Doubleshots With Johnny Worthless

Hello People of the Internets...


Just a quickie tonight, two on the docket.  Double-barrel, Twinkiss, Dual-bladed love. 

Let's begin. 

Phantom Lady and Doll Man #1 is 1 of 2 tonight.  I say to myself, "Self, what is this?  I've never heard of Phantom Lady!"  So we read...  The book starts out in the ever-so-popular realm of 'five years ago' the series is set to run four issues.  For those of you not familiar with our heroine here, do not lose heart!  (Yea Captain Planet!)  She has "shadow powers" and gadgets, which she gives you a play-by-play on at the beginning of the story.  Some chicks order drinks wrong at one point, which leaves me wondering if it was a mis-print or it was written that way.  We find out why Phantom Lady wants to 'Fight the Good Fight".  We also meet Doll Man.  First issue equals questions...  I have a feeling these characters are going to matter 'down the road' check them out for yourself.  This book is not for kids, don't let the cover or name fool you. 


For Fans Of:  Loose Morals, Nightclubs, Silly Heroes

Detective Comics Annual #1, this is way cool because it's a number one.  I'm still bothered by red-haired Gordon.  So without giving anything away, the rising action in this book is very blah.  (Is blah a word?)  There are some cool panels, but most of it feels like filler.  Tony S. Daniel does make up for it in the end.  The story picks up and I felt that it wasn't a waste of time when I was done reading.  I love this cover, TSD rocks it.  The main thing this book has going for it is that it's a self contained story.  One and done.  I think a better title for this one would have been, 'What I did on My Summer Vacation:  By Black Mask'.  It's a good book, pick it up because it's a #1 Annual, or buy it digitally if your just a reader.  And Tony, I'll miss you on a Bat-Book, but I know you'll have something special for us sometime next year.  Thanks for a great run. 

For Fans Of:  New 52 BatWorld, Jeremiah Arkham, Roman Sionis

Sidebar:  Nice work DC on the 'Rise of the Third Army' solicits.  Also on the promos for the other New 52 Annuals.  Very Nicely done. 

That's it for tonight.  Oh! I forgot I've got a Facebook page, I'll see if I can get R&D to put a link on here. 

Thanks for Reading, and Thanks for stopping by. 

Ten Comics You Should be Reading, If You're Not Doing So

Hello People of the Internets! 

Johnny Worthless coming at you with some goodies, some old some new, but they're all tasty treats.  If you are already reading any of these books, way to go, if not give one or two a try, you won't be disappointed.  Unless you want lots of puppies and kittens, there isn't really anything for you here...


 Let's begin. 

First we have Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead.  I came to this book through the TV show (like many others) I'd known of it before, but hadn't ever read a full issue.  Two words... Zombie Apocalypse.  Check out this book, it's a No-Brainer!  (Ha! Zombie Jokes)  Also a heads up (Ha!), this one is not for kids. As in the book consists of a lot of violence, gore, and profanity.  I haven't ever heard or seen a "colored" version of this book.  It's black and white which adds to the 'outsider' feel of the series.  Recently Kirkman and crew reached 100 issues, this is the longest running series on the list but don't let that discourage you.  And although it shares many things with it's TV counterpart they definitely have there differences.  The volumes of past issues are put together very well and you can get your hands on these trades very easily.

 For Fans Of:  AMC's Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, Zombies, Decapitations

Next we have from BOOM! Studios, Valen the Outcast (which was originally titled 'Outcast', but I'm guessing Big Boi and Andre 3000 weren't fans).  My main love for this book comes from my recent lack of roleplaying.  It completely reminds me of adventures my buddies would run back in the day.  (mainly Mikee D)  The premise here is a king gets turned into an 'Undead Abomanation' and he's now trying to get revenge and reclaim all he has lost.  Along for the ride are a drunk and a hot chic, what's there not to love?  Sometimes hokey, always fun, this is a solid book.  So, I just found out this book will be ending with issue 8.  That sucks, but you still can get the issues from your local, just ask for a special order.  From what I gather there might be another book coming out with the same characters or at least in the same world... We shall see. 

