Review #19, "Whats T.R doing to those flamingos?"

WARNING: Spoilers May Ensue.

DEADPOOL #2

Bland & Broad Overview:  Baby Deadpool speaks! Bullet induced fantasy. OoOoOoOo a force ghost. Night of the living dead. Teddy Hunts. Sploorp. Thwack. "anyone want to talk about the elephant in the room?"  Doctor, Doctor give me the news.

My Thoughts: Ahhh the brilliancy of Deadpool, how I love it so. This has become one of my favorite comic books since Darth Vader Ghost Prison. This is far better than the first issue, and I hope Deadpool keeps that momentum going! This time he has Ben Kenobi...I mean, Ben Franklin as a ghost helping him, and I think Ben is a nice addition to this roster.
 If you read the last issue, Deadpool took out F.D.R and this time he took out Theodore Roosevelt., and my god was it a brilliant battle. In the first few panels that show Teddy, he punches a bear, a friggin bear! I don't know about you, but I thought that was just brilliant, genus, scholarly, and gentlemen like. Also Teddy was doing something with flamingos *shudder* lets not get into that. ANYWAY, Deadpool sneaks up  behind Teddy, shoots him the head, and the punch from Teddy lets Deadpool "believe he can fly." The fight continues, and eventfully panels later, kills Teddy and an elephant. (Did you just say, "what?" aloud? If so, go buy this comic now--if not, buy it anyway.) The ending shows that S.H.E.I.L.D is becoming desperate, as they try to recruit a fellow hero.

As last time, everything is brilliantly done. >From the lettering to the colors, it all fits so well. The addition of Kid Deadpool, or is it baby? Eh, Baby Deadpool gives me a funnier image. Ah hem, the addition of Baby Deadpool on the recap page was great, he attempted to guilt me, but Baby Deadpool, I bought the first comic--so no hard feelings right? I also loved, to my knowledge, there were two Star Wars innuendos in there, and I love me some Star Wars. Anyway, fantastic guys! Mr. Brian Posehn,  Mr. Gerry Duggan keep that perfect dialogue coming! Mr. Tony Moore your art is fantastic, keep up the great work (thanks for the brilliant display of gore! See below)! Mr. Val Staples, the comic wouldn't pop without your colors (also, thanks for that brilliant coloration of gore!) You guys are doing great, please keep the momentum swinging!

Favorite Panel:

"At Least Buy Me Dinner First..."

Personal Note:
I would like to personally thank Mr. Val Staples for sending me an email last week; thanking me for my kind words about Deadpool. I would like to thank you for the excellent work you've done and continue to do! You had absolutely made my day, and keep up those fantastic colors Mr. Staples! Also, thanks for reading the review!

Till Next Time, This is Cody-Kenobi, asking "Is Lucas going to sue me for talking to a ghost named Ben?"

Counter Monkey Review: Punk Rock Jesus #5 by: Jesse "the 'hawk" Arnold

WARNING:  May contain mild spoilers and will contain personal opinions.  (The views and opinions expressed in this review are solely of the individual(s) and are not the views of COMIX CONNECTION, its parent, affiliate, or subsidiary companies.)  I've checked, they don't have any of those.  Unless by "parent" you mean it is apparent you keep reading for the health of you.


The ConceptJesus had been cloned.  It's a reality TV show called J2.  Sciencey types are mad because they don't believe in God.  Religious types are mad, because, it's heresy to be able to clone Jesus.  But that's not what the book is about.  Gwen, the young woman selected to carry the clone to birth struggles with being secluded on the island where the show if filmed by diving into bottles and medication (some not of her choosing.)  Thomas, a giant Irishman with a past in the IRA struggles with his own demons.  Then there is Chris, the Jesus clone.  Or is he?  So far, we don't know for sure.  There are quite a few other characters and figures that play into it, but you'll just have to go read it for yourself.  You might have to wait for a collection (which the writer/artist is suggesting will have additional pages/story that got cut to meet a monthly periodical size!)

Writer/Artist:  Sean Murphy
I'm going to start off by saying I was hesitant to pick this book up.  I don't want to get all preachy or anything, but the concept of this book dances on the fringes of my faith.  But I am not one who is generally shy of checking out someone's opinion on the matter.  So in the likes of The Da Vinci Code and The Golden Compass, I ventured out into the waters.  Drawn like a doomed sailor by the siren song of Murphy's art.

This latest issue, the penultimate chapter, really takes things to a whole new level.  The "punk" of the title has finally come out full force.  I find it easy to sympathize with Chris' mindset against the corporation that created him and controlled his life leading to tragic circumstances that set him on this rebellious path.

Murphy delves deeply into many troubling things.  And he does it with a subtle genius.  This is not a book for a light read.  It will challenge everyone who reads it.  Not only on matters of faith, but with the corporate machine, substance abuse, the never ending quest for scientific truth....(would any of this story have happened were it not for one scientists motives and research?)

It's a deep and heavy read.  I might not agree with all the philosophical content...but it's been the last book in my pile each time it comes out (I save my most anticipated reads for last.)  I really do appreciate this book.  The art and writing are refreshing.  Not everything has to be in line with my exact state of mind for it to be good.  Well, I suppose what is 'good' is all a matter of opinion anyway.  I even sent a message to Sean Murphy on devitanART, and was thrilled and surprised by his personal response.  That alone think this guy is aces.

Now, the art work...incredible.  Every panel feels alive.  There is a kinetic vibe to the movement and I forget I'm reading a comic and not watching something unfold before my eyes.  He has a great style akin to Matteo Scalera (Valen the Outcast, Secret Avengers) and Ken Rocafort (Red Hood & the Outlaws, Superman.)

