The Hot Comics Revue: Speculation Potion Number Nine

I hope anyone old or weird enough to get the vintage music joke in my headline enjoyed it. We're back with my occasional segment looking at comics that are gaining or have obtained a degree of popularity that they're, "Hot," and cost a degree more than cover-price. I have to, as always, give thanks to the crew at Comics Heating Up for helping me come up with this segment. They are the best website around for speculation on upcoming comic releases as well as offering news and tidbits on books that are out and may gain interest. Now then, let's talk about a comic that's warming-up, some red-hot stuff, and books featuring a character with steamy potential.

A Comic That Is Warming Up

Here's a title I never even heard of from an imprint I barely recognized. The book is, "Ball and Chain," and it is from Homage Studios. Homage studios was an imprint of sorts from Wildstorm when it was a part of Image and then became owned by DC when Jim Lee took Wildstorm to it. In other words, it was an imprint of an imprint at one point. As for, "Ball and Chain," it was a forgotten dollar bin book about a husband and wife who are having marital issues but then gain superpowers that only work when they are near each other. It suddenly is demanding $30-40 for the first issue, however, and $80-or-so for the whole four issue fun because it was announced how it was optioned with some big-name talent attached. Dwayne, "The Rock," Johnson and Emily Blunt are set to play the couple, and assuming the movie does get made (as opposed to struggling in development Hell forever), this book could become even more popular.

Some Red-Hot Titles

Ever since BOOM! Studios signed a deal with Netflix that allows almost any of their books (that weren't already optioned somewhere else) to be developed into movies and shows, many of their titles have gotten crazy-hot. "Black Badge," "Something is Killing the Children," and others all easily fetch $25 or more depending on the printing or variant, with some snatching-up over $100 such as the Peach Momoko cover for, "Red Mother." BOOM! Studios puts out some great reads, so I personally look forward to some hopefully snazzy adaptations.

Comics With Steamy Potential

The aforementioned Comics Heating Up and other sites have been sharing chatter about how it looks more and more likely that the Marvel Cinematic Universe will have a, "Nova," solo flick shortly. Rumors have abounded for years, with the debut of the Richard Rider version of the character--in solid condition--often demanding anywhere from $40-$100. A newer iteration of the character named Sam Alexander popped-up some years ago in, "Marvel Point One," #! (not to be confused with, "Marvel NOW! Point One," #1 as confusing as that sounds), and that book is quite reasonably priced in a range of $10-$20 for a near-mint copy. Whether we would see one or both of these versions of, "Nova,' remains to be seen, but each book or the one with the character who ends-up featured could appreciate quickly should an official announcement be made in the near future.

"Mad As Hell," is a Fantastic Book About the Amazing Movie, "Network."

"Mad As Hell," is a book that via a number of interviews and lots of research done by author Dave
 Itzkoff tells the story of, "Network." "Network," is a movie that when it came out in 1976 seemed absurdly far-fetched. It talked about a World where news divisions focused more on getting outlandish content and having popular hosts spouting controversial theories than telling the truth. It pictured a World where it was not so much politicians or countries that ran things, but major corporations who actually held the reins of our planet. Basically, "Network," predicted the future to a terrifying degree with one of the bleakest comedies you'll ever watch. Not that it lacks hilarity of fantastic quotes such as the famous, "I'm mad as Hell and I'm not going to take it anymore," which has been altered and used so much it would risk losing its vitality were it not so powerful.

Itzkoff has much of the book focus on the man who wrote, "Network," and spent much of its development and filming closely supervising it, Paddy Chayefsky. The first seeds of the idea all the way to it winning Academy Awards and then the aftermath and what, "Network," looks like when examined through the lens of the present day are covered skillfully. I've said for years how, "Network," is one of my favorite films and it is shocking how despite being over four decades old it only manages to become increasingly relevant and topical every year. Itzkoff's book provides a great deal of backstory, context, and plenty of fascinating facts. It's the perfect book for anyone who loves, "Network," and wants to know more nitty-gritty details about the flick and how it managed to foretell so much. The book actually came out back in 2014, but I got it as a holiday present some time ago and read through it in a couple days recently as it really caught my attention--I highly recommend it.
5 out of 5 stars.

