Review: SUPERMAN #39 is The First Feel-Good Comic Of The Year

Well, that Super Sons crossover must have been rough for the Man of Steel. Superman had to fight a maniac, learn his son, Jon, is going to blow up Metropolis, and then work together with a Super-family member he does not recognize to save his son. I know he’s a superhero and alternate timelines are common, but I’m pretty sure any father would freak out over what he had learned. You’d expect such a heavy revelation earns an epilogue for the Man of Steel… Instead, we have a one-off story. A shame considering the outcome, one can only hope a one-off story is fantastic enough to fill the gap.

**Some Spoilers Below**

Story:

After fighting the villainous Demolition Team outside a children’s hospital, Superman’s attention is caught by the cancer ward. Being the all-around good guy he is, he asks the hospital if he could take the kids on a trip. When he gets the go-ahead, Superman, with the help of the Justice League, take the children on the best field trip ever.

Despite my disappointment for lack of an epilogue, I really enjoyed this issue. This is a lighthearted one-off story to show that Superman comics aren’t always mass destruction. One of his greatest characteristics of the Man of Steel is his compassion and the amount of work he goes to for these kids really show it off. This field trip that he puts on is one I think we’d all want as kids. Even though the field trip is clearly impossible for the real world, the people are portrayed real enough to be drawn in.

Art:

The art goes well with the issue. I’d say the art team found the perfect middle ground for a more lighthearted story. Most comics nowadays are drawn in such a big and colorful style, it’s almost screaming for readers to take notice. While it would work for a high flying action comic, it would feel weird in one more subtle.

That’s where the beauty of this art comes in. Barry Kitson’s pencil work on the characters is subdued. Instead of these big cartoonish expressions, the book has them smaller, almost realistic. Along with the vibrant colors that are a staple for Superman comics, this book is a delight to look at.

Conclusion:

Even though there are many fantastic dark arcs in the Superman comics as of late, it’s nice to have a pleasant one like this. The story is lighthearted and will remind you why Superman is one of the greatest heroes. The art stays grounded and fits the story masterfully. This is a story that everyone needs to read. It will give you a smile that lasts all day.

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YI SOON SHIN: A Comic Book Where History Unfolds In Epic And Gruesome Ways

Ruben Diaz

In epic fashion, Yi Soon Shin tells the tale of a Korean Naval Admiral’s fight to save his people against invading Japanese forces. The sound of a historical comic book might not appeal to many. But Yi Soon Shin’s sprawling chapters unfold with an intriguing story about the people behind the history. And also, it’s a comic book, and therefore not a history lesson, so it’s a fun action story to boot.

Writing: Onrie Kompan
Art: Giovanni Timpano
Colors: Adriana De Los Santos
Letters: Joel Saavedra
Co-Writer/Editor: David Anthony Kraft

“A war is coming and many are going to die.” – Admiral Yi

WRITING

Onrie Kompan scripted a story that weaves history into fiction in a way that does not bog down the narrative or leave it without substance. We meet Yi Soon late into the introduction of the story. Yi’s introduction is a sequence worthy of any hero. But before meeting Yi, we’re introduced to the Japanese leaders spearheading the invasion. Kompan handles the story by using dialogue and narration. It’s balanced well. Each portion of the text is offering something that advances the narrative and keeps the pace moving. During action scenes, the narration is a somber reminder of the consequences of war. The narration also serves to build the legend of Yi.

Co-Writer and editor David Anthony Kraft keeps the narrative tight and precise. Only a few moments occur when some more text could be trimmed. However, it’s important to note for readers that the dialogue in the book is not “historically accurate.” For starters, this Korean story is being told in English leading to things that might get lost in translation and it makes use of creative license. Secondly, modernisms like “man up” crop up from time to time. For readers looking for the dialogue to keep you in the 16th century at all times, Yi Soon Shin falls short. But the “modern speak” is not overused or distracting otherwise.

ART

Giovanni Timpano is a veteran artist from Italy who works on books like Lone Ranger/Green Hornet and Cyberforce. Timpano’s style has great range, and here he marries it with something reminiscent of centuries-old oil paintings. Adriana De Los Santos provides the right mixture of colors to make this old-school style come alive. The book looks rich and it provides the comic book a gravitas that plays perfectly into the weight of the story at hand. Lines are thick, but not muddled. Colors are muted but not desaturated. Layered on the visuals is crisp lettering from Joel Saavedra. However, one gripe is the yellow text on orange background used for the narration. It can be a little intense at times and such a sharp change from the more muted feel of everything else.

