Saturday, December 31, 2011

Goodbye 2011

I wanted to first thank everyone for listening to our little podcast The Comic Conspiracy and for visiting Conspirator Brock.com to get a little more of the conspiracy this year and we hope to keep it going in 2012.
That being said 2011 was filled with so much I'm still shocked that the world didn't explode. What the hell happened this past year?

- Comics Conspiracy turned 18, and Ryan and I both turned 32.
- The Comic Conspiracy Podcast started.
- I read through over 78 graphic novels and books this year (only started counting in March). Highlights: the first three Song of Ice and Fire books by George R.R. Martin, Daytripper, Star Wars: Legacy trades, Batman: The Black Mirror, The Sixth Gun trades, the Grant Morrison Animal Man, finishing Transmetropolitan, and I also continued with the Walking Dead, Invincible and Scalped. So many good reads this year and I am still amazed that I read all of that plus single issues week to week. I am fucking fantastic! okay enough with the self ego boosting.
- I had my first bound collection of comics done by Herring & Robinson. Booster Gold does look good on my shelf. 2012 will see a bound Batman and the Outsiders on my shelf, yes!
- DC gave us Brightest Day and Flash point and then with the "New Rejiggered 52" they scared the crap out of us, and then blew us away with how awesome it was. DC has really done well for themselves in 2011 and they are heading into 2012 with a new out look on the world of comics and it seems to be working.
- Marvel was Marvel all year, and I think it can be summed up with two things: 1) that fight during San Diego Con between a Marvel editor and writer, and 2) the 15 jobs Marvel cut and then the next day posted like 21 internships for the same positions. We can only hope Marvel doesn't spiral even further in 2012 because it would be a shame to lose Marvel to its own devices or to the complete take over by Disney, both of these possibilities make me shiver in fear.
- Speaking of fear, Fear Itself was a complete bomb and Fearless is trying to clean up that mess. Does anyone care?
- We got to see Green Lantern in theaters and it was a steaming pile of shit. Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor and X-Men: First Class were amazing films that made the horror that was Green Lantern bearable. (This is funny that the DC movies sucked when the comics kicked ass; where as for Marvel the movies were amazing and the comics sucked ass.)
- The real push for Digital Comics started this year with Day and Date Digital books. We will have to see how this plays out in the years to come.
- Ryan got to go to San Diego Con for the first time ever this year and I went to Wonder Con for the first time this year too.
- My PS3 was fixed and I got to play the shit out of Killzone 3, God of War 3, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2
- Rocksteady and DC brought us the video game Batman: Arkham City; which I also played the shit out of. Don't forget to visit Calendar Man tomorrow.
- And most importantly this year I became a father on Wednesday (New Comic Day) May 11th and it has been a wonderful experience to be a father and watch my son Brody grow up day by day.


To be honest I'm in awe of how much went on this year with the all the ups and downs. Overall, I am just glad to be done with 2011. I'm looking ahead to 2012 hopeful, excited and ready to make it a great year.

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/28/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 12/28/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our digital Comixology site.)

01. All Star Western #4 DC
02. American Vampire #22 Vertigo
03. Annihilators: Earthfall #4 of 4 Marvel
04. Aquaman #4 DC
05. Batman: The Dark Knight #4 DC
06. Blackhawks #4 DC
07. Captain America & Bucky #625 Marvel
08. DC Universe Online: Legends #20 DC
09. DMZ #72 Vertigo
10. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz #4 of 8 Marvel
11. Flash #4 DC
12. A Game of Thrones #4 Dynamite
13. Green Lantern: New Guardians #4 DC
14. Justice League Dark #4 DC
15. Legion Lost #4 DC*
16. Superman #4 DC
17. The Unwritten #32.5 Vertigo
18. Voodoo #4 DC

Graphic Novel
Chase DC
(Chase #1-9 and #1,000,000, Batman #550, DC Universe Secret Files #1, Secret Files Guide to the DC Universe 2000 #31, Superman: Our Worlds at War Secret Files #1, JSA Secret Files #2, The Flash Secret Files #3, The Joker: Last Laugh Secret Files #1, Batgirl Secret Files #1 and Hawkman Secret Files #1)
Hellblazer, John Constantine: Vol. 2 - The Devil You Know Vertigo
(10-13, Annual #1 and the 2 issue miniseries "The Horrorist")

A lot of books this last week of 2011 and I am looking forward to numerous titles this week: Aquaman, Superman, DMZ, Justice League Dark and Green Lantern: New Guardians. Calli is excited for Voodoo and I can say that I am too. In addition to 18 titles I picked up two trades: Chase and Hellblazer (Vol. 2) - The Devil You Know. Chase is a 90's cult series that was written by Comics Conspiracy customer Dan Curtis Johnson (twitter @dcurtisj) and drawn by J. H. Williams III, and it looks to be a great read. As for Hellblazer (Vol. 2) - The Devil You Know, I'm just glad I can read the Hellbalzer series in volume order finally (keep going with this DC). Who knows maybe I'll get caught up with Hellblazer before Ryan Higgins.
Sadly though this week marks the final issue of DMZ. I have really enjoyed this title since I blew through the first six trades in a week, back when I first got hooked on this series. Brian Wood is an amazing writer and the artists on DMZ have always brought an addition to this amazing Vertigo title. I hate to think DMZ is finally coming to an end seeing as it is one of my favorite titles. So much so, that I actually sent a letter in and it was published in issue #65. They say though that all good things must come to an end and I hope this final issue of DMZ makes a great exit. If you haven't check out DMZ you should.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What? 12/27/11

Ryan had a lot of books to put away today and you think that would make him irritable? Not today. He did however have a great way of saying promiscuous female in a different way:

"She's a dick house."

Sometimes I wish I was really making this stuff up.

