Spawn #198 and #199 - Image

I was going to wait until September to start this, but . . the current issue of Spawn, #199 just came out this week, so . . I thought I'd include it in this post. Plus, it's been a few months since the last issue came out, so . . this'll get us all caught up. Right? Anyways, Todd's weaving one heck of a story leading up to issue #200 here. We start out with the organization that Spawn inadvertantly crippled. Basically it's a group that hires out villains. They had sent their best 'hitter' after Jim Downing, but . . he never returned. In fact, he was splattered all over the walls. So now they want him even more because they want to find out what he did and what he's capable of. So they send in another agent. But not just any agent. Like Jim, once called 'Patient 47', this guy was called 'Patient 46'. So although he's reluctant . . this makes it kind of personal. After watching other people who were experimented on die, or worse . . he was promised that he would be the last. So he also wants to find out who, or what, 'Patient 47' is, and shut it down. Unfortunately he confronts him right outside of his apartment. And . . Marc has shown up, with a whole slew of reporters right behind him. Suffice it to say . . there's a huge battle. The 2 combatants bring and entire building down on top of them. But then, as the media is watching . . the rubble parts, and Jim comes walking out completely unscathed. Issue #198 ends in a media frenzy. In #199, Sam and Twitch are brought back into the story. They're just coming in, and are reluctantly ready to start at the bottom with the doctors from St Anthony's. But that's when they're called into maelstrom with the destruction of the building close by. As they approach they see Jim walking off . . through the air. Twitch is shortly pulled away, into the alley, as he sees the Clown standing there. Somehow Twitch is mixed up in all of this and the Clown tries to intimidate him as the Violator. When that doesn't work . . he gives Sam a massive coronary. This issue ends with a showdown between Spawn, Jim Downing, the Clown and the pasty faced freak. The pasty faced guy also seems to have an Omega-Spawn in his employ. Apparently he's the one that fought the heroes in Image United. I'm not sure how that story is related to this one, because . . I didn't read it. Anyways, I think the pasty faced guy is actually the Redeemer, after the Violater killed him and he went to Hell. Something down there changed him, and this is how he's returned. I may be wrong though, because that's the mystery that ends this issue. 'Look into my eyes! Both of you! It's time to show you who I REALLY AM!!' Could it be Al? I thought this was a heck of an issue and it really sets us up for the masterpiece that should be #200. Todd wrote both issue, with Khary Randolph doing the art on #198, and Erik Larsen doing the art on #199. Todd did the inks on both so they both had a kind of similar look. And of course the covers are by Greg Capullo. Well . . now that I'm caught up I want to find out what happens in issue #200. That should be an extravaganza. It's hard to believe that we're finally here. After almost 20 years. Whadathunkit?

Haunt #8 - Image

It's funny . . the Spawn schedule has been behind for quite a while now. And when this book first started out, it hit it's schedule pretty consistently. But now that Spawn is trying to get back on track . . this one is starting to fall behind. I don't suppose we could get both on track? I think, and this is just my opinion . . I think Todd should consign himself to the fact that both these titles will be coming out bi-monthly. Just go back and forth. One month Spawn . . one month Haunt. And so forth, and so forth. At least then we'll be getting some consistent stories from both books. But really, my frustration doesn't come from the schedule, but from the fact that I like these book very much, and I look forward to seeing them . . seeing new stuff. It gets frustrating when you have to wait so long in between. Anyways . . it was worth the wait. Daniel goes into training this issue, and out of it becomes an active agent. Meanwhile, Kurt's wife, Amanda, seems to be trying to live a normal life, and not count on, or even use, all the money that Mirage and Kurt left her. We find Mirage relaxing on a beach somewhere. An operative named Whisper finds her and fills her, and us, in on what's been happening back at the agency. And we get to see Haunt in action, as Daniel decides that they need to push things to the edge so that they know where the limit of their powers lie. Of course in ends in Daniel almost dying, but . . they do find the outer edge. Now that Cobra is out of bed, he wants to take a leave of absence from Hurg's organization to get revenge. But Hurg considers him his property. 'You get your revenge when I say you do. You belong to me.' He's not letting him go anywhere. And the agency has gone after what they thought was someone trying to put Shillinger's notes into implementation. They've sent in a squad, but right now there's only one left to report. Left with no other options, it looks like Director Tosh is going to have to send Daniel out into the field . . his first assignment. I really enjoy Robert Kirkman's stories here. And now that Greg Capullo has taken over on the pencils, the look of the book is much more consistent. I think this book definitely has a bright future, and seems to be on the right track. I just hope they can keep it there.

