Will Smith as Captain America?

What do you think?

Top Ten Partners Of Captain America

To celebrate Independence Day, we're giving you the top ten partners (official and unofficial) of Captain America.

10. Paladin














9. D-Man




















8. Diamondback



















7. Hawkeye























6. Black Widow























5. Battlestar























4. Nomad























3. Sharon Carter















2. Falcon























1. Bucky
















Other links of interest:

Five Cool Captain America Video Clips
A Question For All The Toy Enthusiasts In The Audience
Captain America's Shield In Iron Man Movie?

Val Reviews American Dream & DC Special: Raven

Marvel's American Dream and and DC's DC Special: Raven are two superheroine solo mini-series aimed at a younger, teenage market. I hesitate to say "teenage girl market," because there is really nothing in these comics that would really be enjoyed by one gender over another. They just both skew younger; the cringeworthy use of the word "emo" on the cover of Raven #1, and the cribbed "High School Musical" blurb on the second issue, sort of testifies to that.

DC Special: Raven follows the exploits of the apparently reincarnated (or whatever) Raven as she tries to fit into high school. This gives her a chance to wear goth clothing and those cute striped leggings, thus following up on the gothic cred the character received in the late great Teen Titans cartoon series. But whereas the Raven in the cartoon was a Daria-type witty independent teen, the character in DC Special is sort of...whiny. A lot of lurching on the floor with her head in her hands going: "Oh, my psychic powers! Someone's gonna die! BUT WHO?" She alternates between this and the old standby, " just trying to fit in."

A lot has been made of Damion Scott/Robert Campanella's art and Sigmund Torre's rather stylistic and psychedelic art on this book. Some parts work better than others, but in general I don't see a serious problem with it. It's obviously geared to reach a younger, more manga-savvy audience.


That said, such an attempt to reach the teen market, possibly the female market, and maybe dare we say the new reader market, gets stymied by this maniacal insistence on shoehorning "Crisis" mentions and nods. Why is this necessary in this mini-series? The "cliffhanger" at the end of issue 1, for instance -- that mask would only be of significance to I'd say fair-to-middling DC continuity fans. It has no meaning in-and-of-itself to a new reader. Why even put it in there? I just don't get it.


American Dream, for those who don't know, is the female "version" of Captain America in the Spider-Girl universe. Written by Spider-Girl scribe Tom DeFalco, the book is in many ways a similar book, the only difference being that American Dream is older and works with a team.

The mini-series is amiable enough and the character of Shannon Carter is well-defined and multi-layered. Unlike the headstrong spunky Spider-Girl, Carter as American Dream is more straitlaced and somewhat of a workaholic. Both characters make excellent female superheroes for younger readers to enjoy.

The plot by DeFalco, involving illegal immigration, a gang of evil Avengers analogues, and these mysterious crystal men, is not as tight as that of the Spider-Girl monthly, but still enjoyable. Penciller Todd Nauck, along with inker Scott Koblish, seems to be taking a page out of Art Adams' playbook with every page, and it is a definite evolution for him as a penciller from his more angular and cartoony Young Justice days.In sum, it's great to see competing solo mini-series about young superheroines out on the stands. Will they get into the hands of the audiences they are seeming to target? Or does that happen when they are reprinted in manga-sized format?

Would You Bring Back Steve Rogers?

Spoilers (maybe. who knows at this point)

At the end of Secret Invasion #2 there are some suggestions that Steve Rogers may or may not be back. With all these events, I take these suggestions with a huge grain of salt. But there you go.

If they could bring back Steve Rogers, would you go for it? Or, even if you really liked him as a character, would prefer he stay dead to keep the integrity of the character or the stories?

Matthew McConaughey As Captain America?

Cinema Blend has the scoop that Matthew McConaughey might be Marvel's top choice to play Captain America in the proposed 2011 movie:

" One of our long time scoopers dropped us a message tonight to let me know that Matthew McConaughey may be one of Marvel’s leading candidates to slip into Cap’s red white and blue underpants. Our source is a reliable one, but at this point it’s still very early and he’s only one of the actor’s they are considering for the role. "

If this keeps McConaughey from making sappy comedies with Kate Hudson, sure, I'm all for this.

