(P)Review : Funny Books : New Releases

We're experiencing some... difficulties at the moment, so click the picture above to check out this weeks new Comic Books releases. We'll have this jam back up in list form next week!

(P)Review : Funny Books : New Releases

We're going to bring this to you weekly from now on! I'm a big, big fan of Funny Books, located in Lake Hiawatha, NJ. It's run by Funny Steve, who is easily one of my favorite local business people. We're hoping to get him involved with AlreadyReviewed in the near future, to help out with the Comic Books section. But in the meantime, we'll bring you what we can, giving you the stuff we're most interested in and excited about. For now, here are this week's New Releases, courtesy of Funny Books!

On Sale Wednesday, September 10th 2009
September 8th, 2009

(Most New Comics on the shelves by Noon)

NEW THIS WEEK FROM MARVEL COMICS…
Amazing Spiderman #604
Dark Avengers / Uncanny X-Men Exodus
Dark Reign List: Avengers
Dark Reign Young Avengers #4 (of 5)
Hulk Team-Up One Shot
Incredible Hercules #134
Kick Ass #7
Marvel Zombies / Army of Darkness TP
Marvel Zombies Return #2
Marvels Project #2 (of 8)
Models Inc. #1 (of 4)
Nomad Girl Without A World #1 (of 4)
Punisher Frank Castle Max #74
Thor Tales of Asgard by Lee & Kirby #5 (of 6)
Ultimate Comics Avengers #2
War Of Kings: Who Will Rule One Shot
X-Men Forever #7

NEW THIS WEEK FROM DC COMICS…
Adventure Comics #2
Blackest Night Batman #2 (of 3)
Blackest Night Batman #1 (of 3) (2nd print)
Booster Gold #24
DMZ #45
Doom Patrol #2
Freddy / Jason / Ash: Nightmare Warriors #3 (of 6)
Gotham Central Vol. 2 HC “Jokers And Madmen”
Green Lantern Corps. #40 (Blackest Night)
House of Mystery #17
Red Herring #2 (of 6)
Red Robin #4
Secret Six #13
Shield #1
Superman World of New Krypton #7 (of 12)
Titans #17
Titans Lockdown TP
Unwritten #5
Warlord #6
Wednesday Comics #10 (of 12)

ALSO NEW THIS WEEK… Angel Only Human #2 (of 4)
BPRD 1947 #3 (of 5)
Classic G.I. Joe Vol. 5 TP
Complete Dracula #3 (of 5)
Dead at 17 Afterbirth #4 (of 4)
Doctor Who Ongoing #3
Elephantmen #21
Fallen Angel Reborn #3
Hellboy Wild Hunt #6 (of 8)
Inu Yasha Vol. 40
Life and Times of Savior 28 #5
Process Recess Vol. 3 HC “Hallowed Seam”
Red Sonja #48
Soulfire 2 #0
Star Trek Nero #2
Stuff of Legend #1 (of 2) (new print)
Toyfare #147
Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #2 (of 5)
Vampirella Second Coming #1
Witchblade #130

AND EVEN MORE FUN…
Archie and Friends #135
Cartoon Network Action Pack #41
Finding Nemo: Reef Rescue #3 (of 4)
G-Man Cape Crisis #2 (of 5)
Marvel Adventures Super Heroes 315
Marvel Super Hero Squad #4 (of 4)
Muppet Robin Hood #4 (of 4)
Sonic The Hedgehog #204

(P)Review : Volume 2 : Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Let’s just jump right in… SPOILERS! So, you know, Beware!

When we left Scott in Volume 1, he had defeated Evil Ex Number 1, Matthew Patel, in what can only be described as a Rock ’n’ Roll West Side Story-ish duel at the Rockit, where his band Sex Bob-Omb was supposed to play. Where we had only really gotten hints at the Video Game Alternaverse in which Scott and his friends reside, we’re treated to full on Street Fighter style Kung Fu antics. As mentioned, this is going to be the first big fight sequence of the film, and it should be super rad.

