Frankenstein Alive, Alive #1 Review

The story takes places years after he “died” on a funeral pyre, and he is at peace while working as a circus freak.

Steve Niles adds another notch on his horror belt as he weaves a tale that recalls Frankenstein striving to embrace his humanity.

It’s a struggle that traces the line between truth and treachery because there may not be humanity, to begin with. Life and death can make strange bedfellows, especially when consistent torment from your creator can make you crave one over the other.

He has found balance right now but is there something that will take it all away?

Bernie Wrightson’s art truly brought Frankenstein’s lowest points to life. What makes the story stand out is that it’s not a story about a brooding monster but a monster of a man searching for a grim finality while journeying great distances for something bigger than himself.

Grade: A

Skeleton Key Special Review: Smiles Guaranteed

Skeleton Key | Writer: Andi Watson | Art: Andi Watson | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Price $3.50

Have you ever felt better about everything after reading something? Andi Watson’s tale of two friends trying to find their way home brought a big ol’ smile to my face as it filled my soul with joy.

Schoolgirl Tamsin, Kitsune, a fox spirit, and Mr. Raccoon use the Skeleton Key to open any door as long as they can find a lock. The character’s positive nature never wanes, even though things aren’t always what they seem. They are clever without even knowing it, and their journey delivers a genuine sense of adventure and wonder.

The artwork is reminiscent of the funny pages.

No space is squandered as everything in every panel means something.

Emotion is depicted flawlessly, including one example of Mr. Raccoon savoring the hotel manager’s donut.

While I was unfamiliar with the previous Skeleton Key comics, there was no lack of appreciation in any way, shape, or form.

The three separate stories all have their own unique flair and imagination to them. While writing this column, I have pushed some books more than others.

This is my most heartfelt recommendation; please get this book.

The cover would have turned me away years earlier because there is not a cape in sight. This is a unique and lighthearted coming-of-age tale that everyone will enjoy. The next time you go to the comic book store, go to the shelf and read the first five pages. I’m willing to bet your wallet will be three dollars lighter.

Grade: A+

Movie Review: The Avengers

Comments such as “I can’t believe I just saw that”, “I’m definitely buying this on DVD, and I mean on release day” and “Joss Whedon never fucks up”, left the lips of movie goers as I exited the midnight showing of The Avengers. There is no amount of telling you how awesome this movie is that will prepare you for how totally freakin’ awesome this movie is. When I finished watching Captain America last summer, I wanted to find the first trash can lid I saw and throw it like his vibranium shield. Now, I want to add a hammer as well as a bow and arrow to the mix.

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My Day @ Boston Comic Con 2012

Boston Comic-Con invaded the Hynes Convention Center and had a fantastic turnout. My anticipation grew for it as the weeks passed since this was my first comic book convention. Last-minute shenanigans made me absent on Saturday, and Twitter feedback suggests there were a ton of people in attendance. I arrived bright and early on Sunday to take in all the sights, sounds, cosplay, and comics that I could handle. Continue reading “My Day @ Boston Comic Con 2012” →

Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Review

[Avengers Vs. X-Men No. 1 (1st printing, standard cover - Jim Cheung)]

Avengers Vs. X-Men #1 | Writer: Brian Michael Bendis | Art: John Romita & Scott Hanna | Colors: Laura Martin Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $3.99

The fantasy matchup that fanboys have been dreaming about has arrived. The Phoenix Force is heading to Earth, and Captain America isn’t taking any chances. He wants Hope in custody, but Cyclops ain’t havin’ it.

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Daredevil #10 Review

A friend of mine who reads this column called me a Mark Waid fanboy. I just might be because I don’t think I could say anything bad about his writing if you paid me. His work on Daredevil is just that good and never ceases to amaze me. The same can be said for Paolo Rivera, who will be at Boston Comic Con this month!

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Saga #1 Review

Eisner Award winner Brian K. Vaughn has produced an exquisite piece of writing that will undoubtedly raise the bar.

The story follows Marko and Alana, who are from opposing sides of an interplanetary war. The saga is narrated by the couple’s newborn child, which is an interesting twist that adds depth to the plot. Fiona Staples’ artwork is without question the best of the week and does a magnificent job of expressing the emotion of moments throughout the book.

The protagonists aren’t a super mushy couple, which is refreshing, but they still love each other, providing readers with some entertaining dialog.

The book is double-sized for only $2.99, and I would have gladly paid more.

I can’t believe I just typed that. I can’t believe I typed any of this. I’m simply at a loss for words at how much this book reeks of awesomeness.

Grade: A

Geek Pet Peeves: I Want My Cape and Wear it Too

Everyone has a geeky pet peeve that gets under their skin no matter how hard they try to ignore it. Wrestling fans would say seeing The Great Khali on their TV set each week is a pet peeve. Star Wars fans say George Lucas’s original trilogy changes are a pet peeve of the highest magnitude. My geeky pet peeve is one that may be mine and mine alone. I absolutely can’t stand it when the yellow S-shield is missing from Superman’s cape. It’s just something I have never been able to overlook.

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Ultimate Comics Spider-Man # 7 Review

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #7 | Writer: Brian Michael Bendis | Art: Chris Samnee | Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $3.99

Brian Michael Bendis has done a masterful job of providing comic book fans with a feel good story that follows a character you love to cheer for.
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Red Lanterns #6 Review

British professor Jack Moore has dealt with a lifetime of torment and ridicule. He buried his anger, thinking he could keep his feelings in line. Things change for Mr. Moore as the instrument of rage selects him and begins a harrowing transformation of the mind, body, and perhaps, soul. Moore tries his best to fight it as a tidal wave of awful memories floods his mind.

Reminders of the past begin to chip away at his consciousness until Jack realizes he can no longer control himself as he’s encountered the one thing that can make him the monster he hid from everyone: A Red Lantern ring.

Meanwhile, Atrocitus and Bleez fight each other for leadership of the Red Lanterns as many of the Lanterns watch on, rooting for one over the other.

The crux of the story is Moore’s emotional struggle as the power ring plays the devil’s role on the shoulder, telling him to embrace the hate.

There was nothing special or bad about the artwork as it did a great job orchestrating Milligan’s script. It is detrimental to our mental health to keep things bottled inside because eventually, you will snap.

The red ring was drawn to Moore like a moth to a flame, and the end result produces the first human Red Lantern.

Grade: A-