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The weather was more convenient outside on Friday though I wasn’t too excited about venturing outside until Monday. This lead to me read things of none importance over the course of the previous week. On Monday, I went out to the Super Wal-Mart to fill up on basic supplies like bread and bottled water. I figure either the ice storm that is going to happen, today through Wednesday, is going to be horrendous or just a few layers of manageable ice.
I could use some time in the gym. All I have is a workout bench and an elliptical machine which are really good but I could use something for a change of pace. I was looking into martial arts classes at of either a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo gym. Of course, purchasing a basketball and hooping it up will be a nice variety over my favorite outdoor activity, playing tennis against the dreaded wall.
Next too the money issue, I was looking at the cost of bringing a pet into my little humble abode. My only problem is I plan on finding full-time work in the next four weeks and I might not have time to give a dog or cat attention. When it comes to the essentials like food, it is funny that dogs and cats cost just as much as having a roommate. I’m thinking a glass fish tank and some cool looking fish maybe two or three cheap crustaceans. It looks like an aquarium will also be very visually therapeutic.
List combined from Diamond and Comiclist. (*) Indicates the comic books I’d purchase if I only had around $20.
February 9, 2011
*Adventure Comics #523, $2.99
Amazing Spider-Man #654, $3.99
Birds Of Prey #9, $2.99
*Black Panther The Man Without Fear #515, $2.99
Buck Rogers Annual #1 (Carlos Rafael Regular Cover), $4.99
Casanova Gula #2 (Of 4), $3.99
Cinderella Fables Are Forever #1 (Of 6), $2.99
*DC Universe Legacies #9 (Of 10)(Jesus Saiz Regular Cover), $3.99
*Doc Savage #11, $2.99
Flash #9 (Francis Manapul Regular Cover), $2.99
Incredible Hulks #622, $2.99
Justice League Generation Lost #19 (Dustin Nguyen Regular Cover), $2.99
New Avengers #9, $3.99
PunisherMAX #10 (resolicited), $3.99
*Sherlock Holmes Year One #1 (Of 6)(Aaron Campbell Regular Cover), $3.99
*Superman #708 (John Cassaday Regular Cover), $2.99
Titans #32, $2.99
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #153 (Ed McGuinness Regular Cover), $3.99
*Unwritten #22, $2.99
Uptight #4 (resolicited), $3.95
Walking Dead #81, $2.99
Wasteland #30, $3.50
Wolverine #5.1, $2.99
X-Factor #215, $2.99
Terminal City #1-9 (Vertigo/DC Comics, ’96-‘97)
A miniseries about the present meeting the past, the multiple story lines give a great representation of the many characters in Terminal City (The Herculaen Arms residence). The images look like a snap shot from film noir years ago. The story was decent, though, I took breaks between every other issue. Terminal City is worth checking out if found on the discount trade binds. Rating (1-10, 10 being outstanding) 8.1/10
Terminal City: Aerial Graffiti “Preview” - #1-5 (Vertigo/DC Comics, ’97-‘98)
This is a sequel to Terminal City. This story is a continuation of the circle of people who were focused in the first miniseries. The illustrating was very good. The story incorporated more of The Brave New World’s Fair performer’s whereabouts and a sabotage/crime subplot. If you happened to read the first Terminal City and find this telling as a discount trade, I would recommend reading it. Rating 7.9/10
Unknown Soldier #1-4 (Vertigo/DC Comics, ‘97)
The Unknown Soldier is a miniseries that searches for the concepts behind the man. The story is very well written. The art is gritty and dark which is different from the traditional look of cartooning. I like how the concept of liberty is built on a bed of lies. It is interesting to note that many of the influential people in the world build their empires on the deception of others. Definitely a Vertigo (Mature Readers) book, overall I would purchase the mini in back issues on the cheap. Rating 7.7/10
Electropolis #1-4 (Image Comics, ’01-‘03)
Electropolis was a combination of science/detective fiction. I ended up reading this carefully because some of the events were hard to follow. The art was very good. I don’t consider this the best Dean Motter story but it made me interested in the two detective protagonists. I would purchase the miniseries if it were in the sale bins. Rating 7.4/10
Gotham Girls #1-5 (DC Comics, ‘02)
The story can be summed up as a chase scene. I would have been satisfied if this were instead an oneshot, the two to three pages from the first four issues plus the last issue. I liked the art because it reminded me of the Batman Animated and Superman Animated Series during the 90s. This was a pretty straight forward tale and I would buy the complete miniseries if it were in the very cheap set boxes. Rating 7.1/10
