Chris and Reggie's Weird Comics History, Episode 29 - Exploring the Mysteries of Miracleman (Marvelman), Part 3

Weird Comics History, Episode 29
Exploring the Mysteries of Miracleman (Marvelman), Part 3

Order in the court!  (Ham and Cheese)

For their final installment of "Exploring the Mysteries of Miracleman", your favorite legal eagles Chris (@acecomics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) don their long robes and powdered wigs and do their darnedest to figure out just who owns Marvelman!

They will discuss the wheelings and dealings of one Spawny fellow... and spend far too much time discussing the characters of Angela, Cogliostro, and Medieval Spawn... but they promise it all (mostly) fits the story.

Overall, it's an hour and change of audio likely to make you even more curious and confused about Marvelman, and just how his story finally "shook out".

Infidel #2 Review

I ain't afraid of no Ghosts!

Written by: Pornsak Pichetshote
Art by: Aaron Campbell
Colors: Jose Villarrubia
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy


It is always a good sign when you hit the last page of a comic book and realize that you have lost track of time completely. It is rare now that I have that kind of immersive experience in other media. TV shows and Movies with chills and thrills do still tend to mesmerize me. Just like a thrilling movie, I read this second issue of Infidel gripped by the story, digging my fingers into the side of the couch as I read, toes curled and rooting for the lead character, Aisha.

Skyward #1 Review

Defying the laws of Grav-i-tyyyyy!

Written by: Joe Henderson
Art by: Lee Garbett
Colors by: Antonio Fabela
Letters by: Simon Bowland
Publisher: Image Comics
Reviewed by: Andrew McAvoy


The first daffodil appearing on a crisp sunny day in spring, 'Wouldn't it be Nice' by the Beach Boys ringing out of a transistor radio in summer, the smell of freshly cut grass, that perfect pass in the football game, the hiss of a can of ice cold Coca-Cola when it opens....and Skyward Issue 1.

Mister Miracle #8 Review (Second Opinion)

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mitch Gerads and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018
Review by: Dispatchdcu (@dispatchdcu on Twitter)

In my review of this week's Mister Miracle, I pleaded to have someone take over this book for me. Thankfully, Dispatchdcu agreed and is now my hero!  I'm glad that this is happening as this book just isn't for me and I'm sure everyone is as bored as reading my broken record reviews as much as I enjoy doing them.  Remember, not every book is for everyone and I am so glad to have Dispatch jump on with a different opinion than mine.  I hope everyone enjoys this second opinion as much as I did and I hope Dispatch keeps doing these reviews for us...especially this book!  Enjoy!!!

Check out all of Dispatchdcu's Reviews  HERE

Batman #45 Review (Second Opinion)

Second Time's a Charm

Written By: Tom King

Art By: Tony S. Daniel, John Livesay, Tomeu Morey, Clayton Cowles

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: April 18, 2018

Review by: Dispatchdcu (@dispatchdcu on Twitter)

It's been pretty clear that for the most part, Eric and I have been a little down on Tom King's Batman and Mister Miracle.  In my Mister Miracle review, I made the call out to anyone else who wanted to review it and Dispatchdcu has answered the call (after a bit of begging from me!)  If you are not aware, Dispatch does a ton of user reviews on Comic Book Roundup and they are pretty damn awesome!  Maybe after this, we can get some more reviews here as well!  So, check out this second opinion, check out Dispatchdcu and send an email and join the comic chat group (mentioned at the end of this review).  Most of all, thank you Dispatch for allowing us to do this!

Check out all of Dispatchdcu's Reviews  HERE

Chris and Reggie's Cosmic Treadmill ep. 86 - Quantum and Woody #1 & #2 (1997)

Wonder Twin Powers Activate

Greetings, comics enthusiasts! This week, the original "Odd Couple"* Chris (@AceComics) and Reggie (@reggiereggie) check out the first two issues of another mismatched pair of knuckleheads, Christopher Priest and M.D. Bright's Quantum and Woody from 1997! After the creator bios, they go through every pages of issues #1 and #2, chuckling all the way. There's also a history of how Acclaim Entertainment acquired Valiant Comics and created the line that would host this series, all the way to the company's eventual bankruptcy. Then, a list of some of Acclaim's not-so-acclaimed video games and poorly-planned marketing schemes! All that, plus some listener mail, it's more fun than a dungeon full of minibosses!

*Except for that other Odd Couple, the play by Neil Simon that was actually the original

Best Action Comics #1000 Covers of the Week: April 18, 2018

Isn't It Grand?

