The Fantom

Indigene

2009-02-28T19:48:00.002-05:00

For those of you who are interested in the historical aspect of comics the Smithsonian will be hosting a gallery all about Native American comics.

"Comic Art Indigène examines how storytelling has been used through comics and comic-inspired art to express the contemporary Native American experience. Under the larger definition of narrative art, comic art is more related to Native American art traditions than one might expect. The earliest surviving example of such narrative art is rock art. The historic examples used in the exhibition, such as photographs of rock art, ledger art, and ceramics, are meant to link Native American art traditions with contemporary voices.

Making comics and producing art inspired by them is a method of reclaiming the narrative art form of comics and Native American culture from those who would dismiss an art for the masses. Stories of humor, adventure and the fantastic depicted through pictures have always been an indigenous practice, and Native American scribes today grapple with the same topics emboldened with millennia-old cultural traditions, blended with new methods of expression and life in the 21st Century."

The gallery will be hosted March 6, 2009–May 31, 2009 NMAI on the National Mall, Washington, DC.

New Releases for Friday, January 2nd

2008-12-27T20:07:00.002-05:00

Lots of cool stuff coming out this upcoming FRIDAY.

Yes.

I said Friday, and I won't feel bad for you if you come in Wednesday looking for new books.

Okay, maybe a little. BUT, its only because I want to read Wolverine #70 just as bad you do.

Also on Friday we get Captain America #45, Green Lantern#36, Ed Brubaker's newest book, Incognito #1, JSA #22 and JLA #28.

Also, prepare yourselves...

KICK-ASS #5
(You May Now Please Stop Bothering Me About This Book.)

&

A WINTERMEN SPECIAL (Does Anyone Even Remember What Happened In This Series.)

Check It All Here.

Congratulations Image...

2008-12-16T23:15:00.002-05:00

It took me awhile, but thanks to Ryan Ottley's amazing cover to Invincible #60 I now know something about Image Comics.

IMAGE HAS A SUPERHERO UNIVERSE

You remember having debates in your local comic book shop about if all the Image characters existed in one universe? I certainly do. If Image United wasn't a hint, this cover and this issue (which promises a universe encompassing one-shot story) is the Robert Kirkman, in the study, with the candelabra kind of proof you need to prove that all these characters hail from the same place.

Now you may be saying "JORDAN, of course they do! We've seen them interact before." But just LOOK at that picture. EVERYONE is there. Even Ultra, the Dynamo 5, and Madman. I recall Spawn in Youngblood and, I'm certain Dragon has been in Invincible, but it just puts my mind at ease that a cover like this has been made. In fact, I'm going to laminate just so when someone asks me, "Who's in the Image U?" I can say, "All these dudes. All these dudes right here."

This got me thinking. I would love to see a monthly "Avengers/JLA" title from Image.

Now employee Nikolai said he's seen such a thing, but since Nikolai wasn't even alive when Image was made, I don't believe him. Wouldn't it be great to have Invincible (Young angsty Superman), Brit (Captain America/Wolverine), Ultra, Superpatriot, Savage Dragon, and like the Dynamo 5 on a team.

Man that would be sweet.

New Releases for Wednesday, December 17th

2008-12-15T19:05:00.012-05:00

Before I get to this weeks new releases, I just wanted to update everyone on the Fantom Body Slam post prior to this one. After telling that story to my brother he went and saw the WWE perform in Baghdad a few weeks ago.

EXTREME!

On to the goods.

So cool stuff coming out this week. Fables #79, Invincible Iron Man #8, Mighty Avengers #20, Spider-Man Noir #1, Walking Dead #56, and the DCU Holiday Special.

Not a lot of graphic novels, but some cool stuff. Make sure to check out Superman Past & Future which contains the stellar, "Superman Under the Red Sun" story. Also take a look at the The Boys HC Definitive Edition especially if you've liked other Garth Ennis projects like The Pro or his Punisher stuff.

New Comics on sale: 12.17.08

(Click link above for this weeks new releases!)

Fantom Body Slam

2008-12-13T12:58:00.001-05:00

Last week I was working at our store in NW DC (Tenleytown) when I received a phone call from a guy named Phil. Phil asked me if we had the last three volumes of the popular and best selling, Y: The Last Man series. I told him we did, and he said he would be in shortly to pick them up.

Pretty normal, people do it all the time right. I mean, why make the trip if we don't have the goods?

About 30 minutes later Phil came through the door. I recognized him instantly. He's been around before. About my height, looks a little heavier than me, mid length dark hair, with a goatee and a lip piercing. Has a few tats as well.

In fact he looks just like this...

Hey! We even have the same Avengers t-shirt!

So he makes his way over to the "New Graphic Novel" shelf and picks up a few books. Apparently he's a big fan of the old Valiant Comics brand. You remember Valiant. X-O Manowar? Archer Armstrong? Classic 90's stuff. Also picked up some Avengers and Captain America stuff.

We talk comics and about whats good, and I hand him the three Y:The Last Man's I've been holding for him.

I go into a story about my brother and how I just sent him comics to keep him entertained while he is stationed in Iraq. Phil says, "I'm going to Iraq tonight."

Assuming he's also a soldier (because really, with all the tattoos what else could he be?) I immediately extend him the offer to send him comics while he's over there. You know, combine the load when I ship stuff to my brother.

He says he will be coming back soon, but thanks me for the offer. I ask him why he's going there if he's not in the military.

"I'm a wrestler," he responds. "We're doing some shows for the troops there."

Really? A wrestler?!

"Who for," I ask. I used to love wrestling and I still check it out every now and then. Suddenly it begins to click.

He responds, "The WWE."And by the time he finishes he has his books, and is out the door with a "Thanks!"

My minds on fire! Who was that guy. I've met "Phil" before. But I never put it all together.

Phil is professional WWE wrestler CM Punk.

THIS CM PUNK

Yeah. AWESOME.

And We're Back...

2008-12-10T21:14:00.002-05:00

I want to thank the awesome Jim Dougan for telling me he liked the Fantom Blog and hated to see it go.

To be honest. So did I.

Also employee CC made a post LONG after I had closed the site down, therefore making me look really bad. But I envyed her post and thought, "Hey, I used to do that."

Also, sooo much cool shit has happened lately its hard not sharing it with my random fans in Germany and South America (Yes, I have "Hoff" appeal). So sit back and check back in with the Fantom Blog frequently for reviews, store stories, new releases and banter.

Plenty of professional banter.

Adapting to Comics

2008-11-25T17:33:00.004-05:00

Adapting. It's what we humans do best. We evolve. We adapt. But what does that really mean? According to dictionary.com (my go-to on any term that is vague or used too generally) the sociological process of adaptation is "a slow, usually unconscious modification of individual and social activity in adjustment to cultural surroundings". How appropriate then that as comics take over the literature world, crowding out the romance novels in Barnes and Noble and edging out other winners on the New York Times Bestsellers list, we see classical literature being "modified" into comic form. And I'm NOT talking about the Classics Illustrated junk that is neither great art nor good editing.

After reading "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald graphic novel (adapted by Nunzio Fillippis and Illustrated by Kevin Cornell) I believe that there are some stories that are being given new life and new eyes as we get to see art combined with what is already considered good literature. This particular book fit well with the medium since it is a book that solely focuses on the physical appearance of one Benjamin Button as he is born an 85 year-old man and becomes younger with each passing year. The art is truly fabulous, the watercolors evoking the time-period the book was set in, and the artist managed to catch each year very distinctively, a feat easier said than done. My one qualm with the book is that the speech bubbles are typed versus being lettered. I had no problem with the narration being typed, since I think it really helps cement F. Scott as still having a voice within his own story, but I would have preferred hand-lettered text in order to fit the beautiful images.

Before I am mistaken I have to say I am a literature major and am a huge advocator for reading the novel before seeing the movie or reading the comic book. I do not see comics as a kind of Cliff's Notes or dumbing down of the text, but rather ways for artists to take familiar and favorite stories and to put their own spin and outlook on them. I mainly say this since I am guilty of adapting of more than my fair share of favorite poems and short stories into comic format. That being said there's a lot of really great stuff going on out there. If you like this adaptation I suggest looking up Peter Kuper's "Metamorphosis", Posey Simmonds "Gemma Bovary" ("Madame Bovary") and "Tamara Drewe" ("Far From The Madding Crowd"), and Mazzuchelli's "Paul Auster's 'City of Glass'". I know I'm always looking for more great adaptations and encourage readers to be on the outlook (STILL waiting for a GOOD adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland"). But give these books a look over, you won't be disappointed!

An End & A New Beginning

2008-09-15T18:51:00.002-04:00

Ok.

Its been a really long time since I posted anything new on the Fantom Blog and I'm sorry, but its not without reason.

1. Managing two comic book stores in Washington DC is pretty hard work, at least in my opinion.

2. Hopefully by Christmas, the FantomComics.com website you have come to know and love will be undergoing a MAJOR overhaul. New layout, new features, and loads of great stuff for our customers. One of these new things will be...

EMPLOYEE BLOGS!

Well, I'll be blogging. I don't know about those other knuckleheads.

But if you cant get enough of my blogging, which I don't think you have, you can catch my new project, THE MIGHTY THORSDAY, which of course visits old Thor issues for review and banter. Its going to be awesome. More to come of that in the future. When I post the link to Thorsday, the Fantom Blog will officially be shut down.

Many thanks!

New Books For 7/9/08

2008-07-07T15:04:00.003-04:00

Here's whats coming out this Wednesday. Looks like a pretty good week. Full of all your Invasions, Captains, Guardians, Iron Men, Eternals, and Members of Justice. Also, lets not forget a comic in which Megatron defeats the Autobots and begins his rule of earth. Yes, All Hail Megatron #1 comes out this week.

Trades looks pretty cool as well. I for one will be checking out the newest DC/Minx offering, New York Four, and not only because I love teenage girl drama, but also because I love all things Ryan Kelly (Brian Wood ain't bad either). Also keep an eye out for the new Batman & Son TP by Grant Morrison. It was a hell of a read.

And lastly, let me apologize for the lack of posting as of late. I am currently working on a newer and better computer and these things take time. But I promise, more to come this week. Like what would happen if Batman was Rorschach and is Atomic Robo as awesome as it sounds?

