Monday, July 30, 2012

My Top Five Comic Movies...(thus far)

It was brought up on Episode 67 of The Comic Conspiracy, and I posted this in the Geekbox Forums, but here it is for you to enjoy, ridicule, or fain indifference.


My Top 5 Comic Book Movies

1) The Dark Knight
2) Avengers
3) The Dark Knight Rises
4) Batman Begins
5) Rotating spot (Iron Man, Batman, Batman Returns, Captain America, and 300)

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 7/25/12

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 7/25/12:

(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 Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. All Star Western #11 DC
02. American Vampire #29 Vertigo
03. Aquaman #11 DC
04. Batman: The Dark Knight #11 DC
05. Flash #11 DC
06. Green Lantern #11 DC
07. Green Lantern: New Guardians #11 DC
08. Justice League Dark #11 DC
09. The Manhattan Projects #5 Image
10. National Comics: Eternity One-Shot DC
11. Super Dinosaur #12 Image
12. Superman #11 DC
13. Superman Family Adventures #3 DC
14. Voodoo #11 DC


Graphic Novels
Scalped: Vol. 9 - Knuckle Up Vertigo
(collects #50-55)

Reading List:

Amazing Spider-Man #690 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Comedian #2 of 6 DC
Captain America #15 Marvel
Winter Soldier #8 Marvel

If you come here every week, you know that I list the titles I'm looking forward, and this week will be no different. Here are those books that will be at the bottom of my read pile, because you need to save the best for last. Here are those books in order: Justice League Dark, All Star Western, Aquaman, and Green Lantern. Yes, I know the last two are Geoff Johns titles, but they are amazing reads that every month I look forward to.
Now there is a new book on my pull list called National Comics. DC is putting out some one-shots, and if the characters interest me I'm going to give them a try. Kid Eternity is the featured character this week, and to be honest I have no idea who this character i, but I figure I can give it a one-shot to see if I'm interested. You should too.
I had to pick up the latest trade paperback of Scalped, because that shit is so fucking awesome. Thank you again Ryan Higgins for suggesting this title to me. If you haven't tried Scalped by Jason Aaron you are indeed missing out on a dark, gritty, and intense look at life on the Rez. The ongoing series ends soon in single issue, but that doesn't stop Scalped from being a must read title from Vertigo. Pick up a copy of the first trade for yourself if you don't believe me.
As for my reading list from Marvel I'm still enjoying Captain America, Winter Soldier, and Spider-Man is entertaining enough, but with the Marvel Now looming I'm not sure if much of any Marvel titles will stick to my reading list. We will just have to wait to see.
Now it is time for you to get down to you local comic book store, and get your fix; unless you're just going to download them digitally from the Comics Conspiracy Digital Store then sit back and enjoy this week's dose.

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

Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Dark Knight Rises Midnight Shooting

A human tragedy happened in America the night of the midnight release for "The Dark Knight Rises", when a man in a gas mask burst into a Century Theaters in Aurora Colorado throwing gas canisters, and opening fire on a packed house of movie goers. Twelve people are confirmed dead at this time, and 58 others were wounded. The gun man who has been identified James Holmes was arrested at the scene, but during initial questioning he reveled that there was a bomb in his apartment. When investigators arrived on the scene they found booby traps, and began the daunting task of safely disarming the traps, and bombs while trying to keep evidence from being destroyed. This is still an ongoing event, and all of our Nation’s thoughts, and prayers should be with the victims, and people of Aurora Colorado.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 7/18/12

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 7/18/12:

(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 Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. Batwoman #11 DC
02. Captain Atom #11 DC
03. Catwoman #11 DC
04. DC Universe Presents: Savage #11 DC
05. Fables #119 Vertigo
06. Green Lantern Corps #11 DC
07. Justice League #11 DC
08. Legion of Super-Heroes #11 DC
09. Red Hood and the Outlaws #11 DC
10. Saga #5 Image
11. Unwritten #39 Vertigo
12. X-O Manowar #3 Valiant


Reading List:

Avengers Vs X-Men #8 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #2 of 4 DC
Daredevil #15 Marvel


Another week goes by, and I have another round of books to enjoy. My top reads for the week will just have to be Justice League, X-O Manowar, DC Universe Presents: Savage, Green Lantern Corps, and Saga. I got nothing else this week. Sorry for the delay in posting. Now, get down to your local shop to get your fix people.


