Posted By Matt Wood on October 23, 2013

Sex Criminals #2

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist: Chip Zdarsky 

Publisher: Image Comics

Remember when the solicitations for Sex Criminals came out, and everyone was blown* away and teased* by the innovative yet odd story of a couple with the ability to freeze time after having orgasms so they rob banks? Oh, for the sake of professionalism, this review will refer to the this sensation as an ‘orgasm’ and not one of the colorful nicknames that Fraction delightfully uses. The great thing about the second issue is that Fraction and Zdarsky aren’t satisfied with simply delivering on that excellent pitch; they want to, in a very unique way, attempt to build a world for their characters to live in. Too many comics today thrust* readers into a world of which they quickly must comprehend and accept the rules to enjoy the book. The excellent Greg Ruka’s Lazarus is an example of this, not that it’s a bad thing; it’s just that it is nice to slowly have the world develop around the story as opposed to the other way around. What I’m referring to is what the character Suzie refers to as ‘The Quiet’ and Jon refers to as ‘Cumworld.’ Offended? Maybe this book isn’t for you, and why are you reading this review?

If you read and enjoyed issue one, it’s only getting better. Fraction and Zdarsky are offering a book dripping* with personality- from the most excitable ‘re-cap’ page of the year, to what can only be described as grown up tribute to Family Circus comic strips. What is promised here, if the creators can keep it up*, is a book that will give you a connected and driven story, but promises something new and engaging in the telling with each issue. It’s unclear how long these guys can keep up such a rhythm, but as for now, readers seeking out more mature titles should be kept satisfied.*

*professionalism

Comixology Subscription Page

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Posted By Matt Wood on October 23, 2013

This Week’s Releases (10/23/2013)

There is a lot to be excited about for the many Image fans that are out there. Pretty Deadly, Velvet and Sex Criminals are all new and excellent. Superheroes books remain something to get excited about this week as well. Young Avengers, FF, Justice League and Battle of the Atom rages on! Be sure to come by every week for your weekly fill!

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Posted By Matt Wood on October 16, 2013

This Week’s Releases (10/16/13)

It’s a slow week in the comic book world, unless your talking about Marvel! Mara, Matt and Brian are here to tell you all about the next chapter in Battle of the Atom and the triumphant return of Hawkeye. Remember to leave a comment and tell us what comic you would like for us to focus on!

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Posted By Matt Wood on October 8, 2013

This Week’s Releases (10/9/2013)

Big week for comics! From favorites like Walking Dead and Batman to newbies like Rocket Girl and Superman and Wonder Woman, we have all of the releases this week, live from beautiful Conway, Arkansas!

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Posted By Matt Wood on October 4, 2013

 

I had the pleasure with talking to the talented Troy Little about his current monthly series from IDW- Powerpuff Girls, and his own creation, Angora Napkin. Troy opens up about upcoming events that the Powerpuff Girls will soon be facing and what it’s like have twin daughters who’s love is torn between the comics of their father’s and their mother’s (My Little Pony illustrator: Brenda Hickey.)

Troy’s website can be checked out here.

Troy’s comics can be picked up on Comixology

Follow Troy on Twitter: @meanwhilestudio

Categories: Comics
Tags: IDW, Nerdspan Interviews, Powerpuff Girls, Troy Little

Posted By Matt Wood on October 2, 2013

This Week’s Releases (10/2/2013)

Welcome to the new weekly video from your friends at Nerdspan. Like what you see? Want to see something different? Make sure you leave a comment!

Categories: Comics
Tags: Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics, new releases

Posted By Matt Wood on September 9, 2013

Well, the picture is all you get, because it’s all we got here at Nerdspan. All we know is that its from the creators of the Adventure Time comic and their publisher- Boom Studios. This picture truly is worth a thousand words (or at least however many it takes to write this article.) We get a pretty sweet 2001 Space Odyssey-esque dino in a space suit and the announced Eisner-award winning creative team. When we know more, we will be chomping (pun intended) to share it with you, but until then- this might be a decent enough teaser. 

Categories: Comics
Tags: Adventure Time, BOOM!, Dinosaur, space

Posted By Matt Wood on September 5, 2013

Knuckleheads #1-3

Writer: Brian Winkeler

Artist: Robert Wilson IV

Publisher: Monkeybrain

Reviewed by Matt Wood

There’s always that old cliché that comic book fans always ask one another: “What would you do if you had superpowers?” Brian Winkeler might have the most honest answer for this. Sure there will be the occasional odd ball that will risk his neck protecting the city from ‘Cloverfield’-esque monsters, but really most of comic fans, like the protagonist- Trevor, would goof off and save the day only when it is absolutely necessary.

The story is about two slacker buddies, Trevor and Lance, who have stumbled upon some odd alien tech called The Crystal Fist. Luckily for the reader, Winkeler felt it wasn’t necessary for an origin story. The characters are introduced doing what they do best: playing video games and putting off using the crystal for any heroic reason, despite the fact a giant reptile threat is attacking the city. Once the power goes out, Trev preps for battle with Wii-mote in tow along with Lance and an unfortunate pizza delivery boy who may have made the wrong delivery at the wrong time. It’s up to these three heroic burnouts to save the drunken British girl the monster has snatched up.

This unique approach to a traditional comic comes from Monkeybrain Publishing, where unique seems to be the name of the game. For a dollar an issue, superhero fans will be treated to a great introduction of four characters that can go anywhere narratively, which is appealing for an ongoing series. The art from Robert Wilson IV is animated and fits the style of the story perfectly. It’s very accessible for long time comic fans and new comers.

