May 5, 2011

“Sur” de Carlos Quintana (Galería Enlace)

We all have recurrent dreams, don't we? I dream of taking a walk with no real purpose and definitely with no specific goals or destinations. Just to walk. To walk, for example, next to the sea, and get annoyed by all the sand at my feet, and maybe comparing beach houses and explaining why I like this one the most or why I like that one even more. And to walk. Sometimes, in Asia, where everything looks peaceful and in order, I feel like I need someone else; summer is gone now, but I dream of fun and relaxing weekends, eating Peruvian food, drinking pisco sour and, undoubtedly, going for a walk. And in the afternoon, just when the sun is not too strong, I could go for another walk with somebody next to me, always listening to the sound of the ocean, and we could talk for hours and we wouldn’t have to spend so much energy typing our conversation in hundreds of pages.
Anyway, I'm including one of my drawings (let's see if someone can guess which actor inspired the following image), and I'm also adding the cover of The Sky Over the Louvre a graphic novel by Bernard Yslaire & Jean-Claude Carriere. For more information about it follow the next link http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/01/sunday-comics-review-the-sky-over-the-louvre-from-nbm/
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my drawing / mi dibujo
E
l martes 4 de mayo hubo dos actividades importantes. La inauguración de “Sur” en la galería Enlace, muestra del artista cubano Carlos Quintana y la despedida de mi amigo Joshua Thor, que al día siguiente marchaba rumbo a Cerro de Pasco para su primer año de servicio rural médico. Mis amigos del colegio se habían reunido con Joshua Thor en el cineplanet del óvalo Gutiérrez para ver, por supuesto, Thor, así es que aproveché ese par de horas para ir a Enlace, a pocas cuadras del cine, y tuve la oportunidad de conversar con varios artistas, por ejemplo con Osores.


De hecho, también conversé con Carlos Quintana que tuvo las ganas y la amabilidad de firmarme el catálogo de la muestra, y no sólo eso, también hizo un dibujo especialmente para mí. Así que me reuní con mis amigos en el óvalo, y nos fuimos todos a mi casa. Preparé un par de rondas de pisco sour mientras terminaba de asimilar todo el Malbec que había tomado en Enlace. Por suerte los siu mais y otros bocaditos del Wa Lok me habían mantenido en equilibrio.

Ayer en la noche asistí a la inauguración de la muestra Migramoria de Juan Francisco Quinteros en la galería Sala 58, en Barranco. Me llamaron especialmente la atención los diez cuadros de dimensiones variables de la serie Traslación. Entre cuba libre y vodka con jugo de naranja al final, fiel a mis principios, me quedé con mis vasos de whisky, servidos como a mí me gusta, puro y sin hielos.



Y ya para terminar, adjunto un dibujo mío entintando con estilógrafo (a ver si alguien si anima a adivinar qué actor inspiró la imagen en cuestión), y también la portada de The Sky Over the Louvre, novela gráfica de Bernard Yslaire & Jean-Claude Carriere. Para más información revisen el siguiente link: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/01/sunday-comics-review-the-sky-over-the-louvre-from-nbm/
 


Catálogo de Carlos Quintana. Galería Enlace

May 2, 2011

Films (April) / Películas (abril)

I was slightly busier in April and as a result I didn’t have enough time to watch one film a day, but thanks to short-films I did manage to come up with a good final list. The last film I went to see is Thor (2011), based on the popular Marvel Comics character: the rivalry between Thor and Loki, the conflicts against the All-Father Odin and the conception of Asgard were more than enough to make me remember why I’ve always been such a big Odinson fan. Another interesting movie was Alejandro Amenábar’s Agora (2009), religious zealots against scientific minds has always been a fascinating subject.



I wanted to see The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fift with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France (1944) mainly because of Lawrence Olivier role as the king, and also because I’ve always enjoyed Shakespeare’s play, this movie works with several theater elements and is faithful to the original playwright’s work. The Boys from Brazil (1978) brings forth a Nazi conspiracy and a plan to clone Hitler’s body and recreate the social surroundings of the Fuhrer; a most appealing thriller.


Story of a Bad Boy (1999) focus on the life of a young altar boy, his ambiguous relationships with other boys, and how in the end he comes to terms with his true sexuality. Gregg Araki’s Kaboom (2010) redefines bisexuality in a chronicle about college, young men and women, mysterious murders, secret societies and conspiracy theories that, somehow, mingle together with a surreal sensitivity. For a more in depth analysis of the film please check the following IMDB link http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1523483/usercomments and, as usual, if you feel like it, vote for it. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green (2005) was a very pleasant surprise, it’s funny, lighthearted and yet tremendously enthralling; a young man witnesses how his ex-boyfriend is about to get married with an older man, and as a result he reflects on his difficulties in maintaining a steady relationship with other guys (the jock, the twink, etc.).


