BC Refugees Blog

  Prior to my becoming a customer at Captain Blue Hen FREE COMIC BOOK DAY was just a day where I could pick up a few free comic books if I visited my local store on the first Saturday in May. Since I started shopping at Captain Blue Hen FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is the one day that I absolutely did not want to miss being there - -  because they make an event of it.   If you need examples, just look over the schedule below (taken from their web site). If you are reading this article and are within driving distance of Newark, Delaware - - I urge you to spend some time here this Saturday.  I know many of you are loyal to your regular comics source and I respect that.  I’m not asking you to cheat on them.  Why not stop there first and pick up your books, then head over to Captain Blue Hen to partake of the fun. I’m planning to be there from open to close and I’ll be looking for you. ***************************************************************************...

  Now that I’m entangled in the AVENGERS VS X-MEN net,  I picked up some back and current issues in a haphazard attempt to update myself on their current events.  Since I chose the side of THE AVENGERS it’s been mostly Avengers-related books so far . . . . . . . . . . and as you may suspect - - - spoilers are everywhere. THE AVENGERS #23  (Marvel, April 2012)  Brian Michael Bendis, writer.  Daniel Acuna, artist.  VC’s Cory Petit, letters. Renato Guedes, cover art. I haven’t read this title since the opening story arc.  The line-up has changed since then.  Current membership includes Iron Man, Hawkeye, Spider-Woman, The Protector, Jarvis, Captain America, Storm, The Vision, The Red Hulk and Quake.  I picked this up mostly because I saw The Vision on the cover  (my favorite Avengers member of all time).  It’s also nice to see The Hulk back on the team, even if it is the Red Hulk.  I am grateful for the synopsis tha...

  AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #2  (Marvel, June 2012)  Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman and Matt Fraction = Story.  Jason Aaron = Script.  John Romita, Jr. = Pencils.  Scott Hanna = Inks.  Laura Martin = Colors.  Chris Eliopoulos = Letters.           I have to admit it.  I’m now immersed in the Avengers Vs. X-Men mega-saga.  I got hooked.  I’m going to be writing about more than just the main primary title.  I’d also like to provide some type of guide for the more casual reader and anyone who wants to explore this just a little bit.  If I can help point out the essential best bets as well as the issues it’s safe to avoid - - I would like to provide that service.           I’ll be using a five-star scale = one star for good writing; one star for good art; one star for a well-done stand-alone story that can be...

The new "Ultimate Spider-Man" animated series sets itself up from the beginning to tell a different version of the Peter Parker story than we've seen before. After soloing for a year, Spidey's approached by Nick Fury offering S.H.I.E.L.D. training with other young heroes so he can become the "Ultimate" hero. Peter accepts (or we wouldn't have a show), spinning Spider-Man's second year in costume off in a direction we've never seen. I'd prefer a Spidey solo show with the classic villains, but we already had that show recently. Unfortunately  "Spectacular Spider-Man"  -- whose head writer is now in charge of the excellent "Young Justice" -- got cancelled in the Sony/Disney business deal that gave the Spider-Man animation rights back to Marvel. And, I have to admit, now that all the properties are under one roof for the first time maybe ever it would be foolish for Marvel not  to do a show that includes as much of thei...

AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #1  (Marvel, June 2012)  Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Jonathan Hickman and Matt Fraction = Story.  Brian Michael Bendis = Script.  John Romita, Jr. = Pencils.  Scott Hanna = Inks.  Laura Martin = Colors.  Chris Eliopoulos = Letters. So far, these have been beautiful illustrated books to examine.  Artist Frank Cho does some of his best recent work in AVENGERS VS. X-MEN #0 and is followed in Issue #1 by the very dynamic John Romita, Jr.  The art and action/battle panels explode off the page.  The story is equally epic.  If  you enjoy sprawling sagas then you should be reading this series. The reason for my optimism?  . . . . . . . . . .  The way this is playing out so far reminds me of the monumental CIVIL WAR epic of some years back.  That series had a dramatic impact on Marvel events that followed it and led to some equally great story-telling.  I am hoping that AV...

  I have earned somewhat of a reputation among the regular visitors to this blog site as the source for reviews, etc. of alternative reading in comics.  I certainly do enjoy writing about  genres other than super-heroes - - - focusing on more independent publishers, controversial subjects and themes, horror and sometimes autobiographical and illustrated history. I’ll gladly take that badge and wear it proudly! That doesn’t mean I don’t also read standard super-hero fare.  I also buy a good amount of books from the “ Big Two ” publishers.  I’ve devoted quite a bit of column space in the last six months to the DC NEW 52 titles.  DC right now seems to have a good grasp of what readership has been asking for.  They have assembled a great group of creators and the stories have become exciting again. However, if you look over my collection you will find that MARVEL issues outnumber the DC issues by a ratio of 4 to 1.  I never followed any DC books...