Previewing the Week’s Releases: 9/21/09 – 9/27/09

Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #606 – So far this title has been on a role and has not disappointed me any time I have picked up the series in the past six months. But really the big reason to pick up this comic and story arc is because of Black Cat's return and the fantastic J. Scott Campbell covers we are getting.

Fantastic Four #571 – The first issue of Hickman and Eaglesham was fantastic. It feels like this series is finally returning to the glory it once had which is great for Fantastic Four fans like myself.

Guardians of the Galaxy #18 – This series continues to be one of Marvel's best series and the last issue's ending with Adam Magnus making an appearance was awesome. Can't wait to see where DnA take this new development.

Nova #29 – Just like GotG this is one of Marvel's best series and a title everyone should be reading. The last issue finally established the Nova Corps again and now we will see how Richard and the Nova Corps deal with the War of Kings aftermath.

Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant Size #1 – Been waiting for the finally of the "Old Man Logan" story and finally it is here. This is the comic I am most looking forward to and I can't wait to read what Miller and McNiven have in store for the end of this arc.

DVD/Blu-ray
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Season 2 – This was a very underrated show that was hurt by constantly changing time slots especially in its second and final season. It is too bad we aren't going to get another season of The Sarah Connor Chronicles but at least we got the box set to look back on to see how good the series was in its short life and think what might have happened if it continued.

Movies
Surrogates – Originally I was not going to watch this movie but after reading the trade paperback that this movie is based on I have become interested in this new Bruce Willis film. Still unsure if I am going to watch it but definitely recommend picking up the TPB as it was a good read.

Previewing this Week’s Releases: 9/7/09 – 9/13/09

Comics
Adventure Comics #2 – Geoff Johns impressed me with the first issue of this new series starring Superboy. Even though I not a big Superboy fan Johns does seem to have a good handle of the character as he finally takes the character and makes him much more likable than he was back as a Teen Titan. Though, Johns will need to do a better job with the back-up as the Legion story was a weak. As someone new to the Legion I did not get anything out of story or who the characters are other than their names and powers.

Amazing Spider-Man #604 – So far the Red Headed Stranger has been a solid story though it has not blown me away especially after the great "American Son" arc and Amazing Spider-Man #600 issue. Hopefully Fred Van Lente can provide a good showdown between Spider-Man and Chameleon as well as some aftermath from Chameleon ruining some of Peter's personal relationships.

Blackest Night: Batman #2 – I really liked the first issue of this mini-series as Peter Tomasi proved yet again to be one of the best Batman writers, especially when it comes to writing Dick Grayson. The first issue made a strong case for Tomasi to actually write one of the Batman series with Dick as Batman once this mini-series is over. He just understands the character and the Batman universe. I actually would like it if he got to take over Batman to give him a main stream title to take him out of Geoff Johns shadow.

Green Lantern Corps #40 – Just like Blackest Night: Batman the first issue that tied into this Blackest Night for this series did a very good job giving a grander scope to the event than the main book. Tomasi has done a spectacular job on GLC that this title has actually eclipse Green Lantern by Geoff Johns as the best Green Lantern title. And I am definitely looking forward to seeing how the rest of the Green Lantern Corps does against the Black Lanterns especially Kyle vs. Black Lantern Jade.

Red Robin #4 – Red Robin has been the weak link out of all the Batman titles. Chris Yost has not done a very good job convincing me that Tim's mission to find Bruce is actually worth reading. The whole characterization of Tim post-Battle for the Cowl has been horrible and just seems to have come out of knowhere. I am hopeful that with this fourth issue that Yost can convince me to keep reading this title past this arc.

The Marvel Projects #2 – While the first issue did not blow me away Brubaker and Epting did the job of getting me into this mini-series about the Golden Age of the Marvel Universe's history. I am interested to learn more about the Marvel Universe's past as before this series I only have some working knowledge of.

Ultimate Comics Avengers #2 – The first issue of Ultimate Comics Avengers was just a fun comic to read. It was like Miller never left the Ultimate Universe. I look forward to learning more about the Ultimate Red Skull and see what he has planned after the revelation of being the son of Steve Rogers. But honestly I just want to see more kick butt action from Ultimate Captain America who is just a badass in this universe along with some of the other Avengers.

War of Kings: Who Will Rule? One-Shot – This is the issue I am most looking forward to reading this week. War of Kings was a spectacular mini-series event and one of the best comic book events I have read. Though we have seen some of the aftermath of War of Kings in Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova I am interested in seeing how DnA set up the various characters in the Marvel Universe cosmic corner. DnA definitely have a lot of toys to play with in this one-shot to set up Realm of Kings.

