Alter Ego, May #109

This month’s Alter Ego magazine from Twomorrows Publishing centers on the history of The Justice League. Starting with a George Perez cover the magazine proceeds to look at the Golden Age origin of the team along with those responsible for its creation, pages contain black and white and color artwork along with photos f the man who were responsible for the art and stories.

Inside are close-up examination of the various Justice League characters, their origins, individual titles and how they came to join the League. Two articles continued from previous issues look at some Golden Age creators careers, several eulogies are offered for those that fandom lost and color photos spotlight the 50th Anniversary of fandom! And, as always, little know facts about Captain Marvel are shared.

Frankenstein Alive, Alive!

After too long an absence from comic books horror artist Bernie Wrightson is back, along with writer Steve Niles, with a follow-up series culled from Bernie’s earlier work.

Frankenstein Alive, Alive! from IDW continues the story of Frankenstein’s monster.

The monster is content living and working amongst circus freaks. It’s a good life with friends, food, shelter and solitude.


As the story progresses readers learn of the monster’s fate after it attempted to kill itself, first in ice and then under a volcanic landslide. As always Bernie’s art is spectacular and Steve Niles’ story is ripe with mystery and suspense. Welcome back Bernie-it’s been too long!

Trio

John Byrne, perhaps more than any comic book artist and writer has been responsible for the rejuvenations, revisions, re-imaginings and creations of some of the most important characters in comic books. He has successfully re-launched Superman, revamped Wonder Woman, reinvigorated Spider-Man, created Alpha Flight, toughened up Wolverine, revitalized the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, re-envisioned She-Hulk, The Demon, the Doom Patrol-the list goes on and on.

Recently most of John’s work has been for IDW. While there he has introduced various new projects, given his own unique visions to existing properties and brought back a fan favorite.


John has returned to his roots with a no-holds-barred super hero title called Trio. Dubbed paper, Scissor and Rock the Trio title harkens back to the time when superhero comics were about solid action, interesting characters and a story plot that is both exciting and intriguing.


The story starts out with a mechanized antagonist, the introduction of the main characters and sprinkled with enough mysteries to whet any comic book reader’s appetite. Trio is John Byrne at his best-ripe with imagination, a solid story and just plain fun to read. Don’t miss it!

Dinos, Deer, Duck, Dog And Others

Safari Ltd. has just released another plethora of figures for collectors and kids. As with all of Safari Ltd.’s figures these boast excellent sculpting (I especially like the Dinosaurs and Bearded Dragon) impressive paint application that matches perfectly the tone and subtle variation of color of each of the figures namesakes and natural poses. Flashing is non-existent, paint application is crisp with no slop over or rough edges and poses are not over-the-top or overly dramatic.


For a little domestic tranquility you can’t beat Safari Ltd.’s Hereford Cow with its calm demeanor, eye-pleasing colors of cream and brown and its soft bovine features (especially the large eyes) and large ears.


The Goose figure captures the feathery, comical look of one of the most awkward domestic birds. With its bright orange bill and feet the Goose is something to gander at.


For a wild animal family gathering the Whitetail Buck, Doe and Fawn make for a happy little deer group of parents and child. The Buck stands in majestic splendor with its large rack of antlers displayed proudly while its demure mate, the Doe, looks up as if alerted to danger and the Fawn with its speckled fur looks perky and ready to play. All feature solid black hooves, beautiful tan hides with cream underbellies, large black and white snouts and ever alert large ears and bushy two-tone tails.


The Sable Antelope is a proud beast with its two long curved horns, black and white stripped face, solid black body with white belly and powerful rock climbing legs.


Man’s best friend is best portrayed with the Golden Retriever as is stands legs straight, tailed extended and head held proudly. Its ever alert large eyes stare ahead and its long ears meld into its light brown mane and neck.


The Bearded Dragon is an odd looking lizard with its ridged head, flat orange body, stripped tail and long, black claw feet. Its lazy eyes belie the fact that it is a swift predator and its large mouth hides formidable teeth.


The Blacktip Reef Shark is a streamline brown bullet with black tipped fins and tail accented with cream color secondary stripes and cream underbelly.


