Issue fives and my thoughts!

January 19th, 2012 by Bee
Posted in Musings, News, Review

Hi guys!

It’s been a while since I last posted anything, and I apologize for that, but I have caught up on a couple of titles and I’m here to tell you all about them!

First off, I’ve caught up on Batman. The first thing I have to say about this weeks issue (#5) is that it’s kind of trippy, but in the best way way possible. Not giving anything away, but the page layouts are some of the coolest that I’ve seen in comics. Although at first the layout confused me a little, once I realized what it was doing, it really put me into Batman’s mind frame at that moment in time. For those of you that have been following, you’re all fully aware of how Batman’s absence is effecting Gotham, but its something relatively new to see him so vulnerable. I’ve always seen Batman as this tough, nothing-can-get-to-me, character, so seeing him so childlike in his bewilderment is very off in my books. I know a large part of this is because I’m looking at him stumble around, “not listening”, but in my mind I have Christian Bales voice for everything he says, but it still just doesn’t feel right. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, despite how tempting it is, but I can say that I’m looking forward to having my tough Batman back.

Next up on my list of titles that I’ve caught up on this week is Supergirl. Now you all know that I like Supergirl for a list of reasons, from her being a young woman like myself, to her slightly angsty, independent attitude. The best thing about this weeks issue has to be her stubbornness, I’m not sure what’s so appealing about it, but I love it. I love that she’s determined enough to follow through to wherever the sunstone is leading her, even though we all know it wont be good news. Although I’m finding the story a little slow in patches, I find that Kara’s character makes up for it entirely. We all know that sweet girl who thinks she’s totally independent and can handle all her stuff, but when we see her upset, it’s a little like watching a friend cry. You just feel for them. As for Reign, who we really meet in this issue, I don’t like her. I’m not saying I don’t like her because she isn’t cute and blonde, but because you know she has no good intentions at all. The worst part is that she’s not sure why she’s so mean either. As always, I’m going to keep following and see if the story speeds up enough for my liking.

As always, I am in love with Wonder Woman. I can’t help it. The thing I’m really loving about the new 52 Wonder Woman is how not tacky she is. Tacky can be good in some situations, don’t get me wrong, but I love how Diana is just a down to earth, responsible, very pretty, woman…Amazon…both. The other fantastic thing about this series is the interaction with the Gods, I absolutely love that they’re not all perfect human like creatures. Wonder Woman is simply satisfying all my needs as a comic book reader, it has a fantastic story that it’s following, the art work is amazing – I especially like all the different angles that are used for some panels, its light enough to understand everything on the first read, but written in a way that leaves you waiting for more. I have to say it, by far my favorite title right now. You really all ought to read it, its worth it.

I shall leave you with that for the time being, I shall make a point of posting more often, and I shall let you know all my thoughts on the latest comics!
Much love, and feel free to come by the shop – I can help you find whatever you’d like!

Bee

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Off the beaten path

January 19th, 2012 by Jean-Sebastien
Posted in Recommendations, Writing on The Wall

Howdy,

So lets talk about something any 80’s child must  pick up this week.

The book I want to talk about, is a couple of weeks old. I’ve been tweeting and posting about it on-line for some time now. It’s a Jim Henson Classic brought from the silver screen to book format.  I’m talking about Volume 1 of The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths published by Archaia.

Before you guys say “Hey! I’ve seen the movie already!” I need to tell you, this is a brand new story line that ties into the movie mythology. Artist  Brian Froud participated in the creation of this amazing book bringing back the super nostalgia. For those who don’t know him, he was the artist who inspired both 80’s Classics Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal.

So what’s the story about?  Well, it’s a prequel to the cult classic movie and it focuses on the weird and pretty cool character of Aughra, if you’ve seen the movie, she’s the witch type character that talks and acts a bit like Yoda. As you will find out by reading this book, Aughra was a very important persona for the  history of Thra.

If you are a fan of Jim Henson, this book is a must and to add to the good news, there will be two other volumes in the near future who will focus on other “Historic” figures of the Dark Crystal Universe.

Dark Crystal Creation Myths

I’m Js, signing off from the 4th Wall EAST.

Cheers and enjoy the book ;)


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Mystery Solved Gang!

January 4th, 2012 by Marc
Posted in Comics 101, Events, News, Writing on The Wall

Comics fans, a mystery has plagued our industry since September of 2011. A mystery so earth-shattering, so mind bending, that comic fans…briefly shrugged and continued on their merry way?

With the debut of the new 52, a character started to appear. She was in every single first issue of the new 52. In fact, she existed prior to these appearances at the end of Flashpoint, explaining to The Flash what was going on around him exactly (e.g the merging of Vertigo, Wildstorm and DC Comics). The appearance and possible explanations behind this woman can be found all over the internet. Sites like Comics Alliance, Comic Book Resources, and Bleeding Cool have supplied their theories. It was even covered by The Gutters (by none other than Ryan Sohmer and by our very own loveable Jeff Moss!).

