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Comics! With Richard and Carter

Batman #17 Review!! (COMICS!)

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Joker

You ever dance with the Devil by the pale moon light?

Hello! This is your fellow inmate of Arkham Asylum, Richard, here! Today…I present to you a one take review of the conclusion to one of the best Joker tale’s I’ve read since The Killing Joke: Death of the Family! Death of the Family was a big Joker event that took place in all the main Bat books from DC Comics, recently. While the event itself has faced some severe criticism from fans and critics alike, the main story line in Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman run has received anything but. Especially from me! I’ve been loving the story, but does the conclusion continue the level of genius featured in the previous issues? Well…to find out what I thought, click on the picture above. It will take you directly to my review! Also, if you wanna see more videos, subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! I’d really appreciate it! Enjoy the video! 🙂

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Agent Coulson Lives!! (COMICS!)

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Agent-Phil-Coulsonlives

WARNING! Avengers spoilers ahead! Actually, is an Avenger spoiler warning even necessary?

HELLO EVERYONE! Welcome to my first post of 2013! I’m incredibly excited for all this year has to offer. Especially because there are a ton of great looking new comic series starting this year! So excited! Anyways, today’s post is all about one man…no…one hero. His name…Is Agent Phil Coulson! As most of you know, Coulson is the glue that holds together the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

He quickly became a fan favorite character. So much so, that he is actually a part of the comics and Marvel animated shows like Ultimate Spider-Man. Now, based on this knowledge, how do you think fans reacted when Coulson died in The Avengers? It was an incredibly sad, but necessary, moment in the film. Coulson’s death was what brought The Avengers, officially, together so they can defeat Loki and his evil alien army!

Now, in case you weren’t aware, whenever someone dies in a comic book (like a major beloved character) they usually will come back from the death within a year or so. This is something that bothers me about comics. Death is meaningless, and point less. Granted, a character death can be done well (Captain America, Batman) but usually it’s just annoying (Superman, Human Torch) when it happens. The Avengers, and the MCU, have been quite faithful to the source material…now It looks like they are being too faithful. Why? Agent Phil Coulson, once thought dead, is actually alive and well!

How is this possible? Well, checkout the latest episode of COMICS! to find out! Also, in the new episode, I talk about the comic book movies that totally got snubbed by the Oscars! THE DARK KNIGHT RISES DESERVED SEVERAL AWARDS, DARN IT! Also, I review a brand new Star Wars comic EVERYONE should check out! As usual, click on the picture above to watch the newest episode of COMICS! Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to Channel23hahaha for more COMICS! and anything else I upload!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Django Unchained #1 Review (COMICS!)

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“What’s yer name?” “…Django. D-J-A-N-G-O….The D is silent.”

Howdy, folks! This is your bounty hunter from another mother, Richard, here! Today, I present to you a comic book review! However, this is not just some regular comic review where I chit chat about Batman’s latest adventure in Gotham City. No…This is a review of a comic book adaptation of a Quentin Tarantino film script! Specifically, his original script for his latest film: Django Unchained! OH MY GOD! That is freaking awesome, peeps! This is not something you usually see in comics. Also, what’s really exciting about this is the comic series will be a straight adaptation of the ENTIRE script.

This means that if there is something in the script that didn’t make it to film, it’s probably in the comic! The first issue was released today, and I’m loving it, in case you can’t tell. I will say this, if you don’t want to be spoiled in anyway…AVOID THIS COMIC! Once again, It’s a direct adaptation of the script. So, avoid it, or wait until the film comes out to pick up issue one.

Anyways, Issue one starts off with a group of slaves being escorted to possibly another location to continue their unfortunate slavery. During their journey, The slaves and slavers meet a dentist named Dr. King Schultz. They also meet his horse, Fritz. Schultz is looking for a particular slave that he believes is among the group. As expected, that very slave is among the group, and his name is…Django. Schultz attempts to acquire the slave by politely purchasing him, but the slavers won’t budge. Instead, Schultz is forced to aggressively purchase Django. Schultz and Django then ride to the nearest town to chat about why this has all happened. Apparently, Schultz is actually a bounty hunter looking for some people Django might know. So, he enlists Django to help find these people, and kill them.

