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Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Captain America: The Winter Soldier Movie Review (NO SPOILERS!)

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captainamerica8

Winter is coming….FOR CAPTAIN AMERICA!!!!

HEY! HEY YOU! YEA YOU! YOU JERK! How are you today? I’m not bad, but I could be better. More bummed out, if anything. Why and I bummed out? Well, I missed out on the Captain America: The Winter Soldier review on TDCRS yesterday! I mean, I’m the comic book nerd! It’s pretty much mandatory for me to show up at some point! Now, I don’t blame Dan or the gang. I was work tired, which means I was tired from my regular job, and decided to just nap the day away. I don’t normally take naps, because of their evil powers to take the days away from us, but I couldn’t resist my bed. Thus, I missed out on calling in to spew my thoughts on Cap 2.

Thankfully, for those who care enough, I do movie reviews on YouTube all the time! Especially when it comes to comic book films. Long story short, I reviewed Captain America: The Winter Soldier! That’s right! So, if you were equally as bummed out because you didn’t hear me talk Cap…then this should just make your day! You know, I gotta get Dan and the crew on one of my videos. That would be pretty sweet! I have no clue what we would talk about. Obviously something movie related, for sure. In fact, I think it would be a live video. That would be pretty awesome. Some day….some day. Anyway, if you want to hear my take on Captain America: The Winter Soldier, just click the pic above! That will take you directly to the video on YouTube! ALSO, if you like what you see, go ahead and click that beautiful subscribe button. LATER!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Punk Rock Jesus Review! (COMICS!)

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PRJ

Behold! The second coming of…Jesus Christ?

Religion. One of the biggest and most controversial subjects out there. There are a lot of Religions in our world, and everyone believe’s in a different one. Some people are Christians, some are Catholic, some are Jewish, and the list goes on. However, the one thing people avoid speaking of when it comes to Religion? The lack of it. That’s Right! I’m talking about Atheism. For many people, especially Americans, Atheism is incredibly taboo. It’s a subject so unspeakable for some, that any person who follows Atheism is just as taboo. Now, Atheism is a subject you normally see discussed in non-fiction novels, in news reports on the Today show, or Real Time with Bill Maher. So, Who would’ve thought it would be tackled in a comic book?

The comic in question is an amazing limited series from Vertigo called Punk Rock Jesus. Set in the not so distant future, Punk Rock Jesus tell’s a very different version of the second coming of Jesus Christ. In this version, the Shroud of Turin, believed to have been used in the burial of Jesus, is used by scientists to a clone the son of God. Once this happens, a reality TV show called J2 is produced to show the clone go from a bouncing baby boy performing “miracles” to a young atheist teenager. Yes, you read that correctly! The clone of Jesus becomes, spoiler alert, an Atheist. In fact, he becomes the voice of Atheism. He spreads the word just as the original Jesus spread the word of God, but in a more…punk rock way. Hence the title of the series.

The comic was created by one of my favorite comic artists, Sean Murphy. Murphy, whom normally just draws comics, decided to give writing a go. What he came up with has become one of my all time favorite comic series ever made. One thing that I truly love about this book are the characters. All the characters in this book are spectacular. My favorite is probably Thomas, whose the head of security of the island where J2 is filmed. While I don’t identify with him religiously, I relate more to the Jesus clone on that front, I found the character very compelling and completely badass! He’s this giant, brooding, Irish Catholic man with a somewhat dark past that we see unfold throughout the series.

Also, I loved that the story wasn’t preachy. Originally, Murphy had planned for the series to be a funnel, of sorts, for his atheistic rage. Doing that would have made the book feel very preachy, and turn off the reader. Thankfully, he was able to balance the themes out, and introduce grey areas in the story. Speaking of grey areas, the art in the book is the best! The artwork in PRJ, which is in beautiful black and white, is the best I’ve seen from Murphy. So stylized, and the layouts are astounding. Like previous comics Murphy has drawn, It was a challenge to turn the page. To look away from the beauty, if you will.

