Best Song On Halo 4

Although I did complete Halo 4's campaign a while ago, I cannot get this one song out of my head. When it played during the campaign, it was one of the greatest moments in my video game career. The power. The energy. The emotion it evoked. I almost broke down in an odd way. Like something  very sad was to happen and I didn't want it to happen but at the same time, I knew it was irreversible. That song is Arrival by Neil Davidge. When I heard that Martin O'Donnell wasn't making the music for this game, I was weary but Davidge has done an excellent job and hope he continues this excellence in the following games to come. For anyone who has not played the last mission in Halo 4, 'Midnight', I strongly suggest you do. Especially if you are a hardcore fan of the Halo franchise like I have been since it's birth. Song of the month? Arrival

Halo 4 Review - 343 Delivered

Speechless. Utterly speechless. Halo 4 is everything I wanted it to be and more. From the amazing continuation of the storyline to the online multiplayer, 343 delivered and blew my mind.

Graphics and Sound - The prologue cutscene at the beginning of the campaign was so realistic, my friends and I at first thought it was live action. The unloading of the guns and sound effects make you want to have nerdgasm after nerdgasm. Chief is back and looks as beautiful as ever.

Gameplay - The controls flow so beautifully together and all minor flaws from previous games that have irked gamers seem to have gone with the wind. This new Reclaimer Saga is VERY promising

Story - Without giving anything away, the story I can already tell will be good. I only managed to get through   mission 3 last night but Holy Hell. 343 did an excellent job of not leaking or teasing you with anything so there are plenty of surprises and everything in the story is new and fresh.

Flood Mood (Online) - SO COOL! From the abilities to the claw like weapon you have to the actually feeling that you are apart of the flood family! This is one of my favorite new additions to the Halo family

My friends and I got to the midnight launch at our GameStop at 5 PM and good lord it was worth it guys. If you haven't picked your copy up yet, please do ME a favor and get one. If you aren't a fan of Halo after this game, I will have words for you. Well that's all for me. Back to the game. Just had to write my review

Holy Lord... FORWARD UNTO DAWN

With Halo 4 days in reach, being the largest Halo Fan on the face of this galaxy, I had to view the Live-Action mini series. Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. Part 5 will be released tomorrow and I am ecstatic and filled with energy. When Chief showed his appearance in the fourth episode, I had to hold in my girlish squeals as I cringed to my pant leg in excitement. The way they presented him with assassinating the Elite was beyond words in my opinion. Not one scene involving him was campy in any way and I am proud to be the Halo fan I am. Master Chief is God and that is all there is to say. 

Saga - Image's Few Month Old Comic Reviewed

Full of action, humor, talented art, and an entertaining story, Saga has it all. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples takes you to a distant galaxy where a war has broken out between two races and stuck in the middle of it all are Marko and Alana who just had a newborn child. They also happen to be on the run from the government. And to top it all off, a few bounty hunters are on their tail.
Saga is definitely one of the more creative comics out there on the shelves right now and I STRONGLY recommend it to any newcomer into comics or any veteran. By far one of my favorite series overall. It's only four issues in so it's not too late to jump on board but they are going fast. My first issue is already a fifth printing.
Not to mention, the price is a low 2.99 so you get a good story, good art AND you save a buck for those more expensive comics like AvX!

The Amazing Spider-Man Movie Review - WTF

So I saw the new Spider-Man at the midnight release and after thinking about it more and more, my respect for that movie just keeps lowering and lowering. They took everything about Spider-Man and threw it out the window. The only thing they stuck true to was this Spider-Man actually used web blasters unlike the original Spider-Man movie. But just about everything else in this film made me question why people even bother bringing these golden heroes to life on the big screen. Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker in the film and right from the start, he obliterates Peter's high school life. With the skateboard to his clothes to his attitude and persona. It all didn't add up. Just as i predicted.

So not only was Peter's personality tossed down the drain, but Spider-Man's biggest trait was also given a good beating. His mask and what it stood for. Spider-Man's mask isn't just for looks and to give crooks a scare but it signifies  keeping Parker's identity a secret. It signifies the protecting of his loved ones so his enemies don't hurt them. And with this movie, he seemed to just throw that idea out the window. It seemed that Garfield was throwin' his mask off just for shits and giggles with no rhyme or reason.
Now I will admit the fight scenes with The Lizard were entertaining and the movie did do a good job of capturing Spider-Man's humor in the heat of battle so that was a plus to this movie. But I feel Doctor Octopus's battle with Spider-Man from the original trilogy gave these fights a run for their money.
Another part of this movie I didn't like is related to the trailer. If you view the trailer to this movie, it makes it seem like a story about Peter tracking down his parents and what truly happened to them. But that only takes up maybe the first thirty minutes of the movie and instead of delving deeper into their disappearance, he simply veers off course and fights Curt Connors. But they did seem to redeem themselves a bit with the final scene played after the credits with Connors in his jail cell and a mysterious shadow paying him a visit but I don't think it was enough...
All in all, this movie drastically drifted away form Spider-Man's essence and that did not exactly make a comic book lover like myself very happy. And it saddens me more to think that this is the start to a whole new trilogy. This unfortunately isn't a one-shot. Oh well. After the success of the superhero movie the Avengers, I'll let this one slide.

L.A. Noire - Rockstar's Twist On Running the Streets

I know this may be an older game, but having picked it up from GameStop a few weeks ago and progressing through it, I feel it would be appropriate to use this game as my first video game review. So here it is. L.A. Noire Reviewed.

The game (Spanning a length of 3 discs long) puts you in the shoes of Cole Phelps. A former police officer who believes in cold hard justice and doesn't stand by short cuts in the system. You're living in the 1930's of Los Angeles (Duh) and each mission acts like a TV episode in a way (Similar to the game Alan Wake). Each story is indirectly tied together into one larger story including newspaper articles found throughout the game giving a side story about a crazy, manipulating therapist.
Each level starts to seem to get a little repetitive every once in a while and at points throughout, I've felt bored and it feels tedious but the game always does have a few twists here and there in the game play to keep you on your feet.
The game does a really good job of putting you in the setting of the 1930's with dress wear, music, scenery, and the dialogue people use. I was very impressed. Not to mention the graphics in L.A. Noire make this game one of Rockstar's more impressive feats. All in all, L.A. Noire is a fun game and if you ever wanted to live one of those crime shows you see on TV but are too lazy to sign up for police academy, this is your game.

Firefly Episode 1 Reviewed

Firefly is the 2002 sci-fi show with a western/steampunk twist to it. I thought reviewing the first episode for people searching for a fantasy show would be helpful so here you go. The show takes place approximately 500 years in the future and follows Captain Mal Reynolds and his ragtag of a space pirate crew who deal in black market smuggling all across the galaxy. The first episode properly introduces all the characters and what their role is on the ship. Character development is lacking a bit in the beginning but by the end of the episode, you have a feel for where all their hearts are.

The episode is a bit campy (Especially in the beginning) but if you look over that, the story is entertaining and original. I also enjoy how the show obviously takes place in the future but they don't shove it down your throats with crazy looking aliens all over the place and plasma gunfire flying everywhere. They're very calm in showing you that the show doesn't take place in this time frame. Which is different from other futuristic shows. And does anyone else see a resemblance in the ship's mechanic Kaylee with Battlestar Galactica's Cally? I mean even their names are similar along with their personalities. A bit odd...
Anyways, with an impressive soundtrack and an entertaining story, Firefly is definitely worth your time viewing, and if your looking for a classic show to call home, this one is welcoming with open arms.

Newly Released Marvel Teasers - Has The Ultron War Finally Arrived??

A few days ago, Marvel released a few teasers of a new event to happen this October right after the conclusion of Avengers vs. X-Men. Posters include the below.

