Week of December 28th

Alpha Flight # 7

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente, Artists: Dale Eaglesham, Letterer: Simon Bowland, Colorist: Jesus Aburtov, Editor: Mark Paniccia

All-Star Summary for Choice: Unity has taken over Canada and declared Alpha Flight terrorists. Vindicator has undergone the “unity process” and is actively hunting her old team with a new one, Alpha Strike. Enter Wolverine, dropping in to see what all the fuss is about, and landing smack dab in the middle of a big ole brawl. Things haven’t changed much for the team, while at the same time everything has. Great art sets this book apart along with the “family” feel this team has...and Wolverine is like a rogue cousin. Add a traitor to the mix and Citadel with his adamantium exoskeleton...and you’ll be left on the edge of your chair waiting for the next issue.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Squatch smash puny Canadians!”

Aquaman # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Ivan Reis, Inkers: Joe Prado with Eber Ferreira, Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano, Colorist: Rod Reis, Editor: Patrick McCallum

All-Star Summary for Choice: This is one of the best books to come out of the new 52 by DC Comics...without question. The artwork is absolutely fantastic and the writing incorporates a very real life point of view that I myself used to have. The idea that Aquaman is a second rate hero is not a new one, and many still feel this way. This book will change that view. Aquaman must save people taken deep into The Trench as food, so deep even his eyes can’t adjust to the dark, and face a species so deadly that the fish won’t obey his commands for reasons of self preservation.

Aquaman has been redone in a way that makes sense. He must personally and frequently deal with how people really feel about him and he does that by simply being a  real hero. Kudos to the writer for showing a massive display of strength that now opens the Namor vs. Aquaman argument once more.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Aquaman! You’re my favorite super-hero.”

Astonishing X-Men # 45

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Greg Pak, Artists: Mike McKone, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg, Editor: Nick Lowe

All-Star Summary for Choice: This book is...astonishing. I really mean that. The art is awesome and the story is something new for the X-Men, but not new to the audience, that is...if you’ve seen The Matrix. Cyclops finds himself held prisoner in a parallel reality,  along with alternate versions of Emma Frost, Wolverine, Nightcrawler and Shadowcat, in specially designed cells that use their mutant powers...as the power source for the modern world.

Ok, we’ve seen this movie before...but the twist is that the villain in this story has been taking mutants from different realities on a continual basis for the needs of his world. Nothing drives this home more than when Cyclops happens upon a room with thousands of versions of his visor...and the very next page after that is why comic books have me hooked!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Mutants...as batteries?”

Kick-Ass 2 # 6

Company: Marvel / Millarworld

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Mark Millar, Artists: John Romita Jr., Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos, Colorist: Dan Brown, Inker: Tom Palmer, Editor: Aubrey Sitterson

All-Star Summary for Choice: His father has been killed and his girlfriend has been raped and now he is on his way to be killed by the very villains that orchestrated the dismantlement of his entire life. Enter Hit Girl. There isn’t much more I’m going to say about this book except I love John Romita Jr’s artwork...and that if you liked the movie, you’ll LOVE this book. That’s it....nuff said.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “You do the big guy. I’ll kill everybody else.”

NOTE: This book contains profanity and EXTREME VIOLENCE.

Voodoo # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Ron Marz, Artists: Sami Basri, Letterer: Jared K Fletcher, Colorist: Jessica Kholinne, Editor: Mark Paniccia

All-Star Summary for Choice: Voodoo is the biggest surprise comic book to come out of the new 52 from DC Comics. I was surprised that they gave this relatively low key character her own series, but I was even more surprised that it was the type of book that blows your mind...and forces you to reread it several times to dissipate the effect.

The art is some of the best in the business, I mean on a level that Sami Basri should be drawing almost every book I read. The story and development of the character has gone from seeing Daemonites and needing to be saved by her teammates, to being a deadly alien spy, gathering information on the Earth’s heroes (probably for an invasion), and using her ability to shape-shift to go undetected...and kill government operatives in the most grotesque and unique ways. 

This issue has plenty of all the above...and truly sticks out as an All-Star read!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “She can be anyone Chief...so she can be anywhere.”

Week of December 21st

Avengers # 20

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Daniel Acuna, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petitt, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: Norman Osborn is back...and the Avengers are in a world of trouble. I love how Osborne has transformed from crazy super-villain Green Goblin into crazy, but diabolically ingenious master-manipulator. H.A.M.M.E.R. is up and  running with Hydra and A.I.M. joining...to name a few. With all the advanced tech and minds brought under the control of Osborne, and his ability to anticipate their every move...the outcome doesn’t look good. They get taken apart in this issue...absolutely hammered (pun intended), and Osborn is just getting started. Bendis is an excellent writer and this issue doesn’t disappoint!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Hail H.A.M.M.E.R.”

