LOOK Kids!! COMICAZI!!

Some of the Comicazi gang and I caught a sneak preview of Kick Ass last night.  Let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed it!  Let me also say that I read 2 issues of the comic and put it down thinking that it was the usual Millar fare.  Interesting concept, sure,  but not to my liking on execution.

The movie was a different story.  Well cast and a surprisingly good performance from Nicholas Cage.  Maybe his best since he won an Oscar.  The guy just had fun.  And that was what this movie was….fun.  All sorts of little homages to the comic book crowd but not so exclusive as to turn away someone who doesn’t read comics and wants to see an action movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krOzVRj9z88

I’d go see it again.

Comicazi Mike

I think we can all agree that Star Wars has left an indelible mark upon pop culture.  It’s been a generation since the movie fired the imaginations of children.  Those children are now adults with families of their own and there’s a second trilogy of movies to spark the creativity of this new wave of kids.
Star Wars is referenced in almost every conceivable way possible from movies to books to lunchboxes to its very own religion!  But all this is most likely known by you if you’re reading these words.  You obviously have an interest in comics and toys and of course the house that Lucas built.  For the purposes of this post, I’ll briefly cover the gamut Star Wars has made in this little corner of the market.

After the first movie back in those halcyon days of 1977, Marvel Comics jumped on the property.  They published over 100 issues of Star Wars.  A lot of it was a little hokey as they were hamstrung by Lucas and his vision of the storyline.  But there’s some genuinely good stuff in there, notably the run that fell between Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi.  And there were some fine creators working on the book at this point, among them Walt Simonson and Gene Day.

There were also the Kenner line of action figures, of course.  Hugely successful, they knocked the Mego Corp from its perch as the top dog in toy licensing.  I had my share of Mego dolls as a kid but they were relegated to the back of the closet once I became aware of Star Wars figures and playsets.  And I’m positive that every other kid my age felt the same way.  There was this one kid in my school who always managed to get the latest ship or newest character release before me….. See?  Crazy competition for the toys.

Prose novels were on the market featuring the early adventures of Han Solo and Lando Calrissian as well as Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye with Luke and Leia.  This one was unauthorized by Lucas but has since been folded into the Star Wars continuity.
That leads me to the second coming of Star Wars.  In the mid 90’s, the Star Wars action figure line made a return and still sells wildly to this day 15 years later.
The comic publisher Dark Horse acquired the license to publish new Star Wars tales.  And they did.  In force if you’ll pardon the pun.  They hit the ground running and haven’t stopped.  They’ve created comics that range the entire Star Wars timeline for thousands of years.  An impressive feat.  And all authorized by the man himself.  Dark Horse still holds the rights to Star Wars and continues putting out quality comics.

The novels have also cranked up in production the past decade plus.  I actually have no idea how many there are now but I know there is a timeline for those as well.  Some of them have been adapted into the current comic chronology if I understand correctly.  I couldn’t keep up with them after a while and haven’t read one in ages.  That is not to say that they’re bad.  Maybe I’ll give one a shot when there’s an 8th day in the week.

All of that brings me to the latest Star Wars piece of merchandise.  For those of you who frequent Comicazi Prime you may have noticed a shelf of the Eaglemoss lead figurines.  This British company has been in business for a few years now and have made a couple hundred of your favorite Marvel and DC characters.

Well, hell!!  Why not do some Star Wars characters?!?  They are!  Bob and I love these Eaglemoss figurines and actively collect them.  I don’t know if he or I will get into the Star Wars line but I’m willing to check them out.  The line kicks off with Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.  They’re already on order and should be here at Comicazi in a little over a month from this writing.
Feel free to check out and/or order the comic ones too if you’re so inclined.  And, of course, Comicazi has all of the Star Wars comics and toys that you could want too

Thanks!

Comicazi Mike

Here are the comics winging their way Comicazi-ward this coming Wednesday!!

Tonight is the big movie night.  That’s right, I’m making mention of the Academy Awards.  I’ve just spent the past two Saturdays watching the 10 Best Picture nominees.  It was not a sprint.  Quite a feat.  Nearly 30 hours in a theater.  I don’t plan on seeing a movie until Iron Man 2.

Anyway, I know that there are usually big Oscar parties for the Academy Awards.  I plan on attending one and rooting for my favorite pics.  And for the cool “comic-type” flicks to get recognition.  I’m talking Star Trek, baby!!
I may even pick up some Star Trek comics to get in the mood.

