Episode 260: With Nick!

Episode 260: With Nick!

This was a bad week for DC. That said, it’s hard to feel sorry for them, when they are solely responsible for everything that is going wrong with their company. Nick from All Comics Considered stopped by to record with us this week, and had some great insight into DC’s current dilemma… and possible courses of action for those of us who object their actions. As I’ve said on both Twitter and the podcast, I won’t be covering any further DC comics, TV shows or movies until they begin taking responsibility for their actions, including those of Eddie Berganza. The rest of the episode was one large grab bag with Nick, discussing everything from Invincible to X-Men to Chew. Great episode. Fantastic discussion. Enjoy. News DC’s restructuring and fallout • original article • Dan Slott joins the argument • further reporting on the issue What We’re Reading Grab bag! New Releases Marvel: All-New Wolverine #7 Amazing Spider-Man #11 Angela Queen Of Hel #7 Avengers Standoff Assault On Pleasant Hill Omega #1 Daredevil #6 Doctor Strange #7 Doctor Strange Last Days Of Magic #1 Ms. Marvel #6 Old Man Logan #5 Spidey #5 Star Wars #18 Ultimates #6 Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #7 Venom Space Knight #6 Image: Postal #12 Saga #36 Sex Criminals #15 Velvet #14 IDW: Micronauts #1 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #57 Transformers More Than Meets Eye #52 Transformers Sins Of Wreckers #4 X-Files #1 Valiant: Faith #4 (Of 4) iTunes | Stitcher | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Episode 146: Don’t Google That

Episode 146: Don’t Google That

Seems like only last week, someone was mocking me for the length of my episodes and here we are, clocking in at just shy of an hour. This week, Vince and I tackle 52, the massive DC event which saw the B-list heroes take the stage while Bats had his psychotic break, Superman jumped out of buildings to get hero interviews and Wonder Woman… what the hell did she do during that year off? We had mixed feelings about this event. Truth be told, Vince enjoyed it more than I, though even he was critical of certain story-lines. Let us know what you thought of it. Discussion 52 (2006) What We’re Reading Vince: New #1s, Sex Criminals Roger: 52s New Releases Marvel: Avengers #22 Guardians of the Galaxy #8 Infinity #5 Scarlet Spider #23 Superior Spider-Man #20 Ultimate X-Men #33 Uncanny X-Force #13 X-Men: Battle of the Atom #2 DC: Damian: Son of Batman #1 Green Lantern Annual #2 Sandman: Overture #1 Swamp Thing Annual #2 Other: GI Joe #9 (IDW) Godzilla: Rulers of Earth #5 (IDW) Powerpuff Girls #2 (IDW) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #27 (IDW) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villain Microseries #4: Bebop and Rocksteady (IDW) Transformers: Robots in Disguise #22 (IDW) Bushido #5 (Image) Five Ghosts #6 (Image) Saga #15 (Image) iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Episode 106: Iron Fist

Episode 106: Iron Fist

This week, Vince and I first tackle some very disappointing news from DC (which appears to be the norm as of late), as well as yet more X-News from Marvel. We also gush about Immortal Iron Fist. And if you’re tired of hearing about Spider-Man, just skip over my portion of “What We’re Reading”… though if you do, I’ll be sorely disappointed… and a little hurt perhaps. Enjoy folks. News Zub off Birds of Prey “XX-Men” Discussion Immortal Iron Fist #1-6 (2006) What We’re Reading Vince: Star Wars, Cable & X-Force, Thor: God of Thunder Roger: Sequential Art (web comic), Superior Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man New Releases Marvel: All-New X-Men #6 Avengers Assemble #11 Avenging Spider-Man #16 Captain America #3 Captain Marvel #9 Dark Avengers #185 Indestructible Hulk #3 New Avengers #2 Savage Wolverine #1 Venom #30 X-Factor #250 DC: Batgirl #16 Batman #16 Demon Knights #16 Suicide Squad #16 Team 7 #4 Other: Saga #9 (Image) iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Episode 061: TMNT Awesomeness