Like it is (1998) narrates the life of a young wrestler that falls in love with a man obsessed with his work, here the ugly reality of British poverty drives the protagonist around. Spin the bottle (2000) reunites old friends, as they start remembering their youthful days, the homosexual tendencies of two of them become apparent. Garden Party (2008) involves the lives of several characters fighting to survive in the big city; the role of Erik Smith as a bisexual teen is especially noticeable (like his part in A Home at the End of the World). In Juste une question d’amour (2000) a demotivated college student finds himself attracted to a prestigious biologist, but what could happen if his conservative parents find out that instead of a girlfriend he now has a boyfriend? Super 8½ (1994) is a brilliant parody of the biographical genre, as Bruce La Bruce mocks himself as a filmmaker, emphasizing his passion for directing and starring in gay porn productions.


Carancho (2010), an Argentinian production, explores the insurance frauds that take place after car accidents. Alex de la Iglesia’s La habitación del niño (2006) is an apt reinterpretation of horror themes, here the haunted house is actually an expression of Schrodinger’s paradox. I found it more interesting than Drag me to hell (2009), a horror movie that relies too much on special effects to deliver suspense, it has however very good moments. Finally, my favorite horror-related film of the month is Cuento de navidad (2005), an extraordinary story that delves into the victim – victimary dynamics; here, a group of 11 year-old children find a woman trapped in the woods; as they find out she is being chased by the law, they start torturing to make her “confess”, childly at first and more fiercely at the end; the most fascinating aspect, however, is that these kids act so innocent and nicely that you start rooting for them, easily forgetting about the tortured victim. Destricted is an anthology that includes short films such as Balkan Erotic Epic, Death Valley, House Call, Hoist, We fuck alone and, of course, Larry Clark’s Impaled, a very unique take on pornography and male sexual fantasies. I also saw short films from other anthologies such as The Island, Working it out, Futures (and derivatives). One of my favorites, however, is Lucky Blue, a Swedish production about two boys that start fooling around in a summer camp, until sexual tension between them is made obvious; of course, the fact that their parents are now dating complicates things.


Kali Ma is a hilarious take on an Indian mother that defends her son against the school bully, but what is the true nature of the boys relationship? (one of the actors, Brendan Bradley, is the protagonist of the short film Latch Key. For a full review on it please check this link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464083/ you will have no problem finding my review, since it’s only one there and also please click on “See all my reviews” and vote for the ones you enjoy the most). Protect me from what I want (2009) illustrates the heartbreaking reality of a Pakistani boy that is constantly struggling against his innermost desires, until he no longer can avoid the one British boy he seems so keen on. Steam (2009) is almost a metaphysical interpretation of Muslim cultures, terrorism and homosexuality, all neatly tied up in a steaming room.


Love Bite is a British production that very briefly shows us what at first seems to be the physical attraction a schoolboy feels for another student, until we find out he’s not precisely after the other kid’s body. Weekend a la campagne explores the friendship of two French boys, as they decide to spend the weekend on a summer house; however, one of them is not satisfied with just friendship, and after crossing the boundaries a serious conflict arises. Bramadero is a mute production of two Mexican guys that engage in sexual intercourse in a most unexpected place. Finally, Zucht (2008) is a very tender story of a 13 year-old boy that goes to the beach with a girl his age and her father; all the girl wants is to be kissed in the cheek by the boy, and all the boy wants is to do the same to her father; childhood innocence, age difference and clumsiness come together in a most riveting short-film about the idealization of first love.
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En abril estuve ligeramente más ocupado y, por tanto, no tuve tiempo para ver una película al día, aunque gracias a los cortometrajes al final mi lista del mes es respetable. La última película que vi ha sido Thor, basada en el popular personaje de Marvel Comics: la rivalidad entre Thor y Loki, los conflictos con Odín, el Padre de Todo y la concepción de Asgard fueron elementos que disfruté considerablemente. Otra película interesante sería Agora (2009) de Alejandro Amenábar, considero que el fanatismo religioso versus la mentalidad científica es siempre un tema fascinante.


Siempre quise ver la versión de Lawrence Olivier de The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fift with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France (1944) no solamente por las actuaciones de Olivier sino también por el interés que tengo en las obras de Shakespeare. The Boys from Brazil (1978) indaga en una conspiración nazi y en un plan que pretende clonar a Hitler y recrear las condiciones sociales que dieron origen al Fuhrer.


