Listen to Chad and Wess discuss the movies they are excited about this year and then predict the future of Star Wars!
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Wess Reads Comics - Week of 1/25/17
Each week, Wess grabs a few issues from his stack of comics to share his thoughts with you. If you're looking for a place for brief, initial impressions, then this is it! Have questions about books that Wess didn't review? Then leave a comment below!
Kamandi Challenge #1
Written by: Dan Dido & Dan Abnett
Art by: Keith Giffen, Dale Eaglesham, Scott Koblish, & Hi-Fi
Published by: DC Comics
Honesty time, I really didn't know much of anything about Kamandi before this maxi series was announced. And to be even more honest I still don't know much about him! But I was really enticed by the premise of this book. Here's the deal: each issue, a different creative team spins a tale with each issue ending in a cliff hanger. In the subsequent issue, a new creative team has to resolve the cliff hanger and then create a new one of their own! Also, I loved that there was gong to be a tribute to Jack "The King" Kirby. If you don't know much about Mr. Kirby, then Let Me Google That For You.
I felt this issue was a great start to the challenge and we actually get a treat in that there is actually a cliff hanger half way through this issue and then creative teams switch. One added treat is that the person who created the cliff hanger gets to explain how they would have resolved it after the next person gets a shot. Here, we get a nice intro and it pretty much jumps right into the fray out of the gate. You start to get a feel for the premise of Kamandi without getting all the answers up front. If you're a Kirby fan, there are lots of great elements that feel like Classic Kirby - from the story telling right down to the art. I thought each team did a great job with their homage while still putting their own spin on this universe.
Here's a run down of the creative teams coming up!
Dan Abnett and Dale Eaglesham
Peter J. Tomasi and Neal Adams
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
James Tynion IV and Carlos D'Anda
Bill Willingham and Ivan Reis
Steve Orlando and Philip Tan
Marguerite Bennett and Dan Jurgens
Keith Giffen and Steve Rude
Tom King and Kevin Eastman
Greg Pak and Joe Prado
Rob Williams and Walter Simonson
Gail Simone and Ryan Sook
Len Wein and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopéz
Grade: A
Civil War II: The Oath #1
Written by: Nick Spencer
Art by: Rod Reis, Phil Noto, Raffaele Ienco, Szymon Kudranski, & Dono Sánchez-Almara
Published by: Marvel Comics
At this point it seems like most people would agree that Civil War II was not as compelling or gripping as the original. Where as in the original Civil War you may have struggled to decide which side you came down on, Civil War II pretty much presents you with a clear choice. However, now that the mini-series has concluded, we see a new side to the conflict. Captain America's side. The evil Captain America, mind you. The interesting thing about this one-shot is that you could read most of it from the perspective of your good ole red, white, and blue wearing, watch-your-language saying Captain America and you'd be none the wiser. But, the more you read on the more it comes clear exactly how Captain America plans to capitalize on this situation. They've created a great through-line from Civil War II to the upcoming Secret Empire.
My only complaint really is that this is a long read. You have Cap giving two speeches in this issue. One to the American people and one to the **SPOILER**.....unconscious Tony Stark. There are so many word bubbles with so many words. If you sit down to read this, get comfortable and get rid of distractions because there is a lot of Steve Rogers yapping away here. Luckily he has some pretty interesting things to say...
Grade: A-
PULL LIST
 |
| Credit: DC Comics |
Written by: Dan Dido & Dan Abnett
Art by: Keith Giffen, Dale Eaglesham, Scott Koblish, & Hi-Fi
Published by: DC Comics
Honesty time, I really didn't know much of anything about Kamandi before this maxi series was announced. And to be even more honest I still don't know much about him! But I was really enticed by the premise of this book. Here's the deal: each issue, a different creative team spins a tale with each issue ending in a cliff hanger. In the subsequent issue, a new creative team has to resolve the cliff hanger and then create a new one of their own! Also, I loved that there was gong to be a tribute to Jack "The King" Kirby. If you don't know much about Mr. Kirby, then Let Me Google That For You.
I felt this issue was a great start to the challenge and we actually get a treat in that there is actually a cliff hanger half way through this issue and then creative teams switch. One added treat is that the person who created the cliff hanger gets to explain how they would have resolved it after the next person gets a shot. Here, we get a nice intro and it pretty much jumps right into the fray out of the gate. You start to get a feel for the premise of Kamandi without getting all the answers up front. If you're a Kirby fan, there are lots of great elements that feel like Classic Kirby - from the story telling right down to the art. I thought each team did a great job with their homage while still putting their own spin on this universe.
