Collecting – Some New Additions

Well first off sorry for the long delay since my last post been busy with life in general, but I’m back now and in full effect so look for more entries in the coming weeks. So for those that don’t know I am a huge Star Wars fan and collector, been collecting since 1997 with the POTF2 line and haven’t stopped since. Now my main collecting focus was action figures but as the years have gone on it’s now taking a new focus. That focus being more high end stuff mainly Sideshow Collectibles, Gentle Giant, and possible some Master Replicas items. Don’t worry action figures aren’t getting totally cut off as I do have two other collecting focuses, those being vintage Return of the Jedi and Darth Vader.

I recently was able to pick up 4 early release premium format figures by Sideshow Collectibles, those being Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo. At first only wanting the Vader as it was one of my Holy Grail pieces in my Vader collecting and I couldn’t resist the others. Mainly because these statues are amazing works of art and every time I look at them I think bad ass. If you haven’t seen any of these statues checkout www.sideshowtoys.com for pictures and information, also checkout their other products to amazing stuff.

Now it maybe just me but when I was putting these statues out I was just so excited, like a kid at Christmas. So now they display proudly in my Star Wars room which will be getting an overhaul this holiday season. Once I have that done I’ll post some pictures as it is hopefully going to look awesome.

So just a quick update look for more entries in the coming weeks.

Comic Reading – Haunt #1

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Ryan Ottley
Layouts: Greg Capullo
Inks: Todd McFarlane
Creators: Robert Kirkman & Todd McFarlane
Publisher: Image Comics



Well another trip to the comic store this past Monday for the weekly comic book run turned up goodies as always but this title peaked my interest the most. Now this book was announced many months ago now and was met with mixed reaction, mostly negative I believe. As once fans saw the design of this character all they could do was roll their eyes as it looked like a Spawn/ Spider-Man hybrid. Oh did I mention this is the return of Todd McFarlane to monthly comics, well not actually as he did come back and is currently writing Spawn after a very lengthy hiatus. But for me the Todd factor was only one of the reasons to check this one out as the book is written by Robert Kirkman, who I enjoy for his other works such as The Walking Dead and Invincible. So basically I was very optimistic for this book as it could only go two ways either really good or a complete train wreck.

So with books purchased this one was on top of the pile for me to read first which is rare for any Image book. But I find myself looking at more Image titles as of late as the work is really good, Chew and Walking Dead as standouts for me. After getting home and cracking open this comic I have to say this one surprised me a whole lot, one might say came out of left field. As this book was solid all around both in story and art as I found myself entertained from start to finish. Like I mentioned before this was the return of Todd McFarlane to comics but not in the way you think. McFarlane is credited with Co-creator, inks, and cover artist on the book as pencils goes to Ryan Ottley, who is Kirkman’s artist on Invincible.

The story revolves around two brothers one a priest the other a government agent of some sort and their relationship. The agent brother after missions comes and confesses his sinner to his not so typical priest brother, who I could only compare to Jesse Custer, the hero of Garth Ennis's Preacher from Vertigo. Kurt the agent brother recalls his last mission in which he is sent to recover a doctor from a secret compound. After finding out the doctor is conducting not so friendly experiments on people Kurt lets him know what’s up. Kurt is kidnapped by some people who are looking for the doctors note book which they think he has, but this turns out not very good for Kurt who is murdered. Daniel the priest brother starts thinking he’s hallucinating talking to his dead brother but when asked to look after his wife Daniel accepts. Kurt is worried they will kill his wife in order to keep everyone quiet, which is a good call as the bad guys come a calling. The bad guys show up and Kurt tries to protect his brother from being killed but when his spirit combines with his body they find out they forum the Haunt character. Basically ending the issue with Haunt in his entire glory kicking ass and taking names thus setting up for the second issue.


Overall a solid first issue as there was enough story for me to want to read issue two and learn more about the characters in the book. Kirkman delivers a good set up story for things to come in future issues as in the letter at the end of the book it looks like this one is planned to run for a while. I like the design of the Haunt character even though some may say he’s a ripe off of two characters McFarlane is most know for. But the design is cool enough for me so I will continue on with this series to see how Kirkman and McFarlane work to make this a solid overall comic book.

