Blog Archives
Heroes and Villains – Reviewing Recent Comics 7-12-2017
This time on Heroes and Villains, we’ll be looking at a variety of comics out this week and last, from a variety of genres. Meet me after the jump for my thoughts on Divided States of Hysteria #2, Golden Voices: Frank Sinatra, Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern #6, War for the Planet of the Apes #1, Mage: The Hero Denied #0, Groo: Play of the Gods #1, Youngblood #3, and Back Issue #98… be warned, there may be spoilers… and a mature content warning as well…
Your Next AMC Series Begins With “Briggs Land #1” On The Wednesday Run
It’s no short list of comic book properties that have been optioned into films or television shows in the last few years.
Some of the monthly books that we love to read, highlighted in this very column, have made the “optioned” list: Matt Kindt’s Mind MGMT, Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s Descender and Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta’s Outcast (already renewed for a second season and regularly reviewed by Biff Bam Pop’s Marie Gilbert) are the first few that come to mind.
The entertainment industry is looking for new, exciting properties, and comic books are fertile grounds. It’s no big secret.
Well, today sees the release of the first issue of a new series that has already been put into production – this time from AMC.
Talk about hitting the fast track!!
Today, we get the absolutely hard-hitting and fascinating Briggs Land #1!
Amanda Blue Can Hardly “Finish the Song” in the Latest Episode of Preacher
With one episode left in its first season, Preacher ties up a few loose ends this week, though while answering some big questions it seems to be asking some even bigger ones.
We learn Cassidy is still as alive as ever, though in rough shape to say the least. His condition seems to have brought out a new side in Emily, who up until now has basically been a useless and annoying character as far as I’m concerned. At least she has good taste in movies and finally DID something. (Sorry Miles, but you were also useless and annoying.) Read the rest of this entry
From High Upon The Pulpit Comes “Absolute Preacher Vol. 1” On The Wednesday Run
“Oh shit. I have to buy a third copy.”
Those were the words uttered by an anonymous friend (and unnamed contributor to this site) after a recent enjoyable Saturday morning breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, hash browns, buttered toast, multiple cups of black coffee and chit chat and laughs about swear words, school graduation tickets for parents of tweens, Alan Moore’s penchant for perversity, an incredible Euro run by Wales, and, most importantly to this particular paragraph and the dialogue listed directly above it, today’s release of the “Absolute” version of Preacher.
You see, there are Preacher fans out there. Hardcore Preacher fans.
It’s one of the quintessential Vertigo Comics series from when Vertigo Comics was relevant. It’s held up there with high esteem right beside Sandman, early Hellblazer and Doom Patrol.
The series changed the way people thought about how stories were told in comics, for God’s sake. And I don’t use the word “God” glibly. I mean literally.
Today sees the release of Absolute Preacher Vol. #1. And if you don’t know much about it, you need to find out.
The “South Will Rise Again” and So Will Amanda Blue’s Spirits with Episode 5 of Preacher
To be honest, after last week’s episode (“Monster Swamp”) I was not looking forward to watching Episode 5 last night. I wasn’t in the mood for more disappointment, more distance between me and characters that have meant so much to me for so many years. But I have to say, though Preacher the show is still not as loyal to the books as I (and many others) feel it could/should be, last night’s episode renewed my faith. Well, maybe not renewed it, but replaced my lack of it with a new kind. I think I’m mostly back on board this wild emotional roller coaster because I think I can see now where it’s headed. Maybe it’s not a place we know, but maybe it’s still a place we’d be ok ending up. I have some hunches. Let me explain.
Exploring “The Possibilities” of Watching PREACHER For What It Is
When Preacher‘s pilot first aired, I’m sure my relief at it not being completely god-awful played a part in how much I loved it. It was excellent, certainly, but my hesitance and low expectations made it easy for me to be an instant fan. Now that we’re three episodes in and that newly in-love haze has begun to fade, I feel like I can finally be a little bit more critical and see the show for what it is – not just for what it isn’t.
Marie Gilbert Reviews Robert Kirkman’s Outcast
I’m a big fan of Robert Kirkman and have the honor of doing the weekly reviews of AMC’s The Walking Dead here at Biff Bam Pop! Kirkman has a new show on Cinemax and like TWD, Outcast is based on his comic book series of the same name from Image. While TWD deals with the ever shuffling walkers, Outcast deals with possession. Are demons scarier than walkers? Grab your holy water and find out after the jump. Read the rest of this entry
Amanda Blue reviews Preacher S01 E02: See
Well I was hoping to keep these reviews relatively spoiler-free, and I’ll still do my best, but there’s no way to discuss Preacher’s second episode without going into some detail. The opening scene made my eyes bulge and caused me to unwillingly gasp out a gigantic “HOLY SH*T!” of pure excitement. If you were watching last night and have read the comics, I’m sure your reaction was damn near identical to mine.
Finally, one of the biggest questions/concerns/fears of who would be included and excluded from the series has been answered: The Saint of Killers is with us. Personally, I couldn’t be more relieved to see him (portrayed by Graham McTavish), although his backstory seems to have been shortened for TV and the love story between him and his wife downplayed considerably. The basics (sick daughter, Ratwater, scalping of Native Americans) are present and I’m hoping The Saint’s character and story are shown the respect and done the justice they deserve. If not, longtime fans of the original series may just raise hell.
The Gobbledygeek Podcast Discusses Matt Wagner’s Grendel
The Biff Bam Pop! Podcast Network presents Gobbledygeek featuring hosts Paul Smith and AJ Wiley and focusing on a variety of entertainment subjects, with our hosts and special guests frequently discussing films, comics, and television.
This week, AJ and Paul continue their Four-Color Flashback coverage of the independent comics phenomenon that is and was Matt Wagner’s Grendel. See and hear more after the jump.
31 Days of Horror 2015: October’s #1 Hit Shows: American Horror Story and The Walking Dead
For many people, October means fall weather, Halloween costumes and pumpkin patches. Yeah, that stuff is fun, but for me, the month of October is the return of two of my favorite shows. What will we be seeing on “American Horror Story: Hotel,” and what is happening with our favorite lawman, Rick Grimes, on “The Walking Dead“? Sing a few lines of Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” and follow me. Read the rest of this entry