Whatever you end up doing, have fun!!

Comicazi Mike

They’re back!!  If you’re one of the enlightened few who have picked up The Agents Of Atlas series in the past then you’re in for a treat!  The team returns in May with a new series.  Read the Newsarama article here:

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/Atlas-Marvel-Parker-100210.html

This is one of the better books being published by Marvel.  Actually on the market I daresay.  Solid storytelling by the great Jeff Parker – who’s even got me reading Fall Of The Hulks, dammit. – and third-string Marvel characters with loads of back story.
It’s the perfect formula!  Characters that are nearly a blank slate with an excellent invested writer willing to mold and shape them.  Do yourself a favor and check out The Agents Of Atlas.  You won’t be disappointed.

There’s a trade of the debut mini series from ‘06 and a trade of the most recent series with a second on the way.  Also be sure to ask one of us here at Comicazi to dig up some of their other appearances.

Thanks!

Comicazi Mike

Yet another friendly reminder to all of you gracious folk to help us out here at Comicazi.  Yes, we’re asking if you’d take a moment to place a vote for Comicazi in the Boston Phoenix poll for Best Comic Shop.

I know that I’ve made mention several times before and we are totally grateful to those of you that have already voted!  Thanks so much!  We’d love it if you could help us become the Best Comic Shop in Boston this year!

Place votes here:

http://thephoenix.com/theBest/Boston/Vote/ComicBooksShop/#TOPCONTENT

Thanks again!

Comicazi Mike

You may think that food is the topic of the poll for the second week in a row but you’d be wrong.  Popcorn is for the movies!  And I’ve got movies on the mind chillun!
But first, last week’s poll was about your favorite snack food.  Surprisingly no one voted for pancakes.  Inconceivable!!  But it was a tie between carrot sticks and Oreos for favorite.  Gary must be so conflicted.

Anyway here’s this week’s poll question:

Hey!

Lots to do today!  This shouldn’t be too tough; there’s only the comics list to mention.  And the newest Quote.  Jon Obuchowski was recently here and explained to Matt Lennon and myself his rationale for higher math and architectural structure.  Look now for your newest Comicazi Quote of the Week:

“I really like the inherent sexiness of the cantilever system.”

Uhh…..yeah.  Look!!  Comics!!

A-TEAM SHOTGUN WEDDING #1
ACTION COMICS #887
ALTER EGO #92
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #624
ARMY OF DARKNESS #26
AVENGERS X-MEN UTOPIA TP

BATGIRL #8
BATMAN AND ROBIN #10
BATMAN HEART OF HUSH TP
BATMAN WIDENING GYRE #5 (OF 6)
BONE HANDBOOK – for Gary.
BOYS TP VOL 6 SELF-PRESERVATION SOCIETY – why lookee here! Angie may make an appearance 2 weeks in a row. she likes boys.
BPRD KING OF FEAR #3
BREAKING INTO COMICS THE MARVEL WAY #1 (OF 2)

CABLE #24 – so Mike Martin can get his Telemundo station.
CARS #2
COMIC SHOP NEWS
COMPLETE ALICE IN WONDERLAND #3
CRIMINAL SINNERS #5 – Scott says it’s good but i’ve yet to be convinced.
CYBERFORCE HUNTER KILLER #5 (OF 5) – this is coming out slower than Flash:Rebirth. not that anyone but Rudy gives a damn.

DANTES INFERNO #4 (OF 6)
DARK X-MEN #5 (OF 5)
DAYTRIPPER #4 (OF 10)
DISNEYS HERO SQUAD SC VOL 1 SAVE THE WORLD – sort of in the job description, don’t you think?
DMZ #51
DOOM PATROL #8

ELEPHANTMEN #24 – on the 2nd floor of my house.
ESCAPE FROM WONDERLAND #5
EX MACHINA #48
FARSCAPE DARGOS QUEST #4 (OF 4)
FATHOM #10

GHOUL #3
GI JOE ORIGINS #13
GREEK STREET TP VOL 1 BLOOD CALLS FOR BLOOD
GRENDEL BEHOLD THE DEVIL HC – Garth’s Grendel grimoire grows. how’s that alliteration grab ya?
GRIMJACK OMNIBUS TP VOL 1
GRIMM FAIRY TALES #45

HELLBOY TP VOL 9 WILD HUNT
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #23
HUCK HOUND FUNKO FORCE ACTION FIGURE
HULK LET BATTLE BEGIN #1 – Ben Murphy says he can take him.
HUMAN TARGET #2
INU YASHA TP VOL 46
IRON MAN 2 SPOTLIGHT #1

JERICHO SEASON 3 #3 (OF 6)
JERSEY GODS #11
JUSTICE LEAGUE RISE AND FALL SPECIAL #1 – since Robinson took over, it’s been mostly fall.
LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS UNLEASHED #1 (OF 4) – Murgo’s considering bailing on the dog-walker gig here.

