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2010 |
FORWARD INTO THE PAST
(aka "Old Reviews")
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2010 |
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Who reviewed what below?
After each review quote you'll see the initials of the critic who wrote it (and that review).. Here's your key to Who's Who:
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AS=Andrew Schumann
BO=Larry "Bocepheus" Evans
DS="Sweet" Dan Sweet
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DK = Deanna "Dee Kay" Bihlmayer
JR = Jim "Good Old JR" Rutkowski
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The opinions expressed in the reviews below are not necessarily those of Alternate Reality, Inc.
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
SHADOWLAND AFTERMATH |
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“...I was under whelmed with the entire “Shadowland” series, I found that the
positioning of certain characters into potentially interesting new roles is the
one redeeming aspect of this whole ordeal.” (DS) |
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GO TO ALL OF THESE DECEMBER 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
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HELLBOY SLEEPING & DEAD #1 |
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" I love it, and I look forward to the conclusion in the following issue." (DS) |
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ECHOES #1 |
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"...transcends the pitfalls of comic book storytelling and deliver a
twisted and effective mind-f*ck of a yarn.." (DS) |
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TANK GIRL: BAD WIND RISING #1 |
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"Tank Girl, a bunch of chicks AND a kangaroo-guy go to the beach and act
like pricks" (DS) |
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NORTHERN GUARD #1 |
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"...a half-hearted effort with little to no hope of success." (DS) |
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SUPERMAN/BATMAN #79 |
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"This time-travel stuff can really get confusing." (DS) |
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WOLVERINE THE BEST THERE IS #1 |
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"..literally the worst Wolverine story I’ve ever read." (DS) |
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LADY DEATH #0 |
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"...the pages flow like the bowels of a man who spent an entire day eating
nothing but cheese. " (DS) |
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GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #18 |
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"..a.touching scene in that it made me want to touch my finger to the back
of my throat and force myself to vomit." (DS) |
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27 (TWENTY SEVEN) #1 (OF 4) |
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"I can appreciate a title that likes to take a new approach as far as
telling its story, but where’s the story? " (DS) |
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BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #1 |
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"...If the book doesn’t find a distinct voice- it might just find itself on
the chopping block" (DS) |
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CHAOS WAR X-MEN #1 (OF 2) |
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"Doug Braithwaite’s pencils look marvelous, and go a long way toward
redeeming this wet-fart of a comic," (DS) |
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JOE HILL'S THE CAPE ONE SHOT |
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"...a perfect example of what it takes to capture a new reader’s attention
with a new character... " (DS) |
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ULTIMATE DOOM #1 |
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"I love it;" (DS) |
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BATMAN ORPHANS #1 |
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"...this story-is just all sorts of out-of-whack with relation to where the
characters are at the current time." (DS) |
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DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #12 |
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"...a rather sub-par introduction of a new asset to the Batman universe." (DS) |
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HEROES FOR HIRE#1 |
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"...a great combination of style AND substance, providing a perfect blend
of action and suspense." (DS) |
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BLACK PANTHER #513 |
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"It’s a cool idea, and it’s executed really well by David Liss and
Francesco Francavilla." (DS) |
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NEXT MEN #1 |
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"This book gave me a headache almost from page one." (DS) |
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WIDOWMAKER #1 |
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"I’m sure this is just a first stop on what will be a ridiculously long
career for Lopez at least I hope so!" (DS) |
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-MOVIES- |
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KINGS SPEECH |
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"It’s impossible not to like this
period drama that relocates the “Rocky” formula from the boxing ring to the
royal palaces..." (JR) |
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BLACK SWAN |
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"...a movie that combines some truly stunning visual and cinematic ideas with
some truly terrible, well, ideas." (JR) |
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SECRET ORIGINS DC COMICS DVD |
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“If you’re a big comics fan, it’s worth watching for the history, skewed as it
is, but it’s tough to recommend buying it." (JR) |
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TRON LEGACY |
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"... the visuals are a vast improvement, but they also keep the film rooted
in outdated nostalgia.." (JR) |
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TRUE GRIT |
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“True Grit” is a genuine triumph for all concerned and one of the years best
films." (JR) |
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-KIDZ CORNER REVIEWS- |
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ARCHIE
#616 |
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"This story is good for kids to read because it brings them politics, but in a
more simplistic way..." (DK) |
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MOUSE GUARD THE BLACK AXE #1 |
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"... I found the story very entertaining. The illustrations, remind me of
the children’s books I grew up reading..." (DK) |
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
BATMAN RETURNS/BATMAN INC |
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"“I had my doubts about Bruce’s return, figuring it marked a return to the ‘old
ways’, pre-Morrison Batman, but I’m glad that the lunatic Scotsman has opted to
stick around and expand his ever-growing empire for another couple of years.” (DS) |
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GO TO ALL OF THESE NOVEMBER 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
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ASTONISHING THOR #1 |
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"... this story should be little more than a filler piece between Fraction
and Ferry’s arcs." (DS) |
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STAN LEE'S TRAVELER #1 |
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" I wish I could explain what it was about the plot that I didn’t care for, but
there isn’t really a plot to comment on” (DS) |
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BATWOMAN #0 |
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"It’s a fun read without being too heavy handed. " (DS) |
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DETECTIVE COMICS #871 |
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"...it's
excellent to see “Detective” get back on track...” (DS) |
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THUNDERSTRIKE #1 |
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"The poor-man’s Thor with a lightning bolt earring is one of those things that
are just better off left in the past..." (DS) |
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HALCYON #1 |
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"..a
great job of delivering an ADULT book without stepping over any unnecessary
lines.” (DS) |
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ATOMIC ROBO DEADLY ART OF SCIENCE #1 |
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"...one robot plus one scientist plus wacky adventure equals a good time by
all." (DS) |
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OSBORN #1 |
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"...this
comic is awesome-I look forward to seeing the rest of this series unfold, get
with it!” (DS) |
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RPM #1 |
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" I was pretty under whelmed with what I found inside its pages." (DS) |
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SUPERGIRL #58 |
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"...
