The Best Purchase You Can Make

If you are like me and enjoy the old issues of DC and Marvel comics, something you must look into are the DC Showcases and the Marvel Essentials.  These massive tomes collect the early issues of these publishers works in a great and somewhat inexpensive manor.  In each collection, you will get around 500 pages of great past comics.  Here you can see early Bob Kane Batman issues, you can see Cap join the Avengers, see how the Kree / Skrull war unfolded.  These books collect around 20 issues of these comics and additional titles that fill in the gaps of certain storylines.

Some people turn their noses up at these collections because they are not in color.  In all actuality, this makes them that much more enjoyable at times.  You can see the artists work clearer without the addition of the colors. I know I have about 10 of these collections that are remarkable to sit down and read.  Sure, some of the dialogue is dated, but it would be.  You are reading comics from a totally different age.

Coming in at a price point of around $19.99 to $29.99, these can be a steal.  Try and get a copy of Avengers #4 for any where near that amount......I dare you.  Another plus is, at a lot of cons, you can find copies going for 50% off at some retailers, so keep your eyes peeled.

So, turn away from your need from color and delve into this world of great comics from the past and see how your favorite characters became who they are today.

p.s.  If you need color, grab some colored pencils.  You will never find a greater coloring book in your life.

- Great Scott

Why I Love the Guardians (or What A Long Strange Trip It's Been)

Ahh, Guardians of the Galaxy.  If you had an announcement that there was going to be a Guardians of the Galaxy movie coming out, I would probably have been one of the 17 people in the country that was excited.  What was Marvel thinking when they were letting these 3 legged mules into the big show?  I wish I knew what was going through the minds of the Powers That Be that made them decide to do this movie.  The comic had been cancelled, they were part of a semi-popular crossover (War of Kings), and that's it.  So why was I one of the excited ones?

I have always been a space cadet.  Ever since I saw Star Wars on the big screen, I was hooked.  Big space ships, strange aliens, and lots of pew pew guns.  Yeah, I loved it all.  I would have presents open on Christmas morning and my parents would not be able to explain one thing to you that I got (ha ha).  So in 1990 when Marvel released the first issue of Guardians of the Galaxy, I was hooked.  Marvel + Space= Two great tastes that taste great together.

The original team was made up of characters that had original appeared as supporting characters in other Marvel titles.  Big names, they were not.  Major Vance Astrovik, Martinex, Charlie 27, and Yondu.  Two (three) characters joined them as well in this new series, the mysterious Starhawk and Aleta (characters who shared the same body) and Nikki, the head strong young girl from Mercury.  They were on a quest to take back Earth from the Badoon in the 31st century.

The thing that made this title so much fun as well was seeing the descendants of current characters in the Marvel Universe.  They meet the descendant of Logan early on in the series.  They meet the future incarnation of Ghost Rider.  Also the run into Galactus, Wonder Man, and Firelord.  It wasn't especially well written, like many new titles being tossed around in the early 90's, but since it was a smaller title, I took a bit of ownership to it.  This was my comic, that I enjoyed. After 62 issues, they finally called it quits and closed the doors on the series.

Flash forward 13 years and the super team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (known for their cosmic styled comics) took the reigns and started a mini series called Annihilation.  This was an event that wasn't taking place in the Marvel Universe per se.  It had no X-Men, no Avengers, no Spider-Man......NOTHING.  Silver Surfer, Nova, Super Skrull, Ronan the Accuser; names that have come up in other more mainstream comics, but never their own series.  The series described how Annihilus, leader of the Negative Zone, was bringing all of his minions with him in an Annihilation Wave to take over the Marvel Universe.  To take this threat away a team gravitated together made of Star Lord, Drax the Destroyer, Gamora, Phyla Vell (Quasar), Bug, Groot, and Rocket Raccoon.  They were able to fight back the wave and destroy negative zone minions that broke through to the Marvel Universe.

