If comics are to be believed (and they should be!), the world around us is just teeming with cool, mysterious, incredibly powerful, ultra-secret societies. These groups carry on campaigns to take over the world, conceal alien invasions, run the government, and protect us from the forces of evil. Most of them seem to offer pretty sweet employee benefits, too.
DDP's Stronghold #1 gives readers a glimpse into one such secret society. The Stronghold's job is to watch over and shelter a seemingly average guy named Michael. To them, Michael is also an amazingly powerful, god-like being known as The Primacy. His power is enough to accomplish a great deal of good in the world, but Michael doesn't know a thing about it. Instead of saving lives and becoming a hero, Michael drags through day after meaningless day in a dreary, lonely, unrewarding life.
The Stronghold believe that if Michael ever realizes his power, the world will be plunged into chaos and destruction. They believe that a truce has been called in the eternal battle of good versus evil, but that if The Primacy ever reclaims his title the truce is off. The forces of darkness will launch an all-out war on the forces of good. Result: the end of the world. To keep the rest of the world alive, Michael's life has to stay as dull and unfullfilling as possible. Makes being a god seem like a pretty raw deal, huh?
This book, by writer Phil Hester and artist Tyler Walpole, makes a great change of pace from all the super-heroics on the shelves. The characters are engaging, and there are enough mysteries in the world of The Stronghold to make readers anxious to know more. Best of all, I really have no idea where the plot is going after the first issue, and THAT is all too rare. Walpole's detailed black and white art is very realistic, which makes the fantasy elements of the story really stand apart from the mundane.
So, Stronghold #1 is a unique book with great art and an intriguing story. It is also Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week. You have no reason not to try this book today. Of course, if you DON'T try it, The Stronghold may wonder just what you have against them. They may even have to start keeping you under close observation. I really don't think you want that, so try out Stronghold #1 now!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Friday, September 23, 2005
X-Men: Colossus: Bloodline
Before we even get started, I think it is only fair to warn you that this week's Book of the Week IS an X-Men spin-off limited series. I think we all know that those tend to be a little on the stinky side, but this one is actually pretty good! It was also relatively unhyped, and has gotten kinda lost in all the House of M/Infinite Crisis excitement of the summer.
Unfortunately, the title is an awkward mouthful, X-Men: Colossus: Bloodline. (I say no title should have more than 2 words, unless those words form a sentence, or at least a coherent thought.) As you may know, Colossus has only recently returned to the land of the living over in the rather excellent Astonishing X-Men. Having spent quite a while being thought dead, being tortured, and being experimented on, it is understandable that Piotr Rasputin (AKA Colossus) is having some "issues." He is plagued by nightmares, and a huge, armored Russian's nightmares can end up causing some serious property damage.
Pete tries to cope with the help of a little art therapy, but he is clearly still having some serious anger-management problems. The situation doesn't improve when Petey gets a mysterious message from the homeland. It seems that a killer with supernatural powers is working his way through the Rasputin family tree. Not only that, but the murders may have something to do with the most notorious Rasputin of all time...
Bloodline is written by David Hine with art by Jorge Lucas. It is nice that Hine's story is delving into Piotr's Russian heritage, since this aspect of the character has been mostly overlooked during his decades of X-Men membership. Lucas's art is very dark and moody, just the ticket for this creepy and edgy tale.
So, Colossus is back, the art is good, and the story is a unique direction for this character. Why wouldn't you give this a try? Don't let the generic and wordy title scare you away! Give X-Men: Colossus: Bloodline a read now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! Pete has enough troubles, don't make him feel unloved!
Unfortunately, the title is an awkward mouthful, X-Men: Colossus: Bloodline. (I say no title should have more than 2 words, unless those words form a sentence, or at least a coherent thought.) As you may know, Colossus has only recently returned to the land of the living over in the rather excellent Astonishing X-Men. Having spent quite a while being thought dead, being tortured, and being experimented on, it is understandable that Piotr Rasputin (AKA Colossus) is having some "issues." He is plagued by nightmares, and a huge, armored Russian's nightmares can end up causing some serious property damage.