Extinct but nonetheless fascinating is the ferocious Acrocanthosaurus with its long ridged back an tail accented in black, white muzzle and huge rear legs and short sharp clawed front feet. Its serpentine tail gives it incredible balance and power.


The Ceratosaurus is just as impressive with its huge jaws, two-tone brown body, long tail, powerful legs and sharp claws and tri-ridge back and twin-ridge head.


The Brachiosaurus Baby In An Egg is a cute little green dinosaur that resides in a pop-open egg.


For a lizard of a different type, check out the Hydra with its four heads. The mythical beast is painted a bright purple with silver underbelly, red eyes, yellow and blue tongues and pallets, ridged and finned heads and body, long twisted tail and lots of attitude!

Hollywood Series 3

Greenlight Collectibles new six car die-cast collection travels to Tinsel Town with its Hollywood Series 3 die-cast car collection.

Who can forget the college film of all college films: Animal House?  Besides its stellar and hilarious cast of characters the movie spotlighted Otter's red with white accents, convertible 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.  This little number has a solid white interior, chrome wheels, trim and bumpers and a sweet low and on the go profile.

G.T.O.'S 1970 Pontiac GTO is a two-door, bright yellow muscle car with oversize rear spoiler, black grill, chrome bumpers and blacked out windows.  With its solid black interior it makes spotting the driver almost impossible.

From the Apollo 13 movie comes Ken's gold and silver 1970 Corvette Stingray with its distinction hood air scoop, inset rear window, swept around front and side windows and almost seamless twin doors.  Zoom! Don't forget the white wall tires and silver wheels.

The 1968 Dodge Charger R/T as seen in the movie Bullitt is solid black, trimmed in chrome, sports silver hubcaps and low riding chrome rear and front bumpers.  

Another sold black vehicle with chrome trim, hubcaps, front grill, rear bumper and extended hood scoop is Dom's 1970 Dodge Charger from Fast & Furious.  

A 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback from Bullitt is also available.

All of the 1:64 Scale die-cast vehicles feature detailed engines, real rubber tries, metal bodies and chassis, minutely detailed sculpting and clean and crisp paint jobs with no bleed-over or rough edges.

Fantasy & Science Fiction #701, May/June

The Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine is packed with stories for May and June and here's just a few of the stories you can expect to read.Novellas include Maze Of Shadows, Novelettes are Liberty's Daughter, Asylum, Taking The Low Road and The Children's Crusade, Short Stories are by Dale Bailey, Andy Stewart, Matthew Corradi and Chris Willrich.

Regular articles include Books To Look For, Books, Plumage From Pegasus: What Immortal Hand, Comic Attractions, Films: Transitioning Through Ghost, Guilt And Superpowers, Competition and Curiosities.

Whatever you decide to read and whatever your taste in fantasy and science fiction literature The Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine is just the place to satisfy your literary preferences.

DC 52 Phase 2

DC Comics recently cancelled six of its original New 52 titles partly because of low sales and interest. But, as planned, DC had replacements ready and this last week DC released all six. I didn’t buy all of the six titles but three along with a new non-New 52 title.


Dial H #1 brings back an old favorite of mine from the Silver age, Dial H for Hero. Since dial up phones don’t exist anymore writer China Mieville offers a unique twist on the original storyline.


This time around an overweight loser finds a mysterious dial in an alleyway where he is mugged. Stumbling into an old phone booth he dials the police only to be transformed into a strange being that systematically takes out the muggers. Later he transform once again. A trick of fate? Not likely, there’s far more to his transformation that he knows as he is soon to find out.


World’s Finest #1 finds Power Girl and Huntress teaming up for a new challenge. As the story progresses readers learn about their transportation from their parallel Earth five years ago to the new reality on another Earth. The series ties in what happened to them when the DC Universe was changed due to the Flash’s action in Flashpoint-this launching the New 52. It's a great story and art by Paul Levitz, George Perez and Kevin MaGuire.


Earth 2 #1 expands of the World’s Finest storyline by informing readers of just how the two parallel Earths are intertwined in a story starring the Justice League and specifically Batman and how Power Girl and the Huntress came to be in this universe.


Smallville #1 continues the acclaimed TV series storyline with its Season 11 premise. Favorite TV characters return in this very special issue where Clark Kent finally dons the Superman attire. Lex Luthor returns along with an unexpected individual.


