Chew

Writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory bring us the tale of a world not unlike our own save for one very crucial difference.  Avian flu went terribly wrong in this Image Comics-imagined universe, resulting in the government fully banning all poultry products.  This, of course, leads to all sorts of black market, back alley chicken deals, and the rise of the Food & Drug Administration as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the world.  The series starts out with the introduction of one of the newest members of the force, Tony Chu.  Seems Chu has a gift as a “cibopath,” someone who can “read” something’s past by tasting it.  Sort of like Rogue, without the power transfer and only through the gullet.  Of course, he hates the talent, as it allows him to eat virtually nothing without getting grossed out beyond belief.  His boss hates him, of course, ans assigns Chu on some of the most oddest cases you can imagine.  I won’t even get into
the issue where he gets his head dunked in a toilet.  While this may sound bizarre even for a medium that revolves around people dressing up in tights, Layman and Guillory create a brilliant world.  The artwork is fresh and clean.  While not altogether realistically drawn, it definitely is engaging.  The first story arc already is complete and has been packaged as a trade, so now is a great time to jump into the series.  It’s got enough action to keep even the Capes Crowd occupied, but touches upon larger societal issues, as well, like what happens when Big Brother starts breathing down your neck.

The Boys

I think I’ve mentioned Garth Ennis’ The Boys (Dynamite Entertainment) in just about everything I’ve written for Berkeley Place, but now is as good a time as any to jump into the fray.  Trade volume 5, “Herogasm,” was just released.  This arc originally was a mini-series, but it falls into continuity, so I guess that’s their call.  This storyline focuses more on the “heroes” and less on the titular characters, but that somehow makes this more incredible still.  Remember, the premise of this universe is that the Capes are out of control, egomaniacal freaks who are kept on their respective leashes by an uncaring U.S. government and the corporation that funds them.  Herogasm is an annual event where all the “good guys” get together at an off-the-radar resort and take part in some of the most graphic depravities a body could imagine.  Sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll only just barely scrape the surface.  Trust me, you’ll have to read this one to believe it.  Trade volume 6 is due out May 15 and is another great place for first timers to jump in, as it deals with the origin stories of each of the main characters.  While each bio is a riveting read, the one dealing with the Frenchman could be the funniest damn comic I’ve read in ages.  Using every French stereotype in the book, you simply don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve seen baguette jousting.

Absolution

Avatar Press is arguably one of the more graphic brands out there, and Christos Cage’s Absolution is no exception.  Here, too, superheroes are placed into a far different world than those imagined by DC or Marvel.  In this world, superheroes are government sanctioned police officers.  This six issue mini deals with one such hero taking the law into his own super powered hands.  Not able to stand repeat criminals being allowed back into society only to wreck more havoc, Officer John Dusk decides he must act as judge and jury.  It’s a compelling read, if for no other reason that the character reactions feel “more real” than you’d expect.

Gravel

This Warren Ellis title, also on Avatar, deals with British ‘combat magician’ William Gravel.  Ellis has used the character in other series in the past, but he’s had this one ongoing for a couple of years now, meaning you should be able to find it in most comic shops.  (SPOILER ALERT) The series just finished its second major arc, wherein Gravel has become the lead magician in all of Britain and has started his own “Minor Seven”–magicians of a power level just below his own.  The series combines gritty detective noir with the arcane, and the effect is potent.  If you’re worried that this is a series about dudes with long beards holding gnarled oak staffs and fighting off dragons, don’t be.  This shows magic in today’s world, and how it can be used as an effective weapon to deal with the trials and tribulations one might face in a contemporary setting.  Plus, they say “bollocks” a lot, and that’s always funny.

Crossed

Yet another Avatar title, this Ennis book just wrapped up and is without a doubt the most fucked up comic you will ever read.  I don’t care if you’re into homonecrobestiality, Crossed beats that less than halfway through the second issue.  It’s a bizarre take on the zombie plague motif, except the victims are not undead.  People are infected through contact, though, which results in a literal cross of lesions to appear on one’s face.  These folks don’t want brains, however, they want depravity.  How depraved?  Well, a guy gets beaten to death by a ripped off horse cock at one point, and the final issue contains a priest’s corpse nailed to a cross where he was sodomized to death.  Correct, this is not your father’s comic book here.  Readers follow a small band of people simply trying to survive an outbreak which has seemingly overtaken the world.  Questions of morality abound, while characters try to retain their humanity.  While this is not
one at all for the faint of heart, it is for the reader who wants something different out of their comics.  Through most of the series, it was assumed that the Crossed, as the infected have come to be called, are little more than brainless beasts that are all animal instinct.  Towards the end, however, it came to pass that they do have the capacity to learn, which makes their marauding hordes that much more formidable…and scary.