Looking at blog discussions on websites such as IGN, many people believe that these posters are the first announcement of the Ulton War that Marvel has been teasing about for a while now (Ex. Marvel's Free Comic Book Day Issue) and as much as I'm excited to see the Avengers face off against one of their biggest rivals in a climatic limited series that will be as big as titles such as Fear Itself and House of M, I'm not so excited to see it being released RIGHT after the events of AvX. Like one post said on IGN, I think Marvel should let the aftermath settle with AvX before jumping right on in to the next main event. Ya know? Not just throw another big fireball of epic battles RIGHT after AvX.
Another concern that people are showing about this announcement is that they don't like how every year Marvel has a new big event (Secret War -> Avengers Disassembled -> House of M -> Secret Invasion and so on) but personally, I like looking forward to a new big epic story every year. Yeah I wouldn't mind if Marvel took a break every once in a while so I could catch up but if the stories are gonna be as good as House of M and Avengers Disassembled, I say keep 'em coming! Unless they're like this years event with JRJR's artwork which just does NOT match the storyline of AvX. Regardless of it's timing and what the event is, I'm anxious to see Marvel's news on these teasers later down the road.

Batman #10 Reviewed

BATMAN ISSUE 10 SPOILERS
With the DC New 52 Crossover event coming to a close, I'm anxious to see how they wrap it up. Earlier this month the Batman issue 10 came out and holy mother of god. What a cliffhanger... Bruce Wayne has a brother and he's leader of the Court of the Owls??? And he was running for mayor?? Talk about a twist! I had my jaw to the floor when i finished that issue and I can't wait for more.... WHY DO CLIFFHANGERS HAVE TO MAKE ME SCREAM IN AGONY??? Gah. Well regardless, Night of the Owls seemed to end up to be quite a clever story and I'm very impressed. Glad I kept up.

Epic Cover

Batman: Arkham Unhinged Comic Review Update

Okay. So this is an update to my previous Arkham Unhinged review. I've read issues two and three since then and all I've got to say is what the fraking frak. What happened??? This comic had so much potential thanks to the success of the ground breaking, addictive video game and they started off strong with an entertaining first issue with Catwoman and Two-Face back story and then there's these next two issues that were far from interesting. I'm definitely taking this out of my folder at my comic shop. The art is still cool but would be so much cooler if there was actually some god damn action every once in a while! I mean the second issue is Batman talking to Commissioner Gordon for the whole story and the third is just about the Penguin talking about how he used to be friends with the Joker or something. It was lame. I spoke to soon about this comic unfortunately. But I do have to admit. The covers to each issue so far have been pretty fantastic.

Superior Reviewed

I just finished the limited seven issue series Superior by Mark Millar  (Artwork by Leinil Yu from Secret Invasion) and despite where the first issue seemed to be heading, I will say it was worth the read and I am impressed..yet again. Millar has once again taken a cliche idea and made something original with it. The story is about a young 12 year old boy named Simon Pooni who has the disease multiple sclerosis. He's picked on by kids at school and his true friends are limited. But that all changes one night when a strange space monkey in an astronaut suit appears in Simon's room and changes the boy into the iconic hero Superior. Similar to the abilities of Superman, Superior has all the textbook symptoms of an old school hero. I don't want to give much away but all I'm saying are things aren't always the way they seem...

Superior is a fun, light, action-filled series that is clearly done by the brilliant mind of Mark Millar. With familiar artwork from Leinil Yu, I couldn't help but feel a skrull was gonna pop on in for a panel or two. Excessive f-bombs does make this a comic for a more mature audience. Surprisingly, the ending wrapped up with no noticeable cliffhangers like Millar's other pieces (Nemesis, Kick-Ass) which I think would be best. This isn't exactly a franchise that could go on for a sequel.

Apparently Millar announced that movie director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass director) bought the rights to Superior and is going to create a film adaption. Definitely will be worth seeing.

The Hobbit Trailer

Guys I can't wait. This year, I get to return to the world of Middle Earth (My ideal home is Bag End). The Hobbit is on the horizon. Although the trailer has been out for a few months now, I finally have viewed Peter Jackson's teaser to the prequel of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and oh mi god. This movie is going to be epic upon epicness. It's release date is for this December on the 14th, but judging on how awesome movies like this are usually pushed back a few months from it's original release date, I'm not getting my hopes up. I can't wait to see Jackson's vision of The Hobbit. I trust it'll be in good hands after seeing what he did with the trilogy. And Ian McKellen is Gandalf! He played the role perfectly in the earlier films!
Scenes I am looking forward to seeing are ALL Smog scenes, the giants turning to stone, and the riddles with the one and only Gollum... Brace yourselves guy. This is gonna be a real treat.

New Halo 4 Live Action Trailer W/ Gameplay Released at E3!

Yesterday, at the 2012 E3 conference, Microsoft released an all new Halo 4 live action trailer with about five minutes of game play footage and after viewing it, oh mi god am I excited. There are two videos. One that is shorter and does not have as much campaign footage and does not show the live action trailer but does have multi-player footage and one video that is seven minutes with the live action and only campaign footage The trailer shows UNSC marines lined up listening to a speech while the video flashes forward to their ship being infected by an unknown virus that takes over. It finally then jumps to Master Chief. The man of the hour and as he watches the UNSC ship (That resembles the Pillar of Autumn) seem to come through a portal of some sort (Possible a time portal) and fly over him with obvious complications. Chief watches it fly off in the distance as he's surrounded by nature. Obviously, he has progressed and landed on this turf since we last saw him in the Halo 4 teaser that was released last year. Will the game reveal what happened between that time gap? I hope to god they do.

If you read my earlier post about Halo 4, then I must make a correction. I was under the influence that the Covenant were gone but after watching the footage, there is a scene with two grunts, an elite and a jackal. So yes. The humans most hated enemy is back. As the elite charges you, it seems to be shot with an orange ray that disintegrates it in it's own footsteps. That is where the new alien species is introduced. They look to have a mix of organic and technology base to them and as Chief shoots some, they self destruct where others have the ability to teleport. He even does hand to hand combat at one point which is extremely bad-ass and when picking up one of the foreign guns, it seems to recreate and modify itself at the sense of his touch.
At the end of the video, a strange red symbol appears with the words "An Ancient Evil Awakens". My assumption? Forerunners. Cortana even mentions them at one point when discussing the aliens. So yes, mysteries of the Halo universe will be revealed in this new trilogy.

Earth 2 Reviewed (In a Nutshell)

Earth 2. New stories. New heroes. New villains. New universe. New everything. With issue 2 hitting stores soon, I thought I should hurry on up and review DC's start to their 'Second Wave' as their calling it and tell you guys all about this parallel world. With awesome art and a neat story line, I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment. The cliffhanger to this one was already one that was too much to handle. I'm not going to give anything away but you'll be craving for part two as soon as you're finished. And they even got cool details down like the new Robin replaces Batman's son Damian in the original universe and becomes his daughter instead. This comic shows a lot of potential but at the same time, it also has much riding on it and I hope DC doesn't crash and burn with letting us readers down. So let's keep our hopes up and wish for the best guys! The second wave has begun!

Earth 2 & The Controversy It Has Spurred

Last month, issue one of DC's New 52 series 'Earth 2' hit stores and it hit hard with the information that in this parallel universe story, the Alan Scott Green Lantern is...yup. Gay. This is obviously DC's way of saying "Hey! We Support gays and lesbians!" Along with this controversial news, Marvel also has a little gay announcement in one of thier series right now involving Astonishing X-Men and a marriage with Northstar and his boyfriend Kyle. The event takes place in issue #51 of the ongoing series. Due to these announcements in the comic world in what seems to be an attempt to be connecting with minorities of the world, the group One Million Moms responded to this with a post on their site telling their fellow moms to

"Please send DC Comics and Marvel an email urging them to change and cancel all plans of homosexual superheroes immediately. Ask them to do the right thing and reverse their decision to have sexual orientation displayed to readers."


And I quote that directly from their pathetic, bullshit of a site. Their argument for why superheroes should not be gay or lesbian is because they feel superheros should be 'proper' role models for children and if they read those comics and see Northstar or Green Lantern kissing another guy they they will want to do it too... Um. Back up for a second. First of all, I don't even think that they will think anything of it if they are young enough and will just see two people kissing. Second off, I am POSITIVE that they will not want to imitate the superhero based on who that hero is dating or kissing. This One Million Moms is B.S. and should leave the comic industry alone. If they are this strong headed about the subject, then just don't let your kid read that comic. But don't try and ruin these events for us more open minded people who have grown up and aren't still living in the 1950's. Kudos to Marvel and DC for sticking to their guns. I applaud you.

