tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63648373610563265142024-02-20T22:58:48.308-08:00Howie's World of Comics
Comics, Fantasy, Horror & Science FictionHoward Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.comBlogger1178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-4013306730861918552022-02-06T09:03:00.001-08:002022-02-06T09:03:28.220-08:00Howard Fuller Passed Away<p> Sadly Howard Passed Away on 2nd February 2022. For more information please look at his Facebook</p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-17986554817726730092022-02-01T09:43:00.001-08:002022-02-01T09:43:29.868-08:00To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars - Christopher Paolini (Tor)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK5EVcG-zAovo-7JD4qRgUIwrwrZkiGG6M_ujyO9XZmVTTk4XWOlqTWh1jXgR3kpsdhf14qNRfERJGLxSqwVZMrjo71Xn1XZ1FBrtsYlMED-UyXCT5p5WZTAAOjQycd3OxKXHtR906u1dCBxfW_hY9_Ufu-fVb2FkudCP07cqW5EqkSQr5Vy_zSBHkVA=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1664" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK5EVcG-zAovo-7JD4qRgUIwrwrZkiGG6M_ujyO9XZmVTTk4XWOlqTWh1jXgR3kpsdhf14qNRfERJGLxSqwVZMrjo71Xn1XZ1FBrtsYlMED-UyXCT5p5WZTAAOjQycd3OxKXHtR906u1dCBxfW_hY9_Ufu-fVb2FkudCP07cqW5EqkSQr5Vy_zSBHkVA=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a while since I last blogged and in that time amongst other things I picked up this one mother of an adventure, a nearly 900 page space epic from Christopher Paolin. The author is best known for his <i>Eragon</i> series of children's books the first of which was turned into a film which didn't appeal. <i>To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars</i> is apparently his first attempt at "adult" fiction and if that's so I look forward to more.</div><div><br /></div><div>As is my way I picked this book up at random just before Christmas but didn't get around to reading until a couple weeks ago. A novel about the consequences of first contact always appeals as I imagine the result in the real world will be far from straightforward should it ever happens. I'm not a believers in aliens shoving probes up peoples rear ends but in this vast expanse of creation we live in there must be life including intelligent life somewhere out there.</div><div><br /></div><div>A team of explorers working for a corporation are on a mostly barren world finding little of major interest when some giant crystals are spotted just before their departure. Somewhat aggrieved our main character Kira heads out to investigate whist the others pack their stuff up and prepare for departure. Nearing the formation Kira ends up in a chamber. It's not natural and it's not made by anyone human either.<br /><br />Only one other alien artefact has ever been discovered the "Great Beacon" as it is dubbed though it's true purpose and it's builders (referred to as "The Vanished") remain a mystery. Is this something to do with them? However she is not alone and a black substance joins with her making me fear this would be some kind of <i>Aliens </i>type story but this is quite different as we shall see.<br /><br />Kira's actions have attracted the attention of other previously unknown to humanity who appear and are far from friendly. And so a space opera begins as Kira's interactions with the "Jellies" (as they call these newcomers) and the military lead to a war and as the blurb says will she be bring the fall of humanity or be it's saviour.<br /><br />Saying much more than that would seem to me to be far to much of a spoiler but there's plenty of action, mystery and character development to ensure that the book is a constant page turner. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rating: 5 Stars</i></span></b></div><div><br /></div>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-63135087302802563522022-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:002022-01-17T09:14:03.648-08:00Battling Britons Vol #2 Issue #2 (Fanzine)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7GyLyq9dqZTBYmOWhtv_yj-nUu2DItql0E2zpRvnAKva4Pe48pQaGNdy0VhZEvuOYeWS7KGhz7MJOzy-6e5QoZ7rTGwhA5a23xqaC5v70EQUMFu3TsZmwfp73kuy9ut2TdMPhXspTEgRm-NlKC0muqxkKA_Pk0pJA9kBMVhLCLTDtrsYCxj2BgpeNXA=s499" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="344" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7GyLyq9dqZTBYmOWhtv_yj-nUu2DItql0E2zpRvnAKva4Pe48pQaGNdy0VhZEvuOYeWS7KGhz7MJOzy-6e5QoZ7rTGwhA5a23xqaC5v70EQUMFu3TsZmwfp73kuy9ut2TdMPhXspTEgRm-NlKC0muqxkKA_Pk0pJA9kBMVhLCLTDtrsYCxj2BgpeNXA=w442-h640" width="442" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The latest issue of <i>Battling Britons </i>Justin Marriot's professionally produced fanzine for those interested in old (and new) British war comics is now available from Amazon's print to order facility. This bumper 134 issue covers a lot of material in a bookshelf friendly format.</p><p><br />In his editorial Justin says that though orders for the first issue of the on-going edition of <i>Battling Britons</i> was lower than the original book there is enough interest to keep this publication going which is good news. Unlike <i>Comics Unlimited</i> the other British comics fanzine this journal is squarely aimed at one genre so would inevitably attract a more limited audience than a fanzine devoted to the wider or full field of comics.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjtEElAn8QuLJGoTwdRjeZdqQfsUvRM9rYo8MfRy1GwaGqY79bkxil9eTMgTGH9dGzID2hDJFMXRmM6m2RigsWgdlWxEVI1JfTMDoK2Exhf_JVnR1R1M5B2G9TeUGZVgupy1LVSgErvYYmYxFgRuberXPfrkzpUcGz5zzzSSKITSJewYESIAbpa3W_Jw=s580" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="424" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjtEElAn8QuLJGoTwdRjeZdqQfsUvRM9rYo8MfRy1GwaGqY79bkxil9eTMgTGH9dGzID2hDJFMXRmM6m2RigsWgdlWxEVI1JfTMDoK2Exhf_JVnR1R1M5B2G9TeUGZVgupy1LVSgErvYYmYxFgRuberXPfrkzpUcGz5zzzSSKITSJewYESIAbpa3W_Jw=w468-h640" width="468" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>That said I grew up really liking these tales of war and heroism and there are many like me a child of the sixties and those who latched on with <i>Warlord </i>and <i>Battle's</i> take in the seventies. We were after all closer to those who had actually lived and fought through the dark hours of the Second World War. Much of my own family disappeared in concentration camps with my own mother barely escaping from Prague after the German invasion in 1938.</p><p>We all had relatives who fought in the various theatres of the war or had friends whose family had done the same. The horror and the miracle of survival was very much more on peoples minds than today. The modern generation has not experienced any such hardship. Not even Covid comes close to what our fore- fathers went through.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZdcBVrkfLaU8Mc1wuwRpVWCpfzqawLDXGgDermXvlQAW5rBukMiYRejwN8AaZaOmAG-9ZwdvhGr0IJrZvjGJhfPb21fMW_bY6tBfXgAFIUSYpA1FNpsWrMTctEgDHJqlmliJ0XMSN0lX8F12M4zhxXYuKG21z2x9gaBZG-z6F5FeoookMKo_G8fGvrQ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="955" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZdcBVrkfLaU8Mc1wuwRpVWCpfzqawLDXGgDermXvlQAW5rBukMiYRejwN8AaZaOmAG-9ZwdvhGr0IJrZvjGJhfPb21fMW_bY6tBfXgAFIUSYpA1FNpsWrMTctEgDHJqlmliJ0XMSN0lX8F12M4zhxXYuKG21z2x9gaBZG-z6F5FeoookMKo_G8fGvrQ=w478-h640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>As a result these comics appealed and though <i>Commando </i>is still going (and popular in Norway & Finland amongst other places) war stories have subsided. Science fiction (of which I am a fan) is the gebnre that dominates today.<br /><br />This was a war that defined the world we live in today and as the stories that comics like <i>Victor, Hotspur,</i> <i>War Picture Library </i>and so many others demonstrate this really was a global conflict the outcome of which could have been so different if not for the plucky resistance of this small island, it's people along with the dominions and it's colonies.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOHX5NSk2bPdTZmvhkSVvUHYQ8grzhFI8KgwRca0GNNcxGiYStw_k58Xm0ixSTx8ClOPfbyJduhTBSTMV4grOTOYu5SMQxW8S_h6VWg7PZN-t4rVSdjaOkP-D-PEDUbVHYgPTRE2l_okMkgRRZIlK-bmr3u8VLYM2_TKt-n_Utl7Tu05GEsiQBYXdTuQ=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1000" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOHX5NSk2bPdTZmvhkSVvUHYQ8grzhFI8KgwRca0GNNcxGiYStw_k58Xm0ixSTx8ClOPfbyJduhTBSTMV4grOTOYu5SMQxW8S_h6VWg7PZN-t4rVSdjaOkP-D-PEDUbVHYgPTRE2l_okMkgRRZIlK-bmr3u8VLYM2_TKt-n_Utl7Tu05GEsiQBYXdTuQ=w544-h358" width="544" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Most war stories focus on British heroes though attempts by Marvel to push Sgt Fury were not that successful despite these being good stories drawn by Jack Kirby in their early days and he at least had been on the beaches on D-Day. Some of the later stories saw British writers tackle the war from the German point of view with Hellman.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJxhSihMRZ_5BSo1NhoW_duSPnSlJNK5P0_sk3xCUI1_VPgHx5VfnadGaBplLi7H_8QLfya7hKcEeVY6dhAur7MklIZd22F63m_gb_9FInLbvDwHhLPpiAnRVqSL3qsrdFMqBJbUBROAoPk76djWqfqIE9tLwbJYYLvyMdaSodvYY2gTUmNJwZH9-jPw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJxhSihMRZ_5BSo1NhoW_duSPnSlJNK5P0_sk3xCUI1_VPgHx5VfnadGaBplLi7H_8QLfya7hKcEeVY6dhAur7MklIZd22F63m_gb_9FInLbvDwHhLPpiAnRVqSL3qsrdFMqBJbUBROAoPk76djWqfqIE9tLwbJYYLvyMdaSodvYY2gTUmNJwZH9-jPw=w440-h640" width="440" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Of course British comics, especially DC Thomson also published stories about other wars, not just the First World War but also the Napoleonic Wars, the Indian North West Frontier and more. All of these areas are tackled in war fiction and covered by this journal.<br /><br /><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars (Highly Recommended)</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>The original book and both issues of the "on-going" Battling Britons are Available via Amazon</u></span></i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-66267825201944722982022-01-16T10:11:00.001-08:002022-01-16T10:11:49.907-08:00Judge Dredd Megazine #440 (with Hawk the Slayer) (Rebellion)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh94kdsJTNlhgJAbUD5o90wJGF87BFKqki53ws8IqHCeaplKVVXJvU_DBJUCRncFf0hGHCbHtn7AwzSP7OxdWD4q5D8zMfRGTwTnq_B_n4aFom9Rm4gj7N_bm95_X-4HA-FbqPYxqNWpPiBwuX9bHCE5p5Tvx04K3M6tO9HYGKcrSslwtfbCWy1hEE3uw=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="1024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh94kdsJTNlhgJAbUD5o90wJGF87BFKqki53ws8IqHCeaplKVVXJvU_DBJUCRncFf0hGHCbHtn7AwzSP7OxdWD4q5D8zMfRGTwTnq_B_n4aFom9Rm4gj7N_bm95_X-4HA-FbqPYxqNWpPiBwuX9bHCE5p5Tvx04K3M6tO9HYGKcrSslwtfbCWy1hEE3uw=w542-h356" width="542" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It seems the postal delays have more or less sorted themselves out as both my subscription copies of the Megazine and the Prog arrived on Saturday as normal. However according to one post I saw on Facebook at least one branch of WHSmith's has put the Meg on it's shelves a week in a advance of it's actual release date. That is it should be on sale on Wednesday 19th.</div><div><br /></div><div>That aside this is a very special issue. Not only do we get the start of an very interesting Judge Dredd story which features representatives from cities around the world seeking to sanction Mega City One for it's chronal crimes we also get treated to a blast from the past in the form of <i>Hawk the Slayer</i>. More on the latter later.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-GDfZ0zgPm4X15_m6oMkGsQW_cYsZEasvyW5PI6XiHPLcN_9EAt5-5WI8lVnubQ6FgWNn-qoiOsLfwA5yD-CkFd-4Y-bHFrP5sC0Njv3248NmTekOHjMINlftsmRFenEz3qIuGgP9swonqyNLvwgSX4oBOQ3X7ucE0ir1-qxng2FMgpYppq1xixaEiQ=s680" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-GDfZ0zgPm4X15_m6oMkGsQW_cYsZEasvyW5PI6XiHPLcN_9EAt5-5WI8lVnubQ6FgWNn-qoiOsLfwA5yD-CkFd-4Y-bHFrP5sC0Njv3248NmTekOHjMINlftsmRFenEz3qIuGgP9swonqyNLvwgSX4oBOQ3X7ucE0ir1-qxng2FMgpYppq1xixaEiQ=w535-h306" width="535" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The other stories in this issue are continued from the last but it's still worth jumping on board as it's not that difficult to "catch up" so to speak and there's the usual articles on of which focuses on the Hawk comic that comes bagged with this issue. I particularly like <i>Death Gap </i>which is getting more frantic, disturbing and sad in just the second chapter.<br /><br /><i>Lawless</i> continues to deliver as does <i>Diamond Dogs</i>, though Surfer doesn't actually do much for the reader until the end.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj73dHYVZ6FvcPlLh4sDtjHnkxWOUD62XsLUCjBoItWsEhPpkusu6zuVmYTXYQOnjQCgBLCQ4ixNFlNUcOjl1d11SmPCJRiCNVYAlrTof_yd6MVUq0nqKxTE69R7TcOQKnhrVBSZtXbh1TjoI9eaSBg78Syp5fEXGPGm9-b4cyDViC6GhWa57KmL6Azvw=s680" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj73dHYVZ6FvcPlLh4sDtjHnkxWOUD62XsLUCjBoItWsEhPpkusu6zuVmYTXYQOnjQCgBLCQ4ixNFlNUcOjl1d11SmPCJRiCNVYAlrTof_yd6MVUq0nqKxTE69R7TcOQKnhrVBSZtXbh1TjoI9eaSBg78Syp5fEXGPGm9-b4cyDViC6GhWa57KmL6Azvw=w535-h306" width="535" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then this month there is the first of a six-issue mini-series of all new material as a "sequel" to the film <i> Hawk the Slayer</i> in a 32 page comic by Garth Ennis with art from Henry Flint that will be published in US format with different covers for the direct market at a later date which is an interesting publishing move. </div><div><br /></div><div>The latter will be presumably be aimed squarely at the US market as I doubt many Meg readers will buy the story twice though some might!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX5aBU5oJ0oMANXmOx2ZLMj-KDiq0WNr5eblGEzLrFUt4Q4qgzQ7xdL0Kc6x9EGrMsVpZuwLWtWQ92hE7NTCHlf9hEFxeFLL7sv-Wcy0STpBgTOY_uWTpHhKpyKyB0cvi22TWer9WxqzuEMbS-JSzVHvzJlUcaGmsxG-R00SQUjmupq0o_PMP9_8gZTQ=s1401" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="970" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX5aBU5oJ0oMANXmOx2ZLMj-KDiq0WNr5eblGEzLrFUt4Q4qgzQ7xdL0Kc6x9EGrMsVpZuwLWtWQ92hE7NTCHlf9hEFxeFLL7sv-Wcy0STpBgTOY_uWTpHhKpyKyB0cvi22TWer9WxqzuEMbS-JSzVHvzJlUcaGmsxG-R00SQUjmupq0o_PMP9_8gZTQ=w444-h640" width="444" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Frankly I don't think I've seen this film though have heard of it. I've posted the trailer for the original 1980 movie below. The comic is good enough but then this is Garth Ennis we are talking about. As for ever watching the film. I'll leave that to your discretion dear reader....