All of the new titles are well worth checking out and make for some entertaining reads.

X-O Manowar #1

During the early 1990s former Editor and Chief of Marvel Comics Jim Shooter struck out on his own and introduced Valiant Comics. The first books reintroduced modern readers to classic Gold Key Comics characters Magnus, Doctor Solar and Turok. All were extremely successful.

Capitalizing on that success Valiant Comics introduced some new and original characters to readers that also proved highly successful.


Unfortunately because of the speculator glut of that time Valiant, like so many other independent publishers ceased publication, revived temporarily a few years later and faded away once again.


They say that the third time’s the charm so once again Valiant rises from the ashes and begins publication of its original character titles starting with X-O Manowar.


Robert Venditti provides the story and Cary Nord heads up the art. The story begins around 400 A.D. Aric the Visigoth has lost both his father and family to the Romans. Taking a small band of men with him he plans to free what’s left of his family. The only problem is that the Romans are not alone. Strange alien beings accompany them and they possess advanced weapons and technology.


Aric manages to escape and discovers the powerful alien armor known as X-O Manowar only to be recaptured. But, he now has a plan.


X-O Manowar #1 is a nice reintroduction to one of my favorite Valiant characters. I wish Valiant great success and hope to see a renewed interest in their titles.

Steampunk Trio

Wikipedia describes Steampunk like this: It is a genre which came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction. It involves a setting where steam power is widely used—whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States, or in a post-apocalyptic time —that incorporates elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of Steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futuristic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, and art.


When it comes to illustrative Steampunk no one beats Antarctic Press. Currently Antarctic has three publications about Steampunk: two containing art and one of photographs.


The Steampunk Sketchbook #1 contains art by David Hutchinson and is as much an instruction manual on how to draw Steampunk as a showcase for his incredible art. David illustrates everything from attire to modes of transportation in eye-straining detail with pen and wash drawings.


Artist Brain Denham shows off his considerable talent illustrating beautiful Steampunk women in the first issue of Steampunk Angels. His mastery of female figures, clothing, accessories and settings is second to none.


For a taste of Steampunk reality don’t miss issue #2 of Antarctic’s Gearhearts Steam-Punk Glamour Revue starring some of the most beautiful live Steampunk ladies imaginable-all in full color showcasing their incredible Steampunk attire. Also included is an interview with writer Gail Carriger, a Leatherskin story and a Michael Dashow gallery of full color Steampunk art.

Marvel Super Heroes #1

Marvel Comics and Disney Publishing Worldwide presents its newest magazine publication-the very first issue of Marvel Super Heroes!

Things kick into high gear immediately with an Avengers cover followed by a new Thor comic stores inside with art by Terry Pallot and story by Kevin Sharpe.

Next up is the Daily Bugle Archives focusing on (you guessed it) The Avengers.  Black Widow is spotlighted along with a few other recognizable Marvel Comics heroes (Webslinger anyone?)

The Avengers are profiled member by member and be sure to look for the inset and front and back inside cover posters.  The large magazine format really punches up the Marvel Comics artwork and pops the colors on the slick paper stock!

Back Issue #56, May

With the premiere of The Avengers movie set for release May 4th its a no-brainer that Back Issue #56 from TwoMorrows Publishing would dedicate an entire issue to the Marvel Comics super team.

Starting with a George Perez cover the book looks back at the long illustrious history of the premiere Marvel team-up.  Everything from a tour of The Avenger's mansion to examining key issues, events and art teams all replete with gorgeous art, covers, interviews and merchandise.

If you love The Avengers then this is the magazine to own.  Buy it, read it and save it-you'll thanks me later.

Alter Ego #108, April

The Golden Age Human Torch and Sub-Mariner slug it out on the cover of issue #108 of Alter Ego magazine from TwoMorrows Publishing.

Carl Burgos and Bill Everett recall the origins of their famous duo along with key stories and events all of which are complemented by black and white and color art from early issues and some more contemporary art by both artists.

Memories and artwork of artists and writers who followed in their footsteps and guided the adventures of their creations are also included.

