Mary Louise Eklund

Tag: review

Movie Comments: The One Hundred Foot Journey

The required US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique

Last night a friend suggested lunch and movie on my day off. She wanted to see The Hundred Foot Journey I’d never heard of it. Much to her surprise I’d not seen the trailers. Actually we’ve not watched TV for a week reading on the porch in the evening instead. I agreed to the movie and we hooked up for lunch where we had the week before.

Thus I went into the movie without an idea what it was about. I was ready for a story and boy did I get one. It’s a food unites hearts type of story. An Indian family loses their matriarch and restaurant when it is set fire during riots after an election. The patriarch takes them to Europe to found a restaurant there. After some wandering they wind up in France buying a place 100 ft across a small road from a 1-star Michelin French restaurant where Papa in all his wisdom opens their restaurant.

This is a feel good movie from Disney. It’s family affair stuff. But you know what, it works. There is a dark night of the soul, but don’t worry it’s not too dark. There is romance but don’t worry it’s not too syrupy. There is comedy but not just for the sake of going for the laugh. But most of all there is hope and faith that in the end all will turn out as it should. Being Disney of course it does.

Along the way to the inevitable happy ending we are treated to a feast for the eyes. The cinematography is breath taking from the colorful streets of India’s spice markets to the breathtaking vistas of Southern France to the I can almost taste it shots of food the eyes feast at every turn. I could smell the delicious spiciness of Indian cuisine and taste the subtle blends of the French sauces. I felt the heat and heady scents of the market as we jostled to buy fresh sea urchins in India and felt the soul healing energy as Papa looked down into the town that would be their new home, the pristine visage of an old village that blended with the slopes of the alps.

Yes it is at it’s heart about the journeys we all take. The journeys inside to find ourselves and answer our callings. The journeys we take on the outside to find a place of our own. The journey where 100 foot wide road separates them but they start out a world apart. Then how in time and shared experiences they could be a world apart but nothing could come between them. Two cultures who find common ground and mutual respect in the love of food. Because as the movie states more than once, “Food is memories.” Sometimes flavors need to blend to make new dishes and new memories for all to treasure.

If you need a soothing boost… If you want a story that’s comforting over joke filled action of next Summer Blockbuster – then this journey is for you. Take it – you’ll enjoy it. But don’t go on an empty stomach!

August 18, 2014
Comic Comments – AvX Concludes

I’m grouping Issue 18 & 19 of Wolverine and the X-Men together for two major reasons 1) I’m very behind on my Comic Comments and 2) both deal with post AvXinterruptus. I’ll give the writers credit this time they did say school focused no roaming off with the Jr. Hellfire Club (though they make an appearance), no roaming off with one student or faculty member (though various ones move in and out of the spotlight). Humor is used well in Issue 19 to ease the serious losses in 18. In these two issues I’d say Marvel has shown it can master the ensemble cast – have them going different directions, cover them and not tell a disjointed story! CUDOS! Yes when one story gets hot focus will have to draw only onto that story & characters with a few ‘meanwhile back at the ranch…’ panels. I enjoyed both issues and think this is how I wanted to see AvX in this title – from the school’s point of view.

The ever present US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

Issue 18 entitled Dance Like There’s No Tomorrow credits – Jason Aaron, writer – Jorge Molina, Penciler – Norman Lee, Inker – Morry Hollowell & Rachel Rosenberg, Colorists – Chris Eliopoulos, Letterer – Ed McGuinness & Morry Hollowell, Cover Artists – Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor – Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

Issue 19 entitled More Pencils, More Books, More Teachers’ Dirty Looks credits – Jason Aaron, Writer – Nick Bradshaw, Penciler – Walden Wong, Inker – Laura Martin, Colorist – Chris Eliopoulos, Letterer – Nick Bradhaw & Gurur EFX, Cover Artists – Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor – Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief, Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

AvX has been over enough I don’t feel it is a spoiler to say – Phoenix is destroyed erasing M-Day (so why did we go through that just to undo all of it!) and making many new mutants. Charles Xavier is dead (AGAIN! I think this is about the 10th death maybe the 9th still lags behind Jean Grey’s 14 – 20 deaths). Oh and Scott Summer killed Xavier this time and is in jail for it (at least for now).

Issue 18 shows how the school views all these big universe. While this is going on Idie, Quentin, and Broo all have their own important events happen. Staff wise Husk is feeling the strain of her powers fracturing and being a teacher. We see more of her relationship with Toad as she makes a big life change.

