I'll Take Twelve!

In this article, newly DC comics exclusive artist Aaron Lopresti,* lists the DC characters he'd like to work on:

“I really like anything except tech loaded stuff,” Lopresti said. “I could see myself on Batman, The Creeper, Metamorpho. Plastic Man, Kilowog, something like Swamp Thing, Deadman (Neal Adams version), Uncle Sam (Reed Crandall version), Warlord, Fin Fang Foom vs. Gorilla Grodd Treasury Edition, the Spectre (Jim Corrigan only) and maybe even Superman in the right situation.”

Did you read that closely? If you don't think that the idea of a super-intelligent, super-strong telepathic talking Gorilla fighting a acid-spewing, super-strong, shape-shifting space dragon** isn't three kinds of awesome,*** then you should just shoot yourself, because your spirit is already dead!

*Who?****
**In short shorts!
***Although they'd probably fuck it up by putting some writer on it who would overly explain how these two creatures from separate universes meet-up and/or have heroes trying to stop them.
****Kinda a cheap shot, but more about the 'newly exclusive artist/writer' stories that pop-up on newsarama all the time about every single person whether big or not.*****
*****Not that Mr. Lopresti isn't big or isn't a good artist. I just never really heard of him. And, here, that's what matters.

Simpsons!!!!!

So, last night's Simpsons was the one featuring Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman, and Dan Clowes. I haven't watched a new episode of the Simpsons in a long, long time. But, it was ok. Not as good as it used to be, but not as bad as all get out.* The best bit by far was when Milhouse approaches Alan Moore to sign his copy of "Watchbabies: V for Vacation!" (with baby versions of the Watchmen surfing) forcing Moore into an anti-corporate rage only to be soothed by a Little Lulu comic.

*I have no idea what this means.

I Must Love Funny Animal Comic Strips!!!!!

I just must. I found this pretty funny*. It's a new political comic strip featuring presidential pets. And it manages to redeem Darth Vader, too! I got this through newsarama's blog.

*I mean today's (November 8th's) strip.

EDIT: I just read the first strip (this was only the second). So far, he's batting .500.

SupermegaJuicyCarmichael(kick)&TheHammerOfJustice!

I know that many of you are eagerly awaiting some awesomeness in the form of Juicy Carmichael (kick) & The Hammer Of Justice! comic. Unfortunately, my art skilz have seriously deteriorated.* We need an artist here to translate my awesomeness into visual reality!

*Not that they ever really existed at all!

The One Time

This is the one time Ozzy is more appropriate than Dio. Though a case could be made for Holy Diver.

Postivity On The Internet?

You know what's cool about the internet? This.

Specifically comment 11.

1980's Badassery!

Just how badass is Gabriel Jones, Agent of SHIELD? He answers caption boxes!

(Incredible Hulk # 297; from the Rod & Priscilla collection)

Da--I mean, Blasted, right!

Sorry To Keep Harping On This

But, here's a quote from this interview with Dan Didio, editor-in-chief at DC:

If you love the weekly nature of comics, love periodical storytelling, love DC, this is the comic for you. If you don’t, then I understand. No hard feelings.

I love the weekly nature of comics, love periodical storytelling, and love DC. Yet, somehow, I hate Countdown. He sets up a scenario where we're either with him or against him. The only reason I don't like Countdown is because I don't like these things? I hate to be a part of the internet hate-on for Countdown, but it stinks. Plain and simple. That's why I don't like it.

And, not enough Dio!

Someone Gets It Right

Dear Marvel Editorial Staff,

World War Hulk rocks!

More Dio though, please!

Countdown Is My Kryptonite

Dear DC Editorial Staff,

Just thought you should know, that i just dropped Countdown.* I, who loves DC comics, dropped it. I'm also gonna avoid any cross-overs (and there are a bunch) or anything written by any of the writers involved.** That's how awful this series is. If a title I'm reading gets a one issue cross-over, I may drop it for that month. If a title I'm reading gets one of the Countdown writers as the new writer (Teen Titans, Birds Of Prey), I'm more likely to drop it than not.

In short, if I see the word "Countdown"*** on a comic, I will avoid it, like, well, Superman avoids Kryptonite.

Nice job!

