Comic Book Review: Jupiter's Legacy 2 #1 - Image Comics - (2016)

Written by Mark Millar
Art by Frank Quitely
Colors by Sunny Gho

Jupiter's Legacy 2 continues to tell the tale that started in Jupiter's Legacy.  I really enjoyed the beginning of the original Jupiter's Legacy but, due to untimely releases, I ended up not continuing to read the series.  There are enough comic book series that come out monthly(or at least when the company says it's coming out).  I received this book in My Geek Box and you can read my reviews for their subscription service at HelloSubscription.com

Mark Millar is a fantastic writer.  Many of his comic books get turned into movies(Wanted, Kick-Ass, Kingsman), even though they are much different than the books.  I could see Jupiter's Legacy as a comic book that would translate well to the big screen or, an even better place, on the small screen via Netflix, HBO or some other service that would allow the amount of adult language, violence and blood.

I was glad that the inside cover of Jupiter's Legacy 2 came with a synopsis giving the reader a glimpse into what happened previously.  This is an excellent story filled with corruption and people wanting power that they feel they deserve.  It also includes heroes that would challenge this new authority and the people they reach out to for assistance surprises everyone.

Frank Quitely is a wonderful artist.  He is amazing with peoples' faces and projecting the emotion incredibly well.  Sunny Gho's colors work remarkably well and add the right amount of depth panel after panel.  Jupiter's Legacy 2 had multiple variant covers.  I received the cover by Rob Liefeld.

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Batgirl and the Birds of Prey Rebirth #1

Batgirl and the Birds of Prey Rebirth #1 was such a quick and fun read. I liked that it's a new story line with enough flashbacks to get me to a clear understanding of what is happening now. Another high point for me was I've heard about the three main characters prior to picking this book up. Don't get me wrong I only know two of them from the wonderful CW version of the DC Universe but I have some knowledge of all three.

This book starts off with Batgirl kicking some butt until she reveals that the bad guys are working on intel from Oracle. Who is the new Oracle, that's the big question because previously Barbara Gordon (AKA Batgirl) was working as Oracle. She suffered an injury at the hands of the Joker and was put in a wheelchair but was able with to walk again with the help of experimental surgery. Anyway, with a new Oracle selling information to the mob she can't sit still but seeks out a trustworthy partner who can pack a punch, Black Canary. The two set out to find Oracle by roughing up a few thugs but are interrupted by the Huntress. The Huntress is armed with the true identities of Batgirl and Black Canary and with that element of surprise the bad guys get away. It's revealed that the Oracle is watching the fight go down and is the only one who knows what is coming next.

With all the mystery and unanswered questions I cannot wait for the next book to come out. This was more like reading a mystery than a comic book. Sure the pictures were great but the writing was fantastic.



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Act 168: The #SDCC Trailer Park

Masked Blogster, Mandy, Handsome J, Gloryhoundd, KFend, Sam and Kevin talk about the glut of trailers that came from San Diego Comicon including everything from Marvel and DC, Blair Witch, King Arthur and Kong. They also find a disturbing bit of Pokemon porn.

To listen, click here. To download, right click and "Save As..."

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Binge Watcher Review: Stranger Things Season 1 ***Spoiler Free***

Binge Watcher Review: Stranger Things Season 1 ***Spoiler Free***

Creators: Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer

Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Matalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Matthew Modine

Anyone with any type of nostalgia for anything 80’s has got to check this show out! Stranger Things takes you back to the 80’s in a small town where Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) goes missing one night on his way home from a friend’s house. Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin), Will’s best friends, set out to find him along with a girl named Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) who shows up around the same time that Will goes missing. The adventures and problems these kids face may have you remembering a few films like The Goonies or E.T.

It slowly becomes apparent to the boys that Eleven isn’t a normal girl though. Aside from not talking much and having a shaved head, Eleven also has the ability to move things with her mind and make find people through two way radio’s. As the story progresses we can see how she developed her abilities and how they grow over time.  Eleven joins the hunt for Will with Mike, Dustin and Lucas as they sneak behind their parent’s backs, all while trying to hide Eleven from the Feds who are doing what ever they can to find her. Thanks to Eleven’s special abilities though, they are able to avoid being captured by the Feds. Her abilities prove to be very useful throughout even though they weaken her afterwords. I would not want to make her mad, that is for sure.

Will’s friends are not the only one’s looking for him though, his mother Joyce Byers (Wynona Ryder) and brother Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) both search for him along with Jim Hopper (David Harbour) the local sheriff. At first it appears to everyone else that Joyce is going crazy as she tries to communicate with Will with Christmas lights. Jim though is on the hunt and soon finds himself working with Jim to find Will in a mysterious world while Jonathan and Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer), Mike’s sister, try to kill the monster that kidnapped Will.

