tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60506023863425851312012-01-29T23:29:11.269-08:00Descripwho?Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger701100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-68667501553713638272009-04-16T17:16:00.000-07:002009-04-21T19:30:57.493-07:00

Captain America #49MarvelWriting: Ed BrubakerPencils: Luke RossInks: Rick MagyarColors: Frank D'ArmataLettering: Joe CaramagnaCover: Steve EptingEditing: Jeanine Schaeffer, Tom Brevoort4.5/5This issue brings Cap back to a personal reflective level, following Sharon Carter throughout while taking brief moments to check in with others as well, and all without being cheap, skimmable or unsatisfying.

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-89703695038975774652009-04-10T17:22:00.000-07:002009-04-20T06:49:26.746-07:00

Northlanders #16VertigoWriting: Brian WoodPencils, Inks: Ryan KellyColors: Dave McCaigLettering: Travis LanhamEditing: Mark Doyle, Will DennisCover: Massimo Carnevale5/5Apparently no one told Brian Wood that the penultimate issue of this storyarc was a bit underwhelming, because he delivers full force with this, the final issue.It's a rather simple installment. The entirety of it takes place

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-44899243597729080702009-04-01T20:07:00.000-07:002009-04-19T21:58:28.571-07:00

War of Kings #2MarvelWriting: Dan Abnett, Andy LanningPencils: Paul PelletirInks: Rick MagyarColoring: Wil QuintanaLettering: Joe CaramagnaCover: Brandon PetersonEditing: Michael Horwitz, Bill Rosemann4.5/5Credit this issue for not forcing itself to have a big action scene. It gives the story a chance to establish itself. To reveal insights into the dynamics of what's going on. To texturize.This

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-57999705083373762432009-03-25T17:36:00.000-07:002009-04-19T17:20:08.625-07:00

Immortal Iron Fist #24MarvelWriting: Duane SwierczynskiPencils/Inks/Colors: KanoLettering: Nate PiekosCover: Patrick ZircherEditing: Alejandro Arbona, Warren Simons4/5Iron Fist takes a break this issue from its current story arc and gives a one shot accounting of an Iron Fist from an ancient time and the story of his trials and triumphs. And even though it's hard to get past how much anticipation

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-71666176173038798342009-03-19T10:08:00.000-07:002009-03-27T08:27:55.129-07:00

Daredevil #116MarvelWriting: Ed BrubakerPencils: David AjaInks: Stefano GuadianoColors: Jose VillarrubiaLettering: Chris EllopouldsCover: Marko DjurdjevicEditing: Alejandro Arbona, Warren Simons5/5Wow. On the strength of this issue alone, one in which Matt Murdoch never appears, it's easy to see Ed Brubaker as being meant to write this series. It makes sense. Bru has proven time and again that

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-56173026778061765162009-02-26T20:59:00.000-08:002009-03-27T08:45:02.060-07:00

Nova #22MarvelWriting: Dan Abnett & Andy LanningPencils, Inks: Andre DivitoColoring: Bruno HangLettering: Cory PetitEditing: Michael Horwitz, Bill RosemannCover: Juan Doe3.5/5Lately Nova has felt less and less the bastion of explosive creativity that made it such a success among critics and fans alike. It, like it's principal character Richard Rider, is suddenly grounded and though still

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-71585711185402224992009-02-23T17:18:00.001-08:002009-02-23T17:27:22.089-08:00

.

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-1237881690106328792009-02-18T20:09:00.000-08:002009-02-25T19:44:09.290-08:00

Four Eyes #2ImageWriting: Joe KellyPencils, Inks: Max FiumaraColoring: Nestor PereyraLettering, Production: Drew Gill5/5Four Eyes was without a doubt the best floppy of the week and it continues to cement itself as one of the best series around. There's so much atmosphere in this title that it's impossible to not be utterly captivated. The story is set against a depression-era backdrop filled

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-71454257600103504212009-02-11T19:39:00.000-08:002009-02-22T17:16:27.355-08:00