*Despite the fact that you put Legion characters in there. I love the Legion. Every version. I have every appearance by every Legion character**** ever in some form. I haven't not gotten the Legion since 1989, and haven't missed a Legion character's appearance in a non-Legion title since. And now, because a writer of Countdown writes it, I am considering dropping the main Legion title as well. That's how much Countdown sucks.
**Especially Paul Dini, I've already dropped Detective Comics.
***Or Dini. Or Palmiotti. Or Gray*****. Or Bedard. Or McKeever. Or Beechen.
****Except the characters like Superboy or Supergirl.
*****As the writer, of course. I'd get a comic with the Gray Gargoyle in a heart beat!

Damn You, Roy Thomas!

Keep in mind, we here at Supermegadio!!!!! love super-heroes of all types.* We recently ordered the trade to the left for our good friends over at supermegamonkey. It contains Giant-Sized Invaders 1, the first nine issues of the series, and a couple of cross-overs.** These are all written by the great Roy Thomas. I do love Roy Thomas. Really, I do. Sure he's overly verbose, loves exposition, and never saw a panel that couldn't be improved with two captions and five word balloons, but I love him for who he is.

However, he loves adapting classic stories and little known pulp era stories to comics. Again, and again, and again, and again. Recently, we read Thor: The Celestial Saga V2 reprinting about a dozen issues of Thor from around 1980. It should've been a continuation of the Eternals/Celestials/Asgardians War.*** Instead, we got a near-faithful retelling of Wagner's Ring of the Nibelung saga told by a giant floating eye. Ugh. Thank god I wasn't getting this monthly.

Why do I bring all this up? Good question. When I cracked open this Invaders book, I thought I'd get some of Roy Thomas' patented WWII-era hero love.**** I did. The first story tells the Invaders origin.***** But, the very next story? Yup, some Ring of the Nibelung love.******

Damn you, Roy Thomas!

*Both Marvel and DC.
**It was originally supposed to be a Giant-Sized series, but Marvel cancelled the Giant-Size line.
***It did eventually, but with a different writer.
****What's interesting is that there's a text piece included that declares all of the Timely era Marvel stories NOT in continuity unless specifically declared so in a Marvel era comic.
*****The origin mirrors in some ways the JSA origin by Paul Levitz. I'm not sure which came first. It might be this one.
******And the art ain't too great either.

I LIke DC Comics Again!

Let me tell you something, I love super-hero comics. Marvel AND DC. But, to be fair, I've always been more of a DC guy. I love, love, love the post-Crisis DCU, particularly because it seemed like anything could happen. Superman wasn't top dog because of his publishing history (a purely meta reason), but for actual in-story reasons. There's lots of other things I liked about this period (and stuff I didn't), but this is my preferred time period. There always seemed to be an overall forward momentum.*

Recently, however, it hasn't been the case with me. I've almost dreaded reading some of my DC books. There's been some titles I genuinely enjoy: Blue Beetle, JSA, Birds Of Prey. And, 52. 52 was a solid read week in, week out. Other titles, though, seem to be returning to a Silver Age status quo with some of their titles, particularly Superman. Add to that lackluster books like Wonder Woman, Flash, and Morrison's Batman.** Change I don't mind, but forward change, please. This stuff seemed to be going backwards. And don't get me started on Countdown.***

But, Geoff Johns just changed that, with this:
Green Lantern: Sinestro Corps Special. He's been building towards this story for the last six months or so in the regular Green Lantern title, as Sinestro, former Green Lantern, himself, who now possesses a similar power ring, has been gathering intergalactic baddies and giving them rings, too, including some of the worst**** villains of the past 20 years.

This is a fantastic book, which has, all on it's own restored my love of the DC Universe. Yeah, there's some stuff I don't like, but it doesn't weigh the story down. Johns, knowing this is a one-shot and many might of picked it up without knowing word one about any of the characters' histories, does a deft job of incorporating the exposition necessary into dialogue, without weighing the story down.***** It left me with a 'What's next?!?' feeling, which I really haven't felt from a DC comic in a long time.****** This comic is the start of a cross-over between the regular Green Lantern title, and the Green Lantern Corps title (and will include one or two more one-shots and one or two issues of other comics, so it is a cross-over, but a relatively contained one). I was originally only going to get the issues that I already collect. I'm now reconsidering this.

I highly recommend this book.

*Plus, it's really the period when I started to read comics, so take that for what you will.
**Surprised? Me, too!
***It sucks!
****In a good way.
*****Take that, Roy Thomas!
******52 was a special case, and doesn't count.

One Special Night In June

As many of you have enquired, tonight is the night that Rick Jones gets busy with Comb-Over.