Pete tries to cope with the help of a little art therapy, but he is clearly still having some serious anger-management problems. The situation doesn't improve when Petey gets a mysterious message from the homeland. It seems that a killer with supernatural powers is working his way through the Rasputin family tree. Not only that, but the murders may have something to do with the most notorious Rasputin of all time...
Bloodline is written by David Hine with art by Jorge Lucas. It is nice that Hine's story is delving into Piotr's Russian heritage, since this aspect of the character has been mostly overlooked during his decades of X-Men membership. Lucas's art is very dark and moody, just the ticket for this creepy and edgy tale.
So, Colossus is back, the art is good, and the story is a unique direction for this character. Why wouldn't you give this a try? Don't let the generic and wordy title scare you away! Give X-Men: Colossus: Bloodline a read now, while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week! Pete has enough troubles, don't make him feel unloved!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Super-Baby? The Pulse #11
For quite a few very sound reasons, not many super-heroes have kids. The kid could turn out to be some sort of meta-human mutant with the power to destroy all of reality. Maybe the kid will get repeatedly kidnapped by villains and used as a hostage. Maybe heroes don't have time to change diapers and go to teacher/parent meetings. Maybe the baby will get infected with some sort of techno-organic virus and be sent to the future, only to return as a grizzled old freedom fighter out to change the history of his world. OK, that last one is a little far-fetched. Never happen.
Anyway, super-hero babies do come with a lot of problems, so it makes sense that Marvel's most neurotic ex-heroine, Jessica Jones, is a little freaked out over the impending birth of her child. Not only is she a super-powered mom but the father, Luke Cage, is now an official Avenger. If you live in the Marvel U, Susan Storm (AKA Invisible Woman) is by far the most successful heroic mom around. It makes perfect sense then, that Jessica turns to Sue for some parental advice.
That advice is the main focus of The Pulse #11, part 1 of a story called "Fear." Other questions are raised in this issue, such as what's up with the reappearance of D-Man, a lame former Avenger with Daredevil's old yellow costume and a Wolverine hat-thing? And can designer Janet Van Dyne (AKA The Wasp) come up with a look for Luke Cage, formerly known as Power Man, that is any less lame than his old yellow silk shirt and chains look?
The Pulse #11 is written by Marvel's number one writing guy, Brian Michael Bendis, so you know the story and characters are excellent. This issue will be extra-special to fans of Jessica's first series, Alias, since it marks the return of Miss Jones' first artist, Michael Gaydos. Despite many other artist's worthy attempts, Gaydos still draws the definitive Jessica Jones.
The impending arrival of a super-baby on the scene, the reunion of Bendis and Gaydos, and a terrifically funny cover (check out Wolverine!), all make The Pulse #11 a book not to be missed. Try it now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, or you'll be on diaper duty next issue!
Anyway, super-hero babies do come with a lot of problems, so it makes sense that Marvel's most neurotic ex-heroine, Jessica Jones, is a little freaked out over the impending birth of her child. Not only is she a super-powered mom but the father, Luke Cage, is now an official Avenger. If you live in the Marvel U, Susan Storm (AKA Invisible Woman) is by far the most successful heroic mom around. It makes perfect sense then, that Jessica turns to Sue for some parental advice.
That advice is the main focus of The Pulse #11, part 1 of a story called "Fear." Other questions are raised in this issue, such as what's up with the reappearance of D-Man, a lame former Avenger with Daredevil's old yellow costume and a Wolverine hat-thing? And can designer Janet Van Dyne (AKA The Wasp) come up with a look for Luke Cage, formerly known as Power Man, that is any less lame than his old yellow silk shirt and chains look?
