Interview With Gail Simone

click Here to listen to the Interview at Where Monsters Dwell

A few days ago, Where Monsters Dwell conducted an interview with the comic writer extraordanaire, Gail Simone.  Where Monster's Dwell does a fantastic webcast that I can't help but tune in every single week and listen to these two broadcasters talk about everything geekified within all of nerditude.  But what was different this time was I decided to call in and ask Gail a few questions.  I was so freaking nervous I had trouble getting that first question out.  But it was super fun to actually get to chat with Gail none-the-less.

If you haven't had a chance to here Jimmy Palmiotti's super awesome podcast, tune into Where Monsters Dwell every Wednesday evening and enjoy the fun.

Anyways, click Here to listen to the Interview at Where Monsters Dwell

Comic Book Review: Doom Patrol #19

Written By: Keith Giffen

Penciller: Mathew Clark & Ron Randall

Inker: Art Thibert & Sean Parsons

Colorist: Guy Major

Cover Artist: Clark & Major

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Editor: Elisabeth V. Gehrlein

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

A few years ago a Secret Six miniseries was launched that made way for the ongoing title which currently graces comic book stores with its presence.  In that mini, the Six and the Doom Patrol go at it tooth and nail with the six coming out victorious.  Now, in this second part of Suicide Roulette which began in Secret Six #30, the Doom Patrol gets a second chance at showing the Six who’s the toughest and the baddest in an all-out death match that would make MTV’s claymated celebrities quiver in fear.

Meanwhile, there’s a volcano that’s erupted and will most definitely kill all of them if they don’t quit fighting each other.

I’m not a follower of the Doom Patrol.  Not because I didn’t have an interest in it, it’s just my wallet told me not to.  But with all of the great things I’ve heard about it, I had no fear of picking up #19 as it continued the story left off in Secret Six #30.  What I did expect to happen was the ridiculous and hilarious banter between the two teams, but what I wasn’t expecting was how bland and unclimactic this issue felt to me.  Thus lies the problem with crossover storylines!  If someone isn’t reading a title, and you compel that reader to buy that title due to its connectivity with another, you risk losing that reader due to lack of investment.  I’m not invested in Doom Patrol, therefore I’m probably not going to enjoy it that much picking up at issue #19.

Keith Giffen shouldn’t be faulted however; his writing is clever and pristine, obviously showing how much time and effort he puts into this title and the characters within.  Last month Gail Simone did wonders with implementing the Doom Patrol into Secret Six #30, giving every character (from both teams) a turn in the spotlight.  Likewise, Giffen brings out the best of the Six and the Doom patrol in a barrage of heated battles that will make you chuckle with delight.  But whatever happened to Jeanette?  She seems to hide away in the corner somewhere and by the book’s end, hasn’t a clue of what’s going on.  Definitely not the Jeanette I know.  In and of itself, this issue is well written but definitely a Doom Patrol book. Giffen doesn’t stutter in this aspect in the least, which as stated above, makes it difficult for readers not familiar with the title to become invested in it.

As much as I wanted to enjoy the art, I had trouble getting into it.  My issue was how a number of characters were visually interpreted in many different ways.  Luckily each character has his or her own costume to help me tell who’s who.  But the artist toggle (you knew it was coming) really bugged me as consistency was virtually non-existent with every turn of the page.  Both artists, Randall and Thibert, are incredibly talented, but mix them together on one book and all Hell breaks loose.  Keep it simple DC…keep it simple.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I would say for fans of Doom Patrol, this issue is or was probably GOLD for them.  Giffen writes exceptionally well, but I’m simply not a follower of the title, so it’s hard for me to get excited about it.  Doo Patrol fans, pick this issue up and enjoy it!  Non-Doom Patrollers, give it a shot if you want, but don’t expect much.

5 out of 10 Stars

Comic Book Review: The Secret Six #30

Written By: Gail Simone

Artist: Jim Calafiore

Colorist: Jason Wright & John Kalisz

Cover Artist: Daniel Luvisi

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Editor: Sean Ryan & Rachel Gluckstern

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Simone takes humor to a new level with this latest edition of the Six.  Was she forced into using Ambush Bug with this installment, or was it of her own choosing?  Who knows right?  Without a doubt however, Simone gives us laughs and drama all intermingled into one fantastic story that you’ll enjoy from page one to the end.

The two most popular super villain teams come together in Secret #30, whose story will be concluded later this month in Doom Patrol #19.  A lot is going on in this story as MacQuarrie’s grandson inherits a massive amount of cash, the entire rat-pack-like street gang, and a group of beautiful women who turn out to be more than just mere eye-candy.  While all this is going on, the Six run head first into a duel with the Doom Patrol and go tooth and nail in an all-out death match.  Put these two teams together in one book and what do you got?  Well, you’ll need to purchase the book for that answer.