DMZ #39VertigoWriting: Brian WoodPencils, Inks: Riccardo BurchielliColors: Jeremy CoxLettering: Jared K FletcherEditing: Mark Doyle, Will DennisCover: JP Leon4/5Starting about ten issues ago DMZ has began undergoing a lot of changes. Much of the structure and dynamic of the story has been altered and the transition has felt, at times, awkward. Wood, while exploring the many elements of a media

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-48315441993696056562009-02-04T21:13:00.000-08:002009-02-11T14:01:17.586-08:00

Punisher #2MarvelWriting: Rick RemenderPencils, Inks: Jerome OpenaColors: Dan BrownLettering: Joe CaramagnaEditing: Axel Alonso, Sebastian Girner2.5/5This was a quick flashy read and though decently entertaining it also lacked any real substance.Start. Punisher meets guy who knows everything about everything because he's good with computers. Punisher hates Norm Osborn. Guy tells Punisher about

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-39397104503608040282009-01-31T16:47:00.000-08:002009-02-03T17:27:00.350-08:00

Northlanders #14VertigoWriting: Brian WoodPencils, Inks: Ryan KelleyColors: Dave McCaigLettering: Travis LanhamCover: Massimo CarnevaleEditing: Mark Doyle, Will Dennis4.5/5 Now well into its third storyarc, Northlanders has proven its worth and staying power. Brian Wood's ability to quickly and effectively introduce different characters and circumstances allows the book to succeed in a format

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-29372931158169642692008-06-02T13:38:00.000-07:002008-11-09T09:01:19.130-08:00

Giant Size Astonishing X-Men #1MarvelWriting: Joss WhedonPencils, Inks, Cover: John CassadayColors: Laura MartinEditing: Will Panzo, Nick Lowe, Axel Alonso5/5It's impossible to discuss this finale without thinking about the series that it's concluding. Whedon and Cassaday's Astonishing X-Men has given us so many things. It introduced Logan's camaraderie with Armor in a charming and convincing way

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-26327596275513898072008-05-22T11:27:00.000-07:002008-05-23T13:19:59.128-07:00

.Captain America #38MarvelWriting: Ed BrubakerPencils: Steve EptingInks: Mike Perkins, Steve EptingColors: Frank D'ArmataEditing: Molly Lazer, Tom Brevoort4/5When all is said and done and this wonderfully long and exquisitely paced story finds itself in a big heavy hardcover collection it will go down as one of the most enjoyable runs on a mainstream superhero comic ever. It's given Captain

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-14413022294217732622008-05-14T19:17:00.000-07:002008-05-23T00:54:34.489-07:00

The Walking Dead #49ImageWriting: Robert KirkmanPencils, Inks, Cover: Charlie AdlardInk Tones: Cliff Rathburn4.5/5 It’s ridiculous that this series hasn’t been getting more attention the last few months. Very rarely has the phrase ‘things will never be the same’ been even as close to as true as it’s been here. Very rarely has there been a title that can achieve the emotionally devastatingly

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-83404111267144612392008-05-08T11:42:00.000-07:002008-05-14T18:41:55.627-07:00

The Boys #18DynamiteWriting: Garth EnnisPencils, Inks: Darick RobertsonColors: Tony AvinaCover: Robertson, Avina3.5/5 You may have heard around the way that Garth Ennis’ irreverant foray into the seedy underbelly of a world filled with superpowered humans is hilarious. You have heard correctly. The Boys’ doesn’t owe any of its humor to creative punchlines or the like, but is full of small

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-75249306958376443032008-05-03T14:49:00.000-07:002008-05-04T14:46:43.865-07:00

Thor: Ages of ThunderMarvelWriting: Matt FractionPencils: Patrick Zircher, Khari EvansInks: Patrick Zircher, Jelana Kevic DjurdjevicCover: Marko DjurdjevicEditor: Warren Simons, Alejandro Arbona5/5When Matt Fraction first came to Marvel and they asked which properties he was interested in working on he responded, “Anything but Thor.” He’s said in interviews that he didn’t like, know much about,