All this being said, the aspect I loved most about PRJ was the underground feel of it. The paper used, the lack of advertisements, the black and white art, all of it gave this book a really cool underground feel. Honestly, if this book were done in a more mainstream fashion, I think it would have lost something, or maybe wouldn’t have been as effective. Especially because the themes of this book are very anti-mainstream. In the end, Punk Rock Jesus is one of my all time favorites! I’m sure there will be some to find the series offensive or blasphemous, but I still BELIEVE everyone should check it out!

I give Punk Rock Jesus a 5 outta 5!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Wednesday Pick-Up Reviews! (COMICS!)

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Bat’s fighting Owls? Frankenstein hunts with a team of classic monsters? VAMPIRES?!?!…Must be new Comic Book Day!

Hello Everyone! Its your comic book nerd, Richard, here! Today is Wednesday, and that means new comics are out on the shelves, or ready to download for you digital folk! So, I’ve been contemplating whether or not I should do article’s like this where I review new comics I’ve picked up during the week. I’m trying it out, seeing what you all think! ANYWAYS! This week I went home with 6 books! American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #1, Batman #10, Batman and Robin #10, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #10, Green Lantern #10, and The Strain #5! Here are my reviews!

American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #1:

American Vampire is probably my favorite non-superhero comic right now, and it has been that way since the inception of the series. Not too long ago, the series had its first side series, Survival of the Fittest, tied into the big Ghost War arc. Now, tying into the new Blacklist arc, is a new side series called Lord of Nightmares. Lord of Nightmares is a sequel to Survival of the Fittest. It continues the story of Felicia Book, a former member of the Vassals of the Morning Star (a vampire hunting organization), trying to escape the life. This time, she is raising a child, the baby she saved in the last story, and living a family life. However, she gets a visit from Agent Hobbes, a key member of the Vassals, and he has some terrible news.

I gotta say, as usual, I really dug this issue! These side stories are always a nice way to expand the AV universe, and based on this issue…looks like s**t’s ’bout to go down, yall! Scott Snyder continues to make American Vampire the best of the best. On the art side of things, this new mini-series is drawn by the always fantastic Mr. Dustin Nguyen. His artwork is just fantastic to look at, and is a perfect fit for the series! That being said, there are some points when the art could have been a bit better. It wasn’t always consistent in style. However, still really enjoyed the artwork!

Final Score: 4.5/5

Batman #10:

Wow! Just wow! You know, one of the questions I asked early on was if Scott Snyder would be able to top his Black Mirror Batman story with his New 52 run on Batman. After reading this issue…The SOB did it! He f**king did it! Holy crap! This Court of the Owls story Scott’s been telling has been big, epic, touching, haunting, and now Its game changing! Its going to be sad to see it end when issue 11 comes out that’s for sure. I can see this issue, based on the big reveal towards the end, being the much discussed issue of the week. No question about it! I loved the way Scott finally revealed whom the mastermind behind the Court of Owls was. It started off like “I figured it was that person” then BAM! FYI, I’m trying so hard not to spoil it right now!

I will say, based on the reveal, Scott has been doing his Bat-homework! Like Grant Morrison, he puts an amazing spin on an already existing character. Fantastic! Artistically, Greg Capullo has been rocking this series since issue 1, but This is, by far, his best work! Half the time, when Batman appeared, I wanted to turn the pic into a poster for my wall! Also, there is a new part in the back-up story, Fall of the House of Wayne. since its inception, Its been a welcome addition to the Batman series. I’ve really been digging the tale, and how it enhances the main feature.