COMICS

∙100 BULLETS #93
∙ACTION COMICS #867
∙AGE OF BRONZE #27
∙AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #22
∙AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #565
∙ARCHIE & FRIENDS #121
∙ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #190
∙ARMY OF DARKNESS XENA WHY NOT #4 (OF 4)
∙BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #19
∙BATMAN STRIKES #47
∙BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ORIGINS #7
∙BERLIN #16
∙BLOODRAYNE RAW III
∙BOOSTER GOLD #1000000
∙BPRD THE WARNING #1 (OF 5)
∙CAPTAIN AMERICA WHITE #0
∙CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #3 SI
∙CHUCK #2 (OF 6)
∙DETECTIVE COMICS #846 RIP
∙ETERNALS #2
∙FALL OF CTHULHU #11
∙FINAL CRISIS REQUIEM #1
∙GENEXT #3 (OF 5)
∙GOON #26
∙GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #10
∙GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #3
∙HACK SLASH SERIES #13
∙HULK CHRONICLES WWH #1
∙HUNTRESS YEAR ONE #5 (OF 6)
∙INDIANA JONES & TOMB OF THE GODS #1
∙INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #3
∙IRON MAN LEGACY OF DOOM #4 (OF 4)
∙JOKERS ASYLUM THE PENGUIN
∙JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #17
∙LAST DEFENDERS #5 (OF 6)
∙LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #16
∙LOOKING FOR GROUP #4
∙LOST BOYS REIGN OF FROGS #3 (OF 4)
∙MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #13
∙NEW EXILES #8
∙NOVA #15
∙NUMBER OF THE BEAST #7 (OF 8)
∙OMEGA UNKNOWN #9 (OF 10)
∙POWERS #29
∙RED SONJA #35
∙SECRET INVASION #4
∙SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #190
∙SPAWN #180
∙TRANSFORMERS ALL HAIL MEGATRON #1
∙TRINITY #6
∙ULTIMATE ORIGINS #2 (OF 5)
∙WONDER WOMAN #22
∙YOUNG LIARS #5
∙YOUNG X-MEN #4

GRAPHIC NOVELS/TRADES

∙ACES CURSE O/T RED BARON GN
∙ADVENTURES OF LITTLE ARCHIE TP VOL 02
∙AMERICAN VIRGIN TP VOL 04 AROUND THE WORLD
∙ANITA BLAKE VH GUILTY PLEASURES TP VOL 1
∙ANNIHILATION CONQUEST HC BOOK 02
∙BATMAN AND SON TP
∙CAPTAIN STONEHEART & THE TRUTH FAIRY HC
∙CLASSIC TRANSFORMERS TP VOL 02
∙CRIMINAL TP VOL 03 DEAD AND DYING
∙GODDESS OF WAR VOL 01
∙GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN CREATION OF US CONSTITUTION
∙GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN STORY OF THE STATUE OF LIBERTY
∙GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN WINTER AT VALLEY FORGE
∙HELLBOY ODDEST JOBS TP
∙MS MARVEL TP VOL 04 MONSTER SMASH
∙NEIL GAIMAN CORALINE GN
∙NEW AVENGERS TP VOL 01 BREAKOUT
∙NEW YORK FOUR
∙PHANTOM JUNGLE ACTION TP
∙POWER PACK HC VOL 01
∙RUNAWAYS PREM HC DEAD END KIDS
∙TEEN TITANS SPOTLIGHT WONDER GIRL TP
∙WOLVERINE TP DEATH OF WOLVERINE

The Fantom Presents...

2008-07-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

THE TOP TEN THINGS ABOUT THE COMICS THAT CAME OUT ON A DAY THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY:

6/25/08

So if you didn't happen to make it out to your Local Comic Book Store this past Wednesday or haven't read anything related to comics all week, then you didn't see the unbelievable amount of comics that came out on 6/25/08. But more remarkable than the cornucopia of books was who was putting them out. Marvel put out almost double the amount of books than DC, a plot many felt was Marvel's chance to "bury" the competition. Me, I look at this historic week as a way for readers and retailers to bask in the fun of all the books that came out. There were just so many different types of books to enjoy, and don't even get me started on all the great TP's that came out. So gathered below are my Top 10 Favorite things from 6/25/08.

10. So Far, 90% Of The Secret Invasion Tie-Ins Have Been Good- Seriously, I have not read one tie-in for this event that has not positively enhanced the Secret Invasion story for me, and with a Thor Secret Invasion tie-in on the horizon things are only getting better.

9. Final Crisis #2 Brought The Event From "Confusing" to "Intriguing"- Albeit still a tad bit confusing, Final Crisis isn't unsubtle. You know whats happening and this issue was full of big things happening. I'm actually very anxious to read the next issue.

8. Matt Fraction's Thor One Shots Are The Green Lantern: Secret Origin Stories For Thor- Its about time someone someone capable took Thor's origins and put some modern story telling in it. Complain what you will about retcon, but these tales work, and customers seem to really be enjoying them. Like the aforementioned Green Lantern: Secret Origin, Thor: Reign of Blood and the previous Thor: Ages of Thunder, help reign in the character to its modern day incarnation without seeming dull.

7. Geoff Johns' Green Lantern Continues To Be Amazing- Nuff' Said.

6. Conan: The Cimmerian Is The Best $1 Comic In Last 20 Years- I read this 4 times and will most likely go back for a 5th and 6th time. I was a bit puzzled where this story would go after the first 50 issue run, but after covering Conan's ragamuffin years, this new creative team looks to be hellbent on the more late-epic Conan years.

5. Mythos: Captain America Reminds You Why You Have Always Loved Steve Rogers- This was beautiful. Jenkins' writing is admirable, but you really stay for the lush Paolo Rivera art. Tear to my eye guys. Tear to my eye.

4. Captain America #39 Reminds You Why You Like And Will Continue To Like Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, & Sharon Carter- This story continues to rumble on, with a little bit of help from fill in artist Rob De La Torre. What it really accomplishes is the proof that these three are here to stay for good.

3. While In Other Stories, Characters Maintained The Status Quo, The Immortal Iron Fists Life Changed Forever- Danny Rands life took a huge change in issue #16 of The Immortal Iron Fist: he will eventually no longer be a billionaire-kung fu expert. Rand Corporation became the worlds biggest Not-For Profit organization, and while Danny isn't teaching Karate to kids or helping find the 8th mysterious Capital City Of Heaven, he put the Heroes for Hire back together in their old building.

2. James Robinson On Superman- Superman. Hal Jordan. Frisbee in space with Krypto. Awesome. Where this Atlas thing is going, I have no idea, but I will happily read and find out.

1. I Spent All Weekend Slowly Enjoying My Comics- I can't recall having a weekend like this in a long time. All the employees were in the store, doing what they do best, and I got to be at home. Reading comics with my girlfriend at my side.

0.
OH. MY. GOD.
(Coming Soon In Hulk #5)

New Books for 7/2/08

2008-06-30T20:54:00.001-04:00

This week looks pretty solid, not as amazing as last weeks though. That week set the bar pretty high (more about that tomorrow, I promise), but this week certainly has its winners. Above all I am pretty excited to read Jonah Hex #33, which features Jonah Hex in Canada, and you know what that means: Darwyn Cooke is doing the art work. Also in this week is the continuation of Batman R.I.P. in Batman #678 and the first issues of Vertigo's Madame Xanadu, DC's Jokers Asylum and Marvels Patsy Walker Hellcat.

In the trade department keep your eyes open for Superman: Last Son and House of M: Avengers. I read House of M: Avengers as it was released and really liked it. Easily my favorite spin-off from the event. Superman: Last Son was something I always wanted to read. Its of course by Geoff Johns along with Richard Donner, but it also has great art by Andy Kubert, but it took forever to come out, and I just forgot about it.

Enjoy the week everyone!

*Edit: Holy crap, I didn't even see Walking Dead #50. A must read.

COMICS

76 #4 (OF 8)
ALL NEW ATOM #25
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #564
AMERICAN DREAM #5 (OF 5)
AMERICAN SPLENDOR SEASON TWO #4 (OF 4)
AMORY WARS II #2 (OF 5)
ANGEL AFTER THE FALL #10
ANGEL REVELATIONS #2 (OF 5)
ASTONISHING X-MEN #25
ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #7
AVENGERS INVADERS #3 (OF 12)
BART SIMPSON COMICS #42
BATMAN #678 RIP
BATMAN VS THE SCARECROW
BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #162
BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM #1
BLUE BEETLE #28
BOYS #20
BRIT #7
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #16
CABLE #5
CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #46
CROSSING MIDNIGHT #19
DARK TOWER END WORLD ALMANAC
DARK TOWER LONG ROAD HOME #5 (OF 5)
DC SPECIAL RAVEN #5 (OF 5)
DC UNIVERSE SPECIAL REIGN IN HELL 80 PAGE GIANT
DNA HACKER CHRONICLES #2 (OF 6)
DOCTOR WHO #5
DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS #8
DYNAMO 5 #14
FABLES #74
FEAR AGENT #22 1 AGAINST 1 (PT 1 OF 6)
FRESHMEN SUMMER VACATION SPECIAL
FX #5 (OF 6)
GHOST WHISPERER #4
GI JOE AMERICAS ELITE #36
GRIMM FAIRY TALES #28
GRIMM FAIRY TALES PIPER #3 (OF 4)
HELLBLAZER PRESENTS CHAS THE KNOWLEDGE #1 (OF 5)
HELLBOY THE CROOKED MAN #1 (OF 3)
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #3
HUNTRESS YEAR ONE #4 (OF 6)
INDIA AUTHENTIC #14 SARASWATI
INFINITY INC #11
JACK OF FABLES #23
JOKERS ASYLUM THE JOKER #1
JONAH HEX #33
JSA CLASSIFIED #39
KOLCHAK TALES NIGHT STALKER O/T LIVING DEAD #2 (OF 3)
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #43
LOONEY TUNES #164
LORDS OF AVALON SOD #6 (OF 6)
LUCHA LIBRE #5
MADAME XANADU #1
MANHUNTER #32
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #41
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED THREE MUSKETEERS #2 (OF 6)
NEW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON ZERO #10
NEW DYNAMIX #4 (OF 5)
NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD ANNUAL #1
NIGHTWING #146
NOBLE CAUSES #35
NORTHLANDERS #7 (MR)
PATSY WALKER HELLCAT #1 (OF 5)
PROGRAMME #12 (OF 12)
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #21
RANN THANAGAR HOLY WAR #3 (OF 8)
ROGUE ANGEL TELLER OF TALES #5
SAVAGE DRAGON #136
SECRET HISTORY THE AUTHORITY HAWKSMOOR #4 (OF 6)
SECRET INVASION FRONT LINE #1 (OF 5)
SIMPSONS SUPER SPECTACULAR #7
SONIC X #34
SQUADRON SUPREME 2 #1
STAND SKETCHBOOK
STAR TREK ASSIGNMENT EARTH #3
STAR TREK MIRROR IMAGES #1
STAR TREK NEW FRONTIER #4
STAR TREK YEAR FOUR ENTERPRISE EXPERIMENT #3
STEPHEN COLBERTS TEK JANSEN #1 (OF 5) NEW PTG
STEPHEN COLBERTS TEK JANSEN #2 (OF 5)
STORMING PARADISE #1 (OF 6)
SUPERGIRL #31
SUPERNATURAL RISING SON #3 (OF 6)
SWORD #9
TALES OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #47
TERRY MOORES ECHO #4
TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE RAISING CAIN #3 (OF 3)
TOR #3 (OF 6)
TRANSFORMERS BEST OF UK SPACE PIRATES #5
TRINITY #5
VERONICA #189
VINYL UNDERGROUND #10
WALKING DEAD #50
WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #3 (OF 12)
WASTELAND #18
WULF & BATSY #2 (OF 6)
ZOMBIE TALES #2

