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July 31, 2006
When the Silver Surfer Soared Under Byrne
I'm waxing nostalgic over the Silver Surfer, no doubt because he's a major player in Marvel's Annihilation cosmic soap drama. (Did you know that Norrin Radd willingly signed up to be Galactus' herald again?) Back in the 70s and 80s, all Marvel Zombies yearned and cried for the Surfer to have his own series. His appearances were restricted to a few select titles, very sparingly each year. Stan Lee reserved the character as his most prized co-creation. John Byrne, who was in the middle of his historic Fantastic Four run, enticed Stan to script a one-shot special titled "Escape to Terror!" (in Silver Surfer Volume 2 Number 1). Byrne plotted the story and pencilled, while Tom Palmer provided the inks and colors.
I loved this story and the way it was executed, in the Mighty Marvel Manner with exclamation points at the end of each sentence!!! Byrne's page layout evokes the great storytelling of both Jack Kirby (in the first half) and John Buscema (in the second half featuring Mephisto). I remember reading an interview with John Byrne where he was asked what inker he would like to work with and he replied, "Tom Palmer". Looking at Palmer's work over the pencils of Gene Colan and Neal Adams (one of Byrne's idols), it's easy to see why. This was their first occassion to work together and it was magical. Palmer's inks, combined with his coloring skills, really made the art exceptional, although the printing at the time did not do full justice.
After being trapped on Earth for years, Norrin Radd finally escapes (with the help of Reed Richards) the barrier that Galactus erected back in Fantastic Four #50. The Surfer's first voyage takes him back to where it all began--his home planet, Zenn-La--as well as his love, Shalla Bal. He returns home to find it a barren wasteland. When the Surfer betrayed Galactus, the deal he made to protect Zenn-La was null and void. Even worse than being villified by an entire planet of refugees, the Surfer discovers that Shalla Bal is not among the survivors. She's actually back on Earth, working as a slave girl for Doctor Doom back in Latveria.
This double-sized book really had all of the classic Silver Surfer elements from the 60s in one neat little package: Galactus, Zenn-La, Shalla Bal, Mephisto, and even Doctor Doom (he was present only in flashbacks, although the Surfer did invade his castle). The ending was perfect, even if everything got reset to the Silver Surfer being imprisoned on Earth once again, it was a noble sacrifice to save Shalla Bal along with his homeworld. The last page features such a fine Silver Surfer pose that I wish it had been made a poster. And even though it's corny as hell, I think this dialogue here is some of the best stuff Stan Lee ever wrote:
Nuff said.
Posted by Kid Flash at 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)July 27, 2006
Daredevil 87: Hello My Name is Mike Murdock
Wow. This six issue story arc is one of Marvel's Greatest Comics. It ends as strongly as it began, with a gut punch on the very last page. The revelation of Iron Fist as the second Daredevil (patrolling Hell's Kitchen and fighting in the Civil War) doesn't compare to the last big secret that Brubaker has been keeping. There's another huge mystery spilling into the next arc that will send DD travelling to Europe. I love all the elements here, Brubaker keeps surprising me, even with the scene where Matt finally busts out of Ryker's with the Punisher's help. "I never thought I'd say these words...but thanks, Frank." Even the afterword on the letters page is wonderful--I never knew that Brubaker was such an Iron Fist fan! Don't click on the link below, where Brubaker discusses this issue's events, until you've finally read Daredevil 87.
Let's get the party started, because Mike Murdock is back after 30 years, baby! Nuff said.
External Link:
Ed Brubaker discusses Daredevil 87 (Newsarama)
DC's 52: Redeemed By A Big Pair of Tits
The idea to talk comicdom's finest and slowest artists into illustrating two-page origin tales in DC's weekly 52 series is a brilliant idea. Having Adam Hughes draw this dynamic view of Wonder Woman flying through the sky and nearly spilling out of her décolletage really puts a yin in man's yang. Is it worth $2.50? I think so. Something worthwhile actually happens in this issue. Black Adam has seen the light in Adrianna Tomaz (the woman who spit in his face a couple chapters ago) and has decided to turn her into the modern incarnation of Isis. The only barrier is, he needs Shazam's approval, and the old wizard has been replaced by Billy Batson. Billy's been driven batty by the Seven Sins in his head, especially that demon called Lust. Adrianna does become Isis, but we'll have to wait to see if power corrupts as Adam mentioned--the look on Isis' face on the last page suggests that it does.