Story of a Bad Boy (1999) se enfoca en la vida de un joven monaguillo, en sus relaciones ambiguas con otros chicos y en la aceptación de su propia sexualidad. Kaboom (2010) de Gregg Araki redefine la bisexualidad en una crónica sobre la universidad, la juventud, asesinatos misteriosos, sociedades secretas y teorías de la conspiración, todo bajo una óptica surrealista. Para un análisis más extenso pueden consultar el siguiente link de IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1523483/usercomments y, como siempre, pueden votar por mi reseña. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green (2005) fue una auténtica sorpresa: divertida, ligera y aun así tremendamente absorbente; un joven reflexiona sobre su dificultad al establecer relaciones sólidas cuando se entera que su ex enamorado está a punto de casarse. Like it is (1998) narra la vida de un joven boxeador que se enamora de un hombre obsesionado con su trabajo; aquí la pobreza urbana inglesa será determinante para el protagonista. Spin the bottle (2000) reúne a viejos amigos que al empezar a recordar su pasado juvenil descubrirán las tendencias homosexuales de dos de ellos. Garden Party (2008) se centra en las vidas de varios jóvenes que luchan por ganar un espacio en la ciudad, el rol de Erik Smith como un adolescente bisexual es especialmente notorio (tal como lo fue su papel en "A Home at the End of the World"). En Juste une question d’amour (2000) un desmotivado alumno universitario se encuentra atraído por un prestigioso biólogo, pero ¿qué sucedería si sus conservadores padres descubren su verdadera preferencia? Super 8½ (1994) es una brillante parodia del género biográfico, Bruce La Bruce se burla de sí mismo como cineasta, haciendo énfasis en su pasión por protagonizar y dirigir producciones de pornografía gay.


Carancho (2010), es una producción argentina que explora los fraudes a los seguros en el rubro de accidentes automovilísticos. La habitación del niño (2006) de Álex de la Iglesia trabaja con ciertos tópicos de terror bajo una nueva luz; así, la tradicional casa embrujada se convierte en una expresión de la paradoja de Schrodinger. Me pareció bastante más interesante que Drag me to hell (2009), una película que confía excesivamente en los efectos visuales para generar suspenso, aunque dentro de todo tiene buenos momentos. Finalmente, mi película de terror favorita de abril sería Cuento de navidad (2005), que juega con la dinámica de víctima - victimarios; aquí, un grupo de chavales de 11 años encuentran a una mujer atrapada en el bosque, cuando descubren que se trata de una prófuga no dudan en obligarla a "confesar"; empiezan a atacarla infantilmente hasta terminar torturándola; lo más fascinante es que estos chicos actúan con tal inocencia y desparpajo que como espectador uno se identifica con ellos, con esos pequeños torturadores y no con la víctima.


Destricted es una antología que incluye cortometrajes como Balkan Erotic Epic, Death Valley, House Call, Hoist, We fuck alone y, desde luego, Impaled de Larry Clark, una forma de entender la pornografía y las fantasías sexuales masculinas. También revisé otras antologías y otros cortometrajes como The Island, Working it out, Futures (and derivatives). Sin embargo, uno de mis favoritos fue Lucky Blue, una producción sueca sobre dos adolescentes que empiezan a juguetear en un campamento de verano, hasta que la tensión sexual entre ellos es evidente; por supuesto, el hecho que sus padres sean ahora una pareja complica las cosas.


Kali Ma es una hilarante comedia sobre una madre de la India que defiende a su hijo del abusivo de la escuela, pero ¿cuál es la verdadera naturaleza de la relación entre estos dos muchachos? (uno de los actores, Brendan Bradley, es el protagonista del cortometraje "Latch Key", pueden leer un comentario más completo en http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0464083/ no tendrán problemas en encontrar mi reseña porque es la única; también los invito a hacer click en la opción “See all my reviews” para que puedan votar por mí). Protect me from what I want (2009) ilustra la estremecedora realidad de un estudiante pakistaní en constante lucha con sus deseos más íntimos, hasta que es incapaz de seguir evitando a un chico británico a quien no puede dejar de mirar. Steam (2009) es una interpretación casi metafísica de las culturas musulmanes, el terrorismo y la homosexualidad, todo ello desarrollado en un sauna.


