The Bum’s Rush #88

WARNING! None of the news or rumors you see here in The Bum’s Rush should be considered FACT until it actually happens. It might never happen. How do you know I’m not just making all this crap up? I could, you know. You’ve been warned!


Let’s see… last week I blamed procrastination and pressure for turning in
The Best In Comics 2006 – Part One late. This week I think I’ll go ahead and lay it on the holidays. Stupid holidays… I woulda finished my column on time if it weren’t for you!

Okay, truthfully? I am the worst procrastinator in the world. And it’s getting worse all the time. My New Years resolution is going to be directly related to that whole procrastination thing. If I ever actually, you know, get around to making a New Years resolution.


The Best In Comics 2006 – Part Two

Last week I revealed unto you my Favorite Writer (Brian K. Vaughan), Favorite Artist (Stuart Immonen) and Favorite Mini-Series (Batman Year 100) of the year two thousand and six. For my next trick, it’s my Favorite Graphic Novel, Favorite Single Issue, Favorite New Series and Favorite Continuing Series of the year!

So sit back, relax, grab a bottle of your favorite alcoholic beverage and enjoy… THE LAST BUM’S RUSH OF 2006!


Favorite Graphic Novel of 2006 – The Five Fists of Science

If you want to read a graphic novel that has everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, you could possibly want to read in a comic book you need look no further than Matt Fraction and Steven Sanders’ graphic novel,
The Five Fists of Science. In the book Nikolai Tesla and Mark Twain team-up to save humanity from themselves and rid the world of war once and for all. Along the way they run into the most formidable of foes, a satanic cult made up of Thomas Edison, J.P. Morgan, Guglielmo Marconi and Andrew Carnegie. Fans of books like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Tales from the Bully Pulpit are bound to love this explosive tale of historical fiction. Hell, fans of all things cool and amazing will love this book! Fraction’s amazing story, featuring giant robots, electric rayguns, monstrous devil-gods, a ferocious sasquatch, action, adventure, murder, romance, the wit and witticism of Samuel Clemens and the peculiar phobias of Tesla combined with Sanders gorgeous artwork make Five Fists not only my favorite graphic novel of 2006 but one of my favorite graphic novels of all time!

I have no idea if writer Matt Fraction plans on returning to these characters at any point in the future but I’d sure love it if he did. Meanwhile The Five Fists of Science is still readily available for sale and more of Fraction’s work can be found in the monthly titles Casanova, Punisher: War Journal and The Immortal Iron Fist. I’m sure we’ll see Steven Sanders name bandied about quite about in the near future.

A Close Second – Scott Pilgrim Vol. 3: Scott Pilgrim & The Infinite Sadness

If you were to take away the references to late 80’s/early 90’s video games, the cybernetic bodyguards, the psychic vegan warrior ex-boyfriends who punch holes in the moon (and the vegan police who monitor them), rock bands so powerful they don’t even need instruments to play and the stark existential horror of Honest Ed’s, Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim would still be the best romance/comedy/action comic on the shelves today. And sure, while all that stuff only makes each of the graphic novels that much more fun to read, it’s the characters, the situations and how they’re handled that make the book worth reading. Watching 23-year old Scott Pilgrim battle his own doubts, insecurities and flaws is every bit as entertaining as watching him duke it out with one of his girlfriend Ramona’s seven evil ex-boyfriends. Psychic vegan warrior ex-boyfriends are just the icing on the cake, baby. While Scott Pilgrim Vol. 3 might not have been my favorite book of the series so far it’s still miles above just about every other comic book I’ve read this year… or ever.

The next volume in the saga of Scott Pilgrim, Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together is tentatively scheduled for release next summer. Yay!

Favorite Single Issue of 2006 – Hector Plasm: De Mortuis

As evidenced by my original review the Hector Plasm: De Mortuis one-shot was one of the coolest comics I’ve read all year. With stories that mix the frightening with the funny and contain just the right amount of high-octane action with a little bit of history and legend thrown in for good measure, DeMortuis is a solid reminder that the best comic books are the ones that look like they are just as much fun to create as they are to read. More than anything Benito Cereno and Nate Bellegarde, the book’s writer and artist, appear to be having the time of their lives weaving tales of the dangerous, painful and lonely life of the ghost-busting hard-luck warrior, Hector Plasm. That sense of wonder and enthusiasm translates directly to the page in a series of incredibly well written and well-illustrated short stories that display the enormous potential of the coolest new character in comics.