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #3 - Image

This book is really flying by. We're on issue #3 now, and we still don't know who this 'writer' is. But I have to say that I really enjoy the inclusion of Garland's character. She provides a good mix with Sam and Twitch and their usual witty repertoire. Anyways, Twitch finds Sam in the meat cooler this issue. Luckily he's in time to save him. But he's surprised to find Woodwin dead, hanging out with the carcasses. There's one suspect down. But Twitch keeps revisiting the Church. There's just something about Ramon's death that doesn't seem to add up right. Plus everybody who knew him . . everybody he's questioned, they all seem like they're leaving something out of their stories. But he hasn't been able to figure out just what it is. However, it does lead him to Jacob as the prime suspect. This day he didn't show up for work. When Twitch goes to his apartment to question him, there's a gunfight, but . . Twitch can tell by his actions that he's not the man they're looking for. However Frank, the editor, does think he knows who the 'writer' is. He was given a manuscript several months ago, obviously under a pseudonym . . Arthur Conan Simenon . . that is remarkably close to the story that the 'writer' seems to be telling. It's called the Mary H Case. He doesn't know the guys real name, but . . he does have a return address. But before going to confront him he burns the manuscript, as he thinks it's the original and probably the only copy. 'He's already started to get what he wants. And when this is all said and done every studio in Hollywood is gonna be optioning the right to the 'Mary H Case'. Somebody is gonna buy it. And somebody else is going to do all they can to get it in every book store from here to San Diego.' As he's burning it he tells Violet, 'We are the only 2 people who know where to find the 'writer'. And all I want to do is make sure that no one can read his damn story. And that he can't tell it anymore.' Unfortunately . . Frank goes to the guys apartment alone. He starts to confront him, but . . he's startled when he discovers that he already has his next victim. I just hope that Violet had the foresight to call Twitch. I know Frank didn't want her to, but hopefully she knows better. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out. I don't even know who Luca Blengino and Luca Erbetta are . . let alone having seen any of their work. So I didn't really know what to expect. But I have to say . . I've been very pleasantly surprised. I think they've been doing a great job with the story, and I like the way that they're handling Sam and Twitch's characters. I'm counting on a nice twist in the ending next issue, and . . hopefully we'll get another mini like this sometime in the near future. If it was an experiment, I'd say that it was a great success.

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #2 - Image

At the beginning of the first issue we see Sam stabbed and then stuck in a freezer at a slaughterhouse. We don't know what's going on, but . . these first 2 issues have filled in everything in between. But still . . all we really know for sure is that there's somebody out there who has a story to tell. Now that he's started doing it on the bodies of the people he's killed . . he's gotten some attention. However, before this his writing was found on walls, windows and park benches around the neighborhood. Sam and Twitch have also picked up a third-wheel . . Dr Garland . . a psychologist. The Captain thinks that her insight will help them catch the killer. She's examining the writing . . the story. And I think she makes a neat observation . . one that's quickly dismissed by Sam. It's a story that she recalls about a woman that was killed in the 1900's. She's been stabbed, but she's been found in a locked room . . locked from the inside. But that's not really important. The important part is that it was signed at the bottom . . 'three initials A.C.S.', just like what they've been finding on the bodies. But she doesn't really tell him where she saw the story, or how she came across it. However, in the end . . it doesn't really matter because, like I said, Sam just dismisses it, and Twitch never hears that part of her theory. Anyways, other than that, we see the most recent killings in this little spree. That and they're looking into a neighborhood boy that's been killed, Ramon. I'm not really sure what his connection is, other than that he's connected to a local butcher that is obviously connected. And therefore a suspect. Which all leads us back around to the beginning when Sam gets stabbed and stuck in the freezer. I think it's an interesting story. Luca Blengino is doing a good job of spreading it out and feeding us bits and pieces. Unfortunately, so far, it doesn't seem all that much different from something we'd see on CSI or Criminal Minds. I'm expecting some kind of twist to hit us in the near future, but . . I have no idea what that might be. I also like Luca Erbetta's pencils. I wasn't sure at first, but . . they're definitely growing on me. And I think her style fits the story very well. But, more than anything, I'm just happy to see Sam and Twitch back on the scene again. I love these characters. But they've been absent . . for quite a while. Hopefully this series is just the beginning.

Haunt #7 - Image

I think Robert Kirkman has done a great job with this series so far. Are you reading it? If not . . you really need to get out there and check it out. If you're an E-bayer, you can find some of the first issues out there pretty cheap. At least cover price, or less. Unless of course you want to get the variants. Then you'll be paying a little more. So far I think it's been an outstanding series. This issue Daniel persuades Kurt into looking up a prostitute that he once helped. He says he felt a connection to her. Yeah . . right. Anyways, the apartment that he finds her in happens to be her pimp's. And he doesn't like anyone talking to his girls . . without paying. Well . . needless to say . . Haunt goes primal and takes out the whole apartment. It isn't even hard for him. Not against these guys. Which, when you think about it, is kind of disturbing . . how fast Daniel has taken to the usual effects and aftermath of his cosmetic change. Anyways, shortly after, Amanda calls because she's woken up and found all of this money that Mirage has left behind . . but she doesn't know who left it, or how it got there. So, Kurt decides that his wife needs to know what he really did for a living. She actually takes it much better than expected, but . . she needs time to absorb everything. And . . some time to herself. So Daniel heads off to the Company for his first day of training. Meanwhile, Kurg had gotten the notes of Shillinger's experiments, and is having remarkable success. He feels that they may be up to human trials within a month. And Cobra finally gets his bandages removed. I have a feeling that he's going to have a serious hard-on for Haunt when he sees what he looks like. This was kind of a maintenance issue. We really only see 2 or 3 pages of Haunt in action . . in the pimp's apartment. Other than that, it serves to move the story forward and tie up some loose ends . . while at the same time creating some new ones. Like I said, I think Robert is doing a great job developing and getting us familiar with this character. I also like Greg Capullo and Todd McFarlane's art. Overall I'm really enjoying this series. It's entertaining, and every month leaves you wanting more.