Cap Is Back...And He's Pissed!

Uh-oh, somebody is going to get a beat-down...

Knew this was going to happen.

Edit: actually, I quite naively thought Steve Rogers was dead forever. no, not even that thing where they put his body back in ice convinced me otherwise<----true comic fan

Comics Are Expensive: Teen Titans #55, Avengers: The Initiative #9, Suburban Glamour #3, Captain America #34, Northlanders #3

Note: This is the first installment of the new column by noted Expertologist Chris Lamb

I’m not good with money.

Well, that’s a matter of perspective. There’s a way of looking at things where I’m fantastic with money, only it’s the “getting it as far away from me as possible” way. This becomes a problem when it comes time to acquire little things like nourishment and shelter. I have a great love of things, you see, and a pressing need to gather up as many Comics of them as I can to line the walls, shelves, and other available flat surfaces of my home. make a big portion of these things, and as I try to rein in my disastrous spending habits in a last-ditch hope to survive, I’ve come to a few realizations. Namely, that comics are expensive.

As such, I’ve begun applying a number of draconian policies to the Dresden that is my budget. In the case of comics, I’ve limited my spending to a maximum of $30 a week. This allows me to pick up a decent handful of single issues on busy weeks or opt for a couple of trades on weeks when the quality-to-noise ratio is a bit more...unbalanced (for reference, see all of January). The purpose of this column is to vet a handful of those books each week to see if they’re still worth the money or if, sadly, it’s time for them to be put out to pasture. New books get a bit of leeway in the form of a three-issue trial period for finding-their-feet purposes, but that is the extent of my mercy. And so begins the Thunderdome of my wallet.

And spoilers ahead, for those who worry about that sort of thing.

Teen Titans #55

Writer: Sean McKeever
Artist: Jamal Igle

Confession time: While I was interested enough in McKeever coming on board Teen Titans months ago, I haven’t bought an issue since the first part of the editorially-mandated follow-up to “Titans of Tomorrow”. What I’ve heard of issues since then leads me to believe I didn’t miss much – the words “unfortunate mess” rarely inspires a need to go digging through back issue boxes.

#55, however, is his first chance to really put in motion his plans for the book since taking over writing duties, and his excitement over the chance to cut loose shows. It’s your standard bit of “meet the team” ground laying that starts off a lot of arcs, opening with the jettisoning of Supergirl now that her duties as Kon-El stand-in are complete and ending with our first hint of the threat looming on the horizon.

Along the way we get a taste of where our young heroes stand at the moment, with Wondergirl and Robin out on an actual, honest-to-god date complete with nice clothes and a conversation careening towards dangerous waters just as it’s interrupted by one of those horribly convenient bank robberies that always seem to happen in worlds with superheroes running around in them.

Meanwhile, Miss Martian is slowly going insane while Kid Devil spends most of his time moping and hating the new Blue Beetle. I quite like Kid Devil, as few other young heroes manage to capture the essence of being an awkward teen as he does. Despite realizing his dream of having super powers, he’s even more awkward than he was without them, even more ruled over by his desperate need to earn the respect of his peers and/or get in Ravage’s pants. “I think you just made my soul explode” is easily my favorite line of the book, and makes me hope for a future Titans issue focusing solely on his no-doubt amazing LiveJournal.

We also meet Dreadbolt, one of the Terror Titans destined to cause trouble for our heroes in the near future. “Dreadbolt” is, of course, a horrible name, but sounds exactly like the sort of think a kid would call himself upon both receiving powers and deciding to be evil with them. So that’s all right, then.

All in all it’s a solidly enjoyable issue, and possibly the best thing I’ve read by McKeever since he came to DC. More please.

BUY STATUS: The next two issues will ultimately decide whether I stay on board long term, but I have every hope this will continue to be a lot of fun.