</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/kK1v2cyM9_U" width="480"></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Also out this week:</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh60iK3ciKX_xLVWMyEVhSel8Q2IiBgZlx5z7Puoj8NmtOT_mBbY5kI9BZ6igxC66utOQtMtEyoU2jBgjfahUokoEuuf25L6RCAE4T5HWKVtpxfm3IP9SvoGa7W6iVLtETGen1cAaxy2-WG7jbNyicSxUG_5-zEJ6bWhRGdSrXzEoVcIPNOlbF2Z_gEkg=s600" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="457" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh60iK3ciKX_xLVWMyEVhSel8Q2IiBgZlx5z7Puoj8NmtOT_mBbY5kI9BZ6igxC66utOQtMtEyoU2jBgjfahUokoEuuf25L6RCAE4T5HWKVtpxfm3IP9SvoGa7W6iVLtETGen1cAaxy2-WG7jbNyicSxUG_5-zEJ6bWhRGdSrXzEoVcIPNOlbF2Z_gEkg=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-10553880958072203372022-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:002022-01-12T09:23:22.497-08:00King Conan '#1 (Marvel Comics)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPqyAHWv9m6xApAqPLZSciKGjsWXAkKmGmesLxD01Lb9LIzHD64Zqg8J4UtDfWeSiXBOpKxrMu2rwNwS3kApsfF-vCbTpR1De-y7V_LdRUFG6bGBnAQSNMI8KAFpZdETL0-XXSz3eaNTkSQLVezpk454j_IgbLbzjrLV-q1xqFsaNi-wJFd42hhRrPdQ=s2131" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2131" data-original-width="1400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPqyAHWv9m6xApAqPLZSciKGjsWXAkKmGmesLxD01Lb9LIzHD64Zqg8J4UtDfWeSiXBOpKxrMu2rwNwS3kApsfF-vCbTpR1De-y7V_LdRUFG6bGBnAQSNMI8KAFpZdETL0-XXSz3eaNTkSQLVezpk454j_IgbLbzjrLV-q1xqFsaNi-wJFd42hhRrPdQ=w420-h640" width="420" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Since Marvel picked up up the Conan licence once again they have been publishing a number of series featuring everyone's favourite barbarian. Besides the actual <i>Conan the Barbarian</i> monthly Marvel also tried reviving the <i>Savage Sword</i> title but not in the glorious black & white that ran for well over 200 issues back in the day but as a more "mature" full colour comic. It didn't work out.<br /><br />Additionally they put Conan into the 21st Century in a comic I've so-far avoided <i>The Savage Avengers.</i> For some reason the line-up which included one of these bloody Spider-Man symbiotes just did not appeal. Conan has been in modern times before including at least one shared adventure with"spin-off" character Red Sonja who remains with Dynamite where she's getting somewhat over-used and abused in the same way.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-txbJLhhA3LfB3GGnhv0YHO86yE2g0yuWWylC74FyPNbZ0fgFbJzL-LAJtDyG_8yjLW4QDoPy7oyUy_bPguR-k1MxO0T6VSdF6IeBsQX2qRELJAj04PHUxyc883g1ie4yDZcKhRaqwBcz-OCAuDgCmfFL3oWj_N_qZg4qzxyG5HL6D4k1pK0RltRUAA=s620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-txbJLhhA3LfB3GGnhv0YHO86yE2g0yuWWylC74FyPNbZ0fgFbJzL-LAJtDyG_8yjLW4QDoPy7oyUy_bPguR-k1MxO0T6VSdF6IeBsQX2qRELJAj04PHUxyc883g1ie4yDZcKhRaqwBcz-OCAuDgCmfFL3oWj_N_qZg4qzxyG5HL6D4k1pK0RltRUAA=w258-h400" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>When I saw <i>King Conan</i> being solicited I thought I'd give it a go but so far have only obtained the first over-sized issue. Unlike Conan's other comics of which I have a large quantity I never got around to reading Marvel's original series and had only picked two or three copies over the last couple of years or so. Oddly enough<i> King Conan</i> includes it's "legacy number" of #56 which matters not to me but a lot of collectors seem to appreciate this additional numbering.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2osmfdnkUDUwkgdkdnijkJC2GqOfgjzVoBbwJYSqm6GBAnX_seA1lHZ4DPwSl4ykei7Y75uFqgL9Sl_3ppJxbOr0z4UMU15zwZHdOzMbhzEtX39U4_4uHM313ulEkWMAWgIHCWJP8F4DnILhKVShKrYy_Mb3MpOHjIYSeBoV7RAVNRPuFs_uPCXA8Yg=s2000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1318" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2osmfdnkUDUwkgdkdnijkJC2GqOfgjzVoBbwJYSqm6GBAnX_seA1lHZ4DPwSl4ykei7Y75uFqgL9Sl_3ppJxbOr0z4UMU15zwZHdOzMbhzEtX39U4_4uHM313ulEkWMAWgIHCWJP8F4DnILhKVShKrYy_Mb3MpOHjIYSeBoV7RAVNRPuFs_uPCXA8Yg=w422-h640" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Standard stuff with a little twist even if the appearance of Thoth-Amon again is a tad overused as the villain. Set on an Island far from what passes for the civilised world even in Hyperborean times it's a brutal and bloody battle that takes place over the majority of the pages between these two men.</p><p>The magician has a plan and it relies on the blood of a King. However there's a problem for old Thoth and another for Conan that neither anticipated.......</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhah1YGszM6chN9RfrEymXgaQE6rWxFpzKZuYCRx8iDJqwOtpFp43nKNatOY6vqhmdGB9Ob4cEOSG_BR36AMeqbFct13MdkPihgxakXrLC7zcWEeEjvvF3SZL5iaQ3gqTZOfic-fJR77OKYOwH_yGoEOUzee59pqRwodeRbajD9pqw6bSZZGXFSsEMkBQ=s713" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="713" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhah1YGszM6chN9RfrEymXgaQE6rWxFpzKZuYCRx8iDJqwOtpFp43nKNatOY6vqhmdGB9Ob4cEOSG_BR36AMeqbFct13MdkPihgxakXrLC7zcWEeEjvvF3SZL5iaQ3gqTZOfic-fJR77OKYOwH_yGoEOUzee59pqRwodeRbajD9pqw6bSZZGXFSsEMkBQ=w464-h375" width="464" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Overall a worthy read. I can't decide whether to pick up this title monthly or wait for the trade.<br /><br /><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 4 Stars (Comes with the usual range of multiple covers)</span></i></b></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibEYD9QFIp7aokpeiomnRRkQ97m8OJv8toCtIGuZelpUBUL0iBaQZYaug8PEyMD-kcq0MI9JTWGm67pikumpIFNcNbSrcVI7gtIGWo4gVd9tSDaT-o5sFqorOm6cKtoo35Rw-q8eVgVjijT34sGngBwr8cqL4_a4Vwhqhz_rDuu58iZY-ZJfAVmRovrQ=s463" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibEYD9QFIp7aokpeiomnRRkQ97m8OJv8toCtIGuZelpUBUL0iBaQZYaug8PEyMD-kcq0MI9JTWGm67pikumpIFNcNbSrcVI7gtIGWo4gVd9tSDaT-o5sFqorOm6cKtoo35Rw-q8eVgVjijT34sGngBwr8cqL4_a4Vwhqhz_rDuu58iZY-ZJfAVmRovrQ=w414-h640" width="414" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p> </p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-86906023601857697492022-01-10T08:30:00.001-08:002022-01-10T12:36:14.406-08:00Comics: The Year Ahead<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKsHjGVWyS0beRA57JM2z9Ph7MPmThblzkfpbSYYeDC9-a-4aqgsRGgiWQvVune6ybuXqVLa8QxaY-1M-z79b7Cj5Z2-ql5U4CgQZDCqbc91XXEVXl2CA-p8d9DfaFBBdVXs8Rv5Y21S5SJeA5m9XFhb6VYpT5UdOHuK-mYDKPJjCY6SzpSD5rg06aXQ=s1010" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKsHjGVWyS0beRA57JM2z9Ph7MPmThblzkfpbSYYeDC9-a-4aqgsRGgiWQvVune6ybuXqVLa8QxaY-1M-z79b7Cj5Z2-ql5U4CgQZDCqbc91XXEVXl2CA-p8d9DfaFBBdVXs8Rv5Y21S5SJeA5m9XFhb6VYpT5UdOHuK-mYDKPJjCY6SzpSD5rg06aXQ=w486-h640" width="486" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Last year was a bumper year for British comics even though as I wrote in the end of year review that it was disappointing to see Panini drop two of it's three Marvel titles. However the new year shows there's a lot afoot in the world of the British comics scene (imports aside).</p><p>Rebellion are continuing their expansion of old British reprints of which one or two have caught my attention including the fourth volume of <i>The Trigan Empire</i>, arguably the best British comics series alongside Dan Dare though sadly without the same public profile.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpdK7_vqNU2F6pq9Sy_xI1Jp6UIxlo81L9P4pCGfXOlcthdH1sQjHE1iI-qKYJiKUi2bSC714Y1XbxXVT3CmtQHHFT-h1CwcyRcqHXwKSZ66i5oJLQLC8UYQCaHGZnylRADFFO6BgBh7cmVjBpHKswQN3it94A0vRrTo-Z_pd1ZJxXZDMixD9FTjmkEA=s1024" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpdK7_vqNU2F6pq9Sy_xI1Jp6UIxlo81L9P4pCGfXOlcthdH1sQjHE1iI-qKYJiKUi2bSC714Y1XbxXVT3CmtQHHFT-h1CwcyRcqHXwKSZ66i5oJLQLC8UYQCaHGZnylRADFFO6BgBh7cmVjBpHKswQN3it94A0vRrTo-Z_pd1ZJxXZDMixD9FTjmkEA=w286-h400" width="286" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The other reprints which really caught my attention were <i>The Spider (</i>February) which reprints for the first time the <i>Super Picture Library</i> stories that I never got around to buying as a kid, <i>House of Dolmann </i>from the pages of the <i>Valiant </i>(April) <i>The Best of Cat Girl</i> from Sally in the sixties (August) and volume Two of <i>The Steel Claw</i> one of the best strips from <i>Valiant!</i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipPPHI4mAk1MBTtAE9Q8rw7ZETB8Xma0UnhXh3PD0R7MsSGcWqkTg9w1r0f5yXicvWwCzESoqwAqueWN0goDZkkxMEGJ1xYu5BJQE5Z3TZji6F_Fdj2wGQDrjDSQwgEU8UkwwBeOj7fSPVU3aVV5YkV-wRsGX5UMbu78UE9t_Gy7cD_1qd50L1XHPeHA=s1008" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipPPHI4mAk1MBTtAE9Q8rw7ZETB8Xma0UnhXh3PD0R7MsSGcWqkTg9w1r0f5yXicvWwCzESoqwAqueWN0goDZkkxMEGJ1xYu5BJQE5Z3TZji6F_Fdj2wGQDrjDSQwgEU8UkwwBeOj7fSPVU3aVV5YkV-wRsGX5UMbu78UE9t_Gy7cD_1qd50L1XHPeHA=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3SQSG-932Zbmvsf1i0x5avJ5hbUH2Xym-jPggUvVtAoeTLvrAJvYn5ZI4dOt6_CTgwGmTUnrfBUCs2C4Tdqng0sk2S_BAVoJ4tNv5uRqgDums349buwC2IeoEv5k2WkNwonIPy4oit-5k0l6F9-Xr5ny2TqaxykRM_Pc4vM5NLv_bGXJOo6tkZlZx-A=s1013" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3SQSG-932Zbmvsf1i0x5avJ5hbUH2Xym-jPggUvVtAoeTLvrAJvYn5ZI4dOt6_CTgwGmTUnrfBUCs2C4Tdqng0sk2S_BAVoJ4tNv5uRqgDums349buwC2IeoEv5k2WkNwonIPy4oit-5k0l6F9-Xr5ny2TqaxykRM_Pc4vM5NLv_bGXJOo6tkZlZx-A=w486-h640" width="486" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Rebellion have previously announced the return of <i>Monster Fun</i> in April but are now to also publish a New <i>Battle/Action Special </i>in the form of a 96 page graphic novel with all stories written by Gartgh Ennis which frankly will certainly be on my wish list for the coming year!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGPpGLPboBnCqywGz28ogD8_gs-4kTjfbauIeAhpNjPS2tR99WrOPwQvLcZe3d0vT8ZeN5TPgDNo0C3fw2eaG0MnOrKdAZnQATRvwt7cvU0LBS4xmMQMG7scGFx5zsJhy7CZojyr1ZwOmN4tbLBecOrQrHV61RMdMVzk8Z1R1sS57ySh0IRc3G2kHHkw=s521" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGPpGLPboBnCqywGz28ogD8_gs-4kTjfbauIeAhpNjPS2tR99WrOPwQvLcZe3d0vT8ZeN5TPgDNo0C3fw2eaG0MnOrKdAZnQATRvwt7cvU0LBS4xmMQMG7scGFx5zsJhy7CZojyr1ZwOmN4tbLBecOrQrHV61RMdMVzk8Z1R1sS57ySh0IRc3G2kHHkw=w492-h640" width="492" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>No doubt other specials will be forthcoming from Rebellion. There's one on the way from <i>Shift </i>in late January!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcZM7Qp6RVhQdDAfJcIZQFh6hLyyRCCV88_VEqXGpFTnR4iNcLaUOHNA-zyWFpbK7-ht2WalBlNfel9u12hdfzwK2t9Ia5VBgPo4nD_gyiDJxdEbWazFFygAJSn88WahGdPjNkEYc5NB1jEAojGqeH2nL3QJAo_LsyT6BiqeC5eIc19Hce4OJNvmnIPg=s2048" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1338" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcZM7Qp6RVhQdDAfJcIZQFh6hLyyRCCV88_VEqXGpFTnR4iNcLaUOHNA-zyWFpbK7-ht2WalBlNfel9u12hdfzwK2t9Ia5VBgPo4nD_gyiDJxdEbWazFFygAJSn88WahGdPjNkEYc5NB1jEAojGqeH2nL3QJAo_LsyT6BiqeC5eIc19Hce4OJNvmnIPg=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>As for this blog last year saw more posts and a few more readers though I'm already slipping back this year due to the fact my comic collecting and reading habits have changed radically. I have no less than nine graphic novels including one British comics collection sitting waiting to be read plus two Annuals and a a Science fiction novel of some 900 odd pages that I meant to read over Christmas but didn't.<br /><br />There's even come audio adventures to listen to and review including for the first time some old ones as I though I review old comics why not audios?<br /><br />I have a couple of US editions on order but will likely purchase most in the form of collected editions as & when I can afford to. Watch this space! <i>Conan the Barbarian,</i> <i>Justice League Incarnate</i> and <i>Wonder Woman </i>are very much on my "radar"!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_zw68Jkb76aSoDLtkLPTHYVg4Ant-hGLfx29JpMKK0By-xU51sMS5hjzmKO9Ju1o4sXopOhiCLxrVw_9-vzdCAdimCsC3PQhUkPBlKJG5_q7INzW8p1sYNCedwF8kQlTri--7B_NiHIxj8e5-NhOfNO0GUS7YpkEbc8oe8tIyuxzmxADlxpHjTqTNIg=s1076" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_zw68Jkb76aSoDLtkLPTHYVg4Ant-hGLfx29JpMKK0By-xU51sMS5hjzmKO9Ju1o4sXopOhiCLxrVw_9-vzdCAdimCsC3PQhUkPBlKJG5_q7INzW8p1sYNCedwF8kQlTri--7B_NiHIxj8e5-NhOfNO0GUS7YpkEbc8oe8tIyuxzmxADlxpHjTqTNIg=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Posts may be a little erratic if I stick to trades & collected editions so I will pick up a back issue or two to try and keep the flow going. I'll also cover <i>2000AD</i> & the <i>Judge Dredd Megazine</i> as appropriate since I'm a subscriber. Plus I may well do a couple of themed weeks as these proved successful last year.<br /><br /><b>Please hit the "subscribe" button or just check in occasionally to check out the wonderful world of comics ....and some other stuff!</b></p><p>Happy collecting!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc6lHoQYr3EDPKiMqcCkeBbpfDlZmDXw_3Nlz0zENJOn208gIjwnAnZ6L66Wl6sYrRwk_JjBQW5zA-7g5MvvlBxlK43xp3Cc7NJ_q9FeDKaBKOYlOtVrqKES6HHGtcnorXYIDWstjltnFp8oQYQFX-awMS4ToLn5CwIUn4h0VyxbeYZKCAFn_-lrO0CA=s3054" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3054" data-original-width="1986" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc6lHoQYr3EDPKiMqcCkeBbpfDlZmDXw_3Nlz0zENJOn208gIjwnAnZ6L66Wl6sYrRwk_JjBQW5zA-7g5MvvlBxlK43xp3Cc7NJ_q9FeDKaBKOYlOtVrqKES6HHGtcnorXYIDWstjltnFp8oQYQFX-awMS4ToLn5CwIUn4h0VyxbeYZKCAFn_-lrO0CA=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-50716687894231291522022-01-09T09:00:00.002-08:002022-01-09T10:31:37.493-08:00The Amazing Spider-Man #11/Marvel Universe: X-Men #10 plus Morbius The Living Vampire (Panini)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhohBTzw-DUMFmOqOzz9_SIBdETN0WAV2xoyRajlhFjzitkigI-dzWxY_qgC3T5NotRj10145b0sYhvoXLdoHNafgUyaGFX4juGyPDoYVq-SKdCdDiKWxbSeQilNlXpVzOs49mGF5Pkf06aI4AD91F-_1LiB3NM6bEd4DPHb1B52kzPRIaFQaxPz9LvDg=s459" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhohBTzw-DUMFmOqOzz9_SIBdETN0WAV2xoyRajlhFjzitkigI-dzWxY_qgC3T5NotRj10145b0sYhvoXLdoHNafgUyaGFX4juGyPDoYVq-SKdCdDiKWxbSeQilNlXpVzOs49mGF5Pkf06aI4AD91F-_1LiB3NM6bEd4DPHb1B52kzPRIaFQaxPz9LvDg=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>T</i><i>he Amazing Spider-Man</i> is the only one of three Panini Marvel titles that is set to continue in the New Year, a shame as these brought me back to the world of Marvel comics, The latest issue introduces me to charcters I have little knowledge of (Spider-Man 2099 & Teresa Parker) in a story that brings together many elements of Marvel's shared universe.