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-42344048401824788142008-05-02T11:42:00.000-07:002008-05-03T20:26:30.844-07:00

Ex Machina #36WildstormWriting: Brian K. VaughanPencils: Tony HarrisInks: Jim ClarkColors: JD MettlerCover: Tony Harris, JD MettlerEditor: Ben Abernathy, Kristy Quinn4.5/5A wonderful return to form for a title that should get ten times the acclaim, attention and sales numbers as it does. Long operating in the shadow of the monumentally popular Y: The Last Man, the spectacle of intelligent

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-28804984219962575102008-04-10T21:53:00.000-07:002008-04-14T15:25:08.318-07:00

Amazing Spider-Man #556MarvelWriting: Zeb WellsPencils, Cover: Chris BachaloInks: Tim TownsendColors: Chris Bachalo, Antonio Fabela4.5/5Of the four new creative duos we've seen thus far on the weekly Amazing this has been my favorite. Such sentiments may be slightly amplified coming on the heels of Bob Gale's slight misfire, but there's no doubt Wells writes Spidey with a seemingly effortless

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-20003162754681659312008-04-03T20:55:00.000-07:002008-04-08T17:41:47.252-07:00

Archaia Studios PressWriting: Nick TapalanskyArt: Alex Eckman-Lawn5/5 There inevitably comes a time for most critics when they look back upon something they’ve written and can’t help but feel they may have overstepped their bounds. That perhaps they jumped the gun or stated things a little too emphatically. For myself – Awakening presents just such a case. (As does using the word 'critic.') In

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-20435716146447975872008-03-14T21:45:00.000-07:002008-06-02T15:52:32.251-07:00

Of the come-from-nowhere surprise successes of the last six months, Atomic Robo may be our favorite. Its accessibility, humor and charm make the book enjoyable for a very wide breadth of readers. Robo is sci-fi enough for the geeky types, historically conscious enough to intrigue the intellectual crowd, funny enough to tickle the average joe, and cute enough to be suitable for kids. This type

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-50518666611417933632008-02-19T19:40:00.000-08:002008-06-02T15:52:10.371-07:00

Proof has been one of our favorite new series since it first launched a couple of months back. Chronicling Big Foot's tenure as an agent of the F.B.I., it delights with its quirky knowledge and compelling cast of characters, and its stellar production puts it in league with some of the best. What once started as the topic of unassuming party conversation has since evolved into a meticulously

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-46833949066670245602008-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:002008-03-21T20:27:23.437-07:00

DMZ #28VertigoWriting, Cover: Brian WoodPencils, Inks: Riccardo BurchielliColors: Jeremy Cox3/5This issue isn't quite sure what it wants to do. Part of it feels like illustrating that two paths is not an acceptable range of options. There has to be something else. The third, undiscovered option. Yet it's also interested in exploring the parallels in detachment between war and a deer hunt. Then

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-16907781356460383862008-02-11T10:26:00.000-08:002008-02-12T00:46:42.770-08:00

While we usually let more 'news'-oriented sites handle this type of thing, we can't help but be excited to hear word of Matt Fraction's new assignment once The Order concludes with its tenth issue. Marvel has announced this morning that The Invincible Iron Man will debut in May with Fraction writing and Salvador Larroca handling pencil duties. It will be the second current on-going to follow the

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-82697953581851537782008-02-07T09:07:00.000-08:002008-02-07T18:23:54.579-08:00

.Scalped #14VertigoWriting: Jason AaronPencils, Inks: R.M. GueraColors: Giulia BruscoCover: Jock5/5What a great series. Despite it's vulgarity and violence it's easily one of the most emotionally gripping reads out there. Aaron has packed so many layers of history, sentiment, and passion into every issue of this book that at this stage even the simplest scenes can be erupting with meaning. Dash's

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-47189045461932321082008-01-24T20:42:00.001-08:002008-01-27T18:47:25.417-08:00

