Comics: 30th Jan. 2013

This week, comic book day arrives on pay day and that's a damn fine thing. Here is my haul:

- Hawkeye #7
- Written by Matt Fraction
- Art by Steve Lieber and Jesse Hamm

This issue was written after Hurricane Sandy hit America's east coast and Fraction (a former New Yorker) wanted to acknowledge it in the series. As a result, to try and fit it into the schedule with such late notice, this issue has two artists telling the two intertwining stories separately. Luckily the amazing Matt Hollingsworth is still on hand to do the fantastic job on colouring that he has been doing since the start.

This is one of the books that I'm giddy for every time it comes out, such is the quality of writing. It's probably the most subdued super-hero comic out there but that's the beauty of it. It's all character.

Speaking of character, Fraction is donating all his pay for this issue to The Red Cross, so if you're even just a little curious about #HAWKGUY then go out and buy it with good conscience.

- Avengers #4
- Written by Jonathan Hickman
- Art by Adam Kubert

Once again, Marvel is hitting me up with the two-weeks-in-a-row-for-the-same-series action. Things are winding down after the events of last issue so Hickman is taking this time to introduce us a little to the, now expanded, team.

Hyperion is a character who looks quite retro in style but I'm not really aware of at all so I'm glad this issue revolves around him. I'm getting shades of The Sentry from him which depending on who you ask is either fascinating or god-awful. I can't decide myself which yet but things don't bode well.

This issue also sets the premise that things haven't quite been wrapped up in the neat little bow that I thought it was last week. I'm glad. This will make things much more interesting.

- Mara #2
- Written by Brian Wood
- Art by Ming Doyle

Yeah, I don't only buy Marvel comics, okay?

Mara is a limited series. Only 6 issues in total. So far, that seems like a strange idea to me as it has the kind of premise that could really run.

Mara is a star volleyball champion in a future world that has become obsessed with competition. Unfortunately it becomes apparent, quite publicly, that she has some sort of supernatural power. As you can imagine, things go downhill for her from there.

I gave this series a shot due to previous love of both Brian Wood and Ming Doyle and so far neither have disappointed. I have no idea where the story will go from here and that's about all you can ask when reading anything other than instruction manuals.

My Favourite Things - January 2013

NOTE: This article was originally posted by me on ASiteCalledFRED.com

Well, that's the first month of the year done and dusted. I've been broke as hell, just like everyone else I'm sure. The weather has been brutal. It's been a typical January, pretty much.

Thank god it's over.

1) Light On Their Feet

I love puns... Where was I? Oh yes, the following video was submitted to me by the lovely JJ Hawkins who was super impressed by this dance show with a twist. I have to say I must agree with him as the choreography mixed with the timing of the lights produces something rather cool.

Although you may want to throttle the kid screaming beside the camera before the end.

Sure, why not?

Walking home from the pub Sunday night/Monday morning and came across this gentleman. 

I didn't know they were native to Ireland.

Word-A-Week Vocabulary Vlog #26: Hirsute

You didn't think it would happen. I didn't think it would happen. But yes, Word-A-Week is back!

Season 2 has kicked off and here is your first word. Use it wisely.

Aaron's WWEport - Rumble Reaction

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteOfDOOM.com

This might turn into a bit of a rant so bear with me. Obviously if you haven't seen the Rumble yet don't read an article about it.

Last night saw the most predictable WWE Pay-Per-View in recent memory. This current story-line setting up the "twice in a lifetime" Cena/Rock confrontation at Wrestlemania was sign-posted months ago and the inevitability of it all is tough to take.

Looking at it objectively it's not a bad story. The company boy Cena lost his must-win match to The Rock at Wrestlemania last year and now he has a chance to redeem himself, and for the title no less. But the problem is this story requires the belt to be in the hands of a part-timer and there are some real issues with that for most fans like myself. It all boils down to respect.

Going back to Wrestlemania last year, The Rock's win over Cena was a shock. John Cena was the WWE's star. They placed the company on his shoulders completely and weren't shy about doing so. While The Rock was in a similar position himself ten years ago, he was now a Hollywood actor and would make an appearance in the WWE once every year or two. To the outsider, for the actor to win would be ridiculous. To let the actor beat their star man would make him look weak and bury him as a legitimate top wrestler. But the WWE didn't seem to think that way. So The Rock is still seen as the bigger star or they thought Cena was so over that they couldn't hurt him. Either way it seemed bizarre at the time.