Meanwhile, we have to dream about All Star Wonder Woman by Adam Hughes. Panel after panel of silicone breasts, perfect glutes, and powerful thighs. Better than any issue of Playboy! Nuff said.
Posted by Adam Warlock at 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)July 26, 2006
The 4400: X-Men Without Costumes?
I'm a regular listener of the Slice of SciFi podcast. On a recent episode, the hosts were raving about The 4400 series on USA and had an interview with the executive producer, Ira Steven Bahr (who you may remember from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Michael likened the 4400 characters to the X-Men and I was intrigued enough to rent the first season DVDs. I was a bit bored during the first half hour and then something happened (to guest star Michael Moriarty) that really caught my interest. It's about a group of 4400 who were abducted (by some mysterious force) from different time periods. They all arrive back in Seattle in 2004 and slowly discover that each of them possesses a unique gift. I do like it and hope to get the second season today. It has an interesting structure for an episodic serial, at least in the first season. In most episodes, the writers focus on one of the 4400 and how they are using or abusing their power. But instead of denegrating into a monster-of-the-week thing, they also have a recurring cast of characters with continuing sub-plots that advance each week. When I first heard about this series, I passed, because I thought it was another UFO/X-Files type of show. That's not the case at all, if anything it's about how people would react to extraordinary abilities. It probably shares more in common with the new NBC show (coming out this fall) called Heroes. I think The 4400 is worth watching just for Billy Campbell's excellent portrayal of a millionaire who is out to ensnare the 4400 for his own agenda. I can only hope Seasons 2 and 3 will surpass the first. Nuff said.
July 24, 2006
Giant-Sized Babes #3: Lynda Carter
Here's to the gal who will always be a Wonder Woman in our hearts: Lynda Carter! She was born on July 24th in 1951, which makes her a young lookin' 55 year old. Ms. Carter's still a hot mama, judgin' from her recent roles in Sky High and the Dukes of Hazzard movie! I'll never forget that day in 1975 when I saw the broadcast premiere of Wonder Woman on ABC. Oh What A Night, True Believers! I met a judge in Corpus Christi (that's in Texas for you city slickers) at that same time who owned a comic book store--before the direct market--and he remarked to my Mamma that he couldn't believe that those WW2 era folks didn't faint when Ms. Carter walked down the street in her brazen little outfit. These five pics below show her evolution from 70s babe (in Bobbi Jo and the Outlaw) to Wonder Woman, and then from Wonder Gal to Cowgirl, and finally as a hot mama from a People magazine pick. Look at how that little feller can't wait to open up that chest of goodness! Nerds young and old salute ya, Ms. Carter, no matter which actress becomes the new Wonder Gal! Nuff said.
External Links:
Lynda Carter at Amazing Amazon
Lynda Carter Online
Gary Friedrich Interview on Ghost Rider
I've been browsing the videos on YouTube, looking for Comic Con 2006 stuff, and stumbled upon this cool interview with Gary Friedrich, the original writer on Ghost Rider when it debuted in the 1970s. It's a substantial piece that lasts just over 9 minutes and covers many topics. Friedrich doesn't really care for Cage as Johnny Blaze, nor does he put much stock in the director of Daredevil. Beyond the Ghost Rider, Friedrich goes over the early Marvel Bullpen days. Nuff said.
July 13, 2006
DC Comics Bareback Reviews for July 12th
The boys are lettin' me sit in the review chair this week. Let's giddyup and see what's worth readin!
52 Week 10: Slow as molasses. Thought you said it was gonna pick up by now, Mr. Rucka? Look at what happens to Metropolis in one day over in Superman 654--it gets attacked a half dozen times in one day by super-villains! 52 seems like Days of Our Lives at this point. The only thing I'm stickin' around for now is the lesbian Batwoman. If there's one element that can improve any story, it's gotta be lesbians.