Love Bite es una producción británica sumamente breve, en donde lo que al inicio parece ser la atracción física que un alumno de colegio siente por otro termina siendo algo muy distinto. Weekend a la campagne explora la amistad de dos chicos franceses que deciden pasar juntos un fin de semana en una casa de playa; no obstante, allí uno de ellos desea algo más que amistad y decide a cruzar los límites. Bramadero es una cinta muda en la que dos mexicanos tienen relaciones sexuales. Finalmente, Zucht (2008) es una historia muy tierna de un chico de 13 años que va a la playa con una niña de su edad acompañada por su padre; todo lo que ella quiere es que el chico la bese en la mejilla, y todo lo que el chico quiere es hacer eso mismo pero con el padre de su amiguita; la inocencia de la infancia, la diferencia de edad y la torpeza se manifiestan en este extraordinario cortometraje sobre la idealización del primer amor.

May 1, 2011

Thor Hollywood Variants

Iron Man 2.0 # 4
X-Men Legacy # 247
Wolverine # 8
Journey into Mystery # 622
New Avengers # 11
Secret Avengers # 12
Avengers Academy # 13
Uncanny X-Force # 7
Black Panther Man Without Fear # 517
FF # 2
Amazing Spider-Man # 658
Uncanny X-Men # 535
X-Men # 10
X23 # 9
Invincible Iron Man # 503
Incredible HUlks # 627
Heroes for Hire # 5

If I'm missing an issue please let me know. And also try to guess which movies are the inspiration for these variants. 
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El martes de la semana pasada, Marcos Palacios me llamó para avisarme que esa misma noche era la inauguración de la muestra colectiva del salón de arte contemporáneo. La muestra incluye un cuadro de Marcos, de dimensiones superiores a las habituales, con un colorido y una composición que realmente capturan la atención del espectador. Me quedé conversando con Marcos y con mi amiga Paola, aunque me tuve que ir un poco temprano.


A continuación un pequeño listado de otros blogs que me han incluido en su lista de enlaces, algo que siempre se agradece. Y un dibujo mío, entintado con estilógrafo.


Y finalmente, las otras portadas variantes de Thor. A ver, ¿quién se anima a adivinar a qué películas corresponden?
 








April 29, 2011

THOR

I have a passion for mythology, I always had, whether it be Olympian deities or Nordic Gods. And perhaps because of that THOR has always been a fascinating character for me. Ironically, though, my Thor collection is rather small. Well, at least I have the great run of J M Straczynski & Olivier Coipel. And it’s precisely on that run that the Thor movie is built upon. In fact, Straczynski himself collaborates with the screenplay. I became quite interested in this production when I found out that Kenneth Branagh was directing it; as a Shakespearean actor and also director of several adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, he could only make things more interesting. Add to that the presence of Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman and, especially, Anthony Hopkins as Odin and everything comes together. So tonight I went to the movies with a couple of friends, and although it’s not Branagh’s greatest film it didn’t disappoint me.






Just for fun I’m including a couple of talking heads of my own, a scan page of the first Thor issue (a fine example of how expository this 60s comics used to be: when Donald Blake trips he has to make clear to the reader he has tripped by saying it aloud; if he loses his cane he has to announce to the reader that he lost his cane, if he steps on a twig he has to explain the reader what he has done, etc., just read it and see what I’m talking about); and a Thor mash-up (each one of these covers is an homage to well-known movies such as The Social Network, Jaws, The Matrix, Planet of the Apes, Titanic, etc.). Try to guess the rest!


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Siempre he tenido un gran interés por la mitología, ya sean deidades olímpicas o dioses nórdicos. Y es quizá por eso que THOR siempre fue un personaje especialmente atractivo para mí. Irónicamente, mi colección de Thor es en realidad un tanto reducida, aunque tengo toda la etapa de J M Straczynski & Olivier Coipel. La película es construida tomando como base precisamente esta docena de ejemplares; y, de hecho, es el mismo Straczynski quien colabora con el guión. Estaba interesado en esta producción desde mucho antes, desde que descubrí que Kenneth Branagh era el director elegido. Como actor formado según la escuela de Shakespeare y director de diversas adaptaciones de las obras del dramaturgo inglés, Branagh era sin duda una opción interesante. Además, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman y, especialmente, Anthony Hopkins constituyen una muy buena garantía. Así que esta noche fui al cine con los amigos que siempre me acompañan a ver todas las películas basadas en personajes Marvel, y aunque este no ha sido el mejor film de Branagh sigue siendo una película sólida e interesante.