For Fans Of:  Sword and Sorcery, Conanary, Throw'n Dice in White-Shoes' Basement with Mikee D

 Marvel Comics makes it debut on the list with Scarlet Spider.  Just saying the name out loud makes him edgier then ole' Petey Parker.  I'm really busy, I wanted to add this to my comic pull way before it came out, it never happened.  Starring Kaine (if you don't know him look him up, short version is he's a clone) under the Spider-Specs.  As the tag line says..."All the Power, None of the Responsibility"  Everyone I asked about this book only had good things to say.  It takes place in Houston.  Christopher Yost is on writing duties so far, he's got chops.  At the shop the other day I was told referring to  Scarlet Spider, "he's a boss".  I thought that summed up this book nicely. 

For Fans Of:  Kaine, Alliteration, Boss-like Activities, Christopher Yost

DC's Aquaman has been great from the word go.  (More like the start of the new 52)  From 'The Trench' through 'The Others' Geoff Johns is killing it.  This is one of the New 52 books that has really brought the goods with each issue.  (overall)  Still think Aquaman is worthless?  Issue one will change your mind about that.  Ivan Reis has been doing a bang-up job on his art duties.  With #12 and it's #0 issues coming out soon now is a good time to board the HMS Aquaman.  Or Aquaman DSV?  Whichever you prefer. 

For Fans Of:  Fishsticks, Atlantis, Oceans, Geoff Johns, Tridents

From IDW, Star Trek (Ongoing)  This book has been a home run from the start.  Well, the art was a little "off" in the beginning.  Though it never impeded the story.  This book follows the exploits of the Enterprise crew from the J. J. Abrams film universe.  The premise is to take that crew and put them in situations that originally happened to the OG crew from the 60's TV show.  (pretty awesome if you ask me)  There are also there own stories being told, and at the moment the series is taking place between the first film and the sequel which is set to premiere May 17, 2013.  So if you want to see what the crew has been up to between the films here it is.  Top Notch. 

For Fans Of:  New Star Trek Film, Old Fashioned Fun Science Fiction, Zoe Saldana

This book is so good you should be buying two copies at a time, Saga from Image.  Brought to you by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.  Definitely not for kids.  I'm a huge fan of the look of this book.  Great panel work.  The art isn't always perfect (it's hits and misses) although this adds to the allure of it all.  This  series has a lot of heart and is quite charming at times.  I completely teared up in a room full of people at the end of issue 1.  (I have kids)  If you have never heard about this book, think Whacked-Out Star Wars.  (Kinda, I don't want to put this one in a box...)  It reminds me of so many things, but it is wholly it's own beast.  BKV (as he's known on the streets) writes an awesome "letter column" at the end of each issue.  I lost track of how many times I laughed out loud while reading.  ( I read issues one through four back to back)  To tell you the truth, if I had to pick one of these there ten books to read I'd be pick'n this'n.  (pardner)  Fiona Staples covers are all painted and wicked sweet, I had to put up two because I could decide between them.  Highest recommendation for this book.  I just want to know where I can sign up for the Saga Fan Club. 

For Fans Of:  Robot Sex?, Lying Cats, Space Operas

Also from Image, written by Ed "Everything Marvel" Brubaker and art by Sean Phillips, Fatale.  First off this book is not for kids, Second it's great.  This book reads like an old paperback you can't put down.  Hard Boiled, a bit convoluted (at the beginning) and many layered (but layered well).  Brubaker's writing is stellar so far on this book.  Dave Stewart's colors are great.  Talk about setting moods.  He is a modern day master.  Fantastic read, I want more.  See the FFO below to see if this one's for you.  I've said too much already. 

For Fans Of:  The Occult, Detective Novels, NOIR, Dames

Haunt, named for it's title character, was brought to my attention due to Greg Capullo's work on it.   I hadn't known of him until he started on Batman (I later realized I had seen his work on some Spawn-like titles back-in -the-day)  Yet another Image comic on the list, this series has been ongoing since '09.  Originally created by Todd McFarlane and Robert Kirkman (from issue 19 on it is the new team of Joe Casey and Nathan Fox).  The premise here is two brothers that were at odds with each other "come together" to solve a murder.  ( I'm being vague on purpose)  This book is sometimes a little over the top, but has constantly been a good read.  It's a roller coaster ride. 

For Fans Of:  Monsters, Spawn, ACTION!