My Steampunktopia

Have you ever seen The Lord of the Rings and thought "Wow. I wanna be there." Or read Fullmetal Alchemist and wished you were in those cities that Ed travels to? What about the video games Fable 2 or Bioshock with their beautiful scenery and historical look but have future like technologies?
Fellow alternative, fantasy, sci-fi, loving comrades. You are all invited to my future Steampunk themed topia. I've been contemplating this idea of mine for a while and I've come to the conclusion I must achieve this dream of mine. My goal is to either take the idea from the Truman Show (Jim Carrey) and build a large dome somewhere OR better yet, would be to find a distant island out in the middle of nowhere and start form scratch there. In my future community, all are welcome but if you wish to join my world, you must have a background check. Nobody with a criminal record or with a crazy past is allowed. This will be a peaceful, fantasy themed community that takes ideas from pop culture that surrounds us and brings those ideas to life. Take Rapture City from the video game Bioshock. I will be making a more ideal version of Rapture and I will take the place of Andrew Ryan. I will not be a dictator but more of an overseer. My fellow followers and I will set up a government that follows a more fair version of a Democracy. We will even create our own currency.
Now I'm not saying this will be an easy plan at first. It will take funding at the start but ideally, I would like to start from scratch and after my community is up on it's feet, I would like for our currency to take over and we rule our own community with no outside help. I'm offering a more peaceful way of living with all those geeks and fantasy lovers out there that wish to live in their dream world.
Concerns I have with my project are foreign countries interfering with my community/island/dome and declaring war or attempting to take over. If you join this community of mine, I wish to only create a community that wants to (In a way) leave this planet Earth and enter a new world.
Technology will take a futuristic twist in my world by mixing raw materials (Wood, iron, copper) and combining them with electricity and such. Solar power and windmills will be our source of electricity. No pollution allowed on this Steampunktopia. Houses will be straight out of books such as Spiderwick Chronicles and The Lord of the Rings. Take Bilbo Baggin's home Bag End (The house that's inside a hill) and put futuristic-looking technology inside it. That kind of thinking.
Dress wear will be simplistic looking with a fashion take. We would create our own clothes and all men MUST at least own a top hat.
Now my idea is still on the drawing board and I understand it does have kinks in it but with effort, planning, followers, and determination, Steampunktopia could be a dream come true. And you, my fellow alternative, sci-fi, fantasy lovers are welcome... To be continued

What The Hell Happened To The Incredible Hulk?

WARNING: Spoilers from Incredible Hulk 2011 Series
If you read Marvel's premiere event of 2011, Fear Itself, then you know the new Incredible Hulk ongoing series launched off based on one of Fear Itself 's epilogues. And have been reading it since its first issue and just finishing issue 7.1, I must say what the frak. So first, you seperate man from monster and now after KILLING Bruce Banner (Yeah that's right. Killing THE Bruce Banner), you have some bald clone hulk run around doing random ass s**t? What the hell Marvel? I've been reading this series from the start and still have yet to be impressed. With artwork that looks more like it's from the drawing board than a finished piece and stories that even in the Marvel Universe aren't possible, this new(ish) series is not one of my favs. Having been a large fan of the Planet Hulk and World War Hulk arcs, I was expecting more from this. Sadly, I was shot down. I really hope this series can get back up on it's feet because I do not want to have wasted a good $20 on all these issues I've bought from it. At least set things straight again in the Marvel Universe and bring back Dr. Banner. You can't just kill him off with a fraking gamma bomb.

Batman: Arkham Unhinged (Arkham City's Sidekick) Reviewed

Warning: Minor Spoilers for Batman: Arkham City Video Game
For fellow fans of the multi-platform video game hit Batman: Arkham City, I present to you it's back story sidekick, Batman: Arkham Unhinged. I picked up issue one today at my local comic shop and was hesitant on getting the second issue due to my trusty comic employee saying the first issue didn't have much of a cliffhanger. So here I am now with the first issue under my belt and I must say wow. If you have any interest in the video game, buy this comic. The first issue gives you the background info on Catwoman and Two Face's feud and how they both ended up in Arkham City. It also shows you how Two Face got Catwoman's stolen goodies. Filled with action on just about every page and quality art, Arkham Unhinged was definitely worth it's $3 price tag that it bears. And for all you women super hero lovers out there, do not fear. Catwoman's cleavage is VERY noticeable in this comic with plenty of shots that would make a stalker drool. I also must say that the cover art is VERY entertaining.
I hope this series has much success. Like I said, for any video game fans out there who don't know where to start with comics and want to start somewhere, here ya go.

Rubber - The Most Pointless Movie Ever Reviewed

So not only did I watch the indie hit Hobo With A Shotgun, I also watched the not-so indie hit Rubber. Following a tire named Robert who has physic powers and can blow stuff up, this movie will bore you to death but at the same time, you cannot stop watching... Well for me at least. My girlfriend fell asleep during it. Taking place in the desert, you view a group of randomly assorted people who watch from a distance with binoculars as they watch Robert encounter other human beings. After viewing this film, I feel I wasted 80 minutes of my life but at the same time feel happy that I have that indie under my belt. So if you have time to kill, why not watch this movie? At least you weren't like my friend who went to the midnight premiere in theaters (Yes he actually did that). This movie has absolutely no character development and BARELY any plot. Scratch that. It has no plot. But aside from all it's noticeable flaws, it is humorous and I did catch myself laughing at quite a few parts. But that's only because I enjoy random. You may not find it as funny. All in all, this movie is lame beyond belief but if you're a true movie lover or consider yourself a hipster, this is for you.

Hobo With A Shotgun Reviewed!

A while back, my friend came to school telling me about a movie he had watched on Netflix about a pissed off hobo (Played by Rutger Hauer) who was sick of crime. This is that movie. I had the... pleasure of finally viewing this movie tonight along with the film Rubber. The film was made in 2011 and is so underground, it doesn't even have a rating. The story takes place in a crap city (Probably based off Detroit) where a lonesome hobo drifts on in trying to save up enough money to buy a lawn mower (For $50) until he sees the hellhole the citizens are living in which seems to be ruled by a gang leader known as The Drake. So what to does this mild mannered hobo do? Buy a shotgun and clean up the scum of the streets. Jason Eisener is the director and I like how the movie has an 80's theme to it with a neat techno-ish soundtrack and the film is even vintage/old style. But be warned. This movie is NOT for children. Filled with gore galore, pedophiles, burning children and the f-bomb just about every other word, younger audiences should not be in the room.

Although the film attempts to be serious, you can't help yourself but laugh throughout it at it's cornball setting, dreadful one-liners, and its cheesy effects. It attempts to make you feel for the hobo and his prostitute friend he picks up later in the film but you can't help but not give two shits about them. Despite all the gore and violence, this is a light, fun movie to watch with your friends on a Saturday night. Don't be expecting any deep, moving story because you will not find it here. But I mean were you really trying to? It's called Hobo With A Shotgun for frak's sake.

JR JR's Art - Quick Post

Does anybody else how John Romita Jr.'s character faces are always drawn to be... smushed in a way? Or is that just me? Don't get me wrong. Kick-Ass art is epic and I love his unique way of art but he is definitely one of those artists and BAM! Instantly I can tell it's his work... I don't know. I just felt like posting this and wanted you guys' feedback!

