Blankets
Craig Thompson (writer/illustrator)
Top Shelf Productions (publisher)

I must start by stating: I do not enjoy autobiographical comics. I think that it is a fine thing that comics can be used as a medium for one to explore her own life or as a means of reaching out to the readers with the message that no one is alone in their experiences. I have read numerous autobiographies and been moved by the experience (check out Lost Names by Richard E. Kim). However, I've have always been drawn to comics for their broader, more fantastic backdrop.

But when I noticed Craig Thompson's name on several award nominations lists for his work on Blankets, I was intrigued enough to give it a chance. It proved to be one the best decisions I've made concerning the medium. ..(Continued)


Let me not keep my adoring public waiting. Super 204 was gooooood. Jim Lee's and Brian Azzarello's inaugural story to their run on big blue was serious, realistic, grown up and gripping. Azzarello's dialogue is smart and intricately woven. This is how comics should be written. From the ballet-like verbal interplay between the priestly supporting character and his ex-love interest to the ever so cautious meeting later between the same self doubting clergyman and a heart heavy Supes, Azzarello makes you forget you're readnig a comic. Lee's artistic renderings shine but not quite as brightly as Azzarello's. When I say brightly, I don't mean it literally. The story's tone calls for dark and brooding with cascading beam of sunlight in the catherdral which the... (CONTINUED)

Movies

Dedicated to those comics which have made it to film recently to be released. Updates as they are released, new reviews, and ratings. Check back often for all the latest updates on your to-see list of movies. Updates

The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: Marvel's first family of Superheroes, The Fantastic Four, meets their greatest challenge yet in FANTASTIC FOUR: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER as the enigmatic, intergalactic herald, The Silver Surfer, comes to Earth to prepare it for destruction. As the Silver Surfer races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery of the Silver Surfer and confront the surprising return of their mortal enemy, Dr. Doom, before all hope is lost. Starring: Michael Chiklis, Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd and Chris Evans. Due to be released June 15th, 2007. Official Website

Transformers: The Earth is caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between two races of robots, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, which are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes and other technological creations. Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Travis Van Winkle, Josh Duhamel, Jon Voight and Megan Fox. Due to be released July 4th, 2007. Official Website

Spider-Man 3: Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well, bringing out the dark, vengeful side of his personality that he is struggling to control. Forced to choose between the suit and and the hero he used to be, Peter must overcome his personal demons as two villains, Sandman and Venom, gather great power and a thirst for retribution to threaten Peter and everyone he loves. Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell and Rosemary Harris. Due to be released May 4th, 2007. Official Website

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Blankets


Okay, let's ignore the hype for a second. This first issue of Azzarello and Lee's story arc on Superman has me intrigued. The writing style is not typical for Superman, which seems to be a good thing already. The story is being revealed through strong dialogue rather than splashy fight scenes, much like you would expect from Brian Michael Bendis. The opening scene, a tense sad conversation in a church between a priest and a female cop quickly establish a sense of great tragic loss, that something has gone horribly wrong in Metropolis, but without any details. As soon as the cop leaves, Superman makes a dramatic entrance like some god coming down from Mt. Olympus, and just from the priest's reaction, Azzarello establishes a sense that the world now fears, rather than... (To be Continued)


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