GRAPHIC NOVELS

AFTER THE CAPE II TP
ARCHIE AMERICANA SER TP VOL 08 BEST OF 60S BOOK 2
AVENGERS INITIATIVE PREM HC VOL 02 KILLED ACTION
CAPTAIN AMERICA TP OPERATION REBIRTH NEW PTG
COUNTDOWN PRESENTS SEARCH FOR RAY PALMER TP
COUNTER X TP VOL 01 X-FORCE
DEVI TP VOL 04
ESSENTIAL DEFENDERS TP VOL 4
FANTASTIC FOUR PREM HC LOST ADVENTURES STAN LEE
FRANK BELLAMYS ROBIN HOOD GN COMPLETE ADVENTURES
FRUITS BASKET GN VOL 20 (OF 22)
HAMLET GN NO FEAR SHAKESPEARE
HELLBLAZER FEAR MACHINE TP
HOUSE OF M TP AVENGERS
INVADERS CLASSIC TP VOL 2
JUDGE DEATH YOUNG DEATH BOYHOOD OA SUPERFIEND GN
MACBETH GN NO FEAR SHAKESPEARE
MARVEL ATLAS TP
MIGHTY AVENGERS PREM HC VOL 02 VENOM BOMB
NARUTO TP VOL 30
PATH OF THE ASSASSIN TP VOL 12 THREE FOOT BATTLE
ROMEO & JULIET GN NO FEAR SHAKESPEARE
SHOWCASE PRESENTS BATMAN TP VOL 03
SIRE TP
SUPERMAN LAST SON HC
SWORD TP VOL 01
TEEN TITANS TP TITANS OF TOMORROW
TURNING POINTS LITTLE ROCK NINE GN
USAGI YOJIMBO TP VOL 22 TOMOES STORY
WATER BABY
WILDSTORM REVELATIONS TP
WONDERMARK BEARDS OF OUR FOREFATHERS

2008-06-29T11:47:00.000-04:00

MICHAEL TURNER: 1971-2008

You Will Be Missed.

The Fantom Presents...

2008-06-27T15:05:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

FEATURING

SHARON CARTER & SIN

-IN-

"MEAN GIRLS II"

A BAHLACTUS PRODUCTION

The Fantom Talks It Out: Writing For The Big Guys

2008-06-26T10:37:00.000-04:00

I don't want to sound high and mighty here, but I think things have been going pretty well here at the Fantom Blog. Posts are timely and fun, and plenty of people are dropping by to take a look. All in all: mission accomplished. But yesterday, the Devon Sanders and myself were discussing what would happen if one of the big two asked us to write a book of theirs; which I assure you has not happened. But if they did it would probably look something like this...

DC Comics Guy: Jordan, we love your writing (but you really need an editor) and we want you to take a shot at Batman.

Me: Uh, sure! Wait... um... no.

DC Comics Guy: Wait. What?!

Me: I have like, one Batman story in my head. It would last like three issues, maybe four tops. After that, all out of ideas. One of them is just him wandering about the Wayne manor reminiscing about his life and being sad.

DC Comics Guy: Okay. How about Superman?

Me: Hell no.

You see, it would go on and on like that until they offered me, I don't know, Green Lantern. But not Hal, it would have to be Kyle or the Corps in general. Same thing goes with Marvel:

Marvel Comics Guy: We want you to write Spider-man. We think you're witty, inane, Internet banter would make for a great book.

Me: ARE YOU CRAZY! NO!

Marvel Comics Guy: Ok, How about Iron Fist? Or maybe Nova?

Me: GAH! Fraction and Brubaker should only write Iron Fist! But Nova sounds interesting...

See, it takes HUGE STONES to man-up and write a guy like Superman or Captain America. You have to be the top of your game, and if your not, BEAT IT. The smaller guys, like Nightwing, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, Hercules, Supergirl, hell even Thor, these are people who I feel still have A TON of room to tell great stories. They are also respected, but only to a point. A guy like Supes, you write him wrong, KISS YOUR ASS GOODBYE. Captain America? You don't write him handling a situation correctly, you immediately lose all credibility with me. That's why I really respect the Starman series by James Robinson. He set out to tell a great story and when it was over, he was done with the series and the main character, and now, no one dare touch it.

It also boggles my mind how a guy like J. Michael Straczynski could write Amazing Spider-man for as long as he did. I mean, it shows in some parts how stretched the book felt. Even Fables has a tendency to tell stories that don't have to be told, as it often times drifts from the main plot. In fact, if Bill Willingham just told the story he clearly wants to tell, Fables would most likely be over, and be about 6 volumes.

So next time you diss on a guy like Geoff Johns on Superman (I don't think anyone really is) or even a guy like David Hine on Spawn, just think about the balls it takes to write these characters. Lord knows I wouldn't to do it.

New Books for 6/25/08

2008-06-23T14:58:00.000-04:00

Whoa.

Huge week this week. Final Crisis, Green Lantern, Conan the Cimmerian, Runaways, Ultimates 3, Iron Fist (Brubaker & Fractions last), Captain America and a new Thor: Ages Of Thunder story called Reign of Blood. My pick of the week goes to Mythos: Captain America. The "mythos" line by Marvel, retells (and retcons a bit) the origins of some companies biggest and best heroes. All the art duties have fallen on Paulo Rivera, an amazing painter, and so far he has handled the Hulk, Spider-Man and the FF4 with amazing skill. I was able to look at the finished pages at the New York Comic Con earlier this year and Paulo told me that the Captain America one is the one he was most proud of. "I told them either give me more time to finish the book the way I want or I dont do it." Thankfully Marvel listened to him. Make sure to check it out.

In the trade department we finally see the arrival of the long awaited eighth volume of the Walking Dead. [Insert joke here about how you thought you would be dead by the time this came out]. This took forever, but I am just as interested as always to see what Robert Kirkman will do. Also All-Star Batman & Robin gets the hardcover treatment this week. Check it out if you want to laugh at Batman and Frank Miller while you drool over amazing Jim Lee artwork. I will most likely be shelling out the dollars for the Green Lantern: Tales of the Sinestro Corps HC to add to my ever growing collection of Green Lantern books. Aaaand, if you've never read Ex Machina, check out the nice hardcover collection coming out this week and get caught up in style.

Enjoy this week, its a killa'!

COMICS
ARCHIE #586
ARCHIE DIGEST #245
AVENGERS FAIRY TALES #3 (OF 4)
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #14
BATMAN GOTHAM AFTER MIDNITE #2 (OF 12)
BEYOND WONDERLAND #0 (OF 6)
BLACK PANTHER #37
BPRD ECTOPLASMIC MAN ONE SHOT
CAPTAIN AMERICA #39
CLOCKWORK GIRL #4 (OF 4)
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #0
DAREDEVIL #108
FANTASTIC FOUR #558
FINAL CRISIS #2 (OF 7)
GREEN LANTERN #32
HULK #4
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #16
KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #140
MARVEL 1985 #2 (OF 6)
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #37
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #10
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED MOBY DICK #5 (OF 6)
MIGHTY AVENGERS #15
MS MARVEL #28
MYTHOS CAPTAIN AMERICA
NEW AVENGERS #42
NEW WARRIORS #13
NO HERO #0 (OF 7)
NUMBER OF THE BEAST #6 (OF 8)
PIGEONS FROM HELL #3 (OF 4)
POWER PACK DAY ONE #4 (OF 4)
RUNAWAYS #30
SECRET INVASION RUNAWAYS YOUNG AVENGERS #1 (OF 3)
SHE-HULK 2 #30
STAR WARS DARK TIMES #12
STRANDED #5
SUPERMAN #677
SUPERPOWERS #4 (OF 7)
TEEN TITANS #60
THOR AGES OF THUNDER REIGN OF BLOOD
THUNDERBOLTS #121
TRINITY #4
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #123
ULTIMATES 3 #4 (OF 5)
UNCANNY X-MEN #499
WHAT IF FANTASTIC FOUR TRIBUTE TO MIKE WIERINGO
WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #4
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #26
WORLDS OF DUNGEONS & DRAGONS #2
X-MEN FIRST CLASS VOL 2 #13
X-MEN LEGACY #213
YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #6 (OF 6)

GRAPHIC NOVELS
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER HC VOL 01
BATMAN JEKYLL AND HYDE TP
CAPTAIN AMERICA PREM HC CHOSEN
DISCWORLD GN VOL 01 COLOUR OF MAGIC & LIGHT FANTASTIC
EX MACHINA DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 01
GREEN LANTERN TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS HC
GROWING OLD WITH BC A CELEBRATION OF JOHNNY HART GN
INDIANA JONES ADVENTURES TP VOL 01
JACK OF FABLES TP VOL 03 THE BAD PRINCE
LOADED BIBLE TP VOL 01
MARVELS PREM HC
OFF HB MARVEL UNIV A TO Z PREM HC VOL 03
SPAWN THE UNDEAD TP
SUPERMAN CAMELOT FALLS TP VOL 01
TANGENT COMICS TP VOL 03
WALKING DEAD TP VOL 08 MADE TO SUFFER

The Fantom Talks It Out: The Comics Apocalypse

2008-06-21T18:13:00.001-04:00

I just want to make something very clear:

WE ARE NOT IN A COMICS DEPRESSION, RECESSION, OR IMPENDING APOCALYPSE.