Likes:
- Story
- Art
- Character Design


Dislikes:
- McFarlane only inks the book hopefully he’ll do more art in the future.


So go out and check this book out as it was an overall surprisingly fun read for me and I highly recommend it.

Horror Week – Let the Carnage Begin

Man this week is going to be awesome as I’ll be seeing 3 new horror movies in one week; man it’s going to be EPIC. Ok Horror week actually started this past Friday when my wife, I, and two of our good friends attended the Calgary premiere of Trick r Treat. Now I heard of this film at least two years ago and had a chance this year to see it at San Diego Comic Con but couldn’t swing it due to scheduling. So I was very excited to see this movie on Friday but when we got to the theater we had to stand in one line to buy tickets while the other line was for ticket holders. Now this was showing at the Calgary International Film Festival so it was more busy then usual, as there was a small chance my wife and I weren’t going to get in. But the film gods smiled on us and we got in and our friends Cody and Karley had saved seats for us, so everything was good.

The film was AWESOME and was a great all around horror film and well worth the wait. Basically it’s one story told in different parts and views on Halloween night, was 4 parts in total I believe. Really fun movie highly recommend getting it on dvd/blu-ray or if you can see it in a theater do it. Not really going to review it right now but most likely at a later date as I plan on picking this one up once it’s released on blu-ray, I think that date is October 20th but you might want to double check that.

Now tonight I’m going to be seeing an advance screening of Zombieland which I have high hopes for. I’ll most likely review this one for the old blog so look for a post tomorrow or the next day as I maybe doing a zombie double feature review. Because I’ll also be seeing Dead Snow on Wednesday night at the film festival, this one I’m really, really excited about. If you don’t know about this movie it’s basically kids on a ski trip versus Nazi zombies, yes you heard me right Nazi zombies. Look it up online and watch the trailer as I can’t put into words how cool this movie is going to be.

Then on Thursday I’ll be seeing Frankenstein Girl VS Vampire Girl which is a Japanese film and is the kind of film that inspired Kill Bill. Should be crazy action and gore but in that fun super cheesy way which is why movies are fun.

So I’ve got a busy week ahead of me film wise so I’ll try and post some reviews of all the movies I’ll be watching. Also the new Nightmare on Elm Street trailer is online now so go watch it, looks good to me. Now this is a remake but done by the same company that has done the recent Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies both of which I enjoyed.

Good horror time’s ahead kids I’ll keep you posted.

The Back Issue Bin: DC Comics Presents #1

Writer(s): Martin Pasko
Penciller(s): José Luis García-López
Inker(s): Dan Adkins
Colorist(s): Jerry Serpe
Letterer(s): Ben Oda
Cover Artist(s): José Luis García-López & Dan Adkins
Editor(s): Julius Schwartz



Here is the first of many back issue spotlights on series that I love reading both now and when I was a kid, first up DC Comics Presents #1. Now I will be reviewing every issue of this series so I’ll give you a little of the history of the title, so here we go. The series ran from July 1978 (the year I was born) to September 1986, running 97 single issues and 4 annual issues. The creative team was varied from issue to issue with some teams staying on for story arcs which could span 2 to 3 issues. The title was the main successor to the Super-Team Family a title I’ve never read but I do love back issue bin diving so it could come up. Basically the title is a monthly team-up book featuring the man of steel himself, Superman, teaming up with a different hero, team, and sometimes even a villain. The reason I collected this book is for a couple of reasons:

1. I love team-up books.
2. Superman is in it, done and done.

So at the 2008 Emerald City Comic Con I decided to search out this book and get as many issues as possible, thus began the run. So at that show I picked up a huge chunk of the series as most of these issues you can find in just about every $1.00 bin at any comic con. Now like any comic series issue #1 can be pricey as this one now days goes for $10.00 to $15.00 depending on condition. I was able to get a pretty good copy of this one for only $5.00 at the show. Thus our journey begins to the fantastic that is comics from the Bronze Age, strap in for AWESOMENESS.

