Prejudged: Second Chances (10.20.10)

Welcome to Prejudged: Second Chances. This week is surprisingly big on releases with a ton of titles. Here are three that have either been beaten up by fans and critics alike, have a not-so-beloved character, or wasn’t even published to begin with. Fortunately, in comic books you can always get another whack at it.

KICK-ASS 2  #1
Written by MARK MILLAR
Art by JOHN ROMITA JR.
Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.

Love it or hate it, all the attention from the movie can only help get Kick-Ass 2 more readers. The forums were flooded with comments about both the film and comic, from too violent to insanely fun. There’s no denying that Mark Millar knows how cause a stir, and this new volume promises more bone-breaking, bloody fun from Dave Lizewski’s exploits as Kick-Ass. This new volume also features ass-kicker Hit-Girl more prominently, and we’ll likely see much more super hero wannabees following in Kick-Ass’ blood-stained footsteps. Aside from all that there’s really no telling what’ll happen next in this wildly unpredictable series. John Romita Jr. alone makes this worth it.

HULK#26
Written by JEFF PARKER
Art by GABRIEL HARDMAN
Cover by ED MCGUINNES

SPOILER ALERT: Yes. There’s another hulk. He’s red. He’s the Red Hulk. “Rulk”. And this is his Avengers initiation. But instead of a paddle he gets a sweet, refreshing spinkle of Mjolnir across the face. Jeff Parker puts (!!SPOILER!!) the former Gen. Thunderbolt Ross (!!SPOILER!!) through the gauntlet, first pitting him against the Invincible Iron Man in the last issue, and now throws him in the ring with our favorite God of Thunder, and Thor’s probably still pissed about that time Rulk snatched Mjolnir from him. This title has been a notoriously fun book to read and just gorgeous to look at, with artists like Ed McGuinnes,  Arthur Adams, John Romita Jr., Frank Cho, and now the talented Gabriel Hardman. If you ever thought this character was stupid, here’s your chance to really find out.

VERTIGO RESURRECTION #1
Written by WARREN ELLIS, BRIAN AZZARELLO, GRANT MORRISON, GARTH ENNIS & others
Art by JIM LEE, PHIL JIMENEZ, BERNIE WRIGHTSON, & others
Cover by TIM BRADSTREET

During Warren Ellis’ short run on Hellblazer in 1999, he wrote a one-shot story in response to school shootings in the United States in the 90’s called “Shoot”. And then, prior to the release of Hellblazer #141 (Ellis’ story) the Columbine High School massacre happened. Due to the incident, DC execs asked Ellis to rewrite the issue. Refusing to do so, Ellis quit DC and the story was never published… Until now. Vertigo Resurrection #1 brings us Warren Ellis’ controversial yet unpublished tale, “Shoot”, along with other never before seen stories from the Vertigo archives from creators like Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis and Brian Azzarello. If you plan on getting any book this week, make it this one.

OTHER RELEASES FOR THE WEEK OF 10/20/10
Batman and Robin #15
Brightest Day #12
Morning Glories #3
Green Lantern Corps #53
Walking Dead #78
Daredevil #511
Power Girl #17
Fables #99
Bruce Wayne the Road Home: Commissioner Gordon #1
Bruce Wayne the Road Home: Catwoman #1
Steve Rogers Super Soldier #4
DC Universe Legacies #6
Chaos War #2

Prejudged: Under the Radar (10.13.10)

This week in Prejudged we’ll feature some titles that are probably going to fly past your radar in the midst of all the big releases. Amongst established names like Bendis, Morrison, Johns, and Millar you’ll find some fairly familiar ones occupying the “New Releases” shelves this week. Here are a few titles that are worth adding to your stack.

 

THOR: THE MIGHTY AVENGER #5
Written by: ROGER LANGRIDGE
Art by: CHRIS SAMNEE
Cover by: CHRIS SAMNEE

Thor gets the “All Ages” treatment in this recent title from the Marvel Adventures line. Although, don’t let that “All Ages” tag fool you. This is a fun series. Doing away with the weight of years of continuity, “Thor: The Mighty Avenger” breaks it down to the things that make the God of Thunder such a great character. You don’t even need to brush up on your Asgardian history to enjoy this title. It’s all about old-school superhero entertainment with good writing and spectacular artwork from Chris Samnee and Matt Wilson. I personally can guarantee a smile on your face while reading this. Grab the back issues too if you can, especially the joy that was issue #4. Have fun.