Issue 19 deals with the aftermath – Broo’s injured and Henry is doing all he can to save the boy. Kitty is stressed with Husk gone and more mutants popping up and enrolling daily she needs to expand the staff. Logan is out to find Broo’s attacker. We also see the next arc setting up with Frankenstein’s Circus rolling into town…

I love how the financial issues of the school were solved with Warren gaining control of his company and Xavier leaving his estate. Yet I’d enjoy it more if a constant stressor on Logan was paying the bills. I think that would relate to the real world’s economy and give interesting story lines for the school. Can you imagine a bake sale in town with the Jean Grey Students? Or in his solo title Logan taking various jobs for pay to support his school? Oh the comic interludes, moral questions, serious situations, and interesting issues that could be raised and dealt with – but no money is no longer a worry. Phooey heck even Krakota could make diamonds if need be… pfft too easy.

The handling of the title as an ensemble TV show is improving. Think of any show you followed that had an ensemble cast – there’s the lead characters (here Logan, Quentin, Bobby, Kitty, Hank) and the major characters (Idie, Broo, Husk, Toad) and the supporting regulars (Chamber, Gambit, Doop, Glob…) Rarely do you have a show (or issue in this case) where the lead character’s story isn’t addressed or moved forward. Next if the lead characters are in the valley between stories you catch us up then shine the light on the major characters to move their story forward more significantly. Finally the regulars take stage if there is time if not they support the other story lines. Think of Hillstreet Blues one of the best written longest running ensemble shows – that’s how it’s done. I applaud these issues for mastering it so well! We get the conclusion of the major multi-title event but not without losing the title’s focus of the school. We see the issues faced after the event but again through the school’s perspective. Yet while doing this we’re developing the major character story lines since the lead characters are winding up their major story arc. Cudos!

I can’t not mention my ache for Broo and hope that they do bring him back. I think he’s a good student for Henry to mentor for many reasons. They are so similar. Besides I love Broo and don’t want to lose him. Next I have to mention Kitty’s interviewing of various Marvel characters for position as teacher at Jean Grey… hilarious and the one REAL teacher’s reactions OMG! I got a case of the giggles. Great comic relief and excellent way to intro the new lead character!

Finally – the budding student romance has been hinted at in the flashes into the future finally gets a small start here. I enjoy seeing Quentin’s insecurities at the first school dance. For all his bluster and talent he’s still just a scared kid inside. So good, so good… I see Quentin and Idie being that generations Jean & Scott with Broo being that generation’s Logan carrying a torch for Idie. The more things change the more they stay the same.

As for the art – OMG they got it right! After such a hideous start to this title with tiny footed Kitty and gotta poop tie Logan with such confusing panels that the story was overwhelmed Marvel has found its footing with solid art that has style but supports the story! I actually recognize the characters. Their proportions don’t throw me out thinking they look like toddler toys with the oversized feet for easy play. Here they have comic features when needed – see the cover of 18 for the students looking almost Archie-like to Scott being rendered dramatically with hyper-realism. I think that juxtaposition sums up the story of the school trying to put on the happy face of normalcy with a dance as the final battle rages. Then the cover of 19 returns to the ensemble cover we’ve seen in other issues.

I give credit to Marvel for having rescued this title from the roller coaster of good school centric issues to WTF where’s the school issues! They pulled it together for these two issues and the following arc. **STANDING OVATION** This is why I get this title!

You know what is next…. interior scans

These might be spoilery for some…

So if you are worried…

Stop scrolling right NOW

If not then here’s the first page…

Here we see Xavier extort the promise from Logan to protect the next generation. While that is going on we see the dynamic of the next generation start to take shape. I thought the set up here was very effective

Okay this amused me on many levels – first the Bamfs at the buffet of the dance! So cute I can’t wait until we get the issue or arc that explains how they aren’t grimlins. Next I used my trusty Doop Translator I determined he says “You know my wounds have healed from last time.” I still can’t wrap my head around those two being friend with benefits. I think I really don’t want to go there.

Deadpool you crack me up! Oh Spidy I think it’s worthy of getting a picture of him actually doing it for his English Lit class. Good summary of how Kitty’s interview process is going be sure to check out the real teacher in the issue!

Remember Broo helped Tony solve the Phoenix problem and became a friend of Tony Stark’s. I find it touching Henry consults the brains of Marvel Universe in an attempt to help Broo.