So as pictured above the first issue has Superman teaming up with the Flash in a story titled "Chase to the End of Time!” Come on if you’re not hooked by that tag on the cover how can you say you love comics. So the story starts off with Superman investigating a strange spacecraft when he encounters a vibration like tornado, which eventually rips up the town of Rosemont. Flash hears it over a police radio and comes to investigate the strange spacecraft and vibration tornado, thus coming across Superman in the process. Basically then the two heroes work together to save the town and with the help of Superman’s cape contain the vibration, back in the day Superman’s cape was indestructible as it was made from the blanket he was wrapped in from Krypton.

The vibration leads Superman to discover a larger ship orbiting the earth, which is actually just part of another mother ship. So then the Flash is captured along with Superman by an alien race called the Volkir, who are trying to capture a Zelkot enemy. So then after a few pages that are surprisingly wordy for a 70’s book, the Flash and Superman bust free but then are force to stop the heroic break or Earth will be destroyed. So then the Flash has to use his speed force and race into the future in order to stop the Zelkot from changing the history of a civil war between his people and the Volkir. So the Flash is cruising along and in the 25th century when trouble strikes.

So with the Flash down for the moment Superman has to jump in and help out as if he doesn’t his very existence is threatened. Meanwhile the bump in the road that the Flash has encountered is none other then The Reverse Flash, or as he prefers Professor Zoom. He was actually traveling backwards to the Flash’s century when they collided, so with the Flash weak from the collision the Reverse Flash looks to finish off the Flash. So there is only one Flash and his name is Zoom. So that concludes the fantastic first issue of DC Comics Presents.

Man I know I’m leaving you in suspense but that’s how it goes in the old comic book business, always leave them wanting more. Now the highlights of this issue for me were, well, just about everything as I’ve said before I love books from the 70’s. I especially love the art in this book which is done by Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Dan Adkins. Garcia-Lopez is one of my favorite artists from this time period as his Superman is just awesome. Now if you are a newer reader of comics you might not like the way these books are written as back in the day comics were for kids. But I find reading these older comics is a nice break from the current world of comics were everything is serious, has to fit in continuity, and reads more for the teen to adult crowd.

This book is just all around fun from start to finish and reminds me why I love comics so much. If you’re interested in reading this series and do not want to go out and track all these back issues down there is a solution for you. Coming out on November 18th, 2009 is Showcase Presents: DC Comics Presents – Superman Team-Ups Vol. 1. This volume will contain issues #1-#26 in black & white and is 512 pages in a soft cover edition. Great value for anyone looking to get into this series, I mean come on it’s over 500 pages of comics which equals AWESOME.

Anyway look for another review in the next several days as we dive deeper into the Back Issue Bins.

Fan Boy Thoughts

Ok been awhile since my last entry so this one won’t have any kind of theme to it just me chatting about random stuff of late. Well summer is almost over and man what an awesome one it was, two giant conventions what more could I ask for. Movie wise the summer was not a spectacular one to say the least but here’s hoping for better next year, I mean come on Iron Man 2 should be good right. But the last two flicks I saw were District 9 and Inglorious Bastards both really solid movies and would recommend checking them out. Brad Pitt in Bastards shows that he can play any role and why he’s one of the best actors around. Not that I’m a huge Pitt fan but most things I watch with him in it his performance is outstanding. District 9 another solid film but not as ground breaking in the science fiction genre as most people have made it out to be. But a great movie that surprised a lot of people as there wasn’t the hype machine behind it like other pictures this summer. Recommend both go see them while they are still in theaters well worth it in my opinion.

What else oh yeah COMIC BOOKS ARE AWESOME!!!! Go out now and pick some up. Seriously there are tons of awesome books out right now that you should check out. Not just from the big two publishers but from others like Image Comics, Darkhorse Comics, and Boom! Studios just to name a few. So here are some recommendations that are worth checking out:

- Chew by Image Comics, can’t really explain this one but good Detective book with people that solve crimes by eating. First 4 issues are out so check your local comic book store for this one.

- Irredeemable by Boom! Studios, basically the store are what if the most powerful super-hero went bad what would the world do. Great book written by Mark Waid and the first trade is out for this one at only $9.99 (collecting #1-4) and issue #5 for just $0.99. Currently the book is on issue #6 which I have yet to pick up but is high on my buy list.

