Into the Longbox

I realize I've talked about nothing but Marvel Comics since I started this blog. You must be thinking, "Why won't you talk about DC comics, you hater? It's Marvel this and Marvel that". Maybe you didn't say that, but I hear you anyway. That's why I'm going to talk about another company that's near and dear to my heart... Archie Comics! I'll spare my personal history with Archie Comics. All I will say is that they are my guilty pleasure and one of the first series of comics I got into when I was a kid. They are one of my go to reads when I'm feeling down. So I have an attachment that will always be there. Also, the answer to the eternal question is always Betty. You know what the question is, so don't act like you don't. Anyways, a company that has been around for seventy five years and has stories that have felt like they're seventy years too old have been one of the more daring, progressive companies out there. The cynic in...

This is the End...for NOW. With Fantastic Four #645, one of Marvel's longest running series comes to a tragic end. I won't get into all the business reasons because they are various and frustratingly stupid. They extend past the obligatory "The book doesn't sell good enough". Instead, I'd rather reflect on why I find it sad. Like my other posts, this may be a little long, but I will attempt to rein myself in. When I got into comic books in the early nineties, I was a huge X-men fan. That sustained me for years until I got to the point that my insatiable appetite for new comic books led me to the FF. I had watched their half-assed cartoon and knew the origin of the characters. I had even encountered them during the big events (Infinity War, Infinity Crusade) because they were always a crucial part. However, I never read their solo title. There was a big sale at my local comic book store and I used this as the opportunity to branch out. To say I got ...

Since writing my thoughts on Age of Ultron, there were a few more thoughts that have been rattling around in my brain that I forgot to mention in my long (sorry!) post. I'll keep this short and sweet. Below are just more of my musings on the film: They mentioned Wakanda and had Ulysses Klaw! These are direct references to the Black Panther, one of my favorite characters in all of comics. I squealed with girlish glee. Maybe it was where I was sitting, but the movie seemed dark. Yeah, maybe I was sitting too close. I loved all the cameos. Seeing War Machine have some good moments was awesome. They've done a good job of integrating this cinematic universe. You never know who will show up! (Stan Lee!!) Some of the shots got too cutesy. I liked the seamless scene (like it was done in one long take) of action in the first Avengers movie. That does not mean I wanted to see it two or three more times in this movie. Feels less special. Now that I know there was a lot edited out, a...

I've had a couple of days to cool down from watching Avengers: Age of Ultron. With that time for clarity, I can now reveal how I really feel. (Because I discussed it with my best friend first). I still think Age of Ultron is a very fun movie. I really liked it, but there are a few things I didn't care for. I know I've become cynical, but we have an embarrassment of riches with comic book based films. I don't have to force myself to like everything now. We'll start with what I really liked. This movie is one big spectacle. That's not a bad thing, it's just like the first Avengers film, ramped up to a 12. There is a LOT more action in this movie. In fact, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say the movie is at least half action scenes. This movie really showcased Captain America's skill set. The last movie he was slighted, but not this time. I loved all the team up moves that were used. It was like a real life version of the "Marvel Ulti...