Ryan Higgins becomes a different person on Tuesdays and yes he does swear like a sailor once the doors close at 6.

Random Comic Pick - Episode 38

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 38 is 52 written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid to name a few, drawn by various artists, and with amazing covers by J.G. Jones.
52 chronicles the events after Infinite Crisis. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have given up being heroes to live out their lives as Clark, Bruce and Diana. After their departure other heroes emerge to fill the space left by these three power houses.
This DC series was released weekly for one year from May 2006 and until May of 2007. Early 2007 is when I got back into comics and 52 was recommended to me by Ryan Higgins, so I picked up a few of the early issues, and immediately I was blown away. I can rightly say that this is where DC hooked me and I have been a DC guy ever since.
I must say that 52 is a great introduction to some of the lesser known characters in the DC Universe and overall a wonderfully good read from start to finish. It is collected in four trade paperbacks, or you could track down all 52 issues (We may have a set at the shop. Contact Ryan), or you can start 52 digitally with Week #1.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Merry Christmas!

To all of or fans and haters, thank you for listening. I hope this time of year is filled with good times, friends and family, and please enjoy the holidays responsibly. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/21/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 12/21/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our digital Comixology site.)

01. Amazing Spider-Man #676 Marvel
02. Batman #4 DC
03. Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes! DC
04. Captain Atom #4 DC
05. Catwoman #4 DC
06. DC Universe Presents: Deadman #4 DC
07. Fables #112 Vertigo
08. Green Lantern Corps #4 DC
09. Justice League #4 DC
10. Legion of Super-Heroes #4 DC
11. Red Hood and the Outlaws #4 DC
12. Star Wars: Agent of the Empire #1 of 5 Dark Horse
13. Supergirl #4 DC
14. T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #2 of 6 DC

The week of Christmas and it is a large week for comic books. I know it doesn't show on my pull list, but Marvel had a lot of big titles ship this week (unlike last week where most of the books on the wall were mini's), so hopefully you have some money left over from all of your Christmas shopping to get your fix this week.
I'm going to be enjoying Justice League, Batman, Red Hood an the Outlaws, Green Lantern Corps, and Catwoman this week as is Calli. She loves Catwoman. It has become her favorite book out of the "New Rejiggered 52" and I'm glad she gets her fix right before Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas, Fables has an over-sized holiday issue out today that I am curious to read since it is the only holiday book I will have picked up this season.
This week I am giving the Star Wars: Agent of the Empire a shot because the art looked good and it is written by John Ostrander; so I hope I going a dose of Star Wars lore in my pull list now.
Overall though this week looks to be a good one for comic books, but Amazing Spider-Man is again on the chopping block, because they break the fourth wall on the cover and the creative team is writer Dan Slott and artist Humberto Ramos the duo who gave us horror that was Spider-Island. If I end up chopping Amazing Spider-Man I will have only a few Marvel titles on my pull list. I want to be upset about this, but Marvel has sucked so bad for the past couple of years that I wonder why I should care at all, they obviously don't.
Anyway, all they negative vibes aside have a wonderful Christmas!

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Random Comic Pick - Episode 37

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 37 is Green Lantern: Larfleeze Christmas Special written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Brett Booth. I normally don't pick up the holiday specials, but I gave this one a shot last year and I must say it was a wonderful story that is very much in the holiday spirit. Larfleeze wants everything this Christmas including Santa. Will he get his Christams wish and ruin Christmas or will the heroes stop him? You'll have to check this special out for yourself.
If you happen to be playing DC Universe Online this holiday season you are most likely playing out the story from this comic book.
There were some interesting things included in the special that are worth checking out. One of them is the recipe for Larfleeze's Orange Lantern Cookies which I think everyone should try at least once. I have yet to make these, but maybe when Brody gets older we can whip up a batch or two. Here is the page and baking instructions:

Cookies:

¼ cup butter (softened)
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons of orange juice concentrate (thawed)
1 teaspoon of orange zest
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 ½ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
A dash of salt
½ cup white chocolate chunks



Step 1) Preheat your earth-oven to 350 degrees
Step 2) In a big bowl beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate and orange zest. Then add egg and vanilla until it looks delicious.
Step 3) In a small bowl stir the flour, baking powder, baking soda and dash of salt together.
Step 4) Add the small bowl to the big bowl and stir until smooth. Mix in white chocolate chunks.
Step 5) Drop small balls of dough across a greased cookie sheet.
Step 6) Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 7) Let the cookies cool as you mix the frosting


Frosting:
2 tablespoons orange concentrate (thawed)
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons butter (softened)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Step 1) Mix all of the above until it looks like frosting!
Step 2) Spread the frosting across cooled cookies (it will melt otherwise!)

This recipe makes about two dozen cookies, enjoy!

I hope everyone has a great holiday season! (Remember to visit Calendar Man on Christmas!)

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What? 12/20/11

Ryan hasn't had any real good one liners lately, and today I was surprised at how calm he was all day, especially since the saver books filled two long boxes. But, late in the day Ryan had a rush of oddness spout forth. Here are a couple of those comments:

"I'm not a steam sexual."

"Shit, another dumb book."
(When I used the speech to text feature on my phone to get this down it came out "I shit weather dumb but." Gotta love technology.)

The Thursday Guy (our friend and person who works on Thursdays at the shop) was at the shop this evening, and I was pushing his buttons about Nightwing being a blah character. He had this to say while telling me I was wrong and would get beat down if I kept up with my Nightwing bashing:

"It should have been Dickpoint not Flashpoint."

Obviously he needs to be on the podcast. I keep asking him, but he declines every time. I will keep at it.

