This Just In: Captain America: Not Dead.

Which is kind of lame, especially since his "death" (and I say that with the possibility that it'll turn out he never died in the first place) gave the comic title a real shot in the arm and drew it a lot of outside attention. Heck, Stephen Colbert still has the shield he was given as per Cap's will hanging on the wall of his set.

Not that I ever expected them to keep Captain America dead for any great length of time, but bringing him back barely two years after they killed him off in the first place is... well, it's kind of a joke on how comic book characters keep coming back to life and is going to cheese off a lot of folks who were drawn in because of his death and the direction the book took, and folks like me who kind of like Bucky as Captain America.

Plus wouldn't something other than the totally expected "surprise announcement" have been fun? Seems like all of the build-up and hub-bub called for it. I wonder what this'll do to the value of the issue he died in. Not that I'm that kind of person, but I paid 15 bucks for the bloody thing.

News care of the New York Daily News.

My "Best Of", Vol. 1

So I was reading a few "best of" lists, and seeing a few things I've quite enjoyed over the years pop up got me thinking about a few of my own personal "best ofs". So, assuming my tastes are as valued by an anonymous reader as they are by myself, here's a list of comic books that were I stranded on the deserted island and not driven to madness through a lack of nourishment and exposure to the sun, I'd be content re-reading until being rescued at some later date.

Deadpool (volume three) #1-25, by Joe Kelly, Ed McGuinness, Pete Woods, Walter McDaniel, and others

I'm thrilled that Marvel Comics has finally gotten around to collecting this run, since it's pretty much the gold standard of comic book serialized storytelling for me. Not only did writer Joe Kelly and artists Ed McGuinness, Pete Woods, and Walter McDaniel define Deadpool so effectively that the character has remained a headlining title character since this series began back in late 1996, but they told a story that rivals the best of TV's long-form storytelling back before it was the norm for TV or comics. And the best thing is they did without the slightest hint that it was the plan all along, or without compromising Deadpool's character, a feat all the more impressive when you realize the story ended with Deadpool saving the world from an other-worldly "menace" (curious what I mean, then read the books). The upswing in Deadpool's popularity thanks to his well-received current series and appearance in the Wolverine film has given Marvel a perfect opportunity to get around to reprinting the entire run (preferably in their popular omnibus format), especially since the last collection ended just shy of the acclaimed and as-yet unprinted eleventh issue that "inserted" Deadpool into an old issue of Spider-Man. Either way, it's great that folks are checking out these old issues through the reprints or original issues, since it's worthy of the attention.

X-Force (volume one) #116-129, by Peter Milligan, Mike Allred, and others

I've written about the Milligan-Allred X-Force before so sorry if I'm repeating myself, but these issues are so subversively brilliant that I can say enough good things about them. Sold as a media satire told through superheroes with Peter Milligan's razor-sharp wit and the old-school style of Mike Allred, the brilliance of this run for me was how strongly I felt toward the characters by the final issue. As their layers were peeled back during the highly enjoyable run, the fact that the characters that seemed shallow and self-involved were as fully realized as any character I've ever seen elevated the series to a special place, and made me kick myself for not following the run more regularly as it was first coming out (I stopped four issues in, only coming back to the series after seeing the cast profiled in Marvel's Handbook series). The run continued for an additional twenty-five issues as X-Statix, but these first fourteen are the cream of the crop for me (admittedly because of the death of one of the leads at the end of this series, a character whose absence was so keenly felt that the first year of X-Statix devoted two issues to the character, as though to admit the creative team was as aware of the void as the readership was).

Well, that's the first part of my "Best Of". I'll add the rest of my ramblings soon.

Things I Kind of Wish Were Still Around: Volume One

I can't remember how or why this popped into my head just now, but the more I remember Marvel Comics' X-Force/X-Statix, the more I wish they were still around in some capacity.