There. I think I said what I needed to say. Now let me run with this, and eventually beat it into the ground.

Recently I have been hearing (or reading rather) a lot of talk about how comics are entering some sort of Dark Age. A time where the stories don't make sense, they aren't fun, the big two are obsessed with money, and mega events threaten doom upon our favorite entertainment medium. This my friends, is a load of crap.

Now I understand as a retailer that I am in a position to tell you that everything is fine. That comics are good and that you are not wasting your money. PLEASE BUY COMICS. PLEASE. But honestly, I read and BUY these things too. Its not like I sit in the store all day and count wads of cash, and call everybody who buys something an idiot (only sometimes). I care, respect, and love comics. From epic battles in space to the everyday journeys of a man in Japan, I love comics, and we, the comic buyer are living in an amazing time for comic books. There are tons of publishers out there offering a load of great stories from all different walks of life. The art ranges greatly, from smaller, independent, personal styles (Jeffery Brown, Rutu Modan) to hand painted, grandiose masterpieces (Alex Ross, Esad Ribic, Gabrielle Del Otto). And the writing, don't even get me started. You have bestselling authors (Brad Meltzer, Orson Scott Card, Gail Simone) and indy masterminds (Bryan Lee O'Malley, Ted Naifeh, Jeff Smith, Kolchaka) coming up with amazing stories that shock, awe, and inspire. If anything, these aren't the trying times for the medium, these are the defining times.

But Look. A lot of stuff comes out every week. Somewhere between 50-70 new titles. It can't all be gold, but they can be fun, and really, enjoyable comics is something different to everyone. Don't beat yourself up because Justice League is terrible, just don't buy it. Read what happened in a comic forum instead and when the book returns with a writer/artist team you like (ala Spider-Man Brand New Day) jump aboard. I hadn't read JLA in forever, but when I saw Ethan Van Sciver aboard for issue #20 I was all over it. And it was great. Something about Wonder Woman convincing the Flash to be more involved in the League. Great Stuff. But I wander.

This all comes about because of a post made on the Second Printing blog, which I frequently check, titled "A Fan's Survival Guide In The Face of Comic Apocalypse" which really rubbed me the wrong way. It provides GREAT tips to break a rut, or "survive" the coming doom. But really tips like "got outside your comfort zone" and "go back in time" are just great things to let all comic readers know of. Like really good things to let them know that they can do. That its in your power to read a series in TPB because its there and you can or that you can add or drop a book to your subscription at any time (at least with us you can) because you can. Or that you can even walk away for a bit... if you really want to. I for one won't be doing that any time soon.

Really what I want to end on is that a lot of this is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you really think things are getting so bad, THAT YOU HAVE TO WALK AWAY, then you will. If you think that superheroes are played out, but you are unwilling to try anything else. Than you will walk away. Thats why I think our store does a better job than most. I am not content to let someone walk away from comics because DC or Marvel told a story that forced them away. Hell no. Absolutely not. Unacceptable. Shenanigans even. We have a great community, and great employees that pride themselves on helping each other find new comics to read and enjoy. Hell, if you find yourself saying "Hey, this sounds like me," let me know and I would be more than happy to help.

Okay, consider this beaten into the ground. Thanks for your time.

The Fantom Presents...

2008-06-20T17:48:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

FEATURING

"YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE FOGGY"

A BAHLACTUS PRODUCTION

(Daredevil: Born Again. Miller & Mazzucchelli)

The Fantom... CENSORS!

2008-06-18T14:30:00.000-04:00

Has any other comic book retailer out there ever gotten an issue of Bomb Queen and just sighed. It was funny the first time, kind of like Garth Ennis's The Pro, but now I think its worn out its welcome. Now call me old fashioned ("Welcome to the 21st century Steve Rogers,") but isn't this a little over the top:

Bomb Queen V #1

The boobs, the blood, the people hanging by nooses, it was just too much for me. So here's what I did to it in order to make my employees, customers and myself more comfortable in the face of such lewdness:

I put the comic in a bag and board, cut a board in half, slipped it in the front, and then taped it shut.

Now this isn't the first time I have self-censored a book before, typically I do the same with most Marvel Max books (Punisher) and lately with Marvel/Soliel's Sky-Doll (Kids think it looks cute, but there is a lot of nudity in it). In the end its never really hurt business, and often times I wonder if people get them BECAUSE they are being sealed and are obviously not for younger audiences.

And by the way it looks, more of the same "censorship" for Bomb Queen V #2. Although, they aren't giving me a lot to work with...
Anyone else out there with thought on the topic of self-censoring comic books that come your stores way?

New Books for 6/18/08

2008-06-16T12:16:00.000-04:00

Pretty awesome week coming in, especially in the TBP department. Be sure to check out Wolverine #66, featuring part one of the new "Old Man Logan" storyline, done by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven. Also of note is the collection of the first Atomic Robo story arc as well as the long awaited final volume of Y: The Last Man. Enjoy!

COMICS

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #563
AMERICAN DREAM #4 (OF 5)
ANGEL AFTER THE FALL #9
ANITA BLAKE VH GUILTY PLEASURES #12 (OF 12)
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #8
BETTY & VERONICA #236
BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #185
BIRDS OF PREY #119
BOMB QUEEN V #2 (OF 6)
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #14
CASEY BLUE BEYOND TOMORROW #2 (OF 6)
CATWOMAN #80
CHECKMATE #27
DC SPECIAL CYBORG #2 (OF 5)
DC WILDSTORM DREAMWAR #3 (OF 6)
DEAD SPACE #4 (OF 6)
DEAN KOONTZS FRANKENSTEIN VOL 01 #2 (OF 5) PRODIGAL SON
DMZ #32
EX MACHINA #37
FALLEN ANGEL IDW #27
FLASH #241
GEORGE R R MARTINS WILD CARDS #3 (OF 6)
GHOST RIDER #24
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #9 (OF 9)
GRENDEL BEHOLD THE DEVIL #8 (OF 8)
GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #2
HELLBLAZER #245
HUNTRESS YEAR ONE #3 (OF 6)
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #118
IRON MAN DIRECTOR OF SHIELD #30
JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #141
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #22
MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #25
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED ILIAD #7 (OF 8)
PS238 #32
PUNISHER #58
RAMAYAN 3392 AD RELOADED #6 (OF 7)
RASL #2
SCALPED #18
SCOOBY DOO #133
SECRET INVASION FANTASTIC FOUR #2 (OF 3)
SIMPSONS COMICS #143
SPARKS #1 (OF 8)
SPIRIT #18
STAR WARS KNIGHTS OF OLD REPUBLIC #30

STAR WARS LEGACY #25
STREETS OF GLORY #5 (OF 6)
SUPER FRIENDS #4
SUPERMAN BATMAN #49
TANGENT SUPERMANS REIGN #4 (OF 12)
TEEN TITANS YEAR ONE #5 (OF 6)
TRANSFORMERS MOVIE PREQUEL SPECIAL
TRANSFORMERS SPOTLIGHT CYCLONUS
TRANSFORMERS SPOTLIGHT WHEELIE
TRINITY #3
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #55
ULTIMATE X-MEN #95
WAR IS HELL FIRST FLIGHT PHANTOM EAGLE MAX #4 (OF 5)
WARHAMMER CONDEMNED BY FIRE #2 (OF 5)
WOLVERINE #66
WORLD OF WARCRAFT #8
X-FACTOR #32
ZORRO #4

GRAPHIC NOVELS/TRADES

ALIENS OMNIBUS TP VOL 04
ASTONISHING X-MEN TP VOL 04 UNSTOPPABLE
ATOMIC ROBO TP VOL 01
CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED HUCKLEBERRY FINN
CONAN BORN ON THE BATTLEFIELD SC
DYNAMO 5 TP VOL 02 MOMENTS OF TRUTH
ETERNALS BY NEIL GAIMAN TP
GREEN LANTERN HC VOL 02 THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR
HULK WWH TP DAMAGE CONTROL
IRON MAN TP HAUNTED
MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS TP VOL 06 MIGHTY DIGEST
POSTAGE STAMP FUNNIES HC
PVP TP VOL 05 PVP TREKS ON
SHADOWPACT TP VOL 03 DARKNESS AND LIGHT
SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE FLASH TP VOL 02
STAR WARS LEGACY TP VOL 03
TERROR INC TP
TURNING POINTS SONS OF LIBERTY GN
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR TP VOL 10 GHOSTS
WORLDS FINEST DELUXE EDITION HC
Y THE LAST MAN TP VOL 10 WHYS AND WHEREFORES
YOSHITAKA AMANOS MATEKI THE MAGIC FLUTE HC

The Fantom Reviews: The Incredible Hulk

2008-06-14T18:56:00.000-04:00

I have a love/hate relationship with the Hulk. Although I respected Ang Lee's efforts with the Green Goliath in his first feature film, the movie was bad. Its predecessor, Louis Leterrier's The Incredible Hulk, is similar, but essentially comes down to this: Its just another Hulk film.

This is were my love turns to "hate".

There really is not a lot you can do with the Hulk, and while individuals like Iron Man and Batman are characters that have "legs" in the story department, Hulk simply has one. Hulk smash. That's how he will solve all his problems, and that is really all you have to look forward to in the film. The smashing looks and sounds amazing, but compared to the first film, its essentially the same with the exception that in the new film, the Hulk has someone to hit (unlike Superman Returns). The battles are well crafted, although telegraphed in a sense. You know the fights are coming and that's what really pushes this movie forward. Not the acting, not the story, just the fighting. One scene after another builds upon each other until just when you think your getting bored, BAM! Hulk smash.

