In the world of comics we find outrageous and fantastical people with amazing powers. The stories behind them are inventive and interesting. But, sometimes they take the wow factor and crank it to 11. At that point in time, things just get a little too crazy. That's when it goes beyond interesting and into ridiculous. I can see where some of these might have started off as a good idea, but then fell flat somewhere. While others, I feel, might have been some artist or writer's idea of “What the hell, let's see what kind of reaction the brass will give me from this one”. Some of these are far more out there than others. So, in no particular order, here we go...
by Jacob H Baxter
In the world of comics we find outrageous and fantastical people with amazing powers. The stories behind them are inventive and interesting. But, sometimes they take the wow factor and crank it to 11. At that point in time, things just get a little too crazy. That's when it goes beyond interesting and into ridiculous. I can see where some of these might have started off as a good idea, but then fell flat somewhere. While others, I feel, might have been some artist or writer's idea of “What the hell, let's see what kind of reaction the brass will give me from this one”. Some of these are far more out there than others. So, in no particular order, here we go...
By Jacob H Baxter
Lately I have been noticing more and more that purism seems to be going away in almost all areas of entertainment, especially film and comics. What was old is thrown out in favour of something new. The things that we knew go away and are replaced by things that look similar and we somewhat recognize, but they just aren't the same. Before I go any further, I'd like to throw out a disclaimer. I am in no way trying to hamper the furthering of diversity within comics. I, in fact, support it. But, my problem here is purism instead of changes.
By Jacob H Baxter
As I sat there a few nights ago with my brother, wife, and friends, playing games and waiting for the New Year to arrive, I began to have some curious thoughts. What if superheroes played games? What would they play? I'm sure there are some very amusing and striking possibilities. That led me to compile this top ten list to give my suggestions.
By Jacob H Baxter
In my last article, I sang the praises of alternate reality tales. These stories have always been some of my favourites. Today, I bring you my most loved of these. I proudly present, Transformers: Hearts of Steel! This tale centres on a great ‘what if’ concept. Originally, it was planned as a series, but only one was ever produced. However, that one was awesomely epic. I really wish that the series would have continued, but sadly, we all know about the best laid plans of mice and men.
By Jacob H Baxter
It seems these days that more and more alternate universes are being introduced into comic franchises, along with all other types of media. Sometimes they make sense to me. Sometimes they don't. Often it’s very interesting to see how things change. The first time I was introduced to the concept of alternate universes I remember being immediately fascinated by it. One of my favourite cartoons was G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero. Those were the days. It had more explosions than Michael Bay could ever hope for! I distinctly remember Steeler, Clutch, and Grunt being transported to an alternate universe where Cobra was in charge of the world and what Joes were alive were deemed criminals and enemies of the state. Dreadnok police? Seems like bad comedy here in the real world. But, in that story it made perfect sense. The Baroness and Steeler together? But, she's Destro's girl! Not there! It was an interesting tale to say the least.
By Jacob H Baxter
Pumpkinface - Origins was an absolute delight to read. Helmed by writer Graeme Buchan and company, including Antonio Brandao, Jessica Jimerson and Anthony Cuizon, it weaves a twisting tale of fates between the two main characters, Pumpkinface and Bunny. This comic really hit it out of the park when it comes to storytelling. The back and forth story somewhat reminded me of the shifts in the Quentin Tarantino classic, Pulp Fiction. Its non-linear style sets it apart from most mainstream works. The characters play well off of each other in a manner of priorities. Everyone has an agenda. The strings of each form an interweaving latticework of fictional greatness.
I've always sort of felt like a man out of time. Sure, I love my Xbox. But, the days of yore always seem to call and beckon to me. Most of it is due to my being a history buff and daydreamer. The settings really grabbed my attention. The first setting in 1906 Scotland struck a major chord with me. It was the land of my forefathers before leaving for America. I always feel a connection with these settings. Then it shifts to New York City in 1924. This has always been a particularly fascinating time in history for me. The world was changing at its most accelerated rate. I've always been interested in seeing how characters interacted with the morphing world around them.
Speaking of character interactions, this crew did it well. The dialogue is well written and executed. But, that's not the highlight of the interactions. It has often been said that the greater portion of communication is actually non-verbal. There were many panels in there that did not contain a single word of dialogue. Yet, the actions, facial expressions, and body language said all that needed to be said. They conveyed both the progression of the story and reactions of the characters to a T. It really warms my heart to see such up and coming comic book crews turn out such work. Sure, the big boys such as DC and Marvel will pretty much always be the big boys. But, this title proves that the little guys (and gals) can produce work that is just as satisfying.
By Jacob H Baxter
Like most other hobbies which include the collecting of this or that class of items, value often becomes a subject of discussion when dealing with comic books. Prices for things like first appearances of certain characters or pivotal events often drive up the prices of issues. The passage of time is another factor when determining worth. But, what is worth? Worth is completely relative. Let's look back at the early 90s when the comic book collecting bubble effectively burst. Everyone knew that Superman was dying. Thus, they all fanned out in hopes of getting one, if not a bunch of issues. Many people who did so, didn't even previously collect comics or even have any real interest in the medium itself. They were merely speculating on the future value that might it might bring. by Jacob H Baxter The American South, what can I say about it? Well, friends and neighbors, it is a place like no other. One does not simply hear of this region. One must experience it for themselves. Growing up here was truly both a blessing and a curse. Growing up on a farm, I learned a great sense of community. When a neighbor had problems, my father was one of the first people there to lend a hand. When he had an issue, they came to his aid just as quickly. Some might find it funny, and to a certain degree there is an irony. But, at my mother's funeral, the largest flower arrangement, which did have some steep competition, was sent by a local tractor and equipment supply company that my father had done business with for decades. Those are the stories of the American South that you never hear about from the news outlets. By Jacob H Baxter With the newly escalated Ebola threats, terrorist plots, and God knows what other forms of chicanery and trouble looming on the horizon, the threat of a zombie apocalypse gets more and more real by the day. In light of all the events, it almost seems plausible. Whether of not such a disaster would occur remains to be seen. However, should it occur, wailings, lamentations, and gnashing of teeth in Biblical proportions would surely ensue. Seemingly only a team from the pages of comic books themselves would be able to ensure one's survival. So, just for poops and chuckles, here is my zombie apocalypse survival team. |
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