CONCLUSION

Yi Soon Shin is a careful blend of history and fiction. It’s a rare feat for any story to pull off, but this comic book does so with great skill. Unofficially, this is a review of what might be considered Chapter 1 of the Yi Soon Shin story. It’s the introduction of our main character and the world he inhabits. We learn Shin’s internal and external struggles. It sets up ruthless villains, a mystery, and more. It also ends with a gruesome cliffhanger that will make you want to continue to the story of this comic book without a second thought.

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THE TESTAMENT Review: A Film About Finding The Truth And Discovering Yourself

Ruben Diaz

The Testament is a film about global and personal horrors and what makes us who we are. The fundamental questions at the heart of this Israeli film are certainly fascinating to explore. Any film would do well in wrapping around ideas like those in this film. However, the slippery slope is always in the execution. So, does The Testament unfold in a satisfying way or does it signal a rough road ahead?

Yoel (Ori Pfeffer) is a Holocaust scholar who is working on a special project that’s trying to locate a mass grave somewhere around the village of Lendorf in Austria. The Austrian government and the village are trying to expand. But Yoel’s continued efforts to find the gravesite thwarts new construction. However, after more than 20 attempts to find the site, Yoel has come up with nothing. The window to continue search is closing fast, but Yoel is determined to get to the truth he believes exists.

The Testament is one of those types of stories that could
work with little razzle-dazzle from the visuals.

The Testament centers around Yoel’s struggle to find the site. It starts in Jerusalem, at the high-tech facility where Yoel does his work. Writer/Director Amichai Greenberg unveils some gorgeous shots of the city, but otherwise doesn’t try anything interesting with the visuals. The film plays out almost like theater, heavy with dialogue in various languages, and short on cinematic movements. Is that a critique? It might be depending on what a viewer likes. Not every movie needs to involve brilliant camera work. Some stories lend themselves to simplicity.

The Testament is one of those types of stories that could work with little razzle-dazzle from the visuals. Such movies though really need to hit a home run with the pacing of dialogue and the reveal of new truths for the lead character. The Testament falters on that end. Yoel is often dry and unlikable. It’s hard to root for him at times and the film leaves a disconnect between the viewer and the character. Instead of drawing us into his world, Yoel keeps us at arm’s length.

The thrust of The Testament revolves around that gravesite, but finding it isn’t the entire point of the movie. The setup of the film clearly defines Yoel as a devout Jew, even wearing an untrimmed beard and payot (side curls). Yoel is strictly observant of Jewish traditions. And it’s during Yoel’s research that he happens upon a photo of his mother in a secret government file. As it turns out, Yoel’s mother wasn’t Jewish, meaning Yoel isn’t Jewish either. Or is he?

The identity crisis fractures Yoel, marking a turning point where the film becomes more poignant. Is devoted faith superseded by birthright? Is Yoel any less Jewish now that his bloodline doesn’t “officially” connect him? These are some heavy questions for the devout and even the non-religious to ponder.

In the end, The Testament doesn’t take those questions in directions that make it very fun to watch. Like Yoel, the film has a dryness to it that just keeps it distant. Perhaps for those closely connected to the religion, the film will have a deeper impact. The Testament is a lost opportunity to truly connect a wider audience with the universal question of what makes us who we are.

The Testament is one of 62 films playing during the
Miami Jewish Film Festival from now through January 25th, 2018.

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Episode 26: We Scream For ICE CREAM MAN and AVENGERS: NO SURRENDER

Anthony Composto - EIC

January 17, 2018

Welcome to the twenty-sixth episode of the Comic Show by Monkeys Fighting Robots! Anthony’s all on his lonesome this week, and he’s talking about the first two parts of Avengers: No Surrender, Marvel’s new weekly event. Is it worth the time and money, or is another Marvel cash-grab? He also reviews Ice Cream Man #1, the new twisted anthology comic from Image.

Also, like our new Comic Book Review page on Facebook! All of Monkeys Fighting Robots’ comic book coverage, all in one place.

Buckle up, True Believers! Episode 26 of the COMIC SHOW by Monkeys Fighting Robots is here.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

1:55 – Avengers: No Surrender Parts 1 & 2 Review
Anthony – 3.8 Monkeys

12:09 – Ice Cream Man #1 Review
Anthony – 4 Monkeys

Thank you for listening!

Do you want to be our FAN of the week? All you have to do is comment on this podcast to be eligible.

