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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

Man of Steel Trailer #2 Review!!! (COMICS!)

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It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…..Crap what’s the last part of that quote?

Hello fellow Kryptonian survivors! This is Ran-Ze, aka Richard, coming to you live from the bottle city of Kandor! So, some of you might not know this about me. I, Richard Lee Purnell, am a Massive Superman fanboy! I know you don’t hear Batman fan’s proclaim this a lot, but it’s 110% the truth. Also, I’m a massive fan of this new Man of Steel trailer! Honestly, I really liked the teaser that was released over the summer. I know most fans didn’t dig the teaser, but I was feeling it, man! I loved the feel of it. It looked like they were going for a grounded approach to the character. This new trailer shows that as well, but It also shows the film is going to be equally epic!

Based on what this new trailer shows, this is going to be the ultimate Superman movie! I was so excited by this new trailer, that I made an entire review on it! To watch it, click on the image above! By the way, the image above is the beginning of my favorite scene in the trailer! Bone chilling, man! Also, to catch more wicked good vids and episodes of COMICS!, subscribe to Channel23hahaha on Youtube! I’d really appreciate it! Now, before I depart, I wanted to leave you with this awesome image from an upcoming Superman comic, possibly called Man of Steel but with no relation to the film, being written by my favorite comic writer Scott Snyder. Also, the artist on the series is the legend himself…Jim freaking Lee! If you aren’t aware of Jim Lee’s art, just look at the image below. It, alone, describes his legendary status, I’d say:

Comics! With Richard and Carter

The Dark Knight Rises Blu-Ray Review! (COMICS!)

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IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE! IT’S HERE!

Hello y’all! It’s your dark vigilante of the night, Richard, here! This week was a heavily anticipated one for me. Why? Six words…The Dark Knight Rises on Blu-Ray! Wait…is Blu-Ray one word or two? Nah, I’m not going to get into that. Anyways, Oh my Gandalf have I been pumped for this movie’s home video release! Right after I saw the film in theaters, I knew I had to own it! I know it’s not everyone’s favorite, and I hear all the time about the great number of plot holes, and miss steps, and blah blah blah. Yes, the plot wasn’t as strong as Begins or Dark Knight. It’s not the best in the trilogy. In fact, it’s the worst in the trilogy.

All that being said, It’s still amazing, to me. It’s the best film of the summer BY FAR! Yea…I said it. It’s THE BEST OF THE SUMMER! It’s better then Avengers, and The Amazing Spider-Man, in my opinion! It’s grand, epic, character driven, funny, engaging, emotional, bittersweet, beautiful, action packed, and ballsy as hell! I think I covered everything this movie is. I mean, with that many adjectives, I’d assume I did. Anyways, I loved The Dark Knight Rises, and am glad to add it to my Blu-Ray collection! Now, to celebrate the release, I decided to make the newest episode of COMICS! a review of the Blu-Ray! Also, in the video, I checkout some of the Batmobiles from the films and the 60s TV show! To watch the video, as usual, click on the picture above! Also, if you’d like, please subscribe to Channel23hahaha for future videos and episodes of COMICS!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

DC’s New 52 – 1 Year Later (COMICS!)

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So, we are 1 year into DC Comics The New 52. 1 year into it, and I feel about the same as I did when it first started.

HELLO COMIC BOOK NUTCASES! It’s your good Doctor Richard here presenting the newest episode of COMICS! In this new episode, we talk about the awesome announcement of Joss Whedon’s new S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show coming out! Also, I share an amazing Youtube video created by my good friends The Screen Team. Then we top it all off with a quick discussion on DC’s Line wide reboot of their entire universe! Now, I say I feel about the same as before, but I do have a few things I don’t like about The New 52. To find out what, all you have to do is click on the picture above, and you will be sent to the newest episode of COMICS! Plus, if you enjoyed the episode and want more, you can totally subscribe to my channel so That you can be updated on all the new episodes to follow! Have a good day, and Enjoy the video!!!