The team stayed together to fight other dangers that would face the universe.  This team had a much more humorous style of writing to it.  Sure, they were dealing with life and death, but still had some clever quips.  This comic lasted for 25 issues culminating in a storyline that I must tell people to check out dealing with a horrible place called the Cancerverse.  Truly a unique storyline.  Once again, star spanning stories were told with big star ships, crazy aliens, and plenty of pew pew guns.  And in the case of Rocket, really big pew pew guns.

Now flash forward to today.  The Guardians are much more recognizable and have started yet another series based upon their adventures.  Sure it is well written, and looks gorgeous, it just doesn't have the fun that the original series had.  Sure I am still reading it and probably will for a long time, but if you get a chance and are a huge fan, check out the old stuff.  That is what is so much fun with comics, they are mini time capsules.  You read those 1990 comics and you get the feel of what was going on in the medium at that time.  The book is really popular right now and will continue to be up to and past the release of the movie.  Oh yeah, and I forgot the one big piece of the puzzle missing form all of this and a key to why their popularity continues to grow.....one of their main villains............

......yep, our buddy from the end of the Avengers, Thanos.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this little walk back through history of on of my favorite comics.  Let me know if there are any other old titles that you want to know more about.  Until then......later

-  Great Scott

Green Lantern Corps Annual #2

Green Lantern Annual #2:   Enemies Closer
Writer: Van Jensen / Robert Venditti
Art: Neil Edwards / Tom Derenick

What do you do when everyone in the galaxy wants you dead and your power taken from you?  You make alliances with people that you never thought you would.  With their Sector Houses being destroyed, the Green Lanterns have no haven from the storm of enemies that are confronting them on all sides.  The Khund, the Claan, and the Durlan are working together to strike at the corps while they are disorganized.  I personally am not familiar with the Durlan, a race of tentacles (for lack of a better description) that are able to shape change to any race they wish, their description I find to be not only creepy, but also very disturbing.  Building upon events that occurred in Green Lantern Corps #27, this issue picks up right after and gives a great description not of the heroes, but of the villains, and how they got to where they are now.  One personal bright spot for me is a character named Evil Star (coming from the same universe as an old Image character, Wild Star, which I found to be a great character which I hope to talk about later), and the tragic way that he gained his power.

I like that this issue takes place immediately after the last issue, where a lot of times, the Annuals are stand alone and disrupt the flow that they are building upon in the regular issues.  The art works; very kinetic and works not only as a storytelling device but really shows action well.  I am pleased with where they are going with this as the last issue really had me wanting more.  *****SPOILER WARNING*****  The only thing that did disappoint me is the fact that all of this p@@p is hitting the fan, there just happened to be a double agent planted in with the Durlans.  Really??  Apart from this little Deus Ex Machina, it was an entertaining issue.

Review: Borrow It (Unless hard core Lantern fan)

Review: Superior Spider-Man #26

Review: Superior Spider-Man #26
Written By: Dan Slott
Art By: Ramos, Rodriguez and Martin
Marvel
$3.99 January 29th 2014


The narrative of this story is divided up into three parts with each section having a different artists and style. Before we begin reviewing the story itself, let me point out that the art switch was not confusing. It allowed the reader to switch paces between what was going on in each section. And each artist's style complimented the pace and the tone of that particular scene.

1- The first part of the narrative we can discuss is the battle between the goblins, The Green Goblin and Hobgoblin wage war on one another in glorious fashion. The artwork during this battle is simply stunning. Take the time while reading the fast paced action and just allow the artwork here to sink in. Without spoiling too much, the goblins decide that rather than wasting manpower or their minions and resources waging war, that they should face of one-on-one.....winner assuming control of both forces. There is a clear victor and some very cool clues and plot twists that develop as a result of this epic battle.