Ryan Higgins becomes a different person on Tuesdays and yes he does swear like a sailor once the doors close at 6.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Just A Thought On Digital Comics

I know we have been talking about digital comics a lot lately on the podcast as are most people in the comic book industry: customers, retailers and publishers, and everyone seems to be concerned about a lot of different things. Will digital replace physical comics? Is my Local Comic Book Shop (LCBS) going to be put out of business because of digital comics? Why should I as a retailer support a push to digital? So many concerns, so many people out raged at the thought of losing physical comics, and I couldn't help, but realize that all of this discussion is just internet cannon fodder for dramatic effect and manipulation.

The overall question of digital vs. physical; neither can beat the other right now. They both need each other. As of this blog post physical books have been around for a very long time and digital books on an e-reader device has only been around since 1998 and the big push to digital books only started about five years ago when Amazon released its Kindle (2007). It has been over ten years since the digital books became a reality, and for the first time Amazon has said that it has sold more digital books than hardcover books in the past year. Just know that this statement doesn't include trade paper or pocket sized versions. So to say that things are shifting towards a digital only world is more than a little premature.
Especially since the storage capacity and file size of certain digital media is still a concern for most of the 99% who will not be able to afford solid state drives for at least a decade (if the economy stays like it is maybe two) and aslo, because storing my media in "The Cloud" is a novel idea, but in reality who's to stop anyone from getting their hands on my digital files? This is just one hurdle for digital media to overcome.

Let's get back to digital comics. I think we have a very long way to go to see digital versions of comics over take the print market. Comics are a cross between a textual and visual media which works very well in print form, and this experience is lost when you read a digital comic. You can't feel a digital comic, smell it or even hear the sound effects in your head and the page turn as you read on. Sure a e-reader could have sound effects, but much like Higgins distaste of laugh tracks on comedy shows I think one might get tired of the effects track added to a digital comic. And I fear an attempt at making a digital comic smell.
What is also lost is the social experience of going to your local comic book shop to get your fix. When you buy digital you lose out on this experience. I know hearing the die-hard Marvel fan boy every week spout out reason after insane reason as to why Marvel rules to the casual reader who just came to the shop to try something new with a rejiggered DC title, or the group of collectors that sit around and talk about how comics used to be, and my personal favorite the guy who rambles on and on about the one factoid he corrected someone in the industry about and how he influence the market because of this. How can you pass up the chance at free entertainment like this? Besides, what is buying your comics online going to give you? How about an ad for a title you have no interest in or something else that has no relevance to you.

So, I really don't know where this fear of closure is coming from when it comes to the LCBS. I think people are to quick to assume that their LCBS is going to go the route of Borders when it comes to competing against digital comics. A big thing that people fail to realize is that Borders didn't die from digital books, it died from poor business choices and a direct physical competitor called Barnes & Noble. LCBS don't really have that direct physical competitor. Most shops tend to get along with each other. For example, we have a lot of Comic Book Stores in the Bay Area and we all are competing against one another for business, but we also help each other out, and most of us know that each shop serves its own niche group of customers. Most comic book customers often go to other shops to find things they can't get at their LCBS, but return to their LCBS for a majority of their business.

When it comes to digital comics closing down your LCBS or taking over the print market I think we have a long way to go. I think that the affiliate program that Comixology has with retailers is a good start to keeping the retailers in the loop when it comes to where the market is heading and I know that the digital terrain is littered with corruption and greed, and policies that are written to only benefit the company not the creator and completely shun the brick-and-mortar stores from staying alive in these tough economic times. The digital media market needs to support a lot and that means a cut should go to stores that people digitally want to support. From what Higgins has told me about our digital sales we are doing well, and I know that is in a big part due to our loyal listener base (Thank you!); and the fact that DC is working with Comixology and retailers to make an affiliate program that works across the board. Marvel and a few other publishers are still holding out, but they will have to just realize that including a free digital copy in a copy that is $3.99 with only 20 pages of story doesn't help the print copy or the digital copy one bit. If you didn't get that jab it was aimed at Marvel.

I have now rambled on for a long time and I need to wrap this up because I have already lost your attention and so you have moved on to looking at porn or surfing the internet for the first six minutes of The Dark Knight Rising. Digital Comics are an option, print comics are a standard, and my opinion of the current state of the industry is that it is in transition and we will just have to wait and see where things end up.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/14/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 12/14/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. American Vampire #21 Vertigo
02. Batgirl #4 DC
03. Batman and Robin #4 DC
04. Batwoman #4 DC
05. Danger Girl and the Army of Darkness #4 Dynamite
06. DC Universe Online: Legends #19 DC
07. Deathstroke #4 DC
08. Demon Knights #4 DC
09. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #4 DC
10. Green Lantern #4 DC
11. Grifter #4 DC
12. Resurrection Man #4 DC
13. Severed #5 Image
14. The Shade #3 of 12 DC
15. The Stand: The Night Has Come #5 of 6 Marvel
16. Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes #3 IDW
17. Suicide Squad #4 DC
18. The Unwritten #32 Vertigo

Graphic Novel
Walking Dead (Vol. 15) - We Find Ourselves Image

What the Hell! There are almost twenty comics on my pull list, and if we weren't shorted Legion Lost #4 it would have been one closer. What is going on here? Most likely it is due to the holiday quickly approaching we are getting a few more titles than normal from our lovely comic book publishers. Even Higgins was bitching that it was, "So many fucking books." Something he hasn't said in a long time while he was putting them on the shelf.
Despite being a large week for books it does look to be a fun week of reading with: Suicide Squad, Resurrection Man, Green Lantern, Grifter, Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes, and the new Walking Dead graphic novel; I can't wait and Calli was excited that she was getting Batgirl. I think it is time to cozy up with comics.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

You can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Random Comic Pick - Episode 36

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 36 is All Star Superman by Grant Morrison and drawn by Frank Quitely.
I read this a few years ago when I first got back into comics and really liked it.
The All Star books that DC put out were to be by top tier creative teams to give readers phenomenal stories about the core elements of major characters in the DC Universe. They only ended up doing All Star books for Batman and Superman, and All Star Superman stands out as the better of the two (even though Jim Lee's art on All Star Batman is awesome).
One because it is by the creative team of Morrison and Quitely who are amazing at what they do not only as individuals, but as a team as well. Second reason is because this book actually finished its whole run. And finally because it is no doubt going to be a classic must read for the Superman lore.
All Star Superman is now available in a one volume trade paper back ($29.99; Thank you Higgins), an Absolute edition ($99.99) and digitally (about $2 an issue). Check it out.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 12/7/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 12/7/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot buy them through our site.)