PS If you could, I’d really like it if you all went and watched my new Short Film, SPECTER QUEST! It really would mean a lot to me!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Before Watchmen So Far….Part 2 (COMICS!)

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Happy Birthday to me. I have turned 23. Well, Actually I’m 22….But 2 didn’t rhyme with me! YAY!

PS My birthday was actually yesterday, but still. Happy Birthday to me!

Hey, Hi, and Hello everyone! It’s your comic reading, world saving, drug dealing Watchman, Richard here! Wait…Did I type drug dealing? I meant HUG dealing, of course……ANYWAYS! So, a little while ago I posted an article giving my thoughts on DC Comics current Before Watchmen event. At that point, Only 4 of the 7 books were on the shelves. My opinions on the stories were mixed, but the art was amazing in all. Today, all of the BW books in the event have started, and a few of the limited series have multiple issues. So, I figured It was the perfect time to write part 2 of my thoughts on Before Watchmen. I’m going to go in alphabetical order, and even give you some more updated thoughts with the books that have 2 or more issues out now. So…HERE WE GO:

The Comedian (2 of 6 out now):

Last time I mentioned this book, I was disappointed but interested. Now that issue 2 has arrived, I can easily say this is the worst in the BW event. I didn’t think I would say it, but I am. I HATE THIS COMEDIAN BOOK! Its so boring, and incredibly uneventful. It actually felt like a chore to read issue 2 in this series! I hate saying all this because I am such a huge fan of the writer and artist, but both are delivering poor quality work. Hopefully the series gets better. Especially since its one of the six issue series in the BW movement so there is hope….kind of. I just can’t say more right now, or I’m going to cry or become enraged…..and you wouldn’t like me when I’m crying…

1.5/5

Dr. Manhattan (1 of 4 out now):

This is the most recent, and final, series to start up in the BW event. I was kind of on the fence with this book. I’ve never really liked the writer, J. Michael Straczynski, but I love the artist, Adam Hughes. Thankfully, both did quite a wonderful job with the good Doctor and his new comic. JMS did an amazing job capturing the voice of Dr. Manhattan, and his views of humanity, machinery, and time. I will say, the story didn’t seem like anything new, but the ending of this comic changed that. JMS seems to have big plans in store. The best part of this comic, by far, was Adam Hughes as predicted. It’s fantastic to finally see some interior work from him for a change. Very glad with the turn out for this first issue. Hope the rest repeat this level of quality, or higher even!

4.5/5

Minutemen (2 of 6 out now):

I fell in love with Darwyn Cooke’s first issue of Minutemen! The art was beautiful, the story was fantastic, it was the perfect prequel to Watchmen. Now, does that opinion still stand? You beat your sweet toosh it does! Minutemen continues to wow me issue after issue. I loved the way Cooke handle’s the team in the second issue. It’s like he created them almost. Yea, that’s how good he is doing with this book, IMO! Also, His art has yet to falter in anyway. It’s as beautiful as it ever was! Overall? THIS BOOK IS A MUST PURCHASE!

5/5

Nite Owl (2 of 4 out now):

Like Dr. Manhattan, I was very much on the fence with this book. Same reasons as well. Unlike Dr. Manhattan, JMS couldn’t seem to do a good job with Nite Owl. Issue one, if you remember, was just a giant let down. However, the series has improved with issue 2! Well…not by much, but still. The story isn’t rushed to death anymore, but there is still one huge problem with the book. The Writer seems to forget whom this book is about. He spends WAY TOO MUCH time tackling who Rorschach is, when he should be focused on Nite Owl. The Art, by Andy Kubert and the now late great Joe Kubert, is still amazing! I just love the retro look the book has. Fits perfectly with the times, and story. However, the book will lose that now that Joe Kubert has passed on. We will miss him. Anyways, Nite Owl still has tons of kinks in the armor, but they are being fixed….sort of.