Everyone keeps telling me to read this next book, Chew.  The problem was no one would tell me what it was about.  If you don't want to know, stop reading now.  I'm going to tell you.  Chew is written by John Layman (who will be writing Detective starting next month) I know him from Thundercats: Enemy's Pride and Dogs of War.  Both of which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I don't really know Rob Guillory except from his work on this book.  Tony Chu is the main character he is a Cibopathic, which means that when he eats something, live or dead, he gets a psychic impression, WOW.  ( It's magical )  Everyone I know that is reading this book adores it.  My favorite thing I've heard was, "The best thing ever with a killer cyborg chicken!"  I still haven't read an entire issue, but I promise I will one of these days. 


For Fans Of:  Jokes, Weirdness, Chicken

The final book on the list Thief of Thieves.  This is the third book here from fan fave Robert Kirkman.  I was asked a couple of months ago about this one, I told my friend I'd heard good things and I'd look into it for him.  The interior art is better then the covers, not that the covers are bad, the interiors are just way better.  This book completely reads like a TV show or a Hollywood Blockbuster.  The whole package is very 'slick'.  Kirkman's got another winner here, he has 'story' credits, think of him as a Producer on this book.  It reminds me of shows like Prisonbreak, but more intelligent.  Definitely worth checking out.  Well Papoose, there you have it. 

For Fans Of:  Theft, Cop-Dramas, Heist Films, Things that look cool

Sidebar:  'Face Off' on the SyFy channel is an awesome show, check it out. 

Anyways, give a chance to something new... you can be the first of your friends to read one of these books, enjoy. 

Thanks for Reading and Thanks for Stopping by...

Johnny Worthless Reviews Comics

Hello People of the Internets...

Johnny Worthless here, the five on the roster today are kind of a hodge-podge from the past month/week. Trying out some new titles and some were recommended.

So here we go.

First book today is Star Wars: Agent of the Empire: Iron Eclipse Part 1. Cool name a bit long but cool. Very excited about this series it's a 5 parter. We meet Imperial Agent Jahan Cross, think Star Wars James Bond. Art is Quality. They do a good job of using Star Wars tech and familiar 'Star Warsy' things from known sources, (Clone Wars, OG Movies) seems very natural. Corporate Sector Action, very cool to see. It's uncharted territory for me, I've only ever had the RPG book so I would make up my own Corporate Sector stories. Han and Chewie make a cameo, it's not annoying or over the top. This looks like a gooden'. Most Star Wars writers really do there homework. I'm a fan of Ostrander (Yea Hawkman!) that was another reason this was a No-Brainer to pick this one up.

For Fans of... Star Wars Expanded Universe, Awesomeness, The Corporate Sector, John Ostrander

Batman: The Brave and the Bold # 13 was up next. Awesome cover, that's what led me to this book in the first place. My buddy's daughters have a couple of books from this series. They always looked fun, but to 'kiddish' as soon as I saw this cover I had to check it out. Great Robin story, If you're trying to teach your kids about Robins, (or cave people who think there has been only one) this would be a great tool. As you can guess from the cover all Robin's assemble Past, Present, and Future. Art was fun, just like the TV show. What can I say? I love Robins, If you do too, This book's for you!!! But, really it's for kids.

For Fans of... Robins, Goofy Team-ups, Brave and the Bold Cartoon


I was waiting to read this one for almost a month, The Goon # 36. I haven't read a Goon book in some time. I'm a big Eric Powell fan, he's got a great, if not odd (as in odd to you 'normal' folk out there) sense of humor, It's right up my alley! This issue has a 'real-life' guest star in ROXY DLITE, The Drinkin', Smokin', Strippin' Machine. How could I not buy this? It's a fun story The Goon and Franky (The Goon's pal) get into trouble, throw Roxi into the mix, the boys get out of trouble, (for the moment) the end. Great book, I'll be reading the Goon from here on out. If you like Humor and Hellboy, you'll love The Goon. Oh yea, not for kids.

