Alan Rapp

Red Sonja #1

/ / Comics

Red Sonja #1Red Sonja is a hard character to get right. Much like with Thor or Wonder Woman, writers can often get bogged down in the mythology and miss the sheer kick-assery and fun inherent to the character. Although I don’t think this first issue of the new series is great, Gail Simone gets the character better than most and there’s certainly enough here for me come back to see where things go from here.

The comic begins with the armies of King Dimath’s victory over Zamora and the freeing of two female gladiators kept in the dungeons, one of whom is quite distinguishable for her bright red hair. Months later Red Sonja is summoned back to Dimath whose lands are being hit by both plague and a bloodthirsty enemy ready to overwhelm his empire.

Although you don’t expect the comic to start off with Sonja as the victim, the set-up provides ample insensitive for the She-Devil with a Sword to fight to the death for an impossible cause. Walter Geovani has drawn the character before and his art fits the tone of Simone’s new tale.

…

Red Sonja #1Read More »

Red Sonja #1 Read More »

Nova #6

/ / Comics

Nova #6Nova #6 marks Sam‘s return home from his battle with Titus and fighting the Phoenix Force with the Avengers (which the comic alludes to but doesn’t explain for those of us not reading whatever Avengers title this took place in). With an offer to join the Avengers and a new personal relationship with Thor, Nova returns home to a very concerned mother, school bullies, and the consequences of leaving his life behind for weeks at a time.

Zeb Wells does a pretty job stepping in for Jeph Loeb and keeping the tone and humor of the title consistent with the previous issues. Although I like Paco Medina’s art (even if Sam appears to be a tad bit older for some reason) I’m definitely going to miss Ed McGuinness whose work on the first arc of the series did quite a bit to sell me on the character.

There’s some nice moments here between Sam and his mother as well as the foreshadowing of just how screwed up the young man’s life will become the longer he plays super-hero. It’s a nice issue, but it’s certainly not a must-read. For fans.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Nova #6 Read More »

The Newsroom – The Genoa Tip

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: The Newsroom – The Genoa Tip
  • tv.com: link

“There’s a difference between reporting a story and advocating for a cop killer.”

The Newsroom - The Genoa Tip

As Jim (John Gallagher Jr.) continues his slog on the road with Romney campaign several news stories, and lots of Maggie (Alison Pill) craziness, hit the News Night studios. First, ACN leans that U.S. Military drones were used to target and kill American born Islamic terrorist Anwar Al-Awlaki which leads to MacKenzie (Emily Mortimer) pressuring Will (Jeff Daniels) to take a hard look at the White House’s terrorism policies. Will also has to fend off Don (Thomas Sadoski), whose nine-year obsession with the conviction of Troy Davis boils over on the eve of the Supreme Court hearing arguments to stay his execution for the murder of a police officer.

…

The Newsroom – The Genoa TipRead More »

The Newsroom – The Genoa Tip Read More »

Supergirl #22

/ / Comics

Supergirl #22With Krypton gone and her place on Earth uncertain, Kara searches for a new safe harbor while still feeling the effects of the Kryptonite poisoning that is slowly killing her. This leads her to I’noxia, a planet of near infinite possibilities which can recreate anything based on a person’s memories – even Krypton.

Although Kara has mixed feelings at bringing her home, mother, and friends back to life with a simple thought she has to admit to feeling at peace for the first time since leaving Krypton. However, she soon discovers what the Cyborg-Superman wants in return for her shiny new life and must admit she’s got pretty bad taste is men (especially those offering her a return to her homeworld).

Whereas most of New 52 Superman titles still feel a bit off as the character on display still hasn’t grown into the iconic Man of Steel, I’ve enjoyed the Supergirl issues I’ve read. They haven’t quite grabbed my attention to add it to my pull-list every month, but in the gritty New 52 Kara’s humor, self-deprecation, and willingness to not take herself too seriously is a welcome salve. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

Supergirl #22 Read More »

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Parasitica

/ / Television Reviews
  • Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Parasitica
  • tv.com: link

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Parasitica

After returning from a battle with a mutated giant parasitic wasp in a secret Kraang lab, the Turtles become concerned with Leonardo‘s (Jason Biggs) increasingly bizarre behavior and obsession with the wasp’s egg which he insists on carrying back to the lair after being stung by the mother. When both of his other brothers fallen under the sway of the unborn wasp as well, it falls on Michelangelo (Greg Cipes) to finish Donatello‘s (Rob Paulsen) anti-toxin and save all three of his brothers before the wasp hatches.

…

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – ParasiticaRead More »

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Parasitica Read More »