Spider-man and Wolverine: two characters I loved as a kid. I even remember owning a comic in which they encountered one another – the memory of which caused to pick up this book. It turned out to have value far beyond nostalgia, however. More After the Jump
This week, I’m going to start things off by “pulling back the curtain,” if only just for a moment. The whole idea behind the From the Vault series is to highlight older, oft-forgotten cinema gems that have, in one way or another, a connection to the realm of comic books. Honestly, this piece is supposed to be mainly about older flicks. But one can’t live on “Golden Oldies” alone, so this weekend I ventured out into the world and caught a showing of Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man II. Is it another instant classic, or does it suffer from Sequel-itus? Let’s find out!
After the events of their personal appearance, Matthew and Stephen have many questions, but there are not many answers.
Or – “Enid Strict Might Suggest A Third Option. Could it beeeee… SATAN!?”
The bigwigs of the two largest comic companies have recently been on record with differing opinions regarding the concept known as “event fatigue.” DC’s Dan Didio believes that “event fatigue” is an excuse used to explain when your event comic (giant miniseries, resurrection, wedding, death, what-have-you) simply doesn’t work, whereas Marvel’s Joe Quesada says that event fatigue is not only a reality, but it affects the creators and editors as well as those of us in the Wednesday trenches. As their respective universes embark upon twin destinies, (a superlatively bright day and an age that might be characterized by noble action) we have to ask: What’s wrong with just plain old comics?
Donovan’s past is finally revealed as he faces off against Bishamon in a battle to the death. Meanwhile, Pyron the destroyer of planets arrives on Earth just as Demitri regains his full power. All of this plus the introduction of a new Darkstalker character!
Imagine you just found out that your father is a Superhero. THE Superhero. Now imagine that his doctor has just diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s. How do you take care of a superhero who can’t remember who you are?
Looking back on my childhood, I’ve found that my family went through a number of… I guess they’d be called “trends,” where one or more of us would get enthralled by a certain activity for a while, and then, quickly as it came, the interest would fade. Around the late 1990′s, we were really into renting movies and music from our local library. We would literally stop in two or three times a week, picking up a handful of classic films and older music each trip. And the one thing I vividly remember is every time we made our way to the Audio/Video section, I’d always want to rent Steel. I also remember every time being told, “No Sam, we’re not getting that one. It’s really bad.” It blew me away. How could a movie be so bad, it wasn’t worth the dollar to rent it?
Thirteen years later, I finally got the chance to watch Steel. And you know what? I think my folks were right.
About once a week, I receive a request in the Major Spoilers Mailbox asking to spill the secrets of the Major Spoilers Podcast and Critical Hit: A Major Spoilers Dungeons and Dragons Podcast. The great thing about podcasts is the cost of entry is really low, but you might want to run through this Top Ten list before deciding to jump on the podcasting wagon.
Well, another Free Comic Book Day has come and past, and what better way to celebrate the festivities than a write-up of the day, complete with pictures!
This year (much like every year), I spent a considerable portion of the day at my LCS of choice – Hobby Central in Delaware, Ohio. Throughout my time at the shop, I was amazed at the number of families strolling in, perusing the many isles of comics, games, toys, and model sets. When asked about Free Comic Book Day, owner Jamie Long had this to say:
“We’re doing alright. We didn’t do a whole lot of advertising this year. Other shops in the area had taken out radio ads for the day, and had many special guests and games set up for the customers. We may not have had the writer for Buffy the Vampire Slayer or one of those inflatable jumping pits, but we’re doing pretty good.
“I really enjoy FCBD. I think it’s a good way to bring kids into the store and get them interested in comics and games. If I had one complaint [about the event in years past], it would have to be the number of “not kid-friendly” titles offered. This day should be all about bringing in young people to experience comics.”
Jacob Fathbruckner, another employee of Hobby Central, had a similar response:
“It’s nice to see the kids come in and get comics, and be genuinely happy about it. I mean, FCBD shouldn’t be targeted to the 40-year-olds who can buy the comics (and probably have, seeing as most comics were reprints this year) by themselves. FCBD should be about marketing comics to younger readers. I was especially impressed with the G.I. Joe issue released today, because it picks up where the original Marvel series left off in 1994.”
Hobby Central has been in business since September 1992, but has been dealing with comic books since the summer of 1996. “We’ve never been just a comic book store,” Long responded. “Nowadays, diversity is key.” When asked if he had anything else to add, Fathbruckner replied, “More people need to try Project Superpowers. It’s an excellent book that nobody here reads. And I should know… I take care of the pull lists.”
So if you find yourself in the Mid-Ohio area and need a good place to find models, games, train sets, and of course comics, stop by Hobby Central, 28 Troy Road Shopping Ctr. Delaware, right across from Grady Memorial Hospital. And tell ‘em Sam sent you… it probably won’t get you anywhere, but it’s worth a shot.
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Or – “You Always Hurt The Ones You Love…”
There is a common misconception amongst those who listen to the podcast that Rodrigo is the only one who really knows the X-Men. There are a number of stories (Morrison’s New X-Men, Days of Future Past, the 1991 relaunch, the original appearance of Juggernaut, the Mimic/Super-Adaptoid battle) that are among my favorites, and I’m passing familiar with the team in all it’s iterations (otherwise I wouldn’t be able to manage my back issue bins at work.) There are even X-Men stories that I think are absolutely amazing, and beyond reproach awesome. This is one of them…
Major Spoilers’ very own Brian had the opportunity to talk to artist Khoi Pham about his experience at this year’s Free Comic Book Day event held at the Comics and More store, and also had a chance to speak with the store’s general manager about the titles that were available this year and his thoughts on what many fans consider to be a “holiday.”
The Major Spoilers Crew meets their adoring public, and Rodrigo makes a new friend in Major Spoilers Adventures #41: A Personal Appearance.