LOCKE & KEY: KEYS TO THE KINGDOM #2
Written by: JOE HILL
Art by: Gabriel Rodriguez
Cover by: Gabriel Rodriguez

For those who haven’t caught wind of this spectacular series yet, I assure you you’re missing out on some of the best artwork in comic books today. From the mind Joe Hill, the spawn of none other than Stephen King, and mind blowing art from Gabriel Rodriquez, Locke & Key tells the tale of three children who go through terrible tragedy and find themselves in the mysterious and powerful Key House. This comic book was also just recently picked up by Fox to be adapted into a TV series by the team of Kurtzman, Orci, and Steven Spielberg. So for anyone who’s looking for the next Lost, keep an eye on Locke & Key.

STRANGE TALES 2 #1
Written by: RAFAEL GRAMPA, JEFF LEMIRE, FRANK SANTORO,  JOHONEN VASQUEZ, SHANNON WHEELER & LOTS MORE.
Art by: SEE ABOVE
Cover by: RAFAEL GRAMPA

Marvel’s premier Indie stage, Strange Tales, comes back with another helping of up-and-coming writer/artists bringing their own unique take on classic superheroes. It’s quite rare for anyone to place an anthology series anywhere near the top of their weekly stack, but this new volume of Strange Tales could be the exception. There’s a long list of creators on this title, and if you’re looking for the next great talent in comics, Strange Tales is definitely a good place to look. One particular creator to look out for is Rafael Grampa who drew that amazing cover. Do click on the image for a larger, more awesome view.

OTHER RELEASES FOR THE WEEK OF 10/13/10:
Superior #1 (with Gerry Alanguilan)
Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #5 (featuring the art of Ryan Sook)
Green Lantern #58
Thor #616
Incredible Hulks #614
New Avengers #5
Amazing Spider-Man #645
Invincible Iron Man #31
Superman #703
X-Men #4
Unwritten #18
Irredeemable #18
Jonah Hex #60
Casanova #4

Prejudged: The Writers Strike – Marvel Edition

Welcome back to a new season of Prejudged! to go along with your new season of Tres Komikeros. This edition will feature Marvel’s rising stars in the writing department; Rick Remender, Jonathan Hickman, and Jason Aaron.

UNCANNY X-FORCE #1
Written by RICK REMENDER
Art by JEROME OPENA
Cover by ESAD RIBIC

Introducing the new mutant black ops team of Wolverine, Archangel, Psylocke, Fantomex, and some other obscure character who rarely appears in a comic book… Dead-something… Remender takes a swing at the mutant world of the Marvel Universe along with long time collaborator, Jerome Opena. This team has tons of potential for greatness, with 2 viable funny men, and one really hot ninja. This is also one of those titles where you get to see Wolverine get his claws real dirty, and with Rick Remender on the wheel there’s little doubt about how much fun this new series can get. Plus, it’s good to be able to give that other character some time in the spotlight. What’s his name? Something-pool? Yeah.

ULTIMATE COMICS THOR #1
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Carlos Pacheco
Cover by Carlos Pacheco

Featuring the untold story of the beginnings of Ultimate Thor, Ultimate Loki, and the rest of Ultimate Asgard, this mini-series by rising star Jonathan Hickman and fan-favorite Carlos Pacheco should keep you occupied enough while you wait for the Thor movie to come out. There are tons of Thor titles to choose from now to help fill you in on everything you need to know about your favorite Norse God of Thunder, and in Hickman’s very capable hands, we should be in for a treat in this title. Also, between Pascal Ferry, Chris Samnee, and Carlos Pacheco, the God of Thunder’s universe looks as good as ever. It’s a good time to be Thor fan.