Do you have a question that you would like answered during the show? Email your questions to matt@popaxiom.com.

Reviews are greatly appreciated – How to Rate and Review a Podcast in iTunes

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Review: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For ICE CREAM MAN #1

Anthony Composto - EIC

Ice Cream Man #1 is out this week from Image Comics, and it’s 31 flavors of disturbing.

Written by W. Maxwell Prince, with art by Martin Morazzo and colors by Chris O’Halloran, Ice Cream Man is a story about…a lot of things. It’s an anthology series, and each issue will feature a new story with a fresh set of characters. And at the center of it all is the ice cream man. This first story, entitled “Raspberry Surprise”, has elements of a crime story, a horror story, and a fantasy story all rolled into one, PLUS it’s a black comedy, and THEN Prince throws in a little philosophy for good measure. Sound like a lot? It is, but consider it a sundae. You can have a lot going on in a sundae, but as long as all the ingredients are in proper proportion with each other, it can still taste delicious.

And this is one delicious sundae.

“Raspberry Surprise” introduces us to a small town full of “kooks and crazies,” each one suffering in their own way. The plot goes in so many weird and unexpected directions that it’d be a shame to divulge anything else, but if you’re a fan of dark and surreal storytelling, don’t sleep on this oversized first issue.

Prince and Morazzo build a sense of dread like nobody’s business. Even something as pure and mundane as a kid walking down the street eating an ice cream cone feels tense. You have no idea what’s going to happen because, hey, it’s just a kid eating ice cream after all, but you just watch and wait for the other shoe to drop, glued to the page. That’s how the entire book feels. You just need to see what happens next.

Morazzo’s art reflects this tone as well. The characters are and look human, but there’s something off about each of them that you can’t quite place. Again it creates this friction in your mind where everything seems commonplace, but you know that’s not true, and the dread and suspense builds.

But below the eerily entertaining surface, Ice Cream Man is about suffering. Each issue in the anthology will tackle suffering in a different light, and explore the nature of human existence. It adds a nice layer to the series, giving the audience something to think about and reflect on. It makes the series – which, again, has very strong fantasy elements to it – more relatable and grounded. We don’t really get a chance to get to know the characters in this story; we never form a bond, and we never will since next issue will be a whole new story. But Prince’s story and the themes therein somewhat make up for that flaw; they help us form some sort of connection to this world.

Sometimes the best stories are the weirdest ones, the ones that don’t fit in any one category. Ice Cream Man is a trippy, twisted, and surreal ride into suburban horror, and it’s just damn fun to read.

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Review: PADDINGTON 2 Is Exactly The Type Of Film We All Need

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

Sometimes we all need help picking the right movie for the family. In this case, I relied on the advice of fellow critic Courtney Howard (a great writer) as she gushed about Paddington 2, a special film that taps into something that cuts across all demographics. What a joy this film is.

How could a film with this simple of a premise have such a profound effect on everyone? Perhaps in a world that seems to be dominated by negativity, the tale of Paddington, a bear who wants nothing more than to spread a message of friendship, is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Director Paul King and screenwriter Simon Farnaby have developed a story that’s equal parts colorful and poignant. The themes of family, friendship, and love are woven throughout, and the levity Paddington provides strikes the perfect balance. Ben Whishaw is perfection as his voice brings the iconic character to life. Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville, Madeline Harris, Jim Broadbent, and Julie Walters return to round out the supporting cast. While the story centers around a case of mistaken identity that leads to our favorite bear being accused of theft, it’s Paddington’s heart that takes center stage.

While London provides a wistful, romantic quality, it’s the scenes in Windsor Garden that stand out. Paddington spends most of his time doing good deeds for his fellow neighbors, not worried about who they are or where they come from, just focused on brightening their day. Of course, this leads to some comedic hi-jinks (many of which are seen in the trailer) but it’s the look of astonishment on their faces which stays with ya. In a world that seems drab and dreary at times, Paddington is a glimmer of hope for the local residents. The impact of kindness is revisited throughout the film.

One of the sequences that stands out is how the film set up Paddington’s desire to bring Aunt Lucy to London. Rather than explaining this through some sort of tired flashback, they make clever use of a pop-up book – which becomes a central item in this story. As each page morphed into another, another part of Paddington’s dear aunt’s potential journey was shown. A charming way for this part of the story to unfold.