</p><p><br />Doctor Doom is at the centre of this new adventure along with other rogue elements including the Hitman as the future Spidey arrives to save the future which is under threat from a quite obvious development around Peter Parker and his associates.<br /><br />How this all ties up remains to be seen as Teresa comes and goes without much of as thank you. Not sure where she came from and will have to explore her "origin" at some stage. I always thought Peter was a lone orphan. I'm also quite interested in Spidey 2099. I've only read one partial story in a British reprint so he's all new to me!<br /><br />Given the popularity of the new Spider-Man movie I'm sure this will help solidify the comics sales (at least I hope so) as sadly I also just finished reading the last <i>Marvel Universe: X-Men</i> which even started to show the New Mutants in an interesting light. Sadly some of them are for the foreseeable future lost in space.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSKb4s8ez6gczoIQ5yKHWnMXsCxUcSGMHJIARRMiTOmW3h5wFko34rffRcD6cQ1ZYYU0-y1yY1Ioh-o28t_cAhSf2oMgUvht_6A3dINAsyf8XgbaUAYMG_IAFW7YWXhS7-7Q7z2nBZTeXxjl_Zz43CUaLou8Tqc15uSn6r1syas-jfVBNPygksieZw8Q=s459" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSKb4s8ez6gczoIQ5yKHWnMXsCxUcSGMHJIARRMiTOmW3h5wFko34rffRcD6cQ1ZYYU0-y1yY1Ioh-o28t_cAhSf2oMgUvht_6A3dINAsyf8XgbaUAYMG_IAFW7YWXhS7-7Q7z2nBZTeXxjl_Zz43CUaLou8Tqc15uSn6r1syas-jfVBNPygksieZw8Q=w261-h400" width="261" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The oversized final issue is good value reprinting four New Mutants and two X-Force US editions which also tie up and show the Beast isn't perfect. I really do hope Panini find another way of bringing the X-Men back to British news agents. It's been a great ride for me and I've read a whole pile of Marvel trades as a result of these series.</p><p><b><i>Still at least we are going to get a "bookazine" every month. Panini's latest release ties in with yet another forthcoming MCU film. Released on 13th Jan!</i></b><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoE0cyeLDnCd9eYM2JsPvL8Xz2uyZI4l2iFZY7urWXlsW1Zvg1lrrN9ZGTRSJaKBe3hmKpbvFK_ovLQGmdW5Werl49X_UT-A5FRSeQlivmzZDIqdzkqIeUMEZG_D5z_LODsgN_tPshf6OuRN3YpC_4FHT54yYIJKzOqLZSp-AMqcJMzVjgh8IhvRr_uw=s459" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoE0cyeLDnCd9eYM2JsPvL8Xz2uyZI4l2iFZY7urWXlsW1Zvg1lrrN9ZGTRSJaKBe3hmKpbvFK_ovLQGmdW5Werl49X_UT-A5FRSeQlivmzZDIqdzkqIeUMEZG_D5z_LODsgN_tPshf6OuRN3YpC_4FHT54yYIJKzOqLZSp-AMqcJMzVjgh8IhvRr_uw=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-54426526203542954052022-01-03T07:40:00.001-08:002022-01-03T07:43:35.559-08:00Archie's Holiday Magic Special (Archie Comics)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVxRnlCFaVx78ureRl3V4XJUyJ2Cgx48vTnG2tGUYgKEIFuSiYDNYouOPQc5QhE4ynL3tWtDd8wex9wugSI28cmXdIXWJtD85HLIFGCkXv1dV2FZKGc2kN8WztUfEjpmhWbJFGCO-cSaoWYJJK61HQ5MhSWH1CXmAt_pgisl3JAz7cyKZWx-xTddmIkQ=s4075" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4075" data-original-width="2650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVxRnlCFaVx78ureRl3V4XJUyJ2Cgx48vTnG2tGUYgKEIFuSiYDNYouOPQc5QhE4ynL3tWtDd8wex9wugSI28cmXdIXWJtD85HLIFGCkXv1dV2FZKGc2kN8WztUfEjpmhWbJFGCO-cSaoWYJJK61HQ5MhSWH1CXmAt_pgisl3JAz7cyKZWx-xTddmIkQ=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The second of two all-new Archie Holiday specials this did arrive just after Christmas but for a variety of reasons I have only just got around to reading it. The first special was set in the traditional "cartoon" format whilst this is the more modern update even though the linking character is "Sugar Plum". Don't ask. These are comics and the need to suspend disbelief is paramount which leads us straight into the first story <i>Yes Young Archie there is</i></p><p>Nasty young Reggie is trying to persuade Archie there is no such thing as "Santa Claus" and our Ronnie will have nothing to do with it. Can his father Fred undo the damage of the local bully?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtNoL8lJwv1zcHqQwaa2o7Vvgc4pTl6kfB6pijQ2QXP6vwZMsbU8C-9YqDXUuN55tukgFQIC8Vq8tV4nUddcqEcmpxsOZxq6UxYmswQA48JRm5ZKGvS_oVN3BlIj7CiCQ4YdwDyZuy6WxHFBnrnE0pHSzEBSAg42QJ8dlNWetgYC4VdCGLuf_x6rF-zA=s594" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="392" height="815" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtNoL8lJwv1zcHqQwaa2o7Vvgc4pTl6kfB6pijQ2QXP6vwZMsbU8C-9YqDXUuN55tukgFQIC8Vq8tV4nUddcqEcmpxsOZxq6UxYmswQA48JRm5ZKGvS_oVN3BlIj7CiCQ4YdwDyZuy6WxHFBnrnE0pHSzEBSAg42QJ8dlNWetgYC4VdCGLuf_x6rF-zA=w538-h815" width="538" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next up is It's A Wonderful Latke and obvious take on a classic Christmas movie and one in which Jughead takes the lead as Riverdale's Jewish community prepares for Hanukkah festival and there's an eating contest. Who will eat the most Latkes and help raise money for charity?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS2YyrAa05TwXcspDCIO5SJuH1J1uwSuLbly3wjny7y8f_dLa3NV7dIiZxMAl4vQ1P4-qr-oXNhmP05ktheGL9N58Vxc9GgzLSKKtOZyiY8mB6e-buWYj170BKMhhxiaxcltfsV3DZs075egebZXhTPOOQikLNl-IokZzQrU45kYMl2toBLpLKkjqtHg=s564" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="372" height="829" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhS2YyrAa05TwXcspDCIO5SJuH1J1uwSuLbly3wjny7y8f_dLa3NV7dIiZxMAl4vQ1P4-qr-oXNhmP05ktheGL9N58Vxc9GgzLSKKtOZyiY8mB6e-buWYj170BKMhhxiaxcltfsV3DZs075egebZXhTPOOQikLNl-IokZzQrU45kYMl2toBLpLKkjqtHg=w546-h829" width="546" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>You have to ask already?</p><p>Finally we see into the future as a long absent Archie returns to Riverdale and finds both his former beaus working together. What bake will he choose?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCmemSsxq48DfLGtWiPWm0s8qbG-3p-kS_9EXC4DOowIs-qWspvsuY9ZDuya4rFq0M7SCuXreFYptjz_Ww4k7XfUEU8hXD1LtVYLKq5FXSc8LxPvd1cWIEyFvKjCsPs14-sGEvXmc7SZGATEs0dXxejNqt10wrxHXpVhpOAzf0zUG6zGTgYxYLdP9pqA=s800" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="527" height="823" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCmemSsxq48DfLGtWiPWm0s8qbG-3p-kS_9EXC4DOowIs-qWspvsuY9ZDuya4rFq0M7SCuXreFYptjz_Ww4k7XfUEU8hXD1LtVYLKq5FXSc8LxPvd1cWIEyFvKjCsPs14-sGEvXmc7SZGATEs0dXxejNqt10wrxHXpVhpOAzf0zUG6zGTgYxYLdP9pqA=w543-h823" width="543" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A pleasant little take on the spirits of Christmas set in Riverdale for fans both new and old!</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 3 Stars </span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwjvCt0lEuNA8GAQh6p2gCKYKIcR2vrBN_YBHSEFhCurzac1pxrV5hpDXVB8Lo3fdbLDdR6oKBbB3_IaqSxBiymPLYlWe6eiCXuYIzd49JfCTjpAk1QpsjPNpvNgtYVqwG2DkbBEo9XTcuCkpKRDgNw8lM5tjHeDkw2g7Kd34IMidRsu5Cl9vALX10MA=s900" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="585" height="832" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwjvCt0lEuNA8GAQh6p2gCKYKIcR2vrBN_YBHSEFhCurzac1pxrV5hpDXVB8Lo3fdbLDdR6oKBbB3_IaqSxBiymPLYlWe6eiCXuYIzd49JfCTjpAk1QpsjPNpvNgtYVqwG2DkbBEo9XTcuCkpKRDgNw8lM5tjHeDkw2g7Kd34IMidRsu5Cl9vALX10MA=w541-h832" width="541" /></a></div><br />Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-62542022708872119292022-01-01T02:30:00.048-08:002022-01-01T02:52:12.464-08:00A New Years Gallery of British Comics<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZfSPCx-8WG6Xkqwo0eQesmCU4M-_DU6TiVPvnIyFRjp_ZBN2CGm9dvAT1Zkjhs37K7jCxVb-Skr3IO3_kp6iHb3hfgbtz4P3CHEiMcw9hgqGc8sq89FaJjEPZCiU5HY4E_u4RHgW7BwITPlmM_TL4JuN1OCWYMHJPVBqh3SCYEiD3Z8TRi-qAOvBuYQ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="884" height="726" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZfSPCx-8WG6Xkqwo0eQesmCU4M-_DU6TiVPvnIyFRjp_ZBN2CGm9dvAT1Zkjhs37K7jCxVb-Skr3IO3_kp6iHb3hfgbtz4P3CHEiMcw9hgqGc8sq89FaJjEPZCiU5HY4E_u4RHgW7BwITPlmM_TL4JuN1OCWYMHJPVBqh3SCYEiD3Z8TRi-qAOvBuYQ=w501-h726" width="501" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i>It seems everyone was posting Christmas covers including myself over the holidays so I thought it time for a gallery of New Year Covers for a change.</i></b></p><p><b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A Very Happy New Year to All my Readers!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD0JABR_2imuy7-giWMjUckolAPBfGNHMnNZYDKosJfizmlD15wcJyysL4yw_4YSm55wdq7Rp1lhGv5wGgBkz_iFL7ipuyTYuHXJUom_A9Uqk9Vyu39N0pJeyzEYFu_b3aGmR08FNPkYVFiUtWNJCctOTu8hRtyfFVknxoHNqGX7JZ1VQ-4hnlpjdt4Q=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1001" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD0JABR_2imuy7-giWMjUckolAPBfGNHMnNZYDKosJfizmlD15wcJyysL4yw_4YSm55wdq7Rp1lhGv5wGgBkz_iFL7ipuyTYuHXJUom_A9Uqk9Vyu39N0pJeyzEYFu_b3aGmR08FNPkYVFiUtWNJCctOTu8hRtyfFVknxoHNqGX7JZ1VQ-4hnlpjdt4Q=w500-h640" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdHMR2PSnaHYUAhv2CNL4dtsdDvcrvURK3YIhLuan_tEjBmrHXeoaNET-IPQvvnDUtrpqERGy4CSeO9MyG4Nj-SQYAjPS7UuJz0y-hB2YC2UfmqHWUOKS9Q9QdHUMRzSRVe1pH3JgqCrqOAHWHDdbh0nITuuXInbMXMOPO41w4JaMlb4EzDdOLfpGhSw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1022" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdHMR2PSnaHYUAhv2CNL4dtsdDvcrvURK3YIhLuan_tEjBmrHXeoaNET-IPQvvnDUtrpqERGy4CSeO9MyG4Nj-SQYAjPS7UuJz0y-hB2YC2UfmqHWUOKS9Q9QdHUMRzSRVe1pH3JgqCrqOAHWHDdbh0nITuuXInbMXMOPO41w4JaMlb4EzDdOLfpGhSw=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTJbX2K59HEbBC7aF_q28SJ3PdY7FJeXCjTy02mdMBQiyIa4VCR9CvzpUNPlonYSepxp6ZauvCRQFZIM9ItFonQQE5QldeXbGMfP-VX49to74CoobjZ62Q86LyDb2WGtRK0-sUpyvXorlQMFoRNgMcZtAS7Lq1CFtgF9f-RGtuJqLd0M0xS0rikcXvbA=s570" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="400" height="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTJbX2K59HEbBC7aF_q28SJ3PdY7FJeXCjTy02mdMBQiyIa4VCR9CvzpUNPlonYSepxp6ZauvCRQFZIM9ItFonQQE5QldeXbGMfP-VX49to74CoobjZ62Q86LyDb2WGtRK0-sUpyvXorlQMFoRNgMcZtAS7Lq1CFtgF9f-RGtuJqLd0M0xS0rikcXvbA=w517-h735" width="517" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghvRySE9oZJBZ3WnGYe2PdwcINvP7dGJ5PyzySanAoTf1Wl7nj_eE3kDt_OThwbb9NKSrcnW01s3Vxc8zEFA9rsYnlP42Gu6J5VsfD8yidQteZOG-Exia35F7tqCrI1HwCAAMpDkbaELyFwyfDkxyZ3d4iZs8sEInakWFNEnNatSGcmqzWDToo1wxsdQ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="883" height="738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghvRySE9oZJBZ3WnGYe2PdwcINvP7dGJ5PyzySanAoTf1Wl7nj_eE3kDt_OThwbb9NKSrcnW01s3Vxc8zEFA9rsYnlP42Gu6J5VsfD8yidQteZOG-Exia35F7tqCrI1HwCAAMpDkbaELyFwyfDkxyZ3d4iZs8sEInakWFNEnNatSGcmqzWDToo1wxsdQ=w509-h738" width="509" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_3BYzb3DGJjxuiMUn2chCOcDJqnaFaDkskvwovCta8nPQpnA_M5NlaVRTg0dT-fYPhluwMcvqQXgC6eD7i7AwEjt4eelCijaSt294voG2j7p975Vm3ggogsl1FvYu_eMQ0FXz6dekjHi95bQS5Zn3cQ22bNURG3O6SE1acCbYVZnDcZMn4kvhLXyAxw=s800" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="611" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_3BYzb3DGJjxuiMUn2chCOcDJqnaFaDkskvwovCta8nPQpnA_M5NlaVRTg0dT-fYPhluwMcvqQXgC6eD7i7AwEjt4eelCijaSt294voG2j7p975Vm3ggogsl1FvYu_eMQ0FXz6dekjHi95bQS5Zn3cQ22bNURG3O6SE1acCbYVZnDcZMn4kvhLXyAxw=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh74lxIo_emGaFPCdc1TG-UvOB-y5JPEoDAQl43ioEABPGpMcVqXOs6iKDnwemoPEk4ExyXqYxtoAy2lFtmSUkRh5R1ryYpDlpqYB6HCfRFXQm6aSCZPB1gKhScPAYE6NGss_fzUVhSp7WOP39aDCMTvFwmHVCyfu1VwWiiEFobuzS3POgLegR1VAwHYw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="892" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh74lxIo_emGaFPCdc1TG-UvOB-y5JPEoDAQl43ioEABPGpMcVqXOs6iKDnwemoPEk4ExyXqYxtoAy2lFtmSUkRh5R1ryYpDlpqYB6HCfRFXQm6aSCZPB1gKhScPAYE6NGss_fzUVhSp7WOP39aDCMTvFwmHVCyfu1VwWiiEFobuzS3POgLegR1VAwHYw=w523-h750" width="523" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="967" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBb0qKM2ovN1hm2nUkRiVZJYIDP9RimgwRK7sA7_zOQPR6XGPE_I5YYLePRfG8w4pzc5HLHfi8A-QamSDZUwv6bCAiJ34FVebA-ZfA8dDl54wV29UJlze99g2ho4vsOpqyJFGno9xe2WfJfLigorCejA4SKfs3q3LL4_W1WaG7vubcUersfucGugwYZw=w484-h640" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLg2UBmy7Hehr9fEm8NV1UXbMA_-zQ6b9_ZfivfUABAFI6Wo8N78iYrAYqkSxjbVYgtm7rEGEpxOHQKkMxIMq9c2Esaa5txzt8yZhKFpbFGdPoNIxqy-k_NzS0qGnat3k2oUTZxwyc1VcaCWBz49oVq9U9bcdHdP9ZNbRtM_yv_W6CEoln-t1zkzRpUQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="464" height="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLg2UBmy7Hehr9fEm8NV1UXbMA_-zQ6b9_ZfivfUABAFI6Wo8N78iYrAYqkSxjbVYgtm7rEGEpxOHQKkMxIMq9c2Esaa5txzt8yZhKFpbFGdPoNIxqy-k_NzS0qGnat3k2oUTZxwyc1VcaCWBz49oVq9U9bcdHdP9ZNbRtM_yv_W6CEoln-t1zkzRpUQ=w493-h680" width="493" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBuox0-mzxgUBhA1zKYKpGo4ODIUMl8GmLTmnVUUrUPrETvlTUPLpS2sqb_0MrkTDPF_6m0ln56S1NUSxB8b4I8mdiynspVxdJK3OeyvIngqq3matvFLIizvzwo1_yA3QbgKxj9L_RfRYzJm9ATGJ938xB5Xt5S7GDAwddEFYw784GmoYXjfcHMYWMAg=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="934" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBuox0-mzxgUBhA1zKYKpGo4ODIUMl8GmLTmnVUUrUPrETvlTUPLpS2sqb_0MrkTDPF_6m0ln56S1NUSxB8b4I8mdiynspVxdJK3OeyvIngqq3matvFLIizvzwo1_yA3QbgKxj9L_RfRYzJm9ATGJ938xB5Xt5S7GDAwddEFYw784GmoYXjfcHMYWMAg=w468-h640" width="468" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-27631871479772479622021-12-30T02:00:00.009-08:002021-12-30T09:23:21.957-08:00Comics Review of 2021<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK3o2fRUX6OKzBvrjQ_3SjNbOT-HdI5S8Z9oYbZoi3VRUhABIiaet_7QVpa25RxmN9SDreNX_xuOzpzfl96-dU3DUUhfPN0WU4j7CHiZ4oaTGJ7gPmPANKendRhEEh4fckReF6PEXZH5EDhn8mRg_q7nItAlTRb3Dy7HLVsYpo5J1TT0DiyA5uLFExBg=s1200" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="785" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK3o2fRUX6OKzBvrjQ_3SjNbOT-HdI5S8Z9oYbZoi3VRUhABIiaet_7QVpa25RxmN9SDreNX_xuOzpzfl96-dU3DUUhfPN0WU4j7CHiZ4oaTGJ7gPmPANKendRhEEh4fckReF6PEXZH5EDhn8mRg_q7nItAlTRb3Dy7HLVsYpo5J1TT0DiyA5uLFExBg=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A couple of weeks ago when I first thought of writing this review all sorts of positive developments were happening within the world of British comics which I have concentrated on for some time now. Rebellion had cut back it's "specials" because of the pandemic but there were more than a few including Black Beth (which deserves to be a monthly in my opinion and they announced that <i>Monster Fun</i> would return as a bi-monthly comic in April 2022!