I don’t know if it’s good that the headmaster dons stripper spandex and goes about sniffing floors in town… I know it is for a good cause but really if you are trying to build good relations with the community does this work? I won’t go on my rant against the return of the blue and yellow spandex uniform. Honestly I liked the black one best be it the turtleneck with shoulder holster, leathers with a shirt please, or my fav the western look with cowboy hat.

Any way that’s it until next time!

March 5, 2013
Book Comments – Anatomist’s Apprentice

The cover image is the property of its owners I reproduce it here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique.

I’m always looking for a good book series. I enjoy watching characters develop. I guess that’s why I still enjoy comic books. I keep my ears open for new series to try. Generally, speaking the first book of a series that’s intended to be a series is one of the weaker books because it sets up the world, the characters, plot lines to carry for many books, and an episodic plot. That’s a lot to get done in about 300 pages. So if a series can grab me in the first one I figure it’s a keeper.

The Anatomist’s Apprentice by Tessa Harris is the first book of the Dr. Thomas Silkstone mysteries. It’s set in England during King George III’s reign, during our Revolution here in the states. Anatomy was a newish science and our hero Dr. Silkstone is burgeoning into forensic science. He’s treading new territory about the time Vidocq, the father of modern forensic thought, was being born. He attempts to determine not just the cause of death but the method of murder or should I say murders. The initial one leads to a few more all needing to be solved.

There are enough twists, red herrings, and dead ends to keep the reader guessing. The story has a great pace to build interest without being rushed or lagging. I have to say I enjoyed it very much and will be reading the second book The Dead Shall Not Rest.

Even though I enjoyed the book there were a few issues with the book that threw me out of the story as a reader. The first was remembering it was set in the Georgian era not the Victorian era. For me take away a few references to tricron hats, powdered wigs, Colonies in revolt, and men in stockings and the setting was perfectly Victorian. Actually it seemed more so than Georgian, from medical school operations, to newspapers frequency, to conversational phrasing, to servants mannerisms and so on. The feel was off so I gave up ignored the few dropped hints that it was the 1700s and imagined it in the 1800s.

The second issue was head hopping. You see in a scene you can only be in one person’s head. If you keep hopping about from inner thoughts to inner thoughts it gets confusing. The few times in one scene where we jump from his head to her head and back I was totally out of the scene and confused. Inside one head per scene please!

The third was events seemed to be known before they were known. I can’t think of specific examples but I do remember at least twice thinking “Hmm, we know that? How did I miss that?” Then shortly after that we do come to know it. As I writer I recognize this as forgetting to clean up moving a scene. It happens and a good editor will kick it back to you to fix.

Finally the fourth and to me the biggest one – don’t play your hero of the series to be stupid. There’s a scene where he explains how a unique poison works. Then right after that the very person who gave him the sample – has the systems of the poison but dammit he doesn’t notice. It takes too long for him to put it together when as a reader I was shouting it at him. YOU JUST DESCRIBED THIS HOW CAN YOU NOT SEE IT?!?

Honestly I put the others on the editor’s shoulders. A great editor takes a story and helps the writer make it the best it can be. Unless there’s a reason to have it in the 1700s a few snips and it’s fitting the feel. Head hopping is something editors are always harping upon and looking for changes in the point of view (POV). Writers tend to do it when creating because we are trying to account for everyone and their motivations so their movements hold true. Decent editors get it out very quickly. I’ve already addressed the rewrite remnants of what is known when. So I think it’s a good strong story with weak editing.

Those are mostly small things, some are just writer hang-ups. Still if it’s stuff that will bug you be warned it’s there but the story is strong enough to get through it. If you don’t notice these things or they don’t bother you, then you’re in for a fun read.

Until next time!

February 28, 2013
Movie Comments – An Action Movie For Deadpool Fans

The required US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique

You know I like action movies. I want something to entertain me as I find most plots don’t keep me guessing but the action is where I get my thrills. Also you know I love wisecrackin’ Deadpool. Well in this movie I got them both! Action and a wise crackin’ reluctant hero. Not to mention a female lead that wasn’t the screaming damsel in distress. All in all good fun.

Sure there’s a lot to be desired in the plot. You see there’s a prison of the world worst criminals in orbit. Yep in space orbit around the earth. There they are put into hibernation. Why it requires the expense of putting them in orbit, moving the staff back and forth from earth to the platform and all I dunno. Harder to escape I’d guess but still the cost must be exorbitant per prisoner.

