Chip Zdarsky was given his own Spidey title by Marvel and many people thought it would be the answer to Dan Slott’s Amazing Spider-Man. This promised to be the grounded, back to basics Spidey book that Slott’s ASM is very much not. However with issue two having come out this week, Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man may not be the book we were looking for.
Spider-Man may not be Tony Stark but he’s certainly not Deadpool either. Zdarsky’s voice for Peter is as if the “Merc With A Mouth” wrote the dialogue himself in order to mock him. It’s amping up the wrong characteristics of Peter.
The dialogue may be funny at times, but better suited for a Deadpool series. Even the narration and forward feels like a carbon copy of Deadpool comics in their heyday. Parker may be a corny wisecracker, but that’s not his only character trait.
This may not be such an overwhelming issue with the comic if it weren’t so heavily drenched in dialogue. Between overloaded panels and Chip’s notes, word balloons overpopulate every page. There’s entirely too much “telling” and not enough “showing.”
Visually there’s not much to grab onto either. If you can push past the text, nothing of note is even happening. There are a number of panels where the web lines on Spider-Man’s suit are just a mess.
I think Zdarsky is a fantastic writer, especially when it comes to comedy. However, he’s pouring it on entirely too heavy just two issues into this series. Marvel may have misfired on this hiring.
Those who think Slott’s Spidey book is too far from Peter being himself and too much like Tony Stark will find little solace here. This is too extreme of a shift just to oppose the other title.
I had high hopes for this series given its creative team, but these first two issues have been rough. It’s still early enough to turn it around, but it’s unlikely to drastically alter its tone.
Here we are, six issues into the controversy juggernaut event that is Secret Empire. If you have the ability to remove yourself from your own ass and enjoy comic books, you’re probably still reading this Marvel crossover. In Secret Empire #6, Captain Hydra makes the remaining heroes pay huge emotional tolls.
***SPOILERS LIE AHEAD***
Steve Rogers leads his Hostage Avengers against the underground resistance facility where cosmic cube shards are being held. The scattered remaining heroes juggle and debate their options in how to stop Hydra.
There’s a ton going on in this book. Major reveals, betrayal, crisis, and unlikely alliances make this a hearty serving. I understand event fatigue and the evil that Marvel represents to everybody, but Secret Empire is highly effective toy box fun.
Writer Nick Spencer has been getting a ton of grief. I’m not here to talk about what anyone says on twitter, I’m here to talk about comic books and those who create them. Spencer and company have been delivering with Secret Empire.
In the “flash-sideways” bits (LOST fans understand) Red Skull reveals to Bearded Steve that they’re in hell and he brought him there. There’s a theme throughout this issue, paying your dues. There’s no more sweeping of things under rugs. Hawkeye has this revelation facing a resurrected Banner down as he rips through their defenses.
Comic books are at their best when they’re entrenched in mystery. Slow burning plot points that drive people crazy are signs of an effective effort to lay plot out and play with the pieces you have during their journey alongside readers to get to the end.
Thor’s big moment, letting Hawkeye and his fleeing survivors go, was huge for the story. Can he now break whatever control Steve has? Or will he be the next victim? Either way, he was MVP this issue.
Ant-Man coming clean as Hydra’s rat didn’t get much room to breath. The reveal was shocking but lead directly into Hulk’s attack.
Black Widow and her Red Room cadets are likely going to be the focus next issue. Widow still isn’t willing to explore other routes to stopping Steve. Killing him is the only option. The scene with her and Miles, Spencer comments on two generations without making it political (because Twitter hates that).
Daredevil and Doctor Strange’s efforts to save NY are brief. The exchange between Horn Head and Kingpin was a highlight but these sub plots are clearly for tie-ins.
Nick Spencer is doing a splendid job maintaining all these wheels he has turning. There’s a lot to break down after every issue and it’s rare that the wrong thing gets too much focus. My only complaint is that Steve has Thor’s hammer but we haven’t seen it outside of that one recycled panel. Is it only for leverage? There are a lot of questions tied to that beautiful chunk of Uru.