</p><p>The Treasury of British comics continued to publish a range of old British classics ranging from The Steel Claw to a third volume of the Trigan Empire and of course <i>2000AD</i> & the <i>Judge Dredd Megazine</i> have not only weathered the crisis but developed a larger subscriber base. All good news for the reader as well as the publisher.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9XieCNasOZJo3axZY1tMyGTmLNOs2VDVUFVg3k3NUWOhEFaV8tRRZTFEb6xNPIi4mxaZTACOvVPGM1ZbxrFd1XwPaxA78EWXMrYDTDLovkpkNWFYZyIJayLWTfkC6L7ITXu10DDKucWmsFHVxzUlSUhvkBzcrPc_2QMVuxpmYyuh22CrWrrO_BKcb3Q=s1280" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="974" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9XieCNasOZJo3axZY1tMyGTmLNOs2VDVUFVg3k3NUWOhEFaV8tRRZTFEb6xNPIi4mxaZTACOvVPGM1ZbxrFd1XwPaxA78EWXMrYDTDLovkpkNWFYZyIJayLWTfkC6L7ITXu10DDKucWmsFHVxzUlSUhvkBzcrPc_2QMVuxpmYyuh22CrWrrO_BKcb3Q=w488-h640" width="488" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>DC Thomson continued it's regular output of <i>The Beano </i>which also has seen a rise in circulation along with <i>Commando </i>the last of the pocket picture libraries still churning out eight comics a month, four new and four reprints with more than just World War Two stories branching into science fiction and even a little horror though that was indeed set in the war but hey, the Nazi's always get their comeuppance!</p><p>I just wish the Scottish publisher would consider publishing collected editions of it's huge back catalogue. There is plenty of worthy material to be had from the likes of <i>Victor, Hotspur, Hornet, Wizard, Rover</i> and the <i>Crunch</i>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSLFSd6VhtklWDqt9Jg4jN8FNP_A6aCzu_TetQd8c42LwXySRwF_LDhrzQA6Un_JBxVepfwwfekp0gXZfg5LDKl9Pfsbh5IOwLaLO-KNJRw7vymPfI0c3UyIi0lvJFZCGowHxJkqivWqwEyZOm0fnU7nmD86AxdkmeUFQt_qMiGmBNaKZKIgVhZiV9hg=s337" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="260" height="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSLFSd6VhtklWDqt9Jg4jN8FNP_A6aCzu_TetQd8c42LwXySRwF_LDhrzQA6Un_JBxVepfwwfekp0gXZfg5LDKl9Pfsbh5IOwLaLO-KNJRw7vymPfI0c3UyIi0lvJFZCGowHxJkqivWqwEyZOm0fnU7nmD86AxdkmeUFQt_qMiGmBNaKZKIgVhZiV9hg=w480-h621" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The year also saw the return of Marvel UK with new comics from Panini. They revived Spider-Man, the X-Men and more general Marvel material in their "bookazines" and one more "generic title. This year marked a return to reading Marvel entirely due to their efforts. </p><p>Whilst Spider-Man has seemingly found a format suitable for the mixed pockets of the various fans, the X-Men along with <i>Marvel Essentials </i>which featured <i>Empyre </i>(which was a worthy read) but mainly focused on the symbiotes which are of no interest to me were expensive "prestige" format comics. Now these werer actually good value in the amount of reprinted US material but at basically eight quid a pop plus distribution problems they have not been a success.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXC7SR7dDrkdXIhUTVTb3h75f6IajLsbjP4n4HB9RAI2wtojo4Ifgx493qwWcW5M8KurE6FmkfHpH5eREO3uXSd-y3TJnDE_IF484Dwle0V4d3OUocgTSznqauatX1JGpSTZymINlf8Y-DbAuAdAv1EOPf3qYt01Ps2K5RPih0GFRVQMPvlgWsfrgqSw=s459" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXC7SR7dDrkdXIhUTVTb3h75f6IajLsbjP4n4HB9RAI2wtojo4Ifgx493qwWcW5M8KurE6FmkfHpH5eREO3uXSd-y3TJnDE_IF484Dwle0V4d3OUocgTSznqauatX1JGpSTZymINlf8Y-DbAuAdAv1EOPf3qYt01Ps2K5RPih0GFRVQMPvlgWsfrgqSw=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Sadly Panini ends the X-Men this month with Essentials ceasing in March. At least they seem to be finishing off story-lines before cancellation which shows both consideration and loyalty to their readers. Spider-Man is unaffected as is their sole DC venture Batman. The good value "bookazines" which have tied into movies and TV launches will continue. </p><p>It is not known what replacements (if any) Panini are planning. Like others I hope for an X-Men comic and at least the return of The Avengers or the Hulk. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM2FCqAWLLuTYtVLgSj-b-yrLS9Gs7rZ7uS8EhlrsCtBv_y-Iod9jqNIvVgFpUSV3ZZBP4bmxqMm_9MNBZGPeIqFYMj8nTuSIGsqYD-Ic6HOFnKMAK9B4vX96GSQ532lNuUVMKqpl98wTtsBQfkrByWugFMuyTNGqm3c4MPGbyNLhJWvN1C5NuJ2dTLA=s841" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="650" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM2FCqAWLLuTYtVLgSj-b-yrLS9Gs7rZ7uS8EhlrsCtBv_y-Iod9jqNIvVgFpUSV3ZZBP4bmxqMm_9MNBZGPeIqFYMj8nTuSIGsqYD-Ic6HOFnKMAK9B4vX96GSQ532lNuUVMKqpl98wTtsBQfkrByWugFMuyTNGqm3c4MPGbyNLhJWvN1C5NuJ2dTLA=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The Independent market has also improved it's output and one of the highlights of the year was <i>The 77 Annual</i> a professionally produced tome that was worthy of being in one's Christmas stocking! In addition smaller titles like <i>Sentinel, Shaman Kane </i>and <i>Plainer Jane</i> have continued to entertain. The impressive "fanzine" <i>Comics</i> <i>Unlimited</i> has also delivered for fans of the genre. If you haven't tried any of these titles please go to the sidebar and click on the links!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg32eoAs47ocLmgNYu4lsmhfiDdonCShCJG4vlIIlH0BnFRHZwUv5JENoS6H6vqsD6l3lKbvMCgKaySV8iBtAIgIvh9qdDgxTdnj5uCcJ_IccLVMydaiUgWyxAy4F2io3EMczRKX6M0InS8TK_2YOBsaAg9L5vnzs2IBPnuEDB4YHluJE34l-XTL_qQEw=s1552" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1552" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg32eoAs47ocLmgNYu4lsmhfiDdonCShCJG4vlIIlH0BnFRHZwUv5JENoS6H6vqsD6l3lKbvMCgKaySV8iBtAIgIvh9qdDgxTdnj5uCcJ_IccLVMydaiUgWyxAy4F2io3EMczRKX6M0InS8TK_2YOBsaAg9L5vnzs2IBPnuEDB4YHluJE34l-XTL_qQEw=w562-h316" width="562" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi01D-btlOEsh9CPDcI6csk-EMlIdFpljYMhqQKVb0Wo3ZVNJ2YdXa0XKDZXcSwlvjuN4Eh0ZGB5ufGh0lidylmErmFNJzOxAo9g3LJaKGtc8_9kAuRwxKlkNsSbNEF9fsBK1P6k3mwoceuXjXodgW3WMTJ1HQY379TLqZaMXxnqwe-nTZ4ZG4aXrlb_Q=s1875" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1313" height="785" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi01D-btlOEsh9CPDcI6csk-EMlIdFpljYMhqQKVb0Wo3ZVNJ2YdXa0XKDZXcSwlvjuN4Eh0ZGB5ufGh0lidylmErmFNJzOxAo9g3LJaKGtc8_9kAuRwxKlkNsSbNEF9fsBK1P6k3mwoceuXjXodgW3WMTJ1HQY379TLqZaMXxnqwe-nTZ4ZG4aXrlb_Q=w550-h785" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Finally there is this blog. Despite a drastic change in my personal circumstances I have continued to collect more comics and trades than I expected resulting in the most posts in one year that this blog has published since being launched in 2014. Readership varies but averages higher than last year with spikes when I did some special themed events. </p><p>The <i>Look-In Seventies, Look-In Eighties</i> and my <i>Top Ten British Comics </i>series did see increased interest which given I write for pleasure just wanting to share my thoughts on the hobby with others is nice, Of course being me I haven't shied from away controversy and remain open-minded, a little old fashioned and not impressed with "cancel culture" or the extreme "woke". It seems to me that the ghost of Mary Whitehouse has appeared on what used to be the "left" in politics but I digress. I do have a political blog and Facebook page where I discuss these issues.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVtDIilEvLRh_0NYtwPIxm5-zs8vfbEZ5qz3cRigmEI7Nv4T4ZU893o0IjN_nTAbZ7ITPd3gy_Ds0V62KvFHtcQ4VK8MsHOj9V4SOsiAcVRyWFn1oYD3DFx3InjKT5qfMoHnz8FNw4Fz9FcKrIO-rHdyJ9vQh9FoTv_JypOxH0HJY4EnbjImaIpWB84A=s399" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="399" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVtDIilEvLRh_0NYtwPIxm5-zs8vfbEZ5qz3cRigmEI7Nv4T4ZU893o0IjN_nTAbZ7ITPd3gy_Ds0V62KvFHtcQ4VK8MsHOj9V4SOsiAcVRyWFn1oYD3DFx3InjKT5qfMoHnz8FNw4Fz9FcKrIO-rHdyJ9vQh9FoTv_JypOxH0HJY4EnbjImaIpWB84A=w458-h286" width="458" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: <a href="By Published in an article from The Telegraph: [1], Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33956537">By Published in an article from The Telegraph</a></span></i></p><p>Regardless I'm pleased with the way<i> Howie's World of Comics</i> has developed and hope to engage your interest in the coming year. Probably more about back issues than new stuff though I will try to continue to support British comics, especially the Independent sector where I can. There will always be posts on DC, Marvel, Archie, Dynamite and other US publishers as I love so many of their characters. <br /><br />I also hope to expand beyond the comics world which at the moment is mostly around <i>Doctor Who</i> or Gerry Anderson audios. I've plenty of ideas and hope to see you coming back in the New Year. </p><p>Happy New Year to all my readers!</p><p><b><i>Shalom Aleichem,</i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: Pacifico; font-size: medium;">Howie</span></i></b></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsPuOzEnJN4V-NwNv_8ENR_pQCJz9dgdgCCrbt3_KDYVq-jXAFqs_XvvySjoxVOGDhTDcTpqWU1rO3q8ZkJFIdpKjJYRhlPQZYCSq-HSHqNoB_a2Gqfo4_Am0Fp1Pb97JOxsAX8xeOr3I4D2sYInkzUryN4WcVgDlpy3hBhPZecuW9CDA2BsN2JP1e7w=s1122" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="740" height="746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsPuOzEnJN4V-NwNv_8ENR_pQCJz9dgdgCCrbt3_KDYVq-jXAFqs_XvvySjoxVOGDhTDcTpqWU1rO3q8ZkJFIdpKjJYRhlPQZYCSq-HSHqNoB_a2Gqfo4_Am0Fp1Pb97JOxsAX8xeOr3I4D2sYInkzUryN4WcVgDlpy3hBhPZecuW9CDA2BsN2JP1e7w=w492-h746" width="492" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: Pacifico; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-3693675605698840582021-12-29T09:00:00.001-08:002021-12-29T10:30:43.795-08:00Infinity Countdown & Infinity War (Marvel/2018)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_pw4sO6226Gl5o4bXbm_zi3_AUdQSqGnFOptkyItzoqyhqqoc9loT6FQGjx_WJ5Pv_gLSnVek5FbXaedc2oT48OiNZa2bwF-UkAs_Zj-6pefyGK91-uDlEWnbiOm5Cm297O-6A6e2WkVI-Ig5CgMXcvhWm67O_YQel0YTq1Dp4STbT9uY4k-kTMU-Ng=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="832" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_pw4sO6226Gl5o4bXbm_zi3_AUdQSqGnFOptkyItzoqyhqqoc9loT6FQGjx_WJ5Pv_gLSnVek5FbXaedc2oT48OiNZa2bwF-UkAs_Zj-6pefyGK91-uDlEWnbiOm5Cm297O-6A6e2WkVI-Ig5CgMXcvhWm67O_YQel0YTq1Dp4STbT9uY4k-kTMU-Ng=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Continuing with my wish to "catch up" with the goings on in the Marvel Universe I picked up <i>Infinity Wars</i> but immediately noticed I needed to read what had come before as is the way with these crossovers. <i>Infinity Countdown</i> was then added to the pile and I finally got around to reading over Christmas.<br /><br />Once again the Infinity Stones are being fought over though something about them has changed and although Warlock kicks off the adventure as would be expected given his relationship with the Soul Gem, it was interesting seeing Loki at the centre of this story along with a Librarian from Omnipotence City. The latter was interesting as I hadn't come across this before. Obviously more for me to "discover" as I continue my journey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Ijdmfk0ybIcbOviPdbmHvzrIjlxEdZZRF5_1REcxosb8VsPBtZKMzVMGq0ylX_YMwfoQKpBGjnD8ZiDxw52ah2vfUFrnrL_2c8yRF9gohlshpAa9aPJy_MSJafwofjZNsnbThEx1IUfwibH_nTtjJWDptStuH_mvn97ej2lf0qvjmYImnQygYW2ZAA=s475" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="309" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7Ijdmfk0ybIcbOviPdbmHvzrIjlxEdZZRF5_1REcxosb8VsPBtZKMzVMGq0ylX_YMwfoQKpBGjnD8ZiDxw52ah2vfUFrnrL_2c8yRF9gohlshpAa9aPJy_MSJafwofjZNsnbThEx1IUfwibH_nTtjJWDptStuH_mvn97ej2lf0qvjmYImnQygYW2ZAA=w260-h400" width="260" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I have read the original three stories about the Infinity Stones and the first few issues of <i>Warlock and the Infinity Watch</i> and at least a couple more over the years but <i>Infinity Wars</i> takes place across the multiverse and we meet many Loki's and see the return of Moondragon and her lover Phyla.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwCEXVPrWSSHqqwBqy9_YzPPdryOBGGwMNoajulqwDrrxoz5FdVmp1oL2AYmhfDwYHnxAMMar-dZ2bFR9IWhL33lqzEoV8yOiQTvbRqSjIVleBUFgV7gXUnCQLsg2FZvolPp2sMNMY5OWY7e-yonNoRSNFSSK6bvmFS7pulbmfuC_U48nUp6Apxb0pNA=s3056" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3056" data-original-width="1987" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwCEXVPrWSSHqqwBqy9_YzPPdryOBGGwMNoajulqwDrrxoz5FdVmp1oL2AYmhfDwYHnxAMMar-dZ2bFR9IWhL33lqzEoV8yOiQTvbRqSjIVleBUFgV7gXUnCQLsg2FZvolPp2sMNMY5OWY7e-yonNoRSNFSSK6bvmFS7pulbmfuC_U48nUp6Apxb0pNA=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The Guardians of the Galaxy also take a central role and Groot has a surprising character development. Still Thanos is back for a while and Gamora exacts a revenge as the war begins. One of the problems with these multi-title crossover epics is that some of the action takes place off the page and although these are available in trades as the in-house advertising in the Trade shows it would make reading even more complicated reading.<br /><br />There's enough especially in <i>Infinity Countdown</i> the prequel to keep the reader informed and I'm not convinced that buying volumes of Sleepwalker or Darkhawk (neither of whom I have ever read) would particularly add anything to the main feature.</p><p>All that said I quite enjoyed the journey and would happily re-read this again in the not too distant future. Well worth grabbing both trades.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyIhtNWYz0F9oB1BGwt_hzi9YUFAqtxascCh9zc29tyHmAqa68gUv7oIdIlip-O2J3wdwpAtiVkv718Lm71W4aQtyBwiN9R6bA-gBtynjymFIESKhE2xN5nb605j1NVUbASBdBZa2mSvI7xJKM6DKaZLOFqzrivGxFfOPjSHJYIQe9GFRuFIMu51IfPg=s1537" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="1000" height="769" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyIhtNWYz0F9oB1BGwt_hzi9YUFAqtxascCh9zc29tyHmAqa68gUv7oIdIlip-O2J3wdwpAtiVkv718Lm71W4aQtyBwiN9R6bA-gBtynjymFIESKhE2xN5nb605j1NVUbASBdBZa2mSvI7xJKM6DKaZLOFqzrivGxFfOPjSHJYIQe9GFRuFIMu51IfPg=w500-h769" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-68463070473668362992021-12-27T09:00:00.001-08:002021-12-27T09:01:59.568-08:00X-Men Legends Vol 1 (Marvel)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh33BE5CSdlmAtbOXYy299Grh0CHmezgxkwOfe2bvzEbObK8Iuzc8r3N-j3TPNWURjJalOLcLTc93kniSExFnqV2yAzs3BDGzyxEqcoWO9lYX1CQNxEF1kWoPcX4t7akRCYbERIKr3MUvPDaXoz7fZIjB8binnZGwwNIsAJ63qzYXSVSqs7QDli0RLOAw=s500" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh33BE5CSdlmAtbOXYy299Grh0CHmezgxkwOfe2bvzEbObK8Iuzc8r3N-j3TPNWURjJalOLcLTc93kniSExFnqV2yAzs3BDGzyxEqcoWO9lYX1CQNxEF1kWoPcX4t7akRCYbERIKr3MUvPDaXoz7fZIjB8binnZGwwNIsAJ63qzYXSVSqs7QDli0RLOAw=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Having returned to reading the X-Men mainly via their British publisher, Panini I had asked a question on a Facebook group as to how I could catch up with so much of the characters history and someone suggested the limited-series <i>X-Men Legends t</i>hat was then being published. Since my local comic shop stopped doing new comics even by mail order I tend to only buy trades and so ordered the first volume via Amazon which arrived yesterday.