Whoa! They thought it wouldn't happen--they tried to stop it from happening--but here we are, 80 years after the debut issue, the first comic book to reach #1000! And with this milestone issue comes a buttload of swell variant covers (though curiously, not nearly as many as for Star Wars #1), and I picked five of my favorites for this arbitrary list! Read on!

Batwoman #14 Review and *SPOILERS*

Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire

Written By: Marguerite Bennett

Art By: Fernando Blanco, John Rauch
Letters By: Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Batwoman has shown a lot of promise recently. After being tortured for months with this storyline, we are finally nearing the end and it’s actually gotten fairly entertaining. Granted, the book is still riddled with issues but the currently horizon seems slightly brighter than it was before. In the previous issue, we realized who the one behind everything truly was and (surprise!) it was Kate’s own sister who has retaken her role as Alice. This wasn’t a completely surprising twist but it was one that I actually liked. This immediately introduces a villain that is immediately more intriguing than any other that has been introduced in this arc so far. However, last time we ended with Alice about to launch her attack on Gotham. What will happen? Let’s just jump in and find out.

Best DC Comics Covers of the Week: April 18, 2018

Is This a Special Month for Superman or Something?

You know--I believe it is! It's Superman's 80th birthday, so along with Action Comics #1000 coming out THIS WEEK (I did a whole separate list for those covers!), many of the variant covers feature Superman all month long. Even if Superman isn't actually in the issue. In fact, most of the time, Superman isn't in the issue. But that doesn't mean he won't tug on my heartstrings! Have a look at my top five, right here!

BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II #6 Review

The Donatello Redemption Issue

Writer: James Tynion IV, Ryan Ferrier

Art Team: Freddie Williams II, Jeremy Colwell

DC Comics/IDW Publishing

Release Date: April 18, 2018 

Cover Price: $3.99

Well here is the big conclusion to the latest effort and crossover between IDW Publishing and DC Comics concerning the Batman & TMNT properties.  While I don't find this series has quite lived up to the hype of the series that came before it, it has been enjoyable enough to me as a fan of both properties since childhood, and especially for the Freddie Williams art.  So let's get right to it and see how Batman, the Ninja Turtles, and company take down Bane and his attempt to run New York. 

Damage #4 Review

Tony Come Back!

Writer: Robert Venditti
Art Team: Cary Nord, Tomeu Morey
DC Comics
Release Date: April 18, 2018
Cover Price: $2.99


Damage has been the title from the New Age of DC Heroes lineup I look most forward to reading when it comes out each month.  The character of Ethan, and the premise of Damage, have intrigued me to the point I want to see where this title goes for awhile, but with an art change afoot, away from Tony Daniels, I'm slightly worried my enjoyment level might start to dip a bit.  So lets check out issue four of this series and see what Damage brings to the table this month.

Deathbed #3 Review and **SPOILERS**

You Are What You Eat

Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia, and Deron Bennett
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

**NON-SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

After a rocky start, the second issue came back with a vengeance and actually turned out to be a lot of fun. It's a wild and wacky story that Joshua Williamson is telling in this book, and so far I think I'm along for the ride. I'm very impressed with Riley Rossmo's art thus far as well, so I guess you could say I'm a fan of this book. Now I can only hope that those two creators can keep the momentum going and knock this one out of the part. Let's check it out.

The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #3 Review

De DUNG-SNIFFERS
Writer: Liam SharpArtist: Liam SharpRelease Date: April 18, 2018Cover Price: $3.99Review by: Matches Balone
Going into this book, it was a given that Liam Sharp would make it look good...but what about the story?  Some have complained that it may be a little too steeped in Celtic Lore to have mass appeal, while others really love the flavor that Sharp is bringing to his story.  So, how was this issue?  Let's find out...

Nightwing #43 Review

Written by: Michael Moreci
Art by: Minkyu Jung, Felipe Sobreiro, and Carlos M. Mangual
Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

It's time for another one-shot of Nightwing.  I am not opposed to these sort of issues popping up now and again, but two in a row kind of spells out that the new creative team jumping on the book needed some time to get things going.  That's fine also, but it doesn't usually equal must see tv.  At best these issues are fun diversions, but at worst they are placeholders pulled from the musty file labeled “inventory issues”. Which do we have here?  Well, let's find out…

Deadman #6 Review and **SPOILERS**

After These Messages, We’ll Be Right Back

Written, Drawn and Colored By: Neal Adams 

Lettered By: Clem Robins 

Cover By: Neal Adams 

Cover Price: $3.99 

On Sale Date: April 18, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Reading and understanding a Neal Adams comic book are two separate things. If you’re reading this, then you can read a Neal Adams comic. But that says nothing about whether or not you will comprehend it. All signs point to “nope,” but let’s do our best, shall we? Take a peek at my review of Deadman #6, the final issue of this miniseries, right here!