The New Avengers (2004 Series) Reviewed! (Issues 1-20)

Oh. My. Gods. So as you guys know, I went to the comic convention last weekend and while I was there, I managed to finish my New Avengers collection from 2004. Now I don't know about you guys, but before I read a series, I need all the issues. I hate skipping issues. So when I managed to collect all 64 issues including the two annuals AND the finale, I was ready to go and damn that was a good buy. Bendis has done it again and just blown my mind with his story plots. I actually like Iron Man in this series which is weird considering I hate his asshole personality in all his other comics. And yes Spider-Man is as badass as ever with his smart-mouth jokes in the midst of battle and Cap is just the patriotic BAMF he is with standing in what he believes in. And Maria Hill is as annoying as ever. Just.... Over all, it is an incredible ongoing series and I'm glad they didn't just drop it after the events in Siege. I'm glad they started it back up (With what looks like Luke Cage being in charge). This series is definitely going down as one of my favorite ongoing series ever. Thank you Bendis and thank you Cho for such incredible artwork. He sure knows how to define those superheroes. And the artwork in each issue is phenomenal. You'll be stopping yourself to view the battle scenes such as Sentry's incredible fight with the mysterious force in the arc "The Collective". And thanks to the story arc "The Collective" right before the Civil War tie-in issues, I finally know what happened to Alpha Flight and why Omega Flight was born during the Initiative so that is A.W.E.S.O.M.E. (If you're wondering what I'm talking about, read the One-Shot Civil War: The Initiative). Well guys, I just HAD to review this series even though it is a few years old, I thought why not. Definitely give this title a shot if you haven't already. It should be sinful if you don't read this. That's all for now! Time to read some more of this epic series! Later guys

The Walking Dead Season 3 This Fall

WARNING: Season 1 & 2 Spoilers!
So season three of AMC's hit series The Walking Dead is supposed to air this Fall  with 16 episodes. And I am stoked. The prison is being introduced, Michonne is a new character, and rumor has it that The Governor is gonna be on the show!!! And if they keep all the sadistic stuff he does in the comic and put it in the show, I will be one happy fan. I just hope TV doesn't try to PG it all. But what I'm really looking forward to is watching Michonne's revenge on that son of a bitch (Cough cough castration). But I do have a few concerns with the upcoming season. Those concerns include them being in the prison for too long and it being dragged out (It was dragged out in the comic and that go somewhat boring) and because of the shit season 2 was with meaningless side plots and monologues that seemed to last forever, I fear season 3 will be the same.
Don't get me wrong guys. Season 1 was incredible with effects, plots, and character development given it only ran six episodes. I was always on the edge of my seat (The first episode with the tank?? Incredible!). But when season 2 aired, I was not impressed. The group stayed on the farm way too damn long and side plots such as the episode with the walker stuck in the water well was meaningless filler that didn't need to be included. Now yes, the last episode with Sophia coming out of the barn as a zombie was cool but even that was lame! I mean they spent the whole first half of the season with poor Daryl (Norman Reedus) looking for the kid. It just dragged out for soooooo long and it was unnecessary. So apart from my complaints with season 2 being bleh and boring, season 1 was incredible and I can't wait to see what season 3 has in store for us. I feel it'll be pretty awesome.

The Revamped Amazing Spider-Man Movie

So Summer is coming soon and with it comes an all new webslinger which most of you know from the hit The Social Network. Yes Andrew Garfield is back and he's playing the mild-mannered, awkward Peter Parker and all I have to say about this decision is... why? Stan Lee created Parker as a socially awkward, geeky, teenager who is the last person to have a girlfriend and so what does this new movie present? A suave looking young man who girls fall head over heels for and turn him into Spider-Man... nu uh. Not working out for me. Although the graphics look incredible and the are bringing in The Lizard (a.k.a Dr. Curt Connors), I just can't buy it that Garfield is supposed to be Pete. I mean Tobey Maguire played that role perfectly! Yeah he could have had more sarcastic and smart-ass comments while fighting but he got the dorky part spot on! This new Spider-Man movie does show signs of that smart-ass side though so I hope they deliver. That's one of my favorite traits of this costumed hero. Another improvement I see in this film is the change from Kristen Dunst to Emma Stone. Dunst always seemed a bit whiny in the older films and Stone isn't like that. Plus, Stone will be playing Gwen Stacey and NOT Mary Jane which is really cool considering Stacey came before Jane in the comic books. So am I weary of this Parker replacement? Yes. But this does look like a kick-ass movie and I cannot wait to see it once it hits theaters and you better bet I'll be one of the first to be reviewing here on the one and only, The True Life of a Superhero!

2012 Motor City Comic Convention

Sorry about the delay on posts guys! I've had comic book convention fever! After going Friday and Saturday, I'm exhausted and boy am I loaded. Where others went for the celebrities or that missing action figure or just to have a good time, I took my time seriously while I was there and there was no time for fraking around. I went hardcore looking for all the key essentials missing in my comic collection and boy did I score. Coming home with a little over 200 comics each of the two days (And finishing my Watchmen action figure collection thanks to my wonderful girlfriend), I'd say it was a success.
For those of you that have never been to a con, boy are you missing out. If you like anything pop culture related, this is your place and you will be among your fellow species. I know I was. Striking conversations with fellow comic book lovers about recent story arcs and former ones, I felt at home. And the costumes people create and wear?? Creativity at it's best!! I saw Altair, a Spartan from the Halo saga, Storm Troopers, a five year old dressed up as Hit Girl, Dale from the Walking Dead TV show after he was bitten, and many more! All with care greatly put into them. There's a reason I created a countdown for the Motor City Comic Book Convention. Because it is amazing to say the least. Again, I'm sorry guys for the late post. I've been busy with work and organizing my new comics and such but thank you for staying around to read!

Digital Comics. WTF

So I know this whole digital comics thing isn't new or anything and has been around for a while. But it's slowly rising up and really getting on my nerves. Comic BOOKS, keyword BOOKS, were made essentially as magazines released every month so you could read and collect and enjoy. Now, I don't know who's idea it was to start creating digital editions of comics but it's not gonna fly with me. No sir. When you turn a comic into something from hard copy to something you can only view through a digital screen, it takes ALL of the fun out of it! I mean my AvX issues have all come with codes you enter on Marvel.com or something and you can get a digital copy of the issue. Well guess what Marvel?? I don't want a digital copy! I want the hard copy I can take ANYWHERE and enjoy it anyway I want! What if something happens to your precious fake comic collection of digital files and it crashes or something? Or your internet shuts down and you can't punch in your stupid little code? Then you're fraked. Digital comics are the worst thing that could happen to the comic book industry because us true collectors want hard copies. Not files that ANYBODY could get. That's part of the fun in collecting comics. Hunting for that missing issue in your collection and when you offer digital comics, you take that fun out cuz you can just look it up on marvel.com or dccomics.com and bam! There it is. So yes fake collectors, enjoy your digital files but don't you dare call yourself a true comic collector you poser. Leave our hard copies alone. Rant over

Sentry: One of the Best

Why Sentry is frakin amazing:

• Sentry is (Sort of) a normal guy: Behind the power of a thousand suns, he's just like every other crazy schizophrenic. With a second personality known as The Void, Sentry is always unpredictable. Feeling he is always under the power of it, he could snap at any second (For example, the climatic ending to Siege when The Void is unleashed). Reynolds is always fighting his inner demons which shows the regular human side of him which can sometimes be hard to come by in a superhero. They don't show that more emotional side which is unique with Sentry.
• He loves his wife: Any man who is willing to do anything for his wife is a good man in my books. And Bob Reynolds is just that man. Examples would include throughout the Dark Avengers series, he defended his wife and protected her at all costs even though she feared him deeply. Or what about during the first story arc in the series The Mighty Avengers when Ultron took the place of a female? And it pretended to kill Bob's wife? Well  he (tried) to rip that S.O.B. a new one! No matter the consequences, he puts his wife first. That's loyalty and I respect that.
• His power: He has the power of a thousand suns. A THOUSAND SUNS PEOPLE! HE WILL WRECK YOU! PERIOD! He's taken on the Hulk and his vigilante crew, Ultron, and The Void! Although he hasn't had as amazing fights as maybe Captain America or Iron Man has, the fights that he has performed in are epic. Marvel needs to expand on Sentry's story and life. Definitely worth starting an ongoing series. Where's his self titled comic? Ms. Marvel has one. Wolverine has one. Where's Bob's?

Rant/Rave over

Death Note Reviewed - A Manga Worth Reading

Do you like japanese comics that have those ridiculous, obnoxious faces that look like they belong in a kids TV show? What about how dramatic the characters can be during not so dramatic situations? Examples of fine literature that define these would be One Piece and Bo Bo Bo Bo (Or something like that). Well, if you honestly do like that childish work, then don't bother reading this post. Because this is about a manga that's actually worth reading and has an amazing plot. It's called Death Note. And it is epic. Running 12 volumes long, Death Note is written by Tsugumi Ohba and drawn by Takeshi Obata. The story is of a High School student named Light Yagami who is the epitome of a genius. He gets straight A's in all his classes and could go to any college in the reason. One problem. He's bored with life. But that all changes one day when he sees a notebook lying on the ground outside during the middle of class. He goes to pick up this notebook afterwards and behold. The Death Note. A notebook that when written in, will do the unthinkable. Kill whosever name is written down. The story picks up from there.
Now for some of you, you're probably thinking "What the hell? This is dark. Not my thing." But the notebook itself is only a portion of the story. What follows becomes a chase to (Literally) the death on who can reveal who's identity in this action thriller of a manga. The ace student Light Yagami (Also known as Kira to the rest of the world) or the greatest detective the world has ever known who simply goes by the name "L". Mind games, gun fights and riddles are what follow in this drama as you, the reader view both sides from the sideline watching the two main characters get closer and closer to discovering each other. And not only is the story one of a kind, the character development is amazing. You will find yourself being torn between who you wish to win this game of wits. The heroic vigilante or the emotionless detective? Both geniuses in many fields.