También estoy incluyendo un par de cabezas dibujadas por mí, una página escaneada del primer número de Thor (un ejemplo de lo expositivo que eran los cómics en ese entonces; en cada viñeta se explica lo que sucede, si el personaje tropieza él mismo se encarga de anunciar al lector que ha tropezado; si hace ruido accidentalmente él mismo comenta que está haciendo ruido, si se le cae el bastón él mismo hace hincapié en la pérdida del bastón, etc., lean y comprueben) y una recopilación de portadas de Thor (cada una es un homenaje a películas famosas como The Social Network, Jaws, The Matrix, Planet of the Apes, Titanic, etc.). Traten de adivinar cuál es cuál.

April 26, 2011

March comic books / Cómics de marzo

And finally I started reading my March comics: Here they are, in alphabetical order and as per solicitations:


ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #4 (OF 4) AUXILIARY ED (MR)
Neonomicon, the sequel to The Courtyard Graphic Novel, is slithering its way onto shelves to take its place as a Great Old One of comics terror! Illustrated by Moore's favorite demented artist, Jacen Burrows, Neonomicon pulls no punches as every full-colored page is covered in nightmares brought to gruesome life! Agent Brears has, quite literally, been to hell and back. Hell just happens to look like a network of tunnels beneath an esoteric little bookstore in Salem, Mass. But now that Brears has walked out of hell, she can see things that most people can't. Things that would drive most people mad. But as Neonomicon draws to a close, Brears has one more thing she wants to show you...


AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE YOUNG AVENGERS #1
"Young Avengers" co-creator Allan Heinberg and legendary artist Alan Davis (Avengers Prime) team up to create an epic stand-alone tale that's the perfect jumping-on point for new readers and introduces the Marvel Universe to an all-new team of Avengers. As a result of the Young Avengers' crusade to find the Scarlet Witch, Patriot has become Captain America, Hulkling has become Captain Marvel, and Iron Lad has become the Avengers' new leader, Kang the Conqueror. But the future of these new Avengers is deeply rooted in the untold story of the Young Avengers very first adventure -- before the events of 'Young Avengers #1.' The past and the future collide - and the secrets of the Children's Crusade are revealed - in 'Avengers: The Children's Crusade - Young Avengers #1.'


BLUEBERRY GIRL (SC)
This is a prayer for a blueberry girl... A much-loved baby grows into a young woman: brave, adventurous, and lucky. Exploring, traveling, bathed in sunshine, surrounded by the wonders of the world. What every new parent or parent-to-be dreams of for her child, what every girl dreams of for herself. Let me go places that we've never been, trust and delight in her youth. By Neil Gaiman & Charles Vess


BOYS #28 (MR)
By Garth Ennis, Darick Robertson & John Higgins New York turns emerald green as Saint Patrick's Day strikes, and Hughie gets to see the G-Wiz boys at their very worst. He also sits down for a pow-wow with Butcher, who lets a couple of secrets slip- to Hughie's extreme discomfort. And back at the G-Mansion, the G-Men face the most vocal component of the G-Empire... in We Gotta Go Now, part five.


BOYS #34 (MR)
Stormfront: the super-nazi, the Aryan demigod, the worst of the Third Reich's racial dreams come true... versus what's left of The Boys. Can our ragged little band defeat this dreadful ubermensch? Will the Female ever awaken from her coma? Will the cavalry arrive in time, or ever? All this and more, in the bonesnapping, gut-rupturing conclusion to The Self Preservation Society.


BOYS #36 (MR)
Mother's Milk's story concludes with a bang, as we find out the nature of the debt he owes Butcher and see him bear witness to a great American tragedy. Hughie gets another view of The Boys' mission, one he hadn't considered before, in part two of Nothing Like It In The World.


BOYS #46 (MR)
(W) Garth Ennis (A) Russ Braun (C) Darick Robertson Having learned a certain unpleasant truth, Hughie sets out to discover just how dangerous things will now be for the Boys. Frenchie and the Female stay glued to the Homelander, MM almost blows his top, and Annie hears some words of wisdom from an unexpected source. Butcher, meanwhile, gives Hughie the scoop on one of the team's highest-placed informants... but the most dreadful secret of all is still to come, in part three of 'Believe. MATURE THEMES


BOYS #47 (MR)
Written by GARTH ENNIS • Art by RUSS BRAUN Cover by DARICK ROBERTSON And it all comes tumbling down... Hughie's nightmare begins as he finds out the last and terrible truth about Annie, with Butcher watching carefully from the sidelines. The Homelander calls a secret gathering of the clans- and marks the occasion with a particularly gruesome blood sacrifice. MATURE THEMES 32 pages FC • $3.99


