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JOHN STANLEY SUMMER FUN |
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Writer/Artist: John Stanley |
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Reviewer:
Deanna "Dee Kay" Bihlmayer
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Publisher:
Drawn & Quarterly Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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MSRP:
FREE! |
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DRAWN & QUARTERLY'S SYNOPSIS:
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Drawn & Quarterly presents what will surely be the
best, most rollicking and pleasure-filled FCBD offering, one that appeals to a
myriad of readers; young or old, new to the genre or drowning in stacks of
plastic covered pulp, John Stanley's Summer Fun will leave the reader smiling.
Spotlighting the world's most loved all-ages cartoonist, John Stanley, and one
of today's best contemporary cartoonists and designers, Seth, John Stanley's
Summer Fun features stories from the John Stanley Library--Melvin Monster and
Nancy--as well as Stanley classics Dunc and Loo and The Little King, making the
collection as diverse as it is engaging. Not only will D+Q's FCBD issue appeal
to the mainstream media, but its direct link to the John Stanley Library makes
it relevant to what retailers have in store. Capturing the essence of FCBD while
showcasing comics that are accessible to all readers, John Stanley's Summer Fun
offers great value in an eye-catching package. How could you pass this up? |
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DEANNA "DEEKAY" BIHLMAYER'S REVIEW: |
“Remember Nancy, Sluggo, and Choo Choo Charlie? Well here you have them. This
issue features Tubby, but the rest of the gang is there also. The paper this
book uses is nostalgic of old comics and I loved the look and feel of this book.
The stories are timeless, and the theme of the underdog kid getting “one over”
on the bully types, is still fun to see and read.
It is great to see nostalgic books like this given a second life. These are
great to share some of your past reading enjoyment with younger readers, and a
whole new generation will fall in love with Nancy and the gang. This book also
has puzzles along the way to keep the youngster in your life busy with some dot-
to- dot and other activities. It is always nice to see what is old made new
again for another generation. Thumbs up to Drawn & Quarterly for bringing this
series back, for kids young and old to enjoy or enjoy all over again. |
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BONGO COMICS FREE FOR ALL |
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Writer:
Jesse Leon McCann, Mary Trainor, Evan Dorkin, and Sergio Aragones |
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Artist:
James Lloyd, Jason Ho, Evan Dorkin, and Sergio Aragones |
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Reviewer:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet
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Publisher:
Bongo Comics Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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MSRP:
FREE! |
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BONGO COMIC'S SYNOPSIS:
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Take the plunge into a treasure trove of Bongo
comics with a brand-new, exclusive, one day, one-shot collection of stories
featuring The Simpsons and Futurama. No library or millionaire's vault would be
complete without this year's free collectible comic from your friends at Bongo. |
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"SWEET" DAN'S REVIEW:
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“The Simpsons” is still America’s funniest T.V. family, if you ask me, and even
though I’ve never really thought that the comedy transfers all that well to
comics, I’m always happy to give a read to the familiar denizens of Springfield,
U.S.A.
What readers get is three short stories and a couple of one-page gags featuring
‘Li’l Krusty’. The first, and in my opinion BEST of the three is a short by
Jesse McCann and James Lloyd, featuring one of my all time favorite ‘Simpsons’
characters, Ralph Wiggum. Always the dreamer, Ralph just so happens to see the
best in people even when they’re taking advantage of him, so when Jimbo, Kearny,
and Dolph swipe his money, his homework, and his ice cream, Ralph is forced to
retaliate…HILARITY ensues.
Next up Evan Dorkin writes and illustrates a rather funny piece which finds Bart
and Milhouse pooling their money to buy a new video game. Sharing and playing
together are hardly the issue, since they can’t even seem to get the packaging
open. It’s a totally relatable scenario that’s taken to the next level in a way
that only Springfieldians could manage. The art is well handled, and Dorkin’s
jokes are pretty funny too.