3/5

Ozymandias (2 of 6 out now):

So, when I wrote the first article, I missed my chance to add this title into it. If I had gotten the chance, I would have told you how much I loved that first issue. Len Wein has a great handle on the character, and still does two issues in. However, As much as I loved issue 1, Issue 2 wasn’t as strong. Mainly because There didn’t seem to be a sense of danger IE the stereotypical, and mostly untrue IMO, Superman story problem people have. While I’ve never found that present all the time in a Supes book, that problem is very much in issue 2. It makes it difficult for a reader to connect with Ozy in anyway, really. That being said, I still found issue 2 to be good but not great like issue 1. The art by Jae Lee is mind blowingly beautiful. The style is a perfect fit for Ozy,and his world.

3.5/5

Rorschach (1 of 4 out now):

If you’d ask anyone whom their favorite Watchmen character is, the majority or all would say Rorschach. That includes myself. He was the break out character in the original graphic novel, and even in the movie. Now, I’ve started to get worried about this comic, to be honest. The writer, Brian Azzarello, has been disappointing me with a lot of his recent comic work. Which includes the terrible terrible Comedian book I mentioned earlier. Thankfully, Rorschach features the amazing Azzarello writing I know and love! One thing Azzarello tried, and failed, with in the Comedian book was to show a new side to the character. He attempts that again in Rorschach, but is much more successful with it. It’s a bit jarring, admittedly, but it works out much better later in the comic. Also, Azzarello capture’s Rorschach’s voice brilliantly. He’s faithful to the original comic, but He also injects his own spin for this new take. For example, Rorschach swears in this comic. I don’t remember that from the original at all! Unless I’m missing something. Anyways, again it’s a bit jarring, but It ended up working well. Now, the art in the book, drawn by my 2011 pick for best artist Lee Bermejo, is amazing as usual! Best part of this book by far! Over all, I’m excited for future issues!

4/5

Silk Spectre (2 of 4 out now):

Silk Spectre was a book I didn’t really know much about. I wasn’t excited for it, I wasn’t dreading it, I just…didn’t seem to care much. That being said, Issue one was actually rather good! If you remember, It was one of my favorites. I liked the mash up between 70’s chick flick and superhero story. Issue two continues this great work! Darwyn Cooke’s doing a great job with this series. Not as good as he’s doing in Minutemen, but still good. However, I think the true star of this series is Amanda Conner. Her art is just beautiful, cute, detailed, and badass all at once! Her style just fits so much with the book! Hopefully issues 3 and 4 continue the good work of issues 1 and 2.

4.5/5

SO! As you can see I’m starting to dig this series more. Well, except for Comedian. That series needs something, or else its just going to keep tanking! Most of the other stories are either awesome, or rising up from poor and stupid. However, one thing remains the same throughout….the amazing artwork. I wouldn’t mind if these books were just art books instead of actual comics. Just saying! So, In the comment section below, What are your favorite’s in the BW Event, if any. NOW! If you want more comic book awesomeness, go subscribe to my youtube channel, Channel23hahaha, and share it with your nerdy friends! Stay tuned for Part 3 of my articles with the entire series is over!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

The Underwater Welder Review (COMICS!)

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Here is some advice for those whom seek to become comic book readers: Follow the creators.

H-E-L-L-O everyone! It’s your cosmic comic reader from Gallifrey, Richard! If you can tell, I just made a Doctor Who reference. Why? BECAUSE I LOVE DOCTOR WHO! What does it have to do with this review? Absolutely nothing! Now, The rule mentioned up top is a rule I’ve tried to live by since I started reading comics. Mainly because it makes for a much better experience. The flip side of that is to follow characters when reading comics. However, Not every Batman, Superman, or X-Men book on the shelves is worth reading. Plus, If you follow creators, It will lead you down roads of comics you never would have been to if you’d just followed characters. One of those roads is the road of Indie comics.