Episode 061: TMNT Awesomeness

This week, Vince and I cover some new New 52s. We also give our thoughts on Defenders and the most awesome issue #5 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Enjoy. News Changes coming to the New 52 Discussion Defenders #1 & 2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #5 What We’re Reading Vince: Fatale Roger: Punisher #7, Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine and the X-Men, X-23 New Releases Marvel Amazing Spider-Man #678 Avenging Spider-Man #3 Daredevil #8 Fear Itself: The Fearless #7 Generation Hope #15 Ghost Rider #8 Invincible Iron Man #512 New Mutants #36 Ultimate Spider-Man #6 Uncanny X-Force #20 Uncanny X-Men #5 Venom #12 Fear Itself: Journey into Mystery HC DC Comics Batman #5 DC Universe Presents #5 Diablo #2 Green Lantern Corps #5 Hellblazer #287 Wonder Woman #5 Other Dead Man’s Run #1 (Aspen) Mass Effect: Invasion #4 (Dark Horse) Voltron #2 (Dynamite) Chew #23 (Image) Morning Glories #15 (Image) iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Episode 047: The New 52

Episode 047: The New 52

With the first month of the New 52 in the bag, Vince and I decided an extra-sized episode of Comic Book Informer was in order to discuss them all, as well as our thoughts on the event as a whole. Overall, it will become very apparent very quickly that we were generally very unimpressed… a lot of verys, however I can’t insert duck quacks in posts as easily as in the podcast to keep it clean. Also tacked onto the end of the episode is a special feature from Joe, with his thoughts on the event as well as his breakdown of the issues. Joe’s opinions don’t match most of ours, however that’s precisely why I asked him to make this feature. I wanted a different opinion. I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it here, comics, much like any other creative endeavor, or subjective. I felt it important to get another opinion as the topic warranted it. That said… Joe’s wrong. Most of the 52 sucked. 😉 Discussion The New 52 Superman Action Comics Superman Superboy Supergirl Batman Batman Detective Comics Batwing Batman: The Dark Knight Batman and Robin Batgirl Batwoman Nightwing Catwoman Birds of Prey Red Hood and the Outlaws Green Lantern Green Lantern Green Lantern Corps Green Lantern: New Guardians Red Lanterns Justice League Justice League Justice League International Aquaman Wonder Woman The Flash Captain Atom The Fury of Firestorm Green Arrow The Savage Hawkman Mister Terrific DC Universe Presents The Dark Justice League Dark Swamp Thing Animal Man Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. I, Vampire Resurrection Man Demon Knights The Edge Stormwatch Voodoo Grifter Deathstroke Suicide Squad O.M.A.C. Blackhawks Men of War All-Star Western Young Justice Teen Titans Static Shock Hawk & Dove Blue Beetle Legion of Super Heroes Legion Lost New Releases DC Comics Action Comics #2 Animal Man #2 Detective Comics #2 Huntress #1 Red Lanterns #2 Swamp Thing #2 Image Comics Chew #21 Invincible #83 Severed #3 Walking Dead #83 Marvel Comics Avengers 1959 #1 Hulk #42 Spider Island: Heroes for Hire Superior #5 Thunderbolts #164 X-Men: Schism #5 iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Comic of the Week (9/21/11) – Batman Issue 1

Comic of the Week (9/21/11) – Batman Issue 1

Bruce Wayne is back as Batman in this all-new first issue, part of DC’s New 52 line-wide relaunch. Good writing, a solid plot, nice artwork and the general feel and tone of this comic make it one of the best Batman comics I’ve read in years. Batman Issue 1: “Knife Trick” DC Comics Story: Scott Snyder Art: Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion...