To start off, I have to say that as much as I love Calafiore’s artwork, there are times when I can’t differentiate between characters.  Bane’s “first date” scenario is a hoot, but when Spencer makes her entrance, at first glance I could have sworn it was Scandal all dolled up.  Other than that, Calafiore brings his normal, top notch quality to the table leaving nothing back.  And along with the incredible coloring job done by the Wright and Kalisz team-up, artistically this book is a joy.

One of Gail Simone’s greatest literary qualities is her handle on the characters she’s writing.  The Secret Six and the Doom Patrol are two of the craziest and zaniest teams in comics today, but Simone handles the interaction between these two groups perfectly.  Amongst all of the punching, kicking, and chomping, the two teams were almost at a conversational friendly tone while they tried to kill each other.  Simone hits this story hard and right on the mark, with the nicely added touch of Ambush Bug running around almost clueless to the goings-on.

And just when you thought MacQuarrie (You remember, that crippled and evil old man that pulled one hell of a mind-fuck on Catman a while ago.) was gone forever, Simone throws in that plot-twisting curveball and brings him back.  Only this time, it’s through his grandson, who wastes no time in putting his crime racket together overnight, and looking good while doing it.  I think this addition to the story will be most interesting especially if Catman figures out who this kid is.  Let’s face it, Catman didn’t exactly come to terms with the loss of his son.  He may just find this as a “Sins of the father” type of scenario and take his vengeance out on the boy.  But we won’t know until Doom Patrol comes out right?

Of course the problem with this “ULTIMATE CROSSOVER” is the confusion factor.  I don’t actually follow Doom Patrol so I had no idea that Elasti-Woman was basically a human batch of play-doh, able to regenerate her own body parts.  Why wasn’t she screaming in agony after losing her leg?  I would have been continually perplexed until I decided to Wikipedia the hell out of Elasti-Woman.  This is one of the major problems with crossovers…you have to give your readers some type of knowledge about the guest characters so they aren’t confused about certain things.  But hey, it’s all well and good, it shouldn’t detract from your enjoyment.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

So now the debate begins; who would win in a fight?  The Six or the Patrol?  It’s all so zany and bonkers that it’s hard to really come to any definite conclusion.  This issue will have you rolling on the floor with laughter and griping the edge of your chair in anticipation for what’s going to happen next.  Pick up Doom Patrol #19 in two weeks!

9 out of 10

Best Writer of 2010...Gail Simone

Geoff Johns may be the grafting agent of DC, but Gail Simone is it's heart.  DC landed on a gold mine when they first hired her to write for the company, and very few regrets and complaints come from fan reviews on the internet.

Simone takes advantage of every aspect of the human condition known to human kind as she leads the charge in Women comics for DC.  She changed the way comic book fans look at Wonder Woman, and has changed the meaning of being a bad guy with her work on Secret Six, and consistently produces quality work unmatched by any other writer in the genre.

There have been a few titles I've read by her that I haven't been particularly fond of, but that doesn't mean she wasn't writing it well.  Birds of Prey has been written exceptionally well, but it hasn't really "grabbed" me yet.  I wasn't quite sure what would happen in Birds of Prey and the White Canary, but I think Simone has finally put this title in a place where I can hop on board and enjoy the ride!

To be honest, however, there isn't anything Simone has done yet that I haven't enjoyed.  While she's at her best when delving into the much more serious side of her stories, there's never a lack of humor and the right amount of campiness to give her arcs enough balance to keep from being too overwhelming.  If you haven't discovered Gail Simone yet, don't wait any longer!  You'll thank me, I promise.

Top Ten Comics Of 2010

And here we are, we've gone through another successful year of DC Comics and there have been some incredibly awesome stories that have come around.  I'm sure many of you have certain issues you've read that you'll never forget.  Well for me, I have about ten.  So below is my top ten DC Comics for 2010.  Please, comment your thoughts, opinions, and disagreements.

Top Ten Comics For 2010

10. Superman: Secret origin #6

Geoff Johns took the corny and cheesy origins of Superman and turned it into something a little more tangible and up-to-date.  Instead of having Clark Kent put on this tremendously nerdy and bumbling facade, Johns makes Superman an ACTUAL bumbler, not because he means to be, but because he's an alien from another world who's unfamiliar with the surroundings of big city life.  There's also a nice redeveloping of Superman's relationship with his Earth buddies and the people of Metropolis.  While the the "Secret" of the Superman's origin is never quite revealed here, #6 gave us a Superman with whom we can relate too.