First off, I’m so glad this is a direct adaptation of Tarantino’s script. I don’t think there is a single writer out there who could have done a Tarantino script justice. Especially in the dialog. Tarantino dialog is always rough, witty, and fun all at the same time. That’s probably why I hate most film adapted comics. The writers can never really capture the voice of the story or the screenwriter. I will say, the dialog does get a bit wordy at times. Even more so when Schultz is speaking, which is most of the time. That being said, if it were bad dialog, then it would be an issue. Thankfully, the dialog is amazing, and totally fun to read.

But! This is something I expect from Tarantino! I know he is going to wow me when it comes to writing. The real thing to look at is the artwork. The artist on this comic is R.M. Guera. The art in the comic is very rugged, tough, dark and stylized. It’s a style that nicely fits the story. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, though. Some of the faces are a bit weird at times. Other then that, I really dig the artwork. It very much looks like a western comic. Overall, I’m very happy with the way this first issue turned out. Also, it was nice to get kind of an early peek at the first few moments in the film!

I give Django Unchained #1 4.5 gun shots outta 5! I realize half a gun shot is odd, but that’s my rating!

If you would like me to review the rest of the series as it comes out, tell me in the comments! Also, please subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! I’d really appreciate it!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

COMICS! Celebrates 100 Episodes This Week!!!

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Thanksgiving isn’t the only thing to celebrate this week…..and I’m not talking about Black Friday, kids!

HELLO EVERYONE! It’s your Nostalgic Avenger, Richard, here! Now, I’m am super duper excited right now! Why? Well, This week will see the release of the 100th episode of COMICS! AHHHHHHHHH! Holy s#!%, Batman! It’s real crazy that Carter and I have done that many episodes! 100 episodes ago, Carter and I were just two guys whom love comics, but couldn’t fully express it. Now, we expressed the crap outta ourselves every week. Not literally, of course…….ANYWAYS! So, we wanted to thank everyone for watching the show, and making it last as long as it has and wanting it to go on. Carter and I aren’t even close to finished making episodes, so It’s nice to see that some of you aren’t even close to being done watching! You are all the best! Now, to celebrate, Carter and I will be doing a LIVE episode of COMICS! on Sunday at 7pm EST. You heard correct! COMICS! will be live this week! Also, we will be answering questions those of you asked in the previous episode, which you can watch by clicking the photo! Ask us a question, and you can be apart of our live episode! Anyways, thanks again for watching! You are all amazing, and I love you! Here is to 100 more!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Dark Country Graphic Novel Review (COMICS!)

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Man, I love reading new comics! Especially horror/thrillers for Halloween!

Hey Y’all! It’s your zombified, vampirized, monster hunter named Richard, here! Now, do I have an interesting comic for you to check out! Now, 3 years ago, actor Thomas Jane I.E. the greatest on-screen version of The Punisher ever, directed his first film called Dark Country. It was more of an independent film that was based on a short story by the film’s screenwriter, Tab Murphy. The story followed a newlywed Vegas couple on the way to their honeymoon! However, things don’t really go as planned when they run into a man whose face is all but gone. They decide to help out this mysterious and faceless individual by taking him to get help. However, it turns out that not only is this man’s face disturbing, but so is the man himself! This leads to one hell of a horrifying and shocking night in the Nevada desert!

Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to view the film Jane directed yet, but I did find out that Jane, Tim Bradstreet, another guy who put his lovely stamp on the Marvel anti-hero, Tab Murphy, and artist Thomas Ott adapted the short story into a beautiful digital graphic novel! Which you can purchase on the comiXology app right now! Now, this graphic novel just floored me when I was reading it! Hell, it floored me when I was skimming through it! Ott’s artwork is simply beautiful! It’s artists like Ott whom have the ability to tell a story without a single word written on the page. Which is EXACTLY how this comic plays out!