WOLVERINE #2
Written by JASON AARON
Art by RENATO GUEDES
Cover by JAE LEE

Wolverine goes to hell in one of the most interesting concepts for the character in the past few years. It’s easy to see that Jason Aaron is the best person to write Wolverine, and considering how many stories the character has been in throughout the years, Aaron has come up with inventive new situations and messes to throw Logan in, and this time sending him to the depths of hell the meet the masses of Hand ninjas and Hydra henchmen he’s gutted throughout his long lifetime. I’m sure you’re asking yourself why you never thought of that before too. Also, how awesome is that cover by Jae Lee?

Other releases for the week of 10/06/10:
S.H.I.E.L.D. #4
Brightest Day #11
Richard Stark’s Parker: The Outfit HC
American Vampire #7
Avengers Academy #5
Chaos War #1 (of 5)
Hawkeye & Mockingbird #5
Sweet Tooth #14
Locke & Key TP Vol. 2 Head Games

Prejudged! 07.07.10 “Entry Wounds – Marvel Edition”

Welcome to Prejudged! Entry Wounds, where we look at the week’s upcoming releases that make great jumping on points for new readers. This is a huge week for Marvel, with 7 new number ones. Anyone looking to get into comic books or just looking to jump onto new titles will have a big selection of books to choose from.

Scarlet #1

SCARLET #1
Written by Brian Michael Bendis
Art by Alex Maleev
Cover by Alex Maleev

This new title marks Bendis’ return to creator owned series work. Scarlet tells the story of a woman who starts a modern American revolution. If you’re into tales about strong women who can kick a lot of ass and look good while doing it, then Scarlet is definitely a pick up. Also featuring stunning art from long-time Bendis collaborator, Alex Maleev, who alos brings us this jaw dropping cover. Bendis always puts out his best work when he’s just doing his own thing, like Power, Alias, and Jinx, and this should be no exception.

Steve Rogers: Super Soldier #1

STEVE ROGERS: SUPER SOLDIER #1
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Dale Eaglesham
Cover by Dale Eaglesham

Need more Steve Rogers in your life? I do. And who better to write him than the man who killed him, Ed Brubaker. After replacing Norman Osborn as the world’s top cop, Steve is the busiest guy in the Marvel Universe right now, so you can expect him to pop up in about every book in Marvel. What? Osborn did it. Why can’t Steve? Super Soldier also features acclaimed artist Dave Eaglesham, fresh off his pitch perfect work on Fantastic Four, so expect big things. Good cover from Eaglesham too. I don’t remember Steve ever wielding a gun though.

Shadowland #1

SHADOWLAND #1
Written by Andy Diggle
Art by Billy Tan
Cover by John Cassaday

From Solicitation: “Matt Murdock Dared Evil.” Yeah, I know. It’s a terrible pun. But this story has been brewing a bit in the main Daredevil title, and it all comes to a head in Shadowland. Daredevil wages all out war on Bullseye, and he has an entire legion of ninjas to do his bidding. Stepping in to prevent war are Marvel’s street-level heroes, the Punisher, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Moon Knight, and the amazing Spider-Man. If you just want a bunch of superheroes all in one book, Shadowland #1 is a great book for you.

Avengers: The Children's Crusade #1

AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE #1
Written by Allan Heinberg
Art by Jim Cheung
Cover by Jim Cheung

Series creators Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung bring back the Young Avengers in this 9-issue maxi-series. With Wiccan’s reality-altering powers beginning to rival that of the Scarlet Witch’s, he sets out on a quest to find her that spans the Marvel Universe and will pit him against the Avengers. This will hopefully address long-standing issues about Wanda’s disappearance and maybe even the mysteries behind House of M and the infamous “No More Mutants”. Heinberg’s original series was very well received by both fans and critics alike, and Jim Cheung interiors are as rare and as awesome as they come. Looking forward to this.

Prejudged! 06.08.10 – “Movie Comics”

This week on Prejudged! we’ll be looking at titles that all have been or will be (or are in line to be) adapted into big blockbuster movies, like Batman, Jonah Hex, Iron Man, and the X-Men. It’s another big week in comic books, folks!

Jonah Hex #56

JONAH HEX #56
Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art by Phil Winslade
Cover by Darwyn Cooke

Coinciding with the release of the Jonah Hex movie, this special issue shows Jonah’s savage origins (one of many) along with another tale that sees Hex having a hand in American History.