Sam and Twitch: the Writer #1 - Image

I have to say . . I was a little worried going in to this issue. First it's been so long since we've seen an issue of Sam & Twitch . . almost 4 years. Secondly . . it appears that Todd McFarlane has nothing to do with this one, other than that he created the characters, so . . I didn't know how it would stand up to the rest . . what I remember. Anyways, this one was written by Luca Blengino, with Luca Erbetta doing the art. Both of which I've never heard of. But . . I'm willing to give anyone a shot. So . . I just started reading it . . open minded. It'll be a quick series though. Apparently it's 4 issues are coming out bi-weekly. So it'll be over before we know it. I don't know, yet, if that's a good thing or bad thing. From what I understand from this opening chapter, we have this guy in NYC who is either hearing voices, or has someone channeling themselves through him. It appears that he's left messages everywhere . . all over New York. But people probably see it mostly as graffiti. So, since no one's listening, the voice wants this guy to step it up. 'Surprise them. Do something they can't ignore. Do it for me.' So now he's taken to killing people and writing his story on their bodies. There's only been one, so far. There's a blizzard blanketing the city, so . . he'd have to be awfully motivated to try to find more victims in this mess. So Sam, Twitch and Charlotte . . a criminal psychologist, feel that they have a little time before they find another body. Sam and Twitch can do what they do, and Charlotte has some time to examine and study the writing . . to see what she can draw out of it. I thought it was an ok issue. It was interesting. And we got just enough information to keep us intrigued. Hopefully this mini-series will work out and we'll see another such project in the near future. These are some great characters. I hate to see them put on a shelf and forgotten for years on end. But that's all up to Todd. Isn't it?

Spawn #197 - Image

I kind of feel like I'm a 'nagging-Nancy' right now. It seems like I've been griping about a lot of little things in my reviews lately. Some of them may seem inconsequential, but . . when you've been reading comics as long as I have it's hard sometimes not to notice inconsistencies. And that's just the stuff actually in the books. On top of that we have to live with the decisions and choices that the companies and creators come up with. Take this book for instance. I thought it was fantastic when Whilce Portacio came on board as the artist. His style seemed to mesh perfectly with this character, and the theme and feel of the book. However, since coming on board . . Spawn #180 . . the schedule seems to have fallen farther and farther behind. All 12 issues came out the first year, but . . there's barely been 6 for this past one. I'm not saying that it's all Whilce's fault. He may be waiting for scripts. I don't know. I just know that it's hard to follow a book when you don't know when the issues are going to be coming out. There were 2 months between this issue and the last . . 5 months before that . . and 3 months before that. As a reader . . that gets frustrating. You have 2 choices . . you either wait, or quit buying the book. Obviously . . I came back. Anyways, having said that . . in this issue Jim is caught between the struggle of the Clown and the Redeemer. Both sides wants him, but the Redeemer is consumed by another emotion . . love, and loss. It appears that the Angel that Jim stuck to the wall in the alley, and then the Clown later came along and killed, was the Redeemer's wife. So even though he's following orders, he wants to know what's happened to her. So, while he's coming at Jim out of frustration, the Clown has been manipulating his emotions by appealing to his loss of memory and self. He's approaching Jim by acting like he's trying to help him . . trying to be a friend. So it isn't to much of a surprise when, on the final page, Jim tells the Clown . .'I've got your back from now on. You seem to be the only one I can trust these days.' That's going to come back to bite him in the ass. And that really was the extent of Todd McFarlane's story this issue. Some good news . . I guess. It looks like Khary Randolph will be stepping in to take over the pencilling chores. At least for next issue. Which will hopefully put it back on schedule. And then in #201, Szymon Kudranski will be taking over on the art with a photo-realistic style. I think that'll look neat on this book. So I'm not entirely negative. I still love this book, and this character. It's just a frustrating title to follow . . sometimes.

Haunt #6 - Image

This story was a bit choppy . . and all over the place. But . .it's purpose was to fill us in on some of the pieces of this first story-arc from Mirage's point of view. Basically . . she's a mercenary that is in love with Kurt. And through him, she was working both sides of the fence. I believe at one time she did work for the Agency, but . . I could be wrong. Anyways, their mission with Shillinger was going to be their final one. Kurt would go in, as instructed by the Agency, and capture the doctor. He would leave the doctor's notebook behind on purpose, which Mirage would then grab. She would put it up for sale, drawing out the bad guys, and alert Kurt as to when it would happen. Then Kurt, and the Agency would swoop in . . capture the bad guy and recover the notebook. But Mirage would make off with the money. Everyone would be happy . . Kurt would quit the Agency . . and he and Mirage would go off and be happy together. But . . you know what they say about the best laid plans. Right from the beginning everything went wrong. Or as the one guy says, 'It all went pear-shaped.' Anyways, Mirage tries to finish her part of the plan, solo. And in the end, anonymously gives Amanda half the money. Mirage figures she owes her at least that much for what she and Kurt were planning on doing to her. Overall I thought it was a great wrap-up to the first story-arc. Robert Kirkman has done a great job of pulling us into the life of this character. And it was nice to see this recap of everything, but from a different perspective. This title seems to be off to a great start. I have a feeling it's going to be around for some time to come. Greg Capullo does the art for this issue, but officially he doesn't take over until the next one. Overall I'm pretty impressed with this launch. I can't wait to see more. And, if you didn't take a chance with these first 6 issues . . knowing Image, it'll probably be out in TPB before Memorial Day. If you don't buy it, you should at least pick it up and read it through. You won't be disappointed.