So you’re probably asking yourself why I’m discussing this at all. Hell, she hasn’t been seen since the #1 issues of the new 52 and presumably everyone forgot. Why are you so behind on news Marc?!?!

Firstly, please stop shouting. It makes me feel uncomfortable. Secondly, the reason I’ve brought her up again, my verbally abusive reader, is because she now has a name.

And that’s all DC wants to say for now. There’s two things I could say about this. The first being “Way to be slow on that one guys”. I’m sure many of you, much like my pretend angry reader, think that this is pointless and kind of slow on DC’s part. I mean, no one cared once we hit month #2 of the new 52.

The second thing I could say is, I care! There are two reasons I care and they are admittedly kind of dumb reasons but I’m sticking by them! Reason #1 is the same reason anyone else cared initially: I’m a huge nerd. We all like when there’s a little challenge or something that only we can catch. There’s a thrill to the Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? aspect of looking for the “woman in pink”. Reason #2 is that I really like a mystery no matter how small. I’m like Batman in that way. (I’ll get Batman put on my name tag, just you wait!). The whole not knowing who she is, theorizing about her identity and role in the overall DC Universe is like piecing a giant puzzle. It’s exciting, to a degree.

So, what lies in the future of the DCU with this Pandora character? Some say it’s going to be the lead into the first big crossover event. Some even believe it might have just been DC’s fail-safe, a way to bring back the old continuity if the New 52 happened to fail (which it clearly didn’t). All this to say, who knows what this means. Apparently DC does and they aren’t telling! I guess we’ll just have to wait and see for more information right from the source.

Later guys!

EDIT: Nostradamnit, I can tell the future! Obscure reference to SmodCast aside, it looks like our good friends over at the Gutters posted another comic on this very topic, not long after I wrote this very blog post! You can find that here! So if you’ve read my take and you’re curious on what Moss or Sohmer have to say on the subject, head on over there!

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New Year, Same Good Ol’ Shop!

January 2nd, 2012 by Marc
Posted in Events, New Arrivals, News, Notes, Writing on The Wall

Hey comic fans!

I trust you all had a pleasant holiday season? Well now that we’ve all broken our New Years’ Resolutions on the first day (Damn you Double Pizza! The aroma of your meat lover’s pizza was too much to overcome!) and had a great time to relax and enjoy ourselves, let’s talk about what’s coming up in this brand new year!

Now “End of the World” aside, it’s going to be an exciting year in the world of comics. Marvel’s biggest event of the new year will be Avengers vs. X-Men! Something is going to pit these two mega-teams against each other and it’s going to take over the Marvel universe  in a 12-issue monthly series! No one’s really sure what will cause the event but there are some theories based on Marvel Teasers. It’s going to have something to do with Avengers X-Sanction for sure, as well as involvement by Scarlett Witch and Hope, the mutant messiah. And of course, the Phoenix (anyone who’s read Uncanny X-Men #3 knows what I’m talking about!). What’s got me interested in this book is the incredible team of writers! Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman, and Ed Brubaker. Not to mention the artists, Adam Kubert, Olivier Coipel and the always great John Romita Jr. This is Marvel’s best of the best on this book so it’s sure to be exciting so look for this here in April when it starts!

As always, DC’s new 52 is continuing this year, with promises of much more interconnected story lines as well as something for the more patient of us. While I have made a significant shift from collecting graphic novels to collecting single issues because of the new 52, not everyone has gone for this route. Well good news! The first batch of hardcover graphic novels from the new 52 will be arriving this year! Starting in May, DC New 52 hardcovers will be released covering the initial story lines of the reboot. This is great for those of us who missed the first couple of issues and decided to wait for them to be collected in a sturdier form!

Obviously this new year means a bunch of new comic releases and exciting events. As always, both of the shops will be here to help you get the books you want and venture into the waters of the new year with a smile on your face rather than a scowl of confusion! Happy New Years to all of you from all of us at the 4th Wall and may 2012 treat you well!

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Hi there everyone!

December 24th, 2011 by Bee
Posted in Uncategorized

Today my lovelies is Christmas eve, and we all know what that means: last minute Christmas shopping. Now, even though last minute Christmas shopping is a concept that I’ve never been able to get my head around – why WILLINGLY go into a shop thats so packed with people that you can feel their breathing on the back of your neck is beyond me, but I’m more than happy to say that its a very different situation here at the 4th Wall.

No giant crowds, no 3 hour waits in line, and friendly service. Why wouldn’t you want to get your gifts here? We have something for everyone, from kids books to Crossed 3D. And I’d be happy to help you (as would Marc over on Queen Mary).