2- The second portion of the tale involves the Superior Spider-Man facing the scrutiny of the Avengers and his wiping of their computer files on him. Long story short and no big spoiler, he realizes he can no longer talk his way out of his behaviors and he quits the Avengers.

3- And lastly, but certainly not least..... building off of the momentum of last issue that had Parker fans ecstatic..... Peter is still fighting the good fight in the recesses of Otto's mind, he now realizes that he has always faced difficult odds, but that is what makes him who he is at his very core. In this section of the story, the artwork compliments the scene as it is reminiscent of the artwork of classic Spidey moments in his history. Peter is visiting in his memories. They are the memories that have not yet been erased and have managed to survive. Peter shows an indomitable will during these scenes and it shows that Slott has a masterful grasp of the character, Peter Parker.

I honestly have loved each and every issue of this title. A large part of me will be sad to see it go. Slott hasn't allowed readers to catch their breath with such a high paced and simultaneously deep narrative. He has woven forever lasting additions into the Spider-Man mythos.

Starting next month is the final arc of the series.......at least as we know it. (Still unclear how this will resolve and if we will have 2 Spider-Men or not). But, the big payoff of Slott's long-building epic is about to begin. The Superior Spider-Man, his machines and army are about to do war with the Goblins and their army...all while Peter attempts to fight back from the recesses of Otto's subconscious and reclaim his body/life.
So, come back next month because I am sure it is going to be explosive!

Rating: Buy it!

Review: Guardians of the Galaxy #11.NOW

Review Guardians of the Galaxy #11.NOW


"The Trial of Jean Grey Part 1"
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Art By: Sara Pichelli
Marvel
$3.99 January 29th 2014

The "Trial of Jean Grey" begins here! Infinity has ended and the Guardians are looking for some R&R. Last issue, Gamora and Angela had some bonding time by liberating some of the distant planet's natives who were enslaved by a Badoon army. In this issue, they continue to bond in the way that many women do...they go shopping, right before they murder someone. Peter has a bounty hunter after him, sent by his father. And Tony decides to part ways with the Guardians because he has too many other commitments. So much for rest and relaxation.

Elsewhere, the intergalactic counsel is summoned by Gladiator to inform them of the Shi'ar Empire is planning a secret operation to abduct Jean Grey from Earth and put her on trial for her crimes during her period of possession by the Phoenix. Gladiator informs the counsel as a courtesy, in respect of the "Earth is off limits" law from the King of Spartax, but lets the counsel know the Shi'ar plan on going through with it despite the law. Gladiator also concedes that, although this Jean Grey is a time traveler from the past and has not committed any crimes yet, she will be held accountable anyways.

And finally, Rocket Raccoon has intercepted Badoon communications discussing what is about to happen to Jean Grey and the Guardians jump into action to offer her assistance back on Earth......

The title continues to be very entertaining, but I will admit that the stories haven't been as interesting as they were in the first arc. The plots have been tied to events, etc. I had been longing for a Guardian's tale of cosmic adventure all their own. Last issue, was a nice stand alone treat that focused on Gamora and Angela that really highlighted some character development. But, it seems that this crossover event with the X-Men may be just what I have wished for. After reading this issue, I am hooked and all in. I am glad to see Tony leave the team because it didn't feel like a good fit and seemed rather unnecessary. Bendis does a fantastic job of capturing the personalities of the main cast and exploring the relationships of the teammates as well as the cast of villains within the counsel. All that being said, I would recommend this book on the merit of it's artwork alone. Sara Pichelli does an amazing job on character expression that blends perfectly with the dialog.

Rating: Buy it

Review: Saga #18

Review: Saga #18

Written by: Brian K. Vaughan
Art By: Fiona Staples
Image Comics
$2.99 Jan 29th 2014

Spoiler Free

No Saga until May!?!?!?!
Issue 18 ends the 3rd arc of the Saga tale. The book will be on hiatus until it returns to monthly publication in  May. The reason for this is so that the trade paperback copies (in this case the 3rd volume of 6 issues) will be released in March and allow new readers time to get caught up to the story in trade format. The wait is going to be a rough and painful time for many. This book has a large and growing cult following. The fact is, it just can't seem to stay stocked on the shelves. If, you are like me and love the book, then take the time to introduce it to someone new.