<br /><br />This is a nice little volume collecting six issues of the series and contained three stories which were originally published in two monthly instalment. At first I was puzzled as to how this would help me gain a wider picture of the X-Men's past history but as I read on a picture did begin to emerge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhib-65z4VwES6ar-VaQYGxWCuGSQ4LqQ3AeVxk5xLZLFN_t0c4qQ3fgjFIFcrWVdBGvhd7WaGsHD9liEBmVHhKysZ-Dm9tXuZr4R-XtH7_68dngKwLYrQ_4oryVyi4Y7VRwLMkfqzlrl3MdRzltgxIVhZqqZgclTrEb6EJIRF5pEPG4Fa1_7Myli_IaQ=s2460" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="1600" height="679" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhib-65z4VwES6ar-VaQYGxWCuGSQ4LqQ3AeVxk5xLZLFN_t0c4qQ3fgjFIFcrWVdBGvhd7WaGsHD9liEBmVHhKysZ-Dm9tXuZr4R-XtH7_68dngKwLYrQ_4oryVyi4Y7VRwLMkfqzlrl3MdRzltgxIVhZqqZgclTrEb6EJIRF5pEPG4Fa1_7Myli_IaQ=w441-h679" width="441" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The first rather frantic story featured the appearance of another Summers "brother". I already knew about Vulcan from a more recent trade that I read and was interested to see the appearance of many cosmic characters in <i>The Burning Blood</i>. Renegades from the Shi'ar Empire, Corsair and his Starjammers plus a surprise ending. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhicFliA_PU3tzgeHDlYJCDWl1ZoRT0OyZbFhzyu2w1JKn4G4wyYgqFvyICDrxCxkOEw83T4J7q07MrYF1f40onrKgL8Pq-CGmyEFuoQvYXJ2_5HsQj0FDFSSDK5be9U1N8VFdV3A7Z2Ma_tOaAyOLabAwv8_oJjCaAVwhrtevRIy1rEZiiioygSsW_pA=s480" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhicFliA_PU3tzgeHDlYJCDWl1ZoRT0OyZbFhzyu2w1JKn4G4wyYgqFvyICDrxCxkOEw83T4J7q07MrYF1f40onrKgL8Pq-CGmyEFuoQvYXJ2_5HsQj0FDFSSDK5be9U1N8VFdV3A7Z2Ma_tOaAyOLabAwv8_oJjCaAVwhrtevRIy1rEZiiioygSsW_pA=w486-h273" width="486" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The second adventure saw Apocalypse team up with some mad anti-Mutant bigot Hodge who loses his head literally in this story set on a spaceship that is sentient and has a mission of its own. There's a mutant baby and at least a lot of familiar faces in this story <i>Transformations</i> which also features Angel with mechanical wings. </p><p><br />Last but by from the least is my favourite of the three as a mutant group of freedom fighters or terrorists from Latveria take over their country's Embassy in DC. Messing with Doc Doom ain't the best of ideas even on Christmas Eve which we learn is not celebrated in Latveria and with both the Avengers and FF unavailable who do you call? Seems X-Force drew the short straw as a Congressional hearing is told at the beginning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigkPW1zhcQ5_1AUId0rFa4bt2ReIdmvgnJrTaqVE6DbmtcSd6yiUwCqq3pFa_TxMN82I0WGAa51V0Q9h2_h4cOa6XtwMywBUP6NhBfOc-Vw3eabIWmS72V_L5f8o2P5j0mgczLoXREcEGdziH2bucVdr2KotAwF2jxauW6l-FvjbPYK6Z-g3zVFYUvDA=s1462" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigkPW1zhcQ5_1AUId0rFa4bt2ReIdmvgnJrTaqVE6DbmtcSd6yiUwCqq3pFa_TxMN82I0WGAa51V0Q9h2_h4cOa6XtwMywBUP6NhBfOc-Vw3eabIWmS72V_L5f8o2P5j0mgczLoXREcEGdziH2bucVdr2KotAwF2jxauW6l-FvjbPYK6Z-g3zVFYUvDA=w422-h640" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I had no idea who Guido was or what happened to him. All a bit "nineties" I suppose but with Multiple Man in tow they provide a distraction for the main event or rather the entry of the main man. This feature does have it's moments and I'm not sure I'd like to even be a fly on the wall in that hospital room but no spoilers from me.<br /><br />This new release is well worth picking up and hopefully volume two will be swinging my way in due course!</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars (Recommended)</span></i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-11384616017981362502021-12-24T01:30:00.000-08:002021-12-24T10:57:52.282-08:00A British Christmas Comics Gallery<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/sh-J4GSPgAM" width="480"></iframe></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">A Happy Christmas to all my readers!</span></b><br /></span><br /><i><b><span style="color: red;">Please play the above video and scroll down for some memories!</span></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LqQZjizTLf7gbEgH8MaJUzA6zyFQH3OF1ueyGxsoSRtPLY44c4IyHFRWfqds5bBsUssFZX5LE_YKOMtH6BNadI-R8HAOB930nJFhlgFfVRFy9-39QPOVYOAS4HkqOW7EkaOzfq3A4OIa/s642/7748898-bea388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="400" height="820" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LqQZjizTLf7gbEgH8MaJUzA6zyFQH3OF1ueyGxsoSRtPLY44c4IyHFRWfqds5bBsUssFZX5LE_YKOMtH6BNadI-R8HAOB930nJFhlgFfVRFy9-39QPOVYOAS4HkqOW7EkaOzfq3A4OIa/w510-h820/7748898-bea388.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kbjhRGQBc7AMFk6dmW-av6vdPy2c6-ClKt11UmND6nRCD8VIBB1xg4-QmfFE08UPC4v4XoMRasgrFL5OwM_JZvBtXSCzTRKQfYYbWq59u0zJpnR_56AY7ev9THsrnqHa4GCQfjezng1z/s1280/955451-dandy_2405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="880" height="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4kbjhRGQBc7AMFk6dmW-av6vdPy2c6-ClKt11UmND6nRCD8VIBB1xg4-QmfFE08UPC4v4XoMRasgrFL5OwM_JZvBtXSCzTRKQfYYbWq59u0zJpnR_56AY7ev9THsrnqHa4GCQfjezng1z/w510-h742/955451-dandy_2405.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrDCOjoo2ogabvB0l10Zk6LgUVysG7w1cY46_djnrFlCRQAU74g8pTh9pWnwbT_3DpL6dkG53-8o2tg3iempv3yoyzPxBz_G7OuU9CrNLKNF65fUus4-aH0UztEgvLod9mh64w3dTSCfw/s1280/1570105-whoopee1984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1059" height="609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrDCOjoo2ogabvB0l10Zk6LgUVysG7w1cY46_djnrFlCRQAU74g8pTh9pWnwbT_3DpL6dkG53-8o2tg3iempv3yoyzPxBz_G7OuU9CrNLKNF65fUus4-aH0UztEgvLod9mh64w3dTSCfw/w504-h609/1570105-whoopee1984.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-64058841392360223312021-12-21T09:00:00.034-08:002021-12-21T09:15:14.304-08:00The Hotspur Christmas issue 1966 (DC Thomson)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1sQcCrKXPp92VL2D4XNJD8fMAijGjsqvu1mKOwLlYJCAQcNdfnYC-ebzsdmHPhzQPAb1oqJ8Vo3I7tciKsxBa-DdL_WX7SAF6pW1xTlCha3guM5dRF2IsQ8v5p6s_YfVi-Nx_Iuj0Ef7556jGWX_P2GHfFzXjRngm9NrHI3SwQGd4jtNkBc_KAQUsVQ=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="893" height="705" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1sQcCrKXPp92VL2D4XNJD8fMAijGjsqvu1mKOwLlYJCAQcNdfnYC-ebzsdmHPhzQPAb1oqJ8Vo3I7tciKsxBa-DdL_WX7SAF6pW1xTlCha3guM5dRF2IsQ8v5p6s_YfVi-Nx_Iuj0Ef7556jGWX_P2GHfFzXjRngm9NrHI3SwQGd4jtNkBc_KAQUsVQ=w491-h705" width="491" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Given the huge variety of comics, both British and America we had as kids in the sixties and the lack of pocket money choices had to be made. There were three "boys picture papers" that I recall from DC Thomson. <i>The Hotspu,r The Hornet </i>and <i>The Victor.</i> Of the three I tended to pick up <i>The Victor</i> on occasion and don't recall being that enamoured with the content of <i>Hotspur.</i><br /><br />The Victor had a "true" war story on it's front cover each week whilst <i>The Hotspur </i>went for westerns and possibly given my lack of interest in the genre as I grew older that was probably a reason behind my choic. This edition is fairly typical of the period. I only ever had the one annual which probably had the least appropriate cover for a Christmas edition I remember!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdhMBecLkuh-kKPMVjgmJJvR7pDGXoQ1-62kr1Sdc6zYQ-sxKITg909Z6dpYbN5pfuMGtavG5V4pzwEcAKo6HW-HzGdzFFXSI0SnLnL8XRRGNNSvWy4yFFUF5q--hBSbTfI9WHuk5TjazmlLaaPbmKAdALW6Ok44TDwcHXwUqhAPE8JyXl_p_Jq8p4YQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="442" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdhMBecLkuh-kKPMVjgmJJvR7pDGXoQ1-62kr1Sdc6zYQ-sxKITg909Z6dpYbN5pfuMGtavG5V4pzwEcAKo6HW-HzGdzFFXSI0SnLnL8XRRGNNSvWy4yFFUF5q--hBSbTfI9WHuk5TjazmlLaaPbmKAdALW6Ok44TDwcHXwUqhAPE8JyXl_p_Jq8p4YQ=w442-h640" width="442" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There were a number of sports stories which were part of the British anthology line up but never appealed to me and even today I still skip over them. Never been a sports enthusiast of any type. Much more interesting was <i>Tooth and Claw Guard the Flag</i> set in the Napoleonic wars. There was the inevitable western in this case <i>Rudd of the Rodeo</i> and more interestingly a Mountie story you could help work out yourself by finding the clues in the form of <i>Redcoat Rogers</i>.</p><p><br />I have to say having gone through this issue i can see why <i>The Hotspur </i>at least during this period was smething I was that interested in but later issues especially with the introduction of The Cobra did change the dynamic but this comic like most of DC Thomson's adventure output remained a wee bit old fashioned compared to IPC/Fleetway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi68RUHJToLjGs94VLrBS6hQlruWIY3VO8yS4PQY02THRC0nEzeDev9BNQQi7GjnxpwMm41ViYsqBiUyoxMo7baUq7GnXry3Xz2qePzZ_3Aejq48M5TcONxP1_FUAu5vCvPl6D3R0f5RYM2Mb0PaLtIfAMUq_hxVnMyAAESZGk4xivu3are6_Q_EcqMQg=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="906" height="725" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi68RUHJToLjGs94VLrBS6hQlruWIY3VO8yS4PQY02THRC0nEzeDev9BNQQi7GjnxpwMm41ViYsqBiUyoxMo7baUq7GnXry3Xz2qePzZ_3Aejq48M5TcONxP1_FUAu5vCvPl6D3R0f5RYM2Mb0PaLtIfAMUq_hxVnMyAAESZGk4xivu3are6_Q_EcqMQg=w514-h725" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYNeMDT3AEDR64nZzDMDwNL-czE0MpcvxEmyHPJTsCOZgbezFI1u8bK2z5RDutnMK3-lLfHyuYrJAz9WFQ-tClu1wcBdCh6TxWHf8hDvsj9iIFdwqOl1KBE5qfVJpMxAng98SfHFK0pBzUKT3xPRPm6eClD9Q6jJ4UMvDsPwnwfwPz4OZ3V4SI03qCpw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="895" height="707" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYNeMDT3AEDR64nZzDMDwNL-czE0MpcvxEmyHPJTsCOZgbezFI1u8bK2z5RDutnMK3-lLfHyuYrJAz9WFQ-tClu1wcBdCh6TxWHf8hDvsj9iIFdwqOl1KBE5qfVJpMxAng98SfHFK0pBzUKT3xPRPm6eClD9Q6jJ4UMvDsPwnwfwPz4OZ3V4SI03qCpw=w495-h707" width="495" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-76014732124530197452021-12-20T09:00:00.005-08:002021-12-20T11:03:45.887-08:00Knockout Christmas Issue 1971 (IPC)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSN1_NIp_L9FqBfHk8H8fSjfBPuYY8SpeImugvrhC0EK7hPcOubDLgVlALaJTtJzq0dwKAjalhSLKKa6flL1orw5Om2UcVK4TZnb0yxkmq-HZmLZd8dvSUj2mbVwW-btWlaj_il3XF31qE5LwlFBYrjmouV921obZCQfgFxz8YF1SiN218IDd3rrCWcw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1016" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSN1_NIp_L9FqBfHk8H8fSjfBPuYY8SpeImugvrhC0EK7hPcOubDLgVlALaJTtJzq0dwKAjalhSLKKa6flL1orw5Om2UcVK4TZnb0yxkmq-HZmLZd8dvSUj2mbVwW-btWlaj_il3XF31qE5LwlFBYrjmouV921obZCQfgFxz8YF1SiN218IDd3rrCWcw=w508-h640" width="508" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>On a whim I decided to order a handful of old British comics to have a read and possibly review over Christmas. <i>Knockout </i>is one of the comics that came in my package and I chose to start with this Christmas issue for obvious reasons and because the contents were new to me. At least I think most of them they were...</p><p><i>Knockout</i> had a fairly short run from June 1971 until June 1973 when it was "merged" with the better selling <i>Whizzer & Chips</i> a comic I am more familiar with having started reading it from the beginning. There's some quite nice and old fashioned style strips including <i>Pete's Pockets, Beat Your Neighbour, The Toffs and The Tuffs, Copy Kate</i> and <i>Joker</i>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhOqXuYkvj6H-7e2zZQgkyQohY4X351Q5BGmbr9iF7iVB4K-8OVm2MzJy9B2no3zdfg8ygLaU_58s27_dNWGd8puXK7-icL-8L2o5i0oU2AJA7LnOM7rea2qNOplceSlv1FIzdnOCtj5NdNLzPaJ8rfaxgC7ct7iz5gfCuHytaaNqKa-jwUofSb4zCdA=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhOqXuYkvj6H-7e2zZQgkyQohY4X351Q5BGmbr9iF7iVB4K-8OVm2MzJy9B2no3zdfg8ygLaU_58s27_dNWGd8puXK7-icL-8L2o5i0oU2AJA7LnOM7rea2qNOplceSlv1FIzdnOCtj5NdNLzPaJ8rfaxgC7ct7iz5gfCuHytaaNqKa-jwUofSb4zCdA=w448-h640" width="448" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There's even an odd comedy-adventure strip about an alien. <i>Barry & Boing. </i>Don't ask, just run with the flow. One strip <i>Fuss Pott</i> seemed familiar but then the basic concept is probably not unique to this character.</p><p>Overall quite a nice little publication and though I might pick up an annual one of these days is not one that I personally would collect due to other priorities but it does have it's fans as I've discovered in various blogs and Facebook groups over the years. Good harmless childish fun!<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy5AwJLwPtEYfb6_EsjI1yyxM6MK_KFrhlOAfEIlad9jcBNhvOvoejSESyMkyLDJ7CM48CtiifSIAbe0rrX1YGkoOWhk3kGPZnbEqJK4y5mQuTQSfNNrgMteVZemXTJzzGTXLsI4b21wq-Wv6o4dp0VcnW_NWLhQ7YYzhVkBkJU8N3IC_pCYi3g9uzEw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgy5AwJLwPtEYfb6_EsjI1yyxM6MK_KFrhlOAfEIlad9jcBNhvOvoejSESyMkyLDJ7CM48CtiifSIAbe0rrX1YGkoOWhk3kGPZnbEqJK4y5mQuTQSfNNrgMteVZemXTJzzGTXLsI4b21wq-Wv6o4dp0VcnW_NWLhQ7YYzhVkBkJU8N3IC_pCYi3g9uzEw=w500-h640" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNJzZOJQXdZ4rcBo40JV5G2fyvaaYENQkESpYxCwVdef4j9mSpVDv-9NC3WQ5mCc7bGTgnfaNAC3oPCW0tk8GWbbfnLAVXbTDY_T7sX1LG55mgsWHJRJHbPBnciY5uO6AZF6fg2pj_xiaZwpmamFoEoZgoVAkmSkKc_VHHp0xIOe6dRtV0IFlgRtdAaw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1017" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNJzZOJQXdZ4rcBo40JV5G2fyvaaYENQkESpYxCwVdef4j9mSpVDv-9NC3WQ5mCc7bGTgnfaNAC3oPCW0tk8GWbbfnLAVXbTDY_T7sX1LG55mgsWHJRJHbPBnciY5uO6AZF6fg2pj_xiaZwpmamFoEoZgoVAkmSkKc_VHHp0xIOe6dRtV0IFlgRtdAaw=w508-h640" width="508" /></a></div>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-10314981073074751992021-12-19T02:00:00.088-08:002021-12-19T03:07:05.804-08:00Dandy Annual 2022 (DC Thomson)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmXznFfbzaJ6ZwDyTSDn-mxhiGb8GZVaUKGT5skKo3bvOtunyzGkmkPSFouEkJAeSlSgQYHO0rQs5tAwfGcRXqtiQdFGiE2Y1ehNWgpsaL91HVUaidiMhNJbaTLEsMXyK9VfDeoAtVOHBGKJxiM5bLKGWXJpAfneU5siiEp7AhsTrNbT5_cJjuYs1nFQ=s487" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="370" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhmXznFfbzaJ6ZwDyTSDn-mxhiGb8GZVaUKGT5skKo3bvOtunyzGkmkPSFouEkJAeSlSgQYHO0rQs5tAwfGcRXqtiQdFGiE2Y1ehNWgpsaL91HVUaidiMhNJbaTLEsMXyK9VfDeoAtVOHBGKJxiM5bLKGWXJpAfneU5siiEp7AhsTrNbT5_cJjuYs1nFQ=w486-h640" width="486" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>As Christmas approaches many of us will have memories being given annuals as presents from various relatives. Back in the day there were a huge number to choose from up to a couple of hundred some years as these included all sorts of publications from <i>Lion, Valiant</i> and <i>Victor</i> to <i>Blue Peter</i> books and of course The Dandy.