Just thought I'd need one of these.

Now, there seems to be a bit of a misunderstand as to where everyone is gathered right at this moment. The entire team is in the computer center. Except for those characters specificially mentioned as being on the roof, everyone else has gathered in the computer center. Maybe it was the way I wrote it that you guys just didn't understand.

I wanted to be the first to thank our illustrious Local Hero for his hard work not only on our wonderful website, but on the great games in our Amusement Arcade.

Someday, I WILL Beat the Hexxagon!

I myself am new to the whole comic collecting community. I have been told that there has always been a comic geek inside of me and I am recently releasing it, but who knows. I play hero clix and I got an Abbey Chase figure out of the Indy set and she instantly became my favorite character. This led me to want to find out about the danger girls as a whole. About a week ago I bought the graphic novel containing the first 7 issues and I zipped right through it. I desperately want to read more and learn more. Also I currently have no one to discuss this comic with because it is one of the few books my boyfriend does not read. So if anyone reads this or knows about it I would love to discuss it.

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You may be wondering why I have slipped the Maxx into the DC world, rather than it residing in Image. The reason would be the recent re-release in trade format of the whole 35 issues by Cliffhanger/DC. The first two volumes (issues 1 - 13) are already on sale and Volume 3 is due out shortly with a further 3 volumes due after that.

A more wierd farout surrealistic story I have a hard time remembering reading. Wether you missed this first time around, or if you remember the MTV cartoon, I suggest you head on out and pick this up. You won't regret it.

I picked up this book the other day when I was browsing and was totally taken aback by the concept but then I guess I have always been a big softy at heart. For anyone who isn't aware Spiderman: Blue is a Jeph Loeb written tale, in which Spidey tries to explain how things ended up the way they did between him and Gwen Stacey and MJ. There is a real innocence in the writing which harks back to the original issues where Peter first met Gwen and MJ. The artwork by Tim sale only aids in drawing you in to the whole story, reminiscent of artwork of those early stories without being primitive.

I don't mind admitting that I really felt for Peter as he poured out his heart in the form of a spoken letter to Gwen. The last time I was moved in the same way by a book would have been Daredevil: Yellow, strangely enough also by Loeb and Sale and also a book in a similar mold.

If you haven't read this book yet, pick it up. I think Peter says it best. "It's about remembering someone so important to me I was going to spend the rest of my life with her. I didn't know that meant she would only get to spend the rest of her life with me."

Well what can I say about this TPB. Story by Garth Ennis, Art by Marc Silvestri. A great collection and introduction to the world of the Darkness. Hot Babes and evisceration of nasty mob type people. How can it go wrong? I don't know why I never got into the whole Darkness/Witchblade concept before. I suppose it was that when I first started getting back into comics I went with what I knew, which as a kid was Marvel Comics. Since then I have broadened my reading and it has usually paid off with some great stories that I might have otherwise missed.

Is anyone else out there a fan of this book?

I started this thread because I thought it would be interesting to see where everyone's interest lie when they move away from the big 4 publishers (DC including Vertigo and Wildstorm, Marvel, Image and Crossgen)

A couple of books I picked up a while back still stick in my mind.

The first is Codename:Babetool published by COM.X

Plot:
What, Who, and Where is 'Angel Azul'???!!! To know exactly you must explore this extravagant trade paperback through a wild, ultra-sleek, futuristic ride into the post-tech city of Kido where a dark cloud looms over it, known as The Dawn Lair. Leon (the leader of Kido city) orders the Facade members - Tobias, Raoul, and the enigmatic masked soldier CODENAME: BABETOOL – to seek the answer to this mysterious question. All hopes of saving Kido city rest on them, through a series of inner conflicts as well as all out non-stop action battles with TAO the leader of the aerial city, The Dawn Lair, and his warriors who seek "angel azul" believing it to be a weapon to help them destroy Kido city. Codename: Babetool and The Facade fight in order to stop The Dawn invasion which would lead to enslavement of Kido's population and possible destruction. Leaving the question: is "angel azul" the salvation or destruction of a city?