At that very same Pay-Per-View, CM Punk was in the early stages of what would eventually be the longest WWE Title reign in over 25 years. The longest title reign in my lifetime. And his whole reign was about "respect" and how the title was more important than anything else. He brought legitimacy to the belt which was previously being handed around like a parcel at a kids party. He did this, for 434 days, despite being habitually given bad time slots and little air-time. And for the WWE fans who had become disillusioned with the current WWE product, he was a rallying point. He was what the company could be and in many ways what it needs to become if it's to stay alive.



Punk's loss to Rock wasn't a shock like it was with Cena as we could all see it coming, especially the moment that Cena won the Rumble. You could see the cogs moving in Vince McMahon's brain from miles away. But despite it's obviousness it was nevertheless still galling to see the belt being handed to a part-time wrestler. To a man who won't be showing up to house-shows on tour and to a man who won't be wrestling again until the next Pay-Per-View. He'll only defend his belt once until he eventually loses to Cena at Wrestlemania.



At the end of the day, wrestling is a business and this a money driven decision. As far as Vince is concerned this was a no-brainer. But sometimes I think you need to worry about the image you're presenting and the legacy of your business' top prize. The Rumble was predictable but it doesn't mean it was right.

Main Stage Wrestling

Last night I went to my first ever live wrestling event. I've been a big fan of wrestling since I was a kid (as you can tell by my WWEports) but I've only ever watched it on TV or online. So I went to last night's Irish independent wrestling show with some trepidation as I've seen enough to know that these things can be a very hit or miss. A big draw to go, apart from hanging out with good friends, was the appearance of ex-WWE wrestler Scotty Too Hotty and he did not disappoint.

Here are some pictures of him in the ring giving a hard time to local heel manager Gerry Soul. First he ripped off his clip-on tie and then gave him a modified worm. Good times.

There was a brief meet-and-greet afterwards and we got signed photographs. I think we also drove everyone crazy with our cheering of the heels and general heckling from the crowd. We made ghetto "2" sigs with A4 pieces of paper and a pen, and all our voices were gone by the end of it. I'd definitely do it all again.

Comics: 23rd Jan. 2013

It's a quiet week, this week, with only one issue out that I wanted to buy. This is good for two reasons. One, I'm broke. Two, it allows me to catch up on a book I missed out on last week.

Huzzah!


- Invincible Vol. 17: What's Happening (TPB)

- Written by Robert Kirkman

- Art by Ryan Ottley and Cory Walker

Apologies for the tiny, slightly blurry image for this cover, it was literally the only picture of it that I could find.

This volume focuses very little on our hero and is mostly about Rex Robot and Monster Girl, filling in the gaps of their history. It was great to find out what happened to them while they were trapped in another dimension but it also really fills out these characters and just solidifies this book as one of the best superhero comics around.

The reason why Invincible himself is sidelined during this arc is due to an injury he sustained from the Viltrumite virus and... well yeah, anyway, it allows other folks to shine and gives him and Eve some time to talk. That's one of the reasons why this series has been so consistently good from the beginning, along with the gory violence and crazy plots it has an awful lot of heart at its core and is often about relationships more than face-punching.

Sorry, that should be "extreme-face-punching".

- Avengers #3
- Written by Jonathan Hickman
- Art by Jerome Opena

Huh... so that ended abruptly. Obviously I'm not referring to the series but this opening arc felt like it would run a lot longer than three issues but I guess I was wrong. Hickman, once again, keeping me on my toes.

The art is still wonderful (trust me, this cover is no indication of the beauty inside) and the concept is still sound. Cap and Tony declared that the Avengers need to be bigger and mission accomplished, they are now. In fact, a bunch of people showed up in this issue that I've never seen or heard of before! That's a great start.

If the conclusion to this adventure seemed too easy, it's possible that this is the whole point. If they expand, they are better and thus missions are accomplished easier. But this being a comic, I'm sure this new status won't last long...

Comics: 16th Jan. 2013

Lots out this week. So much so that I had to leave the new Invincible trade paperback in the comic book store. It would have doubled the price of my purchases so I thought I'd leave it for a quieter week. When that will happen lord only knows as Marvel is releasing a lot of stuff fortnightly at the moment. I like the faster pace as it means the previous issue is fresh in my mind but it does mean I'm buying a lot at once. But trust me, Invincible, I'm coming for you.