Red Hood and the Outlaws Issue 1

Red Hood and the Outlaws Issue 1

Red Hood and the Outlaws is undoubtedly one of the worst comics I have ever read. It’s not Neonomicon bad, but it’s a solid contender for second place. When DC initially announced this title as part of their New 52, I knew there was little chance of it being good and had no intention of picking it up. However, when I started hearing the chorus of complaints, I couldn’t resist. Like a terrible B movie or a car wreck, I simply had to know for myself just how bad it was. To be perfectly honest, there are aspects of a decent comic here. The mystery that pops up in the second half of the issue is interesting, and I wouldn’t mind reading a Jason Todd and Roy Harper buddy-adventure comic. The problem is that the few interesting bits are completely overshadowed by some serious issues for me. Much of the criticism of this comic had been aimed at the interpretation of Starfire, and rightly so. The way writer Scott Lobdell and artist Kenneth Rocafort have overly sexualized her is unnecessary and embarrassing. The fact that somebody thought this was an appropriate interpretation of the character astounds me. Before this goes any farther, put Starfire’s character from the Teen Titans animated series out of mind. While many aspects of her character, such as her sense of justice and fierce loyalty, are in line with her history in the comics, the pure, innocent young girl of the cartoon doesn’t fit. Starfire has always been a fanservice character. Her upbringing and Tamaranean ideals of modesty and love, coupled with her costumes over the years, mean that, by design, Koriand’s supposed to be “every guy’s fantasy.” That’s okay, I can deal with it; Starfire’s looks and attitude aren’t what made her an interesting character. Her ability to overcome her nature and forge meaningful friendships with the Titans, and even a long-lasting romance with Dick Grayson are what made her a fan-favorite over the years. Over the years, Starfire has always been depicted in a revealing costume. Was it necessary? No, but it is what it is. However, I have no idea why Rocafort and whoever helped design Starfire’s new look felt she needed to be more naked. A major reason for the entire New 52 initiative is to draw in new audiences; this design makes it clear DC is really only interested in one particular audience. Overall, their portrayal of females in the New 52 is questionable, but that’s a discussion for another day. The costume itself isn’t the dealbreaker. After all, Starfire is only wearing slightly less clothing than your average Star Sapphire. No, it’s merely a small piece of what’s truly wrong here. The first thing Jason says when Starfire appears is to proudly announce to Roy that they’ve had sex. A few pages later, Kory jumps into bed with Roy, completely out of the blue. Now, if Tony Stark and Ollie Queen are allowed to sleep with whoever they want, then characters like She Hulk and Starfire should be able to as well. It’s an aspect of their character and doesn’t have to define them. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what does define Kory in this issue. Through an immense bit of retconning, here’s what Jason has to say about how Kory sees people around her: Turns out Tamaraneans don’t see humans as much more than sights and smells. And they have a terribly short attention span about all things Earth. Seriously, when you get a chance, ask her about the gang you used to hang with. As it turns out, Starfire doesn’t remember anything about her time with the Titans, or even the Titans themselves. Dick Grayson, the man she almost married, means nothing to her. Due to this, she can sleep with whoever she wants with no repercussions or attachment. Congratulations, DC, you’ve given Starfire all the characterization of a blow-up doll. According to Bob Harras, Editor-in-Chief for DC Comics, the post-relaunch characters are “based on what’s most important to the character and what events have had an impact on their lives.” (Source) So, by that thinking, all her character development, the friendships and romances she’s developed over the years, obviously aren’t important to her character. Her ability to fight crime in pasties and have sex with whoever she wants is. This is a problem. Not only is this comic nothing more than macho-fantasy wish fulfillment garbage, it’s poorly-written garbage. I will admit, there’s one line of dialog I absolutely loved. Jason tells Roy, “The only reason I’m here is ’cause if anything happens to you, that would make me the worst former sidekick ever.” Nobody wants to be Speedy. Sadly, any good will earned by that bit is promptly lost on the very next panel, when Roy exclaims “TANKS!” and Jason responds with “Don’t mention it.” Boo. Terrible puns may be one thing, but I lost count of all the double entendres in this issue, between all the thinly-veiled references to breasts and genitalia. It’s immature, unnecessary and, unfortunately, a perfect fit for this comic. The art is a mess. It’s obvious 90% of the effort in drawing this issue was dedicated to making Starfire look as attractive as possible, complete with ridiculous pin-up poses. The remaining 10% was sketching everything else in at the last minute. No thanks. Again, there are bits of a fun comic in here that I would give a chance under different circumstances. However, after reading this issue, I find myself less entertained than insulted. At least now we know the reason for Jason’s “situation” on the cover for Issue 2: Red Hood and the Outlaws Issue 1 DC Comics Story: Scott Lobdell Art: Kenneth Rocafort...