don’t undercut a surprisingly strong emotional sequence with nonsense bickering.” (DS) |
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AVENGERS #7 |
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"Bendis is going bigger and bigger with each of the issues that I’ve read of
this new series. " (DS) |
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THUNDER AGENTS #1 |
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"...
a truly enjoyable reading experience, and a team that I hope I see stick around
this title for a long, long time.” (DS) |
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AMAZING SPIDERMAN #648 |
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"...perfectly balances fast-paced action with thoughtful character moments." (DS) |
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ANT-MAN WASP#1 |
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"...one
of the more fun tales of the extraneous Marvel Universe I’ve been privy to in
quite a while.” (DS) |
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BATMAN CATWOMAN FOLLOW THE MONEY |
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"...comes off as a perfect example of paint-by-numbers storytelling." (DS) |
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CAP: MAN OUT OF TIME #1 |
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"...a
nice looking example of what I hate about comics these days-too much focus on
the trade paperback sale...” (DS) |
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WARRIORS THREE #1 |
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"...THIS comes as a breath of fresh air amidst the flurry of movie-related
tie-ins and attempts at franchise expansion." (DS) |
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PUNISHER IN THE BLOOD #1 |
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"Boschi
brings a certain kind of sophistication to a book about a walking mass-murderer....” (DS) |
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SUPERBOY #1 |
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"Rich in environment and mood, I hope these two creators stick around and
flesh this out for a long time." (DS) |
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ADVENTURES IN MINDLESS SELF INDULGENCE #1 |
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"... a random assortment of gross-out humor and ill-conceived ideas....” (DS) |
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GENERATION HOPE #1 |
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"...It’s a sorry excuse for a Merry Marvel Mutant space-filler…just taking
up room on the shelf." (DS) |
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-OTHER REVIEWS- |
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127 HOURS |
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"...a bracing story of man and nature and an exhilarating sensory experience.
It's my favorite movie so far this year." (JR) |
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NEVER LET ME
GO
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"...love and death, two experiences horribly perverted in this sci-fi dusted
saga of medical achievement." (JR) |
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HP
AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS |
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"Equal parts action thriller, political parable, and love story, "Hallows" feels
sad and strong and true..." (JR) |
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OZMA OF OZ #1 |
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"..definitely a “keeper” in the continuing adventures of Dorothy Gale." (DK) |
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HEREAFTER |
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"...Eastwood exploring the wilderness between being and nothingness, and
reporting back with his findings." (JR) |
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
YI
SOON SHIN #2 |
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"(Kompan's) done years of research and even traveled to South Korea-it’s that
passion for the project that really shines through each page." (DS) |
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GO TO ALL OF THESE
OCTOBER 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
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JLA/THE 99 #1 |
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"I think it’s pandering to try and sell people on another company’s ideas
by half-assing the actual execution" (DS) |
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KNIGHT & SQUIRE #1 |
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"... a fun, freaky exercise in cross-the-pond crime-fighting.” (DS) |
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LOKI #1 |
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"...an exploration into the obsession one brother has with another. " (DS) |
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GREEN HORNET BLOOD TIES #1 |
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"...there’s nothing about this book that I find remarkable-it just doesn’t have
anything that captures my attention...” (DS) |
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WARLORD OF MARS #1 |
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"The story is fast-paced, the characters are interesting, and most
importantly the artwork is KICK-ASS!" (DS) |
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SUPERMAN #704 |
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"The story falls a little flat, and it’s not really helped out in any small way
by Oliveria’s pencils” (DS) |
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RAGMAN SUIT OF SOULS #1 |
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"...it goes a long way to show how much characterization and personality he
can pack into 22-pages!" (DS) |
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SPIDER-MAN VS VAMPIRES #1 |
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"...my brain hurt so badly by the time I finished with this book that I almost
gave up comics forever.” (DS) |
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INCOGNITO BAD INFLUENCES #1 |
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"I love the mood that he (Phillips) sets with his pencils, and the
environments he builds around his characters.." (DS) |
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ACTION COMICS #894 |
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"...you can count on Lex out-thinking almost anyone he’s put up against,
and THAT makes for an exciting story.” (DS) |
