Sunday, January 10, 2010
FBOTU’s Weekly Comics Load: When Northstar Met Shatterstar
‘Cause your friends don’t CLICK, and if they don’t CLICK, well, they’re no friends of mine!”
Woohoo! The first Load of the new year! I keep hearing people say that 2010 is the Year of the Comic Book. Well, I fully endorse that. If you’re not reading comics, please make a resolution to stop by your local comics monger and pick up a book next week. For just $2.99 a week, you could feed a comic book writer or artist for a whole month. Or something like that. Now, let’s sing:
I’d like to geek out with you and keep you company...”
Now that we have our kumbaya-yas out, let’s get on with the Load. Be sure to let us know what you’re reading this week, whether in the comments section or over in the Comics Forum.
 | The Boys #38
Someone recently asked me, “You read The Boys?” There was clearly a sneer involved in the tone. I felt defensive at first and started thinking of some reasonable explanation. But while I acknowledge it’s probably the most violent and f**ked up title I read, I can’t seem to stop. Take this issue. Did I really need to know the origin of the Female of the Species? No. Do I believe a word of her origin, as conveyed by the Frenchman? No. Am I glad I got to read the story in all its violent, messed up glory? Yes. Little girls biting people’s faces off is not my first choice in comic book subject matter, but there’s something unflinching and honest about the characters and stories in The Boys that keeps me coming back for more. So, there, Mr. Sneery Face. |
 | Red Robin #8
COMIC OF THE WEEK! If there was ever any doubt that Tim Drake is the rightful heir to the Batman legacy, this issue clears it all up. Or, as Tim himself says, “Black and white. No compromise. Take down the bad guys. Save the girl. Batman is alive. And so are we.” Tim’s analysis of the impossible odds facing him, combined with his balletic battle moves, make for a thrilling issue from start to finish. My only complaint is that while Tam stepped up in the last issue and began fighting back, she reverts to the damsel in distress in this issue. But since all the story and action are focused on Tim this time around, it’s a minor point. Next issue, Red Robin heads back to Gotham. Can’t wait! |
 | Siege #1
I haven’t been keeping up with all the Dark Reign and pre-Siege intricacies, except what I’ve gleaned in the peripheral Marvel titles that I read. But as a device to begin the unraveling of Norman Osborne’s empire, attacking Asgard is a good choice. And I suppose it’s proof that I still retain some sense of humanity in my dark and barren soul, because I’m deeply disturbed by the destruction of Soldier Field and the deaths of thousands of innocents in this issue. I guess that’s the point. Somewhat less disturbing, but only by a bit, is naked Balder being roused from sleep by Loki (image at left). Believe me, that last thing I want to wake up to after a night of passion with my Asgardian concubine is creepy-ass Loki. Frankly, I miss female Loki. She was still creepy, but much more fun. I have no grand expectations for this event, but do look forward to seeing the original Avengers re-assemble. Or, I guess I should say, “AVENGERS RE-ASSEMBLE!” |
 | Star Wars: The Clone Wars #12
If you’re looking for another layer of tragedy and irony added to the fall of Anakin Skywalker, look no further. The “Hero of the Confederacy” storyline wraps up with this issue, and it’s laden with foreshadowing. Dooku deceives young Tofen Vane, turns him against the Jedi. Anakin tries to convince him he’s been duped, but Tofen won’t listen, barreling instead towards his fiery, tragic demise. You’d think Anakin would have recalled this whole episode when he’s deceived by Palpatine and turned against the Jedi, barreling towards his own fiery, tragic demise. Poor Ani. |  | Suicide Squad: Blackest Night #67
I don’t read Suicide Squad, so I have no idea what’s going on or who most of the characters are. However, I knew my beloved Secret Six were making a cameo in the title, so I had to buy it. There are some great moments here, like Bane playing overprotective father figure before Scandal’s date with Liana. And Black Alice’s assessment of Jeannette: “Either NUTS or the world’s most committed COSPLAYER.” And as if we needed any more reasons to lust after Catman, Alice observes he “looks like an ad for Grant’s Gym and he smells like concentrated dude.” I still have no idea what’s going on, but Amanda Waller is at the gates, zombies are on the way and Catman will undoubtedly get his tights ripped off in the process. Bring it. |
 | Superman: World of New Krypton #11
Okay, can we just take a moment and examine the cover of this issue? There is some lovingly rendered butt action going on here. Plus, the look Supes and Adam are giving each other just screams, “Let’s hit the showers!” In this issue, the guys are still trying to track down the assassin who’s targeting council members and framing the Labor Guild, so they decide to pay Zod a visit. Lately, whenever we see Zod, he’s in some state of undress, which reminds me of an enemy I had in college, who was always at least partially naked whenever I would show up, on time, at his room. I finally asked him just what the hell the skin show was all about. He told me it was a tactic to intimidate, unnerve and ultimately control his foes. Well, Zod is clearly employing the same trick, because he’s large and in charge and executing people by the end of the issue. Kal, honey, you should have just stayed on Earth. |
 | Wonder Woman: Blackest Night #2
I hope Mera gets her own title out of all this. She’s proven herself to be a fierce warrior and more than a match for zombie Wonder Woman, so I’d totally keep reading about her adventures on land or at sea. You know, since these Blackest Night titles have gotten all out of chronological order now, it’s hard to take the deaths too seriously anymore. Still, I was somewhat shocked at the demise of one character in this issue. Then my shock just turned to confusion as Batman, Hippolyta and Aphrodite show up, Wonder Woman dons her Star Sapphire ring and floats off, seemingly unconcerned that she just wiped out most of her family and friends. I think her story and transformation got a better telling in the official Blackest Night book, so if you read that one, feel free to skip this one. Unless you’re a Mera fan. Go Mera! |
 | X-Factor: Nation X #1
I do like a good crossover. It reminds me of He-Man popping over to Etheria to visit She-Ra from time to time. Probably the most significant moment of this one-shot issue is the meeting of Marvel’s token gay characters Northstar and Shatterstar. It’s like when Bow met Prince Adam for the first time. Anyway, Peter David uses the meeting to start constructing what can only be the ultimate demise of Rictor and Shatterstar’s relationship. Rictor is possessive and paranoid and Shatterstar is insensitive and flirtatious. Though I’m sad they’re doomed, it is a pretty realistic depiction of most of the relationships I’ve been in. And I prefer they break up and be miserable than get killed off. Plus, is it just me or does Iceman appear to show some interest in Shatterstar? Hmm...interesting. |
That’s it for this week! Happy reading!