Tony Tallarico continues his story, inker Mike Peppe is remembered by those who worked with and loved him, the myth of Charles Atlas is revealed and fandom celebrates 50 years!

Dalek Emperor Davros And Destroyed Imperial Dalek

As much as I enjoy and look forward to every new episode of the revamped Doctor Who series I still have a fondness for the pre-2000 run.  The older series managed to tell entertaining stories in spite of the fact that the show was produced on a shoestring budget-at least compared to today's standards.

Albeit hindered by limited cash the special effects artists and set designers still came up with some spectacular environments and memorable characters-especially the villains.

Two such villains were the Dalek Emperor Davros (the originator of the Daleks and the inventor of their mobile, self-contained units equipped with visual sensors and powerful weapons) and the Imperial Dalek.

Underground Toys has lovingly reproduced both the Emperor and the Destroyed Imperial Dalek in a two-figure set modeled after their appearance in the Seventh Doctor's run from 1987 to 1996--specifically 1988.

Both figures come in cream-white mobile units decorated by gold half globes on all sides.  Three wheels are hidden beneath the units: two stationary and one pivoting.  When pushed the units seem to glide across any surface.  

The Imperial Dalek's unit is missing its protective hood revealing the distorted, gelatinous Dalek, with movable red claw, nestled in a bio-jell nest.  Both gold weapon and sensor probes move just like the real items.  Davros' unit flares at the top allowing room for the wire and tube covered Davros limited room and a large field of sight.  

His eyeless head is decorated with a hearing harness and a visual sensor array and a silver wraparound microphone extends from his back.  The lid of the unit can close so that only a single octagonal clear portal is seen along with two gold input sensor clusters.  

These are some really cool figures that capture the look of the originals right down to their slightly clunky designs.  The display box they come in is sold on all sides except the front that has a clear viewing panel partially wrapping over to the top.  Now if they only had fez or maybe cowboy hats!

The Slab

I'm be the first to admit I'd don't know that much about the Gears Of War video game series.  I know a lot of people play and swear by it.  I've watched video clips, seen much of the merchandising but to actually have sit down and played a game, I haven't.

When Gallery Books send me a review copy of Gears Of War; The Slab I was immediately intrigued by the striking cover of a man dressed in military gear, sitting slouched on a crude bed or piece of furniture surrounded only by solid stone walls.

I figured, "What the hey! I'll take a chance and read the book, not really knowing what to expect."  I'm glad I did.

Author Karen Traviss has taken what could have been a shoot 'em up, aliens versus humanity storyline and made it a tight, taunt thriller with plenty of intrigue, suspense and twin tales of redemption.

Humanity is in peril.  The last defended stronghold of humanity is being attacked by the Locust Horde.  Marcus Fenix abandons his post to save his father and the last outpost falls and his father is buried in the rubble-assumed dead.

Marcus is court-marshaled and sent to the isolated island prison, The Slab.  Unbeknownst to Marcus his father survived and is also imprisoned and is desperately trying to escape to continue his personal war against the Locust.

The Slab is a real page-turner, ripe with careful character development and a plot that keeps you guessing page after page.   

Joyful Noise

For a rip-roarin' good time and lots of toe-tappin' and sing along music be sure to pick up a copy of Warner Bros. new Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo of the hit musical/comedy, Joyful Noise.

When a small church loses its choir director chances look slim for the choir to win the National Joyful Noise gospel choir play-offs.  The choir director's widow (GiGi) naturally assumes she will take over (played by the ever effervescent Dolly Parton) but she is passed over for the tough as nails, traditionalist Vi (played to perfection by Queen Latifah).

Sparks fly as the two directly opposed stubborn women face off as to what direction the choir should take (traditional or contemporary) in order to win.

If things weren't prickly enough between the two, GiGi's wild grandson returns to town and has eyes for Vi's sixteen old daughter.  While the teenagers hit it off, GiGi and Vi almost comes to blows.  Thankfully cooler heads prevail and the two patch up their differences and take the choir to the Nationals.  What results is one of the most inspiring movie musical performances ever seen on the Silver Screen.  

Included with the Joyful Noise Combo Pack are featurettes about the music and the cast along with deleted scenes, a "Live" concert and more.  Make a Joyful Noise!