm sticking with it, but I've got a feeling that, come the finale, I'm not going to be blown that far away.
The Immortal Iron Fist #6
I'm loving this book. When I first started picking it up, it was either this or Daredevil. I love Brubaker's work, and Matt Fraction's recent works (Casanova and Punisher War Journal) have been great fun, and wanting something that wasn't going to have me dredging through back issues to catch up, I decided to go with Fist. Still in it's first arc, it's a Hell of a lot of fun and some very clever writing. At the moment, it's dealing with the Iron Fist being a 'mantle' power, and the current Iron Fist (Danny Rand) has teamed up with the previous title holder in a battle against Hydra. While this is going on, The Powers That Be have called on the Iron Fist to take part in a supernatural tournament to protect the honor of K'un-Lun(think Mortal Kombat or the Battlenexus for all you Turtle fans), which looks like it'll start happening in the next few months and should be very cool indeed.
Anyway, the issue itself is a nice little cap to the first six issues, finishing the Hydra story but also propelling the build up to the Tournament of the Seven Heavenly Cities (Battlenexus). It's not as memorable as #5, which I really loved (the last page with Luke Cage was awesome), but seeing the old school Heroes for Hire gang kicking arse was pretty neat. If you're into wicked Kung Fu action, you really should be reading this. It'd be sweet to see Iron Fist cross the TMNT someday (wishful thinking!).
Thunderbolts #115
I read this one as a Spidey fan. It's the only Initiative title from Marvel (besides New Avengers) I'm reading, and as soon as the Spiderman connections are severed, chances are my purchasing of this book will be too.
Written by Warren Ellis, with art by Mike Deodato, Thunderbolts is essentially a team of some of the most lethal supervillains from the Marvel U given a second chance by serving the government as a team and rounding up any unregistered superheros still actively using their powers. The team is run by Norman Osborn (aka, the Green Goblin) and is made up of Penance (aka Robbie Baldwin, aka Speedball), Venom, Moonstone, Songbird, Swordsman, Radioactive Man and Bullseye. So far it's been pretty fun reading, but this issue just felt kind of average. Beware spoilers about Bullseye...
...5
...4
...3
...2
...1
Spoilers ahoy! Bullseye winding up paralyzed was a nice little touch, though I don't think it's going to have the title spanning reverberations it probably deserves, and to have come (partially at least) from a B-List hero, it just feels kind of underwhelming. Actually, that's probably the best way to describe this whole issue. However, it's one of those issues where the pay off could be awesome a few issues down the track. Usually, each issue finishes with Norman losing it a little more, and they're great little moments. Unfortunately, such a moment never occurs here. All in all, pretty average, but the consequences should be interesting.
My brother and I also went to see Transformers this morning. Everything I could have hoped for! It's EASILY Bay's best work, and probably ILM's best work since Jurassic Park. Great fun, awesome effects and the action is intense! However (and I had a feeling something like this was going to happen), during the final reel of the film - probably no more than 15 minutes to the end and smack bang in the middle of an awesome fight sequence - the film cuts out! Bang! Nothing for twenty minutes! TWENTY MINUTES!! I was told this had happened in three other movies that had played in the cinema that week. Kinda ruined the experience a little (but I'm a big T'formers fan - even had my Autobot shirt on!) but the film is probably my favourite movie since Batman Begins. If you haven't seen it yet, but know the cartoons, it feels like a modernization of the first big story arc that introduced the robots in disguise (the first three episodes in other words). It's like what Ultimate Spiderman is to the original Spiderman. Some of the voices are a little jarring at first, but Peter Cullen is excellent as Prime (as if he wouldn't be!), Starscream - although not in the film that much - is definitely himself, and Megatron is the shiznit! You'd never pick Hugo Weaving for the voice and it's definitely a different, but still very appropriate interpretation of the character. It would've been a dream come true to have Frank Welker voice Megs, but what's done is done and it's all good in the end!
Anyway, that's all I've got on me for now! Gotta get back to work!
Peace out!
T
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Edited Tales going to press
Another forty or so minutes and it's back to stacking shelves for me...
A couple of bits of comic news for you, the one other person reading this. My TMNT comic went to press today (or yesterday, if you're from the US)! From the looks of things, it's scheduled for a July 10 release, which is exactly what I'd hoped for as it means the comic will be out before I head over to San Diego and New York! In other comic news, my second Fast Forward story for Titan Magazines over in the UK will be released on the 2nd of August. I'll be posting a preview when I get a bit more time and am not completely zoned from the monotony that is my work.
I had to do some last minute editing of a scene in Tales #36 this morning, too! Man, what an experience... The scene was largely expositional, kind of bringing new readers up to date a bit, without being too obvious about it. I think I cut about a third of the dialogue down, I'll see if I can post the original page along with the various edits that followed if the powers that be allow it (though it won't come until after the comic is out, if it does - can't go spoiling too much!).
