Monday, February 28, 2011

2011 Oscars....And The Winner Is.......


And after a very long wait, the Oscar winners have finally been announced.  While I agree with some decisions and disagree with others, I can definitely say that this years nominees are nothing to complain about.  Colin Firth and Natalie Portman were more tan worthy of their best actor and actress wins, and likewise with The King's Speech taking best motion picture.  


Now I love Pixar and all they do, but this year I felt the animated feature award should have gone to the Illusionist as it was a incredibly imaginative story and animated quite well.  But really, no one should be disappointed with the nominations.  Every film and individual deserved what their awards and what they got.  

Anyways, in case you missed the Oscars, and decided NOT to go to the official Oscars website, here are the results, enjoy........
Best Actor
Colin Firth, The King's Speech - Winner
Javier Bardem, Biutiful
Jeff Bridges, True Grit
Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
James Franco, 127 Hours

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, The Fighter - Winner
John Hawkes, Winter's Bone
Jeremy Renner, The Town
Mark Ruffalo, The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech

Best Actress
Natalie Portman, Black Swan - Winner
Annette Benning, The Kids Are All Right
Nicole Kidman, Rabbit Hole
Jennifer Lawrence, Winter's Bone
Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine


Best Supporting Actress
Melissa Leo, The Fighter - Winner
Amy Adams, The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter, The King's Speech
Hailee Steinfeld, True Grit
Jackie Weaver, Animal Kingdom

Best Animated Feature Film
Toy Story 3 - Winner
How To Train Your Dragon
The Illusionist

Best Art Direction
Alice In Wonderland - Winner
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
Inception
The King's Speech
True Grit

Best Cinematography
Inception - Winner
Black Swann
The King's Speech
The Social Network
True Grit


Best Costume Design
Alice In Wonderland - Winner
I Am Love
The King's Speech
The Tempest
True Grit


Best Director
Tom Hopper, The King's Speech - Winner
Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan
David O. Russell, The Fighter
David Fincher, The Social Network
Joel and Ethan Coen, True Grit

Best Documentary Feature
Exit Through The Gift Shop
Gasland
Inside Job
Restrepo
Waste Land

Best Documentary Short Subject
Strangers No More, Winner
Killing In The Name
Poster Girl
Sun Come Up
The Warriors Of Quigang


Best Film Editing
The Social Network - Winner
Black Swan
The Fighter
The King's Speech
127 Hours

Best Foreign Language Film
In A Better World - Winner
Biutiful
Dog Tooth
Incendies
Outside The Law


Best Makeup
Wolfman - Winner
Barney's Version
The Way Back

Best Original Score
The Social Network - Winner 
How To Train Your Dragon
Inception
The King's Speech
127 Hours

Best Visual Effects
Inception - Winner
Alice In Wonderland
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows
Hereafter
Iron Man 2


Best Motion Picture
The King's Speech - Winner
Black Swan
The Fighter
Inception
The Kids Are All Right
127 Hours
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
Winter's Bone

Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Heretic's Blog Is Now Heretical Jargon

This blog has changed!  Update your bookmarks and keep your eyes peeled because this blog will no longer appear in your Google reader as "The Heretic's Blog" anymore.  I've decided to start reinventing this blog into something that represents my personality a little more.  There isn't a HUGE change yet, but eventually this blog is going to have a different look.  What that look will be....I have no idea at this point.  But one thing that definitely WON'T change is the dark and gothic motif...I'm just that twisted I guess.

So as a way of kicking this NEW blog off, have some fun looking at these very questionable old comic panels I found via Google images.




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

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Green Lantern Emerald Warriors Trailer!!

This trailer is amazing, can't wait for this movie to come out.  I wonder how connected it will be to the Green Lantern theatrical movie?

Comic Book Review: Power Girl #21

Written By: Judd Winick
Artist: Sami Basri
Colorist: Jessica Kholinne
Cover Artist: Basri & Sunny Gho
Letterer: John J. Hill
Editor: Joey Cavalieri

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
I think the Brightest Day plotline has been much more interesting in its crossover titles.  Generation Lost, from what I’ve been hearing, has been phenomenal as well as the other titles connected with this major DC event.  Power Girl, ever since Judd Winick came on board, has been fantastic as he’s been able to incorporate both the typical Power Girl brilliance and the Brightest Day storyline without feeling too weighted down.