Super Sons #15 Review

Pretty Thin

Written by: Peter J. Tomasi
Art by: Carlo Barberi, Art Thibert, Protobunker and Save Sharpe
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

It's a shame this book is ending, not just because I love both Damian and Jon so much, but because it never seemed to get going enough to be one of the better nooks at DC.  It's fine if you disagree with me, but I think early on, this book got bogged down a bit too much with the leads bickering and name calling.  Now that the boys are becoming best friends, it's been great...and it's ending.  So sad.  So, how was this issue? Let's find out…

Aquaman #35 Review and **SPOILERS**

It Ain't Good in the Taint-Blood 'Hood

Writer: Dan Abnett

Pencils: Robson Rocha

Inks: Daniel Henriques and Danny Miki

Colors: Sunny Gho

Letters: Travis Lanham

Cover: Howard Porter & Hi-Fi

Cover Price: $3.99

On Sale Date: April 18, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

This long-awaited revolution against Corum Rath began in earnest two issues ago…then the action was paused while Corum Rath went into the deepest part of Atlantis to get super-powerful evil magic that turned his BFF into a hideous and compliant monster. So I hope things are really popping off in this issue! Find out by reading my review of Aquaman #35, commencing thusly!

Mister Miracle #8 Review

This Book Is...

Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mitch Gerads and Clayton Cowles
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

Okay, it's very clear that I am the only one on the planet who isn't under mister miracles spell.  I have debated on whether or not to keep reviewing it and while I've asked at least 5 other people and made at least three open calls on the podcast, nobody else wants it either.  So, for the sake of finishing what I started, here is my review…

Harley Quinn # 42 Review and **SPOILERS**

What’s New With You?

Writer: Frank Tieri

Artist: Mauricet

Colors: Paul Mounts

Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover: Amanda Conner & Paul Mounts

Cover Price: $2.99

On Sale Date: April 18, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

So here’s a thing: I didn’t really read Old Man Logan. Full disclosure, I read the first issue, then part of the second issue, then sort of forgot about it. It wasn’t because I thought it was bad, but because I am not that big a fan of Wolverine. I mean, he’s alright, I bet it. Super bad-ass how he drinks beer and talks tough all the time. But the man is Canadian, so it means that gruff exterior is just posturing for the Americans. You know that, deep down, Wolverine really wants to be super polite and willing to compromise. But Harley Quinn? She’s a bitch in any era. Let’s find out if I’m right about future Harley by reading my review of issue #42, just below!

Cave Carson Has an Interstellar Eye #2 Review and **SPOILERS**

Stuck in the Middle With You

Writer: Jon Rivera
Cover & Interior Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
Colorist: Nick Filardi
Back-Up Artist: Paul Maybury
Letterer: Clem Robins
Cover Price: $3.99
On Sale Date: April 18, 2018

**NON SPOILERS AND SCORE AT THE BOTTOM**

Ever since Cave Carson got that Interstellar Eye, he’s be on his high horse. “Oh, I wish you could see the majesty of space with my eye, you’d be so impressed.” Or, “I can figure out how to split the check in seconds with my Interstellar Eye. Give it a rest, buddy. I may not have an Interstellar Eye, but I’ve got a trick knee that locks up whenever I’ve sat for too long. So don’t think you’re so special! Have a look at my review of Cave Carson Has an Interstellar Eye #2, right here!

Batman: Creature of the Night #3 Review

Twister

Written by: Kurt Busiek
Art by: John Paul Leon and Todd Klein
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: April 17, 2018

Batman: Creature of the Night was my pick for 2017 Book of the Year here at Weird Science.  Yea, I took a bit of flack since only two issue had come out, but they are over-sized and, well, they were both awesome.  Kurt Busiek’s story of an alt Batman is so good in spite of (or because of) there not being a “real” Bruce Wayne or Batman.  Now, I can't lie to you and say the massive delay to get to this issue hasn't dulled my excitement for the book a bit, but now that I have it in my hands, I can't wait to talk about it.  Was it worth the wait?  Let's find out…

Superman #45 Review and *SPOILERS*

One Last Ride

Written By: Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi

Art By: Patrick Gleason, Stephen Downer, Tom Napolitano

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While we have one more issue with the Superman Special before Brian Michael Bendis takes over the "Super" books, this issue right here feels more like a goodbye by the creators and while they do have a story in Action Comics #1000 this week, it seems that they had more to say for their love of this character....... plus, we can also go back and take a look at their run overall and explore some concepts and places that were not only important to them, but the Superman Family as well.  Let's jump into this issue, where we head back one final time to Hamilton County so that The Kents and us can say goodbye.  Let's check it out.

