X-Cutioner's Song

I have been surfing through the 80's and 90's X-Factor comic books on Marvel Unlimited over the last 9-12 months.  I've been on again, off again, but I have stuck with it.  Back in the day, I did not start reading this title until 1992 when my friend Pete and I would go to the local comic shop at college in Charleston, Illinois.  We each bought titles we wanted, but then would go home and read our own books then pass them across the room and read each other's books.  It was a good arrangement for both of us.  We got to double our exposure to stories at half the cost.  

Anyway, I didn't realize the notable X-Men stories that actually happened in the X-Factor book.  Most of the animated series X-Men 97 comes from the pages of X-Factor.  Now that I have caught up to the books I read in college, I am remembering some of the good times my friend and I had discussing the storylines, enjoying the art and "comic style," and arguing over who was the best hero, (who is obviously Spider-man).  I have recently come across a classic X-Men crossover story that shaped my love for my favorite X-Man of all time, Cable.  The story I have come upon again is the X-Cutioner's Song.  

People may disagree with me (hey, that is what literary discussion is all about), but I feel that this is the best 1990's X-Men crossover, hands down.  All the X-teams get involved, there is a murder and the suspect is pretty clear...or is he?  You have classic villains like Mr. Sinister, Apocalypse, Cable (?), the
MLF, and others going against our heroes.  The difficult issue is that the X-Men don't only have villains to contend with, but they are also at odds with one another.  What else is new, right?  Well, to me it was all new, and it was all amazing.  One might say it is an Uncanny story.  

If you don't have Marvel Unlimited and you love Marvel comics, you must raise the money for a year's subscription.  You won't be disappointed!  However, pro tip here.  If you are my age and went to college in the late 80's or earlier, you might want to find a tablet to read these on.  The phone has gotten a wee bit small for me to be able to read for very long.  Just saying!  You want to enjoy this.  

Check out X-Cutioner's Song or for that matter, do what I did and start at the beginning of the X-Factor title in 1986.  This is a comic book that I can't believe I didn't pick up when I was younger.  

My Top 5 Marvel Collect Base Cards

I love opening packs of trading cards.  It makes no difference if they are physical cards that I can hold and flip over or digital cards that I flip on the screen of my device.  The hope of getting something special, an epic card or even a legendary card, is always hiding right behind the package. But the heart of a trading card pack is the base card.  These cards are fun to collect at first, but over time they start to pile up and the value seems to be lost.  However, I believe they all deserve another look because they are the the heart of the set.  

Here are my Top 5 Marvel Collect base cards from the 2024 set.  

5.  War Machine, '24 Base, Series 1 - White - Tier 1- Search Term: 24base

I have a couple of these "in your face" action cards in the Top 5.  This one just kinda catches your eyes.  I like the use of light in this card, quite dramatic. 

4. Old Man Hawkeye, '24 Base, Series 1 - White - Tier 1 Search Term: 24base

The grit and action here really capture the character of Old Man Hawkeye.  You can see the movement, and I'm pretty sure I know what is about to happen.  Somebody's day isn't going to go how they thought it might.  

3. X-23, '24 Base, Series 1 - White - Tier 1 Search Term: 24base

As promised, another "in your face" action card.  X-23 is a super cool character, so I was glad that she got a super cool base card.  Don't blink, she'll get you!  

2.  Spider-Punk, 24 Base - Series 1 - White - Tier 1 Search Term: 24base

Okay, you all know my love for Peter Parker Spider-man, but Spider-Punk has really caught my attention in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.  Spider-Punk is from Earth-138, and let's just say, he's a pretty cool punk.  He definitely has a great look.  

1.  Green Goblin, '24 Base - Series 1 - White Tier 1  Search Term: 24base

He is the only villain on the list, but take a look and you'll see why.  Check out the use of color on this card!  It really pops.  I especially like this card with the Base Tier 6 purple boarder.  It is just a beautiful card with some pretty beautiful awfulness coming Spidey's way.  

Top 5 Comics I Look Forward To Every Month

I did some looking back at my writing recently and I came across a post from September 2020.  Yep, as the world started to explore returning to work, school, and life, I was still reveling in the solitary times of reading comics.  I posted a Top 5 Comics that I look forward to Every Month in 2020, so I took a look at my list these days in 2024 to see how things have changed.  Take a look at the 2020 list here and see how some of my top comic choices have changed over four years.  

My Top 5 Comics I look forward to reading every month:  

5. Annihilation 2099 -  Marvel Comics - I discovered this book on the shelves of my LCS with issue 2 (shown left). I know the Annihilation story of many years ago; I know the 2099 story of even more years ago, so I thought this had potential with my mind just putting two things together.  It was even better than I thought it would be.  These are one-shot stories per issue.  I don't know where it is going (besides several enticing one-shots), but I look forward to who the next issue will feature and what villain will be introduced in 2099.  