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SUPERMAN BATMAN #77 |
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"...a fun comic that doesn’t come with a whole lot of baggage." (DS) |
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SOLDIER ZERO #1 |
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"Have them say something about the chair! Did they talk about the
wheelchair on this page yet?! And so on...” (DS) |
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JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #44 |
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"...the idea of the JSA adopting, rebuilding, running a city is absolutely
alluring." (DS) |
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NOTLD #1 |
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"... if you’re a fan of horror, sex, violence, or hippies than this one’s
for YOU!" (DS) |
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KICK ASS 2 #1 |
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"This is probably one of the most surprising books I’ve read all month." (DS) |
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ROAD HOME BATMAN & ROBIN #1 |
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"...there’s very little of the signature quirkiness that’s become a staple
of the “Batman and Robin” book" (DS) |
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SUPERIOR #1 |
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"...a story that build upon layers of childlike amazement as far as the
whole superhero genre is concerned." (DS) |
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KLAWS OF THE PANTHER #1 |
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"Everything about this struck a chord with me." (DS) |
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METALOCALYPSE DETHKLOK #1 |
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"...I didn’t’ find a whole lot to redeem this book in my eyes." (DS) |
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CHAOS WAR #1 |
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"...readers are in for an exciting ride." (DS) |
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LADY MECHANIKA #0 |
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"If ever there was an heir-apparent to the throne of Michael Turner, it’s
Joe Benitez. With this book he’s blown my mind," (DS) |
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UNCANNY X-FORCE #1 |
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"This is such a worthy heir to the X-Force name that I’m really kind of
disappointed in myself for having doubts. " (DS) |
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DEADPOOLMAX #1 |
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"Kyle Baker is the saving grace of this book." (DS) |
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-OTHER REVIEWS- |
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THE
SOCIAL NETWORK |
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"..what happens when you get a bunch of douche bags together to create a movie
about another bunch of douche bags." (JR) |
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
BLACK
WIDOW #6 |
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“...probably the most intense jumping-on point I’ve experienced in my
comic-reading experience so far this year...” (DS) |
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GO TO ALL OF THESE
SEPTEMBER 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
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STAR SPANGLED WAR STORIES #1 |
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"Billy Tucci-produces a magnificent misfire with this exercise in banality." (DS) |
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RADICAL PREMIERE MATA HARI |
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"...a fun little reading experience..." (DS) |
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TERMINATOR 1984 #1 |
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"I thought that the art worked incredibly well for the story, although I’m not
sure the story worked incredibly well." (DS) |
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GI COMBAT #1 |
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"...retains ALL the sensibilities of similar books that preceded it while
bringing a fresh take on an OLD idea" (DS) |
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VALKYRIE #1 |
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"...a fluff piece that does NOTHING to advance the character..." (DS) |
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WETWORK: MUTATIONS #1 |
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"This book is a hot mess..." (DS) |
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SKULLKICKERS #1 |
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"There’s no atmosphere, no environment, it’s just ‘punch, stab, kick, run, jump,
steal’, and that gets old REAL FAST. ( DS) |
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THOR #615 |
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"...while I’m impressed with the attempt, I’m under whelmed with the issue
as a whole" (DS) |
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POWER GIRL #16 |
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"...awkward, uncomfortable, and ultimately disappointing overall." ( DS) |
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THOR FIRST THUNDER #1 |
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"...I really think that this was as pointless as striking oneself about the
head with a hammer for recreational purposes" (DS) |
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ENIGMA FORCE #1 of 3 |
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" I can’t say a whole lot of good things about this book, it’s just an
attempt to cash in on retro-cool." ( DS) |
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CAPTAIN AMERICA PATRIOT #1 |
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"...a charming story really, and very much golden-age in its approach to
the character" (DS) |
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X-23#1 |
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".... interesting and gorgeous. It’s more worthy of a recommendation than
either of the other Logan-related series" ( DS) |
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RED VICTORIA SPECIAL #1 |
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"...what happens when the loathsome cash-grab, last-ditch effort really
pays off-Yep, it’s a good book." (DS) |
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WEIRD WAR TALES #1 |