I read this series a few years ago and couldn't stop myself from purchasing the next volume. They were just too damn good. If you've never read a manga before, I would start with this one. If you've read a manga before, do not put this in the same category as that other garbage. Read the first volume of this manga and you'll be hooked.
There is also an anime to the series (Which has amazing English dub but can be cheesy) and a few real life movies that were released in Japan. Although I haven't seen them, I hear they're not too great.

2014 Ant-Man Film??

When I saw the line up for The Avengers movie, I must say... they should have at least gotten the original cast right if they were gonna make a movie of the first Avengers... And Captain America was not part of the original team. But you know who was? Ant-Man and The Wasp! Where were they?? I mean yes the movie did show the team fighting Loki as their very first fight together and that was equivalent to the first Avengers comic but what about our tiny little friends?? Well recent news has surfaced that director Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim and Shaun of the Dead) is in the process of making an Ant-Man movie based on his origins! There is no talk yet though whether The Wasp will be part of the film (damn). Because Scott Pilgrim is one of my favorite films of all time, I am very excited for this new movie starring a more over-shadowed superhero. But I have one problem. I don't really like Hank Pym. Why? Simple. He's a douche. I mean, he's hit Janet (The Wasp for you less knowledgeable Marvel fans out there) when they were married and he's a man whore... He sleeps around everywhere and a lot.
Now yes, he was replaced by skrulls for a long period of time so who can say what he is guilty for but even after the Secret Invasion incident in the Earth 616 universe and The Mighty Avengers comic series picks up with Hank taking the place of The Wasp (Since she died), I just did not like him... I DO not like him. Yeah he's a genius and gives Mr. Fantastic a run for his money and yeah his suit is pretty sweet but.. bleh. I'm not a big fan of Pym. I mean he even had a thing with Jocasta the robot.. C'mon man. Leave the robot love making and affection to the pros (Master Chief). Regardless, I'm thrilled that Wright is in the process of making this film and I'll be excited to see it. I don't know. Maybe I'll have more appreciation for the character after the movie. Only time will tell.

The Dark Knight Rises: A Conclusion of Epic Proportions... With One Problem

As many of you know, the final installment in the Nolan Batman series is coming to a close with the title The Dark Knight Rises. Being a fan of the first two movies, I'm thrilled to see how it all comes together. But. Being the disective critic I am, I must bring one issue to the table that has been bugging me ever since I first saw the trailer (Which was amazing by the way). What's up with Bane? Really? You're gonna bring The Scarecrow and The Joker to life in such an awe like way and then this is what you do with Bane? Put some guy in a trench coat with a mask on? Where's the bulging muscle? The lack of shirt? The tubes all over his body filling him with the venom that gives him super strength? I mean yes, the Arkham video games do make him a bit... excessive but I mean c'mon Nolan. You can do better than that. I talked to my friend about this issue I'm seeing and he claims that they need to make the movie at least somewhat believable... Really? A superhero movie believable? That's the point of superheroes... to escape this reality. Not to stay in this fixated, conservative world but to escape. So do I agree with my friend's opinion? Frak no. I want the big, buff venom surging Bane I know from the comic books. I wanna see him break Batman's back too like the Knightfall story arc... But that may be asking for too much. I don't know. Maybe I'm being too picky. I just wish that they would stick with the original Bane theme more. Maybe they will and the movie will show him getting bulging muscles with veins popping out later in the movie. But until then, I'll be skeptical. But don't get me wrong guys. I'm excited for the final Nolan movie. I'm sure it'll be amazing and full of awesomeness.

The Classics: A Clockwork Orange Movie Reviewed

I just watched A Clockwork Orange for the first time last night with my girlfriend and I've got to say. What.The.Hell. Taking place in the future of Britain, Stanley Kubrick (Considered to be one of the greatest directors of all time) takes the acclaimed novel of a young man named Alex who is part of a four man gang who dress themselves in complete white clothing and walk around the streets of Britain causing pain everywhere they go. Raping, mugging, and attacking people in general seem to be their specialties. Eventually, Alex gets caught and that's where the movie truly begins. I won't give anything away but wow... I'd have to say one of the greatest tortures ever happens in that movie. And it involves something you would have never guessed would be used for torture. Beethoven.

The movie, although cheesy at some points, is NOT a movie for children. Filled with nudity for about 80% of the movie and disturbing scenes such as rape and fights, it'll be difficult for younger ones to recover from. But if you enjoy weird, quirky and unique movies (Take Requiem for a Dream for example), then you'll enjoy this. One issue I had with the movie was how it seemed to drag out in some parts. They could have easily made this a 100 minute movie compared to a 140 minute time span. Filled with interesting twists (Especially later in the movie), you'll stay interested throughout regardless of the dragged out scenes. All in all, I recommend this film if you're stomach isn't weak. The rape scenes are not as violent and disturbing as I was lead to believe before watching the movie and if you've seen The American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, you'll be okay. But rape is a very touchy subject and it makes me and many others sick to the stomach thinking about it. Be warned: After watching this movie, you'll never wanna answer your door after dark... "I'm singing in the rain..."

Battle Royale Reviewed: The Foreign Hardcore Version of Hunger Games

Are you a fan of Hunger Games? Do you get off to kids killing kids. Do you like meaningless gore just for the sake of it? What about poorly dubbed English editions of Japanese movies? Then I have the movie for you! Battle Royale! Taking place in the future, Japan has rebelled against their youth by creating a draft like system where a random class across the country will participate in an event called Battle Royale where all the students fight to the death until one student stands. Why would a government do such a thing? Your answer? Why the frak not??? Reading the first half of the novel this movie was based off of, I was expecting graphic violence and gore galore (Considering the book is the most violent and controversial my brain has ever read) but the movie ended up delivering bad acting, horrible English dub (Death Note has seemed to be the only good edition I've ever seen), and awful character development. Apart from the book being dragged out at points, the character development was incredible in it. After being introduced to a character for one chapter, you'd feel for them by the end of it. But they did not deliver this too well in the movie adaption. And who can blame them? The book is like 500 pages and the movie is only 100 minutes long. It's hard for the writers make you feel for 40 different kids in a 100 minute script.

So along with that flaw in the movie, it has meaningless gore (Well so does the book but they delivered it in a badass way). In the movie, it's just cheesy and boring. I caught myself constantly checking just how much longer was left of the film. Now yes, I was watching a bootlegged copy on the internet but still, I was bored. And the acting? Ugh. I've seen Nicholas Cage do a better job! All of them were so dramatic and over the top that it was just a cheese ball fest! So yes, I was expecting more from this movie and no you are not missing out if you don't bother to see it. Now as for the novel? If you enjoy books the length of Harry Potter, then yes! Read the book! It's a fun story and actually came out BEFORE Hunger Games. So if you think this is a knockoff, you'd be wrong. But be warned! If you're going to read the book, make sure you have a strong stomach. It does get pretty visual. All in all, if you're looking for a flick to just laugh at with your friends, have at it. But do not take this movie seriously...

Adventure Time Comic Book Reviewed!