I'm really looking forward to the collected edition of this story, one because I want to read all of what he was wanting to say, and to see more pages of his imagery.  It's all black and white, but it doesn't stop it from coming to life and filling your mind with the color of an explosion, or the soft warmth like image above.

Each character has their own physical presence and form.  Their faces are unique and incredible.  There is nothing I have seen artistically speaking that I do not like.  Murphy delivers panel after panel.  Page after page.


RESULTS:  4 out of 5  Angst Riddled, Clothespin Punctured Pairs of Jeans 

I want to believe!-the 'hawk.

Wednesday Highlights - 11/28/12

Hey there True Believers! Here's a brief look at some of the cool items on the shelves at Comix Connection this week:

-ADVENTURE TIME #10 

-ARROW #1

DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIGURE COLLECTION MAGAZINE #20 RED ROBIN 

-DEADPOOL #2 NOW

DR WHO AMY POND MAXI BUST 

-FF #1 NOW

FORBIDDEN WORLDS ARCHIVES HARDCOVER VOLUME 01

MARVEL SELECT STORM ACTION FIGURE 

-MASKS #1 

MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #1 

-NOWHERE MEN #1 

-PREVIEWS #291 DECEMBER 2012 

-STAR WARS DAWN OF THE JEDI PRISONER OF BOGAN #1 (OF 5)

STAR WARS ULTIMATE ACTION FIGURE COLLECTION SOFTCOVER 

-TRANSFORMERS PRIME RAGE OF THE DINOBOTS #1 (OF 4) 

UNCANNY AVENGERS #2 NOW 

-WOLVERINE MAX #2 (MR) 

Stop in today and fill those Christmas Wishlists!

Counter Monkey Review: Fantastic Four [Now!] #1 by: Jesse "the 'hawk" Arnold

WARNING:  May contain mild spoilers and will contain personal opinions.  (The views and opinions expressed in this review are solely of the individual(s) and are not the views of COMIX CONNECTION, its parent, affiliate, or subsidiary companies.)  I've checked, they don't have any of those.  Unless by "parent" you "parrot."  And by "parrot" you really mean "feather duster."  Which yes, they do have.


THE NOTIONMath no longer matters.  The Fantastic Four have a whole bevvy of children, creatures and other dependents to care for.  After a mission that has the kids of Reed and Sue missing mommy and daddy, Reed decides (like any rational really smart parent) to make a time traveling ship and take their clan on the inter-time-and-space-dimensional road.  They are in the past.  They are in the future.  They are in the  NOW! 

Writer/Plot:  Matt Fraction
As you know from any of my other reviews, I like being honest.  Except when humor trumps honesty.  So here is a teaspoon of humor laced truth.  Seeing this dude's name on a book causes me to hesitate.  Mainly because I have a hate/hate relationship with Math.  And fractions are part of math right?  I kid you not.  First time I saw that surname adorning the cover of a book I kinda went into a state of oblivion.  But hey, I love being proved wrong when something is good.

As with Iron Man, I haven't really been keeping up with Marvel's First Family.  Sure I picked up the last few issues before NOW! but that was mainly for the talents of penciler Stegman.  However, despite my disagreement on Mr. Fantastic's parenting choices (cause normal road trips always go smooth, why not one that traverses time and space?) I was interested to try something different from my usual stuff.

A little confused as to what was going on, mainly due to my limited and spotty knowledge of the F4 story, I was able to cling on and find some stuff interesting.  I'm not sure if I'm ready to add it to my subscriptions, but I'll try the next issue or two and see how the posse gets on.  I'm trying to let the new story speak for itself and not bring the history and what I know into it.

So, story wise I am looking forward to see what is in store.  Parenting and mathematical differences aside.  Not that I have a voice in any actual real life parenting.  Wouldn't that be frightening?

Pencils/Art:  Mark Bagley (and other really talented people on colors etc)
Mark Bagley has not been an artist I've followed.  I can't remember really reading anything with is art work.  So his style is new to me.  I am enjoying his treatment of the characters.  His close up work is fantastic, pun really not intended.  I really like the pages of Reed examining his arm (read the issue to find out why!) and Sue checking in on all the kids sleeping.  His art does well at portraying her as a mom and not just a stock female.  She doesn't come across like an adult film star like most of the women from my last review (Iron Man #1) seem to.

His wider panels seem to loose detail and focus.  They get more suggestive than informative.  And that's okay.  I'm still warming up to the guy.  He does do a good job of conveying emotion and personality through their faces and their body language.

I do like his work on Thing.  It seems like it would be easy to over stylize him and make him look too cartoonish.  But Bagley keeps the soul, humanity, and weight inside that cuddly ball of oddly orange rock.

One complaint.  Why does Johnny get a suit with a splash of color?



RESULTS:  3.25 out of 5  Cosmic-ray Imbued, Skin-tight, Track Suits 


Keep reading true believer!!-the 'hawk.

Counter Monkey Steve Review: FANTASTIC FOUR NOW! # 1

The Fantastic Four are Marvel's first family of heroes, and the comic is actually the first Marvel comic published as the company became Marvel Comics, formerly Atlas and Timely. The series has gone through many transformations over the years and has seen writers and artists of many different styles come and go. Jack Kirby is said to have created the Marvel Universe with this very book over the course of but 102 issues. No one has yet to replicate the magic and wonder Kirby created with his mind in Fantastic Four, but many have tried. Can the creative team on FANTASTIC FOUR NOW! recapture the feeling of endless potential that Kirby held, or are we in for a bumpy trip through time and space?