Volume 2 starts off with a flashback, where we learn a little about Scott’s past and his relationship with Kim Pine (gasp!), and where we’re introduced to another character in the Scott Pilgrim-verse, Lisa. She comes in to play a later volume, so keep that name tucked away for later use. We also find out that Scott hasn’t technically “broken up” with Knives yet, and Wallace is none too pleased about that. At all. Our story takes off from there.

In a sort of off-hand manner, we’re introduced to Scott’s next opponent in his battle for Ramona’s undying devotion, Lucas Lee, a skateboarder turned actor/sell-out. This is one of the quieter fights of the series, as it’s pretty much just Scott getting his ass handed to him. In true sell-out fashion, Lee offers to take all the money Scott has and tell the League he was defeated. Irritated, Scott instead challenges Lee to ride a ridiculous rail, where speed and gravity take it’s toll, and Lee turns in to “like, fourteen bucks. In coins! What a dick!” It’s outlandish but works. Besides, that’s really not even the main thrust of this volume!

By chance, or as Scott sees it, some tragic misfortune, Ramona and Stacey end up hanging out together. Enter Knives Chau, self-proclaimed “Scott-a-holic” and quasi-Ninja. A raging battle ensues at the public library, where some corporate art is destroyed in the name of self-defense. We also learn just how far gone poor Knives is, as she’s convinced Ramona used Hipster magic to steal Scott away from her. This is a good battle, and should translate to some great action and comedy in the film.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, we learn the a little about Envy Adams and her band The Clash At Demonhead, who have invited Scott’s band to open up for them in a few days. One awkward phone call, some catatonia, and a melancholy song about the best job Scott ever had later, we’re at Lee’s Palace waiting for the Clash At Demonhead to perform. In what should be a great reveal in the film, we’re introduced to Ramona’s third Evil Ex, Todd. He just so happens to be…

I think you should read to find out. Because it’s awesome and set’s up some of the funniest stuff in the series in Volume 3, Scott Pilgrim & The Infinite Sadness. As I re-read the books, this might be one of my favorites, as the outlandishness is turned up to 11 and the story really starts to see some great action and even, to everyone’s surprise, some growth on Scott’s part.

Next week I’ll be back to discuss Volume 3 and what Infinite Sadness really means!

Kick-Ass Coming To Kick Your Ass Next Year!

Here's some great news for fans of the comic Kick-Ass! Lionsgate has picked up the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to the film version of this hyper-violent take on superheroes with nothing super about them... Here's the press release and the link to the story, which comes from one of my favorite and most trusted sites, Ain't It Cool News!

LIONSGATE® SET TO KICK-ASS WITH FILMMAKER MATTHEW VAUGHN’S HOTLY ANTICIPATED SUPERHERO ACTION COMEDY

Studio Acquires U.S. And Canadian Rights To Comic Book Adaptation From
Director of LAYER CAKE and STARDUST

Buzz Sensation At 2009 Comic-Con, It Stars Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Breakout Stars Aaron Johnson and Chloë Moretz

SANTA MONICA, CA (August 17, 2009) – LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), the leading next generation studio, announced today that it has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to KICK-ASS, the hotly anticipated action-comedy from writer/director Matthew Vaughn (LAYER CAKE, STARDUST). Based on the groundbreaking, best-selling comic by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., KICK-ASS stars Nicolas Cage (the upcoming SEASON OF THE WITCH, KNOWING, NATIONAL TREASURE), rising star Aaron Johnson (the upcoming NOWHERE BOY), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (SUPERBAD) and Chloë Moretz ((500) DAYS OF SUMMER). The screenplay is written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman. The producers are Matthew Vaughn, Brad Pitt, Tarquin Pack and Kris Thykier; Millar and Romita Jr. are co-producers. The announcement was made today by Joe Drake, Lionsgate President, Motion Picture Group, and Co-Chief Operating Officer, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.