The Bionic Man # 5

Company: Dynamite Entertainment

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Kevin Smith & Paul Hester, Artist: Jonathan Lau, Colorists: Ivan Nunes, Letterer: Simon Bowland

All-Star Summary for Choice: I loved watching the Six Million Dollar Man as a child. It was one of the best show’s on television at the time, so I was excited and skeptical about this title. I’m not anymore...this series is beyond excellent!. Kevin Smith has taken this character and modernized him without sacrificing the original story or direction of the character. Steve Austin is a spy...and he is more machine than man. He is hunting down an earlier illicit version of himself that may be more powerful than he is. In this book, it all hits the fan. The spy work is exciting as is the action when things inevitable degrade. Anyone that likes spies, technology and gratuitous violence all at once, will love this book.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Sorry buddy. I know this wasn’t the date you had in mind. At least I hope it wasn’t.”

NOTE: This book has profanity.

Justice League # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Jim Lee, Inker: Scott Williams, Letterer: Patrick Brosseau, Colorists: Alex Sinclair with Gabe Eltaeb, Editor: Brian Cunningham

All-Star Summary for Choice: If you’re not reading this book, you have no idea what you’re missing...so, let me tell you. Earth is being invaded by aliens (big deal huh?). Actually, it is...cause these aliens are using Boom Tubes (uh-oh). Our heroes find themselves together fighting the good fight while Cyborg is created out of an act of love. If you think Cyborg doesn’t belong among these heroes, I think being made of Promethium changes that equation. Enter Aquaman...King of Atlantis, and one of the most underrated and disrespected heroes around...until Green Lantern opens his mouth (see below). So, what are you missing? One of the best books to hit the shelf in a long time...and the first appearance of DC Comics premier villain in the new 52 lineup!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Superman might not say a lot, but he can fly and juggle trucks. The Flash is the fastest man alive. Wonder Woman can slice through an army, and me? I can do anything with this ring. So, really, what can you do that we can’t?”

Punisher Max # 20

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jason Aaron, Artist: Steve Dillon, Inker: Scott Williams, Letterer: VC’s Cory Petitt, Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth, Editor: Sebastian Girner

All-Star Summary for Choice: Punisher has been after the Kingpin and has had to go through hundreds of men and even Bullseye in his quest to end Wilson Fisk. In this book, he has to face Elektra in a fight that the word “epic” just isn’t adequate to describe. The art of Steve Dillon is fantastic and the writing of Jason Aaron is magnificent. This book has me eager to read every month because I know it will deliver...every...single...time.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Now I bet she’s got some idea.”

NOTE: Explicit Content. This book is NOT for children.

T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents # 2

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Nick Spencer, Artists: Wes Crane and Jerry Ordway, Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher, Colorists: HI-FI and Chris Beckett, Editor: Will Moss

All-Star Summary for Choice: My only sore spot with this book is that it’s not an ongoing series. This is issue number two of a six issue series, and it is hot! The nations of the world have a secret history with a race of people from underground. Indeed, the very technology of the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents was made as a response to this threat. All has been well, except the Subterranean people have been stirred, T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents have been captured in a trap, and war has been declared once more since Demo, Subterranean mad genius, has taken control.

The story presentation is excellent, the humor is refreshing...and the ending of this book will certainly drive the point home...that this is a book you should be reading.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Funny thing, intelligence gathering assumes a certain level of intelligence from the people gathering it.”

Week of December 14th

Green Lantern # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Geoff Johns, Artist: Doug Mahnke, Colorists: Alex Sinclair, Inkers: Christian Alamy & Keith Champagne, Letterer: Sal Cipriano, Editor: Brian Cunningham

All-Star Summary for Choice: This book has been hot since issue one. The very idea of Sinestro, arguably the strongest ring wielder ever, being a Green Lantern again...and not by choice is simply brilliant. Add to this the fact that he strung along his greatest adversary, Hal Jordan, into a situation that is impossible at best and you have a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The art of Doug Mahnke is spectacular and the colors of Alex Sinclair are not only awesome...but so important in a book like this that bulks up on color simply by being what it is.

His former corps hates him, his people hate him, Hal Jordan hates him....and all he is trying to do is save his planet. Being a “good guy” has never been harder or more exciting than it is in this book.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “As a Green Lantern it was my duty to reshape this world.”

Grifter # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Nathan Edmondson, Artist: Scott Clark, Colorists: Andrew Dalhouse, Inker: Dave Beaty, Letterer: Wes Abbot, Editor: Bobbi Chase

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’ve been a fan of the Grifter character since the days of the WildC.A.T.S. and I was excited that he was chosen as part of the new “52” lineup. With so many of the “52” books suffering from poor art, I was pleased that this title wasn’t one of them. This particular book was fanboy eye-candy with a very nice fight between Grifter and Green Arrow (another great book by the way). I’m a huge fan of cover-to-cover superhero fights, and although this one didn’t extend that far...it came close enough and showcased both the skills and subtleties of both characters, without diminishing either. Into the fights...? Then grab this book and enjoy the show.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Regardless of how good you are, you sometimes get surprised.”