Avengers: The Initiative #9

Writer: Dan Slott and Chris Gage
Artist: Stefano Caselli

“Killed in Action” continues this month with a great many B-listers (and a couple of more important characters) finding themselves just that. This arc seems to be pulling in several plot lines Slott has had simmering since the start of the series, including the first-issue death of MVP, the alien glove things powering Gauntlet and whatshername from early in the series, and of course, the unspeakable amount of comeuppance you’re clearly begging for by putting two genocidal maniacs and a bipolar inventor of killer robots with a history of spousal abuse in charge of a dozen living weapons.

Said inevitable disaster is provided by KIA, a clone of the late MVP who went a bit lopsided after having the alien super weapon that killed him attached to his arm. Personally, I blame all those videogames and hip-hoppers. Kids today, I tell you.

The issue is wall-to-wall carnage, with the seemingly unstoppable KIA appearing to cut down nearly half the cast, including comedy Nazi Baron Von Blitzshalg, enough heroes-in-training to field a softball team, and Hank Pym himself. I’m hoping Pym’s death is a bit permanent this time, as pulling the “I shrunk to atom-size at the last moment!” thing twice in one series would be a bit of a cheat.

Additional highlights include Taskmaster as the new Initiative drill instructor being generally awesome – between last issue’s take down of three giant-sized idiots and his handling of KIA this month, Slott’s take on the character is quickly becoming the most sensible character in the book, if not most of the Marvel Universe. No Faustian annulments or surrendering after a bit of property damage for this guy, oh no.

Avengers: The Initiative continues to be one of the most solid books Marvel’s putting out at the moment. I find it interesting that, along with Thunderbolts, this makes two of the Initiative’s big public operations that are currently exploding in a mess of sticky bits and limbs. Perhaps this is the new thing to do for the next couple of months, like the “everybody punches Tony Stark in the face” meme that swept the MU a few months ago?

Buy Status: Still reading every month. While I hope the rather interesting Trauma isn’t nearly as dead as he seems to be, I’m more than happy to be back next month to find out.

Suburban Glamour #3

Writer & Artist: Jamie McKelvie

I missed issue two of this, as it sold out almost immediately at every store I checked. Even with a gap in the story, this series is still every bit as engaging as the first issue was. I’ve had a huge crush on McKelvie’s art since last year’s Phonogram (easily one of the best titles of ’07) with Kieron Gillen, even if each and every one of his girls cam off looking to be the sort that would set off my crazy meter in ever met in person. If anything, that may have only helped the attraction along.

The book follows Astrid, a typical girl in her late teens with a pretty straightforward life – go to school, go to parties with friends, find yourself talking to imaginary friends long forgotten who now appear to be very, very real, learn from the lady with the new shop in town that you’re actually royalty amongst the fairy folk – y’know, the sort of thing we all dealt with. The teen drama rippling through the book is pitch-perfect, weaving in and out of the more fantastic elements to give the story the sort of ground you need backing up all the little twists and turns it pulls along the way.

McKelvie’s art is clean as can be throughout, telling the story through simple, endearing gestures and character moments that perfectly sum up their owners in an instant. Vertigo should be kicking themselves for not snapping this book up before Image got a hold of it. When not kicking themselves for all the other things they deserve it for, that is.

Buy Status: Only one more issue to go, sadly, but I’m grabbing it for certain. With any luck I can snag a copy of #2 as well.

Captain America #34
Writer: Ed Brubaker Artist: Steve Epting

And then there’s the new Captain America, the first issue with Buck taking up the shield and mantle of his former partner while opting for a new shiny suit. Thankfully, Epting opts to break away from the rather ridiculous metallic sheen of the original Alex Ross design, finding a balance that, while not quite perfect, is much easier to swallow than the patriotic traffic cone gracing the book’s cover. His art, as always, is wonderfully complementary to the dark blend of crime fiction and political intrigue of Brubaker’s storytelling.

And, thankfully, it’s a good story as well. This issue continues the ongoing storyline of the Red Skull’s plans for grinding America into the dust while providing a nice jumping on point in a form even new readers can appreciate: having NuCap smack around a bunch of A.I.M. agents.