Spawn #196 - Image

Ok . . It's been almost 5 months since this last issue came out. But . . according to the letters page, they're going to try to get things back on track in the next few months. Here's the plans for the issues leading up to #200. Whilce Portacio returns for #197, which will be his final issue on this book. Khary Randolph with do the art for #198. With Erik Larsen jumping in for issue #199. Which all leads to issue #200 drawn by the one and only Todd McFarlane. Then issue #201 will be the start of the new creative time. Rookie writer Will Carlton will be doing the scripts. But don't worry. He's an employee of Todd McFarlane Productions, so . . he's worked with Todd and has pitched ideas to him. Szymon Kudranski will be doing the art. Apparently Todd wants a new feel for the book, and Szymon is the guy he thinks that will provide that. Anyways . . that's what the future holds. As for this issue . . it's the conclusion of the Endgame storyline. Kind of. We learn a lot of stuff this issue, but . . there's still a whole lot of unanswered questions. Jim seems to be accepting his role. He doesn't have a name for it yet . . or a purpose, but . . he's more than willing to tap into it to try to get some answers. He starts with the Genetics doctor that seems to be linked to him through his medical records. He finds out that they were doing all kinds of genetic experiments, and that there were many doctors hired to try to achieve the desired results. Most of the patients died. They were given numbers instead of names. But #47, Jim, didn't. He went into a coma. From there Jim ends up talking to a crime boss, Nortego. There he finds out that Jim, or whomever he was before, was the actual person who gave the orders for all the experimentation. 'You were tired of the failures so you became your own patient. Don't you get it? You did this to yourself! You were in charge!' And then . . when he's really confused and frustrated . . the Clown shows up the muddy up the waters a little more. He explains to him the connection between he and Al Simmons, and the whole 'war' thing going on between Heaven and Hell. He explains to him the whole thing, and says that now he's a Spawn. And it's about time, because he has a whole army to lead. 'Go into the night, blanket yourself int he shadows. Feel your power. Embrace that and you can become Earth's king.' The picture on the left here is the art on the final page of the issue. I don't know that we have all the answers now, but . . we seem to be heading in the right direction. Well . . at least as far as the story goes. As far as Jim goes . . his path could be a little more confusing because of the Clown's involvement. But . . I guess we'll have to wait and see about that. Todd wrote this issue. But the art was done by Greg Capullo on layouts, and Todd and Rob Liefeld on the pencils. There's a name I didn't expect to see on this book. But most of his work is done in the style of Todd or Whilce's, so . . you can't really even see his influence. Anyways, I guess there's going to be a couple of double issue months coming up, so . . hopefully things will get back on track and we'll get a more normal schedule here. That's not the first time that's happened on this book. It probably won't be the last.

Haunt #5 - Image

I've liked this book from the beginning. I thought that it had a unique feel to it. But now that we're up to issue #5? I think this is one of those books that pulls you in a little more every time you read it. Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane are all doing a fantastic job here. My only complaint is that it seems like Spawn has been put on hold during the launch of this book. I hope that book gets back on track. Soon! Anyways, Daniel and Kurt seem to have recovered from their recent excursion as the Haunt. They assume that it was because Kurt was pushing them so hard that thier energy was so completely depleted. They were trying to save his wife after all. But now they've volunteered for a new mission. It turns out that Mirage had gotten Shillinger's notes and she was going to sell them to Hurg. He's that big guy that hired Cobra to come after them in the last couple of issues. Anyways, the agency that Kurt worked for wants to stop the sale, and to retrieve the notes. Which they do, when one of Hurg's female body-guards is seriously hurt and he chooses to save her over retrieving the notes. However, once in the Agency's hands . . Asst Director Rhodes shows her true colors and kills Director Stantz as she escapes from the facility. Which makes Asst Director Tosh, another one of Kurt's former love interests, the acting Director. Later she comes to Daniel with an offer. 'Your situation makes you a special case. Kurt was the best agent we ever had. To get him back we're willing to take you in . . train you to better work with him. To be honest. We're also the tiniest bit desperate. You've got 2 weeks to get your life in order while HQ is being rebuilt. I'll need you to report in then.' Daniel and Kurt have a heart to heart talk where Kurt express' how this job, this life basically destroyed his and Amanda's relationship. And although he's dead, I think he's glad to be out of it. I think the only reason he's still around is because he and Daniel are connected. Plus I think he's trying to protect him since he inadvertantly pulled him into this. He feels guilty. So when Tosh tells Daniel what's up . . Daniel actually looks happy. But Kurt doesn't. That's the opposite of what I would've expected coming into this issue. Anyways, I'm really enjoying this book. I'm trying not to get pulled into the variant covers, but . . I do find them on E-Bay pretty cheap now and then, so . . how can I not pass up a deal? Right? If any of you have even thought about giving this book a chance, I say . . go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Haunt #4 - Image