DVD/Blu-ray
Bleach: Diamond Dust Rebellion – I am a big fan of the Bleach anime and I really enjoyed the first movie of this series. The first movie was a solid story that mixed every element that makes this series so fun. Though the second movie looks to have a much darker story that will involve the whole Soul Society, and not just Ichigo, as Captain of the 10^th Squad Toshiro Hitsugaya will be hunted down by the Soul Society. This movie definitely speaks to the popularity of Toshiro, a secondary character in the manga and anime, as he has a whole movie centered around him. Look forward to seeing some great action this series has been known for.

The Office Season 5 – One of my favorite TV series is no doubt The Office. Though the show has lost some steam in these past two seasons this is still an excellent comedy with plenty of laughs. Season 5 had a lot of funny moments that this series has been known for. I am really looking forward to the six season of this series and this box set should tie me over until the new season begins.

Movies
9 – What a coincidence that this movie is being released on 09/09/09, or 9/9/9? Sarcasm aside, I will admit that like many people I loved The Nightmare Before Christmas. It's one of my favorite movies of all time. Sadly I have not liked any of Tim Burton's movies since The Nightmare Before Christmas. Though I was hesistent at first if "9" was going to be any good, as I did not know much about it, after seeing a few trailers and TV spots this actually looks like it may capture the magic of The Nightmare Before Christmas. I can hope can't I?

Previewing this Week’s Releases: 8/31/09 – 9/6/09

I would like to say that my lack of post this week is because I spent my whole weekend studying for my class but in all honesty I have become addicted to playing Dissidia Final Fantasy. Games like Dissidia is the reason why I try not to play to much as I become addicted to video games and obsessed with passing them. Good thing is I am almost done with the game and I should go back to normal and do regular post this week. Enough of me giving excuses, time to preview this week's releases.

Comics
Invincible Iron Man #17 – So far "World's Most Wanted" has been a mixed bag with the storyline going back and for between good and bad issues. With only two issues left in this arc before starting the "Tony Stark Disassembled" arc I am hoping that Fraction can deliver a good ending to this story arc.

Oz: The Wonderful Wizard of OZ Hardcover – I got to give Marvel a lot of credit as their adaptions of books have been great does far and Oz: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz id no exception. While I have all the issues for this mini-series I have to recommend this to everyone to pick up this hardcover. This was a spectacular mini-series by Eric Shanowner and Skottie Young. If you aren't interested in OZ I have to say that Young's artwork alone is phenomenal. I look forward to The Wonderful Land of Oz in November.

Spider-Man: Sinister Six Premier Hardcover – I enjoyed this Sinister Six storyline from Amazing Spider-Man #334-339 and it was one of the first comic book stories I read as a kid. While I will probably wait a couple weeks to get this hardcover this is definitely one of my favorite Spider-Man stories.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #2 – I loved the first issue of the relaunch to one of my favorite series in the past decade in USM. Though I don't like the whole Peter/Gwen hook-up Bendis has built up my trust with the great work with this series. Also I loved LaFuentes artwork as it gives this title a new distinct look.

Manga
Bleach Volume #28 – This is one of my favorite current mangas and I have been enjoying this Arrancar arc as it has been much better than the Soul Society. What is interesting to note about this series is that the anime has caught up to where the manga is now here in the US. It will be interesting to see if Viz starts releasing more of the manga volumes at greater speeds like they have done with Naruto. Still, I am interested to seeing how Tite Kudo continues this great Arrancar arc with our heroes in Hueco Mundo, the world of the Hollows.

Video Games
Soul Caliber: Broken Destiny – Soul Caliber is one of my favorite fighting games and this PSP release is great as it adds a game to my thin PSP Game collection. And while I can say how great this game will be and my love for the characters there is really only one reason why this is a must buy for my PSP: Kratos. The God of War, along with the sequel, is one of my favorite video games and God of War III is one of my most anticipated video games for next year. I want to see how Kratos matches up with the Soul Caliber characters.

Previewing this Week’s Releases: 8/24/09 – 8/30/09

Comics
Batman and Robin #3 – Morrison and Quietly have been doing a great job so far on this title. This is just a fun story were Morrison is being too extreme with his story ideas like he was in the later part of his run on Batman and in Final Crisis. Quietly's artwork adds to the fun of this story arc and I look forward to this issue.