The Pulse #11 is written by Marvel's number one writing guy, Brian Michael Bendis, so you know the story and characters are excellent. This issue will be extra-special to fans of Jessica's first series, Alias, since it marks the return of Miss Jones' first artist, Michael Gaydos. Despite many other artist's worthy attempts, Gaydos still draws the definitive Jessica Jones.
The impending arrival of a super-baby on the scene, the reunion of Bendis and Gaydos, and a terrifically funny cover (check out Wolverine!), all make The Pulse #11 a book not to be missed. Try it now while it is Four Color Fantasies' guaranteed Book of the Week, or you'll be on diaper duty next issue!
Friday, September 09, 2005
Nothing Wackier: Cable and Deadpool #19
+So, you are a super-powered, pseudo-messiah who has saved the world but been artificially reverted to infancy. As you rapidly accelerate through puberty and adolescence, you need a place to go to wildly and hedonistically celebrate your return to manhood. With the whole world to choose from, where do you go? Intercourse, Pennsylvania, right?
Well, maybe not. As Wade (Deadpool) Wilson and Nathan (Cable) Askani'son discover in Cable and Deadpool #19, Intercourse does not really provide the lurid thrills that the name suggests. In fact, it is such a dismal disappointment that Wade and his young sidekick Nate have nothing better to do than sit in a dingy bar and grill drinking their troubles away. At least, Cable would be drinking if he was old enough. Which he is. Except he isn't. Yet. But he will be soon. Cable must be a very confusing guy to hang out with. No wonder the Avengers never ask him to join.
While these guys sit and drink (or not), they talk. Admittedly, a couple of guys chatting at a bar in Intercourse, PA does not sound like a very exciting comic. Fortunately, Cable and Deadpool have led much more interesting lives than the average man on the street. Their discussion reveals a lot about the difficult path these guys have traveled to become the world-saving mutant hero and psychotic merc-with-a-mouth odd couple we all know and love. Plus, no one makes running off at the mouth more entertaining than Deadpool! He's a talker, that one.
Cable and Deadpool, the wackiest team-up in the Marvel Universe, is brought to you by writer Fabian Nicieza and penciller Patrick Zircher. Nicieza helped bring both of these characters to fame back in the '90s, so he knows his way around the characters. His stories embrace continuity rather than avoiding it, even the crazy, twisty warped continuity behind Cable. He also does good work with Deadpool's incessant, reference laden chatter. (Though no one can touch Joe Kelly's run on Deadpool, but we won't hold that against Fabian.)
If you haven't been reading Cable and Deadpool, shame on you! Issue #19 gives you a great place to start. You'll learn everything you need to know about our intrepid heroes to join them in all their future hijinks and goings-on. Try it now while it is guaranteed as Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week. If you don't, Deadpool will book your next birthday party in Intercourse, PA.
Well, maybe not. As Wade (Deadpool) Wilson and Nathan (Cable) Askani'son discover in Cable and Deadpool #19, Intercourse does not really provide the lurid thrills that the name suggests. In fact, it is such a dismal disappointment that Wade and his young sidekick Nate have nothing better to do than sit in a dingy bar and grill drinking their troubles away. At least, Cable would be drinking if he was old enough. Which he is. Except he isn't. Yet. But he will be soon. Cable must be a very confusing guy to hang out with. No wonder the Avengers never ask him to join.
While these guys sit and drink (or not), they talk. Admittedly, a couple of guys chatting at a bar in Intercourse, PA does not sound like a very exciting comic. Fortunately, Cable and Deadpool have led much more interesting lives than the average man on the street. Their discussion reveals a lot about the difficult path these guys have traveled to become the world-saving mutant hero and psychotic merc-with-a-mouth odd couple we all know and love. Plus, no one makes running off at the mouth more entertaining than Deadpool! He's a talker, that one.
Cable and Deadpool, the wackiest team-up in the Marvel Universe, is brought to you by writer Fabian Nicieza and penciller Patrick Zircher. Nicieza helped bring both of these characters to fame back in the '90s, so he knows his way around the characters. His stories embrace continuity rather than avoiding it, even the crazy, twisty warped continuity behind Cable. He also does good work with Deadpool's incessant, reference laden chatter. (Though no one can touch Joe Kelly's run on Deadpool, but we won't hold that against Fabian.)