Comments:
Writer Jose Luis Gaitan scripts a very powerful story of a world that has become stagnant and which allows no growth. He touches on so much of our realities, with a world consumed by a War Against Terrorism, economic worries, anxiety, militant pressure; It is a world that has forfeited a chance to explore ideals and live in silent fear of the conflict between Kido and The Dawn Lair. Just when you think that's bad enough, Gaitan then adds an emotional bout with the super sleek Codename: Babetool, who tries to cope with the mysterious mask she wears and the commitment she does not yet know she has truly made by wearing the mask; of course she has a mentor to help her through it. But, be that as it may, like all great mentors he kicks the bucket and she is forced to confront her demons alone. That is the great thing about this book: Gaitan has managed to create an intriguing character by showing some background to establish her yet not fully giving her origin away to allow you to grow with the character over the course of future stories. Gaitan adds even more internal as well as external conflict between the supporting cast of characters, Tobias and Rao, by delving into the subject of sexuality. This makes for an interesting story within a story. William Toborda's art is completely manga-influenced, no doubt about it. Very simple drawings, yet with all the tone paper he uses along with his fantastic line style and weights. The tone is placed in different ways than most manga, making each piece unique visually and helping it to differ from the usual manga art style so commonly done. He clearly illustrates characters that are memorable and individually unique in appearance.

It is truly amazing to know that two South Americans did this book entirely. Talk about breaking into the American mainstream market of comics and especially through a British publisher who is making waves all over the comic industry. Only Com.X comics would find something unique as this and have it wave under their banner. To be honest, manga from any other publisher never appealed to me as this book has. This book has so much to offer to new and die hard fans of Manga comics; even ranking amongst the greats such as Blade Of the Immortal, Cannon God Exxaxion and Lone Wolf and Cub. The trade costs $12.99, and it entirely worth it as you get three comics collected herein, along with a design sketchbook by Walter Toborda and several other artists’ interpretations of Babetool. An excellent package.

Final Word:
Gaitan successfully manages to give us a story that hopefully will continue into a regular comic series or possibly into another collected set to fully get into Codename: Babetool. Also Toborda leaves us with this sequential masterpiece only to hope that we will see more manga-style visuals he will do in the future or possibly the anticipated second trade. After all, this is a story that cannot be left unfinished. I must reiterate that while it is only a 3 issue collection, it beats some larger TPBs I have bought in terms of what it packs in. Safe to say if you like an intelligent story and kick ass robot/clone decapitations this may be the book for you.


The second book also tickled me strangely with it's quirky humour and great artwork. This book is from apcomics and is entitled Monster Club. A collection of the first 5 issues of this ongoing series, together with some great pinups and concept sketches. This one really blew me away with its humour, crisp art, and more decapitations than you can shake a bloody katana at. (OK OK I seem to be decapitation obsessed today...) The art style is one that you are going to either really like or really hate. I say that only because I know quite a few people who won't buy books with an art style like this. These people hate manga so much that anything that looks like it is slightly influenced by art from Japan will send them in a blind rage and will make them run to the nearest Kirby drawing. That said, if you think you would be a fan of an art style very similar to that of the cartoon/band Gorillaz...this is your book. I think the two comics that would translate the best to cartoon format would be this and Hero Bear and the Kid. I could get into a whole rant on how this is the kind of book that could get kids back into comics (as well as girls because the lead character is quite female) but I will save that for another time. My favourite comic store has started stocking this book now and even went as far as bundling the first 6 issues together for sale at a price complarable with the first TPB. The script is mostly one-liners and puns, but if you relax and aren't real critical of the lack of deep meanings it can be quite the fun book.

So, that's the sort of thing I read when I move away from the big four, where do you go when you stray when you go off the beaten track?

Posted 16/04/2004
Source Newsarama
by Chris Partin

This June sees the release of the long awaited and fan anticipated Witches series. Originally slated to be released in October 2001, Marvel pulled the book from its original schedule, changed the writer (Bronwyn Carlton for Brian Walsh), changed the editor (Axel Alonso and John Miesegaes for Lysa Hawkins), but kept the artist (Mike Deodato, Jr. – who as then, just getting back into Marvel).

Mothballed for nearly two and a half years, the miniseries has gotten a fresh look, a fresh take, and a push to get going in June, the same month Deodato Jr. trades his art duties on The Incredible Hulk for The Amazing Spider-Man. The story takes three of the Marvel Universe’s female magic users, Satana (sister of Damien Hellstrom), Jennifer Kale (from Man-Thing and Howard the Duck), and Topaz (from Werewolf by Night and Dr. Strange). The three are gathered by Doctor Strange for a very important mission – think Charlie’s Angels but with magic and no ‘70s hair. Or a Charmed set in the Marvel U. Or Marvel’s angle to capture a little of the Wiccan market. Newsarama had a chance to talk to writer Brian Walsh and artist Mike Deodato, Jr. about working together on this series and what fans should be looking forward to this June.

