Of all the interviews I did at New York Comic-Con, I would say this was probably the most important. Seriously. I don’t really understand why the comic book industry isn’t trying harder to get their product into kids hands, but if anyone has that insight, it’s Eliopoulos. He writes some of the best mainstream kids stuff today, including Franklin Richards, and Pet Avengers, both great books that appeal to children without talking down to them. So check out the clip, won’t you?
On today’s show, we have reviews for Wolverine: The Best There Is #1, Brightest Day #15, and Heroes for Hire #1!
For the record, since we taped this last week, and a lot has happened, some thoughts (from me alone) about these issues:
- Wolverine: This comic has gotten an unfair rap from the internet, who, in general, has called it the worst comic ever made. It definitely has its faults, which we outline in the video above. But to call something the worst ever means that it is entirely without worth, and that’s completely and wholly inaccurate. The art is pretty over the top, but well detailed throughout. And Charlie Huston is writing what amounts to a parody of a Wolverine book. The haircutting scene, in particular? That’s funny, and it builds well. I think what it comes down to (and I have no knowledge of the inner workings of this book) is that there’s probably a large disparity between what was pitched for this book, how it was marketed, and what it actually is, at the end of the day. Is it the best there is at what it does? Nope. But is it the worst? No to that, too.
- Brightest Day: It’s crazy to me that there isn’t a noir, back-to-basics Martian Manhunter book, as my unscientific survey of everyone I’ve ever talked to says they would love that. Would the market support a simple detective story starring a man not of this Earth, trying to fit in, using his powers to solve ground-level mysteries? Maybe not, but I’d read the heck out of it. Greg Rucka and Chris Samnee on “Martian Manhunter: Earth One,” anyone?
- Heroes for Hire: Got nuthin’ else on this, I loved the heck out of it.
Comic Book Club reviews Action Comics Annual #13, RASL #9, and Shadowland #5!
I’m still working on the green screen thing, though this is far better… So if anyone has tips, let me know.
It’s always a pleasure chatting with Tony Lee, who here talks about the new Doctor Who ongoing from IDW from this year’s New York Comic-Con.
I’ve been really enjoying Liu’s take on the character (probably more than any that have come before), and it was a pleasure chatting with her at New York Comic-Con.
Slightly belated Speed Round, due to the Holidays.
The Stack:
Hulk #27
Green Lantern #59
Spider-Girl #1
Hellboy: Double Feature of Evil
Daken Dark Wolverine #3
Hack/Slash: Trailers Part 2
Superior #2
Hellblazer #273
Chaos War: Dead Avengers #1
Reviews for Avengers #7, Vision Machine #2, and Batman Inc. #1! Plus, a new feature that Pete doesn’t like.
I’ve been a fan of Firebreather since the first issue, and have talked to Phil and Andy about this movie pretty much every time I’ve seen ‘em for the past few years, so it’s awesome that it’s finally coming out. Can’t wait to see it.
I always love talking to Jimmy and Amanda, they’re two of the nicest, funniest people in the comic book biz. Here, Jimmy talks about his indie book Time Bomb, and why it’s a good thing if people think it’s like a movie.
Pete and I review Batman: Return of Bruce Wayne #6, Chew #15, and Amazing Spider-Man #648. Thanks to Newsarama’s Chris Rodriguez for awesomely editing this week’s episodes.
@JoeQuesada talks about all-ages comics, live-action TV, animated series, and games at New York Comic-Con. It’s been fascinating chatting with him over the past few years, and seeing his job get more and more involved in the big picture aspects of the company.
As we talked about in the interview (though I don’t know if it made it into this edit), Joe misses the amount of time he used to have to spend with the comics, in particular, where now his focus is on… Everything. Bully for him, though, he’s really helped bring Marvel to the top of the heap. It’s just interesting for me, from the perspective of chatting with him for ten minutes once or twice a year, to see how his focus has changed.