Honestly though, there's an appeal to something that ends after a good sized run of stories over a handful of years. X-Force/X-Statix ran regularly for three years and forty issues from 2001 through 2004, with an additional five issues in 2006; not a bad run by any stretch, and not unlike the brief runs of other things I've enjoyed (The Office, Arrested Development, Veronica Mars, Justice League Unlimited). That's not to say I enjoyed the run as it was coming out, not entirely -- while I followed the early issues of X-Force based on the previews of Mike Allred's artwork, I stopped following the series with #119. Not because of the quality of the titles, but mostly because I started my first year of college and kept mostly to series I'd been following for more than four issues in lieu of ridiculous expenses. Over the next few years I kept up with the series through the odd issue discovered in dollar bins, finding about five or six that way.

It wasn't until the release of the 2006 five issue limited series X-Statix: Deadgirl and the various character profiles in the monthly Marvel Handbooks out at the time, that my fondness for the series was stirred full-on. I started with the second volume of X-Force, figuring that since I'd read all but one of the issues in the first volume I was fine (I should add for folks curious, that the whole run started with issue #116 of X-Force, ending with issue #129, and then relaunching with #1 of X-Statix for another 26 issues). Thankfully once I'd finally tracked down a copy of the out-of-print first volume I found a nice twist at the end of the missing issue. From there I started buying up X-Statix volumes, finding all but the third which introduced a Princess Diana analogue intended to have been the real-deal until Marvel got squeamish (and, if allegations are true, it was this bit of business that upset the X-Statix boat and lead to the end of the run).

The bright side though to a run being cut short like that in mid-stream is that it doesn't run the risk of growing stale or repetitive, and because it was contained to a few years it usually hasn't gone off in different directions and tangents with new characters (usually at the expense of older characters) and reads or watches more like a novel. And because the run was so short it's easier to review the whole thing in one go over a few days or a week, the long-form equivalent of a single-sitting, I suppose.

(It's at this point I pause to caution that, while reviewing this posting before hitting the "publish" button, I noticed a few spoilers below, so if you haven't read the series or if it's been long enough that some of the story bits aren't widely known, I advise against continuing, at least until the last image.)

Peter Milligan and Mike Allred crafted a remarkable series that was set in Marvel Comics Universe but fit into it's own little corner, only touching lightly on events or situations happening concurrently (while similarly being seldom referred to during to during said events or situations outside of the rare group-shot or handbook). Sure the "high-concept" take on the book was superheroes-as-celebrities, but the big appeal was in the characters. The four leads -- the Orphan, the Anarchist, U-Go Girl (who, despite having died at the end of the first major arc, continued to factor heavily into the series), and Doop, quite possibly Marvel Comics most ingenious creation: A mutant potato with it's own language and power on-par with the Mighty Thor. It's understandable that X-Force/X-Statix has been pretty much kept to the side of things when one of it's leads bears that kind of character description, but come on -- that's bloody brilliant. One of my favorite call-backs to the series in Marvel's similarly clever but more successful series Runaways is the Doop doll owned by one of the leads. I could give or take the X-Men story by Milligan that brought back Doop because of how oblique the whole thing was though.

Sadly the whole X-Force/X-Statix series is out of print. I really wish they'd revisit it down the line since the run stands as one of my favorites and, like myself, I'm sure Marvel would find new fans for the series who missed out the first time. It's really an example of comic book perfection for me. Not to say it doesn't falter or that the quality is consistently top-notch, but it's emensly enjoyable and ultimately satisfying -- even the Deadgirl series, which is a nice coda for the run, wrapped up in a engaging bit of story in it's own right. If you, dear reader, are lucky enough to find either the issues are collected editions, I heartily recommend snapping them up, since you're in for a treat.

And that's the story of something I kind of wish was still around (but it'd be fine that it isn't, so long as the books were still in print).

Declarative Jack Sez:

Reflective Thoughts on 2008

As I look back at the past year and the experiences that have shaped my life and current direction, my mind focuses on a select few I thought I'd share as 2008 comes to a close.