Seven Warriors # 2

Company: Boom Studios

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Michael Le Galli, Artist: Francis Manapul, Colorists: Christelle Moulart, Letterer: Deron Bennett, Editor: David Chauvel

All-Star Summary for Choice: This is issue number two of a three issue series, so I’m sad it’s almost over. Seven deadly warriors (now where have I heard that before) must escort a prince to safety to save a nation. Set in ancient times, they must battle Persians and Byzantines, among others, against impossible odds. I love this kinda stuff! Anyone that is a fan of “300”, “Troy” or “Immortals” will absolutely love the presentation and carnage in this book. The best part is that our heroes aren’t invincible...just top notch at what they do, as evidenced by the two that don’t make it through this book. Did I say that was the best part? I meant the second best part. The best part is that the seven warriors are all beautiful women...with very sharp swords!

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Demetria strike me down!”

Avengers Sanction # 1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Jeph Loeb, Artist: Ed McGuinness, Colorists: Morry Hollowell, Inker: Dexter Vines, Letterer: Comicraft’s A. Deschesne, Editor: Tom Brevoort

All-Star Summary for Choice: I can sum up why this book is cool in four words: the return of Cable. Ok, the art is fantastic as well, but anyone not familiar with Cable needs to get to know him. He’s back and he’s hunting the Avengers. I feel sorry for the Avengers. A routine takedown of some second rate super villains turns into anything but after Cable steps on the scene...and the Avengers start dropping like...well, like flies. I’m telling you, but trust me, you have to see it for yourself. Cable going toe-to-toe with Captain America...? Priceless.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “I’m coming after every, single one of you.”

Suicide Squad # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Adam Glass, Artist: Federico Dalloccio, Colorists: Val Staples, Letterer: Jared K. Fletcher, Editor: Pat McCallum

All-Star Summary for Choice: I’ve been a fan of the Suicide Squad from day one (for me that was Legends # 3). The idea of villains forced to work for the government on “suicide” missions was a throw back to “Mission Impossible”, but with a twist. It soon turned into a dumping ground for forgotten heroes and villains as a place to make them useful before killing the character off.

Now...it’s still pretty much the same, except the art is extraordinary and there is tremendous effort put into character development, just so I get pissed when they kill off a character I like. This book has the Squad doing what they do best...killing other bad guys while doing the bidding of Amanda Waller. The “business as usual” betrayal and double cross” in this book is fantastic as we witness plans “B” and “C” while never expecting that we are really still on plan “A.” I expect nothing less when you put Captain Boomerang and Deadshot in the same book...and tell them to behave (yeah right).

All-Star Quote of the Book: “He was Plan B. A gift from my employers for when you let us leave with Dr. Visyak.”

Week of December 7th

Batwing # 4

Company: DC Comics

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Judd Winick, Artist: Chriscross, Inker: Ryan Winn, Colorist: Brian Reber, Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual, Editor: Mike Marts

All-Star Summary for Choice: This is a fantastic series and this particular book is excellent for so many reasons. First, the art is spectacular. Second, we finally learn some serious details of who Batwing really is by getting a glimpse at his tragic and violent childhood. A scene that is really being played out all too often in troubled areas throughout Africa. Since this is a Batman related character, it only makes sense that he is driven by loss...but one of his unique qualities is that he is also driven by a desire for redemption. This issue shows you why.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “It takes a monster to stop a monster...and I am a monster.”

NOTE: Although this book doesn’t carry an explicit rating, I have found some issues to have graphic violence.

Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes # 2

Company: Boom Studios

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman, Artist: Gabriel Hardman, Colorist: Jordie Bellaire, Letterer: Ed Dukeshire, Editor: Dafna Pleban

All-Star Summary for Choice: I am a huge fan of the Planet of the Apes movies and television series and never imagined that I would enjoy a comic in this setting. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This book is part of a four issue limited series set 20 years before the arrival of Taylor (Charlton Heston). The art is not as clean as I usually prefer, but weird to say...it fits the book perfectly. The main characters of the story are victims of diabolical treachery and since those setting them up appear in the movies twenty years later, I’m absolutely fascinated by the shrinking possibilities of a favorable resolution for our heroes. We were used to humans in cages in the movies, so it was a treat to see a prison for apes in this book.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Ape does not kill ape. To do so is the very definition of insanity.”