9. The Return of Bruce Wayne #6

I hate Grant Morrison, most of you know this.  And if I were to rank the top five WORST mini series in the history of comics, The Return of Bruce Wayne would make the five.  However, the 6th installment of said series truly did take my breath away.  With all of the confusion, lack of focus, and over zealous story telling, #6 really did a good job at wrapping up the story.  And while I absolutely hate that Morrison brought Bruce Wayne back from the dead, I cannot deny the level of quality portrayed in this final issue.

8. Secret Six #27

I think Simone and Calafiore got together one day and agreed to make this issue the complete and utter visualization of the American dream.  Vigilante men and women turning savage, wearing almost nothing and duking it out to an almost arousing degree.  But this has more to do with the art rather than the dialog, even though there are obvious sexual tensions going on between characters.  J. Calafiore brings in all the stops and more with sexy and savage depiction of jungle war.  Jimmy Palmiotti, watch out, Gail Simone’s sex appeal in this story might rival even yours!

7. Power Girl #12

#12 is one big wrap-up, bringing back some characters to give Power Girl that final frustration of reliving everything she’s gone through within this last year; there’s the meeting a Terra’s parents and being introduced to a new food group, Fisher comes back to say thanks to Power Girl to help fulfill his young, hormonal state of mind, and Vartox is sent home packing.  Thank you Jimmy Palimiotti and Amanda Conner for making such an underused character life and meaning within the DCU!

6. Wonder Woman #600

What can I say? This issue was filled with greatness. I’m usually not a fan of artist toggling, but this worked perfectly since no one story was connected to the other. It is one big homage to a great heroine who’s been an inspiration to human kind for generations. And even though the new era hasn't been the most popular, this issue certainly gave it the much needed fresh start to transcend into a post-Simone life span. Let’s hope the new era can continue that greatness. I am going to put this down in my “most treasured comics of my life time” bin, which means I’ll need to buy a second copy. 

5. Secret Six #20

Sometimes I wonder if Gail Simone simply likes to torture her Secret Six characters.  Have any of you noticed how often Catman is in pain due to his past, or the frequent struggles bane and Scandal have, and the low self-esteem Deadshot continually displays through his constant babble?  #20 leaves you in a state of discontent and angst with the level of tension that flows throughout it.  The ending took me by complete surprise, and with the way Simone writes this book, you'll never know exactly how things will turn out.

4. Green Lantern Corps #47

Blackest Night is over.  Everything is destroyed.  The Corps must now rebuild itself from the bottom up. Gardner, Rayner and a handful of other Lanterns take a stand against the Guardians and their newly established Book of Oa laws.  Vath wakes up with a pair of foreign legs, and Kilowog makes a life altering decision that could have a huge effect on the future of the Corps.  Tomasi brings in all the stops as he bids farewell to a comic book series that has been defined by his unremarkable ability to tell engrossing and angst driven tales.  

3. Supergirl #54

Bizzarogirl and Supergirl going at each other tooth and nail...ultimately figuring out that they are more alike than originally thought.  Sterling Gates has given Supergirl the right treatment, making her much more respectable and hard-hitting than ever before, and #54 takes it to endless bounds.

2. Superman: The Last Family of Krypton #3

As this miniseries will never be considered part of the “true” Superman mythos, I believe this has officially become the best Superman story to ever be told!  It’s only rival would be the wonderfully clever Superman: For Tomorrow.  If you haven’t picked up this series, go to your local comic book store and get it!  It’s just three issues that are PACKED with story.  This is not a series where you’ll feel jipped by the $5 per issue price mark.  Bates’ put everything he had into this story and I look forward to the day when he comes back to comics more consistently.  (Please Cary!)

1. Secret Six #22

Secret Six is an amazing title and I would recommend it to anyone.  If you are conflicted with paying more money to you’re already long list of monthly titles you pick up, please consider dropping a title or two, this is well worth your money.  There isn’t one issue since this title began that hasn’t been worth the $2.99 price mark and I fully expect anyone whose reads this will come away happy.  Simone doesn’t approach the Six like every other comic book in the industry; it’s new, innovative, and fun.

