When I signed up on 1up.com as an avid listener of the podcasts, I'm sure I had some ill conceived notion that I would spontaneously spark an interest in modern games, and start blogging profusely. Alas, with perhaps the rare exception of the odd elaborate insult to the current industry and fanbase, I've done little of that. Instead, most of my posts redirect you toward other venues, where I can be found taking superheroes seriously and generally phoning it in.
I recently noticed that, despite my inactivity, a modest flow of folk were hitting this here blog.
I don't know how, or why, you found your way here, but I have an overwhelming urge to try to make it worth your while, despite my being a total slack and uninspired bastard.
If you've been here before, you probably know me as a comic guy. Fair enough.
You can, after all, find my pseudo-superheros-sports blog at http://secretearths.blogspot.com, and buy my modest writing at http://www.nitelitetheatre.com. The question is, why should any of that even matter to you, the 1up.com reader?
The obvious pop culture significance of superheroes aside, there has to be more. More. More!
Unfortunately, there isn't, so instead of coming up with something really interesting, I thought I'd at least fill the void with some overlapping. Comics and video games do occupy a similar space. The same kinds of people find the same kinds of interests, and so, there's a happy tradition of cross pollonation between the seasoned statesman of the comics industry, and active power fantasy of the video gaming experience, which becomes a sequential format the more it ages.
If I was going to use up UGO's newly acquired webspace with the picture feature, I wanted to have a motivated reason. Thus, in merging my interests, I thought I might share with you some of the adverts that have come to populate the landscape of comic books.
With the death of iconic print rags like EGM, it strikes me that many interested readers might never get to see this facet of the advertising strategum. Honestly, before I considered doing this, I hadn't really noticed just how many gaming adverts there still are! I've already got a nice stack of 2008 and 2009 commercials to share with you, albeit, mostly revolving around bland shooting games I personally couldn't give a rats arse about.
The scanning process has already thrown up it's first intriguing tidbit.
Whilst surveying issues from the past few months, I was surprised to find that it was DC comics who had a far greater share of gaming adverts, dominating the barren House of Ideas. One can note theories of vocational relevance that would explain the loyalties of one related brand, to another, but that might be reading in to it a little bit much.
Never the less, I hope you, the reader, will come to enjoy subsequent features of adverts, and enter a suggestable mindset that will allow me to milk you for sales of my comic(s).
Stay tuned!
Cheers!
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8986134
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Rafael Nadal: 2009 Australian Open Champion
Riddle me this, intrepid readers: Which simulation has/will come the farthest?
I think I've found a measure for victory.
Wrestling games: The Kurt Angle victory snot bubble.
Tennis games: Roger Federer post-championship little bitch crying [unlockable win variant].
Or, in this market, am I looking in the wrong direction?
Fortunately for both examples, I think they'd easily make the transition to Mii versions.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8980073
I think I've found a measure for victory.
Wrestling games: The Kurt Angle victory snot bubble.
Tennis games: Roger Federer post-championship little bitch crying [unlockable win variant].
Or, in this market, am I looking in the wrong direction?
Fortunately for both examples, I think they'd easily make the transition to Mii versions.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8980073
Thursday, January 29, 2009
You stupid fanboy!
Admittedly, sometimes I have to surpress my utter contempt for the unwashed masses because, well, it's just bad business not to. Nobody has any backbone anymore in an environment where the consumer is carefully controlled by pandering corporates to believe they are "king."
Fortunately my latest peeve is one married to an interesting observation of culture.
"Fanboy" is irrevocably attached to the world of comic books, where, at least in the modern age, it is believed to have stemmed. In it's origins, the contemptuous tones gamers associate with the phrase, denoting obsessive qualities, might very well have been there, but the vernacular did not end where it began.
In an industry divided between the two major companies and everything else, it's hardly surprising that a culture of obsessive loyalty to one brand, over the other, has been deeply ingrained in the psyche.
It's this type of mindless appreciation for one brand's content, and the converse disapproval and beratment of all other options, that seems to define the gamers "fanboy."
We have other names in comics, however. Ones that don't interrupt or disturb a sense of friendly fire and/or affection about the term, "fanboy." Particularly for the well adjusted among us, comics fanboys are brothers in arms. Chums with a taste for four-colour culture and all the positives that come with it.
Those other people. The ones who've bought X-Men for thirty years uninterrupted? Those are typically referred to as zombies, or any alternate insults that might come to mind. Wii owners, perhaps? (Haw!)
Comics fans can be as volatile and downright stupid as any other fanbase.
(Anyone coping with the indulgent superheroics of Final Crisis knows all too well about the latter!)
I wonder, however, why it is that the use of the term has diverged so specifically amongst gamers.
I suppose it's (de)evolution into an outright insult could simply be a product of the inherent competitive streak that exists vitally within any gamer. Comics fans butt heads, but probably aren't as specifically trained to be in competition with each other, the afforementioned collector zombies, not withstanding.
Next time you're about to baselessly accuse someone of having a blind bias for one brand, perhaps you might pause to consider the bigger picture. Video games and comics are all part of a rich pop culture tapestry, which, presumably, made the migration of the word so simple. So! Consider the possibility that we're all - each and every one of us, and you yourself - part of the fanboy melting pot.
That, and you might be the raving lunatic with the blindspot.
Because it's our word! Stupid fanboys!!!
- Mike Haseloff
Fanboy of minimal celebrity
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8979875
Fortunately my latest peeve is one married to an interesting observation of culture.
"Fanboy" is irrevocably attached to the world of comic books, where, at least in the modern age, it is believed to have stemmed. In it's origins, the contemptuous tones gamers associate with the phrase, denoting obsessive qualities, might very well have been there, but the vernacular did not end where it began.
In an industry divided between the two major companies and everything else, it's hardly surprising that a culture of obsessive loyalty to one brand, over the other, has been deeply ingrained in the psyche.
It's this type of mindless appreciation for one brand's content, and the converse disapproval and beratment of all other options, that seems to define the gamers "fanboy."
We have other names in comics, however. Ones that don't interrupt or disturb a sense of friendly fire and/or affection about the term, "fanboy." Particularly for the well adjusted among us, comics fanboys are brothers in arms. Chums with a taste for four-colour culture and all the positives that come with it.
Those other people. The ones who've bought X-Men for thirty years uninterrupted? Those are typically referred to as zombies, or any alternate insults that might come to mind. Wii owners, perhaps? (Haw!)
Comics fans can be as volatile and downright stupid as any other fanbase.
(Anyone coping with the indulgent superheroics of Final Crisis knows all too well about the latter!)
I wonder, however, why it is that the use of the term has diverged so specifically amongst gamers.
I suppose it's (de)evolution into an outright insult could simply be a product of the inherent competitive streak that exists vitally within any gamer. Comics fans butt heads, but probably aren't as specifically trained to be in competition with each other, the afforementioned collector zombies, not withstanding.
Next time you're about to baselessly accuse someone of having a blind bias for one brand, perhaps you might pause to consider the bigger picture. Video games and comics are all part of a rich pop culture tapestry, which, presumably, made the migration of the word so simple. So! Consider the possibility that we're all - each and every one of us, and you yourself - part of the fanboy melting pot.
That, and you might be the raving lunatic with the blindspot.
Because it's our word! Stupid fanboys!!!
- Mike Haseloff
Fanboy of minimal celebrity
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8979875
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Wipeout: Style and Substance
WipeoutHD is the final refuge of attractive people interested in playing a game without entering into an online bidding war with middle-aged women under the illusion the Wiimote is a magic wand that will help them shed enough pounds to have tracksuit pants camel toe because they want it. It's a relic of the PSX age, when gaming was sexy, modern, and full of style. It's an echo of a future past.
Sci-fi racer?! Hah!
This isn't Tron! You don't approach Wipeout like your "shooters" or your postitute killing trucking games!
It's about midnight in an apartment full of pale wood and silver, standing next to the TV in a puffy orange vest with spikey frosted hair.
It's about the fashion accessory. The soundtrack, the palette, the design, the brand name.
You don't play Wipeout!
You shift your weight to one side and cock the opposite eyebrow, cutting a graceful curve in the game as if by sheer coincidence.
It's a wave of style and substance...
... and consequently, probably not for Americans. Haw!
Explaining Wipeout; re: LTTP: Wipeout
Sci-fi racer?! Hah!
This isn't Tron! You don't approach Wipeout like your "shooters" or your postitute killing trucking games!
It's about midnight in an apartment full of pale wood and silver, standing next to the TV in a puffy orange vest with spikey frosted hair.
It's about the fashion accessory. The soundtrack, the palette, the design, the brand name.
You don't play Wipeout!
You shift your weight to one side and cock the opposite eyebrow, cutting a graceful curve in the game as if by sheer coincidence.
It's a wave of style and substance...
... and consequently, probably not for Americans. Haw!
Explaining Wipeout; re: LTTP: Wipeout
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Blog: Boy meets 1up, boy loses 1up...
What a strange turn of events, it has been!
If you've happened upon this page previously, you probably know me as a comic book fan, and aren't really all that interested in anything I have to say regarding the UGO buy-out. Quite rightly, too.
Only in my own headspace have been a regular at 1up, cheering along or grumbling quietly to myself in disagreement, while tapping at a keyboard, or engaging in some other inane task.
Having militantly listened to 1up podcasts for well over a year, I finally felt it reasonable enough to sign-up, when 1upFM was having download issues (a little over a month ago). It didn't hurt that I'd also come across someone else with similar interests, in the form of fellow Street Fighter fanatic, "BigMex". (Who almost certainly didn't find me via an embarrassing, yet common, Google search
).
I left my heart with the PSX (Playstation), but I've been "gaming" for the better part of twenty years, and fell instantly in love with the first Street Fighter II in arcades.
With that in mind, the shockwave that really hit me, was the fact that EGM is gone.
It seems in an age of digital media, user-generated content, and financial crisis, the sanctity of print materials is constantly under threat. This trend has only enhanced the prestige of brands that have existed for as long as EGM.
The Street Fighter fan in me obviously instantly thinks of "Sheng Long," but as a gamer who spent most of his reading time loitering around Sega and Sony magazines, there aren't many general publications I can name. EGM is one of them.
I'm inclined to consider the twenty-year legacy of a publication bigger than the people that contributed to it, but that's just me. While I haven't been swept up in the community and personal associations, I have come to know and enjoy the voices of the podcasts.