Lastly we get the legendary Sergio Aragones and a Springfield Elementary field
trip to the circus. Not the one with the Lions, Clowns, or even popcorn, but one
of those new-age Euro-circuses with no animals. As you can imagine this doesn’t
go over too well with the boys, Bart, Milhouse, Martin, or Nelson, and as such,
they sneak off. There’s some funny stuff, some mature stuff that’s rather
cleverly hidden, and in the end nobody learns a lesson…typical Simpsons.
I still don’t know how I feel about the translation from T.V. to paper, but the
characters will always be endearing to me, as they’re almost as old as I am. The
soft spot in my heart will always welcome their stories and antics, even if
they’re a bit watered down. If the shoe fits and the price is right…or whatever. |
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YOUNG JUSTICE BATMAN BB SUPER SAMPLER |
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Writers/Artists:
Various |
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Reviewer:
Jim "Good Old JR" Rutkowski
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Publisher:
DC Comics Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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MSRP:
FREE! |
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DC COMIC'S SYNOPSIS:
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This super sampler is the perfect place to check out
two sensational series from the DC Kids line, Young Justice and Batman: The
Brave & The Bold, based on the popular animated series seen on Cartoon Network.
It includes two exciting, all-new stories that readers of all ages will enjoy! |
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JIM "GOOD OLD JR" RUTKOWSKI'S REVIEW:
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Disappointing. I wasn't expecting much from the Young Justice side of this book.
Honestly, I have no use for the black t-shirt wearing emo Superboy. That
character is nothing but a cynical attempt to attract a particular segment of
the audience that, frankly will never go near a comic book in the first place.
Young Justice is filled with what you expect from a teen hero book. Angst mixed
some more angst and topped with angst. Count me out.
No. It's the other side of this book that disappoints. Batman: B and B on
Cartoon Network has become one of the most fun shows to watch as a comic fan.
Especially if you're a comic fan versed in the past adventures of the Caped
Crusader. It's a show that fully embraces the goofiness of the character and
demonstrates how pliable he can be. Yet, this book has none of that. It's rather
lazy. Telling a rather bland tale involving the Flash with a sidebar on Bruce
Wayne's charitable ideals, this story never feels like the show that spawned it.
It just sort of lies there. This should have been so much better. |
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CAPTAIN AMERICA THOR |
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Writer:
Roger Langridge
Artist:
Chris Samnee |
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Reviewers:
Larry "Bocepheus" Evans & "Sweet" Dan Sweet
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Publisher:
Marvel Comics Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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MSRP:
FREE! |
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MARVEL COMIC'S SYNOPSIS:
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From the fan-favorite creative team of Thor: The
Mighty Avenger comes a time-twisting tale of Camelot-craziness. When mischievous
Loki's machinations throw Thor and a World War II-era Steve Rogers into King
Arthur's court, it's an adventure neither noble Avenger will ever forget! |
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LARRY "BOCEPHEUS" EVANS' REVIEW:
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Marvel’s kids offering for Free Comic Book Day 2011 is a story from Roger
Landridge and Chris Samnee that places the World War 2 Cap with Thor in Camelot.
Both are plucked from their respective eras by an artifact that sends them back
into the past. Loki is there as well pretending to be Merlin. The story is light
and fun. Samnee has become someone that Marvel is high on since he has a natural
style that lends to this kind of tale. This is an all age’s book but everyone
will be able to enjoy it. Also included is a short selection from Avengers:
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. |
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"SWEET" DAN'S REVIEW:
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Well it certainly isn’t a coincidence that Marvel Editorial selected THESE two
characters to co-star in their FCBD offering. With both heading up roles in
major summer movies for Marvel Studios, leading up to next year’s “Avengers”, it
only makes sense that the massive Marvel marketing team cross-pollinates their
shelf-selection with things that’ll pique readers’ curiosity enough to go spend
a bunch of money at the theater. That’s not to mention the sad departure of
“Thor: The Mighty Avenger” from store shelves, as it’s been banished to the Land
of Cancelled Comic Books, by the very creative team readers see here, very much
given a second chance to shine, even if it’s only to plug some big summer
blockbuster or two.