The story gives us the finalization of Catman’s past as a young boy growing up with a physically and verbally abusive father whose mind-twisting jargon caused the young Catman to embrace a new way of life, one filled with murder and a stoic, uncaring demeanor.  However, this life changing event doesn’t keep our feline hero from loving those closest to him.  The question raised here is what are you willing to do for loved ones?  What is the best for them?  MacQuarrie brings to light that Catman’s son is very much alive, and adopted by a new family.  Like MacQuarrie said, no one can hurt Catman through his son ever again.  Catman had to make a choice, let his son live a happy life and cause his mother the utmost pain, or go get his son back and wait for the next dubious villain to snatch him away for ransom yet again. Just like Watchmen, Gail Simone makes you ponder on what you must do when faced with two options, both of which will cause someone a great deal of suffering.  Catman letting go of his son and lying to Cheshire about it could very well be one of the most tragic endings in a comic book I’ve ever read.

The stories stems even further with the Catman’s teammates, mostly dealing with the issue of family.  Black Alice comes to center stage with her amazing bit of oratory, expressing her guilt of theoretically giving her father cancer.  This sense of loss brings Scandal savage closer to the young villain, and even more so with Ragdoll whose defense of Black Alice was an amazing addition to an already depressing story.  (Deadshot really can be an ass huh?  That’s why we like him!) 

This arc was a true Mind Fuck!  but this issue in particular went above and beyond the call of duty and transformed the idea of "bad guy" comics into something better than ever.  

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #28

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Gail Simone

Artist: Jim Calafiore

Colorist: Jason Wright

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Daniel Luvisi

Editor: Sean Ryan

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

“How was I supposed to know Skartaris  was an imaginary world back in DC’s heyday?” a friend asked me when commenting how much he disliked this crazy land Simone decided to use in her incredibly well written arc.  He was worried that, after writing HIS review for #28, the lack of respect for Mike Grell (his words, not mine) would burrow a hole through his brain and never allow him to write again.  No hole was made, but the world of Grell and the amazing integration of the Secret Six by Simone has definitely left a lasting impression.

 I’ll be honest, I didn’t even know Skartaris was a pre-created world until I saw Simone’s grateful shout-out to Mike Grell on the second page.  Now, after having done some research into the world of Skartaris, I have an even greater appreciation for this arc, Simone’s writing, and the classic age of the DC Universe.

Unlike the very negative and elitist review by Mr. Chris Delloiacono, I felt this arc, and this issue specifically, was a fantastic tribute to a forgotten part of DC’s history. I for one would love to see an on-going series where Skartaris is brought back, and it’s Warlord is given a chance to shine once again.  (Please Gail, be the writer for this series…should it ever happen.)  Simone’s sense of revisionist history is very respectful towards the creator and creative in how she takes Mike Grell’s creation and makes it her own.

I was equally impressed with the Simone’s choice of wrap-up, centering around Black Alice and her childhood.  Initially this seemed a little out of place, but as the story progressed, the purpose behind it made much more sense; Calling on the fact that Black Alice is still very much a young lady still discovering who she is and dealing with life as she grows up.  The idea that she was unable to use her powers, not because of where she was, but because of her own uncertainty within herself was a fantastic way to bring Alice back to her old self while giving her a characteristic of humanity.  This was a much needed character development for Alice so she doesn’t feel like some punk kid with super powers.  Although, I’m not entirely sure I agree with Simone making the claim that the last time Black Alice was happy was back when her dad was alive, being very gitty when around Ragdoll.

Simone certainly loves her monsters and the big super-natural brawls; it seems like she has to get a monster story put into one of her titles at least once every year.  And every time she does, the art sores above expectations.  Just like with Wonder Woman #33, the monsters fighting humans was a battle drawn to perfection; giving the dragon-lizard a terrifying look while never parting from the established confidence within the six.

Just like with last months issue, Simone seeps into the story the idea that violence and sex go hand in hand.  Aside from the fact that everyone was half naked during the battle sequences, each character gives off a sexual aura that both utilizes testosterone and their perfect bodies as well.  Even Ragdoll surprises us with his rippling pectorals.  But the after math within the epilogue shows that sex is one of the most effective methods of persuasion in the history of rhetoric.  The Reptile Brain arc was an adventure within the appeal of sex and violence that all other like stories could take lessons from.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

I know I’m an all-things-Gail-Simone one man praise team, but I honestly can’t see how anyone is unable to favor Simone’s story telling over the other writers.  She is such an intelligent and clever writer who hasn’t written a bad issue of the Secret Six since she started this series.  Out of all the comics I read, Simone’s material always gets me in the sweet spot, leaving me wanting more. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

+ 2 Incentive Points

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #27

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Gail Simone

Penciller: J. Calafiore

Colorist: Jason Wright

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Daniel Luvisi

Editor: Sean Ryan

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Bane on a T-Rex…what more could you ask for?  I’ll tell you what, half naked men and women slicing each other up, solidifying the fact that this issue is a true testament that war and sex go hand in hand. (Thank you Doctor Strangelove.) The two teams, both humorously having six members, go tooth and nail in a vicious battle that takes war violence to a new level.  And who’s caught in the middle? The people of the Skartaris tribe, and this very well may be the end of their culture.