Irredeemable # 32

Company: Boom Studios

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Mark Waid, Artist: Diego Barreto, Colorist: Nolan Woodard, Letterer: Ed Dukeshire, Editors: Matt Gagnon & Shannon Watters

All-Star Summary for Choice: Anyone not reading this book is missing out on something spectacular. I’m a huge fan of the “Superman archetype” going bad. I loved it when it was done with Marvel’s Hyperion, Image’s Supreme, Dark Horse’s Titan...I was just always fascinated by the thought of the world’s most powerful hero being the cause of all your problems, not a savior for them. This series takes that idea to another level. 

In this book we learn, after thirty-one issues of carnage and mayhem, the origin of the main character...the Plutonian. It isn’t what anyone expected, I’ll bet. It answers a lot of question, I’ll bet. I already bet earlier that when we learned these things, it wouldn’t bode well for anyone else in the story...and I certainly won that one! The artwork is just on the fringe of what I’ll subject my eyes to...but with a story this good, I’ll gladly make the exception.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “How did he gain control of the narrative?”

The Last of the Greats # 3

Company: Image Comics, Inc

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writer: Joshua Hale Fialkov, Artist: Brent Peeples, Colorists: Mat Lopes, Eddy Swan, Brian Buccellato & Blond, Inker: Nick Nix, Letterer: Troy Peteri, Editor: Rob Levin

All-Star Summary for Choice: Did I mention I’m a fan of the “Superman gone bad” type situations? Well, this series immerses itself in that idea with more twists than a package of Twizzlers. The Greats are a race of super beings that have been eradicated by mankind...all except the Last, who has absorbed the essence of his fallen species. I don’t want to tip anything off about this book so I’ll just leave this entry with the tagline of the inside cover: “Meet mankind’s last hope for survival. He’s called The Last, and he hates our guts.” Nuff said I think...check this book out.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Trust me, I know what I’m doing”

NOTE: This book has sexual themes and adult language.

Villains for Hire # 1

Company: Marvel

All-Star Crew of Presenters: Writers: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Artist: Renato Arlem, Colorist: Jay David Ramos, Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna, Editor: Bill Rosemann

All-Star Summary for Choice: The idea of this book is awesome. It has a “Mission Impossible” feel to it by the presentation, but with the exciting twist of all the people we’d normally look to for doing the impossible are villains...and everything their doing is a criminal act. So why did I find myself rooting for them? Because the writing and characterization is just that good that I actually care what these people are doing. This is the first book in a four issue limited series, so I’m excited that by the end of this issue, we find out the antagonist for our main characters are another set of villains...for hire! 

A new perspective is always interesting to me...and with the “Bank Job” presentation of this book, it’s also very refreshing.

All-Star Quote of the Book: “Hello villain, are you for hire?”

Welcome to All-Star Weekly

Welcome to the first post of my new blog All-Star Weekly...a blog by a comic book reader, for other comic book readers.

What is All-Star Weekly?:  All-Star Weekly is a weekly review of the five best comic books on the shelf that week, picked from my personal list of comics I’m reading. That doesn’t mean those five books are the absolute best books out, but they’re the best I’ve read from the books I collect. 

Are there better books on the shelf?: Probably...I’m just not reading them. Everyone has their own personal preference for what they consider to be a good book and a great book. My criteria are art, story and action. I’ll tell you right now that I’m a sucker for a good cover-to-cover knock down drag out fight. I’m also a sucker for a timeless story.

Why have I done this?: A family member, that wants no recognition (nonetheless here it is) and is always fascinated by my thoughts on the subject, postulated that others might get enjoyment from the sharing as well...and that I would find contentment in doing more of what I love to do. For anyone that doesn’t know, I love to write.

Who am I?: My name is Marcus, but I’ve been known by many other names...Professor, Applesauce, Flash, Pontificator, Caesar. On here I’ll simply go by Marcus sans “The Magnificent.” I’ve been an avid collector and reader of comics for over thirty years, at one time amassing a collection of more than forty-thousand books. I may not know too much in life...but I know about comic books.


Where do I get my books?: I have been going to the same store for fifteen years now...because it's the best store in Boston.


NEW ENGLAND COMICS 
>>>ALLSTON STORE<<<
215B Harvard Ave., Allston MA 02134.
Phone: 617-566-3509


Ask for Michelle...and tell her I sent you...:-)

What are the rules of this blog?: The rules are simple...have fun. I ask that no profanity or sexual content be posted on here, although comics aren’t really for children anymore, I’d like this blog to remain child friendly for the off chance that one might come here and be inspired to read something written on paper instead of a computer screen. Any explicit book that makes the list will be duly noted so parents know those books aren’t for their child. Participation via comments isn’t mandatory (as if I could enforce that), but highly encouraged. Please be respectful and courteous of others...and tolerant of their opinions.

So...without further delay, I welcome one and all into my deranged mind...made all the more sane, by the writing and drawing of the thoughts of other deranged minds, packaged in spectacular color for your reading pleasure.

Huzzah!