Final Score: 5/5

Batman and Robin #10:

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again…I find it strange that I hate the Batman and Robin movie, but I love The Dark Knight. On the comic book series side, I hate Batman: The Dark Knight, and I love Batman and Robin. Good move, DC…good move. Anyways, that love continues with this awesome new issue of Batman and Robin. This issue starts off with a brand new arc, showing off some of the more “scarred” criminal’s Batman has face. Also, the current Robin, Damien Wayne, is trying to prove he is the best Robin by challenging all the former Robins. Peter Tomasi continues to do an amazing job with this series. He struggled at first with the tone of Damien, but he is starting to get the hang of it! However, maybe he is getting too comfy with it.

As much as I loved this issue, I kind of felt Damien was going back to his old self. The huge brat that made Jason Todd look decent, you know? Thankfully, old Damien didn’t appear much. I guess it really only shows when he is near Tim Drake, I don’t know. I just don’t want A-hole Damien, I guess. The story, in general, seems to be building up to something pretty big. So, that alone really excites me. Art wise, Patrick Gleason is fantastic! His work is so spot on, detailed, and high quality. It never ceases to amaze me. I, especially, love the way he draws action. Very dynamic and stylized!

Final Score: 4/5

Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #10:

So, I’ve been pretty positive in the past three reviews, but that is about to change, sadly. Now, I’m not saying this is a bad issue, but I am saying its missing the spark it used to have. This was a strong fear I had for this series. Jeff Lemire recently Left the series to go and write Justice League DARK. Matt Kindt has now taken over, and it shows. Now, this issue still sports the fun zaniness of the previous issues, but It just…feels like it lost its spark. As I was reading, it felt like creative ideas were there, but were just generically executed. I don’t know, really. This is a head scratchier. I’ll probably give it one more issue, but I have a feeling I’ll be saying bye-bye to Frankenstein from DC.

Final Score: 3/5

Green Lantern #10:

Geoff Johns + Green Lantern will always = genius! That’s 100% the case with his latest issue! The newest issue concludes the Indigo Tribe arc, and What a fun conclusion it was. I, sadly, didn’t get to experience John’s previous GL titles when they were being released, but I’ve always heard good things. Now, I’m actually getting that experience, and I’ve loved every second of it. What I love most about this new series is the buddy-cop type story Johns tells with Hal Jordan and Sinestro. However, like AV this week, the cliffhanger at the end might indicate the best has yet to come! The art in the series has also blown me away! Doug Mahnke has always been a favorite of mine, especially his work on The Mask, and every time I see his art…Man, it just blows me away! The downside to this issue, was that it felt like it ended kind of quickly. Kind of rushed, if you will. It could just be me, but that’s how I feel.

Final Score: 4/5

The Strain #5:

FINALLY! Its taken this issue forever to come out, huh? Normally, when a book is delayed this badly, You can’t help but expect s**t. However, This new issue was able to break that stereotype because I really liked it! This series has put a really awesome spin on a classic mythological creature. I have the first book of the novel series as well, but I’ve yet to read it. Because of this, I don’t know 100% if this comic book is truly an amazing adaptation.

That being said, I really feel the comic has captured the way I imagine the book, if that makes sense. The book, not the comic, is written by Guillermo Del Toro, and every time I look at the art and writing, It just feels like I’m watching one of Del Toro’s movies. What I love most about this current Issue was the look into Abraham’s life before the present. Hes been an interesting character since issue #1, and now we get a nice glimpse into his past.

Final Score: 4/5

So there you go, My short reviews of all my books of the week! In the comment section below, Tell me what books you got this week! Also, which one was your favorite! Also, Tell me what you think of this kind of article. It is quite long, but I liked doing it. Can it be a thing? That’s all up to you! Bye now!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

New Dark Knight Rises Trailer Attached to The Avengers!!! (COMICS!)

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With The Avengers coming to theaters literally a week from today, how could life get any sweeter? Well, what about if a new Dark Knight Rises trailer was attached to the film?