If you ask any hardcore comic reader, including myself, where to find the best comics these days, They’d probably say Image, Dark Horse, or any other creator owned publisher. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love books from DC and Marvel. Heck, the majority of the books I follow are from DC. That being said, the best quality work comes from indie comic books, and I never would have discovered this if I’d only followed characters. Also, I never would have discovered this if it wasn’t for my friend Nick who works at my local comic shop, Bills Books and More.

Anyways, one of the creators I’ve started following like crazy is a guy named Jeff Lemire. A lot of DC fans might know him from his amazing comic runs on Animal Man, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E., or Superboy. However, some of his best work are his original comics like The Essex County books or Sweet Tooth. Recently, Lemire released a new original graphic novel called Underwater Welder. After reading it without any breaks, I can easily state that Underwater Welder is the best original graphic novel I’ve read this year! I love it so much, I’m going to call it the best of 2012 before 2012 is even over! Yea…I just did that! If someone can officially remove Pluto as a planet of our solar system, then I can do this!

So, Underwater Welder follows a character named Jack Joesph whom works as an underwater welder off the coast of Nova Scotia. Being an underwater welder is a tough gig, but Jack is about to experience one of the toughest jobs anyone could have…being a father. Now, as the story progresses, we see Jack straying further and further from the pressures of fatherhood and other personal issues. That is, until one day something…unimaginable happens to him. An experience that leads him to discovering the truth of things in his life, and turning him into a better person fit to be a Dad.

The biggest theme throughout the book seems to be the relationships between fathers and sons. A theme that hits rather close to home for me. I won’t go into the details of why, but I will say this book means a lot to me on that aspect. As far as the other aspects go, this book is just as amazing and touching. I love the way Lemire writes his characters. They seem so real to the point where you start to think these are actual people. You relate to the characters so much on so many different levels. Even when the book goes into it’s weirder more complex story beats. Plus, you really care about every single character present, and the situations they go through.

Now, in case you aren’t aware, Lemire also drew this book! His artwork might be hard for some to get into, but I found it beautiful! His artwork is very serial and stylized. Plus, with the way the story is, his artwork fits perfectly. I couldn’t see anyone drawing this book besides Lemire. I don’t think it would have the same impact if it were drawn by someone else. The fact that Lemire plays both writer and artist gives the themes more of an emotional punch when they play out, if that makes sense.

I honestly can’t find a single thing wrong with this book. I’m sure it has it’s flaws as most things do, but I fail to see anything. I am just too in love with this book to care about the flaws present, if any. At the end of the day, In my opinion, Underwater welder is a masterpiece in comic form. It tells a personal, weird, and compelling coming-of-age story about a Man on the verge of parenthood. Its a very real tale told in a Twilight Zone fashion, and its worth multiple reads.

I give Underwater Welder an easy 5/5!

For more COMICS! and comic book related news, please visit my Youtube channel, Channel23hahaha, and subscribe! Thanks and have an awesome day!

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

The Dark Knight Rises Review!!!! (COMICS!)

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A fire will rise, A legend will end, and Christopher Nolan will deliver an amazing ending to his Dark Knight Trilogy! All of those….are facts!

Hey, hi, and hello everyone! It’s Richard here, and I’m incredibly, undeniably, and powerfully in love with The Dark Knight Rises! Christopher Nolan’s much anticipated conclusion has finally hit the theaters for all to see, and It’s my favorite movie of the summer! Now, before you read on, and click the picture to see Carter and I’s full review of the film, I just want to send my best wishes out to all those who suffered during the movie theater shooting in Colorado. We make a brief statement on this in the video, but I wanted to say something here as well. Add more of my thoughts on the matter then whats mentioned in the video.

You know, I don’t think I’ll ever forget when I first heard about it. I had just gotten out of my midnight showing. I was overwhelmed, excited, and incredibly satisfied with how the filmed played out. I did have some minor gripes, but nothing that could ruin the movie for me. Before we left, My friend’s buddy whom tagged along, sort of, lost his keys. We spent probably a good half hour asking around, trying to locate where the keys could have ended up. We never found them. So, after a quick trip to the Wal-Mart next door for a potty break, My friend’s buddy came back and hitched a ride home. Leaving his car in the movie theater parking lot.