FCBD is really all about the kids, and as such it’s necessary for the Big Two to
offer more all-ages friendly material, especially when pumping other media by
way of comics. Roger Langridge concocts a silly little tale which finds Cap and
Thor whisked away from their respective eras in time and dropped square in the
middle of King Arthur’s Camelot. There’s some drama with Loki, Thor’s brother,
as he’s kidnapped and tricked the magician, Merlin, out of his role alongside
King Arthur. It’s a clever, if not easy, story that anyone could read and enjoy.
Chris Samnee has tremendous story telling chops, even if his linework is a bit
on the animated, Saturday morning cartoon side of things.
I enjoyed this offering immensely, even though over the last few years I’ve
enjoyed Marvel’s in-continuity fare. I understand the need for them to
cross-market their cinematic undertakings, and this is the kind of thing that
will jazz people up for the movie and still get kids into comic book shops,
hopefully creating fans for life. As long as we keep giving away free stuff at
least once each year we continue to give ourselves a shot at longevity…who
doesn’t love free stuff?! |
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THE TICK |
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Writer:
Benito Cereno
Artist:
Les McClaine |
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Reviewer:
"Sweet" Dan Sweet
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Publisher:
New England Comics Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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MSRP:
FREE! |
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NEW ENGLAND COMIC'S SYNOPSIS:
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In honor of this year's FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, NEC
Press offers fans---both old and new---an all-new full-color full-length 32-page
comic book! Featuring a new 7-page introductory story by the awesome creative
team of the popular ongoing TICK NEW SERIES, Benito Cereno and Les McClaine!
Plus we offer original full-color preview material from this year's blockbuster
project, THE TICK'S GIANT CIRCUS MAXIMUS, the all-new and updated official
"encyclopedia" of The Tick Universe! Use this FCBD TICK both to introduce new
fans to the phenomenon known as The Tick, as well as to introduce Tick fans to
the upcoming GIANT CIRCUS MAXIMUS project! |
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"SWEET" DAN'S REVIEW:
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In case you’ve never heard of The Tick, the bumbling, big, blue, bad guy
stopper, don’t fret. New England Comics Press is ready to reintroduce the
character to a new generation of fan, for those that are too young to remember
the (somewhat) successful cartoon and failed T.V. series. What readers get is a
kinda-meta adventure starring The Tick and his partner, Arthur, as they attempt
to track down a book written about their exploits. When it turns out that the
‘biography’ is little more than a comic book, well, you get it, right?
This is for fans both old and new, as this is the first NEW ‘Tick’ story in
quite sometime, but it also serves the purpose of pumping the new handbook to
the Tick-universe known as ‘Circus Maximus’. I don’t know why there’s such a
pressing need for a handbook detailing a comic that’s barely shipping, but
whatever. The short story presented here will be included in “The Tick’s Giant
Circus Maximus” later this spring, but if you’ve already got the book at FCBD,
and have no desire to read endless paragraphs about character you may never see
in action, well, you get it, right?