4.  The Transformers - Image Comics -  I really enjoyed the 1980's Transformers cartoons, but just couldn't get behind the Transformers movies.  I just couldn't follow the transformations in the movies.  They went too fast, and that is what was cool about the Transformers, watching them transform!  Anyway, I saw that Image Comics released a Transformers line and have connected with other titles (G.I. Joe, and Void Rivals) through the Energon Universe.  I figured I'd give it a try and boy has this been fun!  If you are/were a fan of the Transformers, this book certainly has the feel of the original.  

3.  Conan the Barbarian - Titan Comics - I was visiting with Jim Zub on my podcast Teachers in the Dungeon when Conan the Barbarian came up.  My beef with so many Conan titles in the recent past is that Conan has so much back story and baggage, that I can't tell what the heck is happening.  Who are friends and who are foes?  Then, I came across Zub's Free Comic Book Day issue introducing Conan.  I told him that his writing, while interestingly complex, really simplified the story.  I know that doesn't seem to make much sense, but I could follow what Conan was doing and the story and characters were  clear.  This book is definitely worth picking up if you haven't yet.  

2.  Geiger - Image Comics - My friend Cory was recommending some of his favorite comics to me when he mentioned the book Geiger.  He named it as one of his favorite of the year.  So, I picked it up, and I couldn't agree more.  While still early in the series, it has had its ups and downs story-wise, but overall it is interesting and enjoyable.  It is a dark future and Geiger has become infected with radiation that he can "kind of" control.  But instead of using it for evil, he chooses it to help people.  He is dangerous, but he tries to be careful to not hurt anyone.  This is a worthwhile book to check out.  

 

1.  The Amazing Spider-Man - Marvel Comics - After looking at the 2020 list, it may seem obvious that this would be my choice.  It is no secret that I am a huge Spider-man fan, but this wasn't a no brainer choice as my number one book to look forward too. All of the books above went through my head as possible number ones.  This Spider-Man book has been most excellent for about a year and a half!  The art is phenomenal and the story exceptional.  One of my gripes over the years has been the constant recycling of the same villains, but for some reason, the "old" villains have felt new or maybe more developed in this book.  If you haven't checked  Spidey in a while or you've somehow never been a fan of the web-head, this might be the time to jump on.  Issue 1000 isn't that far away.  Okay, 50 issues away, but still that isn't too far away.  I can't wait to start experiencing the build up to that Amazing Milestone!  

Free Comic Book Day: Top Stories previewed

Free Comic Book Day has come and gone and the large pile of free comic books has been following me around room-to-room as I read them.  Also in that pile are some comics and a graphic novel I purchased at my Local Comic Shop (LCS) that day.  Most of the Free Comic Book Day books are previews to series or storylines that are upcoming, while some offer a side story glimpse of a current run.  This is a look at my post before FCBD where you will find books that I was looking forward to reading.  Interestingly, two of the three books below were on my pre-FCBD list.  

Here are three books that preview some really fun and cool-looking stories: 

"Target: Peter Parker" and "Forgotten Mavels:" 

Target: Peter Parker has Peter and his date attacked by pizza parlor animatronic band animals.  When
Spider-Man shows up, he discovers that the animals are trying to warn him that, "you are his target."  The animatronic animal is shut down by Norman Osborne.  Norman concludes this little preview of things to come by saying on the last panel, "...it looks like we got here just in time."   In the Forgotten Marvels, we have Captain America, Iron Man, and Doctor Doom working together!  They infiltrate an archive of oddities when they are attached by H.A.N.D agents.  In the battle, Cap apparently finds their target, lights a Molotov cocktail, and throws it to a standing burned-out corpse.  When it explodes into flame, the corpse comes to life as the Human Torch.  Say what??  I'm sold.  

Archie Horror Presents The Cursed Library Prelude: 

Jinx Holliday, the daughter of Satan, is telling horror stories from the library in which she sits to a tied-up mummy of some sort.  There are some familiar faces, kind of, like Betty Cooper, Archie Andrews,
Jughead Jones and Veronica Lodge.  It's creepy, but it looks like a ton of fun.  

