Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Comic Conspiracy Comic Book Club - November 2013 - Makeshift Miracle Book 1: The Girl From Nowhere

*Update - 12/3/13: Did you enjoy The Comic Conspiracy Book Club Selection Makeshift Miracle Book 1 - The Girl From Nowhere? No one voted on this poll. All of us (except Ryan who hasn't read it yet) enjoyed it on some level, and were glad that Charlie introduced us to this title. Hopefully more people will vote next time.

After some listener input we decided to start having a monthly Comic Book Club. Every last episode of the month we will discuss the book selection at some length, and announce the next book we will be reading. There will be a poll for each book we read every month so come here to cast your vote. (The poll can only be viewed in the web version of Conspirator Brock.com, and it will be located on the right side of the page underneath the "About Me" box.)

Comic Book Club Selection for November 2013: Charlie's Pick

Makeshift Miracle Book 1: The Girl From Nowhere

Hardcover - $13.99 or less at Amazon

Digital - $9.99

"Colby Reynold’s staid existence is turned upside-down when a beautiful young girl named Iris crashes into his life, challenging his understanding of the world – and of himself. Colby’s quest for meaning will lead him to a realm where dreams can come true, if he’s willing to pay the price. Along the way he’ll see sights he’s never fathomed and encounter hidden truths about himself he’ll wish he never knew." - Archaia.com

Charlie's selection for this month's Comic Conspiracy Comic Book Club is Makeshift Miracle Book 1: The Girl From Nowhere which is a surreal fantasy coming-of-age story created by Jim Zubkavich ("Zub" for short), with some amazing art from Shun Hong Chan.

This book collects the first three chapters of this striking web comic.

I have tried to read work by Jim Zub in the past, and it was not up my alley. Skullkickers, which Charlie absolutely loves, (If you want to know how much listen to Episode 100 of The Infinite Longbox), was not for me. But if you love fantasy with a lot of comedic elements then give Skullkickers a read, because it will met these requirements with maybe a little more.
So, at first I was a little off put by this selection, but after compiling this post I think Makeshift Miracle sounds very promising, and in addition, looks amazing. I will be picking this one up for sure.
One of the best things about this comic book club selection is that it is free to read online. Go to MakeshiftMiracle.com, where you can read not only the first three chapters, but the whole series. How can you beat a free comic book club selection?


We will discuss this title at length on Episode 134 of the Comic Conspiracy, which we will record on November 25, 2013.

Contact the Shop to order a copy of this book:
408-245-6275 or email Ryan at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/30/13

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 10/30/13:

(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. Aquaman Annual #1 DC
02. Green Lantern Annual #2 DC
03. Nightwing Annual #1 DC
04. Saga #15 Image
05. The Sandman: Overture #1 of 6 Vertigo
06. Sex #8 DC
07. Swamp Thing Annual #2 DC


Graphic Novels

Batman Vol. 3: Death of the Family (HC - Collects Batman #13-17.) DC
Buy on Amazon

Reading List:

Action Comics Annual #2 DC
Afterlife with Archie #1 Archie
Damian: Son of Batman #1 of 4 DC
Five Ghosts #6 Image
Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #1 of 6 DC
Guardians of the Galaxy #8 DC
Smallville: Season 11 Special - Hollow #3 DC
(Collects Digital Issues #55,59, and 63) Wild Blue Yonder #3 IDW

Well I have some reading to get to, and you have some books to get from your local comic book store or online at our digital store. Thank you for stopping by.

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.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 130


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The Comic Conspiracy — Episode 130 (2013-10-28)
Friend of the podcast Brandon Fried joins us again this week as we discuss horror comics, Batfleck, flea market comic vendors, Ryan’s love of sports, NFL SuperPro, sports comics, not playing Arkham Origin, webcomics, Green Lantern reading order, Iron Man: Secret Origin, surprise Arrow villain, Captain America: Winter Soldier trailer, Toby’s Comic Conspiracy Book of the Month pick Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, and some random picks of the week. Starring Ryan Higgins, Brandon Fried, Bryce Larsen, Brock Sager, Toby Sidler, and Charlie West.
Running Time: 1h 50m 39s
Direct Download iTunesZune MarketplaceRSS

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/23/13

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 10/23/13:

(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 #25 DC
02. Aquaman #24 DC
03. Batman: The Dark Knight #25 DC
04. Catwoman #24 DC
05. Clone #11 Image
06. Flash #24 DC
07. Harbinger #17 Valiant
08. Justice League #24 DC
09. Justice League Dark #24 DC
10. Pretty Deadly #1 Image
11. Red Lanterns #24 DC
12. Superman #24 DC
13. Unwritten #54 Vertigo
14. Velvet #1 Image


Graphic Novels

Suicide Squad Vol. 3: Death is for Suckers (TPB - Collects Suicide Squad #14-19.) DC
Buy on Amazon

Reading List:

Adventures of Superman #6 DC
Arrow #12 DC
Daredevil #32 Marvel
DC Universe Vs. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #2 DC
Injustice: Gods Among Us #10 DC
Larfleeze #4 DC
Rat Queens #2 Image
Sex Criminals #2 Image
Talon #12 DC

Well I have some reading to get to, and you have some books to get from your local comic book store or online at our digital store. Thank you for stopping by.