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".... a perfect example of comics that you just don’t see enough of
anymore." (DS) |
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DAKEN #1 |
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"...this just feels like more of the same with a brand new wrapper." (DS) |
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AMAZING SPIDERMAN #641 |
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"....it’s pretty solid in its desire to leave things the way they are, for
now." (DS) |
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ONE MONTH TO LIVE #1 |
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"...Remender injected SO MUCH personality into Dennis that it’s impossible
to NOT relate to him" (DS) |
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FREEDOM FIGHTERS #1 |
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"....this is just too unfocused to maintain my attention. It’s not that I
can’t figure out what’s going on, I just don’t care." (DS) |
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KODIAK #1 |
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"I thought the book was a perfect escape, with little of the expectations that
come with your typical super-hero comic." (DS) |
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SCIENCE DOG SPECIAL |
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".How can you NOT love a book called “Science Dog?" (DS) |
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TASKMASTER #1 |
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"... a vain attempt at taking a likable character and giving him the
b-movie treatment." (DS) |
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DEAD SOLDIER #1 |
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"... is supposed to be avenging the deaths of soldiers, but really he’s
just muddled in confusion and poor writing." (DS) |
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TRANSFORMERS DRIFT #1 |
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"... there isn’t a lot of REAL substance, unless of course Drift has always
been your favorite Transformer..." (DS) |
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AMAZING SPIDERMAN #642 |
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"If this is editorial’s way of apologizing for the whole Lily/Menace/Norman
thing, well, fine." (DS) |
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WOLVERINE #1 |
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"... it’s hard to decipher what really IS going on because we’re treated to
so much more flash and slash than story. " (DS) |
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THOR FOR ASGARD #1 |
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"...this was an absolute treat to read." (DS) |
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-OTHER REVIEWS- |
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THE TOWN |
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"...a solidly entertaining piece of filmmaking that provides viewers with plenty
of emotional thrills..." (JR) |
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GET LOW |
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"... more than just the sum of a single performance. It is a genuine, often
hilarious period piece...." (JR) |
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
SUPERMAN #702/LAST FAMILY OF KRYPTON #1 |
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“.I’m two and a half issues into Straczynski’s ‘ground-breaking’ run,
appropriately entitled “Grounded”, and I’m still impressed.”” (DS) |
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GO TO ALL OF THESE
AUGUST 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
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ZEROIDS #1 |
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"...there’s a gem buried somewhere deep inside this turd-like wrapping, and
it’s worth discovering." (DS) |
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SPIDERGIRL THE END #1 |
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"...I gotta say, for my first “Spider-Girl” story, I was pleasantly
surprised." (DS) |
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CURSE OF MUTANTS BLADE #1 |
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"...a pretty dang-gone depressing tale in which everyone whose name isn’t
on the cover bites it (no pun intended)." (DS) |
|
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SHADOWLAND
BLOOD ON THE STREETS #1 |
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"...if the writer had narrowed his focus I think the book might have stood
a chance." (DS) |
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CURSE OF MUTANTS STORM & GAMBIT #1 |
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"The really disappointing thing about this issue is how TERRIBLE the art
was..." (DS) |
|
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GUARDING THE GLOBE #1 |
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"... there’s something extremely refreshing about a book, even a super-hero
book, that doesn’t take itself too seriously." (DS) |
|
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WHISPERS IN THE WALL #1 |
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"The story is creepy, interesting, and above all original." (DS) |
|
 |
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NAMOR THE FIRST MUTANT #1 |
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"Now the X-Men are fighting Vampires by land AND by sea, watchoutnow!" (DS) |
|
 |
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MORNING GLORIES #1 |
|
"Best. New. Series. Of the year." (DS) |
|
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ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS 3 #1 |
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"...something about the story forced my reading experience to hit a wall." (DS) |
|
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MURDERLAND #1 |
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"David Hahn is the only redeemable thing this book has going for it. " (DS) |
|
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NEW MUTANTS FOREVER #1 |
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"...derivative, lazy story-telling that comes from giving a past-his-prime
creator his own pocket universe to play with" (DS) |
|
 |
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NANCY IN
HELL #1 |
|
"...a visually stimulating, and not-unintelligent story of Nancy, and she’s
in hell." (DS) |
|
 |