Last week I put forward a letter of inquiry to Marvel Comics to test the waters. If anything comes of it, you can trust I'll post it here, but I thought I might as well find out what I can and how it all works. Hopefully I'll hear soon either way...
Anyway, must bail, speak to you all (?) soon.
Peace
T
A couple of bits of comic news for you, the one other person reading this. My TMNT comic went to press today (or yesterday, if you're from the US)! From the looks of things, it's scheduled for a July 10 release, which is exactly what I'd hoped for as it means the comic will be out before I head over to San Diego and New York! In other comic news, my second Fast Forward story for Titan Magazines over in the UK will be released on the 2nd of August. I'll be posting a preview when I get a bit more time and am not completely zoned from the monotony that is my work.
I had to do some last minute editing of a scene in Tales #36 this morning, too! Man, what an experience... The scene was largely expositional, kind of bringing new readers up to date a bit, without being too obvious about it. I think I cut about a third of the dialogue down, I'll see if I can post the original page along with the various edits that followed if the powers that be allow it (though it won't come until after the comic is out, if it does - can't go spoiling too much!).
Last week I put forward a letter of inquiry to Marvel Comics to test the waters. If anything comes of it, you can trust I'll post it here, but I thought I might as well find out what I can and how it all works. Hopefully I'll hear soon either way...
Anyway, must bail, speak to you all (?) soon.
Peace
T
Another forty or so minutes and it's back to stacking shelves for me...
A couple of bits of comic news for you, the one other person reading this. My TMNT comic went to press today (or yesterday, if you're from the US)! From the looks of things, it's scheduled for a July 10 release, which is exactly what I'd hoped for as it means the comic will be out before I head over to San Diego and New York! In other comic news, my second Fast Forward story for Titan Magazines over in the UK will be released on the 2nd of August. I'll be posting a preview when I get a bit more time and am not completely zoned from the monotony that is my work.
I had to do some last minute editing of a scene in Tales #36 this morning, too! Man, what an experience... The scene was largely expositional, kind of bringing new readers up to date a bit, without being too obvious about it. I think I cut about a third of the dialogue down, I'll see if I can post the original page along with the various edits that followed if the powers that be allow it (though it won't come until after the comic is out, if it does - can't go spoiling too much!).
Last week I put forward a letter of inquiry to Marvel Comics to test the waters. If anything comes of it, you can trust I'll post it here, but I thought I might as well find out what I can and how it all works. Hopefully I'll hear soon either way...
Anyway, must bail, speak to you all (?) soon.
Peace
T
A couple of bits of comic news for you, the one other person reading this. My TMNT comic went to press today (or yesterday, if you're from the US)! From the looks of things, it's scheduled for a July 10 release, which is exactly what I'd hoped for as it means the comic will be out before I head over to San Diego and New York! In other comic news, my second Fast Forward story for Titan Magazines over in the UK will be released on the 2nd of August. I'll be posting a preview when I get a bit more time and am not completely zoned from the monotony that is my work.
I had to do some last minute editing of a scene in Tales #36 this morning, too! Man, what an experience... The scene was largely expositional, kind of bringing new readers up to date a bit, without being too obvious about it. I think I cut about a third of the dialogue down, I'll see if I can post the original page along with the various edits that followed if the powers that be allow it (though it won't come until after the comic is out, if it does - can't go spoiling too much!).
Last week I put forward a letter of inquiry to Marvel Comics to test the waters. If anything comes of it, you can trust I'll post it here, but I thought I might as well find out what I can and how it all works. Hopefully I'll hear soon either way...
Anyway, must bail, speak to you all (?) soon.
Peace
T
Monday, June 25, 2007
My Brother Will Be Shattered
Robert Kirkman's Ant-man is a fantastic read. That's why the following is a true shame...
Read on...
Read on...
This one is for my younger brother, who celebrated his 20th birthday yesterday (and is presently hammering awaay at his MySpace account and undoubtedly keeping in touch with his friends via msn). I hope you had a good day man (MANG!), and I hope whatever suddenly attacked you from the inside as midnight approached has subsided.
If anyone ever decides to go to Box Hill and wants great food at lunatic pricing, go to the Little Lamb Chinese Buffet. Ev and I were the only two people/ravenous monsters in the whole place for lunch today, and we made damn sure that twenty dollars we eached forked over was well spent. Easily one of the most satisfying feeds I've had in a long time, and if Evan decides to post the photo's of the aftermath, I'll link them. I think it's pretty fair to say that we dominated in there, dude! Let's go crazy Broadway style tomorrow... or not...
I can tell that I'm going to become re-addicted to this blogging shiznit, but until my skills improve, here's some junk for the mind:
I was a big fan of this show as a child growing up in the 80's. Needless to say, I find this hilarious. Parental discretion is advised... the language is colourful and may taint the minds of any young Thundercats fans.
