In case you haven't heard, a butthole-load of comic book-centric movies are coming to the big screen starting this spring. Some of the films are adapted from big superhero comics and others from indie books. Here's a collection of trailers for geek-flavored films hitting cinemas nationwide real soon:
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Kick-Ass
Iron Man 2
The Losers
It's Wednesday, which of course means it's time for brand-new comic books. But before we check out this week's comics, let's wrap up a little of what last week had to offer:
American Vampire No. 1: The new Vertigo horror series written by Scott Snyder and legendary author Stephen King (yes, that Stephen King) debuted last Wednesday, and it's definitely a slow burner but pays off at the end. Snyder's portion of the comic is filled some truly snappy, yet deceptively loaded, dialogue; and his tale closes on a truly chilling note. King's story an offshoot of the lead adventure though monstrous and slightly violent, is surprisingly fun. The art in both stories is skillfully rendered by Rafael Albuquerque, who seems to be a master of everything: storytelling, anatomy, emotion, and the kitchen sink. Good stuff.
X-Factor Forever No. 1: I guess Marvel's other retro mutant book, X-Men Forever, must be successful because their really is no other reason to launch X-Factor Forever. I remember reading Louise Simonson's X-Factor comic which, ya know, starred the original X-Men back in the day, and it was truly awful. After reading this relaunch of that series (with it's old continuity attached), I see nothing has changed ... it still sucks balls. The contrived story lines and character interactions that just drip with bad soap opera influences are back front and center, just like the old days. Who the hell wanted this comic to return? Not me.
Reviewed materials provided by Heroes Arent Hard to Find: www.heroesonline.com.
Yep. And a bunch of other folks, too.
Lookee here ... I got a few more comic book picks for the spring:
The Sword No. 24: I've never read an issue of Image Comics' series The Sword by the Luna Brothers but this is the last issue. So, what better time to jump on board and read the whole story from the beginning?
Guardians of the Galaxy No. 25: I just love me some Guardians of the Galaxy. And in issue 25, the creative team is bringing back the big, bad villain Thanos. I wasn't a big fan of the Infinity-themed comics back in the day starring Thanos, but I've been enjoying GotG since issue one and Thanos is a one of Marvel's greatest evil-doers. Color me interested.
I'm back with more picks for great comics hitting stores this spring. Check 'em out:
ShadowHawk No. 1: Look, I hated this series when it debuted back in the day. But the art on this particular version looks pretty good. I'll pick up the first one at the very least.
The Legion of Super-Heroes No. 1: Legendary writer and former DC bigwig Paul Levitz returns to the comic that made him a legend. Not really sure if this iteration will be great or not. LOS has gone through tons of revamps and creative teams in the last few years. Geoff Johns kind of righted the ship with his Legion of 3 Worlds limited series and with the first few issues of Adventure Comics, but will Levitz keep it sailing? I say pick it up and find out.
Crossed: Family Values No. 1: Writer Garth Ennis created this ultra-violent comic about a strange disease that's turned folks all over the world into stark-raving psychopaths but now writer David Lapham is taking the reins for a brand new Crossed limited series. I've always been a fan of Lapham, especially his old Stray Bullets series. I'll be buying this, too.
More to come tomorrow ...
Siege No. 3
Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Pencils by Olivier Coipel. Inks by Mark Morales.
The Verdict: Oh come on ... how can you not like this?! Buy it. Like, now.
In this week's edition of Creative Loafing, we rolled out our big, fancy-shmancy Spring Guide 2010 which is designed to let you know the best people, places and things blooming all season. And to coincide with that guide, I offered a few picks for cool comics coming out this spring. I'll be continuing that look at spring comics on this blog all week ... hey, there are a lot of worthwhile books out there. Here's a peak at two upcoming titles:
Astounding Wolf-Man No. 25: Writer Robert Kirkman's horror/superhero comic comes to an end this issue, and while I never thought the book was perfect I am interested to see how it all ends (and how he pulls together a ton of dangling plotlines). Kirkman's been dropping hints here and there about the Wolf-Man popping up soon in a new comic. But for now, I'm anxious to enjoy the closing of this particular chapter.
More to come tomorrow ...
Published by Dynamite Entertainment. Written by Kevin Smith. Breakdowns by Phil Hester. Pencils by Jonathan Lau.
The Deal: Movie director and part-time comic book scribe Kevin Smith rolls out his brand-new version of the Green Hornet. This comic series is based on a screenplay written by Smith some time ago.
The Verdict: It's a decent read with some great, cinematic pacing and pretty good art but it's not mind-blowing. If you're a fan of the Green Hornet (like me), it's nice to see the character back in action. If you're looking for a groundbreaking comic book experience, this ain't it. At the very least, it's much, much better than that GH series Now Comics used to publish back in the day.