American Virgin 5: Adam doesn't lose his cherry this issue. Is this gonna wind up bein' 70 issues of blueballs? I think this book needs some lesbians!
Firestorm the Nucular Man 27: Now here's a feller who can tell a solid story, Mr. Stuart Moore. The whole Jason-Martin-Lorraine triangle gets resolved faster than Trigger got stuffed and mounted. Which is pretty shocking, considering that Stein was dead at the end of the previous issue! Too bad we didn't learn more about that Pupil dude, he's downright creepy. There's a lot more to come; old-timers who remember Firestorm Vol. 1 will get a mule-kick out of the last page. I don't really cotton to this Gehenna gal. She's cute as a button and all that, but ain't she too young for Jason? Wikipedia says she's a five year old gal in a teenager body! If that was you or me, pardners, we'd be locked up in the hothouse.
Superman 654: It's a day in the life of Clark Kent as he juggles his various roles (husband, reporter, superhero) on a special anniversary that he shares with Lois. The first person narration reminds me of that Samaritan tale that Mr. Busiek wrote over in Astro City. As you young fellers say, this here story is "hella" dandy, and so is the artwork by Mr. Carlos Pacheco. Lots of threads are strewn about for future chapters, though I'm scratchin' my head over Lana Lang takin over Lexcorp. How come Lana ain't a skinny young Asian chick? Just kiddin', pardners, though my chief advisor, Joe Bob, does prefer Kristin Kreuk over Kate Bosworth, though not necessarily over Erica Durance! Where the hell did those links come from? Joe Bob, if you keep lookin at them gals, you'll be in the hothouse!
Ten-four, that's another week in the life of DC Comics! Nuff said.
Posted by Cousin Dick at 12:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)July 11, 2006
Erica Durance SciFi Calendar Shoot
I just know you boys all love Erica Durance--the finest Lois Lane of all time--as much as I do. I found this little clip of Erica shooting a SciFi Babes calendar for 2007. The photographer is her brother-in-law, Christopher Judge, who also stars in Stargate SG-1. Warning: the link below is RapidShare; click the Free button at the bottom of the first page. On second page, wait 30 seconds, then enter the code and the download will begin.
External Video Link (42 mb):
Erica Durance Behind the Scenes Women of SciFi Calendar 2007 Photo Shoot
July 9, 2006
Gil Kane's Marvel Cover Gallery
The good ol' boys and I have been threating to deliver unto you titanic true believers a gallery of Gil Kane's finest Marvel Comics covers! Well, after spendin' an afternoon drinkin' Miller beer and hauling out the ol' long boxes, we've finally done it! Anyone who grew up during the days of bellbottoms and hippies can recall going to the newsstands and seeing those great covers by Mr. Kane. He did hundreds if not thousands of covers. We've selected the cream from the crop: Warlcok, Beast, Iron Man, Conan, Iron Fist, the ever-lovin' Two-Gun Kid and many more are awaitin' your viewin' pleasure. Pop open a cold one and check 'em out, pardners! Nuff said.
The Gil Kane Marvel Comics Cover Gallery
Posted by Cousin Dick at 5:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)July 8, 2006
Detective Comics Finally Lives Up to the Title
Back when I was a wee lad reading Detective Comics, there were actually mysteries that had to be solved each issue. In later years, the title was forgotten and it just became an expansion title for Batman's ongoing adventures. Paul Dini's determined to bring back the mystery in his first issue as Detective's regular writer, with "The Beautiful People". There's a socialite kidnapper in Gotham City, and it isn't a member of Arkham Asylum for a change. Batman does something quite unusual in this issue--he actual spends time as Bruce Wayne in order to capture the crook! It's a decent mystery with red herrings aplomb. JH Williams' artwork is very interesting, especially combined wit John Kalisz' color work. Robin enters the story at the appropriate moment.
Speaking of which, I have to say that the new Batman-Robin dynamic is really cool. I liked the recently concluded James Robinson arc that had Bruce Wayne deciding to adopt Tim Drake. Maybe Infinite Crisis was worth it, since the de-assholefication has stuck. Nuff said.
Posted by Adam Warlock at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