This issue we finally put a face and a name to the bad guy . . Mr Hurg. Kurt had gone after this Dr Shillinger because of the genetic experiments that he was doing. Actually, that's the operation he was assigned by his organization. But the most important thing was Shillinger's notebook . . which nobody seems to be able to find. During the operation Kurt got mad at Shillinger because of what he saw that he had done to these people . . the people locked in his warehouse, or lab, or whatever . . and killed him. During that lapse of judgement, he took his eye off the notebook and we saw that somebody had snatched it. Later, after he was killed, and became the Haunt with his brother Daniel, we notice that the person that grabbed the satchel kind of looked like Haunt. But, it happened so fast, and in the shadows, so we really didn't get that great of a look. Anyways, now Kurt's organization is trying to keep his wife, Amanda, safe . . in case she knows something . . something she might not even know that she knows. Of course in the process of transporting her to safety she's abducted by the bad guys. Kurt/Daniel immediately jump into action, as the Haunt, and it appears that the more time they spend together, the acclimation of their transition and teamwork seems to be progressing. But, they find out something new about their situation also . . the longer they stay as the Haunt, the more their body is depleted of precious minerals and nutrients. They don't know why, yet, but when they take on the mercenary, Cobra again, while trying to rescue Amanda, they barely beat him before they collapse completely. So the issue ends with Amanda in safety, Kurt/Daniel finding out more about their powers and situation with every issue, and the organization still not knowing that Asst. Director Rhodes is the mole within their house. So far I've thought this title to pretty good. It's exciting and fast paced, but there are a few spots where the characters kind of go off on a tangent for no apparent reason. Cobra is in the hospital after Haunt almost takes his face off and Mr Hurg, his boss . . or at least the person that hired him . . starts going on about Cobra's diet and nutrition. I'm not sure what that whole conversation was about or what it showed us about Mr Hurg's character. It seemed kind of oddly placed to me. But . . having said that, I do like the pace of the rest of the book. The story is slowly unfolding. The only thing I felt was missing with this issue was any kind of character development as far as Kurt/Daniel. Yes we hear the conversation they're having while attempting to rescue Amanda, but we don't really learn anything about either one of them, personally, this issue. Or maybe something about Kurt's relationship with Director Stantz. I think this series shows a lot of potential. I'd just hate to see it lose some of it's audience because the readers don't get bought in. Overall, I thought it was a great effort by Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane. It's got a ton of potential and I think it'll be around for a while. As long as the story keeps progressing.

Haunt #3 - Image

This title is quickly becoming a very interesting book. Last issue Kurt led his brother Daniel to an access point for whatever organization he was working for before he was killed. Of course, upon entering they shoot him with a tranquilizer dart, and put him in a holding cell. It's there that they finally learn what they are. When Kurt had rescued all those people from Bolivia . . the recipients of Dr Shillinger's tests, the surviving subjects were brought to this same base. The cell that Daniel is put in seems to also contain the most normal subjects of that bunch. At least in appearance. That doesn't say anything of their psychological nature, and the affects the tests had on them as moral, obedient humans. Anyways, one of the women in his cell seems to have a type of vision. She can see Kurt. Well . . not exactly. But she can see his energy, and she knows that he's there. She calls them 'the Haunt'. Daniel doesn't know exactly what this means, but . . for a man looking for answers, he jumps on what's given to him pretty quickly. Anyways, he's questioned by Beth, Asst Director Tosh. Kurt tells him to tell them the truth, but . . they don't believe him. However, that first night, he's attacked by a freelance agent. Whom also somehow gained access to this facility. After killing him, by transforming into Haunt, he's again questioned by Beth, but also Director Stantz. This time Daniel tells Beth something that only she and Kurt would know. But in order to do so Kurt has revealed to Daniel that he cheated on Amanda. His wife, whom once loved Daniel but Kurt took away from him. This may be a rift between them that can never be healed. Anyways, Beth believes him now, but Director Stantz needs some convincing. They also have Asst Director Rhodes on her way in for confirmation. However, what they don't know, is that Rhodes is working for the other side. She's working for the guy who's trying to retrieve Daniel, and thereby regain Doctor Shillinger's notes. Apparently he's also the backer behind the Doctor's experiments and now that he's dead, he can't proceed without the notes. This book has everything. Action . . adventure . . spies . . double-agents, and a classic love triangle between two estranged brothers. Well . . I guess they're no longer estranged. I'm not exactly sure, technically, how much closer 2 brothers could get. So far this has been an exemplary effort by the entire creative staff . . Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane. We're only on issue #3 and it's already dragged the reader kicking and screaming straight into the center of the story. I'm really glad I took a chance on this one. I can't wait to see where it goes.