.Mice Templar #3ImageWriting: Bryan GlassPencils, Ink, Cover: Michael Avon OemingColors: Wil Quintana4/5Though not quite as rich as the issues preceding it, the third installment of Mice Templar is still a well executed step forward for this fantasy tale. The legend the story is built around is still being fleshed out, as are the characters and their relationships, but already Glass and Oeming

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-31976317555202727112008-01-20T06:18:00.000-08:002009-01-30T17:15:50.591-08:00

Click the images in this article to expand them for viewingPresentation and design are aspects of comic production that receive far too little attention and scrutiny. Cover art, logos, trade dressings, inside/back covers, bonus material and even title pages are all crucial factors in the whole comic package. Yet despite this only a small number of publishers and/or titles are showing these areas

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-51167326370996964552008-01-17T21:33:00.000-08:002008-01-21T03:28:11.715-08:00

.Umbrella Academy #5Dark HorseWriting: Gerard WayArt: Gabriel BaColors: Dave StewartCover: James Jean4.5/5Initially this issue seems underwhelming because of its change in tone. It makes no effort to be hilarious. There's no zany action. Most the pages are a bunch of standing around talking, and when the action does come it's obtrusively violent and dark and sucks most the joy right out of the

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-56484925157070335852008-01-11T20:44:00.000-08:002008-02-19T19:53:31.933-08:00

The comic press can't deny Awakening: the dark thriller from Archaia Studios that's been making quite a name for itself the last few months. The book doesn't have to do much to stand out as its distinctive art style more than puts it in its own arena. Readers are excited to be getting something fresh and innovative, and publishers are hopefully taking cues on the quality of production we want and

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-53702239146104093272008-01-11T09:04:00.001-08:002008-01-18T12:18:18.499-08:00

Scalped #13VertigoWriting: Jason AaronPencils & Ink: R.M. GueraColors: Giulia BruscoCover: Jock5/5There was a time when Scalped seemed the underdog against a comic world unwilling to give it a chance. Slowly more people have noticed, many aggressively, and love-plugging Scalped is a 'hey brou, I'm down' label of now. If you're coming you've hopefully hopped aboard, because it looks like from here

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-53788815879572774542008-01-10T01:14:00.001-08:002008-01-10T16:36:28.843-08:00

.Comics are coming a day late this week because of a 'chase' incident (?) involving the order's truck. So we're hung out to dry. Unexpectedly delayed Wednesday shipments can cause a lot of confusion and anxiety. You feel something's missing, and that maybe you need some perspective. Shāpies is good for at least that second part.Use the navigation to your right to check out our newest strip!

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-24085486497715223212008-01-06T21:52:00.000-08:002008-02-11T12:31:29.110-08:00

We're a little bit behind the times so we didn't make this as comprehensive a feature as we may have otherwise, but we did want to share our most basic proclamations about last year's releases. The comic landscape has been steadily improving, this year being one of the best in a while and next year threatening to be even better. Hail the situation! Hail comics! Hail 2007.Best All-Around

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-29758563445509508912008-01-06T16:30:00.000-08:002008-01-08T21:10:03.399-08:00

We're back! The holidays were fun and eventful, hope yours were as well. It's been too long away, however, and we've got a lot to get into in this new year so lets go straight to it. We've prepared some quick reactions to a few titles we missed over the holiday season. It's good to be back. DMZ #26Vertigo3.5/5Like the rest of the one-shot arc this accomplishes some really good things the regular

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-55669202268715262112007-12-09T13:49:00.001-08:002007-12-09T13:51:14.951-08:00

As you may have noticed we have been, and will continue, taking a break during the winter holidays to spend time with family, loved ones, the couch and some good books. We hope you get ample opportunities to do the same, and we'll see you in the start of the New Year.

