The Comic Stop

FCBD is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-04-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

Free Comic Book Day is coming this Saturday and we here at the Comic Stop are going to make it a PARTY!

All 4 stores will be participating in FCBD, and each store will have it's own unique spin on the day. Check out the list below for sales & specials.

Comic Stop - University District

Artist: Justin 'Moritat' Norman (The Spirit, Elephantmen) 10am - 1pm

Meet Seattle's own superhero, Phoenix Jones & the Rain City Superheroes 3pm - 5pm

Artist: Greg S. Bailey (mocktales.com), $5 sketch cards 10am -3pm

You want sales? WE GOT 'EM!
All statues and toys, 25% OFF!!
All Manga, $3 each or 5 for $10!
All Trade Paperbacks/Graphic Novels, buy 2 get 1 FREE!!!

Comic Stop - Lynnwood

Special Guest: Phoenix Jones & the Rain City Superheroes appearing from 12:30-2:30pm

Artist: Greg S. Bailey (mocktales.com), $5 sketch cards will be appearing from 4pm to 8pm.

20% off store-wide sale (excluding single issue comics)
30% off for box customers!!!
All Toys: buy 2 get 1 free

Comic Stop - Everett

10% off store-wide sale
20% off for box customers
More T.B.A.

Comic Stop - Redmond
10% off store-wide sale
20% off for box customers
Spin the WHEEL OF SAVINGS
for a chance at up to
50% off your entire purchase!

Announcing the Fantastic Four, Comic Stop style!

2011-04-06T17:06:00.001-07:00

We are proud to announce the newest addition to the Comic Stop Empire - Comic Stop 4 in the University District!

More details to come but the gist is this; we decided that it was time to bring the crazy world of the Comic Stop to the U District. With that goal in mind, George, Jim, Brian, Chris and Michael sharpened our battle axes and got ready for battle! Zanadu Comics was the prize we had in mind and we knew it would be a vicious battle. Much blood was spilled, (whatever you do, DO NOT ask Brian to show you his battle scars!), but in the end we hoisted a flagon of mead over the lifeless body of the Zanadu employees and raised the Comic Stop flag! Huzzah! Victory is ours!!!!

Actually, Perry (the owner of Zanadu) called us and asked if we would be interested in purchasing the U District store and we are extremely happy to work with him and the Zanadu crew to make the transition of Zanadu to Comic Stop a smooth one. We will be keeping the current staff of John and Sean, so stop by and welcome them into the Comic Stop family.

We are going to have some amazing celebration news coming so stay tuned. Better yet, follow us on Twitter!

And, just because I know this is what most of you thought when we said FF Comic Stop style and because I know it's one of Kristina's favorite images of Sue, here ya go. Your welcome Kristina! ;-)

IRON MAN 2 [Review]

2010-05-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

Not only are Tony Stark and Iron Man one, but Robert Downey, Jr. completes the set. This role has been the part of a lifetime for RDJ, and he plays Tony Stark with such a perfect mix of glee and determination that it even makes this lifelong die-hard Batman fan sit back and say, “Bruce who?”

IM2 is nothing but pure fun from start to finish, and the movie just flies by. The action is non-stop, the dialogue is sharp and funny, and this is the perfect movie to kick off what promises to be a really outstanding summer at the movies.

To read the rest, click on over to PopBunker.net!

Also, big thanks to everyone who came out to the PacSci IMAX to see this film with the Comic Stop Social Club. It was an great night out with everyone! Let's do it again sometime, okay?

Come see Iron Man 2 in IMAX with The Comic Stop for 25% off!

2010-04-26T11:11:00.000-07:00

We have a limited number of discounted tickets to see Iron Man 2 in IMAX at the Pacific Science Center on opening night, May 7th for the 9:45 showing. Regularly, admission is $13.00 but for you, our faithful Comic Stop patrons, tickets will only be $10.00! That's almost 25% off! We will only have these discounted tickets available through May 4th. We only have a limited number of them so come and buy yours today at any one of the Comic Stop locations.

Kick-Ass: Yes, It Did.

2010-04-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

In every way possible, this movie lived up to its title. Kick-Ass is a really great movie and, a few cosmetic differences aside, an adaptation that stayed very loyal to its source material.

After being bullied, mugged, and since pretty girls generally ignore him, Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) decides to give being a hero a try. He dons a scuba suit and mask, goes out and confronts a couple of car thieves, gets beat to a pulp, and then run over by a car. After six months in traction, he tries again. He’s still in over his head.

For the rest of the review, click on over to Pop Bunker!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! We hope that everyone is recovering nicely from the craziness that is the holiday season.

The Once-A-Decade Sale was a huge success! We hope everyone had a chance to come by and score some sweet deals. Even if you were unable to make it in for the sale, come in this weekend and get a nifty Marvel 2010 calander absolutely FREE! We still have some of the "Origins of Siege" comics left as well but they are going fast.

We hope you are looking forward to our 10th anniversary this year. We sure are happy about it. We will be making The Comic Stop even better in 2010. Stay tuned because in the coming weeks we will have more big announcements that we guarantee will blow you away. Want a little preview? How about creator signings, movie premiers and exclusive merchandise that will ONLY be available at The Comic Stop? Got your attention now, don't we?

From Brian, Chris, George, Michael and Jim; may the new year bring you peace, love and happiness!

Once-A-Decade Sale Continues with A Free New Year! (And a Blackest Night)

2009-12-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

Remember that our Once-A-Decade Sale continues today! The sale starts at noon for everyone but if you are following us on Twitter, then you know the secret phrase that lets you come in early to save.

BUT WAIT!

Even if you came by already and took advantage of the amazing savings, you will want to stop by again today. Come into any one of the three Comic Stop locations today and you will receive a FREE 2010 Marvel Calendar courtesy of Marvel Comics and The Comic Stop.

The calendar features 12 beautifully illustrated, full color pin ups from artist MARKO DJURDJEVIC and comes with an Avengers ID card! A $9.99, yours free just for coming in and taking advantage of our Once-A-Decade Sale!

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!

Not only that, but we will throw in a free "Origins of Siege" comic written by Brian Michael Bendis with art from Olivier Coipel. We will also have a limited quantity of the newest issue of DC's Mega Event - Blackest Night #6 at 50% off!

The Once-A-Decade Sale!!!

2009-12-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

We said it was going to be big and we meant it! To kick off our year long 10th anniversary celebration, this Wednesday starting at noon The Comic Stop is going to do something we have NEVER done before. We're giving you 50% off of everything! Yes, I said EVERYTHING!

Comics and trades? 50% off.
CCG's and Magic cards? 50% off!
T-shirts and sweatshirts? Yes, 50% off!
Posters and toys? Half off!
EVERYTHING IN THE STORE WILL BE 50% OFF.

If it's in one of our three stores on Wednesday, it's 50% off! Nothing will be excluded.

START SAVING EVEN EARLIER BY BECOMING A SAVINGS SUPERHERO!
But wait! If you want to start saving even earlier, then follow us on Twitter. On Tuesday we will announce, only on Twitter, the secret password that will activate your amazing super saving powers. Once you have that, you can come in starting at 6pm on Tuesday and start using your Savings Powers! But the ONLY way to get the password is to follow us on Twitter! It's the only place where we will announce the secret password on Tuesday.

In the past 10 years you have helped make The Comic Stop the success that it is and although the past year was a rough one for many small businesses, you, our faithful customers, made this one of our best years ever.
This sale is just the start of our year long celebration of being in business for over a decade! In the coming weeks Brian, George, Jim, Chris and myself will be making more big announcements that are going to blow you away! The first ten years was nothing compared to our next 10!

So follow us on Twitter and save like never before this Wednesday!

One Week Till THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

2009-12-19T19:45:00.001-08:00

Come back next Sunday for an announcement of monumental proportions! Perhaps bigger than Everest! (Ok. Not really. BUT PRETTY DARN CLOSE!)

Big Announcement Sunday, Dec 27th!

2009-12-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

We have a big announcement to be made on Sunday, December 27th. Check back then. It will be well worth the time!

Three Little Birdies: You Gotta Have Faith

2009-10-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's not easy being a Robin.

Robin - as a character - has had to deal with more loss, and carry more guilt, than any other major character in the DCU right now. This is examined through a number of new books this week, and if the theme was intentional then I have to give kudos to the DC Editorial team.

There have been 5 Robins overall - Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and the current Boy Wonder, Damian Wayne. I'm going to leave out Jason Todd because I don't like the character (never have) and he's not really on the radar this week. I'm also omitting Damian Wayne because he's too new to the job, and Damian is a completely different kind of Robin altogether. That's an essay for another time. I'll be focusing on Dick, Tim, and Stephanie here.

Dick Grayson: Just when I thought I was out...