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

Monday, July 16, 2012

#Dirty Laundry...Watch and Share

Dirty Laundry is a short film about the Punisher, but not about the Punisher, because of obvious legal reasons, debuted at San Diego Comic Con this weekend, and it is a masterpiece of short cinema. Directed by Phil Joanou, and starring Thomas Jane (remember he was Frank Castle in the good Punisher movie) and Ron Perlman (of Hellboy and Sons of Anarchy fame). All I can say is that after watching this I really fucking want to see a new Punisher movie done with this intensity, and of course the gore and violence would have to be in it to. See for yourself.



Now I really need to get to reading those Garth Ennis Punisher books. Oh and here is the beautiful Tim Bradstreet logo from Dirty Laundry.

Injustice: Gods Among Us Gets Another Trailer

A little while ago DC announced a fighting game with just DC characters. I was sold just because I'm currently a DC whore, but if you missed the first trailer here it is, and I must say it was sweet.



And DC didn't forget to give us some more from Injustice. Here is the new trailer filled with game play that was shown down at San Diego Comic Con.



I'm sold. Where do I pre-order? I guess that will depend on the extras.

New Sandman mini series by Neil Gaiman 2013

Brand new Sandman story by Niel Gaiman with art by J.H. Williams III due out next year. I am so excited for this. By far this was the best news out of San Diego Comic Con, and if you didn't think so then you haven't read Sandman.

But I'll let you hear it from Neil himself.


We should get started on planning the midnight party, but for no enjoy this Sandman teaser piece from J.H. Williams III.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

10 Random Questions: Ethan Van Sciver

I asked some creators ten random questions, and Ethan Van Sciver was nice enough to respond. Here are his responses to my ten random questions:

01) What B, C, or D list comic book character is your favorite?

Plastic Man


02) What B, C, or D list comic book team is your favorite?

The Inferior Five


03) What form do you write your comic book scripts in, and is there a good book to read up on this?

"I've never written a script!"

04) What is your biggest vice?

"Collecting movies and getting those movies autographed. It's a sickness."

05) What pisses you off to no end?

"Being gravely misunderstood."

06) When you draw what helps you keep focused?

"Caffeine and audiobooks."

07) Would you want a working Bowel Disruptor Gun or the Lasso of Truth?

"Tough choice. The Bowel Disruptor Gun would be more fun, but the lasso is more useful. I'd go with the Lasso of Truth."

08) What was your first comic book, read or bought that got you hooked on comics?

Fantastic Four vs. the X-Men #1 (1987)


09) Sandwich or salad?

"Sandwich."

10) Your alcoholic beverage of choice?

"A dark beer. Guinness."


Thank you Ethan for your candid answers, and especially for responding to my questions. Keep up the good work, and if we ever meet in person a Guinness is on me.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Comics Conspiracy: The Walking Dead 100 Release Party

Thank you to every one who came out to our little release party. If you couldn't you missed out. First, on Ryan Higgins beautiful collection of Walking Dead #1 to 100, which he proudly displayed on the wall. Second, you missed out on Leann Hill made food which was delicious, and themed; zombie fingers with maggots, zombie brains, and zombie eyeballs. Thirdly you didn't experience the first season of Walking Dead in black and white, and you missed out on a fun Walking Dead experience with the first two chapters of the PS3 downloadable chose you own story game. Maybe you can be there for issue #200.

