Saturday, June 27, 2009

I.M.O Review: Mr. Stuffins #3 (BOOM! Studios) By Eddie R



Not just full of fluff.

In this day and age, when everyone is fearful of big brother watching over their shoulder, and the triumphs and pitfalls of technological advancement seem to be in the news every day, it’s not hard to imagine how a simple computerized children’s toy could be turned into a possible weapon. Usually Artificial intelligence is portrayed as being soulless, cold, and very calculating. I am glad to say that Mr. Stuffins #3 by BOOM! Studios show us that anyone can override their basic programming, and become something much more in the end.




Now for a bit of back story: Mr. Stuffins used to be a run-of- the- mill interactive toy teddy bear, until he accidentally gets installed with an experimental artificial intelligence, granting him the abilities of some of the world’s most deadly spies and assassins. Now I bet your wondering what does this A.I. do to Mr. Stuffins exactly? Well, it basically turns him into a kind of furry Dirty Harry. But appearances can be deceiving. I mean yes Mr. Stuffins might be gruff, tough, and an excellent shot, but he pulls it all off while still looking cute. Now that’s my kind of toy.

As the story progresses, Mr. Stuffins soon realizes he needs to protect Zack, the boy who recently bought him from the local toy store, from the bad guys who are on the hunt for Mr. Stuffins , and the missing A.I. disc. Along the way, Mr. Stuffins, Zack, and the rest of Zack’s family discover that they are all much more than what they seem, and what they are truly capable of accomplishing.

What really surprised me about this book was how the A.I had given Mr. Stuffins such a strict moral code. Whether or not this is a by product of the bears original programming merging with the A.I is hard to tell. The scientist who created the A.I mentions at the end of the book how he intended it to be used to help people, and in the end, you can see how much Mr.Stuffins cares for Zack, and vice-versa. This is especially true when Mr. Stuffins goes and sacrifices himself in order to save Zack’s family. But this saving goes much deeper than a simple rescue from the bad guys. I must admit it’s very rare I get emotionally touched by a book, but this one did it to me at the end. And I am glad for it.

This book is one where there is something for everyone to enjoy, making reading the series an experience to be shared, or read as a guilty pleasure. I would have to say I personally fall into the second category.

9/10

On sale July 1st

Eddie R
Review Co- Editor
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Comic Explosion G.I. JOE Movie Adaptation #1 (IDW Comics) Review by Oliver C.



Official G.I. Joe Rise of the Cobra Movie Adaptation #1 IDW

Action packed and loaded!

I never read any of the old G.I. Joe comics nor watched the TV. show but I am excited to see the new movie one on top of that: to read the rest of the comics.




This comic starts off slow, with talk about a new weapon to make war ‘safer’ and it slowly introduces a few characters. While a package is being transported and protected by a special elite nato unit, enemies attack and try to steal it. This is where it gets good. Neck breaking, sword slicing, and lots and lots of explosions. Not to mention the very sexy Ana.

The action in this really seemed to explode from the pages, and the characters were instantly part of me. Almost everything in this comic was well done. In the beginning I was just utterly confused. I seemed to get distracted and bored. I did know that these boring parts were crucial for the rest of the book, if I didn't read the first half I wouldn't understand the other.

Ill say it once more: The killing and explosions were awesome! The many things going on make you look over the frames more than once. This issue #1 of G.I. Joe really seems to promise a good series about to unfold.

The story moves along quickly and it’s not at all hard to follow. The artwork is nice (as always) and a beautifully done front cover. If you ever read or watched the old G.I. Joe comics/cartoons I can’t tell you if this comic here is anything compared to the original. But for those of you who are hoping to get this comic and learn about G.I. Joe for the first time I recommend this.

This is no better or worse than a normal comic book, nor is it very exciting or suspenseful. But remember: it’s only the first issue, and it will get better. I liked it, and I would like to read more to come.

7.5/10

On sale July 1st.

Oliver C.
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DC Universe Classics Figures Batman vs. Clayface 2-Pack




Batman vs. Clayface Is Finally Here!

After months of waiting, the awesome DC Universe Classics Figures Batman vs. Clayface 2-Pack is here! In it, you'll get a giant Batman figure and an even bigger Clayface. Batman is splattered in mud, while Clayface is a huge pile of it. He's pretty gross, but also an example of some of Mattel's finest work. Only a limited number were produced, so order yours before it melts away!


DC Universe Classics Figures Batman vs. Clayface 2-Pack
Description:

* Expand your DC universe!
* 7-inch scale Batman and Clayface Action Figures.
* Classic heroes and villains.
* Brilliant colors, tons of detail, and plenty of articulation!

Save the world (and your collection) with the ever-popular heroes and villains in this series! From Mattel and the DC Universe, this exciting batch of 7-inch scale action figures features brilliant colors, tons of detail, and plenty of articulation. Don't miss out on this exceptional assortment!

This amazing 2-pack of action figures includes:
1x Batman
1x Clayface

Collect them all!

Batman vs. Clayface Is Finally Here!


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Rudy's Realm: Dead Run #2 (Boom Studios)



Dead Run #2

Nick Masters has problems. Never mind the fact that he lives in a post apocalyptic United States, he's learned to make due by being the best courier around, but when a delivery to a crime lord named Kane got botched that's when things get interesting, he now has 24 hours to save his sister before Kane gets satisfaction one way or another.