Cowboys & Aliens TPB (Platinum Studios Comics, ‘06)
The invasion story is okay when done properly. Incorporating a twist with the enemy of my enemy is my friend was a very good take on how old world versus new world mingle in war. The art was similar to the Golden Age with a twist of modern computer inking. I have a problem with the dialogue but if you take believability out, comic book superhero stories, then how individuals talk and act might be a plausible to an extent. I probably wouldn’t purchase this title and I definitely won’t be watching the film based on this graphic novel. Rating 7.0/10
Unique #1-3 (Platinum Studios Comics, ‘07)
This is an ordinary man turned terrorist/freedom fighter. A cross between The Matrix and Fringe, I liked the first Matrix movie and I watched Fringe up until the first few episodes of season 2. I like the use of shading and shadows. The story was okay though I still don’t buy the actions of the protagonist when it came to his decision to stop worlds colliding. I purchased the hardcover trade at a discounted price. Rating 7.6/10
The Weapon #1-4 (Platinum Studios Comics, ’07)
I liked how the story had an actual second act climax. I do have one problem with people who are really smart having large skill sets. This makes outsourcing obsolete but I would assume rich people as being boring. The art was very good with pages devoted to action sequences. I would purchase this miniseries as a discounted set. Rating 7.5/10
X-Men: Messiah Complex Chapter 1-13 (Marvel Comics, ‘07-‘08)
This should have been a 7-8 issue miniseries. Some of the overlapping storylines were nicely incorporated into other X-Men team books. The art was fine and the story wasn’t choppy even with multiple writers. I would purchase this crossover trade paperback if it were discounted half-off. Rating 7.5/10
Local #1-12 (Oni Press, ’05-‘08)
I remember reading the first four issues and setting this series aside knowing I would eventually go back and reread it from start to finish. I have a hard time with the downtrodden ending, which goes to show that it is not the destination but the journey that matters. I wasn’t a fan of the art but it wasn’t terrible. I would purchase the hardcover edition if it were half-off. Rating 7.8/10
Wonderlost #1-2 (Image Comics, ’07-‘08)
The first part was dealing with teenage sex drive, the second issue dealt with some other things. Most teenage stories I have recently read deal with the depressing side of life, while this one goes over the many vices. Since this is an anthology there were different artists, the majority of them I really liked. From a story stand point these are accounts I would hear from most people when they talk about during their adolescent years, nothing profound. If you find these trade paperbacks on the cheap you might want to check them out. Rating 7.4/10
Secret Invasion #1-8 (Marvel Comics, ’08-‘09)
The story is a reactionary tale to how people react to deception. Next to the invasion, the beings much different from the superhero/villains involved, the death of another hero is obvious from the very start. The questions are who and in what issue? The art was okay though I prefer books which do not have pages filled with large groups of characters. I probably would purchase this as a really cheap miniseries set. Rating 7.4/10
Secret Invasion: Front Line #1-5 (Marvel Comics, ’08-‘09)
This story shows how the lives ordinary people have are affected as war breaks out. Usually when it comes to war torn stories the individual characters and what happens to them during a time of conflict compels me to read further. In this miniseries I could care less not because these characters aren’t important but cause it is obvious that some are going to make it and some aren’t. The art was edgier and darker than the main Secret Invasion storyline. This miniseries was better than the actual invasion story just for the fact that it wasn’t going to dwell on the stories during, but the aftermath. I would purchase this mini as a discounted set. Rating 7.5/10
Terra #1-4 (DC Comics, ‘09)
I was interested in reading this miniseries because of the creative team. The story is a cross between Spider-Man dialogue, Thanos and his Mistress Death, and environmental issues. I would have liked to see this story as a three issue because the last five pages dragged. Amanda Conner does a great job with illustration. I purchased this mini when it initially came out but now they should be available in the quarter bins. Rating 7.4/10
“I don't know, the older I get, the more complicated I think I get, which is a hindrance.”