Perhaps the highlight of the whole film was seeing Hugh Grant’s as the scoundrel, Phoenix Buchannan. Grant is so smarmy and cheezy as the former A-list celebrity who has ulterior motives. Some have scoffed at the notion of Grant receiving this level of praise for such an odd role, but it’s warranted.

While January often leaves movie lovers with little options to choose from, it appears Paddington 2 has given us something to gravitate towards. Stay clear of regurgitated sequels that involve Liam Neeson and go visit Paddington Brown of Windsor Garden. While he might not have a special set of skills, what he will do is warm your heart.

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One Limb Left: Weekend Button Mashing With My Father

Nick Battaglia

January 16, 2018

Last week I launched this series describing how I play video games with one arm. This week I’d like to write about my favorite gaming moments. Going to the arcade every weekend with my father. As a kid who grew up in the 90s and early 2000’s, arcades were still a thing.

Except instead of quarters lining cabinets within places named Sportsstar 2000 and Funscape, there were gold Namco tokens. Every Sunday my dad would purchase five dollars worth of tokens which was 25 in total. 25 tokens that amounted to 25 new memories and moments every Sunday. My dad didn’t play much as he wanted me to be able to play as many games as possible.

Instead, he would stand to the side of me and coach me. If I was playing Virtua Fighter or Marvel vs. Capcom, he would say things like “Stay on the attack” and “Your special meter is full, Nick. Use it”. I remember when I beat my first boss, my dad dropped our coats he held in his arm, hugged me, and told me how proud of me he was.

I was nine-years-old and the game was Tekken 3. As I mentioned my father didn’t really play games when we went, but when he did he was helping me. When I couldn’t get a hi-score in Skee-Ball, he being a former bowler would take my arm and teach me how to follow through and keep my arm straight. He would help me get as many tickets as possible.

When our tokens ran out and our tickets were counted, the memories did not stop. As my dad would pull me aside and say “Let’s go next door to the movie theater next door and watch trailers”. The Regal Cinemas that was attached to Funscape had a giant lobby with a massive screen overhead. In big, bright orange lights over it were the words “Coming Soon” and trailers would play on the massive screen below them.

After about 20 minutes of watching trailers, my dad and I would pile into his car and talk about the day’s events. Every conversation ending with him dropping me off at my mom’s house and him saying “Ok buddy today was fun. I’ll see you next weekend. I love you”. As a gamer, and as a son, those are the moments I will remember the most.

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MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE May Start Production This Spring

Michael Stagno

January 16, 2018

You can stop trying to forget about 1987’s live-action Masters of the Universe film because the reboot is rumored to begin production this spring!

Look for Sony to dish out the big bucks in making this what fans are hoping for. A few changes from its predecessor, the movie will actually feature the characters from the original toyline that were in the animated series (1983) and it will take place on their planet, Eternia, rather than being warped to Earth.

The crazy thing about MoTU is that it probably wouldn’t exist had it not been for the success of a series of white lies in pitching the toys to vendors by the Mattel creators. When the action figures were initially brought in front of vendors, they questioned whether there was more to the line. One of the creators said ‘there would be a comic book with each figure’. When a question arose whether that would be enough, the creators then said a ‘cartoon was on the way’. They obviously scrambled to achieve both ‘tales’ and came out on top, but the new show on Netflix about all the toys we grew up with, tells the story a lot better. Watch the He-Man episode of The Toys That Made Us.

David S. Goyer will co-write and direct the project, which has a preliminary release date attached of December 18, 2019. That obviously will change unless the powers that be think it is worthy enough to battle Star Wars: Episode IX for big screen holiday supremacy.

Look for casting details to drop at some point over the next few months. Though, if you’re wanting to pass the time, check out the incredibly hilarious ‘He-Man vs. Skeletor’ live-action ads from Money Supermarket and the animated ad from Geico, all below.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLH1MHezfx0[/embedyt]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJsw-zK602U[/embedyt]

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKLQnJqreaI[/embedyt]

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Highlights From Paradise City Comic Convention With Pictures

Ruben Diaz

January 16, 2018

The 2018 convention season got off to a great start with Paradise City Comic Con in South Florida. The three-day event hosted tens of thousands of people at the Miami Airport Convention Center. Included in those thousands were cosplayers, gamers, celebs, and general geeky goodness all around.

Friday, as typical of a con’s first day, was calm. There was a crowd drawn to the many celebs who were stationed around the space. I began my snaking through the passages set up between vendors of all kinds. From colorful booths selling anime chibis to indie comic book publishers and artists, Paradise City featured all you could want in the eternal hunt for more merchandise or new things outside the mainstream to enjoy.