Then there’s this nonsense that they’d let the President’s daughter not only go to a prison like that but wake up and talk to one of the most psychotic prisoners of the bunch. Yeah like the Secret Service would agree to that. BUT they did and you can guess what goes wrong. Yep and our wonderfully quipping reluctant hero has to go in and save her. Only thing is this woman can save herself, she’s one tough cookie. True with trained help she does much better but she wasn’t some crying wilting flower either.

I’d put this movie down as a popcorn watcher that was kinda fun but not great if it wasn’t for the character Snow. He was awesome, no awesomesauce! He cracked the funny one liner I adored in the craptastic 80s action flicks and that make Deadpool the nutty merc with a mouth that’s dear to my soul. His character alone pumped this up to a B movie from a D. Just because he could make this girl laugh. Really guys don’t wasn’t money on covering your grey, learn to make a girl laugh that’ll bring them in more than dyed hair.

There is nothing to this movie beyond action and quips. The insane inmate character is over played. The inmate rebellion leader has no where to go but down in firey debris as they crash into the atmosphere or starve to death in orbit so naturally he wakes ALL the prisoners. For some reason the prisoners are identifiable by bad Scottish accents. Not much to recommend this beyond the joy of silly word play and some good ole fighting. Oh and Guy Pierce isn’t hard on the eyes…

Until next time!

February 25, 2013
Comic Comments – Masks

This is a comic I didn’t buy. I got it free with my monthly purchase over X amount. I didn’t choose it, it was just the freebie included. Generally I’m not impressed by these freebies but this one impressed me. I love the art. The interior art isn’t the typical comic style but rather painted all by one artist, Alex Ross. The story introduces classic old time radio heroes into the comic book format. The Shadow, Green Hornet, Kato, Spider, Zorro just to name the core few. It’s set in the 1930s style and has that old Phantom comic feel to it (not that Phantom is in it that I could tell). It is a very well done comic. Visually stunning but… hang on let’s get the technicalities out of the way…

The ever present US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

The credits: Chris Roberson, Writer – Alex Ross, Painter – Simon Bowland, Letterer – Main covers by Alex Ross, Jae Lee (the cover I got & pictured here), Francesco Francavilla, and Ardian Syaf.

The but I have about this comic is many fold. 1) I have only the funds for so many comics per month. If I had unlimited this would be on the pull list for sure but I don’t. 2) I’m not so much into that era and style of superhero. It’s old movie style, with some campy 1930s stuff thrown into the mix. Just not my thing for a full title. I enjoy visiting it for a limited title but on long term it’s not me. 3) I never really liked those heroes. I’m more of a modern day gal for my superheroes. I like the reluctant hero, the hero that struggles, the one that isn’t perfect, the one that’s not into show and flare. I like ’em a bit insane too. I never got the touch of angsty darkness I want from what I’ve read about these heroes.

Still I can’t deny this comic is very well done. The story is classic. The heroes find one another and align together as evil come into legitimate power. They unite to right the wrongs and expose the corruption of the current ruling Freedom party which is anything but increasing freedom. Some heroes are seen in action, others are just introduced. It’s a good strong start to a series. The story is set. The main players introduced or at least glimpsed. The tone and feel of the comic is defined. It’s got it all together. Definitely if you are into this era of comics it’s a must!

I’ve raved on the art. I’ll say it’s lovely and expertly done. Just what Alex Ross has built a solid reputation doing. It’s not so avant guard in stunning style it takes away from the story. Instead the rich art with styles from the era so lushly shown it give an old movie feel to it. There’s a richness that one often gets watching old Hollywood spruce up reality even for the old gangster movies. Ross captures it deliciously. You have to scroll down and see what I mean.

In the end I have to say this is again another small print comic that brings it all to the table. Characters, art, story come together in an excellently executed package, nothing was short changed. The only problem is it’s not for me. I appreciate all of that but when push comes to shove I’ll have to pass.

SCANS to Show off the interior

Warning some may say these are spoilery

I think they are lovely

You want it keep scrolling

and here they are:

Here I swear it’s Bogie and Bacall not a bad duo to use, the dinner scene gave me the old movies feel but honestly Logan fills out a white dinner jacket much better than the Shadow, IMHO.

Here Zorro is on trial for being a Mexican without a job. Being a 1930s inspired setting YOU know there had to be a court room scene!

and here’s the heroes in action when they first meet Spidy’s grandpa the Spider!