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MARVEL UNIVERSE VS PUNISHER #1 |
|
"...an otherwise depressing story about loss and responsibility and injects
emotion whenever possible..." (DS) |
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
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BOOK OF THE MONTH:
LSH
#1/ADVENTURE #12 |
|
“...this is kinda-sorta the reason I got into comics...” (DS) |
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GO TO ALL OF THESE
JULY 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
 |
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WONDER WOMAN
#601 |
|
"...the “Planet Hulk” of Wonder Woman stories, i.e. take the character WAY
out of the box, and see what happens..." (DS) |
|
 |
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the RISING #0 |
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"For only a dollar readers are treated to a beautifully illustrated mess of
a comic" (DS) |
|
 |
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TIME BOMB
#1 |
|
"What starts out at as an incredibly interesting concept quickly descends into
B-movie territory..." (DS) |
|
 |
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ULTIMATE COMICS MYSTERY #1 |
|
"...the only real mystery of the title is: Does anyone care anymore?" (DS) |
|
 |
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ARTIFACTS
#1 |
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"The dedication and devotion Ron Marz has for the Top Cow Universe is in
the spirit of Stan the Man himself..." (DS) |
|
 |
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ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #1 |
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"By the end of the first issue I was left with a number of questions, but little
interest in the remainder of the story." (DS) |
|
 |
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SCOURGE
#1 |
|
"...the action carries itself well, but ultimately I get the feeling it’s
just masking the lack of any real story." (DS) |
|
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CHARMED #1 |
|
"...I don’t like the fact that this book exists. I don’t understand a need
for it..." (DS) |
|
 |
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TRUE BLOOD
#1 |
|
"...just as bland and dull as you’d come to expect from a comic book based
on a show based on a series of books." (DS) |
|
 |
|
AMAZING SPIDERMAN #638 |
|
"...a tapestry that really feels like an authentic experience." (DS) |
|
 |
|
PARKER
MAN WITH GETAWAY FACE |
|
"Cook’s artwork is simple, yet amazingly capable of getting the point across
with the least amount of intrusion." (DS) |
|
 |
|
DARK WOLVERINE #88 |
|
"...it’s been a fun ride, and I’m willing to roll with these guys and see
where it goes." (DS) |
|
 |
|
SUPERMAN
#701 |
|
"By page-two I was overcome by a feeling of wonder, something that I haven’t
felt in damn-near two decades. (DS) |
|
 |
|
TIMEMASTERS VANISHING POINT #1 |
|
"The issue is bogged down by its own baggage..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
X-FORCE
SEX & VIOLENCE
#1 |
|
"....Del’Otto is beyond belief-he really is Marvel’s secret weapon," (DS) |
|
 |
|
GORILLA MAN #1 |
|
"I’m a fan of both the art and the story; although I’m not particularly fond of
the way Caracuzzo illustrates gorillas ..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
SCARLET
#1 |
|
"....I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, or pissed, or whatever, but
I’m sure it will invoke some sort of reaction." (DS) |
|
 |
|
OFFICER DOWNE |
|
"...an in-your-face kinda book, with a bad attitude that demands your
attention..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
DOCTOR
SOLAR #1 |
|
"... I’m not feeling it" (DS) |
|
 |
|
BRIGADE #1 |
|
"There’s nothing about this concept that’s gotten any better with time..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
AVENGERS
CHILDREN'S CRUSADE #1 |
|
"... I don’t want a hit-and-run relationship with great comics, I want them
to stick around all the time" (DS) |
|
 |
|
STEVE ROGERS SUPER-SOLDIER #1 |
|
"There’s a flow to the story, the motion, the action, the combat, which
really accentuates Eaglesham’s strengths." (DS) |
|
 |
|
SHADOWLAND #1 of 5 |
|
"...manages to feel as though they bit off a bit more than they’re ready to
chew." (DS) |
|
 |
|
BATMAN ODYSSEY #1 of 12 |
|
"I can’t seriously believe that this will turn out to be anything other than a
massive egg laid by the DC editorial team." (DS) |
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
INCEPTION |
|
" ...destined to be discussed and
dissected by enthralled viewers for years to come." (JR) |
|
 |
|
WINTER'S BONE |
|
"Astonishing in its authenticity and never less than riveting..." (JR) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
A-TEAM
WAR STORIES |
|
"“As much as I’m looking forward to an updated, big-screen “A-Team” revival, I’m
just about out of energy in regards to sitting through two more of these
prefaces.” (DS) |
|
|
GO TO ALL OF THESE
JUNE 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
 |
|
BULLET TO THE HEAD #1 |
|
"...this was far and beyond my favorite read of the week" (DS) |
|
 |
|
GREEN ARROW #1 |
|
"Even though the issue has its highs and lows, the lows outnumber the
highs..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
BULLET TO THE HEAD #1 |
|
"...this came off-as a regurgitation of previously digested material" (DS) |
|
 |
|
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #40 |
|
"...say what you want about this age-old plot device, but Willingham had it
all over ME from the beginning" (DS) |
|
 |
|
HULK #23 |
|
"HOW’ General Ross became Rulk is WAAAAAAY less interesting than I thought it
would be..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
CAPTAIN AMERICA NEWSPAPER STRIP #1 |
|
"...over-priced and underwhelming mini-series..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
RAWHIDE KID: SENSATIONAL 7 #1 |
|
"...at least the atmosphere feels authentic, even if nothing else really
does." (DS) |
|
 |
|
BATMAN BEYOND #1 of 6 |
|
"I was really looking forward to this, and I’m actually quite disappointed
in how it turned out." (DS) |
|
 |
|
MINDFIELD #1 |
|
"...even though the book doesn’t knock anything out of the park, it does
maintain a base amount of interest." (DS) |
|
 |
|
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634 |
|
"...lack luster issue, only the art carries me through the drudges of
Marvel's attempt to squeeze blood from a turnip" (DS) |
|
 |
|
WONDER WOMAN #600 |
|
"...change brought to the mythology of a character that’s been this
stagnant for this long is absolutely wonder-ful." (DS) |
|
 |
|
DARKSTAR AND THE WINTER GUARD #1 (OF 3) |
|