- All New X-Men #6
- Written by Brian Michael Bendis
- Art by David Marquez

This week's issue focuses mainly on young Jean Grey and only a little bit on young Cyclops and young Angel.

I'm glad Jean is getting some attention. I've discussed in podcasts before how she has often been just the object of affection or a sideline character. Or at least, I've never found her interesting enough to think of her as anything more than that. But Bendis is really trying to expose her a little and in this issue we see a lot of responsibility being placed on her shoulders.

What I particularly like about this title is the awkward twist in my gut every time the kids are about to find out their future fate. For example this week Angel finally met his future self and asked why his future wings are steel. He doesn't really get his answer but I still kept thinking "oh, kid, shhhhhhh, you don't want to know".

- Indestructible Hulk #3
- Written by Mark Waid
- Art by Leinil Yu

Mark Waid is the man behind the very successful Daredevil series reinvention. There he has taken the previously very dark series and has turned it around into a more vibrant superhero book. In a way he has done the same here.

Taking a cue from the successful Hulk incarnation in the Avengers movie last year, Waid writes a Bruce Banner trying to reclaim his place as one of the greatest minds in the world. To do so he has to accept that the Hulk is never going away so rather than try to cure himself he asks SHIELD to help him responsibly use up his anger so he can spend the rest of his time inventing and fixing the world's problems. It's a great concept and makes this the best Hulk series I've ever read, even with just 3 issues available.

It's nice to read Banner as more of a scientist than a victim and it's also fun to see Hulk being a weapon that SHIELD and co are excited to be working with.

- New Avengers #2
- Written by Jonathan Hickman
- Art by Steve Epting

As I said previously, Hickman is the best science-fiction writer in comic books today but he's also a design junkie. So in this issue it shouldn't be too surprising that Reed Richards gives a presentation to the group of what danger lays in front of them using a rather nifty slide show presentation.
It's not a very exciting issue as this presentation pretty much devours it but it's such a convoluted idea that needs explaining and possibly reading twice. Sometimes I'd complain about being confused by a high concept plot but in reality if Reed Richards is talking to me about multi-dimensional science theory, I really would be confused as hell and would have to ask questions at the end.

Oh, and if you need to cheat off my results, my answer is: An earth from another dimension is going to crash into ours... I think.

- Saga #9
- Written by Brian K. Vaughan
- Art by Fiona Staples

This book is AMAZEBALLS. Yes, I used that word. I'm down with the kids.

This is a science fiction, fantasy adventure about family and love. It's also one of the best designed space operas I've ever seen. A race of robots with televisions for heads. Spider-lady bounty hunters. Lie detecting talking cats. Ghost babysitters. Giant naked triclopses. It's bat shit insane and I love it.

This week sees us depart from our main characters and follow bounty hunter The Will as he attempts to save a young life. Considering he's supposed to be the bad guy chasing our family down, it's a complicated thing, but that's kind of what this book is all about. Don't judge people until you actually get to know them. Nice message for a space epic. Gene Roddenberry would agree.

Mars Needs Podcasts #195 - Finally

Is this my first podcast of the year? I think this is my first podcast of the year.

Hey everybody, it's my first podcast of the year! JJ Hawkins once again has me as a guest to chat about random stuff. It's always a fun chilled out experience being on his podcast as there is rarely an agenda. We usually forget we're recording and just gab like the friends that we are.

This one features talk of wrestling, comics, and my parents' fear that I'm going to run away with a bearded guy in Portland.

To listen to the episode CLICK HERE or to download directly CLICK HERE.

Tease Me, Baby! - A Good Day to Die Hard

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteOfDOOM.com

I'm really not sure if I'm excited or depressed about there being five Die Hards in existence. On one hand: Bruce Willis is an ageing actor in a movie series of decreasing quality. On the other hand: Die Hard.

Considering the movie is out next month and this is the first time I've seen the trailer (released back in October) it's quite possible that I'm not that only one who is aprehensive about Die Hard 5. It's only a minute and a half long too, which makes it 30 seconds shorter than the average trailer. Either the studio thinks this will sell without any effort or they don't want to put much money into marketing a turd. Oh dear.

However, there is no way to know what it's going to be like without watching the thing so lets take a look, shall we?