Now that we’ve cleared up that this is a much better place to shop than crowded malls, I do believe that we should move onto the fact that we shall be open, at both locations, on boxing day.  And I look forward to seeing you!

All my love, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, or anything else that y’all are celebrating. Much love, make sure to over-eat, dont drink and drive, squabble with your family, and have a lovely time

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Twas the night before Christmas

December 24th, 2011 by Marc
Posted in Events, Musings, News, Notes, Writing on The Wall

Well comics fans, it’s Christmas Eve. The day is upon us!

I’d like to take a moment from the jokes and the carefully crafted posts that make me look wittier than I actually am, to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays! It’s time for giving and celebrating what we have, and those around us who make our lives fuller and worth living. Make sure to spend some time with your loved ones, watch some holiday specials, drink some eggnog and enjoy the festivities. It only comes around once a year, and it goes by in a blink, so make the the best of it while you can. I for one can’t wait to get home and watch Muppet Family Christmas, open up some gifts, and enjoy the company of those around me.

Once again, from all of us here at The 4th Wall, Happy Holidays and have a safe and wonderful Christmas!

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I’ve seen more people loaded into ambulances at the Mall this week than I have my whole life.

December 21st, 2011 by Marc
Posted in Comics 101, Musings, Notes, Recommendations, Writing on The Wall

Hey comic fans!

Before my wonderful christmas eve post, I’d like to give you some useful information for next year’s Christmas season. After all, the day is almost upon us and I’m sure, last minute shopping aside, we’ve all already gotten our presents bought and wrapped. But I’m going to let you in on some secrets on how to make the holiday season a little easier for yourself this time next year.

#1: Make/Request a list

It has always been the tradition in my household to make a list for my parents. I’ve always done things this way because let’s face it, as a pop culture nerd and comic book lover, I’ve always had very specific things to ask for (nothing perverse, I swear). But as I’ve learnt this year, not everyone does this! Some people spit in the face of efficiency and let caution fly as they tell their family and friends to “be creative” or “get something nice”. While I get the novelty of receiving things that people had to really consider, it’s so incredibly frustrating to get you a great gift. Anyways, for those of us who enjoy receiving graphic novels, toys or any sort of very specific gift, I would definitely recommend making a list. It’s a great way to tell people exactly what you want and that way their shopping experience becomes a dozen time easier. Parents, the same goes for you. Ask for a list or at the very least a starting point. Everyone’s lives will be so much easier and Christmas won’t feel like a big ol’ guessing game.

#2 Take Inventory

One of the most common phrases uttered in the shop is “My son/daughter/friend/lover likes Batman/Superman/Spiderman/Walking Dead but I’m not sure what he/she/they/mi amore has already”. Well, my second tip is to go and find out. Be sneaky, be upfront, just find out what they might have. Pretend you want to borrow some books and go rifle through their shelves! It avoids an embarrassing moment when the recipient has it already and they give you that awkward forced smile as they say “thank you” and you can just tell they’re gonna ask for a gift receipt later on in the evening.

#3 Measure your time

A common issue that I’m sure occurs around the world is last minute shopping. I’m sure people have reasons for waiting that long to go out and buy gifts (I honestly can’t think of any but nobody could hate themselves that much to go through that experience without good reason right?). My advice is to get all your shopping done as quickly as possible. The likelihood of whatever item your looking for being in stock increases greatly and if you need a book ordered (because we do that for you! It’s true!), we can order it in time for the holidays. Plus, you’ll be able to sit home, relax and enjoy the holidays on the 23rd and 24th instead of hectically wrapping those mittens you fought a pregnant lady for at Sears the day before.

#4 When it doubt, gift certificate!

Look, I know some people have strong opinions when it comes to gift cards or gift certificates. Some people believe that it’s like telling a person to go do their own christmas shopping. But if we’re going to be honest, there is not one person on this Earth who would turn down a gift card to anywhere for anything on the basis that the giver “didn’t think hard enough”. A gift certificate is one of the most miraculous inventions ever. The recipient gets to pay nothing for something essentially. So hey, you know your friend likes comics but you know literally nothing about comics, buy a gift certificate (by golly, we do those too!). They’ll thank you for it because now they can afford that book they’ve been eyeing and your Christmas shopping workload is cut in half.

Alright comic fans! Here’s hoping your holiday shopping is done and you can enjoy the real joys of the season! The family, the friends and the comics! You’ll be hearing from me again on Christmas Eve. It’s only 3 days away!

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Come on, Batman, it’s Christmas eve. Let’s kick back and enjoy the spirit.

December 17th, 2011 by Marc
Posted in Comics 101, Musings, Recommendations, Writing on The Wall

Hey guys!