The CGI looks pretty good. People are going to complain that the Hulk looks fake, but come on, hes what, a ten-foot, 600 pound guy? There is no way to make him "look" real. In comparison to the others films, Hulk looks... different. Not better. Just different. I may be alone here, but I really liked the way the other Hulk looked and moved in the first film, especially in the spectacular desert fight scene. He was large and gentle, and retained a lot of Bruce Banner. But when he got pissed he was mean. The new Hulk matches that look and feel, although I don't see Banner as much as I would like in him. Edward Norton (Bruce Banner) channels the feelings well as a man, but as a beast, a lot is lost. Also a lot is lost in the Cloverfield-esque filming.

Ultimately this movie ends as a confusing mess, just like most Hulk comics. Even the appearance of Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark adds to the confusion, rather then creating some sort of new angle. Let me try to explain this:

This film, and the rest of the Marvel movies to come, will all be 75% based on the Ultimate Universe, a more adult and modernized vision of the Marvel Universe in the 21st century. In the Ultimate Universe and especially within the Ultimates book, its hard to tell who the heroes really are. Captain America is a bit of jerk, Hank Pym (Giant Man) beats his wife Janet (the Wasp), and Thor may or may not be an absolute lunatic claiming to be the Norse God Of Thunder. The public will be (And I feel is confused) by these portrayals. Adding a scene featuring Iron Man speaking with a General in the Armed Forces about a monster who needs to be stopped adds to this confusion. "Isn't Iron Man a good guy?" they ask themselves. "Why would he want to hurt Hulk? Why would he build weapons for the military to hurt him after they said in the last movie he would stop making weapons?" The common sense answer is "Because the Hulk is guilty of the death of hundreds of people, and millions of dollars in property damage." But for the average movie goer who is new to the "Marvel Experience" they just won't get it, and honestly I'm a bit confused myself.

The Fantom Presents...

2008-06-13T11:31:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS

(CLASSIC EDITION)

FEATURING SAM "SNAP" WILSON

SWOOP N' DROP

Always Bet On Bahlactus!

If you couldn't already tell, I really love Captain America, and issue #38 was no exception. Now I understand that this issue is old news comic land. The reviews have come and gone, and we now all hold our collective breaths until the next one, but I'm really surprised that there hasn't been a little bit more of an uproar about what took place in this issue. Sure we got answers about this "fake" Captain America, and yes, there was indeed a fight that took place out in broad daylight. And hell, this Bucky thing is even working after this issue, but what I'm referring to is this:

Oh, can't see that to well. Let me zoom in a bit.

Arnim Zola-bot just called The Falcon "A Black Skinned Meddler". That's pretty saucy for these days. But then again this book is mired with Nazis and fascists, so what can you expect. But I will admit...

It almost entered Scooby-Doo territory.

2008-06-12T21:50:00.000-04:00

SEPTEMBER /17/2008

http://funrama.blogspot.com/

The Fantom Talks It Out: The Youth Of A Nation

2008-06-10T10:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was in the store catching up on a fat stack of 70's Thor comics that I bought for 5$ on Ebay, when a young gentlemen (perhaps 11-12 years old) came into our Union Station store. He looked around at first, obliviously a bit hesitant to ask what was on his mind. Was he in awe? Was he looking around confused, asking himself, "which one is for me?" Then he finally stood in front of me, rested himself on the counter, and met me in the eyes, and asked: "What is the most expensive comic in the store?"

To be honest, the question devastated me. Its one I hear daily, and every time I do its like a Superboy Prime punch to the heart. I understand the infatuation with the rare comics of ages past, hell I got all giddy when I found a copy of Silver Surfer #4 sitting in our back room, but my issue with this question are the people asking it. Kids. Its always kids.

What we need to do is reverse this thinking. As store managers, customers, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, we need to teach the younger generation that there is more value to comics than their value. That within their pages their are heroes to love, stories to learn from, and an ownership that no one can "value" but themselves. We need to hand them more copies of Green Lantern, Blue Beetle, Hellboy, Starman, Captain America, Nova, Action Comics, Amazing Spider-Man and Scott Pilgrim (just to name a few). The stories that fill us with hope. That show us that in an uncertain world, heroes still fight to uphold justice and freedom. Books that show us how loss builds growth, and from that growth we can build strength. But most of all, stories that entertain us.

Call it the platinum age, the modern age, whatever you want, but it is clear that we now live in a comic book age like no other. The books are better than HBO, the art could hang in galleries in France and its our responsibility, as those who survived the comics catastrophe of the 1990's, to guide this New Frontier of comics. Hand your nephew a story you love, or read a comic to a kid your babysitting. Young teenager? Hand them Young Avengers. Let them understand that Action Comics #1 is worth what it is because its historic fiction. IT IS THE FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE WORLDS GREATEST SUPERHERO. But explain to them, its boring, and although the events that take place in it are landmark, for a child of the 21st century, there are better superhero stories being written for them.

And then, maybe with that, the questions about equity will turn into questions about whats for me.

New Books for 6/11/08

2008-06-09T12:32:00.000-04:00

Store News:

A man recently came in with his family and looked around the shop for a while. Pretty much nothing out of the ordinary there. The Dad and I talked shop, while his little boy and girl looked around. Then, out of the blue his teenage daughter says, "Aren't there any REAL books here?" to which the father responded with a sigh AND THEN LOOKED AT ME TO ANSWER THE QUESTION. He looked to me to discipline his daughters insolence. So I looked at her and said, "This is a book store like any other. Could you please apologize. I think you hurt my feelings." This was all said in a very adorable way, earning the appropriate, "sorry" from the teenage girl. Then they were off.

Now this isn't the first time this has happened in the stores, and quite frankly I don't really care, but like the incident with the Persian Lock Smith, why would someone say such a thing while I am sitting right there? Why would someone be so intentionally rude. Have they, in a past life been belittled by a comic store owner and therefore come to our to store to have revenge. Did they search the entire nation to find Fantom Comics, the one comic shop that prefers to run itself like a bookstore instead of mom's basement, and then rip on us. I would hope not. But then again, I love these people. Because this is who I'm trying to convert. To show them that there are amazing stories being told in comics, and you know what, often times I'm successful.

COMICS

100 BULLETS #92
ACTION COMICS #866
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #21
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #562
ANGEL AFTER THE FALL #8

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #120
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #18
BATMAN STRIKES #46
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ORIGINS #3
BOOSTER GOLD #10
BPRD WAR ON FROGS #1
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #2 SI
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #26
CHUCK #1 (OF 6)
CIVIL WAR CHRONICLES #12
CLANDESTINE #5 (OF 5)
DC UNIVERSE SPECIAL SUPERMAN MONGUL
DOKTOR SLEEPLESS #7
ELEPHANTMEN #12
ETERNALS #1
FEAR AGENT #21 HATCHET JOB (PT 5 OF 5)
GENEXT #2 (OF 5)
GOTHAM UNDERGROUND #9 (OF 9)
GREEN ARROW BLACK CANARY #9
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #25
HACK SLASH SERIES #12
HULK RAGING THUNDER
HUNTRESS YEAR ONE #3 (OF 6)
INVINCIBLE #50
IRON MAN LEGACY OF DOOM #3 (OF 4)
LAST DEFENDERS #4 (OF 6)
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #15
LOCAL #12 (OF 12)
LOCKE & KEY #5
LOST BOYS REIGN OF FROGS #2 (OF 4)
MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #9
MAGDALENA DAREDEVIL (ONE SHOT)
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #12
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED THREE MUSKETEERS #1 (OF 6)
MOON KNIGHT #19
NARCOPOLIS #3 (OF 4)
NEW EXILES #7
NEWUNIVERSAL SHOCKFRONT #2 (OF 6)
NUMBER OF THE BEAST #5 (OF 8)
PALS N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #122
PUNISHER MAX LITTLE BLACK BOOK
SALVATION RUN #7 (OF 7)
SECRET INVASION WHO DO YOU TRUST
SIMON DARK #9
SKAAR SON OF HULK #1
SKY DOLL #2 (OF 3)
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #189
SPIDER-MAN WITH GREAT POWER #4 (OF 5)
STAR TREK NEW FRONTIER #3
STAR WARS REBELLION #14 SMALL VICTORIES PART 4 (OF 4)
TINY TITANS #5
TITANS #3
TRINITY #2
TWELVE #6 (OF 12)
UNCLE SCROOGE #376
WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #691
WONDER WOMAN #21
X-FORCE AINT NO DOG
YOUNG LIARS #4

GRAPHIC NOVELS/TRADES

ABSOLUTE SANDMAN HC VOL 03
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL TP VOL 19 BADGER HOLE
BURNOUT
CAPTAIN AMERICA TP VOL 01 DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA
CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED THE INVISIBLE MAN
COMPLETE LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE HC VOL 01
FLUFFY HC
INCREDIBLE HERCULES AGAINST WORLD PREM HC
JOKER THE GREATEST STORIES EVER TOLD TP
JUDGE DREDD HENRY FLINT COLLECTION TP
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA HC VOL 03 INJUSTICE LEAGUE
MARVEL ZOMBIES 02 HC
METAMORPHO YEAR ONE TP
PENNY ARCADE TP VOL 05 THE CASE OF THE MUMMYS GOLD
PROGRAMME TP VOL 01
QUESTION THE FIVE BOOKS OF BLOOD HC
RIDE TP VOL 02
ROBOTS GN
SILVER SURFER TP IN THY NAME
UMBRELLA ACADEMY APOCALYPSE SUITE TP
VINYL UNDERGROUND TP VOL 01 WATCHING THE DETECTIVES
WOLVERINE TP ENEMY OF STATE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

The Fantom Presents...

2008-06-06T12:14:00.000-04:00

GTFO OA NOOB.

Store News:

A man came into the store yesterday and since he did not know my name he proceeded to call me a slur of sports related nicknames, the first of which started with MJ and then rolled into LT, TO, OJ, and then ending finally with Stephen Davis. He then asked me how he could "get rich" in comics because he wanted to. After I sadly informed him that "getting rich" in comics is really hard to do and that the only wealthy people in comics could be counted on two hands, he left, calling me a slur of sports related nicknames.

