It’s a good sign that Roger Ebert likes Captain America…not that his opinion is the only one that matters, but it’s one I respect (in spite of his good review of Sky Captain once upon a time). Hopefully, this indicates a turnaround for comic book movies, most of which have not fared well critically this summer.

So, are you excited about seeing the good Captain wage war against the Nazis? Or, are you burned out from one too many superhero films this summer season?  Leave a comment and let us know.

Oh – and read Ebert’s review when you get a chance….

So, story? Young man, somewhat depressed, ennui-filled, sets out to be less depressed, get out of the house, be less isolative. He heads to the diner to meet a buddy who he used to play Rockband with. Girl sitting next to them starts talking to LDB (yes, that’s what his buddy calls him) about video games, etc. He moves on, heads to laundromat the next day, she is there as well. They start talking, she sets up a date with him for a later evening at a Kepi Ghoulie concert. He’s smitten.

The joy in this issue is the artwork – it’s gentle, calming, even colored in neutral earthtones. LDB looks like a puppet or sackboy, but is definitely like many young men (and women) I’ve known over the years – sad, lonely, not sure what to do about it, intensely interested in music, poetry, videogames, etc, but somewhat isolated by the very same interests. There’s a fantastic scene after he’s been invited to Kepi Ghoulie’s show where he heads home, excited, and throws on a Kepi Ghoulie T-Shirt. He stares in the mirror, looks angry, and changes his shirt for a Devo one. If you can’t relate to that, you may not get much of this book. It’s moments like that – subtle, quiet, and full of unspoken story – that make this a book I plan on reading more of.

While it’s hard for me to believe that this girl just randomly meets this depressed little puppety boy and asks him out, I find the whole thing so charming, so utterly gentle and calming, that I’m willing to let it go. Written and colored by S. Steven Struble and pencilled and inked by Sina Grace, The Li’l Depressed boy #1 is an impressive debut from what seems to be a team to watch.

The story concerns the individual members of the KOWH rock band saving the world from the evil Professor Groofball by way of detective work, superhero powers, and good old-fashioned rock n roll. A shifting perspective accompanies shifting artists across the entire book, telling the story of LA detectives working an ethnic war between the russian, italian, irish, chinese, and japanese crime gangs; the president of the united states fighting crime wiht a ray that zaps criminals to the death planet, Professor Groofball and his messianic hostage; and superheroes Tony Whitfield and Cain Fonesca flying across the city to save them all in time to perform as The Kids Of Widney High in a concert that will teach the world about respect and love.

Themes about ability, caring, hope and respect for our fellow man abound in this fun romp through the eyes of some kids with special needs who have found a way to rock with the best of them while having a great time and setting an example for the rest of us. In the words of one member of The Kids of Widney High, “We may all be disabled, whether you have a physical disability of not. Some of us are disabled spiritually, emotionally, mentally. maybe all three!”

As a comic, this book shows off a range of artistic styles and talent that I found to be visually stimulating. Each artist draws the subject matter with an energy and intensity that isnt’ always found even in mainstream comic books. From line-drawn caricature  to sketch-like realism, the book captures a wide range of emotional beats. The story itself takes a couple of reads to fully “get” what’s going on, but I recommend the effort. Like most teen creative efforts, the writing represented here has the marks of talent in progress, with hints of greatness to be fully developed in the future. The themes and values espoused across all the story lines are fully realized and timely, though, making a second and even third read through enjoyable and worth the time.

The Kids of Widney High Comic shoots for the sky, and beyond, as do its real world protagonists. A reminder for us all to take a moment to realize how similar we all are, regardless of ability. These kids rock just as hard as anyone else, and now have shown that they can bring that energy and sense of fun to the comics world as well. Here’s hoping that we’ll see a second issue soon!

Be sure to check out their website here: http://comicsareevil.com/Pw and read more about them on Wikipedia here: http://comicsareevil.com/ha. Then be sure to check out the trailer for their very own movie, coming soon.