Here's a run down of the creative teams coming up!
Dan Abnett and Dale Eaglesham
Peter J. Tomasi and Neal Adams
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
James Tynion IV and Carlos D'Anda
Bill Willingham and Ivan Reis
Steve Orlando and Philip Tan
Marguerite Bennett and Dan Jurgens
Keith Giffen and Steve Rude
Tom King and Kevin Eastman
Greg Pak and Joe Prado
Rob Williams and Walter Simonson
Gail Simone and Ryan Sook
Len Wein and Jose Luis Garcia-Lopéz
Grade: A
 |
| Credit: Marvel Comics |
Written by: Nick Spencer
Art by: Rod Reis, Phil Noto, Raffaele Ienco, Szymon Kudranski, & Dono Sánchez-Almara
Published by: Marvel Comics
At this point it seems like most people would agree that Civil War II was not as compelling or gripping as the original. Where as in the original Civil War you may have struggled to decide which side you came down on, Civil War II pretty much presents you with a clear choice. However, now that the mini-series has concluded, we see a new side to the conflict. Captain America's side. The evil Captain America, mind you. The interesting thing about this one-shot is that you could read most of it from the perspective of your good ole red, white, and blue wearing, watch-your-language saying Captain America and you'd be none the wiser. But, the more you read on the more it comes clear exactly how Captain America plans to capitalize on this situation. They've created a great through-line from Civil War II to the upcoming Secret Empire.
My only complaint really is that this is a long read. You have Cap giving two speeches in this issue. One to the American people and one to the **SPOILER**.....unconscious Tony Stark. There are so many word bubbles with so many words. If you sit down to read this, get comfortable and get rid of distractions because there is a lot of Steve Rogers yapping away here. Luckily he has some pretty interesting things to say...
Grade: A-
PULL LIST
DC Comics
- Action Comics #972 by Dan Jurgens, Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, & Ulises Arreola
- Detective Comics #949 by James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett, Ben Oliver, Szymon Kudranski, Ben Oliver, Gabe Eltaeb, & Hi-Fi
- Justice League Vol. 1 - The Extinction Machines TPB
- Justice League of America: Killer Frost - Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando, Jody Houser, Mirka Andolfo, & Arif Prianto
- Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #6 by Joshua Williamson, Howard Porter, & Alex Sinclair
- Kamandi Challenge #1 by Dan Didio, Dan Abnett, Keith Giffen, Dale Eaglesham, Scott Koblish, & Hi-Fi
- Wonder Woman #15 by Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp, & Laura Martin
Marvel
- Captain America: Steve Rogers #10 by Nick Spencer, Jesus Saiz, Ted Brandt, RD Stein, Kevin Libranda, & Rachelle Rosenberg
- Civil War II: The Oath #1 by Nick Spencer & Rod Reis, Phil Noto, Raffaele Ienco, Szymon Kudranski, & Dono Sánchez-Almara
Image
- Reborn #4 by Mark Millar, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, & FCO Plascencia
- Saga #42 by Fiona Staples & Brian K. Vaughan
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
2017 OSCAR NOMINATIONS
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
CASEY AFFLECK
Manchester by the Sea
ANDREW GARFIELD
Hacksaw Ridge
RYAN GOSLING
La La Land
VIGGO MORTENSEN
Captain Fantastic
DENZEL WASHINGTON
Fences
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
MAHERSHALA ALI
Moonlight
JEFF BRIDGES
Hell or High Water
LUCAS HEDGES
Manchester by the Sea
DEV PATEL
Lion
MICHAEL SHANNON
Nocturnal Animals
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
ISABELLE HUPPERT
Elle
RUTH NEGGA
Loving
NATALIE PORTMAN
Jackie
EMMA STONE
La La Land
MERYL STREEP
Florence Foster Jenkins
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
VIOLA DAVIS
Fences
NAOMIE HARRIS
Moonlight
NICOLE KIDMAN
Lion
OCRAVIA SPENCER
Hidden Figures
MICHELLE WILLIAMS