Kim Weston
I could use some time in the gym. All I have is a workout bench and an elliptical machine which are really good but I could use something for a change of pace. I was looking into martial arts classes at of either a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo gym. Of course, purchasing a basketball and hooping it up will be a nice variety over my favorite outdoor activity, playing tennis against the dreaded wall.
Next too the money issue, I was looking at the cost of bringing a pet into my little humble abode. My only problem is I plan on finding full-time work in the next four weeks and I might not have time to give a dog or cat attention. When it comes to the essentials like food, it is funny that dogs and cats cost just as much as having a roommate. I’m thinking a glass fish tank and some cool looking fish maybe two or three cheap crustaceans. It looks like an aquarium will also be very visually therapeutic.
List combined from Diamond and Comiclist. (*) Indicates the comic books I’d purchase if I only had around $20.
February 9, 2011
*Adventure Comics #523, $2.99
Amazing Spider-Man #654, $3.99
Birds Of Prey #9, $2.99
*Black Panther The Man Without Fear #515, $2.99
Buck Rogers Annual #1 (Carlos Rafael Regular Cover), $4.99
Casanova Gula #2 (Of 4), $3.99
Cinderella Fables Are Forever #1 (Of 6), $2.99
*DC Universe Legacies #9 (Of 10)(Jesus Saiz Regular Cover), $3.99
*Doc Savage #11, $2.99
Flash #9 (Francis Manapul Regular Cover), $2.99
Incredible Hulks #622, $2.99
Justice League Generation Lost #19 (Dustin Nguyen Regular Cover), $2.99
New Avengers #9, $3.99
PunisherMAX #10 (resolicited), $3.99
*Sherlock Holmes Year One #1 (Of 6)(Aaron Campbell Regular Cover), $3.99
*Superman #708 (John Cassaday Regular Cover), $2.99
Titans #32, $2.99
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #153 (Ed McGuinness Regular Cover), $3.99
*Unwritten #22, $2.99
Uptight #4 (resolicited), $3.95
Walking Dead #81, $2.99
Wasteland #30, $3.50
Wolverine #5.1, $2.99
X-Factor #215, $2.99
Terminal City #1-9 (Vertigo/DC Comics, ’96-‘97)
A miniseries about the present meeting the past, the multiple story lines give a great representation of the many characters in Terminal City (The Herculaen Arms residence). The images look like a snap shot from film noir years ago. The story was decent, though, I took breaks between every other issue. Terminal City is worth checking out if found on the discount trade binds. Rating (1-10, 10 being outstanding) 8.1/10
Terminal City: Aerial Graffiti “Preview” - #1-5 (Vertigo/DC Comics, ’97-‘98)
This is a sequel to Terminal City. This story is a continuation of the circle of people who were focused in the first miniseries. The illustrating was very good. The story incorporated more of The Brave New World’s Fair performer’s whereabouts and a sabotage/crime subplot. If you happened to read the first Terminal City and find this telling as a discount trade, I would recommend reading it. Rating 7.9/10
Unknown Soldier #1-4 (Vertigo/DC Comics, ‘97)
The Unknown Soldier is a miniseries that searches for the concepts behind the man. The story is very well written. The art is gritty and dark which is different from the traditional look of cartooning. I like how the concept of liberty is built on a bed of lies. It is interesting to note that many of the influential people in the world build their empires on the deception of others. Definitely a Vertigo (Mature Readers) book, overall I would purchase the mini in back issues on the cheap. Rating 7.7/10
Electropolis #1-4 (Image Comics, ’01-‘03)
Electropolis was a combination of science/detective fiction. I ended up reading this carefully because some of the events were hard to follow. The art was very good. I don’t consider this the best Dean Motter story but it made me interested in the two detective protagonists. I would purchase the miniseries if it were in the sale bins. Rating 7.4/10
Gotham Girls #1-5 (DC Comics, ‘02)
The story can be summed up as a chase scene. I would have been satisfied if this were instead an oneshot, the two to three pages from the first four issues plus the last issue. I liked the art because it reminded me of the Batman Animated and Superman Animated Series during the 90s. This was a pretty straight forward tale and I would buy the complete miniseries if it were in the very cheap set boxes. Rating 7.1/10
Cowboys & Aliens TPB (Platinum Studios Comics, ‘06)