Issue #21 of Power Girl begins the resolution of the Maxwell Lord Mystery and why he’s wiping the memories of every hero except for the J.L.I.  Power Girl flies off after a brutal fight with her former teammates to jog the memories of her friends in hopes of bringing the fight Maxwell Lord.  But if Power Girl can’t even convince the greatest detective of all time, Batman, what chance does she have with anyone else?

One of the most appealingly funny attributes of Power Girl is how much bigger she is than most males in the DCU.  She still has than fantastic sex appeal that every artist that’s ever sketched Power Girl out hopes for, but she’s definitely given a stature that towers over most men. (Face up to it guys, we all fantasize about girl’s who are tougher, taller and stronger than we are.)  I understand the reason for it as Superman himself is above average when it comes to size, but that didn’t keep me from laughing hysterically as Power Girl looks down at Batman during their conversation.

Judd Winick really is doing a great job with Brightest Day within Power Girl, but I was a little jolted with two Batmen standing side by side…and there’s more to come!  Just like with Superman #708 and the Superman Squad of the future, I have a sneaking suspicion the same thing is going to happen with Batman; we’ll never know when we’re looking at Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, or whoever else ends up wearing the cape and cowl.  I’ll say it again…Damn you Grant Morrison!

The story itself is actually quite good despite the reminder of the Batman atrocity.  Being someone who enjoys nostalgic storylines, getting to see Ted Kord wear the blue suit again was icing on the cake.  The emotional impact of the book is effectively portrayed through Power Girl’s constant scolding of herself for not staying with Blue Beetle the day he was killed.  As often as Ted keeps returning in flashbacks since Blackest Night began, I’ve been wondering to this day if they plan on bringing him back from the dead.  What a nice change it would be for DC to divert from their typical storytelling technique and leave Kord dead.  Here’s to hoping!

I know Basri has been getting a lot of criticism for his artistic style, but I think his combination of anime and contemporary American comic book art has worked quite well for this title.  Jessica Kholinne’s mastery of appropriate colors has been a major contributor to Basri’s excellence as well. 

It seems that any woman that has the honor of being apart of Power Girl's title seemed to be required to expose a certain amount of cleavage.  That's OK, it's part of the running gag in this book...cleavage, cleavage, and more cleavage.  But of all the women in the DCU, I never thought Ice would made also be forcibly inducted into the Super-heroine boobage circus.  Oh well, she'll still remain the sweetheart of DC Comics.

One thing I wasn’t completely clear on however was how abruptly Booster asked Power Girl to leave.  I understand that she nearly mopped the floor with the J.L.I., but these five aren’t the type to simply ask someone to get out of their face, especially when they understood that Karen was under the influence of Maxwell Lord’s mind control.  The explanation was given that she needed to leave in order to see if anyone ELSE can remember, but the departure felt like baggage was still remaining between the J.L.I. and her. 

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion
All in all, this issue is very good and incredibly intense while never wavering from the comedic impact that Power Girl is supposed to have.  And hopefully, after Generation Lost #22, Power Girl will be bringing us some new adventures to love and cherish.

8 out of 10 stars.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Wonder Woman Wednesday 2/23/11

While patrolling the internet for some good photos for Wonder Woman Wednesday, I came across this sketch which blew me away!  I have no idea who the artist is, but this might have become my new favorite Wonder Woman sketch of all time.  This is, no doubt, only a portion of the entire Wonder Woman family.  It's such an amazing sketch and I might attempt recreating it.  I told myself I would stop drawing Wonder Woman due to the fact that I've done almost 25 Wonder Woman sketches in the past, but this might be too good to pass up.  Enjoy!

And if anyone knows the artists name, let me know so I can credit him or her.  Thanks!

