May 29th Comics Releases

Here is this weeks list of comics we might pick up or read.

DC

 INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US #5, 3.99
(W) Tom Taylor
 (A) Jheremy Raapack, Tom Derenick

 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #4. 3.99
(W) Geoff Johns, Matt Kindt
(A) David Finch &  Scott Clark

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #1, 3.99
 W) Jeff Parker, Jeff Lemire 
(A) Chris Samnee, Jeff Lemire

 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT ANNUAL #1, 4.99
(W) Gregg Hurwitz
(A) Szymon Kudransk

 EARTH 2 ANNUAL #1, 4.99
W) James Robinson
(A) Yildiray Cinar & Various

 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS ANNUAL #1, 4.99
(W) James TynionIV
(A) Alejandro Barrionuevo

SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 SPECIAL #1, 3.99
(W) Bryan Q. Miller 
(A) Axel Giménez, Diana Egea

MARVEL

X-MEN #1 NOW, 3.99
 (W) Brian Wood
 (A/CA) Olivier Coipel

NEW AVENGERS #6, 3.99
(W) Jonathan Hickman
(A) Steve Epting

 UNCANNY X-FORCE #5, 3.99
(W) Sam Humphries
(A) Adrian Alphona & Dexter Soy

 CAPTAIN AMERICA #7, 3.99
W) Rick Remender
(A/CA) John Romita

INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #8, 3.99 
(W) Mark Waid
(A/CA) Walter Simonson

SAVAGE WOLVERINE #5, 3.99
(W/A/CA) Frank Cho

 VENOM #35, 2.99
W) Cullen Bunn
(A/CA) Declan Shalvey

 AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #21, 3.99
(W) Christopher Yost
(A) Marco Checchetto

GAMBIT #13, 2.99
 (W) James Asmus
(A) Amilcar Pinna

WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #30, 3.99
(W) Jason Aaron
(A) Pasqual Ferry

IDW

 DANGER GIRL TRINITY #2 (OF 4), 3.99
(W) Andy Hartnell
(A) John Royle & Various

 DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME #5 (OF 12), 3.99
(W) David Tipton &  Scott Tipton
(A) Philip Bond

 MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #4 (OF 6) FLUTTERSHY, 3.99
(W) Barbara Kesel
(A) Tony Fleecs

 STAR TREK ONGOING #21, 3.99
(W) Mike Johnson & Ryan Parrott
(A) Erfan Fajar

 TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #17, 3.99
(W) James Roberts
(A) Alex Milne

 TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS #1, 3.99
(W) Mairghread Scott & Mike Johnson
(A) Agustin Padilla

TMNT ONGOING #22, 3.99
(W) Tom Waltz & Kevin Eastman
(A/CA) Mateus Santolouco

BOOM! STUDIOS

Adventure Time Annual #1, 9.99
Writer(s): Derek Fridolfs, Roger Langridge
Artist(s): Derek Fridolfs, Dustin Nguyen, Roger Langridge

You can pick up these comics at Kaboom Test Labs or Twin Suns Comics & Games

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May 22 Comic Week in Review

This week for our written comic book reviews we are covering issues that weren’t talked about on Comicast #82. Please enjoy our reviews of Uncanny X-Men #6, Superior Spider-Man #10, Judge Dredd #7, Arrow #7, and Star Wars: Legacy #3.

Dark Horse

STAR WARS: LEGACY #3 $2.99
Writers: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman, Artist: Gabriel Hardman

I don’t know why but the force was telling me I had to have this book this week so I trusted in the forced and it served me well. This is the issue where it is finally picking up and things are really starting to come together. An imperial knight links up with Ania Solo and her little crew as they start to piece what has been going on together. Of course this was after they were chased down some other imperial forces. To say the least it got hairy there for a moment especially when this knight showed up. This was overall a quick, easy, enjoyable read. The art did most of the work and the writing did a good job of keeping the story flowing. The gritty, sketchy art style seemed cleaned up and more colorful than ever. Personally I think that this is the best issue of this series that I’ve seen and read.