Until next time!

February 22, 2013
Movie Comments – Act Of Valor

The required US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique

I always have a hard time answering the question “What’s your favorite movie?” I mean really can you compare a comedy to a historic drama to a noir to a novel adaption of a genre work? No because what is a good point in one might be a weak point in another. If I think say Elizabeth I’s coronation was hysterical in a historic drama it has failed but in a comedy it has succeeded. So my answer is “Depends on the type of movie.” This one wouldn’t my top list of any genre but it is good for what it is.

I know I’m a huge fan of story but sometimes I go to a movie for the visual – the special effect and/or the action. That’s where Act of Valor falls. The plot is there but it’s thin and developed to tie together various types of action in various types of terrain and conditions. The acting is stiff and not even high quality by high school standards. Yet it was awesome for what it is – a movie of real Seal teams showing the cool stuff they can do.

Yep that’s what it is. A big ooohhh-rahhh action movie of here’s how we do a jungle attack. Here’s how we do a city extraction. Here’s how we’d attack a compound (uh any fairly recent events come to mind?). It’s shouting, explosions, shooting, verification procedures that who you got is who you were sent to get. You know those questions in your file about obscure facts from your life that only you’d know – that’s what they are for. The rescue team gets the answers and uses them to verify you are you.

I found the movie fun. The poignant moment of a funeral was hard because the uniforms are ones I know too well. The SEAL team is Navy after all. Still I had the bonus of having someone who had real world experience working with teams like this. No Mike was never on these teams but yes he did have a senior officer position in many exercises and during the year plus he was activated. So he can explain some of the great nuances like the questions asked the hostage they freed (M’mam I hate to make you answer but what was your dog’s name when you were in first grade?) It’s quick and over and if you caught it you might think – what the heck was he asking her that right then? Shouldn’t they be hauling ass outta there? I think Mike’s commentary made it better and made me appreciate the slower scenes of tactical planning and information sharing.

Don’t come to this movie for a story. Don’t come to this movie for award winning acting. Come to this movie to see what our forces can do. Come to this movie to appreciate what these family give so that our forces can answer the call. Come to this movie to see what planning goes into taking action. And by all means come to this movie to see action, tonnes of it, in spades. If those things don’t appeal to you – then this movie isn’t for you.

Until next time!

February 21, 2013
Book Comments – It’s Cold Days for Harry Dresden

The cover image is the property of its owners I reproduce it here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique.

I discovered the Dresden files when he was on book 5 Death Masks. I liked it so much my next vacation at the beach I read books 1-4 in a week. I’ve kept up with them since then. I generally devour them the week they are released. I love the audiobooks too. James Marsters does a great job reading them except Ghost Story which was read by John Glover. Well Cold Days is book 17 and Ghost Story was book 16.

In the last book Harry was for all intensive purposes a ghost. Which was interesting but being in that state it took away one of his traits that I like so much – the ability to kick ass in any kind of fight. Yes when you are all wispy you can’t toss spells around or throw punches or use any weapons. So the fun underdog wins the battle part of the typical entry in the series was gone. **SIGH** I did miss it but in this book Jim Butcher made up for it by a final battle that was chapters long. I kid you not CHAPTERS long.

You see due to some technicalities Harry has his body back. Now he also is the human knight to the winter queen who happens to be the faerie Queen Mab of legend. She’s always been a terrifying presence on the edge of Harry’s life. Since the books are written in first person the only view we get of her and others is through Harry’s perspective. He’s always seen her as a malevolent character. Even at the start of the story when she’s personally over seeing his physical rehab by trying to kill him each day – she’s not seen as a wonderful benefactress. Yet as this story unfolds there are things we learn about her that make her more sympathetic. She has a large weight of responsibility to the real world both mundane and magic that Harry (and thus we) weren’t aware. Also in a private moment we learn the Queen like all fae folk was once human. Fae are born as halflings and have to choose which side they will take, just how or when the choice is usually made we aren’t told. We do see one halfling be forced into a side but it’s an extraordinary circumstance made by battle and insanity of courtly fae that sets up the situation.