KICK-ASS was the buzz sensation of the July Comic-Con in San Diego, where early footage was shown to wildly appreciative fans. The film is a privately financed independent production from Vaughn’s Marv Films and Plan B Entertainment, and is currently in post-production. Lionsgate anticipates a wide release in 2010.

Said Constantine, “Matthew Vaughn is an amazing talent and a true original, and he has brought a whole new mindset to the action genre with KICK-ASS. KICK-ASS redefines the boundaries in terms of humor, action, story, character and tone -- it’s the kind of movie that reminds us of why we go to the movies in the first place. Lionsgate is thrilled to bring KICK-ASS home to give it the next-generation launching pad it deserves.”

Said Vaughn, “Making and financing KICK-ASS has been an amazing experience, and we’ve had two important goals from the start: make a singularly entertaining film and find the right studio to release it. With Lionsgate, I know that I’ve got a supportive and fearless team behind me. It’s going to be fun working together to bring the film to audiences and those who are already fans of the comic book.”

Said Pack, “The massive response we received at Comic-Con has been hugely important in launching the next wave of momentum for the film, and Lionsgate’s marketing and distribution talents are a perfect fit for us. Lionsgate is a studio that is not afraid to do things differently, and that is the attitude that has characterized KICK-ASS from the very start.”

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Constantine, Eda Kowan, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Wendy Jaffe, Executive Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, Acquisitions and Co-Productions; and by WME and Matthew Johnson of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf LLP, on behalf of the filmmakers.

SYNOPSIS

A twisted, funny, high-octane adventure, director Matthew Vaughn brings KICK-ASS to the big screen.

KICK-ASS tells the story of average teenager Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a comic-book fanboy who decides to take his obsession as inspiration to become a real-life superhero. As any good superhero would, he chooses a new name -- Kick-Ass -- assembles a suit and mask to wear, and gets to work fighting crime. There’s only one problem standing in his way: Kick-Ass has absolutely no superpowers.

His life is forever changed as he inspires a subculture of copy cats, is hunted by assorted violent and unpleasant characters, and meets up with a pair of crazed vigilantes, including an 11-year-old sword-wielding dynamo, Hit Girl (Chloë Moretz) and her father, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage).

(P)Review : Volume One : Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life

I was turned on to this series of graphic novels about 8 or so months ago, and have been mildly obsessed ever since. Finding out that Edgar Wright (the genius behind Hot Fuzz and Shaun Of The Dead) was doing a film version of the books was a major catalyst for sure, but I’d like to think that I would have stumbled upon these ferociously awesome books at some point in my life. I’m glad it happened when it did, though. I would be missing out on something stellar and a half.

Volume One, Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life, was published in 2004 thru Oni Press and written by then 24 year old Bryan Lee O’Malley. It’s an introduction to the bizarre world of 23 year old ne’er-do-well Scott Pilgrim, and his somewhat skewed, definitely warped view of a universe sort of but not really centered around him. Steeped in video game mysticism and a healthy dose of post-90’s whateverness, Scott Pilgrim is the story of a life that has stalled, for better or worse. He has just started dating a 17 year old Chinese high schooler named Knives Chau, lives with his gay best friend Wallace Wells (they share a small basement apartment, and a bed), and is in a band called Sex Bob-omb with his ex-girlfriend Kim Pine (though we don’t find this out until a little later - it’s not really a spoiler, though) and the talent, Stephen Stills. His younger sister, Stacey, acts like she’s older than him. The cast of characters grows as the story goes on, but these are the main players. Oh, and they’re all Canadian.

If it seems like a lot to take in, it’s not. I promise.