Batman #699

Too bad comics aren’t worth more when they have errors like baseball cards, because the artist on the cover is not the artist that drew the book.  Sandu Florea’s name is on the cover but it’s Guillem March on the inside, which is a good thing from my perspective.  March draws some really original ‘bat-poses’ but overall the issue feels like a rushed second half to a two-part story that only serves to eleveate Firebug and possible redirect for the Riddler.  If you have been holding off like I have on Batman (I started again at #697 in anticipation of #700, but there really is no lead-in) then holding off here won’t hurt.

Siege #4

Wow, what the hell.  I think Marvel learned it’s lesson that having a super powerful Superman-like character doesn’t work well in the Marvel U, and not to state the obvious by now, but there is one less Sentry to worry about now.  It most of these event comics, especially the Bendis’ one, there seems to be a strong build up with a limp, quick finish.  It’s like they just flipped a switch an now everything is OK.  I understand that they are setting the stage to mine this material for years until they move to the next phase, but this whole event seemed unnecessary and poorly thought out.

Black Widow #2

I picked up the first two issues on a whim and have to say they have been pretty enjoyable.  Props to Marjorie Liu for crafting a sharp opening act that showcases the alter egos of some of the Marvel U’s biggest names and weaving a mystery that draws you in.  The art by Daniel Acuna fits the story and with the thick lines it pops off the page.  I suggest picking this up and giving at least the first arc a try.

As you can see by the pic, Thor will thankfully NOT be wearing jeans or a black leather jumpsuit as his costume in the upcoming flick from Marvel Studios (releasing May 6, 2011). Which is yet another sign that we should all be thankful that Marvel is now making it’s films in-house, as opposed to handing them off to soulless Hollywood suits with no imagination or affinity for the source material who obviously hate you and your childhood. Even more shocking is a leaked image of Thor adversary The Destroyer, who looks EXACTLY like the comic book version. Try not to wet yourself as you look upon it.  Now, again, if this movie were presented by Fox Studios, instead we’d be invited to share in such brain nuggets as “How about instead of enchanted ‘armor’, it’s just a magical necklace??” or “Can’t we just get Michael Clarke Duncan?” Thankfully it looks like Marvel doesn’t subscribe to the baffling belief that you have to take something people already like and change it into something else, otherwise they won’t like it.

Speaking of Thor, be sure to stick around after the credits of Iron Man 2 for a brief send-up (just don’t expect to see a costumed Chris Hemsworth). If there’s one thing that can be taken from Iron Man 2, it’s that Jon Favreau and company are certainly playing nice with the larger Marvel sandbox (expect Sam Jackson to Sam Jackson his ass off as Nick Fury), because this film largely seems to act as a precursor for The Avengers project and future inclusion of other heroes into the world . In fact, Favreau himself touches on that when discussing potential Iron Man 3 villain, The Mandarin. Essentially, Favreau would love to use the Mandarin, but still isn’t sure his 10 magical power rings fit in the tech-based universe of the Iron Man franchise, so he’s waiting to see how films like Thor and The Avengers introduce other fantasy elements to gauge the sliding scale of reality that he’ll be able to work with in Iron Man 3. This is actually a nice concession, considering he’s seemingly willing to allow those other films by other directors affect what he will or won’t do in further Iron Man films, as opposed to a less collaborative director who might just stick to their vision, for better or worse…

And just to geek about it, the Red Skull in the upcoming WWII era Captain America film (supposedly July 22, 2011… although I remember when Marvel said it would be out in 2009, so we’ll see…) is going to be played by Hugo Weaving, which may in fact be the best casting ever in the history of both man and film. Along with lead Chris Evans (Fantastic Four, The Expendables, Scott Pilgrim… CLEARLY he wants to be a superhero more than Nic Cage), director Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer, October Sky, effects/art director for original Star Wars & Indiana Jones flicks) and screen writer David Self (Road To Perdition, long tied to a never-developed Sub-Mariner film trilogy), this one is shaping up to have all the ingredients for one delectable cinematic cookie.

Close Call! +500 XP

Also in comic movie news, Scott Pilgrim vs The World (out August 13, 2010, based on Bryan Lee O’Malley’s brilliant and hilarious manga series), for which shooting wrapped months ago, is actually heading for a round of re-shoots. According to director Edgar Wright, the extra footage is actually warranted because the film is testing so positively, and is something that he’s done with previous films, including Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead. Hopefully they can still add a CGI layer over Michael Cera to make him ANYONE BUT MICHAEL CERA.