I have to say I like glimpsing the magical beings but my heart lies with the magical humans like what Harry was when he was just a wizard. This story spends a good amount of time in the Winter Court in Never Never which is the magical realm occupied by the fae. Not my favorite setting in Dresden. I don’t mind the White Court, vampires in Chicago as much as I do the Never Never. I guess that’s because what brought me into Dresden was the concept of a wizard private investigator. We’re far from that now but the roots of seeing the magic world in the mundane is what I loved. I didn’t want to live all in magic in this urban fantasy – when we do it’s just fantasy and that’s way down my genre list from urban fantasy. I’m a picky reader I know but hey there is so much out there I have to be. Only so many reading hours per life ya know.

What I did enjoy in this book was the return of action. Dresden isn’t just his bad self again – he’s his bad self augmented by the Winter Knight mantel and Queen Mab’s daily attempted murder training sessions. So he can really kick ass as seen when the final battle rages for a quarter of the book. Ya know I kinda think Jim Butcher missed writing the action too. As much as I was glad to have it back, even I – the action glutton – thought this was a bit much. Still it was fun but didn’t touch reanimating Sue the T-Rex to ride her through Chicago to get to the big supernatural battle though. Nope that’s still my happy geek moment in the Dresden Files.

The other thing that was good to see back was Molly. She’s not the terrified, tortured, homeless waif we saw in the last book. Actually we learn why she was being trained so harshly by Harry’s godmother. Molly is now a not just a good wizard in her own right but a a powerful one. She works as a full team member without any issues on Harry’s part, except well the effects of the Winter Knight but I’ll let you discover that for yourself. To see the team back together – Butters, Molly, Thomas, Karrin, and Bob along with Toot-Toot!!! (I adore Toot-toot!) working together to solve all the emergencies that are colliding at the same time. It’s wonderful to see them and awesome to see the characters have grown.

That is why I’m okay that it’s not a series about a PI who is a wizard in Chicago any more. The characters out grew it. Every character including Bob have grown and changed given the stories that have happened and the time passed. That’s why I can keep coming back, it’s formula with growth. That’s why I don’t miss the PI stuff but I do miss Chicago. I want Harry back there not living off in fantasy land. That’s all.

I love how threads and points from earlier books are paid off here in this story. We learn more about Harry’s island Demonreach and what his role is with it. We learn why Harry’s godmother was frozen in Mab’s garden in a past book. We learn more about the Outsiders. More about the structure and nature of the fae’s courts. So it’s a big world expander that ties up some things.

All in all it took me a day and half to read, yes it was a page turner. I loved it and am left waiting at least a year to find out how the heck Harry gets out of being the Winter Knight without being a ghost for real the next time. I suspect Santa Claus and Demonreach will have a hand in helping him with this one. Yes you read that right Santa Claus – he’s the Winter King don’t ya know. Oh and he’s more if you read the subtle clues in the final scene where he chats with Harry after the huge battle. Hint – brush up on the pre-Christian origins of our jolly one in red.

If you’ve not been introduced to Dresden Files let me have the honor of highly recommending them. You can’t go wrong starting at the beginning in book or in audio book and working your way through. It’ll be an adventurous action filled ride that leaves you longing for the next one. I just warn you when you get here to book 17 Cold Days it’s gonna be a long wait for the next one -but it’s coming!

February 15, 2013
Comic Comments – Fury Goes To Cuba

When we last visted Fury Max – Nick was in Vietnam just as American were getting involved on the French side of Indochina. That mission was a good read with great historical grounding. The mission wasn’t successful except it got Fury an assignment he liked better for helping out Congressman Pug McCuskey. The bad news is – it has to do with Cuba, Cuban nationals, and the Kennedy White House.

Now for the ever present US legal disclaimer: All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

First a very satisfied nod to the creative team: Garth Ennis, Writer – Goran Parlov, Artist – Lee Loughridge, Colors – Rob Steen, Lettering – Manny Mederos, Production – Sebastian Girner & Nick Lowe, Editors on Issue #4 – Nick Lowe, editor on Issue #5 & 6 – Axel Alonso, Editor In Cheif – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

The bright side of the previously failed Indochina mission was Pug’s secretary Shirley. She and Fury struck up a friendship with benefits. That was early 1954, after a flash Nick today dictating his memoirs while his call girls take a rest between sessions we are taken to 1961. Fury is training Cuban Nationals in Central America. At least until the soon to be Senator Pug calls him for another off the books job.

But in this one – it appears Shirley wants more than quarterly visits. In the middle of one of Nick’s visits she announces she’s marrying Pug. She doesn’t want to go back to the South Side of Chicago she wants the good life. If Nick will stay and give it to her she’ll reconsider – but no that’s not Nick.