BOYS #48 (MR)
(W) Garth Ennis (A) Russ Braun (C) Darick Robertson With Hughie absent, Butcher re-examines The Boys' first encounter with The Seven, trying to figure out what went wrong. But first there's some disquiet in the ranks to be dealt with, not to mention the return of an old and unexpected enemy - who finally, incredibly, has come into his own. Meanwhile, on The Seven's floating headquarters, a flying lesson goes badly awry... 'Proper Preparation and Planning', Part One. MATURE THEMES


BOYS #49 (MR)
(W) Garth Ennis (A) Russ Braun (C) Darick Robertson The Homelander goes head to head with the source of his greatest torment, while Vought's Jess Bradley gets a bump up- and starts considering drastic action. Butcher, meanwhile, takes us on a trip down memory lane to the Boys' first meeting with the Seven- and the nightmare that ensued for one member of the team...


BOYS #52 (MR)
Written by GARTH ENNIS • Art by JOHN McCREA Cover by DARICK ROBERTSON Beginning the four part 'Barbary Coast': Hughie travels out west to finally meet Lieutenant-Colonel Greg Mallory, the man who started The Boys. All kinds of secrets await our hero, beginning with the terrible story of the first supes to see action in World War Two. When the revelations cease, will Hughie return - or walk away from the team forever?


BOYS HIGHLAND LADDIE #2 (OF 6) (MR)
(W) Garth Ennis (A) John McCrea, Keith Burns (C) Darick Robertson Hughie delves into his past, but finds that the halcyon days of childhood are not all they're cracked up to be. The successes of his junior detective operation with Big Bobby and Det were few and far between- but is there a connection between their oldest case and the shadowy outfit now moving narcotics through the idyllic town of Auchterladle? A certain Russian connection brings up a name from the Boys' past, in part two of the six-part Highland Laddie. MATURE THEMES


BOYS HIGHLAND LADDIE #4 (OF 6) (MR)
(W) Garth Ennis (A) John McCrea, Keith Burns (C) Darick Robertson Hughie looks into the past of his erstwhile girlfriend Annie - a.k.a. Starlight of The Seven - but what he finds is not what he expected. Meanwhile, the true horror of Joe Tupper's smuggling operation is revealed... MATURE THEMES


BUTCHER BAKER RIGHTEOUS MAKER #1 (MR)
Maybe you've seen the PR - now read the comicbook! At one time, BUTCHER BAKER was the preeminent, All-American superhero. Now he's… getting laid. A lot. But one last mission could signal his return to glory, and now he's back on the blacktop! It's a balls-out, surreal super-epic from creators JOE CASEY (GØDLAND, Ben 10) and MIKE HUDDLESTON (The Coffin), and it starts right here!


CALIGULA #1 (OF 6) (MR)
(W) David Lapham (A) German Nobile (C) Jacen Burrows In an age of depravity, one man's appetites horrified the entire Roman Empire. The very Empire he ruled. Some stories are passed from one generation to the next only in secret. Told in hushed whispers as the very words are too horrific to speak aloud for fear they offend the Gods. A Roman Empire built on the blood of its people, a ruler who began as a generous man but who ended as the most debased of monarchs. One name still speaks volumes of how absolute power can corrupt - Caligula. David (Crossed) Lapham unveils a new tale of Caligula, he was not just a man drunk on power, he was possessed. A modern master of horror, Lapham digs deep into the world of Rome 37 AD and offers a unique epic of horror. Joined by new talent German Nobile who promises to serve up fully-painted pages dripping with blood, this all-new, full-color series will be six issues of evil that will make any Crossed fan smile with glee. For in the age of Caligula, all roads lead to Hell. Caligula #1 is available with a Regular cover by Jacen Burrows, a Wraparound cover by series artist German Nobile, and a special rare Golden retailer incentive. MATURE THEMES


DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BORN MGC #1
Written by PETER DAVID & ROBIN FURTH Art and Cover by JAE LEE & RICHARD ISANOVE 'The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.' With those words, millions of readers were introduced to Stephen King's Roland-an implacable gunslinger in search of the enigmatic Dark Tower, powering his way through a dangerous land filled with ancient technology and deadly magic. Now, in a comic book personally overseen by King himself, Roland's past is revealed! Sumptuously drawn by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove, adapted by long-time Stephen King expert Robin Furth (author of Stephen King's The Dark Tower: A Concordance) and scripted by New York Times Best-seller Peter David, this series delves deep into Roland's origins-the perfect introduction to this incredibly realized world, while long-time fans will thrill to adventures merely hinted at in the novels. Be there for the very beginning of a modern classic of fantasy literature! 48 PGS./Parental Advisory ©2007 Stephen King. All rights reserved.