It’s good to see this book finally get the recognition it has long deserved, what with the movie coming out and all. I’ve always said that Jonah Hex has been one of DC’s most consistent titles, and incidentally the easiest title to jump onto with its done-in-one issues. This is a fun book that should make for one helluva movie.

Invincible Iron Man #27

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #27
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Salvador Larroca
Cover by Salvador Larroca

Continuing the “Resilient” story arc, this issue has lots of things going on, from Tony building his empire, Pepper going under the knife, the Hammer girls making their move, and Detroit Steel.

This cover is clearly trying to bank on the success of Iron Man 2, having the familiar image of Iron Man and War Machine back to back. A little disappointing to see a more run-off-the-mill cover with this issue though, considering the radical covers this title has been going with for the past few issues, but still a great book.

Uncanny X-Men #525

UNCANNY X-MEN #525
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Terry Dodson
Cover by Adi Granov

We’re now neck-deep into Second Coming and all hell has broken loose. With the mutants trapped within Bastion’s forcesphere, Cyclops and his X-Men are now in the biggest fight for the future of their species. Lives have been lost and everyone is looking to Hope to save the day.

With the new X-Men movie finally getting its wheels turning, it won’t be long until we welcome back our favorite mutants onto the big screen. Soon enough, we’ll all be playing “Casting” games with our friends about who’s playing who, and we already even have our younger Professor Charles Xavier in the form of James McAvoy.

Batman #700

BATMAN #700
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Tony Daniel, Andy Kubert, David Finch, Richard Friend & Frank “Effing” Quitely
Cover by David Finch

That’s not a typo, people. “700”. That’s SEVEN HUNDRED Batman-tasic issues, and Bruce Wayne isn’t even back yet. This issue also marks the return of Grant Morrison to the title since leaving after Batman R.I.P. and we all should be happy to have him back, in all his mind-blowing glory. This also features three tales from three different Batmen; Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Damian Wayne.

On the cinematic front, the Messiah, Christopher Nolan, has gone on record to say that he has no intentions of bringing back the Joker for the series’ third installment. However you feel about that (I’m pretty bummed out, personally), there’s still a chance for the Riddler to be played by Hugh Laurie.

And there goes Prejudged! If you have any thoughts about any of the movies mentioned above, or about any other upcoming superhero movie, feel free leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

Prejudged! 06.02.10

Welcome back to a special edition of Prejudged! This week we look at indie graphic novel releases from big name creators. These types of releases allow these creators get back to their roots and experiment with new ideas that have branched out of working in the mainstream comic book industry.

Moving Pictures

MOVING PICTURES

Written by: Kathryn Immonen

Art by: Stuart Immonen

Cover by: Stuart Immonen

TK favorite Stuart Immonen, along with his wife Kathryn, brings us this tale set in two timelines.

Solicitation:

During World War II the Nazis pillaged much of Europe’s great art collections. Museum curator Ila Gardner and SS officer Rolf Hauptmann are forced by circumstances to play out an awkward and dangerous relationship in a public power struggle. Moving Pictures unfolds along two timelines which collide with the revelation of a terrible secret, an enigmatic decision that not many would make, and the realization that sometimes the only choice left is the refusal to choose.

A God Somewhere

A GOD SOMEWHERE

Written by: John Arcudi

Art by: Peter Snejbjerg & Bjarne Hansen

Cover by: Peter Snejbjerg & Bjarne Hansen

A tragic Super Hero tale as seen through the eyes of those closest to them, from the mind of Hellboy artist John Arcudi.

Solicitation:

After a mysterious disaster, a young man named Eric finds that he has just as mysteriously developed extraordinary abilities. He starts out trying to help people, but his solitary position in the world isolates him in ways no ordinary human could understand. This original graphic novel written by John Arcudi (B.P.R.D., WEDNESDAY COMICS) charts the arc of Eric’s evolution from man to…something else, as seen through the eyes of his family and his best friend, Sam.