Episode 044: The New Big Boys of DC

Episode 044: The New Big Boys of DC

What an awesome week to discuss comic books, with the relaunch of two of DC’s biggest titles; Action Comics and Detective Comics. That said, our opinions weren’t all favorable. Also discussed (er, bitched about) was Justice League International #1. Regarding the sock puppet discussion: During our recording of this week’s For The Lore podcast, Vince was discussing socketing in a game, and I, being fairly well medicated and loopy, took my socks off, switched the broadcast to the camera on my laptop, and began what can only be described as the most awesome sock puppet theatre display in history. There was much laughter, though not from Vince. Discussion Justice League International #1 Detective Comics #1 Action Comics #1 What We’re Reading Vince: Animal Man, Swamp Thing, Men of War Roger: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New Releases Batman and Robin #1 Batwoman #1 Deathstroke #1 Demon Knights #1 Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 Green Lantern #1 Grifter #1 Legion Lost #1 Mister Terrific #1 Red Lanterns #1 Resurrection Man #1 Suicide Squad #1 Superboy #1 Scalped #52 Marvel Comics Amazing Spider-Man #669 Criminal: The Last of the Innocent #4 Fear Itself #6 Ghost Rider #3 Journey into Mystery #627 New Avengers #16 Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 Uncanny X-Force #15 X-Men Legacy #255 Thanos Imperative TPB iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Episode 043: Kung Fu Spider

Episode 043: Kung Fu Spider

This week’s episode was supposed to remain on track… however both Vince and I couldn’t contain our chattier selves with the topics; Spider Island, the end of Flashpoint and the start of DC’s relaunch with Justice League #1. Long, but fantastic episode. Discussion Spider Island -Amazing Spider-Man #667 & 668 -Cloak and Dagger -Spider-Girl -Deadly Hands of Kung Fu -Deadly Foes -Venom #6 Flashpoint #5 Justice League #1 What We’re Reading Vince: Incredible Hulks #635 Roger: New Releases DC Action Comics #1 Animal Man #1 Batgirl #1 Batwing #1 Detective Comics #1 Green Arrow #1 Hawk & Dove #1 Justice League International #1 Men of War #1 O.M.A.C. #1 Static Shock #1 Stormwatch #1 Swamp Thing #1 Marvel Heroes for Hire #11 Hulk #40 New Avengers Annual #1 Punisher #3 Spider Island: Avengers Spider Island Thunderbolts #163 Wolverine #15 X-Men #17 Other Irredeemable #29 (BOOM!) Morning Glories #12 (Image) iTunes | RSS feed If you enjoy the show, please make certain to stop by iTunes and leave us a review!...

Comic of the Week (5/11/11) – Grab Bag #3

Comic of the Week (5/11/11) – Grab Bag #3

Another Grab Bag, looking at three comics taking things in new directions. Flashpoint #1 by Geoff Johns & Andy Kubert, Journey into Mystery #623 by Kieron Gillen & Doug Braithwaite and New Mutants #25 by Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning & Leandro Fernandez....

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