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.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 129


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The Comic Conspiracy — Episode 129 (2013-10-21)
Toby channels Machete this week, as we discuss starting to read manga, Halloween Comicfest, DC’s Five Years Later, new Marvel crossover, Rick Remender books we like (or don’t), talking about talking about Image, Beware the Batman, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Arrow Season 2, and Walking Dead Season 4. Starring Ryan Higgins, Omar Brodrick, Bryce Larsen, Brock Sager, Toby Sidler, and Charlie West.
Running Time: 1h 15m 13s
Direct Download iTunesZune MarketplaceRSS


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/16/13

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 10/16/13:

(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. Animal Man #24 DC
02. Batman and Two-Face #24 DC
03. Batwoman #24 DC
04. Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #15 Valiant
05. Fables #134 Vertigo
06. Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1 of 6 DC
07. Green Lantern: New Guardians #24 DC
08. Justice League of America #8 DC
09. Sheltered #4 Image
10. Trinity of Sin: Pandora #4 DC
11. X-O Manowar #18 Valiant


Graphic Novels

Joker: Death of the Family (HC - Collects Detective Comics #16-17, Catwoman #13-14, Batgirl #14-16, Red Hood and the Outlaws #15-16, Teen Titans #15, Nightwing #15-16, Batman and Robin #15-17, Batman #17. Also collects the portions of the following issues: Suicide Squad #14-15, Batgirl #13, Red Hood and the Outlaws #13-14, Teen Titans #14, #16, Nightwing #14 and Batman #13.)  DC
Buy on Amazon

Reading List:

Batman / Superman #4 DC
Guardians of the Galaxy #7 Marvel
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #7 DC
Justice League of America's Vibe #8 DC
Legends of the Dark Knight #13 DC
100 Bullets: Brother Lono #5 of 8 Vertigo
Red Hood and the Outlaws #24 DC
Thief of Thieves #17 Image
X-Files: Season 10 #5 IDW
Zero #2 Image


Well I have some reading to get to, and you have some books to get from your local comic book store or online at our digital store. Thank you for stopping by.

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, October 14, 2013

The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 128


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The Comic Conspiracy — Episode 128 (2013-10-14)
Tons and tons of New York Comic Con 2013 news this week, including the return of Miracleman, why this might not be a good thing, All-New Marvel NOW! creative teams, a new New Warriors comic, Robert Kirkman’s Outcast, Batman: Eternal, Detective Comics #27, and a bunch of listener questions. Starring Ryan Higgins, Brock Sager, Toby Sidler, and Charlie West.
Running Time: 1h 20m 15s
Direct Download iTunesZune MarketplaceRSS

Friday, October 11, 2013

Comics Conspiracy Sale - October 18th through the 20th

Hello comic fans!

It’s once again time for our Annual October Sale! No tricks, just lots of great treats in the way of amazing discounts on nearly everything in the store! Stock up on great books for the holidays or maybe a few treats for yourself with these amazing deals:

- Thousands of BRAND NEW 50-cent books outside!
- All Back Issues $9.99 and under are just $1.00 each!
- All Back Issues $10.00 and over are 50% off!
- All Toys and Statues are 20% off!
- All New and Used Graphic Novels are 25% off!
- All Current Comics are 25% off!

These amazing deals will only be available from Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th during our regular business hours, so don’t miss out!

(As always, This Week’s New Comics, Graphic Novels, subscriptions, and items on hold are not applicable)

--

Ryan Higgins
Comics Conspiracy
115-A East Fremont Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
408-245-6275
www.comicsconspiracy.biz

Arrow - Season 2 Premiere Teases the Green

Arrow came back last night, and there was action, story, Olie porn, character development, some sexy females, more action, guns, blood, bruises, and a huge tease at the end. This prime time TV show has moved my must watch live TV to Wednesday nights.
I caught up with Arrow: Season 1 just after the season finale. At first this show wasn't catching my attention. It felt like it was trying to be Smallville during the bad seasons in the middle (4-6), but Arrow did a great job of telling two stories at once, and building a show filled with solid story, cameos, interesting characters, and a good dose of action.
So, now that the new season is here with all of the great things from season 1, more development, and maybe a name change from "The Hood" to "Green Arrow", Wednesday nights will be filled with arrows in my future. This show is a great example of quality rime time TV, and as long as it shoots true then this show will definitely beat out Agents of Shield on my must watch list.
I wanted to point out that even though they hinted at the "Green Arrow" name change in the trailer for season 2; the execution of it at the end of the premiere felt fresh and still a worked as a huge tease.

