Superior Spider-Man #1 Review

Superior Spider-Man #1 | Writer: Dan Slott | Art: Ryan Stegman | Colors: Edgar Delgado | Publisher: Marvel Comics

I should warn you now; this is not the Spider-Man you are used to. Gone is the humble scientist who aspires to live up to his Uncle Ben’s inspiring words. Enter the arrogant mastermind who has a second chance to make a new impression. Recent developments have Otto Octavius now inside Peter Parker’s body. Big changes are always met with mixed feelings, and now we get to see the maiden voyage of this new journey.

It’s fitting that Otto’s first combative strife is against the new Sinister Six. The irony of this encounter not only spoke to his ego but the violent nature of his character. The old Spider-Man was as violent as he needed to be to get the bad guy behind bars. This new version is as violent as he wants to be and pulls it off with a certain je ne sais quoi.

Ryan Stegman produced some strong visuals that did a great job of capturing Slott’s vision. The best way to compare Peter and Otto is that of a magician who can put someone in a box and cut them in half without killing them.

The difference is that Peter would not even consider taking a life, while Otto would relish the fatality.

Something similar to a conscience overtakes Octavius when he is about to go past the point of no return. Is there someone more to this, or is the once sinister doctor finding a new groove? Either way, Dan Slott created a wonderful first issue that shows promise, intrigue, and a unique sense of adventure.

Grade: A-

Should Steroid Users Be In The WWE Hall of Fame?

Column written for gerweck.net

For the second time in four decades, the baseball writers of America failed to elect any of this year’s nominees for the Hall of Fame. Steroid tainted stars such as Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds are the main cause of this shut out. This development makes a definitive statement as to what baseball fans expect from its elite. This makes me wonder if wrestlers should be held to a similar standard in order to gain entrance into the WWE Hall of Fame? Some food for thought.

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I’m Cheating On My Comic Book Store

There is no easy way to say this so I’m just going to cut right to the chase.

I’ve been seeing someone else. It’s not you, it’s me. I know, I know; that’s what everyone says but I promise, I’m not just saying that in an attempt to salvage your feelings. It really is me. It all started three months ago when…yes, it is someone you know…it’s…Kindle Fire. I know this is a hard pill to swallow. I remember our deep late night conversations about the soulless application of digital comics as we enjoyed out favorite pinot noir.

Click here to read the rest of my confession at Forces of Geek.com

The Amazing Spider-Man #700: The End Of An Era

One of the most popular comic book series of our generation has come to an end. Unless you have been living under a rock, it was almost impossible to avoid the spoilers since they were released three weeks in advance. If that wasn’t enough, Dan Slott received very descriptive death threats for the tangled web he’s weaved.

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The Blood and Guts Ballad of Lauzon vs. Miller

The pay-per-view portion of UFC 155 got off to a boring start with three fights that were anything but exciting. Then, the evening’s co-main event began, and fans saw the beginning of what would be, as the elders say, one for the ages.

Fights like Jim Miller vs. Joe Lauzon remind me why I’m an MMA fan. A good fight is fun, but it’s those special encounters that produce the type of story you will be telling your grandchildren about.

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Calling The Shots of Junior Dos Santos vs. Cain Velasquez 2

Brock Lesnar came close but names like Jack Johnson, Rocky Marciano, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson carried Boxing to a prominence mixed martial arts has yet to reach. Saturday nights encounter could be a step in the right direction towards changing that as the two best heavyweights in the game will lock horns for a second time at UFC 155.

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The WWE Santa Clause

Does the WWE have a clause in their contract with Santa Claus that he has to receive a yuletide beating each year? Around the holidays every year, the Santa Claus character receives a squared circle thrashing, in some way, shape, or form. Sometimes, a suspect Santa gets a fist in the face and other times, the genuine article gets a body slam for his troubles. Trust me, no one is safe, not even someone as pure and jolly as Santa Claus, from the shenanigans of professional wrestling.

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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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