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Cereal: Geek Magazine
by Josh Crawley
Before I get into things, I’d like to take talk about Cereal: Geek magazine quickly. James Eatock, possibly better known as 80s cartoon super-historian Busta Toons, recently sent me an email asking if I’d like to see a preview of his 100 page, ad-free, glossy magazine devoted to 80s ‘toons in pdf format. As someone who grew up in the 80s myself (and had wanted to read this magazine for quite some time), I wasn’t going to turn this opportunity down.
Wow! I was not let down. Admittedly, I would have preferred to read a hard copy of this magazine, but what I saw in the preview has convinced me it’s well worth my money to order both issues #2 & #3! The magazine layout isn’t complicated or over-thought, the reader isn’t talked down to but rather is embraced. It’s a really fun version of some of those other magazines sold in some comic book stores, but without all of the editorially-mandated-from-on-high sexism and childish trash.
It’s a wonderful love letter to the 80s cartoons we love, and then some!
The “same/as” pdf issue I was sent is basically a cram-packed best-of containing terrific stuff from the first four issues of the print mag. some of the highlights for me included: a 30-shot breakdown and analysis of the intro the original teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon; Patrick the Wolf boy and tiny Titans creative mastermind Art Baltazar drawing many of the Thundercats cast; a terrific article on animation house Tokyo movie Shinsha, who worked on Mighty Orbots and Inspector Gadget, among others; more articles on Smurfette and Visionaries; a couple of terrific Francescho! Vanessa Warfield pieces of artwork that made me cheer; a cheesecakey pin-up of Evil-Lyn; and a spotlight on voice actress Linda Gary. I really could go on and on. If you’d like some more preview images to whet your appetite (in case you aren’t a Misfits fan!), Eatock has posted over 30 of them on his Twitter page.
Marvel Previews #77
I’m pretty sure we all know how this works by now. Unless you’re new, in which case, thanks for reading! I appreciate it. Basically, I just flip through the new issue of marvel Previews and highlight — however quickly — items of interest. Not always something I’ll buy or even like, but sometimes it’s just something that should be noted.
Ultimate Comics: new Ultimates
Wow! An ad for ultimate Comics: new Ultimates. Shipping… well, not a clue when. hopefully not until Frank Cho is done drawing it, honestly. I’d rather lose a few sales on earlier issues than deal with the hemorrhaging of sales on later issues. Sorry, this paragraph started out with the intent of pointing out the issue with telling people about a “title” and not really giving any other information than who’s scripting and pencilling it.
New Avengers #
Stuart Immonen isn’t drawing new Avengers #63 (Siege!); that makes me frown.
New Mutants #11
New Mutants #11 (Siege!) has an interesting creative team of Keiron Gillen writing, Niko Henrichon — who did some terrific work on pride of Baghdad — pencilling, all under a stunning cover by Terry (and Rachel, I presume) Dodson.
Sif #1
Sif #1 I’m sure will be a terrific read, but here’s my issue: you don’t know who’s pencilling the comic?! If you don’t know who’s pencilling the comic, maybe you should wait another month before taking orders on it. travel Foreman’s cover? pretty cool.
X-23 #1 by Marjorie M. Liu? I’ll be reading it. hopefully Alina Ursov’s artwork is comparable to her cover!
Almost 30 pages in and we finally get some information about ultimate Comics new Ultimates #1. Wow, even the solicitation information is awkwardly placed and confusing. What’s new Ultimates: Thor Reborn? The title of this story? This issue? Arg! Hey, That’s a pretty amazing looking villain variant by Leinel Francis Yu.
CLOAK & DAGGER #1!!! I’m hit or miss on mark Brooks these days, but if the interiors rock like this cover does, no worries! I’ll also use the opportunity to read some more Stuart Moore.
I really like both Craig Rousseau and Clayton Henry’s artwork. Conveniently, they’re both working on marvel Adventures super Heroes #21. Sadly, it’s the last issue of the title.
Secret Warriors #14
Secret Warriors #14 has some pretty (deadly) ladies on a cover drawn by Jim Cheung. Contessa Valentina Allegra de Fontaine hasn’t look so terrific in ages.
Breaking into Comics the marvel Way! #1 and #2 is going to be useful for artists. Writers, on the other hand? try writing some novels or televisions shows. Or get some incriminating photographs of Axel Alonso.
I’m not a fan of Moon Knight, but the Vengeance of Moon Knight #1-3 must have is a good way to sample for a terrific price.
I was never a fan of Dan Panosian “back in the day,” but since the early 1990s (when he was doing what appeared to be his best Rob Liefeld-like work) he seems to have shed those trappings and has let more of his own style through. I’m looking forward to he and Louise Simonson on X-Factor forever #1.
Remember a couple of months ago when I ranted a little about mark Millar & Steve McNiven’s Nemesis #1? Well, Dexter Vines and Morry Hollowell — two people that really don’t get enough credit when it comes to McNiven’s art — still don’t get a mention in the solicitation. This paragraph will not rectify that, but hopefully it can open someone’s eyes. It’s a start.
Iron man Armor Wars prologue softcover?! AWESOME! sign me up! Conveniently, there’s a new printing of the Armor Wars softcover, too.
Also, sign me up for the marvel Masterworks Captain America volume 5 Variant edition volume 139 hardcover. However, Marvel’s advance-solicitation so far in advance is annoying, even if I do need time to save up for the book.
I wish the Captain America: America first hardcover had a different cover, but hopefully the Howard Chaykin artwork convinces enough people to buy it that normally wouldn’t.
While I normally buy the direct Market cover of books for the most part, I won’t be buying it for the Captain America: Reborn Premiere hardcover.
Wondering who the secret empire is in the Nomad: girl Without a world softcover? check out the Captain America & the Falcon secret empire softcover, too!
It’s nice to see the Ares mini-series is back in print in the Dark Avengers: Ares softcover. I highly recommend it!
While I like the idea of a Captain America: winter Soldier ultimate Edition, I’ll be happier when they do an ultimate Collection of the Red Menace storyline — especially since that’s how it should have been collected in the first place.
Want more of me running my mouth? check Twitter. need to tell me something? email & post info below!
josh@westfieldcomics.com
Westfield Comics
ATTN: JOSH
7475 Mineral point Rd STE 22
Madison WI 53717
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Josh Crawley is the tenured Master of disaster for Westfield Comics, not to be confused with Josh Crawley, the keyboardist for Everclear.