Manchester by the Sea
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Travis Knight and Arianne Sutner
MOANA
John Musker, Rob Clements and Osnat Shurer
MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI
Claude Baras and Max Karli
THE RED TURTLE
Michael Dudok de Wit and Toshio Suzuki
ZOOTOPIA
Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Clark Spencer
CINEMATOGRAPHY
ARRIVAL
Bradford Young
LA LA LAND
Linus Sandgren
LION
Greig Fraser
MOONLIGHT
James Laxton
SILENCE
Rodrigo Prieto
COSTUME DESIGN
ALLIED
Joanna Johnston
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Colleen Atwood
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
Consolata Boyle
JACKIE
Madeline Fontaine
LA LA LAND
Mary Zophres
DIRECTING
ARRIVAL
Denis Villeneuve
HACKSAW RIDGE
Mel Gibson
LA LA LAND
Damien Chazelle
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Kenneth Lonergan
MOONLIGHT
Barry Jenkins
DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
FIRE AT SEA
Gianfranco Rosi and Donatella Palermo
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
Raoul Peck, Rémi Grellety and Hébert Peck
LIFE, ANIMATED
Roger Ross Williams and Julie Goldman
O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA
Exra Eselman and Caroline Waterlow
13TH
Ava DuVernay, Spencer Averick and Howard Barish
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)
EXTREMIS
Dan Krauss
4.1 MILES
Daphne Matziaraki
JOE'S VIOLIN
Kahane Copperman and Rafaela Heihausen
WATANI: MY HOMEWORLD
Marcel Mattelsiefen and Stephen Ellis
THE WHITE HELMETS
Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara
FILM EDITING
ARRIVAL
Joe Walker
HACKSAW RIDGE
John Gilbert
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Jake Roberts
LA LA LAND
Tom Cross
MOONLIGHT
Nat Sanders and Joe McMillon
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
LAND OF MINE
Denmark
A MAN CALLED OVE
Sweden
THE SALESMAN
Iran
TANNA
Australia
TONI ERDMANN
Germany
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
A MAN CALLED OVE
Eva von Bahr and Love Larson
STAR TREK BEYOND
Joel Harlow and Richard Alonzo
SUICIDE SQUAD
Alessandro Bertolazzi, Giorgio Gregorini and Christopher Nelson
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
JACKIE
Mica Levi
LA LA LAND
Justin Hurwitz
LION
Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka
MOONLIGHT
Nicholas Britell
PASSENGERS
Thomas Newman
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
AUDITION (THE FOOLS WHO DREAM)
from La La Land; Music by Justin Hurwitz; Lyric by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
CAN'T STOP THIS FEELING
from Trolls; Music and Lyric by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster
CITY OF STARS
from La Land; Music by Justin Hurwitz; Lyric by Band Pasek and Justin Paul
THE EMPTY CHAIR
from Jim; The James Foley Story; Music and Lyric by J. Ralph and Sting
HOW FAR I'LL GO
from Moana; Music and Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda
BEST PICTURE
ARRIVAL
Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Aaron Ryder and David Linda, Producers
FENCES
Scott Rudin, Denzel Washington and Todd Black. Producers
HACKSAW RIDGE
Bill Mechanic and David Permut, Producers
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Carla Hacken and Julie York, Producers
HIDDEN FIGURES
Donna Gigliotti, Peter Chernin, Senno Topping, Pharrell Williams and Theodore Melfi, Producers
LA LA LAND
Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz and Marc Platt, Producers
LION
Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Angie Fiedler, Producers
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Matt Damon, Kimberly Steward, Chris Moore, Lauren Beck and Kevin J. Walsh, Producers
MOONLIGHT
Adsel Romanski, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producders
PRODCUTION DESIGN
ARRIVAL
Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Paul Hotte
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
HAIL, CAESAR!