Jonathan Hickman, the previous writer on FANTASTIC FOUR, followed a short run by Mark Millar, writer of ULTIMATE X-MEN, THE ULTIMATES, KICK-ASS, OLD MAN LOGAN, and many other tales of wonder. He managed to take a series that is easily associated with some pretty over the top science and adventure and make it easily understandable by those of us who do not have degrees the quantum psychics. He made it a series about a family that would welcome new members with open arms even when embroiled in a new adventure that could result in the destruction of an entire world. Hickman took us on a journey that saw an open rebellion against a government entity in the wrong, a decision that would decided if family or power was of more importance, the discovery of new worlds and new races, the death of a family member, the addition of a life long friend to the fold, a universe spanning war, and the return of one thought lost. During his tenure, Hickman added a second title to the FANTASTIC FOUR franchise in FF, short for FUTURE FOUNDATION, and made to sure make it an important part of the family. Has Fraction managed to hold onto this same that erupted into an inferno during Hickman's run?

The answer remains to be seen. The first issue of FANTASTIC FOUR NOW! serves as an introduction to the family for new readers and really does nothing to advance the plot beyond that introduction. Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, backpedals into the role of brilliant scientist who can often ignore the needs of his family. Susan Storm-Richards, the Invisible Woman, is the peacekeeper and loving mother, sister, and friend. Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, is the womanizing hero who embraces the fame acquired along his adventures. Ben Grimm, The Thing, is the man from Yancy Street that finds himself tormented in new ways by the various gangs that inhabit the neighborhood. The characters are broken down to their basic necessities, and in the case of Mr. Fantastic and his son Franklin Richards, characterization has diminished and retreated to something already seen. Franklin was reinvigorated during Hickman's run and would faced his fears with little effort. Now, he cannot withstand a mild nightmare or the dark. Reed's brilliance and sense of responsibility seem to have decreased. It's a little depressing, considering what Hickman was able to establish.

The plot, as I said, does not really get moving in this first issue. The FF have a short battle. Johnny gives a girlf his real phone number. Ben gets humiliated by the Yancy Street Gang. Sue tucks everyone in for bed. Reed does scienecy things while ignoring the needs of his family. Franklin has a nightmare and fears time travel. The Future Foundation members make cameos. Reed comes to the conclusion that a journey through time and space will fix everything. That's the issue. Not much is there to enjoy.

Fraction can be a fantastic writer. Check out his Thor work from before THE MIGHTY THOR and even his opening THE MIGHTY THOR arc with Olivier Coipel. Read his INVINCIBLE IRON MAN run. This is not his best work. He is better than this. The Fantastic Four deserve better. Let's hope he picks up the pace and was having an off issue.

Mark Bagley is the artist joining Fraction's writing for this series. For those of you unfamiliar with Mark Bagley, he helped Brian Michael Bendis defeat the record held by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby for most consecutive issues on a comic handled by one creative team when he and Bendis worked on ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN together. For the first 110 and a half issues (Stuart Immonen took over art duties halfway through # 111), Bagley was the man behind the visuals of ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN. His art wasn't fantastic, but he was the man you would associate with the style of the book. Bendis would bring the story and the quirky yet snarky dialogue. Bagley would bring on the art and redesigns for many Marvel characters. It worked for the book, and people loved Bagley for it. Has his art ever been revolutionary? No, but he was a big deal because of ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN and THUNDERBOLTS before that in the 1990s.

How is his art in FANTASTIC FOUR NOW!? It feels rather lazy. Bagley had just finished reuniting with Bendis for the first 8 issues of AVENGERS ASSEMBLE, and the art was lazy for those 8 issues. Honestly, I do apologize if any of you reading this enjoyed it, but it was not my taste. It felt lazy, and I almost dropped the book because of the art. The dialogue and plot was rather contrived, too. It felt like Bagley being lazy had made Bendis lazy. *ahem* Anyway...the art of FANTASTIC FOUR NOW! does not work for what I would expect from a main tier title. Mark Millar has Brian Hitch. Jonathan Hickman had Dale Eaglesham, Dragotta, and more at his disposal. Fraction has...Mark Bagley. Ten years ago, when comic fans were used to somewhat shoddy art and were not yet in tune with the greater artists of the industry, this style would have worked. Unfortunately, the sloppy and lazy line work, the awkward faces, the misshapen bodies, the sometimes nonexistent backgrounds, and the unrealistic tissue damage do not sell this book for me. Bagley is better than this. He needs to be better than this. Mike Allred, of iZOMBIE and X-FORCE/X-STATIX fame, will be accompanying Matt Fraction on the companion title, FF, and his art never disappoints. What does it say when the art on the secondary title is better by a large gap than the art on the main title? Nothing good. That much is for sure.

The inking and coloring do nothing to help or hinder the artwork, so with apologies to the inker and colorist, I would rather not mention them in this review so they do not mistake my distress as something associated with them.

FANTASTIC FOUR NOW! # 1

Writing: 2/5 (Matt, I love most of your Thor material. FEAR ITSELF had potential that wasn't unleashed. I know you have better in you!)

Art: .5/5 (Come on, Bagley! Do you pay attention to the reviews of your work? lol You can do better!)

Inking: Not applicable

Coloring: Not applicable

I give FANTASTIC FOUR NOW # 1 a disappointing 1.25 tears out of 5 tears, if I were capable of shedding a tear over this book. Normally, I am not this hard on a book, but with Marvel promoting each Marvel NOW! title as something great, we have to expect better if they want our hard earned money. I want this book to soar through the charts, not sink like a stone. I want better. We deserve better. Let's see how things progress. I know that no matter what I believe, Marvel will not cancel this book unless sales sink. Hopefully, the problems can be addressed. I am not just a fanboy expressing angst or anger. I am a fan of the medium that wants the best possible story. I understand that it is difficult to make it in the comics industry, and that is why it is frustrating to see those who have made it put out below average product. A first issue should grab the reader and make them want more, not force them to tune into the next issue because they want to see story that should have been present in the previous issue.