Microsoft Showed Off Games for the Xbox Series X

You know who seems to be purposely coming up with bad console names lately? Microsoft. We all mocked Nintendo for a name like, "Wii," but then Microsoft followed-up the Xbox with the Xbox 360....which means you're back where you started. Then they made the Xbox One...which was the third despite the name. Now we've got what is tentatively called the Xbox Series X which makes me wonder where series A-W has been. with that said, Microsoft showed off some games via the internet (no big in-person event due to COVID-19) running the Xbox Series X technology with the disclaimer things an change, but that it was a general indicator.

Things of course looked really snazzy, and Microsoft tackled the tricky aspect of how many games will be on the previous generation console as well by offering the, "Smart Delivery," feature which a number of titles will have. Basically, if you buy a game for the Xbox One you'll be able to play the next-generation version once it is released for free. Not all companies are doing this, and some that are doing it a confusing manner, but it is a nice gesture for Microsoft and some companies to engage in. I don't play games as much--acquisition of a Nintendo Switch early in quarantine to try some titles out aside. Therefore, I'm not chomping at the bit for new fancy consoles, but its fun to see what the new tech can do. Now we just need to wonder what the future holds for the PlayStation 5 besides that ugly controller.

Marvel To Make Upcoming Issues of Certain Comics Digital-Only

In news that both makes sense but also is kind of annoying, Marvel is going to make some of their comics digital-only that have already been coming out. I understand making some lower-selling titles available solely as digital comics that are then later collected in physical form, and that happens often. A lot of the titles they announced this happening with have had physical issues already released, however.

If you wanted to read the 3rd issue of, "Ant-Man," or the 4th issue of, "Avengers of the Wasteland," as a floppy, you are now out of luck. You've gotta either buy the book digitally or wait for a collection. Also, I kind of get the vibe many of these books are going to get canceled shortly if this is happening (or some were already just mini-series, natch). This is pretty darn annoying and I also feel bad for comic stores that now will have customers who were reading certain books saying, "Where's my copy of, 'Hawkeye: Freefall' #5?" only to be told it can only be had digitally or in an eventual trade paperback collection.

Curiouser and curiouser.

I understand a lot of this probably comes as a reaction to COVID-19 and how it shut-down the comic industry for a bit of time. I also see how Marvel may not want to flood comic-stores with books either whilst also wanting some titles to come out and generate money/reader interest before they start shipping books again the 27th (general shipping resumes the 20th but Marvel ain't ready till a week later). Still, I wonder how much this indicates what the future could hold for titles from Marvel too in regards to more books being digital-only before getting collected? Many things to ponder.

News and Links for May 2020 With Minimal Depressing Content

It Might Be May

Because 2020 just couldn't help itself the big topic for May (besides the ongoing concern of COVID-19) is what folk casually refer to as, "Murder Hornets. Let's try to avoid how much horrifically depressing stuff is going on and instead enjoy some fun bits of news and links, sound good?

Read These Things (or Don't, Whatever You Like)

Comic publisher Northwest Press is going to help people celebrate pride this June by mailing-out, "Pride Postcards," with all kinds of awesome artwork by creators. You can give the Kickstarter campaign for it a gander here.

Samii and I found Netflix's show, "Too Hot to Handle," to be dumb fun. I'm all for a, "Virtual reunion,' episode whilst waiting for a new season to be possible in a hopefully post-pandemic world.

Two video-game companies, THQ Nordic and Koch Media, traded some of their IPs to one another, with this news catching my eye as one IP was, "Red Faction," which had some awesome and miserable games. I am curious if this shuffling of rights between companies indicates plans for anything to be rebooted. Dare I assume we will get a new X-rated rip-off of, "The Sims," in the form of, "Singles: Flirt Up Your Life?"

I was a big fan of the first American Genre Film Archive's, "Mystery Mixtape," they released for just 99 cents (or you could donate more). They did a second one and now a third just came out too. I'd recommend giving them all a viewing!

I quite liked the comic, "Wyrd," and considered it one of the funniest reads of 2019. Comicsbeat just posted an interview with the book's artist, Antonio Fuso, and he mentions there will be more news on, "Wyrd,' in the future, so that excites me!

This article reviewing the early access/still-in-development game, "Lumberjack Dynstasy," makes taking down trees sound a lot more full of intrigue and mystery than you might assume.

Birdcage Bottom Books puts out some stellar indie titles and currently has a 50% off sale going for a number of their anthology books as long as you use the code HALFANTHOLOGIES at check-out to buy such awesome reads as, "Bottoms Up!" "Cringe," and, "Digestate."