If anyone ever decides to go to Box Hill and wants great food at lunatic pricing, go to the Little Lamb Chinese Buffet. Ev and I were the only two people/ravenous monsters in the whole place for lunch today, and we made damn sure that twenty dollars we eached forked over was well spent. Easily one of the most satisfying feeds I've had in a long time, and if Evan decides to post the photo's of the aftermath, I'll link them. I think it's pretty fair to say that we dominated in there, dude! Let's go crazy Broadway style tomorrow... or not...
I can tell that I'm going to become re-addicted to this blogging shiznit, but until my skills improve, here's some junk for the mind:
I was a big fan of this show as a child growing up in the 80's. Needless to say, I find this hilarious. Parental discretion is advised... the language is colourful and may taint the minds of any young Thundercats fans.
One Year Later
Wow. It's been a while... Why am I back? Good question. One that I'm still unsure of to be honest. I've noticed a lot of people making the jump back to their livejournals of blogspots from their previously held myspace accounts for various reasons, and that could have something to do with it. It could also have something to do with the relative ease and accessibility of blogspot blogs and their posting, it could also have something to do with the inordinate amount of sex-clones that have spread through myspace like a horrible plague. Mainly, as one of my myspace friends made note of as he made the switch, it comes down to the bugs. Myspace has a lot of them. Myspace is good for keeping in touch, but from here on out, I think I'll be keeping the business end of things here.
SO!
One Year Later.
A lot's happened. Here's a big, old list!
- I made the decision to leave university and focus solely on my writing and pursuing a career in comic book writing (hopefully, with some screenwriting along the way).
- I managed to achieve something I had only dreamed of accomplishing - I wrote an issue of Mirage Publishing's "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", which is due for release in just a few weeks! I only just realised that as I wrote it, too!
- DC had it's Infinite Crisis, something I passed on, and I had my Health Crisis, something I wished I'd passed on.
- Marvel had it's Civil War, Spidey was unmasked, Captain America was killed. It was a big fun read and a crossover event to which I bought every single tie-in and variant. Some may say I'm a sucker, but the way I see it, it's probably going to be the biggest event of my lifetime (in the Marvel Universe) - like, Secret Wars huge - and decided that this would be the one event I went all out on (I'm a Spidey fan, so I usually only get titles that revolve around him).
- I finished my studies at RMIT (studying Film and Television) and enrolled in Media and Communications at Swinburne University (I have a fairly extensive rant waiting to burst forth from the back of my mind about that, but I'll save that for another day).
- I'm being published by Titan Magazines UK, writing their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward! strips. My first story was published in their first issue, and my next one appears on the 2nd of August.
- Coming in second to my Mirage comic on my own personal "Excite-O-Meter" (that's mine, but you can use it) is my trip to America. Come the 23rd of July, I'll be flying with my old man and some good friends to attend the San Diego Comic Con, and then spending a week in the Big Apple. I was lucky enough to get into the Con as a professional, so I plan on taking full advantage of that!
- I put a knife through my hand about a week ago. Breakfast preparation leads to disaster.
- A host of other things probably happened too, but these are the things that stick out. From here on, I'll be posting my professional progress and occasional random ponderings here, so check it out and hopefully you'll enjoy!
Peace!
T
SO!
One Year Later.
A lot's happened. Here's a big, old list!
- I made the decision to leave university and focus solely on my writing and pursuing a career in comic book writing (hopefully, with some screenwriting along the way).
- I managed to achieve something I had only dreamed of accomplishing - I wrote an issue of Mirage Publishing's "Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", which is due for release in just a few weeks! I only just realised that as I wrote it, too!
- DC had it's Infinite Crisis, something I passed on, and I had my Health Crisis, something I wished I'd passed on.
- Marvel had it's Civil War, Spidey was unmasked, Captain America was killed. It was a big fun read and a crossover event to which I bought every single tie-in and variant. Some may say I'm a sucker, but the way I see it, it's probably going to be the biggest event of my lifetime (in the Marvel Universe) - like, Secret Wars huge - and decided that this would be the one event I went all out on (I'm a Spidey fan, so I usually only get titles that revolve around him).
- I finished my studies at RMIT (studying Film and Television) and enrolled in Media and Communications at Swinburne University (I have a fairly extensive rant waiting to burst forth from the back of my mind about that, but I'll save that for another day).
- I'm being published by Titan Magazines UK, writing their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fast Forward! strips. My first story was published in their first issue, and my next one appears on the 2nd of August.
- Coming in second to my Mirage comic on my own personal "Excite-O-Meter" (that's mine, but you can use it) is my trip to America. Come the 23rd of July, I'll be flying with my old man and some good friends to attend the San Diego Comic Con, and then spending a week in the Big Apple. I was lucky enough to get into the Con as a professional, so I plan on taking full advantage of that!
- I put a knife through my hand about a week ago. Breakfast preparation leads to disaster.
- A host of other things probably happened too, but these are the things that stick out. From here on, I'll be posting my professional progress and occasional random ponderings here, so check it out and hopefully you'll enjoy!
Peace!
T
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