In this respect, it's undeniable that UGO has jettisoned one of the most enjoyable aspects of the site, if not the most profitable. I don't know how receptive some of these folks will be to belated friend requests, but I intend to do my best to follow some of them to their future endeavours. Though very different to me, I have enjoyed the spirit the 1up and EGM staff have conveyed through these meaty slices of audio discussion.
Some of the staff have already made a bloody admirable effort to carry this tradition on!
Like many of you, I've already downloaded the first "Rebel FM" podcast, and have been thoroughly impressed. As much as I enjoyed 1upFM, the first instalment of this spin-off offered a greater diversity of interests, opinions, and discussion that was greatly appreciated.
I'm sure you don't need my endorsement or encouragement, but if you haven't already, you might like to sprint, jog, or saunter, over to Eat. Sleep. Game. where many of the lost, have been found.
I agree, the hierarchy of events is a little conspicuous, but the podcast is fantastic.
Particularly appreciated, a moment of in depth discussion about fighting games (RE: Street Fighter), which, I would selfishly say, was sorely absent from 1upFM and 1up Yours. But I'm not to be trusted.
I'm sure there are more informative or passionate articles around the 1up Blogosphere, but I felt it was about damn time I posted some original content, and maybe made an effort to introduce myself.
We now return you to article teasers from my better known comics blog.
I hope you will buy something. Please.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8977994
If you've happened upon this page previously, you probably know me as a comic book fan, and aren't really all that interested in anything I have to say regarding the UGO buy-out. Quite rightly, too.
Only in my own headspace have been a regular at 1up, cheering along or grumbling quietly to myself in disagreement, while tapping at a keyboard, or engaging in some other inane task.
Having militantly listened to 1up podcasts for well over a year, I finally felt it reasonable enough to sign-up, when 1upFM was having download issues (a little over a month ago). It didn't hurt that I'd also come across someone else with similar interests, in the form of fellow Street Fighter fanatic, "BigMex". (Who almost certainly didn't find me via an embarrassing, yet common, Google search
).I left my heart with the PSX (Playstation), but I've been "gaming" for the better part of twenty years, and fell instantly in love with the first Street Fighter II in arcades.
With that in mind, the shockwave that really hit me, was the fact that EGM is gone.
It seems in an age of digital media, user-generated content, and financial crisis, the sanctity of print materials is constantly under threat. This trend has only enhanced the prestige of brands that have existed for as long as EGM.
The Street Fighter fan in me obviously instantly thinks of "Sheng Long," but as a gamer who spent most of his reading time loitering around Sega and Sony magazines, there aren't many general publications I can name. EGM is one of them.
I'm inclined to consider the twenty-year legacy of a publication bigger than the people that contributed to it, but that's just me. While I haven't been swept up in the community and personal associations, I have come to know and enjoy the voices of the podcasts.
In this respect, it's undeniable that UGO has jettisoned one of the most enjoyable aspects of the site, if not the most profitable. I don't know how receptive some of these folks will be to belated friend requests, but I intend to do my best to follow some of them to their future endeavours. Though very different to me, I have enjoyed the spirit the 1up and EGM staff have conveyed through these meaty slices of audio discussion.
Some of the staff have already made a bloody admirable effort to carry this tradition on!
Like many of you, I've already downloaded the first "Rebel FM" podcast, and have been thoroughly impressed. As much as I enjoyed 1upFM, the first instalment of this spin-off offered a greater diversity of interests, opinions, and discussion that was greatly appreciated.
I'm sure you don't need my endorsement or encouragement, but if you haven't already, you might like to sprint, jog, or saunter, over to Eat. Sleep. Game. where many of the lost, have been found.
I agree, the hierarchy of events is a little conspicuous, but the podcast is fantastic.
Particularly appreciated, a moment of in depth discussion about fighting games (RE: Street Fighter), which, I would selfishly say, was sorely absent from 1upFM and 1up Yours. But I'm not to be trusted.
I'm sure there are more informative or passionate articles around the 1up Blogosphere, but I felt it was about damn time I posted some original content, and maybe made an effort to introduce myself.
We now return you to article teasers from my better known comics blog.
I hope you will buy something. Please.
Original Post: http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=8977994
Sunday, December 28, 2008
iChart 100: 2008 End
#1 [393] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana (+1)
#2 [386] William Ørbit - In A Landscape [386] (-1)
#3 [379] Way Out West - Pulse of Life [379] (+1)
#4 [378] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors [378] (+2)
#5 [371] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (-2)
#6 [370] Björk - Mouths Cradle (+1)
#7 [367] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (+3)
#8 [367] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (-3)
#9 [365] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (-1)
#10 [361] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (+1)
#11 [358] Thom Yorke - Analyse (-2)
#12 [355] William Ørbit - Xerxes (-)
#13 [348] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (-)
#14 [332] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (+2)
#15 [330] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (-)
#16 [321] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right) (-2)
#17 [316] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (-)
#18 [304] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion (+4)
#19 [303] Gustav - Genua (+2)
#20 [303] Moby - My Weakness (-2)
#21 [297] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner (-1)
#22 [294] Björk - Submarine (+1)
#23 [290] Intermix - Mantra (+2)
#24 [280] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit) (-5)
#25 [267] Hot Chip - Over and Over (-1)
#26 [260] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (+1)
#27 [260] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (+4)
#28 [250] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (-)
#29 [249] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu (-)
#30 [249] Cassius - Toop Toop (-4)
#31 [239] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (+1)
#32 [239] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (-2)
#33 [236] Björk - Vokuro (+2)
#34 [234] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan) (-)
#35 [231] Björk - Desired Constellation (+9)
#36 [230] Pendulum - Coma (+23)
#37 [229] Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out (-1)
#38 [229] Moby - Arp (+8)
#39 [226] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (+10)
#40 [225] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (+10)
#41 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined (-8)
#42 [223] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx (-5)
#43 [223] Console - 14 Zero Zero (-4)
#44 [221] Madonna - Frozen (+12)
#45 [221] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (-5)
#46 [221] Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Radio Edit) (+23)
#47 [218] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (+7)
#48 [218] Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks (-10)
#49 [217] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-2)
#50 [217] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-8)
#51 [217] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (+16)
#52 [214] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (+6)
#53 [214] Radiohead - Videotape (+10)
#54 [213] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (+1)
#55 [212] Hot Chip - Grubbs (-14)
#56 [211] PNAU - Journey Agent (+15)
#57 [206] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (+13)
#58 [206] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (-13)
#59 [205] Björk - Who Is It (Vitalic Mix) (-16)
#60 [204] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (+20)
#61 [204] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (-13)
#62 [199] The Beta Band - Space Beatle (-)
#63 [199] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (-12)
#64 [198] Cassius - Toop Toop (Olivier Koletski Mix) (+1)
#65 [197] ana voog - Telepathic You (+7)
#66 [197] Moby - Flying Foxes (+10)
#67 [193] Hot Chip - Boy From School (-15)
#68 [191] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore (-11)
#69 [191] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (+15)
#70 [189] Kenji Kawai - Making of a Cyborg (+22)
#71 [189] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+17)
#72 [188] Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+1)
#73 [186] Orbital - Petrol (+16)
#74 [184] Moby - Memory Gospel (+12)
#75 [184] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (+10)
#76 [181] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (+5)
#77 [181] DJ Shadow - Six Days (+6)
#78 [181] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual (-10)
#79 [180] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme From Gutbuster (-15)
#80 [180] Moby - Natural Blues (-20)
#81 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome (-20)
#82 [176] Daft Punk - Around the World (-8)
#83 [176] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (+12)
#84 [173] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (+3)
#85 [172] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix) (+6)
#86 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-20)
#87 [167] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix) (-5)
#88 [162] Pet Shop Boys - Can You Forgive Her? (-10)
#89 [161] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro '95 (-10)
#90 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers (-15)
#91 [158] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring (-1)
#92 [155] Moby - In My Heart (-15)
#93 [153] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (new)
#94 [149] Kenji Kawai - Pappetry Song (Gods' Gathering in the New World) (-2)
#95 [145] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix) (+2)
#96 [144] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (Album Version) (new)
#97 [143] Graeme Revell - Elektra (-4)
#98 [143] Groove Armada - At the River (new)
#99 [140] Timo Maas - To Get Down (new)
#100 [137] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (new)
Two years of iPod, music, and lists.
Nothing learned, nothing gained. New music in 2009?