Want more Hector Plasm? Check out this Day of the Dead-themed tale by Cereno and Bellegarde right HERE.


 

A Close Second – Batman/The Spirit

Another book I’ve previously reviewed for the site, the Batman/The Spirit crossover was a book that I completely expected to enjoy from the moment I learned of its existence. But just how much I actually did enjoy it was a surprise even to me. No petty rivalries or long-winded exchanges of personal politics hang heavy over this crossover. Just a good old fashioned misunderstanding between two heroes, followed by the inevitable team-up as the heroes join forces to take on the worst their respective rogues galleries have to offer. The bright and energetic story, beautifully illustrated by Darwyn Cooke is a perfect precursor to Cooke’s brand-new ongoing Spirit series and the best superhero crossover/team-up story I’ve read in a loooooong time. And hey, the Joker saves the day! How can you not love that?

The first issue of Darwyn Cooke’s ongoing Spirit series hit shelves earlier this month. The second issue is scheduled to arrive in stores on January 17th.

Favorite New Series of 2006 – Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E.

In a year filled with way too many comics that took themselves much too seriously, it should be no surprise that just about every book on this Best Of list is all about fun, adventure, excitement and, at times, utter nonsense. And no book out there is more fun, adventurous, exciting and utterly nonsensical as Warren Ellis and Stuart Immonen’s brilliant series, Nextwave. As Ellis himself describes the book “It’s an absolute distillation of the superhero genre. No plot lines, characters, emotions, nothing whatsoever. It’s people posing in the street for no good reason. It is people getting kicked, and then exploding. It is a pure comic book, and I will fight anyone who says otherwise. And afterwards, they will explode.” I don’t think I could describe the book better myself. Nextwave is an utterly irreverent and totally hilarious caper that weaves a path of absolute destruction through the seedy underbelly of the Marvel Universe, making fun of the utter silliness and absurdity of superhero comics while at the same time showing us just how much fun superhero comics can be. Where else can you find superheroes named Captain **** getting shot out of the barrel of a giant robot-policeman’s five story tall handgun, killer koala bears launched from rocket-powered base-ships made out of interconnected submarines, upside-down floating castles full of scores of differently themed supervillain teams, people and things being kicked and ‘sploded with alarming regularity or the return of Forbush Man (Marvel’s wannabe superhero mascot from spoof comics
Not Brand Echh and What The…?!) as a formidable foe who could stand toe to toe with the Avengers and probably come out on top? Nowhere but Nextwave, my friend, the best new comic EVER!

Unfortunately the majority of comic book fans do not share my opinion and Nextwave is slated to end with issue 12. Boo! No wonder I’m getting so tired of comics, they keep canceling the ones I love the most. However Warren Ellis has stated that Nextwave will return at some point as a series of mini-series.

A Close Second – Criminal

There may have been only three issues of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillip’s creator-owned series, Criminal, out this year but it’s already cemented itself as one of the best new series around. Brubaker returns to his roots with a straight up crime-noir tale that could stand up with the best heist and noir films of all time. The gritty, hard-hitting style of Phillip’s is a perfect match for the book. No other artist could do such a tragic and hardcore series justice. In my review for the first issue of this series a few months ago I described Criminal as one of the best comics I’ve read all year. So I guess it’s a no-brainer that it should end up on my Best Of 2006 list.

The third issue of Criminal shipped earlier this month. Ed Brubaker reports that sales for the book are going strong, exceeding his initial expectations. The current story “Coward” is set to wrap up in February’s issue 5 and the book will then take a break for a month or so before returning with a brand new story arc in issue 6.