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
LA LA LAND
Production Design: David Wasco; Set Decorations: Sandy Reynolds-Wasco
PASSENGERS
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Gene Serdena
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
BLIND VAYSHA
Theodore Ushev
BORROWED TIME
Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj
PEAR CIDER AND CIGARETTES
Robert Valley and Cara Speller
PEARL
Patrick Osborne
PIPER
Alan Barillaro and Marc Sondheimer
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
ENNEMIS INTÉRIEURS
Sélim Azzazi
LA FEMME ET LE TGV
Timo von Gunten and Giacun Caduff
SILENT NIGHTS
Aske Bang and Kim Magnusson
SING
Kristof Deák and Anna Udvardy
TIMECODE
Juanjo Giménez
SOUND EDITING
ARRIVAL
Sylvain Bellemare
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Wylie Stateman and Renée Tondelli
HACKSAW RIDGE
Robert Mackenzie and Andy Wright
LA LA LAND
Ai-Ling Lee and Mildred Iatrou Morgan
SULLY
Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman
SOUND MIXING
ARRIVAL
Bernard Gariépy Strobl and Claude La Haye
HACKSAW RIDGE
Kevin O'Connell, Andy Wright, Robert Mackenzie and Peter Grace
LA LA LAND
Andy Nelson, Ai-Ling Lee and Steve A. Morrow
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
David Parker, Christopher Scarabosio and Stuart Wilson
13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI
Greg P. Russell. Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Mac Ruth
VISUAL EFFECTS
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Craig Hammock, Jason Snell, Jason Billington and Burt Dalton
DOCTOR STRANGE
Stephane Ceretti, Richard Bluff, Vincent Cirelli and Paul Cordbould
THE JUNGLE BOOK
Robert Legarto, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Dan Lemmon
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean and Brad Schiff
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel and Neil Corbould
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
ARRIVAL
Screenplay by Eric Heisserer
FENCES
Screenplay by August Wilson
HIDDEN FIGURES
Screenplay by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi
LION
Screenplay by Luke Davies
MOONLIGHT
Screenplay by Barry Jenkins; Story by Tarell Alvin McCraney
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Written by Taylor Sheridan
LA LA LAND
Written by Damien Chazelle
THE LOBSTER
Written by Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthimis Filippou
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Written by Kenneth Lonergan
20TH CENTURY WOMAN
Written by Mike Mills
CASEY AFFLECK
Manchester by the Sea
ANDREW GARFIELD
Hacksaw Ridge
RYAN GOSLING
La La Land
VIGGO MORTENSEN
Captain Fantastic
DENZEL WASHINGTON
Fences
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
MAHERSHALA ALI
Moonlight
JEFF BRIDGES
Hell or High Water
LUCAS HEDGES
Manchester by the Sea
DEV PATEL
Lion
MICHAEL SHANNON
Nocturnal Animals
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
ISABELLE HUPPERT
Elle
RUTH NEGGA
Loving
NATALIE PORTMAN
Jackie
EMMA STONE
La La Land
MERYL STREEP
Florence Foster Jenkins
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
VIOLA DAVIS
Fences
NAOMIE HARRIS
Moonlight
NICOLE KIDMAN
Lion
OCRAVIA SPENCER
Hidden Figures
MICHELLE WILLIAMS
Manchester by the Sea
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Travis Knight and Arianne Sutner
MOANA
John Musker, Rob Clements and Osnat Shurer
MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI
Claude Baras and Max Karli
THE RED TURTLE
Michael Dudok de Wit and Toshio Suzuki
ZOOTOPIA
Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Clark Spencer
CINEMATOGRAPHY
ARRIVAL
Bradford Young
LA LA LAND
Linus Sandgren
LION
Greig Fraser
MOONLIGHT
James Laxton
SILENCE
Rodrigo Prieto
COSTUME DESIGN
ALLIED
Joanna Johnston
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Colleen Atwood
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS
Consolata Boyle
JACKIE
Madeline Fontaine
LA LA LAND
Mary Zophres
DIRECTING
ARRIVAL
Denis Villeneuve
HACKSAW RIDGE
Mel Gibson
LA LA LAND
Damien Chazelle
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Kenneth Lonergan
MOONLIGHT
Barry Jenkins
DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
FIRE AT SEA
Gianfranco Rosi and Donatella Palermo
I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
Raoul Peck, Rémi Grellety and Hébert Peck
LIFE, ANIMATED
Roger Ross Williams and Julie Goldman
O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA
Exra Eselman and Caroline Waterlow
13TH
Ava DuVernay, Spencer Averick and Howard Barish
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)
EXTREMIS
Dan Krauss
4.1 MILES
Daphne Matziaraki
JOE'S VIOLIN
Kahane Copperman and Rafaela Heihausen
WATANI: MY HOMEWORLD
Marcel Mattelsiefen and Stephen Ellis
THE WHITE HELMETS
Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara
FILM EDITING
ARRIVAL
Joe Walker
HACKSAW RIDGE
John Gilbert
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Jake Roberts
LA LA LAND
Tom Cross
MOONLIGHT
Nat Sanders and Joe McMillon