And if you love Arrow I would recommend reading the digital first comic from the show, or if you still prefer the physical comics I would recommend the following trades for a good dose of "Green Arrow."

Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunter
Green Arrow: Year One
Green Arrow: Quiver
Green Arrow: The Sounds of Violence (Vol. 2)
Green Arrow: The Archer's Quest

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Walking Dead: Season 4 Premiere is Sunday People!

Now I have been hesitant to watch cable TV shows when they come out live, because I haven't had or cared enough to have cable. Also, for years I have enjoyed watching cable TV shows in chunks on DVD or Blu-ray. Yes, I'm always a year behind, but it was just cost efficient to do it this way.
Well now I have cable service at my house since it came with the internet package I signed up for this summer through Comcast. I just got the Economy Channels, which in my area includes the AMC channel. So, this Sunday at 9:00 PM I will be sitting down to watch the season 4 premiere of The Walking Dead.
I will do my best to stay current with it all season. So, check back here for my reactions to the show, and maybe some The Walking Dead comic information too; since it is an amazing series that you should be reading.
If you are interested in reading The Walking Dead then you should pick up issues #1-114, which for a limited time are on sale for $99.99 digitally at the Comics Conspiracy Comixology Storefront. Or you can get a great deal on the huge The Walking Dead: Compendium One over at Amazon. (When I made this link it was only $27.14 [retails for $59.99])

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Ninjabot Print Giveaway or Something to That Effect

Ryan has talked about giving away some prints from The Ninjabot. They are an online fine art print company that is the brain child of Arnel Baluyot and Estefania Rodriguez. These two love to create geek-centric art, which is pretty amazing.

So, apparently they contacted Ryan some time ago, and offered to give us some prints from their current Kickstarter Project: Origin Series II. As of this posting they only have 8 days and a couple hundred dollars to get to their goal of $13,000.

So if you like what you see you should definitely back them, and get some cool stuff.
Ryan has yet to figure out what we are going to do with the prints or how we will give them away, but stay tuned to The Comic Conspiracy for more information.

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/9/13

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 10/9/13:

(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. America's Got Powers # 7 of 7 Image
02. Archer & Armstrong #14 Valiant
03. Batgirl #24 DC
04. Batman #24 DC
05. Batman: Arkham Unhinged #19 DC
06. Eternal Warrior #2 Valiant
07. Forever Evil: Arkham War #1 of 6 DC
08. Green Lantern Corps #24 DC
09. Star Wars #10 Dark Horse
10. Suicide Squad #24 DC
11. Worlds' Finest #16 DC


Reading List:

Coffin Hill #1 Vertigo
Constantine #7 DC
Deathmatch #10 Boom!
FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #4 Vertigo (formally Collider)
Ghosted #4 Image
Infinity #4 of 6 Marvel
Peter Panzerfaust #15 Image
Sidekick #3 Image
Smallville: Season 11 #16 DC
Sons of Anarchy #2 of 6 Boom!
Superman / Wonder Woman #1 DC
Thor: God of Thunder #14 Marvel
Three #1 Image


Thank you for taking the time to read through my pull list. Now get over to your local comic shop or click over to our digital storefront, and get your own picks of the week.

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.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

The Comic Conspiracy: Episode 127


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The Comic Conspiracy — Episode 127 (2013-10-07)
This weeks, the Red Sox lose to the Rays in Game 3, but we also discuss Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Episodes 1 and 2, possible new DC books and creative teams, sales charts for September, 2013, the Gotham TV show, and some more JLA: Earth-2 reviews. Starring Ryan Higgins, Bryce Larsen, Brock Sager, Toby Sidler, and Charlie West.
Running Time: 1h 27m 53s
Direct Download iTunesZune MarketplaceRSS

Agents of Shield...Hits High on Cheese, and Low With Content

Coming off the success of The Avengers, and the return of Agent Coulson; Agents of Shield was suppose to be the TV show that would keep the excitement alive for the Marvel Universe between movies (at least that was what it appeared to be). The show has officially had two episodes air, and Marvel's move to TV has been less than impressive. The show is filled with forced acting, dialogue that struggles to get to the next sub-par joke or fan-boy reference, and action that is so PG it is almost unbelievable.