Until next time: this is Counter Monkey Steve, hoping for a better story next time. If not, let's hope someone travels back in time to change the past so that we see a better here and Marvel NOW!

FINAL DAY of the SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND SALE

That's right, today is the final day of the fantastic Comix Connection Small Business Weekend Sale in which everything in the stores is

TWENTY PERCENT OFF!

(with the sole exception of Gift Cards!)

So come in soon as we're only open until 5:00PM in Mechanicsburg today AND 7 P.M. in YORK!

And now... THE SMALL BUSINESS WEEKEND SALE

That's right!  Today on Small Business Saturday and also tomorrow Sunday November 25th, help us celebrate.... US, your local small business!  

Because:

How much do you think WAL-MART returns to the local economy?  $15.

So, to celebrate independently-owned businesses like Comix Connection, we are having a HUGE blanket 20% OFF SALE today and Sunday... EVERYTHING in the stores will be TWENTY PERCENT OFF!  EVERYTHING except Gift Cards that is!

And by the way, we'd just like to take this time to thank each and every one of you for supporting us all year... THANK YOU WE REALLY REALLY APPRECIATE IT!

FROM 6AM UNTIL NOON TODAY ONLY!

 

COMIX CONNECTION'S BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS SALE!
TODAY! BOTH STORES!
SIX HOURS ONLY!

From 6:00 AM UNTIL 12:00 NOON

EVERYTHING IN BOTH STORES WILL BE

BUY TWO OF ANYTHING IN STOCK, GET ONE ITEM (of equal or lesser value) ABSOLUTELY FREE!*

BUY AS MANY ITEMS AT THE "BUY TWO GET ONE FREE" RATE AS YOU WANT! HOWEVER YOU WANT TO MIX AND MATCH STUFF IS OK WITH US! JUST COME ON OUT AND GRAB SOME BARGAINS!

(*DOES NOT INCLUDE NEW COMICS/UNBAGGED COMICS or GIFT CARDS! This sale cannot be combined with any other sales, offers, discounts or coupons!)

 

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

We're one of those old-fashioned businesses

that are still closed on THANKSGIVING DAY!  

While the Comix Connection Counter Monkeys fill their bellies with holiday goodness, you should be planning your Black Friday shopping schedule to include a visit to Comix Connection tomorrow between 6AM and NOON for our fabulous Black Friday Sale:

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Wednesday Highlights 11/21/2012

Hey there fanboys and fangirls!  Here's a brief listing of some of the NEAT STUFF lining the shelves at Comix Connection this week:

ALL NEW MARVEL BACKLIST CHRONOLOGY #1 (FREE!)

-AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #698

BATMAN JUDGE DREDD COLLECTION HARDCOVER BOOK 

-CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 NOW 

-CATWOMAN #14 (DEATH OF THE FAMILY) 

DC COMICS SUPER HEROES STARFIRE BUST 

-DIARY OF A WIMPY KID VOLUME 07: THIRD WHEEL 

DOCTOR WHO DOCTIONARY HARDCOVER BOOK

-GAME OF THRONES #11 

-INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #1 NOW 

-JUDGE DREDD #1 

-MINIMUM CARNAGE OMEGA #1 

-PRINCELESS STORIES WARRIOR WOMEN ONE SHOT #1 (OF 2)

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ACTION FIGURE

-SPAWN #225 OBAMA 

-SPAWN #225 ROMNEY

STAR TREK KLINGON BIRD OF PREY HAYNES OWNERS MANUAL

UNIVERSAL MONSTERS CREATURE, FRANKENSTEIN BUST BANK 

WALKING DEAD TP VOL 17: SOMETHING TO FEAR 

YU GI OH ABYSS RISING BOOSTER  PACKS

and more!

Stop in and see these gems for yourself and pet one of our Famous Comix Connection Counter Monkeys!

AND DON'T FORGET OUR BLACK FRIDAY SALE:

Counter Monkey Steve Review: X-MEN LEGACY NOW # 1

 

X-MEN LEGACY, since the title's retooling and transformation from X-MEN following X-MEN: MESSIAH COMPLEX, has been using its efforts to focus on one X-Men character at a time to show their importance to the greater X-Men mythology. Professor Charles Xavier was the first to have his moment in the spotlight, followed by Rogue for the remaining issues of the title. With the title's relaunch and entrance into the Marvel NOW! era, we find the focus shifting to David Keller, also known as Legion. With Professor X, his father, having met his end at the hand of one of his own students, will David try to honor and continue his father's legacy, or will he strive to create his own?

Our story begins high in the Himilayas as David finds himself learning to control his powers. His father has left him with a mentor to help him with his training while he goes to handle the drama taking place during AVENGERS VS X-MEN. David has an unlimited amount of power hidden within him, due to his multiple personality disorder. Each personality has a different sets of abilities that David can use, but only if he can learn to control the personality the powers belong to. With the help of his mentor, he has created a prison like complex within the depths of his mind to hold each personality captive until the times comes that they are needed. The first issue doesn't get beyond this before David feels his father life end, making all of David's concentration and training for naught. The prison enters into a jailbreak situation, and David's personal warden within his mind finds itself surrounded by vengeful personalities. On the outside, David has inadvertently destroyed his new home and all who dwell within it. The issue ends here.