I think Simone and Calafiore got together one day and agreed to make this issue the complete and utter visualization of the American dream.  Vigilante men and women turning savage, wearing almost nothing and duking it out to an almost arousing degree.  But this has more to do with the art rather than the dialog, even though there are obvious sexual tensions going on between characters.  J. Calafiore brings in all the stops and more with sexy and savage depiction of jungle war.  Jimmy Palmiotti, watch out, Gail Simone’s sex appeal in this story might rival even yours!

J. Calafiore has truly been raising the stakes on his artistic vision through the Secret Six, but I don’t think I’ve ever been as impressed with his work here in issue #27 than in any other past comics he’s worked on.  The muscular structures of each character and the dynamic and overall cinematography is a gorgeous and a breathtaking sight to behold, in addition to that tremendously beautiful cover of Bane triumphantly riding on the back of a dinosaur by Daniel Luvisi. 

And just a side note, did anyone else catch the cleverly placed dissipating feline as it changes into the temptasciously (yes, I just made up a word, deal with it.  My blog, my rules!) sexual Shakira?  Maybe I’m just perverted, but this is definitely a BIG co-inky-dink for me!  To big to pass up mentioning at least.

But have no fear, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind sex, but wants more substance, Simone is definitely no stranger in making the two work well together.  Her writing in this issue brings out the best of action stories that involve a lot of blood, slicing, dicing, and champing at the bits.  King Shark can attest to that!  But the two plots occurring throughout these pages (one being the main plot and the other a minor, yet mysterious plot which is building a lot momentum) will have you clenching the book with the utmost anticipation.  This whole war between the two teams has turned into some desperate attempt by Shakira to get her husband back into her life, and Agent Waller and Armstrong keep going back and forth in who has the upper hand.  Tension keeps going back and forth all sides, and I keep begging for more!

But this story isn’t without its light-hearted, yet twisted sense of humor.  Like always, Ragdoll brings in his brand of humor and still manages to be as demented as the next super villain.  (Sorry Joker, you’ve got some competition!)  But King Shark is certainly proving that Ragdoll isn’t the only funny man on campus.  And tied together with Deadshot’s dry one-liners, you’ll most assuredly have moments of relief from all the devastation and blood-shed to take a moment to relax, breath, and remember that the Secret Six is nothing but pure, thought provoking fun!

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

This type of storyline is typically not my cup o’ tea.  There’s a certain level of rushing that can occur with a story moving this fast.  But Gail Simone takes it and handles it with delicate care.  I never once felt overwhelmed or blasted away with how much is going on in the story. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

+ 2 incentive points

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #26

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Gail Simone

Penciller: J. Calafiore

Colorist: Jason Wright

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Daniel Luvisi

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Like always, the Secret Six comes to the comic book stands as demented and twisted as ever.  Simone however really boosts the characterizations of this team and their individual personalities even more this month; utilizing the weird school girl crush Black Alice has on Ragdoll, Deadshot’s dry humor, Jeanette’s glorious and sexy experience, and the strange father-daughter relationship Bane and Scandal share.

The humor in this issue really does take charge in many places.  Bane, instead of reassuring the natives that he isn’t there to hurt them, pulls a 180 and says “Please put your weapons down…If you wish to live that is.”  I laughed for a good couple of minutes at how unexpected that statement was.  Even more entertaining was Ragdoll’s shout out to the Justice League right before entering the portal to a prehistoric world, much resembling Magneto’s Savage Land.  And seeing Jeanette back down from a fight with Black Alice humorously shows how experienced and wise she is and doesn’t stop her from using classic Victorian style insults.  But as always, Deadshot is saved for the best one liners with his statement declaring his astounded state of awe, “Well I’ll be dipped in dog &#%$.”  It’s very clear as to how much fun Simone had writing this issue.

Clever writing aside, Calafiore out shines anything he’s ever put to comics with top rate battle and dramatic scenes.  Scenes like the battle with the three-headed sea monster and the opening pages where Bane decapitates everyone opposing him rivals anything Aaron Lopresti did for Wonder Woman.  And Daniel Luvisi can continue to do covers for the Six for ever and a day as far as I’m concerned

I’m not sure if I understand the connection this part of the story has with the conversation Waller and Armstrong have about the nuclear attack on the U.S., but Simone has her reasons I’m sure.  I just hope this isn’t the start of a busy and over-plotted storyline.  The Secret Six has been so consistently good since issue one because it doesn’t overdo itself in multiple plotlines.  All I can do here is keep my fingers crossed.