MAGOG #7
MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #21
MODERN WARFARE 2 GHOST #4
MUPPET KING ARTHUR #3

PHANTOM GHOST WHO WALKS #8
POWERS #3
PRELUDE TO DEADPOOL CORPS #2 – milking the cow….
PUNISHERMAX #5
REBELS #14
RED ROBIN #10
RED SONJA WRATH OF THE GODS #2

SAVAGE DRAGON #158
SECRET SIX #19
SOLOMON KANE DEATHS BLACK RIDERS #3
SPIDER-GIRL TP VOL 12 GAMES VILLAINS PLAY DIGEST
STREET FIGHTER LEGENDS IBUKI #1 – oh Rich, why?
SUPER FRIENDS #25
SUPER HERO SQUAD #3
SUPER HERO SQUAD TP GET YER HERO ON DIGEST
SUPERMAN LAST STAND OF NEW KRYPTON #1 (OF 3)
SWORD #5

TANK GIRL SKIDMARKS #4 (OF 4) – neither of these descriptors with girl makes me want to date her.
THE MYSTIC HANDS OF DR STRANGE #1 – Alyssa has strep. the doctor in?
TOY STORY #2
TOYFARE #153
TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE #4
TRANSFORMERS LAST STAND O/T WRECKERS #2
TWELVE SPEARHEAD #1
ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #8
UNWRITTEN #11 – probably hard to read.

WAKING #1
WALLY GATOR FUNKO FORCE ACTION FIGURE
WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #704
WARLORD THE SAGA TP
WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #6
WEEKLY WORLD NEWS #3
WOLVERINE MR X #1
X-MEN FOREVER #19
X-MEN PIXIE STRIKES BACK #2 (OF 4)
ZORRO MATANZAS #2 (OF 4)

And there you have it!  The comics coming at you next Wednesday the 10th o’ March!
Have a good weekend!
Comicazi Mike

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  Check out the Comicazi eBay store for some great stuff!!

Along with comics, there’s vintage Star Wars toys and classic G.I. Joes!  Among other things, natch.  With more stuff on the way.  Almost every day.  Call me Etrigan, baby!

As always, the user name is thebadkidsinc
And here’s a current auction or two to espy:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330407972510&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330409449574&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330407960660&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

See ya online!

Comicazi Mike

Who says that comics aren’t literate?  Comics have been borrowing liberally from mythology and classic literature such as Shakespeare for decades.  I’m sure that I’m not the only one who was propelled to read actual books and such from what I came across in comics.

In this instance, I’m rather glad that I read of the actual King Midas of Greek mythology before stumbling over the comics version.  I only know of his appearances in Iron Man, once in #19 or so and much later in a multi-part storyline.  Here’s a rare cover appearance of the buffoon:

The comic book Midas was portrayed as a conniving, savvy businessman who actually took over Stark Industries.  Iron Man is Tony Stark for those of you not in the know.
I have only ever come across 2 tales of Midas which is fitting considering this guy was lame!  Not just dumb but actually confined to a mechanical hover chair like some third-rate tubby Professor X.  He did have an exoskeleton that enabled him to stand and waddle that magnified his strength.  Whoopee.  And, yes, when he laid hands upon you, you were turned to gold.  Just like the Midas of myth.

The cover pictured above is the final chapter in a 6-part saga featuring Midas’ takeover and subsequent destruction of Stark Industries.  This later becomes the catalyst for the new and improved Stark Enterprises and the excellent run by Michelinie/Romita Jr/Layton.
The Midas Saga was actually not bad.  It guest-starred lots of obscure Marvel characters and there are early appearances by Jack Of Hearts.  Plus, it was written by Boisterous Bill Mantlo, one of the greatest Marvel writers of the 70’s and 80’s.
But Midas was just dumb.  There was no way to really take him seriously.  He supposedly survives the final clash but I’ve not seen him since.  And this tale is 30 years old.  Perhaps losers should lie along with sleeping dogs.

Comicazi Mike