Friday featured an off-the-record interview with a Marvel writer. This writer told me a lot of interesting stuff. However, because the mouse has powerful ears, I can’t write about any of it for fear that Disney will hunt me down. However, it was interesting stuff and will perhaps be in my memoirs. I’ll release it just before I move on to the next dimension of life. Suck it, Disney!

The first day was only a trailer for the fantastic cosplay roaming the halls.

Saturday would prove to be the day that cosplay conquered, ending with a cosplay contest of epic proportions. Check out more photos from Paradise City and other Supercon Conventions.

Paradise City Comic Convention delivered on every level you’d want a con to deliver. One highlight was what I called “Saxophone Neo.” A guy dressed in all black as if he stepped out of (or into?) the Matrix with a saxophone. In his backpack, a hidden speaker acted as his band. Sax guy wandered the con playing all sorts of hits.

Saturday also featured a moment with Wilson Cruz. The actor starred in My So-Called Life, an emo cult hit from the early 90s if there ever was one. For those who don’t know, it was My So-Called Life that gave rise to everyone’s fourth favorite Joker, Jared Leto. All the girls wanted a guy like Leto. Brooding and handsome, as if chiseled from celestial stone. I don’t look remotely like Leto. I’m more like if a potato became self-aware and sprouted appendages. So I asked Cruz to tell Leto “Thanks for keeping me a virgin in high school.” Cruz cackled. The beauty of human interaction was born again in my cold, cold heart.

Another beautiful story came via Terry Ferrel, known to geekdom as Dax from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Terry is engaged to Adam Nimoy, the son of Leonard Nimoy who played Spock. It’s a Star Trek Love Story I won’t spoil mostly because I’m using it as the basis for a rom-com movie idea.

Nearly every industry puts on a convention of some kind. Personally, I’ve worked behind-the-scenes on dental conferences and electronics conventions. I think something like Paradise City Comic Convention, the experiences felt there, are unlike any other. We almost need a new word for what a con of this kind is like. At most industry places it’s a dry exchange on a solidly professional level. At Paradise City and other conventions of its kind, the spirit of Capitalism and the inspiration derived from art come together in harmony.

A geek convention is like a county fair trapped inside a mall. Every turn into an aisle has the potential of revealing a dazzling costume or the artwork of an unknown but talented artist.

Observations from Paradise City Comic Con:

• Voice actors are taking over. And I will be interviewing a few of them about it soon.
• The Last Jedi made a lot of money but had no impact. Most of the cosplay was centered around video games and anime. It’s almost as if the movie never existed.
• Shout out to Bath Crest. Selling bathroom shower installations at a geek con seems like a shot-in-the-dark. But it’s a wise one. Geekdom is full of old nerds who now own houses. Best of luck with your business!
• Legendary wrestler Mick Foley appears to be a germaphobe. He would only fist-bump with fans and immediately use hand sanitizer right after. Guest after guest without fail.
• The CW had a cellphone charging station with the trailer for Black Lightning playing. Genius.

TARDIS-doctor who-science fiction — **All photos by Rick R. Diaz**

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John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein In Talks To Direct ‘Flashpoint’

Kieran McLean

January 16, 2018

According to Variety, Warner Bros. is in negotiations with John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein to direct Flashpoint, which will be the first standalone adventure for Ezra Miller’s version of The Flash.

Interestingly, Variety also reports that Warner Bros. initially asked Ben Affleck to direct, but he passed on the project for unknown reasons.

Also Read: Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman Will Appear In The ‘Flashpoint’ Movie

Having penned last year’s massively successful Spider-Man: Homecoming, it’s clear that the duo is well educated in comic-book movies, but they also have a knack for comedy. Daley and Goldstein previously directed Vacation and more recently helmed the Jason Bateman starring Game Night, which will land in theatres later this year.

This news comes just weeks after Warner Bros. announced Walter Hamada as the new head of DC Films.

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Story:

Art:

Conclusion:

“A war is coming and many are going to die.” – Admiral Yi

WRITING

ART

The Testament is one of those types of stories that could work with little razzle-dazzle from the visuals.

The Testament is one of 62 films playing during the Miami Jewish Film Festival from now through January 25th, 2018.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

Observations from Paradise City Comic Con:

The Testament is one of those types of stories that could
work with little razzle-dazzle from the visuals.

The Testament is one of 62 films playing during the
Miami Jewish Film Festival from now through January 25th, 2018.