Subscription Reviews - Superman, Green Lantern, Supergirl

Title: Superman #708
Writer: Chris Robinson
Penciller: Eddy barrows
Colorist: Rod Reis
Letterer: John J. Hill
Cover: John Cassidy & David Baron

My Thoughts
Ok, so this issue was quite interesting.  First, it sheds some light to this whole Wonder Woman mystery – there’s not really a whole lot of realizations that occur but we do learn that we, the readers, aren’t the only ones who are perplexed by Wonder Woman’s current state.

I enjoyed the second half of this issue more than the first.  The overdone “inspiration” Superman has on the future was played out enough with the Legion, now we have an entire squad named after the Man of Steel.  I wasn’t completely turned off by it; it’s always fun to see what realities and futuristic worlds a writer can come up with, but it’s overdone and I’d like to see something else.

The second half was really exciting in how Superman comes to terms with how needed he is on Earth despite how much everyone seems to hate him right now.  Seeing Wonder Woman and Superman work together, becoming an inspiration for her was a fantastic twist as they fought against the tidal wave in the city.  But each page was flooded (no pun intended) with visually striking art that I would love to be able to recreate.

Rating: 8 out of 10
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Green Lantern #62
Writer: Geoff johns
Penciller: Doug Mahnke
Colorist: Randy mayor
Letterer: Steve Wands
Cover: Ardian Syaf, Vicente Cifuentes, & Randy Mayor

My Thoughts
Doug Mahnke is, as I’m sure everyone reading would agree, is a fabulous artist; this issue is no exception to his already established excellence.  I think Mahnke has been playing his best “A” game ever since Blackest Night began.  And what artist wouldn’t?  But props definitely need to go to Randy Mayor for the different array of colors as they piled on top of the violets, reds, and greens.  Artistically, this issue is perfect.

But the story is nothing to be belittled because it doesn’t quite keep up with the artistry. Geoff Johns really hits us hard with some strikingly effective prose.  I’ve always known about Krona, but never actually understood what his role is in the Green Lantern mythos.  While I still don’t really understand his beginnings, I have a better handle on why this blue mini-me puts so much fear into the rest of the Lantern corps.  This issue is enjoyable and worth the new DC motto price tag, “Drawing the line at $2.99.”

Rating: 7.5 out of 10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Supergirl #61
Writer: James Peaty
Penciller: Bernard Chang
Colorist: Blond
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Cover: Amy Reeder & Guy Major

My Thoughts
This issue was an interesting approach to what technology is doing to people today.  Not only can cell phones make calls, they also have apps they can bring people together in a party of social networking harmony.  BUT…Peaty puts a twist on things by putting this technology in the hands of a new evil villain who has yet to be named and solidified into the Supergirl lineup of villains.  But I’m definitely interested in how things turn out.

Bernard Chang still remains as one of my favorite artists.  I love the approach he takes at making every character with the cleanest of lines with the most elegant figures.  But Chang has a fantastic partner in crime in Blond as he (or she, I can’t figure out of Blond is a guy or girl) colors every panel with his (or her) very unique and talented style.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Top Ten Fictional Characters You Don't Want To Piss Off!!

Every TV show, Movie, Comic Book, and play has a character that makes you think one thing..."If they person was real, I would NOT want him/her on my bad side."  And it's true!  We've all thought about the fact that if certain characters from our favorite medium were actually alive, we would do everything we could to become their friend and staying on their good side.  Well, for me, that list of characters comes down to a top ten list.  Hence the name of this posting.  Comment below if you agree or disagree with some of the names here, or add any character you think SHOULD HAVE made the list.  Enjoy!



10. Magneto
Being discriminated against can surely put someone through one hell of a mind-fuck.  And every once in a while someone comes from the ashes of that group to rise against his discriminators.  If Malcolm X taught us one thing, it's the fact that after a while...oppressors will get their just desserts.  Magneto is no exception.  He takes his vengeance to new heights never before seen by humankind.  He's not truly a bad guy, just someone very, VERY pissed off at the rest of the world for how he was treated growing up.  When a person has the ability to move bridges (or anything magnetic) I'd recommend steering clear of him.



