IronChuck says: READ THIS!

Things were going just okay for amateur artist Wendy Watson. That is, until things got a little hairy at her temp job at A.N.D. Laboratories. Barely surviving a mutant monstrosity, she meets The Middle Man; solver of unique problems.

Blamed for the "incident" at the lab, and not having any stable work, Wendy does what logically comes next; she joins The Middle Man. And, suddenly, they are unleashed on a mafia hit mystery that will leave you bananas.

Written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach, and illustrated by Les McClaine, The Middle Man is, in a nut shell, just about everything Men in Black wished it was. Quirky characters and witty dialog combine with with action and pop sci-fi adventure to give you one fun read.

And look for the television adaptation on ABC.

The Middle Man: Trade Paperback Imperative is available from Viper Comics. Features forward by Paul Dini. $9.95

IronChuck says: READ THIS!

When 47 women spontaneously give birth in one night, after having no signs of pregnancy, millionaire inventor Reginold Hargreeves manages to find and adopt seven of them. "To save the world," his only explanation.

Two decades later, this super dysfunctional super family reunites to morn the passing of their adoptive father, and face the greatest threat to mankind.

The Umbrella Academy is penned by rock star Gerald Way, of My Chemical Romance, and illustrated by Eisner Award Nominee Gabriel Ba; along with Eisner award winners Dave Stewart (colors) James Jean (original series covers). Collected, for the first time, in "graphic novel" form by Dark Horse.

While there've been more than a few runs of dysfunctions super teams/families, the odd dynamic within this group, not to mention its quirky villains and battles, sets this apart from its contemporaries. Not to mention the very unique and exciting plot twist that develops out of these unhealthy dynamics.

Also included are the original series covers, an annotated design section, and a couple of extra stories. Forward by Grant Morrison. $17.95

Bubble Gum

It takes some work to sit through, but the gag at the end is still funny.

Yes, that was The Brotherhood of the Black Flag. Long live faire geeks.

Jedi Gym

I...I got nuthin'.

Why can't I stop watching?!

It was wrong... so why couldn't I turn away?!

Got to give props to The Hoff, though!

Happy Independence Day

PVP Online by Scott Kurtz

Experiments in color...

Recently I bought some Tombo art markers for the comic. It's been interesting trying to figure these things out; especially since I've been a big color pencil fan for years. But, markers are, it appears, the way to go; seeing as I can't really paint too well and Photoshop just isn't working out for me.

At any rate, this is what I whipped up today, just screwing around. It's a Pin Up of Kali.

Yeah, the composition could be a little stronger, but I pretty much drew it straight ahead, without much planning, just to try out the markers. Not bad, I think, for only my fith try. Of course, I only have half the colors available, to work with, too.

I'm gonna keep screwing around, in between working on the pages. Most likely there'll be a few more pin ups of various women in the comic, as well as some small strip style gag comics, all to help me get used to these pens.

Of course, al this work just keeps proving to myself how much I really must hate me...

Kid gets Pac-Man branding... with a laser!

Some kid modified a industrial laser etcher to give himself tattoos; including Pac-Man, a robot, and Space Invaders. Over rides safeties with a magnet and a six sided die.

Bonus: Article includes how to video!

IronChuck says: Watch This!

There's very little reality in "Reality TV".

So, I guess it stands to reason why I am totally hooked on

Total Drama Island.

Or, does it?

At any rate, this is a great parody of the ridiculous world of "reality television". Complete with shallow host, silly challenges, and horrible interpersonal team play and loads of back stabbing. But then the funny part is that it's... well... funny.

There are some fun characters, as well as humorous conflicts. The animation is that new "computerized but I still want to look drawn" style; which, for the first time, is actually lending itself to the story telling instead of being an annoying distraction. The drama, for lack of a better word, is a little more complex, aimed at a teen plus age group; though there's more than enough for adults to get a giggle, too.

I wonder if Scott Kurtz of PVP Online had anything to do with this, though.

Most of the character design looks like it came right from his comic.

Proof there is a god?

Yes, or no, it's still very happy news!