SupermegaWizardWorldPhillyConReport!!!!!, Part Four

I admit it. I was giddy after the whole sketch thing. So giddy in fact that on the way out I got 'took' for $2! Here's how it happened.

Girl in Catholic School Girl outfit* approaches me and Roberto about buying this comic that features her. We blow her off, but she's insistent, so we listen to her sales pitch. Basically, the story boils down to girls in catholic school girl uniforms and monsters**. To make this comic, rather than just draw it, they took photos of the scenes, drew/traced the photos, & then used washed out color from the photos to color the comic. She faltered a bit on describing why they colored it this way (it makes the colors...good). Clearly, taking photo's first is a much more efficient way of making a comic than just drawing it.

Anyway, Roberto, jaded jerk that he is, said no thanks. But, not me. I just got a Dio sketch! So, I gladly forked over my two bucks!Doesn't it look awesome? And notice that red ink in the center. Here's a close-up:
Yup, I was talking to 'Brielle' herself, Margarita 'Mars' Zhitnikova! And she signed my copy. Awesome, huh?

Anyway, it turns out that all the people involved went to Rutgers, specifically Mason Gross, and are planning this comic as only the first step in their conquest of all media. Look for the Brielle and the Horror in theaters near you soon! But, guy's, if you're reading this blog, I've got just one suggestion for you**:Next & final WizardWorldPhilly post: photos and the answer to the question, "Where did you and Roberto eat dinner?"

*This kinda stuff doesn't really affect me.****
**Brilliant
***Aren't my photo-shop skilz da bomb?
****Really.*****
*****No. Really.

Part Five

SupermegaWizardWorldPhillyConReport!!!!!, Part Three

The Secret Mission!

What was this hunt for? Well, Friday night, the night before I left for the convention, I, along with our vacationing Supermegamonkey friends came up with the idea of getting artists to do sketches, of, are you ready for this, Dio! But, not just of Dio, Dio as the artists favorite hero or villain! Awesome, right?

So, I bought a blank sketchbook before leaving for the con and put photo-reference on my ipod. But, once we got there, I realized these artists wanted money for their work. Jerks! I'm poor right now. I can't be spending money like that. Plus, there were lines. Long lines. So, I gave up, a little frustrated.

As we were leaving, we passed the DC booth where Dustin Nguyen (not this Dustin Nguyen) was doing sketches and autographs for free (well he was paid by DC to do it, but free to me). I was hesitant, but Roberto correctly pushed me into it. The line wasn't too long, and I recognized his art and liked it.* Finally, it was my turn:

"Uh, I have a slightly odd request. Could you draw this guy (shows photo on ipod) on the hero or villain's body of your choice."
"What? Huh?"
I repeated myself.
"Oh. Ok. Who is he?"
"Dio. The one true rock god!"
"I see. I'll draw him on the body of Superman (since I'm the new artist of Superman/Batman, plug plug). Wait! Something's...happening. I can...only...draw...Dio. He's too powerful...a force!"
"..."
"There you go. Nice to meet you."
"Thanks. Great job."

"Now, draw any hero or villain you'd like."**
"What? Huh?"
"Anyone you like to draw."
"Ok"
"Cool. Nice job. Thanks. I knew who it was before you started to draw."

"Nice to meet you."

Mister Freeze by Dustin Nguyen***

Dio by Dustin Nguyen

*No offense to Dustin, but I also noticed at this time that Walt Simonson was due at 5 PM in the DC booth and would have loved to see him sketch Dio/Thor! How awesome would that have been? But, that was a couple of hours away and I was already ready to shoot myself in the head.
**This is Roberto talking
***This isn't uploading right. I'll try again at my home computer. It's an awesome sketch.****
****Fixed!

Part Four

Supermegamonkey, Day Three

Speed Reviews:

Amazing Spider-Man: This was a fantastic piece of writing which was not over-wrought or unintentionally funny in any way. Awesome!

Annihilation Conquest: We learn who the bad guy of this story is and all I can say is Awesome!

Captain America: Man, I love comics featuring dead characters. Awesome!

Incredible Hulk: I don't know if they actually reprinted stuff from World War Hulk, or I read a preview, but, either way, this was Awesome! Amadeus Cho is not a 'Mary Sue'* in any way, he's Awesome!

Iron Man: I didn't read this yet, but I'm sure it's Awesome!

Countdown**, Flash, Justice League: DC? Sucked!!!

*God, I hate this term!
**Actually, this sucked. Big-time. Countdown sucks!