While all this is fun and amazingly well done, the heart of this issue, even though it’s brief, is the emotional moment Bane and Scandal have at the very end.  Bane’s refusal to fight Scandal, and how conflicted she is with going in for the kill and not wanting to hurt her surrogate father is not shocking, but definitely moving.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Fun, exciting, and beautiful.  That’s all that’s needed to describe this issue.  You’ll need to pick up #25 in order to understand what’s going here, but I’m sure that’s not a problem for you.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #25

Literary & Artistic Credits

Writer: Gail Simone

Artist: J. Calafiore

Colorist: Jason Wright

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Art: Daniel Luvisi

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion

Question: What’s the difference between “good guy” comics and “bad guy comics? 

Answer: The bad guys have A LOT more fun!

There are certain rules that good guys have to follow in order to be consider superheroes right?  Otherwise they wouldn’t be heroes at all.  Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, they all hold up a certain moral code in their heroism which boosts them up on this victorious pedestal that shines angelically and gloriously for the entire world to see.  But with the bad guys, writers no longer have to follow the “rules” and dive into a whole new world of comic book storytelling; giving the readers a new take on the villains’ mindset an motivation.

All the rules change with the Secret six.  If you were to ask yourself, “What would Superman do?” take the answer to that question and think the exact  opposite; Mr. Adrian dies along with his hired guns, Deadshot has absolutely no problem with lying to Black Alice about her cancer infesting ways, and Catman’s value of animal life over human life is nothing short of strange.  Even the giant gryphon defense brigade was handled a lot differently than had it been the JLA who invaded the nest of these protective mothers.  The incredibly construed value of life is what makes this issue so interesting and I can’t wait to see where this story arc goes for the next three months.

The characters themselves are given their own unique voice, not surprisingly.  But what stuck out even more so was the humor that each character brought to the story.  The first few pages had so much dark humor in it I couldn’t decide if I should laugh or be mortified.  Mr. Adrian’s gunmen took Bane’s rather humorous, yet terrifying warning quite seriously, but the scene was intensified even more when King Shark took time to assure everyone that his appearance is not as scary as it may seem.  Simone not only has the ability to give each character a differentiating voice, but also their own defining humor that is unique to them in every way.

I was rather disappointed with the non-continuation of last month’s stellar alternate universe storyline.  The potential story I saw in the issue was beyond description.  But I shouldn’t complain as it was still a good issue by itself, but I was rather sad that Simone decided to leave last month as a loner comic and not flesh out the whole mystery behind the story.

The cover to #25 is fantastic!  It’s creative and artistic, recreating the classic Mortal Kombat, figting arcade game title screen.  And within, the art gets even better.  Jeanette’s wonderful “WTF” face makes me laugh every time as does Deadshot’s “fuck you, I’m the boss of every living soul on the planet Earth” stature.  I was thrown off for one sec on the first page however, since Mr. Adrian’s blonde lotion girl looked a lot like Jeanette, minus the white hair and Victorian wardrobe.

One thing that the newer, less experienced comic book fans might be confused by is the sudden addition of already established villains; Dwarfstar, King Shark, and Giganta, to the ignorant I can see this becoming very vexing and weird.  So for you newbies, this issue will have some added villains that you may not know, but trust me that they have been around for some time…just not in the Secret Six.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion

Like always, the Secret Six wins high marks for this month.  What will happen if Simone ever decides to leave this title?  How many fans will stick with the title and how many will drop it out of protest?  I’m still thinking about that one.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Writing: 10

Art: 10

Themes: 10

Top 10 Comic Titles Of 2010

I know it's only August, but I think at this point, if a comic book title hasn't popped out as significantly different from all the rest, it's probably not going to happen now.  And even with only four months to go, having four really GREAT issues of the entire year really doesn't make the title itself one of the best.


The criteria I use to determine the top ten overall titles is mainly writing and artistic qualities.  other aspects can come into play as well, but what sticks out for me the most when choosing what to pick up and read is the story and art.


Keep in mind that this list does not include miniseries, only on going titles that have consistently been publishing every month of the year.  This list, while does not include anything dealing with Marvel Comics, is not excluding anything outside the DC realm.  However, since I mostly read DC, you won't find much anything else besides DC books on this list.  So, without further delay, here is my top ten best comic book titles of 2010....