"...this 3-issue mini-series pushes the limits of tolerability" (DS) |
|
 |
|
SUPERMAN #700 |
|
"Now that the “World of New Krypton” saga is over the Superman family of
titles feel a lot more inviting," (DS) |
|
 |
|
JOKERS ASYLUM HARLEY QUINN #1 |
|
"It isn’t a dense read, and the artwork allows a fast-paced story to move
fluidly..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
MOUSE GUARD LEGENDS O/T GUARD #1 (OF 4) |
|
"Tell no complete truths or falsehoods, but tell a tale I’ve never heard" (DS) |
|
 |
|
PENNY FOR YOUR SOUL #1 |
|
" ...with slick art, and a ballsy story, there’s no reason this couldn’t be
a really great book." (DS) |
|
 |
|
NEW AVENGERS #1 |
|
"...the last seven years was to reposition the Avengers back in the
spotlight then who’s in need of the Avengers-lite?" (DS) |
|
 |
|
AVENGERS PRIME #1 (OF 5) |
|
" ...if we already know everything is going to be okay- why bother reading
it?" (DS) |
|
 |
|
PALE HORSE #1 |
|
"...Both the art and story provide a clear vision of just what the
author/artist is trying to do" (DS) |
|
 |
|
RED HOOD LOST DAYS #1 (OF 6) |
|
" ...a book that probably won’t make any waves in the overall scheme of
things." (DS) |
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
|
|
 |
|
TOY STORY 3
|
|
"
...the last twenty-odd minutes of the film is as beautiful a stretch of
film-making as you are likely to see anytime soon..." (JR) |
|
 |
|
SPLICE |
|
" ...a fascinating take on the genre that doesn’t unfold in the expected
ways..." (JR) |
|
 |
|
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
|
|
"
... a completely pointless piece of product that exists only because the earlier
“Shrek” films made money..." (JR) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
AVENGERS #1 |
|
"“...a writer known primarily for his crime-fiction, and his smart dialogue,
manages to conceive this world-hopping, time-traveling adventure, on par with
some of the better ‘classic’ Avengers stories.” (DS) |
|
|
GO TO ALL OF THESE
MAY 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
 |
|
7 PSYCHOPATHS #1 |
|
"The plot is pretty simple, and yet oddly complex once you step away from
the book." (DS) |
|
 |
|
RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE #1 |
|
"... the kind of heavy-handed metaphor you should come to expect from a
project like this," (DS) |
|
 |
|
ATLAS #1 |
|
"...the creators are trying to acquaint readers who may not be familiar
with-the style and flair of the title, " (DS) |
|
 |
|
MYSTERY SOCIETY #1 |
|
" I think I’m in love. No, not with Fiona, or Steve, but rather with “The
Mystery Society”" (DS) |
|
 |
|
SECRET AVENGERS #1 |
|
"...I’ll be the first to say that I’m with this series to the end, whether
it’s $3.99 from here on out or not." (DS) |
|
 |
|
JLA GENERATION LOST #1 |
|
"...debut issue that solidifies the importance of the story and its
participants right off the bat..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
PRINCE OF POWER #1 |
|
"If you’ve read “The Incredible Hercules” then you have darn good idea as
far as what to expect from this book..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
MANY LOVES OF SPIDER-MAN #1 |
|
"...all get fantastic stories that exemplify what makes each of them such
wonderful women in their own ways..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
DC UNIVERSE LEGACIES #1 |
|
"I can’t imagine anyone being dissatisfied with the artistic direction of
this story..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
ZATANNA #1 |
|
"...Dini's not taking any chances on this title, filling it with action,
suspense, magic, monsters, and more..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BARON VON SHOCK #1 |
|
"The problem I have with the book is that it comes off as false." (DS) |
|
 |
|
EXPENDABLES #1 |
|
"...as far as drivel is concerned, this is pretty good, just not memorable,
or necessary." (DS) |
|
 |
|
THUNDERBOLTS #144 |
|
"...the Thunderbolts seems to be back on track..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
SENTRY FALLEN SUN |
|
"I think that’s the best way to describe the issue as whole: FRIVOLOUS." (DS) |
|
 |
|
FRENEMY OF THE STATE #1 |
|
".Celebutant/Super-spy, and she’s DAMN good." (DS) |
|
 |
|
PILOT SEASON: STEALTH |
|
"...Kirkman’s IDEAS are the kind that I’d like to see more of, there needs
to be more to it than just this kind of execution." (DS) |
|
 |
|
WAR OF THE SUPERMAN #1 |
|
"...at least this is illustrated really well by “Supergirl” artist, Jamal
Igle." (DS) |
|
 |
|
BRIGHTEST DAY #1 |
|
"...I must say it came as quite a surprise to me that I enjoyed this as
much as I did." (DS) |
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
 |
|
ROBIN HOOD |
|
" ...unkempt and frayed around the edges, but the fortitude of the film is
surprisingly sincere..." (JR) |
|
 |
|
IRON MAN 2 |
|
"...a
retread of the original that accentuates its flaws while failing to invoke the
originals freshness." (JR) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FREE COMICBOOK DAY
REVIEWS |
|
Sweet Dan Sweet takes a brake
form reviewing the weekly fare and tackles most of the30+ titles being offered for this year's Free Comicbook
Day. Read all his opinions during our MARCH TO FREE COMICBOOK DAY! |
|
|
GO TO ALL OF THESE
APRIL 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
|
|
 |
|
HAIRY THINGS #1 |
|
"...really cool in concept, but the book suffers from mediocre execution" (DS) |
|
 |
|
MARVEL ZOMBIES 5 #1 |
|
"...I just can’t find myself interested in ANOTHER Marvel-zombie
story at $4 an issue..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
AVENGERS ORIGIN #1 |
|
"...to be honest, I’m only REALLY interested in this book for the way it
looks." (DS) |
|
 |
|
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS #1 |
|
"Hudlin’s voice-does a phenomenal job introducing the previous generation’s
Panther..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
TURF #1 |
|
"...this is one of the more fun, and satisfying books I’ve read in LONG
time." (DS) |
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
 |
|
KICK-ASS |
|
" ...lacking true satiric aim,
making the oncoming mess of ultra-violence more troubling than rousing."
(JR) |
|
 |
|
the LOSERS |
|
"It's a textbook example of
diverting, forgettable, been-there-done-that, middle-of-the-road mediocrity." (JR) |
|
|
 |
|
C2E2 2010 CONVENTION |
|
"..everything
about this con was awesome, with the only exception being the obviously
overpriced food ..."
(DS) |
|
 |
|
JLA CRISIS ON 2 EARTHS |
|
"...more epic, climactic, and
intense than those featured in most other DC animated endeavors." (JR) |
|
|
 |
|
GREEN ZONE |
|
"...a
heart-jacking action film that manages to engage in the causes of the war ..."
