Comic Book Wednesday Part 2: Marvel

Alright, here's where most of my comic book money was spent this week, making sure Joe Quesada's kids have food. I don't really know how else to set this up... so here ends my framing device, and here also begins my reviews.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #611
Words by: Ed Brubaker
Art by: Daniel Acuña

So at the end of last issue we were told that Bucky was going on trial, and as such the media storm starts in this issue. We also see a lot of Steve Rogers, and now that raises a question... why would there be more of Steve Rogers than Bucky Barnes in the current Cap comic? Here's my theory and make sure you remember this so I can do the I told you so dance soon... Steve Rogers is going to be Captain America before this time next year. The Trial doesn't actually start in this issue, but all the set up and expository details make a good story, blending the other heroes reactions, with Bucky trying to block it out, all under the umbrella of Steve that connects the two. I have high hopes for this arc, but this issue is another strong Cap story from Brubaker.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9/10)

SECRET AVENGERS #6
Words by: Ed Brubaker
Art by: Mike Deodato

This series' first arc was fantastic. We got an amazing team book with super fights, great tech, and cool locations... three things required for a great super team book. But we also get a team that interacts superbly, they are all different, but they obviously share a mission and are like able as a unit. And this next arc seems like Brubaker will take it to the next level. The Shadow Council is after the Eyes of the Dragon, jewels able to raise the dead. And as such their mission is to raise Shang-Chi's father to lead the new Hai-Dai, which means the Secret Avengers are going to be try and get the jewels first. The writing is just as strong as before, with Deodoto continuing to give equally great visuals.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (8.5/10)

SHADOWLAND: MOONKNIGHT #3 (of 3)
Words by: Gregg Hurwitz
Art by: Bong Dazo

Moonknight has become one of my favorite characters this year, and it's stories like this that have made it so. Moonknight follows Khonshu's urging to Naw'leans (New Orleans) to find the Sapphire Crescent (which he finds) only for Shadowknight to steal away the crescent and cue a climactic battle between the Moon and the Shadow, and in a moment that seems to counteract the current Vengeance of the Moonknight ongoing... Moonknight finishes Shadowknight, and takes back the crescent... heading into Shadowland to use the Crescent to try and kill Daredevil, of course we can't see that because there are still five SL titles to come. But I think the most crucial part of this story is the Epilogue to this tie in... we see Moonknight standing on the belcony, with Marlene on the bed staring at him, calling him to bed, but of course she calls him Jake Lockley, his current name, to which he responds Jake (his peaceful cabbie alter ego) is dead... and his name is Marc Spector (His violent former merc alter ego) setting up more Moonknight arcs with his return to violence... to say the least I geekgasmed when I saw that panel.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9.5/10)

SHADOWLAND: THUNDERBOLTS #149
Words by: Jeff Parker
Art by: Declan Shalvey

The review on the cover from Newsarama says it all... this book is like a comic version of The Dirty Dozen. Sure there are some Shadowland elements, but this series just has the banner and the ninjas to try and squeeze a few more dollars out of the Shadowland completests... and since I've bought two Thunderbolt issues in my life obviously I'm one of those completests, furthermore Marvel's ultimate Adrian Veidt scheme is coming to fruition... once Shadowland ends I'm going to continue buying The Thunderbolts because Parker is a great writer, and the characters are gritty, real, and exciting. Shalvey's art matches that feel providing a 1-2 punch and knocking the reader out. This issue finds the T-Bolts still in the sewer fighting the ninjas they were trying to find in #148. Oh... there's also a dragon. But this issue includes something even cooler... Crossbones with superpowers. Yes, one of Marvel's best (current) bad guys has some super powers... what could possibly go wrong right?

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (9/10)

ULTIMATE AVENGERS 3 #3 (of 6)
Words by: Mark Millar
Art by: Steve Dillon

The pure win that is this issue can be summed up in three words: Vampire Captain America. Yes, dear readers, The Red, White, and Blue shield slinger is now a child of the night... allow me to geek out a tad.
(one geek out later)
Alright I'm back. The issue's plot resolves around Fury and the rest of the Avengers rushing the bitten Rogers back to the Triskelion to try and save him, but soon they are all fainting, an unexplained event... well that is until a certain half-vampire vampire slayer shows up to drive a wooden stake through the heart of the sentinel of liberty. This series is truly incredible, I mean the first two arcs were great but... damn, number 3 is amazing, matching one of the greatest writers of all time (Millar) with one of the true living legends of comics (Dillon) was destined to be good... but how good I am still unable to fathom.