9. Spock
Yes, the unknowingly cocky alien son of a bitch who seems to have a handle on everything knowledgeable.  Sure, he's had his minor bumps down the road, but he's not someone I would want to get on my bad side.  When he sets out to accomplish something, he is a juggernaut of unstoppable will and determination.  He's almost like a walking encyclopedia of knowledge that can prove useful in any situation.  With his nearly flawless ability to calculate impossible equations, he's quite possibly the next closest thing to a "Batman in Space."  it's those smart aliens you've got to watch out for, otherwise you might just find yourself in a Vulcan mind-meld of pain.

8. Veronica Mars
If you haven't seen her show, then get on Netflix right now and start watching how awesome Veronica is at nailing the bad guys to the wall!  If you're her friend, then you have an automatic safety net all jam-packed in one person.  Verging on being one of the smartest women on planet Earth, she has brought down some of the richest and most powerful people in her local community an some national icons.  But if you double-cross her, or piss her off, she will go to any lengths to bring you down and expose you for the creep you really are.  Sometimes I feel as if Veronica is watching me on a daily basis, just waiting for me to do something wrong and put me in jail for the rest of my life.  As innocent as she may look, she will destroy anyone who deserves it.

7. Bugs Bunny
Come on, you can't leave the coolest, calmest, and the most sarcastic rabbit in the history of cartoons off this list.  If you leave him alone, he'll leave you alone.  But if decide it's time for "wabbit season" you might discover yourself running into a brick wall painted like a tunnel, or in a pot of boiling water surrounded by "ingins," or in a barbers chair getting an incredibly close shave while synchronizing your pain to the beat of Beethoven's 5th.  Every once in a while Bugs might run into a character that gets the better of him, but you can't allow that to invalidate everything else he's done to every other character he's come in contact with.  Daffy might be clever and diabolical, but he doesn't hold a candle to the furry tailed bunny of terror.


6. Rorschach
Rorschach is a nut case, I think we can all agree to that.  But being a nut case doesn't necessarily mean anything.  Rorschach however takes things very personally and will make you squeal if you upset him.  He's dropped someone down an elevator shaft, broken gang member's fingers, killed a crime boss, and thrown boiling hot grease onto another man's face...this is not a stable human being!  Not only that, but his detective skills are uncanny.  Sure, Batman could give Rorschach a run for his money, but he's definitely no one dumby.  He will find anyone who has wronged him or someone else and shove you into a refrigerator or use some type of torture until you give him what he wants.  Recommendation...don't become a criminal.



5. Lois
No no no, not Lois Lane, I'm talking about Malcolm in the Middle.  Lois reminds me of my own mother in that she doesn't put up with anyone's crap!  If you make her mad, might as well just give up the ghost because she won't allow you room to breath.  Bill Cosby once described what a conniption would look like.  Make sure you youtube Bill Cosby to find out this description because it will help in seeing why I picked Lois for this list.  Watch the video below and see what lengths she'll go to to make certain you understand that she DOESN'T LIKE YOU!


4. John Locke
He that represents the dead philosopher whose philosophies on life have been defined as the grail of Illuminati characterize Lost's John Locke perfectly.  Locke seemed to have a monopoly on life once landing on that island.  Everyone else seemed to just run into more trouble and were incredibly fickle; they trusted each other, then didn't trust each other, than made full circle again in trusting each other while not trusting the ones they trusted before...and the circle continues to revolve around this mentality.  Except for John Locke who always seemed to trust certain people but never excluded anyone else.  As crazy as he may have sounded, I'd rather have John Locke on my side if I were stranded on a strange island filled with all sorts of dangers and what not.

3. Lex Luthor
Simply looking at Luthor freaks me out!  Luthor is best type of megalomaniac, going after every bit of land he can get his hands on and ever superhero he can destroy...namely Superman.  Over the years, his obsession to kill the Man of Steel has gone from bad to worse, now utilizing every method of destruction he can muster to make sure that the name of "Luthor" is above every other name.  He's proven he cares for no one but himself by way of killing his father, destroying corporation and corporation (failing at bringing Wayne Enterprises down) and leaving nothing but bruises and blood in his path.  This is truly a man with no fear and uses every ounce of his energy to keep himself on top.