Fantastic Four #570 – I really want to read Fantastic Four on an ongoing basis. This is one of the comic books I grew up reading. But I just keep jumping in and out of this title for the past four years. I did like the initial Miller and Hitch arc but after that the delays hurt the series which made me drop it. Now I am hoping that Johnathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham can make me pick this series on a ongoing basis again. I have like the few things that I have read of Hickman's and Eaglesham is one of my favorite artist so I believe this is a team that can give a solid read.

Flash: Rebirth #4 – This has been one slow series that has been nothing but Geoff Johns trying his hardest to try and convince everyone how Barry Allen is the greatest hero that has ever lived. And now that this series has gone from being a five issue mini-series to a six I am looking forward to this issue even less. But hey maybe Johns will be able to surprise me and provide an actual story that is not just more Barry Allen praising.

Green Lantern #45 – Yet another Geoff Johns series I am not looking forward to. I have really soured on all of Johns recent Green Lantern work. And other than the Green Lantern Corps tie-in and Blackest Night: Batman #1 I have not like Blackest Night so far. But from the looks of it we are finally going to get to the War of Lights part of Blackest Night so Johns may surprise me in giving a good read.

Guardians of the Galaxy #17 – The last issue of Guardians of the Galaxy wasn't as good as I was hoping. Still DnA have usually been money on this title and after what happened with War of Kings I look forward to seeing what DnA have in store for this title.

Nova #28 – Nova has become one of my favorite titles since the beginning of the series as DnA have just made this title a lot of fun to read. I especially like that Richard is Nova Prime again and I'm sure this will be a fun issue with Richard going to save his little brother.

Teen Titans #74 – Bryan Q. Miller has been doing a great job with this arc. This is the first Teen Titans arc that I have enjoyed since the "Titans of Tomorrow….Today" arc. Hopefully Miller can deliver a great ending to a surprisingly enjoyable arc.

DVD/Blu-ray
Scrubs Season Eight – Scrubs was a one of my favorite TV Shows and was a very underrated series. Though I will admit that season 5-7 wasn't the series best. But finally the series recovered in time for its final season, before its reboot to become Scrubs: Medical School, as this was one the shows best seasons since its third. A lot of great comedic and dramatic episode that saw a lot of evolution for all the characters that gave the show as a whole closure.

Smallville Season Eight – Still can't believe this show has been going on for eight seasons now. But season eight was the shows best season since the early ones that took place in high school. And for the first time in a long time I am actually looking forward to next season. Though I won't be getting this season on DVD until a bit later but if you're a Smallville fan this is a DVD to get this week.

Video Games
Batman: Arkham Asylum – Even though I won't be getting this game until I get the PS3 Slim sometime next month this is still a video game that I look forward to playing. From all the gameplay footage and the demo I played at Best Buy this looks to be a great video game especially with the voices from the Batman: The Animated Series return to reprise their roles for this video game.

Dissidia Final Fantasy – I am a big Final Fantasy fan with VII, X, and XII being among my favorite video games. And once I heard that this will combine some of the biggest names from all the Final Fantasy video games, excluding XII and the upcoming XIII, this is a must buy for my PSP. I am sure to love this game and I think this should easily be a contender for video game of the year.

Previewing this Week’s Releases: 8/17/09 – 8/23/09

Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #603 – The last issue was better than the first part of The Red Headed Stranger. Van Lente did a good job with the return of the Chameleon and I am interested to see what Chameleon wants, how "Peter's" meeting goes with MJ, and how Peter escaped getting an acid bath.
Batgirl #1 – It is a bit weird that DC waited this long to finally release the first issue of this new Batgirl series with most Bat-titles already having three issue out already in the Batman: Reborn storyline. Also DC has made it pretty obvious who is going to be Batgirl. Still I am going to give this first issue a shot to see if Bryan Q. Miller can provide a solid story as he has done with his recent work on Teen Titans.
Batman: Streets of Gotham #3 – So far Streets of Gotham has been the strongest Batbook since Dick Grayson has taken over the mantle. Dini has done a great job balancing out the action and drama in the first two issues. He has really stacked the deck against Dick with having to deal with Thomas Elliot (Hush) posing as Bruce Wayne, the gang war, a mysterious vigilante, and having to deal with Damien. With all of this series this is the issue I am most looking forward to reading this week.
Daredevil #500 – So far Brubaker has done a very good job with this "Return of the King" arc brings back Wilson Fisk (Kingpin) to the Marvel Universe after being gone for about a year. And with this issue being the last issue in Brubaker's run I expect him to deliver an excellent ending to this story arc before Andy Diggle takes over this title.
Wolverine: Weapon X #4 – Jason Aaron and Ron Garney have done a great job with the only solo book Logan is starring in now. Aaron has given this series an old school feel as he has returned Wolverine to his roots and living up to the "the best at what he does" that Wolverine hasn't really been living up to since becoming Marvel's most overexposed superhero.