Conan: Battle of the Black Stone:  

Writer Jim Zub brings his A-game to writing what can be a complex character with tons of history.  This preview introduces the idea of a Conan story to fit into a "universe" with many of, the original creator, Robert E. Howard's other famous characters like Solomon Kane, James Allison, and Dark Agnes.  There is a description of this universe called the Howardverse at the back of the book.  But, the action revolves around Conan battling invaders.  When he topples a massive foe, he discovers a signet stone around the neck of the adversary which rips open memories he had buried deep.  It seems Conan has discovered the Black Stone which will link him to many of Howard's other characters.  Stay tuned and hold on, this seems to be quite a ride.
  

Free Comic Book Day 2024: What to Expect

The annual "holiday" Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday, May 4!  It is that day when we are invited to our Local Comic Shop (LCS) to peruse a sizeable collection of Free Comic Books.  It is a fun day where many LCS's will host fun events and activities to celebrate the day.  Be sure to check with your LCS.  

Before we get to the fun stuff, I just want to remind you to thank your local owner for hosting this fun event and consider making a purchase when you are there to support their efforts.  These LCS owners took a risk on your community to support them, and most LCS's create a positive community of commonality with books, stories, and support.  Be sure to support them!  

Now, what to expect from the 2024 Free Comic Book Day!!  

Let's start with a universe you don't want to miss, Energon Universe.  This is a universe that includes G.I. Joe, the Transformers, and Void Rivals.  The art is excellent but might be rivaled by the writing of these books.  Be warned, if you grab this book on FCBD, you will want to add it to your pull list at your LCS. 

A free Marvel Book by Zeb Wells, yes please.  A free Marvel Ultimate Spiderman book, oh yeah!  A Free Comic Book Day Marvel book with Spidey, Cap, Iron Man, the Goblin, and Doom on the cover, I'm running to my LCS on Saturday to grab this.  It is the return of the Goblin and the debut of a new powerful hero to the Ultimate universe.  

Archie Horrors presents The Cursed Library Prelude.  The Cursed Library returns to FCBD and this year previewing a summer of horror stories.  This is a fun series and if you haven't experienced Archie Horror stories, be sure to pick up this prelude book on FCBD on Saturday.  

Finally, the kids love them, adults love them, and I love them...they are the Investigators.  I said it last year and it is still true today, I have a reluctant reader at home, but the Investigators always get a look and garner some chuckles too.  Join Mango and Brash on their undercover investigation to save the middle school Mascot
.  

This is just a small look at the offerings on Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, May 4.  Be sure to dress in your best Star Wars costume or t-shirt as FCBD is also May the Fourth Be With You Day!  But, you will find familiar titles like Conan the Barbarian, Pokemon, Disney's Encanto, Jonny Quest, Doctor Who, Monster High, and Snoopy

For a full look at the Free Comic Book Day Catalog, check out this link.  

See you at Free Comic Book Day!  

Free Comic Book Day 2022!

Just before the end of 2021, the Free Comic Book Day committee announced that it will return to its traditional "First Saturday in May" date.  In 2022, that date is Saturday, May 7!  I am quite excited about this announcement.  This "holiday" reminds me of how much I enjoy the art and storytelling format of comics as I get to read through new stories or comics that I have never experienced before.  Another reason I enjoy Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is for the family memories that are attached.  

I remember taking my two girls (much younger then) to our local comic book store, Zeek's Comics and Games, on FCBD.  My girls have never had much interest in comic books and that's cool, they are who they are.  But on FCBD they always want to go with me as they seem to really enjoy browsing through the new/free books.  Sometimes I think they enjoy it because the covers look different than the new comic book wall they normally see on a weekly basis.  There are books they don't normally see there such as My Little Pony, Archie, Marvel Rising, Diana Princess of the Amazons, or The Descendants.  

I like stepping back and watching them browse through the books trying to decide which three or four they would like to take home.  I get to watch them discuss the pictures and the art.  These are conversations I don't often witness when they are out and about.  Once they have made their picks, they always want to see what I chose, because they know I won't have my typical stack of Star Wars or Spider-man books.  They know that I cherish this day to take a look at new stuff.  When we reach the car, the ride home is always quiet as they are flipping through the pages of the books they grabbed.  I seriously cherish this, because as they get older, that time together, the time for conversation and stopping to just watch them gets shorter and shorter.  Not long ago, I was helping my youngest daughter straighten up her room and I came across a stash of FCBD books.  I asked her if she wanted me to put them away.  She told me, "no," she likes to look through them every now and then.  Even though my daughters aren't necessarily fans of comic books, I hope other kids get to attend FCBD.  Maybe their mom or dad will find the joy in watching them flip through the pages and choose which books they would like to take.  I hope that the accessibility of the free books triggers a spark in some of the children that makes them ask to return to get more to create that love of the story told through word and art.  