- Adventure Comic by DC Comics (or is that DC Entertainment now) is the return of Superboy to the DC universe. First two issues are out and worth checking out more if you’re a Superman fan or Teen Titans. I like the book because it has a somewhat Smallville feel to it and the art by Francis Manapul is amazing.

- Blackest Night by DC Comics amazing nuff said.

And those are just a few selections from the old read pile as I’m trying to get caught up on all my regular books. But there is always more good stuff coming out so it seems like that pile never gets finished, but that’s ok with me. Now I know your asking where the Marvel Comics love is and its coming just slower then DC right now. Reading the current Amazing Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America, Fantastic Four, Daredevil, and Dark Avengers to name a few. But again the read pile is pretty big after the Fan Expo so please give it sometime and the Marvel love will be shown.


I’m also looking at doing some comic back issue reviews in the coming weeks which are going to be fun. I’m looking at doing 2 to 3 a week starting with one title then branching off into others. The first title I plan on doing is DC Comics Presents which after the Fan Expo I have the complete run. So look for the review soon as this is one of my favorite Superman titles from the Bronze Age of comics, I mean a Superman team-up book done and done.


I think that’s it for now so until next time true believers.

P.S. – Look for my thoughts on the whole Marvel/Disney deal in an upcoming post.

P.S.S. – The Donatello Comiquette from Sideshow Collectibles pictured at the top of the page is bad ass, look for it the 2nd quarter of 2010. Checkout www.red5collectibles.com to order one and for more details on this amazing statue, Turtle Power!

Fan Expo Toronto 2009

This past weekend I attended the Fan Expo for the first time and had an amazing time, great show so here’s my thoughts on the show. So the 1st day of the show was on Friday August 28th with the doors opening at 2pm for advance tickets and ran till 9pm. The line to get in to the show was actually pretty good and ran smooth as silk with us inside the exhibit hall in no time. With no panels I wanted to see until 5pm I had a good chance to walk the floor and map out the area. The first booth I went to was the Comic Geek Speak and said hello and if you haven’t heard of them checkout there website (www.comicgeekspeak.com) for a great podcast. So the main thing that interested me about this show was the fact that this Expo is a multi-level show, its 5 themes in one which is cool in my opinion. The show features 5 themes and they are Comic Books, Sci-Fi, Horror, Video Games, and Anime, with each theme having its own area on the floor.

The main thing on Friday was shopping and for me DC Nation panel which are always fun. The panel was great as it gives the fans a chance to talk to the editor Dan Didio and the talent behind some of there biggest books. After the panel it was back to the show floor for more shopping and to explore the horror side of the show. Day one ends so the group I’m with head back to the hotel and then out to eat, day 1 ends with all of us having a great day. I did get to meet Joe Quesada on the Friday which was cool, very friendly and nice did chat too long with him but still cool.

Saturday we lined up nice and early for the wait to get into the show which wasn’t too long. Again my morning was free as the first panel of the day wasn’t till 1pm was it was off to Artist Alley to have a look at some original art and talk to a few creators. I didn’t pick up any art at this show but most of the people I went with picked up some awesome prints and got a few commissions, all really great stuff. With 1pm looming a few of us headed for the DC Comics Editorial panel where they talked more about stuff that’s coming up in the future. Great stuff again and loads of info about the direction of certain characters, the future of some books, and other stuff which is most likely already on the internet.

Next panel up was at 4pm and it was the horror guest of honor, the one, the only, Mr. Bruce Campbell. This panel was funny as hell as Bruce answered question in the style only he can pull off, if he’s at a show you are attending or see him at one go to his panel for a great time. Two panels down I headed back into the dealers room to do some back issue bin diving and then the Saturday was done like dinner. Well not actually as Silver Snail, one of Toronto’s biggest comic shops, was having a midnight sale so we dropped our stuff, grabbed a bite to eat then headed to the shop. This event started at 9pm and went till Midnight and man it was packed almost shoulder to shoulder with fans. I only managed to pick up a couple of mini busts as some of the stuff I had my eye on wasn’t that much of a deal. So after an hour in line to pay the crew makes its way back to the hotel to rest up for the final day of the show.