Over all the show is just fun to watch. It is very easy to see the influences for this show, it flows with a very Stephen King/Steven Spielberg type vibe that makes the show both thrilling and delightful.  A big part of that is because of how amazing the young actors in this show are. The chemistry between the whole cast made up for what little we actually see of the monster in the series. While I did like all of the boys, Dustin was probably my favorite and definitely the funniest. I was most impressed with Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, with very little dialog, she was able to convey so much emotion in her performance. Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer created a fantastic show that was captivating and over all just a lot of fun to watch. Honestly with the shows that Netflix has been putting out, there should really be no doubt that it is worth watching.

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Book Review: "The Essential Guide To The Creator of Watchmen, From Hell and V for Vendetta. Alan Moore"

Being the movie enthusiast that I am my first introduction to Alan Moore was through three films adapted from his writing. Two of those films I knew he was responsible for writing but as I later discovered, "From Hell" starring Johnny Depp was also his creation. I must admit that like many of you, I'm sure, we are introduced to artists and writers one piece at a time and it is through those works that might inspire us to enjoy more of their creations. "V for Vendetta" and "Watchmen" were my introduction to Moores work. From there, Masked Blogster recommended I also check out Alan's run on "Swamp Thing" and that sealed the deal. I was all in for Alan Moore. Shortly after I discovered this biography and that catches you up. So let's dive in and take a look at my thoughts on this biography of Alan Moore as written by Lance Parkin. 

The book is a look more at the works of the man than the man himself. Within these pages we are treated to some behind the scenes occurrences with his publishers, artists he worked with and some personal stories. As I read page after page I grew increasingly curious about Alan as a person but by the end I realized that more of Moore would be the opposite of this writer who seem to enjoy a certain air of mystery. He kept a distance, it felt, as I read but one could speculate that distance helped him observe the world as only he has been able to. 

As the book progresses we discover there has not been a shortage of works by Alan. For decades this man has written stories that range from the supernatural to the probable future to dystopian societies all filled with rich characters, developed plots and memorable storylines. I'm happy to say that my personal collection of his work is steadily growing and I feel enriched because of it. While this book may not give you the same effect reading Moores actual work may, it certainly will help you appreciate the intelligent writer that he has been for so long. 

There's a bibliography towards the end which feels a bit redundant in that the book itself is practically that, a bibliography of his works with some professional stories peppered about. However, it was nice to have a condensed recap of his works with a slightly adjusted story to tell on each of his creations. The book is not many pages. The language is simple and direct. If you are an avid reader you might start and finish this book within the day if not before lunch (depending on your reading level). It's a fun read about a writer who has inspired so many other writers & artists. If you enjoy his works or have a curiousity to learn more about Alan, I'd recommend this book. 

 

Act 167: Masked Blogster Likes Creepy Women

Masked Blogster is joined by Mrs. Blogster, Handsome J, Gloryhoundd, Mandy, Kevin Moyers, Jeff Dolniak and Heather jump on to talk about serial killers, comedians they love, Criminal Minds and other procedurals and Mandy and Gloryhoundd get deep into some board games.

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Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

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Podshort! - DC Rebirth

Masked Blogster, Handsome J and Gloryhoundd get into detail on the new DC Rebirth titles.

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Comic Book Review: X-Men #138 - Marvel Comics (1980)

"Elegy"

Written by Chris Claremont
Pencils by John Byrne
Inks by Terry Austin
Colors by Glynis Wein

Cyclops mourns the loss of Jean Grey as he looks back at the life of the X-Men.

I went back in time with this comic book review.  I had picked up my X-Men: Days of Future Past graphic novel that I received from Comic Bento(review of the entire subscription box can be viewed here).  The book collects Uncanny X-Men  #138-143 and X-Men Annual #4.  I was so pleased with the first book in the series I had to do this blog for it.

It's a sad time for the X-Men as they have lost Jean Grey and we start at her funeral.  Like most funerals, a person tends to think back to the past.  We journey into the mind of Cyclops as we get a look into the early days of the X-Men.  This is what I found incredibly interesting as I thought there was going to be some mild explanation of Cyclops' power and then move forward with an X-Men tale.  What actually happens, is Cyclops goes back to the events that happened in X-Men #1 and then moves forward.  This comic book chronicles the major events of Marvel's mutant heroes from their inception all the way through what was the present day(1980) and the introduction of the newest student of Charles Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters; Kitty Pryde.  Reading this book, a person could see why I make the argument that the X-Men have some of the most brilliant stories in all of comics.  It would be great if more comic books could give a rundown of their history like this, especially if the companies want to restart at #1 but then don't really start over.

Another awesome part of this book: John Byrne.  Byrne's art is beyond incredible in the world of comics and having him draw the scenes that were so iconic through the history of the X-Men was a visual treat.

There's something else that was different about this comic book.  There are so many words to it.  I feel this is really lacking in comic books today.  Each panel has extraordinary artwork and brilliant writing.  While, yes, sometimes I like a quick read, I also truly enjoy getting lost in the wonderment of excellent writing and really feeling what has been written.  Perhaps those books are still being written; I just don't know where they are.