(JR) |
|
 |
|
ALICE IN WONDERLAND |
|
"...drab
feature molded with garish CGI and acted as if there wasn’t a director" (JR) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH:
"FALL OF GREEN ARROW"
|
|
"“With Krul masterminding this entire ordeal it’s the author’s fresh
perspective on how to deal with an old favorite that’s going to keep me coming
back for the rest.” (DS) |
|
|
GO TO ALL OF THESE
MARCH 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
 |
|
GHOST PROJEKT #1 |
|
"...it’s cool but convoluted-nothing to write home about, but it’s also nothing
to rag on either." (DS) |
|
 |
|
NEMESIS #1 |
|
"...like having a giant bowl of ‘Awesome’, sprinkled with ‘Super-Duper’ and
‘Sweet’, and eating it without a tummy ache. " (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
X-23 #1 |
|
"I was ready to stab myself in an eye, just to have a valid excuse not to
read any more of this blatant fan-fic." (DS) |
|
 |
|
GREEN HORNET YEAR ONE #1 |
|
"...Wagner celebrates everything that made the character classic and timeless. " (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
X-MEN 2ND COMING 2nd Print |
|
"It’s somewhat difficult to witness something that you cared about
immensely as a kid descend into madness." (DS) |
|
 |
|
PETER PARKER #1 |
|
"In the grand tradition of all things ‘Spidey’, the supporting cast is as
important as the title-character.." (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
GREEN LANTERN #52 |
|
"If there’s anything redeeming about this book at all-it’s got to be the
mind-blowing art by Doug Mahnke." (DS) |
|
 |
|
WWE HEROES #1 |
|
"I hated this crap-bomb with a fiery passion, deep, deep within my soul" (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
GOD OF WAR #1 |
|
"There just wasn’t anything enjoyable about this book at all..." (DS) |
|
 |
|
LAST STAND ON NEW KRYPTON #1 |
|
"Absolutely dreadful work, just another in a long list of disappointments by
Robinson, as of late." (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
AMERICAN VAMPIRE #1 |
|
"...this story has one big, brass pair of balls, and I, for one, look
forward to carrying on the adventure" (DS) |
|
 |
|
ETERNAL DESCENT #1 |
|
"Who’d have ever thought that such unimaginable drek could come from such
an ambitious undertaking?" (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
BATMAN & ROBIN #10 |
|
"...a lot more questions than there are answers at this point, and there’s
nothing wrong with that" (DS) |
|
 |
|
HULK LET THE BATTLE BEGIN |
|
"...a breeze-through, once-over that you won’t be in a hurry to read again" (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
TERMINATOR 2029 #1 (OF 3) |
|
"...a fresh dose of ‘awesome’ into the mythos that was never there before." (DS) |
|
 |
|
BREAKING INTO COMICS THE MARVEL WAY #1 (OF 2) |
|
"... a terrific anthology that shouldn’t be masquerading as a ‘How To’" (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
CLOAK & DAGGER #1 |
|
" I think Marvel really dropped the ball with this one." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
TRANSFORMERS NEFARIOUS #1 |
|
"...nothing here is ‘more than meets the eye" (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
GIRL'S COMICS #1 |
|
"it’s a quality book by quality creators, and there’s not one mention of
anyone’s period." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
RISE OF ARSENAL #1 |
|
"...either the third part of one story or the first part of the second act of
another”, but it isn’t very good." (DS) |
|
|
 |
|
HERCULES:
FALL OF AN AVENGER #1 |
|
"After all the hum-drummery that goes with this sort of memorial issue, the
writers throw a curve-ball at readers,.." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
AMAZING SPIDERMAN #623 |
|
"Waid-got stuck detailing the origin of the all-new, and yet still
amazingly uninteresting, Vulture!" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
FIRST WAVE #1 |
|
" ...as it stands the book is awesome, if released unadulterated, it would
probably be legendary." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
STEPHEN KINGS N #1 |
|
"Guggenheim manages to capture the spirit of King’s story, which was told
in the very non-traditional way..." (DS)
|
|
|
|
 |
|
KEVIN SMITH'S GREEN HORNET #1 |
|
" I dove into the debut issue ready to be wowed, but I wasn’t." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
SPARTA USA #1 |
|
"...its success lies in the intriguing story that Lapham crafted amidst
scores of other post-apocalyptic comics..." (DS)
|
|
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
 |
|
WRESTLEMANIA 26 |
|
"WrestleMania 26 is in the books and it was a good show with moments of
greatness." (Bo)
|
|
 |
|
THE WOLFMAN |
|
"...a dramatically inert romantic tragedy/horror film that will
please neither genre fans or casual moviegoers." (JR)
|
|
|
 |
|
SHUTTER ISLAND |
|
"..one of the master filmmakers of our time might be reaching towards a grander
conclusion about a myriad of topics." (JR)
|
|
|
 |
|
2010 OSCAR PREDICTIONS |
|
2010 Academy Awards are coming up and "BO" & "JR" have their predictions all set
for Oscar Night.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH: CAPTAIN AMERICA #602 & #603 |
|
"A book about a man who wears an American flag while fighting crime SHOULD touch
on current political situations, no matter how volatile they appear to be.” (DS) |
|
READ MORE>>> |
|
|
|
GO TO ALL OF THESE
FEBRUARY 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
|
|
 |
|
PROJECT
SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER 2 #7 |
|
"The story is so convoluted, with the focus spread too thin over too many
concurrent story lines..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
LOGAN'S RUN #1 |
|
"...a surprisingly engaging story that is well written and well
illustrated..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
DEVIL #1 |
|
"Dark Horse dives back into the murky water that is the Adapted-Manga Cesspool
of Despair" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
DMZ #50
|
|
"The perfect blend of engaging story, phenomenal artwork from some of the top
names in the industry," (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
CAPTAIN SWING #1 |
|
"it’s part steampunk science fiction, and part police procedural, and it hit
notes that will bring me back for more." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
SUPERGIRL #50 |
|
"If you’re not a Supergirl fan, then the book isn’t going to light your world on
fire, but it is a solid read." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
DEADPOOL #19 |
|
"The thing about this issue that works so well for me is Spider-Man and Hit-Man
Monkey, er, Hit Monkey." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
DOOMWAR #1 |
|
"As long as the action stays as fast and as furious -I’m going to be riding
this one out for the long haul." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
SCI FI/FANTASY ILLUSTRATED #1 |
|
"...a creepy story, utilizing a common science-fiction plot device and
adding a hint of psychological thriller" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
BROKEN TRINITY PANDORA'S BOX #1 |
|
"What Levin and Hill are doing is exploring the dynamic between the two
‘polar’ (had to…) opposites," (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
CHASE VARIANT ONE SHOT |
|
"I get what he was TRYING to do-but what Johnston failed at doing was capture my
attention." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
HUMAN TARGET #1 |
|
"...Wein captures the action & excitement in these kinds of tales and