Photo by: Trevor

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

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 7/11/12:

(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 Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)

01. American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #2 of 5 Vertigo
02. Batgirl #11 DC
03. Batman #11 DC
04. Batman and Robin #11 DC
05. Batman: Arkham Unhinged #4 DC
06. Bloodshot #1 Valiant
07. Demon Knights #11 DC
08. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #11 DC
09. A Game of Thrones #9 Dynamite
10. Harbinger #2 Valiant
11. Legion Lost #11 DC
12. The Massive #2 Dark Horse
13. Peter Panzerfaust #5 Image
14. Planetoid #2 Image
15. Resurrection Man #11 DC
16. The Shade #10 of 12 DC
17. Suicide Squad #11 DC
18. Swamp Thing #11 DC
19. Walking Dead #100 Image

Reading List:

AvX: Vs #4 of 6 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Minute Men #2 of 6 DC
Captain America #14 Marvel
Grifter #11 DC
Hoax Hunters #1 Image


Big week this week, and if you are reading Walking Dead it is a large ass week for you period. Out of all of the books this week I'm looking forward to the delayed Swamp Thing, Resurrection Man, Suicide Squad, and Batman. I'm still in shock over the cancellation of Resurrection Man especially since Deathstroke is unreadable now, and Grifter (what is up with the artist trying to do Rob Liefled?) is heading in the same direction. DC you are shooting yourself in the foot with some of these editorial decisions.
Night of Owls is suppose to conclude with this issue of Batman, and I can't wait to see how Scott it all up. In addition I must say that I am super stoked for "Death of the Family", and the return of Joker.
I am going to give Hoax Hunters a read this week to see if it is worth putting on my pull list. I can already say that this will be the last time I pick up the AvX: Vs title. Just flipping through the book I can't stand the art on the Thor Vs Phoenixed Emma Frost, and will most likely not be able to get through reading. (Update: I couldn't get through it and it sucked so bad I'm not reading AvX: Vs any more. Thank god.)
Overall week two is always a fair week of reading for me, and I'm always anxious to get to it because there are so many titles to read. So, like always go get your fix, and this week be sure to pick up your favorite cover to Walking Dead #100 or all of them.


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

Friday, July 6, 2012

Amazing Spider-Man Movie Review...He Finally Has Web Shooters!

First off I want to thank the family that sat behind me for almost ruining this movie going experience. Let me put this out there, and hope you get it. Your son needs to shut up, don't foot tap seats in front of you, and why do you need to read each name at the end credits to your illiterate child? Inconsiderate people suck.
Now that I have that out of the way. I went to see a movie called Amazing Spider-Man, and it was overall a good movie. This installment reboots the Spider-Man film franchise, and it did a fair job of bringing a new Peter Parker/Spider-Man to the big screen. I could see a lot of influence from the Ultimate Spider-Man books in this version of the film, as well as a solid modernization of Gwen Stacy while keeping her look very "sixties/seventies", and I was so happy they actually had a believable smart-ass Peter Parker/Spider-Man who makes his web shooters. The casting in the movie was really solid: Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man worked, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy was perfection, Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Conners was great, Denis Leary as George Stacy...it's Denis "Fucking" Leary nuff' said, and Martin Sheen and Sally Field as Uncle Ben and Aunt May were solid as younger versions of these characters. All of the actors did a fantastic job in this movie, and I hope they continue with this franchise till the end.
The film had a lot of sad moments, and emotionally charged scenes that had some of the audience members at the showing I went to in tears; not sobbing tears, but I distinctly heard some intense sniffles. So, I can see why this Spider-Man movie might attract more girls into theaters (which is how you make money by the way; get the females into something, and the boys will spend money on it without a second thought). I was a little bummed that there wasn't a J. Jonah Jameson appearance in the movie, but who else would be able to play him besides J.K. Simmons.
Overall, I liked this movie it was entertaining, and engaging enough that I wasn't bored, and I think the only complaint that could hold ground is that it was a little to early to do a reboot of this film franchise. There is always room for improvement, and since Spider-Man has already been slated for a trilogy I would say they got two more films to make the whole thing spectacular.
I will talk at length more about what I liked, and didn't like about this film on The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 65, because my co-host Ryan Higgins didn't like the movie, and is claiming it is worse than Spider-Man 3. Episode 65 is going to be an interesting podcast.
If you want to know if you should see Amazing Spider-Man in the theaters I say, find a matinee or a discount theater if you really have to see it on the big screen; there isn't enough eye candy to justify a big screen showing. However, if your girlfriend says she wants to see it you go anytime she wants. It was a good movie, not sensational, just good. So, if you are down for some comic book hero action, and drama then you need to get to a local theater and check out Amazing Spider-Man.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 7/4/12