Jonah Hex (June 18, 2010, starring Josh Brolin and Megan Fox) has finally nervously pulled back it’s veil and released a full trailer, although anyone who’s a fan of the comic may be put off by the bizarre inclusion of supernatural elements to the genre book that may have been better served as a straight-up Western. Of course, it’s doubtful that the film would have survived solely on the mercy of all 87 die-hard Jonah Hex fans to begin with, so scaring off the fan base was probably never an issue for the studio… Conversely, the Solomon Kane film (based on the Robert E. Howard character), which was released partially last year and this year overseas to favorable reviews, is still awaiting general release here in the states. Rogue Pictures has apparently acquired the release rights, but a date has yet to be set. Check out the trailer here, which is surprisingly spry for only a $35 million budget.

…and don’t forget to brush up on your comic trivia before attending weekend openings! I won a shirt for answering an easy question at the Iron Man 2 premiere. Unfortunately it was at an AMC theater, and the shirt was actually a Paranormal Activity shirt, which somehow must have escaped from the garbage pile into the trivia-prize pile. I threw it to a man 5 rows back, who was far too excited to be receiving such a shirt.

Thor #609

I picked up the Iron Man By Design variant which says “Iron Man does not appear in this Issue” on the back.  Neither does Thor.  Much like Gillen’s ‘Loki’ one-shot, he shows a deft touch and dealing with the god of mischief and finally resolving story arcs set up by JMS.  Recent previews have shown the Fractions debut on Thor has been pushed by a an issue or two, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The Walking Dead #71

Again, I have to heap more praise on this book.  Kirkman delivers a pretty wicked twist and not one zombie appears in the issue.  Evil really is in the eye of the beholder and we finally enter a phase were we get a new perspective on the crew we’ve been following and  just what sort of toll these people have paid.  For the first time you realize just how deeply affected Rick and his son really are, and it’s a brutal scene.  TWD is easily my second favorite title after Scalped, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this issue.

Iron Man #25

As much as I love what Matt Fraction did with this volume of Invincible Iron Man, it seems a bit odd that what took several issues to undo is practically redone in a few pages.  Worse, the best part, the new armor (Mark MMXVIII?) is all a ‘secret’, Tony just has an epiphany and rolls to Reed Richard’s lab and now has Super Extremis Armor, but we are invited to keep reading to see all the new capabilities of the armor.  As a huge Iron Man fan, new armor is something you look forward to, and I feel shortchanged on what we are given in this oversized issue.  Stark’s new company direction (I like the fact that Stark turns down an Asgardian bail-out) harkens back to the Circuit Maximus days and the whole issue feels like an homage to the late 80′s Invincible.  Hopefully, Fraction is only using some of these rehashed beats to set the table before he sets off in a new and fresh direction.

The distopian storyline is important. It gives us portents and lessons, disguised in the dramatic struggles of the individuals and society. Which is why this trope shows up so often in literature, movies and even comics. Our fears manifest on screen and pulp, our hopes entwined in the fates of heroes and outcasts.

And this is how One Live Beast begins, with the possible conclusion of events from our own history. The fear of terrorist attacks creates the environment needed for an authoritative government to take away the liberties of its people for their own good. Although we saw the start of this in the 9/11 attacks and passed laws, in Jeff’s America their are other attacks, far more devastating, which lead to martial law,  isolationism and an Internet propaganda-machine.

There is no doubt that Jeff is an intelligent and well-read man who wants to write an epic warning to those who will listen. And within his world there are at least a dozen important lessons that he could have written volumes on. However, Jeff brings them all to bear on the reader at once, making it difficult to focus and learn from just one.