Needless to say, I am excited for the return of Free Comic Book Day.  The FCBD committee announced that there are 46 comic book titles that will highlight the day.  Here are a few of the titles that are sure to bring some excitement to children and adults alike.  Here is the link to the full list:  

How about the 25th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer by BOOM! studios?  Can it be 25 years?  This could be a good conversation starter for kids and their parents who loved Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Also by BOOM! studios is a really cool book called Hollow that is set in...yes..Sleepy Hollow, so I bet you can guess who the antagonist is.  This may end up on my pull list in 2022!

Red Sonja by Dynamite Entertainment

Check out this classic Red Sonja cover!!  It is as stunning as the main character of this book; it is sure to be a hit, so swears Red Sonja!

Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova Yen Press

So many of my students enjoy Chmakova's other books, Awkward, Brave, and Crush, that just seeing the cover of Enemies makes me want to dive into this story.  I have a feeling I know two girls who will walk away with their own copies of the Enemies preview.  

Of course, just like in any year, the big publishers like DC, Marvel, and IGN will have titles on FCBD.  So mark your calendars and be sure to make a trip to your local comic shop in May. 

Want more information and a video with all the scheduled Free Comic Book Day books?  Check out the video: 

Marvel The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Covers by Chris Sprouse

One of my favorite things, when I visit my local comic shop, is finding something I don't expect.  A couple weeks ago, I stopped in to get my pull list and took a look around at what was new.  That is when my eyes fell upon this unexpected comic book with Yoda on the cover!  Upon further exploration, this book is a collection of The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary covers by Chris Sprouse.  Flipping through the book, there is a collection of cover art that follows a chronological order of The Empire Strikes Back.  Wow, this was an easy choice to add to my stack of comics.  What a surprise!  

When I got home, I pulled out this issue from the collection of books I purchased and flipped through the cover images.  I have included a few of my favorite images below in this post.  At the back of the book is an interview with Eisner Award-winning illustrator, Chris Sprouse by Jess Harrold.  The interview covers topics such as how were the drawn moments chosen, who was Sprouse's favorite character to draw, among other subjects.  What really caught my eye is the interview includes a number of original sketches Sprouse used to develop the covers.  I always enjoy seeing the evolution of an artist's works, because for years as a child or even a teen, I thought those artists just drew that final art in one sitting.  It never dreamed to me that there is a process of multiple sketches that lead to the final art that appears on a cover.  If nothing else, it brings much more appreciation to the work that goes into each cover and page of a comic book. 

If you have the opportunity to pick up this issue for yourself, I highly recommend it.  It is well worth the price tag to have a special edition of an award-winning artist's work in a collection.    

"Han and Leia" Star Wars (2020) #6

"The Emperor" Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #5

"The Deal" Star Wars (2020) #10

"Full of Surprises" Star Wars: Darth Vader #10

Free Comic Book Day Marvel update

Marvel recently released their Free Comic Book Day covers.  That's right, Marvel will have two titles available on Free Comic Book Day. Marvel is bringing the muscle on these covers, literally, check them out! One story features the Avengers and the Hulk and on the other The Amazing Spider-man and Venom.  

According to the Free Comic Book Day website, Marvel is bringing top talent for these one-shot stories that comic fans can get for free as Jason Aaron and Chip Zdarsky are crafting these stories.  Marvel Stormbreaker Iban Coello and Greg Smallwood are doing the art for these issues. 

Free Comic Book Day is on August 14 this year, so mark your calendar for these fantastic Marvel books in addition to 48 other titles that will be available.  Check out what I am looking forward in this previous post.  

Let me know what you are looking forward to or share some Free Comic Day memories of events you have attended or FCBD books you have collected in the past.  Leave the comment here or tag me on Twitter  @draftline 

My Favorite New Marvel Comic Title

I like to support my local comic shop, and ask that everyone buy a few print comics to support our local shops and the industry overall.  I am totally loyal to the print copies of The Amazing Spider-Man, Star Wars, Conan the Barbarian,  as well as IDW's Star Wars Adventures and a few special issues here and there.  After that, I consume comics digitally.  I don't have to worry about folding the cover or an issue tearing while sitting in the car.  Digital comics are always with me.  I've talked about Marvel Unlimited in the past, but I mention all that because I am about 3 months late from the print release in finding my favorite new Marvel title, Shang-Chi by Gene Luen Yan

A few years ago I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Gene Luen Yang thanks to a school librarian friend who brought him to her school to speak and sign autographs.  What I discovered is, not only is he a super talented writer and artist, but he is a really gracious and friendly guy.  We had the opportunity to visit about everything from comics, to favorite television shows, his travel adventures and libraries.  One little tidbit that he dropped that didn't come back to my mind until now was that he told me he had a "little" project that he was discussing with Marvel Comics.  Now at that time, it could have been anything, but I like to think that he was referring to this book, Shang-Chi.  What a cool project he has created, and it is my favorite new Marvel title.  