Dick Grayson has ceased to be Nightwing, accepted the Cowl, and become the new Batman in the wake of Bruce Wayne's death during Final Crisis. He's making the job his own, has taken Damian on as his Robin, and is coming to terms with his place in the universe. So why not pick off the one scab that won't ever heal?

Over in "Blackest Night: Batman" #3 Dick is face-to-zombied-faces with the Flying Graysons after they've been resurrected as Black Lanterns. He's aware that these monsters aren't his parents, but once he hears his father's voice say "Heads up, Richard! Time to FLY!" he throws his arms up and joins the Graysons on the trapeze inside the circus tent they've constructed. Dick remains lucid and knows that he has to do everything he can to stop them, but once Black Lantern Zucco arrives, Dick flies into a rage. He begins to beat the former circus owner to a pulp, making his heart ripe for the plucking. With the help of Etrigan and Deadman, Dick comes to his senses and evades the Black Lanterns. He'll fight the Graysons again, and he'll win, but he won't like it.

Meanwhile, back at the Batcave (in "Batman" #691), Dick is sparring with another monster - Harvey Dent. See, Harvey has figured out that This is Not His Batman, and has breached the Batcave so he can throw a major league hissyfit over it. (Seriously...Harvey is grieving. It's a little unsettling to watch.) Dick and Alfred join forces to convince Harvey that this "new" Batman - the one that smiles, allows himself to be photographed, and has obviously allowed most of the security measures on the cave to expire - is, in fact, the "same" Batman, but Harvey's point was heard loud and clear...if Dick is going to be different then he needs to make a clean break.

Dick is letting Bruce go, and opts to mothball the Batcave. Everything goes into storage (including the Robin tunic worn by Jason Todd; "That is Bruce's cross to bear, not mine." Dick says.) or to the new HQ underneath the Wayne Industries building. While taking down the case that hold's Bruce's costume, Dick discovers a flash drive hidden in the base. On the drive is the case file on the murder of the Flying Graysons - something Bruce was reinvestigating at the time of his death. Even from the grave, Bruce knows just what buttons to push.

If there's one thing that Dick Grayson has in spades, it's Faith. Faith that no matter how bad today was, tomorrow will be better. In "Booster Gold" #25, Dick and Damian bust Booster breaking into the Batcave to put back a few items that he "borrowed." Dick and Booster have a long conversation about Booster's role in the DCU, and about what Booster calls "solidified time." There are little things that you can tweak in history, but there are things that just are the way they are and cannot (or should not) be changed. The death of Dick's parents is solidified time, and Dick knows that. Dick needs a little Faith Restoration, and asks a favor of Booster. Dick goes back in time, to a Christmas long past, and stands outside the house of his parents while his younger self is opening presents. This is all Dick needed to see to buoy his spirits, and strengthen his resolve.

Dick has more than one family name to carry on, and he will do so proudly.

Tim Drake: Running with the Devil...

Tim, in contrast to Dick, won't let anything go. Tim has lost so much in such a short period of time, he's kind of becoming the Sipowitz of the Bat-Family. First his mom, then Stephanie, and then his dad, and Connor, and Bart, and Bruce...Tim is suffering from serious Survivor's Guilt, and is admittedly "all screwed up right now."

Tim has changed his costume as well, donning the heavy leathers of the Red Robin uniform. Tim wants to physically feel the weight of his burdens, and as Connor points out in "Adventure Comics" #3, punish himself for not being able to save anyone he's cared for. In Tim's titular book, he's on a quest to prove that Bruce is alive. Tim doesn't know where (or when) but he knows Bruce is out there, and he's in league with Ra's al Ghul to help him find out.

In "Blackest Night" Tim's demons are manifested as Black Lanterns. Jack Drake and Captain Boomerang replay the night they killed each other, and Tim BEGS Dick to let him save his father this time. Tim walks right into the scenario, gets his "father" out of the way of the boomerang that killed him, and then proceeds to - like Dick with Zucco - beat the tar out of the Black Lantern Boomerang. Pure Rage. He's pulled out by Dick, and admits that he was wrong about his parents, but reiterates his belief that Bruce is alive.

Back in "Adventure Comics," Tim has the first real conversation he's had with Connor since Connor returned from the 31st Century during Final Crisis. These two are best friends, and each are struggling with their new identities. As they discuss what's going on - Tim's search for Bruce; Connor's need to find some good in Lex Luthor - they both start to relax and realize that they don't have to go it alone. In the end, Connor says the three words that Tim most needs to hear: "I believe you." Francis Manapul's art beautifully shows the sorrow on Tim's face turn to hope and resolve, his Faith restored.

Stephanie Brown: I've been dead before...

Stephanie had the shortest, and most controversial, run as a Robin. After operating for years as Spoiler, Stephanie forced Bruce to take her on when Tim went on a sabbatical after Jack Drake found out he was Robin. Despite her training, Stephanie still felt she had something to prove and went off the reservation a few times, and Bruce cut her loose. When Stephanie attempts to take on the Gotham Underworld on her own using one of Batman's famous "contingency plans," things go horribly awry, and she is tortured by the Black Mask, and dies of her injuries.

It is later discovered that her death was manufactured by longtime Batman confidant Dr. Leslie Thompkins, who takes Stephanie out of the country with her and away from Bruce and that life. I found this to be a HUGE disservice to both characters, mostly because this was completely out of character for Leslie.

Stephanie is back in Gotham now, and has taken over the role of Batgirl, abandoned suddenly and without any real explanation by Cassandra Cain (another big problem for me). Stephanie needs this. While she still has a great relationship with her mother, Stephanie found a real family in Tim and Bruce and is not going away without a fight. In the middle of a battle with Scarecrow, Barbara discovers Stephanie's new hobby and is not pleased. Barbara is dealing with her own issues, and still has some unresolved anger over being put in a wheelchair by the Joker - something else we've learned in the "Booster Gold" series that is solidified time; Booster tried to prevent the incident several times and was unable to. Babs sees that she is needed as a mentor and teacher not only to Stephanie, but also to recently paralyzed Teen Titan Wendy Harris, who she's counseling at Leslie Thompkins' clinic.

Barbara breaks into the Batcave (this also seems to be a recurring theme) and gets Stephanie through her initial melee with Dr. Crane, and sees the potential Stephanie has. At the end of "Batgirl" #3, Barbara and Stephanie go through the Pledge in the Batcave. Barbara here is finally - and officially - passing the torch of Batgirl to someone else, complete with a modified version of the original Batgirl costume, which Barbara says is "something [Stephanie has] earned the right to wear."

Barbara and Stephanie vow to have Faith in one another; something that Stephanie needed to get, and Barbara needed to give.

In Conclusion: Shut the frak up.

I think we may be looking at the genesis of one of the most cohesive Bat-Families in years. Now, if they would only get together now and then to recite the Serenity Prayer...

Bullet Point Reviews

2009-10-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Going to try something new, and just do some quick reviews of the books on my pull list this week.

Amazing Spider-Man #608:

I'm kind of enjoying this book, and loved the hilarious cold open with the liveblogging villain Screwball. I'm grateful to writer Marc Guggenheim for not using any "world-wide webslinger" jokes so I could use that one here.
The narrative worked smoothly as it flashed back to Ben Reilly and Damon Ryder's beginnings, and Ryder/Raptor's battles with Peter in the present.
I also like that this storyline ties into the Clone Saga, as that storyline is being revised in a current miniseries. Saves me the hassle of having to track down a trade or do online recon, since I'm a Marvel Noob.
Elwood Says: Catch this one in your web.

Angel #26:

Anyone who's ever been to, or worked at, a comic book/sci-fi convention will love this issue. It's funny because it's true.
Anyone who's ever wondered if Nicolas Cage wants to play every comic book/sci-fi personality there is will laugh and cry. Nice cameo from Jorge Garcia, too.
Issue misfires at the end. I don't think that Angel is who Spike wants to be, at least not literally.
Elwood Says: Empty calories, but a smile-time read.

Batman and Robin #5:

Philip Tan's art is woefully misapplied here. I know that, to avoid delays, Frank Quitely is only doing so many issues at a time, but Quitely's art matches the goofy storyline much better than the more serious art of Tan.
Flamingo?!?
We get confirmation that the Red Hood is who we think he his, and he's gone red under the hood as well. Also, Scarlett is one messed up little girl. Wow.
Elwood Says: Still worth buying, but unless a steady team takes over the book I can see the novelty wearing off fast.

Batman Annual #27:

Kicking off a storyline that is set to continue in next week's Detective Comics Annual #11, This is acting as a backdoor pilot for the new "Azrael" series that begins in two weeks. I don't see why this was necessary, since Azrael got a 3-issue mini during Battle for the Cowl.
The "Lil Gotham" splash page was awesome!
The back-up story (also continued next week) was sloppy, especially Kelley Jones' art. That's sad.
Elwood Says: Blergh. You can skip this one.