If you haven't been reading Cable and Deadpool, shame on you! Issue #19 gives you a great place to start. You'll learn everything you need to know about our intrepid heroes to join them in all their future hijinks and goings-on. Try it now while it is guaranteed as Four Color Fantasies' Book of the Week. If you don't, Deadpool will book your next birthday party in Intercourse, PA.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Reality Comics: Powers #12
You know, if we really lived in a world where it was a common thing for people to get super-powers, it would probably get pretty ugly. People tend to do really awful things to each other on a regular basis, so if folks had super-strength or melt-your-head vision, there would be a lot of melted heads lying around. Most super-hero comics tend to shy away from extreme violence of the melted head variety. MOST shy away, but not Powers, baby!
If you haven't been reading Powers, by Brian Bendis and Mike Oeming, I'd like to know why not. This comic consistently hits the high marks for all-around excellence. Everybody knows Bendis is currently the biggest shot on the comics writing block, and in the creator-owned Powers, he has the freedom to really cut loose and tell the kinds of stories that would never be allowed in the Marvel and DC universes.
In the simplest terms, the series is a police procedural. Homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim investigate murder cases involving the super-powered community. Sometimes the Powers are the killers and sometimes they are the victims, but Walker and Pilgrim almost always get their perp. Of course, Bendis is known for creating deep and involving characters and putting them through some amazingly twisty-turny plots, so there is a lot more to Powers than can be summed up in a few sentences. Oeming's art is deceptively simple and cartoony, yet dark and gritty enough for this frequently very dark book.
If you haven't been reading this great comic, now is the perfect time to start! This issue (#12 under Marvel's Icon imprint but the 49th issue overall) marks the anniversary of the 2nd series. As an anniversary treat, a huge interview with Bendis and Oeming is included in this issue along with the always informative, and very long, letter column. With all this bonus material, Powers #12 is not a book you will flip through in just 5 minutes.
So if you like your super-heroics with a big dose of real world ultra-violence, if you like police procedurals, if you like gripping drama, if you like great art, you will love Powers. Give it a try now, while Four Color Fantasies guarantees your reading pleasure! If you don't want Detective Walker knocking on your door to ask a few questions, try out this Book of the Week now. You have the right to be entertained....
If you haven't been reading Powers, by Brian Bendis and Mike Oeming, I'd like to know why not. This comic consistently hits the high marks for all-around excellence. Everybody knows Bendis is currently the biggest shot on the comics writing block, and in the creator-owned Powers, he has the freedom to really cut loose and tell the kinds of stories that would never be allowed in the Marvel and DC universes.
In the simplest terms, the series is a police procedural. Homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim investigate murder cases involving the super-powered community. Sometimes the Powers are the killers and sometimes they are the victims, but Walker and Pilgrim almost always get their perp. Of course, Bendis is known for creating deep and involving characters and putting them through some amazingly twisty-turny plots, so there is a lot more to Powers than can be summed up in a few sentences. Oeming's art is deceptively simple and cartoony, yet dark and gritty enough for this frequently very dark book.
If you haven't been reading this great comic, now is the perfect time to start! This issue (#12 under Marvel's Icon imprint but the 49th issue overall) marks the anniversary of the 2nd series. As an anniversary treat, a huge interview with Bendis and Oeming is included in this issue along with the always informative, and very long, letter column. With all this bonus material, Powers #12 is not a book you will flip through in just 5 minutes.
So if you like your super-heroics with a big dose of real world ultra-violence, if you like police procedurals, if you like gripping drama, if you like great art, you will love Powers. Give it a try now, while Four Color Fantasies guarantees your reading pleasure! If you don't want Detective Walker knocking on your door to ask a few questions, try out this Book of the Week now. You have the right to be entertained....
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