LIKE this issue (10/10)
ULTIMATE MYSTERY #4 (of 4)
Words by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Rafa Sandoval

Ugh. The real mystery is why some people think BMB is one of the best writers Marvel has. The plot remains just as convoluted as issue #1... which shouldn't happen by the final issue of a mini. Bendis here continues to weave his yarn, but the tapestry looks more like a four year old's attempt than that of a (alleged) master. Captain Marvel is captured and held by Fury, Danvers, The Torch, and The Thing... but during the interrogation there are voice bubles going to the wrong people (unless The Thing and Sue Storm are suddenly siblings) and the dialogue is just as amateurish as always, with zingers barely zinging and big reveals feeling like... well... seeing something that has been in the open for awhile now because Bendis is a terrible writer. I can't really describe how awkward and crappy this issue is... oh wait yes I can!

Dr. Brooykln says: PASS this issue (3/10) 

So that's Marvel's offerings this week, most of it was solid but as usual the Bendis title was the one lacking what I want in my comics: Quality.

Comic Book Wednesday Part 1:DC

Hello True Believers, and yes I did take last Wednesday off, but in my defense I picked up over 15 comics and by the time I had finished them... I was tied and didn't feel like going through and reviewing all of them. BUT this week you're lucky/damned, because I only have 8 titles to review, and as such I will review them. So sit tight, and get ready to see what was worthy reading for the Comic Book Wednesday Oct. 27th, 2010.

BRIGHTEST DAY: JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #12
Words by: Judd Winick
Art by: Fernando Dagnino

So I've been pretty smitten with this series for #1-#11, As I'm sure you've been noticing, but this issue... before I continue let me set the record straight, dear readers I don't hate back story, but I do hate back story in the middle of an intense action scene. This issue finds Ice at a heightened state of power, like we left her at the end of last issue, and this issue finds us in a showdown between Fire and Ice, with Fire trying to calm down the angered (or as the cover says berserk) Ice. But we can't just get that, we get a bunch of (imao* unneeded) back story concerning her controlling grandfather, her discovery of her powers, and how she matured and developed into who she is, and that's all fine and dandy, but I would rather have this series continue to move forward, developing the plot more. Beyond the back story we get two or three pages of Blue Beetle III, Booster, and Captain Atom... only for Magog to show up and give us a cliff hanger. Like I said the issue's not bad, but with the high quality of the previous issues I felt a tad let down, but with Magog and Captain Atom squaring off in probably the next issue, I have hope.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this issue (8/10)

So yup, that was my only DC title this week, but luckily it was good. And I do recommend it, but if you want a long multi title review stay tuned for the Marvel review it has 600% more reviews... so it's got something going for it.

*in my arrogant opinion

Top 5: Super Heroes

So the title is pretty self explanatory, but I'll give a brief intro. I am a huge comic book nerd, (as I assume you are if you read this blog) and so I think it's time I detailed and outlined my Top 5 Super Heroes, giving you a glimpse inside the mind of the madman who's blog you read.

5. Namor (a.k.a The Savage Submariner)
Company: Marvel
Powers: Namor is super strong (able to fight Hulk), ability to breath under water and in the air, and flight

Alright, so technically he's an anti-hero, but I don't care: Namor is Bad Ass. So many heroes try and be truly heroic (i.e. Superman) or are vigilantes (i.e. The Punisher) or even a basic Anti-Hero (i.e. Wolverine), but nobody plays aloof to a specific role like Namor, hell he's even invaded New York. The first anti-hero in Marvel's roster Namor has been good guy, bad guy, and even tragic Romeo, known for his many relationships including his most famous one... The Invisible Woman. I can't wait until Marvel and Sony get it worked out for Namor to pop up on screen,




4. Deadpool (a.k.a. The Merc with a Mouth)
Company: Marvel
Powers: Regeneration

Again, technically not a hero, but Deadpool has a special place in my heart for being awesome. Nobody cuts bad guys with swords and words quite the way The Merc with a mouth does, and that's the main thing I love about him... the humor. Most heroes these days are very serious (i.e. The Punisher, Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Namor, Thor, Hulk, etc) but Deadpool revels in the silliness of old school comic shenanigans, mixing Adam West Batman with Tarantino-esque hyper violence Deadpool is one of the greatest heroes of all time because he's able to save the day... and make you laugh while he does it.