Batman Confidential #34:

I'm digging this Russian story, and the return of the KGBeast, but sales aren't great for this title. I wonder if DC is just holding on to it as a way to keep Bruce Wayne on the reader's radar.
Andy Clarke's art is fun to look at. He does facial expressions almost as well as Keith Giffen or Amanda Connor.
I know that the letterers want us to know that the language being spoken isn't English when they use the "" format, but I keep looking for the "" later. Stupid internets.
Elwood Says: Decent reading overall. Worth a look.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #29:

This title has been consistently awesome since it relaunched, and this issue is no exception. The fact that not only Joss Whedon, but other writers from the show like the current arc's Jane Espenson, are involved with the book makes it a natural extension of the TV series.
The romance brewing between Xander and Dawn I'm unsure about. I know that by now Dawn's passed the age of majority, but I can't help but wonder if his feelings for her are anything but residual Buffy-crush. Also, Xander's on the rebound after his last girlfriend was killed in the line. I'm concerned.
The "redirecting" of the Magics has built new strengths in the team, but it takes a horrible toll on Oz near the end.
Elwood Says: If you're not reading this book, then we can't be friends.

Final Crisis Aftermath: Run! #6:

Thank God. It's finally over.
Elwood Says: See the last bullet.

Ghostbusters: Displaced Aggression #2:

After being rescued from the Old West by the new GB Rachel Unglighter, she and Peter Venkman are transported to Camelot in search of Ray Stantz. They find themselves immediately on the pointy end of King Arthur's sword. Hi-jinx ensue.
It might come as a shock to anyone who hasn't read comics, watched TV, or ever been to the movies before but the new chick might not be on the up-and-up. I know!
"Half-Sister." "But ALL hot!" I could hear Bill Murray right there. Good work.
Elwood Says: IDW is doing great things with their various licenses, but this might read better when the trade comes out. Up to you.

Justice League: Cry For Justice #4:

This miniseries has been all lead-up and no pay-off. While I'm liking Mauro Cascioli's art, the story just drags. I wish that this had been condensed into a couple of prestige format books, as it would have forced James Robinson to tighten up the narrative. I'm bored now.
Similarly, for a team that Cries For Justice ("What do we want? JUSTICE! When do we want it? NOW!") enough to tell Superman where to stick his Kryptonite, they are not being at all expedient in their cause. Which is ironic when there's a Flash on the team.
Blah blah torture yadda yadda by any means...this book is about two years late to be considered social commentary.
Elwood Says: Whatever.

Models, Inc. #2:

This has been a surprisingly entertaining miniseries so far. Issue #1 had Tim Gunn donning the Iron Man suit, and set up a decent murder mystery. It's been interesting to see the number of non-comic readers asking about and/or buying the first issue just because of Tim Gunn. Marvel does find clever ways to market books to new buyers, that's for sure.
Special appearance by Johnny Storm in this issue. Where go models, so naturally goes the Human Torch, right?
Between this book and Marvel Divas, Patsy Walker is getting lots of face time these days.
Elwood Says: Light fun, and a book you might be able to get your girlfriend to read (if she's not already into comics).

Star Trek Romulans: Schism #2:

I really like the way IDW is handling the Trek comics franchise, but I wish they wouldn't throw so much work at John Byrne. I don't care for his art at all anymore. This story has been decent, and ties back to Byrne's last Trek mini ("Crew").
Byrne does capture the look and feel of Star Trek: TOS in this book, and I give props to colorist Lovern Kindzierski for that.
Cool reveal - the first Romulan Bird of Prey!
Elwood Says: For the die-hard Trekkies (Trekkers, if you prefer) this is right in your wheelhouse.

Superman: World of New Krypton #8:

Am I the only one reading this book that likes to call it "WONK?"
I have to admit, I'm unclear on the Thanagarian's motivation here. I didn't read any of the Rann-Thanagarian war miniseries, so I'm not sure what's driving them to attack the Kryptonians, aside from a long history of conflict. A quick flip through the last few issues confirms that I didn't miss a thread somewhere, and the fight is quickly dispatched, so I guess I'll roll with it.
A new enemy emerges on a final page reveal, so more of the same next month. I don't know why this miniseries went from being almost all about the internal struggles on New Krypton to being about external threats and how Kal-El deals with it, but it has.
Elwood Says: It was solid up until now, but there are 4 issues to go. I have faith in Greg Rucka, so I'll stick it out.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #3:

This has to be one of my favorite books right now. Bendis' writing, paired with David LaFuente's art, makes this book pop. I didn't read USM before, but with the post-Ultimatum relaunch I got on board and I don't regret the decision at all.
Very emotional interaction between Aunt May and Johnny Storm, as they talk about where Johnny's been since the wave hit, and how Johnny needs to reach out to his sister. Equally emotional argument between Peter and MJ later, and I have to say...I don't miss high school at all.
The fight with Mysterio devolved into a Die Hard 3 rip-off, but this gets acknowledged in the dialogue, so that made it all better.
Elwood Says: Anyone with severe arachnophobia should avoid the splash page in the middle of the book, but otherwise you should all be reading UCSM. Seriously.

The Heated Debate

2009-10-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

From Ctrl+Alt+Del comes this little bit of funnybook humor:

(Click the pic for Marvel Team-Up sized goodness)

Review: "Spider-Woman" #1

2009-09-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of a Marvel Comics reader. I have always been a DC Comics guy, with "Crisis on Infinite Earths" being my gateway drug. Over the years I've dipped my toes into the Marvel pool as events, characters, writers, and/or artists have piqued my interest.

I've read "Astonishing X-Men" and "Runaways" for Joss Whedon, "She-Hulk" for Dan Slott, and I'm currently reading "Captain America: Reborn" just to see how they manage Steve's return. I'm reading "Marvel Divas" because Girl Friday told me too. "Models, Inc." for the novelty of it; "Punisher: Noir" because it's awesome.

So why did I pick up a copy of "Spider-Woman" #1?

I'm not going to lie. I thought it was a continuation of the Jessica JONES story from "Alias" and "The Pulse," both written by Bendis. I thought that Alex Maleev's art reminded me a lot of the Michael Gaydos art from "Alias" and I grabbed the book up. I really liked what I read, and despite the mistaken identity, I will continue to pull the title because now I want to see what happens.

I didn't feel like I had to go back and read through Civil War or Secret Invasion to get where the book was coming from, and that was accomplished with minimal exposition. Jessica DREW is having a hard time dealing with the fallout from the aforementioned events, we're dropped right in as Jessica is recruited by S.W.O.R.D. and attacked by a Spider-Man suit wearing Skrull. I found it to be a clean read, and a great place to jump into the outskirts of the Marvel Universe.

This is not so much to show how much I am not a Marvel Guy, that I took mistook this Jessica (Drew) for the other one (Jones), nor will this turn into a long calculated analysis about how Marvel and DC (and their respective readers) are oil and water, and cross-over on the pull lists is never 50/50. That's an essay for some other blogger, because if I wanted to write a dissertation, I'd go back to school.

In the end, I think this teaches that even when you're dead-to-rights wrong over the reasons you choose a book, don't let that discourage you from reading it, or even enjoying it. You never know what you're going to find in those 22 glossy pages.

Are there any other Marvel titles out there that a noob like me would like? Leave a comment if you think of any.

Review: "Superman: Secret Origin"

2009-09-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Geoff Johns. The DCU Master Storyteller who has resurrected numerous characters without expolding most of the landmines involved with retroactive continuity.

Gary Franks. One of the best artists in comics today, and one of my favorites since "Midnight Nation" almost 10 years ago.

They knocked Action Comics out of the park over the last couple of years. What could go wrong with this re-telling of the humble beginnings of the Man of Steel?

Sadly, quite a bit.

Nevermind that when I personally think of the "true" origin of Superman I go back to the John Byrne relaunch following Crisis on Infinite Earths. Nevermind the fact that Mark Waid's "Birthright" series was only 5-6 years ago. I went into the first issue of "Secret Origin" with an open mind, excited to see what these creators could do, and I finished the issue saddened.

Writing: Not only was the story unoriginal, but because of the fact that Johns is writing for the show, and all of the properties are under the same corporate umbrella, I think that DC Comics is trying to make "Smallville" canon. So much so, I honestly expected a Chloe Sullivan cameo to happen before the book ended. Guess what...it did.

Clark breaks Pete Ross' arm. Clark discovers that his heat vision is triggered by sexual arousal. Lana Lang is a whiny, self-centered twit. All "Smallville" staples.

Lex Luthor is once again somehow a resident of Smallville. After being written out of the city's history in Byrne's Man of Steel, and then being re-injected as a Clark Kent peer by Waid, Geoff Johns introduces us to a Lex Luthor who is older than Clark, a basement scientist and conspiracy theorist, and who finds a chunk of Kryptonite out in the field after running away from his drunk father. Also, Lex has a sister?