Simon Spurrier is a new addition to the Marvel writing team. His work in this first issue is intriguing. Weird, but intriguing. He wants Legion to matter as a character and make him relevant in today's Marvel world. This character has not done anything substantial since he ended up creating the Age of Apocalypse reality in the mid-1990s, so he has quite a task set before him. Spurrier seems to have a good handle on the character, but this issue suffers due to being mostly set up.  He fails to establish why we should care about David's struggles. Yes, he is Professor Xavier's son. Yes, he is one of the most powerful characters in the Marvel Universe. However, why should we, as readers, care? That's the question Spurrier has to answer. I have every faith this issue will be remedied, but I feel as though a first issue should grab the reader and make them want to continue forward. Not every reader is as patient or as devoted to continuing to the full extent of a story as some are.

Tan Eng Huat's art definitely suits the odd style of story this series wants to tell. His characters are easily differentiated and given personality by the art. I've seen some reviews being rather harsh toward the artwork, but I believe the art is fine for this particular kind of story. Huat's art if accompanied by the inking of Craig Yeung and the coloring of Jose' Villarrubia. Both men enhance Huat's art and manage to add their own styles to it. The art is better than the story for now, but this is only the first issue.

X-MEN LEGACY NOW! # 1

Writing: 3/5 (The writing suffers from First Issue Syndrome, but it fits the oddity that is Legion.)

Art: 4/5 (The art suits the story but is not fantastic.)

Inking: 5/5 (The inking enhances the artwork and adds its own style.)

Coloring: 5/5 (Nothing wrong with the coloring here. It adds to the art and even to the story.)

X-MEN LEGACY NOW! has a chance to be more than "just one more X-Men title". It just needs to make itself necessary. I find each character in each story to be interesting in his or her own way, but if Marvel wants its readers to want this book, they need to explain why and make it fantastic. A book cannot be "OKAY" or "average". It needs to be great to garner sales. I think this title has potential. It just needs to unleash it.

I give X-MEN LEGACY NOW! # 1 4.25 mohawks out of 5 but only to show support for the potential I see in this title. Come on, little guy. Don't let us down.

Until next time: if you're seeking to cure your multiple personality disorder, seek better help than your father who abandons you in the middle of a mountain range in the here and the Marvel NOW!

DON'T FORGET --->>> BLACK FRIDAY AT COMIX CONNECTION

COMIX CONNECTION'S BLACK FRIDAY MADNESS SALE! 

 SIX HOURS ONLY! 

Both Comix Connection-York and Comix Connection-Mechanicsburg 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23rd From 6:00 AM UNTIL 12:00 NOON 

EVERYTHING IN BOTH STORES WILL BE 

BUY TWO OF ANYTHING IN STOCK, GET ONE ITEM (of equal or lesser value) ABSOLUTELY FREE!* 

BUY AS MANY ITEMS AT THE "BUY TWO GET ONE FREE" RATE AS YOU WANT! 

HOWEVER YOU WANT TO MIX AND MATCH STUFF IS OK WITH US! 

JUST COME ON OUT AND GRAB SOME BARGAINS! 

(*DOES NOT INCLUDE NEW COMICS/UNBAGGED COMICS or GIFT CARDS! This sale cannot be combined with any other sales, offers, discounts or coupons!)

See you on Friday, bright and early.  Bring coffee.  NO PAJAMAS PLEASE.

Counter Monkey Steve Review: Thor: God of Thunder # 1

With the launch of its Marvel NOW! initiative, Marvel came to the decision to relaunch all of its major titles with a new # 1 to help drive home the point that along with a new creative team, each book would also be getting a new direction. Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, and even Spider-Man have ended or are ending their current series to be relaunched as new and yet organic series. THE MIGHTY THOR has found itself transformed into THOR: GOD OF THUNDER.

Stealing the thunder from THE MIGHTY THOR writer Matt Fraction, THOR: GOD OF THUNDER writer Jason Aaron, best known for his work on WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN, SCALPED, and WOLVERINE, kicks the door off its hinges with his first issue. Aaron has stated in interviews that he had chosen Thor as something he wanted to tackle because it was outside of his normal comfort zone. His first issue has me questioning that statement. It manages to balance action, emotion, and drama quite well. Aaron's Thor tale transitions between Thor's past, present, and future to depict a villain that literally butchers any pantheon that happens to catch his fancy. Gorr the God Butcher does not make his face known to our hero in this opening salvo, but his presence emanates throughout each dark page. It goes without question to say that this foe will be things interesting for Thor. Upon seeing a small glimpse of the future, Thor seems to have sustained a large amount of damage, physically and psychologically, from this new villain, and Thor finds a unique way to overcome a disability inflicted upon him by his nemesis. The issue ends just as Thor, now the king and sole inhabitant of Asgard/Asgardia, prepares for what might be his final bloody battle.

Accompanying Jason Aaron on this journey is Esad Ribic, known most recently for his work on the opening story of ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES. Ribic is no stranger to using his talent to depict scenes of mysticism and magic, and his beautiful work is on full display here. I think that his art alone would have sufficed in marketing this new series, but Aaron's writing only helps to enhance the story. This is truly another case of artist and writer being perfect for one another.

Unfortunately, the one area I find lacking in this book comes from the inking department. I believe that inking is a very important part of any comic, and I also believe that it can either enhance or degrade art work. Unfortunately, the inking degrades the artwork in this case. Ribic's artwork is best left to its own devices, to flow naturally along each panel and page. The inking, however, inhibits Ribic's creativity. Everything on the page seems to have an outline. It's obviously important for readers to be able to discern the difference between players on the page, but Ribic's art alone does that with aplomb. I don't think an inker was needed for this particular series. I by no means mean any offense. It's just something I noticed, having become more enamored with the art a comic displays than before. If the inking was Ribic's decision, that is one thing. If it's something editorial hoisted upon him, that's another. Either way, it doesn't work for me, I'm sorry to say.