Previewing this Week’s Releases: 8/10/09 – 8/16/09

This is a big week in comics for me as I am getting 2 times the amount of comics this week with 10 new titles along with getting War of Kings #6 that did not ship to any comic shop here in Las Vegas. I think my wallet will be crying when I go to my LCS this week. While this week looks to be a great week I kind of wish that Marvel and DC would have spread the love a bit over the other weeks in August as I don't I am getting more than 10 titles the next few weeks. Oh well, enough of my bitching lets what's out this week.

Comics
Adventure Comics #1 – While I have questioned the return of Connor I have to say I am interested in seeing what Geoff Johns will do with the character. Though the main attraction for me in getting this title is Francis Manapul' artwork that looks incredible in the preview we got for this issue.

Amazing Spider-Man #602 – The last issue of Amazing Spider-Man was a good, not great, start to the new arc that brings back MJ to Peter's world. This time around though Fred Van Lente will be handling this issue, and the rest of the arc. The last time Van Lente was on Amazing Spider-Man he did an excellent one and done story involving the Spot. I am interested to see how he handles Spider-Man and his supporting characters in a full arc.

Batman #689 – So far I have been enjoying Winnick's run on Batman. Winnick's work hasn't been as good as Batman and Robin or Streets of Gotham but he still has done a good job handling Dick's new role as Batman and with Two-Face being involved in this story arc it will be interesting to see how Winnick handles the rivalry between the two.

Blackest Night #2 – While I enjoyed the first issue of Blackest Night for the most part I was disappointed with a couple aspects of the issue. Hopefully Johns can fix the problems with the last issue and make this series live up to the high expectations that have been set for this DCU event.

Blackest Night: Batman #1 – Though I have my reservations about having the Batfamily involved in Blackest Night but I would be lying if I didn't say that I am interested to see Dick Grayson fighting/meeting his parents.

Green Lantern Corps #39 – While I have been mixed with the work Geoff Johns has been doing with Green Lantern and Blackest Night I have love all the work Peter Tomasi has been doing on Green Lantern Corps. He did a great job with "Emerald Twilight" and it seems that even though this issue and future issues will tie-in Blackest Night it doesn't look like the event will slow down what Tomasi and Gleason have been doing on this title.

The Marvels Project #1 – This is a series I am not sure if I should get it on a monthly basis or in TPB. While I do like the team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting this series sounds like it will be much better in TPB though I will try out this first issue to see what Brubaker and Epting are going to do with this story of revisiting Marvel's Golden Age characters before making my decision.

Red Robin #3 – So far I have been really disappointed with the work Chris Yost has done with Tim Drake and his new role as Red Robin. Still Tim is one of my favorite DCU characters and I can only hope that Yost improves with this issue and stops giving us this emo Tim he has been giving us the first two issues.

Ultimate Comics Avengers #1 – I am really excited to see what Mark Millar has in store for his return to the Ultimate Universe. And the concept of this title having a black-opts team has me even more interested to see what crazy story has in store for these characters and the introduction of Ultimate Red Skull.

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 – This is probably the book I am most looking forward to reading out of this crop of new titles we are getting this week. Bendis is just money when it comes to writing Ultimate Spider-Man and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for Peter and his supporting cast, new and old.

DVD/Blu-ray
I Love You, Man – This was probably the funniest comedy movie we have got this year though I may wait a couple weeks before purchasing this movie on DVD.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Blu-ray) – Ah, TMNT! These were the movies I grew up with as a kid. So there is no doubt I will be getting these movies that include the three live action movies and the recent CGI TMNT movie from a couple years ago.

Previewing this Week’s Releases: 8/3/09 – 8/9/09

If you haven't read them yet be sure to read and comment on my Ultimatum #5 and Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #2 reviews now up over at Rokk's Comic Book Revolution.