The art team carries a large load as well in juggling this huge cast of characters and making them all feel real. There’s chaos and peril on almost every page, every emotion is clear and clean. The action is top notch and never really messy. Every shot in this book is perfectly executed and no panels are wasted.
Knowing that this is the final chapter of Marvel Now! before we get to the Legacy era, the chaos presented should be applauded. Spencer is sending off this frustrating and confusing time in Marvel comics with a huge bang. Blow it all up before everything reverts back to the classic feel everybody is so desperate for.
Secret Empire #6 is another fine installment in the story that’s legitimately shaken Marvel to its core. There are some very deep lines drawn in the sand and plenty of mystery left to unfold. This is what I wanted from a Civil War II and it’s funny that Spencer mentions that dumpster fire a number of times in this. The only thing making CWII carry any relevance is Spencer tying up the loose ends.
HBO knows that winter is coming and it will soon need to replace ‘Game of Thrones’ with another winner, it appears the network will dip into the same creative pool as GOT with ‘Confederate,’ created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.
In today’s political climate HBO looks to pour gasoline on the fire.
‘Confederate’ chronicles the events leading to the Third American Civil War. The series takes place in an alternate timeline, where the southern states have successfully seceded from the Union, giving rise to a nation in which slavery remains legal and has evolved into a modern institution. The story follows a broad swath of characters on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Demilitarized Zone – freedom fighters, slave hunters, politicians, abolitionists, journalists, the executives of a slave-holding conglomerate and the families of people in their thrall.
“As the brilliant ‘Game of Thrones’ winds down to its final season, we are thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Dan and David, knowing that any subject they take on will result in a unique and ambitious series,” said Bloys. “Their intelligent, wry and visually stunning approach to storytelling has a way of engaging an audience and taking them on an unforgettable journey. ‘Confederate’ promises to be no exception, and we are honored to be adding the talented team of Nichelle and Malcolm Spellman to the mix.”
“We have discussed ‘Confederate’ for years, originally as a concept for a feature film,” add Benioff and Weiss. “But our experience on ‘Thrones’ has convinced us that no one provides a bigger, better storytelling canvas than HBO. There won’t be dragons or White Walkers in this series, but we are creating a world, and we couldn’t imagine better partners in world-building than Nichelle and Malcolm, who have impressed us for a long time with their wit, their imagination and their Scrabble-playing skills.”
‘Confederate’ will be written and created by Benioff and Weiss, who will also serve as showrunners on the series, and production will begin following the final season of ‘Game of Thrones.’
What do you think of the concept of the show? Comment below.
Welcome to the fifth episode of the Comic Show by Monkeys Fighting Robots! Anthony and Matt have a lot to discuss with you today: Manny Gomez reports in on Archie Comics, is Spencer & Locke a ripoff, Generation Gone #1 is Matt’s lowest rated comic book ever, and Royal City #5 is our must-read of the week.
Buckle up, True Believers! Episode 5 of the COMIC SHOW by Monkeys Fighting Robots is here.
Episode Breakdown:
01:40 – Spencer & Locke #4
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Jorge Santiago, Jr.
Publisher: Action Lab Comics – Danger Zone Anthony – 5 Monkeys
Matt – 4.5 Robots
14:14 – Royal City #5 – MUST READ OF THE WEEK
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Jeff Lemire
Publisher: Image Comics Anthony – 4.75 Monkeys
Matt – 4.5 Robots
23:23 – Manny Gomez on Archie Comics and Sabrina
49:49 – Generation Gone #1
Writer: Ales Kot, Andre Araujo
Artist: Andre Araujo
Publisher: Image Comics Anthony – 3.5 Monkeys
Matt – 2.5 Robots
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.
About the Comic Show Podcast: A comic journalist in the twilight of his career still grasping for his first Eisner runs into a young buck that mildly reminds him of his youth. Their warped enthusiasm for the comic book industry unites them to spread the good word to the inter-web. Realistically, we are two nerds that love comic books and want to entertain you with quality recommendations, creator interviews, and reports from your favorite publisher. For diehard fans and comic newbs; all are welcome to the Comics Show on Monkeys Fighting Robots! Hosts, Matthew Sardo and Anthony Composto.