3. Martian Manhunter (a.k.a. The most underrated character in the DCU)
Company: DC
Powers: Super Strength, Flight, Telepathy, Shape Shifting, Laser eyes, and Martian Breath.

Have you ever noticed how early on in any major JLA arc Martian Manhunter is taken out of commission so Superman or Batman become the only ones strong or smart enough to save the day? Yeah... so have I. Yet I 've read Martian Manhunter solo titles and realize that Martian Manhunter is one of the coolest characters out there. The last son of Mars, J'onn J'onzz is one of the big seven of the JL, yet he never gets the respect he deserves. Strong as Superman, as smart as Batman, and also the most powerful telepath in the DCU Martian Manhunter is overlooked because he could overshadow the big three, and DC can't allow that.You don't believe me? Go look up some Martian Manhunter stuff and see how cool he is... do it, this post will be here when you get back.

Ah, you're back, isn't Martian Manhunter awesome?

2. Batman (a.k.a. The Caped Crusader, The Dark Knight, and many other nicknames)
Company: DC
Powers: Technically none.

What do I need to say about Batman? Batman is on this list because he inspires people that they cab do whatever they put their mind to, no matter what the obstacles are. Batman has exchanged blows with Kal-El, faced aliens, seduced women, and trained with ninjas... he's pretty much the ultimate man. But even beyond his brawn is his ultimate attribute... his brain. Batman has long been the brain power of the DCU's best teams, providing solutions and ways to beat bad guys that nobody else could. Also he has a way to take down EVERY member of the JLA. Yeah, ALL of them. How awesome is that? You piss of Batman you can be taken care of whether you're a Clown in a tacky suit or the last son of Krypton.

and if you know me at all number 1 shouldn't be a surprise.

1. Captain America (Steve Rogers of Course)
Company: Marvel
Powers: After receiving the Super Soldier Serum, Steve Rogers became the pinnacle of what a man can be.

Call me old fashioned but the Red, White, and Blue shield slinger is still the ultimate hero, not only because he's a bamf, but because he has morals and honor, two things lacking in most of the modern tough heroes (including the current Cap and former Winter Soldier, James "Bucky" Barnes). Rogers always stands up for what he believes in, and did I mention he's a bamf? Yeah, he's fought Hulk, he's fought Giant-Man, he's fought pretty much everybody and usually comes out on top. The ultimate hero and the ultimate character, Steve Roger's Captain America will (probably forever) be my favorite hero.

There you go, don't like it? Comment below, like it? Well then, you obviously have good taste

Forbidden Review

Sorry dear readers, I know that title writes a check that the rest of this review can't cash, it sounds steamy, sexy, and erotic, three things that have never been said when referring to this blog. For this review I didn't tackle anything that bears an X-Rating, it was instead a classic sci-fi movie entitled Forbidden Planet (1956) another title that is a tad misleading.

But this futuristic take on the Shakespeare play "The Tempest" is lacking nothing.

We find a space captain (played by the [at the time] stoic Leslie Nielsen, but we all know how his career changed) and his crew landing on a planet, distant and uninhabited... or so they think. The Away party soon discovers they aren't alone, and as such the plot develops out of the natives not being entirely altruistic.

The crew meets Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter Alta (Anne Francis), who live in a remote house on the planet. The Dr wears all black and talks in a creepy intelligent manner... obviously he isn't an entirely good guy. For a sci-fi movie from the 50s the plot is pretty inventive, I won't spoil it but if you watch it I'm sure you won't be let down.

As I went into the movie I already knew that the Great Bird of the Galaxy himself (Gene Roddenberry for those of you that have girlfriends) cited this movie as a chief inspiration for Star Trek: TOS, and it's obvious from the beginning. The Captain (Cmdr. John J. Adams) is kind of a Kirk-esque character, charming, heroic, and tough. Also his right hand men are Farman (Jack Kelly), the pilot, and "Doc" (Warren Stevens) the... uh... you know.

For 1956 the effects are breath taking, in some cases this movie could have been seen as the Avatar of it's day with space ships, laser battles, and most importantly Robby the Robot (The star of the movie). I was quite impressed with the way the effects were handled, mainly to enhance the story not try and over shadow (Michael Bay... take some notes). I also must add this, as a fan of Star Trek TOS's ingenuity this is meant as a high compliment, to predate TOS by 10 years the effects were equal to or beyond that of Star Trek, which I find quite impressive, especially when these days ten year old movies seem dated in most cases.