</p><p>Most people I know (myself included) were primarily fans of <i>The Beano </i>rather than <i>The Dandy</i> though in my childhood it was <i>Wham!, Smash! </i>and Pow! that were at the top of my "wants" list. Sadly most of these comics except for <i>The Beano</i> are long gone. However all is not lost for fans of <i>The Dandy </i>as Scottish publisher DC Thomson still bring us <i>The Dandy Annual</i> every year!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFhma7ZVgkr1POhKT_lQ4ravfcQLd6cJCqsF21xs9GV3Tuu_Kp3h_75zmvSK6vqJY--kgQxn6JGx7eWaj7xGhll1SMyEf_Bfd4Z9rE8TMDSgt6wCgm6JN2oUYaiMNbH_Xjaar4O1xMgR6ycdnUGJEHwdXxccBihg7brqMVXueQOjeSAw5xkrVEoWO9xA=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFhma7ZVgkr1POhKT_lQ4ravfcQLd6cJCqsF21xs9GV3Tuu_Kp3h_75zmvSK6vqJY--kgQxn6JGx7eWaj7xGhll1SMyEf_Bfd4Z9rE8TMDSgt6wCgm6JN2oUYaiMNbH_Xjaar4O1xMgR6ycdnUGJEHwdXxccBihg7brqMVXueQOjeSAw5xkrVEoWO9xA=w446-h640" width="446" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNaMbMlhT0CvYhXcGoeBZ6o4Nwee9ARHIzPVBfxtwicmfn9GhplLsbW8P4sfjEjU56p05fQnPrRxAO_h75FG6VuzwkmMOXHsYtRdqloLkVv9Kq5gzH6U-lFND0UnRdDZxuHZO-JxU0P5QBAo2GmDDWmUmXJl_YRTBNvQ7t7H1VISToB6nKP0tnst1yKA=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="447" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNaMbMlhT0CvYhXcGoeBZ6o4Nwee9ARHIzPVBfxtwicmfn9GhplLsbW8P4sfjEjU56p05fQnPrRxAO_h75FG6VuzwkmMOXHsYtRdqloLkVv9Kq5gzH6U-lFND0UnRdDZxuHZO-JxU0P5QBAo2GmDDWmUmXJl_YRTBNvQ7t7H1VISToB6nKP0tnst1yKA=w448-h640" width="448" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Of course it's not the same as the one I remember from my misspent childhood. Some of the arts a "bit different" (to say the least) but there enough recognisable characters including Desperate Dan and Korky the Cat though joined by Beryl the Peril and Corporal Clott from <i>The Beezer. </i></p><p>New characters include the amusing Dreadlock Holmes and the quite dreadful Space Raoul which takes the prize for the worst art. Oddly the artist for the Corporal Clott strips looked disappointingly nothing like the traditional character though he did get drawn correctly elsewhere. Ye Editor needs a word with him (or her) self. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZjrelikITglR2dYFbi3I1QhQptQLmLN1hWyymXG9qg0aTOqKzGd3EYOoWW5wVzWP-rNVDjuJzC6RkBgaeG8ORC43xXV_LLbp9X0GR1EO-hxo_BCm_FSb5jRXukuGEFC1qr3TZMmDc2i1iSxGpJjWvo5GuQICPVs1F_5THfXA0dZI3hPfTW1PW5fjRFg=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZjrelikITglR2dYFbi3I1QhQptQLmLN1hWyymXG9qg0aTOqKzGd3EYOoWW5wVzWP-rNVDjuJzC6RkBgaeG8ORC43xXV_LLbp9X0GR1EO-hxo_BCm_FSb5jRXukuGEFC1qr3TZMmDc2i1iSxGpJjWvo5GuQICPVs1F_5THfXA0dZI3hPfTW1PW5fjRFg=w446-h640" width="446" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Over-all this is a <i>Dandy </i>for the modern times but at this time of year I cannot but reminisce about the heydays of the British humour comic.</p><p><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 3 Stars</span></b></i></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-35311888122974089402021-12-17T08:30:00.000-08:002021-12-17T08:56:43.864-08:00Marvel Select: The Amazing Spider-Man - Happy Birthday (Panini)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjNS3UUSj37GU8UlsSAV3Yyr0CfM20gnLS_glP9HwUEP6xNAbR_bZTuaSIfgvX-rII6aS3eUhaG007qidm-X8-FwZoXOztTefFyLZUERP-LZhccwuCZl_QUv4vrhft2FpfRnBgFFSYYmFKUb72zko9C67-6eCN6OKaryBwHvhVV5rw2py9Oft2QYuCjw=s459" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjNS3UUSj37GU8UlsSAV3Yyr0CfM20gnLS_glP9HwUEP6xNAbR_bZTuaSIfgvX-rII6aS3eUhaG007qidm-X8-FwZoXOztTefFyLZUERP-LZhccwuCZl_QUv4vrhft2FpfRnBgFFSYYmFKUb72zko9C67-6eCN6OKaryBwHvhVV5rw2py9Oft2QYuCjw=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Having gone from not reading Spider-Man for years to being a regualr monthly reader it was a "no brainer" to pick up the latest edition of Marvel Select from Panini. This "bookazine" is a great value package reprinting the Doctor Strange team up that took place in the run up to and including Spidey's 500th issue.</p><p>I have to say the one comic I did collect after Ditko's departure from Spider-Man was Marvel Team up as Spidey does work well in conjunction with other characters and in the case of Doc Strange can relieve Stephen's over -serious or sometimes pompous personality. Oh don't get me wrong. I love the Sorcerer Supreme (if he still holds that title) and must catch up with his solo adventures when I have some spare dosh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSLJErtpmaB9YWvkOmEPlIXey7ZUxot8E2pub_1RVW65th1d3Gkzc5iaq81crSEmWXlhh0YtpCXLaOb5bUnX_W8wA7mUtz3V8nt7LyZSr7eezn67QYj5R52C_NFDEDFQvSYtcdHMy6VoY-2fH71Ox6zick0HfM0v0svbmIGDlBYlsB-lDtmH8UDgiahA=s640" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="406" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSLJErtpmaB9YWvkOmEPlIXey7ZUxot8E2pub_1RVW65th1d3Gkzc5iaq81crSEmWXlhh0YtpCXLaOb5bUnX_W8wA7mUtz3V8nt7LyZSr7eezn67QYj5R52C_NFDEDFQvSYtcdHMy6VoY-2fH71Ox6zick0HfM0v0svbmIGDlBYlsB-lDtmH8UDgiahA=w254-h400" width="254" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>In fact the combination of the arrival of the Mindless One's in New York, the attempt by the Fantastic Four and a couple of Avengers to turn the tide results in a time travelling adventure that allows a review of Spidey's history. The good Doctor is heard to crack a joke so it is serious though Peter Parker has a hard time seeing his battles and heartaches across time.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQDZpNL1YgZZKPsu_z59R_JXvzihG6Pinmg5s2BaGq42tLgtbxMfoZrrEcgp7RyEVZalmI8NqD97cC1YEOMAGmAiYWqBOJWJlfN3AlAgahDbfjvTht5aXbWzpT8jPP56LkKdhAauKlGYWsY6ajFrJ4cf7KP44ofToPbBTsL7Cl5IRnN2hmW54shhqmg=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="661" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqQDZpNL1YgZZKPsu_z59R_JXvzihG6Pinmg5s2BaGq42tLgtbxMfoZrrEcgp7RyEVZalmI8NqD97cC1YEOMAGmAiYWqBOJWJlfN3AlAgahDbfjvTht5aXbWzpT8jPP56LkKdhAauKlGYWsY6ajFrJ4cf7KP44ofToPbBTsL7Cl5IRnN2hmW54shhqmg=w414-h640" width="414" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Let's forget ageing and remember time works "differently" in the Marvel Universe. That's how Peter Parker manages to be older and stay younger than most of his fans over the 50 odd years he's been fighting the good fight.<br /><br />There's even a back-up feature in which Spidey seems to meet Doctor Strange for the very first time and we see a toaster sized mystical artefact cause all the trouble. What and Baron Mordo as well. Panini does spoil us. A bit of fun after a universe saving epic!</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars (Recommended)</span></i></b></p><p><b><i>Also still available:</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc13e3bcCOSV25v8LZKGhLLQrRHQPgkSJfPgPtSM1ydUwL2hx8i_lD9DfuxSr9eVhTrfmUdxBe380AkxortCRpXQgdMt5yFRQOFZwTiUB_Y42cfzeEs23peuX56MmfWFIUPfI5Y2g8qfajQm8cOPzM8dxkmxuq61KZnSbfhZ5XQfHg8O4jhBaqFFoFig=s459" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjc13e3bcCOSV25v8LZKGhLLQrRHQPgkSJfPgPtSM1ydUwL2hx8i_lD9DfuxSr9eVhTrfmUdxBe380AkxortCRpXQgdMt5yFRQOFZwTiUB_Y42cfzeEs23peuX56MmfWFIUPfI5Y2g8qfajQm8cOPzM8dxkmxuq61KZnSbfhZ5XQfHg8O4jhBaqFFoFig=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></b></div><b><br /><i><br /></i></b><p></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-6039727843242029782021-12-15T09:00:00.002-08:002021-12-15T09:18:41.734-08:00Comics Unlimited #8 (GBF Publishing)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihjsQ4lbTaxJNaEZipJB0LITzVqx2kxyBjF_5X6brf7nakfaT50og2FGoqaPEkjvdNfIyCiGWJziMJDKuT4rgeqqh4xy0y_PsJc18kAAsVC6qZg5mX-ME6rozEYh2ssqm0hmJaM78G_3w7cGrFZlnuEsyW9flFyunR20KgpMplveIMpi36PAdc-G5Zg=s1875" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1313" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiihjsQ4lbTaxJNaEZipJB0LITzVqx2kxyBjF_5X6brf7nakfaT50og2FGoqaPEkjvdNfIyCiGWJziMJDKuT4rgeqqh4xy0y_PsJc18kAAsVC6qZg5mX-ME6rozEYh2ssqm0hmJaM78G_3w7cGrFZlnuEsyW9flFyunR20KgpMplveIMpi36PAdc-G5Zg=w448-h640" width="448" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The publication of the latest issue of <i>Comics Unlimited </i>caught me by surprise but more than a welcome one. As usual this printed to order publication from Glen Fleming & friends via Amazon contains material that will be of interest to fans of both British and American comics.<br /><br />Rather than go through the contents article by article I thought I would concentrate on the highlights, well at least mine. First up of course is a terrific article on Strontium Dogs early years in the short-lived but fondly remembered <i>Starlord</i> comic. I only have a couple of original issues of this but did get hold of Rebellions <i>Strontium Dog-Search and Destroy: The Starlord Year</i>s which should still be available on the <i>2000AD</i> website. <br /><br />Frankly if you read the article by Tony Ingram I'm sure you'll want to to read the original source material. O course the other material covered in this eighty page journal isn't readily available in such an easy to collect format but for those of you interested in the history of Marvel UK there are two important articles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZp1FosvODaRaPQ8FwFbPo2skmIcIc1BBe74pNYxB_Ua81PMeewY0J1lq57V7CU0FpWCqLUdQlohQFd5O3Qilv3RLkS36FMV5b57Sx0RWEbO7qP8eCz_6DDwRbP2g9fMqnRuMzwwx0Ps0jRbWTbkCRxTkEMhpPEVlADZcjKlR4T_Cjzd4sO16UHko5IA=s520" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="383" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZp1FosvODaRaPQ8FwFbPo2skmIcIc1BBe74pNYxB_Ua81PMeewY0J1lq57V7CU0FpWCqLUdQlohQFd5O3Qilv3RLkS36FMV5b57Sx0RWEbO7qP8eCz_6DDwRbP2g9fMqnRuMzwwx0Ps0jRbWTbkCRxTkEMhpPEVlADZcjKlR4T_Cjzd4sO16UHko5IA=w472-h640" width="472" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Spider-Man's comics are given quite a comprehensive history by Tony Ingram up until the late eighties. Some of the later comics are unfamiliar to me as this was a period I was not taking much notice of British comic and by late 89 was taking a nearly decade long break from the hobby due to the rise of the speculators. </p><p>Steve Hooker adds to Marvel's UK history with an overview of just that until the departure of Dez Skinn. I recall the later period as I was picking up the <i>Hulk</i> and <i>Marvel Comic </i>for most of their fairly short runs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy2HCsNoqF7L10rsqYb55DIUor2WuMSb8Tv_7RG29hQuZbS1goFYPD-KursvRwtN-jeAfbj1fWTcpFFzS6FIfIgdLhXF8RqQM_TzfYkylYt3aoEvfdSjfyWWXxoleqKiBhbNIPzl6pEDYJW5cwM6NmDcl0LuDq3PCyyQ8ugqAt2iynvUzpY8KbZMWDZw=s579" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy2HCsNoqF7L10rsqYb55DIUor2WuMSb8Tv_7RG29hQuZbS1goFYPD-KursvRwtN-jeAfbj1fWTcpFFzS6FIfIgdLhXF8RqQM_TzfYkylYt3aoEvfdSjfyWWXxoleqKiBhbNIPzl6pEDYJW5cwM6NmDcl0LuDq3PCyyQ8ugqAt2iynvUzpY8KbZMWDZw=w442-h640" width="442" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>DC fans haven't been left out either as there's a very interesting piece on "Earth B" mainly around <i>The Brave & The Bold</i> one of my favourites and how Bob Harney managed to ignore even rudimentary continuity and we are told how he managed to create Donna Troy through just using Wonder Girl (Wonder Woman in her youth) in his work on The Teen Titans.</p><p>The influence of British talent on DC is also examined by Tony and how this led to some of the most iconic works such as <i>The Watchmen, V for Vendetta</i> and of course <i>Batman: The Killing Joke</i> which shocked readers by leaving Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) permanently disabled. Comics were really growing up with their readers!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrJ58g6aUSd1eQz0rcYYnhH2dytvu-MZ3AqmGNNuuJF9b-NBlq5i2_GeM1V3Ta8lE675tYAO-bbJGUo_cPScZzbg6C08fwB1yMZAjuIIm3JRGfv6lciYQS7Y8FFpvcJmxJIgXENRNffUYcS33XukEApnJye8QFW8ucVnKkzlmoHJQbHvB15mgOU6MeSQ=s601" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrJ58g6aUSd1eQz0rcYYnhH2dytvu-MZ3AqmGNNuuJF9b-NBlq5i2_GeM1V3Ta8lE675tYAO-bbJGUo_cPScZzbg6C08fwB1yMZAjuIIm3JRGfv6lciYQS7Y8FFpvcJmxJIgXENRNffUYcS33XukEApnJye8QFW8ucVnKkzlmoHJQbHvB15mgOU6MeSQ=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7jy10Mpemxey_8_vn7ZYkfUgMQpi4kH_6wFmRWJ_0PTCPTAaJDhqAIKJO-ASAewDM4gHYwWh6ymvRn1TBDD90_qOoxnjSSl14Hmw1JweGzcx95-Nip1qqhrymQFtK_81hu2lppG30WWbPa2DEwK_Bdu4otyxa5yx_7kcZwFFimo62fZ7-bkyVZ2WKNg=s614" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7jy10Mpemxey_8_vn7ZYkfUgMQpi4kH_6wFmRWJ_0PTCPTAaJDhqAIKJO-ASAewDM4gHYwWh6ymvRn1TBDD90_qOoxnjSSl14Hmw1JweGzcx95-Nip1qqhrymQFtK_81hu2lppG30WWbPa2DEwK_Bdu4otyxa5yx_7kcZwFFimo62fZ7-bkyVZ2WKNg=w416-h640" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There's plenty of other stuff for the casual reader including a look at the short-lived Eagle/Quality line of <i>2000AD</i> comics launched in the USA that sadly failed. Other articles include a look at Ron Noble, The Unknown Soldier and a couple of pieces on comics I've never come across <i>Retrieve </i>and<i> Rammur. </i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW3PNZ-eZvgkLELl731F6O7US6EmqxMufjBfqXjoQPNk82B8aPM2wYskpM4acOF82oeqeQQaMuQvn9Z6buVJtoBsGe7qnt40N27BTeXBB_rItBrhIQIWS5dayOgNXJcmJ-cXNw50uRj2GSnwdo12E1evCK-ZKLFDLZnHnvjDZpsR7Da0Z-91vUhmYMwg=s625" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW3PNZ-eZvgkLELl731F6O7US6EmqxMufjBfqXjoQPNk82B8aPM2wYskpM4acOF82oeqeQQaMuQvn9Z6buVJtoBsGe7qnt40N27BTeXBB_rItBrhIQIWS5dayOgNXJcmJ-cXNw50uRj2GSnwdo12E1evCK-ZKLFDLZnHnvjDZpsR7Da0Z-91vUhmYMwg=w410-h640" width="410" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>As always well worth grabbing a copy.