Yes! This is indeed true! Warner Bros. announced earlier last week that a new trailer for The Dark Knight Rises will be attached to The Avengers, and that is awesome! When I heard this news, my mind exploded and a mushroom cloud of brain goop covered the skies. The cloud then transformed into a likeness of my head and screamed “AWESOME!!!!!” at the top of its non existent lungs. Yes, I am aware I have an over active imagination, you don’t need to tell me. Anyways, In the latest episode of COMICS! I discuss this very topic! Also, Carter and I review some of the latest and greatest coming out from the indie world of comic books! Click the picture to watch the latest episode, and don’t forget to subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube to see the latest episodes of COMICS! Enjoy!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Joss Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men: Gifted Review

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Isn’t it funny that the first comic I review is from Marvel and not DC? or is it just me?

Anyways, today I received an amazing new comic in the mail. The comic in question is called Astonishing X-Men. Astonishing X-Men is one of many titles from Marvel that follow the mutant team. The series started in 2004 with the story arc called “Gifted” written by Joss Whedon with art by John Cassaday, which I am reviewing right now! Gifted, which is what the third X-Men film is loosely based on upon, tells the story of this geneticist who has just found the cure for mutation. When the X-Men find out about this they don’t see it as a blessing. Well…most of them don’t. Eventually, on the quest to stop the cure, The X-Men uncover the truth behind this cure and its true purpose.

I can’t begin to describe how in love I am with this series so far. The art is fantastically detailed, and the writing is what you’d expect from Whedon: pure brilliance. Recently, I’ve finally been discovering Joss Whedon’s work because I was curious who he was and why everyone is in love with his work. Also, he is the writer/director of the new Avengers movie coming out in a few months. So, that was the spark that started the flame essentially. Nowadays, I am a huge Whedon fan! I’m currently in the process of watching Dollhouse!

Anyways, when I heard Whedon had written an entire X-Men series, I knew I had to acquire it. Whedon’s writing of the series is, as I’ve stated, pure brilliance. His dialog is hilarious, clever, and dramatic all at the same time. He seems to have a great handle on the characters. I also loved that the team in the book is smaller then normal. there is only 6 members of the X-Men present. With the small number of characters used, Whedon gets the chance to have each one shine brightly. My favorite character in the book is Beast. He has always been a favorite X-Men of mine, behind Nightcrawler, and Whedon writes him so wonderfully.

I also love the way Whedon writes the story. Its basically an engaging summer blockbuster. However, the most interesting thing I found in the book wasn’t the story, but a single character. The character is an original creation called the Ord. Why did I find him interesting, you ask? Well, As you know, one of the biggest mysteries about Whedon’s Avengers movie is whom the alien race is that’s working with Loki. Many have guessed either Skrull or Kree, but both have been denied by Whedon. Nowadays, Its rumored that the aliens in the film are called the Ord. So, my question is: Are the two one in the same, or just a really really really strange coincidence? I guess we won’t find out until May 4th with the film hits theaters.

Anyways, the artwork, by John Cassaday, Is just amazing. Its highly detailed, beautifully drawn, and the characters truly seem to come to life. At times, I found Cassaday’s work similar to Brian Bolland from The Killing Joke. My favorite piece is a two page splash featuring Wolverine being thrown towards the sky. Overall, I’m already loving this book based on the first arc, and its getting me excited for Whedon’s Avengers flick. The best part of it all? There is more from Whedon and Cassaday for me to read! YAY!

10/10

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Abraham Lincoln…Vampire Hunter??? (COMICS!)

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So it is finally President’s Day, and what better way to celebrate then with vampire hunting?

In case you didn’t see, there is a new movie coming out called Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Its based on a book that tells the secret life of Abraham Lincoln. Apparently, when Ol’ Honest Abe wasn’t running the country he was hunting down those damned creatures of the night. Normally on COMICS! we don’t talk about movies that aren’t based on comic books, but i couldn’t help it! Plus, the trailer looks like the story is based on a comic, don’t it? Click on the picture to checkout the latest episode of COMICS! where we review the newest Trailer, and some new books from DC and Marvel! Enjoy!