Alan Rapp

The Intrepids #3

/ / Comics

the-intrepids-3-coverThe series has given us killer cyber-bears and a trained battalion of baboons, but with the third issue The Intrepids starts to give us something new – a few answers.

We learn a little more about Dante, the inventor who over the years has taken in these four youngsters, genetically enhanced them, and forged them into his own team of operatives. There is some definite distrust among the ranks. The flashbacks we’re given shine some light on Dante’s past associations. It seems he has more than a passing knowledge of the mad scientists he sends his Intrepids to stop, and his motivations may not be as pure as he’s let on.

Part Oliver Twist, part spy thriller, and with more than a little in common with Dark Horse’s The Umbrella Academy, The Intrepids is a fun read with a little more going on under the surface than you first might assume.

The series does capture the feeling of family between the group members, although a uniquely dysfunctional one. With only three more issues left, I think I’ll stick around to see how things turn out. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

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Kung Fu Panda #1

/ / Comics

kung-fu-panda-1-coverOkay, let’s get this out of the way first. I adored Kung Fu Panda. Those without my love the property might not enjoy this one as much as I did, but then again, if you didn’t like the movie why would you be willing to shell out $4 for the comic?

With the film’s sequel only a couple of week’s away from hitting theaters Ape Entertainment has released a new four-issue mini-series centered around the adventures of Po and the Furious Five. I’ve never read a comic put out by Ape, but this one is worth a look.

Issue #1 finds Po and the Furious Five accidently locked in an impenetrable prison. It takes all of their combined skill to escape, with a little funny thrown in. The issue also includes a so-so back-up story involving Master Croc and his legendary victory over 173 assassins.

I enjoyed the issue which seems geared more to children and young adults, but I do have a bone to pick with the publisher for the $4 price-tag which makes it at least a dollar (if not two) too expensive for its main audience. Worth a look.

[Ape Entertainment, $3.95]

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Moon Knight #1

/ / Comics

moon-knight-1-coverMarc Spector has been around the Marvel Universe since 1975. As Moon Knight the former mercenary turned agent of vengeance turned super-hero has had (to put it kindly) limited success.

With the rejuvenated Moon Knight now part of the Secret Avengers the time seemed appropriate to get Moon Knight back into his own series. And who better to do so than Brian Michael Bendis? Although far from the unbelievable reinterpretation of the character Marvel’s marketing department would have us believe, the first issue is solid.

Specter has relocated to Los Angeles (making him the West Coast Avenger?) and is using his past as the basis for the hottest action-adventure to hit television this week. He’s also tasked with a new assignment by Captain America, Spider-Man and Wolverine – find out who’s behind the rise in super-villain activity on the West Coast.

Moon Knight’s adventure sees him go toe-to-toe with Mr. Hyde and reveals the fact that Specter’s mental problems aren’t as sorted out as some of his teammates would like to believe.

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Blue Valentine

/ / Home Video
  • Title: Blue Valentine
  • IMDB: link

blue-valentine-blu-raySome couples shouldn’t stay together. That’s the basic message behind Blue Valentine from writer/director Derek Cianfrance which stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams trapped in the painful end of a marriage which should have never happened.

Through flashbacks we’re shown their shy beginnings and the events which rush the couple into an all-too-quick marriage. The effects of this are all to obvious on the current state of their relationship.

I liked the film enough to sneak it onto my Best Movies of 2010 list. Williams and Gosling carry the film with a pair of strong performances of two people going through the motions of a doomed love affair which should have ended years ago.

Available on both Blu-ray and DVD the extras include deleted scenes, a making of the film featurette, and commentary with Cianfrance and editor Jim Helton.

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