The progression of the protagonist, Chris, is as rushed and complex as the world he survives in. At first he is a standard repairman who is in reality an underground hacker. This character profile alone would make him great: the whitehat hero against the technological oppression of the government. But when hacking into the government’s virtual-reality-based network, something goes wrong and now he has the ability to access technology with telepathic ease. And here as well this takes him from an ordinary hacker to a superhero level, able to match the advanced technology of the government with his own powers. But it doesn’t stop there. Chris’s abilities develop into energy based attacks, flight, strength and durability. Astounding, but so far still normal for a superhero comic. But finally Chris ascends to an even higher level of heroism, the story gains an entire mythos of Earth and aliens, of history and influence, that makes Chris a prophetic being in the same realm as Jesus. Another great idea, but one that should be developed on its own without over complicating the already well written story.

The art in One Live Beast has merits and drawbacks. There isn’t any color in the graphic novel, which is understandable since it was self published. The black and white works well for the stark realities of the book. The environmental details are extremely well done. The destroyed infrastructure is realistic and the newly constructed wall is domineering. The artistic portrayal of people isn’t as realistic and seems more amateurish. Perhaps their is a reason for this as his other collection, God Hates Us All, has some well-done abstract mixed-media art portraying highly professional representations of human beings. After reviewing some of the examples from the upcoming Book Two, there does seem to be some improvement in the style.

It is important to note that this is just book one and I hope that Jeff is able to produce the rest of his opus for our benefit. There is a lot of interesting story to be told, perhaps more than can be told, but I for one look forward to watching this mythos unfold.

Want to win a signed copy of this Trade Paperback? How about a signed “God Hates Us All” comic? Comment below and we’ll send it out to a random winner!

Secret Six #20 (DC)

Man, Gail Simone is no joke, flirting ever so close with the limits of a non VERTIGO title.  After the cliffhanger ending of #19, the premise plays out in a sort of Mel-Gibson-Witness “Give me back my son!” (or for you youngins, Liam-Neeson-Taken) style, and it is very well done.  Catman is front and center and like the legend of Keyser Soze, he shows these men of will what will is.  Highly recommened.

Powers #4 (Icon)

Brian Michael Bendis decides to turn in his David Mamet (or Garth Ennis) issue of Powers (count the ‘number of f-bombs) and it’s actually a pretty gripping read.  The premise here, one that seems tangentially related to Marvel’s current retelling of the WWII era Marvel, is where do you go for thrills when you have already saved the world from war.  Bendis’ is weaving a noir mystery that streches back a centrury using the newly revealed immortal status of Walker.  This book is going bi-monthly, which is a shame as it starting to really get interesting.  Also recommended.

Siege Loki One-Shot (Marvel)

One thing I didn’t like about Siege was that it seems a sudden and unoriginal way to end Osborn’s Dark Reign.  All of a sudden, an Asgardian blows up a football game (didn’t we do that to kick off Civil War?  Stamford, anyone?) and Loki decides to tell Osbourne to take on Asgard.  Just seemed very forced to me.  Well, thank Odin that Marvel has Kieron Gillen on the payroll, because this guy just made the whole thing seem plausible.  While I dig Matt Fraction, I don’t think they should pull Gillen off Thor for him.  Gillen really gets the tone of these gods and all I can say is that if you were on the fence about Siege, this book goes a long way to making that sudden swerve way more plausible and sets the stage for what could be the most insane version of Loki yet.

Ultimate Comics: X #2

While it’s unfortunate that Loeb is on such a crappy writing streak, this book is the least of his offenders and the gorgeous Art Adams artwork is worth it.   Here we are doing the mystery thing again of what seems to be the second coming of the reset Ultimate universe’s Wolverine and his friends.  This issue tackles Karen and the question is what’s really going on with her.  Did I mention Arthur Adams is drawing this book?

S.H.I.E.L.D. #1

Jonathan Hickman, who in my opinion has been doing some nice work on Secret Warriors and Fantastic Four, is launching anew S.H.I.E.L.D. book.  I’m a huge fan of Nick Fury (Just picked up Nick Fury: Agent of Shield #7 with a sweet Steranko cover) and the premise here is sort of on the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen tip: great minds of the past such as Imhotep and Gallileo were O.G. agents of shield and there is a legacy here that affects the shield of today.  This sounds cool and is definitely worth a look.  Hickman hasn’t let me down yet.