Comics: 9th Jan. 2013

This week is a very Fantastic Four kind of week. Comic timing, I guess. I left the store one comic light though as I was told that a reprint of Hawkeye #3 was out this week but couldn't find one anywhere. I have it on order with one shop so hopefully I'll finally get my hands on the issue to complete my set.


- Fantastic Four Vol. 5 (TPB)

- Written by Jonathan Hickman
- Art by Steve Epting

This is it, the last of Hickman's amazing run on Marvel's first family. Before this series I couldn't connect with the Richards family and friends. I don't know how to explain it other than their adventures weren't interesting to me. Hickman however is one of the best science fiction writers in comics and this tale of time-travel and family blew me away.

If anyone want to read his run I would suggest getting your hands on his S.H.I.E.L.D. and FF series too as they all tie in together in different ways.

The pay-off and ending of this book is worth the time with Galactus making a great contribution as always. If anyone had told me that I'd think Franklin Richards was a bad-ass before I started reading I would have laughed in their face but now I'd just high-five them. So yeah, it's that good.

- Fantastic Four #3

- Written by Matt Fraction
- Art by Mark Bagley

And here we are with the follow up series. I love Matt Fraction as a writer but he doesn't work on all types of books. I haven't decided yet if this is one he's on fire with. I don't like the artist, which may be clouding my judgement but so far nothing is making me excited about this series.

Now, a large part of this problem is Fraction having to carry-on after such a defining run like Hickman's. Hickman wrote a world-ending, all-life-as-we-know-it-revolves-around-this-moment sort of story. Whereas Fraction seems to be building a much more personal and family orientated tale. When you compare the two, the drop in pace tends to be a slight let-down but obviously the book couldn't survive at the break-neck speed it was going previously so I'll ride things out for now and see where Matty takes us. (Spoiler: It's in space)

WWEport - Let's Get Ready To Rumble

NOTE: This article was originally posted by me on TheWebsiteOfDOOM.com

Facebook and Twitter has lit up about it. Even as I type this on Wednesday, two days after RAW, CM Punk is trending on Twitter. It would seem to be a failure on my part not to chime in, so why wouldn't I?

For the next three weeks WWE will exist purely to sell Pay Per View bookings. The Royal Rumble takes place on January 27th and their headline match is CM Punk versus The Rock. The promo wars began this past Monday night and it was intriguing to say the least.

CM Punk is one of the best in the business on the mic, Rocky hasn't been on our screens for nearly a year and the last time we saw him he was writing notes on the back of his hand. They come from two very different schools of wrestling, Punk was an indy wrestler for years before catching a break and Rocky was the chosen one long before he ever referred to himself in the third person. Nobody knew what to expect the first time they faced off.

Here is the full 30 minute talk-off (with slightly dodgy audio).



Here are my thoughts:

I've Been Busy

Over the weekend I've managed to edit and upload some videos from Dragon*Con that don't necessarily feature me but after cobbling them together I feel like sharing.

The first is video from the NeedCoffee FunFest 2011 and is the first round of Dysfunctional Family Feud. It's only the first round as some footage seems to have gone missing from after that but it's a great taste of what was essentially an insane asylum on stage.

I briefly appear as a buzzer... Don't ask.



The other video is of Molly Lewis' performance at the Gonzoroo concert from the same year. I actually missed this on the night as I had to be elsewhere so it was great to have a chance to see it again as I pieced it together.

The Drive In Of DOOM! Spider-Man 3

It's finally here! Myself and JJ finish the Spider-Man film trilogy with our recording from Dragon*Con. We explain at the start of the podcast exactly what shape we're in and also our disdain for the movie itself. Neither are good.

There is also our first Drive-In Competition! To find out what is and a how to win you have to listen to the podcast (sorry) but we like it and we think you will too.

To listen to the podcast CLICK HERE or to download directly CLICK HERE.

Weekend Justice: The 2012 Year-End Edition

It's the Weekend Justice clip show spectacular! As is tradition, at the end of every year Widge releases our "out-takes" episode and puts together a podcast filled with all the weird crap that didn't make it into the podcast throughout 2012. And considering how messed up the podcasts we release are... that's a pretty terrifying prospect.

Normally I'd mentioned who appears on the podcast but as it encompasses the whole year it's just "everyone".

To listen CLICK HERE or to download directly CLICK HERE.