By the time the issue is over, Lex hates Clark for the dumbest reason ever, flight has been established, and Lil' Clark is suited up. We're told to expect the Legion in the next issue.

I guess settling the lawsuit over "Superboy" has opened the floodgates for these storylines to come back.

Art: I was really happy when Franks took over Action Comics and began to draw Clark Kent/Superman to resemble Christopher Reeve (pictured left). I thought that was an inspired and iconic touch and I applauded it. That trend is maintained in "Secret Origin" except that Franks seems to have caught whatever bug plagues John Byrne, and is drawing everyone that way. Also, Teenage Clark looks 35.

Overall: I give it 2 "Mehs" and a "Whatever." Why fix things that aren't broken?

The Best Comic I Read Last Week: Angel #25 (Spoilers)

2009-09-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about the current "Angel" title from IDW is the willingness of the former show writers and actors to get involved with the continuing storyline after the show was - in my opinion, prematurely - cancelled after it's 5th season.

Like the "8th Season" theme Dark Horse's "Buffy" monthly, "Angel: After the Fall" is giving us what we might have seen had the show(s) continued. We're seeing the life and afterlife of every character, and the book will occasionally take a tangent to showcase a character that hasn't been seen. In the case of Issue #25 (and #24), it's our old friend and pet, Drusilla.

Written by Drusilla herself (Juliet Landau) with an assist from Brian Lynch, we are shown that Dru's been cooped up in the Cuckoo's Nest for a while, but with the entire world - or at least Los Angeles - literally going to Hell she sees her chance to re-enter society in a manner befitting her mental state.

After slaughtering most of the staff in issue #24, #25 finds us more in Drusilla's head as she revisits her origins in the convent, when she was converted by Angelus and Darla. Drusilla also begins having premonitions of what's happening outside the walls of her current housing, and all of this is captured brilliantly by Franco Urru's art.

Urru's faces here are unusually identifiable, something I'm sure the author had a say in.

The two remaining doctors in the facility attempt to analyze and dismiss Dru's visions, but when Drusilla's vision of all of those she has killed - including a cameo from Collin, The Annointed One - becomes reality (at least to her), those manifestations take over.

As the doctors run for their lives, Drusilla gives into her demons, and suddenly finds herself back in Victorian England, pre-vamp, and in her home with her dolls. Is Dru dust in the wind, or just missing in her own head? You be the judge.

The issue ends with a quote from C.S. Lewis: "Do I believe in actual Hell? One's own mind is actual enough." Drusilla didn't need to be in the literal Hell outside, when she was trapped in her own Hell already.

In the end, sometimes it's all just in our heads. I rather enjoyed this trip through the mind of Ms. Landau, and that of her muse, Drusilla.

National Comic Book Day

2009-09-17T15:52:00.001-07:00

Coming up next Friday on Sept. 25th, 2009 is National Comic Book Day.

Not to be confused with Free Comic Book Day, NCBD is a chance to share your love for comics with friends who might not be into them. You could also pick up a couple of titles you've never read before and give 'em try.
Maybe you have some trade paperbacks that you've read and don't want to hang onto any longer. You could donate them to the library or pass them along to friends.
You might like to make a comic book-themed cake to celebrate the day.

Or, perhaps you could just dress up in a superhero costume and worry your family and scare the neighbors.

Whatever you decide to do or however you want to celebrate is up to you.

Analysis On Being A "Red Shirt"

2009-09-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

If you've got a few minutes to kill and want to read something funny, I suggest you take a look at this analyis of the "Red-Shirt Phenomenom".

It's an interesting subject, given that a lot of people (not just Trekkies... or Trekkers) are familiar with the phrase "Red Shirt".

For example:
The basic stats:
The Enterprise has a crew of 430 (startrek.com) in its five-year mission. (Now, I know that the show was only on the air for 3 years, but bear with me. 80 episodes were produced, which gives us the data to build from.) 59 crewmembers were killed during the mission, which comes out to 13.7% of the crew. So, that will be our overall conversion rate, 13.7%.
Data Segmentation:
However, we need to segment the overall mortality (conversion) rate in order to gain the specific information that we need:

Yellow-shirt crewperson deaths: 6 (10%)
Blue-Shirt crewperson deaths: 5 (8 %)
Engineering smock crewperson deaths: 4
Red-Shirt crewperson deaths: 43 (73%)

He goes on from there breaking it down into nice little statistics, but that ought to give you enough to want to read further.

In the meantime, please enjoy this...

(Red-Shirt analysis found via the Presurfer)

Disney to buy Marvel! OMG! Mickey vs Hulk! Mr. Incredible to join Avengers!

2009-08-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Link.

Now Disney should buy WB.

Room With A View

2009-08-19T11:27:00.001-07:00

Who wouldn't love to look out and see Batman standing guard over Gotham City?

Well, probably not criminals.

But I'm sure the regular law-abiding citizens wouldn't have a problem with him keeping an eye on them and keeping things safe for everyone.

You know... if he were real.

But you can almost have the next best thing by plastering a wall in one of your rooms with an image of the Dark Knight keeping vigil 24/7.

A company called Room Mates is selling quite a few wall murals with comic-related themes for uber-geeks to choose from.

You could have Superman flying over Metropolis. Spider-man webswinging.

Maybe you can't decide on any particular hero and would want to decorate your wall with a myriad of classic comic book covers. Well now you can do that too.

Or maybe, just maybe you want to go all out and proclaim your geektitude to the world (or whoever happens to visit your home).

You could decorate the walls with the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise:

But don't stop there.

You'll want an official replica of Capt. Kirk's chair to go with it.

And while you're at it, pick up a wall mural of the Carina Nebula to really set the mood and make the "experience" complete.

If all that is a little too much for your wallet, you could just change a few switchplates in your house for a more "subtle" nerd effect.

Happy decorating!

The Comic Stop Fantasy Football League

2009-08-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, George, Chris and myself are big sports fans. Football, hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball. You name it and chances are that one or more of us loves it.

Our love of sports also translates to our love of fantasy sports and after many years of debating it, we have finally decided to start a fantasy football league just for The Comic Stop! That's right. Now you will be able to talk smack to George "on the field"!

If you would like to join the league, just send an email with "I Want To Join" as the title to:

redmond@comicstoponline.com

We will only be accepting 13 people for the inaugural year, (plus George, Chris and myself). If we get a lot more than 13 people that want to play, we might consider having 2 leagues but the plan, at the moment, is for just one league of 16 people.

The league dues will be a paltry $10.00 a person. We will be holding a live draft on Monday, Sept 7th. Your team name MUST be comic related in an obvious way. Any other questions? Just let me know.

I look forward to completely kicking your arses this football season!

Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller creator dead at 59

2009-08-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

John Hughes has died of a heart attack at the age of 59. And I'm not ashamed to admit I'm crying as I write this. Rest in Peace Mr. Hughes

Star Trek vs. Star Wars

2009-08-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

On Wired.com there's a funny article about which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars.

I won't repeat the whole article, but the writer is a fan of both and makes a good case for either franchise, eventually giving one of them the edge overall.

I feel the same way, but not sure I can really pick a "winner" in this case.
Afterall, one the one hand you do have green alien chicks in Star Trek. But in Star Wars, you have slave Leia.
*SIGH* It's a tough call for sure.

Maybe this will help:

... or maybe not.

Robot Guardian

2009-07-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

I'm not much of an anime fan, but this caught my attention:
Gundam! Mecha Monument Towers Over Tokyo

Check that bad boy out!

Standing over 50 feet tall, it was erected to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gundam franchise.

It's only expected to be on display for a few months and then afterwords it's unknown what'll become of it.
So if you want to it in person, you'd best head on over to Japan right away.
In fact, in August they will be hosting a comic book convention and Gundam festival not too far from where the statue is located.

Whether or not you're a fan, it's certainly a sight to behold.

TRON Legacy

2009-07-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

I got this forwarded to me just a little bit ago so if you all have already seen it, I apologize.

There's been talk of a sequel to Disney's 1982 classic "TRON" for a while, but at SDCC they finally unveiled a teaser for the fans.

Enjoy.....

I L-O-V-E that Jeff Bridges is going to be back in it!

-------
If the video doesn't play, try going here or here to see it.

"ECHO" To Maybe Make the Big Screen

2009-07-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Author/artsist, Terry Moore, recently sold the screen rights to his self-published comic "ECHO" to producer Lloyd Levin (Watchmen, Hellboy, The Rocketeer)

The comic is about main character, Julie Martin, who is taking photos in the desert when a government test goes wrong and causes an expolsion and she is covered with a liquid metal that has unknown properties.
Soon afterwards, the government is looking for Julie but she's now on the run with the help of some friends.