When Nick's best route of travel gets turned into a new Grand Canyon he and his reluctant passenger Becki try to hide from a horde of mutant attackers but are quickly discovered. Nick defends them before an even lager gang descends and it's through teamwork that they narrowly escape. As they enter the Zone, they make use of Nick's armor plated car to crash through a barrier setting off a landmine and even more problems for Masters.

Dead Run reads like a comic book version of Mad Max, Cherry 2000 and Total Recall with it's grizzled survivor, companions being as different as night and day and various mutant population but all these elements mesh well together to create a story that entertains the guts and gore crowd as well as action fans. Personally, my favorite part was one of the quieter moments with a small argument over someone and it's that human interaction I enjoyed most. Andrew Crosby and Michael Alan Nelson's writing style compliment each other and Francesco Biagini's art is a good fit as well.

8/10
Rudy T.
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IDW Releases Week of July 1, 2009



Here's a preview of what's coming out from IDW.


American McGee’s Grimm #3
Dwight MacPherson (w) • Grant Bond (a & c)
Episode 3: Strap on your chaps and ten-gallon hats—Grimm’s in the western comic book world! The dead walk the streets of Gravestone as resurrected outlaw Thumbless Jack Hammer squares off against Sheriff Sam Sixshooter in a showdown at high noon. It’s a fight the sheriff always wins… but this time Jack’s got a Grimm ace up his sleeve!




Angel: After the Fall #23
Brian Lynch (w) • Franco Urru (a) • Franco Urru, Nick Runge (c)
Since returning from Hell, Gunn has lain incapacitated, near death. Looking over him is Illyria, torn by a need to make him pay for his crimes and a compulsion to protect him. But what will she do when a threat from the pages of Spike: After the Fall causes them both to evaluate whether it’s better to be good… or evil?




Doctor Who Classics: Series 2 #8
Steve Parkhouse (w & a) • Parkhouse and Charlie Kirchoff (c)
IDW’s newly recolored reprints of classic Doctor Who tales from years past continues. In this issue, the first three chapters of the classic tale, “The Stockbridge Horror,” starring the Fifth Doctor, by Steve Parkhouse. Featuring all-new colors by Charlie Kirchoff.




G.I. Joe Movie Adaptation #1 (of 4)
Denton J. Tipton (w) • Casey Maloney (a) • Maloney (c)
The smash-hit movie begins here in part one of this special weekly series! You want to know what the characters look like? How they translate to the big screen? What Cobra’s evil plans are? Then you MUST BUY THIS BOOK! In stores July 1!




Classic G.I. Joe, Vol. 4
Larry Hama (w) • Frank Springer, Rod Whigham (a) • J. Scott Campbell (c)
The original Marvel Comics adventures of America’s elite special-mission force continues in this forth collection! Snake Eyes takes leave at him mountain retreat but is ambushed, though he’s not the only one injured in the melee… Billy turns out to be Cobra Commander’s son, and much more!


G.I. Joe Comic Book Picture Book: We Are G.I. Joe
Andy Schmidt (w) • Diego Jourdan (a/c)
Learn about what makes G.I. JOE the go-to team when a hero is needed in this picture book for young readers! Specially written and illustrated for developing readers, "We Are G.I. JOE" will delight and captivate a whole new generation of JOE fans.


Locke & Key: Head Games #6
Joe Hill (w) • Gabriel Rodriguez (a & c)
“Backstory.” Ellie Whedon is many things: loyal mother, tough coach, embittered daughter, lost soul, Dodge's prisoner and unwilling accomplice. But above all she's a threat to Dodge's safety, the one person who knows the truth about him, and it's time for him to do something about it. Step into Ellie Whedon's tormented memories, and find out how Dodge wound up in that well, in the shattering final issue of the Head Games arc!



The Art of Michael Parkes II
John Russell Taylor (w) • Michael Parkes (a & c)
The celebrated work of artist Michael Parkes is collected in this second hardcover volume, updated with additional artworks and featuring special chapters of sculptures—more than any other Parkes book—and never-before-seen drawings.


Star Trek Omnibus, Vol. 2: The Early Voyages
Dan Abnett, Ian Edginton (w) • Patrick Zircher, Mike Collins, Javier Pulido (a) • Zach Howard (c)
Originally published by Marvel Comics, Early Voyages takes place ten years before Kirk’s five-year mission, showcasing the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike and his team aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. This 17-issue series is collected in its entirety in this massive Star Trek volume!


Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan #3
Andy Schmidt (w) • Chee Yang Ong (a) • Chee (c)
The action-packed movie concludes in the final issue of this three-part, bi-weekly extravaganza! Kirk versus Khan to the death!




Classic Transformers, Vol. 4 TPB
Bob Budiansky, Simon Furman (w) • Jose Delbo, Jim Fern, Geoff Senior (a)
Presenting IDW’s fourth volume of vintage Transformers lore. This collection includes issues #47-61 of the original Marvel series. Enjoy the four-part “The Underbase Saga,” as well as stories like “The Man Machine,” “King Con,” and “Primal Scream!”


Transformers Spotlight: Metroplex
Andy Schmidt (w) • Marcelo Matere (a) • Matere, Guido Guidi (c)
Six Shot, the most feared Decepticon in the known galaxy is on the hunt—and the Throttlebots are his prey! When they land on a remote planet and find a deserted city, they find that despite appearances, they are not alone. METROPLEX IS REVEALED—but is the transforming city friend or foe? Features two covers, one a wraparound by Marcelo Matere!


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