Now it looks like my pull list for this week is dominated by Marvel as I won't be getting any DC titles this week. This isn't anything for me new as other the Batman and Green Lantern franchises there isn't any other titles/project to be excited about that DC is publishing right now. At the same time Marvel just seems to want all my money until I am broke as they publish more titles and projects that peek my interest. What a difference in approaches between the two companies right now. Hmmm!

Oh well! Enough of my small rant for this week now onto this week's releases:

Comics
Amazing Spider-Man #601 – For the past few months Amazing Spider-Man has actually been providing some very good stories. And after the huge anniversary issue two weeks ago with issue #600 it seems as though this title is going to provide us with some great stories these next year. With this issue bringing back MJ back this issue and story arc should be very interesting as she interacts with both Peter and Spider-Man. Hopefully the supporting cast that the Spider-Man Brain Trust have built up still plays a large role in this issue and is not pushed aside because of MJ's return. I also look forward to Mario Alberti's artwork as I was a huge fan of his work on the X-Men/Spider-Man mini-series from last year.

Captain America: Reborn #2 – The first issue of Steve Rogers return was a lack luster return of the character. Even though I did not like the way Ed Brubaker revealed that Steve is still alive I still have faith that he and Hitch can deliver a much better story with this second issue.

Invincible Iron Man #16 – So far I have been mixed with "World's Most Wanted" arc going on in this title. Matt Fraction has done a good job with building the problems facing Tony and Maria Hill but his execution sometimes makes this story arc read too much like other Iron Man stories from the past. Though with the announcement at SDCC of issue #19 being the final showdown between Tony and Norman I am hopeful Fraction can turn things around and start providing more solid reads on a consistent basis till then.

War of Kings #6 – I can't believe the final issue is finally here. Time sure flies by when an event comes out on time doesn't it? DnA and Paul Pelletier have been doing a fantastic good showing all current and future writers and artists of big events should execute big events. War of Kings has done an excellent job in both being a fast paced and methodical read as it has built up to the big confrontation between Black Bolt and Vulcan. And this should be one hell of a final issue as DnA and Pelletier have yet to disappoint with War of Kings. I can't wait to read this issue.

Movies
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra – Though at first I was very hesitant about this movie being any good, but the more I see of this movie through the commercials and trailers the more I think this won't be half as bad as I originally thought. If anything I going to go into the movie theater with the same mentality I went in with for Transformers 2: this should be a fun action packed summer blockbuster movie. As long as the movie can deliver with the entertainment like Transformers 2 I will look past the flaws in the story.

Previewing the Weeks Releases: 7/27/09 - 8/2/09

While I haven't done a preview for the week in a while I have decided to start previewing the week ahead but with an added wrinkle of adding any DVD/Blu-rays, manga, movies, and video games I get, watch, or rent that are released that week along with the comics. I will also put a hyperlink to the preview of the things I get that week that I am able to find on the internet.

Comics:
Teen Titans #73 – The last issue of Teen Titans was a surprisingly good read. Hopefully Bryan Q. Miller can continue that momentum into this issue and get this title back on track.

Ultimatum #5 – After going through the horror that has been Ultimatum the final issue of one of the worst events in comic book history is almost over. The only real reason I have bother to pick up this mini-series is because I actually am looking forward to Ultimate Comics launching next month and I just want to see how this event affects the Ultimate Universe.

Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem #2 – The first issue of the "final" days of Ultimate Spider-Man was an excellent beginning to this two part story. I really liked the mix of Immonen and Bagley's artwork though I hope for this second issue that Immonen gets a chance to draw more of the aftermath of the Ultimatum wave and not just leave this issue to be another flashback story.

DVD/Blu-rays:
Dragonball: Evolution – Even though I have heard only negative reviews on this movie as a Dragonball fan I am still going to go out and rent it to see if the live-action adaption to one of my favorite mangas is as bad as people say it is

Green Lantern: First Flight – DC has done a great job with their straight to DVD animated movies so far and from the trailer I am looking forward to the adaption of Hal Jordan's origin story.

The Spectacular Spider-Man: The Complete First Season – With the Spectacular Spider-Man now into its second season we are finally getting a full collection of the first season of this great show on DVD. If you still have not given The Spectacular Spider-Man a shot than do yourself a favor and pick-up this season DVD as it is one of the most faithful and best comic book cartoon adaption we have had.

Movies:
Funny People – Though I probably won't get a chance to go to the movie theater this week I am still undecided if I should watch this movie or wait until it comes out in DVD. Still the trailer looks good and a typical Judd Apatow movie.