Audiophilia: Aaron's Picks of 2012

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on TheWebsiteOfDOOM.com

Unlike Michael, I haven't bought 80 albums this year. I've bought quite a lot, but not that much. And, when looking through the albums I got in 2012, it turns out only 6 of them were actually from 2012. In fact, most of the albums I bought this past year were from 2011. Go figure.

The good news though is that this low number makes my list much easier to compile. Here are the 6 albums I felt passionate enough to part with money for in 2012.

Two Door Cinema Club - Beacon

If you live anywhere in the UK or Ireland you'll know Two Door Cinema Club as "that band who did the song on that advert on TV". The vast majority of their debut album "Tourist History" has been used on adverts or soundtracks of some kind. It was pretty damned popular. It remains to be seen if they can keep this sort of form up. This second album is not quite as catchy but it shows that the idea of guitar based indie pop isn't dead yet. A band to keep an eye on in the future.

 

What Were You Doing New Year's Eve?

I was spending it with this bunch of crazies.

For the past decade or so, I've tried to spend New Year's Eve at a concert. It's less crowded than most pubs or clubs (yes, even considering that picture I took), you have guaranteed good entertainment, and it beats staying at home.

This year I went to a concert with an embarrassing wealth of Irish talent. The line-up featured:
Neil Hannon / Cathy Davey / Lisa Hannigan / Rhob Cunningham / Gavin Glass / Graham Hopkins / Steve Wall / We Cut Corners / The Depravations / Jerry Fish / Mundy / Paddy Casey

And more! Seriously, it was ridiculous.

Click to see my blurry photo in Tyranovision

Here is, if memory serves me right, the first song they did after midnight. Throughout the night they were taking turns on stage but this had them go all LiveAid together at once. Thanks to jenfus for the video.



By the way, I want Jerry Fish to play at my funeral. Not a song playing on CD, I want the guy to play live, drunk, and preferably an old punk rock tune that ends up going for about 15 minutes. Seriously. You had to be there. It was a religious experience.

Comics: 2nd Jan. 2013

Around mid-way through last year I altered my comic purchasing habits. Up until then I would exclusively buy trade paperbacks. I saw single issues as the devil. For a decade, that's how I rolled.

A few series came out that made me break my rules. Spaceman by Brian Azzarello was one of them, The Red Wing by Jonathan Hickman is another. Both were limited runs and I think that's a good way to find out if single issue buying is for you or not because you don't have to commit for very long if it isn't.

The experiment was a success and I wanted to try more, so I did. Luckily, at the end of the year Marvel NOW! launched as a good jumping on point for a number of their books, with me being a massive Marvel fanboy it was a glorious opportunity.

My plan is to give a little short review of each comic I read this year and as this is the first week of the year, lets start shall we?

(You'll note a lot of the same writers will pop up every week. I definitely have my favourites).



- All New X-Men #5
- Written by Brian Michael Bendis
- Art by Stuart Immonen

This was one of those stories that I was skeptical about at first. The premise is a bit "high concept". The original 5 X-Men (Cyclops, Jean, Iceman, Beast, and Angel) are transported in their teens to modern day X-Men universe to confront their future selves. But the more I thought about it, the more fascinating it becomes.

Current continuity paints Cyclops as an extreme figure. A desperate man leading a rebellion to keep his species safe. A far cry from the original character. Having these two collide is a really amazing character study so despite the plot being more like a "What If?" issue it works as an engrossing read.

Bendis is a legendary comics writer and I'm a huge fan. He has his detractors but I've never understood their complaints. He's in fine form here and has paced everything wonderfully so far. We're being teased to a certain extent as the two Cyclopses (?) have only just shared a passing glance really but it only adds to the anticipation as Bendis builds the tension.

Stuart Immonen is, as always, flawless.

My Favourite Things: December 2012

NOTE: This article was originally published by me on ASiteCalledFred.com

Hello 2013! Nice to meet you. But before we get ourselves acquainted, I have a little bit of unfinished business with 2012. Let me share my favourite things from the last month of last year!

1) LEGO Helm's Deep

A production team called Brotherhood Workshop made this rather amazing LEGO animation piece for the Machinima Interactive Film Festival. It's a slightly different take on the Helm's Deep battle sequence as you'll see (Legolas goes on a quest to find a box for Gimli) but definitely worth your time. Twice.