Happy New Year!

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I'm working to decide what the first trade/graphic novel for review in 2010 will be. I will be posting the review on Sunday (January 3, 2010) and I'm looking for suggestions based off of the list I have posted of the trades I have.

Feel free to post comments and I will listen to all suggestions.

Enjoy a safe beginning of the new year, and thank you for your support!

Ultimate Origins

Title: Ultimate Origins

ISBN: 9780785128939

Price: $19.99

Publisher/Year: Marvel, 2009

Artist: Butch Guice

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Collects: Ultimate Origins #'s 1-5

Rating: 3.5/5

I have to admit, when Marvel first started their Ultimate line (X-Men, Spider-Man, etc.), I wasn't real enthused about the idea that they were going to tell the same stories from back in the 60's and 70's with a modern spin and new art. Because of this generated bias, I didn't get into reading anything in the Ultimate line.

With the Ultimate lines growing popularity, and the fact that I have enjoyed everything I have ever read from Brian Michael Bendis, I decided to finally pick-up a few of the trades to get a feel for the setting. When I picked-up Ultimate Origins, I knew where I had to start. I love being able to start from the beginning over going through a story and then... somewhere in the middle... get brought backwards to cover why this has been happening. To me, that tactic loses some of the interest in reading the story in the first place. If there's an origin story to tell, I'd prefer to know at the beginning rather than waiting until I am engrossed in the modern storyline and then being dragged back. This is the reason why I have yet to read the Wolverine origin trades. Probably some day, though.

Back to Ultimate Origins. Bendis did not disappoint with this storyline. A lone phrase uttered by Bruce Banner to Spider-Man at the beginning of this book sets the whole story. "Listen, it's all connected. That's it. That's the secret." From Nick Fury to Wolverine to Captain America and beyond, this story draws you in like nobody's business. Bendis knows how to write. I wish I had half of his talent with words.

Butch Guice provides the artwork for this particular tale. While I feel that it sometimes lacks the definition that I enjoy in sequential art, it definitely works for this tale. I think my distraction from the art comes from the covers that have been inserted to separate the issues within this trade. While I enjoy the look of all the variant covers, I'm not thrilled with the newsstand covers and I wish they had kept them in the back like so many other trades do. This is not a flaw of Guice's, but Marvel's layout design for the book.

This trade has made me look forward to reading Ultimate X-Men and Spider-Man, both of which I have started to pick-up to add to my collection. If you're already a fan of the Ultimate storyline's, this is well worth giving a read.

Watchmen

Title: Watchmen

ISBN: 9780930289232
Price: $19.99
Publisher/Year: DC, 1987
Artist: Dave Gibbons
Writer: Alan Moore
Collects: Watchmen #'s 1-12

Rating: 4/5

Has any comic been as acclaimed as Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' Watchmen? Possibly only Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, but Watchmen remains the critics' favorite. Why? Because Moore is a better writer, and Watchmen a more complex and dark and literate creation than Miller's fantastic, subversive take on the Batman myth. Moore, renowned for many other of the genre's finest creations (Saga of the Swamp Thing, V for Vendetta, and From Hell, with Eddie Campbell) first put out Watchmen in 12 issues for DC in 1986-87. It won a comic award at the time (the 1987 Jack Kirby Comics Industry Awards for Best Writer/Artist combination) and has continued to gather praise since.

The story concerns a group called the Crimebusters and a plot to kill and discredit them. Moore's characterization is as sophisticated as any novel's. Importantly the costumes do not get in the way of the storytelling; rather they allow Moore to investigate issues of power and control--indeed it was Watchmen, and to a lesser extent Dark Knight, that propelled the comic genre forward, making "adult" comics a reality. The artwork of Gibbons (best known for 2000AD's Rogue Trooper and DC's Green Lantern) is very fine too, echoing Moore's paranoid mood perfectly throughout. Packed with symbolism, some of the overlying themes (arms control, nuclear threat, vigilantes) have dated but the intelligent social and political commentary, the structure of the story itself, its intertextuality (chapters appended with excerpts from other "works" and "studies" on Moore's characters, or with excerpts from another comic book being read by a child within the story), the finepace of the writing and its humanity mean that Watchmen more than stands up--it keeps its crown as the best the genre has yet produced. --Mark Thwaite (Source: Amazon.com)

I wanted to start this review with the words that really sum-up much of my feelings. Then, I wanted to tell my version.