01. Action Comics #4 DC
02. Amazing Spider-Man #675 Marvel
03. Animal Man #4 DC
04. Batwing #4 DC
05. Detective Comics #4 DC
06. Green Arrow #4 DC
07. Huntress #3 of 6 DC
08. Justice League International #4 DC
09. Red Lanterns #4 DC
10. Stormwatch #4 DC
11. Swamp Thing #4 DC

The fourth month of the "New Rejiggered 52" starts up this week and I'm still enjoying most of the titles that DC started out with back in September. Stormwatch though isn't holding my attention and it maybe cut from my pull list after this week and Amazing Spider-Man better catch me with this new Vulture story arc or it's gonna get the axe too.
Action Comics, Swamp Thing, Animal Man, and Detective Comics this week; lots of good reads ahead of me. This is good because last week's light comic releases left me really wanting more. Calli got her copy of Huntress and was excited to finally have something to read. You should get out there and get to some reading.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What? 12/6/11

Ryan was on fire today, but that is to be expected when it's Tuesday, and he had to de-polybag a bunch of comics from "I won't say the publisher", but you might be able to figure it out. Here are some of the highlights of what Ryan said today about kids:

"Let the internet deal with them. Comixology can have them. I don't want them."

"Let him be curious and stupid elsewhere."

"Kids like me...We have a similar reading level and we can relate when it comes to upper body strength."

"Lock them up until they are 18."

And there were two other good quotes:

"Fun to me is the absence of people."

"Maybe he sent a picture of his cock."

Ryan Higgins becomes a different person on Tuesdays and yes he does swear like a sailor once the doors close at 6.

Randm Comic Pick List Update 12/6/11

I have updated my Random Comic Pick master list. Check it out.

My Random Comic Picks

Random Comic Pick - Episode 35

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 35 is once again the Vertigo series Daytripper written and drawn by Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon.
I know, I know, Daytripper was my random comic pick back on Episode 17, and you can read my little blurb about the story there.
So, this post is just going to be used to shamelessly plug the shit out of Daytripper, because it is must read for anyone. Which makes it a fantastic Christmas gift for the reader in your life.
I think the main reason why I picked it again for my random comic pick was because I recently re-read the trade and was still blown away at how great this book is. We talked on the podcast about our top picks for 2011 and I think this is going to be one of my top picks for trade paper back / graphic novel.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Monday, December 5, 2011

It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What? 12/5/11

I know it's Monday, but Ryan said this and I had to post it.

"Brock, you are the flashlight in my eyes."

Was he hitting on me?

And it is amazing what you find when you search a person's name and look through the images...

Photo originally posted here.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

An Epic Holiday Gift

If you went out on Black Friday or shopped online on Cyber Monday to grab a cheap copy of The Lord of the Rings Extended Trilogy on Blu-Ray for the nerd you love this Christmas then you need to make sure you grab this too. I saw this at my local Safeway and had to snap a photo and share it here. I like how all the hobbits, Gimli, and Gollum are all shorter dispensers. This made my night. Better get yours before they sell out!

"The Fellowship of the Pez"

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Hooded Girl from the New 52 (week 13)

She disappeared for awhile but she is back this week in Tiny Titans #46. Here are all her appearances from the issue, but one question lingers in the air; do we find out who she is? No spoilers here. Go buy the issue yourself.
Tiny Titans Rule!










There you have it our Hooded Girl returns and makes the most appearances in a single issue to date. Where will she pop up next?

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/30/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 11/30/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. DC Universe Online: Legends #18 DC
02. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz #3 of 8 Marvel
03. Fables #111 Vertigo
04. A Game of Thrones #3 Dynamite
05. Legion: Secret Origin #2 of 6 DC
06. Super Dinosaur #6 Image
07. T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1 of 6 DC
08. Tiny Titans #46 DC

This 5th week of November is a small not much shipped this week. I grabbed two titles I normally wouldn't have: Tiny Titans #46 and T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1. Tiny Titans because the Hooded Girl makes her appearance in the kids line of DC titles and T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents because I have heard good things from friends about the previous series. We shall see.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What?

"Don't buy the sheep if you can't afford the cheese."

I am not making any of this up. Higgins actually said this.

Random Comic Pick - Episode 34

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 34 is the Marvel trade Planet Hulk written by Greg Pak with art by Carlo Pagulayan.
I know that I have had a lot of hate for Marvel so I wanted to show you that there are gems out there in the Marvel Universe that are worth reading. Planet Hulk is one of these books. I read this trade a few years ago when I got back into comics and loved it. Pak does an excellent job giving the reader a engaging and savage story about everyone's favorite green skinned menace.
Hulk is tricked by the Illuminati (the secret society that consisted of Black Bolt, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Mister Fantastic, Professor X, and Namor) and he is supposed to be sent to a peaceful planet where he can finally be alone, but there is a malfunction with the spacecraft. The Hulk crash lands on a very brutal and fierce planet where life is anything but peaceful. Hulk finds himself enslaved and put to fight in an arena very much like gladiator battles the Romans would watch for entertainment. Hulk just wants to be left alone, but will this be the case? You'll have to read to find out.