transitions them well into an awesome comic." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
X-MEN PIXIE STRIKES BACK #1 |
|
"...by the end of the issue, there’s no doubt that Immonen’s crafting a
rather mysterious tale." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
LEGENDARY TALESPINNERS #1 |
|
"...while the book is splendid looking, it doesn’t offer anything that
isn’t done better over in “Fables”.." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
LEGENDS THE ENCHANTED #0 |
|
"It’s not that this is a bad book. If I was 13, or 14 I’d be into this, big
time. The problem is, I’m not 13, or 14..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
HIT MONKEY #1 |
|
"...I consider to be, one of the best original characters to come out of
the Marvel camp in a long,..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
MILESTONE FOREVER #1 (OF 2) |
|
"I felt sick at the prospect of a SUPER 90’s take on super heroing-weaving
its way into modern comics..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #32 |
|
"I’m not sure, what about this book that reminded me I have no real
tolerance for juvenile drama anymore..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
REALM O/T KINGS: SON O/HULK #1 |
|
"At the end of the issue-he proclaims himself some kind of god, which is a
little creepy..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
DOOM PATROL #7 |
|
"When I realized how deeply rooted Giffen’s story is I was even more sold
on the book..." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
ULTIMATE COMICS X #1 |
|
"is it really as interesting as it appears to be, or am I distracted by the
‘purty’ pictures?" (DS)
|
|
|
|
-OTHER REVIEWS- |
|
|
 |
|
CRAZY HEART |
|
"...an utterly familiar but mostly satisfying character study of a man rescued
from the brink of self-destruction..." (JR)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
BOOK OF THE MONTH: SIEGE & SIEGE EMBEDDED #1 |
|
"“I believe (Marvel's) intention is to wash away the dark elements
that have been plaguing their titles...” (DS) |
|
READ MORE
|
|
|
|
GO TO ALL OF THESE JANUARY 2010 COMIC REVIEWS |
 |
|
AVENGERS VS AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 |
|
" ..is the team destined to star in cross-over after cross-over, with no real
growth, for ever and ever, and ever?" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
PILOT SEASON DEMONIC |
|
"The problem that I have is that there’s no rhyme or reason to it all." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
GI JOE COBRA II #1 |
|
" ...reads like an episode of ‘24’ crossbred with the summer
blockbuster that shares the title…" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
GREEN LANTERN #50 |
|
"...little more than a giant fight-scene, giving the author a chance to
show off the-multi-colored Lantern Corp," (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #41 |
|
"I wasn’t surprised at all with the campy, unsatisfying dialogue;
cliché-riddled, pretentious, whiny snots…" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
ULTIMATE COMICS ENEMY #1 |
|
"You know what I’ve noticed, there is a sever lack of respect for human
life in the Ultimate Marvel Universe." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
JOE THE BARBARIAN #1
|
|
"I wouldn’t be surprised at all-if the whole thing is an ode to the tales written by the Brothers Grimm." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
OUTSIDERS #26 |
|
"The book needs a more consistent flow to the colors and inks, before anyone is
going to take the art seriously." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
INCORRUPTIBLE #1 & 2 |
|
"...stories about super-people that don’t feel like retreads of tales told
before, and Waid’s done it twice in a year." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
ALIENS VS.PREDATOR WAR #1 |
|
"...maybe Dark Horse was gonna get the formula right and give me something
classic, but all I found was Coke II" (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
RED HULK #1 |
|
"...feels like a tired re-tread, full of useless info that- is going to be
viewed as trivial and pointless." (DS)
|
|
|
 |
|
HULK #19 |
|
"There’s a lot of the traditional Jeph Loeb-posturing that he’s become so
reviled for..." (DS)
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CAPTAINS LOG: SULU #1 |
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"Is the mythology that sacred that the fans are willing to accept a watered-down
homage to days gone by?" (DS)
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MERC: BROKEN WORLD #1 |
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"....the book is clearly lacking in the ‘details’ department, and that goes
for both the writer and the artist.." (DS)
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PHANTOM DOUBLE SHOT #1 |
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"....neither one of the stories contained in this issue show a great deal
of creativity." (DS) |
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WILDCATS #19 |
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"...everything else about this book is over done, leaving a foul,
distinctively 90’s taste in my mouth." (DS)
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POLITICAL POWER #4-RONALD REGAN |
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"...produced by people with a tenuous grasp of the English language" (DS)
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ARMY OF TWO #1 |
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"...I couldn’t find an iota of plot worth giving a hot, greasy $#!t about." (DS)
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AMAZING SPIDERMAN #617 |
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"The Gauntlet” is an emotional roller coaster where Peter deals with his
past, and the colorful cast of characters (DS)
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MARVEL BOY URANIAN #1 of (3) |
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"It’s this characterization that makes Bob (Marvel Boy) so interesting..." (DS)
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-MOVIES- |
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BOOK OF ELI
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"...there is nothing on display here that hasn’t been seen before in countless
other post-apocalyptic melodramas..." (JR) |
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SHERLOCK HOLMES |
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"The film doesn’t feel so much like Holmes as a strange, unwanted cousin to Will
Smith’s “Wild Wild West." (JR)
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PRECIOUS |
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"...more concerned with the first steps of empowerment, not an overall
cure, leaving more of a lasting impression" (JR)
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-MISC- |
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ROYAL
RUMBLE-2009
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"All in all, a pretty good Rumble, the matches were well planned out and we
got a surprise or two" (Bo)
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Images © Copyright 2024 by their respective owners No rights given or
implied by Alternate Reality, Incorporated
Review © 2024 Alternate Reality, Inc.
All Graphics © 2024 by their respective rights holders. No rights/ownership inferred or
claimed by Alternate Reality, Inc. |
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