2. Darth Vader
So forget about that annoying kid from episodes 1,2, and 3, let's take a look at the Sith master himself we've all known for years, Darth Vader.  Sure, he was under the influence of an even more manipulative dark lord, but as we learn from Episode six, he how he drop kicked that S.O.B. in the very end.  Vader is without a doubt tough MoFo.  If you upset him, you get one hell of a choke hold that you won't wake up from.  He survived the worst case of second degree burns in the history of mankind and still kept on ticking and swinging his light saber.  Vador is a survivor...one I wouldn't want on my bad side.


1. Batman
Recently, the question that's been running around the internet is this...Who would win in a fight, Chuck Norris or Batman?  You know what the popular answer has become?  You guessed it, Batman!  

I'm sorry, but when a character has been deemed better than Chuck Norris, you KNOW that it has to be true!  DC Comics has been taking advantage of this character by way of using him as the poster child for comics.  You may see Spider-Man outside of every comic book store, but Batman appeals to everyone young and old.

But getting away from the Norris vs. Batman question, the Dark Knight has shown us for the last 75 years that his intellect, athleticism, and his unmatched detective skills are a force to be recognized and worshiped.

One of the most appealing aspects of Batman is his dark personality.  He doesn't have favorites, he's not fooled easily, and he waves the thought of death in front of his enemies like it's an old toy ready to be trashed.  He has no fear and will stop at nothing to avenge those who have been wronged.

The fact that he has fought intergalactic and supernatural battles, time traveled, defied death, destroyed some of the most powerful beings in the universe with no super power at all kind of defines his kick-ass persona.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on Superman, Wonder Woman, or the X-Men, but you have to admit that Bob Kane did one hell of a job in creating this caped crusader.  Don't get on his bad side folks, he will most definitely make you pay.

Superharmony.com Advertisement. (We Can Only Dream)

If only this were real.  Wonder Woman and Power Girl baby, all the way!

Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Comic Book Review: Brightest Day #20

Written By: Geoff Johns & Peter J. Tomasi
Artist: Ivan Reis & Joe Prado
Inker: Julio Ferreira, Oclair Albert, Norm Rapmund, Marlo Alquiza, & Andy Owens
Colorist: Aspen MLT’s Peter Steigerwald & Nathan Eyring
Cover Artist: Gary Frank & Nathan Eyring
Letterer: Rob Clark Jr.
Editor: Adam Schlagman & Eddie Berganza

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
Aquawar comes to an end with a lifespan of only two issues!  A little disappointing if you ask me.  I guess DC should have called it “Aqua Crisis” in order feel justified in stretching it out further huh?  Never-the-less, many resolutions happen in this issue; Mera and Aquaman come to terms with each other, Aqualad and Aquagirl have a very strange “brother-sister” moment, the Aquawar (or Beach battle) is wiped out with a huge splash of a finish, and as a reward for completing his mission Aquaman is put to death.

Huh?

That’s basically what I asked myself with almost every page turn of issue #20.  Not only is there a confusing twist at the end, but everything in this issue makes me do a double-turn; mostly because this White Lantern and his moralistic ramblings just aren’t making any sense.  This, in turn, causes me to think that Brightest Day is one of the more contrived miniseries I’ve ever read from DC.

To start off, was the purpose of Aquawar purely to help Aquaman get the truth from Mera?  Is that all?  The White Lantern really thought that putting everyone’s lives in danger only to help Arthur discover the truth was the best course of action?  Yeah, it worked – the two lovers got back together in a loving embrace, very romantic I must say.  But how does this event do any good when the White Lantern kills Aquaman off at the very last moment, only causing more pain and anguish for Mera?  If it was Aquaman who needed to learn something, why create this whole scene when the purpose was to have him die immediately after?  With only four issues to go, Johns and Tomasi had better make some sense of killing everyone off after they’ve completed these “tasks” the White Lantern has secretly given them.  Right now, I feel like I’m reading a series by Grant Morrison.