Newsarama: To start things out, this title has been a long time coming. Mike, you have been on board since the title's inception. Is there any sort of weight lifted off of your shoulders knowing that this series is finally being released?
Mike Deodato, Jr: I'm very happy, if that’s what you're mean, can't wait to see it printed. This was a great project to draw. It invigorated me, and shifted me into doing some of the best work of my career. Great characters, great story.

NRAMA: There has been a sort of almost cult following for this series since the first time it was announced, and ever since interest seems to have grown. Is there any pressure on the two of you brought on by this growing fan base to create something that lives up to the expectation of these fans?
Brian Walsh: No, not really. I've been pretty insulated and focused during the process. I suppose I can enjoy the hype and momentum now.
MD: The book looks amazing, and reads amazing -- especially because of the fresh and new concepts and ideas Brian brought to the table, so I'm pretty sure the fans are gonna love it as much as I do.

NRAMA: We know that Mike has been on board for a while, Brian, how did you come on board Witches?
BW: Ever since my Tangled Web book last year, I've been working with John [Miesegaes] and Axel for a new project. They saw this story as a fit and brought me aboard.

NRAMA: Is there any added weight on you as a writer to come on board a series that has already lost one writer?
BW: No added pressure. I came to the table with an idea that John and Axel found resonance with. Fortunately, the editors responded well to the vision I had for the direction of the book.

NRAMA: What really convinced the two of you that this was a project that you wanted to be a part?
BW: The story was a perfect fit for me, allowing me to explore different ideas. I've worked with John and Axel before, so I was confident that they would offer me a large degree of creative freedom and support.
MD: In my case, it was pretty obvious -- magic, babes, more babes, and Doctor Strange! It's transformed as it's developed, getting better and better, so that's exciting from a creative point of view.

NRAMA: How has the creative chemistry between the two of you been through this series?
BW: Mike's great. His art far exceeds my imagination in terms of style. I don't know what he told you about me, but I’ve got no complaints whatsoever.
MD: My end of the development has been visual, of course. I made sure I wasn't drawing "stock characters" and poses anywhere in this book. Each female is an individual -- who looks, acts, moves, breathes, and thinks in a different way from the others. This is certainly not a case of an artist drawing identical bodies and faces and poses. One of the women is based on someone very dear to me...and that makes the book personal to me.

NRAMA: What is it like for you, Mike, to be working on so many projects right now for Marvel? Is it overwhelming, or something that you feel comfortable in doing?
MD: I'm not only comfortable, but also thankful for all the support Marvel has given to me. Their trust in my work has been decisive for me to keep growing as an artist.

NRAMA: In Marvel's solicitations for this series it's listed that the first two issues will be released in June. Is there an urgency to get this series out to the readers?
MD: It's been a common practice at Marvel this double shipping thing. I think it's a marketing strategy to launch it the same month I take over Spider-Man, while Spidey is huge in everyone's mind thanks to the new movie. How could I ever complain about Marvel wanting fans to give as much attention to me as possible? Bring it!

NRAMA: How has Marvel been supporting the two of you on this series?
BW: A kind word here, a stern lecture there, the latter mostly from John. He's a stern taskmaster.
MD: Joe Q comes over to babysit while I finish pages, and Axel Alonso selflessly sends me packages of bread and water, even lets me out of the room without the shackles twice daily to stretch my legs. It's really good. Seriously, I just feel Marvel like my second home. I couldn't ask for more support.

NRAMA: What is it about this series that the two of you have enjoyed the most?
BW: I enjoyed the chance to write a book that is truly original. There are so many ways this book stands out from others that I am very excited to be a part of the team.
MD: For me, as an artist, like I said, it's just eye candy: Monsters, magic, mystery, action, beautiful women. I'm in heaven.

NRAMA: Now, let's get into the series itself. What is the concept behind the series? What's the driving force behind Jennifer Kale, Topaz and Satana teaming up?
BW: Dr. Strange put together this team as the only hope for the mystical world. There is a demon running around, devouring all magic it encounters. The demons presence on earth has eroded at the abilities of many powerful figures in the Marvel Universe. These three witches band together as the last hope to save Strange and his kind.

NRAMA: Is this series finite, or something that readers will be able to read for a long time to come?
BW: We took the story in a direction that leaves open many possibilities. The story and these characters can go in many different directions. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to do just that.

NRAMA: Any parting words to the readers?
BW: I hope you dig the book. As a feminist, I really enjoyed writing it. I love you all so very much.
MD: By the omnipotent Oshtur! By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth! In the name of the eternal Vishanti! Buy this book!

Other Images:
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