(There is a Prelude to Planet Hulk trade that directly leads up to Planet Hulk, but you don't need to read it. And if you ask me you can just Wikipedia any Hulk story after this one; especially World War Hulk and War of the Hulks.)

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Monday, November 28, 2011

The Winning Review of the Podcast...

I know this is late, but I have had a rough couple of weeks. I wanted to thank SeaToad for his wonderful winning review of the podcast. So, here it is:

"In retail day, in podcast night,
No Comics shall escape their sight
Let those who worship Geekbox's might,
Beware their rants...Comic Conspirators unite!
"

SeaToad, I hope you enjoy your nice run of the Suicide Squad. It should be in the mail tomorrow. I'm crossing my fingers and hopefully going to the post office.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is officially turkey day and I want to wish you all a wonderful holiday with friends and family. Whatever you do today be thankful in some small way. I am thankful for my son, my girlfriend, the job I have, my health and having good people in my life. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Would Like Input

I am happy with all the attention the blog gets, but I want to make it better, more appealing, in general a place that you the reader like to come and spend a few moments reading my thoughts.
What if anything would you like me to address here? Remember I work two jobs, record a podcast, take care of my son, try and spend time with my girlfriend, and I have to read my books every week so I need something I can do in a few minutes while at the computer or even on the go with mobile blogging. So, leave a comment with some input. Thanks for listening and visiting my little blog corner of the world.

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/23/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 11/23/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. All Star Western #3 DC
02. Annihilators: Earthfall #3 of 4 Marvel
03. Aquaman #3 DC
04. Batman: The Dark Knight #3 DC
05. Blackhawks #3 DC
06. Captain America & Bucky #624 Marvel
07. DMZ #71 Vertigo
08. Flash #3 DC
09. Green Lantern: New Guardians #3 DC
10. Justice League Dark #3 DC
11. The Shade #2 of 12 DC
12. Superman #3 DC
13. The Unwritten #31.5 Vertigo
14. Voodoo #3 DC

We are all ready through November and DC is still going strong with their new rejiggered universe. This last week of number three's is overall a good read week because no title gets my overall attention due to the fact that all of the titles I pick up are interesting reads. I will pay a little more attention to Justice League Dark and Aquaman, but I like a lot of the titles from week equally.

Calli got Voodoo this week and I'm interested to see if she likes the Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner) appearance that happens in it. I'll let you know.

My pull list seems to be getting smaller, but that is okay; I'm trimming out the garbage. For example, with Captain America & Bucky this week I noticed an ad in the back for a new creative team to start on the book with issue #625. All I could think about after seeing that was the fact that this book is now on my chopping block because I don't know if I'm going to like the new creative team and/or direction they are going to take the book. If this title goes though it will free up space for me to try something else; maybe Winter Soldier.
I know I talk a lot of Marvel hate here and on the podcast, but they make it hard not to. Most of what has come out of Marvel in the past few years has been less than readable and with all the turbulent news coming from the Bullpen as of late I'm not liking the direction Marvel is taking as a business or as universe. I'm still a hopeful Marvel fan wanting to read good stories about characters I like by creators that are not over worked or underpaid. Sounds like a long shot I know, but I can only be what I've been...a comic book fan left waiting.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I Occupied for a moment...

I was in San Francisco today so I decided to go down and check out the Occupy SF encampment at Justin Herman Plaza. It was an experience to see it with my own eyes and I must say that it looked like a well organized encampment. The encampment wasn't really that dirty as the city of SF claims it to be (they yell safety and sanitation and an increase in crime so that there will be an excuse to evict them).
In fact the encampment looks as dirty as the rest of SF as far as grime is concerned. Maybe the City of SF should be evicted until they can clean up the city?
Being down there was something I have wanted to do for some time and I'm glad I got the chance to check it out. There is a movement spreading and I hope it brings about some much needed change.

Random Comic Pick - Episode 33

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 33 is Batman: Arkham City written by Paul Dini with art by Carlos D'Anda, Dustin Nguyen, Ben Herrera, Ted Naifeh and Derek Fridolfs. This awesome story takes place in between the events of the video games Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. Currently this series is only collected in hardcover, but the soft cover should be coming out some time next year, but getting the graphic novel now you get the Batman: Arkham City Exclusive Online Digital Chapters which weren't released in print till now.
I would assume that the softcover would also include these digital chapters, but with the way DC has been in the trade market (R.E.B.E.L.S. Vol. 5 and Suicide Squad Vol. 2 cancellations - I'm still pissed) I am not so sure. Your decision though, but I will say this about Batman: Arkham City it is a definite must read and if you are a video gamer looking to get into comics it is a good starting point.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Monday 11/21/11

A couple of things:

1) It is the start of Thanksgiving week, and all I want to do is visit Calendar Man in Batman: Arkham City and have a nice dinner with the family. I should get both of those accomplishments on Thursday.

2) I still haven't seen a good deal on the laptop I want to get to replace my old one that died. I'm hoping for that to change this weekend.

3) I am feeling much better and I will be back behind the mic tonight to record The Comic Conspiracy.

4) I will be updating on the reading lists posted here so check back soon.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/16/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 11/16/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. Amazing Spider-Man #674 Marvel
02. Batman #3 DC
03. Captain Atom #3 DC
04. Catwoman #3 DC
05. DC Universe Online: Legends #17 DC
06. DC Universe Presents: Deadman #3 DC
07. Green Lantern Corps #3 DC
08. Justice League #3 DC
09. Legion of Super-Heroes #3 DC
10. Red Hood and the Outlaws #3 DC
11. Severed #4 Image
12. The Stand: The Night Has Come #4 of 6 Marvel
13. Supergirl #3 DC

I've been off all week and it is all thanks to this year's flu. A warning for all you out there who don't like getting sick the flu this years is a vicious one and it will knock you on you ass.
Anyway, back to my regular blurb here about what I am really looking forward to this week. Here are the titles at the bottom of my read list; Catwoman, Batman, Severed, Green Lantern Corps, Red Hood and the Outlaws and Justice League will finish off my weekly reading and I can't wait to see what happens in all of them.
Calli of course snatched her copy of Catwoman from me when I held it out for her. She is a little obsessed with the kleptomatic Gotham City Siren, but you won't see me complain.