A fan of Cartoon Network's quirky show Adventure Time? Well you're in luck! KaBOOM! Studios has recently released a monthly series so that you can follow Finn and Jake off the screen too! Three issues in and the Free Comic Book Day tie-in issue, I thought it was time for me to review this book. A fun, light, read, Ryan North takes the reader to The Land of Ooo to follow Finn the Human and Jake the Dog as they get into situations only found in Ooo. When I first say this on the shelves at my comic store, being a huge fan of the show, I was a bit weary on how it would turn out. I wasn't too sure if they would be able to transfer the humor the show delivers and put it into a comic book too well. Result? Impressive. A lot better than I thought it would be. But are you missing much on missing out on this comic? No. Not really. I found myself at times a bit bored while reading it but the artwork (Which I find very entertaining) kept me going and L.S.P. is hilarious as always. Every sentence she says is incorporated into my brain with her voice. And all the cute little characters will make you have at least a small smile on your face. But is all this worth the $4 price tag? Mehh. Depends how much of a fan you view yourself. If you're head over heels for the show, go ahead! Pick it up! But you're not missing a lot. All in all, it's a fun, light, comic book and extremely kid appropriate (Obviously)

KIRBY: GENESIS REVIEWED!!!!

FELLOW COMIC BOOK FANS! BEHOLD! KIRBY: GENESIS! Possibly one of the most creative comics I've ever read, Kirby: Genesis answers the question we've all asked - what if we made contact with aliens? Taking place in today's time, the author, Kurt Busiek takes comic book legend Jack Kirby's super hero ideas from the years back and incorporates them into a masterpiece. The back story is that back in the 70's, NASA sent out a space probe that would collect data and also, if ever received by an extraterrestrial, would tell them about the human race. Well, the probe has been received and the aliens are responding. Now some of you might be reading this and asking yourself "Who the heck is Jack Kirby?". Oh he's no one special. Just the co creator of The Fantastic Four, The X-Men, and The Hulk. But he had a few ideas of his own and taking those ideas, Busiek creates a pulse pounding story with action, sasquatches, aliens, super heroes, a nerd main character (Who looks exactly like Jay Baruchel), hidden islands, and an amazing plot with a billion sub-stories all going on at once!
The character development is really strong too for the main character named.. Yup. You guessed it. Kirby. It gives information on his upbringing and what his interests include. And he is a mega nerd. I'm only on the fourth issue but I can already tell you guys that this comic series is most definitely going down as one of my favorite comics of all time. The art, delivered by Jack Herbert and Alex Ross is stunning and colorful on every page. There's not one boring page in each issue and you'll stop yourself every moment here and there to gawk at the color each panel holds. The comic is published by Dynamite Entertainment which is a bit odd because well... I didn't know Dynamite could make such incredible comic books. I usually see stuff like Army of Darkness and Marvel Zombies crossovers but nothing this incredible! But it does carry the Dynamite tradition of making a hundred (Technically ten) different cover variants for each issue. So if one isn't appealing to you, there's nine more options to choose from.
Apart from the excessive creation of covers, this book really delivers and I STRONGLY suggest you guys check it out ASAP! If you want a good story and want to geek out and love colorful art, this is your comic!

Orchid Review - For RATM Fans

Any Rage Against the Machine fans out there? How about Tom Morello? What about futuristic stories? Then this is for you. From Dark Horse Comics, the guitarist from RATM brings a new take on global warming to the table. Set in the distant future where humans haven't done shit to prevent global warming, the ocean has risen up flooding the majority of the land. Only the rich have power of the high grounds and the poor are left to live in the swampy filth that is inhabitable. Slave trading is common in this time and prostitution is a normal everyday job among women. A resistance has started among the poor that used to be led by the rebel named China who bears a mask that wields extraordinary powers. Only a select few can wear the mask and those who cannot? Their head implodes.
As much as the back story interests me, I feel there's something missing in the main plot. Morello does a good job explaining back story but the main story is weak. Following a rebel, runaway prostitute (named Orchid) with her younger brother, and a strange old woman named Opal, I feel the plot is missing something. I'm six issues in and although it may be a little too early to judge, I'm still lacking any connection towards the characters. Hell, I felt for Rick in The Walking Dead the very first issue. But this series is lacking character development.
The artist, Scott Hepburn, also does the art for Dark Horse's Star Wars series The Knights of the Old Republic so having read a few issues of that, I feel like someone with a lightsaber will pop out at any second. 

Despite the lack in main plot, this is a fun comic that anyone who enjoys futuristic stories should check out. But be warned: This should only be viewed by older audiences. No this is not as vile as Crossed: Badlands (review here) but it should be read by more mature audiences and with caution. Explicit material includes near-rape scenes, blood, sex, nudity (A man is fed his own penis) and more blood. But Hepburn's style adds a cartoonish look to it all and is not as serious as something as Badlands. So there you have it. Review of the first six issues of Tom Morello's Orchid. Hope you guys find this helpful!

Mystery Character During Credits of The Avengers Movie

SPOILER ALERT! IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE AVENGERS, DON'T READ
No frakin way.... As you guys know, I saw The Avengers last Friday and had my mind blown... Well I was stupid enough to leave immediately after the credits and unfortunately did not see the last hidden scene while the credits were rolling... But Yahoo has revealed the character that the scene teases about. And it's... THANOS! The Silver Surfer's enemy and universal purple badass will be a potential enemy in the sequel to this year's movie event!!! Along with the yahoo article, Iron Man 3, Thor 2, and Captain America 2 have been announced... BUT THANOS IS IN! AHHH! I am very excited to hear this news being a big fan of the universe (Annihilation, Annihilators, Guardians of the Galaxy, Nova) stories along with the Earth ones! So stoked! To read my Avengers Movie Review, click here.

Why Superman Does Not Deserve the Credit He Gets

Superman. The world's most popular (For some reason) super hero. Why? You tell me. But this post isn't about why he's the greatest super hero. It's focusing on the complete opposite which is why Superman, the loser alien from Krypton is one of the worst super heroes ever created.
For starters, something as simple as his color scheme. Really? Primary colors? What are you, five? For such a popular super hero like yourself Superman, shouldn't you have a more elaborate color combination. Even Green Lantern's is better... and his is only one base color! Go back to elementary school Clark.
Second, he's invincible (Unless he's encountering the distant material Kryptonite). No super hero should be allowed to have the power that Superman holds. Why? It stands for a boring series and boring villains (Unless it's Doomsday). I was reading my Superman comic compilation the other day and one of the issues was Clark Kent at a TV interview and he was trying to get out of the lie of him being Superman. Really? That's not a frakin comic story! That's just a lame filler. And I'm not saying that fillers in comic book series are pointless. They're not. Because half the time, they're brought up later in a series and they add for good character development. But when you're focusing an issue on getting out of a lie in an interview, you know the character sucks. Superman needs more vulnerabilities!!!
Next reason on my list: Superman's stupid hair curl... What the hell is that? Are you a greaser from The Outsiders or something?
I will admit that Superman is the icon for super heroes and he has given comic books fame but I just gotta ask... WHY??? Shouldn't Spider-Man or Batman who are more like the common man be the face of super heroes??? I mean yes Bruce Wayne is rich as frak and Spider-Man can climb walls and shoot webs but when you take those away, they're just you're average guy! In fact Bruce IS you're average guy! I feel the human population would be more attracted to someone they can relate to more than some far away alien baby. And it's not like Superman has been around for years before icons like Batman. The Dark Knight was only created a year later.
He's cocky - Superman is invincible. And he knows he's invincible. So what does he do when harm comes to his precious world? He faces it head on. Tell me what's entertaining about that. Would you rather watch The Avengers take on Hank Pym's catastrophic creation Ultron who they admit is smarter than them all put together or would you rather watch Superman take on Lex Luther for the billionth time and kick the bald man's ass? It's a no-brainer to me. If you want a plot and you want to watch your heroes triumph when hope is bleak, don't go to Superman.

Please Note: This post is MY personal opinion and for you Superman lovers out there, please do not get mad. As you can see, I feel strongly about this subject but I do not mean for this to be a burn on you Man of Steel fans out there. Take this post with a grain of salt!

