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I knew djuby made fantastic illustrations, but wow, I had no idea just HOW awesome until at AMS' suggestion I checked out his forum here on HeroMachine.com. The images are simply outSTANDing. Here's a sample:
If you're looking for some inspiration, I highly recommend you check out his work. It's pretty incredible stuff.
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Posted in Things I Like
By: Andrew Hines
With two and half months to go before the end of Amazing Spider-Man at #700, there really aren't any punches being pulled on this one. There've been some big changes in the least few months on ASM, but some of the biggest were Peter's "nobody dies" rule that he's been strictly enforcing wherever he goes. He thought he'd let himself down with Silver Sable's apparent death until the new Madame Web told him otherwise. Then there was the super-douche sidekick, Alpha and thankfully that didn't turn out at all. Now the original Hobgoblin is back as is the third iteration who now works for Kingpin. Also, Madame Web/Julia Carpenter has been getting odd prophetic dreams of the world changing *spoiler alert* Marvel NOW! *end spiller alert*.
Dan Slott has done a great job on the last couple years of writing Amazing Spider-Man. The fact that the title is soon coming to a screeching halt hasn't deterred him from putting out great material. Getting help from Christos Gage on this issue didn't hurt. It actually gave us more awesomeness. We get more Peter Parker this issue, which I really liked. Seeing how he deals with his world beginning to unravel certainly doesn't hurt the story, in fact it makes it far more interesting. The inclusion of two different Hobgoblins is great as is Peter's visit to the Daily Bugle. I really can't find much of anything in the script that didn't work. Way to go, folks.
Giuseppe Camuncoli's pencils are a nice change of pace from Humberto Ramos' pencils in the last arc. Likewise with Dan Green's inks and Antonio Fabela's colors. The inks are good and clean and the color are more subdued, which I think works better than the overly contrasted work that some colorists go for. The title page (pg 3) and the spread on pgs 17 & 18 are the best examples of the spectacular work this team has done.
This is a better issue than the ones before in many aspects and as such, earns an "A-". The only thing stopping it from being a solid "A" or an "A+" is that it sort of feels like it's borrowing from DC on the double-page spread: dWLuh.jpg.
Comments Off on Return of the Hobgoblin(s)
Posted in Super-Hero Stuff
In our last episode, we were fleeing from our giant roach-alien-monster infested building when we were confronted with a cordon of military officers and a choice:
Comments Off on You're Going to Die VIII
Posted in RPG Corner, You're Going to Die
(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)
Comments Off on Onomatopoeia can be awfully literal
Posted in Daily Random Panel
I'll put the images after the jump for those who don't want to have the look of the new movie spoiled, but "Iron Man 3" stills have emerged showing the film's new armor. I'm curious what you all think about the design changes.
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Posted in Bad Super Costumes, Movies and TV
(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)
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Posted in Daily Random Panel
This is one of those awesome ideas that I am kicking myself for not thinking of. Basically you're challenged to come up with 30 characters in 30 days. They can be any genre, and any type. It lasts for the whole month of November; you sign up for free, and commit to posting your creations on their site. If you're a writer, you can come up with a character description or bio, or maybe a short scene that describes them. If you're an illustrator, you can draw your own or you could use HeroMachine to create yours.
It sounds like a fun way to stretch your creative muscles and challenge yourself. Apparently only 100 people have completed it, which sounds like the gauntlet has been thrown! If you're of a mind, head on over and check it out.
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Posted in Meta, Things I Like
Our Versus today features two of the deadliest leather-clad females in the Marvel and DC universes:
Black Widow is a highly trained, extremely deadly assassin. She can fight alongside the Marvel Universe's most powerful heroes in the Avengers and is much, much more than just a gun and some wrist bracelets.
Catwoman, on the other hand, is largely a petty thief, much more interested in avoiding conflict than engaging in it. However, she too fights alongside (and against!) arguably the most deadly member of the DC Universe in Batman.
Both are nimble, agile, and quick. Both have deadly weapons and savage wits at their disposal. The Black Widow is arguably a superior strategist, but Catwoman is fantastic in a tactical situation where rapid reactions are vital.
I think this one is pretty close. But overall I'd probably go with the Black Widow since she's trained to be a killer, whereas Catwoman is primarily a thief.
But what say you, HeroMachine Nation?
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Posted in Versus
(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)
Comments Off on Friday nights with the Blue Thong
Posted in Daily Random Panel
By: Andrew Hines
We finally get a real glimpse into the life of young Arthur Curry, before he became Aquaman. This is a tried and true origin story, they way they used to do it. Like in the "Others" arc, we see a much angrier Arthur. He is also a man just discovering his powers and his legacy. We also meet the classic character, Vulko, his most trusted compatriot.
Geoff Johns has fone a great job penning the origin of Aquaman. Taking cues from the classic version, he has breathed new life into the character. With new trials and tribulations in his path, I believe that we can see much more awesomeness in the next year. I think this version makes Arthur a much more realistic character in the way he deals with his father's death and the realization that he is next in line for the throne of a mythical continent. It would be enough to turn most people's hair white from the shock of it. He handles it about as well as can be expected, albeit with a slightly larger dose of fury and adrenaline. It's good writing for the most part, though with a few fluctuations in pacing.
For the 13th issue in a row Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Rod Reis have been the art team on one of the breakout hits of the New 52. Reis and Prado's art is consistent the whole way through, just like every other issue of Aquaman in the last year. The colors from Rod Reis, both in back and foreground are very good. They add a nice touch to the action scenes and really bring us into it. There are some great effects throughout the issue where the three work perfectly together.
This earns an "A" for all four of the men who brought this issue to comic stands around the world. It's a fantastic origin. If you enjoy reading Aquaman, this is a great addition to the last year's run.
Comments Off on Hail to the King
Posted in Super-Hero Stuff
Three middle-aged nerds (including yours truly!) review all of the MCU movies in chronological order. Short, funny, and full of good vibes, check it out and let us know what you think!
Nerdmudgeon.com