He and his side kick Hatherly’s reward for training the Nationals as best they can – an off the books assignment from Pug and the leaders of the Nationals – Kill Castro. They get a gung-ho radioman and set out on their mission in the middle of the Bay of Pigs event. You can guess how it turns out. What you can’t guess is just how low Pug will sink and how he’ll put his new wife in danger doing it.

I like the story except for the end. It’s not that the mission fails (sorry I don’t consider that a spoiler basic knowledge of American history tells you that) I just didn’t get what Fury did or why. I’ve always gotten Fury’s thought process. Sure it’s screwed up at times, at times I DO NOT agree with it, at times it’s so clouded by testosterone that it reeks. His final decision in this arc just didn’t make sense for the character. Maybe it’ll be a plot device we’ll see develop later but as it stands – it’s out of character to me.

Though I have to say I’m loving this title. It’s historically accurate, great writing, and the art is fantastic. It all comes together to give me a comic I want. Yes Fury is a man’s man but that’s the appeal kinda like Bond with a more rugged edge and dirtier finish. That I enjoy. We are getting to see Pug, Hatherly, and Shirley develop into full characters not just cut-outs of spy novel characters. I can’t wait for the next arc to complete. I’m hoping this team stays for many issues to come.

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*********A Few Internal Scans******* May Be Considered Spoilery by SOME****************
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January 15, 2013
Comic Comments without a Comic

Fear Itself – Wolverine, Issue 3. Writer Seth Peck, Penciller: Roland Boschi, John Lucas, Colorist: Dan Brown Letterer: Jared Fletcher Orig. Published: by Marvel on September 07, 2011

I started doing Comic Comments just to share my thoughts about a comic with other comic readers. Kinda like chatting about a movie at a fast food joint after seeing it. Not a true review of the comic but more just commenting on it from my reading. If it’s working or not is hard to tell because I don’t get many comments back (apparently I’m sitting alone at a table chatting about the comic I just read) and very few e-mails. However it’s new and my inner voice says, keep your head down keep doing the column for a year THEN start to evaluate it.

Like all writing it’s developing organically, creating its own form just like characters and stories do as you work on them. The number of scanned pages has dropped. The legal statement has to be done. The shape has taken on a formula for now of intro, legal, creative team, discussion, few scans with comments. Seems to work for me right now but I’m running into some trouble defining just what I want the discussion to be.

I’m leaning more toward a review. I’ve been looking about at comic reviews and find there are basically three types – summary, cheerleader, critic.

The summary one retells the story of what happened in the comic. This is an easy one to fall into for me. It’s the sharing of my love for this style of storytelling that inspired the whole column to begin with. I want to share what’s going on with the title! However, a commentary or review isn’t about retelling the story. It’s to discuss the story with those who have read it or inspire someone to read it and then discuss.

The cheerleader one goes against my basic kvetching nature. Also if every comic book you read is yippeee-skipee wonderful great. I have to wonder about you more than the books. Trust me, comic book fans love to complain. If you are all rainbows, sparkles, and unicorns something’s up. I’ve come to the conclusion they are brownnosers. Why? maybe freebies from the big publishers, maybe promoting a friend’s indy, maybe just too Mary Sue to say what they really think, maybe secretly it’s the creative team doing the review (has happened in novels). I don’t know, but if all your articles on comics are rosy then I’m suspicious.

There there’s the critic or overly critical or a troll or just plain bitchy. This is the flip side of the cheerleader. Doesn’t matter what the title does it stinks. Sure there are occasional books that just plain stink even more rarely a whole title that stinks. These are few and far between. Publishers don’t invest money in actually printing if it is crap. Usually the art or the story will be a bright point in a book, sometimes it’s a matter of taste of if it went well. I can appreciate something that’s not my taste but well done for the genre it is. For example I’m not into Anime but I can tell great Anime when I see it – it’s just not my bag.

I try to strike a balance in my comments not reveal too much, not be overly approving or overly critical. I know I don’t always succeed. Sometimes I do. I’m not sure where the column is going, more toward review, summary, critique, or fangurling. I think it’ll waffle for a while longer while I find my Comic Comments voice. The one thing I do know is I’ll keep doing it. I enjoy it. It’s a labor of love. I don’t have anyone here in real life to share this interest with so I reach out here and occasionally get nods and emails from other comic book readers. Maybe I might even interest someone in picking up a comic now and again to look at it with a different eye than before. Heck if I can do that I think it makes it all worth while.