Verdict: BUY

DC

ARROW #7 $3.99
Writers: Marc Guggenheim & Andrew Kreisberg, Art: Allan Jefferson, Le Beau Underwood, Victor Drujiniu, Juan Castro, & Xermanico

Another quick, easy, fun, enjoyable read this week. Right away I want to say that this three story issue is actually three 99 cent digital issues wrapped into one so if you do the math the digital issues are cheaper. Whats cool about this is that each issue correlates with each episode. If you don’t watch the show you're missing out on the best live action superhero show made to date. If you are watching the show then these are a MUST READ. I prefer the digitals myself but I indulge in the paper from time to time just to keep you all informed on how great this comic series is. Even if you don’t watch the show these are still some great Green Arrow short stories. If the Lemire wasn’t on the Green Arrow title these would easily be the best Green Arrow material being released. Ok so the first story was about Slade and how his partner betrayed him on the island. The paneling for this story was really neat and unique as it looked kind of like barbed wire or something. The second story featured Felicity, Oliver, and some deranged modern day wannabe Robin Hood. Besides Felicity making fun of Oliver and him claiming not to be Robin Hood there were other cool and humorous moments as he takes down this gay that is littering the streets and sky with stolen cash turning the cites people into a frenzy. Third story was about Oliver and Diggle getting played by a pretty girl and how they turned her little car heist, chop into a night. Lets just say in the end she learns her lesson. Its astonishing how close each of these artists styles are and yet slightly different and impressive in their own ways despite having a similar gritty, sketchy look.

Verdict: BUY

IDW

 JUDGE DREDD #7 $3.99
Writer: Duane Swierczynski, Artist: Nelson Daniel, Kyle Hotz

This was a continuation of the story arc in which all of the droids have malfunctioned and are attacking humans. One of the previous stories about clones also become intwined win this one. At the end of the last issue I was feeling that this story arc was coming to a close and was happy to see it doing so unfortunately I was wrong. This story arc is STILL going on or rather dragging on at this point. Its cool to see stuff tie together but not at the cost of making the story too drawn out. Its kind of like Ambassador Jbemms said, “this title feels obsolete in comparison to Judge Dredd Year One” and he couldn’t be more right. The art in the first story is consistent, cartoony, and yet somehow a little gritty as well but just not enough for a title like this. Besides the inclusion of the clones story line I can't really tell you what happened because it wasn’t very memorable and neither was the second story. They both felt like they ended before they got started. The art was great for the second story but I’ll be damned if the story wasn’t weird as hell. It was about a guy and his clone falling in love with each other. To be honest even though I don’t purchase this title any longer I’m still getting tired of reading it.

Verdict: PASS

Marvel

Superior Spider-Man #10 $3.99
Writer: Dan Slott, Artist: Ryan Stegman

Let the interwebs, twittersphere, and haters explode as I pronounce that this issue actually wasn't that bad. Now I’m definitely not saying its good but I will say that this is how this title should have been starting with issue one, and it would have been better for doing so. Octavius doles out his own version of street justice and it almost feels welcoming as it is against a bunch of hoodlums, gangs, and mobsters. It almost seems as if Otto has perfected what Peter never could, balancing his personal life with his secret identity. It was a little shaky and scary for Mary Jane for a moment but in the end it all ended well. We’ll see if he can keep this charade up as a few folk are started to become weary of how different he really is especially now that it seems as if Octavius has taken a love interest of his own. The art was pretty solid through out so no complaints there. I definitely won’t be spending any of my hard earned money on this title any time soon but I won’t deny that it hasn’t piqued my interest in the sense that I could get use to this fair level of decency.

Verdict: STRONG SKIM

UNCANNY X-MEN #6 $3.99
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis, Artist: Frazer Irving

I honestly felt that this issue stepped up in quality in both writing and art. At the same time it was consistent with the last issue just better. The art was definitely a little more clear though odd and abstract much like as issue. The cover more or less says it all. Bendis knocked it out of the park when it came to dialogue as he usually does which I felt has been lacking here and there on this title. The ending reveal of who the new mutant SHIELD agent is was pretty puzzling. I don’t understand how or why SHIELD would think this person would be very useful to them or what this persons motivations for doing what this are but I’m sure BMB will tell us all soon enough. It was definitely a surprise and makes for an interesting twist. Most of this book is a continuation of what happened last issue. As much as I liked the writing in this issue I just couldn’t bring myself to get this one as the weird, unique, oily, water color style art just isn't my cup of tea. I hope this is the end of the story arc for this book or at least the last one that this artist is on.