I love silent issues of comic series, but It’s a tough thing to deliver, for sure. You need an artist capable enough to deliver what you’ve brought to the table. Ott, as mentioned, is without a single solitary doubt one of those very artists skillful enough to deliver a silent comic. His scratch board art style is so well used, and perfectly fits the tone of the story being told. It’s hard to compare it to other artists, mainly because no one else really does art like Ott!

Now, this graphic novel not only features Ott’s art, but it also has a few other goodies for you! First of all, the book is filled to the top with behind the scenes looks at the making of Thomas Jane’s film. From storyboards, make up work, call sheets, and so much more. You name it, it’s probably in there! Second, the Graphic Novel also comes with Tab Murphy’s original short story, WHICH I LOVED!

I really really enjoyed Murphy’s short because of the way he wrote it. He wrote it as if YOU are the main character. It’s not a story style you see everyday. It’s a style that almost help’s the imagination picture the story more. Especially since you are the main character. So, when the story’s finale delivers the final punch, you truly feel it! For sure, worth reading when your done drooling over Ott’s artwork!

In conclusion witches and werewolves, I do truly recommend this comic to all of you reading this article now! Again, you can find the comic on the comiXology app for an amazing $9.99 price tag. That’s WAY cheaper then the usual graphic novels you find at the book store or your local comic shop. Also, if you’d like to know more about the comic, the film, the short story, and RAW Studios which is a company founded by Jane and Bradstreet, click on the picture above. This leads directly to their main website! Also, if you want more COMICS! please subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! Have a Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

New York Comic Con ’12: The Video! (Days 1-3)

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Sometimes, all you need is a picture of Bruce Campbell to make people click on your article!

HELLO HELLO YELLOW JELLO! It’s Richard here coming to you STRAIGHT….from New York Comic Con 2012! Well, I was coming from NYCC a few days ago. Now, I’m home in Ohio feeling the common Comic Con side effects. Exhaustion, depression, and a pissed off wallet are among the side effects I’m suffering currently! Anyshway, I wrote an article over the weekend describing my first day at NYCC. Now, I had planned to pen a second article covering day two. However, I figured it’d be easier to just make a video for you to watch! So, if you’d like to watch the 12 and a half minute piece of greatness made by myself, Please click on the amazing picture above! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Channel23hahaha for more episodes of COMICS!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, Daily

New York Comic Con: The Court of Owls (Day 1)

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Don’t stare directly into his eyes!

HEY, HI, and HELLO EVERYONE! It’s your comic book reading friend, Richard here coming to you STRAIGHT…from the New York Comic Con! So, Day Uno of the convention has come to an end, and what a first day it was! However, as most stories begin, I figured I should start this article with a little colorful exposition. So, Thursday morning. 9:30 in the AM. Myself, my friend Joe (whose snoring sounds like a fan on low hitting a plastic card as I type this), and my father leave my home state of Ohio. The trunk is packed with luggage, the backseat holds our road snacks and beverages. For the first few hours, I’m half asleep listening to my father and Joe chit-chat about my snoring and guns.

This wasn’t the road trip you see in the movies. We don’t lose the car on a bet. Nor do we meet a gang of serial killers that end up accepting us. It was a straight A-Z type deal. Only a few gas and resting stops were made. After 8 hours of tiring travels, we finally arrive at the Howard Johnson Hotel I booked. The Hotel is…okay? It’s not terrible at all, but It’s FAR FAR FAR FAR from perfect. The desk my laptop is on right now is covered in scratch marks, but the Bacon served during breakfast was amazing. So, again, not terrible…but far from perfect.