#2 [386] William Ørbit - In A Landscape [386] (-1)
#3 [379] Way Out West - Pulse of Life [379] (+1)
#4 [378] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors [378] (+2)
#5 [371] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I (-2)
#6 [370] Björk - Mouths Cradle (+1)
#7 [367] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3 (+3)
#8 [367] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog (-3)
#9 [365] William Ørbit - L'Inverno (-1)
#10 [361] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto (+1)
#11 [358] Thom Yorke - Analyse (-2)
#12 [355] William Ørbit - Xerxes (-)
#13 [348] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte (-)
#14 [332] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit) (+2)
#15 [330] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style I (-)
#16 [321] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right) (-2)
#17 [316] William Ørbit - Opus I32 (-)
#18 [304] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion (+4)
#19 [303] Gustav - Genua (+2)
#20 [303] Moby - My Weakness (-2)
#21 [297] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner (-1)
#22 [294] Björk - Submarine (+1)
#23 [290] Intermix - Mantra (+2)
#24 [280] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit) (-5)
#25 [267] Hot Chip - Over and Over (-1)
#26 [260] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine (+1)
#27 [260] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings (+4)
#28 [250] UNKLE - Lonely Soul (-)
#29 [249] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu (-)
#30 [249] Cassius - Toop Toop (-4)
#31 [239] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume (+1)
#32 [239] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea (-2)
#33 [236] Björk - Vokuro (+2)
#34 [234] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan) (-)
#35 [231] Björk - Desired Constellation (+9)
#36 [230] Pendulum - Coma (+23)
#37 [229] Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out (-1)
#38 [229] Moby - Arp (+8)
#39 [226] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort (+10)
#40 [225] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes (+10)
#41 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just Like You Imagined (-8)
#42 [223] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx (-5)
#43 [223] Console - 14 Zero Zero (-4)
#44 [221] Madonna - Frozen (+12)
#45 [221] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix) (-5)
#46 [221] Stardust - Music Sounds Better With You (Radio Edit) (+23)
#47 [218] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit) (+7)
#48 [218] Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks (-10)
#49 [217] DJ Krush - Dig This Vibe (-2)
#50 [217] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix) (-8)
#51 [217] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love (+16)
#52 [214] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound (+6)
#53 [214] Radiohead - Videotape (+10)
#54 [213] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf (+1)
#55 [212] Hot Chip - Grubbs (-14)
#56 [211] PNAU - Journey Agent (+15)
#57 [206] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her (+13)
#58 [206] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights (-13)
#59 [205] Björk - Who Is It (Vitalic Mix) (-16)
#60 [204] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome (+20)
#61 [204] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground (-13)
#62 [199] The Beta Band - Space Beatle (-)
#63 [199] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation) (-12)
#64 [198] Cassius - Toop Toop (Olivier Koletski Mix) (+1)
#65 [197] ana voog - Telepathic You (+7)
#66 [197] Moby - Flying Foxes (+10)
#67 [193] Hot Chip - Boy From School (-15)
#68 [191] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore (-11)
#69 [191] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction (+15)
#70 [189] Kenji Kawai - Making of a Cyborg (+22)
#71 [189] Sasha - Wavy Gravy (+17)
#72 [188] Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be (+1)
#73 [186] Orbital - Petrol (+16)
#74 [184] Moby - Memory Gospel (+12)
#75 [184] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix) (+10)
#76 [181] Björk - Triumph of a Heart (+5)
#77 [181] DJ Shadow - Six Days (+6)
#78 [181] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual (-10)
#79 [180] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme From Gutbuster (-15)
#80 [180] Moby - Natural Blues (-20)
#81 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome (-20)
#82 [176] Daft Punk - Around the World (-8)
#83 [176] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me (+12)
#84 [173] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Pulse (+3)
#85 [172] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix) (+6)
#86 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money) (-20)
#87 [167] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix) (-5)
#88 [162] Pet Shop Boys - Can You Forgive Her? (-10)
#89 [161] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro '95 (-10)
#90 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers (-15)
#91 [158] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring (-1)
#92 [155] Moby - In My Heart (-15)
#93 [153] Ratty - Sunrise (Here I Am) (Radio Edit) (new)
#94 [149] Kenji Kawai - Pappetry Song (Gods' Gathering in the New World) (-2)
#95 [145] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix) (+2)
#96 [144] Hybrid - Finished Symphony (Album Version) (new)
#97 [143] Graeme Revell - Elektra (-4)
#98 [143] Groove Armada - At the River (new)
#99 [140] Timo Maas - To Get Down (new)
#100 [137] Sash! - Chill Out No. 1 (new)
Two years of iPod, music, and lists.
Nothing learned, nothing gained. New music in 2009?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
iChart 100: August 2008
#1 [345] William Ørbit - In a Landscape
#2 [343] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana
#3 [338] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I
#4 [326] Way Out West - Pulse of Life
#5 [326] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog
#6 [325] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors
#7 [323] Björk - Mouths Cradle
#8 [323] William Ørbit - L'Inverno
#9 [322] Thom Yorke - Analyse
#10 [322] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3
#11 [321] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto
#12 [310] William Ørbit - Xerxes
#13 [303] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
#14 [296] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right)
#15 [295] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Syle I
#16 [291] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit)
#17 [285] William Ørbit - Opus 132
#18 [275] Moby - My Weakness
#19 [274] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit)
#20 [274] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner
#21 [271] Gustav - Genua
#22 [269] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion
#23 [266] Björk - Submarine
#24 [263] Hot Chip - Over and Over
#25 [263] Intermix - Mantra
#26 [244] Cassius - Toop Toop
#27 [237] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine
#28 [230] UNKLE - Lonely Soul
#29 [229] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu
#30 [228] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea
#31 [227] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings
#32 [226] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume
#33 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just like you Imagined
#34 [221] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan)
#35 [218] Björk - Vokuro
#36 [215] Joe Jackson - Steppin Out
#37 [213] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx
#38 [212] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
#39 [209] Console - 14 Zero Zero
#40 [207] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix)
#41 [206] Hot Chip - Grubbs
#42 [201] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix)
#43 [198] Björk - Who is it (Vitalic Mix)
#44 [198] Björk - Desired Constellation
#45 [195] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights
#46 [194] Moby - ARP
#47 [192] DJ Krush - Dig this vibe
#48 [191] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground
#49 [190] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort
#50 [190] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes
#51 [190] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation)
#52 [189] Hot Chip - Boy from school
#53 [189] Kenji Kawaii - Making of a Cyborg
#54 [187] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit)
#55 [186] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf
#56 [185] Madonna - Frozen
#57 [184] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore
#58 [182] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound
#59 [182] Pendulum - Coma
#60 [180] Moby - Natural Blues
#61 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome
#62 [174] The Beta Band - Space Beatle
#63 [174] Radiohead - Videotape
#64 [170] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme from Gutbuster
#65 [169] Cassius - Toop Toop (Oliver Koletski Mix)
#66 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)
#67 [168] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love
#68 [167] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual
#69 [166] Stardust - Music Sounds Better with You (Radio Edit)
#70 [162] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her
#71 [162] PNAU - Journey Agent
#72 [159] ana voog - Telepathic You
#73 [159] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be
#74 [159] Daft Punk - Around the World
#75 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers
#76 [156] Moby - Flying Foxes
#77 [155] Moby - In My Heart
#78 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Can you forgive Her?
#79 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro 95
#80 [153] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome
#81 [152] Björk - Triumph of a Heart
#82 [152] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix)
#83 [151] DJ Shadow - Six Days
#84 [151] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction
#85 [148] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix)
#86 [146] Moby - Memory Gospel
#87 [146] Yoko Kanno - Pulse
#88 [144] Sasha - Wavy Gravy
#89 [142] Orbital - Petrol
#90 [139] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring
#91 [138] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix)
#92 [136] Kenji Kawaii - Pappetry Song (Gods Gathering in the New World)
#93 [133] Graeme Revell - Elektra
#94 [128] The Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
#95 [127] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me
#96 [125] Hybrid - Zulu
#97 [124] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix)
#98 [124] Radiohead - Idioteque
#99 [123] Joanna Newsom - The Sprout and the Bean
#100 [121] Sneaky Sound System - I Love It
Numerical lists are pretty much my answer to everything, but especially boredom.
For some reason tallying the one hundred most played songs on my iPod seemed like a good idea, less boring than doing it regularly. If you are reading this, you almost certainly need a hobby more than I do. This is break time for me!
Still, you might be one of those people who likes to scour the internet for people's playlists in order to find new music. Which is a service I would be happy to provide, even if my playlist is severely wanting. Anything beats real work, mind!
#2 [343] William Ørbit - Cavalleria Rusticana
#3 [338] William Ørbit - Ogive Number I
#4 [326] Way Out West - Pulse of Life
#5 [326] 菅野よう子 [Yoko Kanno] - Bad Dog
#6 [325] CocoRosie - Rainbowarriors
#7 [323] Björk - Mouths Cradle
#8 [323] William Ørbit - L'Inverno
#9 [322] Thom Yorke - Analyse
#10 [322] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Style 3
#11 [321] William Ørbit - Triple Concerto
#12 [310] William Ørbit - Xerxes
#13 [303] William Ørbit - Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte
#14 [296] Björk - Who is it (Carry my joy on the left, carry my pain on the right)
#15 [295] William Ørbit - Piece in the Old Syle I
#16 [291] Underworld - Two Months Off (Radio Edit)
#17 [285] William Ørbit - Opus 132
#18 [275] Moby - My Weakness
#19 [274] Bodyrox feat. Luciana - Yeah Yeah (D. Ramirez Radio Edit)
#20 [274] Vangelis - Love theme from Bladerunner
#21 [271] Gustav - Genua
#22 [269] CoLD SToRAGE - Body in Motion
#23 [266] Björk - Submarine
#24 [263] Hot Chip - Over and Over
#25 [263] Intermix - Mantra
#26 [244] Cassius - Toop Toop
#27 [237] Björk - Pleasure is all Mine
#28 [230] UNKLE - Lonely Soul
#29 [229] Björk - Visur Vatnsenda Rosu
#30 [228] Future Sound of London - Papua New Guinea
#31 [227] William Ørbit - Adagio for Strings
#32 [226] Einsturzende Neubauten - Blume
#33 [225] Nine Inch Nails - Just like you Imagined
#34 [221] Moby - Porcelain (Clubbed to Death version by Rob Dougan)
#35 [218] Björk - Vokuro
#36 [215] Joe Jackson - Steppin Out
#37 [213] CoLD SToRAGE - Onyx
#38 [212] Peter Bjorn and John - Young Folks
#39 [209] Console - 14 Zero Zero
#40 [207] Moby - Bodyrock (Hybrid's Bodyshock Remix)
#41 [206] Hot Chip - Grubbs
#42 [201] Groove Zone - Eisbaer (Extended Mix)
#43 [198] Björk - Who is it (Vitalic Mix)
#44 [198] Björk - Desired Constellation
#45 [195] UNKLE - Rabbit in your Headlights
#46 [194] Moby - ARP
#47 [192] DJ Krush - Dig this vibe
#48 [191] Groove Terminator - Losing Ground
#49 [190] CoLD SToRAGE - Cold Comfort
#50 [190] Luke Slater - Stars and Heroes
#51 [190] Rob Dougan - Clubbed to Death (Kurayamino Variation)
#52 [189] Hot Chip - Boy from school
#53 [189] Kenji Kawaii - Making of a Cyborg
#54 [187] Pet Shop Boys - Miracles (Radio Edit)
#55 [186] William Ørbit - Water from a Vine Leaf
#56 [185] Madonna - Frozen
#57 [184] Pet Shop Boys - I don't know what you want but I can't give it anymore
#58 [182] b(if)tek feat. Julee Cruise - Wired for Sound
#59 [182] Pendulum - Coma
#60 [180] Moby - Natural Blues
#61 [177] Gustav - We Shall Overcome
#62 [174] The Beta Band - Space Beatle
#63 [174] Radiohead - Videotape
#64 [170] Bentley Rhythm Ace - Theme from Gutbuster
#65 [169] Cassius - Toop Toop (Oliver Koletski Mix)
#66 [169] Pet Shop Boys - Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)
#67 [168] Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute for Love
#68 [167] Pet Shop Boys - Single - Bilingual
#69 [166] Stardust - Music Sounds Better with You (Radio Edit)
#70 [162] b(if)tek - 3 Seconds of Her
#71 [162] PNAU - Journey Agent
#72 [159] ana voog - Telepathic You
#73 [159] The Chemical Brothers - Let Forever Be
#74 [159] Daft Punk - Around the World
#75 [159] Ramin Djawadi & The RZA - Daywalkers
#76 [156] Moby - Flying Foxes
#77 [155] Moby - In My Heart
#78 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Can you forgive Her?