10. Green Lantern Corps
Amazingly, the Corps constantly brought amazing stories to the table.  Peter J. Tomasi has an incredible talent for keeping a compact and busy comic book alive and interesting.

9. Green Hornet
I've enjoyed every issue of the Green Hornet thus far.  It's only downfall is it's predictability.  I love Kevin Smith and how he's trying to bring this title back, but the story is following a typical Hollywoodish style where nothing is surprising and everything is formulaic.  However, despite it's predictability, it's still a fun adventure story of a son discovering his father's secret past and how it's affecting him in the long him.  And the art might very well be the best this year.  (I still have to think about that though.

8. Superman
James Robinson ruined Superman like no other, but watching the character endure such a bad 12 months last year and James Robinson finally delivering better stories towards the end of his time writing, I can't help but put this title in the number 8 slot.  And now with JMS calling the shots, the potential the comic has to grow back from it's awful state is astronomical.

7. Justice Society of America
Bill Willingham did a fantastic job with his Fatherland story arc, but overall this series has been an absolute joy to read.  DC has taken full advantage of this classic team and the interesting stories it's culminates.

6. Green Lantern
This is without a doubt Geoff Johns baby.  Having been writing the title since issue #1, Johns has put so much sweat and hard work into making this title one of DC's best of all time.  This year, with the events of Blackest Night, Green Lantern has put out some of the most climactic stories within comics in the last ten years.

5. Supergirl
Sterling Gates took a character that was heavily unfavored by fans and boost her up into DC Comics stardom.  As with all the titles in my top five, Supergirl is one of my more anticipated titles.  Supergirl has grown in maturity so very steadily as a reader, I've been privileged to seen this growth and how Gates has appropriately given her the proper treatment needed to be successful.

4. Wonder Woman
If there is a superhero that is underestimated in how great she truly is, it's Wonder Woman.  With a corny name and outfit, it's hard for the uneducated to become excited about the Amazon Princess.  But thanks to Gail Simone, Wonder Woman continually impressed readers and become much more respected within the genre, so much that fans demanded a re-establishing of the old issue numbering for her 600th issue.  With artist extraordinarily Aaron Lopresti, he and Simone took Wonder Woman to place worthy of noting in the archives of DC Comics.

3. Action Comics
I was never a huge fan of Actions Comics until about two years ago when it was decided that Superman DIDN'T have to be the central focus of the book.  Currently Lex Luthor has taken center stage, but recently it has given room for the newest super duo Flamebird and Nightwing.  It was a nice refreshing change and gave other characters a chance to shine in what was consider a Superman book.

2. Power Girl 
Words can't describe how incredibly awesome Power Girl has been been.  The excitement for this series to begin from fans was not overpowered by the series continual excellence all the way up to #14.  Judd Winick will serve the title well, but nothing will ever top what Palimotti, Grey, and Conner brought to this title.

Best Comic Title Of 2010

The Secret Six

Secret Six has been nothing but perfection in my opinion.  I have not read an issue yet since #1 that has not excited me beyond my expectations.  Every month I pick up Secret Six, and every month I'm blown away with only one issue that I can remember that only partially impressed me.  Gail Simone has put her heart and soul into this title and it has paid off exceptionally well.  The idea of making a band of villains the focus of an on going series is one that must be handled carefully.  Simone has given this band twisted metas a unique sense of morality while still being immoral.  It's clever, funny, intelligent, wonderfully drawn and perfect in every way.

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #24

Book Information
Written by Gail Simone
Penciled by J. Calafiore
Colors by Jason Wright
Letters by Travis Lanham
Cover by Daniel Luvisi

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Boy was I thrown for a loop! Secret Six #24 went to an entirely different place than what I’ve typically seen in the title ever since issue #1. I couldn’t decide if this was some type of alternate reality, a dream state, or if Simone decided to simple change things up a bit just because she can. Whatever the case, the ending led me to believe that this isn’t the end for the new reality of the Six.

This issue takes us back to time in an old western town where Scandal is a bitch of a sheriff, Deadshot is a no good bounty hunter, Bane a deputy, Ragdoll a simple minded puppeteer, Catman a beaten and wandering stranger, and Jeanette a prostitute. All seem to know each other but have completely separate lives apart from bane working as Scandal’s deputy. But with the news of Ragdoll’s evil sister coming to town, the Six must work together as a team and bring down Alexandra and her band of gun slinging hoodlums.