Alan Moore is a very creepy genius when it comes to his writing. I have yet to read any of his work that doesn't make me think. Unlike many of Moore's fans, I think I actually started reading his work on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, where most I believe started their fandom with From Hell or V for Vendetta. It wasn't until after I watched the movie versions of these books that I actually picked them up and read them. I'm glad I did.

When I first heard that they were creating a Watchmen movie, I was mildly skeptical. I didn't think that a true interpretation of the story would go over well with moviegoers, and felt that too many people would get lost in the Tales of the Black Freighter storyline. When I saw the first trailers in the theater, I was impressed and hopeful. I loved V for Vendetta and enjoyed The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, but I knew that neither of these had been named "One of Time Magazine's 100 best novels". I waited in anticipation. How would they capture the essence of Doctor Manhattan and Rorschach? How much of Rorschach's backstory would they actually be able to fit into a movie?

Then came the media hype. Everything was Watchmen for the longest time. I was very concerned that this movie was going to become a bigger epic failure that Batman and Robin. I was wrong to feel this way. I think they were able to create a live action version of the story very well, without ruining the original work. Obviously, there were some liberties taken and changes made, but I feel that this was an incredible movie.

So naturally... I had to read the trade again.

My first time reading Watchmen, I remember having a hard time reading through all the Tales of the Black Freighter story. I didn't completely understand the necessity of it as I read. In the end, I made the connection. For some, this trade may also catch you in the same way. I urge you to continue reading to the end... It's worth the effort and the payout is an incredible story.

As many others (I'm sure), my favorite character is Rorschach. I love the twisted sense of justice he has. He reminded me of Frank Miller's Dark Knight, a Batman with an "F-off!" attitude. Rorschach played by his own set of rules, and was pissed that the very government and people that he was helping to protect turned their backs on him. If I were in his shoes, that would upset me as well. The difference is that I am not a vigilante hero.

In my opinion, the only other character with a flavorful background in this trade is (of course) Doctor Manhattan. That's why I feel that the movie version took a good deal of time giving you a look into what created both Manhattan and Rorschach. These were the 2 biggest characters in the trade, and they became the forefront of the movie. I feel that Moore captured the reality of what would happen if someone were given the ultimate power of the universe. They would ultimately get tired and bored of it and want to get away, thus falling right into the insidious plot of Ozymandias.

Dave Gibbons' art seems to have been made to depict this story. Reading this trade, I felt like I was in their world. It's not like reading a superhero book where the sights and sounds around the characters are familiar, you are in a different reality. There are moments where I see glimpses of the world from various movies. The biggest I recognize is from the world of Blade Runner. Not futuristic, but grimy and dirty. Trash all over and much of the inner city is not well maintained.

I would have to agree with most other people who have reviewed this trade before me. This book is well worth picking up and reading. This has a permanent spot in my collection, and has for several years. Earlier this year, I actually had to replace my original copy because it was beginning to fall apart from years of being read. I felt that the expense was justified.

Next review...

I apologize for not posting a review this week. My life has been in a bit of chaos recently, and I have moved again. My trades a GN's are in one location, where I am living in a different location. I intend to move them with me soon while I have time off of work. I promise that once I have my life under control again, I will be back on schedule. I will try to have a new review before Christmas, but I will promise a review no later than the following Sunday.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season, no mater what holiday you celebrate.

You can always connect with me on either Facebook or MySpace.

The Decade's Best and Worst Graphic Novel Adaptations

The Decade's Best and Worst Graphic Novel Adaptations

Check this list out and see what you think. Its actually a very small list, though.

Classic G.I. Joe Vol. 1

Title: Classic G.I. Joe Vol. 1

ISBN: 9781600103452
Price: $19.99
Publisher/Year: IDW, 2009
Artist: Herb Trimpe, Don Perlin & Mike Vosburg
Writer: Larry Hama, Herb Trimpe & Steven Grant
Collects: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #'s 1-10

Rating: 4/5

I was so excited when I learned that IDW would be reprinting the original G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issues in TPB format. This included with all other things G.I. Joe made me absolutly giddy in 2009. Give me a copy of the TPB and put the G.I. Joe cartoon in the DVD player, and this will keep me happy for a while. Watching the DVD's made me wonder how I ever thought that it could be based in anything close to reality, though. Nevertheless, it all brings me back to happier times when I didn't have so much to worry about and the country was in a better place... relativly speaking.