The Pro

THE PRO

Written by: Garth Ennis

Art by: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti

Meet the world’s first superhero/prostitute. Once again, Garth Ennis screws with your head and the genre, with the spectacular art of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti.

Solicitation:

Reintroducing the outrageous story of THE PRO in a paperback version of the deluxe hardcover edition. Just when you think GARTH ENNIS has gone too far, just when you thought it was safe to walk the streets, just when you thought no one would go near the idea of the world’s first superhero prostitute… here comes THE PRO! Plus, in “The Pro Meets the Ho,” our plucky heroine faces a super-powered “soiled dove” whose powers of perversion exceed the Pro’s own!

See you guys next week!

Prejudged! 05.25.10

It’s another big week in comics and Prejudged! is here to shed some light on a few of them.

Secret Avengers #1

SECRET AVENGERS #1

Written by: Ed Brubaker

Art by: Mike Deodato

Cover by: Marco Djurdjevic

Marvel’s Heroic Age is in full swing with this week seeing the debut of Steve Rogers’ Secret Avengers. Moon Knight, Black Widow, Nova, War Machine, Beast, and Valkyrie. I don’t recall an Avengers team as badass as this. With Brubaker and Deodato on board, now it’s the heroes’ turn start breaking some heads. Although I hope Deodato doesn’t give War Machine “ass armor” like he did for the Iron Patriot.

Mystery Society #1

MYSTERY SOCIETY #1

Written by: Steve Niles

Art by: Fiona Staples

Cover by: Ashley Wood

If you’re a sucker for underground cults and such, you might want to jump onto this new series by acclaimed horror writer Steve Niles. Based on the solicitations, the Mystery Society are Nick Hammond and Anastasia Collins, who like to spend their time and money infiltrating secret bases like Area 51. I’ve never read anything that mashed up Horror with Espionage before, and Mystery Society should be interesting.

Green Hornet #4

GREEN HORNET #4

Written by: Kevin Smith

Art by: Jonathan Lau

Cover by: Alex Ross

This title has been surprisingly good. It’s good that Kevin Smith turned the Green Hornet and Kato into legacy characters. Female Kato is a very nice touch too. The artwork by Jonathan Lau is solid and captures the mood of Green Hornet’s world. Anyone who was a fan of the original TV series should definitely pick this up. Also, if you can, grab the one with the J. Scott Campbell cover.

Power Girl #12

POWER GIRL #12

Written by: Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti

Art by : Amanda Conner

Cover by: Amanda Conner

Here it is. The last issue of Power Girl for Palmiotti, Gray, and Conner. It’s very sad to see this team leave this title, especially Amanda Conner’s art. I really suggest that DC should collect this entire run into one big hardbound edition, complete with Palmiotti and Gray’s script and Conner’s sketches.

So, that’s it for this week’s Prejudged! See you next week, True Believers!

Prejudged! 05.17.10

Welcome to a very special edition of Prejudged! This week sees a plethora of new #1 issues from the Big Two, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to get people to jump onto a new book. This edition of Prejudged! is very “NEW READER FRIENDLY”. Let’s kick off with a look at the return of Legion Vet Paul Levitz.

Legion of Super-Heroes #1

LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES #1

Written by: Paul Levitz

Art by: Yildiray Cinar and Wayne Faucher

Cover by Yildiray Cinar and Wayne Faucher

Anyone who’s ever been interested in diving into the 31st century and joining the Legion of Super-Heroes in their adventures across the future of the DC Universe will want to jump straight onto this new #1 from legendary Legion squire, Paul Levitz. Coming off the heels of Action Comics: Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes and Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds, we see the return of the original, post-Infinite Crisis Legion of Super-Heroes team in full form. The Legion is one of the very first super-hero teams in comic book history and the first to ever tackle themes of racism and homosexuality. This series also has a Green Lantern Corps second feature. If you have room for another team book on your pull list, I highly recommend picking up this title.