This entire issue, all the way up to the very end, kept me wondering when and if all of this is going to make sense. There’s no way that THIS is where the series is going to pick up after last month right? Page turn after page turn I continually became baffled at the strangeness of it all, always thinking that something was going to make sense real soon; could it be an alternate universe, a dream, I don’t know! But as I hit that last page, I realized there could be a bigger picture to this whole deviation from the team’s normal state of life.

Simone, as always, writes an incredible story that keep your attention at the edge and your mind swimming with questions. There is so much mystery and unanswered questions in this book, yet she leaves enough hints in the story that allude to the fact that this strange new world and adventure won’t end here. The conversation that Catman and Alexandra have right before he died makes me think Catman did something to alter history, or Alexandra has forcefully brought the team back in time. My only question is, why does the team not remember who they were with exception to Catman who was hoping for a more “heroic” period in his life. Simone’s way of giving a traditional story a new twist goes unmatched. And with no explanation of what is going on and why the Six is set in the old west, she proves that she is THE BEST comic writer in the business.

Califore’s brutally bloody artwork is equally great, giving us moments where each character seems strangely unfamiliar and excitingly recognizable. Jeanette’s opening scene where she greets Deadshot was strange to me with her innocent and “girlish” smile radiating all over her face. It wasn’t until the trouble began when she looked like her old self; confident, mature, and sexy as hell. This visual trend stayed fairly consistent with each character except for Scandal and bane, whose relationship and personal demeanor was as it always had been.

I was a little confused at the beginning with Ragdoll’s puppet show; it seems some confusion occurred in the finalization process where dialogue between the two puppets (otherwise known as Ragdoll talking to himself) became switched up between characters. It was only a problem in the first three panels of the first page, but it was rather vexing for a few minutes. Likewise, I felt the transition between a few of the panels were too abrupt and out of place. It wasn’t so bad that I couldn’t figure out what was going on, but I had to do a double take in making sure I understood what had transpired.

My Awesomely Climactic Conclusion
With only a few minor distractions, this issue left me in a state of inquisitive satisfaction. Simone gave us a new twist while making us wonder if there is more to this story than meets the eye. My excitement for next month’s installment is beyond description!

Ratings
Writing: 10
Themes: 10
Art: 9.8
Overall: 9.93 out of 10

Comic Book Review: Secret Six #23

Book Information
Written by John Ostrander
Penciled by RB Silva
Colored by Jason Wright
Inked by Alexandre Palamaro
Lettered by Travis Lanham
Cover by Daniel Luvisi

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
I can’t count on my two hands and feet how many times the premise of this issue has been rehashed in TV, radio, and film; rich hunters have become bored with the same old game in their spoiled lives and wish for something new to hunt to rejuvenate their killer instincts. What better way then to use real humans right? But how dumb can these people be to take on a band of intelligent, yet ruthless killers? This overdone story premise is fun and exciting, thanks to John Ostrander, but I can’t help but wonder if this was purely more of a throw away issue then anything else.

Now maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always felt that the Secret Six to be a completely different entity from anything else in the comic book genre. This is a gang of criminals and murderers that I hold a certain level of respect for, the same type of respect I have for Hannibal Lectors character; they are paid to do awful things, and have very little regard for humanity in general…yet you like them. While in this issue we still get that same twisted feeling from each character, the story itself seems to stray away from what appealed to me since this title began.

Each character is given their own personal moment of victory in killing their hunter. Bane explains that snapping the spine of one man would show little respect for the Dark Knight, and instead beats the man to death with his own arm. This is very in line with Bane’s character and is quite humorous at that. However, each character seemed to be given an advantage by the organizer of this whole ordeal that felt a little too convenient. Scandal Savage is at her best when pissed off, The acrobatic environment made it an easy kill for Catman, Bane is almost impervious to…well anything, Deadshot is given one bullet which can do wonders with, and I’m not sure they organizer understands that Ragdoll truly has no fear. I’m sure we all enjoyed reading this as it fits into the cultural context of the series, but I wasn’t as impressed with Ostrander’s “Hey! Look what the Secret Six can do” type of story.

Silva is new to me. I’ve seen his art many times but never had a consistent diet of it. It’s very nice and fits in well with the six, but I felt at times that the inking and coloring were not as complimentary as they should have been. But that’s only a minor gripe, not enough to detract from the talent coming from the artistic team.

My Profoundly Climactic Conclusion
The premise has been done way too many times, but it’s still fun to read. Ostrander did a nice job at presenting some possible new mysteries too! Did Ragdoll actually kill his mom? Why does Jeanette despise getting wet? Some potential may come out of this Secret Six installment yet.

Ratings
Writing: 8
Themes: 5
Art: 7
Overall: 6.67 out of 10