Larry Hama, the grandmaster of G.I. Joe. Creator and writer extrodinare. The storylines are fun allbeit the dialogue is sometimes clunky and akward. For me, the dialogue never detracted from the story or my enjoyment of the entire book. It made me hope that IDW could possibly publish these reprints faster so I could relive more of my childhood.

I love the face that this series is being reprinted from the beginning and hopefully encompassing the entire 155 issue run. I know that Marvel reprinted the first 50 issues in a series of TPB's back in 2002, but try to find them at a reasonable price. I was never a huge fan of the "spin-off" titles such as Special Missions and Eurpoean Missions, but I remember having a subscription for the Special Missions for the first couple years it was originally printed. If IDW decides to reprint these issues, I'm sure I'll pick them up and give them a read just to see why I didn't care for them when I was a kid.

The art is a real throwback to a generation that is slowly fading away. Back in the 80's, they didn't use computers to create the art. They didn't have Adobe and Apple computers were not known for their graphic capabilities. These comics were had drawn, inked, colored and lettered. Having touched on being an inker and really enjoying the experience, I can really appreciate the time and effort it must have taken to create each original issue.

This trade, and the subsequent volumes, are a must have for any G.I. Joe fan of the 80's. I would also recommend this book for anyone who was born after the 80's to really learn to appreciate the work and dedication of the artists and writers who worked without the assistance of computers... something you may not ever know.

And the list grows.

Here are the recent additions to the collection of trades and GN's that I will be reading and writing reviews on:

• Ultimate X-Men Vol. 2
• Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1
• Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 2
• Batman and Son
• Angel: Not Fade Away
• Batman: Battle for the Cowl
• G.I. Joe: Cobra
• Spider-Man: Back in Black

I'm still looking for more requests/suggestions for other books to read.

Wizard's 100 greatest TPB's/GN's

(Originally published in Wizard #212.)