</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating 5 Stars (Recommended)</span></i></b></p><p><b><i>Order via Amazon</i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-44169707997662768092021-12-13T09:00:00.003-08:002021-12-13T18:26:32.867-08:00Judge Dredd Megazine #439 (Rebellion)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3j9AnfK4FX5CP6oq8wolBuqe5hhT08Yx_7HBcB1ipgoKzMSJKyKl73cD7Gs3IEiyd9BXeKPUjS46BRhrHfYSk_i9m96wGaoQq3S85nR1Kb0CNqniT_8ZH_PdSUle7v86M2scec8N1w29q92MlKawtBRR0eMQ6ErLBNNhdoeUJ-xsz2e_xkh49qQu9zw=s1118" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3j9AnfK4FX5CP6oq8wolBuqe5hhT08Yx_7HBcB1ipgoKzMSJKyKl73cD7Gs3IEiyd9BXeKPUjS46BRhrHfYSk_i9m96wGaoQq3S85nR1Kb0CNqniT_8ZH_PdSUle7v86M2scec8N1w29q92MlKawtBRR0eMQ6ErLBNNhdoeUJ-xsz2e_xkh49qQu9zw=w486-h640" width="486" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Hot on the heels of the <i>2000AD Mega Special </i>the latest issue of the <i>Judge Dredd Megazine</i> also arrived on my doormat and a bloody good read it turned out to be. With five all new stories, four of them continuing into the next issue the other the main Dredd feature <i>Saviour </i>is a self contained Christmas story.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIOeEf3b-rGkOoHprl4tJLvsLq9K6PM9gKB-Y6XOtcgF-ZkrJURn3hd47PgwHZmP-4Pwdal1nTKcnAwn4Rj0e_6wUVzlNkx7s9zeMYzu7R18sJXNNCN_J69ReDKev9ml_HqOi785tCbIlGUjgZyGRKkGboWKlMkYZqiCQuVXwmFS67CSILaXO590o0YA=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIOeEf3b-rGkOoHprl4tJLvsLq9K6PM9gKB-Y6XOtcgF-ZkrJURn3hd47PgwHZmP-4Pwdal1nTKcnAwn4Rj0e_6wUVzlNkx7s9zeMYzu7R18sJXNNCN_J69ReDKev9ml_HqOi785tCbIlGUjgZyGRKkGboWKlMkYZqiCQuVXwmFS67CSILaXO590o0YA=w477-h273" width="477" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A primitive arrives in Mega City immigration with no seeming explanation and is gunned down for his pains by over-zealous Judges. However there's a connection with Dredd who zooms off to space back to a planet he's been before. The natives have had their home hijacked by a corporation and enslaved in the company mines. They worship Dredd and he's out to free them...or has he another motive?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7C0lqswM9xLcM9ADDiTR2Dt6nTrmrW4x1ph38zT-Si1GyrIuwJOsAlIubJMqdJLnXr21PDTL1XAgZC6H2w0Qx2Kjq72VYCyxNLd1dx--D-LyfpleUaCr4dBH3uYcRYMc7gKXw933l5sv1H1Q-F_boIBphM68kqbeZQ2ud-6NCKnIX5py8CrEdG4ERFw=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7C0lqswM9xLcM9ADDiTR2Dt6nTrmrW4x1ph38zT-Si1GyrIuwJOsAlIubJMqdJLnXr21PDTL1XAgZC6H2w0Qx2Kjq72VYCyxNLd1dx--D-LyfpleUaCr4dBH3uYcRYMc7gKXw933l5sv1H1Q-F_boIBphM68kqbeZQ2ud-6NCKnIX5py8CrEdG4ERFw=w473-h270" width="473" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i>Death Cap</i> follows as a gang arrive in a small town in The Cursed Earth What do they want and who will avenge the inhabitants? A tale that will bring tears to your eyes and anger the reader at the same time.<br /><br />The final part of <i>Diamond Dogs</i> begins and there's plenty of drugs, shooting and double crossing for everyone. Plus we begin to get to the heart of the story itself.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpDZDg6IJuvtn4tY09GlBYPh9j6wpJ_ATsKf_FqiEKePrPJldS687gLLRavh4BpwC2UEqyUX6Ok426s2f_Q_4_tCNjocblwYs0-_fKVIPDklAtZ0n_XbkNJw84z3vOuH9kIu0PGRsvGy6u9ZGijpYXM_9tyGzON3f7JdUkFVNIeOeThDJ4Hr-Nl3dY3Q=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpDZDg6IJuvtn4tY09GlBYPh9j6wpJ_ATsKf_FqiEKePrPJldS687gLLRavh4BpwC2UEqyUX6Ok426s2f_Q_4_tCNjocblwYs0-_fKVIPDklAtZ0n_XbkNJw84z3vOuH9kIu0PGRsvGy6u9ZGijpYXM_9tyGzON3f7JdUkFVNIeOeThDJ4Hr-Nl3dY3Q=w486-h278" width="486" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The wonderful <i>Lawless </i>returns as election time begins in the frontier town of Badrock. More trouble ahead in this adventure presented in glorious black & white!<br /><br />Finally...<i>Surfer</i>. Need I say more as our resident sky surfer returns in a solo adventure.<br /><br />There's also a prose story and an interview with Colin Wyatt which will be of interest to fans of the once banned comic <i>Action </i>and of course the Prog itself!<br /><br />Not forgetting of course the mini-comic which features Judge Dredd this month.<br /><br />If you are not reading the Meg this is where you jump on!</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars</span></i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-58877097468218074862021-12-12T10:55:00.001-08:002021-12-12T11:10:25.350-08:002000AD 100 Page Mega-Special (Rebellion)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHZ2FWqa6XrWi4n6HW4O4_6KDa3_u_aJpqnfAV1ZA7ATLJfhgcHcfuKxGA8n2FrGm_26XhjcGMavIT32JI9HBJLwOvqOySUO-i5hXdwEdqYeCQb-r0vA4KZsSuhFq4VOb6JdkOKw55QOloQaEXztLVV0kq8kNJ4G1H_3zsXZVRYbuIRdXTEhwPSvvvog=s1118" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHZ2FWqa6XrWi4n6HW4O4_6KDa3_u_aJpqnfAV1ZA7ATLJfhgcHcfuKxGA8n2FrGm_26XhjcGMavIT32JI9HBJLwOvqOySUO-i5hXdwEdqYeCQb-r0vA4KZsSuhFq4VOb6JdkOKw55QOloQaEXztLVV0kq8kNJ4G1H_3zsXZVRYbuIRdXTEhwPSvvvog=w486-h640" width="486" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I can tell it's getting awfully close to Christmas as the annual <i>2000AD </i>Christmas special arrives and sets up the prog for the New Year. This year we have a rather special little treat as the comic opens with an inter-dimensional travel story in which Judge Dredd meets both his movie counterparts and amusingly on Sylvester Stallone ever takes his helmet off in public! Certainly a creative and entertaining opening!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbwxRy2Ho1F32n9oH9E7iQ3xPulox5mDVj-ZMv1oAEO9hacnVDJnCgaoOd0Gc-YzwoKU3FR4GovPR7RNSAIldVwZV0X6s1Bl2Judk7AJyBrFTYvh5FneLTXUWQdSJA3WsHL74gMTLwjyV3_ImPcreSvK5ZlgBBWvLonADhg6u8XNfwi_w17rXYsawc6A=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbwxRy2Ho1F32n9oH9E7iQ3xPulox5mDVj-ZMv1oAEO9hacnVDJnCgaoOd0Gc-YzwoKU3FR4GovPR7RNSAIldVwZV0X6s1Bl2Judk7AJyBrFTYvh5FneLTXUWQdSJA3WsHL74gMTLwjyV3_ImPcreSvK5ZlgBBWvLonADhg6u8XNfwi_w17rXYsawc6A=w520-h297" width="520" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixE6UmSwmgm2gm9kF-wqqPe37_UT2V9RzDKPBhEV1Sms0Y8B-NqYhdABvPPzIeW6GH7FjaTEo68c6T6CwHXqObilkm39j7B04nETnbnOW1piE1FCUiWj5XT39eSwHGZlgHaE5Yh6ggSMGJyj5HwypEgxP7qmd59H1WJV8ZTQ1HJMwCNSQSip82dor9eQ=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The Followup set in the dimension of Judge Death is a chapter from <i>The Fall Of Deadworld </i>which takes the reader into a strange world dominated by Heavy Metal. The story <i>Jessica </i>tells the tale of a young lass who happens to be drawn into the fray against her will. Just who has betrayed her?</p><p>Kingmaker makes a welcome return as this mixture of Tolkien and science fiction sees a final confrontation between The Orc and The Wraith and the death of a hero. The adventure is reborn into the next issue...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsfV4kMhdu50viXL9745VVCspN5k8bVhgBAsf7pIikfKxyhMX_ETiKbOpEa_ZZRvTLeWfKDeS52oyM60yh6pr3WAw26JYaT-Ks-mlUvfnUyjj6bMHNT_oociUMg83c4AjEI-px4hS0XP-necaseXTvKYXZnsItRMXHVrwzGDfqF2I14Pw1giozOOoMgA=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsfV4kMhdu50viXL9745VVCspN5k8bVhgBAsf7pIikfKxyhMX_ETiKbOpEa_ZZRvTLeWfKDeS52oyM60yh6pr3WAw26JYaT-Ks-mlUvfnUyjj6bMHNT_oociUMg83c4AjEI-px4hS0XP-necaseXTvKYXZnsItRMXHVrwzGDfqF2I14Pw1giozOOoMgA=w516-h295" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next up is the final part of <i>Dexter - Hossanna </i>which sees the fugitives finally make their escape from the underworld and into the wilds but their former friends and lovers now rebuilt as part of an AI network remain after them, Terminator style.</p><p>There's a rather nice short <i>Tales From Mega-City One </i>set in the past on the (now defunct) Devils Island where perps are punished by being surrounded by infinitely moving traffic and die slowly from the fumes. This has a nice little twist before the reader is returned to the present or future whatever.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh90wlHwr3d-uwUSsG2RL9UJfbt4ssLFVbkw334F4rQdx8SCH5sASedMR0SkvzBmrsfWv_myBi2yUkVjemxP8E6jCNJBi816qOZlhfuXRIC6sS0PL5VVLsm_q3JVcflY-WjKnfNprZ_JHSHYKTdrNVbhsrKo9IUWG-P95hFQ_TGEOEbuflJZbHGBS7Lw=s680" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="680" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh90wlHwr3d-uwUSsG2RL9UJfbt4ssLFVbkw334F4rQdx8SCH5sASedMR0SkvzBmrsfWv_myBi2yUkVjemxP8E6jCNJBi816qOZlhfuXRIC6sS0PL5VVLsm_q3JVcflY-WjKnfNprZ_JHSHYKTdrNVbhsrKo9IUWG-P95hFQ_TGEOEbuflJZbHGBS7Lw=w516-h296" width="516" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Finally for me <i>The Out </i>continues featuring one woman in the most alien environments you can imagine and now in order to escape death she's trapped inside her own dimensional luggage. Can she survive......</p><p>Readers will note I have skipped two stories. The first <i>The Order</i> is just of no interest to me and the other <i>Proteus Rex</i> despite it's apparent popularity with other readers is just pretentious rubbish in my opinion but hey we all like different things? </p><p>Grab a copy of the Mega Special and make your own mind up.</p><p><i>Meanwhile the prog returns as a normal size comic on Jan 5th featuring Judge Dredd, Kingmaker, The Out and sadly (for me) The Order and Proteus Rex. </i></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Rating: 4 Stars (Recommended)</i></span></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-20390504011954442272021-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:002021-12-11T09:00:44.892-08:00Red Sonja Holiday Special (Cosplay Cover/Dynamite)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvla1YtclZBkMkSH1CzT9atsCBCNZcYf6FccZCMmZstV526fqbEet4Xqyl4r91tmwVZyn2afxU7AIbp28pqQNLDqB3wJL18XJt6vhmKAVDf_SvyJ2gElWM0-wSUWDc4JGX7OuqjmXWrpvjq0NGVSpUdh5DuT2n0NIi04Lmwq51X8aeKuKuYZAcuYA2zw=s900" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvla1YtclZBkMkSH1CzT9atsCBCNZcYf6FccZCMmZstV526fqbEet4Xqyl4r91tmwVZyn2afxU7AIbp28pqQNLDqB3wJL18XJt6vhmKAVDf_SvyJ2gElWM0-wSUWDc4JGX7OuqjmXWrpvjq0NGVSpUdh5DuT2n0NIi04Lmwq51X8aeKuKuYZAcuYA2zw=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Considering Red Sonja is set in times well before the advent of Judaism let alone Christianity this title does seem an odd choice for a Holiday Special with Christmas tree and model on the front cover. However despite the obvious take on the Scrooge story at the beginning albeit with just the one ghost this is a highly readable little comic.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9wvqRN7M8vTXmEpD91tnenC9cFbe4055_l2QftTzfgK4PPu1NGsYbCd4ulIXeZndFv5-db2b4TnHf-6RgLbsWvyRmjhJ8ZpqQ1L6ZkAqjG-uGH7sj_hGV4uN5t-HQ5TVbe7MmeOxVkKF1yZDRxj-iDJpXjMTSol4suIyKU0ylJkKa6nr8Oe3WD6-p1A=s1019" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="663" height="842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9wvqRN7M8vTXmEpD91tnenC9cFbe4055_l2QftTzfgK4PPu1NGsYbCd4ulIXeZndFv5-db2b4TnHf-6RgLbsWvyRmjhJ8ZpqQ1L6ZkAqjG-uGH7sj_hGV4uN5t-HQ5TVbe7MmeOxVkKF1yZDRxj-iDJpXjMTSol4suIyKU0ylJkKa6nr8Oe3WD6-p1A=w547-h842" width="547" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjje_gzdnezQjMWX9qINNKyj7LwTOkkmSa_e-yqr8dqfemttwXmaVGhoUafGR6LG2le_DcTbd9C8Bv2GknDOWfKOdeFL_QTPYI7YlLooE230dHs0IzDQSj2C2yfRtMwCi75T-z_Zok8pX5xqRzOxADPxjM_amGPLckj_GMvrwA9TvnIJqzI6YdWfBs1fA=s1019" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="663" height="837" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjje_gzdnezQjMWX9qINNKyj7LwTOkkmSa_e-yqr8dqfemttwXmaVGhoUafGR6LG2le_DcTbd9C8Bv2GknDOWfKOdeFL_QTPYI7YlLooE230dHs0IzDQSj2C2yfRtMwCi75T-z_Zok8pX5xqRzOxADPxjM_amGPLckj_GMvrwA9TvnIJqzI6YdWfBs1fA=w544-h837" width="544" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPtLp-JK9iBF5qvycZZU0dqCy_sUnTjPf-j7YFbzL-M3DzZ_J-xMCK5dDIjKhrkxso_Ul1rv0_j2znBSAc-Sx2LATf19WiwVfytyHyYlrkaGEq3IdzH9padfIXPNrtPUGHY3_htMLur8-d_qATadc8qk7v5H47FMHoNLa0uT-4_4ODSSt-UzZqXx1I-Q=s1019" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="663" height="830" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPtLp-JK9iBF5qvycZZU0dqCy_sUnTjPf-j7YFbzL-M3DzZ_J-xMCK5dDIjKhrkxso_Ul1rv0_j2znBSAc-Sx2LATf19WiwVfytyHyYlrkaGEq3IdzH9padfIXPNrtPUGHY3_htMLur8-d_qATadc8qk7v5H47FMHoNLa0uT-4_4ODSSt-UzZqXx1I-Q=w540-h830" width="540" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Unusually the "Cosplay Cover" is the main one of three available in the shops rather than on sale at a premium price but Rachel Hollen who also did the photo cover for the <i>Vampirella Holiday Special</i> appears as Red Sonja.<br /><br />There are only two short stories and other than the already mentioned <i>Sonja's Carol</i> (geddit) the second feature is <i>The Dance Of Fire </i>which is not good news for virgins which includes of course our Red as no man may lay with her unless he bests her in a sword fight. The curse of a goddess who gave Sonja life and hope after her parents slaughter.<br /><br />Bit of seasonal sun.</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating 4 Stars.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA-puvgmzzOuey3RsMgrK8zByJOBYRvI09v4d88C9yVfZsgldGPxZQ1dVoJZTyUEEiR1r_jojJjzXTQPWwslstnIw6ZyGMI32D83W63PTQeOa_4zIBwuMkF4QdbMAj7gFi3JvZ3oSebSG-i0axU-CmBdxCM9wjTsndxI9DZYKgFBWlnZdkWOQilwhisw=s450" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA-puvgmzzOuey3RsMgrK8zByJOBYRvI09v4d88C9yVfZsgldGPxZQ1dVoJZTyUEEiR1r_jojJjzXTQPWwslstnIw6ZyGMI32D83W63PTQeOa_4zIBwuMkF4QdbMAj7gFi3JvZ3oSebSG-i0axU-CmBdxCM9wjTsndxI9DZYKgFBWlnZdkWOQilwhisw=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-28635061795659454952021-12-09T08:30:00.000-08:002021-12-09T08:51:02.390-08:00Marvel Universe: X-Men #9 (Panini)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32UtIg6hAIdgjrUjwLRrZUwChrkWUmfpUqgvZ9OU7GPxIlqef7OddpHfIC3ep7MTMywBkQR3hwHucTPj9tD2MK0S90WXyivUCSJZ5RZtJk8UKa6LgaYqCG4BIdCKAZb18rjKErC3ARhx2/s1200/gbmuxm00921_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="785" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32UtIg6hAIdgjrUjwLRrZUwChrkWUmfpUqgvZ9OU7GPxIlqef7OddpHfIC3ep7MTMywBkQR3hwHucTPj9tD2MK0S90WXyivUCSJZ5RZtJk8UKa6LgaYqCG4BIdCKAZb18rjKErC3ARhx2/w418-h640/gbmuxm00921_0.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The latest issue of Panini's revived X-Men title for the British market introduces the reader to the latest series of the New Mutants a team and comic that I have not taken much notice of over the years having read just three issues well over a decade ago. I wasn't impressed then and frankly my opinion hasn't changed.