I got back to my house, and texted Carter nonstop! We both seemed to really enjoy what was on screen. Though, I think I enjoyed it a bit more then he did. I went to bed, waiting to wake up and see the movie again. However, I was woken up earlier then expect, with news from my mother. “You’re not going to believe what just happened” She’d say to me. Instantly, I went from feeling excited…to not caring. The film just didn’t seem that important anymore. I still loved it as much as I did, but still.

Its crazy how life can change so fast. One minute, you could be celebrating your wedding day, and the next day could be a funeral. Its one of the scariest thoughts we can have, and to witness it happening is even scarier, especially when it happens to a loved one. However, We shouldn’t let things like this hinder us 100% from going to the movies, or even just going out. The sad truth is, anything like this can happen anytime, anywhere. We gotta stay positive, be safe, and be brave for ourselves and everyone around us.

So, once again, I want to send my best wishes to those in Colorado right now. I hope they all can get through this painful time successfully. Click the picture above, and you can checkout Carter and I’s full spoiler free review! Also, Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Channel23hahaha for more comic book goodness! Again, be safe, stay positive, be brave, and have the best day you can. Thanks for watching and reading!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

Batman: Earth One Review (COMICS!)

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As everyone should know, the absolute best way to celebrate July 4th is by reading awesome comic books!

So, in case you aren’t aware, I am incredibly obsessed with Batman. I’ve been that way for a very long time. I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running around in a cape and cowl. Hell, I’d do it right now if I wasn’t writing this post! When I was younger, I would run around my house trying to save anything that was in any sort of danger. When I say anything, I seriously mean anything! I think I raised a few eyebrows when the neighbors saw me trying to save a picnic table. You know, Batman was…is my hero! However, believe it or not, It wasn’t the comic books that made me obsessed with Batman. In fact, I never read a full comic book until I was a teenager.

The movies featuring Michael Keaton, and the 90’s animated series, were the sources of my obsession. I will never forget when I saw that first Batman flick. The look on my face when I saw the beauty and fierce nature of Gotham City, The fear I felt when I first glanced at The Joker, and how amazed I was seeing Batman kick some criminal booty! I never thought I’d experience something like this again. Granted, I’d end up seeing a lot of flicks I’d fallen in love with later in life, but non of them ever gave me the same viewing experience as that first Batman movie. That is, until 2005’s Batman Begins was released. Man, was that movie excellent. Not only did it give me the same experience as Batman did, but It enhanced it! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on that silver screen! This was how Batman should be done!

Now, why am I telling you this story? What is the point of it? Well, today I had a similar experience. Not 100% similar, but still similar. When I first read the classic comic Batman: Year One, I had experienced magic in it’s purest form. The book did an incredible job of telling a modern day version of Batman’s origin story. Not ever, not even in my wildest dreams, did I think anyone would be able to come close to as good as Year one when telling Batman’s origin story. Today…I, once again, stand corrected and flabbergasted.

About 2 and a half years ago, DC Comics announced that they would be releasing a new line of original graphic novels called DC: Earth One. In the same fashion as Marvel’s Ultimate line, DC: Earth One was a way of taking big DC characters, and telling their tales for a modern audience without the struggle of keeping within the main DC continuity. The first book in this line was Superman: Earth One. I wasn’t a big fan of the book, honestly. It kind of gave me a bad taste in my mouth with the whole Earth One deal. The next book from DC: Earth One was going to be a new take on the beginnings of Batman, obviously. However, because of Superman: Earth One I was kind of worried Batman would have the same fate with me. I became even more worried when it took forever for DC to release the damn thing even though it was already supposed to be out. Comic series usually die because of delays like that. People just forget they even knew about them.