#100 Batman: Faces
#99 The Red Star Vol. #1
#98 Batman & Dracula: Red Rain
#97 Spiderman vs. Venom
#96 The Complete Concrete
#95 X-Men: From the Ashes
#94 Batman: Haunted Knight
#93 Sock Monkey
#92 Cerebus Vol. #2: High Society
#91 Wolverine: Blood Debt
#90 American Flagg Vol. #1: Hard Times
#89 Batman: Arkham Asylum
#88 Hulk: Ground Zero
#87 Ultimate X-Men Vol. #1: The Tomorrow People
#86 Batman: Dark Victory
#85 Nightwing Vol. #4: A Darker Shade of Justice
#84 The Coffin
#83 Batman/Huntress: Cry for Blood
#82 Green Lantern: Emerald Dawn
#81 Obergeist: Director's Cut
#80 Crisis On Infinite Earths
#79 Avengers: Ultron Unlimited
#78 JLA: Earth 2
#77 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Collected Book Vol. #1
#76 Batman: The Long Halloween
#75 Doom Patrol: Crawling from the Wreckage
#74 Whiteout
#73 Punisher: Circle of Blood
#72 Powers Vol. #1: Who Killed Retro Girl
#71 Goldfish
#70 Fortune and Glory
#69 Wolverine by Claremont and Miller
#68 Captain America: War and Rememberance
#67 Daredevil: The Man Without Fear
#66 Avengers: Under Siege
#65 Silver Surfer: The Rebirth of Thanos
#64 X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills
#63 Jinx
#62 X-Force: A New Beginning
#61 Justice League: A New Beginning
#60 Infinity Gauntlet
#59 Earth X
#58 JLA: A New World Order
#57 Dr. Strange/Dr.Doom: Triumph and Torment
#56 Legion of Super Heroes: The Great Darkness Saga
#55 Strangers in Paradise Vol. #2: I Dream of You.
#54 Animal Man Vol. #1
#53 Hellblazer: Dangerous Habits
#52 Box Office Poison
#51 The Authority Vol. #2: Under New Management
#50 Iron Man: The Power of Iron Man
#49 Stormwatch Vol. #4: A Finer World
#48 Hellboy: The Chained Coffin and Others
#47 Walt Simonson Thor Visionaires
#46 Hellblazer: Hard Time
#45 New X-Men E is for Extinction
#44 Usagi Yojimbo Vol. #6: Circles
#43 Fantastic Four Visionairies
#42 100 Bullets Vol. #3: Hang Up on the Hang Low
#41 Akira Vol. #1
#40 Kingdom Come
#39 Banner
#38 Neil Gaiman's Midnight Days
#37 Planetary: The Fourth Man
#36 Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
#35 Pedro and Me
#34 300 HC
#33 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
#32 Bone Vol. #2: Great Cow Race
#31 Torso
#30 Astro City: Confession
#29 Daredevil Yellow
#28 Spider-Man: Nothing Can Stop the Juggernaught
#27 Sin City: That Yellow Bastard
#26 Solar Man of the Atom: Alpha & Omega
#25 Fantastic Four: Trial of Galactus
#24 Death: The High Cost of Living
#23 Superman: For All Seasons
#22 Squadron Supreme
#21 Books of Magic
#20 Preacher Vol. #3: Proud Americans
#19 Hawkworld
#18 Frank Miller Daredevil Visionairies Vol. #2
#17 Magnus Robot Fighter: Steel Nation
#16 Top Ten Vol. #1
#15 New Teen Titans: Judas Contract
#14 Miracleman Vol. #3
#13 Swampt Thing: Saga of the Swamp Thing
#12 X-Men: Days of Future Past
#11 JSA Golden Age
#10 X-Men: Dark Phoenix Saga
#9 Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow
#8 Marvels
#7 Daredevil: Born Again
#6 Batman: Year One
#5 Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. #1
#4 Sandman Vol. #4: Season of the Mist
#3 Batman: Dark Knight Returns
#2 Watchmen
#1 Maus: A Survivor's Tale

Spider-Man: The Other

Title: Spider-Man: The Other
 
ISBN: 0785128123
Price: $24.99
Publisher/Year: Marvel, 2007
Artist: Mike Wieringo, Pat Lee, Mike Deodato Jr.
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski, Peter David, Reginald Hudlin
Collects: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #'s 1-4, Marvel Knights Spider-Man #'s 19-22, Amazing Spider-Man #'s 525-528

Rating: 3/5

When I began reading this trade paperback, I thought that is was another great "What If..." storyline. I was wrong. This is what happens when you aren't reading the comics regularly and chronologically. Much to my surprise, this storyline was apart of Marvel canon. Even better, the events happened right before the epic Civil War storyline Marvel published that same year.

The only way I was familiar with J. Michael Strazynski (who is also credited as the Story architect) was Babylon 5 before this trade. I loved Babylon 5, and I wish that I had watched more when it was available. After the final episode on regular TV, my interest fell and I have yet to watch any other Babylon 5. His writing kept me interested through the entirety of this book. Combined with Peter David and Reginald Hudlin's writing, this came to be a very interesting read.

Spider-Man has been through several incarnations throughout the years. Cosmic. Scarlet. Armored. Black costume. Red & blue costume. Six-armed. Clone. And he has gone through so much physical trauma. This book sheds the years and pain from Peter Parker, and let's him start over again. A clean slate... with some new found abilities.

The last time I actually read an issue of any Spider-Man book, either Todd McFarlane was still working for Marvel or maybe it was when they introduced Carnage. Needless to say, I was caught unaware of the changes in Peter's life. This trade brought me back to wanting to read Spider-Man again. It was just by chance that I actually picked this book up.

There are 3 styles of art in this book. I can't say I'm a fan of all of them, but the style that broke my desire for the book the most made me think that the characters had jumped from New York City to Japan. It had the manga feel that I am not a big fan of. I know that there are those out there that really enjoy the manga feel, so they may really dig this 3rd style of art.