Haunt #2 - Image

Ok . . again . . I'm impressed. Last issue we saw the unique relationship between Daniel and Kurt Kilgore. They're brothers, but . . they couldn't be more different. Kurt works for . . actually, worked for . . he's dead . . he worked for this CIA-type agency. We don't really know any of the specifics or anything yet, but . . it was a lot of deep-cover and wet-work jobs. After he died Daniel started seeing him. He thought it was out of guilt or remorse, but actually . . he can see and talk to him, and . . they interact. Kind of. Anyways, Daniel goes to Amanda's house, at Kurt request, to watch over her. Some people break in and when the adrenaline hits . . the 2 combine to create this Haunt. Together they quickly took out the 4 guys who broke in to Amanda's place. This issue picks up shortly after that when Daniel is freaking out, and Kurt is trying to be the voice of reason. There also seems to be a struggle with who controls this Haunt. Daniel, the living member seems to have immediate control, but . . Kurt also seems to be able to exert his will and go through the motions that he's been trained for. But he can tell when Daniel is fighting him, and their movements become awkward. Daniel doesn't really want anything to do with Kurt's life, so when they split he goes back to the church. Unfortunately, the people that are looking for Kurt have also come there to visit him. There's a merc guy there, Cobra, and he's killed father Pearson. They change again, but even his brother doesn't think they have a chance of beating him. Cobra ends up escaping, and the brothers aren't to worried about finding him. Kurt then leads Daniel to a safe-house where they use a secret entrance to get into HQ. But it looks like they were expected. 'We have a lot of questions for you, Daniel Kilgore. So please . . don't make any sudden moves.' I thought it was another great issue by Robert Kirkman, Greg Capullo, Ryan Ottley and Todd McFarlane. The dynamic between these 4 creators seems to be working well. It shows in the book. Next issue, I guess they meet someone who can explain their situation a little better. I think it's a good start to this series. I hope they can keep it up.

Spawn #195 - Image

With this issue Marc Rosen, the reporter, has finally caught up with Sara and Jim Downing. He's trying to get the story on what went down in the hospital the day the explosion happened . . or at least that's what everybody thought it was. Meanwhile, Jim was in Benny Vicari's house at the end of the last issue, and it literally exploded on top of him. This issue he pulls himself out of the ashes. At the police precinct, Detective Rowland has finally caught up with Sam & Twitch. He's got a file on a lawyer who blew his head off for no apparent reason. His superiors want to close the case as a suicide. But the Det doesn't think that things add up right. He's also got a list of phone calls and contacts that the lawyer made and they're all in Manhattan. Which is why he wants Sam & Twitch's help. It turn out that Benny Vicari was one of the names on that list. So now, their 2 separate cases have become intertwined. Anyways, when Marc is talking to Sara she wants someone else to listen to the conversation, so she invites her friend Judy over. When she leaves she borrows Sara's coat. On her way out the door, some people that are looking for Sara recognize the coat and pick her up, not knowing that it's Judy. Jim switches to his Spawn form to go after them, and Marc and Sara go to the precinct a few blocks away. Ten bucks says that it ends up being Sam & Twitch's precinct. Spawn catches up with the car, and before dealing with the goons sends Judy to the same precinct. A couple things of note here at the end. First, while dangling over the edge of a building Spawn finally gets a name or who sent these guys after them . . 'Kingston! Doctor Kingston. Upper east side.' After which he drops him over the building. Secondly, the counter for Spawn's powers is back and it's almost down to '0' . . '0:0:0:9'. I wonder what that means? Next issue is the conclusion to this 'Endgame' story-line. And then we'll start the story-line that'll lead us up to issue #200. Yes . . it's almost here. I think Todd McFarlane, Greg Capullo and Whilce Portacio are doing a tremendous job here. I really like the way the books been flowing, the last 10 issues or so. And really . . these guys are only just getting started. I have a feeling a lot more is gonna' happen before issue #200. I can't wait.

Haunt #1 - Image

After reading this book . . I'm very pleasantly surprised. I really only picked it up because I saw Todd McFarlane's name on it. I know! The guys got plenty of money and he doesn't need another comic geek contributing to his coffer. But . . what can I say? Ever since he started doing covers for DC, and then he did Infinity Inc . . I've been following the guy. Anyways, at the top of the book it's got McFarlane, Kirkman and Capullo listed. How could I not give it a shot? Robert Kirkman is the co-creator/writer, and Todd is the co-creator/inks. Greg Capullo does the layouts, and Ryan Ottley does the pencils. I've kind of got mixed feelings about the pencils. I'm sure Greg and Todd contributed a lot to the overall look, but Ryan's pencils, to me, almost have a Whilce Portacio look to them. Or at least he's heavily influenced by him. Anyways, I have to admit, it's really cool picking up a book for a brand new character knowing that everything you're reading is laying the groundwork for this new experience. Plus you know that everyone else that's reading it is getting the same rush. Our main characters here are Kurt and Daniel. Two brothers could not be more different than these two. Kurt is either a special-ops guy, or a mercenary. I'm not sure which, plus I guess it doesn't really matter. Daniel is a priest, but . . I think he's lacking some faith because the opening scene is him leaving a hooker behind in a hotel room. It seems that after every mission Kurt comes to Daniel to confess his sins. He's doing a job, and he's killed a lot of people. He seems completely immune to the violence or bloodshed. His first scene . . well, he starts out in confessional, but then we get a glimpse of his most recent mission. He starts out that mission by cutting himself out of a body bag. He's been sent to retrieve a scientist that's been know to experiment on cadavers, so he tries to get into the facility by hiding in the shipment of bodies. But instead, him and the rest of them have been thrown into a mass grave. Long story short, the scientist has moved on to experimenting on live patients. When Kurt shows up, the scientist wants to take his most prized possession with him. When Kurt sees what he's done to these people locked up in this room . . he shoots the scientist square in the head. Kurt doesn't see it, but as he's trying to get these victims out, someone or something crawls down from the ceiling and takes the scientists satchel. In it is his notebook which never leaves his side. Shortly after his confession, Kurt is abducted, tortured and then killed because someone wants to know where that. In it is his notebook which never leaves his side. Shortly after his confession, Kurt is abducted, tortured and then killed because someone wants to know where that notebook is. At his funeral, Kurt appears as a ghost to Daniel and asks him to protect his wife, Amanda. Daniel doesn't really believe that he's there, but . . apparently she is part of the reason Kurt and Daniel don't get along. We don't know what happened, yet . . but she's the cause of their falling out, years ago. Anyways, the book ends as Daniel, who's sleeping on Amanda's couch, is awoken by Kurt. Shortly after 2 hit-men come into the apartment. Daniel is shot at, and as Kurt ghosts instinctively lurches to take the bullet for him, the 2 brother's merge. They become this Haunt character that's pictured on the cover, and immediately slice the 2 guys heads off. 'Kurt?' 'Yeah I'm here.' 'So . . maybe I'm not crazy!' In the back of the book, Robert gives us a little history on what's lead up to he and Todd's collaboration. He bills the book as an 'action / horror / espionage epic'. He's also asking for ideas for the title of the letters page. My suggestion is 'Sibling Revelries'. Or maybe 'Haunting Confessions'. I don't know. It's just an idea. Anyways, I really enjoyed this first issue. I actually enjoyed everything about it . . the writing . . the art . . and the character. I can't wait to see where Kurt, Daniel and Amanda go from here. And I'm pretty happy with myself for picking this up on a whim.