As I type we are having our locks fixed by the most excitable Persian man I have ever met. He says he loves the job because of the people he gets to meet doing such a random odd job. I guess the feeling is mutual. (UPDATE) He has just asked me "As friends now. Do you actually like all this shit?" To which of course I responded, "Excuse me?! Of course I do." We are now engaging in a debate.

I recently bought Fables issues 70-74 because I refuse to wait 18 months again for a comic I really love. We have also been trying to get customers to do this (subscribe to the book that is), but I think they are just too excited to get vol. 10 to listen to my yammering.

The Fantom Proclaims!

2008-06-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

I WILL PLAY THIS GAME TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF MY CONSTITUTION.

Now there isnt too much known about this game besides the fact that it is based off the amazing Mouse Guard series, that it functions using some sort of gaming engine I've never heard of, and that the book itself will be fully illustrated by David Petersen. BUT, here is something I do know that I will share with you...

IN THIS GAME YOU CAN BE:

Happy Go-Lucky Music Mouse

Washed Up Drunk Warrior Mouse

Old Man Mouse

A Nerd Mouse

Badass Blacksmith Mouse

Well, it's probably close to what you can be. Most likely it will be like warriors and sneeky classes like rogues and hunters. Me? Look for me in the Boba Fett armor.

The Fantom... Is Ashamed: Part 2

2008-06-04T15:46:00.000-04:00

Shall we continue with Part 2 of my current run of shameful posting, WITH POSTING THAT SHALL UNASHAME ME!

HELL YES!

People love All-Star Superman. I mean really, can you blame them. Grant Morrison has taken everything they like about Superman and put it into 11 of the most entertaining comics they [I] have ever read. In All-Star Superman #11 we get Bla ck Metal Luthor, which for me is great because if there is one thing I enjoy most in life, it is the soulful shrieking on an angst ridden Scandinavian. Allow me to site an example:

In the face of execution, Luthor casually harasses a preacher, slams the Lord and then...

THROWS A FLAMING BIBLE OUT OF THE ROOM.

Geez, I don't know. On the "Grimness Scale" where does that one rank Abbath?

On the other end of the spectrum we had Marvel 1985 #1, which to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure how it would do. It has the "Millar" name tagged onto it, so I guess that adds some "cool" points, and as much as I love Tommy Lee Edwards art, I don't think a lot of our clientel go's for it. Its just, I don't know, unconventional in style and well, change scares people I 'spose. But it did pretty well sales wise, and also got a really good review over at IGN Comics. But really, how can a comic that features "the Dude" as the main characters father not do well? Here take a look:

It also features a great rendering of the Red Skull peering out from the shadows.

CREEPY.

BONUS CONTENT!

"DOOM DESPISES YOUR EARLY 20th CENTURY FURNITURE!"

New Books for 6/4/08

2008-06-03T11:43:00.000-04:00

Here's whats coming out this Wednesday. Books of interest are highlighted in red. Enjoy!

ABE SAPIEN THE DROWNING #5 (OF 5)
ALL NEW ATOM #24
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #561
AMERICAN DREAM #3 (OF 5)
AMERICAN SPLENDOR SEASON TWO #3 (OF 4)
AMORY WARS II #1 (OF 5)
ASTONISHING X-MEN SKETCHBOOK
AVENGERS INVADERS #2 (OF 12)
BATMAN DEATH MASK #3 (OF 4)
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ORIGINS #6
BOYS #19 (MR)
BRIT #6
BUDDHA STORY OF ENLIGHTENMENT #3
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #15
CABLE #4
CRIMINAL 2 #3
DARK TOWER LONG ROAD HOME #4 (OF 5)
DC SPECIAL RAVEN #4 (OF 5)
DETECTIVE COMICS #845
DEVI #20
DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS #7
FX #4 (OF 6)
GRIMM FAIRY TALES #27
HAUNT OF HORROR LOVECRAFT #1 (OF 3)
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #2
INFINITY INC #10
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #2
JONAH HEX #32
JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED #46
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #16
KICK ASS #3
LORDS OF AVALON SOD #5 (OF 6)
MANHUNTER #31
MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #40 (OMG! THOR SPIDER-MAN)
MARVEL SPOTLIGHT SECRET INVASION
MIDNIGHTER #20
NEW BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SEASON ZERO #9
NIGHTWING #145
NOBLE CAUSES #34
NOVA #14
OMEGA UNKNOWN #9 (OF 10)
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #20
RANN THANAGAR HOLY WAR #2 (OF 8)
RED SONJA #34
ROBIN SPOILER SPECIAL #1
SECRET INVASION #3 (OF 8)
SHONEN JUMP JULY 08
SPAWN #179
STAR TREK ASSIGNMENT EARTH #2
STAR TREK NEW FRONTIER #3
SUPERGIRL #30
TALES OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #46
TALL TALES OF VISHNU SHARMA PANCHATANTRA #5 (OF 5)
TANK GIRL VISIONS OF BOOGA #2
TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE RAISING CAIN #2 (OF 3)
TOR #2 (OF 6)
TRINITY #1
ULTIMATE ORIGINS #1 (OF 5)
VINYL UNDERGROUND #9
WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #2 (OF 12)
WOLVERINE DANGEROUS GAME
YOUNG X-MEN #3

GRAPHIC NOVELS

ASTERIX AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES HC
BLEACH TP VOL 23
COMPLETE JACK KIRBY VOL 04 1947B TP
CONAN BORN ON THE BATTLEFIELD HC
CRAWL SPACE TP VOL 01 XXXOMBIES
ESSENTIAL CAPTAIN MARVEL TP VOL 01
FABLES TP VOL 10 THE GOOD PRINCE
GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN EASTMAN & KODAK CAMERA
GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN FARNWORTH & TELEVISION
GRAPHIC LIBRARY GN GUTENBERG & PRINTING PRESS
HEDGE KNIGHT II SWORN SWORD PREM HC
HULK VS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE TP
INDIANA JONES OMNIBUS TP VOL 02
INFINITY INC TP VOL 01 LUTHORS MONSTERS
INVINCIBLE TP VOL 09 OUT OF THIS WORLD
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES 1050 YEARS IN THE FUTURE TP
LOBSTER JOHNSON TP VOL 01 IRON PROMETHEUS
NEW AVENGERS TP VOL 07 TRUST
ONE PIECE TP VOL 18
PATH OF THE ASSASSIN TP VOL 11
PENANCE RELENTLESS TP
POKEMON RISE OF DARKRAI GN
PREDATOR OMNIBUS TP VOL 03
SHOWCASE PRESENTS HAUNTED TANK TP VOL 02
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG ARCHIVES TP VOL 07
STAR WARS OMNIBUS DROIDS TP VOL 01
TELLOS COLOSSAL TP VOL 01
TOM STRONG TP BOOK 06
ZOMBIE SIMON GARTH TP

The Fantom... Is Ashamed: Part 1

2008-06-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

I really did try hard to keep up with this blog, but sometimes at the shop you have killer weeks and this was one of 'em. It was a pretty thick week, full of some really high volume books like, Final Crisis #1, All-Star Superman #11, Batman #677, Green Lantern #31, Thor #9, Marvel 1985 #1, New Avengers #41 and Giant Sized Astonishing X-Men. But every week is loaded with great books, the real problems arose with stuff like a broken AC Unit, losing the Internet for two days, and fixing a very corrupted credit card machine. But all of this madness was not for nothing, it got me thinking.

Since there are a lot of comic book bloggers out there, guys like Chris Sims, Kevin Church and the guys over at Second Printing, I thought about who there are not a lot of. Comics retailer bloggers. In fact Mike Sterling is the only one who comes to mind. So that's where I want to take this blog. There will still be reviews of stuff I'm reading (not essentially weekly reviews, but maybe a review of a good TPB or something) but it will mostly be stuff about the store and amusing minutia about comics. Oh and Thor. There will be stuff about Thor. You know what, speaking of Thor...

This weeks issue of Thor gives us a look in on whats going on in the world of Balder the Brave, and from the looks of it, he's just as dumb as always. And even though Loki is MUCH less attractive in this issue (which is a good thing) Balder still falls for the same ole' Loki shenanigans. But it does feature Oliver Coipel on pencils again, which of course gives us this great scene:

Thor picking up Loki and Balder at a Police Station after they slayed Frost Giants on a highway road in Colorado. If you're going to use your one phone call, I guess the God of Thunder is a good one.

The good news is customers are really enjoying this title. I'm a little bit worried because there is a lot of Norse stuff being thrown around here, and to be honest that's what got this book canceled in the first place, but for now its one of the top sellers.

In other news Final Crisis #1 came out, totally getting me excited and confused at the same time. I can also sense the skepticism in the readers. We ordered a lot of these, but its not selling anywhere near as fast as Secret Invasion #1 and I have seen a lot of people pick it up, churn the gears, and then put it down. But by far, the best thing to come out of Final Crisis was indeed the caveman showdown in the beginning, which led Employee Pat to make this astute reference:

If you need help getting the joke let me know. Part 2 tomorrow!

Happy Memorial Day Brother

2008-05-25T21:38:00.000-04:00

This is my older brother:

Currently he is serving in the United States Army as a JAG in the 8th Military Police Brigade known as the "Watchdogs". Sadly he ships out from Hawaii to Iraq this November, and so it is with great pleasure that I dedicate this blog post to my brother Josh. The man who introduced me to comics.

While my family was visiting my brother on the beautiful island of Oahu, we of course hit the gym at the Barracks. This was one of my favorite gym experiences ever. LIKE EVER. Just training with all these Army guys in a gym that had not been updated since at least 1981. Classic. I love 'em old.

Afterwards, the Kessler men posed for this quality photo:

NICE.

So we proceed to leave the facility, but on the way out something catches my eye:

Yeah, needless to say I was stunned. But inspiration comes from everywhere and there is no one else I would rather be inspired by than Captain America. Go Army.

So thanks brudda. I owe a lot to you and today, more so than ever, I am proud of you.

The Fantom... Takes A Look

2008-05-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

As you may recall (or may not) I mentioned in my review of the Young Avengers HC that artist Jimmy Cheung is incapable of drawing different faces. Here is the proof.

Now, I love his art, and this cover is great. I think he draws with great bravado, in a style that everyone can enjoy. But he really has to work on this face thing. Not the faces they make, because I think those are spot on, just the construction of the faces needs to be better. Because eventually, the big guys and fans are going to begin to notice his limited range. Check this out:

Same face. VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE.