In a nutshell... this book was an excellent read. The art didn't really detract too much from the reading enjoyment. Even though I'm not a fan of the manga style, I was still able to get through the book without having put it down due to headache or eye strain.

Pick it up. Give it a shot. I think any Spidey fan will enjoy the story, at the very least.

Bluntman & Chronic

Title: Bluntman and Chronic

ISBN: 1582402086
Price: $14.95
Publisher/Year: Graphitti Designs, 2001
Artists: Michael Avon Oeming, Pat Garrahy & Mike Allred
Writer: Kevin Smith

Rating: 3.5/5

Another favorite of mine is all things Kevin Smith. From "Clerks" and "Mallrats" to his more recent work with "Zach & Miri Make a Porno", I am a fan to the bitter end. Smith introduced us to the wonders of Jay & Silent Bob and a couple of young actors with real careers in their future. Talking about Ben Afflect, Jason Lee, Ethan Suplee, Shannen Doherty and Claire Forlani to name a few. Smith really knows how to write and how to make a guy laugh.

For those of you who don't actually know who Bluntman & Chronic are, I suggest renting "Chasing Amy". This is arguably Kevin's best cinematic work. This is where you get a true sense of where the characters come from. Give it a shot. You may become a Smith fan like myself.

As far as this graphic novel goes, Kevin Smith brought he writing skills to the comic very well. The art is alright, except I am not a big fan of Mike Allred. Fortunately, Allred's work is confined to a small story at the end of the book. The characters fit well within his art, but I just don't care for it. Good thing that Michael Avon Oeming and Pat Garrahy are here to save the most of the book.

For those of you who are already Kevin Smith fans and or of Jay & Silent Bob/Bluntman & Chronic, then it's just another reason to keep liking. For those who know they don't like Smith's work, don't bother picking up this book. For those who are undecided or are unfamiliar with the works of Mr. Smith, give it a try.

Thanksgiving

Sorry about this, but since I have been backed-up during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I haven't been able to write a review for this week. I am intending on posting a review either Wednesday or Thursday evening... with the regularly scheduled review planned for Sunday.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend. Now it's time to gear-up for Christmas!

I'm also going to try and find a top 10 or 25 list that I can post on here for holiday shopping ideas.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 Vol. 1: The Long Way Home

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 Vol. 1: The Long Way Home

ISBN: 9781593078225
Price: $15.95
Publisher/Year: Dark Horse, 2007
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Writer: Joss Whedon
Collects: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 #'s 1-5

Rating: 3.5/5

Another pop culture phenomenon that I was a member of was that of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on television. I became a fan of the Whedon-verse, much like many who read my reviews. From Buffy to Angel. Firefly to Dollhouse. Joss knows how to write. It's too bad that they took Buffy, Angel and Firefly of TV before their time. Soon enough, Whedon was tapped by Dark Horse to continue the Buffy saga, thus beginning Season 8.

Picking-up where the television series left off, this first in the series of trades still provides the feeling of the TV series. Whedon has not lost anything writing the characters: Buffy, Willow, Xander, Dawn and a new selection of Slayers. I find it very amusing that the mysterious threat introduced in this series is called "Twilight". No relation to Stephanie Meyer's books.

Buffy is the leader of a much larger group on newbie Slayers. Now that Sunnydale has been laid to waste, they are headquartered in a castle in England and the group is huge. The Slayers also seem to be well funded as the tech gear they have at their disposal is well beyond anything they could've had in sunny California. Also, since Whedon doesn't have a television budget to worry about, the sky is the limit on what they can do and add to the series.

Jeanty's art is nice to look at, but sometimes I feel that the background characters... such as the multitude of Slayers... blend into the background and individuals get lost easily. There are a select few new Slayers that stick-out, but many of the rest of them seem to be simple duplicates. All in all, he does a good job to bring Whedon's vision to life.

I started reading the series with the first issues, and it won me out. Since Buffy, Angel and even Firefly had been cast aside on TV, this helped fill that hole. When I got behind on the monthly issues, I stopped buying them. Thank goodness for Dark Horse to publish the trades. As you can tell from my list of books to be reviewed, I've made sure to keep on top of the recent releases.
 