Favorite Continuing Series of 2006 - Runaways

Seeing that Brian K. Vaughan was my favorite writer of the year it seems only fitting that my favorite ongoing series of the year (that didn’t debut in 2006) belongs to him. The series follows a group of teenagers who, like most teenagers, are trying desperately not to grow up to be just like their parents. The difference between the Runaways and most teenagers is that the Runaways’ parents were members of a villainous secret organization known as The Pride. Now, after defeating The Pride with the very gifts bestowed upon them by their evil parents, the Runaways attempt to protect the city of L.A. from other villains looking to take The Pride’s place. The best thing about this book, aside from the constant and jaw-dropping twists and turns from one story arc to the next, are the Runaways themselves, some of the most likeable and believable teenage characters I’ve ever read. Ignoring the superhero trappings of the book, the main characters’ motivations, the challenges they face and the way they handle those challenges along with the everyday trials and tribulations of teenage life come across as 100% authentic and make for a fascinating read. Of course I can’t forget to mention the art of series co-creator Adrian Alphona whose work keeps getting more and more amazing with each issue of the series. Alphona work has evolved so much since the series began and he has become one of the best new comic book artists working at Marvel. Though both Vaughan and Alphona are leaving the book with issue 24 I have no doubt that the book will continue to be a favorite of mine when writer Joss Whedon and artist Michael Ryan take over the series with issue 25.

March 2007 will see the release of the next trade paperback, Runaways: Live Fast, collecting issues 19 –24. After that expect to see Whedon and Ryan debut as the book’s new creative team in April with issue 25.

A Close Second – X-Factor

Back in the early 90’s one of my favorite comic books was X-Factor, written by Peter David and illustrated by Larry Stroman and later Joe Quesada. When it was announced last year that David would be writing a new X-Factor series, using several of the same characters from his original run on the series, I was ecstatic. To my complete joy and satisfaction, while containing dramatic differences from the X-Factor series of the 90’s, David brought the same level of humor, drama, tension and characterization to the series. He’s also placed one of my most loved characters from the original run, Madrox (the Multiple Man), at the forefront of the new series transforming him from a C-list character into one of the best characters that Marvel has. Yet even characters I was sure I would hate, such as the once-pointless Layla Miller who was first introduced in the gag-inducing House of M mini-series, have become much loved and integral parts of the series. Though I do love watching the team go into action, whether it’s against their rivals at Singularity Investigations or standing up to their former allies, the X-Men, the best moments of the series are the understated ones between the characters, where the humor shines through and the characters get to know each other just a little better. It’s quite possible that I might have picked X-Factor as my favorite ongoing series of the year if it wasn’t for Ryan Sook’s premature departure early on and the string of marginally adequate guest-artists that followed him. Thankfully the series has a new regular artist, Pablo Raimondi, a totally underrated favorite of mine who has previously worked with David on the Madrox mini-series that spawned this current incarnation of X-Factor.

Collections of the first 12 issues of X-Factor are scheduled for release early next year, followed closely by a second collection of David’s run on the original series from the 90’s.

Hey Wait, Them’s Not Comics

Yeah, I know this is a comic book column but since we’re all doing our Best of 2006 I figured I’d do a little rundown of my favorite movies of the year. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few. Here are the one’s I can think of off the top of my head:

The World’s Fastest Indian – The amazing tale of 68-year-old Burt Munro who broke the world land speed record in 1967 on his modified 1920 Indian motorcycle. Anthony Hopkins was absolutely brilliant in this film and the climax had me on the edge of my seat.

Brick – One of the most imaginative and original films I have seen in ages. Imagine Sam Spade transplanted from the film noir world of the Maltese Falcon into the treacherous halls of a modern day high school.

Mission: Impossible III – Sure, in real life Tom Cruise is fruity as a nutcake. But that doesn’t stop M:I III from being the best action movie of the year. From start to finish this is one of the most intense and over-the-top action movies you will ever see.

Superman Returns – Come on, it’s Superman. Look, I don’t care what anyone says, this movie kicked ass and is one of the best superhero movies ever, right up there with Spider-Man 2, X-Men 2, Batman Begins and, of course, the original Superman.

Flyboys – In my review of this film I called it the Star Wars of World War One movies and I stand by that. Is it a little bit cheesy in places? Yes. But so was Star Wars.

The Prestige – Two of the coolest and most talented actors right now, Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, teaming up with one the best directors, Chris Nolan. What’s not to like? The Prestige is beautiful film with a hell of a climax and some amazing performances, not only from the two main stars but also from Michael Caine and David Bowie.

The Fountain – Darren Aronofsky just keeps getting better with each film he makes. Visually stunning and intricately layered, The Fountain is one of the most amazing love stories ever. And Hugh Jackman kicked it up a notch with the best performance I’ve seen him give to date.

Rocky Balboa – I love the Rocky series of films, every single one of them. And the sixth installment is the perfect addition and perfect ending to one of the most inspirational film series of all time.

You Like Us! You Really Really Like Us!