Day Four

SupermegaWizardWorldPhillyConReport!!!!!, Part Two

So, Roberto and I finally arrived at the con. After wrangling our way to get the passes and schmoozing his contacts, we hit the convention floor and was almost immediately reminded why I hate conventions. It's hot, packed, and not enough Dio-love!

Bendis was the guest of honor, and he was doing a signing at the Marvel booth when we got there. It was packed. I guess for everyone who hates him on the internet, there's ten people in real life who love him. Take that internet!

Roberto and I wandered around awhile. He was checking out t-shirts and I got bored and wound up near Batman's Burt Ward! Selling autographs! At exorbitant prices! No Thanks! (The guy who played 'Jaws' in James Bond movie was there, as was the '50's Superman's Lois Lane, Noel Neill)

I also saw Steranko. He was short. Shorter than me. With a beautiful white mane of hair and a matching white suit. Except for the height thing, he was everything I'd expect.

We then checked out some back issues and I found a place selling complete comic runs which I liked. I also like bad short-lived late 80's DC comics. And what did I find? The 1989 Hawk & Dove series! Score! But, 30 crappy comics, four of which I already had, for $20? No, thanks. "I'd pay $10," I mumbled to Roberto. "They're all 1/2 price," declared the dealer. "Sold!" said Wanyas! And I got my crappy comics.

So, we wandered around, saw tons of Star Wars characters and various comic characters. Also the real cheerleader from Heroes was there, and that line was god-damn-diculous! No, thanks.

I also spent some time looking for back issues for Rodney P. Brady. I had a 50% success rate. Got him the Captain Marvel issue he wanted and the Iron Man issue he wanted for $13 total! Score!

We walked through 'Artist's Alley' where the artists rent tables and try to sell you drawings. No, thanks! But, I did have a secret mission at this convention involving these artists. What could it have been? Did I succeed? Does it involve Dio at all? The answer to all three questions is...find out tomorrow!

Part Three

SupermegaWizardWorldPhillyConReport!!!!!, Part One

This weekend the staff of Supermegadio!!!!! went to the Wizard World Philly comic convention in Philadelphia. We appreciate the fact that a nickname is used for the city. It's not Wizard World Chi-Town, but it's Wizard World Philly! Nice.

Anyway, I went with Roberto* who had gotten free tickets from work. We both had skipped breakfast, so decided to eat brunch at the rest stop on the turnpike, thinking we'd save money from the high convention food prices. Boy, were we wrong. Don't eat at a NJ turnpike rest stop, even if it's recognizable food choices.**

Of course, Roberto lost the directions to the convention center. But, we managed to find our way after not too many wrong turns. We wound up parking way away from the convention, with our bladder's full of urine. After not finding the entrance, we decided to go pee in the underground mall's restrooms. Man, this was the freakiest mall I've ever been to, and I live in Jersey City!

We then found our way to the employee's only entrance to the convention. This entrance didn't really make sense as it didn't seem attached to the convention center in any way. Philly's one messed up place I guess.

It took a little more time, but we eventually found our way to the convention. Below find handy map I've drawn for you. Follow our path Billy style!Coming in part two: I detail the actual con in some way!

*Name changed due to company's strict anti-blogging policy.
**I'll give you three guesses as to what Roberto got.

Part Two

Oh, And This Is A Bad Idea

There's no way this can be good. No. Way. It didn't work for Captain America, Superman, or Batman. The only comics characters it worked for were the Peanuts. This looks awful. Or awesome.

This Applies To Marvel Characters, Too!

Circulating the internets is a discussion about how the comic character Robin* is being written inconsistently across his own title and Teen Titans. Apparently, in his own book, which I don't read, he freaks out a bit and cracks jokes. Whereas, in the team book, which I do read, he's cool and collected and serious. The thought is that this is bad writing and they should co-ordinate more. I disagree.

Having a character appear in too many books by different authors can often cause too many inconsistencies in the character's personality making them seem as two different characters. What I see in this case, though, is a person, when on his own, is freer to respond how he wants. When he's with his friends in a leadership position, he's able to shunt those insecurities aside and puts up a brave face. I could also see the opposite: someone brave and fearless in their own book, allows himself to fade in the back or joke around on a team as there are more people around to carry the load (like, maybe, Blue Beetle in the old Justice League books). So, rather than hurting the character, I feel this potentially helps, adding depth to the personality.

Oh, and, err, Dio rocks!

*I said the comic character, Robin!