Atlas #1

ATLAS #1

Written: Jeff Parker

Art by: Gabriel Hardman

Cover by: Terry Dodson

Marvel’s Rat Pack is back! The Agents of Atlas, a ragtag team of a spy, a spaceman, a siren, a killer robot, a mermaid, and a gorilla-man, has to be the strangest team in the Marvel Universe. When Jimmy Woo discovered that he was the heir to Genghis Khan and a powerful secret criminal organization called the Atlas Foundation, he saw to achieve the foundation’s goals through more passive means while still maintaing his cover. With the guidance of his advisor dragon, Mr. Lao, Woo travels the globe in search of adventure. This title is definitely for comic book readers who are looking for something different, and you don’t get any more different than Atlas.

Zatanna #1

ZATANNA #1

Written by: Paul Dini

Art by: Stephanie Roux

Cover by: Stephanie Roux

The backwards-talking, Mistress of Magic finally lands her own ongoing series. Brought to us by Batman: The Animated Series producer and writer, Paul Dini, this new series sees the many magical hijinks of everyone’s favorite fishnet stocking wearing heroine. (Okay, maybe it’s a tie between Zatanna and Black Canary.) Personally, the biggest draw of this book is the wonderful art of Stephanie Roux. With Amanda Conner leaving Power Girl, it’s good to see Roux on art duties for another of DC’s most beloved female heroes. Trust me, the artwork alone is reason enough to pick this up.

Avengers #1

AVENGERS #1

Written by: Brian Michael Bendis

Art by: John Romita Jr.

Cover by: John Romita Jr.

I’ll leave this to the solicitation:

THE HEROIC AGE IS HERE! There came a day! A day unlike any other…where two of Marvel’s top creators teamed up for the very first time to create a bombastic new monthly Marvel comic that not only ushers in the Heroic Age of Marvel Comics but unleashes onto the world the most blockbuster Avengers team ever! Who will answer the call? And will they assemble just in time…because Kang the Conqueror is here from the future. And wait till you find out why…! Bonus back up feature: the oral history of the Avengers, part one. A brand new illustrated look at the Avengers in a way you have never seen before by series writer Brian Michael Bendis.

Nuff Said.

Come back next week for another bombastic edition of Prejudged!

Prejudged! 03.30.10

Here we go with another edition of Prejudged! This week sees the release of a new issue from Jonathan Hickman’s run on Fantastic Four, the start of X-Men’s Second Coming, and the Blackest Night finale.

X-Men: Second Coming #1

X-Men: Second Coming #1

written by: Craig Kyle & Chris Yost

art by: David Finch

cover by: Adi Granov

This is to the X-Universe, what Siege is to the Avengers Universe. X-Men Second Coming is the culmination of four years worth of X-Men stories from House of M to Decimation to Messiah Complex and Utopia. This event promises that “MANY WILL BE WOUNDED. SEVERAL WILL DIE.”, and I’m guessing that by “SEVERAL WILL DIE” they’re referring to several C or D-list characters you’ve never heard of, along with one or two major characters who you know are coming back eventually. Despite that, it’ll be interesting to see how it all turns out in the end. Will all the Mutants who lost their powers in House of M get them back? Will Hope be the new Phoenix, and if so, will Scott and Logan start fighting over her? Will those two ever get over their obsession with red-heads? How will Kitty’s return figure into all of this? For one thing though, this whole Second Coming deal has made me want to jump back on the X-Men wagon. Let’s hope it’s the bumpy thrill ride that every event promises to be.

Fantastic Four #577

written by: Jonathan Hickman

art by: Dale Eaglesham

cover by: Alan Davis

This is part three of Jonathan Hickman’s Prime Elements arc, called Universal Inhumans. This issue sees Marvel’s First Family on the Blue Side of the Moon discovering that the Inhumans have a deeper and richer history than previously thought. Hickman’s run on the Fantastic Four has been stellar; deconstructing the team with the “Reed Solves Everything” arc and bringing the team back to it’s roots with this “Prime Elements” arc.  He’s done a good job at bringing in big Kirby-sized ideas to the title, and along with Dale Eaglesham adapting that classic look and feel to the art, they have brought about a Fantastic Four Renaissance of sorts. It’s great to see a creative team that’s capable of playing on how different the Fantastic Four instead of making it more realistic and gritty. Hickman recognizes that the whole idea of the team is in fact quite outrageous and out of this world, and yet is able to bring it down to more human level with themes of family and friendship. This has been a fun and brilliant run, and I hope Hickman and Eaglesham stick around for a very long time.