Spawn #194 - Image

Apparently, somewhere between the solicitation of this book, and when it was actually released . . plans were changed for this storyline. In the solicitation it reads, "Endgame - Part 10: Get ready for Violator vs Spawn! Violator returns to have his first encounter with the new Spawn. Meanwhile, the Clown continues to manipulate from behind the scenes." Plus it shows the wrong cover. This issue is nothing like that. Here, we're introduced to some new characters . . a crime-family of sorts that seems to be headed by a Mr. Nortega. They have something to do with St Anthony's hospital. They're worried about all the press coverage it's been getting with the recent debacle, but they're most concerned with retrieving 'Patient 47', Jim Downing, the new Spawn. However, I gotta believe they're more than just some normal crime-family. Somehow this hospital has to be connected with Malebolgia or hell . . or something. We don't get into the specifics much this issue, I think this was just a 'meet and greet' for us readers. However, the one guy that does come back to the family with information, Gilbert Sanchez, is quickly 'dispatched' after he reveals him knowledge. "How dare any of you entrust our secrets to rank amateurs! Our livelihoods are at stake and you're sending boys to do mens' work!" Meanwhile, Jim is searching for Gilbert because of his 'visits' to Sara's apartment. He doesn't have many friends so he's very protective of her. And, the Clown has escaped incarceration. He was only actually there to Claudio a message anyways. But . . now Sam & Twitch have another mystery on their hands. Also the reporter for the Clarion, Marc Rosen, isn't giving up on the story yet. He's convinced that there's something going on with St Anthony's. This issue he gets an anonymous tip about Jim's name and identity. Then, I'm a bit confused. Jim goes to Gilbert's house to talk to him, but . . Mr Nortega had Gilbert killed in the beginning of the issue. Anyways, they start to talk, but then we see on the final page that his house is blown up. Whilce Portacio is back on the pencils this issue, so the book looks fantastic. I'm a huge fan of this book. I actually like the way Todd makes his story-lines go on for such an extended period of time. It's kind of the way life is. It's not neat and tidy . . it's messy, and convoluted. And things don't always get wrapped up quick and easy. It just astounds me that it's been almost 20 years already. Where does the time go?

Spawn #193 - Image

Well . . we're on issue 9 of this story-arc, Endgame, and we still don't have very many answers. This issue though, the Clown tries something I've never seen him do before . . he plays a 'bait and switch' on Spawn, Jim Downing. He comes at him in the alley as Malebolgia, the Violator, all fire & brimstone and threatening and all. But then he slinks into the shadows, pretends he's beating someone up, and comes back out as the Clown. He says that he wants to help the guy, and that they're kindred spirits of sorts. That is until he senses one of his new recruits in a nearby jail. I think the guy in jail has something to do with vampires or demons or such. The Clown goes through this elaborate charade to get Sam & Twitch to arrest him. But really he just want to end up in a jail cell where this guy is trying to hide out. Other than that, we don't get many other answers this issue. Now that Todd is writing this book again, I forgot how much he likes to stretch out these stories. That's how he did it in the beginning. Overall, I think it works out well . . we get point of whomever's trying to make an inroad in this battle between heaven and hell. But sometimes, I think, he does stretch it out a bit long. Greg Capullo comes on board as the penciller this issue. I'm sure Whilce just needed a break. I'm just thrilled to see Sam & Twitch back in the action again. It's been a while. Personally, I've missed their own book. Anyways, this book continues in it's usual excellence. Things are heating up as we're approaching issue #200. It's not that far away now. Just a quick question, but did anyone see, or get one of the color covers to this issue? It's shown at the top here, but all I saw was the black & white version. I'm just wondering if I missed something.