Thankfully, The book is finally out, and It’s a freaking good read! Written by DC superstar Geoff Johns, and drawn by the brilliant Gary Frank, Batman: Earth One does a terrific Job of giving us a fresh take on Batman’s origin story. However, the best thing the book does is humanize Batman. The opening of the book shows Batman chasing after a criminal on the rooftops, as usual. But instead of capturing the bastard, Batman has a gadget malfunction and falls to the ground. This is a great example of how well Johns and Frank humanize Batman, but not the best. The best example is something most probably won’t even notice. The best example is…seeing Batman’s eyes.

Normally, Batman has those white lenses over his eyes. Without the lenses, You see both the Bat and the Man. It’s always weird that such a subtle change can be that powerful, but it’s true. Also, I really loved the new takes Johns gives to familiar characters. They all feel the same at their cores, but they’ve changed significantly. I, Especially, love his take on Alfred. Alfred is just a beast with a cane, man! I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alfred kick Bruce’s ass like he did in this book! Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alfred kick Bruce’s ass…ever. At least, not in a physical way. As much as I loved Geoff Johns’s story, I loved the artwork even more! Gary Frank has such a great attention to detail. Frank usually blows me away, but this is some top notch work! I really love that he gave the book such a cinematic look. I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time!

The only real flaw I found in the book was the pacing. At times, The book feels a bit rushed. Like they were trying to fit a lot of material into the comic, but had to cut even more out. However, in the big picture of it all, The book is still fantastic! That flaw, for me, is just a minor nitpick. It’s not a persistent flaw, but it’s in there. Overall, even though it took 2 some years to release, Batman: Earth One is a fresh, modern, and damn good re-telling of Batman’s beginnings. I don’t think it’s Year One good, but I think Bat-fans will still dig it!

4.5/5

Comics! With Richard and Carter, General

Before Watchmen So Far… (COMICS!)

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Before Watchmen has finally arrived! Now…is it any good so far? LETS FIND OUT!

Hello everyone! Its your friendly neighborhood nerd, Richard, here! A while ago, DC Comics announced they would be releasing a prequel comic book event titled: Before Watchmen. Each series under the Before Watchmen banner would follow the characters from the original graphic novel, and what they were up to…Before Watchmen…yea. ANYWAYS! As an avid fan of the original comic, and the film adaptation, I was very excited about these books. I even expressed my excitement, much to Dan’s surprise, on an episode of The Director’s Cut. I can admit, I didn’t think a prequel, as usual, was a good idea. I mean, Watchmen is a classic in the world of comics! To many, Its the Citizen Kane of the comic book world! To create a prequel should be considered a slight against the comic book gods! However, When DC announced whom they hired to bring this event to life…I knew they weren’t playing around. It didn’t seem, to me, that they were just attempting to milk an old cash cow. When you drop names like Brian Azzarello, Darwyn Cooke, Adam Hughes, Len Wein, Amanda Conner, and Andy Kubert you can’t help but expect quality work. As of today, 4 of the 7 series have started: Minutemen, Silk Spectre, Comedian, and Nite Owl. And this is what I thought of them. ENJOY!

Minutemen #1

Written and Drawn by: Darwyn Cooke

So, Minutemen tells the tale of the Watchmen before the Watchmen. The golden age of the Watchmen world, if you will. The first issue introduces each member of Minutemen, and how the team came to be. This was one of the titles I was most excited for. Darwyn Cooke has always been known for his classic, retro style comic books. The best examples of this is his Justice League story, New Frontier, and his run on The Spirit. As expected, his work on Minutemen doesn’t disappoint at all! This is a beautiful comic, and the perfect example of what this entire event should be. Cooke’s artwork is more then a perfect fit for this series. The retro style, the color scheme, everything is perfect. I also really dug the tale being told here. I loved the way Cooke used the Under the Hood book Hollis Mason authored to introduce each character. Admittedly, It does get a bit wordy at times, but It doesn’t take away from the books magic.