Movie studios, looking to cash in on comic-related properties, are expanding their vision to non-super-powered or caped characters.
The sci-fi element of "ECHO" coupled with Terry's ability to write characters with a lot of depth to them, is ripe for the Hollywood film treatment.

If you still haven't read "ECHO", the second TPB came out a few weeks ago and should be available at the store. Vol. 1 is issues 1-5 and vol. 2 is issues 6-10.

Updated Will the real Green Lantern please stand up. I'm talking to you Mr. Reynolds!

2009-07-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

*Update*
Variety is reporting that Ryan Reynolds IS Green Lantern! Filming is to begin this January with a Summer 2011 opening in mind.

(Article and image taken from Dark Horizons)

Bradley Cooper, Ryan Reynolds and Justin Timberlake have made the shortlist to star as the titular superhero in "Green Lantern" for Warner Bros, Pictures says The Hollywood Reporter.

The studio has spent the past five months searching for the actor to play Hal Jordan, the hot-shot Air Force pilot who is chosen by a dying alien to be his successor in an intergalactic police force known as the Green Lanterns.

The trio beat out the likes of Michael Fassbender, Henry Cavill and Jared Leto for the final list and performed two rounds of screen tests.

Unfortunately producer Donald De Line, director Martin Campbell and the studio each had a different favorite among the three finalists, making it difficult to come to a consensus.

The holding deal on all three actors expired on Monday, meaning they are now free to hook up to other projects making a decision on the casting an urgent matter.

The $150-200 million space saga is scheduled to begin production at the end of this year in Sydney for release Summer 2011.

Twitter Invades Azeroth!

2009-07-09T17:46:00.000-07:00

It had to happen. The world of Twitter has breached the World of Warcraft.

Artist Mark Sable Detained By TSA in Los Angeles

2009-06-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Mark Sable, the artist for Boom! Studios title "Unthinkable" was detained by authorities during a recent flight.

Guards at the airport discovered the script for "Unthinkable" during a search and pulled him aside for 'extra screening'.
The story behind the mini-series is about a government think tank that plans for terrorist scenarios.

Mark says he "cooperated politely and tried to explain the irony of the situation" and that "in the end, I feel my privacy is a small price to pay for educating the government about the medium".

For All Your Superheroing Needs

2009-06-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Just place your order at the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. and you too can be fighting evil with all the latest in techonlogical and biological advancements.

Iron Man vs Bruce Lee

2009-06-11T19:58:00.001-07:00

Iron Man vs Bruce Lee from Patrick Boivin on Vimeo.

Info coming from the Licensing Show

2009-06-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Licensing Show is being held this week in Las Vegas and various photos have begun to appear around the web. Here are a couple of comic related things that will probably be of interest.

First, a teaser image that has the release dates for various Marvel films.

I'm excited that we get a new Marvel movie every summer for the next 3 years but WTF? Captain America opening 2 weeks AFTER July 4th? If any movie needs to come out on on America's birthday this would be it, but what do I know.

Second, we have the Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World poster.

Nothing too exciting here. Actually, I'm kind of amazed they are using O'Malley's art to promote the film. (As opposed to a photo collage of the cast)

Fan made Green Lantern trailer

2009-05-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

One of the better fan made trailers. Enjoy.

Bacon Love Fest '09 comes to The Comic Stop!

2009-05-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Last week I was speaking to Kristina, of Geeked fame, and the subject of bacon came up. (Don't ask) I mentioned to her that I had seen a news report about a "Bacon Festival" that was happening in Seattle that weekend. However, try as we might, we could find no info regarding the Super Secret Double Classified Bacon Festival.

And thus, sadness became the order of the day. (At least until the subject of Star Trek at the IMAX came up. Then the day was, once again, glorious!)

Now, like many of you, my love of bacon is boundless. I love it all. The smell. The taste. The sometimes crunchy and the sometimes chewy. The applewood smoked to the uncured. Simply put, I love the pure awesomeness that is all things BACON! I'm not ashamed (much) to admit that the thought of Diet Coke with Bacon isn't completely nauseating.

However, it also occurs to me that, like many of you, I tend to preform my "bacon love" in private. Many times having to awaken earlier than usual so that I might bake a rack of bacon and eat it all before the family wakes up and demandses to share my preciousssss. Nasty, nasty hobitses!! The baconses is mine! MINE!!!

*Ahem* Sorry.

I think it's time to come out of the bacon closet (wouldn't that actually be a hardwood smoker?) and embrace our fellow bacon lovers! To that end, I propose that The Comic Stop host Bacon Love Fest '09!

We'll keep things simple. Let's pick a Saturday and gather at the Lynnwood Comic Stop. Sometime in the next few weeks? Say, the 23rd? Around 6pm? Sound good? Open to suggestions.

Everyone should bring a bacon dish or two (or three or four). Post here what you will be bringing so we don't get a bunch of the exact same dish. Not that duplicate dishes are a bad thing but I think we should strive for diversity in out Bacon Love Fest.

Not a cook you say? No problem! Just bring some strips of cooked bacon and we'll let you partake of the meaty goodness that others bring.

I will start by volunteering to bring some Bacon Candy, Cornflake Bacon Cookies, Caribbean Beef and Bacon Stuffed Plantains and the amazing Porkgasm! ---->

See you at Bacon Love Fest '09!

The Medieval Faire and you

2009-04-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I used to love going to the local Ren Faire. (I grew up in So Cal) It was always a great day for me. The food, the costumes, the crafts. I enjoyed it all. However, when I moved to Alaska, the Ren Faire became just a memory of my youth.

What does all this have to do with you, you ask? I'm glad you asked! ;)

I was told by a customer this week of the Camlann Medieval Village. Located between Carnation and Duvall, this place has been operating for almost 30 years. Upon looking it up on the 'net, I got to wondering if there were any other Ren Faire's operating in the Puget Sound area. And lo, there were!

The Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire. It used to happen in Gig Harbor but it's found a new home in Buckley.

While not a Renaissance Faire, Rusty Scupper's Pirate Daze sounds pretty fun as well.

What I want to know, is anyone besides me interested in getting a Comic Stop "field trip" organized this summer? Hit one or all these for some geek culture fun? Let me know what you think.

It's funny cause it's true

2009-04-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Aaron Williams is always funny, (and a great guest at the show) If you are not familiar with his work, I suggest you start picking up the very under appreciated PS238 and/or Nodwick collections. You will thank me for it. He also does a fine web comic, Full Frontal Nerdity, which is awesome. Todays, in particular, cracked me up since I was just talking about a similar thing at ECCC . Ignore the pictures plea of clicking on it and instead, click here.

Star Trek

2009-04-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

While many are anxiously awaiting the Wolverine movie in a few weeks, it is the week after that I can't wait for! JJ Abrams Star Trek relaunch opens! I can hardly contain my excitement!

In a bit of marketing fun, Paramount has sent out models of the new Enterprise for people to do redesigns on. Number 23 is a Jim Lee Enterprise but number 2 is, sadly, what the future of space travel will most likely be.

Enterprise Project

Doctor Zombie & Steve Lawlis!

2009-04-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure many of you are doing the same, I am still recovering from the massive dinosaur of a convention we just held this last weekend. I could sleep for a week (if I could get away with it!)

One of the many things I was doing to prepare for ECCC this year was get the latest issues of Doctor Zombie and Steve Lawlis ready for the show and available. How I managed to get them done in time, I just don't know... but I did, and they are now at the Lynnwood Comic Stop.

The Adventures of Doctor Zombie #2 continues the stories of the Doctor Archibald Zombie and his assistant Marigold Murray, as penned by my talented daughter Mackenzie. In fact, this issue has a double dose of awesome, with two stories drawn by two different artists. In the first story, our regular artist Erik Thompson illustrates what happens when Doctor Zombie and Marigold try to spend the night at the movies, especially with a vengeful magician named Chuck lurking in the shadows. In the second story, we have guest artist Ryan Cody (Villains, Popgun, Hurricane Kids) showing what happens when an irate Dinosaur tries taking his anger out on the city Doctor Zombie is sworn to protect.

Steve Lawlis: Zombieville USA #1 continues the tales of Steve Lawlis and his pal Pete Redshirt, agents for the Department of Horror Intervention. In this first of three issues, Steve and Pete are called to a little town in the middle of nowhere to deal with a strange zombie infestation. Expecting a town out of Resident Evil, imagine their surprise when they find a peaceful little burg straight out of Leave It To Beaver. This series is not only drawn by Erik, but he is making his debut as writer. It's good stuff, kids.

Like I said earlier, anyone interested in these can pick them up at the Lynnwood Comic Stop, or we can even transfer them to the Everett or Redmond shops.

World of Warcraft - Comic Stop Style!