Now really, who am I to take shots at Jim Cheung? But don't you WANT to see him do something a little different with his art. Experiment a little. I mean, it would look absolutely amazing I think. He has mastered the basics better than anyone in my opinion and I would love to see that evolution.

BONUS CONTENT!

God, isn't Cap just adorable.

*ATTN: Jordan Kessler

2008-05-23T05:24:00.000-04:00

So a package arrived for me at the store yesterday. It looked like this:

It said it was from this guy:

So I opened it:

OH...

MY...

STARS!

TOTALLY RAD!

And just so you dont think Ryan Kelly is just some sort of art fairy, I did in fact purchase these from Mr. Kelly. And let me tell you something. IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE. We emailed back and forth, settled on the prices and within days I recieved my first pieces of original art*. So thanks Ryan! And a big thanks to The Devon Sanders, who even informed me that Ryan would do this.

* Art from Local #11, Published by Oni Press

A Fantom Preivew

2008-05-22T14:58:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peek at the battle that will rage in the heart of New York City in Secret Invasion #3.

Man, Vision cannot catch a break.

The Fantom... REVIEWS!

2008-05-22T06:04:00.000-04:00

Reviews For The Week Of 5/21/2008

Justice League Of America #21:
IGN just says it better:

"Justice League of America is without a doubt, hands down the most frustrating title on the stands to read month in and month out. Following the departure of writer Brad Meltzer from the title, DC announced that Dwayne McDuffie, himself a seasoned Justice League writer after four fantastic seasons helming the animated television show, would be taking over the book. They then proceeded to cripple any creative impulse McDuffie might have had by forcing one crossover after another onto the title, making Justice League of America the company's premier marketing device rather than its most entertaining and bombastic book."

It really is time for this book to take off. I love the League, and after filling virtually everybody's subscription box with this title, so does everyone else . Now I blame the animated series for this. It built an unbelievable following that carried over to the comic, but really, DC is absolutely trashing their greatest property. And that's really the problem I guess. They see it as property.

Amazing Spider-Man #559 & #560:

WARNING: POTENTIALLY GOOD AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ARC

I thought I would throw that out there since, from the beginning of Brand New Day, most of these stories have been... well... bad . This arc is one of the exceptions (and its precursor ASM #555-557), and once again restores my faith in the fun pulpiness that a Spider-Man comic should be (Be it, this is direction Marvel wants to take the character). Dan Slott admirably handles the scribing of Peter's duologue, while simultaneously introducing us to a few new "villains"; who I only put in quotes because they really are nowhere near SPIDER-MANS ROGUES GALLERY, material. But watching their confrontations, and anticipating their future ones sure is fun.

Mighty Avengers #14:
I like the Sentry.

Now hopefully I'll start to get more hits. FLAME ME. BRING IT ON.

But seriously I enjoy the trials and trivals of Bob Reynolds. I however did NOT particularly care for the Sentry mini-series, but Marvel and Bendis have done a good job directing the character into a direction where he somewhat entertaining, and dare I say...enjoyable. This issue continues to follow the excellent success of the previous Secret Invasion tie-ins, helping to fill out the panels of Secret Invasion #2 where the Sentry just up and leaves the fight screaming nonsense. And really, this is a very obvious story to tell. The Skrulls have no idea how to defeat the Sentry in a physical sense. But mentally, bingo. And who is the only one who can mentally screw with Bob. The Void.

All in all, a pretty great issue. BUT, I can understand that if you have not read the Sentry mini, you will most likely hate this.

Brothers In Arms #1:
Great game. An absolutely awesome game. The comic. Its alright.

This comic pretty much brings the characters from the game to the page, in what is, perhaps the most trampled over part of a licencing/history text book ever. There really is zero need for this book. Sure it looks alright artistically. Very accurate to WW II in both look and feeling. But we just don't need this. I just don't need a book about the greatest Airborne squad in the history of combat... again.

But I'll read on. Because Captain America would want me to. He would want me to remember and blah, blah, blah.

The End League #3:
I could not finish this. I read about 6 pages, got bored, put it down and put it back on the rack. Its just not doing it for me any more. I was initially pretty excited about this book, but between the delays and the super wordiness of the characters its just a bore.

THE FANTOM'S PICK OF THE WEEK

CAPTAIN AMERICA #38

This issue predominately features Bucky and Sam Wilson kicking the crap out of Arnim Zola-bot and his goons. In fact there is a page where Falcon drops from the sky, kicks an AIM guy in the back the head, and then flys away. All the while Bucky is tossing his shield, yelling vigorously and looking tough.

It made me want to cry.

We also get a very logical explanation of this "New Cap" and what his purpose is, which is something most of us already knew.

Yes, all of this is in what I have labeled as, THE GREATEST COMIC BOOK RUN OF MY GENERATION. And I mean that. I have never enjoyed reading a comic more than this. The pacing, the cliff hangers, the characters, the action, the romance. This book has it all and I couldn't be any more happy about it.

A Word On This Week's Comics

2008-05-21T13:44:00.000-04:00

READ THIS...

More reviews coming on Thursday!

The Fantom Reviews: Young Avengers HC, Planet Hulk HC

2008-05-19T15:04:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned earlier in the reviews for this week, I've been blazing a trail through some graphic novels and now its time talk about 'em. EN GARDE!

YOUNG AVENGERS HC

Written by ALLAN HEINBERG

Penciled by JIM CHEUNG & ANDREA DIVITO

Price: $29.99

Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (February 13, 2008)
Dimensions: 11 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches

This, is surprisingly, one of my favorite graphic novels of the year. I purchased this a while ago when it came out because I had heard good things about this series. But man, it blew away any expectations I had. Like, wow. Awesome.

The story introduces us to a group of gifted kids, who after the disassembling of the Avengers (see Avengers Disassembled), take up the guises of their hero role models and hit the streets to fight crime. A pretty simple idea. But what makes this story take off is Allan Heinbergs (Of Sex & The City, Party of Five, Gilmore Girls, and OC fame) AMAZING characterization of each of these individuals. A task which should prove to be difficult when dealing with main characters who are in the age ranges of 14-18. But he does it, and he creates to date, some of the most enduring and endearing characters in the Marvel U. I don't want to give away to0 much about the characters, but let me assure you, their relationships to the Avengers, and their interactions with the Avengers (This book will make you miss Steve Rogers terribly) are extremely well done. Also of mention is, from what I have seen, this is the best rendering of homosexuality in any superhero comic to date. I don't think I'm spoiling anything, when telling you that two of the characters on this team are boyfriend and boyfriend, but their relationship is an amazing piece of fiction. Before them, most homosexual relationships in superhero comics were bizarre, publicity stunts, but what we see in Young Avengers is extremely well done; especially compared to other gay relationships in the Marvel Universe (I'm looking at you Quasar and Moondragon).

Oh, and lets not forget the absolutely terrific art. Jimmy Cheung is an amazing talent and really shines in this book, giving life to a team with powers that work dynamically on the page. Although I will debate that he needs to stretch out of his abilities with faces. There is absolutely zero change in anyone's face besides, sideburns, piercings, facial hair, and a haircut. Actually let me sum it up really nicely with this. Captain America Has Never Looked Cuter. But regardless, his work is terrific and I have found myself going back to look at his detailed splash pages time and time again.

It was a joy to read this, and I can now proudly state that my girlfriend is reading it as well!

INCREDIBLE HULK: PLANET HULK HC

Written by GREG PAK

Penciled by CARLO PAGULAYAN, AARON LOPRESTI, GRAY FRANK & TAKESHI MIYAZAWA

Price: $34.99

Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Marvel Comics (June 13, 2007)

Dimensions: 11.1 x 7.5 x 1 inches

This is the best Hulk story ever written. Period.

I don't want Bruce Banner talking it out with Hulk on the inside. I don't want Hulk evading the Army once again. And I sure as hell don't want any more talk about Betty. This story here, this is a masterpiece work for a character that has largely been an irrelevant mess since its inception. I mean, the Hulk is great and all. But after his initial creation, there really are not a lot of stories left to tell. Hulk mad, Hulk smash, Hulk sorry. HULK MAD AGAIN! See. Its a vicious cycle.

So here we are now. The Hulk has been messing things up in the Marvel Universe for a long time. So what do the Marvel U's best and brightest think up, lets shoot the poor guy through space. Target him to land on a peaceful planet, and pray that he lives out a peaceful existence. Unfortunately for the Hulk, he lands on a Planet similar to a futuristic Roman Empire, and immediately becomes enslaved (he is of coursed initially weakened by his journey, helping lead to his capture). From here what we get is HulkmeetsGladiatormeetsStar WarsmeetsLordOfTheRingsmeetsJosephCambell and then the fun begins. A great amount of smashing ensues. Hulk makes friends, Hulk makes enemies. Hulk makes love. Yes, love. Its all here folks, in what is surely the most entertaining Hulk story to date.

Altogether, Greg Pak and his team of artists deliver a great story that I feel ends with an ending that didn't need to happen... YET. Its something I think we all wanted to see. But, I mean come on did they have to do that. Well, your just going to have to see for yourselves.

Macho Man, what do you give it?

4 OUT OF 5 ELBOW DROPS, OOOH YEEEEEEAH!!

The Fantom... REVIEWS!

2008-05-16T13:58:00.000-04:00

For Books The Week Of Wednesday, April 14th, 2008

Since I didn't spend all that much on comics this week (I only purchased two titles) and actually had a fair amount of work to do at the store (yes, work), I'll also be reviewing a few trades that I have recently read. AND HERE WE GO!

Guardians Of The Galaxy #1:
This was pretty slick.
I became a big fan of the Marvel Cosmic stuff during the awesome Annihilation event, and with this book, Marvel continues to build upon the strong foundations that Danny Abnett and Andy Lanning have laid down with their raw, bloody, knuckles. I mean seriously, these two are now taking the whole Marvel galaxy on their backs and are achieving with astounding success. This issue of course follows the events of Annihilation Conquest, which finds the galaxy in need of some sort of police-force-team-thing, WHICH SHOULD BE THE NOVA CORPS, but its not. Instead we get a team made up of a glut of heroes that came from the two mega cosmic events of which none of them could carry their own book.