</p><p>Other than the sister of Colossus, Magik I had no idea who the characters were or what powers they had or indeed why Panini chose to weave this story into this title. So far I've enjoyed the ride even though the main X-Men story has seemingly taken a back seat. I know there's lots more to come and the odd diversion especially into Excalibur or The Marauders was fun but this lot left me cold.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKnXHNyE_1R_FYyehIeYuEJTyMbUCFuKG6J_vCSknYiw_0GevlQ31CZ5FdShWcsB9AOp6aj5GKOJH_K-R2EVWH_cGyX3d4VBzm1Oy2DHYqVE3eKVeGrc8ad6ETNY6qGyuyW6k8GE8R6Dc/s1024/new-mutants-1-page-4-e1573484601478-687x1024.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="687" height="744" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKnXHNyE_1R_FYyehIeYuEJTyMbUCFuKG6J_vCSknYiw_0GevlQ31CZ5FdShWcsB9AOp6aj5GKOJH_K-R2EVWH_cGyX3d4VBzm1Oy2DHYqVE3eKVeGrc8ad6ETNY6qGyuyW6k8GE8R6Dc/w500-h744/new-mutants-1-page-4-e1573484601478-687x1024.png" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I was also taken aback by the appearance of Corsair who I thought I saw die in some trade paperback I read recently but then death doesn't mean anything at all in the comic world, especially the X-Men any more. They all come back eventually. Even Bucky the one revival I will never forgive Marvel for.<br /><br />So the kids get dumped on a Shi'ar space jail by Corsair and get into trouble and are "helped" by some other characters I also have no knowledge of. When Wanda screamed "Too many mutants" I know how she felt. I got lost and ended up not caring about the fate of these kids after forty odd pages.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PkkpHo0pwLHkhxS7vNVhts7p11XkCwffRI2ZX_q1gSZnd4Z06AhpGUyP1tbGfWDyioQYX0eKW2q4hxRBn-YU3Ev2k3dWzOWhPR3ohBP2IBr0x8o__PwZJK96LPvNqET2aGPpdAYwJ_eV/s1539/X-Force-3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1539" data-original-width="1001" height="808" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PkkpHo0pwLHkhxS7vNVhts7p11XkCwffRI2ZX_q1gSZnd4Z06AhpGUyP1tbGfWDyioQYX0eKW2q4hxRBn-YU3Ev2k3dWzOWhPR3ohBP2IBr0x8o__PwZJK96LPvNqET2aGPpdAYwJ_eV/w525-h808/X-Force-3-4.jpg" width="525" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fmdM2w8Xc6W7yaVCs2Oda1LGckT8p9707tQgcWn7T6SqJMFsABKkpPbKLFRbtY1ltOtli8H8Crq5NxfS4YrEYsHCA92nSq43HyvbRP_D9uWq7a7fj_rJP7DoK3LplgfAncictSth0P1M/s1024/XFORCE2019003_Preview-3.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="674" height="791" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fmdM2w8Xc6W7yaVCs2Oda1LGckT8p9707tQgcWn7T6SqJMFsABKkpPbKLFRbtY1ltOtli8H8Crq5NxfS4YrEYsHCA92nSq43HyvbRP_D9uWq7a7fj_rJP7DoK3LplgfAncictSth0P1M/w522-h791/XFORCE2019003_Preview-3.webp" width="522" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next up was the continuation of X-Force which does tie in a little more directly to the main X-Men story and we see how cruel mankind can be even to their own kind let alone what they plan to do to mutants. I'm not sure "enjoyable" is the right word to use about this brutal story. It does however rescue this comic and hopefully though the New Mutants are due to return next issue we won't have to put up them too long. Panini please take note.<br /><br /><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 2.5 stars </span></i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-20118967450692381802021-12-08T08:33:00.001-08:002021-12-08T08:33:42.458-08:00Shaman Kane #7 <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUKlpcDGDGW_Z9sq-BriCS8MMtCKnVuN3_hrynDEP6XDRSbhXg8OwpBjq3tHZSGnQXikaN5p5wcZZuMuhcR6cEUaGQ0Hbk_kSBrf32I7MG-JZOqOVt-AI-PX6pZjsNKW1dUZBmixAD-Gm/s1024/Shaman-Kane-07-C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="680" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUKlpcDGDGW_Z9sq-BriCS8MMtCKnVuN3_hrynDEP6XDRSbhXg8OwpBjq3tHZSGnQXikaN5p5wcZZuMuhcR6cEUaGQ0Hbk_kSBrf32I7MG-JZOqOVt-AI-PX6pZjsNKW1dUZBmixAD-Gm/w426-h640/Shaman-Kane-07-C.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The latest issue of David Broughton's self-published Shaman Kane is now available and has been well worth the wait. In the last couple of issues readers were treated to a bit of an epic which with the other issues (still available, see below) would make into a fine trade paperback if collected though such things are difficult for independent publishers.</p><p>This is a self contained story and as such makes a good jumping on point for new readers as with the introduction that Kane has been banished from the Shaman Order by travelling to the galactic rim he can continue the fight on his own terms. <br /><br />However whilst in transit to Sigma 958 Kane muses about past adventures and this issue tells the reader of his encounter with Zombie pirates trying to free "Gore Nasty" a prisoner in transit. There's a traitor on board The Arcadia and a battle ensues with demonic entities consuming the living and possessing the dead.<br /><br />The artwork and story are to the professional standards one would expect in <i>2000AD</i> which clearly influence this strip. Indeed David worked on <i>Zarjaz</i> the <i>2000AD</i> fanzine. If you are a fan of that comic then Shaman Kane is definitely for you.<br /><br />My only "criticism" of this title is that it doesn't come out enough but every edition is worth a read and all issues are still currently available.</p><p><br /><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars (Recommended)</span></i></b></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqp-nefF-mBvPt5ekb28FLw_JbkUkdEyWIuK2UECrEv5gXd0qteRmLKjPoIJ5EqRQm3l7pwtFAmXDVkruPQlWVHxmfRqY6NCE7Om_8l9sitG0bDQksy1pJBC1B_76rLAolzvhjOlWjzqy/s1920/262592214_3144567442491863_6732759892802489754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqp-nefF-mBvPt5ekb28FLw_JbkUkdEyWIuK2UECrEv5gXd0qteRmLKjPoIJ5EqRQm3l7pwtFAmXDVkruPQlWVHxmfRqY6NCE7Om_8l9sitG0bDQksy1pJBC1B_76rLAolzvhjOlWjzqy/w535-h301/262592214_3144567442491863_6732759892802489754_n.jpg" width="535" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-85860905726033604222021-12-03T09:00:00.097-08:002021-12-03T09:45:44.399-08:00Marvel Select: Hawkeye (Panini)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYYol4DnaYZSf8PQB_pcto3vzaQLYU6olveBkMimht0FjGPzna1dvIoqKj0Nv2hiSLt5-5uJffoeubrekKdB7C3NaIiANXTSrPvL4mZ34mp9WYj17ESvchqgbKYWg0WytAmGUETMcjMXV/s1200/gbmbo028_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="785" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYYol4DnaYZSf8PQB_pcto3vzaQLYU6olveBkMimht0FjGPzna1dvIoqKj0Nv2hiSLt5-5uJffoeubrekKdB7C3NaIiANXTSrPvL4mZ34mp9WYj17ESvchqgbKYWg0WytAmGUETMcjMXV/w418-h640/gbmbo028_0.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Hawkeye was like Black Widow very much a secondary character of only minor interest to me before the Marvel Cinema Universe came into being. Like Black Widow Clint Barton has come into his own rather than frankly just being a poor rip-off of Green Arrow and like his DC Comics equivalent has now been given his own TV series on the Disney Channel, hence the arrival of this "bookazine" from Panini.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Aa9uWrGHnlOwsYtbD8rXykf6Gny_OZenqtf4JRvhWTXHsperGHqrvSfZ-9SfyeelgXZwWr1pxTUSM69vst9SFewUyYDq7R4z1uKoFQBdkppVo4jjmqZE7ay3u4yLWhEK6lAPZRibKp-Y/s1024/hawkeye-origin-comic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="1024" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Aa9uWrGHnlOwsYtbD8rXykf6Gny_OZenqtf4JRvhWTXHsperGHqrvSfZ-9SfyeelgXZwWr1pxTUSM69vst9SFewUyYDq7R4z1uKoFQBdkppVo4jjmqZE7ay3u4yLWhEK6lAPZRibKp-Y/w543-h274/hawkeye-origin-comic.jpg" width="543" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Whilst that is a channel I'll never see I did pick up this edition after a glance through at the pages ans and was impressed by the layout and art from David Aja (in particular) and Javier Pulido (who covers what was issues #4 & #5 of the original series). The story by Matt Fraction certainly holds the readers interest.</p><p>Here we have a rather down and out "super-hero" living in a rather poor part of town and has run-ins with landlords, local Russian gangsters plus having to look after a run-over dog and try and take care of his neighbours. Certainly a gritty background for this adventure.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjHr7odxcF8lH61u2guJzDr0d5zbkRTotGnvk9h2GFlCYSjrJkYlTkZQNq9OXXQJlliD8uvz1iT5VG2thfEZsCrfSmI70gPM2keNEA3kydbWalx8wnSVspsHyw8h8FGTQmTgtPqIyAqur/s895/hawkeye-1-page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="582" height="878" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjHr7odxcF8lH61u2guJzDr0d5zbkRTotGnvk9h2GFlCYSjrJkYlTkZQNq9OXXQJlliD8uvz1iT5VG2thfEZsCrfSmI70gPM2keNEA3kydbWalx8wnSVspsHyw8h8FGTQmTgtPqIyAqur/w571-h878/hawkeye-1-page.jpg" width="571" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImRZo6-zfTcf3I0iHgam0PacQn1_N62NSdYjovAUtb0Q_gqqZBKtA74Wg_apg3DfnQsqNz1cz06gOFmsZ0idgxiwjsbwzT4Z2RWTynpx2Rh4bIFnaDccnxliCsKl1Z5vKcSmq7sYFR3q-/s858/hawkeye-chase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="540" height="864" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImRZo6-zfTcf3I0iHgam0PacQn1_N62NSdYjovAUtb0Q_gqqZBKtA74Wg_apg3DfnQsqNz1cz06gOFmsZ0idgxiwjsbwzT4Z2RWTynpx2Rh4bIFnaDccnxliCsKl1Z5vKcSmq7sYFR3q-/w543-h864/hawkeye-chase.jpg" width="543" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Enter Madame Masque a villain I'd not seen for a while and Clint finds himself a sidekick in the form of Kate Bishop from the Young Avengers. This volume reprints <i>Hawkeye #1 to #6</i> and is part of an on-going series which has currently reached 22 issues so Hawkeye could reappear either as a further "bookazine" or in another Panini comic if they get rid of the bloody symbiotes in <i>Marvel Essentials.</i> Just asking.... </p><p>Also in this volume is a reprint of Young Avengers Present: Hawkeye which makes this a pretty good value comic. The last story is better read a little later as the art style jumps rather abruptly in my opinion but does add to the background of the current world of Marvel's bowman.</p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 5 Stars (Recommended)</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FFqyQCroVrtv-bLGDZJp0TUTbqAed3S22egHZ8SyESsYkgjO_SBLLK8rgHhRA8YcUd4nhQhYwy50zPqMxrTzQLh9MqwRj1GnpQQk1oqzis3UK7O4zKzHPTcZGW-xS3vvst4SNjfVDpgt/s983/DIG005661_1._SX1600_QL80_TTD_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FFqyQCroVrtv-bLGDZJp0TUTbqAed3S22egHZ8SyESsYkgjO_SBLLK8rgHhRA8YcUd4nhQhYwy50zPqMxrTzQLh9MqwRj1GnpQQk1oqzis3UK7O4zKzHPTcZGW-xS3vvst4SNjfVDpgt/w416-h640/DIG005661_1._SX1600_QL80_TTD_.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><br /><p><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6364837361056326514.post-29648975999249330262021-12-01T09:00:00.001-08:002021-12-01T09:38:41.802-08:00Vampirella: Holiday Special (Cosplay Cover/Dynamite)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm8zjfVUCXn5G7zsyhSElLeGR7bsFrR3eAcLQfRJxYeLxVdmqXd8q6JQZfc-HE6Ni3NLMBFYugU5jv80852IGIxvl7Ea8PZAyiRY0Gp4xJ_lWX4slMZ9-o-H4uibJH9ImwszlFMUNVKg4/s900/VampirellaHolidaySpecial01031CCosplay.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm8zjfVUCXn5G7zsyhSElLeGR7bsFrR3eAcLQfRJxYeLxVdmqXd8q6JQZfc-HE6Ni3NLMBFYugU5jv80852IGIxvl7Ea8PZAyiRY0Gp4xJ_lWX4slMZ9-o-H4uibJH9ImwszlFMUNVKg4/w426-h640/VampirellaHolidaySpecial01031CCosplay.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The countdown to Christmas has begun and the seasonal comics are starting to arrive the earliest of which was Archie's all-ages one shot last month and now it's time for the adults as Vampirella's latest one-shot comic hits the stands. For the first time in ages I actually chose a variant cover. A cosy warm "cosplay" edition with model Rachel Hollen. </p><p>Mind you that costume doesn't keep the cold out....</p><p>There are three stories in this oversized comic the first of which, <i>The Fright Night Before Christmas</i> reinterprets the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in a quite radical and violent manner as they each try to hunt down and kill or enslave Vampi. Certainly not the way Mt Dickens envisaged his work being parodied....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-ONHocu3_GBbkIpPVFXQS9y_SmfAs5bNi8ociIa8gIU9UufyK6ngZBp07KclHiJQZIVyZAYhahu2mvs5fMt9e1wlaMhuZULqcCqeluxcMXvP1dyzkSjIJOoxFvcql_t1z04wa4J2rc_Q/s1019/VampirellaHolidayOSInt1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="663" height="792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-ONHocu3_GBbkIpPVFXQS9y_SmfAs5bNi8ociIa8gIU9UufyK6ngZBp07KclHiJQZIVyZAYhahu2mvs5fMt9e1wlaMhuZULqcCqeluxcMXvP1dyzkSjIJOoxFvcql_t1z04wa4J2rc_Q/w515-h792/VampirellaHolidayOSInt1.jpg" width="515" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWqZY8GrdW56cnTSbAfs490NLJSgRgyEKnbNuNdCmyYBBjrSDy8mcX3ahyphenhyphenFUwYDQIBXuJtDEH42Xso56xvQkSx5nkcrEuAS6ydv-wU5SIVK2YGCIQnvtqe2wOD-UKnV_EXCmGNEQ3xJ2v/s1019/VampirellaHolidayOSInt5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="663" height="776" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWqZY8GrdW56cnTSbAfs490NLJSgRgyEKnbNuNdCmyYBBjrSDy8mcX3ahyphenhyphenFUwYDQIBXuJtDEH42Xso56xvQkSx5nkcrEuAS6ydv-wU5SIVK2YGCIQnvtqe2wOD-UKnV_EXCmGNEQ3xJ2v/w504-h776/VampirellaHolidayOSInt5.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next up is <i>Vampire Bells</i> a mangaesque story of a boy his glasses and a Monster followed by a team up with Santa in erm..<i>Sleigh</i>! <br /><br /><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Rating: 4 Stars (Vampirella Rules!)</span></i></b></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfTWd-uLb-XkvaOCmYp50oQU5WK3ucKDt_CCJ4Syu9i731YwW92whV6D7xBlmZtVMMlf_HR42A62fjq1Z5FSvZCygl2vTqIaQUimBZvS56iRfd6gMzUJ8TLiy2oBbG27SBeCnJFA0W7OA/s900/VampirellaHolidaySpecial01011ALinsner.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfTWd-uLb-XkvaOCmYp50oQU5WK3ucKDt_CCJ4Syu9i731YwW92whV6D7xBlmZtVMMlf_HR42A62fjq1Z5FSvZCygl2vTqIaQUimBZvS56iRfd6gMzUJ8TLiy2oBbG27SBeCnJFA0W7OA/w426-h640/VampirellaHolidaySpecial01011ALinsner.jpg" width="426" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b><p></p>Howard Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16302098153562222648noreply@blogger.com0