Next time I promise I’ll be back with a comic in tow to share. However if you can offer any input on how you see this thing going and what you as a reader want to see it do I’d love to hear it. Like Logan says your choice! Until next time peeps.

December 14, 2012
Comic Comments – This Why I Go To JGS

THIS is why I read this title! I know, I know it’s a tie-in to the AvX Interruptus that I hate so but it is completely school centered. The story is set in the school, centered on staff and students, develops a larger story and is what I want when I pick up this comic. It is a stand alone issue entitle “On The Eve Of Battle”.

First cudos to the team on this issue: Jason Aaron, Writer – Jorge Molina Penciler, Norman Lee, Inker – Morry Hollowell, Colorist – Chirs Eliopoulos, Letterer – Stuart Immonen & Marte Gracia, Cover Artists – Jordan D. White, Assistant Editor – Daniel Ketchum, Associate Editor – Nick Lowe, Editor – Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief – Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer – Dan Buckley, Publisher – Alan Fine, Executive Producer.

Next we need to get the legal statement out of the way – All images are the property of their owners I reproduce them here under the Fair Use Doctrine of the copyright law for commentary and critique. No more than three pages total from any one issue is reproduced.

As I said I’m very happy with this issue. It’s school centric which was the whole purpose of this line of comics to tell the story of Logan’s founding the Jean Grey School for High Learning. Here the X-Men that aren’t Pheonix possessed or backing those that are, have gathered at the school. Xavier is there. We deal with staff and student issues. New students from Utopia have enrolled and Headmaster Logan is as to the point as ever announcing over the PA “Attention students this is your headmaster reminding you welcome our new arrivals OR ELSE!” Gotta love ‘im he’s so not cut out to do what he’s doing but he’s trying.

The art is good. It’s not my favorite but given how much I disliked the first art of this series this art is more than serviceable. It’s good strong art that is not overly stylized and supports the story well. I totally enjoyed it and was thankful for it. However it wouldn’t rank in my top five, should I be pressed to do such.

In the end I put down the issue happy to be back to the core of the title. I enjoyed the whole thing from cover to cover. I like how Logan welcomed back the staff that had disagreed with him at the start of AvX but now sees it his way. I get the touching moment with Hank and felt it too. I worry about some of the hints dropped by students – who is Idie seeing at this church? How Quire deal with the Stepford Cuckoos given his feelings and resurrection of their sister? Warbird what will her new role be? Good plot lines to be developed over time if they don’t get lost (shhh we shall never bring up frozen wolverpups again that should be lost along with the stupid lupine/Romulus crap) in service of the huge ‘event’ multi-title marketing arcs.

So hang on to your hats an issue I thought lived up to the promise of the title but trust me it doesn’t last long. But let’s bathe in the joy of the moment shall we?

****Scans that are possible SPOILERS*** WARNING WARNING WILL ROBINSON DANGER OF SPOILERS*****

The great scientific minds (minus Bruce Banner) were puzzling over the Phoenix problem but Broo the JGS student saw the answer to their equation. I have to say I love how Tony befriends little lost Broo. Oh wait didn’t Tony want to register all mutants and declare them… oh let’s let Civil War by-gones be by-gones and enjoy the cute. Still if it were mutant me I’d hold a grudge against him.

There are so many things I loved in these few panels. First Logan’s announcement his gruff exterior with a heart of gold to run the school was showing in just that little bit. Next Quire and Stepfords LONG story there but to see him with them again in a school oh… you know that’s going to cook up trouble. Finally in the last panel there – my beloved bamfs. Not just because they are like naked little Kurts running around (I mean I adored Kurt as Logan’s BFF) but also how they seem to like and protect Kitty. I love how she’s petting one here and the look on that one’s face. So cute.

I think I liked this page best. Except that Bobby is iced up again. I am starting to feel sorry for Toad who must have to follow Professor Drake about and mop up the water puddles. Serious Bobby why?

Any way I like how Logan handles Bobby’s return. I want people who aren’t yes men. Logan knows he’s taken on something that goes against his grain, that isn’t his natural talent. Doesn’t mean he can’t do it just means he’s working at it and needs people who aren’t afraid to tell him like it is. Yeah there at the end Bobby’s totally right. Logan knows it but can’t change everything in the first year of being headmaster RIGHT?

Until next time folks!

November 27, 2012