Why Isn't [blank] on My Pull List?

Incredible Hulk #2 came out this week and I was actually tempted to start picking this one up after I read the first issue, but then I heard that there were like twelve different artists on this book so I decided that I would give it a read to see if the story can make up for the artistic let down. My prediction is that Incredible Hulk will be an incredible waste of my time.

Captain America #4 also came out this week and it is no longer on my pull list because the shield in this series has no crack in it and the events in this book are after Fear Itself aren't they. Even if they aren't I haven't been a big fan of Ed Brubaker's current Captain America recently, which is sad because Captain America and Bucky has been so good and actually enjoyable to read. We will see if Brubaker can keep me tethered on the main Captain America title; if not another Marvel title will fall off my pull list.

Amazing Spider-Man #674 came out as well and it has a lot to do to get me to want to keep buying Amazing Spider-Man for $3.99. Spider Island was a huge disappointment and I am still surprised I wanted to see where Spider-Man was going after that abysmal ordeal. Amazing Spider-Man could be on the chopping block.

I think it is time for me to wrap this up and get to reading my comics from this week.

Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

No Brock!

I'm sorry I was not able to be on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 32 this week. I have been really sick since last Thursday. It got pretty bad last night, and Calli and I wanted to be sure that it wasn't Swine Flu or Bird something virus that could be very bad news for Brody; so I ended up at the ER.

(This was Calli's first time seeing me in the hospital. I've seen her in the hospital (not counting Brody's birth) way to many times.)

They said it was most likely this seasons flu and not one of the super viruses, but they did check for bronchitis and pneumonia as well and I seem to be free and clear of those. But I must warn people this season's flu is a vicious beast of severe aches, a cough that hurts your brain, chills, heat flashes, fever and an overall feeling of shit. So, be prepared.
I will return next week!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Dream to Make T-Shirts Will Come True...

My friend Robert True has hit his project goal with a little time to spare, and so he will be able to start his t-shirt business to be able to stay home with his son who was recently diagnosed with autism. Thank you to everyone who donated and / or shared this link.

Check out WauiDesign.com for more updates and products.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/9/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 11/9/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. Batgirl #3 DC
02. Batman and Robin #3 DC
03. Batwoman #3 DC
04. Deathstroke #3 DC
05. Demon Knights #3 DC
06. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #3 DC
07. Green Lantern #3 DC
08. Grifter #3 DC
09. Huntress #2 of 6 DC
10. Legion Lost #3 DC
11. Resurrection Man #3 DC
12. Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes #2 IDW
13. Suicide Squad #3 DC
14. The Unwritten #31 Vertigo
15. X-Men Legacy #258 Marvel

Calli was happy this week. Two titles came out that are on her pull list. I'll let you guess, but if you want to know what's on her "New Rejiggered 52" pull list click here.
I'm excited that I get to read Green Lantern, Suicide Squad and Resurrection Man this week. I don't know about you but after I make this pull list I take my comics out of alphabetical order and I put them in a reading order; which basically means I save my favorites for last. Maybe I should start doing that list up here too. Calli would kill me if I took more time to write this, but let me know by leaving a comment if you would like to know my reading order.
DC has been dominating the market for the past few months and it definitely shows on my pull list. Marvel hasn't been putting out something I want to spend money on. For example I flipped through Avenging Spider-Man #1 and was not impressed with the art from everyone's favorite non-finisher Joe Madureira. It was pretty bad and I think all the artists on the Spider Island story from Amazing Spider-Man are going to be brought in to do filler on this book real soon. In my opinion this Avenging Spider-Man title (or as Higgins calls it the Spider-Man Marvel Team-Up book) could have been put into the Amazing Spider-Man series as another story arc and it would have sold better than a brand new number one. I passed on it to say the least and I also passed on Uncanny X-Force, the really stupid Marvel Point One One-Shot that is just a huge solicitation book for coming soon titles with a cover price of $5.99 (we are selling it for $1.99 if you are interested), and Fear Itself #7.2 or whatever Thor number the book should be. Man all this hate on my pull list, oh it must be from the cancellation of the trades Suicide Squad (Vol. 2) - The Nightshade Odyssey and R.E.B.E.L.S. (Vol. 5) - Starstruck. Damn you DC! Why do you have to go and be really great and then do something dumb like this? Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Random Comic Pick - Episode 31

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 31 is Batman: Time And The Batman written by Grant Morrison and Fabian Nicieza with art by David Finch, Tony Daniel, Andy Kubert, and Frank Quietly. This trade collects Batman issues #700, 701, 702, and 703 and it is basically a must read if you have read or plan to read Final Crisis, R.I.P., Bruce Wayne: The Road Home, and The Return of Bruce Wayne. Time And The Batman helps explain a lot of what happens to Batman in between panels, story arcs and issues which definitely makes it a gap filler trade and a good addition to your already to bookshelf busting trade collection. (The hardcover is out now and the softcover version will be released on February 14, 2012.)
I enjoyed these issues as they came out, but I really wish I had them when I was reading all those other stories while Batman was no longer with us. These issues are a must if you are tackling the Batman Universe from Final Crisis through Batman Incorporated.
I will say this though, when I go back to re-read Final Crisis, R.I.P., Bruce Wayne: The Road Home, and The Return of Bruce Wayne this trade will be pulled out and read along with it.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Batman: Arkham City...Just Buy It!

