Dueling Review of Masks #1 & 2: The Comic Book Cross Over You’ve Been Waiting For

Dynamite Entertainment has been putting out some highly entertaining books over the last couple of years. Despite this, they don’t get too much love compared to the other independent publishers. There have been so many titles over the last twelve months that were razor close of being my pick of the week and it’s only fitting that the collaboration of Roberson and Ross finally brings Dynamite to the forefront.

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The Joker’s Mind Games in Batman #15

Batman #15 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion | Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics

The “Death of the Family” story arc rolls on, and The Joker has the entire Bat Family on edge. Scott Snyder’s writing has done a wonderful job of accentuating the fear of our clown-faced villain. Every superhero has an arch nemesis, or ten, and despite the trials and tribulations, they are confident they will win the day.

Batman is probably the most intelligent and savvy crime fighter in the game today. This would make you assume he, too, is confident that he will stop The Joker. However, he’s not confident at all. In fact, he is so unsure of the final result that he keeps his cards close to his chest.

Speaking of cards, one card in particular has brought to light a shocking revelation regarding The Joker’s potential intrusion into the Batcave many years ago. Dick, Jason, Barbara, and Damien are beyond upset this was kept from them and are convinced The Joker knows their secret identity.

Bruce believes he doesn’t know their identities and is just playing mind games. Dick notices that Bruce doesn’t sound so sure of himself, and this leads to a four-on-one tension-filled argument that is almost uncomfortable to watch, in a good way, of course.

The backup story written by Talon scribe James Tynion IV spotlights The Riddler, who makes his “New 52” debut. Instead of the dangerous riddles we are accustomed to, Tynion brings his intelligence to the forefront.

Not being rattled, in the slightest by The Joker’s antics while locked up in Arkham Asylum paints the green menace in treacherous light and he will no doubt; bring The Dark Knight some serious problems in the future.

Grade: A

The Examination of UFC on Fox 5

Seattle played host to the best MMA card of the year, UFC on Fox 5, which was seen by over 4.4 million people. Some key developments emerged from Saturday night’s event, as fans witnessed the rise and fall of MMA’s past.

Raphael Assuncao over Mike Easton by Unanimous Decision: These are two of the most talented fighters in the Bantamweight division. Easton has a huge upside and could be a star in the future. Assuncao controlled the tempo of the fight and dictated where the fight took place. He might have done enough to earn the next title shot against the winner of Renan Barao vs. Michael McDonald in February.

Yves Edwards defeats Jeremy Stephens via TKO @ 1:55 of the 1^st Round: From 2004-2005, Yves Edwards was arguably the best lightweight in the world. Dana White considered Edwards his champion when the division’s championship was absent from the promotion. It was great to see signs of the old Edwards as he dropped Jeremy Stephens with a well-timed left hook and finished him with elbows on the ground. Also, an extra $65,000 for Knockout of the Night is a nice Christmas bonus.

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Baltimore: The Play Review – A Comic Horror Masterpiece

Have you ever read something so good, you didn’t want to finish it because the story would be over? That was my experience while reading Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s Baltimore: The Play, a perfect example of horror done right for the comic genre.

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Batman #14 Review

Batman #14 | Writer: Scott Snyder & James Tynion IV | Art: Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion |Colors: FCO Plascencia & Dave Baron | Publisher: DC Comics

Have you ever heard the term thrown for a loop? If you have, be prepared to be thrown for several loops if you read this book. “Death of the Family” rolls on as The Joker ups his game to sinister proportions.

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Champion vs. Champion: Georges St. Pierre vs. Carlos Condit Preview

Georges St. Pierre’s seventeen month journey back to the Octagon culminates on Saturday night in Montréal. Once the cage door opens, Carlos Condit will be waiting with anything but open arms and a firm desire to remove the interim status from his championship reign. This is a fascinating fight for a variety of reasons despite the resounding opinion of a GSP victory.

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Cung Le: Fact or Fable?

Cung Le’s spectacular first-round knockout of Rich Franklin proved he is the real deal even though it won’t silence the critics. Le gained notoriety before he entered MMA with his Sanshou Kick Boxing bouts on ESPN. He never looked back once he transitioned to the sport and has garnered a professional record of 11-2. Despite his success in the cage, his resume does have some issues to dissect.

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Colder #1 Review

Colder #1| Writer: Paul Tobin | Art: Juan Ferrevra | Colors: Juan Ferrevra | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.99

One look at this cover, and you will no doubt thumb through the pages. After that, your wallet will be four dollars lighter because this book is eerily irresistible.

We start out in the past and make our way to present-day Boston where antagonist, Jack Nimble works his devilish charm to satisfy his appetite for unsuspecting souls.

Nimble is a thin and creepy-looking individual who can contort his body in uncanny positions.

The lead character is a female nurse named Reece who cares for a live-in patient named Declan, who Nimble is drawn to.

As good as the writing it, and believe me, it’s good; the artwork is even more amazing.

The smile on Jack Nimble’s face scares me a little bit because of the evil intentions behind it. It’s a special type of talent to capture such essence in facial reactions. The simple stuff that we normally don’t pay much attention to in comics is drawn in vivid detail, such as the living room in Reece’s apartment.

Dark Horse has a sure-fire winner on its hands; the first installment of this psychological thriller has all the makings of an instant classic. This was ridiculously close to being my pick of the week.

Grade: A

Superman: Earth One Volume 2 Review

Superman: Earth One Volume 2 | Writer: J. Michael Straczynski | Art: Shane Davis | Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $22.99

Superman, the pop culture icon who inspired a generation with truth, justice, and the American way, is too boring and unrealistic for people today. I understand that argument. He solves the world’s problems with an ease that borders on arrogance. It’s hard to relate to this perfect being that has all the answers. DC Comics attempted to make him more relatable in the new 52 by creating a slightly less powerful version of the original that comes across as a punk kid instead of Earth’s greatest hero. Michael Straczynski has brilliantly composed a story about a budding hero who is trying to find his place in the world.

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New High Score For Wreck-It-Ralph

Wreck-it-Ralph is an adorable winner that all gamers and moviegoers can be proud of. It made me wish the arcade was still a cool place to hang out. The colorful and heartwarming tale revolves around Ralph’s journey to become the hero of the day instead of the story’s villain.

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