Grady J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12595918104595098133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-74132184674533802452007-11-29T22:13:00.000-08:002008-01-06T15:21:10.857-08:00

.Sensational Spider-Man #41MarvelWriting: StraczynskiPencils: Joe QuesadaInks: Danny MikiColors: Richard Isanove2/5On the horizon Spider-Man has a potential oasis in Brand New Day. Its chances of bringing relief may end up a mirage but pray not, because if so – Spidey’s hope is lost. Then again, let’s not get too worked up about hope or relief just yet because before any of that gets going, there

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-44988999312652640552007-11-28T11:24:00.000-08:002007-11-29T19:43:01.755-08:00

With Thanksgiving impacting shipping and comics coming a day late this week, Wednesday has arrived with a noticeably empty feeling. In an effort to fill the void we've whipped up some quick thoughts on a few of the titles we missed last week while enjoying the holidays. Check back tomorrow for a full line-up of reactions to this week's titles.Ex Machina #32WildstormWriting: Brian K.

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-6949915593933222202007-11-27T14:18:00.001-08:002007-11-28T23:16:19.177-08:00

.Awakening #3Archaia Studios PressWritten by: Nick TapalanskyArt by: Alex Eckman-Lawn4.5/5This morning I was pissed off at comics. I wasn't in a particularly patient mood and frustration got the best of me. I’m sick of comic readers on the Internet forums as almost all their opinions seem to suggest they invite more of the things I loathe. I’m sick of semi-promising indie titles delivering one or

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-36505574986974130642007-11-18T18:55:00.000-08:002008-01-08T06:03:43.326-08:00

If you've been following coverage of the Fablewood anthology, or were in the right place at the right time on FCBD, then you may've already had a small taste of The Goblin Chronicles: a three part fantasy mini from Ape Entertainment that begins this February. We recently had the chance to read some of this story, and let us be the first to tell you - it's one you don't want to miss. Tom Kelesides

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-62456965061317914372007-11-16T16:55:00.000-08:002007-11-27T14:33:20.262-08:00

Fables #67VertigoWriter: Bill WillinghamPencils: Mark BuckinghamInks: Steve LeialohaColors: Lee LoghridgeCover: James Jean5/5It pains me when I look at Diamond's best selling 100 each month and Fables isn't near the top. Not only that, it usually isn't represented at all. What? This is without question the last title on my pull-list I'd be willing to drop, and the one I'm most giddily

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-59371882289622856012007-11-13T13:40:00.000-08:002008-01-11T12:29:24.735-08:00

Be sure to check out our newest feature, 'Shapies' (shay-p-eeys) which waits beyond the pretty button to your right.Experience the most recent Shapies strip by way of clicking:..

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-68281315672645740012007-11-07T17:45:00.000-08:002007-11-27T14:46:53.423-08:00

New Avengers: Illuminati #5MarvelWritten by: Brian Michael BendisPencils: Mark MoralesColors: Justin Ponsor3.5/5With the possible exception of the first issue, this was my favorite of the Illuminati mini. The dialogue and the art are both fantastic, and Bendis does a wonderful job having these characters relate to each other in the context of their individual circumstances and the positions they

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-51187975664529433172007-11-07T11:27:00.000-08:002008-06-02T15:53:19.166-07:00

This is a wake-up call for people who suck but that don't yet know it, which is not a positive way to go through life. If you haven't been following Scalped by Jason Aaron, you've been seriously missing out and should consider yourself one of the aforementioned tragedies. It's tough to be too hard on you though. When the series first began I assumed it was just a Brian Azzarello / Garth Ennis

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-30101338633587624452007-10-31T15:18:00.000-07:002008-01-18T16:53:55.526-08:00

If you follow comic books with any degree of effort it has been near impossible to escape excitement about Messiah Complex, the first old-school X-Men crossover in nearly a decade. The event spirals out of the current threads in the various X books, kicking off with this opening one-shot release. Starting next week and continuing for the following three months the story will unravel in the pages

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-40342723114566157992007-10-31T12:21:00.000-07:002007-11-06T16:08:14.700-08:00

New X-Men #43MarvelWritten by: Kyle & YostArt by: Skottie Young4/5In many ways this title is the heart and soul of the X books' current continuity. Carey's X-Men is more important to the overarching storyline and Uncanny has a higher profile, but New X-Men captures the mood, spirit and emotions of the time on a far more tangible and relateable scale. The adults may drive the action but it's the