Stumblebum’s 2006 anthology, Round Two, got one of its first official reviews this week in Dan Head’s Stray Voltage column on the Paperback Reader website. It was a very honest review for which I am utterly thankful. Check out the column & review HERE. Thanks, Dan!

I’m not sure if I ever posted a link to the first Round Two review I ever read, courtesy of Randy Andrews. If not the just check HERE and HERE to read Mr. Andrews thoughts on the book, which I found very flattering. Thank you, Randy. Your check is in the mail… but not really.


When Amazons Attack

Last week DC Comics announced the Amazons Attack mini-series, written by Will Pfeifer with art by Pete Woods. The series was originally announced as one of the Infinite Crisis lead-in mini-series in 2005 and was to be written by Greg Rucka until the series was scrapped when it was deemed unnecessary to the overall story. Pfeifer says that the mini-series he is doing with former Catwoman collaborator Pete Woods is connected to the original Infinite Crisis tie-in in name only.

Over on his blog Pete Woods had posted some preliminary art for the series, including character designs, before DC requested that he “remove the images from public view”. I’m kicking myself now for not having grabbed them when they first appeared. Oh well. I can still describe them.

The first picture featured a large cat-like creature bearing a saddle and some sort of headgear and reminded me a lot of Battle Cat from He-Man. Other pictures showed designs for several different ranks of Amazonian soldiers, from foot soldiers to generals, all with a distinct Roman Empire feel. Also included in the soldier designs was a “black-ops” Amazonian and two cavalry soldiers, one who would presumably ride Battle Cat and another who was described as riding some sort of winged creature. Wow… it’s almost like seeing the actual art, huh?

Hey, That Girl’s Naked!

Josh Howard has provided a sneak peak at some more pages from the upcoming Lost Books of Eve series:

Insert Eve pics

I am looking forward to this book more than you can possibly imagine. And not just because the main character is a hot, naked chick. Though that’s mostly it.

Hey, That Guy’s Naked Too!

The wicked awesome trailer for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is available HERE!

I am really, really looking forward to seeing this movie. Though not quite as much as I was before I found out that one of the guys working on the screenplay also wrote My Super Ex-Girlfriend. Shudder.

Prepare To Be Flogged

This week sees the return of Paul Jenkins’ semi-regular column, Flogging A Dead Horse, which has been MIA since the middle of September. With the column Jenkins relays completely hilarious (and hopefully extremely exaggerated, for his family and friend’s sake) stories of life as an utterly mad Englishman who just happens to write comics for a living and loves the hell out of being able to do so.

Check it out HERE

It’s the absolute best comic book column on the internet. Though The Bum’s Rush is a close second. Truthfully, Flogging only beats Bum’s Rush on account of Jenkins regularly posting pictures of his extremely hot wife, a.k.a. Nigh Perfect. But we’ll soon see who has the last laugh as I’ve been told my Russian mail order bride Katya will be arriving by express delivery within a week or so.

In Case You Didn’t Know…

… that’s it for me this year. Next week begins a brand new chapter in the Saga of Stumblebum Studios and we’re kicking things off big with our second annual January Rotation. That means each Bum’s Rush for the month of January will be written by a different Stumblebum Crewmate! Meanwhile I’ll be mucking up some other poor bastard’s article starting with Dana Place’s The Weigh In. And in February I’ll be back here to start the countdown to the biggest Stumblebum event in the history of Stumblebum events –
The Bum’s Rush #100!

Happy New Year Folks! I’ll see you real soon.

The Only Comics That Matter

Last Week –
Criminal #3 by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips
New Avengers: Illuminati #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Reed & Jim Cheung
Punisher #42 by Garth Ennis & Leandro Fernandez

This Week –
Connor Hawke: Dragon’s Blood #2 by Chuck Dixon & Derec Donovan
Astonishing X-Men #19 by Joss Whedon & John Cassaday
Nextwave #11 by Warren Ellis, Stuart Immonen & Wade Von Grawbadger

Next Week –
All Star Superman #6 by Grant Morrison & Frank Quitely
Iron Man: Hypervelocity #1 by Adam Warren & Brian Denham
Boneyard #23 by Richard Moore



If you have any interesting news, rumors, lies, etc. about comics and think I should know about it too just email me at thesuperleezard@yahoo.com.

Read more dumb crap written by me at www.livejournal.com/users/superleezard.

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