The coloring is fantastic, as to be expected from Dean White, known for his natural and fitting tones on UNCANNY X-FORCE. If one thing does help portray the sense that the reader has been transported in Thor's world, it's White's coloring of Ribic's artwork. IT seems like there is no art that White's coloring can not make whole. It's an incredible gift, and I hope to see him linger on THOR: GOD OF THUNDER as long as Marvel will allow.

As a whole, I enjoyed the premiere issue of THOR: GOD OF THUNDER. Aaron has found himself a new comfort zone, apparently, because if he had not said mythology was not his thing, I would not have guessed it wasn't. His portrayal of Thor is spot on, and this is the kind of adventure and the kind of adversary Thor should encounter. This first issue does not suffer from first issue syndrome and feels like a complete story in and of itself that will only be enhanced by future reading. He's obviously writing to Ribic's strengths, too, because Ribic can draw one heck of an epic battle but can also display the more quiet and serene moments when necessary. This is another winner for Marvel, as long as they can fix that one teensy problem with the inking.

THOR: GOD OF THUNDER # 1

Writing: 5/5

Art: 4.5/5 (Sorry, Ribic, but I have to knock you down slightly for the inking.)

Inking: 3/5 (Not bad, but the outlining is unnecessary.)

Coloring: 5/5 (Dean White never fails to sell me on his work.)

I give THOR: GOD OF THUNDER # 1 4.38 claps of thunder out of 5. Until next time: only the worthy may find themselves enjoying a trip into the here and the Marvel NOW!

Help us help hungry Pennsylvanians, get FREE COMICS!

EDITED TO ADD: This Food Drive already started on Friday and runs until New Year's Eve or so! BRING IT ON! 

 

BRING US FOOD ITEMS, AND WE'LL CONVERT THEM INTO COMIC BOOKS AND ENTRIES INTO A PRIZE DRAWING FOR YOU!

It's really just that simple:

1) Bring us (at least two months in-date) food items like

Canned cranberry sauce
Canned fruits & vegetables
Boxed stuffing mix
Instant mashed potatoes
Canned yams or sweet potatoes
White rice
Condensed soup (15.5 oz)
Boxed cereal (15 oz)
Oatmeal, grits or Cream of Wheat
Pancake mix & syrup
Juice & powdered drinks
Coffee (beans or ground)
Salad dressings
Ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise
Peanut butter & jelly
Spaghetti sauce & pasta
Salt, pepper, sugar and sugar substitute packages

(Donation suggestions, courtesy of the York Rescue Mission!)

2) You get to pick one comic for each item donated out of the back issue bins, your choice!

3) For each food item donated, you will receive one entry into our Fabulous Prize Drawings!

4) Hungry Pennsylvanians will get some much-needed grub!

5) WIN/WIN/WIN!

FOR EACH FOOD ITEM DONATED, YOU MAY SELECT ONE COMIC FROM OUR BACK ISSUE BINS, ABSOLUTELY FREE, YOUR CHOICE!

FOR EACH FOOD ITEM DONATED, YOU WILL RECEIVE ONE ENTRY INTO OUR COMIX CONNECTION FOOD DRIVE 2012 PRIZE DRAWING!

FOR EACH STORE:
GRAND PRIZE - $100.00 Shopping Spree!
SECOND PRIZE - $50.00 Shopping Spree!
THIRD PRIZE - $25.00 Shopping Spree!

That's right, 1 food item = 1 contest entry + 1 free bin comic! What's not to like! BRING US SOME FOOD TODAY SO THAT WE CAN CRACK ONE TON OF FOOD AGAIN!

(For the record:  Last year you all donated a total of 3169 pounds of food, so one ton is doable!  In fact, maybe we can all help break that record!)

Counter Monkey Steve Review: All-New X-Men # 1

Review: All-New X-Men # 1

Marvel has putting forth a great effort with their Marvel NOW! line so far. The company seems to want fans both new and old to enjoy the product they put out. To encourage new readers but also avoid alienating longtime fans, Marvel has taken a different approach to creating a new era of comics. Instead of rebooting almost the entire universe as DC has done with their New 52 initiative, Marvel has allowed their stories to flow organically. No magic reset button has been pushed. Every story from the past 70+ years of Marvel, Atlas, and Timely comics still matters. Longtime readers get the benefit of having read older tales of wonder and see the payoff of past events. New fans get to enter into a brand new world with Marvel promising them something great.

This Wednesday, November 14, 2012, saw the release of one of Marvel's most heavily promoted Marvel NOW! titles premiere issues in ALL NEW X-MEN # 1. Brian Michael Bendis, writer of ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN since its inception 12 years ago and writer of the majority of the AVENGERS stories since 2004, has decided to take over as main writer of the X-Men corner of the Marvel Universe, beginning with ALL NEW X-MEN and continuing with the relaunch of UNCANNY X-MEN in February 2013. He has brought Stuart Immonen along with him. Immonen has collaborated with Bendis on ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN and NEW AVENGERS previously, and so, the two men know what to expect from one another. Having cut his teeth in the bigger leagues by taking on art duties for Marvel's 2011 event FEAR ITSELF, Immonen is more than capable of putting together a stellar palette of artwork for what Marvel considers to be their new flagship X-MEN title.

The premiere issue begins in the present day with one of the five original X-Men suffering from a new and unexpected condition ravaging his body. Thanks to Grant Morrison's work on NEW X-MEN years ago, this character has already found his body transformed for the second time in his life and thought that his suffering had ended with that transformation. As it just so happens, he was incorrect and seeks to find a way to make his final days matter if his ailment is to be the end of him. This character regrets that mutantkind has found itself divided, thanks in no small part to the events of AVENGERS VS X-MEN.