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-17040825642367868282007-10-28T20:41:00.000-07:002007-11-29T00:05:05.403-08:00

As you might have heard whisper of lately, Ape Entertainment is publishing a comic anthology this January titled Fablewood. The project is conceived around the notion of bringing the magic of Fantasy back to comics, exploring not only swords, sorcery and epic heroes but hopefully finding much more along the way. Says the Fablewood team, "Magic is not just spells and wizards - it can also refer to

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-8047858691510732772007-10-25T00:48:00.000-07:002007-10-31T01:21:22.503-07:00

The Walking Dead #43ImageWritten by: Robert KirkmanArt by: Charlie Adlard4.5/5There's really never been any question as to whether or not Robert Kirkman knows exactly what he's doing. That's particularly obvious in this issue where he flushes out what The Governor has been up to since we last saw him and in the time leading up to his attack on the prison. By the time you finish this issue you'll

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-5661722844410912442007-10-24T11:57:00.000-07:002007-11-04T23:12:27.657-08:00

While Grady is still running all around SoCal trying to figure out what's happening with his life, I find that I suddenly have an afternoon to kill up here in the beautifully green (and orange, and red, and yellow) state of Oregon. An incident like the one currently unfolding in San Diego, Malibu, Irvine, etc... really makes one take stock of their own surroundings. I truly love the Pacific

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-52651731834895314842007-10-23T17:52:00.001-07:002007-10-24T11:38:20.860-07:00

Please forgive our recent/current absence. The last several weeks have seemed as though the world were going down in flames all around us and now, lo and behold, it quite literally is.We're still reading and keeping up though and will be back once the Universe has had some time to handle its business. Hopefully, we'll be returning in some type of amplified capacity. We've got some ideas. Until

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-36088840441435522962007-09-20T01:25:00.000-07:002007-10-24T12:13:57.030-07:00

New X-Men #43MarvelWritten by: Kyle & YostArt by: Skottie Young4/5This series is headed in a terrific direction. With all the X titles continuing to converge on Messiah Complex, more attention is being paid toward slowing everything down and re-establishing the X-Men as a family. Coming off the non-stop action festival this title has been the last several months it is a welcome change in pace to

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-78807544315307685512007-09-05T22:36:00.001-07:002007-09-20T12:03:00.520-07:00

Amazing Spider-Man #544MarvelWritten by: J. Michael StraczynskiArt by: Joe Quesada3/5So here it is, and yep, it's here. Hype is a funny phenomenon. One More Day is, well, happening right now, but at this point that doesn't really mean anything. This is a fluid continuation of the Back in Black (BiB) storyline and no, nothing revelatory happens in this first issue. There's nothing to freak out

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-60522725476748744922007-09-04T17:16:00.000-07:002007-11-14T00:22:07.541-08:00

An interesting post has gone up over at Ink Destroyed My Paintbrush which I felt compelled to respond to. Here are some excerpts from that article, followed by some of my own thoughts. What do you think?"There is a popular thought process that Jim Shooter was the perfect cheerleader for: the notion that the comic must be basic enough for anyone to read, after all, "Any comic could be someone's

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-35371051672122194702007-08-30T14:10:00.000-07:002007-09-20T17:58:11.539-07:00

Ex Machina: Masquerade SpecialWildstormWritten by: Brian K. VaughanArt by: John Paul Leon2.5/5As someone who follows Ex Machina closely I was quite disappointed with this one-shot special. There were far too many occasions in which it conflicted with the regular series. Certainly with guest artist John Paul Leon and a story removed from the current timeline of the title a degree of inconsistency

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-77179802560917298552007-08-22T14:08:00.000-07:002007-09-21T19:35:29.053-07:00

Mouse Guard Winter 1152 #1ArchaiaWritten by: David PetersonArt by: David Petersen5/5I absolutely adore this book. There's just something about it. It has a childlike warmth that I usually associate with teddy bears and aged anthologies of Calvin & Hobbes.If this first issue is any indication, the second volume of Mouse Guard may actually surpass the first. Presentation is as beautiful as ever,