The Review
There isn't a whole lot of action in this issue except for the fight between Gwendolyn and our heroes. Most of the story is devoted in tying up the lose ends from the chaos of last issue and the 6 issue arc in general. There is a great moment and quick thinking on the part of Izabel during her confrontation with Lying Cat. Izabel truly continues to prove her worth to the group and solidifies her role in it in this issue.

All of the sub plots get covered in the pages of this issue. The sub plots aren't resolved insomuch as we have a clear opportunity for the two separate groups to go into new and independent directions from one another. Also, there is not a cliffhanger to end this issue. But, we do know that there will be a jump in time about a year or two ahead beginning in the next arc.

If you haven't read Saga or even heard about it, it has been a fantastic run so far. A new universe of diverse and dynamic characters can be right at your fingertips for a $2.99 price tag. There is no better value in comics. Saga is sweeping up awards and critical acclaim for a reason. It is that damn good. And now is a prime opportunity to get caught up or jump on board, prior to the 4th arc beginning in a few months.

Rating: Buy it for yourself and buy it for someone you love.....couldn't recommend this title more.

Attack on Titan

Review: Attack on Titan (anime)

It has been a harsh winter here in the Northeastern United States, with records low temperatures keeping many people indoors even more than usual. With the usual fandom shows that our household enjoys (Dr. Who, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Sherlock etc.) being between seasons we turned to Netflix on the recommendation of one of our fellow staffers here at Sector3. He recommended an anime series called "Attack on Titan." We knew nothing of the show going in other than it had a 5 star rating on Netflix and the high praise from our friend/staffer.

Since watching the show, my fiance and I have adopted this series as one of our favorite Animes. This was something that hadn't often happened in the past....my fiance and I agreeing on anime series. When either of us turned on Netflix, it was unspoken that we were about to watch the next chapter in this epic saga.

Now, for a spoiler free review.....

The show is 1 season of 25 episode, each around 24 minutes long. The entire run is available to stream on Netflix (where it boasts a 5 star rating). This IS NOT a family-friendly anime! So, you have been warned. If you have kids watch "Sgt. Frog" or "Princess Tutu", they are both family-friendly and quality animes that they will most likely love.

Plot: Spoiler Free
The series follows the story of Eren Yeager, his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and their friend Armin Arlert. The setting is a combination of steam punk and fantasy with some of the most beautiful animation that you could possibly hope for. The friends live in a walled city that was constructed to protect the kingdom from colossal Titans for the last 100 years. But, that  peace and security from ancient Titans comes literally, crashing down around them when the walls are breached and humanity is once again under the threat of extinction. Following the attack and death of Eren's mother, the young friends vow revenge and enlist to fight back against the Titans. The character motivations and interactions propel the plot and build a cast that you find yourself caring about. The monsters are always a threat and never taken lightly. The plot could easily suffer from repetiveness, but it doesn't due to each episode propeling this unfolding universe in a compelling direction often times in unpredictable ways and leading to intriguing cliff-hangers. There are a lot of casualties and no character is ever safe from a grisly death. The episodes each tackle individual chapters of the narrative, which moves at a swift pace taking the characters through several years in just a few episodes. But that does not rush or hinder the pace of the plot. Simply put, the story and characters are fantastic.

Warning: There are subtitles...... this is not a voice dubbed anime. But, do not be foolish and let that turn you away from giving this show the chance it deserves! It has won awards and critical acclaim, has had huge market success; 15.9 million copies of manga sold and a even more popular anime for a reason.....it is that damn good.

So bundle up, stay warm and at all costs.....defend the damn wall.