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
LAND OF MINE
Denmark
A MAN CALLED OVE
Sweden
THE SALESMAN
Iran
TANNA
Australia
TONI ERDMANN
Germany
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
A MAN CALLED OVE
Eva von Bahr and Love Larson
STAR TREK BEYOND
Joel Harlow and Richard Alonzo
SUICIDE SQUAD
Alessandro Bertolazzi, Giorgio Gregorini and Christopher Nelson
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
JACKIE
Mica Levi
LA LA LAND
Justin Hurwitz
LION
Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka
MOONLIGHT
Nicholas Britell
PASSENGERS
Thomas Newman
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
AUDITION (THE FOOLS WHO DREAM)
from La La Land; Music by Justin Hurwitz; Lyric by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
CAN'T STOP THIS FEELING
from Trolls; Music and Lyric by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin and Karl Johan Schuster
CITY OF STARS
from La Land; Music by Justin Hurwitz; Lyric by Band Pasek and Justin Paul
THE EMPTY CHAIR
from Jim; The James Foley Story; Music and Lyric by J. Ralph and Sting
HOW FAR I'LL GO
from Moana; Music and Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda
BEST PICTURE
ARRIVAL
Shawn Levy, Dan Levine, Aaron Ryder and David Linda, Producers
FENCES
Scott Rudin, Denzel Washington and Todd Black. Producers
HACKSAW RIDGE
Bill Mechanic and David Permut, Producers
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Carla Hacken and Julie York, Producers
HIDDEN FIGURES
Donna Gigliotti, Peter Chernin, Senno Topping, Pharrell Williams and Theodore Melfi, Producers
LA LA LAND
Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz and Marc Platt, Producers
LION
Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Angie Fiedler, Producers
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Matt Damon, Kimberly Steward, Chris Moore, Lauren Beck and Kevin J. Walsh, Producers
MOONLIGHT
Adsel Romanski, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producders
PRODCUTION DESIGN
ARRIVAL
Production Design: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Paul Hotte
FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
HAIL, CAESAR!
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh
LA LA LAND
Production Design: David Wasco; Set Decorations: Sandy Reynolds-Wasco
PASSENGERS
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Gene Serdena
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
BLIND VAYSHA
Theodore Ushev
BORROWED TIME
Andrew Coats and Lou Hamou-Lhadj
PEAR CIDER AND CIGARETTES
Robert Valley and Cara Speller
PEARL
Patrick Osborne
PIPER
Alan Barillaro and Marc Sondheimer
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
ENNEMIS INTÉRIEURS
Sélim Azzazi
LA FEMME ET LE TGV
Timo von Gunten and Giacun Caduff
SILENT NIGHTS
Aske Bang and Kim Magnusson
SING
Kristof Deák and Anna Udvardy
TIMECODE
Juanjo Giménez
SOUND EDITING
ARRIVAL
Sylvain Bellemare
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Wylie Stateman and Renée Tondelli
HACKSAW RIDGE
Robert Mackenzie and Andy Wright
LA LA LAND
Ai-Ling Lee and Mildred Iatrou Morgan
SULLY
Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman
SOUND MIXING
ARRIVAL
Bernard Gariépy Strobl and Claude La Haye
HACKSAW RIDGE
Kevin O'Connell, Andy Wright, Robert Mackenzie and Peter Grace
LA LA LAND
Andy Nelson, Ai-Ling Lee and Steve A. Morrow
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
David Parker, Christopher Scarabosio and Stuart Wilson
13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI
Greg P. Russell. Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Mac Ruth
VISUAL EFFECTS
DEEPWATER HORIZON
Craig Hammock, Jason Snell, Jason Billington and Burt Dalton
DOCTOR STRANGE
Stephane Ceretti, Richard Bluff, Vincent Cirelli and Paul Cordbould
THE JUNGLE BOOK
Robert Legarto, Adam Valdez, Andrew R. Jones and Dan Lemmon
KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS
Steve Emerson, Oliver Jones, Brian McLean and Brad Schiff
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY
John Knoll, Mohen Leo, Hal Hickel and Neil Corbould
WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
ARRIVAL
Screenplay by Eric Heisserer
FENCES
Screenplay by August Wilson
HIDDEN FIGURES
Screenplay by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi
LION
Screenplay by Luke Davies
MOONLIGHT
Screenplay by Barry Jenkins; Story by Tarell Alvin McCraney
WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Written by Taylor Sheridan
LA LA LAND
Written by Damien Chazelle
THE LOBSTER
Written by Yorgos Lanthimos, Efthimis Filippou
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA
Written by Kenneth Lonergan
20TH CENTURY WOMAN
Written by Mike Mills
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Wess Reads Comics - Week of 1/18/17
Each week, Wess grabs a few issues from his stack of comics to share his thoughts with you. If you're looking for a place for brief, initial impressions, then this is it! Have questions about books that Wess didn't review? Then leave a comment below!