2009-03-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Along with all my many other geek qualities, I am also addicted to World of Warcraft. With 11.5 million people playing, chances are good that you may be an addict as well.

Well, now The Comic Stop has invaded WoW! We will have a guild on the Muradin server called, appropriately enough, The Comic Stop and we want you to join us! We're on the Alli side right now but we will also have a Horde chapter in the near future.

It's meant to be a casual guild, more for socialization than anything else. Just a way for the various members of our Comic Stop family to do one more thing together. (I know, I know! You feel like you do to much with us already. Too bad. We're emotionally needy and want more of "you".) We would love to do some raiding in the futurebut for the moment, we are just a guild of goofballs.

Since it's unlikely that you already had a character on the Muradin server, I'll let you know that, so far, everyone who has committed to joined will have just started a new character, so don't let the lack of a high level character put you off of joining!

Hope to see you in Azeroth!

Sean McKeever Off of Teen Titans

2009-03-19T13:41:00.001-07:00

The moment that many Titans fans have been waiting for has finally arrived. Sean McKeever has left the Teen Titans.

“I did have future plans for Teen Titans but I just found myself needing to step away. I guess I'd have to chalk this one up to the vague and oft-used ‘creative differences.’ It happens." McKeever is quoted as saying. He goes on to add, “I do still have a working relationship with Dan (Didio) and DC, as evidenced by my coming onboard as writer of the Ravager serial. I'm also currently talking to Dan about a couple cool and exciting possibilities for the future.”

Now if they will just get rid of this lame ass team,

perhaps we can forgive them for the past 2 years worth of stories.

The Return Of Katchoo & Francine

2009-03-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Terry Moore is working on a one-shot with the characters from SiP.
No word on when it'll be coming out yet or what it'll be about... but it's Terry Moore and SiP, so who cares?!?

I'm so excited I think I just soiled myself.

And if you haven't been reading his latest creator-owned title, "ECHO", now's a good time to jump on.
He's only up to issue #11, but the story is getting big.

10 Habits of a Geeky Spouse

2009-03-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

Wired gives us another wonderfully written top 10 list:

10 Habits of a Geeky Spouse

The one that most relates to me?

6. Requiring extra room in the house for geeky things

My wife lovingly built shelves in a closet when I was away one weekend so I could store my comic long boxes in our office. I'm very lucky she understands my madness.

The Death of the DC Legacy Character

2009-03-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

I found this write up to be intriguing as well as spot on. I may not agree with what DC is doing, but at least there is an explanation.

The Death of the Legacy Character

Secret Lives of Comic Store Employees

2009-03-03T11:57:00.001-08:00

Interesting article at Wired

Get In On The "Action"

2009-02-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

"Action Comics" that is!

And the very first issue to be specific.

A rare copy of Action Comics # 1 is going up for bid at an auction starting tomorrow.

The owner, who was not identified, bought the comic back in 1958 for only 10 cents and has held onto it for 58 years.

Now is your chance to try and buy it... bidding will start at only $ 1 and the auction will continue for 2 weeks.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2009-02-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow marks the actual 1 year anniversary of The Comic Stop in Redmond even though we didn't "officially" open until March 1st of last year. While I don't usually like to toot my own horn, (that phrase, by the way, should NOT invoke the kind of images that it does), I do feel that in the current economy making it past the one year mark is something to be proud of. So, yay Comic Stop!
To celebrate our anniversary, we will be holding a rare Comic Stop sale in Redmond! That's right! The Comic Stop will be having a sale! I know, I know. You never thought you would live to see the day but amazingly, here we are. If you've been a long time customer at the Stop, then you know we rarely do sales so you won't want to miss this one.
Stop by the Redmond Town Center store where all action figures will be 25% off. Save 10% off any graphic novel or buy 3 and we'll give you 20% off the total! Select statues and busts at ridiculous prices! Board games and card games are on sale too! Select new comics at bargain prices!
When is this fabulous sale?
All day Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1st! Even if you don't find anything to buy, stop by and have some free cake and soda. Hope to see everyone then and thanks for making The Comic Stop a part of your world.

Batman gets Pwned

2009-02-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Smoke me a Kipper!

2009-01-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

One of the all time best sci-fi comedies is making a return this Easter. Red Dwarf will be airing 4 new episodes (well 3 episodes and a Behind the Scenes show) come Easter on Dave TV in the UK. Does this mean we'll see it in the US on BBC America? I don't know, but I'm sure some P2P networks will have it.

Will it be any good? Who cares! It's new Dwarf. And any Dwarf is better than no Dwarf.

He Is The Law!

2009-01-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

Supposedly, a new Judge Dredd movie is in the works.

According the the 2000 A.D. news forums, DNA films (which produced Sunshine and 28 Weeks Later) has picked up the rights and is scheduling production for sometime in 2009.

(Or rather they might be, if everyone at DNA films was on board with the project.)

Not a whole lot more information about this other than a bunch of fan sites sharing this same information. Here, here, here, here.... oh and here.

If you're familiar with Judge Dredd and the denizens of Mega-City 1, this movie could have a lot of potential.

With all the stories available in the 30+ years run of the character, there is a lot to choose from to make a great movie.

Or... it could suck just as bad as last time.

Even with an impressive cast, a ginormous budget, and costumes designed by none other than Gianni Versace the previous effort did little more than fall flat on it's face.

But with a new production company taking up the helm, a global fanbase, and studios that are looking for comic books to bring to the silver screen.... this might just work a second time around.

Here's hoping anyway.

Ricardo Montalban (1920-2009)

2009-01-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

(Cross-posted from "Untitled.")

The override. Where's the override?!?

Rest in Peace, Mr. Montalban.

May Heaven be covered in Rich Corinthian Leather and may all your Fantasies be granted.

I have no other words. It's a dark day.

Mike Oeming & Kirby Krackle!

2009-01-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

We have a double-header all lined up for you this time! Mike Avon Oeming has re-scheduled his appearance at the Comic Stop Lynnwood, followed by the debut of the world's first real Comic Rock Band, Kirby Krackle!

The store signing with Mike Avon Oeming (Powers, Bulletproof Monk, Hammer of The Gods, etc) will take place from 1pm to 4pm at the Lynnwood location, on Saturday, January 31st. besides showing off his awesome new book, Mice Templar, Mike is also celebrating his birthday with us, so make sure to say "Happy Birthday!"

Mike Oeming is best known for his artwork on Powers with co-creator Brian Michael Bendis, but he is also an accomplished writer whose work includes Omega Flight, Stormbreaker: The Sage of Beta Ray Bill, Ares, Thor: Blood Oath, and many more.

Immediately after the signing, Kirby Krackle shall hit the stage, debuting their self-titled debut CD.

Kirby Krackle is the brainchild of Comic Guru Jim Demonakos and Uber Musician Kyle Stevens, who have put together a unique sound of music with lyrics based off of the best that pop culture has to offer. Their style of music can be called Geek Rock, Nerd Core, Comic Rock, whatever you want to call it. To miss this show is to turn in your license to be a Geek.

Kirby Krackle will play from 4pm to 5pm. Afterwards, there will be an after-party with food and drinks. This will be good times, people. Be there.

UPDATE: The co-creator of Mice Templar, Bryan Glass, will be making an appearance at the Mike Oeming store signing, which gives everyone the perfect chance to get their new Mice Templar HC signed by both creators!

The Turbo Encabulator

2009-01-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

Thundercats movie

2008-12-26T14:34:00.001-08:00

I've never been a big fan of the Thundercats but this is pretty cool. Starring Comic Stop friend, Gigi Edgley to boot!!

No New Comics for Christmas...

2008-12-24T10:12:00.000-08:00

The sudden dropping of snow early this morning has had the unwanted, if not entirely unexpected, effect of delaying our new comics shipment today.

According to our UPS tracking numbers, the majority of our boxes are stuck on the Eastside. A few boxes made it through, but are actually still in transit to the Everett UPS Hub, where we pick up the boxes.

This means that all three shops are going to be without new comics today. However, all three stores will be open for the afternoon. Although I am personally snowed in, George should be opening the Lynnwood store, while Chris and Michael are opening the Everett and Redmond stores.

New Comics should be available on Friday, December 26th. However, thanks to the massive backlog at UPS, there is a chance we may not see them until next week.

Until then, be safe out there and have a good Christmas!

-Brian

Store Signing w/ Mike Oeming!

2008-11-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The store signing with Mike Oeming has been postponed until after the holidays. A new date will be announced at a later time.

The Comic Stop is excited to have comic book artist extraordinaire Mike Avon Oeming (Powers, Bulletproof Monk, Hammer of The Gods, etc) for a store signing on Saturday, December 13th. The signing will take place from 2pm to 5pm at the Lynnwood location.

Mike Oeming is promoting the release of his new Top Cow one-shot called Darkness Lodbrok's Hand and Trade Paperback collection of his creator-owned epic Mice Templar.