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-45279612767346722762007-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:002007-08-21T00:14:41.882-07:00

Conquest: Quasar #2MarvelWritten by: Christos GageArt by: Mike Lilly2.5/5Christos Gage and I have problems. This is the exact type of writing that keeps new readers from comics. Isn't it pretty much standard procedure at this point to not have characters constantly telling each other what they just did, are doing, will soon do? Why do we still have writing that assumes we're not looking at the

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-90547622034134788242007-08-08T17:13:00.000-07:002007-08-21T00:17:36.895-07:00

Fables #64 VertigoWritten by: Bill WillinghamArt by: Aaron Alexovich3.5/5I love Bill Willingham. Fables can be so endearing sometimes. This issue takes a breather from the intensity of the Good Prince storyline to celebrate the cubs' fifth birthday at Wolf Manor, and it is a wonderful reminder of how many different facets this series has. Watching Bigby, Snow, and the cubs all living amongst each

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-77084232574845874612007-08-02T01:12:00.000-07:002007-08-21T00:27:21.628-07:00

Scalped #8VertigoWritten by: Jason AaronArt by: R.M. Guera4/5Yesterday I re-read the several issues previous to this, and was reminded that this series is a one worth getting excited about. Aaron is up and moving and really settling into his tone and approach. Everyone wants to compare this to the Sopranos, but I think they're a little off-base. What the Sopranos and Scalped have in common is the

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-34227742143336089412007-07-26T12:18:00.001-07:002007-08-21T00:34:27.245-07:00

Updates Marked with - *Green Arrow: Year One #2DC3/5First of all, praise goes up to the bi-weekly schedule of this book. I'm all about it. Undoubtedly Jock's style contributes a great deal toward making such a thing possible, what with all the giant swatches of single colors and enthusiastically plain backgrounds. It works though.Unfortunately I can't say the same for the story at this point,

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-26327415212119504022007-07-18T01:50:00.002-07:002007-11-01T20:22:26.563-07:00

Conquest: Quasar #1Marvel3/5This is the first of the Conquest books that didn't leave me utterly excited to read more. The art looks good and the story has plenty of depth, but I just plain don't like the writing. Gage has put together a good plot, but the words themselves read very cheesily to me. So far the events in this title are more complicated than Wraith or Nova, but both those books

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-54978349339339120662007-07-15T19:43:00.001-07:002007-09-20T18:40:09.638-07:00

If you haven't read the Harry Potter books and have ignored most the movies because you've been under the impression it's a children's tale - you are seriously missing out. What's more, anyone who has been reading the books can tell you that if you've only watched the movies - you have absolutely no concept of the scope and scale of this series. The Potter books have developed into one of my

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-78050142527183281452007-07-11T11:30:00.000-07:002007-07-20T13:23:15.518-07:00

In an effort to get these out as soon as possible I'm publishing these reviews now and both Tom and I will be adding to them throughout the day and/or tomorrow. What did you think about this week's releases? Do Tom and I have no idea what we're talking about? Is there something we should be reading this week that we haven't talked about yet? Let us know in the comments!-GradyAlso, if you think

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-40905112880761487982007-07-11T00:02:00.000-07:002007-07-11T00:06:37.485-07:00

The Flight series is one of my absolute favorites. Each of the first three installments were absolutely beautiful and had something in them for everyone. The fourth volume is shipping soon and I highly recommend picking it up. Don't sleep on this!

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-85679391927420482782007-07-04T09:56:00.001-07:002007-11-14T00:26:23.934-08:00

Happy fourth of July to all of you in the States! Have fun, be safe. There's still a lot about this nation to be proud of, so be sure to take some time to remember how we got here. Hopefully, over the next several years, we can change where we're headed so our children can have the same pride and security I grew up with.Call someone you haven't in too long - and be crazy for the sake of it.