Although several of my favorite television programs were canceled this past year, I'm still pleased that Chuck hasn't been axed yet.

I've finally lived up to one of my perpetual resolutions and got out to the movies quite a bit this past year. Looking back, I suspect that had more to do with the number of interesting movies released more than a general desire to get out to the show, however.

As I wear my new pair of glasses with my updated prescription lenses, I begin to realize how much I must've been squinting when watching TV or movies with my old pair.

I've updated my list of fake names to include "Funky Buckwald" and "Dr. Quincy R. Mason", putting my total at five fake names to hold onto when the situation calls for it.

I still haven't gotten sick of Coke Zero, egg salad sandwiches, four cheese Bistro Crustinis, and fruit and yogurt bowls, despite the frequency with which I enjoy those food items.

I've unexpectedly found myself attracted to my barber, a comely young woman with a fondness for dyeing her hair and tattooing her hips. I think, more than all of the other indications offered throughout the year, that the fact I considered asking her out a sign that my troubles with depression are improving. And thanks to the wonders of the internet I was able to discover she's (sadly) currently attached, sparing me the embarrassment of asking her out and making things awkward, especially since she's 'almost' got my haircut right. If only that technology were around when I was in high school.

And then the obligatory ten ten list...

My favorite comic books of the past year (in no particular order):

True Believers (five issues, Marvel Comics)
Green Arrow/Black Canary (twelve issues, DC Comics)
Justice League of America (twelve issues, DC Comics)
Amazing Spider-Girl (twelve issues, Marvel Comics)
Captain America (twelve issues, Marvel Comics)
Avengers: The Initiative (twelve issues, Marvel Comics)
Shadowpact (five issues, DC Comics)
Captain Britain and MI13 (eight issues, Marvel Comics)
Ghost Rider (twelve issues, Marvel Comics)
Blue Beetle (twelve issues, DC Comics)

Hard to say which is my favorite of the lot, but there they are. Not to say I haven't also enjoyed X-Force, the Flash, Vixen, I Hate Gallant Girl, Manhunter, or any of the other series I regularly followed, but those are the ten that spring to mind when I'm thinking of titles I particularly enjoyed or put at the top of my reading pile.

And with that I conclude my personal year-in-review. Are there other things worth noting? Perhaps. An exciting story there, the fact I might be a published author under one of my fake names, the numerous games of online scrabble and wordscraper, the comfort and affordability of the Klobo... but what's the fun in boring you, humble reader, with minutia (however nice the Klobo's turned out to be). Here's to a decent year and the hope that the next will be better yet, and the fact I can finally get around to using two of my favorite seasonal jokes -- saying "wait 'til next year" on January 1st, and toasting to "peace on earth" just as an attractive woman walks by and saying "piece of that fine ass". Slightly crude, true, but amusing to me, no matter how often I pull that old chestnut out.

See you for now, and have a happy new year.

Aw rats...

She-Hulk's been canceled too. Which is another kick in the head. I've never understood why She-Hulk didn't catch on -- I mean, it's everything you like about regular Hulk, but with breasts!

In any event it's a shame, since the writing and artwork have been really clicking lately. At least it made it to it's fiftieth issue (the final one being #38, combined with the previous volume of twelve issues that immediately preceded this run).

Why, all these comic book cancellations have made me...

My Favorite Song, and a Few Observations

Here's a couple of youtube clips featuring my absolutely favorite song, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". My favorite version is by the Shirelles, but some of the other versions --particularly the one by Dusty Springfield (who, for years, I'd assumed was a man) -- are pretty good. But before we get to that, here are the aforementioned observations.

I voted in the election held a short time ago. For anyone outside Canada, you vote for your local MP (Member of Parliament) and the party with the most MPs has it's leader elected Prime Minister. Needless to say, this is the fifth election I've voted in, and since my candidate didn't win, my success rate is 1-4.