Categories: Comics, Reviews
Tags: Brian Winkeler, Knuckleheads, Monkeybrain Comics, Robert Wilson IV

Posted By Matt Wood on August 14, 2013

Batman #23

Writer: Scott Snyder

Art: Greg Capullo

Be careful when you read Batman #23. On first reading you might be disappointed because not a lot happens narratively. Not including the back-up, there might be four scenes throughout the entire issue, three of which contain Bruce and none resulting with him throwing a punch- unless you count a spit wad.

What this story does have is depth, and strangely not really at the hands of the series’ writer- Scott Snyder. Sure, Snyder does employ strategic direction throughout the issue and his use of the camera orb from issue 21 that Thomas gave Bruce is used impressively, but the issue is stolen for the better by Greg Capullo, the series artist. This does not mean that the harmony between writer and artist is not evident. When the Red Hood gang’s beating of Bruce is juxtaposed against a shadowy figure breaking a lock and chain that is dripping with well executed symbolism, collaboration of the highest caliber cannot be ignored.

However after reading this issue, it isn’t going to be the dialogue between Phillip and the Riddler or Bruce and Alfred that will become memorable, but the images. The bat crawling on top of Thomas’ marble bust, the gun shot holes in the portrait of Thomas and Martha or those stiches hastily sewn into Bruce’s hand will remind readers of bats erupting into the windows of dark studies or pearls falling on to pavement in Crime Alley, and potentially become as paramount for this Batman’s origin and those have become for the pre-New 52 Batman.

Capullo, as talented and successful as he is in this issue, is complimented dynamically by Danny Miki and FCO Plascencia, the inker and colorist. This is not simply an issue that will be an example of how the art in a comic book can be just as important as the writing, but can offer literary techniques to be studied analytically.

If the issue does lack in one department is the editorial necessity to tack on a back-up to these issues a story that chronicles the many travels of Bruce Wayne. These are fun, and do offer some nice insight on the boy who would be knight, but when attached to something so well done as Capullo’s work in this issue, you wish that it would be saved for an issue of Legends of the Dark Knight. However, for any Batman fan, this issue is a triumph in comic art and will not be a vain purchase if there is any hesitation prior to purchase.

Helpful Links:

Batman #23 can be purchased on Comixology

 

Categories: Comics
Tags: Batman, Greg Capullo, New 52, Scott Snyder, Zero Year

Posted By Matt Wood on August 1, 2013

Review of FF #10

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist: Laura and Mike Allred

 

Monthly superhero comics can get routine, which isn’t as bad as it sounds. The newest issue of Flash or Captain America can be something a reader looks forward to because they are guaranteed that the chapter they are about to read will be much like the ones that came before it- which can be both familiar and comforting. Fraction and the Allreds’ book, FF, is an experiment in the duality of many things from the bizarre to the adorable, the complex and the charming, and the new and the familiar.

In issue 10, FF does what it has for the past eight issues: something completely different from the previous issue. There are the continuing storylines from previous issues. In #10, we pick back up with the troubled Alex Powers who is being blackmailed with his parents lives from afar by Doctor Doom.  This kind of storyline might seem like the same old fare, but it’s in the way Fraction and the Allred’s present the story that makes the familiar feel new. Sure Doom is corrupting a youth to murder a member of the FF, but he’s doing it like a Diva in a throne, and Alex’s target is an insane Johnny Storm from the future.

The creative team is also continuing, very subtly, a series of call backs to the first run of Fantastic Four comics. These can be fun to spot, and in issue 10, we have Fraction, Allred and the editor, Tom Brevoort show up and interact with the FF about making a Marvel Comic based on their adventures. This might seem overly meta, but if you read Fantastic Four #10 from 1963, you’ll find Stan Lee and Jack Kirby lamenting within their own panels that they haven’t created a villain as terrifying as Doctor Doom for the next issue, only to be interrupted by Doctor Doom himself. These callbacks are great. They are including the creative team without making them seem pompous, and having a new approach on what could easily be a traditional superhero comic.

 

This issue continues a great run of surprising and delighting its readers. The Allred’s art is stellar, with fantastic facial expressions from Mike- which are surprisingly realistic for such an animated style, just check out Ms. Thing when she shouts “You guys ready to try it?” on page 7 for reference. Not to be brushed aside is Laura’s coloring on the book, which might be the most consistent technique in terms of style on this book. Finally displayed is Fraction’s ability to write a book (which remains at 3 bucks) that contains nearly twenty characters and giving them a unique voice and story, from Bentley-23’s little boy approach to being bad (check his bathroom graffiti) and Leach and Artie’s endearing kidnapping of a tiger. This series continues to be one of those books that bring together the superhero crowd and the crowd that might have been turned off by the usual coming out of Marvel and DC, and comes highly recommended. Let us hope we can expect something unexpected from issue 11.

Friendly Links:

Digital Comic of FF #10

Digital Comic of Fantastic Four #10

Fraction’s Tumblr

Brevoort’s Formspring (as referenced in the issue)

Wordballoon Podcast (Fraction reveals his connections in FF to Fantastic Four)

Categories: Comics, Reviews
Tags: Comic book review, Fantastic Four, FF, Jack Kirby, Laura Allred, Marvel Comics, Matt Fraction, Mike Allred, NerdSpan, Stan Lee