For Fans of... Strippers, Funny, Eric Powell, Hot Human on Harpie Action

Next up Supergirl #3. Overall good book, there is something about 'Super-Family' villains that is a big turn-off for me, they look/are lame. Now for turn-ons... Whoa!!! Good Lord! Fanboys bring your drool rags to this party, the art is fantastic. Lots of crotch shots, I mean a lot, different angles and everything. If I was a Supergirl fan I'd be chopping at the bit for this book each month. That being said, Kara has basically started from ground zero with issue #1 of the new 52, it's only issue 3 so if you're interested there is still time... I'm going to leave it at that do to the fact everything I've typed to end this review sounds way too dirty.

For Fans of... Blondes, Supergirl, Gratuitous Crotch Shots

Last book of the night/day/afternoon is All Star Western # 3. I hadn't a clue what went on in the previous 2 issues of this series. Sweet Cover, that's what mainly sold me on this one. I'm pretty sure a horse wasn't 500 dollars (or 500 anything) 'back then', maybe I'm wrong. The art was sloppy, there were some really good parts, it's just not my cup of tea. I feel they're trying to tie too many things together in Gotham. In the realm of dare I say George Lucas, I don't like that. Don't get me wrong I like Jonah Hex, I just like him best as a back up, a side note to the story of Batman/Gotham. ( If that doesn't start a bar fight I don't know what will) Speaking of Back-ups... The El Diablo back up was great, I've never heard of him before, (that I can remember) the character was super cool. I'll look out for El Diablo stories in the future, but won't be picking up All Star Western again anytime soon.

For Fans of... Jonah Hex, Westerns, Antique Drive-bys

Sidebar...

I watched Batman: Year One last night. Great Movie, may be the best that DC has done straight to DVD. Classic even, if you haven't read the OG source material (cover shown to the left) just go buy it. The comic is on every one's top ten lists for a reason.

That's it for now kids.


Where else can you get info on Comics for kids, Strippers and Harpies, and DVD reviews all at the same place?

A big Worthless Thank You to everybody!!!

Thanks for Reading and Thanks for stopping by...

Happy Holidays

Johnny Worthless Reviews Comics

Hello People of the Internets...

Five Books on the Roster Tonight, comments are now working so don't be afraid to leave one or five.

Here we go...

First book of the night was Star Trek #3, "The Galileo Seven" Part 1. If you didn't already know this series is based upon the re-imaginings of the exploits of the OG 'Shatner Crew' starring the cast of the J. J. Abrams film reboot. Love the cover. Did someone forget to color the blood red? Censorship? Overall Great Book. The lack of red blood did disturb me, but it was a great read. I'm very excited about this series. I'm not sure what's going on with the art though. It was very sporadic throughout the entire issue, it almost looks as if they're taking stills and drawing over them to get the crew right. After reading this one I want to go back and watch the OG episode. I'll wait till after the conclusion next month. IDW definitely has a winner with this one.

For fans of... Awesomeness, Star Trek, Zoe Saldana

Justice League International #4 was up next. Awesome cover, Finch doing what he does best, sweet eye candy. Peraxxus is Super Cool, I'm a big fan. August General in Iron is great, he might be my favorite of this series so-far. Sweet Splash of the entire crew, Vixen even looked like she belonged there. So it looks like it's the end for planet earth. Good Book, we'll have to find out if the JLI will save the day next month. I'm going to guess yes.

For fans of... Classic Superhero Team Romps, The end of the world, Large Robots, Kirby-esque Villains, Fondling Bruce Wayne

Speaking of old Bat-Pants, Detective Comics #4 came next. After reading this issue I am saddened and confused. I was sure that after issue 3 this issue would be the slam dunk ending to a good intro story to the Dollmaker and his crew. That never really happened. I'm not even sure if the arc has come to an end? Detective at the moment is probably on the bottom of my Bat-list, for who's been naughty and oh so nice in the new 52. This makes me sad because TSD was really coming into his own at the end of his run on the Batman book. He had all these great characters and interweaving threads, it was great, this all feels hollow somehow. Or am I supposed to be confused? I'm also unsure about when this book is taking place. From what I know it's current, but they've been making a lot of "5 years in the past" references. Maybe this one is also in the past like AC and JL. Anybody have info on that? I will always read Detective, I have taken an oath. This issue was very Anti-climatic.