Frank Castle, played by Jon Bernthal, was first seen in season two of Daredevil. After positive buzz, Netflix and Marvel proceeded to greenlight a Punisher show, which will land on Netflix later this year.
We know The Defenders hits the streaming service in mid-August, which likely points to a November or December release for The Punisher.
“After the murder of his family, Frank Castle is both haunted and hunted. In the criminal underworld, he’ll become known as The Punisher.”
Steve Lightfoot is the showrunner, with the cast comprised of Ebon Moss-Bachrach,Ben Barnes, Jason R. Moore, Daniel Webber, and Deborah Ann Woll.
Are you looking forward to The Punisher? Sound off in the comments below.
Rumors are swirling about werewolves being apart of season 2 of CW’s hit show Riverdale, but actress Lili Reinhart, who plays Betty Cooper is here to give us the truth.
The rumors began when Reinhart posted a photo of her comic book character with Jughead from the Jughead: the Hunger series. It’s an Archie comic spin-off that depicts Jughead as a werewolf.
Photo Credit: Lili Reinhart Instagram
After Seventeen posted an article about her hinting at werewolves the star quickly took to Twitter to shut those rumors down.
“Season 2 does NOT involve werewolves. Just going to nip that in the bud.” She posted in a tweet.
Picture Credit” Lili Reinhart Twitter
Filming for season two has already begun and is set to air October 11 on CW.
The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Jon Watts is in talks to direct the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Given that Homecoming has done well at the box office and been loved by both fans and critics, it’s not surprising that Marvel wants him at the helm again. Although the film had a significant drop from weekend one to weekend two, it’s still successful nonetheless.
The sequel is slated for a theatrical release on July 5, 2019.
Do you want to see Watts return? Comment below, let us know!
“A young Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland), who made his sensational debut in Captain America: Civil War, begins to navigate his newfound identity as the web-slinging super hero in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, Peter returns home, where he lives with his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei), under the watchful eye of his new mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.). Peter tries to fall back into his normal daily routine – distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man – but when the Vulture (Michael Keaton) emerges as a new villain, everything that Peter holds most important will be threatened.”
Spider-Man: Homecoming features Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Donald Glover, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Jon Favreau, Tyne Daly, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, Hannibal Buress, and Martin Starr.
Lots of great things happened in the year 1988. Not only was it the year I was born, it’s also the year classic movies were made. Even after 29 years, these films have still made a cultural impact today.
1. Rain Man
Rain Man stars Tom Cruise as Charlie Babbitt, the older brother of Dustin Hoffman’s character Raymond Babbitt. Charlie wasn’t aware of Raymond’s existence until their father passed. Raymond has savant syndrome, which is hard for Charlie to deal with at first, but through out the movie, the two grow closer. This film is important to me because it made me and many others aware of autism and the difficulties autistic people may face. Some also argue it gives it a bad image. There are different forms of autism and not all autistic people have Raymond’s high-level mathematical skills.
2. Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is one of my favorites because itwas one of the first movies I saw where humans could interact with ghosts. Let’s not forget the epic “scare” scene and who could forget the iconic scene of Lydia dancing to Harry Belafonte’s “Jump In The Line.” The thought of Beetlejuice came when Tim Burton felt scripts he was being sent lacked imagination and originality. Michael McDowell sent in the script for Beetlejuice and Burton agreed to direct it. It’s grossed over $73 million in North America and was the 10th highest grossing film of 1988. Beetlejuice has become a household name and had an animated series, video games, and theme park attraction. In 2016, a stage musical was reportedly in the works. Since 1990, a sequel has been talked about.
In January 2015, writer Seth Grahame-Smith told Entertainment Weekly the script was finished and that he and Burton intended to start filming Beetlejuice 2 by the end of the year, and that both Keaton and Ryder would return in their respective roles. Tim Burton’s rep later told ET that none of that was true, and a sequel is not in the works.