Verdict: STRONG SKIM

You can pick up these comics at Kaboom Test Labs or Twin Suns Comics & Games

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TNTM Comicast: Episode 82

How did Geoff Johns final issue on Green Lantern go? Find out this week on the Comicast!
Don't forget to check out our podcast on iTunes!

Phonogram: without your permission, THIEVES of thieves, YOUNG AVENGERS (2013) #5,JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY (2011) #652, AVENGERS (2012) #12, SCARLET SPIDER (2012) #17,FANTASTIC FOUR (2012) #8,, UNCANNY AVENGERS (2012) #8,DEADPOOL (2012) #10, DAREDEVIL (2011) #26, AQUAMAN #20, GREEN LANTERN #20, TALON #8, DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #9, TMNT VILLAIN MICROSERIES #2, AND BAXTER STOCKMAN

TNTM Comicast Episode: 82
Podcast Rating: PG 

Pablo's Cover of the Week

Ambassador's Cover of the Week

You can pick up these comics at Age Of Comics or

 Twin Suns Comics & Games

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Star Trek Into Darkness Review

Star Trek Into Darkness Review (Spoiler Free)

-Ambassador
I had low expectations when I came into this film. I liked the first one, but thought it was just okay. This movie was not just okay. JJ Abrams does a good mixture of new with old. I liked how everything looked high tech, but plausible. The warped core looked older than the movie and series one even though the sets and CGI looked better than the others. I liked how they kept the commercials broad. The main villain is a known Star Trek villain. I feel that he was done in a way to show how this villain became the man he is known later on in the Star Trek Universe. I did not care for Spock much in the other movie. In this movie he was one of my favorite characters. I also liked how James T. Kirk grew in this movie. This movie had an easy story to follow that still had some curve balls in it. This is one of those few movies where I actually wanted to see it again in theaters. Not many movies do that for me. I think the 3D had it moments. It was interesting that they tried some different things with the 3D that actually worked. I feel that very few movies are 3D worthy and this one is for some of the pop out moments and texturing. I am not much of a Star Trek fan myself, but I really hope this can spawn off a TV show. I would watch it eagerly.
Verdict: BUY/MUST SEE ASAP

-Pablo Gunner

First off I just want to say that I will do my best to keep this as spoiler free as possible but no promises. I feel like for the same reasons that hardcore fans did not like Iron Man 3 as much as regular movie goers is similar to the reasons why hardcore Trek fans will not like this movie as much as they should or could have. I will go into more detail about that later. Like the Ambassador mentioned this movie did a phenomenal job making you believe this could all be possible someday. The cast was absolutely spectacular with every character returning and the inclusion of Benedict Cumberbatch as the illusive villain. The plot was captivating and felt fresh though it was kind of retreading old territory. Some moments in the film were almost the same as its counterpart under another name.

Now lets get the controversy out of the way first. As Ambassador Jbemms said, “the main villain is a known Star Trek villain.” There was much speculation as to whom the main adversary was. I won’t name him but most of you know who I’m talking about. The suspense was rather strong as to what the revelation of this characters name was. It was quite satisfying to hear that name be said when it was which I’m sure most you will know who its is before it is finally said. I didn’t mind at all that JJ decided to take on this monumental villain. What did irk me was how the rest of the film is handled in regards to this. I love all the new original stuff that Abrams brings to this franchise. He did the exact opposite of that multiple times in this film. Its like he purposefully went out of his way to make it the same and opposite of the film it was trying to copy. Honestly the only way to fully get what I’m saying about this is to see if for yourself.

Something you will want to see for yourself is the futuristic version of London that they show in this film as that is where a portion of the film takes place. The opening was a great hook and made you feel as if you had just finished watching the last film. It was a very bright and colorful alien planet that were full of energy and sucked you in. You also get to see a planet of the Klingons. The CG was impressive, the sets and environments were awe-inspiring, gorgeous, and downright stunning as were all the visuals. JJ Abrams is known for over use of lens flare but I honestly only noticed it a couple of times. Perhaps I was just too focused on the story and performance of the actors.

The entire cast did a very solid job in this film but the most impressive performance was easily by Benedict Cumberbatch. He was so illusive, intense, intelligent, and interesting. Now thats not to say that the rest of the cast was as interesting as the growth and arc of Chris Pine as Kirk was awesome. He truly has made this version of James Tiberius Kirk his own. Though similar he has the ability to show certain aspects of Jim that we have never fully seen or realized before. If anybody's performance felt me wanting more it was Zachary Quinto. I actually enjoyed his character a lot more in the first film. When Uhura and Spock were arguing in the vehicle with Kirk there that was probably one of the best scenes in the film. Though I felt as if everybody got a fair amount of screen and character time I thought it was  better done in the last film. 