Kick Ass

If you haven’t seen the red band trailers for this movie yet, do yourself a favor and watch those now.  [See below!]

Once you’ve had a chance to put your blown mind back in, go pick up the first trade, which tells the story of a “normal” guy who one day decides to become a superhero.  Of course, along the way, others take up the cause, including the most messed up father/daughter team since Mackenzie and John Phillips.  I would have thought the movie wouldn’t dare tread with where this comic goes, but the trailers lead me to believe that perhaps they will.  Unlike Batman and other “normals” who put on a cape, Kick Ass focuses on a more realistic take.  For the titular hero’s first outing, he gets his ass beaten so badly he’s in a body cast for months.  By then, of course, he’s grown addicted to the rush, but I don’t want to give away too much more.  Definitely worth picking up before the movie hits.

Four Eyes

Our first foray today into Image Comics, Four Eyes (written by Joe Kelly) tells the story of a young Enrico in a world like our own.   Set during the Great Depression, the one main difference between our two worlds is the fact that dragons exist here, and are the subject of an underground fighting gambling ring.  Of course, Enrico’s father was once a handler of these creatures, before he was killed.  Now Enrico is trying to find out more about his lost father and the gang with which he ran.  These issues have been sporadic at best (three issues since October 2008), but I understand the fourth is on its way shortly.  While it is hard to comment on the storyline with so little to go on, I can say unabashedly that the artwork by Max Fiumara is incredible, with an incredible eye for detail.

Bad Dog

I’ll close with another Joe Kelly title on Image.  Bad Dog is the story of a werewolf with issues (Lou) and the dirtiest man of the cloth this side of the Preacher (Wendell).  The two are bounty hunters, and continue in Kelly’s notion of the anti-hero.  This is not a monster book, regardless of the werewolf tie-in.  For that matter, if it weren’t mentioned in the dialogue, Lou could be any humanoid character with a past that’s catching up with him.  There’s no talk of full moons and silver bullets.  Readers just need to accept that in Kelly’s new world, werewolves exist and need jobs, too.  Surprise, surprise, there are only three issues of this one out over the past few years, too, but what’s been printed has been a great read so far.  Where Ellis and Ennis tend to go profane with their ideas and dialogue, Kelly is not above graphic sight gags.  And to be completely honest, most of them are funny as all get out.  There’s a scene in the second issue that shows the sign language equivalent of a variety of sexual hand positions that’s worth the price of admission on its own.  Throw in the fact that they’re given by a horny middle aged secretary, and you can see the comedy gold to be mined here.

None of the above books are intended for kids, but it seems like very few comics actually are written for that demographic anymore.  That might be a shame for younger readers, but its created riches beyond belief for those of us who are a bit older.

Go check out CD’s website!

Who are these dudes and why should you care?  Because freeicecream, like Beatgarden, consistently releases true hip hop—skilled lyricists over innovative music, all wrapped in creative projects.  On this joint, you’ve got the founders, Kats (Brooklyn underground emcee with three albums under his belt) and Domer (an electro beatmaker and Brooklyn MC), along with Jake Lefco (born in Philly, living in NYC); Ryan-O’Neil (new on the scene); and iLLspoKinN (leader of the live hip hop band, The Spokinn Movement (Rawkus Records)).

Chances are you haven’t heard of any of these people, but trust me, this is a high quality release—one of the best EPs I’ve heard this year.

Taste it: Leave You All Behind (mediafire)

Free EP Download!

BONUS FLAMING LIPS!

Bohemian Rhapsody-Flaming Lips (mediafire)

My tastes in music are nothing if not eclectic.  The first track on The Coal Porters’ seventh album, “Durango,” is a happy, bluegrassy jaunt titled, “Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello.”  The lyrics aren’t graphic—they’re all about sunshine and fun—but it describes about the best kind of one-night stand imaginable: One that makes you smile forever.  This sets the tone for this banjo-and-guitar driven record.  Even when it gets serious about slavery on the gospel-tinged “No More Chains,” it keeps the conversation light.  This is due in no small part to the skills of lead singer, mandolin player, and driving force Sid Griffin (formerly of the Long Ryder band), whose smooth voice makes this album eminently listenable.  A standout track for me, being an old Deadhead and a fan of Old And In The Way, is Peter Rowan’s duet with the band’s fiddler, Carly Frey, on Moonlight Midnight—a classic song that I can hear a million times and never get sick of.  And then there’s the brilliant cover of Neil Young’s “Like a Hurricane,” my favorite Neil tune (other than Powderfinger), which turns the anthem into a four-minute love skip.  A complete transformation of the source material.

This is what you get when you mix bluegrass with Los Angeles: A country album that sounds neither dated nor regional, and can be enjoyed by anyone.

