Opinions May Vary

If this week's episode were a sitcom the title would be:

The guys get lessons on the most popular videogames they've never played.

Or maybe:

The one where Jayare and Alex try not to sound stupid.

Seriously, we're like the two people left in the world who haven't played any of the Mass Effect games, Minecraft, Skyrim, The Witcher, etc etc. For two people who consider themselves pretty good gamers...we really haven't played a whole lot of new games recently. Especially the most acclaimed and critically praised ones. So this week's jam is full of EILI5 scenarios with Tricia trying not to get too frustrated with our idiocy.

It's a good one.

-Jr.

Direct download: 1.30.2015_Episode_202.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 6:21pm EDT
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There's supposed to be like, a really big snowstorm today. So far we've managed to avoid it but from what I can tell it's on the way and seems super pissed for some reason.

Part of me kind of hope it hits....a little bit. Not too much snow. But enough to be cozy and lame and stuff. See, I have a stack of comics next to my computer, a LEGO set to build with my wife, and Radiohead playing on the turntable (Thanks, Colin). I've hit a weird point in my life where I live for the comfortable moments. I can't remember the last time I had a weekend free to do whatever I wanted and I plan on taking full advantage of it by doing the least amount of adult things possible.

Laundry can wait. Too many comics to read.

Get my oil changed? More like keep reading the Dark Tower (Thanks again, Colin).

None of this has anything to do with this week's episode. Jon is back and whenever Jon is back we end up talking about comic books. This week we chat about Secret Six, The Inhumans, and more. It's a grand old classic OMV time. You'll dig it and if you're in the New England area with us it's the perfect solution to the snowstorm blues. Catch ya'll next week.

-Jr.

Direct download: 1.22.2015_Episode_201.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 2:29pm EDT
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By Alex

Arsenic Lullaby is one of my favorite comic books. But I don't always consider it a comic book. It's not tights and capes and superpowers. It's in it's own category. Arsenic Lullaby is a level of sequential art that is becoming lost in today's illustrated storytelling medium known as comics. This isn't just about the technical planning and art form of page layout. I find this book funny, but not everyone will. Many subjects found in Arsenic Lullaby would be considered taboo to some comedians and these very topics are on page after page with the right pacing and set-up and delivery to make it funny. I've needed to put the book down to catch my breathe from laughing funny on multiple occasions and I try to put this book in the hands of as many friends as possible.

This weeks guest is Douglas Paszkiewicz, creator, writer and artist of Arsenic Lullaby and known as the King of Dark Humor.  We talk about comic page layout, educating his audience, his thoughts on some places the comics industry is in, and wanting to learn more about what's going on around you.         

A while ago our frequent Co-host Brett was sending promotion updates about his own artwork and accidentally sent one to Mr Paszkiewicz. He quickly apologized because he didn't want to bother Douglas with stuff or to think he was spamming and got the reply   "Dude...you don't have to apologize for using FB to promote your work...to me or anyone."   This was a story I forgot to talk to Doug about when we recorded the episode because I'd like to hear more about his ideas of self promotion, taking pride in your work and putting forth the effort to get people to see it. It's fair to say Douglas is one of my heroes and this episode should give you plenty of reasons to see why.

You can find Arsenic Lullaby by clicking here. There you'll be able to follow Doug and Arsenic Lullaby on the social media, see his blog posts, listen to his own podcasts,and visit the store where you can buy Arsenic Lullaby books, prints, ect. You'll also see some of his work that is posted for free.

As much as I want to tell you about my favorite stories or pages or characters there is a chance I could give something away.
So here are some examples straight from the samples page.

Direct download: 1.15.2016_Episode_200.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 8:36pm EDT
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There will be more here as soon as I'm done watching Hateful Eight. Enjoy the episode!

UPDATE: Ok, it's hard to even put how much I didn't like that movie into words so I'll spare you the attempt. Instead I'll tell you about how our guest this week is one hell of an Angry Geek. I say that because he's part of the Angry Geeks Show. See what I did there? Anyways, Lewis joined us this week to regale us with tales of being Angry, what it's like to get a show up and running and the brilliant process of trial and error.

Click here to check out their YouTube channel and maybe toss a subscribe their way.

-Jr.

Direct download: 1.8.2015_Episode_199.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 4:02pm EDT
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By Brett Kelley

BK’s Pull List for 2015:

Another year of really cool comic book movies! And yet, lest we forget that comic books themselves are arguably at an all-time high for quality and quantity these days. Spanning all genres and types, it’s important more than ever to be aware of all the fantastic writing and artwork coming out of the industry. With more unique voices to be heard and glorious art to behold, it’s tough to pinpoint which ones to keep an eye on.

This is where I humbly throw my hat in the ring to help navigate the seas of graphic goodness that came out in 2015! Here’s a list of my ten favorites from twenty fifteen (In no particular order).  

NOTE: In pure nerd fashion, I try to avoid spoilers so you can keep all the surprises to yourself! Also, I’m a complete dork for Image, so let’s get that out of the way right now. Enjoy!


- Huck- Mark Millar (writer) Rafael Albaquerque (Artist) – Nov 2015 (Image Comics)

Two issues in and it’s been nothing short of refreshing. This is a story for those of us who yearn for a more light-hearted type of reading. A somewhat surprising departure from Millar’s other known titles like “Kick-Ass” and “Nemesis”, “Huck” is a soft spot that makes you feel just a little warm and fuzzy in the heart muscle at times. Millar cites the latest DC movie “Superman: MoS” as inspiration (or a response, as it were) for this story, feeling the need to bring a super-powered hero back to a more innocent place, which he is doing very nicely. Looking forward to seeing how the story develops in the New Year!