Mike Oeming is best known for his artwork on Powers with co-creator Brian Michael Bendis, but he is also an accomplished writer whose work includes Omega Flight, Stormbreaker: The Sage of Beta Ray Bill, Ares, Thor: Blood Oath, and many more.

Turkish Mayor Suing Batman Director

2008-11-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

In a totally "You've GOT to be kidding me" kind of moment, a mayor in the town of Batman, Turkey is suing director Christopher Nolan for using the name of his town without permission.

They claim to have evidence that proves the town's origin predates the fictional character's origin and therefore they are entitled to royalties for using the name.
Mayor Huseyin Kalkan says, "There is only one Batman in the world. The American producers used the name of our city without informing us."

Oh really? So for over 65 years NOBODY in Turkey has complained about infringement of their town's name until now.
And they want to sue Christopher Nolan and not DC Comics?

I guess if you want to get some publicity, this is as good a way as any.

"Impaler" creator signing at The Comic Stop

2008-11-08T23:06:00.001-08:00

The Comic Stop - Redmond is proud to announce our first ever store signing!

William Harms, the creator and writer of Top Cow's book Impaler, will be signing at The Comic Stop - Redmond next Saturday, November 15th from 12 noon to 3pm. We will have plenty of copies of the just released Impaler trade paperback as well as some SDCC Impaler Preview books that William will be happy to sign for you. But that isn't all! No sir. To help make the day even more fun, we will be giving away gift bags full of cool swag to the first 50 people who come by.

What's that? You want more? Ok then!

With every purchase you make on Saturday, we will give you a raffle ticket and at the end of the day we will be giving away all sorts of stuff. WoW Loot Cards, original artwork, signed comics and more!

And to top it all off, we will be doing a special "soda tasting" of some of the cool soda's that only The Comic Stop in Redmond carries. Jolt Cola, Brain Wash, Pop Goes The Bubble, Lolli's Cherry Pop, Cheerwine and Ed & Pete's Lemonade will all be available to sample.

So make it a point to drop by The Comic Stop in Redmond this coming Saturday. It should be a lot of fun. See you then.

Comic Release Party

2008-11-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Firstly, I want to say that I am a loyal Comic Stop customer.

I would in no way encourage you to "jump ship" to another store.

However, I wanted to let you know about a little happening that I'm sort of involved in.

On November 23rd at the Comics Dungeon in Seattle, Keith Curtis will be releasing volumes 1 & 2 of his self-published comic, "Crater on the Moon".

"Why should I care?", I hear you asking.

Well, it just so happens that yours truly is one of the characters in his book.

I play XT Space Marine, Mike Valera.

Here are a couple of my scenes from issue #7:

I'll be there to help Keith with the celebration, along with some of the other Space Marines from the story.

For more information, please hop over to my blog and check it out.

Please come out and help support a local publisher and watch me make a fool of myself in front of strangers (like usual).

I hope to see some of you there.

Top 5 Best Comic Shops in Western Washington, and we're one of them!!!

2008-11-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

We made the Top 5! Thank you to all who voted and a special thanks to the mystery person who nominated us in the first place! If you want to see the Top 5 comic shops in western Washington, click on this link.

Eureka Comic from Boom! Studios

2008-10-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Just a little shout out to one of my favorite smaller comic publishers Boom! Studios and the TV show Eureka. Comic comes out in December.

Bat Bro

2008-10-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

From CollegeHumor

New Watchmen Trailer

2008-10-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you that did not watch Spike TV's Scream awards show, here is the new Watchmen trailer that was shown. It's pretty much the same as the old one with new scenes of awesomeness thrown in. If you don't want to watch the actors gushing about how great geeks are, skip to 1:20.

The last few days to vote for us

2008-10-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already done so, please take a few moments to vote for us in Evening Magazine's Best of Western Washington poll. Voting will be stopped after this weekend. Here is the link. Please remember that just leaving a review does not count towards a vote. You have to click on the "Vote" button as well. Thanks.

Coming Soon To IMAX (I wish!)

2008-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

A classic made even better! Check it out.

Vote For Us!

2008-09-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

See that link over there for Evening Magazine's The Best of Western Washington? Yeah, that's it. Right under The Comic Stop logo and our bio. ----->

You need to click on it and vote for The Comic Stop as being the best comic shop in Washington! Or click on this link: THE COMIC STOP - BEST COMIC SHOP IN THE UNIVERSE!

We are currently in 5th place but I know the Comic Stop faithful will vote us into the #1 spot!And after you're done doing that, stop by and remember to pick up The Adventures of Doctor Zombie #1! It's awesome!!

Doctor Zombie debuts!

2008-09-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Doctor Zombie #1 is finally back from the printers!

As some of you may already know (but let's recap for those that don't), this new book was written my daughter Mackenzie. After expressing interest in writing her own story, I encouraged her to put one together using one of her favorite characters, Doctor Zombie. Well, the story was a fun little romp filled with action, romance, and what I like to call "3rd grade Science".

I took her story and scripted it, handed it off to my artist Erik Thompson, and several months later, we have an all-ages comic about a dead scientist and his loyal assistant fighting demons and poor dating choices!

The Adventures of Doctor Zombie #1 will officially debut this weekend at Bell-Con, Bellingham's newest comic convention, but we will have copies at the Lynnwood Comic Stop this Wednesday for anyone that wants one. Anyone that wants to reserve a copy (many of you already have, thanks!) just needs to let me know, via email to the shop, a call, or even a comment.

The Adventures of Doctor Zombie #1 costs only a measly $2.50 and there are two covers to choose from (Good Guy Cover and Bad Guy Cover). Oh, and if anyone would like to have their copy signed by Mackenzie, let me know. She has been practicing her signature for the last couple of days just for this.

Holy Forest Fires, Batman!

2008-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Happy 80th to Adam West!

All By Myself...

2008-09-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

Riddle Me This, Bird Brain...

2008-09-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

There have been rumors of this, but a recent interview with Michael Caine lends some credibility.

It would seem the next Batman movie will have Johnny Depp stepping in as The Riddler, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as The Penguin.

I think, like Heath Ledger, these are brilliant choices. These are two of the best method actors in the business, and should continue the great tradition in casting that the first two movies started. Except for Joey Potter (ick). I think Nolan had a crush.

What do you think?

The New A-Team

2008-09-04T12:40:00.001-07:00

Oh, what some people come up with when they have too much time on their hands....

No Heroics

2008-09-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

This looks like it could be great!
WARNING!
Strong language so view around children with caution.

V For Vodka! Classic!

If At First You Don't Succeed...

2008-08-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

...Fly, Fly Again?

Bryan Singer, Brandon Routh, and Co. are all out of a job. Warner Bros. is going to scrap the franchise and re-boot from scratch. I'm assuming this will mean that the continuity set forth by the Christopher Reeve films, and followed in Superman Returns will be left alone.

Thoughts? Reactions? I know that DC and WB are wanting to really compete with Marvel in the multiplex, and only the Batman films have been able to do that. With Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and various other DC/Vertigo properties in the works, is this a step in the right direction, or is this box office kryptonite?

KIRBY KRACKLE!

2008-08-20T15:01:00.001-07:00

Hey Comic Stop family! Comic Stop co-owner Jim Demonakos and I are unveiling our new "geek rock" project KIRBY KRACLE this week with a new myspace page up HERE, and a performance at the Comic Stop BBQ/Game night this Saturday night. If you're someone who reads this blog regularly, then you'll dig the songs...Spread the word!

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

2008-08-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Or at least $1MM? Go Team Geek!

"The Dark Fortress"

2008-08-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

Ha. Hee. Heh. Hah. Whoo. Her.

Damon's Comic Book of the Week - 8/13/08

2008-08-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Batman #679
Easy pick. This was an amazing issue (the variant cover is absolutely beautiful!), that's all I can say really. The art is top notch and the story is just getting better and better. I'm starting to realize that R.I.P. is going to continue to tease us down to the last issue. There's a lot of fun in this issue, but I don't want to say anything for fear of spoiling it, so go read it and tell me what you think! Zur-en-arrh!

Runner-up: Action Comics #868

He's a Brainiac, Brainiac on the floor...

2008-08-12T14:11:00.000-07:00

Action Comics is rocking these days.

Preview for this week's Issue #868 up at Newsarama.

Zombies!!! and Humans!!! invade The Comic Stop

2008-08-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Twilight Creations, the makers of one of my all time favorite games in Zombies!!!, has just release a stand alone game that is compatible with Zombies!!!. Now you don't have to fend off the ravenous hordes of the undead but instead be ONE OF THEM!
Awwww Yeah!!!!!! Send... More... HUMANS!!!