#79 [154] Pet Shop Boys - Paninaro 95
#80 [153] CoLD SToRAGE - Cairodrome
#81 [152] Björk - Triumph of a Heart
#82 [152] Raven Maize - The Real Life (Fatboy Slim Mix)
#83 [151] DJ Shadow - Six Days
#84 [151] Supreme Beings of Leisure - Strangelove Addiction
#85 [148] William Ørbit - Barber's Adagio for Strings (Ferry Corsten Remix)
#86 [146] Moby - Memory Gospel
#87 [146] Yoko Kanno - Pulse
#88 [144] Sasha - Wavy Gravy
#89 [142] Orbital - Petrol
#90 [139] Pet Shop Boys - Being Boring
#91 [138] Faithless - Drifting Away (Paradiso Mix)
#92 [136] Kenji Kawaii - Pappetry Song (Gods Gathering in the New World)
#93 [133] Graeme Revell - Elektra
#94 [128] The Arcade Fire - Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
#95 [127] Groove Armada - Dusk, You & Me
#96 [125] Hybrid - Zulu
#97 [124] Faithless - Salva Mea (Way Out West Remix)
#98 [124] Radiohead - Idioteque
#99 [123] Joanna Newsom - The Sprout and the Bean
#100 [121] Sneaky Sound System - I Love It
Numerical lists are pretty much my answer to everything, but especially boredom.
For some reason tallying the one hundred most played songs on my iPod seemed like a good idea, less boring than doing it regularly. If you are reading this, you almost certainly need a hobby more than I do. This is break time for me!
Still, you might be one of those people who likes to scour the internet for people's playlists in order to find new music. Which is a service I would be happy to provide, even if my playlist is severely wanting. Anything beats real work, mind!
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Infinite Wars: T.Hawk/Fei Long Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: The New Challengers!
THUNDERHAWK versus THUGS
(UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II #3 When: February 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Okay, I'm going to start this entry way off on a tangent.
Earlier today I spent a disturbing amount of time sifting through google hits, conventional and blogsearch, looking for dates and issue numbers. I couldn't find them.
I do my best to make sure Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is a multi-layered and enjoyable reading experience, several times a week. If I might not always live up to that lofty expectation, I always find great pride in including explicit and relevant information for cross searching needs.
Now, let the minutes show that it is indeed Sunday, and therefore we must address today's pressing Street Fighter business. On today's agenda, two of the new warriors that made their debut in the revision title, Super Street Fighter II.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-new.html
THUNDERHAWK versus THUGS(UDON)
Where: Street Fighter II #3 When: February 2006
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Okay, I'm going to start this entry way off on a tangent.
Earlier today I spent a disturbing amount of time sifting through google hits, conventional and blogsearch, looking for dates and issue numbers. I couldn't find them.
I do my best to make sure Secret Wars on Infinite Earths is a multi-layered and enjoyable reading experience, several times a week. If I might not always live up to that lofty expectation, I always find great pride in including explicit and relevant information for cross searching needs.
Now, let the minutes show that it is indeed Sunday, and therefore we must address today's pressing Street Fighter business. On today's agenda, two of the new warriors that made their debut in the revision title, Super Street Fighter II.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-new.html
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Infinite Wars: Superman vs Preus
SUPERMAN versus PREUSOld Man, New World (DC comics)
Where: Action Comics #824 When: April 2005
Why: JD Finn How: Ivan Reis
The story so far...
Suffering the stress of a clash with Gog and a synthetic yellow form of Kryptonite, and the lurking threat of Doomsday; an aged Superman struggles against the xenophobic charge of Kandor's General Preus.
Having captured both the inquisitive Jimmy Olsen and the Justice League's Martian Manhunter, Preus uses Olsen's signal watch to lure Superman to his desert base where he commands an army of zealous white-supremicists.
Facing overwhelming physical odds, Superman will courageously do combat with his disillusioned Kandorian counterpart, but at the end of the battle, Preus' greatest weapon may prove to be humanity's own capacity for self-destruction.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/superman-versus-preus-old-man-new-world.html
Friday, September 28, 2007
Infinite Wars: Batman vs Catwoman
BATMAN versus CATWOMANDate Knight (DC comics)
Where: Solo #1 When: December 2004
Why: Darwyn Cooke How: Tim Sale
The story so far...
A string of clues lead the Dark Knight Detective to a Gotham City museum exibit, where someone has broken in; neutralized the nightguard; disabled security systems; and breached the defenses of an expensive cat artifact. So why is the statue still in it's case?
It seems Catwoman wants to play, and the perfect way to get the attentions of her Bat-themed lover is a midnight burglary, complete with scented clues to lead him to their rendezvous.
The sassy Selina Kyle leads the Batman on a pursuit across the Gotham skyline, in a date night only she could provide. Will the Dark Knight pursue criminal justice, or when the cheque arrives, will he do the gentlemanly thing? Mmmreow, stay tuned to find out!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/batman-versus-catwoman-date-knight-dc.html
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Infinite Wars: Saviour vs Superman
SAVIOUR versus SUPERMANScarlet Salvation (DC comics)
Where: Action Comics #713 When: September 1995
Why: David Michelinie How: Kieron Dwyer & Denis Rodier
The story so far...
Three years prior, the world watched in horror as the alien creature Doomsday fought Superman to a stand-still, the two dying in the street by each other's hands.
Having returned after the destruction of Coast City, Superman returns to resume his battle for truth, justice and the American way -- but not everyone is convinced!
After a sinister plot orchestrated by the Kryptonian cybernetic fiend, Braniac; a doubt is cast in the minds of all when an illusion is cast to reveal Superman still dead in his coffin. Though the truth was eventually revealed, deranged serial killer, Ramsey Murdoch, remains unconvinced. Believing himself to be a self-proclaimed saviour, Murdoch prepares himself to destroy the one who poses as Superman.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/saviour-versus-superman-scarlet.html
Monday, September 24, 2007
Infinite Wars: Fantastic Four & X-Men vs Ahab, Invisible Woman & Cyclops
FANTASTIC FOUR/X-MEN/X-FACTOR/NEW MUTANTS versus AHAB & THE HOUNDSDays of Future Present Part 4: You Must Remember This (Marvel comics)
Where: X-Men Annual #14 When: 1990
Why: Chris Claremont How: Art Adams
The story so far...
For humanity there exists a dark potential future.
A time where mutants have been hunted to near extinction, and humanity lives enslaved by the robotic Sentinel armies that police the streets so vigilantly.
Franklin Richards and Rachel Summers, refugees from this dark time, escape back to seek protection in a more placid time where their parents stood triumphant and hopeful against these evils. Unfortunately for them, their time travelling escape is not the only shift made from this future.
Dr. Roderick Campbell, the man-Sentinel known as Ahab, follows the two mutant rebels back through the timestream, hoping to use the environment to manipulate a final showdown with his longtime targets. Unfortunately for him, the mutants are far from extinct in this time, and despite his advanced technology and many powers, he may find himself overwhelmed...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/fantastic-fourx-menx-factornew-mutants.html
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Infinite Wars: Ryu/Ken Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Sho-Ryu Ken!
KEN versus RYU
Stage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Y'know, in it's own way, UDON and their Capcom books are a really interesting look at "independent" comic books.
I do this blog thing for many reasons, one of the important ones being the enjoyment I get from taking a little time to discuss, review, and observe these pieces of entertainment that I find so joyous. Of course, as much as I'd like to derive world dominating noteriety from this blog, I'm not so sure there's a long future for me in comics review.
What I do feel very strongly about is writing and creating comic books.
Sure, that's not an unusual aspiration. Most fans and their silly photographed cats want to write comics, but I like to think there's something inevitable about comics and I. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think if you plucked anyone who's known me through my lifetime, none would be shocked to learn I had found fate in a creative field. It's just one of those cosmic things.
That said, it's not like capability, flair and know-how instantly get you the job.
As submission processes become less common, and technology becomes more readily available, the intrepid fan pursues the dream of self-publishing to a quality unparalleled in the previous two decades of small press.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-sho-ryu-ken.html
KEN versus RYUStage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
Quick Fix...
Y'know, in it's own way, UDON and their Capcom books are a really interesting look at "independent" comic books.
I do this blog thing for many reasons, one of the important ones being the enjoyment I get from taking a little time to discuss, review, and observe these pieces of entertainment that I find so joyous. Of course, as much as I'd like to derive world dominating noteriety from this blog, I'm not so sure there's a long future for me in comics review.
What I do feel very strongly about is writing and creating comic books.
Sure, that's not an unusual aspiration. Most fans and their silly photographed cats want to write comics, but I like to think there's something inevitable about comics and I. I'm not one to believe in destiny, but I think if you plucked anyone who's known me through my lifetime, none would be shocked to learn I had found fate in a creative field. It's just one of those cosmic things.
That said, it's not like capability, flair and know-how instantly get you the job.
As submission processes become less common, and technology becomes more readily available, the intrepid fan pursues the dream of self-publishing to a quality unparalleled in the previous two decades of small press.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-sho-ryu-ken.html
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Infinite Wars: Batman Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Under the Influence/Ones We Love
ROBIN versus BATMAN
As the Crow Flies Part Four: Shotgun (DC)
Where: Batman #629 When: August 2004
Why: Judd Winick How: Dustin Nguyen
Quick Fix...
So, Galactus and I might not have a lot in common, but there is one indisputable commonality: We're both sticklers for rules, especially our own.
Which brings us to now. Up against the wire, I feel an obligation to turn in a Street Fighter post for Sunday, a Marvel Ultimate Alliance post for Monday, and, well, okay, that's really about all... But still, here we are, as the clock ticks over to Sunday (here in the future), and I'm starting a post for Saturday! Egads, what sinister plot could provoke such madness?!
A couple of days ago The Fortress Keeper had some interesting things to say about the state of Batman, with a particular slant towards an evolution away from the grim and gritty mania that has gripped the character for the best part of three decades. I, of course, subscribe to that classic take within reason, actually fairly disinterested in progress being made by Grant Morrison to return the hairy chested love-god to his globe trotting throne; but I digress...
Inevitably one travels from Batman's world and state of mind, to the relationships important to his life.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-under.html
ROBIN versus BATMANAs the Crow Flies Part Four: Shotgun (DC)
Where: Batman #629 When: August 2004
Why: Judd Winick How: Dustin Nguyen
Quick Fix...
So, Galactus and I might not have a lot in common, but there is one indisputable commonality: We're both sticklers for rules, especially our own.
Which brings us to now. Up against the wire, I feel an obligation to turn in a Street Fighter post for Sunday, a Marvel Ultimate Alliance post for Monday, and, well, okay, that's really about all... But still, here we are, as the clock ticks over to Sunday (here in the future), and I'm starting a post for Saturday! Egads, what sinister plot could provoke such madness?!
A couple of days ago The Fortress Keeper had some interesting things to say about the state of Batman, with a particular slant towards an evolution away from the grim and gritty mania that has gripped the character for the best part of three decades. I, of course, subscribe to that classic take within reason, actually fairly disinterested in progress being made by Grant Morrison to return the hairy chested love-god to his globe trotting throne; but I digress...
Inevitably one travels from Batman's world and state of mind, to the relationships important to his life.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-under.html
Friday, September 21, 2007
Infinite Wars: Despero vs Justice League
DESPERO versus MARTIAN MANHUNTER/AQUAMANCrisis of Conscience: Part Four (DC comics)
Where: JLA #118 When: Early November 2005
Why: Geoff Johns & Allan Heinberg How: Chris Batista
The story so far...
With their dirty little secrets exposed, the Justice League is imploding into itself in a maelstrom of disapproval and mistrust. The revelations over Zatanna's mind-wiping practises regain their relevance when members of the Secret Society of Super-villains discover the true identities of the heroes.
Unknown to the league, the foe responsible for awakening the minds of the Society, Despero, is hurtling toward Earth in pursuit of a helpless Martian Manhunter. Unable to locate the league, the Manhunter plummets Earthbound with one member in mind -- Aquaman!
Will J'onn J'onnz find the assistance he needs, or has the inner turmoil of their actions exposed a weakness in the League, and allowed Despero the opportunity to finally seek a final revenge on those he has called enemy?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/despero-versus-martian-manhunteraquaman.html
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Infinite Wars: Hawkman/Black Adam JSA Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Harsh Vintage Justice
HAWKMAN versus MATTER MASTER
Black Reign: Part Two (DC)
Where: Hawkman #23 When: Early March 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Rags Morales
Quick Fix...
Lately we've been talking a bit about harsh justice, and it's application to the superhero world, and this entry gives us the opportunity to take a look at that theory in practise.
It's a particularly interesting topic, given all the different angles. Generally speaking, the sacred cows [like Wonder Woman] are protected from the moral ambiguity of lethal justice, yet, oft times it's these vintage characters that are more likely to be identified with harsh enforcement reflective of the war-torn times they were created in.
The debate rages on between the two schools of thought. For many the definition of a superhero is to be above the moral ambiguity average humans, soldiers, or heroes are regularly faced with. It means not being forced to pull the trigger to save innocent lives, instead using the fantastic to end danger.
We recently discussed a similar argument of whether or not Captain America ever used lethal force during his times in the frontline of the Second World War [Captain America #405].
The morally ambiguous hero got a bit of a tarnished reputation, passing through the eighties and nineties with the baggage of excess, and poor interpretation. The posterboy becomes characters like The Punisher, who more overtly straddle the line of what's right and wrong with a stonecold attitude toward life and death. For the most part these characters do good, eliminating the evils that evade justice by conventional law, but there is always that underlying negative of what we know in reality of the vigilante.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-harsh-vintage.html
HAWKMAN versus MATTER MASTERBlack Reign: Part Two (DC)
Where: Hawkman #23 When: Early March 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Rags Morales
Quick Fix...
Lately we've been talking a bit about harsh justice, and it's application to the superhero world, and this entry gives us the opportunity to take a look at that theory in practise.
It's a particularly interesting topic, given all the different angles. Generally speaking, the sacred cows [like Wonder Woman] are protected from the moral ambiguity of lethal justice, yet, oft times it's these vintage characters that are more likely to be identified with harsh enforcement reflective of the war-torn times they were created in.
The debate rages on between the two schools of thought. For many the definition of a superhero is to be above the moral ambiguity average humans, soldiers, or heroes are regularly faced with. It means not being forced to pull the trigger to save innocent lives, instead using the fantastic to end danger.
We recently discussed a similar argument of whether or not Captain America ever used lethal force during his times in the frontline of the Second World War [Captain America #405].
The morally ambiguous hero got a bit of a tarnished reputation, passing through the eighties and nineties with the baggage of excess, and poor interpretation. The posterboy becomes characters like The Punisher, who more overtly straddle the line of what's right and wrong with a stonecold attitude toward life and death. For the most part these characters do good, eliminating the evils that evade justice by conventional law, but there is always that underlying negative of what we know in reality of the vigilante.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-harsh-vintage.html
Monday, September 17, 2007
Infinite Wars: Doppelganger vs Thing
DOPPELGANGER versus THINGBy Reed... Betrayed! (Marvel comics)
Where: Fantastic Four #367 When: August 1992
Why: Tom DeFalco How: Paul Ryan
The story so far...
The Magus, with the aid of mysterious cosmic power, has created an army of sinister mirror images of the greatest heroes of the Marvel Universe in a bid for total domination!
Forced to face their inner shadows, the great heroes fight themselves for their own existance. For Thing, his doppelganger comes at a time already overcast with inner turmoil. Ex-girlfriend and teammate, Sharon Ventura, returns as he comes to terms with the reveal that his greatest love, Alicia Masters, did not marry the Human Torch. Instead, it was another dark diversion, the undercover Skrull Lyja, who married the Torch, which leaves Thing unsure of his feelings for his former flame.
The Puppet Master is sure of his feelings, desiring the happiness of his daughter, but will his love stop him taking advantage of the Thing's predicament, or will he use his fantastic telekinetic controlling clay to save the Fantastic Fourman?...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/doppelganger-versus-thing-by-reed.html
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Infinite Wars: Guile vs Birdie
GUILE versus BIRDIEStage 01 (UDON/Image)
Where: Street Fighter #1 When: September 2003
Why: Ken Siu-Chong How: Alvin Lee
The story so far...
His name is Bison, and he is the megalomaniacal leader of the world's most vile criminal organization -- Shadaloo. Involved in every facet of criminality, Shadaloo funds Bison's desires for world conquest, and his interests in fostering the martial arts and his psycho power.
It was during an investigation into Shadaloo that Bison uncovered and brutally murdered Charlie, partner of Interpol agent, Guile. Ever since, Guile has had the burning desire to personally put an end to the Shadaloo empire, and the evil M. Bison.
Patiently working his way through the various branches of Shadaloo, Guile and agents like him pick apart the pieces of the puzzle, working their way closer to the source. Wannabe street toughs, like the English street fighter, Birdie, represent the lower rungs, all useful for tracking back to Bison.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/guile-versus-birdie-stage-01-udonimage.html
Friday, September 14, 2007
Infinite Wars: Avengers vs Galactus
AVENGERS versus GALACTUSThe End of the Matter: What If The Silver Surfer Had Not Betrayed Galactus? (Marvel comics)
Where: What if...? #70 When: February 1995
Why: Chuck Dixon How: Joe Barney & Don Hudson
The story so far...
So it was, when the devourer of worlds came to destroy the Earth, that the Fantastic Four stood against him. Toppling his gleeming herald, the Silver Surfer would come to land on the balcony of an inner city studio belonging to the blind sculptress, Alicia Masters.
Though blind, she would see something inside the Silver Surfer thought long dead, and with an awareness of all things great on the planet Earth, the Silver Surfer remembered what it was to be Norrin Radd, inhabitant of Zenn-La. Thus, he rebelled and proved to be the crucial factor in defeating the devourer of worlds, Galactus.
Alas, there are other worlds, where events such as this deviate in minor, but devestating ways. Just such a world saw the Silver Surfer remaining steadfast, forcing the Fantastic Four into retreat in the wake of Uatu's death, and the wounding of Reed Richards. With the FF absent, other heroes are forced to pick-up the slack, but can they possibly stand against the might of Galactus?...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/avengers-versus-galactus-end-of-matter.html
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Infinite Wars: Catwoman Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Out of the Bag
HAMMER versus CAPTAIN COLD
The One You Love Conclusion (DC)
Where: Catwoman #49 When: January 2006
Why: Will Pfeifer How: Pete Woods
Quick Fix...
So, we dared to touch upon the nasty subject of Amazons Attack [Wander Woman], a series that has done absolutely nothing for the otherwise rising star of writer, Will Pfeifer.
In light of that, I thought it was probably worth zooming in to check out some of Pfeifer's much better work, namely picking up the slack on Catwoman after fan favourite writers Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker left the title reinvigorated. Tag neglecters might also like to backtrack to the only other entry from Pfeifer's catalogue, the first issue of Captain Atom: Armageddon, reviewed earlier in the year.
But back to Catwoman. For those not terribly interested in the character or the title, it's probably hard to appreciate the situation Pfeifer was put in. The pressure almost certainly didn't come from the company, as this was among several maneuvers that really positioned Pfeifer as one of the up-and-comers at DC, but for fans and an industry, this was potentially a recipe for disaster!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-out-of-bag.html
HAMMER versus CAPTAIN COLDThe One You Love Conclusion (DC)
Where: Catwoman #49 When: January 2006
Why: Will Pfeifer How: Pete Woods
Quick Fix...
So, we dared to touch upon the nasty subject of Amazons Attack [Wander Woman], a series that has done absolutely nothing for the otherwise rising star of writer, Will Pfeifer.
In light of that, I thought it was probably worth zooming in to check out some of Pfeifer's much better work, namely picking up the slack on Catwoman after fan favourite writers Darwyn Cooke and Ed Brubaker left the title reinvigorated. Tag neglecters might also like to backtrack to the only other entry from Pfeifer's catalogue, the first issue of Captain Atom: Armageddon, reviewed earlier in the year.
But back to Catwoman. For those not terribly interested in the character or the title, it's probably hard to appreciate the situation Pfeifer was put in. The pressure almost certainly didn't come from the company, as this was among several maneuvers that really positioned Pfeifer as one of the up-and-comers at DC, but for fans and an industry, this was potentially a recipe for disaster!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-out-of-bag.html
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Infinite Wars: Wonder Woman Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Wander Woman
MONGUL versus JUSTICE LEAGUE
Infinite Crisis (DC)
Where: Infinite Crisis #1 When: December 2005
Why: Geoff Johns How: Phil Jiminez
Quick Fix...
Okay, so the lazy schedule has helped me quickly correct, but if I'm to impress the various important establishments like the BBC, and various other publishers of print and media hitting up this humble blog, I've got to hit the hard issues before they go stale.
If the feminist blogging community has been anything to go by lately, I actually probably have until about 2025 to catch this one, so maybe I'm getting in early. Alas; I'll endeavour to kill the joke no more, and get straight to the topic at hand -- Amazons Attack!
Haven't they just?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-wander-woman.html
MONGUL versus JUSTICE LEAGUEInfinite Crisis (DC)
Where: Infinite Crisis #1 When: December 2005
Why: Geoff Johns How: Phil Jiminez
Quick Fix...
Okay, so the lazy schedule has helped me quickly correct, but if I'm to impress the various important establishments like the BBC, and various other publishers of print and media hitting up this humble blog, I've got to hit the hard issues before they go stale.
If the feminist blogging community has been anything to go by lately, I actually probably have until about 2025 to catch this one, so maybe I'm getting in early. Alas; I'll endeavour to kill the joke no more, and get straight to the topic at hand -- Amazons Attack!
Haven't they just?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-wander-woman.html
Monday, September 10, 2007
Infinite Wars: Doppelganger vs Mr. Fantastic
DOPPELGANGER versus MR FANTASTICThe Enemy Within! (Marvel comics)
Where: Fantastic Four #366 When: July 1992
Why: Tom DeFalco & Paul Ryan How: Paul Ryan
The story so far...
Adam Warlock, a cosmic weapon who reached omnipotence, purged himself of emotions to create two gestalt entities. From all his good came The Goddess, and from his negative emotions, The Magus.
Seeking total domination over the Marvel Universe, the Magus uses his fantastic cosmic power to exist in a pocket reality, manipulating the pawns of his game from afar.
To the bewilderment of Thanos; a man whose motivations are similar bit distinctly different; the Magus wages war on the heroes through the creation of doppelgangers using items resembling the fabled cosmic cubes. Crucial to his war on the heroes, the battle between dark shadows and crucial figures within the superhero community. Figures like Reed Richards!...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/doppelganger-versus-mr-fantastic-enemy.html
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Infinite Wars: Vega/Dhalsim Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Go For Broke!
VEGA versus DAN HIBIKI
The Tournament Begins (Group TAC/Capcom/Manga Entertainment)
Where: Street Fighter Alpha When: 1999
Why: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Joe Romersa, Reiko Yoshida, & Kirk Thornton How: Kazuyuki Ishikawa
Quick Fix...
With the various goings on around the place, we've had an influx of new readers. Some of them have actually arrived here because of previous Street Fighter entries, but for those who haven't, let it ring out through the village: I'm as keen on superheroes as I am on beat 'em ups!
Okay, so maybe not all beat 'em ups, but I think I've got the basics covered. SF, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Dead or Alive. Sure, I can stretch to some of the others, but this would undoubtedly be my core, with DOA bridging the familiarity gap between those I'm less aware of, like the SNK series, and those I love, like Street Fighter!
Some fans might ask, why Street Fighter?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-go-for-broke.html
VEGA versus DAN HIBIKIThe Tournament Begins (Group TAC/Capcom/Manga Entertainment)
Where: Street Fighter Alpha When: 1999
Why: Shigeyasu Yamauchi, Joe Romersa, Reiko Yoshida, & Kirk Thornton How: Kazuyuki Ishikawa
Quick Fix...
With the various goings on around the place, we've had an influx of new readers. Some of them have actually arrived here because of previous Street Fighter entries, but for those who haven't, let it ring out through the village: I'm as keen on superheroes as I am on beat 'em ups!
Okay, so maybe not all beat 'em ups, but I think I've got the basics covered. SF, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Dead or Alive. Sure, I can stretch to some of the others, but this would undoubtedly be my core, with DOA bridging the familiarity gap between those I'm less aware of, like the SNK series, and those I love, like Street Fighter!
Some fans might ask, why Street Fighter?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-go-for-broke.html
Friday, September 07, 2007
Infinite Wars: Wolverine vs Captain America
WOLVERINE versus CAPTAIN AMERICADances With Werewolves (Marvel comics)
Where: Captain America #405 When: Late August 1992 Why: Mark Gruenwald How: Rik Levins
The story so far...
Having escaped the feral clutches of lycanthropy before, Captain America finds himself once again strapped to the table of the evil Dr. Nightshade. Intent on turning him permanently, she injects her formula, incurring immediate results.
The feral Captain America proves strong enough of will to resist the influence of Dredmund; Nightshade's partner in crime, and self-proclaimed lord of Werewolves.
Confused and disorientated, the turned Captain America sprints into the surrounding Massachusetts wilderness, his super-soldier body origins giving him an edge against the opposing werewolves. Unlucky for him, werewolves aren't the only feral creatures in the wilderness: Enter the Wolverine!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com.au/2007/09/wolverine-versus-captain-america-dances.html
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Infinite Wars: Hawkeye/Captain America Double
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Millarky in the US
HAWKEYE versus AXIS OF EVIL
The Axis Of Evil (Marvel)
Where: Ultimates 2 #10 When: March 2006
Why: Mark Millar How: Bryan Hitch
Quick Fix...
Credit where credit's due, sure, but if you're an avid follower of the Infinite Wars, you'll probably have sussed by now that I'm really more of a character, story and leg man. Sure, creative teams are a part of the equation, but for me, a comic doesn't live or die by a writer, artist, or sychophantic obsession.
Well, okay, that last part isn't true. Maybe you get an extra look in if you've got some solid Sub-Mariner or Super-Skrull action going on -- but even then, I'm not about to sell the house to fund my comics obsessions. (Venting!)
Still, given the nature of the medium and it's intent on milking anyone or anything for all they're worth, certain creators are recurring factors in mainstream superhero comics. Then you break it down to the common denominator of our big action smackdown format, and you refine those commonalities down to this man -- Mark "Yarrrrrrrrr!" Millar.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-millarky-in-us.html
HAWKEYE versus AXIS OF EVIL
The Axis Of Evil (Marvel)
Where: Ultimates 2 #10 When: March 2006
Why: Mark Millar How: Bryan Hitch
Quick Fix...
Credit where credit's due, sure, but if you're an avid follower of the Infinite Wars, you'll probably have sussed by now that I'm really more of a character, story and leg man. Sure, creative teams are a part of the equation, but for me, a comic doesn't live or die by a writer, artist, or sychophantic obsession.
Well, okay, that last part isn't true. Maybe you get an extra look in if you've got some solid Sub-Mariner or Super-Skrull action going on -- but even then, I'm not about to sell the house to fund my comics obsessions. (Venting!)
Still, given the nature of the medium and it's intent on milking anyone or anything for all they're worth, certain creators are recurring factors in mainstream superhero comics. Then you break it down to the common denominator of our big action smackdown format, and you refine those commonalities down to this man -- Mark "Yarrrrrrrrr!" Millar.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-millarky-in-us.html
Monday, September 03, 2007
Infinite Wars: Doppelganger vs Captain America
DOPPELGANGER versus CAPTAIN AMERICADark Dawn (Marvel comics)
Where: Captain America #408 When: October 1992
Why: Mark Gruenwald How: Rik Levins
The story so far...
The deadly Nightshade teams with Dredmund, lord of the werewolves, in a sinister scheme to turn the people of Massachusetts into werewolves -- including the super-soldier himself, Captain America!
Fortunately for him the combined might of he, Man-Wolf John Jameson, Wolfsbane, Wolverine and others sees the day saved, but before Cap can be cured of his lycanthropy there's another shocking surprise in store!
Unbeknownst to he, a secret war is being waged by the evil spirit of Adam Warlock, Magus! Creating sinister doppelgangers of Earth's greatest heroes, Magus sends his shadows out to do battle with their counterparts. Suffering fatigue of battle and Nightshade's cure, can Cap defeat his dastardly doppelganger, or is it curtains for America's greatest warrior?
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/doppelganger-versus-captain-america.html
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Infinite Wars: Dark Claw/Flash Double Feature
QUICK FIX DOUBLE FEATURE: Longshots
DARK CLAW versus RA'S-A-POCALYPSE
Face To Face (Amalgam)
Where: Dark Claw Adventures #1 When: June 1997
Why: Ty Templeton How: Ty Templeton & Rick Burchett
Quick Fix...
I mentioned in the Punch-Up that there was a Ra's Al Ghul related entry I was originally interested in, and I also mentioned a little Two-In-One action coming. Hopefully you've been able to surmise that this entry answers both of those references.
I found myself flicking through this particular issue because, tangentially stemming from all the Al Ghul talk, I started thinking about Ra's-A-Pocalypse; the composite character that borrows elements from Marvel's Apocalypse character, and marries them with the DC character [hence Amalgam].
The resulting character is, though hardly elaborated on, a delicious little conceptual of a Darwinism-extremist. In this case there are trace elements of themes specifically explored in episodes of the Batman animated series, which provides half of the inspiration for this issue's adventure format.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-longshots-dark.html
DARK CLAW versus RA'S-A-POCALYPSEFace To Face (Amalgam)
Where: Dark Claw Adventures #1 When: June 1997
Why: Ty Templeton How: Ty Templeton & Rick Burchett
Quick Fix...
I mentioned in the Punch-Up that there was a Ra's Al Ghul related entry I was originally interested in, and I also mentioned a little Two-In-One action coming. Hopefully you've been able to surmise that this entry answers both of those references.
I found myself flicking through this particular issue because, tangentially stemming from all the Al Ghul talk, I started thinking about Ra's-A-Pocalypse; the composite character that borrows elements from Marvel's Apocalypse character, and marries them with the DC character [hence Amalgam].
The resulting character is, though hardly elaborated on, a delicious little conceptual of a Darwinism-extremist. In this case there are trace elements of themes specifically explored in episodes of the Batman animated series, which provides half of the inspiration for this issue's adventure format.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/quick-fix-double-feature-longshots-dark.html
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Infinite Wars: Captain Marvel vs Macro-Man
MONTHLY PUNCH-UP #21 (September 2007)CAPTAIN MARVEL versus MACRO-MAN
"Once Upon A Time...!" (DC)
Where: Legends #1 When: November 1986
Why: John Ostrander & Len Wein How: John Byrne
Quick Fix...
From one Ostrander [Suicide Squad #2], to another!
I guess we're loitering around the eighties a bit more than usual on the Infinite Wars, but with good reason!
I did have something else in mind for this month's quick fix, but it occurred to me that it might have come across [Hawkman #24] that I was anti-Captain Marvel, too busy being caught up in Black Adam hype.
Okay, so maybe I am caught up in Black Adam hype, but that doesn't mean I can't Shazam with boy Billy! Red and yellow is A-OK with me, chief!
Here we have, so I'm told, Captain Marvel's first DC appearance after the reboot event, Crisis on Infinite Earths, which gave DC the opportunity to arrange their house in order, under the pretense of streamlining and starting over.
Like a Civil War some twenty years later; Legends would bring together characters of varying status within the DC Universe, and put them under a microscope of cynicism and mistrust of the superhero element. Of course, why anyone would feel the need to cast a net of cynicism over stories about a pre-pubescent host of a politically charged talkshow, escapes me.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/09/monthly-punch-up-21-september-2007.html
Friday, August 31, 2007
Infinite Wars: Deadshot vs Manticore
DEADSHOT versus MANTICORETrial By Fire (DC comics)
Where: Suicide Squad #2 When: June 1987
Why: John Ostrander How: Luke McDonnell
The story so far...
They're a group of despicable, ruthless, back-stabbing criminals -- and they're going to save the world in ways the heroes wouldn't touch. Or at least, that's the plan, when this ragtag group are sent into situations best described as: suicidal.
Headed up by Amanda Waller; the team are sent into the field for their first mission to infiltrate the headquarters of the terrorist group aptly named The Jihad, and use the intelligence gathered to systematically take them apart -- by any means.
The only problem with this team is that they're expendable, untrustworthy, and all too aware of their situation. Heading into Northern Qurac, there's a traitor in their midst, and they'll gladly sell the team out if it means surviving!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/deadshot-versus-manticore-trial-by-fire.html
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Infinite Wars: Black Adam vs Captain Marvel
BLACK ADAM versus CAPTAIN MARVELBlack Reign (DC comics)
Where: Hawkman #24 When: Late March 2004
Why: Geoff Johns How: Rags Morales
The story so far...
Having attempted to prove his redemption through serving with the Justice Society of America; Black Adam soon comes to realise that the effective betterment of the persecuted will not be achieved through the good intentions of the Golden Age heroes.
Gathering a band of the willing and likeminded, Adam sets about righting the wrongs of his time with the JSA, fighting and executing his way to his homeland of Kahndaq.
With the aid of his fellows; many connected to the Justice Society themselves; Adam wages a coup against the oppressive rulers of the once proud and ancient Middle Easter country. Their militia no match for brute super strength, Adam liberates the Kahndaqi people, who are none too happy when the JSA, led by Hawkman, come to interfere in the rule of their new hero.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/black-adam-versus-captain-marvel-black.html
Monday, August 27, 2007
Infinite Wars: Marvel Zombies vs Galactus
MARVEL ZOMBIES versus GALACTUSMarvel Zombies Conclusion (Marvel comics)
Where: Marvel Zombies #5 When: June 2006
Why: Robert Kirkman How: Sean Phillips
The story so far...
Earth 2419: A frightening twisted version of the Marvel Universe, infected by the decay of an alien virus that turns all infected into decomposing, viracious zombies.
With the Earth's population decimated by the super powered zombies, food supplies begin to run low.
Failing to follow their zombified Fantastic Four into a parallel universe, the zombies finish the last active snack, Magneto, before the heavens present a miracle.
His arrival affected by unknown elements of this universe, the Silver Surfer shows up in present-day to assess the viability of the Earth for consumption by his master -- Galactus: Devourer of Worlds.
The Surfer's defeat paves the wave for the wrath of Galactus, but the devourer who knows no satisfactions appears to have met his match. Having ingested portions of the Silver Surfer's cosmically powered carcass, the Marvel Zombies have absorbed his cosmic power, and prepare to turn it against it's master!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/marvel-zombies-versus-galactus-marvel.html
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Infinite Wars: Batman vs Ra's al Ghul
BATMAN versus RA'S AL GHUL(DC comics)
Where: Batman Begins When: June 2005
Why: Christopher Nolan & David Goyer How: Christian Bale & Liam Neeson
The story so far...
Having witnessed the murder of his parents by a desperate armed robber in a theatre back alley, Bruce Wayne grows into a man of great guilt and anger.
Channelling his rage, he uses his inherited fortune to traverse the globe, escaping his celebrity status as a Wayne to face the criminal element on it's own terms, and take it on one man at a time.
During his time abroad Bruce Wayne is confronted by a man named Henri Ducard, who promises to foster his power and hone his efficiency to become a true force of justice. Representing Ra's Al Ghul and the League of Shadows, Ducard eventually reveals a plot to use Wayne as a pawn in the destruction of Gotham; something Bruce Wayne, now Batman, will do anything to stop.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/batman-versus-ras-al-ghul-dc-comics.html
Friday, August 24, 2007
Infinite Wars: N'Garai Demon vs Kitty Pryde
N'GARAI DEMON versus KITTY PRYDEDemon (Marvel comics)
Where: Uncanny X-Men #143 When: March 1981
Why: Chris Claremont & John Byrne How: John Byrne
The story so far...
It was long ago that the grounds of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters saw the sprouting of a demonic totem connecting to the world of the N'Garai -- a Cairn, the bridging gateway for these demonic creatures to spew forth into our world and wreak havoc.
Storm and her fellow X-Men were able to overcome the N'Garai who attacked them, but months later a N'Garai demon emerges once more on the grounds on Christmas eve, seeking to bring misery to the mutants of the X-Men mutant academy.
Alone in the mansion while the other X-Men spend down time with their loved ones, Kitty Pryde decides to direct her misery toward training in the Danger Room. Her session is interrupted by an alarm alerting her of the intrusion, and her investigation leads her to the greatest workout of her career -- one-on-one battle alone against a N'Garai demon!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/ngarai-demon-versus-kitty-pryde-demon.html
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Infinite Wars: Wolverine vs Sabretooth
WOLVERINE versus SABRETOOTHEvolution Chapter One: First Blood (Marvel comics)
Where: Wolverine #50 When: March 2007
Why: Jeph Loeb How: Simone Bianchi
The story so far...
They used to be friends, but over the decades the bloody feud between Wolverine and Sabretooth has grown to be one of the most bitter and thoroughly twisted conflicts in comics.
Having carved his way through lies and deceptions, Wolverine knows he isn't Sabretooth's son, clone, time travelling counterpart, or any other relation -- but he still just can't put his finger on what is true.
With glimpses of an ancestral history as a backdrop, Wolverine confronts Sabretooth at Xavier's Mansion, where he's staying as a member of the X-Men, not for the first time. Wolverine's mission? To finally put an end to the bitter hatred that inevitably brings these two monsters together, time and again.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/wolverine-versus-sabretooth-evolution.html
Monday, August 20, 2007
Infinite Wars: Fantastic Four vs Paibok the Power Skrull
FANTASTIC FOUR versus PAIBOKWhatever happened to Alicia?! (Marvel comics)
Where: Fantastic Four #358 When: November 1991
Why: Tom DeFalco How: Paul Ryan
The story so far...
After the Beyonder's secret war, the Fantastic Four's Thing opted to stay behind and continue his adventures. It was this act that nearly put a vital snafu to a secret plan launched by the Skrulls to infiltrate their enemies team.
Posing as Thing's blind girlfriend, Alicia Masters, the Skrull soldier named Lyja was forced to take a harsh turn, steering the affections of the Masters girl to an unlikely suitor -- Johnny Storm!
When Thing returned he eventually learned to live with the loss of his love, and was witness to the marriage vows of Johnny and Alicia, or so they thought. With Lyja revealed, the furious Johnny Storm leads the Fantastic Four on a mission to space to retrieve the captive Alicia, but little does he know the overseeing officer in the matter is a Skrull familiar, yet very different...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/fantastic-four-versus-paibok-whatever.html
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Infinite Wars: Sabretooth vs Jubilee
SABRETOOTH versus JUBILEERites of Passage (Marvel comics)
Where: Adventures of the X-Men #7 When: October 1996 Why: Ralph Macchio How: Andy Kuhn
The story so far...
In their last confrontation, Sabretooth and Wolverine battled in the snowy ranges of Alaska, where the X-Man was able to out maneuver his old foe to send him hurtling down an icey ravine.
Having finally clawed his way back to the surface, Sabretooth is madder than ever, and intent on getting revenge on his arch-nemesis.
Stalking his way across America, Sabretooth returns to the X-Mansion he once infiltrated under orders of Magneto. Ironically, the X-Men are abroad in Russia tending to matters concerning the master of magnetism, leaving Professor Xavier and Jubilee alone in the mansion -- with Sabretooth!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/sabretooth-versus-jubilee-rites-of.html
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Infinite Wars: Sinister vs X-Men
SINISTER versus THE X-MENThe Tempest: Part 4 (Marvel comics)
Where: Ultimate X-Men #49 When: September 2004
Why: Brian K Vaughan How: Brandon Peterson
The story so far...
A mysterious serial killer called Sinister has been murdering mutants throughout the Manhattan district, raising the concerns of the X-Men. Though reluctant, Professor Charles Xavier solicits the deployment of six of his most notable and seasoned students in the pursuit of the killer.
Though Wolverine and Storm track Sinister to his lair, they are horrified to discover the killer has already eluded them, and unbeknownst to the youthful X-Men left behind, he's coming for them.
Unable to detect Sinister's presence, Professor X is unable to prepare his mutants for the threat that is coming for them. Dazzler, Angel, Kitty Pryde, Rogue and Ice Man will have to fend for themselves, or die trying.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/sinister-versus-x-men-tempest-part-4.html
Friday, August 17, 2007
Infinite Wars: Power Man & Iron Fist vs Constrictor & Sabretooth
POWER MAN & IRON FIST versusCONSTRICTOR & SABRETOOTH
The Jade Tiger! (Marvel comics)
Where: Power Man & Iron Fist #66 When: December 1980 Why: Mary Jo Duffy How: Kerry Gammill
The story so far...
Colleen Wing and Misty Knight are the freelance private investigators behind Nightwing Restorations. The job has taken them into the criminal black market trade of rare and exotic artifacts.
When they find their way into the bowels of the criminal's lair, the Nightwing investigators find themselves biting off more than they can chew as they stare down the menace of hired mercenaries, the Constrictor and Sabretooth!
Though Colleen Wing manages to escape, Misty Knight is thrown into the airtight safe that houses the many rare goods. Thus, Wing must seek out the aid of the Heroes for Hire, Powerman and Iron Fist, to formulate a rescue mission!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/power-maniron-fist-versus.html
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Infinite Wars: Annihilus vs Fantastic Four
ANNIHILUS/DEFILE versusTHE FANTASTIC FOUR
World War 3 Part 1: Life in Wartime (Marvel)
Where: Fantastic Four #13 When: November 1997
Why: James Robinson How: Mike Wieringo
The story so far...
Two very distinct worlds collide as battles with cosmic forces undo all that is, and redefine it as all that could be. Marvel's mightiest heroes, having been trapped in a parallel universe of Franklin Richards' creation, soon find themselves thrust into yet another existence, this time along side the heroes and villains of Wildstorm.
This new world leaves behind the threats of Galactus and Damocles, creating it's own new history of turmoil.
Asia and Europe have fallen to alien invaders, as the Daemonites and Skrulls form an unlikely alliance with a traitor to all humanity -- Dr. Doom. Together, their technologies and inherent abilities allow them to infiltrate the rebellious remaining walks of life, creating a grim new world of distrust, chaos and war.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/annihilusdefile-versus-fantastic-four.html
Monday, August 13, 2007
Infinite Wars: Super-Skrull vs Fantastic Four
SUPER-SKRULL versus FANTASTIC FOUR/BLACK PANTHER/DR DOOMRetribution (Marvel comics)
Where: Fantastic Four #6 When: April 1997
Why: Jim Lee & Brandon Choi How: Jim Lee
The story so far...
Reborn in a pocket universe created by Franklin Richards; the Fantastic Four are destined to relive their origins all over again as they unwittingly encounter familiar shadows of the past, also reborn in this new world.
Accosted by Victor Von Doom, a student from Reed Richards' days in college; the Fantastic Four and Black Panther find themselves the reluctant guests of castle Doomstadt. There, Doom is holding a mysterious chromed alien hostage, but this is not the limit of the extraterestrial presence.
Hidden within SHIELD and disguised as Agent Wyatt Wingfoot; a cosmically sleeper soldier of the Skrull empire has finally exploited his position, an alliance with Doom allowing him access to the herald of the Skrull Throneworld's destruction. Betraying Doom to use his machines, Kl'rt has absorbed the Surfer's cosmic power, and now prepares to turn his imitative Super-Skrull abilities against him.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/super-skrull-versus-fantastic-fourblack.html
Friday, August 10, 2007
Infinite Wars: Thor vs Hulk
THOR versus HULK"... Let no man tear asunder!" (Marvel comics)
Where: Avengers #5 When: March 1997
Why: Rob Liefeld & Jeph Loeb How: Rob Liefeld & Ian Churchill
The story so far...
Trapped in a pocket dimension created instinctively by the powerful son of Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman; the world's greatest heroes are reborn in new lives in the wake of the epic battle with the creature called Onslaught!
As though destined to relive key events in their lives, Bruce Banner is again exposed to a massive dose of gamma radiation, turning him into the incredible Hulk.
A mindless and rage-filled beast, the Hulk seeks the one opponent he can never reach: Bruce Banner! Following beacons of Banner's work, the Hulk charges Avengers Island where a live gamma reactor core is housed. Having demolished much of the building and the few attending Avengers themselves, Hulk stands supreme, but a certain thunder gods would have words with him...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/thor-versus-hulk.html
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Infinite Wars: Sasquatch vs Wrecking Crew
SASQUATCH versus THE WRECKING CREWAlpha To Omega (Marvel comics)
Where: Omega Flight #1 When: June 2007
Why: Michael Avon Oeming How: Scott Kolins
The story so far...
Suffering a defeat that saw the death of most of it's members, Alpha Flight came to an end with the attack of the being known as The Collective.
The only survivor, Sasquatch, retreats from the life led as a superhero to return to his first love of science, but as the Americans begin to crack down with the advent of their Hero Registration Act, problems begin to creep across the boarder to Canadian soil.
The Canadian government, with aid from the US, seeks to reform the team around Sasquatch as Omega Flight, the last chance to prove once and for all Canada is worthy of a super team. However, before the team can gather, Sasquatch finds himself thrust back into action as the Wrecking Crew roll into mapleleaf country, looking to raise rabble without opposition.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/sasquatch-versus-wrecking-crew-alpha-to.html
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Infinite Wars: Flash vs Captain Cold
FLASH versus CAPTAIN COLDBook Two: Strange Adventures (DC comics)
Where: DC: The New Frontier #2 When: April 2004
Why: Darwyn Cooke How: Darwyn Cooke
The story so far...
America is changing as the decades bleed from the forties, to the fifties, to the sixties and the emergence of world influences. Men of power are changing in both the White House, and the ranks of the superhero community.
The old guard are forced to come to terms with the new breed of heroes emerging, and the strange new events and threats that accompany them. Among the new blood, Martian Manhunter, the Flash and Green Lantern, all bringing with them vibrance and youth to a jaded post-war tier.
As alien presences begin to press greater influence on this world, the heroes and their villains take shape, and are inevitably drawn to one and other in the common goal of justice. This is not the story of an end to the old ways, but rather to the hope of a new frontier.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/flash-versus-captain-cold-book-two.html
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Infinite Wars: Hulk vs Avengers
HULK versus THE AVENGERS"That which gods have joined together..."
(Marvel comics)
Where: Avengers #4 When: February 1997
Why: Rob Liefeld & Jeph Loeb How: Chap Yaep & Ian Churchill
The story so far...
Believed dead, the Avengers and Fantastic Four survive their battle with Onslaught when Franklin Richards whisks them away to a pocket dimension of his own creation, housed within the tiny avatar of a blue ball.
Within this dimension the heroes are reborn, as though their fates were predetermined to play out again as destiny decided them. For Bruce Banner, his transformation into the Hulk begins again as he falls victim to a terrorist attack on one of Tony Stark's gamma nuclear bases, which exposes him to massive amounts of radiation.
Intent on destroying Dr. Banner, the Hulk survives a battle with Iron Man and begins his trek toward any totem that might signify his other. Attracted to a similar nuclear power source on Avengers Island, the Hulk finds his next battle with the few stationary members of Earth's mightiest heroes!
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/hulk-versus-avengers-that-which-gods.html
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Infinite Wars: Shi'ar Imperial Guard vs X-Men
SHI'AR IMPERIAL GUARD versusTHE X-MEN
Superdestroyer (Marvel comics)
Where: New X-Men #124 When: May 2002
Why: Grant Morrison How: Igor Kordey
The story so far...
Cassandra Nova, a malicious Shi'ar mummudrai, had her first encounter when drawn to arch-nemesis Charles Xavier in the woom. There, Nova duplicated Xavier's DNA to sustain a physical form, but with his mutant fetal brain developing in fantastic ways, Xavier became aware of the creature's viciousness and attacked, resulting in the Xavier twin being stillborn.
Decades later Nova would set into motion plans to annihilate all that her "twin" held dear. It would be Nova that would set off events that decimated the mutant nation of Genosha, before facing Xavier and his X-Men herself, taking possession of her nemesis' body before her own was crippled, thus leaving Xavier in the incapacitated body.
Under the guise of Xavier, Nova continued her scheme to destroy Xavier, linking up with Lilandra of the Shi'ar to convince her the mutants had become infected and would need to be destroyed for the good of the universe. Thus, Lilandra reluctantly sends her army to Earth, where they descend upon the X-Mansion.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/shiar-imperial-guard-versus-x-men.html
Friday, August 03, 2007
Infinite Wars: Batroc & Captain America vs Mr. Hyde
BATROC/CAPTAIN AMERICA versusMISTER HYDE
Cold Fire! (Marvel comics)
Where: Captain America #252 When: December 1980
Why: Roger Stern How: John Byrne
The story so far...
Having escaped prison with a little help from Batroc the Leaper, Mr. Hyde hatches a plan for revenge and fortune, after revealing the promised riches that saw him freed were little more than an enticing lie.
Muscling Batroc into helping him further, the two steal themselves a Roxxon fuel tanker and prepare to turn it into a floating weapon if the United States don't meet their demands. Demands that include the surrender of their shared nemesis -- Captain America!
The Captain attempts to spring a plot of his own, but when things go wrong he finds himself at the mercy of the deranged Mr. Hyde. It's only the morbid intervention of Batroc that keeps him alive long enough to be fastened to the head of the ship, pointed directly at New York City. Is this certain doom for the star-spangled hero, or does peril present unlikely hope? Stay tuned!...
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/batroccaptain-america-versus-mr-hyde.html
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Infinite Wars: Diamondhead vs Nova
MONTHLY PUNCH-UP #20 (August 2007)DIAMONDHEAD versus NOVA
Alienation (Marvel)
Where: Nova #2 When: July 2007
Why: Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning How: Sean Chen
Quick Fix...
After an ill-fated attempt to get comics on my birthday, I had to settle with a small stack of very low priority books.
On the higher end of the scale was Nova, which has been a series getting some fairly positive reviews, despite the relative obscurity the character has endured over the past decade.
It seems it's not just canonically that Nova has outgrown his New Warriors past. In the wake of the Annihilation Wave, it actually seems surprisingly reasonable to see Nova in a title role. In fact, if the character were able to consolidate his appearances into a secured position as a Marvel A-lister, it might turn out to be a refreshing step forward.
That said, it's hard to know exactly what made these reads so disappointing.
It might have been the fact that they were about the best of the bunch, which omitted many higher interests, like World War Hulk. It might be that the art is put to shame by Adi Granov's simple, but effective cover art. It might be that the interior colour palette is a darkened array of colours, with a motley dark inking job that lacks conviction where shadows are present.
Full Article: http://secretearths.blogspot.com/2007/08/monthly-punch-up-20-august-2007.html
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