In interesting news, long-running drama-thriller, "The Blacklist," is going to air its half-filmed season finale by doing the scenes that weren't complete in an animated graphic-novel style. That sounds snazzy and immediately makes me think of the classic, "Max Payne," games.

Quibi has had a rough time lately. Besides new episodes of the stellar, "Reno 911!" it has minimal interesting content, allegedly was taking privacy data to sell it shouldn't have (while claiming it was a glitch) and now Quibi is being sued for possibly ripping-off its, "Turnstyle," tech from another company. I've been fascinated by the service as something that had some clever ideas but seems to have botched almost everything since launch. At this rate, I doubt Qubi will exist by next year.

Enjoy the (Hopefully) Good Weather Responsibly!

I hope you enjoyed all or some of the bits of information I provided today. If the weather is nice where you are, go out and enjoy it, but make sure to still practice social distancing and otherwise be safe.

Television Tuesday: "Westworld," Season 3 Has Finished, It Was Alright

In the end, season 3 of, "Westworld," was disorganized but entertaining, with amazing actors and great technical effects and atmosphere compensating for a so-so plot. In other words, it was, "Westworld." In all seriousness, however, I am one of those people who think the 2nd season was amazing (I liked the first season a lot too, of course, but season 2 was better) and I've always enjoyed the amazing talent on this show (Jeffery Wright, Evan Rachel Wood, Ed Harris, Thandie Newton, a Hemsworth brother, Tessa Thompson, Anthony Hopkins in earlier seasons and even more great folk), but season 3 was a bit lacking and seemed all too impressed with itself.

When I say Westworld seemed too impressed/pleased with itself I refer to its tendency of liking to reveal a twist and act like its some Earth-shattering revelation--everyone is so shocked--when those of us actually watching at home just kind of mumble, "Okay," with vague interest. The last episode of this season was basically a lot of, "The Westworld Affectation," as I call it. We see the last Dolores copy, we learn Serac (Vincent Cassel) has been a willing puppet of Rehoboam, Dolores actually wants to exterminate humanity, no she actually wants to set it free, Caleb (Aaron Paul) knows her from his time in the park as a military recruit, Dolores wanted to be absorbed by Rehoboan all along, et cetera, et cetera.

Someone as good as Vincent Cassel ended-up a bit wasted on this show,
but many actors are better than the material on, "Westworld."

Past seasons of Westworld usually had a stand-out episode or two, but season 3 lacked that, it just had some great moments--ones that were mostly affectation-free. Bernard meeting his human predecessor's wife (played by Gina Torres who also portrayed her way back in season 1) for real (when he, "Was," Arnold) actually really got to me, as his dementia-stricken wife vaguely recalled him (as Arnold) and the heartbreaking loss of their son. I don't know what about it made me tear-up other than how it's so well-acted and a moment of genuine emotion in a show that often can be as lacking in feeling as a robot (no offense meant towards the show's hosts, of course).

As for other moments that really grab watchers, the penultimate episode with Ed Harris as the Man In Black/William facing all the versions of himself in an alternate-reality therapy program and going way against the program and killing them was a hoot too. Frankly, Ed Harris has always made William a much more interesting character than he has any right to be--a lesser actor would make the lack of actual characterization for William quite apparent. "Westworld," seems to know this as even though it seemingly kills William in the post-credits scene, there's a robotic version lined-up and ready to wreak havoc too.

"So...where do go with all this in Season 4?"

Besides some stand-out moments, like the ones above and a couple others (the sex-club fight scene set to an orchestral version of The Weeknd's, "Wicked Things," for another example) it was a fun show with the highest-quality production, but a lack of much content that only manages to be as good as it is thanks to an amazing cast, stellar atmosphere, and those little moments that hint how the show could be more...before it falls victim to its aforementioned, "Westworld Affectation." I thought season 2 had enough ingenious bits to be one of my shows of the year of 2018. Season 3 was good, but I can already tell you this ain't making any best of the year lists for me for 2020. "Westworld," was renewed recently for season 4 and I am legitimately curious where it could go. Hopefully, whatever it does we'll get some James Marsden. I missed him this season.
3.5 out of 5 stars (for the entire season).

Peter Weber Finally Did Something Smart

As they video chat during quarantine they look...happy? Wow!