Also of note is the hypnotic, electric score. Everything sounds futury, not contemporary forced on a future time period.

For acting it's all pretty standard, no truly great performances, but nothing worth harassing. But in some cases (especially when there is a strong script like this one) average acting is alright.

This is a short review, I know, but I just have good things to say about this movie, even though it seems like a missing Star Trek Pilot.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (9/10)

Top 5: Westerns

I've said a few times how "This western could be in my top 5" but I don't think I've actually fully stated my top 5, I know in one post I listed some really good ones, but not 5, and not in order. So I'm sure you, dear reader, are smart enough to figure out where this post is going.

5. True Grit (1969)

True Grit is pretty simple for a western, girl's father is murdered so she rounds up a posse and goes off to hunt him down, but the thing that makes this movie so special is Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne). Wayne won his only Oscar for this movie (He probably should have won for The Shootist but he had tough competition that year). The movie has everything a good Western has a grizzled gun fighter, a basterd of a villain, and a final shoot out that will be remembered for years. True Grit is truly one of the Duke's finest and one of the finest Westerns Period.




4. Unforgiven (1992)

Unforgiven is it's own monster. The movie doesn't rely on too many conventions and it doesn't try and recreate all the movies that came before t, it just tells it's own tale and tells it incredibly well. Clint Eastwood is William Munny, a retired gunfighter trying to live a peaceful life as a farmer (Think the Saint of Killers and Old Man Logan) but he's called back into the Saddle and brings hell to Big Whiskey. All the acting is truly top notch here and the story is powerful and moving tearing down the myth of the west well building up the real west.





3. The Wild Bunch (1969)

Where as even the Spaghetti westerns lacked a certain level of faux blood, The Wild Bunch aimed for realism and captured the true violence of the old west, too bad the last remaining gun fighters weren't in the old west, they were in 1910s Mexico, and were still living by the Old West code. The movie works beautifully commenting about how the Old West needs to stay in the West and the final showdown may be one of the greatest movie showdowns of all time.






2. The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (1966)

I know that if I get any comments on this post it will be about giving TGTBATU number 2, but I stand by this. TGTBATU is one of the greatest films ever made. The acting is amazing, the score is haunting, and the story is consistently strong even as it approaches the 3 hour mark. Some of the most iconic western moments happen in this movie, and it deserves every bit of praise, but this is MY top 5, and that's why my number 1 is...





1. The Man who Shot Liberty Valence (1962)

Yes, I believe that The Man who Shot Liberty Valence is a better movie than TGTBATU (sue me). Jimmy Stewart (in my opinion) is the greatest American Actor and AFI agrees with me (kind of) he got #3 on their list. The movie involves Lawyer Ransom Stoddard arriving at a western town to try and bring the law to the West, but he realizes that as long as there are villains like Liberty Valence (Lee Marvin) he can't just bring law to the town. With a little help from Tom Doniphan (John Wayne) Ransom learns how to fire a gun and finally faces Liberty in the streets and everyone sees him shoot down Liberty Valence. The movie has a good wist at the end though, and really comments on violence and the law. While the rest of this list is truly great, TMWSLV holds a special place in my heart and is my all time favorite western.

Panic Review

Remember the other day when I said I was going to watch the complete Fincher catalogue? well tonight I completed the third leg in that race by watching Panic Room (2002) directed by David Fincher and starring Jodie Foster.

I must confess, I might be on the path to Fincherphelia, but not as bad as some people I know. The shots he employs (the zooms through the house) and the slow eerie score couple to add tension to each scene. Like Se7en (1997) none of the scenes are really throw away scenes, Fincher packs every frame with character development and plot and I must give him credit for that.

The plot kicks off quickly (15 minutes into a 112 minute movie the break in occurs) and I appreciate how even though it seems sped up at first, the pacing works itself around and we get a pretty fine film. But there is little action in the Hollywood sense of action. Keeping in line with the other Fincher movie's I've seen the action is all psychological, building a sense of fear inside the panic room and a sense of hostility and aggression on the outside. Also the plot is rather simplistic, the movie takes place in just a few rooms with the only real story being three robbers trying to get into the panic room of two victims.

For the sake of discussion there are really only five characters in this movie, but because they are so beautifully directed and their acting is all top notch the movie gets away with such a minimalist approach to casting.