Cyclops, in the meantime, has begun to build a new Brotherhood of Mutants with the aid of Magneto, Magik, and Emma Frost. Any new mutant is quickly located and offered a place in Cyclops' new organization. I find it to be a natural progression for Cyclops to become the new Magneto. He's always been, in my humble opinion, wound a little too tightly, and in recent years, he has been a bit extreme in his views. This is the next logical step. He wants to save mutantkind, but he will do so at any cost. He doesn't view himself as a villain but does not care if the world at large sees him as one.

The X-Men at the Jean Grey Institute for Higher Learning observe Cyclops' reckless and terrible behavior by watching the news, and this brings us back to the character from the beginning of the issue. The gears start turning in his brain, and he makes a desperate move to make things right in the mutant world.

We find ourselves watching this same character, but a younger version, arguing with Cyclops in the past. All five original X-Men, Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Angel, and Beast are present in this scene. As this character attempts to leave the institute, his future self, the present day version to those of us reading the book, appears and requests that Cyclops come with him to the present day to prevent the present day Cyclops from committing an atrocity on a worldwide scale, ending the issue.

Brian Michael Bendis is known, thanks to his long run on the AVENGERS franchise, for building up long running plots, and I am sure that he has some tricks up his sleeve. Time travel stories are always of interesting to me, as I often find myself wondering what would happen to the space-time continuum if something were to happen to a character's younger self. Scientifically speaking, the space time continuum should cease to exist, but with Bendis being the kind of writer he is, readers have to expect the unexpected. This series should not work for very long, but Bendis is committed to this story for the long haul. These characters have to eventually make their way back to the past unharmed, though, correct? With Bendis, who knows?! That's part of the fun.

The writing is what I would expect from Brian Michael Bendis at his strongest and is a joy to read. His dialogue flows from each character naturally, ensuring that characterization is accurate. He leaves the reader interested in the progression of the story, obviously an important element for an ongoing series.

Stuart Immonen's style continues to evolve with each new book he tackles. His work on FEAR ITSELF was what kept me reading. His work in the issue of ALL NEW X-MEN is fluid and fantastic. Each character can easily be identified by fans both old and new.Backgrounds actually exist when need and are recognizable, something that certain artists lack the capability or motivation to worry about. His effects are drawn as they should naturally appear when summoned forth by the character or tool they normally find themselves associated with. Everything looks great, and I would expect nothing less than Immonen.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Wade Von Grawbadger on inks, Marte Gracia on colors, and VC's Cory Petit on lettering. Often, these positions under appreciated or not even mentioned in reviews, but I wanted to express just how much a difference all of these factors can make or break a comic. Dean White's work alone on UNCANNY X-FORCE is a reason to pick that series up, and the inking in ALL NEW X-MEN is beautiful accompanied by the coloring. It's as if the story could jump off the page.

If Marvel is releasing this book expecting it to be great, they are on the right track. If anyone wants to try out a new X-Men book with a large amount of quality, ALL NEW X-MEN comes highly recommended.

Story: 5/5

Art: 5/5

Inks: 5/5

Colors: 5/5

Lettering: 5/5

5 Original X-Men out of 5 Original X-Men!

Highly Recommended!

Until next time, Cyclops and his Brotherhood of Mutants bid that you join them in the here and the Marvel NOW!

In Search Of... Ancient D & D nerds

I recently ran across this odd object....

A 2000-YEAR-OLD TWENTY-SIDER:

Dice Period: Ptolemaic Period 
Date: 304–30 B.C. 
Geography: Egypt 
Medium: Serpentine 
Dimensions: Height: 3.2 x L: 3.8 x W: 3.4 cm (1 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 1 5/16 in.) 
Credit Line: Gift of Helen Miller Gould, 1910 
Accession Number: 10.130.1158 

That's crazy!  Did ancient Egyptian nerds play a primitive form of Dungeons and Dragons back then.  Only Leonard Nimoy knows, on the next episode of... IN SEARCH OF?

(Read more HERE!) 

Review #18: Earth Is Doomed, Get it?

A Cody-Kenobi Review:
WARNING: Spoilers May Ensue

MARVEL UNIVERSE VS THE AVENGERS #2

Bland & Broad Overview

The earth is doomed. There's some talking about knees and people. Doom 'burns' the Avengers. Thor gets mad. A hole opens in the ground. Friends join the party. Doom dooms. More talk of knees.

My Thoughts

In my opinion this comic book really picked up from the first issue. The story is really great in this issue as the disease infecting the world is further explained. I was pretty grateful for this because I didn't follow the series before this. I thought is was zombies at first, but heh, cannibalistic heroes are alright too. There is a fantastic amount of actions in this issue, along with a appearance of a hero I didn't expect to see. My biggest pet peeve in this series is the artwork... now don't get me wrong, when you're up close to a character(s) its fantastic, but zoom away and all the the detail just melts off the frames. I mean some were just blotches of color. That was the only thing that bothered me in this issue especially. Other than that, the ending has me pretty intrested on whats gonna happen next!

My Rating: 3.8 outa' 5   

Till Next Time, This Is Cody-Kenobi, Learning Tricks From Loki.

Wednesday Highlights - 11/14/12

Once again, here's your list of the awesome schtuff vying for your attention on the shelves of Comix Connection this week... BEHOLD:

ADVENTURE TIME FINN and JAKE, FINN HEAD, JAKE, LADY RAINACORN, LUMPY SPACE PRINCESS CAR MAGNETS

-ALL NEW MARVEL BACKLIST CHRONOLOGY #1 (FREE!)