From the beginning, this world feels familiar. It speaks to a certain age group for sure, and I’ve no doubt that’s why I found it so accessible. Regardless, the ease with which the characters interact, the very definable personalities of each character, and the deceivingly simple artwork (with a decidedly Manga bent) lend themselves to this accessibility. You can relate to a twenty-something with no direction, who wants things to be simple. You can relate to a talented musician more or less trapped where they are and stuck with who they’re with, but somehow content. You may not know these characters, but you know people like these characters. And let’s face it, if you’re reading a book like Scott Pilgrim, you’re one of them.

Then Ramona Flowers roller blades in to the story, and it goes a whole new, wonderful direction.

Sub-space highways that go through people’s heads, ninjas (secret and not so secret), concerts that turn in to vicious, operatic battles, and a league of Evil Ex-Boyfriends. That’s the tip of the iceberg. This is a love story, and it’s full of all the ups and downs, the trials and tribulations, the comedy and the tragedy that every love story touches on, but rarely with as much warmth and devotion as the story of Scott Pilgrim and his quest to battle for the love of Ramona Flowers. Neither of them is perfect, and it’s never presented otherwise. Scott’s aloof demeanor and starry-eyed infatuation never comes off as anything but good-natured naiveté - though, his judgment is questionable sometimes - but whose isn’t? Ramona’s got a lot of secrets. We don’t find out her age until Volume 4. We don’t really know what’s going on with her and all of these Evil Exes. Only that they're “evil.” There’s a lot of mystery, and O’Malley isn’t quick to give any of it up. When you pick up Volume One, you better believe you’re going to have to stay with it if you want to know most, if not all, of the answers to the many questions you’ll no doubt have.

But I have to say that that’s part of the appeal of this story, of these characters. You don’t learn everything about your best friend in one nite. It takes years to really get it all out of them. O’Malley treats this story and all the characters like they’re his best friends, like they’re our best friends. It’s up to you to put the time in to get to know them. Like I said, if you feel like it’s a lot, I promise it’s not. This is a fantastic story, literally and figuratively, and you’ll be more than happy you gave it a chance.

As for the film?! Well, I don’t think they could have picked a better director than Edgar Wright. There’s something innate about this pairing. Something intrinsically right about it. I highly recommend checking out the movie website and all of the production video blogs so that you can get a sense of how seriously he’s taking this (and yes, I realize this is an ironic statement considering the inherent silliness of the story). This is a very detailed world created by someone with a lot of love for his characters, and the team putting the film together seems to understand that above all else. In order to sell the fantastical, mystical, and absurdly comedic aspects of the story, you have to believe in the world that you’re seeing. Everything on display would indicate that’s exactly what’s taking place. If you would like to check out the films IMDB page to see who’s playing who, get to it. I will say that Michael Cera was a great choice for Scott Pilgrim, regardless of all the grumbles I’ve heard otherwise. And Mary Elizabeth Winstead was about as perfect a choice as you could get for Ramona. Visually, this one’s going to be spot on.

What are we likely to see?! Well, that’s a good question. There will be at least 7 major battle sequences throughout the movie, as it will cover all 6 volumes (#6 of which is coming out prior to the movie’s release, if I am not mistaken). That’s a lot of asses to kick.

From Volume One, the most intense sequence will be Scott and Company versus Evil Ex Number 1, Matthew Patel. What I hope more than anything, though, is that we get to see and hear the exchange between Crash and the Boys and Wallace Wells. This brief exchange had me in tears the first few times I read it. It’s moments like that one that make these books something truly special. Amidst all the absurdity are these intensely funny comedic moments. That more than anything gives me hope in the film version, as we know what Edgar Wright is capable of in seeing his work with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

Next week we’ll cover Volume Two, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, where we learn a little more about Ramona and the League of Evil Exes, Scott’s own Evil Ex Envy Adams, a sell-out skater-turned-movie-star and his role in this twisted tale, and what the wrath of a 17 year old high schooler with quasi-ninja skills is like. It’s a good one, and it keeps getting better.

Written and Posted By: Jared Bowers