My greatest concern with having Bucky fill Steve Rogers’ buccaneer-boots was Marvel’s long history of completely bungling these sort of “passing the mantle” moments. I shouldn’t have worried. Brubaker seems determined to keep the new guy’s distinct history and personality from becoming a carbon copy of the old guy’s, complete with an internal monologue of Bucky feeling uncomfortable with head-to-head fighting after a lifetime spent in covert ops. God only knows how he’ll fair in the hands of other writers, but I have every faith in this team’s ability to tell continue a great story.

Buy Status: Officially switching from “reading the trades” to “reading every month”. Okay guys? You got me.

Northlanders #3

Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Davide Gianfelice

Brian Wood, I’m sorry I ever doubted you. While I enjoyed the first two issues, I was strongly considering relegating this to “wait for the trade status”. Thank goodness for my three-issue rule, eh? With #3, Northlanders comes fully into its own, stating in giant red letters that main character Sven is more than the insufferable child with a knack for finding naked blonde women in his bed the first two issues painted him as.

Gianfelice’s art works wonders as well, making the explosions of violence throughout the issue just as meaningful as the quiet moments. Well done also for being one of the few Vertigo books lucky enough explore more of the color palette than “brown” and “gray with a bit of brown mixed in”.

This issue, Sven puts his plans for his cowardly, traitorous uncle into full gear by killing any of his men foolish enough to come near. Along the way, he befriends the mountain girl he pissed off last issue and begins to question what he’s getting in to with the beautiful emotional train wreck that is Thora.

It’s good stuff throughout, mixing the brutality of the setting and its history with a number of subtle modern influences including, if I’m not mistaken, just a touch of Noir. There’s the definite sense of Sven as the doomed hero, a man trying to change the world around him only to be broken by it in the end. While it’s too soon for the “Forget it Sven, it’s Orkney-town” line, you can’t read this issue without knowing there’s going to be serious repercussions for his actions. Which is usually the best bit.

Brian Wood has grown in leaps and bounds as a writer over the last few years, and between this, DMZ, and Local his name on the cover is quickly becoming all it takes for me to try a book. That Northlanders handily fills that Viking brutality-shaped hole in my life is just icing on the cake.

Buy Status: Between this issue’s bit with the deer and Sven’s archery skills, I’m on board for the foreseeable future.

And that’s it for this week. Other books purchased by not reviewed include Buffy the Vampire Slayer #11, Green Lantern #27, and JSA #12. Maybe next time, depending on how the shipping lists look. In the meantime, if there’s something you think I should be reading, drop a suggestion or two in the comments thread or email me at chrislamb@gmail.com. I’m always up for new books.

Chris Lamb is a writer and games designer living in New York. He's been a fan of comics of all kinds for twelve years or so, despite regular attempts by the medium to make him think differently.

Occasional Links: The Comics Are Expensive Edition

"Comics Are Expensive"

Proudly presenting Occasional Superheroine's grand-spanking new weekly review column by noted Expertologist Chris Lamb, "COMICS ARE EXPENSIVE."

Chris Lamb is a writer and games designer living in New York. He's been a fan of comics of all kinds for twelve years or so, despite regular attempts by the medium to make him think differently.

Read by literally tens of people each month, Expertologist is a place for thinking out loud about the nature, culture, and playing of games. More interested in being a miscellany of ideas growing up in public than a site with any kind of focus, Expertologist enjoys taking games apart for the bits that make them fun, make them not work, or just the bits allowing for easy jokes and post titles riffing on pop songs.

So please welcome Chris to the OS staff and look for his review column later today!


Burt Ward Gallery



Teh Hotness.


Corey Is Back

Yes.


The Business Of Dead Superheroes


Forbes.com talks to Marvel's VP of Sales and Marketing David Gabriel, who admits that while "horribly cliched," deaths in comics sell:

"Gabriel said it's tough pushing some books on a consistent basis. People in his business have the blockbuster movies and videogames to thank for bolstering demand. With the exception of the diehard fans, this is what gets people into the 3,500 or so comic book shops nationwide these days. Slap the death and resurrection of a flagship character in there, and you've got a surge in the franchise."