Audiences have now been re-introduced to Agent Coulson who is going to end up being an unaware Life Model Decoy (LMD), and to his team of characters that are suppose to be the first line of defense in a world after the Battle of New York. If this is the extent of the team this show is doomed, because this team is going to be a predictable in every clash of personality, which leaves the potential for the amazing at a chance of slim-to-none.

Also, this team is just a bunch of people who want to do their part to save the world, which is great, except for the fact that one might ask while watching the show; why do they have to do it together? From what we've seen so far they've tackled a normal guy given powers through a combination of Extremis technology from the failure that was Iron Man 3, and the technology from the invading alien race the Chitauri. They even survived their lame team building experience with the retrieval of a laser powered by unstable tesseract energy by stopping the good turned evil acquaintance of the old Agent Coulson from taking it, and killing them all. Overall, this team doesn't live up to the caliber of character that an agent of the Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate (S.H.I.E.L.D.) should have. If this continues the Marvel TV world is on a crash course with cancellation. Just another mar on Marvel Studio's media portfolio for at least fans of the comics and good story telling.

A lot of us are still hopeful that Agents of Shield will find its footing, and hopefully be the show it should be; a great engine to introduce the Marvel Universe to the masses. Only time will tell, but with these two episodes it doesn't look good.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 10/2/13

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 10/2/13:

(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 #24 DC
02. Bedlam #9 Image
03. Detective Comics #24 DC
04. Earth 2 #16 DC
05. Fairest #20 Vertigo
06. Forever Evil #2 of 7 DC
07. Green Lantern #24 DC
08. Lazarus #4 Image
09. Quantum and Woody #4 Valiant
10. Shadowman #11 Valiant*
11. Swamp Thing #24 DC

*We were shorted or copies at the shop so I'll be picking this up when we get more in.

Reading List:

Batwing #24 DC
Green Arrow #24 DC
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe #6 DC
Hinterkind #1 Vertigo
The Star Wars Dark Horse
Trillium #3 Vertigo
Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger #12 DC


Well I have some reading to get to, and you have some books to get from your local comic book store or online at our digital store. Thank you for stopping by.
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, October 1, 2013

The Comic Conspiracy Comic Book Club - October 2013 - Jim Henson's Tale of Sand

*Update - 10/29/13: Did you enjoy reading the Comic Conspiracy Comic Book Club selection Jim Henson's Tale of Sand? Two people voted, and the results are as follows: 1 Yes Vote, and 1 No Vote. I forgot to cast my vote so you could add another one to the yes category. Thanks for voting.

After some listener input we decided to start having a monthly Comic Book Club. Every last episode of the month we will discuss the book selection at some length, and announce the next book we will be reading. There will be a poll for each book we read every month so come here to cast your vote. (The poll can only be viewed in the web version of Conspirator Brock.com, and it will be located on the right side of the page underneath the "About Me" box.)

Comic Book Club Selection for October 2013: Toby's Pick

Jim Henson's Tale of Sand

Hardcover - $19.99 or less at Amazon

Digital - Not Available

"Join us as we explore this missing piece of Jim Henson’s career in a celebration of his creative process. Discovered in the Archives of The Jim Henson Company, Tale of Sand is an original graphic novel adaptation of an unproduced, feature-length screenplay written by Jim Henson and his frequent writing partner, Jerry Juhl. Tale of Sand follows scruffy everyman Mac, who wakes up in an unfamiliar town, and is chased across the desert of the American Southwest by all manners of man and beast of unimaginable proportions. Produced under the complete supervision of Henson Company CEO Lisa Henson, Tale of Sand will allow Henson fans to recognize some of the inspirations and set pieces that appeared in later Henson Company productions." - Archaia.com


Toby's selection for this month's Comic Conspiracy Comic Book Club is Jim Henson's Tale of Sand. This original graphic novel is based on an unproduced screenplay from Jim Henson and Jerry Juhl, with art from Ramon Perez.

I was taken aback by the obscurity of this selection. It is an obscure pick that I am actually curious to check out now that I have done a bit of research on it.
Toby talked about a couple of Henson shorts that where the inspiration or beginnings of Tale of Sand: Time Piece and The Cube. I'm going to watch these two shorts and give Tale of Sand a try.
We will discuss this title at length on Episode 130 of the Comic Conspiracy, which we will record on October 28, 2013.

Contact the Shop to order a copy of this book:
408-245-6275 or email Ryan at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz