Mouse Guard Fall 1152

So, its Lord of the rings meets the Knights of the Round table; but with mice. I cant exactly describe Mouse Guard any other way. Honestly I love these kind of graphic novels. When the creator, in this case David Petersen takes time to actually create a world with history and depth, you really appreciate the work more. I dunno maybe that's just my thing. In the Preface Petersen himself states that he got the idea as he scribbled down "Mice have a culture all their own. Too Small to integrate with other animals." And its the culture and way of life that perhaps is the most interesting aspect of this well crafted book.
I remember seeing the issues out on shelves and thinking to myself that's kinda cool. At the time though it was a little to out there for me. Wizard Magazine however kept pumping it out as one of the top ranked indie comics of the year. Fans seemed to generate a lot of buzz for it too. And where the fans go I go.
The one problem with creating a world with such depth is that you may feel a little overwhelmed. Certainly there was a lot of character development.
The plot stayed true to the fantasy genre. A lot of action and adventure. A lot of tales of heroic deeds and legends woven into enrich the culture. Territories mapped out and plotted with Tolkienian fashion. There's definitely history here. You feel that the Guard has been around.
Petersen wrote and illustrated this graphic novel. And Well the art speaks for itsself. Its really great stuff. Its a style I cant really describe. Cause again, the lack of art knowledge. So here's a shot that might give you an idea.
Now I ask you, how can you not love that?

Overall Mouse Guard Fall 1152 is a fantastic read as a collected graphic novel. Which is good, cause from what i hear you cant find these issues on the shelves anymore. However we shouldn't fret "Winter is coming". Which means sequels. Which consequently means a happy Dunning. It'll be interesting to see where Petersen takes his characters in the weeks to come. Along with what new obsticles the Gaurd will have to face. So if you havent already. Do yourself a favor and pick this up. You wont regret it.

Current Comic: Runaways Vol 2-Brian K Vaughn
Current Music: Eagles-Takin it easy

Criminal.

I don't blog about comics enough on here (ha!). Oh sure, you guys know what I'm reading at this very moment in time. Yet rarely do you get to hear about what I have read in the past and have actually enjoyed. This all changes today. Try and contain your excitement.
As I looked to try to find the perfect thing to review, I found myself lost in an assortment of Marvel and DC history. Then I remembered who actually still reads this blog and choosing something from those two universes just didn't seem logical.
Still even all the "indie" comics that i could review, well I've already talked about them to death, so where does that leave me?
There's very few comics out there worthy of the fanboy hype. Certainly there are a lot of talented writers and artists. But are they really worth your time and money? Who to choose? Thankfully Ed Brubaker makes that choice easy for us. Ever since Brubaker, had taken over for Bendis on Daredevil I've been hooked on his writing. His style is very fluid and fits the Crime genre well. A lot of his work with DC and Marvel, have been seen with a detective backdrop; so its only fitting that Brubaker would give us the flip side of that element with Criminal.
Criminal Vol 1 "Coward" is not for the weak of heart. Its a dark read. How could it not be when its main characters are junkies, pimps and dirty cops? Yet amidst all the brutality of this world he's created there's a possibility for redemption. Where things are supposed to be black and white, Brubaker tints it with a shade of grey.
Criminal is a quick read, but an enjoyable one. You connect with the characters and their misguided motives. You begin to understand how they ended up in that world and why. A lot of that could be connected to the art.
Sean Phillips may not be the most polished veteran on the comic scene. I don't really know a lot of his work to be honest. Yet his style compliments Brubaker well. As many of you know I'm not really an art guy when it comes to comics. However Phillips does add to the story and helps bring you into the world in which they've created.
If you're the slightest bit interested in getting into comics but not necessarily superheros. Or if you have a interest in the crime genre. Or if you're simply looking for a good quick easy read, head down to your local comic shop and pick up Criminal you wont be disappointed. Trust me.

Current Comic: Mousegaurd-Petersen
Current Next Review: Mousegaurd
Current Music: Feist-My Moon My Man

Spiderman.

Alright, so i just got back from Spiderman 3 tonight. Im split. I loved parts of this movie. Then there were some parts in this movie that made me laugh outloud and I really dont think i was supposed to. I guess that made it all the more enjoyable.
The action in this was pretty amazing. Venom was amazing. As was Sandman. There were certain aspects of this movie that really bugged me. Im not going to go on and on about this.
Overall it was fun. Nice visuals. Okay plot. But was it the best in the trillogy? Well Im not really sure i could crown it that. Its not that I went in with high expectaions and had them dashed. I was excited but not as much as I've been for other movies.
Anyway go see it and make your own conclusions. I can definatly see why people are saying that they crammed way to many things in. However in the end I guess its still worth the price of admission and thats all that really matters.

Current Music: Queen-We are the Champions
Current Comic: Criminal-Ed Brubaker

Does what ever a......

So there's this little film opening up this weekend. Perhaps you've heard of it. Something about a Spider and a man. As a skeptic I'm really trying hard not to get my hopes up. But all the footage I see of this movie has the fan boy in me jumping for joy. I'm excited to see Gwen Stacey finally introduced into the franchise. Yet I cant shake off this looming feeling, that this may be another Revenge of the Sith. However I have more faith in Sam Raimi then George Lucas these days. Not to mention the casting for this just looks right. So "True Believers" (sigh) who will accompany me this Sunday or perhaps Wednesday to see this? Someone has to come with me as I geek out (and you know i will) for the web slinger. Look at that. It's already happening.

Current Comic: New Universal-Warren Ellis
Current Music: Something U2
Current Saturday: Going to go see George Carlin