In the lead role is Jodie Foster, and actress that much is expected of, and she delivers. Unlike the last movie I saw her in (The Silence of the Lambs) Foster does not bring a hardened agent in training angle to this role, but she does bring a perfect amount of concerned mother and panicked individual. If Foster had brought toughness the part would not have worked because so much of the movie hinges on the fear of Foster and Stewart, which brings me to the next actress I intend to discuss.

Kristen Stewart is most famous now for locking lips with "vampires" and hanging out with shirtless men, but she can actually act... even though she chooses to hide it now. She balances Fosters fear with a precocious bravery.

Jared Leto as the leader of the three burglars turns in a good performance as a guy who is sleazy and looking for money, that he could wait to inherit but he decides instead to steal it. There are a few things like this that do negatively impact the movie, although Leto is good, the motivation is flawed: What kind of heir plans a daring robbery of money they'll get anyways? This just struck me in a bad way.

Forest Whitaker is another actor that greatness is just expected of, and like Foster he delivers again. Whitaker's Burnham is the only one of the three who doesn't have malice as a motivation, he instead is looking out for his kids. He is actually like able, even though he's committing a felony.

But, even with all this the movie is stolen by a Country singer... Dwight Yoakam. His performance as Raoul was brilliant, equal parts sadistic and just a total bastard Yoakam holds his own with Foster and Whitaker and gives a strong performance that is one of the best in the movie.

So far I've seen three of Fincher's films, and this one is the worst (but that doesn't make it bad, it's just not as good as Se7en and Fight Club) The movie has a few plot holes (like the above stealing inheritance and other things like the husband knowing where the house was even though the call got cut off, etc.) but the movie is still very enjoyable and a very good movie.

Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (8/10)

The Review of the Lambs

There are few psychological thrillers that have garnered as much acclaim as The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Gaining rave reviews from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences down to average movie goers who ahve seen this movie in the 20 years that it has been released.


That being said, I had the pleasure of enjoying this movie, joining those masses, for the first time. Fromt he very beginning of the movie, you know Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster fourteen years after inspiring a man to try and kill Reagan) is not your typical female protagonist, instead of seeing her due her hair or prepare breakfast we see her for the first time as she completes a FBI training obstacle course. I was immediately intrigued by this new role of a woman in a movie with a serial killer.


But more on that later, for first I must discuss the movie as a whole before discussing it's parts, and boy is there a lot to discuss. I shall begin with the script a great place to start when discussing any movie. Primarily the moments (all 16 minutes worth of screen time [Yeah, Hannibal Lecter is only on screen for 16 minutes]). The script is sharper than Buffalo Bills blades, cutting with an intensity rarely seen. The movie's source was that of Ed Gein, the Wisconsin madman who made a three piece suit out of female flesh, as well as decorating his home with their bones, tne M.O. of Gein also inspired (albeit loosely) Psycho (1960) and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974). The similarities with both those movies ends there, as this is a whole new level of fictionalization here, mainly that of the plot. I think that for this movie's script to not walk off with that golden effigy of a man and a sword, would have been the all time Oscar snub.


Next comes the direction from Jonathan Demme. Demme may have created some of the best "across the table" showdown scenes of all time when he filmed the scenes with Starling and Lecter, true cinematic genius. Furthermore, there are all the great scenes in Buffalo Bill's lair, and so on and so forth. The pacing is tremendous, the movie clocks in at just under two hours, yet it seems to move faster than some movies 2/3rds that length, easily making Demme worth his Oscar.


Speaking of Oscars, how about I discuss the other two people to win Oscars for this movie: Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, and did they earn them. Foster is truly stunning as Starling, she balances the tough facade and the innocent girl buried beneath it. Both fierce and timid, Foster earns her Oscar again and again with every line and every scene. And the same goes for Hopkins, despite his aforementioned lack of screen time. My only problem with this movie is Hopkins "physicality." He nails the part of psychotic intellectual with an unrivaled fervor, and yet they present Hannibal Lecter as able to over power larger and stronger police officers, as well and raising a body and supporting it from the ceiling all by himself. I don't find it hard to believe a man could do that, I find it hard to believe THAT man did it. That minor transgression aside I can't think of anyone I would have rather played Dr. Lecter.


This movie is probably as close to being the perfect psychological thriller as one can imagine: smart, frightening, and insanely well made The Silence of the Lambs delivers on every aspect.


Dr. Brooklyn says: LIKE this movie (10/10)


I might make this a recurring theme when I watch movies with parodies... but here's something a little lighter.