-ALL NEW X-MEN #1 NOW

ARCHIE COMIC SUPER SPECIAL #1

-BATGIRL #14 (DOTF)

-BATMAN #14 (DOTF) 

-BATMAN ARKHAM CITY END GAME #1 

-BORDERLANDS ORIGINS #1 (OF 4) 

DC HARLEY QUINN BISHOUJO STATUE 

DC HEROCLIX BATMAN BOOSTERS and MORE

FABLES WEREWOLVES OF THE HEARTLAND Original HARDCOVER

-FANTASTIC FOUR #1 NOW 

-GREAT PACIFIC #1 

HOBBIT HEROCLIX 

JUST US LEAGUE SERIES 3 ALFRED AS BATMAN, JOKER, ROBIN ACTION FIGURES

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID DELUXE ACTION FIGURE (Seriously, you gotta see this thing!  It's HUGE!)

-JUSTICE LEAGUE WONDER WOMAN ACTION FIGURE

-LOCKE and KEY OMEGA #1 (OF 7) 

-SAGA #7

SCENE O/T CRIME DELUXE HARDCOVER BOOK

-SUICIDE SQUAD #14 (DOTF) 

-THOR GOD OF THUNDER #1 NOW 

-WALKING DEAD #104 

-X-MEN LEGACY #1 NOW 


And there you have it! A slew of great things! Come on in and see for yourself!

Counter Monkey Review - IRON MAN (NOW) #1 by: Jesse "the 'hawk" Arnold

WARNING:  May contain mild spoilers and will contain personal opinions.  (The views and opinions expressed in this review are solely of the individual(s) and are not the views of COMIX CONNECTION, its parent, affiliate, or subsidiary companies.)  I've checked, they don't have any of those.  Unless by "parent" you mean the mother and father of Invention, Necessity & Macgyver.

THE NOTIONTony Stark.  Self-obsessed, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, turtleneck wearing...guy.  Also has an incredible bit of tech widely known as Iron Man.  It's a suit he puts on à la Sailor Moon/T2 transmogrification.  [It's nano-techishness buried in his skin.]  He's smart, has a wicked suit of armor, fights bad guys, and gives 007 a run for his money in meaningless hook-ups.  Scratch that last bit, Bond usually is being all espionage-y and getting info from said hook-up.  And he's doing it all,   NOW! 

Writer/Plot:  Kieron Gillen
I do believe this is the first book I've read by this writer.  Okay that's a lie.  I suppose I've read a few X-Men or Uncanny X-Men or AvX things he had his hand in.  But for some reason (I'm sure nothing to do with his writing) I've not found those issues memorable.  I've always liked the idea of Iron Man, but never felt compelled to read the title.  So, I figured I'd give this one a shot just because...hey it's a new #1!

This issue feels like a complete set up story.  As someone who has not followed the metal plated Mr. Stark (I feel that he should pick up the catch phrase, Nuclear winter is coming...) maybe I'm missing some crucial developmental things to really understand the deeper story here.  But most things feel like: here's this bit of info...it'll lead to something later.  Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

For now, I'm going to blame my lack of Starkian Lore on why this story didn't impress me.  Like I said, it feels like it's building to something bigger, which I suppose that's what you want a story to do.  I just don't know why I should care.  I like Tony in the movies, but there wasn't much to him in this issue.  Also, the blonde at the bar playing bimbo...but not bimbo, I don't know what to do with that.  Oh...right...Tony's a genius, billionaire, philanderer...I mean philanthropist.

Pencils/Art:  Greg Land (and other people on colors etc)
Let me get this out right up front.  I do not like Greg Land art.  All his females look the same.  I mean *exactly* the same, baring whatever color changes can be made.  I'm going to leave it at that, because I don't want this to get ugly.

That said, there was one image of Pepper Potts that I found quite well done, and his rendering of the Iron Man armor, I have to admit, is pretty slick.  Not to mention I really dig the black/gold palate.  I know the red/gold is pretty standard and kinda iconic, the black/gold gives off this, do not mess with me vibe.

Okay I have to say it...take any panel of this book that features the blonde from the club:  1) color her hair red = Jean Grey 2) color her hair purple = Psylocke  3) change hair to white and skin brown = Storm.  And they all have the same facial expressions!  Gah!  I can't stand it. 

SPOILER!!!  Tony shaves his mustache/goatee and it literally makes him look like a different person.  (Also there is a cheesy line of dialogue about some mumbo-jumbo sciencey thing that will allow him to regrow it quickly...really?  So cool.)  ((Not to mention the really bad dialogue between Tony and said blonde from bar, did they give her a name?))  But the shaving...he doesn't look like the Dean Cain/Eric Roberts love child that he did in the early pages of the issue.  And a turtle neck in a night club?  Such a dandy.

Okay.  My rant is over.

After saying all that, I love the coloring on this book.  It really sets the tone and mood for the scenes.  This is not sarcasm.  I actually really liked this portion of the book.  Also, despite my seeming dislike, I'm going to say I want to know more.  I don't know for how long my interest will last, as I feel satisfied with the portrayal of Tony/Iron Man in the movies.  But for now, I do want to see what happens next.


RESULTS:  2.5 out of 5  Nanomite-dandruff covered Turtlenecks 

If you love Stark and his reign of Winterfell...I mean his Extremis Armor, check it out.  Or if you're a Greg Land fan.  Don't worry, I won't judge you if like his stuff.  I just don't.  I'm sure there is something I love that you don't like.  Like Lima Beans, Spam, or Jar Jar Binks.  Iron Man not your speed, well let me tell you about Fairest....


Whatever you do...Read More Comics!!
-the 'hawk.