The lighter side of comic books…

Comic Book Stock Watch-Weeks of 1-16-08 & 1-23-08

 Welcome back to the comic stock watch where we take a look at those books that stood out, either in a good way or not so good!  

 RISERS 

BOOSTER GOLD #6 (DC Comics)-I’ve been with this book since issue #1 and I have to admit that it’s fast becoming my favorite title. Basically it’s Exiles of the DCU but done in a much better way. This ish featured the return of the Blue & Gold and if you’re not sure what that means, check it out. Heck, even if you DO know what that means, check it out!

COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS #14 (DC Comics)-I’m telling you, jump on board now because each ish from here on out promises to be one huge jaw dropper after the next. We get to see the introduction of the new Jason Todd, Red Robin, as well as get set for a clash of the titans next ish in Monarch vs. Prime.

PENANCE: RELENTLESS #4 (Marvel Comics)-What is fast becoming the best mini-series in years, Penance #4 is a must read. The continuing quest for vengeance of Robbie Baldwin brings him head to head with longtime Fantastic Four Foe, Dr. Doom, who holds the prize he seeks the most…..Nitro. The way Robbie outplays Doom in this is SWEET!

X-MEN #207 (Marvel Comics)-WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did I mention wow? This stunning conclusion to perhaps the best X-men story of all time leaves you shaking your head in wonder and shock. I won’t ruin it for you but when they hyped this as a mega-event and that things would never be the same again….well, they were understating it!

FALLERS 

TEEN TITANS #55 (DC Comics)-This really kills me to put this on the falling list but I seriously did not like this ish. I know that there has to be a brief lull after the titanic events of the past few issues but this was just UGH! I’m really hoping it was a one ish funk because I do love my Titans.

FLASH #236 (DC Comics)-Yes, I will continue to put this on the falling list until one of two things happen. 1) They get a new artist or 2) They get rid of the kids!  But I feel change is on the horizon for this book. Don’t count this as official or anything but I get the feeling Wally’s time as the Flash will be short-lived as I feel we will be getting an old Flash back, ala Barry Allen, soon.

MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #4 (Marvel Comics)-Ok, the novelty has worn off and now it’s just getting old and stupid. Just let them eat each other and be done with it!

NEW EXILES #1 (Marvel Comics)-Speaking of good concepts gone bad, here we have the relaunch of good old Exiles, complete with a tweaked roster and more inter-group intrigue than world hopping. They are really getting away from what made this book great, seeing all the different realities. There is a time and a place for inter-group conflict, now isn’t the time.

 FINAL THOUGHTS 

Next week will bring us the first look at the new Captain America as well as (hopefully) a pretty intense fight between Monarch and Prime. Plus, over in Mighty Avengers, we should FINALLY get into the Symbiote storyline…..but you never know with Bendis!

Later all!

Marvel movies back on track!

The following news came from www.superherohype.com. If you’re a fan of comics, they this is GREAT news!

Marvel Studios and WGA Sign Interim Agreement!

Source: Marvel Studios, WGA

January 24, 2008

Marvel Studios, a subsidiary of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced today that they have reached an interim comprehensive agreement that will put writers immediately back to work on the Marvel Studios development slate. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.”We’re very excited about our summer releases, ‘Iron Man’ and ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ and look forward to resuming work with writers on our future projects including ‘Captain America,’ ‘Thor,’ ‘Ant-Man,’ and ‘The Avengers,’” said Marvel Studios Chairman David Maisel.

“Marvel Studios’ signing of an interim agreement with the Writers Guild is more good news for our membership,” said WGAE President Michael Winship and WGAW President Patric M. Verrone. “Marvel is committed to fairly compensating their writers and now they can move forward with their planned production schedule.”

Marvel Studios recently launched its independent live-action film studio to develop, produce, and fully finance Marvel movies, which will include two of this summer’s most anticipated releases – Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. Directed by Jon Favreau, Iron Man will be released by Paramount Pictures on May 2, 2008, and stars Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow. The Incredible Hulk, which will be released by Universal Pictures on June 13, 2008, is directed by Louis Leterrier and stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, and William Hurt.

In cooperation with other studios, Marvel previously produced a long succession of hits, including the “Spider-Man,” “X-Men,” and “Fantastic Four” franchises, Ghost Rider, and Daredevil.

The WGA recently entered into interim agreements with The Weinstein Company, United Artists, Lionsgate, Worldwide Pants, Spyglass Entertainment, MRC, Jackson Bites, Mandate Films, and Sidney Kimmel Entertainment.