Fortunately this all works out for the best. Paul Pelletier wonderfully illustrates the chaos this team causes as their tear through space, arguing about nothing. Its almost like Seinfeld in space. Yeah, I just said that. But to be honest, not a lot happens here. I already know all these characters, and I understand that they are dysfunctional together, I'm just going to need something more to keep this all going. But for now this is a good looking, well written, and thoroughly enjoyable read.

THE FANTOM'S PICK OF THE WEEK

CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI 13 #1

I have not enjoyed a comic like this in quite a while. Keep in mind I have very little exposure to the people in this comic and bought it solely because I always thought Captain Britain had a snazzy costume. But man am I happy I bought this.

Pretty much this series is giving us a look at how those wankers across the pond are doing during Secret Invasion. The answer, PRETTY BLOODY GOOD. Well not really. They are encountering all the problem we are having. Their highest positions in office have been infiltrated, there are giant robots trampling London, and there are some scary ass Skrulls flying around with the powers of Thor, Iron Man, and the Wasp. Thank god England has some amazing heroes to fight back with. Like this guy:

Or as I choose to see it.

And then joining him is the Black Knight who is straight up stabbing Skrulls. While Spitfire, who I only know from Captain America: Red Menace, is doing things like this:

OH MY GOD, SHE JUST RIPPED OUT HIS THROAT.

Now after I read this, I discovered that Spitfire is a vampire, being bitten once by someone called Baron Blood. But while this was happening I had no idea what to think. I mean, I thought it was awesome, but damn, that's some visceral stuff. Anyways this book is amazing, and I really hope to see the rest of Secret Invasion go this way in the action department.

I also wanted to show this, perhaps my favorite panel of all time...

WELCOME TO EARTH!

The Fantom... Talks It Out Chapter 1

2008-05-15T12:11:00.000-04:00

In "The Fantom... Talks It Out," I like to take a time-out to discuss something I've been thinking about. Now, I know what you're thinking.

"Here comes Jordan, whining about the Darfur, or obsessing over Global Warming, or absolutely boring me with facts about the Mongol Empire."

WELL.

Its not going to be about that nonsense. But Genghis is a pretty interesting figure in the history of our world. Did you know that when Genghis was in his teenage years he once... sorry. Comics. Stay on target. Think Comics.

Okay, here is what I wanted to say.

Has anyone else begun to feel like when they read Marvel Comics, they are reading THE NEWS. While, when reading DC Comics, you're reading some sort of STORYBOOK.

Its just that Marvel, as of Civil War, has been mired in this "real world" view, where the events that happen to their heroes are covered by every media outlet available. And true, if they did exist, they would be the absolute center of attention. What they did and who they were fighting would dominate papers, T.V., and the Internet. But, quite frankly its beginning to bore me.

Don't get me wrong, I really loved Civil War, Civil War: Front Line, World War Hulk and the current Avengers: Initiative, as well as most of what Marvel publishes, but its all becoming a bit TO REAL for me. So much so, that after reviewing my purchases, the titles I enjoy the most revolve around entirely mortal men, with powers they do not understand, fighting in completely sci-fi/fantasy settings (The Immortal Iron Fist, Nova, Green Lantern). These titles feature very little "fictional media attention" and they pretty much just tell amazing stories, advancing characters who have been stagnant for perhaps decades.

This brings me to DC Comics.

This company is telling you stories. I mean, that sounds wrong. Marvel is also telling you stories. But one is telling you stories like a fairy tale, and the other is telling you stories like you have to understand this, because these are issues that effect you, and the planet you live on.

Stop me if I'm not making any sense. Its just that, recently I have really begun to like DC for some unexplainable reason and then this just kind of hit me. Infinite Crisis of course had major implications for the DCU, but it was kinda of whimsical. It was big, operatic even. And then 52 followed with all these other cool stories. But then Green Lantern just kicked my ass. Man do I love that book.

Well, I think I'm starting to rant. This is just food for thought. Please, talk amongst yourselves.

Oh Captain, My Captain...

2008-05-10T13:29:00.001-04:00

It has come to my attention, that as of this date, there are now 4 people claiming to be Captain America in the Marvel Universe. Those would of course be:

1. Secret Invasion Captain America
2. Avengers/Invaders Captain America
3. James "Bucky" Barnes
4. Ed Brubaker's Captain America, (Red Skull) Captain America

My prediction. We get one of these men as Captain America. Perhaps Avengers/Invaders Cap doesn't want to go back, decides "his place is here". Or maybe Secret Invasion Cap is the only survivor or non-skrull entity to make it from wherever they came from. Thinks he has nothing else to live for, and he stays.

Ladies and gentlemen. This is how we get Steve Rogers back.

The Fantom... REVIEWS!

2008-05-10T10:31:00.000-04:00

So Marvel pretty much dominated my wallet this week especially since there were variant covers done by two of my favorite artists: Marko Djurdjevic and that bastard, Steve Mcniven. I mean look at that Iron Man Cover. HE IS OBLITERATING THAT MANS FACE!

Now that we got the ole' adrenaline running, its time for this weeks reviews.

AVENGERS INVADERS #1 (OF 12) -

Wow. I was really either surprised that I really liked this or AMAZED that this creative team did not screw this up. And when I say this creative team, I mean the peoples responsible for Project Superpowers, which I regard largely as a disaster. But this, this was good. I mean, I'm a total sucker for nostalgia, and Captain America, but come on folks, I AM A RED BLOODED AMERICAN. In fact if you don't like this comic, a comic which features the return of the brave men who saved the world from Hitler during World War II, then, well, you must hate America and must kindly ask you to leave my blog.

Well that just got me banned in China.

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #1 -

Matt Fraction is the man. I remember reading an interview with him a while back and he said, "Iron Man being made out to be a villain is bull-shit." I agree with the man, but he has been darn near unlikeable up until recently. The film has won over many (including myself), but in comics, he has become the most detested man in the medium. Forget Maxwell Lord, Lex Luthor, Sinestro, Cloned Spider-Man(s), Ultimate Hank Pym, Gambit, or Onslaught. People hate Tony Stark. A recovering alcoholic, war-profiteer, who has slept with more woman than there are comics in existence. Which I think is millions. Which is close. I think.

Okay, more than Kareem Abdul-Jabar. Yeah, that's right.

But Fraction makes you love this man. In the span of one issue, we fall in love all over again with Stark, while simultaneously becoming revolted by the men who perpetrate evil which Iron Man is destined to stop. There is something very pulpy about it. Iron Man is good. The villain (which I'll save for you to read yourself) bad. One will win, one will lose. You know the outcome. But its the execution that makes it so good.

IRON MAN VIVA LAS VEGAS #1 (OF 4) -

I rarely feel like I waste my money on comics. But this is one of them. As Chris of ISB observed, you can finish this in 2 1/2 minutes. Sigh. Also its $3.99. Double sigh.

BUT! It does feature the art of Adi Granov, who I feel does indeed do those online commercials that feature 3-D models. You know the ones I'm talking about. They look human, but they were obviously constructed with some kind of program. Outside of the armor, everything is relatively boring to look at.

LOGAN #3 (OF 3) -

Holy shit, the art in this is AMAZING. The story was good, but Marvel Knights, and I'm a firm believer in this, needs to go directly to trade with all their stories. I'm tired of paying $3.99 for what are often drawn out stories over 3 or 4 issues. Brian K. Vaughn does a better than most job with Wolverine, but Eduardo Risso carries this book to a spectacular looking conclusion.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #13 -

NICK FURY IS TOTALLY BACK. THIS IS HEAVY SHIT EVERYONE. But seriously, this issue re-introduces a character from Secret War as well as establishes Nick Fury's new team. Yes. Fury's new team. A team which features a family member related to the ORIGINAL FUCKING GHOST RIDER. Awesome.

NOVA #13 -

Still my favorite comic every month. Action packed, hi-flying, sci-fi adventure, never read or looked so good to me.

SECRET INVASION #2 (OF 8) -

Ahhh yes. Secret Invasion. After issue #1 how would its follow up be?

Ehhhh. Just ehhhh.

Yu's art is terrific but once again, issues like this show and teach the reader a lot about the story but don't really reveal anything. Particularly who the heck is skrull! That's really all I want. But the last page makes up for some of it. At least for me, I got to see Yu draw Thor in a classic Kirby costume. Which unfortunately makes this great for me, but not for everyone else. So I guess this issue is a necessary evil to advance everything.

WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #1 (OF 12) -

Yes. This is what I'm talking about. I understand that Bruce Jones apparently is the assassin of many a comic book, but this was pretty fun. FUN, in capitals. That's it. Fun. You may not fully understand whats happening, and there are a lot of characters from the DC's war years in 50's and 60's but this was fun. I always enjoyed the original Bob Kanigher title, and this carries on his proud tradition of soldiers fighting dinosaurs, a tradition almost forgotten by many. I can now only PRAY TO GOD that the Haunted Tank shows up.

With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility

2008-05-09T10:58:00.000-04:00

I've always wanted to do a blog about comics, but never quite felt ready to do so. I mean, really. What do I have to provide to the comic book community? Another smart ass dissing on something they shell out money for every week, every month, for years? Or perhaps a guy who makes a couple of GREAT posts, and than takes off to blog for some corporate machine, breaking hearts all along the way!?

I SAY THEE NAY. I will be none of these.

But here is what I will be.

I love comics. Since I was ten years old and my brother handed me Spawn #1, I loved comics. And what I am going to do here is talk about my love of comics, as well as others love for comics. Because really, where is the love. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED.

What was I talking about again?

...

Oh, right. Comics.

So I work in a comic book store. Perhaps youve heard of us. Were kind of a big deal in Washington D.C. and I love my job. I never thought that getting a BA in History could help me land such a sweet gig. Otherwise I'd probably be a Park Ranger or coaching community hockey (which, now that I think of it, wouldnt be sooo bad). But I digress. Here is what I will give you or if you like better, provide for you:

-Reviews: I'll review what I read and buy. I'm mostly a Marvel man, but lately I've been spreding the wealth into DC and especially Oni Press.

-News and other amusing minutia.

-Posts on my, somewhat, keen observations in the comic book community.

-Steve Mcniven

-Thor

Yeah, prepare for a lot of non-sense about the God of thunder.