Sunday was the more leisurely day as the crowds were big but not overwhelming like at times on Saturday. I spent the morning shopping and doing some bin diving as the only panel of the day I wanted to see was at 2pm and it was a 2 hour TMNT one. Found the newly released TMNT omnibus at the Mirage Studios booth and picked it up right away, as I missed a chance to buy it earlier in the show. So more walking the floor and some lunch later I headed into the panel and what an awesome panel it was, out of all I went to was one of the best. Basically they talked about the TMNT movies coming out, one animated direct to DVD and very little on the new live action one. Also talked about the early days of the comic and then the explosion of the franchise, they also showed some footage of a TMNT documentary that will be coming out later this year and looks really good.

With only a few hours left in the show it was last minute purchases and then the epic weekend of geek fun was over. Back to the hotel and then off to dinner to reflect on the show that was. In my opinion this is one of the best shows I’ve been to and plan on going back again next year. Everything was good about it from the guests, to the dealers, to the panels, to the venue and I can’t really think of any negative aspects of the show.

Mark your calendars for August 27th - 29th 2010 for next years show, I know I have.

Mecca - San Diego Comic Con 2009 Part 2

Sorry for the delay but here is part 2 of my adventures at SDCC 09 so read on and enjoy.

Day 3 July 25th – Ok this was Saturday of the con and by far the busiest day of the show mostly due to the movie and TV stuff happening that day. Me I wasn’t too interested in any of that stuff so I spent most of the morning in line to meet one of the icons of my childhood. I was in line to meet none other then Luke Skywalker himself Mr. Mark Hamill who was doing a signing at the Official Pix booth. So with limited edition photo in hand I began the wait but luckily 3 of my friends were in line to which made the time pass by rather fast. As we waited we saw loads of cool costumes walk by, got a pick with Todd McFarlane, creator of Spawn and fellow Calgary native, and talked with some other Star Wars fans that were in line. So the man of the hour arrives and we are taken up in groups of 5 to get our autograph and some face time with Mr.Hamill. This was one of the main highlights of the con for me as Mark was super nice, posed for a photo, talked some Batman, and said he loves Canada I mean what more can a guy ask for. For me it was an amazing experience and one I won’t forget as I’ve been able to meet 2 out of the 3 main characters from Star Wars, again AWESOME!!.

Ok so in the afternoon the only panel I attended was the DC Comics Blackest Night with the whole creative team in attendance. Geoff Johns talked about the series but of course couldn’t go into too much detail, as most of his answers to the fans were keep reading. Solid panel and if your not reading Green Lantern what are you waiting for. After that I tried to get into the Iron Man 2 panel but that was a no go as it was packed. This impacted the other panel I wanted to see which was Kevin Smith, scheduled right after Iron Man, so it was back to the exhibit hall. I spent the rest of the day cruising the floor and artist alley, then back to the hotel for rest and food and gear up for the last day of the con.


Day 4 July 26th – Last day of the big show was a short one as it only went till 5pm so not too much was scheduled and it was kid’s day. Only one panel I wanted to see and that was the Smallville one with the cast and producers of the show. I love Smallville as it’s one of my favorite TV shows and this panel was great. They showed a trailer for seasons 9 which blow my mind, I still have to watch most of season 8 but the blu-ray is out Aug.25th, and then they introduced the cast. What made this panel even cooler was that Tom Welling showed up and it was his first time at comic con, so the fans went crazy when he was introduced. After that it was off to the exhibit hall for some last minute shopping and looks around then the day was done. With the group gathered we took one last photo out side the hallowed doors of comic con and proceeded back to the hotel. Packed the night before then off to the airport for the flight home with fresh memories in our heads, what a week was all I could think about.

My overall thoughts on this con are this BADASS really enjoyed the whole con and am planning to go next year. I heard a lot about the con heading in but had such an awesome time I will try and attend every year I can from now on. Anyyone who is a fan of pop culture should try and attend this event at least once, as you’ll never forget it.


What can I say it was Mecca.