The White Lantern seems like it’s on crack, or high on meth doesn’t it?  It tells Boston Brand to eat hamburgers, open up the Bermuda Triangle where all Hell breaks loose, and seems to be stringing everyone along on this wild goose chase.  I’m all about waiting for a mystery to make sense, but good grief, how much plot twisting chaos can a person put into a story until it becomes a pile of incoherent jargon? 

This issue isn’t without its bright sides however; the clever (flirty) interaction that Aqualad and Aquagirl have did put a smile on my face.  But most of the better moments stem from the visual aspects; Mera’s powerful water wipe-out, with nothing but clean and incredibly beautiful blues and whites to give the water that colorful, yet destructive personality is almost perfect.  It’s also very difficult to draw people as if they are in the water, floating and swimming about; another reason why Reis and Prado are masters at their craft and career.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion
While this issue held my interest, it left me disappointed and wondering what happened to the great momentum built up by issue #19.  Resolutions to problems are being lost in confusion and flow of story transitions are dying out as fast as the characters are.  Johns and Tomasi, please help me to understand what’s going sooner rather than later!

4 out of 10 Stars

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Comic Book Review: Kill Shakespeare #9

Written By: Conner McCreery & Anthony Del Col
Artist: Andy Belanger
Colorist: Ian Herring
Cover Artist: Kagan McLeod
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Editor: Tom Waltz

My Awe-Inspiring Opinion
After two months of waiting, issue #9 of Kill Shakespeare finally graced my e-mail inbox with its presence.  The first paragraph of the e-mail states that William Shakespeare returns from the grave!

Wait…WHAT?!?!  They just gave away the ending!!!!

After shaking off the anger I had for Del Col and McCreery in giving away the surprise, I told myself that there’s got to be more to this issue than simply bringing Shakespeare into the story.  Even with the foreknowledge of Shakespeare’s appearance, I still found myself shocked at what transpired.

I opened up the issue to find another dilemma had occurred; this time between Hamlet and Romeo.  As we learned last issue, Romeo is actually alive and Hamlet has fallen for Juliet.  So who’s gonna get the girl?  Of course the Juliet of Del Col’s imagination is much stronger than one would expect, and I suspect she’s going to break up any man-fight that occurs.

But this is only a side plot to help build on the already existing tension of Hamlet and his unwanted “chosen one” status.  Hamlet’s trip through the Globe is tense enough what with the evil-looking sprites and massive wads of paper with scribbling on them grabbing at his leg as he waddled through the swamp water.  Ian Herring’s ability to create a tense situation with his mastery over one shade of color is one of the best in the business.  I love how well he applies shading to the most intense scenes, verging on overkill…but not quite.  (I like his style!)
 
Ian Herring is an amazing Penciller, don’t doubt that for a second.  However, I do find trying to figure out who’s who can be a little jolting at times.  Iago and Hamlet look so much alike, I thought Falstaff was holding a knife to Hamlet’s neck instead of Iago.  That was the moment where, for only a second, I thought that Del Col and McCreery wrote in the most abrupt plot twist in the history of comics!  But this minor setback in the artistic side of things shouldn’t detract anyone from enjoying the incredibly expressive and unique art provided by Mr. Herring.

Now, let’s focus in on the most interesting part of issue #9, the meeting between Hamlet and Shakespeare…or the one we THINK to be Shakespeare.  I’m not completely convinced that this drunkard with a death wish is in fact the infamous writer; he seems to be a little too seedy to be the one everyone in this Shakespearean world worships and follows; he never actually reveals his identity verbally now does he?

Whether this man is or isn’t Shakespeare, however, doesn’t mean the entire interaction isn’t interesting and thought provoking.  And the magical dagger scrapping across the floor, and flying idly in the air, thrusting towards the two men left me in such a state of awe that I…well…had to reread the entire issue right away in hopes that it would end differently.  No such luck.

My Majestically Climactic Conclusion
Issues 1 through 9 have been solid all the way through, being almost perfect.  I can only assume that there are only three more issues remaining for this particular arc.  How in the world this is going to wrap up in three more issues I have no idea.  But I’m excited to see what happens!

9 out of 10 stars