Coming into the comic, I didn't know much about Shang-Chi other than he is a martial artist superhero.  I didn't know anything about the back story, but issue one breaks it all down.  It's an interesting set-up with ancient societies and a really well-known but obscure villain.  After the first two issues, it isn't certain that the villain introduced in the flashback/history part opening will be a major player right away, but it was cool to see it.  Yang delivers with great dialog and history to set the story up.  The pieces of the story come together quickly to let the story move right away.  The art by Dike Ruan is clear, detailed and realistic whereas the flashback art by Philip Tan is gritty and gives a sense of history to the story with darker tones and a faded, blending of lines.  I've been looking forward to the release of this book, but now I look forward to the release of each issue on Marvel Unlimited.  

If you are looking for a newer book to check out, especially with the upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to release this July, this is a great story to experience.  Be sure to pick it up from your local comic shop or subscribe to Marvel Unlimited for this story and a massive amount of digital comics from the Marvel Universe.  

Update 2/17/21:  "Marvel Comics is proud to announce that the incredible team will continue their bold work on the character this May in a new ongoing series. SHANG-CHI #1 will kick off a surprising new journey for Marvel’s greatest fighter as he finds himself on the opposite side of Marvel’s heroes."  https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/shang-chi-2021-new-comic-series

Digital Trading Cards Part 1

 I love trading cards!  I have collected trading cards on an off since the 1970's.  Over the last 5-6 years, though, my trading card fascination has taken a new turn as the Topps Company, who happens to be my favorite trading card company, has moved into digital card trading.  

Star Wars Card Trader was the first digital card trading app to which I was introduced.  I was at the Indiana Comic Con with my friends from Coffee with Kenobi, Dan Zehr and Cory Clubb, when I downloaded it and entered into a new world of card trading.  I will never forget standing in lines at the Indianapolis Convention Center collecting Star Wars cards with Dan and Cory while figuring out all the different aspects of digital card trading.  Since then, I have added Huddle, Bunt, Marvel Collect, Disney Collect and most recently SLAM.  

I plan to write more about digital card trading here on Seeking Positivity in the Galaxy because there are so many positive aspects to card trading.  If you are interested in trading with me in any of the apps mentioned above, I would enjoy swapping some cards for fun and for collecting sake.  Here are my user names:  

Bunt:  BATTLEJUMP

Disney Collect:  BATTLEJUMP

Marvel Collect:  CYCLELIBRARIAN

SLAM: CYCLELIBRARIAN

Star Wars Card Trader:  JEDIGROSS

I am almost always up for a trade of dupes, and you can look at my base card collection to see what cards I tend to "hoard."  Actually, "hoarding" will be the topic of my next post on digital card trading.  What card apps do you actively collect?  What are some of your favorite features of the card apps by Topps?  Leave a comment below.    

 

Top 5 Comics I look forward to reading each month

This is a list that will change frequently, I am sure.  These are the Top 5 comics, both print and digital on Marvel Unlimited, that I look forward to reading each month.  

5. Star Wars (print) - cruising right along I am just enjoying it

4. Aero (Marvel Unlimited) - hanging on to see where this goes

3. Fallen Angel (Marvel Unlimited) - the X-titles are grabbing my attention

2. X-Force (Marvel Unlimited) - I've always enjoyed this title with Cable or without him

1. Amazing Spider-man - the build-up to issue 850 is captivating if not a little dark and scary

Obviously, these are all Marvel titles.  I have always been a Marvel guy, but not because I have anything against DC or any other company.  Marvel just seems to captivate me and always has.  In fact, an honorable mention would be IDW's Star Wars: Clone Wars title.  

What are you reading that has you looking forward to a visit to your Local Comic shop each month?  Leave a comment of your Top 5 or a few of your "can't wait to get your hands on" comic titles.  

Marvel Unlimited Plus Package

So I got home from work the other day to see a small package sitting on my front porch.  I wasn't really expecting anything, so I had that "Oh oh, the Wells Fargo Wagon is-a, coming down the street" moment of excitement.  An unexpected package!
To my delight the package wasn't for my kids or my wife, it was for me!  The box was covered with comic panels and the title "Marvel Unlimited."  I have written about how much I enjoy the Marvel Unlimited e-comics subscription before, but this is definitely a perk of renewing my subscription.  I apparently signed up for the Marvel Unlimited Plus subscription.  I didn't even know I did it, so the cost is either very close to the regular subscription or I unconsciously just clicked and went down that road.  Either way, I am now a plus member and got this cool box.