Crossed: Badlands REVIEWED

Warning - This comic is NOT for young audiences or people easily offended by touchy subjects such as rape. Hello comic book lovers! It's me again, Joshman with my first "indie" comic review. This time, I'll be focusing on Garth Ennis's gory, racy, post-apocalyptic story Crossed: Badlands. Like the warning said folks. This comic is not for kids. Filled with nudity, rape, violence, dismembered limbs and language, you feel like you're reading about Detroit. The comic is published by a company called Avatar who I had never heard of before Crossed: Badlands and is drawn by Jacen Burrows (For the first three issues). C:B has a pretty simple story. A post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious virus (Not explained at all in the issues...yet) spread throughout the Earth that changes everyday normal people into sadistic, raping, killing, maniacs that only want blood. Some even go to the extent of cannibalism. The first three issues of the series take place somewhere in Europe (I think) with the second story arc beginning in issue four taking place in America. The first story arc revolves around a small group of survivors who are on the run from a group of these crazies and they need to find safety. They are accompanied by a brother with his pregnant sister (Incest maybe?) and she is due soon. With no spoilers being given away, it's a pretty climatic and awesome ending. Issue four then just jumps to a COMPLETELY different setting with a whole new cast. Because the series jumps from place to place after only a few issues (The second story arc i believe is running for six issues), I feel it'll be difficult to be able to connect to the characters or feel for them (Like the first story arc) but we'll have to wait and see. If you want a neat story and like end of the world stuff, this is your comic. If you want character development, I suggest going to something more like The Walking Dead where you'll still get the same end of the world feeling. But if you want quick gore and severed limbs and you like brit talk like c**t and prick, this is your comic. REMINDER: NOT FOR KIDS!

Avengers Vs. X-Men Issue 3

SPOILER
Okay uhh what the hell? Just finished issue 3 and I'm confused... Why is Cap so damn aggressive against Wolverine? That's just not his type of character to just start swinging when he doesn't get his way and just because Wolverine wants to kill Hope, Cap throws him out of the ship??? A bit harsh... And at the beginning of the issue the Avengers and X-Men are just sittin' around in their own groups chatting while the first two issues, they're at each other's throats wrecking each other... I thought that was a bit odd too. Oh well. Besides those flaws, all in all it was a good issue and the Pichelli Variant for this issue is sick with Hope up against a mirror with the phoenix on the other side. Too bad it's like $20 at my local comic shop.

The Avengers Movie Review: Golden

Holy frak. Boy was I wrong about this movie. From the moment I heard of it's release, I had been dissing it thinking it was going to ruin The Avengers as a whole and give the public who don't read comics a bad taste for The Avengers. I was SO off. I honestly can say that The Avengers is most definatly up there with Nolan's The Dark Knight for the greatest super hero movie and it kicks all the other Marvel movie's asses for sure. The action started right from the get go and it was a thrill ride till the very end. A very upbeat and action driven movie, The Avengers keeps you on the edge of your seat. And no my comic book lovers, these heroes are not just facing Thor's half-brother Loki, but also themselves. Without giving anything away, I can say that some of the battles between the heroes was more exciting than when they were fighting the common enemy. And the Hulk?? Oh my gods!!! Best Hulk (In my opinion) that Marvel has ever produced! Edward Norton used to hold that title but Mark Ruffalo snatched that title right from him! He added humor to the script AND kick-ass fight scenes! Now with all of this said in mind, there are a few minor flaws that I didn't like too much. Don't worry, no spoilers are ahead. Okay first of all, the opening credits with the introduction to the movie name was weak to say the least. When THE AVENGERS popped up on the screen, it was kinda bland. They didn't even bother to get the iconic A with an arrow across it right... That kinda ticked me off and secondly, yes Maria Hill was in the movie but considering she was Nick Fury's second hand, I felt she should have played a more important role. They made The Black Widow more of Fury's aide which sort of irked me too. And for you Hawkeye fans out there, don't get your hopes up for a prominent role from your favorite archer. I'm hoping Marvel announces a Hawkeye movie in the months to come. I would love to see how they delve more into his past and life story. Now besides those MINOR flaws, I can say this was a very entertaining movie. Filled with short, fun, humorous one liners (Mainly from Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man) to incredible fight scenes, any comic/movie lover will have a field day with this one. And try to see it in 3-D! It makes the experience 10 times better when you're watching Hulk tear the enemy a new one! I will NEVER diss a movie before seeing it ever again....
P.S. Sorry the review is a little late, I got home at midnight and was too exhausted to write a review. But here it is! Joshman's thoughts!

May: The Month of Super Heroes

This month in May seems to be a month revolving around comic books. With The Avengers released today in theaters, Free Comic Book Day tomorrow, and the Motor City Comic Con on May 18th-20th (2 WEEKS!!!!), I just don't know what to do with myself! I'm going to be seeing The Avengers tonight with a couple friends and will most likely be posting a review of it later tonight. I've got to be honest, I am not getting my hopes up high for this movie.... The only super hero movie I've ever genuinely been impressed with is Edward Norton as the Incredible Hulk. Why he is not this new Hulk in The Avengers? I do not know. I've been bitching about this movie ever since I heard it's announcement and wonder if I'll be eating my own words after viewing it tonight. I hope not! On to the next subject. The Motor City Comic Convention. I have been waiting for this event since the end of last year's convention. I even made a fifty day countdown with each day (represented by a square) shaded in with a super hero logo. I.Am.Pumped.For.This. Special guests that are gonna be there include Frank from Donnie Darko (Hellz yes), Sean Patrick Flanery & David Della Rocco from The Boondock Saints (Sadly Norman Reedus had to cancel his appearance), and that black guy from Star Wars! You know, the one that no one cares about! Lando Calrissian! Apart from his appearance, this should be a superb Convention and I am ecstatic for it. $200 aside and an eleven page comic checklist and I'm set. All of you should go to this event no matter how far you are. You will have fun. For those of you that have never gone to a comic convention, for starters, I have pity on your soul and second of all, they basically are a field day for comics and pop culture items alike. Video games, TV shows, movies, card games, manga, anime, and obviously comics. It's a geek's dream come true. That's all for now guys, I'll post later with my Avengers Review!

Super Crooks = Super Lame: Mark Millar's New Comic Reviewed (Issue One)

Wow. I must say. I expected more from the Kick-Ass/Nemesis legend... with such an awesome new title like The Secret Service (review here), I thought that this comic would deliver... but sadly that wasn't the case. The premise of the story is a group of super villains who are sick of getting caught by the super heroes so they move to... Spain? Really? Of all the fraking places in the world and they choose Spain... Okay well anyways, the story seems to be pretty generic to me... A friend among the super villain clique gets in trouble with money so they try and bail him out.... that's all issue one gave me and I was a bit bored. I also got a really strange Ocean's trilogy about the whole thing for some reason. I kept expecting for George Clooney to make a guest appearance throughout. But I will see what issue two delivers and will most likely be posting about it in the week or two to come. Look out for it. But yeah. That's all I've got to say. I'm not too impressed Millar... maybe there needed to be more gore.

The Classics: Watchmen Reviewed

I read Watchmen for the first time a few years ago (Around the time of the movie's announcement) not really knowing much about it. At first, when I was at Borders and saw it, I thought that since the hardcover and paperback copies have different covers, that there was more than just one volume and it was an on-going series. Wrong. The story consists of twelve issues long and is a graphic novel of epic proportions. Alan Moore the writer and Dave Gibbons the artist make a wonderful team with dark and dreary dialect (Especially with Rorschach) and graphic, bloody art (Once again, with Rorschach). The premise of the story is about a group of former super heroes who used to be the city's team but after the years have become vigilante. They've all seemed to have gone their separate ways hiding in the shadows and from their past (Except for the character Ozymandias who is living and bathing in the fame of it all). The novel takes place during the cold war and Nixon as president. With war against Russia increasing and a nuclear war on the horizon, a Doomsday Clock has been set up predicting the nukes. At the beginning of each chapter in the story, it shows the clock getting closer and closer to it's destination with blood dripping down. Meanwhile, with all of this happening in the background, someone is killing off costumed heroes with The Comedian, a member of the Minute Men from long ago, starting off the death spree by being thrown out a window (Don't worry guys, that wasn't a spoiler. It's in the first 3 pages of the novel). And that my friends is how Watchmen got it's logo with the smiley face with a red stain over the left eye. The Comedian's logo being the face and his blood from the fall... yeah you know what I'm getting at. Rorschach, the only one of the former super heroes who has the balls to still be a hero is by far my favorite thanks to his dark and depressing speech and actions. All in all, apart from Dr. Manhattan's junk flying all over the place throughout the story, this is definitely one of my favorite comics of all time. I even had the pleasure of seeing all twelve single issues of this epic in person at a local comic store that was near my relatives house. Asking price? $200. Thanks, but I'll stick with my used copy of the compilation I got at a used book store for $8 in Chicago. So with all of this said in mind, please comic book lovers, if you haven't read Watchmen yet, I STRONGLY advice you too asap. You're missing out. Do not weasel out either and watch the movie first because the whole book will be ruined. Not to mention, the movie changed the ending for some unknown frakin reason and the book ending is a billion times better. Read.This.Book.