Justice League #43 Review and *SPOILERS*

Deathstroke To The Rescue?

Written By: Christopher Priest

Art By: Pete Woods, Willie Schu

Cover Price: $2.99
Release Date: April 18, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

Priest is finishing off his run of Justice League with this issue and for as much as I love his writing in Deathstroke, I can't say that I enjoyed his take of the world's greatest superhero team.  The over the top political angle that he gave almost every issue, the scientific jargon he had to throw out there to try and explain things, that took up way too much page time and just left me with a headache........ and probably most important, the way he wrote our favorite heroes.  It just never felt right, but it all comes to an end here and hopefully it all wraps up nicely to the point where I can eat my words and proclaim that everything now makes sense in the arc.  Yeah, I'm not holding my breath, especially since in the last issue, Deathstroke just killed The Fan in front of our heroes.  Let's jump into this issue and see what's what.  Let's check it out.

Green Lanterns #45 Review and *SPOILERS*

The Realm of Jessica Cruz?

Written By: Tim Seeley

Art By: Ronan Cliquet, Hi-Fi, Dave Sharpe

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: April 18, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

It's time to get back to Green Lanterns, where after all this time we're finally going to get some insight to what made Jessica Cruz so full of fear and anxiety that the Power Ring originally sought her out.  Yeah, we know that her friends were killed when they were out camping, but the question here is.......... by who?  Last issue we saw Singularity Jain try and make a deal with Jessica Cruz so that she could finally get past her mental block and discover this hidden secret and by the end of that issue, it seems that Jessica took the deal............. and for some reason that means that there's a black hole over her apartment.  Yeah, that part doesn't make much sense to me, but Singularity Jain hasn't really been all that fleshed out yet.  Let's jump into this issue and see what's up with our Green Lantern heroes and if we'll learn more about Jessica's secret and more about Singularity Jain.  Let's check it out.

Batman #45 Review and *SPOILERS*

Just The Worst

Written By: Tom King

Art By: Tony S. Daniel, John Livesay, Tomeu Morey, Clayton Cowles

Cover Price: $2.99

Release Date: April 18, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

While this comes off as no surprise for anyone who has frequented this sight over the past year or so........ Well, since I was dumb enough to switch reviews with Jim, where I took on this title for some reason.  What I'm getting at is, you probably know by now that I'm not a fan of Tom King's Batman run with its repeated dialog, plot holes and what comes off at times as the writer not caring about anything that he's putting down on the page............ Well, that doesn't seem like it's going to change here as we continue our road to the wedding, where this time we deal with Booster Gold doing his best to get Bruce Wayne a wedding gift.  Let's jump into this issue and check this shit show out.

Action Comics #1000 Review and *SPOILERS*

He Looks Good For His Age!

Written By: Dan Jurgans, Peter J. Tomasi, Marv Wolfman, Paul Levitz, Geoff Johns, Richard
Donner, Scott Snyder, Tom King, Louise Simonson, Paul Dini, Brad Meltzer, Brian Michael Bendis 

Art By: Dan Jurgans, Norm Rapmund, Hi-Fi, Rob Leigh, Patrick Gleason, Alejandro Sanchez, Tom Napolitano, Curt Swan, Butch Guice, Kurt Schaffenberger, Neal Adams, Dave Sharpe, Olivier Coipel, Rafael Albuquerque, Dave McCaig, Clay Mann, Jordie Bellaire, John Workman, Jerry Ordway, Carlos M. Mangual, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Kevin Nowlan, Trish Mulvihill, Josh Reed, John Cassaday, Laura Martin, Chris Eliopoulos, Jim Lee, Scott Williams, Alex Sinclair, Cory Petit 

Cover Price: $7.99

Release Date: April 18, 2018

*Non Spoilers and Score At The Bottom*

For our big thousandth issue extravaganza, celebrating the life and times......... and the past eighty years of the Man of Steel, we'll be dealing with eleven small stories from some of the top creators at DC Comics.  While there's no criteria for what type of story we get in this issue, it pretty much just revolves around the love that we all feel for the character and throughout this issue you'll get a little something from every decade that Superman has touched our lives.  Alright, let's jump into this issue and check it out.