Mail Call

So, after a bit of a spending spree two Friday's ago I have had quite a few things arrive to my location. And while I have yet to read most of the items, below is a run down of what they were and why I purchased them:

 Invincible: Volumes 9-11
While attending Emerald City Comicon I purchased volumes 1-8 and upon returning home and reading them, was completely drawn in to this world that Kirkman & Ottley had created.
The story starts out as your basic teenager who finds out he has super powers, but unlike Superman where he struggles to find his identity, Mark seems to have always known this is what he was born to become.
Now, if you're like me the description "teenager" doesn't inspire much confidence, as teenager based comic series are known to encompass all of the drama with being a teenager. But not the case with Invincible. Sure at one point Mark is involved in a love triangle, and occasionally he is conflicted about his feelings, but Kirkman is a good enough writer to address these issues and move on. Characters don't become bogged down in their own self-loathing, which makes them a much more enjoyable character.
I am very excited to see what volumes 9 through 11 (and soon 12) have in store for Mark, aka INVINCIBLE

At the advice of a podcast I listen to, I decided to pick up the first volume of AIR. Now, while the podcast did gush over how amazing the story was and how beautiful the writer is (this point I will concede to them, she's quite the sight compared to your average comic book writer) they never specifically discussed the story itself. So upon cracking it open the first time I had no idea what to expect. Now, even though I am only 5 chapters in, I must say how refreshing of a story it is. Perhaps it is best that I continue the trend of my favorite podcasters and not tell you anything about the story. It's much more exciting to discover it on your own.

Next up on my list of things arriving in my mail is Volume 1 of CHEW, cleverly titled "Taster's Choice". If you haven't picked up the first issue of this Image title I suggest you do. They recently did a reprinting fro $1, so it's not like you are out a whole lot if you do not enjoy it.
To preface the story somewhat, it seems to play on the Bird Flu scare we had a few years back. Chicken has become outlawed in the United States, and as a result a Chicken Black Market (or Blackened Chicken Market perhaps?) has appeared. Not unlike the speak-easys of the 20's, many establishments have become a "front" for restaurants that serve chicken. That's where we meet our hero, who on a stakeout of one of these fronts. The art is an odd contrast to the hard edged reality that the characters inhabit, but it really works. Something tells me if the art was more realistic I would have a harder time enjoying the story, since my main goal when reading comics is for enjoyment, rather than being grossed out.

I finally got around to reading the Demon In A Bottle story arch after being told that the new Iron Man 2 movie was based heavily on the characters of that series. For those of you unfamiliar with this story line, it's exactly what it sounds like. All is not well for the rouge billionaire playboy Tony Stark. He is living a double life and the pressure is mounting. Facing the buyout of Stark International by the government organization S.H.I.E.L.D. and the increased pressure of leading the Avengers team, Tony is finding a hard time coping. With no one to talk to and no other alternatives, he begins drinking. A LOT. For someone like myself who has had personal experience dealing with someone's alcohol problem, I was a bit hesitant to read it. But once I let go of my concerns I was able to really enjoy this book.
The reason I am mentioning all of this is because my favorite issue of the series was by far #127, which is actually the issue before "Demon In A Bottle". After such a tough run for Iron Man, this issue redeems him. There is almost an issue long fight scene, and along with the fantastic art of Romita, it is what I believe a quintessential Iron Man issue. I couldn't help but jump onto eBay ready pay $30 for the issue. Fortunately, since most of the alcoholism is addressed in #128, the price of #127 was fairly low. Really low actually. I paid .99 for the issue and $3 for the shipping. Not a bad deal.

Finally, I broke down and bought the Blade Runner umbrella. I must say it is pretty impressive to behold. And not only is it made of pretty sturdy materials, it has 4 different light settings. Below is a picture of it in action, hopefully it will persuade you to purchase it yourself, if only to encourage manufacturers to make more items like this one.

-Holden