Hardcover Edition

Witch Doctor Review: Deformed Babies, Scalpels the Size of Swords, Supernatural Gore, and More!

Take the Doctor from Doctor Who, the fantasy themes from NBC's (HORRIBLE) show Grimm, add a bit of quirky humor and you've got the four issue mini series Witch Doctor! Presented by Image Comics (The Walking Dead), written by Brandon Seifert, and drawn by Lukas Ketner, Witch Doctor follows the misadventures of Dr. Vincent Morrow, a witch doctor (go figure) who is always saving the world from apocalypses and fun stuff like that. He's aided by his sidekick Eric Gast and one of his patients Penny Dreadful who's odd to say the least. The series (Which apparently is only volume one) has four issues in it with a one shot following after. Another one shot is due sometime this year but doesn't have an exact date for release. Witch Doctor delivers a humorous and sometimes demented take on supernatural and fantasy ideas. With babies being kidnapped and replaced by faerie offspring to fish people, you'll have no problem getting your dose of fantasy and horror with this book. And if you like Doctor Who, you'll love this even more. I feel Seifert and Ketner based Vincent Morrow off of BBC's notorious doctor. Maybe it's just me. Regardless, this comic is definitely worth checking out and I would pick up my copy soon. P.S. There are references to dead baby jokes (In issue 2 alone) so for you softies out there, read with caution...

Halo 4??? About time

It was sometime last year when Halo 4 was announced with an eyegasmic teaser video of the Chief waking from his long nap in frozen sleep and seeing his ship float towards a mysterious glowing sphere which I believe is a planet made of all machine and futuristic technology (yes I studied the images), but when i checked my mail a few days ago and saw Master Chief's mugshot on my newest issue of Game Informer, I flipped. I knew this announcement wasn't B.S. and this was the real deal. Chief was back. After flipping through the inside article, it appears as though Bungie unfortunately will not be apart of this new trilogy but instead 343 Industries... weary? You bet... But I'm willing to give it a chance as I do with all Halo games. I've been playing since the first and I've been a hardcore fan ever since (Besides the disappointment known as Halo Wars, but let's not bring that up). The article also said that the game would be focusing more on Cortana and Chief's relationship and that since the covenant and human war ended in Halo 3 (along with the flood (THANK GOD)), it will focus more on the mysterious Forerunners including a new alien species... so yeah. This is most definitely gonna be good. But one thing I'm confused about and will always be confused about. How the hell can you have a relationship with an artificial intelligence? Now yes, I understand that it may be lonely out in the middle of the universe with no other human contact, but hey! That's what your hand is for! Is it not?? C'mon Chief, don't lower your dignity by resulting to a blue hologram that basically lives in your head and feeds you thoughts. She's like all the worst aspects of a wife. She complains and whines and what do you get out of it? Nothing. No sex. No food. No massages after a hard day at saving the day. Nothing. Just a whiny blue chick who has numbers always running up and down her body (women, I only joke). Regardless of the minor relationship fault with Chief, he will always be on the top 10 most badass video game characters ever. There's no denying that. And for all you halo haters out there, go play your Call of Duty with your boring ol' pistols. Me? I've got my plasma rifle and covenant sword so up yours.

The Marvel Event of the Year - Avengers Vs. X-Men: Thoughts and Reviews

SPOILER ALERT FOR AVX #1 & #2 AND AVX: VERSUS #1!

The Avengers just finally might have met their match... The Uncanny X-Men. An event so big that it will divide the comic fan world right down the middle just like Civil War did a few years back (I myself being against registration). I've been awaiting for this event for a few months now ever since I saw the first advertisement in my issue seven copy of Fear Itself when I saw the large symbol of a phoenix in fire with the words IT'S COMING over top. And the first issue is finally out with the third one hitting the shelves today. I myself enjoy the story idea a lot. The two mightiest hero teams clashing heads? That's a nerdgasm right there! The Story basically is that a disaster known as the phoenix is coming to Earth and it's host being the messiah Hope (Cable's daughter). To the Avengers, this means death for all. But to the X-Men, they believe she's a savior of some sort. During the last few pages of the first issue with Cyclops blasting Captain America on the shores of the X-Men island known as Utopia, my jaw dropped... a bit extreme over a comic? I don't think so. But with that defiant laser blast to the chest, the fight was on. AVX had officially started. Issue two came with the same impact as issue one with the comic jumping to different fights going on all over the X-Men's home. Fun issue, but not much story happening. Along with this twelve issue limited series, Marvel is releasing a series called Avengers Vs. X-Men: Versus which is only six issues long each one with two battles in them. The plot for this series is simple. Take one avenger and one x-man and make them fight. The first issue contains a battle between Iron Man and Magneto with Iron Man turning Magneto's power against him (More or less). Fun battle but the second one (The Thing vs. Namor) was weak to say the least... If I didn't know better, I'd say this versus series was more or less a Marvel cash grab.. Regardless of this minor drawback, I have high hopes for this event... I hope I'm not let down like ONE series (cough cough Battle Scars cough). So my fellow comic book lovers... whose side are you on?

Thoughts on "Night of the Owls"

It's owls vs. bats right now during DC's New 52 issues where they're crossing over all of the bat related stories (Batwing, NightWing, Batman, Catwoman, etc.) into one big epic. The idea for this began in issue one of Batman of the New 52 by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo with "The Court of the Owls" story. It's now being fully blown into a crossover event. The first seven issues of Batman explore who the Court of Owls are. A fairy tale gone wrong basically about top notch assassins known as Talons that hunt their prey (And the bats are on the top of their list!) Batman issue 8 and NightWing issue 8 starts the crossover event with Night Wing having a tremendous cliffhanger at the end. I've only managed to read those two issues of Night of the Owls so far and apart from it still being dragged out in the Batman series, it's very interesting and  full of surprises. Can't wait for more! But really? Drag one story out for 8 issues in an ongoing series? A bit excessive if you ask me. Apart from that, I'm excited to read the others in the crossover. Especially Catwoman and Batwing.

The Secret Service by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons REVIEWED

Mark Millar, (popular for his hit Kick-Ass) has recently come out with yet another series called The Secret Service with the artist phenomenon Dave Gibbons (Mostly known for Watchmen). Working with Gibbons has been one of Millar's biggest dreams since he was a teenager he's said in many articles about this new title. I had the pleasure of reading it last night and wow. This book has potential. And don't worry Kick-Ass fans. This story still delivers excessive gore (just in the first few pages a few kidnappers are beheaded by wire. Yes, badassery at its finest), just not as much. From what the first issue shows, it's about a struggling young guy who's life is going nowhere until his uncle who works for a secret organization takes an interest in him. The young guy is from London and you get to see a bit on how they talk with their slang which is... interesting to say the least. This Secret Service is apparently Gibbons and Millar's equivalent to Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D. and their own take on it. Neat concept huh? I am excited for the next issue whenever it hits the shelves. But since it's Millar we're talking about, we probably won't be seeing it for a few months. He sure does love to take his time.

Issue One

Review on Romantically Apocalyptic - A Beautiful Job Well Done

Do you like nuclear fall outs? Gas masks? Wonderful art? Quirky humor? Short one page story comics (resembling Calvin & Hobbes)? Free stuff? Then the online comic series Romantically Apocalyptic is for you!!! Released every Saturday, Vitaly S Alexius creates this vivid story about a post apocalyptic London following the tales of a character known as Captain and his (or her?) two accomplices pilot and sniper. Each page that's released is only a few panels long but the art will keep you gawking. The colors are wonderful and the story is humorous. But do not delve into this comic expecting an exciting, thrilling story with plot twists and character development. This comic is about as simple as it gets with very few issues relating to one another. Could it be better if taken more seriously and with a continuing story? Perhaps. But I think what makes it so unique in the first place is it's randomness and I feel it should be left alone. To begin reading Captain's adventures with his notorious heart mug (You'll understand once you read), click the link.  http://romanticallyapocalyptic.com/1