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 7/4/12:

(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 Dark Horse books because you cannot buy them through our site.)

01. Action Comics #11 DC
02. Animal Man #11 DC
03. Batwing #11 DC
04. Creator-Owned Heroes #2 Image
05. Danger Club #3 Image
06. Detective Comics #11 DC
07. Dial H #3 DC
08. Earth 2 #3 DC
09. Fairest #5 Vertigo
10. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #1 DC
11. Justice League International #11 DC
12. Red Lanterns #11 DC
13. Smallville: Season 11 #3 DC
15. Swamp Thing #11 DC *
16. Thief of Thieves #6 Image
17. Worlds' Finest #3 DC

*Swamp Thing #11 is only available digitally due to a printing error. Will be on shelves next week.

Graphic Novels
Batman: Earth One (HC - Original Graphic Novel) DC
Batman: Knightfall - Vol. 1 (TPB - collects Vengance of Bane Special #1, Batman #491-500, Detective Comics #659-666, Showcase '93 #7-8, and Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-18) DC *
Batman: Knightfall Vol. 2 - Knightquest (TPB - collects Detective Comics #667-675, Batman: Shadow of the Bat #19-20 and 24-28, Batman #501-508, Catwoman #6-7, and Robin #7) DC *
Invincible: Vol. 16 - Family Ties (TPB - collects #85-90) Image
Suicide Squad: Vol. 1 - Kicked in the Teeth (TPB - collects #1-7) DC

*Some of the issues may not be available through Comixology.

Reading List:
Amazing Spider-Man #689 Marvel
Avengers Vs X-Men #7 Marvel
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 of 6 DC

First off I want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July! Now that we have that out of the way it is new comic book day, and if you are lucky your local comic book store is open for business on this holiday. I am one of the lucky ones so I get to enjoy Animal Man, Earth 2, Creator Owned Heroes, and the Batman: Earth One original graphic novel today, which I have been excited about since it was solicited back with Superman: Earth One. How could you go wrong though with the creative team-up of writer Geoff Johns and artist Gary Frank? You can't in my opinion. You should really get out there, and grab a copy before they sell out. Anyway, it was a fairly large trade week for me, and I am looking forward to reading them all eventually.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe came out today as well and I figured I would give it a try. James Robinson has been doing some amazing work with Earth 2, and I'm curious to see what he does with He-Man.
As for the titles on my reading list I can only say that Amazing Spider-Man is far from amazing, AvX is actaully a hundred times better since John Romita Jr. is no longer drawing the book, and I'm not sure about Before Watchmen: Ozymandias. I like the character, and I want to see some back story, but Jae Lee's art kills it for me. I think it is going to be good, but not great.
Well, that's my little blurb about today's new releases. Now go get your fix, and then enjoy the day with family and friends. If you feel so inclined read the "Declaration of Independence" just because it is America's birthday.

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 or 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, July 3, 2012

George Perez talks openly at Toronto Comic Con 2012

At the Toronto Comic Con this year George Perez talked about his life, comics and more. Here are some of the things he said that I though merited pointing out (I did paraphrase a little...sorry George):

"The Teen Titans are just the Justice Little League."

I laughed and immediately tweeted this.