Spawn #192 - Image

Personally, I really like the pace of the story that Todd's created through these last few issues . . 8 to be exact, I think. I think it's interesting to have this enigmatic character, Jim Downing, in the lead role of this series. We know a quite a bit less about him than we did Al in the very beginning. But, I think the fun is in unraveling the mystery. We start out seeing what the guy that the Clown recruited a couple of issues ago is capable of. Apparently Claudio is the leader of a group of Vampires. The Clown wants to extend him an offer. However, in his search for Claudio, he sends some of his 'soldiers' to deal with this guy. He quickly takes them all out and is soon on his way to finally meet Claudio. Meanwhile, Jim has found his way back to the alley only to find that the Angel that he had pinned up there is now gone. This really aggravates him because he was hoping she would give him some answers. And really, that's all he wants. In his absence though, the Clown was there and ripped her wings off. "They need their wings, it's where most of their power comes from. And what identifies them. Once removed . . or ripped off . . they all go quite insane." Jim is being told this by a guy who shows up an appears to have information for him. To me, he kind of looks like Evil Ernie. He may be the devil . . or not, but it seems like the more Jim confronts him, after showing his powers, the less control he has over them. Until he's really not much more than a human in costume. Which isn't good. First of all the Angel seems to have come to her senses and is trying to warn Jim about the guy he's been talking to. Then, when he turns around, he finds Malebolgia, menacingly also in the alley. Like I said I really like the pace that Todd has taken here. And I'm thrilled with Whilce Portacio's pencils. I think they're perfect for this series. Plus, we get an added bonus next issue . . Sam & Twitch are back. Except for the main character, these 2 are easily my favorite characters in this series.

Spawn #191 - Image

This story is really starting to heat up. Last issue, Jim, in his Spawn form went back to the alley. Or, I guess I should say, went to the alley for the first time . . that he knows of. One of the guys on the street thought that he recognized him and led him to his 'throne'. Anyways, while there, thinking, one of the 'angels' comes up on him. She's also talking to him as if she knows him, but it isn't until she's pretty much told him everything that she knows that she realizes this isn't whom she thinks it is. Knowing that she has some of the answers he looking for, he pins her to the wall to get them. Actually, he's trying to get her to stay there until he goes and checks on Sara. He's afraid that the men that are watching her apartment may hurt her. After threatening them, he finds out that they work for a Gilbert Sanchez. So that's his next stop. Meanwhile, the Clown has come upon the scene in the alley and has found the Angel pinned to the wall. He also decides to try to get some information from her, but . . he's willing to torture her along the way. The issue ends with him ripping her wings off. "I've lived long enough to know there are things worse, far worse than death. Especially for an angel. Let me demonstrate." We also catch up with Marc this issue. He's the reporter that's trying to put the story together about what happened at St. Anthony's. He's really confused because he's got a lot of pieces that shouldn't connect, but . . they do. And then when he thinks he's got something, it turns out to be a dead-end. But he knows there's a story there. He just can't figure out what it is. On top of all of this, next issue . . some vampires are thrown into the mix. Personally, I really like this new direction that Todd McFarlane has taken this book. To me it just feels like it's been given a new life. I can't wait to figure out what Jim's secret is. Also, Whilce Portacio is doing an incredible job with the pencils. Every issue has looked phenomenal. 191 issues into it, and this series is just as strong, if not stronger, than ever. Fan-frikkin-tastic!

Noble Causes #40 - Image

Boy I'm batting a 1000 here. This is yet another book in my stack in which we've reached the final issue. What's up with that? I guess it doesn't say to much for my choice in books that so many of them have been cancelled of late. But this one? To me, I think Jay Faerber does a fantastic job with these character. But, as he states on the letters page, "Noble Causes was never a sales juggernaut, and spin-offs always sell less than the 'parent' book." However, despite that . . I always liked it. Jay has a way of writing his stories with just the right amount of super-hero glitz, and just the right amount of soap-opera drama. And the Noble family, was the perfect choice for this type of story. We start out this book knowing that it's the last issue. Jay says on the letters page, "That's it. I can't state it any more plainly." But yet he still leaves us with a fantastic cliffhanger. Last issue Gaia got out of jail. The first thing she did was go over to greet Doc, and plant a full lip-lock on him. All of this happened as Doc's current wife, Olympia, and the press corps look on. So, not only does Olympia have to see what happens, but then . . then she has to look at it over and over again as it shows up on the front page of every newspaper and magazine that she picks up. Gaia makes a play to get Doc back, but he tells her that he's not interested. However, when he goes home Olympia is packing her bags. She says she's going to give Doc some space until he can figure out who he loves more. On the final panel of the final page he makes a phone call . . "I've been doing a lot of thinking, and . . . . you're the one I want." The problem is . . . we don't know who he's talking to. It's almost laughable. Anyways, I really like this series. I thought Jay did a fantastic job with the story-lines. Also I thought Yildiray Cinar was improving every issue as an artist. It's really going to be a shame to see this one go. I guess I'll just have to follow Jay's work someplace else. Plus . . it looks like I'm going to need another Image book to pick up. Does anyone out there have any suggestion? Really . . I'm open to anything. Just let me know what you think I'd like. I'm willing to give almost anything a shot. Otherwise . . I'm down to Spawn as my last Image book. I'm all ears.