When Peter Weber's season of, "The Bachelor," was happening I wrote about just how terrible he was at everything. He kept mistaking dysfunctional behavior as, "Passion," and thought unless his relationships constantly had a crisis he needed to fix there was a lack of chemistry. He sent home the most mature, reasonable, and least-likely-to-murder-him-in-a-rage woman, Kelley when she was in the remaining 5. He ended-up choosing Madison to the chagrin of everyone (his Mother, especially) and then they broke up less than 48 hours after the finale. It was an entertaining mess and Clare Crowley's season is on hold for now due to COVID-19 so the only, "Bachelor," content we have is a weird spin-off featuring amateur singers who hope to find love and fame. Just when you would have thought we were done with Peter, however, he went and...actually did something smart?

Yes, my friends, Peter Weber and Kelley Flanagan seem to be dating, and happy/not constantly fighting. It seems Peter finally realized that maybe the woman who pointed out a relationship can be, "Easy and fun," with just the occasional difficult discussion as opposed to a constant battle of emotions with brief respites of peace eventually got through to ol' Pete, it just took some months after his season for a bit of sense to get drilled into his noggin. It is a nice epilogue to the whole ordeal that was his season.

COVID-19 Ruined Plans for a Warren Ellis Comic Imprint and I'm Peeved About That

Warren Ellis is one of my favorite writers around of comic-books, novels, and now hit-television shows about Dracula getting mad at extremist-Christians for murdering his science-practicing wife. Ellis has made more stellar comics than one can list, although I've always been mostly partial to his really weird, "Deep-cut," works like his stuff for Avatar Press as well as his seminal-but-short run on, "Moon Knight." Ellis has been doing a lot more book and television work lately, but in his latest, "Orbital Operations," newsletter (which you really should subscribe to) he reveals that there were actually plans in place for a comic-book imprint curated by him. However, as with so many other things COVID-19 has ruined, that has withered and died as brutally as my dream of riding a three-humped camel someday. Although that isn't COVID-19's fault so much as they are so rare it is all but impossible for me to ever ride one. I'll have to be content with only having ridden camels with one hump and two humps--but I digress.

As Ellis puts it, " I was building my very own imprint at a comics publisher, but the lockdown and the general fuckery of trusting your exclusive distribution in comics shops and bookstores to a single entity who immediately upon lockdown announced that they weren't paying anybody pretty much put paid to that and the serial print comics business." He follows this with, "I considered it my last chance to make any kind of impact in the comics medium, after a career I think we can consider solidly middling at best.  But, the thing is, you have to be okay with letting that stuff go." He goes on to say sometimes things just happen and there is little you can do. I'd argue his comic-book career is far beyond, "Middling," but the man clearly expects the best from himself, which is admirable and humble in its own way.

I'm am hot-pissed that COVID-19 ruined our chances of getting a comic imprint with works written by and closely attend to by Warren Ellis. That would have been just awesome, and whatever publisher this fell apart with has earned my wrath...although we may never know which publisher it was so I guess my wrath just has to kind of float in the ether without a specific target. In summary, this news sucks and is yet another of million or so examples of things ruined by COVID-19.

The Saturday Free Comic Book Day Didn't Happen

Today was the first Saturday in May. That generally means it is Free Comic Book Day. However, FCBD was cancelled this year/postponed to maybe happen in the Fall. It is a bummer, but people need to be safe in the face of the COVID-19 risk. Packing a comic store full of folks is just not a good idea right now--despite some states loosening their lockdowns alarmingly too soon considering how bad infection rates still are. I miss FCBD, but I always want everyone healthy. I hope sometime in the near future we can have FCBD and be safe.

Nicotine-Infused Toothpicks Are Apparently a Thing

I kicked-off May by going to the gas station and filling-up my car. Between hand-sanitizing breaks to reduce the risk of COVID-19, I noticed a sign for Pixotine, which are nicotine-infused toothpicks. As if 2020 was not bizarre enough, you now can chew on toothpicks infused with nicotine advertised as a good replacement for those who need a nicotine fix as well as something to fulfill an oral-fixation need provided by actually having a cigarette in one's mouth. I get the logic, but man this World is getting weird as 2020 rolls on (yes, these have been around a while, but they're just now getting popular).

Jeremy Glass of Thrillist is a former smoker who was curious how well Pixotine would help with his cravings and found them surprisingly powerful. I guess it is good to have another smoking alternative that is safer than vaping and serves the same purpose as nicotine gum, I still can't get over how odd the whole thing sounds. 2020, man, we aren't even halfway done and it has been surreal.