I've been thinking about throwing a US election night party, but there are two things holding me back from going forward with it: 1) I doubt I'd be able to keep my friends focused on the election coverage and we'd just wind up playing Mario Kart and NFL 09 like we do every other time we get together, and 2) if McCain wins I am going to be awfully cheesed off, which won't be fun for anyone. Still, it could be fun I suppose.

The price of Marvel Comics in Canada went up 50 cents last week, and DC is likely to follow suit soon too. My local comic shop has already raised the price of DC titles to match Marvel because they're losing too much at the current prices. A bit of a kick in the head, but it's not too bad since I get a pretty good discount as a regular customer. And since four of the titles I follow have been cancelled (Amazing Spider-Girl, Checkmate, The Flash, and Manhunter), the timing works out. Unfortunately though, since I really like Spider-Girl, the Flash, and Manhunter. Checkmate I was probably going to drop anyway. I shudder to think what it's going to be if Marvel raises the prices in the US. I'd really come to believe that a $4.25 comic was a thing of the past.

Anyway, onto the music:

The Shirelles:

Amy Winehouse:

Carole King:

Elton John:

Dusty Springfield:

Brenda Lee:

The Bee Gees:

Cilla Black:

Rainbow:

Four Things About the Sub-Mariner...

1. I'm glad he's started appearing more often in the black pants with black open shirt outfit (pictured above), as opposed to the green trunks (see #3).

2. The pronunciation of 'Sub-Mariner' as 'Sub-Mareener' in that awful Captain America movie gets on my nerves, something awful.

3. I'm surprised Marvel's never tried to give him a boy sidekick named "Subby". Seems a natural.

4. I passed by that guy dressed as the Sub-Mariner at the Toronto Fan Expo last weekend, and I don't know if it shows in the photos, but those shorts were really tight.

Hi there.

Sorry for the lack of posts but I've been busy. A got a bookcase; I saw one at Staples a little while back and finally got up there to get it. It's pretty sharp, and was on sale too. Not big news, but it's a great looking shelf all the same.

Haven't seen Indiana Jones yet. Might go to see it sometime, but I think I'd have to go with someone else. I've got to be honest, I'm just not feeling the hype about the Indiana Jones movie. Sure I liked Raider of the Lost Ark, I mean, who didn't? And I have fond memories of watching Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade with my Mom as a child. I don't know though... It just doesn't feel like the must-see movie pheomenon that people seem to think it is. But like I said, I'll probably wind up seeing it in theaters, but only if someone else is going to see it.

Former Minnesota governor was on the Colbert Report about a month ago, promoting his new book adorned with the familiar image of him, you know, that whole neatly bald, mustached, pro-wrestler thing.

That was an older picture since he currently has scraggly hair, no mustache, and is looking pretty paunchy and old. The interview wasn't that great either, since he doesn't seem to have a sense of humor, although Colbert was able to get a rise out of him partway through the interview. But anyway, point is, he seemed a little out of touch and nutty. Then I read this quote from him from Thursday night's "Verdict":

"Well, first of all, I made a statement when I was governor and stand by it today. Love is bigger than government. Who the hell are we as a government to tell people who you can fall in love with? I think it‘s absurd that fact it‘s even being debated."

The man might be a little out there, but damned if he isn't right on the mark there. I'd written him off after the Colbert Interview, but I'm rethinking that.

Final Crisis #1 is out tomorrow and I've got to be honest -- not too excited about this storyline, at least not the same kind of excitement I felt for Marvel's summer crossover, Secret Invasion. Probably has more to do with the whole Countdown debacle that dragged on and on and didn't really go anywhere, the deaths of all the New God characters (all of whom, apparently, are returning in Final Crisis), and the fact that there's characters resembling the New God versions from Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers thing running around the DC universe which I find totally confusing. I'm hoping the first issue gets me really jazzed on this series, since I'm not feeling it right now. I still plan on checking it out and getting every issue for the Grant Morrison writing and the J.G Jones artwork (even if rumor has it there'll be fill-ins down the line).