Not only will this film be compared the last film it will also be compared to the second Star Trek movie. Whether its better than the latter I’m not sure. Its tough to say as to whether or not this movie is better than the first when this one tried to do so much more and the universe had already been reestablished. Once you figure out who the antagonist really is you will constantly be comparing this film to other Star Trek films. This reason is exactly why Trekkers may not appreciate everything this film did and tried. Overall Star Trek Into Darkness was a phenomenal experience even if it is mostly due the performance of the actors, one in specific, the visuals, and everything that was completely different from its original Star Trek counterpart.

Verdict: BUY/ MUST SEE ASAP

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May 15 Comic Week in Review

This week for our written comic book reviews we covered a couple comics that were talked about on Comicast #81 and a few that weren’t. Enjoy our reviews of Thunderbolts #9, Avengers: The Enemy Within #1, Red Hood & The Outlaws #20, He-Man And The Masters of The Universe #2, and Batgirl #20.

DC

Batgirl #20 $2.99

Writer: Gail Simone, Artist: Daniel Sampere & Carlos Rodriguez 

Instantly I got a creepy vibe from this issue. The art could definitely be better.  It's very inconsistent and its obviously due to too many collaborators on art. Some parts look great, a few are messy but most look mediocre. The story kind of reminded me of the Sopranos with Barbara Gordon talking to her psych about being Batgirl without actually saying it. Any part of the book with this "ventriloquist" retained the creepy vibe. The progression of the story was pretty interesting. I'm liking the direction this story is going and I'm interested to see where it goes.
Verdict: weak BUY

He-Man & The Masters of The Universe #2 $2.99

Writer: Keith Giffen, Artist: Pop Mhan

The issue starts exactly where it left off. At the beginning of a battle betwixt Adora and He-Man. His sister, Teela, gets involved and complicates the fight. The art is intense, colorful, and powerful all at the same time. Teela is really hawt by the way. The king of Eternos, King Grayskull, meets up with the broken factions of Eternia. Apparently all of Eternia was attacked on every front at the same time. King Grayskull informs his people that the attackers are that of lore, myth, and much more technologically advanced than they are. Its time to come up with a battle plan. Adora discovers their location and decides to attack. I'm too young to know much of anything about He-Man but this book has sucked me in. The art is always impressive, dialogue is deep, and story is well done.

Verdict: BUY

Red Hood & The Outlaws #20 $2.99

Writer: James Tynion IV, Artist: Julius Gopez

First off I have to talk about the art because it is absolutely stunning. The colors are bursting with energy. The panel design and structure is mind blowing impressive and awesome. The story is based off of an idea, the result of the idea, and how all parties are affected. If your life has been plagued by darkness and you wish to get rid of all memories connected to the darkness, what is left? Will you remember your family, friends, loved ones? Kori and Roy are left with a Jason Todd that no longer remembers them. At first they go after the being that absolved their friend of his darkness but he soon reveals to them the weight he was bearing. Now conflicted where do they have to go from here? Perhaps it was all a set up. There are many questions left to be answered but they won't be resolved in this issue.

Verdict: BUY

Marvel

Avengers: The Enemy Within #1 $2.99

Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick, Artist: Scott Hepburn

The art from the main Captain Marvel title is odd, different, and takes some getting use to but this art is just ugly. I can't stand it. It irritates the crap out of me. The dialogue is wonderful though as DeConnicks usually is. It's one thing to make Captain Marvel ugly as Marvel has been doing it for months but to make Spider-Woman hideous is a task and a travesty. I won't deny that there are glimmers of impressiveness in the art from time to time. Honestly it just seems like another well written Captain Marvel DeConnick story. If I had to compare the art to anything I'd have to say an ugly Raphael Albuquerque(American Vampire). Though there are moments of inspiring art I overall dislike it and therefore could not bring myself to pay for this but the story is great and well written.
Verdict: STRONG SKIM