What are your thoughts on X-Men?  Do you enjoy the more wordy and sometimes philosophical comic books?  What are some of your favorite books that you like to go back and read.  Please comment below or find us on social media.

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The Infiltrator - Box Office Review

Drugs, sex, violence and beaches are all pretty common key words when you're discussing the cocaine fueled era of Florida in the 1980's. The volume of cocaine being shipped into America during this decade was unprecedented and it started an entire "war on drugs" led by our (at the time) president Ronald Reagan. So, were Bryan Cranston and John Leguizamo able to make us believe their U.S. custom's agency status? Let's dive in and take a look at "The Infiltrator" in this box office review...

Considering this film was based on real events I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw on screen. It's more procedural than action packed but that's not to suggest this film lacks action scenes. The entire movie is one man's journey to stop a drug kingpin from continuing to build his empire on the Florida coast and in America. That one man is Bryan Cranston. Most people are familiar with his role as a drug king pin in the tv show "Breaking Bad" so to see him on the other side of the coin wasn't much of a stretch. He's a talented actor and that talent is present on screen. He brings a wide range of emotions to this film and it's his performance that rises above the fray. 

The remaining cast was adequate with their performances. It felt like most of them were doing their best to portray terrible people or US Customs agents pretending to be terrible. Leguizamo had one really good scene where he's confronted with a man being shot in the head at point blank range. His face gave me all the believable emotion I could want in that scene.  Also, it's unfortunate Olympia Dukakis didn't have more screen time because her character was enjoyable. She plays Cranston's aunt and her very brief screen time was fantastic. She's an incredible talent though so it wasn't a surprise. Also, who is Benjamin Bratt's agent that he keeps getting cast as a drug dealer or a character within that world? It's almost like studios discover they need a drug lord and call Bratt's agent. He played the same role in "Ride Along 2" which also came out this year! 

Overall, the story is pretty compelling despite how weird the film ends. One could almost believe that Hollywood chose the ending to be dramatic but it was more confusing. I have a difficult time believing people would react in that way to that situation considering how they reacted to previous, and similar, situations. It was an odd choice but if it is revealed that in reality that is what took place I will be just as ok with the film. 

"The Infiltrator" is theaters now! If you enjoy movies based on real events this is a good film to see on the big screen. If true life crime stories aren't your preferred films, you can catch this on Redbox of VOD. It's definitely worth watching but it doesn't necessarily have to be in the theater. There's one weird voodoo scene that didn't make much sense but other than that it's entertaining and it keeps your attention. 

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Secret Life of Pets - Box Office Review

This film had so much positive press and word of mouth before it even released in theaters. I heard children, teens and adults sharing their enthusiasm for this film and it felt like this film was going to perform well in theaters. The voice casting for this film is remarkable and that can only help raise the bar of excitement. So let's dive in and take a look at my thoughts on "Secret Life of Pets" in this box office review...

If I could summarize this film with two words they would be, adorable & humorous. About twenty minutes into this animated movie and I was disappointed that I couldn't be watching this with my dog, Austin the Dog. It's the first time ever I have felt compelled to watch a movie with my dog. I'm fairly certain that means the writers and creative team behind this movie did their job well to make me think about my dog while watching their depictions of animals on screen. The captured essence of the animals was fabulous. When you see this film you'll notice how each animal (dog, cat, bird, snake, gerbil, etc.) all have specific mannerisms particular to their animal. It was fun watching how the smaller animals maneuvered versus the larger ones. How the snake and birds moved around the downtown versus the dogs and cats. 

The cast in this film seem to have a background in comedy. Since there are so many talented actors lending their voices for this film I'll recommend you follow the hyperlink to the IMDB page and see there. If they aren't stand up comedians, they're television actors who were part of successful sitcoms or comedy movie actors, primarily. It's a great cast that all know how to work their voices to create feelings of excitement, curiosity, anger, fear, adoration and more. I find myself laughing along with everyone else in the theater so often. It was such a great moment to share with so many strangers who all just wanted a fun movie to laugh along too.

The story is layered pretty well, considering it's a film about animals. The driving motivations behind each character is unique to that pet and while the movie has several it never felt crowded. Each one stands on their own and adds something fresh to the story and actually feels appropriate and not forced. Wether it's a squirrel who exists simply to torment a dog or a hawk who is trying to befriend smaller pets instead of eating them, it all works.

"Secret Life of Pets" is in theaters now. If you have kids or not, this is a fun film to see in theaters. There's a magic that occurs when you sit in a room with people and share laughter. You'll feel that magic while watching this movie. If you love your pets, you'll also appreciate this film. I walked out of the theaters smiling and felt a warmth in my heart from how good I felt after seeing this film and laughing so much. It's definitely worth a big screen ticket price and could potentially be a fun date movie too if you both still maintain some level of child-like amusement towards the world at large. If not, just go find some kids and treat them to a movie. I'm kidding! Do not kidnap children to see a movie.

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