FF #1
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN Pencils by STEVE EPTING Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA Variant Cover by STEVE EPTING Blank Variant Cover Character Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC Classic Artist Variant Cover by TBA Fantastic Four 50th Anniversary Variant by MARKO DJURDJEVIC It's the FANTASTIC first issue of FF! A bold new direction for Marvel's First Family featuring new members, old friends, older enemies and uneasy alliances that will send shockwaves through the Marvel Universe. With stunning art work by Steve Epting and Paul Mounts, please join writer, Jonathan Hickman, on the second massive arc in the bold new direction for the 'World's Greatest Comic Magazine.' 40 PGS./Rated A


GARTH ENNIS JENNIFER BLOOD
Written by GARTH ENNIS • Art by ADRIANO BATISTA Covers by TIM BRADSTREET (main), JONATHAN LAU (1-in-10), ALÉ GARZA (1-in-15) & ERIC BASALDUA (1-in-20) 'Virgin Art' Retailer incentive cover by TIM BRADSTREET 'Negative Effect Art' Retailer incentive cover by TIM BRADSTREET 'Black & White' Retailer incentive cover by JONATHAN LAU Meet Jen. She's married with two kids, seemingly living a fine suburban life. But her life is far from normal now that she is a ruthless vigilante by night; calling herself Jennifer Blood! Issue #2 contains more mayhem as Jennifer Blood continues to make her presence known in the criminal underworld. Also, watch as Jen and her family meets her new neighbors! Written by Garth (The Boys, Punisher) Ennis with covers by Tim (Punisher) Bradstreet, enjoy the continuing adventures of Jennifer Blood!


GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #1 100 PENNY PRESS ED
Reprinting the classic Larry Hama run.


HACK SLASH ONGOING #2 ODONAGHUE CVR (MR)
Hack/Slash Inc. is under siege by zombie animals as undead vet Bobby Brunswick returns from the grave. Cassie and Vlad will have to team with an archenemy to keep their friends from becoming undead pet food! Meanwhile, Samhain's hunt for the Black Lamp will bring him to a very dark place!


KICK-ASS 2 # 2
Warning: This book contains greatness. By Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.


MORNING GLORIES #8
What is Morning Glory Academy, and what does it want with Casey, Zoe, Hunter, Ike, Jade, and Jun? What mysteries connect the six of them to the school, and what is their true potential? This spellbinding issue brings us one step closer to the answers to those pivotal questions!


SHERLOCK HOLMES YEAR ONE #2
As a series of brutal and inscrutable murders grips London in fear, Dr. John Watson realizes that the one man capable of stopping the slayings may just be the young sleuth Sherlock Holmes! But Watson's suspicions of the daring detective--perhaps as mysterious as the mysteries he solves--must wait for now as the unlikely partners race to catch the killer as 'The Twelve Caesars' begins a new and untold tale from Sherlock Holmes' casebook.


ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN MGC #1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Art by MARK BAGLEY & ART THIBERT Cover by JOE QUESADA Comics' greatest heroes leap into the 21st Century in a new line perfect for a new generation of readers! An outsider even amongst his own peers, highschool student Peter Parker is a young man at the crossroads of destiny. Orphaned as a youth and raised by his Uncle Ben and Aunt May, Peter finds himself the target of a constant tirade of pranks perpetrated by school jock 'Flash' Thompson and his burly bud, nicknamed 'Kong.' But when fate intercedes and Peter finds himself the recipient of strange and amazing powers, how long can our hero ignore the painful prodding? And when industrialist Norman Osborn takes a deadly 'interest' in this development, will Peter be able to avoid a violent case of 'corporate downsizing'? When backed into a corner, will our hero learn that with great power there must come great responsibility?


WALKING DEAD #82 (MR)
'NO WAY OUT' continues. When the walls come down... no one is safe.


XOMBI #1
Written by JOHN ROZUM Art and cover by FRAZER IRVING 1:10 Variant cover by BRENDAN MCCARTHY You can't keep a good XOMBI down! The immortal David Kim - kept 'alive' by nanotech enhancements - returns to the DC Universe in a new ongoing series! Creator John Rozum and hot BATMAN AND ROBIN artist Frazer Irving team up to deliver the finest in contemporary urban horror - with a Super Hero twist! As an undying, unchanging Xombi, David Kim must watch the world consume itself and burn while humanity grows more distant from each other due to the rise of technology. What would a Xombi do just to feel change again? And where will he ever be able to find a kindred soul? On sale MARCH 16 • 32 pg, FC


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Y por fin empecé a leer mis cómics del mes de marzo. Aquí están todos:


ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #4 (OF 4) AUXILIARY ED (MR)
Comentario: La agente BREARS ha estado, literalmente, en el infierno. El infierno no es otra cosa que una red de túneles debajo de una tienta de libros esotéricos en Salem. Pero ahora que BREARS ha escapado, puede ver cosas que nadie más ve. Cosas que enloquecerían a cualquier mortal.