"Lying doesn't really help. And spin can only go so far."

This is so true. Marvel and DC should take note of this and apply.

"In this digital age we are dealing with the most cynical group of readers we could ever hope to nurture. And we created them."

Scroll through comments to articles, and you'll see prime examples of this.

"They want me for the new direction not the nostalgia. That makes me feel like the pretty girl everyone wants to dance with."

No comment.

"Everything is by committee. The New 52 is by committee.

The Darkness of Hollywood is creeping out at DC. I'm just waiting for the Comic Book Writer's Guild.

You must be millionaires to read comics.

I feel like this every Wednesday.

I don't want to draw storyboards I want to draw comics.

I don't want to read storyboards! I want to read comics.

Let me just do the best comic I can.

Spoken like a professional, a passionate artist, and someone giving his audience a human moment.

In answer the the last question George said this about the corporate feel at DC and Superman: (Thank You Bleeding Cool for the transcript of this part.)

"Things are being second guessed left and right, a case of too many chiefs, not enough Indians now. Whether it will work? Who am I to say. They want it to be like Hollywood, and it’s becoming like Hollywood, in producing comics, and what you have is a corporate room deciding where things are going to go. And part of the reason for me leaving Superman is that I had certain ideas I wanted to do unfortunately, stuff that they okay one day, they would change their mind the next day, and it was becoming way too difficult, slowing us down. That was unfortunate. I hope they succeed for the industry’s sake. In the case of Superman they didn’t want a writer, they wanted a typewriter. They have to deal with people producing the movie, who also had a say in what’s going on in the comic as well. My one fear, I’m not producing a comic, I’m producing a storyboard for a movie, that’s not what I wanted to do.

So I decided to bow out, and stay on as penciller, where I have fewer headaches – not no headaches, but fewer headaches, In doing World’s Finest, everything’s still being decided at the last minute. They needed a design for Power Girl, they didn’t ask me.They finally gave me the design, they needed to get it out solicitations, got it drawn, got it colored, got it printed in the solicitation, they called me a week later, we changed our mind on the Power Girl costumes, so now I have to do a patch on the first issue cover and for a mercenary, practical and financial point of view, I just lost the resale value on my artwork, because now the character’s not the same character that appears on the cover and they screwed me out of that, and I shouldn’t have to be thinking about that but you guys really have to make up your minds!

When an artists like Dan Jurgens, one of the fastest most professional in the industry, when I was working with him on Teen Titans, he was always three months ahead of schedule. I was having a hell of a time keeping up with him. On Green Arrow, he was basically trying just to make the deadline and not be late, because kept changing their mind on the stories.

In the case of Superman I didn’t want to wait around any more. I need to get away, it was not conducive. I didn’t want to end up hating working on the book."


DC has been doing a great job staying on time, keeping the line engaging and fresh, and giving readers a solid universe to jump into, but how long can you keep that up with so few, as George put it, Indians? I think we are starting to see the cracks in the DC comics corporate machine, and I just hope they can get past the spin of Before Watchmen, "a" gay Green Lantern, and zero issues to focus on what is really important; making the best comics.

Here is the full George Perez Q&A thanks to Jamie Colville.

Original Bleeding Cool Article by Rich Johnston.

It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What? 7/3/12

It has been an interesting two days a the shop with the carpets getting cleaned, electrical fires being avoided, and a credit card machine disaster, which I'm surprised I don't have more to post, but Ryan kept his cool through most of it so I don't have much to say about that.
What I do have is Ryan was talking about his love for MLP, Internet Rule 34, Bronies, and Clopping. Now that I'm typing this maybe I should have just recorded the whole conversation. Anyway the reason why I bring those things up is this question was eventually asked by one of our customers:

"What do you call fapping to comic books?"

To which Higgins replied without skipping a beat:

"Sealing the mylars."

So, now you know what to call it when you spank it to Starfire you are in fact "Sealing the Mylars."

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