Comics Review - Murder Falcon #1-4 from Image.

Murder Falcon, Volume 1 by Daniel Warren Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I first heard about this book in Comic Shop News prior to the initial release. While this is the TPB collection, I read the title as it was released monthly. Johnson created, wrote & drew this book with the assistance of Mike Spicer. Really love the art and the look of the creatures that Jake and Murf (the nickname Jake has given his partner) fight.

Creatures of chaos have invaded the Earth and Murder Falcon has come here to fight them. He receives his power from the energy of the metal music that Jake plays on hit guitar. Jake himself, had gone through a personal tragedy (which we learn about slowly through the first four issues) and had given up on the idea of being a member of a metal trio just getting ready to hit is big. We get Jake's backstory, as well as MF's in bits and pieces, along with meeting the two other members of the band. Each group member has the power, through their instruments, of calling forth a creature to aid them in their battles.

I admit my knowledge of metal is limited, so only a few of the real groups and musicians mentioned in the book (and letters page) are familiar to me. One thing it has done is to be me searching YouTube for videos and the music of some of these folks. That's certainly not a bad thing.

Even if you aren't a fan of the music, the story and art are interesting enough to carry you along. I recommend you give it a try. I'm looking forward to see where the band goes from here. Hey, they even have cowbell now!


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Review - Stranger Things: The Other Side

Stranger Things: The Other Side by Jody Houser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dark Horse brings us a graphic novel, written by Jody Houser, that takes us back to the first season of the show. What was Will Byers doing in the Upside Down, while his family and friends searched for him?

Nice art by Stefano Martino, shows how Will was able to survive as well as some flashbacks to the gang playing Dungeons & Dragons. How did those times help Will and shape his understanding of the events happening around him.

This is really aimed at folks who are already familiar with the show and its characters. Not a good jumping on point for anyone new to the show, but rather a little bonus for those of us waiting for the next season.


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Review of Marvel Tales #1 - Featuring Venom

Marvel Tales: Venom (2019) #1 (Marvel Tales by David Michelinie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Marvel Tales, beginning in the '60s, was a reprint title sometimes focusing on Spider-Man. It ran until it was cancelled in '94 with #291. Marvel has brought it back, again as a reprint title, initially featuring important issues of particular characters. The first one contained three issues of the Fantastic Four from various eras of that title. Each issue begins with an essay by former Assistant Editor and writer, Ralph Macchio discussing the history of the character featured.

This one focuses on the anti-hero Venom, currently one of Marvel's most popular characters. The first issue is actually about Peter Parker, when he was still wearing the black costume, prior to it being separated from him. This is Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #119 and showcases Black Cat (the thief who was in love with Peter) and the X-Men villain, Sabretooth.

Next is The Amazing Spider-Man #316, with art by Todd McFarlane (prior to his split to co-found Image). Venom is now bonded with Eddie Brock, who is seeking Spider-Man. Unfortunately, Black Cat again ends up getting in the way of the symbiote.

Finally, we have the first part of a Carnage story from TAS-M #361. Peter has tricked Eddie Brock into thinking he has killed Spider-Man, so he and Venom are not living on a small Caribbean island. Meanwhile, a portion of the symbiote attached itself to serial killer, Cletus Kasady, who is now calling himself Carnage. With increased power, Kasady has escaped prison but continues to kill randomly as Spider-Man and the police seek to stop him.

Not great stories, but if you are a fan of Spider-Man or the symbiote (in its various incarnations) this is a nice way to check in on its history.


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My Comic Picks 1/23/19

My comic picks 1/16/19

Shinobi Ninja - Post No Bulls (Official)

My comic picks 1/2/19

"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" - Gordon Lightfoot (HD w/ Lyrics)

Passing of Ray Sawyer, lead singer of Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show

Shinobi Ninja - Brooklyn To Babylon (Official)

Five Finger Death Punch - Blue on Black (Official Video)

Metropolis (Here She Comes)

Deadly Games - Trailer

Geese in Lake Forest, CA

My Comic Picks 10/3/18

I Wish Bruce Campbell Was My Boyfriend - The Mary Lous

Jefferson Airplane Volunteers (Live At Woodstock 1969)

Saw the Airplane twice in concert.  Both were amazing events.

Stephen Colbert Connects Chance the Rapper with "Lord of the Rings"

Has it been a year already? Gearing up for San Diego Comic-Con 2018

So much has happened in the past year that I don't even know where to begin.  While I'm excited about Comic-Con there is also a sadness that will touch part of it.  Last year, when I left Donna was having a friend, Jeanne, looking in on her at home and other folks were making sure that she was okay. Neither of us knew that our lives would be changing in only a few weeks.  Donna passed away in August and the best eighteen years of my life were suddenly behind me.

I've been very fortunate to have to have had love of family and friends this past year.  Also, as silly as it may seem, I've also had various fandoms and interests to help me through the hours and days that sometimes seem so empty.  At least until last December, I also had my work at the Orange Public Library to fill eight plus hours five days a week. Since my retirement it's difficult even to keep track of the days.  Unless I have a doctor's appointment, the only regular event in my life is my weekly Wednesday trip to Orange for my comics. That visit to Big Red Comics on Glassel was the one thing to which I looked forward. I also would occasionally drop in at Comic Quest or Nuclear Comics to fill in some gaps.

At least once a week, sometimes more, I go to the movies.  The Movie Pass app certainly helps with that as the subscription cuts down on the movie prices a bit.  Right now I've gotten so many points on my Regal Club card I may never have to pay for popcorn or soda ever again. I'm also addicted to using the Stardust App, where I seem to be posting or responding to reviews several times a day.

So here it is with Comic-Con only a week away.  I've gone through the program and marked off a few panels and events I would like to attend.  Of course, as usual I'm sure, something will come up to throw all my plans up in the air. It may be my wonderful step-daughter, Kristina and her amazing wife, Sarah, or it could be suddenly running into a fan friend or even a co-worker I haven't seen since last year.  Suddenly I'm forgetting all about panels and find myself off to lunch or just sitting around chatting and catching up. I've already gotten an invitation to a publisher's event, which came as a complete surprise.  Who knows what else might come my way.

As usual, my promise is to try to write about my SDCC adventures when I return. Since I have so much free time, maybe this year I'll actually get around to starting and completing that.

If you are going to be at Comic-Con, please say hello if you know me.  Hell, even if you only know me from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Stardust I'd be thrilled to meet you.

Peace out!

My Comic Picks for 7/4/18