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!