That's about everything on my mind at the moment. I'll probably check in someone soon and ramble a bit

Stick People Comic Reviews: Amazing Spider-Man #545

Here's a Stick Man look at Amazing Spider-Man #545:

Well, geez...

If the last few issues of Spider-Man weren't indication of the dissolution of Peter Parker and Mary Jane's twenty year marriage (which is, like, five years in comic time), this comment from writer J. Michael Straczynski seems to spell things out:

"In the current storyline, there's a lot that I don't agree with, and I made this very clear to everybody within shouting distance at Marvel, especially Joe. I'll be honest: there was a point where I made the decision, and told Joe, that I was going to take my name off the last two issues of the OMD arc."

Thanks, I guess, to the Comics Should be Good guys to pointing this out.

I don't know... I liked them as a married couple. Guess there were enough higher-ups at Marvel who felt otherwise though.

Hi there.

Hi. Hope everyone had a good Halloween. I was hoping to actually do something last night, but my semi-plans fell through. I guess the fact my pumpkin imploded when I was getting ready to carve it implied my Halloween would be about much fun as the last nine New Years. Pleasant, but woefully uneventful.

Anyway, I'm contributing to the Marvel Appendix website and my latest profile should be on the site in the next day or two. Don't think I've mention it in the blog so far, but figured I ought to lieu of having anything more recent to write about.

http://www.marvunapp.com

Edit: Turns out I mentioned it, not a week earlier. Whoops?

Happy Halloween

Jack O'Lantern Sez:

Happy Halloween.

Marvel Delays "One More Day"

So, Marvel's issued a press release today, announcing a second set of delays to the story that's going to "shake Spider-Man's foundation to the core!™"

The books were supposed to come out weekly in August, with the final issue in the first week of September. Then the first weeks of September, October, November and December. Now the final two issues are set to arrive the last weeks of November and December. I'd like to think this would be the last delay, but I wouldn't be surprised if the last issue came out next year.


At least the fan commentary on a book that artist and Marvel editor-in-chief Joe Quesada touted earlier in the year as coming along nicely has made up for having to wait another month for the next part.

Here's probably the best thing I've heard on the subject: "It's also not lost on me that because of this crossover and its delays, there will be two months with only one Spider-Man title out there for me to sell instead of just the one. If they had kept Sensational and Friendly alive during this event then we could at least be selling those."

Read more here.

Hi there.

I was writing a long post about what I'm watching on TV nowadays, and it got erased. Still figured I'd leave something here since I haven't written a good post in a little while. I guess I point was a lot of my favorite shows are off the air now -- Arrested Development, Alias, Stella, Justice League Unlimited, and Veronica Mars, for example -- and, amid much apprehension, I was able to find a quartet of new series -- Chuck, Pushing Daisies, Bionic Woman, and Dirty Sexy Money -- to ably fill the void.

And let me tell you, it was a really great post. And long too. I was barely half way through, and we're talking like, six paragraphs. A real kick the balls, is what that is. Oh well.

By the way, I don't know if I mentioned I'm now a writer for the Marvel Appendix website, having contributed two profiles so far, with two waiting to be added. The site is run by one of the guys who handles the Official Marvel Universe Handbooks for Marvel, and some of the contributors to the site have also written for the books, so it's a little daunting and nerve-wracking, but I'm enjoying it. I mean, they haven't said my stuff sucks so far, which, you know, is a good thing.

Anyway, here's a funny picture for some additional filler. Bye for now, then.

I've Never Heard of Fabio Laguna...

...But the man sure ripped Jim Lee off a lot.


There's more at this great blog, the swipe file. It's in Spanish and I have no idea how often it updates, but it's really surprising how many artists got work in the 90s by literally ripping-off the popular artists of the day and how many of them haven't been heard of since then. Except for Roger Cruz. Must've been hard for him when Joe Madureira went into semi-retirement.

Check out the Swipe of the Week