You're Going to Die VIII

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:

Continue reading

Onomatopoeia can be awfully literal

(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)

Iron Man 3 Armors

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.

Continue reading

Meanwhile, in the Video Game Mirror Universe

(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)

30 Characters in 30 Days Challenge

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.

Black Widow vs. Catwoman

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?

[polldaddy poll="6577737"]

Friday nights with the Blue Thong

(From "Lightning Comics" volume 2, number 2, 1941.)

Hail to the King

Hail to the King

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.

Pop Quiz "Small Gods" Results

Saturday was all about "Small Gods" 'round these parts, and the entries we got for our Pop Quiz on the subject were just great! But don't take my word for it, see for yourself:

Among the fun and inspired concepts were Pluggo, god of tangling cords; Mrs. Boggs, punisher of men that leave the toilet seat up; Manilla: Goddess of Impulsive Shoe Purchases; Vian, the God of Things You Can’t Find Despite Putting Them There Only a Moment Ago; Beezus Chrusht, Savior of the Insects!; Zarsas, the god of little sharp, stabby things that poke you in the bottom of the foot, but when you take off your shoe, there’s nothing there; Confusia, Queen of the Junk Drawer (her tentacles ensure that whatever it is you need from her is buried in the very bottom of the pile); and my favorite name, "Lag Demon". I think that could really catch on.

My overall personal top choice this time out, though, is Melmo44, who had two entries that were both really good illustrations and fun concepts. I know that Zarsas is a constant presence here in the country, and if I could figure out what to sacrifice to propitiate him I'd be all over it.

But really, everyone did just great; I hope you had as much fun creating these as I did seeing them.

Update: nerd rage weekend

I apologize for the delay on the latest reviews. I've been reeling from massive nerd rage attacks, due to both the mid-season finale of Doctor Who and the end of Amazing Spider-Man, coming in December. That and two new part-time jobs are keeping me busy. I WILL have the next 2 reviews done by day's end California time.)