Joss Whedon's writing and Gerorges Jeanty's art help bring Buffy and her crew back in a good way. The series is definitely high on my list of what to read. If you were a fan of the TV series, you will probably love this book and enjoy the ongoing series. If you've actually never watched the series, I recommend watching it before reading Season 8 to get a better view of the Whedon-verse.

List of current collection of Graphic Novels & Trade Paperbacks

Here is a list of what I currently have in my collection and will be reviewing, or already have been reviewed. Special thanks to Comic Collector Live for helping me keep an up-to-date record of my collections.

• Angel: After the Fall Vol. 1
• Angel: After the Fall Vol. 2
• Angel: After the Fall Vol. 3
• Angel: After the Fall Vol. 4
• Angel: After the Fall Vol. 5
• Batman R.I.P.: The Deluxe Edition
• Batman Versus Predator: The Collected Edition
• Batman: Bloodstorm
• Batman: The Long Halloween
• Bluntman & Chronic
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: No Future for You
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Predators and Prey
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Time of Your Life
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Wolves at the Gate
• Chasing Dogma
• Classic G.I. Joe Vol. 1
• Classic G.I. Joe Vol. 2
• Clerks
• Constantine: The Hellblazer Collection
• Death of Superman
• Death: The High Cost of Living
• Death: The Time of Your Life
• Fray: Future Slayer
• G.I. Joe
• G.I. Joe: Origins
• G.I. Joe: The Best of Snake Eyes
• Ghost: Nocturnes
• Hellboy: The Right Hand Of Doom
• Sandman: A Game of You
• Sandman: Brief Lives
• Sandman: Dream Country
• Sandman: Endless Nights
• Sandman: Fables & Reflections
• Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes
• Sandman: Seaons of Mists
• Sandman: The Doll's House
• Sandman: The Dream Hunters
• Sandman: The Kindly Ones
• Sandman: The Wake
• Sandman: Worlds' End
• Spider-Man: Carnage
• Spider-Man: The Other
• Spike: After the Fall
• Spike: Shadow Puppets
• Ultimatum
• Watchmen

I urge people who have been or are going to read my reviews to feel free to post comments and suggestions on other titles you think would make for good review material.

Right now, I have only my collection to pull from. Due to the economic changes over the past several years, my TPB/GN collection has fluctuated as I've been forced to sell some of it to pay the bills from time-to-time.

Thank you and pass the word.

G.I. Joe: Origins #1

Title: G.I. Joe: Origins #1
ISBN: 9781600104978

Price: $19.99

Publisher/Year: IDW, 2009
Artist: Mike Hawthorne
Writer: Larry Hama
Collects: G.I. Joe: Origins #'s 1-5

Rating: 4/5

As I mentioned in my previous review, I was a huge fan of the original G.I. Joe material. The comics, published by Marvel, were the creative work of mastermind Larry Hama. When IDW claimed the publication rights to the G.I. Joe line, they enlisted Hama to create a new back-story for the G.I. Joe characters. And he did just that.

 
Origins is the tale of how the new version of the team came to being. No fancy headquarters. No depot of weapons and vehicles. And at this time, only 8 people in the team. Cobra hasn't been introduced, yet. You still don't get a good sense of what Snake Eyes is capable of, but that's all a part of the mystery that he is. You do get a sense that these people will be able to function well as a team.
 
Though IDW tapped Hama for new origins and stories for the G.I. Joe team, they didn't throwback to the old style of artwork from the 80's... which is good. Mike Hawthorne brings a fresh new appearance to some of our favorite characters. He successfully brought the characters from the 80's to the modern day.
 
I give G.I. Joe: Origins high marks for being able to draw the reader into the story and keep them wanting more. Hama was always good at this, and it's obvious he hasn't lost his touch at the art of writing. Combined with Hawthorne's artwork, this TPB is well worth picking-up a copy for your collection.
 