For fans of: The Grateful Dead’s Reckoning album; New Riders of the Purple Sage; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; and The Flying Burrito Brothers/Gram Parsons.

Let’s Say Goodbye Like We Said Hello

In listening to it, I realized (or “re-realized”) what pure pop R&B genius lay at the heart of just about every single Hall and Oates single.  Whether it’s the hot percussion-and-synth that introduces “Say It Isn’t So;” the veiled reference to homosexual sex in “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do);” or the delicious harmonies in the too-silly-for-words “Rich Girl,” the band never lets you down.  I”m going to say it loud and proud: I love these guys!

Sara Smile-Bird and the Bee

Rich Girl-Nina Simone

Private Eyes-Towa Tei (of DeeLite)

I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)-Orson

The NO BITCHING ABOUT EXPIRED LINKS zipfile!

Here’s a bootleg I’ve been waiting a while to post.  Andrew Bird, live in London on November 10, 2009.  He’s an indie singer-songwriter who is pretty underrated.  You hear talk about him when he releases a record, but other than that folks kind of ignore him.  That’s a shame.  Check out Andrew Bird next time he’s in your town!

01.    Intro stuff.
02.    The Water Jet Cilice
03.    Sweetbreads
04.    Why
05.    Natural Disaster
06.    Oh No
07.    Effigy
08.    I’m On My Journey
09.    Anonanimal
10.    Lusitania
11.    Tenuousness
12.    Mx Missiles
13.    Plasticities
14.    I’ve Been Redeemed

ZIP FILE!

1.  WOLVERINE 2. Yes, it’ll be in Japan.  Yes, it’ll star Hugh Jackman.  Yes, it’ll start filming in January.  January!  Why not now?  Claremont/Miller’s classic miniseries (and the best Wolverine story ever told) is practically a storyboard!  Even McG could direct it without screwing it up!

2.  UGH-D. I saw Alice in Disney Digital 3D (not iMax), and left annoyed and with a headache.  It’s barely 3D.  It’s more like 3 layers of 2D.  Then, the next day, new research came out showing that 3D causes eyestrain and may affect proper eye development in young people.  Now I learn that Green Lantern will be in 3D.  Not to mention the next Spider-Man and the Alien prequel.  I hope they still show them in “regular D.”  That’s how I saw Avatar, and it was still an amazing visual film.

3.  WB FAILS TO KILL SUPERBOY. They moved him from Thursday to Friday night, but that didn’t kill him.  Smallville has been renewed for Season 10.  Frankly, the move helped me (it no longer competes with so many other good Thursday night shows).  But it’s got to change if it’s going to keep me for another year.  Let him wear a cape, already, and let’s see lots more guest stars.  We want Nightwing!  Oh, and replace Lex Luthor, too.  The show lacks a solid villain, and Zod is kinda mealy mouthed.  I say they turn it into a Teen Titans show.  How great would that be?  And can anyone really argue that this would hurt D.C.’s chances at making another Superman movie?

4.  MORE UGH-D! And speaking of 3D, I saw a 3D preview of Tron Legacy.  Feh.  It doesn’t look so great.  It looks like an excuse to use that damn 3D.  Our kids may be entertained, but they’ll grow up blind.

5.  FRANKENCASTLE UPDATE. Warning: Spoilers ahead (sort of)!  If you read Punisher #16, you already know that the gem at the center of the drama has restorative powers.  I have been assuming that that will be the device used to restore Frank Castle to his original, scarred but bolt-less self.  But now, with issue #17, they’re changing the title of the book to “Frankencastle.”  I’ve been enjoying the storyline, mostly because it was a great way to bring back The Legion of Monsters, but I’m not sure how much longer I want to see Punisher as a superhuman.  Part of the fun of Remender’s Punisher run has been the way he’s helped Frank adapt to fighting in the world of superhumans—beginning with stealing a stash of supergear including Ant Man’s helmet, Doc Ock’s arms, etc., from the Red Hood.  Frankencastle is, essentially, a gimmick.  I’m not sure it can sustain.  But it will be cool to watch the next arc: Frank gets revenge on Daken for slicing him into little bits during the Dark Reign: The List one shot (one of the best-drawn non-Max Punishers I’ve ever read).  Oh, and if he’s staying in the supernatural world, a team-up with Blade seems highly appropriate.  The art in the new arc will be handled by three guys: Tony Moore, Dan Brereton, and Roland Boschi.  They’re all solid, and best of all none of them are Steve Dillon.  Why do people like him?  He’s the reason I don’t even want to bother with Jason Aaron’s reboot of Punisher Max, no matter how good the story sounds like it could be.  Seriously, any of you know why Steve Dillon gets so much love?  He’s not gritty, his art is flat, and it’s cartoonish!