3. Coming To America
Because of the film the phrase “Just Let Your Soul Glooo” became popular in black households. Coming To America stars Eddie Murphy as Akeem Joffer, an African Prince who’s tired of living the royal life and wants to do more on his own. He and his personal aide Semmi head to NYC to find a wife who hasn’t been trained to serve him. The film was nominated for two Oscars. A television series was also pitched with Tommy Davidson as Prince Tariq, and Paul Bates reprising his role as Oha. The pilot didn’t get picked up so it aired in 1989 as part of CBS’ Summer Playhouse pilot anthology series. In 2017 rumors of a sequel began swirling. No word on if it’s in the works.
4. Die Hard
The Die Hard film franchise is responsible for making Bruce Willis a household name and showed he was more than just a comedic television actor. The role of John McLane was originally offered to Frank Sinatra and Arnold Schwarzenegger I’m glad Willis took the role because I couldn’t imagine anyone else being McClane. It’s listed as one of the best action movies of all time and ranked #29 on Empires 2008 list of 500 greatest movies of all time. Four spin offs have been produced and all were a financial success. Video games and comics based on the films have been released over the years.
5. Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Jessica Rabbit made her appearance in the novel Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, then graced our television screens in the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit? I didn’t see the film until I was a teenager, and that’s when my obsession with her started. I wanted her dangerous red hair, curvaceous body, and a sexy voice to get me out of any situation. Though the film focuses on Roger Rabbit who’s framed for murder, Jessica was the break out character. She’s known as one of the most popular sex symbols in animations. Her costumes are very popular during Halloween and at anime and comic conventions.
Her line “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way” was nominated as one of the greatest quotes by AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movie Quotes. In December 2016, the film was preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
What is your favorite film from 1988 and how do you feel about the possible spin-offs? Comment below with your answer!
In an effort to get closer to the stopping the war between Joker and Riddler, Batman strong arms Charles ‘Chuck’ Brown, a small scale criminal engineer, into setting up the Clown Prince of Crime. However, Brown is caught between the two villains, manipulated and threatened on all sides. As the situation again continues to escalate, things turn tragic for Charles Brown, leading him down the path of becoming the one and only…Kite Man!
Batman #27 “The War of Jokes and Riddles Interlude-The Ballad of Kite Man Part 1” Written by: Tom King Art by: Clay Mann Inks by: Danny Miki, John Livesay, and Clay Mann Colors by: Gabe Eltaeb Lettered by: Clayton Cowles Published by: DC Comics
Leave it to Tom King to turn a character he previously used as a bit of a joke, into a truly tragic and sad character. The details of Kite Man’s origin is the stuff of classic villain making; full of ill choices, some what good intentions, and the kind of gut-punch ending all good comic book stories about bad guys becoming bad guys need. The fact that it still ends by making you darkly chuckle, is just the icing on this sweet cake of a comic book. Read on for 11 reasons to fly with this week’s Batman #27.
Page from ‘Batman’ #27
The rooftop scene with Kite Man and Deadshot. Juxtaposing the two villains shows you how Deadshot is a complete sociopath.
Batman being scary. I always love scenes of Bats intimidating criminals. (And remember this is early Batman)
“You’re the one with the name from the comics?” – Joker
“Is this a joke or a riddle?” (Kind of the defining question of this arc!)
The excellent, subtle, yet flowing panel work. The layouts create an intimate pace needed for this interlude.
Riddler continues to be terrifying and sadistic. Just look at what he does to Kite Man’s son. This is a far more dangerous and evil Nigma than we have seen before.
“Good Grief.” –Joker
The way the Joker continues to NOT smile. It actually makes him creepier, and you can feel the tension building in him.
The way Clayface kidnaps Kite-Man. Gross and funny.
How and why Kite Man took such a silly name. The moment is full of impact.
“Kite-Man?” –Joker. “Hell Yeah” –Kite Man.