AVENGERS CHILDRENS CRUSADE YOUNG AVENGERS #1
Durante la cruzada de los Jóvenes Vengadores para encontrar a la Bruja Escarlata, PATRIOT se ha convertido en el Capitán América, HULKLING es CAPTAIN MARVEL y IRON LAD es KANG, el nuevo líder de los Vengadores. Su futuro está ligado con una historia jamás narrada que entremezcla pasado y futuro… los secretos de la Cruzada de los Niños son finalmente revelados.


BLUEBERRY GIRL (SC)
Neil Gaiman & Charles Vess.


BOYS #28 (MR)
Comentario: Mientras BUTCHER revela a HUGHIE un par de secretos, en la Mansión G, los Hombres G conocen a la figura central del Imperio G.


BOYS #34 (MR)
Comentario: Los súbditos del Tercer Reich hacen acto de aparición.


BOYS #36 (MR)
Comentario: ¿Cuál es la gran tragedia americana?


BOYS #46 (MR)
Comentario: Uno de los más terribles secretos será revelado inesperadamente.


BOYS #47 (MR)
Comentario: La hecatombe exige un sacrificio de sangre.


BOYS #48 (MR)
Comentario: ¿Qué sucedió en la primera reunión con Los Siete? Además, un viejo enemigo regresa, pero todo parece haber cambiado.


BOYS #49 (MR)
Comentario: ¿Qué secreto oculta la primera reunión con Los Siete?


BOYS #52 (MR)
Comentario: ¿Quién fue el primer súper-héroe en la Segunda Guerra Mundial?


BOYS HIGHLAND LADDIE #2 (OF 6) (MR)
Comentario: Los días de la infancia no fueron tan grandiosos. El otrora idílico pueblo está infestado por narcóticos. Pero ¿quién está detrás de todo esto?


BOYS HIGHLAND LADDIE #4 (OF 6) (MR)
Comentario: ¿Qué ha sucedido con la antigua integrante de Los Siete?


BUTCHER BAKER RIGHTEOUS MAKER #1 (MR)
Comentario: Alguna vez él fue el preeminente héroe americano. Ahora sólo le importa el sexo. En exceso. Pero una última misión podría marcar su regreso triunfal. ¿Tendrá suerte o esto sóle será es un asunto de relaciones públicas?


CALIGULA #1 (OF 6) (MR)
Comentario: En una era de depravación, los apetitos de un solo hombre aterrorizaron Roma, su imperio. El imperio romano fue construido sobre sangre, pero este gobernante que empezó como un hombre generoso terminó siendo uno de los más terribles déspotas. El poder corrompe... ¿siempre?


DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER BORN MGC #1
Comentario: Empieza la búsqueda de la enigmática Torre Oscura, en parajes llenos de tecnología antigua y magia mortal.


FF #1
Comentario: ¿Qué sucederá ahora con la primera familia?


GARTH ENNIS JENNIFER BLOOD 2
Comentario: Jennifer está casada, vive en los suburbios y tiene dos hijos. Pero su vida no es nada normal. En las noches, ella es una despiadada vigilante.


HACK SLASH ONGOING #2 ODONAGHUE CVR (MR)
Comentario: Los animales zombis atacan. ¿Cómo defenderse de ellos?


KICK-ASS 2 # 2
Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.


MORNING GLORIES #8
Comentario: ¿Qué es la Academia? ¿Y qué es lo que busca con los nuevos alumnos? ¿Qué misterios conectan a los seis chicos con la escuela?


SHERLOCK HOLMES YEAR ONE #2
Comentario: Una serie de brutales e inescrutables asesinatos aterroriza Londres. Entonces, el doctor Watson se da cuenta que hay un hombre capaz de encontrar a los criminales: el joven investigador SHERLOCK HOLMES.


ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN MGC #1
Comentario: Rechazado por sus propios compañeros, un alumno de secundaria llamado Peter Parker ganará extraños poderes. ¿Seguirá siendo objeto de burla en la secundaria? ¿Cómo cambiará su vida?


WALKING DEAD #82 (MR)
Comentario: Cuando los muros caen... nadie está a salvo.


XOMBI #1
Comentario: La nanotecnología lo mantiene vivo. ¿Pero podrá seguir solo?