So, you may be wondering, what comes in this cool box? I will quote from the letter that was found inside with my Marvel Unlimited Plus Member card attached.  "To kick off the new year, we're bringing you all new plus member kit featuring a stunning Marvel Unlimited Plus box redesign.  Inside, you'll find your official membership card, an exclusive Hasbro Marvel Legends Rescue figure not available anywhere else, 3 exclusive variant comics of Invincible Iron Man #1, Captain America: White #1 and Agent Carter: S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary #1 with connecting covers by Paul Renaud, and a collectible set of 2 exclusive S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter pins."
This is a nice package.  As a plus member there are discounts to digital comic store as well as the Marvel comic store.  Here is a Q/A from the Marvel Unlimited Plus webpage that explains everything.
To me the real benefit comes from the massive digital comic catalog that is open to anyone who subscribes to Marvel Unlimited, plus or regular member.  I have been reading the new arc of the Deathlok, the New Warriors, Moon Knight, the original run of Marvel's Star Wars and much more.  I also use the collection as reference to story lines and character/villain connections.

Do you use Marvel Unlimited as your comic source or another digital comic source like Comixology?  Or do you say, no way, paper copies, please?
Comment below and share your experience.

Comics: the Good Old Days

Do you ever come across a comic or title or comic character that takes you down memory lane?  I didn't really start reading and collecting comic books until I was in college.  I know, those are the years where most discretionary money is spent on beer and pizza. A solid portion of the paycheck from my dorm, service job was spent on beer and pizza, I saved a bit to start collecting comics.  One of my best friends (and drinking buddies), Pete,  started this habit of collecting comics at the same time.  So we worked out a deal that I would purchase a certain list of titles and he would purchase a certain list of titles then we would read, swap and read, then give back.  It was a two-for-one deal story-wise.  Every Thursday, we would walk off the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois (yep, home of Jimmy Johns) and head to the local drug store where there was a rack of comics.  It was about a mile from campus, and there were some really snowy and cold days where we would trudge through the weather, but we never missed a Thursday.  Once there, we would pop a few quarters into the X-Men arcade game then rummage through the comic racks.  Month to month, there was pretty decent consistency with titles, so we were able to start putting together chronological stories.  Some months a title might sell out or the store wouldn't get certain issues, but it actually wasn't too bad.  The issue was the variety of titles.  The mainstream titles like Spider-man, Batman, Superman, and the X-Men were there but some of the smaller titles would be hit-and-miss or just not there at all.
Luck came our way when a couple of guys decided to try opening a comic shop in Charleston just a couple blocks from campus! Visits to Midgard Comics fed our addiction for more stories and more books.   Even though their website is woefully outdated today, I was in Charleston a couple months ago and the shop, to my delight, was still open.  I wish I had time to stop in, but I was in a hurry heading home from a board meeting for work.  Anyway, my friend and I would head over on Thursdays after classes to pick up our new books, then walk back to my apartment on 7th Street.  We would spend Thursday evenings eating Mac and Cheese or Domino's Pizza (courtesy of my apartment-mate who worked there), laying on the floor with the TV muted on whatever seasonal sport was on, and reading our books.  It is such a great memory for me because it was more than just the books, the art, and the characters.  It was the discussions and hanging out with friends.  It was debating what the cliffhanger endings were, and what we would see as the next book came out.  It was the agony of waiting 30 days for the answers.  It was all priceless and I long for those conversations today.
We generally read Marvel Comics.  I have always been more of a Marvel fan, but Pete was a huge fan of Batman, so I read some of the Batman titles.  Other than Batman, Pete read the X-Men, X-Factor, Avengers West Coast, and Wonder Man.  I have always enjoyed Spider-Man and reading the Amazing Spider-Man title launched me full-fledged into a fan of the webhead books: Spider-Man, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Web of Spider-Man.  Even though I wasn't a huge fan of the X-titles, I did enjoy Cable and X-Force.  But one day, Pete came in with a completely new comic that blew him away.  I was skeptical, so I didn't read it for a couple months, but then I couldn't resist any longer.  I picked up his new issues of Guardians of the Galaxy.  I fell in love.  Vance Astro, Starhawk, Charlie-27, Martinex, Aleta, Nikki, and the others drew me into this new 31st-century universe.  I loved the connections to the late 20th century with Vance and the introduction to new villians like Taserface and The Stark.  It is the Guardians of the Galaxy that always draws me back down memory lane.  Not the contemporary Guardians with Star-Lord, Rocket, and Groot, though I love them as well.  It is the "old" Guardians that flash my brain back to the 1990's, Charleston, Illinois, and my long-lost friend Pete.
I was at the public library browsing their graphic novel section a couple of weeks ago, and I came across the Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1 compilation by Jim Valentino.  It collects "Guardians #1-7 and Annual #1; and material from Fantastic Four Annual #24, Thor Annual #16 and Silver Surfer Annual #4." (see Guardians cover above).  These are the characters and stories I discovered 20 some years ago.  I highly recommend this story!
Some other old stories and books that take me down memory lane are the Maximum Carnage story that crosses through the Spidey titles and the Operation: Galactic Storm crossover.  These are some awesome stories.