Grady J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12595918104595098133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-20334403967940651322007-07-03T07:20:00.000-07:002008-02-11T12:15:03.336-08:00

Another week commences! Thankfully too, because its the last that'll go without a Conquest release for quite some time. I'm legitimately excited for that series to get underway. I'm even more excited for Mouse Guard Winter 1152, but we've covered that repeatedly already. Here are some other titles I'm anticipating from the July-for-September edition of Previews.Primordia #1 of 3John R.

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-12686069211452962412007-06-27T16:38:00.000-07:002007-07-19T22:25:18.484-07:00

Its a Marvel blowout this week! I'm not really sure how that happened (way to hang strong Walking Dead), but lately having only Marvel books isn't as terrible as it once was. There were some really fun releases this week, several we enjoyed in particular. Hope you all found some titles you could get into as well!World War Hulk: X-Men #1Marvel3.5/5This entire issue is essentially one big pointless

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-60617356195401425832007-06-25T13:25:00.001-07:002007-07-03T08:35:40.799-07:00

Lovely returns everyone. I apologize for my absence as of late, I've been in the middle of psychotic life changes and re-arranging both with .newseed and in my personal life. Not to say .newseed isn't also my personal life as it seems to dominate virtually everything I do anymore. That said, I've finally settled back into a routine and had some time to sit down and actually read something. Here's

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-10495400226256920612007-06-20T21:15:00.000-07:002007-07-19T22:26:03.963-07:00

So what's good y'all? Here's what I picked up this week, some pretty good stuff. Sorry we missed Tuesday Conversation, Tom's been engaged in some other .newseed obligations and I was swamped with my finals. Maybe we'll make it up to you. We'll see.Expect Tom's reviews sometime later in the week; X-Men Endangered Species, Highwaymen, Ex Machina, Wasteland, Hellblazer, and whatever else he picks up

Grady J.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12595918104595098133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-42212838521342019532007-06-14T01:46:00.001-07:002007-06-14T15:04:43.283-07:00

Fables #62Vertigo4/5One of the many things Fables does well is create a constant anticipation of the future. Even in issues with little action, such as this one, events are still focused around the understanding that there is a perpetual threat and eventually there will be a war. So while this third installment of the "Frog Prince" arc serves only to move the plot toward future action it is still

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-87050797121637776112007-06-10T23:20:00.000-07:002007-06-12T15:14:47.165-07:00

Comics are expensive and often hard to get if you don't know what you want ahead of time, which is why reviews are often too little too late in the way of recommendations. No one likes missing the first few issues of a great new series before they hear enough to start ordering it. Good thing the comic gods have given us blogs and monthly solicitations!Recommended titles to add to your 'pull list'

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-90505795127070635872007-06-10T15:04:00.000-07:002007-06-10T23:14:06.224-07:00

Scalped #6Vertigo4/5This issue is part one of six in a new story arc for Scalped, and if this installment is any indication of how the rest of the arc is going to go then we're in for a treat. The action and vulgarity of past issues remain, but a new emphasis is placed on the espionage and mind-play between the various competing interests on the reservation.While I'm excited about the thickenings

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-23022400201203615602007-06-09T13:16:00.000-07:002007-09-07T11:17:13.621-07:00

Before we try to jump right into the swing of things here, I thought it might be a good idea to take a moment and set the stage a little. Here is a rundown of some of my favorite titles I've been reading recently, what I think of their current status and what I'm expecting from the future.ScalpedVertigoWriter: Jason AasronArtist: R.M. Guera Scalped follows the exploits of organized crime on

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6050602386342585131.post-48548721360591616462007-06-09T12:55:00.000-07:002009-02-24T09:33:37.445-08:00

Hello and thanks for stumbling across Newseed Comics, a small but hungry division of Newseed Media. In the coming days this will become a place you may expect to find weekly reviews of our favorite titles, as well as features and commentary on upcoming releases and the industry in general. Please bear with us in these initial opening phases as we try to get our feet on solid ground.Again, welcome

Tom Mattsonnoreply@blogger.com0