The invasion story is okay when done properly. Incorporating a twist with the enemy of my enemy is my friend was a very good take on how old world versus new world mingle in war. The art was similar to the Golden Age with a twist of modern computer inking. I have a problem with the dialogue but if you take believability out, comic book superhero stories, then how individuals talk and act might be a plausible to an extent. I probably wouldn’t purchase this title and I definitely won’t be watching the film based on this graphic novel. Rating 7.0/10
Unique #1-3 (Platinum Studios Comics, ‘07)
This is an ordinary man turned terrorist/freedom fighter. A cross between The Matrix and Fringe, I liked the first Matrix movie and I watched Fringe up until the first few episodes of season 2. I like the use of shading and shadows. The story was okay though I still don’t buy the actions of the protagonist when it came to his decision to stop worlds colliding. I purchased the hardcover trade at a discounted price. Rating 7.6/10
The Weapon #1-4 (Platinum Studios Comics, ’07)
I liked how the story had an actual second act climax. I do have one problem with people who are really smart having large skill sets. This makes outsourcing obsolete but I would assume rich people as being boring. The art was very good with pages devoted to action sequences. I would purchase this miniseries as a discounted set. Rating 7.5/10
X-Men: Messiah Complex Chapter 1-13 (Marvel Comics, ‘07-‘08)
This should have been a 7-8 issue miniseries. Some of the overlapping storylines were nicely incorporated into other X-Men team books. The art was fine and the story wasn’t choppy even with multiple writers. I would purchase this crossover trade paperback if it were discounted half-off. Rating 7.5/10
Local #1-12 (Oni Press, ’05-‘08)
I remember reading the first four issues and setting this series aside knowing I would eventually go back and reread it from start to finish. I have a hard time with the downtrodden ending, which goes to show that it is not the destination but the journey that matters. I wasn’t a fan of the art but it wasn’t terrible. I would purchase the hardcover edition if it were half-off. Rating 7.8/10
Wonderlost #1-2 (Image Comics, ’07-‘08)
The first part was dealing with teenage sex drive, the second issue dealt with some other things. Most teenage stories I have recently read deal with the depressing side of life, while this one goes over the many vices. Since this is an anthology there were different artists, the majority of them I really liked. From a story stand point these are accounts I would hear from most people when they talk about during their adolescent years, nothing profound. If you find these trade paperbacks on the cheap you might want to check them out. Rating 7.4/10
Secret Invasion #1-8 (Marvel Comics, ’08-‘09)
The story is a reactionary tale to how people react to deception. Next to the invasion, the beings much different from the superhero/villains involved, the death of another hero is obvious from the very start. The questions are who and in what issue? The art was okay though I prefer books which do not have pages filled with large groups of characters. I probably would purchase this as a really cheap miniseries set. Rating 7.4/10
Secret Invasion: Front Line #1-5 (Marvel Comics, ’08-‘09)
This story shows how the lives ordinary people have are affected as war breaks out. Usually when it comes to war torn stories the individual characters and what happens to them during a time of conflict compels me to read further. In this miniseries I could care less not because these characters aren’t important but cause it is obvious that some are going to make it and some aren’t. The art was edgier and darker than the main Secret Invasion storyline. This miniseries was better than the actual invasion story just for the fact that it wasn’t going to dwell on the stories during, but the aftermath. I would purchase this mini as a discounted set. Rating 7.5/10
Terra #1-4 (DC Comics, ‘09)
I was interested in reading this miniseries because of the creative team. The story is a cross between Spider-Man dialogue, Thanos and his Mistress Death, and environmental issues. I would have liked to see this story as a three issue because the last five pages dragged. Amanda Conner does a great job with illustration. I purchased this mini when it initially came out but now they should be available in the quarter bins. Rating 7.4/10
“I don't know, the older I get, the more complicated I think I get, which is a hindrance.”
Kim Weston