I have been up late for almost a month (pissing Calli off in the process) playing my recently picked up copy of Batman: Arkham Asylum - The Game of the Year Edition and Rocksteady Studios newest installment Batman: Arkham City. Needless to say, I have had a lot of Batman in the last month and I'm smiling like Joker inside and out about it all.

Batman: Arkham City is a fantastic addition to the Batman video game franchise not only because it is a great game, but it also introduces a lot more of the villains and heroes from the Batman Universe in the process. It is a must buy.

Many of the voice talents from Arkham Asylum return for this newest trek into the Batman Universe. The major ones are Kevin Conroy as the voice of Batman and Mark Hamill as the Joker. This will be the last time Mark Hamill will be the voice of the Clown Prince of Crime and this makes me a little sad.

The game play in Arkham City is smoother overall than the game play in Arkham Asylum, and the amount of things to do and explore in the game is very rewarding. There is a lot more extra stuff to do in Arkham City than there was in Arkham Asylum, and I know some people said that Arkham City is shorter in the campaign than Arkham Asylum, but I think that they are to close for comparison, because both games gave you plenty to do in the main story and side stuff.

As of writing this I have completed about 70% of Arkham City overall and I haven't gotten everything. I almost have all of the Riddler trophies and such (400 for Batman and 40 for Catwoman), and I have one side mission to complete (damn AR Training...I hate gliding). I'm not big on challenge mode achievements so I don't think I will be getting much more of the overall completion of the game done, but there is still the New Game Plus version of the game to play and a couple of little things like visiting Calendar Man on the twelve holidays, seeing Killer Croc's cameo appearance in the sewers, decoding some hidden signals, finding the Scarecrow reference and in general enjoying the world of Arkham City again.

I'm waiting to hear about the Nightwing bundle to see if it is worth getting. So, leave me a comment if you have played as Nightwing to let me know what you think.

If you are on the fence about getting this game you shouldn't be. It is worth the $60 bucks and if you haven't picked up Batman: Arkham Asylum I highly suggest you do. The games are connected story wise, but you don't need to play Arkham Asylum to get into Arkham City.

The comic Batman: Arkham City written by Paul Dini (who also wrote the story for both video games) with art by Carlos D'Anda, Dustin Nguyen, Ben Herrera, Ted Naifeh and Derek Fridolfs, I would recommend picking up, because it directly leads up to the events in the video game and is honestly a really good read. I actually need to get the hardcover because it also includes the Batman: Arkham City Exclusive Online Digital Chapters which weren't released in print till now.

5 out of 5 Stars, 10 out of 10, how many Gabrielle Anwar's is perfection again? You get the hint. Batman: Arkham City is the must have video game of the year so just go out there and buy it already!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

www.conspiratorbrock.com

Because "conspiratorbrock.blogspot.com" was so annoying to say on the podcast I have officially registered the domain name "www.conspiratorbrock.com" and it is now working. So, I need to do some "rejiggering" with my blog to make sure things have changed over with no bugs, and you should change your bookmark to the new URL. Thank you for listening and as always stay tuned for more.

Friday, November 4, 2011

The New X-Men...Wolverine and Uncanny #1's

It was a sad week for me and my favorite team of mutants from Marvel. After I couldn't read through half of Wolverine and the X-Men #1 last week, and the cold hard fact that I was so unimpressed with Uncanny X-Men #1 (I got through it), I will be using this new renumbering of the X-Men world as a great place to jump off from all of the X-Books completely.
This is a shame because I have always liked the X-Men, but there are only so many times I can read about mutant genocide, the Purifiers (a church of mutant haters), S.W.O.R.D., the Hellfire Club, rip-off stories from good writers, and in general the same old crap that has dominated the pages of Uncanny X-Men and X-Men for years.
I will admit there was some hope with Matt Fraction's run with art by Greg Land, but even with the change of coast lines and the creation of Utopia it wasn't enough to hold my interest in the titles after the disappointment of Age of X and Schism.
So, I will be saying good-bye to the X-Men until Marvel can realize that we need to have characters develop and mature; not jump from one event, to another crisis, to another epic-ground shattering cross-over, back to another event. We need down time and a chance to see the characters we know and love do something other than the same old repeated garbage. Adieu X-Books.

P.S. Does anyone know why and when Wolverine become such a pussy? If it was in Schism then I really don't care.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 11/2/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 11/02/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. Action Comics #3 DC
02. Amazing Spider-Man #673 Marvel
03. American Vampire #20 Vertigo
04. Animal Man #3 DC
05. Batwing #3 DC
06. Detective Comics #3 DC
07. Green Arrow #3 DC
08. Justice League International #3 DC
09. Red Lanterns #3 DC
10. Stormwatch #3 DC
11. Swamp Thing #3 DC

The number 3's are here! DC is moving into their third month of the "New Rejiggered 52" and I know I will be trimming a few titles back this month, but for the most part I have enjoyed where DC is taking us with the characters and stories. Out of this weeks releases I am really looking forward to Swamp Thing, Animal Man, Action Comics and Detective Comics. Amazing Spider-Man is the only Marvel title I picked up this week and I even cringed at this because Spider-Island is still going on and it has been a horrible story (almost as bad as One More Day or O.M.I.T.). Uncanny X-Men #1 came out this week. I will read it but I don't think I will continue with any of the X-titles. Check back this week for my review on the two new X-Men titles. Also on my Marvel "read list to stay current but not picking up" is Fear Itself #7.1 and I'm thinking that it will be a huge let down just like the whole numbered Fear Itself. I know that it seems as if I am hating on Marvel, but they aren't producing quality work and I want to be a True Believer again.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Random Comic Pick - Episode 30

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 30 is Captain Atom #2 written by J.T. Krul with art from Freddie Williams II. Captain Atom is a very powerful character in the DC Universe and in this "New Rejiggered 52" his character has been rebooted to a point where he is just figuring out his powers