Which is probably why this title is so successful:

HOT JEAN GREY TENTACLE ACTION!


click here for the full view! NSFW!


Video: THE AMAZING FLYING WINGSUIT

Put on your Rocky The Flying Squirrel suit and jump off a cliff!



submitted by Tom Beland

A Question For All The Toy Enthusiasts In The Audience

Look, I think this premium-format Red Skull figure/statue from Sideshow Collectibles is well-done.

But it's a 20-inch figure of a guy in a friggin' full Nazi uniform. Smiling. Using a cigarette holder.


How do you display this in your house?

Do you group it with your Captain America stuff as to sort of cancel the Nazi elements out?

Do you pose your Cap figure so he's kicking the crap out of the Red Skull figure?

I'm all for proudly displaying your toys in the living room, but this particular one could lead to a faux-pas. Unless tastefully grouped with a bowl of fake fruit, or, say, your Indiana Jones premium format figure kicking the crap out of him.

The OS Hot Ten For 1/31/08

10. Catwoman Lip-Ripping Cat-Fight Cover


9. Batman: Rest In Peace?


8. Marjorie Satrapi


7. Spider-Bitch
6. Joe Quesada on Colbert Report



5. LEAVE TIGRA ALONE!!!!!!


4. Transformers Anniversary Ad: "They Were Always Real To Me"


3. Return Of Ambush Bug

(If only Ambush Bug had his own series on the Cartoon Network! *sigh*)

2. Y: The Last Issue / Season Four of "Lost"

(Picture of Matthew Fox barely trumps picture of the awesome Brian K. Vaughan)

1. The Return of Captain America



There it is, the Hot List
Let the debating begin...

Occasional Links: The Capdickery Edition

Capdickery:



Rags Morales: "I'm More Than Just Identity Crisis!"


New Nightwing artist Rags Morales laments to Newsarama about being pigeonholed as "that Identity Crisis guy":

"But I try to do better with every new project, so maybe you're seeing it like I feel everyone sees me -- as Identity Crisis. Please don't get me wrong, it's been a Godsend, and I loved what it's done for me. In some ways though, I feel like I may have failed the story a bit. That's something that kind of bug's me a little. I think most people don't think beyond that series when it comes to my work. I have a body of work, and there were some chances I took with Identity Crisis that I wouldn't want to do again, like the whole "casting" thing. From now on, I'm gonna think "character" instead of "who can play this character."

In Defense Of Tigra

Calvin Pitt writes:

"Bendis, please, stop writing about Tigra. I know Yu said she was gonna get a moment in the sun to make up for all the crap lately, but I have no faith in you to do right by the character. No faith whatsoever. If it was your pets, Luke Cage and Jessica Drew, then I might believe you were doing this with the purpose of showing what true heroes they are, and how they persevere. But since it's a character you've professed to hate, a character you have Edwin Jarvis, of all characters, calling an obscenity, I can't give you that benefit of the doubt (and we're gonna talk about that Jarvis thing tomorrow). Because you've given no indication you deserve it. The funny thing is, once upon a time (in Mexico) I wasn't prepared to buy that you did hate Tigra, thinking you just said that as a joke. I believe it now."

So what obscenity did Jarvis call Tigra, anyway? No cussing, please -- you can answer with the first letter and a dash and the word "word."



Tina Fey As "Tinkerbell"


From a Diesel Advertisement

She's a quirky, self-effacing fairy. Sexy because of her non-sexiness. Funny but like in this way that you don't really think she's funny, like you forgot she was funny.

Giving Tinabell a run for her money:



Meet "Duke" From "G.I. Joe"


Actor Channing Tatum has joined the 'G.I. Joe' team -- signing up to play Duke in the upcoming movie.

In other news, here is my pick to play "Zarana" --




Video: Super-FRIENDS