I'd like to take this time to apologize to anyone who is reading this and wondering if I will get to any reviews of something other than G.I. Joe. The answer is that I will. These have been the most recent TPB's that I've read, and so the experience is still fresh in my mind. I promise more diversity of the trades that I write reviews for soon. Look forward to reviews of the following titles:

• Buffy: The Vampire Slayer
• Angel: After the Fall
• Sandman
• Death
• Spike: Shadow Puppets 

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - Movie Adaptation

Title: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - Movie Adaptation
ISBN: 9781600104688
Price: $17.99
Publisher/Year: IDW, 2009
Artist: Casey Maloney
Writer: Denton J. Tipton
Collects: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra - Movie Adaptation #'s 1-4

Rating: 2/5

Growing up in the 80's, I was a HUGE fan of the G.I. Joe products. Comic books. Action figures. The cartoon series. I read, collected and watched religiously. I still have some of my action figures and vehicles and I also still have the original comics that my Dad bought me when I was sick and the local grocery store was out of copies of MAD magazines. Those were the days when my friends and I would get home from school, rush over to Steve's house, and make sure we watched every episode of the original cartoon series. Between my friends and I, we had nearly all the toys from the early to mid 80's. Sure, a few of them fell prey to firecrackers and M-80's, but those were only the figures we didn't like.

When I first heard that Hasbro was making a live-action G.I. Joe movie, I was skeptical like most fans. I was already collecting the 25th anniversary line of action figures and trying to complete my collection of the original Marvel comic books, so Hasbro had my attention anyways. I vowed that I would see it, no matter what.

When IDW started publishing the new series of G.I. Joe comic books, I jumped on the bandwagon with no regrets thanks to my local comic store; Tony's Kingdom of Comics. Through their excellent subscription service and customer service, there have been very few issues from the various IDW series that I have missed. I was a kid again. Sure, the stories were new and the characters had been modernized, but they still had the feel I fell in love with as a child.

I took the day off to make sure I could watch G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra movie on the first day. I had been planning to make the midnight showing... but the fact that I couldn't stay awake past 9pm precluded me from participating. So, I made the first matinee.

There were a few items I wouldn't have minded being changed, but all-in-all, the movie was excellent. When the TPB was released, I couldn't wait to read it to see the comic book spin. I was disappointed.

The TPB followed the same plot, and had much of the key elements of the movie, but it lacked much of the substance and story that was brought to life in the movie. I found it hard to believe that I was reading was supposed to be what I had viewed in the theatre. Big holes in the story. Much of the back story was left out. The fight scenes between Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow were covered in too few panels. The script was a little hard to follow at times, if you hadn't already watched the movie. The part with Ripcord flying down the 2 nanomite missiles was treated in a few panels that didn't quite have the same impact as it did in the movie.

I feel that had the adaptation been able to be presented in 5 or 6 issues rather than only 4, Denton Tipton may have had better success. The art was well done, but I feel that Casey Maloney doesn't like to draw backgrounds. There are quite a few panels where the characters are in the middle of color rather than a place, while not distracting, just mildly bothersome.

My recommendation is to either check this out at your local library, or find a friend who has already invested their money into it and borrow it to see for yourself. I would also suggest watching the movie either before or after reading it so you have a sense of what has been left out.

Comic Collector Live - Buy, Sell, Organize Comic Books, Action Figures, Comic Art, and More

Comic Collector Live - Buy, Sell, Organize Comic Books, Action Figures, Comic Art, and More

Zanziber's Point-Of-View

Welcome to the initial posting for "Zanziber's Point-Of-View", a resource for non-biased reviews of graphic novels and trade paperbacks.

A little background...

I've been collecting comic books, action figures, graphic novels, trade paperbacks, trading/collectible cards for the past 25 years at this point in time. I have dabbled in both writing and inking comic books since graduating high school. Over the past few years, I have written a few reviews for role playing games on the local gaming store website, http://www.borderlandsgames.com/.

Why blog?

I've been reading quite a few trade paperbacks recently, and I decided that I should start airing my views on them. This came about when I finished reading a comic book adaptation of a pop culture movie that had been released earlier this Summer. This will be the topic of my first review.

I have also been thinking about pitching the idea of a weekly column to the local newspaper, as they have published several articles on comics and graphic novels in the past. (They actually tagged me for an interview for one of them. I'll re-post the article here soon.) Perhaps, if this blog garners the following I am hoping to acquire, the newspaper will see a fruitful prospect in my idea.

I always welcome feedback. If you agree or disagree with my opinion, feel free to post your Point-Of-View.

Look forward to my first review soon, and thank you for reading.