 

- Providence – Alan Moore (Writer) Jacen Burrows (Artist) – Mar 2015 (Avatar Press)

With 2015 marking Howard Phillip’s 125th Anniversary, Alan Moore has released a masterfully written story to celebrate the cosmic horror writer. Halfway through a 12 part run, this series is shaping up to be much more than a fan-service love letter to H.P.’s work. It is a true homage and strangely biographic take on his writing and what made Howard’s work scary in the first place. Burrow’s artwork makes the panels look like storyboards as this tale enthralls and entices on every page. It rewards the knowledgeable as much as it discomforts in all the right ways. The second half is slated to pick back up in February, this is on my MUST read list. It’s top shelf Moore at his finest.

 

- Empty Zone – Jason Shawn Alexander (Writer/Artist) – June 2015 (Image Comics)

Cyberpunk isn’t dead, and Jason Shawn Alexander is proving it like a boss, telling a solidly dark, gritty grunge tale that is an automatic hook on the first issue. Starring a badass female lead that rivals Tank Girl and Aeon Flux, Empty Zone reads like a high octane thrill ride with every cylinder firing. Intrigue, Action, Romance with forays into the supernatural and technological, the first five issues are already out in a trade for $9.99 (Image knows how to sell their trades) which is well worth the investment.

 

- Archie – Mark Waid (Writer) Fiona Staples (Artist) – Jul 2015 (Archie Comics)

This book was covered extensively in episode #179 on OMV with Jon, and that was enough to sell me on it. Mark Waid and Fiona Staples are massive names in the business, and they work their magic on re-launching Archie. Never in my life did I ever imagine getting stoked for an Archie comic, but here we are. Give a listen (nudge-nudge), then give a read, and be happy. It’s that simple.

 

- Invader Zim – Johnen Vasquez (Writer/Artist) – Jul 2015 (Oni Press)

If you watched the cartoon as a kidult (kid/adult for you unhipsters), it was something of a gruesome joy to hear that Zim would return in some form after years of being far removed from Nickelodeon canon. The great beats of humor and spastic energy we have missed from Mr. Vasquez all these years are in full force, coming back to punch you right in the nostalgia. It might not be Johnny the Homicidal Maniac or Filler Bunny, but I’ll take it.

 

- Monstress – Marjorie Liu (Writer) Sana Takeda (Artist) – Nov 2015 (Image Comics)

Goodness gracious, where to start with Monstress…. The first issue alone is a powerhouse of world-building and story-laying that immediately puts you in this new universe. If I were to pitch it as a loose concept for a movie, I’d call it a cross between Fables and Saga if Tarantino directed it. Monstress is jam-packed with super sharp characters and dialogue, with some great story concepts at work. Paired with simply gorgeous artwork to boot, it is well worth your time to give it at least a peak.

 

- Vertigo Comics releases many, lots of titles (Various)

DC’s mature-oriented label “Vertigo” has recently launched 11 new titles to add to their rejuvenated roster and historic comic book legacy this year. Too many for me to get my hands on all at once, but I’m intrigued enough to investigate. With titles like “Lucifer” (an expansion on The Sandman series), “Art Ops” (a love letter to the art-punk stories Morrison coined in his Doom Patrol run with Vertigo) and “The Twilight Children” (something people are saying is really, really good), Vertigo has given me some homework to do. If you are looking to add a new wildcard book or two to your pull list, give some of these a try.

 

- Material – Ales Kot (Writer) Will Tempest (Artist) – May 2015 (Image Comics)

Sometimes, comics offer stories that are both subversive and political in a time where journalism is a hazardous occupation. Material is such an example, following four very different stories that deal with issues that are relevant in our modern age society. A big selling point for me is the footnotes you can find on nearly every page, giving you information to research based on every point that is made / referred to in the story. The first volume is out in trade, pick it up if you want something that challenges you, makes you slightly uncomfortable and gets you to think.

 

- Nameless – Grant Morrison (Writer) Chris Burnham / Nathan Fairbairn (Art) – Feb 2015 – (Image Comics)

Nameless is another Morrison indie classic, a story of insanity, the occult and cosmic horror. Think Constantine in space with a dash of Event Horizon and Armageddon. With a six issue run (possibly more later?), the stakes ramp up quick and high with every issue. There is beautiful art to accompany you on the journey, so that helps with the terror bits.  

 

- Bitch Planet Vol. 1 – Kelly Sue DeConnick (Writer) Valentine De Landro (Art) – Oct 2015 (Image Comics)

I know it’s a technicality, as BP debuted officially in late 2014, but the TPB came out in Oct, and I needed an excuse to talk about this book. Using the tropes and styling of seventies exploitation and sci-fi, Bitch Planet takes a look at social issues affecting women using both subtle and not-so-subtle imagery and story elements (“Non-Compliant” tattoos as visual labels, Bitch Planet being a women’s prison that they are sentenced to, etc. etc.) for making a pretty gritty and great book. More issues are on the way in 2016, and it’s a really intelligent story that has a message behind it. Give it a read and see what you’re missing.

 

That’s ten, which wraps up my big pull list. I do have other notable mentions, like “Black Magick (Image), “Limbo” (Image), “Diesel”(Boom! Studios) “Constantine: The Hellblazer” (DC), “We are Robin” (DC), “Head Lopper” (Image), “Thor” (Marvel) and much more, but I wanted to give you the ones that I really had clear and concise thoughts on, and ones that you NEED to read. That and “Invincible” (Image). ALWAYS. READ. INVINCIBLE.

 

Keep reading, support your local comic shops and book stores, and see you in 2016!


Yours in hipster comic-dom,

Brett Kelley: Art Mercenary

Direct download: 12.30.2015_Episode_198.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 3:28pm EDT
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