Look I know I was gonna talk about the war of the X-Men titles (Uncanny vs. Wolverine and the X-Men) but I have to own up to something. I lied. Now, assuming I haven’t forever destroyed our trust, let’s talk Christmas! As I mentioned in my first post (let’s face it you didn’t read it but let’s pretend like you did, that’s what I do! *sob*), I have been a major Batman fan since my wee days. One tradition I loved to have as a kid was watching christmas specials. Of course there were the standard films such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, anything involving Bing Crosby (did he do anything not involving Christmas?) and of course the Muppets Christmas Special (if this isn’t a regular in your holidays, you didn’t experience childhood right). But there’s one holiday special above all that I love: Christmas with the Joker.

‘Christmas with the Joker” is an episode of the much loved Batman:The Animated Series, and it is just one of the best things to watch on the holidays. The basic premise is exactly what you would think it is: Joker escapes Arkham on Christmas Eve and starts wreaking havoc. I won’t tell you exactly what happens in the episode but if you want an idea of how weird and awesome it is, Joker escapes Arkham on a Christmas tree rocket. Yeah, you read that right. It’s one of the weirder episodes to be sure but it just has that great feel that The Animated Series always had with a great holiday twist.

If you’re interested in another Bat-holiday special, there’s Batman: Noel. The creative mind behind this, Lee Bermejo, was responsible for the great art of Joker and Luthor. It’s a spin on a classic Christmas tale, A Christmas Carol. I have yet to read this book, but it’s got me excited. The art looks amazing and Batman always lends himself to the very grim tale by Charles Dickens, (they did it before but with Halloween in Haunted Knight).

Well that’s it from me, expect a post on Christmas Eve, maybe an editorial on whether or not Santa Claus should be the star of X-Sanction instead of Cable? I meant that as a joke, but that just sound brilliant!

Happy Holidays comic fans!

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Thought Bubbles?

December 14th, 2011 by Bee
Posted in New Arrivals

Hi guys!

I know it’s been a while since I posted anything, but I’m back now to tell you all about my latest discovery in the world in which we live.

If you’re anything like me, part of a fantastic comic is the art work. Sure, the characters and story and all that count too, but if the art is really shoddy it makes it less enjoyable. This leads me to my discovery, and its called Thought Bubble. It’s not just one story, but rather a collection of various different comics from the Leeds Comic Art Festival. In my opinion, the two best things about this book are that it folds out to newspaper size, so bigger pages – bigger pictures, and secondly, that the art work varies so much within the book that you get a little taste of everything.

In other news, I’m still really really enjoying Swamp Thing, and I feel like I should read Animal Man for the crossover between them. Although I was skeptical after reading issue one, I think they’re doing a fantastic job with this whole bringing him back thing. I still have a lot of 52 to catch up on, I fell behind during finals, but rest assured that I will do so in due time. Oh! And if you’re interested, there’s a book of all the issues ones. Its hard cover, and pretty, and came out this week for you to enjoy!

All my love,

Bee

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Indie Comic Corner: Dry Spell

December 10th, 2011 by Justin
Posted in Recommendations, Review

I’m admittedly a mainstream comic-book fan. I’ve never been too much into independent works, sticking mostly to the big names. Hey, it’s what works, right? While indie comics are good at doing their own thing, every now and then one comes along that is such a gem that it would be a shame to have it go by unnoticed. Some need help being brought into the spotlight.

With that I bring you Dry Spell, written and illustrated by Ken Krekeler. Focused on seemingly mild-mannered office worker Tom Ferris, the novel deals with a world where there are very few super-heroes/villains, and the only big name supe is Apollo (of Superman equivalent ability whom Tom despises). Once a co-worker figures out that Tom has a secret concerning his past relations with the super-powered everything begins to unravel. Tom is revealed to be the Black Baron, the big bad super-villain everyone had thought dead but who now is under a new identity while living among the normal population. I won’t ruin anything with more detail, suffice to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found myself racing through the pages to find out what happens next.

If you’re reading this blog I’ll assume you’ve seen the Pixar film The Incredibles (if not, then do so right now) because that’s the vibe I got from Dry Spell, but from a villain’s perspective.

Unlike the majority of comics these days, Krekeler uses real-life models as reference for his characters, which admittedly turned me off initially. While anyone can trace a picture and put it in a comic book, his effectiveness at handling these characters and his use of color to bring out the overall mood of a page won me over in the end. The real-life models bring the reader that much closer to accepting that this is taking place in a real world, sure to keep you involved from the moment you turn that first page.

So come take a look at Dry Spell and some of our other lesser known titles here at the 4th Wall. You may just find that perfect Christmas gift for the comic book aficionado in your life.

Do you have any non-mainstream/indie titles that you’ve read and would like others to know about? Sound off and share them in the comments below!

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