Page from ‘Batman’ #27
Like the Swamp Thing tale in issue #23 that came before it, this excellent chapter works as a stand alone and is the kind of thing that will be collected, shared and re-read in years to come. Taking an interlude in a story like The War of Jokes and Riddles is tricky, but after you read this it’s not just great but feels vital and necessary. It gives you a clear window into how the battle between two psychopaths can affect so many. From the heroes fighting them, the henchman helping them, and the children that really only wanted to fly a kite with their dad. It’s scary, sad, tragic and at times, darkly funny.
Preacher Feature is a weekly analysis of the AMC show Preacher based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon. In this column, we will give a breakdown of the events from the previous night’s show, including how they relate to the comics, and speculate as to what’s going on and what might be coming up. This is to say that there will be spoilers, both actual and potential. If you have not yet watched the episode in question or are watching the show without reading the comics and don’t want to have any foreknowledge of what might happen to Jesse and company, then you would do well to stop reading this now.
The Story So Far
Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper) was a violent criminal turned small town preacher who is inhabited by Genesis, a powerful being that allows Jesse to command anyone who hears his voice to do what he says. Tulip O’ Hare (Ruth Negga), his former girlfriend and partner-in-crime came back get him to reclaim both those titles. Individually, they meet Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun), a 120-year-old Irish vampire who befriends Jesse and falls for Tulip before realizing they are/were an item. Together the three of them are making their way across the country to find God, who has gone AWOL from Heaven, and sort him out, one way or another. Chasing after them is The Saint of Killers (Graham McTavish), an unstoppable killing machine, and The Grail, a shadowy organization bent on world domination.
Into the Past
Much of this episode takes place in flashback, showing the aftermath of the botched bank robbery from season one, during which Tulip miscarried. Jesse (rocking a hairstyle reminiscent of Steve Dillon’s artwork from the comics) has sworn off the life of crime in favor of sitting on the couch in a warehouse-sized apartment and drinking beer. Tulip takes a job as a realtor’s assistant, but wants to get back into crime. We see how lost Jesse is and how monotonous his life has become: working, buying cigarettes, trying to make another baby. Despite their repeated efforts and Jesse’s prayers, they seem unable to conceive again. When Jesse finds out the reason for this is that Tulip has been secretly taking birth control (not to mention working with criminal liaison Dany again), he is furious. Unable to take his anger out on Tulip, he beats the bejeezus out of his friend Reggie. After this, Jesse decides to go back to Annville to take over his father’s church, Tulip decides to go back into crime full-time, and Reggie presumably goes to a plastic surgeon to get his face put back together.
Hoisted by One’s Own
Last episode we found out that Tulip is actually married to Viktor, a New Orleans gangster. Jesse hoists Viktor up to the apparatus in his torture room (they say 50% of all household accidents happen in torture rooms) while Tulip pleads with Jesse not to kill him. Jesse is too enraged to hear her out, so he uses Genesis to order her away from the house. Tulip never liked Jesse using Genesis on anyone, be it a bunch of cops or an obstinate strip club manager, so you can imagine how pissed off she is that he uses it on her. She tells Cassidy that if Jesse kills Viktor, she is through with Jesse. Cassidy says he’s going to talk Jesse into sparing Viktor but, being secretly in love with Tulip; he actually goes to do the opposite. Despite Cassidy’s encouragement, Jesse spares Viktor’s life. This respite is brief, however, as The Saint of Killers shows up and kills Viktor’s crew, then Viktor himself before setting his sights on Viktor’s daughter, Allie (Stella Allen). The quick-thinking tween says she knows where to find the preacher just as the episode ends.
Easter Eggs/Connections to the Comics
Early in the flashback, Jesse and his pothead friend Reggie (Robbie Tann) discuss John Wayne. In the comics, Jesse had an imaginary friend who appeared to him in the guise of his hero John Wayne to give him advice and help him through hard times. While there are probably some legal issues that prevent the show from using John Wayne’s likeness as a regular character, it was nice to see a shout-out to him.
Best Line
“He’s got two pools. Who wouldn’t marry him?” – Tulip, on why she married Viktor.
This may not be such an overwhelming issue with the comic if it weren’t so heavily drenched in dialogue. Between overloaded panels and Chip’s notes, word balloons overpopulate every page. There’s entirely too much “telling” and not enough “showing.”