What comics take you back?  What are some of the great stories you remember?  They could be 2 years old or 20 or 40!  What characters lead you to your comic beginnings.  Where were you?  Where were you in life and who were the friends you shared those comics with?  Comment below and enjoy!

The Force Awakens: New and Old Generations

I never thought that in 1983 when I walked out of the theater after watching Return of the Jedi that 32 years later my world would be wrapped up in the Star Wars Universe, again.  Star Wars has been tugging at me over the last several years with the release of the prequel (interesting for the story, but left a little to be desired with acting and CGI animation heavy) films, the Clone Wars animated series (genius), and more recently the Rebels animated series (closing in on the genius of the Clone Wars).  But on Thanksgiving weekend of 2014, my world was turned upside down as The Force Awakens Episode VII teaser was released.  I couldn't believe my eyes that this was a reality.

Off to see The Force Awakens

Fast forward to December 2015.  I re-watched all six episodes, reviewed key Clone Wars episodes and watched episodes IV through VI a second time prior to The Force Awakens weekend.  I have watched every episode of Rebels several times, read all the new Marvel, canon, comics, read Star Wars Tarkin, A New Dawn, and Aftermath.  I attended the Indiana Comic Con to hear Carrie Fisher address the audience and hang on every word for any hint she might give in regards to The Force Awakens.  I attended the midnight opening of the Force Friday toy release.  I even hosted a Star Wars Reads Day event in October at work.  I also have had the pleasure and honor to meet and work with the co-hosts of the internationally known podcast, Coffee with Kenobi, Dan Zehr and Cory Clubb.   I have bathed in Star Wars building up to the December opening weekend of The Force Awakens.  My biggest fear was how could this movie possibly live up to the hype, the mythology, the modern day scrutiny, the hyper-media focused public eye and opinion?  I had massive anxiety as I drove to the theater.
But that is me.  The "old" generation of Star Wars fandom.  The believers of the force.  I grew up with the Millennium Falcon as my visual concept of what an awesome space ship would look like.  I grew up with the nightmare of what it would be to face Darth Vader and the empowering hope that even I, some nobody from a small town, could rise to face the evil in the world.  That there is a force that we can use for good or evil.  I am old-school, but I am not the only Star Wars fan any more.  I have a new generation of Star Wars fan in my own house (thanks to my persistence but I'm not sure if the hype of this film wouldn't have turned her to geekdom even if I hadn't).
My daughter, 8 years old, is the same age as I was when I first watched the rolling text and the Star Wars fanfare open the movie.  The only difference is I had the drum roll and 20th Century Fox logo and she has a Disney logo.  It has been so exciting for me to watch all the movies, Rebels and some of the Clone Wars episodes with her.  The questions she asks me are the same questions my friends and I would ask 30-some years ago: Is Vader really Luke's father?  Will they find Han Solo?  Who is this Jabba the Hutt guy?  Why don't 3-PO and R2 ever get shot when they cross the laser bolts?  Why can't a Stormtrooper ever actually hit someone?  What happened to Obi Wan's body when the lightsaber slashed through the robes?  Didn't Luke kill Vader in the cave?  Wait, what?  She asked them all.
What has been so fantastic is that this, The Force Awakens, is her Star Wars movie.  This time, we will both ask the questions together and we will discover the answers together too.  Rey, Finn, Poe and BB-8 are her heroes while mine are still Han, Leia, Chewie and Luke.  My villain was Vader;  hers is Kylo Ren.  She thinks her villain is so much cooler than mine, but I remind her that her villain worships mine.  Then I watch the eye roll...I am loving this. Like I said in the opening, I never thought 32 years later that I would be experiencing a new Star Wars with the same excitement, but I never thought that I would be sharing it with my own children.  I will share our experience of seeing the film soon in another post, but after seeing the movie, she asked, "How many more movies will there be, because I don't want this to end."  My response was there will be three movies over the next several years,  but how awesome would it be if after those three movies a whole new story started again when she is 45 like me.  After saying that, I saw my daughter look away in to the distance as if she was looking into a twin star sunset with her thoughts on the future, dreaming what that might be like to share this experience with her own children.  A dream for her, but it is my Star Wars reality.
 