5/5

Silk Spectre #1

Written by: Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Conner

Drawn by: Amanda Conner

One of the key aspects of the story of Silk Spectre II, Laurie Juspeczyk, is her estranged relationship with her mother, the first Silk Spectre, Sally Jupiter. That story is on full display in this first issue. The story plays out like an R-rated Teen High School chick flick. It’s not the strongest story, and it’s kind of predictable, but it’s a nice fit for Laurie, regardless. However, the best aspect of this book is the artwork. OMG! Amanda Conner is an amazing artist! I found her artwork to be very faithful to the original comic, but with a nice addition of her own style and flare. Overall, I’m interested to see what happens next, but I didn’t find it the strongest title from Before Watchmen so far.

4/5

Comedian #1

Written by: Brian Azzarello

Drawn by: J.G. Jones

The Comedian is one of the most despicable, vile, hateful, and messed up characters ever created in comics! And I couldn’t have been more excited to see how Brian Azzarello was going to write him! That being said, I was kind of disappointed by this issue. The story being told wasn’t bad, but…I wasn’t reading about The Comedian. More like his innocent twin brother. The majority of the time, we see Eddie Blake, The Comedian, playing ball and chit chatting with The Kennedy family. Then he gets verbally man handled by Jackie Kennedy! This is not the Comedian I know! However, There has always been a hidden heart to the character. A kinder side that’s never really been brought to the surface 100%. So, I can’t help but be equally intrigued by this issue. The best aspect is the artwork, again! J.G. Jones does a fantastic Job bringing the book to life. Especially during the action scene towards the end. I’ll still read more, but not really from excitement anymore. Mainly just from curiosity.

3/5

Nite Owl #1

Written by: J. Michael Straczynski

Drawn by: Andy Kubert

When I mentioned earlier that I was excited for Before Watchmen because of the creative teams DC hired, This series was the exception…sort of. Nite Owl has always been a favorite character of mine. When I first heard about Before Watchmen, I instantly wanted to know who would be tackling Dan Dreibergs’s story. When I saw Andy Kubert was doing the art, I got very excited! He has always been like a modern day Neal Adams, and I could totally see his style doing Dan justice! However, When I saw JMS was writing…I cried on the inside. And, sadly as expected, Nite Owl #1 was the weakest of all the books so far. The story isn’t exciting, nor is it terrible. Its just…there. It doesn’t feel like it needs to exist. The comic just speeds through Dan’s transformation into Nite Owl. It basically read like a rushed re-telling of the origin of Tim Drake, the 3rd Robin. Because of this, The art had no room to shine. Though, there are some amazing bits of artwork on display. However, Its not often those bits show up. I really hope this series proves me wrong come issue two, but Its exactly was I expected it to be…a big summer bummer.

2/5

Anyways,This is what I thought of Before Watchmen so far. Its not great, but its not terrible either. Each comic features amazing artwork, but the stories are a mixed bag. I’m still excited for the rest of the issues, and Can’t wait for them to come out! In the comments below, What are your thoughts on Before Watchmen so far? TELL ME NOW!! Anyways, Stay tuned for my thoughts on the next batch of Before Watchmen Books, coming soon, and don’t forget to visit www.youtube.com/channel23hahaha to checkout new videos and episodes of my awesome show: COMICS!

Comics! With Richard and Carter

LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Review!!! (COMICS!)

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As Batman, we’ve saved Gotham from The Joker in Arkham Asylum. Then we saved Gotham from Hugo Strange in Arkham City. Now…Its time to suit up once again, and save Gotham City! However, this time around…things are a bit plastic.

Hey everyone! Richard, here! Its time once again for me to plug my latest venture into the comic book world! This week, I decided to review LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes! This game is a sequel to the previous Batman game, but things are much bigger! In fact, this is the biggest game in the entire LEGO game franchise. A few new features were added into this game that’s never been done before in LEGO form! First off, the characters actually have voices instead of grunts, and second off, the game is open world! You heard me! The very first open world Batman game…is in LEGO form! ANYWAYS! Click on the sweet picture above to checkout my thoughts on this game, and if it met my expectations! Enjoy the video! 🙂