After the events of issue one Captain Atom is bombarded of information from the digital airwaves and it is too much for him. He gets this new power under control with help from The Continuum an advanced scientific research facility. He uses this new ability and after sifting through the stream of invisible digital information flowing through the air he hears the plea of a boy dying of brain cancer, and he feels compelled to help.
I don't want to spoil the issue so check it out because it is one of the rare examples of a good story contained in a single issue and that is why it is my random pick this week.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/26/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/26/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. All Star Western #2 DC
02. Amazing Spider-Man #672 Marvel
03. Annihilators: Earthfall #2 of 4 Marvel
04. Aquaman #2 DC
05. Batman: The Dark Knight #2 DC
06. Blackhawks #2 DC
07. Captain America & Bucky #623 Marvel
08. DMZ #70 Vertigo
09. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz #2 of 8 Marvel
10. Flash #2 DC
11. A Game of Thrones #2 Dynamite
12. Green Lantern: New Guardians #2 DC
13. Justice League Dark #2 DC
14. Legion: Secret Origin #1 of 6 DC
15. Spaceman #1 Vertigo
16. Superman #2 DC
17. Voodoo #2 DC

This is the last week of the "New Re-Jiggered 52" number twos and I'm looking forward to reading: All Star Western, Green Lantern: New Guardians, Superman, Justice League Dark, and Aquaman. I know my girlfriend is looking forward to Voodoo this week, and she keeps asking when the next Catwoman issue is out. She obviously has no patience, but I like seeing her interested in not only comics but reading as well.
Overall I must say that I have been impressed with the number twos from this month. Some of them actually renewed my interest in continuing some of the titles I was on the fence about.
I do believe DC has done some great stuff with the "New Rejiggered 52" and despite a dip in sales for the number twos this month (which is not unusual for any number two of a series) I think DC has something going here and I hope they keep it up.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Random Comic Pick - Episode 29

My random comic pick on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 28 is Gotham Central written by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker with are by Michael Lark. I picked this up on a recommendation and loved it, which is how most people came to love this series. It started in 2003 and ended with issue 40 in 2006. It follows the Gotham City Police Department and the lives of those who serve an protect in the city where Batman prowls the streets and super criminals run amok.
Some of the main characters that appeared in the series were Marcus Driver, Romy Chandler, Renee Montoya (who later becomes the Question), Crispus Allen (The Spectre) and Josephine "Josie Mac" MacDonald. A good lead cast has good supporting character and these were mainly the superiors at GCPD, Commissioner Michael Akins, Captain Margaret "Maggie" Sawyer and Lieutenant Ron Probson. You will also find Batman, James Gordon and Harvey Bullock makes appearances throughout the series.
Gotham Central is collected into four hard covers and five soft trades. Here is a list of the soft trades:

Vol. 1: In the Line of Duty
Vol. 2: Half a Life
Vol. 3: Unresolved Targets
Vol. 4: The Quick and the Dead
Vol. 5: Dead Robin

The whole 40 issue series is available for digital download through our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.
If you like any type of TV police drama or even just a good story I would pick up Gotham Central and see what happens in the lives of those on the GCPD.

Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Waui Design Needs Your Help



Robert True, an old friend of mine who recently found out that his son Jayce was diagnosed with Autism. Since I have experience working with autistic children I can understand Robert's desire to be with his son more.
Autism is a difficult disorder because it is a neurological. The characteristics associated with Autism are impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior that can range from mild to severe.
Robert has always been a creative individual so he has decided to try and make a go at doing something that will allow him to provide for his family while giving him the freedom to be with his son more. Robert wants to make cute character t-shirts and he has started a KickStarter.com page to raise money to help him get this dream off the ground (much like the Comedy Button Podcast that is a part of the Geekbox family of podcasts). Please check out more about Robert's t-shirt designs at WauiDesign.com. And if you are interested in helping Robert achieve his goal to be there for his son and provide for his family please visit his Kick Starter Page and pledge your support. And remember that even if you are not able to pledge you can share this with friends and get the word out. Thank you for reading and your support.

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/19/11

For all of the curious people out there wondering what I like to read week to week here is a list of the titles I am going to be picking up for the week of 10/19/11:

(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics.)

01. Batman #2 DC
02. Captain Atom #2 DC
03. Catwoman #2 DC
04. DC Universe Online: Legends #16 DC
05. DC Universe Presents: Deadman #2 DC
06. Fables #110 Vertigo
07. Green Lantern Corps #2 DC
08. Justice League #2 DC
09. Legion of Super-Heroes #2 DC
10. Red Hood and the Outlaws #2 DC
11. Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes #1 IDW
12. Supergirl #2 DC
13. Uncanny X-Men #544 Marvel
14. X-Men #1: 20th Anniversary Edition Marvel

First off I want to say how horrible Fear Itself #7 was. I read it and was so disgusted with what is going on in the Marvel Universe. It was so bad it turned me off from picking up Fear Itself: The Home Front #7 of 7 that came also out today, and from continuing another Marvel title that I have been reading. Check out my blog post why Fear Itself is garabge. Uncanny X-Men has its final continuous issue this week and it marks the death of long running sequential comics at Marvel. All I can say, even though a new inking of Jim Lee's X-Men #1 came out this week (which looks amazing), is this; Marvel you are a huge disappointment.
On the other side of the shelf there is DC's Justice League, Batman, Catwoman, Green Lantern Corps, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Supergirl and DC Universe Presents: Dead Man, to name a few, which are turning out to be great reads! I am really looking forward to Justice League #2, Batman #2 and the Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes cross over from IDW this week. And I know my girlfriend is waiting to see what happens between Catwoman and Batman in Catwoman #2. I think she wants to see a little super hero bump and grind; don't we all.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.

As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.