Marvel Unlimited - You've got to try it!!

I enjoy going back and reading many of the back issues of the Marvel comics I have collected over the years. Currently, I am rereading the Infinity trilogy with the Infinity Gauntlet, the Infinity War, and now the Infinity Crusade.  I will soon be moving on to the New Warriors and Guardians of the Galaxy.  Often, I have a few holes in my collection with missing issues that would be nice to be able to read to fill in a complete story.  

A couple years ago, I gave the Marvel Unlimited digital comic subscription a try and really liked the availability to read some stories and backgrounds of some of my favorite characters.  I read many of the original Dr. Strange stories that show up in the Strange Tales title which give tons of background of that great character.  I also enjoyed the stories of the Human Torch who actually was the feature of those titles.  

Now that I have moved into the Infinity Crusade, I am reminded of how these massive storylines started doing massive crossovers that we see today.  So I have used the Marvel Unlimited to fill in the many holes I have in my old print copy collection.  There are many issues not available in Unlimited, but there are enough to make it enjoyable to finally get many of the side stories.  

Here is my problem with Marvel Unlimited as I write today.  Somehow, I have gotten into the beta version of the comic reader and I am having a difficult time reading the text.  They have a two-page option viewer, a one-page viewer, and a smart panel viewer.  I really like the options because you can get the "double-truck" pictures that often accompany an opening, closing, or huge battle or explosion.  The single-page view is nice to see all other art juxtaposed on a single page, but neither of these options is especially good for reading.  The smart panel option brings the text closer for reading, but the problem I am having is that it cuts the edge of the page on both sides and I miss any text that is close to the edge of the pages.  I thought I would be able to pull the page around to read, but that is not possible.  

So, I wonder if anyone else has had this experience and has a fix.  Or perhaps a Marvel web surfer will come across this and send me a personal fix or a way to switch off the beta viewer.  I do like the viewer except for this one problem.  I also give the Unlimited subscription a high recommendation.  I look forward weekly to seeing what issues they add. 

Update January 2024: My problem with the app in 2014 has been remedied by 2024.  This app continues to be amazing and they continue to add books to the app with over 10K on the app currently.  

Thanos...Nuff Said

I love Marvel Comics, and I fall into the pit of buying into as many of the major crossovers as I can.  I really enjoy the collaborative efforts of the heroes when things get especially difficult.  Namely when that mad titan Thanos gets an itch.  This summer anyone in the know with Marvel Comics saw the Infinity storyline.  While I was glued to the pages, I pined for some old Thanos stories.  

A couple weeks ago when the weather had just been to cold to do anything but sit around the house, I was browsing the shelves at my local comic shop, Acme Comics.  As if fate led me there, I discovered right on the shelf, one copy of the single edition reprint of Thanos Quest.  The tale of Thanos's acquisition of the Infinity Gems.  I read the story years ago, but I did not have it in my own colleciton; I do now.  I soaked up the ultimate power and cunning of Thanos as he gathered up the Infinity Gems.  Now I have moved on to a re-reading of The Infinity Gauntlet.  What a great story with great characters!  

I had forgotten how much I liked Adam Warlock and what would become his Infinity Watch team.  Warlock uses the Earth's mightiest heroes including the Avengers, Spiderman, Namor, Dr. Strange, a couple mutant heroes, Wolverine, Cyclops and Scarlet Witch and many other as pawns in this galactic myth.  As the team musters at the Avengers mansion, the feelings of massive power give me the feeling that these guys can't be denied.  Then the pages turn to Warlock's meeting with the Silver Surfer, Quasar (another of my favorite characters who has faded from the pages of Marvel's books lately) and his mentor Epoch.  That isn't all though, a double-truck page reveals the true members of this alliance to be the Watcher, Lord Chaos and Master Order, Kronos the Titan God, the Stranger, Love and Hate, two Celestials, Galactus, Eternity, and the Living Tribunal.  These powerful entities next to Earth's mighty heroes makes the heroes seem small and insignificant.  In fact, Warlock tells surfer, "Our Allies' power is less than nothing against Thanos' might.  They stand defeated before the battle has even begun. The true purpose of their attack is merely diversionary.  They are sacrificial lambs."  Earth's heroes enter a massive battle Thanos.  Warlock's plan almost works, but Thanos slips away with a victory. 

The story continues with more heroic team-ups which is what keeps me coming back to these stories with Thanos.  He is not one who can be dealt with individually, but only with power and cunning from teams of heroes.  In my eyes, he is arguably the most awesome villain in the Marvel Universe.