The comedic styling of The Tick was ahead of its time. The Tick IS Michael
Scott, long before “The Office” ever rose in popularity, before the glut of
faux-reality comedy became the “IN” thing. The Tick is a hero without a clue,
literally and figuratively, and as such his exploits make for both a HILarious
and head-scratching time. If you’re into simple sight gags or more into the
subtle approach to comedy, both are present and accounted for and handled with
the same kid-friendly gloves. It’s a layered concept that both adults and
children can enjoy together! |
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RATED FREE FOR EVERYONE |
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Writer:
J.Torres, Josh Williamson
Artist:
Dean Trippe, Vinnie Navarro |
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Reviewer:
Deanna "Dee Kay" Bihlmayer
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Publisher:
Oni Press Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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MSRP:
FREE! |
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ONI PRESS' SYNOPSIS:
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Two all-new stories from two upcoming kids graphic
novels! In "Power Lunch" the only thing remarkable about Joey is his astounding
array of food allergies-or so he thinks. In reality, Joey is about to learn he
has incredible super powers and they're all tied to the foods his mom has always
forced him to avoid. While in "Sketch Monsters," Mandy must remember exactly how
she used her wild imagination to create the giant booger monster terrorizing the
city if she has any chance of stopping it! |
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DEANNA "DEEKAY" BIHLMAYER'S REVIEW:
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This is a cute book for young readers. It gives a sampling of two stories, one
about a girl who can only get her feelings out if she draws them as monsters.
The other story is about a boy who can only eat “white” foods because all foods
with color give him special powers and his mother is trying to help him control
them.
In “Attack of the 100 foot booger” Mandy has to find out what “sketch monster”
came to life, what she was feeling, and how to get it back in her sketchbook.
With the help of her two monster friends Meanie and Happster she figures out
what monster gets loose, and it is none other than the Booger monster. To get
him back in her book, she has to feel the same way she did when she first drew
him, which is being grossed out my someone picking there nose. Happster helps
her out by picking his nose, and saves the day.
In “You Are What You Eat,” our hero is being bullied for lunch money. But, he
doesn’t have any, he packs his lunch. The bully is a girl and she is unhappy
that his whole lunch is white. When he gets home, he tells his mom what happens,
and how he wished he had some colored food. She reminds him that every time they
have to move when he has superpowers that get away from him. Needless to say, he
goes to school the next day with pink cotton candy and it makes him disappear,
scaring the bully and making her run away.
Both of these stories have a lesson to teach young kids, and are entertaining in
the process. These stories talk about children’s feelings and how to cope with
things that happen in day-to-day life at school, home, or the playground. These
books are scheduled for the fall of 2011 and are well worth picking up for the
young reader. |
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PEP COMICS BETTY & VERONICA |
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Writer:
Dan Parent |
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Artists:
Dan Parent &
Jim Amash |
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Reviewer:
Deanna "Dee Kay" Bihlmayer
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Publisher:
Archie Comics
Shipped On:
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY (050711) |
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ARCHIE'S SYNOPSIS:
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Betty and Veronica stubble upon the old Archie Club
House and become inspired to bring back their clubbing days! But when the new
club splits in two it's a battle of friendship! With Jughead pushing her buttons
can Veronica let go of her competitive spirit in order to save her greatest
friendships? |
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DEANNA "DEEKAY" BIHLMAYER'S REVIEW: |
This Pep Comics for free comic book day is fabulous.
I always love Betty and Veronica and this is no exception. Betty and Veronica
are reminiscing about the old Archie clubhouse when they get an idea to start a
“new” clubhouse. The gang decides to mentor less fortunate kids after school.
When Jughead makes fun of Veronica, she decides to start her own club at her
house, giving the kids videogames, movies, snacks, etc. However, the kids
preferred being at the Archie club because they were getting one on one
attention in homework, hobbies, and interests of the Archie gang.
The book takes a great story, fun characters, and gives readers a great lesson
to learn: that kids need individual attention, not plopped in front of the
“boob” tube to entertain themselves.
Along with the story, there are puzzles interspersed in the pages for the reader
to enjoy and solve.
Don’t miss this great addition to your young reader’s Archie Comics collection.
Thumbs up! |
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"The first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day every year we give away
over 30 titles and 1000's of free comics on what we call the 2nd Happiest day of
the Year" (right after Christmas!)
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All Books/Characters pictured herein are © Copyright 2011 by their respective owners. No rights given or implied by Alternate Reality, Incorporated.
Reviews © 2011 Alternate Reality, Inc.
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