6.  AVENGERS CARTOON. The Avengers have always been my favorite “group.”  I even bought a bootleg transfer of the old Avengers cartoon on e-bay, knowing it would suck, just because something is better than nothing.  So I’m psyched that Disney XD will finally release the new “The Avengers : Earths Mightiest Heroes” cartoon this fall.  52 episodes featuring Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, The Incredible Hulk, Giant Man and Wasp, preceded by a 20-part “micro-series” telling each of their origins.  This is a huge commitment.  Can’t wait!

7.  THE YEAR OF PATTON.  Do any of you watch the new BSG spin-off/prequel “Caprica”?  Because if you’re not watching it, you’re missing the best new show on T.V.  You’re also missing Patton Oswalt’s best role.  It’s the role he was born to play: A smarmy, cynical, liberal talk-show host.  And now he’s  signed on to write a comic book based on Joss Whedon’s highly underrated movie/TV series “Serenity/Firefly.”  Dunno if it will be any good, but it definitely has a high curiosity factor.

8.  THANK GOD! Deadline Hollywood reports that The Office’s John Krasinski won’t be throwing the shield for Marvel in the Captain America flick.  I had no problem with his age—he’s far younger than the hfolks he’ll be teaming up with in the superflicks (Don Cheadle, Robert Downey, Jr., etc.) because, after all, he was frozen in ice back in his prime, but John K. just doesn’t have the look.  Or the biceps.  I’d rather have seen The Rock in the role than him.  Or a Baldwin brother.  Or Zombie Cap.  Hell, I’d rather have them pick a black actor.  (Actually, that might be kinda cool.)  My first choice is still Jeremy Renner or Sam Worthington.  But John could be Batroc the Leaper.

9.  JACK BAUER. I dunno if “24” counts as comic-type news, but some of you might want to know that the show won’t be back next season.  I say, good riddance—this season is awful.  But they’ve also begun a script for a “24” movie.  Doesn’t that kind of defeat the purpose of a serialized, real-time show?  Are Keifer Southerland’s two expressions (“Grrrr!” and “Ouch!”) really worth seeing on the big screen?

10.  SUPERMAN: LAST BATTLE FOR KRYPTONZZZZZZZ. Finally, a question: Why is it Marvel can handle several simultaneous events, like the Death of Cap/Rise of Bucky alongside Civil War or the current Fall of Hulks/Battle for Olympus/end of Dark Reign, but DC can only seem to manage Blackest Night (and that, just barely)?  Superman is the publisher’s flagship character, and yet nobody seems to care that Supes left Earth a year and a half ago, and now seems poised to return.  I know I don’t care.  (But at least the Nolan/Goyer team has confirmed they’ll reboot Superman after Bat3 wraps.)  Batman, too, has left his own books and is getting ready for the big “Bats: Reborn” treatment.  Yet, again, the only DC “event” that’s making any kind of news is Geoff Johns’.  Seems sad.  I was a big fan of the Braniac story that led to World of Krypton, but as soon as that ended it seemed like Superman went off the rails.  They need to invest in that character, make us care again….What do you all think?

A buddy of mine recently played for me what he said was an “advance” copy of The Dig’s “Electric Toys.”  (He probably called it an advance ‘cause he knows I won’t listen to leaks, but that’s how much he loves this band—he’s willing to lie to me about it.)  I’d never heard of The Dig before.  There was some band called Dig about ten years ago whose CDs were inescapable if you thumbed through the bargain bin, but this isn’t them.  (As I recall, that band’s album had what looked like a well-carved turd with a stupid face on the cover.)  This is The Dig, a straight-ahead indie rock band who managed to bring, on their debut album, a collection of tunes that are truly amazing.  One song is better than the other, making use of all the indie cred qualifications, styles, and techniques: They’re based in Brooklyn, but come from California and (get ready) Canada.  They waver, go loud/soft/loud, toss in a creeping baseline and bubbly
guitar that never becomes overwhelmingly intense . . . Tastes of Nirvana, Pavement, Spoon, U2, Gary Newman . . . I can’t tell you how much “Two Sisters in Love” rocked my world.  Except that then I heard “You’re Already Gone,” and my world was rocked even harder.

This is an amazing, amazing record.  Truly.

Try the free sample track, and get into it when it comes out in April.

You’re Already Gone

THE DIG  ON TOUR W/ PORTUGAL. THE MAN AND PORT O’BRIEN
3/13 Atlanta, GA The Earl
3/18 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
3/19 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
3/20 Pittsburgh, PA Mr Small’s Theater
3/21 Cincinnati, OH 20th Century Theater
3/24 Columbia, MO Mojo’s
3/26 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
3/27 Vail, CO The Sandbar
3/28 Aspen, CO Belly Up Aspen