Blackest Night #8

written by: Geoff Johns

art by: Ivan Reis

cover by: Ivan Reis

Here it is! This one’s for all the marbles! It’s the final battle between Sinestro’s Rainbow Corps and Nekron’s Caped Corpses. There’s a lot riding on this issue. Yes, the whole Blackest Night series has been awesome so far, and all it needs is one big finale to take it home. I’ll save any thoughts I have on this for the podcast since I’m 100% positive that we’re reviewing this baby. All I’ll say is that I am totally pumped for this that with all the anticipation that he’s built up throughout this event, Geoff Johns better make sure that this multicolored superfest that is Blackest Night ends with a ginormous bang, like a firecracker going off in the center of that huge cloud of balloons holding up that old guy’s house in that movie. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

And as a bonus, I stumbled onto this fan made poster of the upcoming The First Avenger: Captain America movie starring Chris Evans.

Chris Evans as Cap

This image totally sold me on Evans playing Cap, granted that he bulk up a bit more. I can actually imagine Evans saying the “You think this letter on my head stands for France!?” line from the Ultimates, and not be grossed out by it. Adding the shield to the poster wouldn’t hurt either.

Another poster can be found on FilmSchoolRejects.com, but I liked this one better. The other one had Evans pouting his lips a little too hard. Both posters are brought to us by a regular Film School Rejects.com reader, Christopher M.

Prejudged! 03.09.10

We’re back for another slam-bangin’ edition of Prejudged!, where we judge the books by their cover. This is looking to be a pretty light week in comic books with mostly mid-level titles and a clear absence of anything related to Blackest Night or Siege, although there are a few familiar titles coming out, including new issues of Batman and Robin, Ultimate Spider-Man, and Daytripper. For a more comprehensive look at this week’s comic book releases, you can go here.

First off, is the cover to Batman and Robin #10 by Frank Quitely:

It looks like Damian’s finally had enough of playing second string to Dick Grayson’s smiling Batman and is taking matters into his own hands… with a fucking Claymore. In Grant Morrison’s new story arc, aptly named “Batman vs. Robin”, we see the dynamic between this duo turn violent when Damian decides to claim the mantle he believes is rightfully his.

This should make for very interesting comic book storytelling from Morrison, backed-up this time by Andy Clarke’s pencils. If you’d been turned away from this series by the let-down that was Philip Tan’s art, now would be the perfect time to pick it back up. The spectacular Frank Quitely covers alone should be reason enough.

Next up is the cover to Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #8 by Takeshi Miyazawa:

Last issue saw the beginnings of new super powered being in the Ultimate Marvel Universe, and from the looks of things, he has a big part to play out. Although it isn’t yet clear what exactly Rick Jones can do (aside from being able to teleport Spidey all the way to Ann Arbor, Michigan), we know this: he’s not a mutant and that a floating eyeball (the Ultimate Watcher) gave him his powers. That’s as far as we can call at this point. But then, the real grab of this story arc will be the interaction between Spidey, Torch, Iceman, and Rick Jones, and the misadventures of the rest of the Parker Household. Ultimate Spider-Man is still by far my favorite title that Bendis does, and Miyazawa is doing a decent job filling in for regular series artist David Lafuente. This title is still a lot of fun and a definite must-read.

Finally, we have the cover to Daytripper #4 by Gabriel Ba:

This series so far has been brilliant in its execution; from the achingly honest storytelling to the powerfully breathtaking artwork. Every word and every panel feels like it’s bursting with so much emotion, taking its readers through the everyday life (and deaths) of obituary writer, Brás de Oliva Domingos.

In this issue we witness the birth of Brás’ son along with everything that such an event can bring about. This should also bring out some unresolved issues between Brás’ and his own father. Daytripper is a resonating and captivating look at the different passions we all have in life from love, death, family, relationships, and every else in between. This series should one day be recognized as a modern day literary masterpiece and is a joy to read.

That’s all the time we have for this week’s Prejudged! Check back again next week to get your regular dose of Prejudged! comic books.  Have a good one, folks!