Anywhozzles, I know that’s not a word, we arrived at the HoJo at about 5, and began settling into our hotel room. After an hour of rest from the road, we decided to hit the Javits Center to pick up my press pass. Also, I had plans to attend an 8 pm Bat-Chat with my friend, Dr. Travis Langley, and a few others whom were all AWESOME! Speaking of which, Dr. Langley wrote an amazing book on Batman, and his Psychology, that he signed for me! I love the Big Bang Theory reference made! The chat was a blast, and brought up several interesting points, good and bad, about The Dark Knight. Around 10 0’clock, my group of travelers scurried back to the HoJo to rest and prepare for a big day!

That is the end of the exposition, and I hope you enjoyed it.  ha-ha. SO! Day one of New York Comic Con started off very stressful! It took us a little while to find the ferries to NYC, but thankfully we found them. The trip across was cool. Met a beautiful, and fun woman out there. She was telling me about her movie review show she did, and I told her about COMICS! Sadly, I didn’t see her again the rest of the day, but It was a nice way to start off day one. Now, Most of day one was spent exploring the show floor, filming as much as I possibly could. However, to my surprise, I actually took way more pictures then filmed. I guess, It’s something that happens when you take the Nikon with you to Comic-Con. Also, It’s nice to have a camera handy when you see beautiful cosplayers roaming around! 

The biggest highlights of day one was seeing a handful of my biggest influences surrounding the building! In less then 2 hours I saw Grant Morrison, Guillermo Del Toro, Jim Lee, and the biggest of them all…Scott Snyder! Wait…I hope you’re not asking who that is! If you are…then I guess someone hasn’t been watching my show, huh? Well, for those of you left in the dark, Scott Snyder is probably the most popular, and acclaimed, comic writer these days. His works, from his original stuff like American Vampire to his takes on Batman, have been amazing to say the least. Every new issue of a Scott Snyder penned comic tends to just rock my comic nerd world! His use of characters, subtle horror, and plot threads is incredible! If you have yet to experience the magic of a Snyder comic.,.DO IT NOW!

Now, Unlike the other’s mentioned, Scott was the only creator I actually got to meet. We have met before, but never in person. Scott and I have had several chats online, and over the phone before, but never face to face. It was awesome to finally get the chance to meet the guy, and shake his hand. Maybe some of his genius got on me. Fingers crossed! A few other highlights, speaking of Mr. Snyder, was I finally purchased his amazing horror graphic novel, Severed. The story follows a young boy whom is stalked by an evil Cannibal with a taste for children. The story is kind of realistic, and more creepy, version of Little Red Riding Hood. Highly recommended!

Also, not speaking of Mr. Snyder, I finally found The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman figure I’ve been searching for like a mad man. However, I didn’t purchase this gem. Why, you ask? Well, the price of figures at conventions are INSANE! I don’t think that figure was worth $34.95, honestly. I’d spend that much on a comic. Not an action figure…unless it was totally freaking awesome. So, that being said, I might get that Cat after all.  So, In conclusion, Day one was a successful, and fun time. It ended with dinner at the Hard Rock, and a late night explore of Time Square. Oh, and a drunk woman came up to me, handed me her broken iPhone, and asked if I could take a picture of her and her buds. That’s how you know your in New York!

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, General

Teenage Alien Ninja Turtles?!?! (COMICS!)

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Why, Michael Bay? Can’t you do anything right? Besides explosions?

Yes, if you haven’t heard, Michael Bay is going to be rebooting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
franchise. Not only that, but he is changed a few things up. One: The Ninja Turtles are aliens. two: They possibly won’t be teenagers. Well, the whole announcement has left fans outraged, and wanting change! We didn’t really discuss it on COMICS! since we lacked an episode for two weeks, but Carter and I decided to talk about it, and get the fans opinions on the whole craziness. Also, Carter give you all a sneak peek into COMICS 2.0! We’ve made a few changes based on the suggestions given by fans, and discussions between Carter and myself. Click on the picture to check out the latest episode of COMICS! ENJOY!