I've had several people in the past few months ask if I was going to be doing any gaming events at the Redmond location. I hadn't really given it much serious thought since just getting the store up and running has taken all my free time. However, I would really like to get a Zombies!!!/Humans!!! game together some time in the near future and was wondering if anyone is interested. Please let me know so I can gauge the interest level and see if this is even worth doing.

For those of you reading and have never played before, if you are interested in playing but fearful that you would be at a disadvantage for having never played the game before, please know that it's really easy to learn and doesn't require a previous knowledge of the game to play against those that have played before. Twilight Creations likes to bill this game as a "beer and pretzels" game. It's very high on the fun factor but not really high on the rules lawyers aspect. I do warn that many of the images on the cards are a bit gruesome so I'm asking that we keep children at home for this one.

I will also be doing demos of both Zombies!!! and Humans!!! at the game night in Lynnwood on the 23rd.

Damon's Comic Book of the Week - 8/6/08

2008-08-06T23:30:00.000-07:00

Robin #176
Easily the most exciting comic book I read this week. You get to see a glimpse of Robin growing up and becoming more like his influences. Will he grow up to be more like Batman (you could see some of the attitude in this issue), Nightwing (Robin's look?)... or Red Robin (what the heck!)? I don't think I have been this thrilled with a Robin issue for a long time.

T-shirt request

2008-08-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

A request for a lolcatz t-shirt image for Ms. FridayK...

Listen to Kyle Stevens... or the Robots Win!

2008-08-05T10:55:00.001-07:00

Robin - Post Dixon

2008-08-04T23:01:00.000-07:00

Those of you wondering what Robin is going to look like after Chuck Dixon was canned should check out this article. Even though I will miss Dixon, I'm sure he will be back later and it seems like Fabian is going to fill in his shoes nicely.

Wednesday can never come fast enough....

Battle for the Cowl

2008-07-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Teaser image shown at Comic-Con

Batman R.I.P. Tie-ins (Part 2)

2008-07-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

When Detective Comic's version of a Batman R.I.P. Tie-in came out I posted my issues with it. Now that Robin has come out with it's version of a R.I.P. Tie-in, I decided it was only fair to take a look at how it was handled.

Given that Morrison stated that he had no idea what they were doing with the R.I.P. Tie-ins and wasn't involved with them at all, Robin did a surprisingly good job. This is coming from a pretty biased source too, because I was ready to tear this tie-in apart for multiple reasons. The first being that Chuck Dixon wasn't writing it (this still depresses me), the next reason being that the first R.I.P. Tie-in was awful, and given that Chuck Dixon was listed as being the writer for the longest time (and still is), I knew it was going to be rushed.

All that being said, I was wonderfully surprised. It was really good. I like the idea of Robin being more independent and having to think of what he would have to do without Batman, or worse, if he needed to take Batman down. Of course, if you were looking for it to fill in any of the pieces of R.I.P. storyline (which I wasn't), you probably wouldn't be too impressed. It added nothing to the story at all, but at least Batman wasn't in it (Stupid Detective Comics....) and at least it dealt with the R.I.P. storyline. All in all, it was a strong Robin issue and a solid R.I.P. Tie-in. Color me impressed.

Because It Is Still Sold Out In The Future

2008-07-24T09:16:00.001-07:00

Sorry, Friday.

Watchmen Trailer

2008-07-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

Yeah Yeah Yeaaaaah Wow..Spidel-Man!

2008-07-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Goblin Bloggin'/Misunderstood Monsters

2008-07-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

Just realized I hadn't looked for new entries in this series lately, and missed a couple. Sorry for the slacking.

The Dark Knight

2008-07-16T00:59:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a special screening of "The Dark Knight" at the IMAX. In a word: AWESOME! (And I'm not just saying that to make Girl Friday jealous! )(You so totally should have come with!)

Without going into details or spoilers, this was not only the best superhero movie of the summer (Sorry Iron Man) but it's easily the best movie I've seen all year. Heath Ledger's Joker is SO good! He just exudes creepy! I'm pretty sure Hannibal Lector would have nightmares about this Joker.

The rest of the cast is great too. Both Aaron Eckhart and Gary Oldman do particularly good jobs but I really want to give Christian Bale special mention. His Batman is really spot on. It's easy to forget how difficult it is to play Batman. Don't think so? Ask George Clooney or Val Kilmer, both of whom I think are fine actors but definitely had a bit of trouble getting Batman right. It's easy to want to try and give the character more personality by making Batman say a funny line or two but when that happens, it seems to make the character a bit campy. Mr. Bale anchors the film in a very believable way without falling into the "I'll add a joke here" trap. That isn't to say he doesn't have some humourous moments. He just does it without bringing a lot of attention to it. He does an excellent job in what is, really, a thankless role

In a very small role is the character actor "Tiny" Lister and he is in one of my favorite scenes of the movie. Look for him on the ferry.

I'm hoping to post a more in depth review later today but with the move downstairs at RTC, internet is going to be gone for a week or so and thus I will have to wait till I get home after work to write.

Do yourself a favor and see The Dark Knight as soon as you can.

Redmond Store Falls One Floor, Gets Cavities

2008-07-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Girl Friday K took it upon herself to move the Redmond Comic Stop down one floor so she could be closer to the Sweet Factory in the RTC. I know this because I gleaned it from an obtuse twitter I saw on her blog. Using my impressive deduction skills, I also now know that Girl Friday K is the mysterious thief who has been committing Marmot-themed crimes all over the city. Her next target: Bill Gates impressive LolCats collection!

Gotham Cable News

2008-07-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is excited for The Dark Knight and hasn't watched any of the episodes of Gotham Cable News should head over to http://www.gothamcablenews.com/. This is an example of some of the amazing marketing that has gone into The Dark Knight and what marketing for a movie of this magnitude can look like in the age of the internet.

It's also worth noting that not only did gothamcablenews.com get 'jokerized', but so did thedarkknight.com. Somebody in marketing is having way too much fun... 6 more days, is anyone else excited?

Batman R.I.P. Tie-ins

2008-07-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have been a huge fan of the Batman RIP series and cannot wait to see what happens in the remaining issues. So, naturally, I was pretty excited for Detective Comics to come out this week since it was a tie-in to Batman RIP. Unfortunetly, I was terribly disappointed. Not by the issue itself, I am a huge Hush fan, but by the fact that DC claimed that this was a tie-in. Just because you add a couple of lines into the script that pay homage to Batman RIP... that doesn't make it a tie-in and it defiantly doesn't deserve the title at the top of the issue.

Seriously... the Hush storyline is it's own beast, why do they think they have to force it to tie-in with RIP? It took me out of my comic book reading experience and made me roll my eyes. What ever happened to the type of tie-ins that they did during Knightfall? Those are tie-ins... Ones where you actually need to read all of the issues to get the whole story. Nobody needs to read Detective Comics 846 to understand RIP at all. It tells you nothing new.

How frustrating... I guess I have to wait another month for my RIP fix.

Lunchboxes

2008-07-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Another great Hellboy II ad, this time featuring Chuck:

and another one:

I hope all these are collected on the DVD eventually...

Throw me the idol, I'll throw you the whip.

2008-07-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

Zero Punctuation's review of "Lego: Indiana Jones"...stick around after for his review of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

The Heroes Journey

2008-07-08T14:35:00.001-07:00

I'm not even a big STAR WARS fan, but this is brilliant...

Boo. Ya.

2008-07-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

Where The Deep Ones Are

2008-07-02T18:01:00.001-07:00

One of my childhood favorites was Where The Wild Things Are. One of my adulthood favorites has been the Cthulhu Mythos. Apparently that was the case for Mr. Hite and Mr. Hopp as well. From the June Previews:

If only we could just get Tim Burton and Henry Selick to get together one more time!

New Dark Knight Poster

2008-07-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

One of the coolest ones yet:

Sheldon

2008-07-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

Those of you at the last ECCC know that we had a ton of cool guests attend the show. My wife and I were lucky enough to get to know Dave Kellett, who writes and draws the comic Sheldon. We were his ride from the airport to the show, and during the drive into Seattle had a chance to chat with him. Little did we know just how popular he was as by noon on Sunday he has sold through all of his books.

We are now both hardcore fans of his work. And I wanted to take a moment to share not only his comic strip, but his same thoughts as mine on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

And Mr. Lucas? I want my $9.50 back.

Atari Label Maker and Poker Party Review

2008-06-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Juan found this link to the Atari Label maker like, forever ago. I made one as an example of the kind of fun you can have with it. :)

The comic stop poker party/bbq was a lot of fun this Saturday. It was cool to meet so many of the other comic stop patrons/fellow comic geeks. Elwood, maybe you'd like to do a toy story about the events of the evening? Kyle, bring your guitar and we can all have a sing along (I mean come on, everyone knows the theme song to Firefly right?!) *grins* Oh and btw, watch out for George. He's a poker playing badass!! ;)~