For fans of... Puppet Master, Raggedy Ann and Andy, Magnets


Hands down best new series of the new 52, the journey of David Zavimbe continues in Batwing#4. So Ben Oliver just did the cover of this issue, a little worried about that. We get to see Batwing "batwinging" around, art good so-far. More black blood, is this for digital? I'm thinking it is. Finally got some red blood. Batwing scores again, even without Oliver it was great. I even forgot Winick was writing, I was just enthralled by David's story. Where are the Batwing Tee-shirts?

For fans of... David Zavimbe (if you're not a fan yet become one now)

Last of the night my first venture into Grant Morrison's Superman Party-time Action Comics #4. I only picked this up because I heard Steel was making his debut. The main book wasn't very interesting. I guess I saw the first appearance of Steel, Superman is pretty lame with his little costume on. I know what happened to the city it was kind of obvious. I guess if you knew nothing about Supes at all this might be cool, but it's not. The backup story with Steel was great, if you like John Henry Irons check this one out. The backup makes the book worthwhile. When does Steel get his own book? I'll be there for that.

For fans of... Kal-El the cos-play boy, Steel, Saying I told you so because you know Grant Morrison wouldn't write garbage in the end (or would he?)

That's it for tonight guys and gals.

Remember feel free to leave comments.

I'd like to thank the great people at 1up Collectibles for giving me this space to rant, also my wife for putting up with me and my comics.

Thanks For stopping by and Thanks for Reading.

Johnny Worthless Reviews Comics

Hello People of the Internets! Got Five on the List Today! Here we go...

Everyone's favorite five year old book, Justice League # 3! Cool Cover, very busy, there's a lot going on. Line of the night came very early on with, "Has anyone seen a Harpy?". That wouldn't be beat. It's cool WW has a short sword. Sups, Barry, Hal, and Bruce have a couple pages of fighting 'Para-demons', which was great to see just them together. As a whole the book went fast. Hopefully there is some BIG-TIME action next issue.

For Fans of... Cramming as many heroes in one book, Origin Stories, Jim Lee

Batman #3. Awesome Cover, Go Capullo! (Artist if you didn't know) This story is phenomenal. Scott Synder Rules! There was ZERO fluff or BS in this entire book, every inch served the story (Poe would be proud). MUST BUY. You can even start with this issue if you can't find issues 1 or 2 (although they go over what has happened in the past two issues in this one). Go pick this book up now.

For Fans of... Batman being smarter than you, Batman not knowing something, Scott Synder

Next at Bat! (HA!) Catwoman #3. Excellent book, very touching, it really delves into Selina. It's a Catwoman character study. Big fan of the heavy in this issue, not sure if he is new or not but he's cool. Also she doesn't don the Cat-Suit mask the entire issue, pretty sweet if you ask me. This is a much more mature series then the Balent years or the last run of Catwoman. Great book, Winick is hitting them out of the park so far with this one.

For Fans of... Selina, Fast Cars, Tough Chicks, Mobsters, Cats

Birds of Prey #3 followed on the pile. Intro! Nice! Now I know who everyone is. Interior Art was A++. CAT-FIGHT!!! So what we have here is the completed team of the Birds? I'm thinking yes? Only time will tell. I will keep reading this series due to the great renderings of the Feathered Femme Fatales and Starling. Do I know her? Have we met before? Is she new? I need to know more. And when does Babs come around again?

For Fans of... Hot Chicks, Black Canary, but mainly Hot Chicks

At the bottom of the stack, Nightwing #3. Not a fan of this cover. It's not bad, it's just not great. Got to see Nightwing in action doing some classic Nightwing stuff. ( I think that is my favorite sentence I've written thus far. ) The art was good, except for a weak Splash page at the end. Not a lot of new information in this issue, just fleshing out of the story. Can't wait to see Dick and Babs together, there is a crossover happening somewhere I'm just not sure of the order of things. Hopefully they make out.

For Fans of... Dick Grayson, The Circus, Bearded Ladies

Sidebar... I'm really hoping that Nite-wing doesn't exist in the new DCU, And if he does I hope he meets a swift ending. There was SO much time wasted in the 1st Nightwing ongoing series it made me sick. It still does to think about it.

That's it for today folks!
We welcome questions or comments, so don't be shy. I still haven't been able to reply R&D is still working on that problem.

Thanks for stopping by and Thanks for Reading!