Thunderbolts #9 $2.99

Writer: Daniel Way, Artist: Phil Noto

The art perplexes me. The reason is because I've seen this artist do great work and there's flashes of that throughout but overall it feels lackluster. The story is definitely more interesting than it has been especially with the incursion of Crimson Dynamo and the inclusion of its creator Ivan Vanko. There were quite a few cool moments. Deadpool is an idiot but I feel like he would still know what's kind of going on. All I know is that Frank Castle looked horrible this entire issue. I almost missed Steve Dillons Punisher. There's no doubt this series would read better in trade as the issues are very inconsistent especially when it comes to the writing. It seems like the first couple issues of a story arc are shrouded in mystery and then the next couple reveal what is and has been going on. Unfortunately that doesn't leave much for the conclusion.
Verdict: SKIM

You can pick up these comics at Kaboom Test Labs or Twin Suns Comics & Games

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Weekly Comic List, May 22nd, 2013

Here is this weeks list of comics we might pick up or read.

MARVEL

YOUNG AVENGERS (2013) #5,2.99

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Penciler: Mike Norton & Jamie McKelvie

JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY (2011) #652, 2.99

Writer: Kathryn Immonen

Artist: Valerio Schiti

AVENGERS (2012) #12, 3.99

Writer: Jonathan Hickman & Nick Spencer

Artist: Mike Deodato

SCARLET SPIDER (2012) #17, 2.99

Writer: Christopher Yost

Artist: Carlo Barberi

FANTASTIC FOUR (2012) #8, 2.99

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist: Mark Bagley

UNCANNY AVENGERS (2012) #8, 3.99

Writer: Gerard Gorman Duggan & Rick Remender

Artist: Adam Kubert

DEADPOOL (2012) #10, 2.99

Writer: Gerard Gorman Duggan & Brian Edmund Posehn

Artist: Mike Hawthorne

UNCANNY X-MEN (2013) #6, 3.99

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Frazer Irving

UNCANNY X-FORCE (2013) #5, 3.99

Writer: Samuel Ryan Humphries

Letterer: Chris Eliopoulos

DAREDEVIL (2011) #26, 3.99

Writer: Mark Waid

Artist: Chris Samnee

DC

 AQUAMAN #20, 2.99
Written by: John Ostrander
Art by: Manuel Garcia & Sandra Hope

ARROW #7, 3.99

Written by: Marc Guggenheim & Andrew Kreisberg

Art by:  Allan Jefferson, Le Beau Underwood, Victor Drujiniu, Juan Castro, & Xermanico

BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT #20, 2.99

Written by: Gregg Hurwitz

Art by: Ethan Van Sciver

THE FLASH #20, 2.99

Written by: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato 

Art by: Francis Manapul

GREEN LANTERN #20, 7.99

Written by: Geoff Johns 

Art by: Doug Mahnke & Christian Alamy

THE GREEN TEAM #1, 2.99

Written by: Art Baltazar & Franco 

Art by: Ig Guara

SUPERMAN #20, 2.99

Written by: Scott Lobdell 

Art by: Aaron Kuder

TALON #8, 2.99

Written by: James T Tynion IV 

Art by: Miguel A Sepulveda

TEEN TITANS #20, 2.99

Written by: Scott Lobdell 

Art by: Eddy Barrows & Eber Ferreira

BOOM! STUDIOS

Adventure Time #16, 3.99

Writer(s): Ryan North

Artist(s): Braden Lamb & Shelli Paroline

DARK HORSE

STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI: PRISONER OF BOGAN #5, 2.99

Writer: John Ostrander

Penciller: Jan Duursema

STAR WARS: LEGACY #3 2.99

Writer: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman

Artist: Gbriel Hardman

IDW

 DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #9, 3.99

(W) Andy Diggle, Eddie Robson 

(A) Andy Kuhn

 JUDGE DREDD #7, 3.99

(W) Duane Swierczynski 

(A) Nelson Daniel, Kyle Hotz

 MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #4 (OF 6) FLUTTERSHY, 3.99

W) Barbara Kesel

 (A) Tony Fleecs

 TMNT VILLAIN MICROSERIES #2 BAXTER STOCKMAN, 3.99

(W) Erik Burnham 
(A) Andy Kuhn

TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #17

(W) John Barber 

(A) Livio Ramondelli 

TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTER #1, 3.99

(W) Mairghread Scott, Mike Johnson 

(A) Agustin Padilla

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