Green Lanterns #15
Written by: Sam Humphries
Art by: Tom Derenick, Miguel Mendonca, Scott Hanna, & Blond
Published by: DC Comics
I started reading Green Lanterns, really, on a whim with the dawn of Rebirth. This title follows two of Earth's Lanterns and their ability to complement and supplement each other. I never was very interested in Simon Baz when he debuted during the New 52, but for some reason I was intrigued by Jessica Cruz's story. Now seeing how they interact with each other it makes for some great storytelling. This particular issue is profound for anyone whose life is impacted by knowing someone, or being someone, who has an anxiety disorder. We've seen Green Lanterns conquer fear before but seeing Jessica battle her anxiety and then channel that power herself is a great metaphor for anyone out there struggling with his illness. This is a single issue that doesn't make up a longer, more intricate story arc that would be a good gift to someone looking for some encouragement.
Grade: A
Curse Words #1
Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Ryan Browne, Jordan Boyd, & Michael Parkinson
Published by: Image Comics
Image Comics is a great publisher that puts out some great comics. Just about everything I've ever read is so unique and has the ability to tell an interesting story that you don't always get in a superhero comic. So when I heard Curse Words was coming out, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. Charles Soule has put out some good work before. You can check out issues 1-12 of Superman/Wonder Woman, Civil War (vol. 2 from the Secret Wars II storyline), and the Death of Wolverine. What we get here is a cool take on using wizards and magic in modern times but in some nefarious ways. The main character, Wizord, is presented in most of the issue as being your typical good guy who comes to Earth and starts doing good. But you quickly realize that he seems to be in it for the wrong reasons and isn't afraid of doing some pretty evil things to get what he wants. Weaved in to all of that are bits of a backstory that leaves you wanting to know more about his past and what drove him to Earth. My favorite part is Wizord granting a dumb wish to a "Justin Bieber" amalgamation type guy. Definitely worth a try.
Grade: B+
PULL LIST
Green Lanterns #15
 |
| Credit: DC Comics |
Written by: Sam Humphries
Art by: Tom Derenick, Miguel Mendonca, Scott Hanna, & Blond
Published by: DC Comics
I started reading Green Lanterns, really, on a whim with the dawn of Rebirth. This title follows two of Earth's Lanterns and their ability to complement and supplement each other. I never was very interested in Simon Baz when he debuted during the New 52, but for some reason I was intrigued by Jessica Cruz's story. Now seeing how they interact with each other it makes for some great storytelling. This particular issue is profound for anyone whose life is impacted by knowing someone, or being someone, who has an anxiety disorder. We've seen Green Lanterns conquer fear before but seeing Jessica battle her anxiety and then channel that power herself is a great metaphor for anyone out there struggling with his illness. This is a single issue that doesn't make up a longer, more intricate story arc that would be a good gift to someone looking for some encouragement.
Grade: A
 |
| Credit: Image Comics |
Written by: Charles Soule
Art by: Ryan Browne, Jordan Boyd, & Michael Parkinson
Published by: Image Comics
Image Comics is a great publisher that puts out some great comics. Just about everything I've ever read is so unique and has the ability to tell an interesting story that you don't always get in a superhero comic. So when I heard Curse Words was coming out, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. Charles Soule has put out some good work before. You can check out issues 1-12 of Superman/Wonder Woman, Civil War (vol. 2 from the Secret Wars II storyline), and the Death of Wolverine. What we get here is a cool take on using wizards and magic in modern times but in some nefarious ways. The main character, Wizord, is presented in most of the issue as being your typical good guy who comes to Earth and starts doing good. But you quickly realize that he seems to be in it for the wrong reasons and isn't afraid of doing some pretty evil things to get what he wants. Weaved in to all of that are bits of a backstory that leaves you wanting to know more about his past and what drove him to Earth. My favorite part is Wizord granting a dumb wish to a "Justin Bieber" amalgamation type guy. Definitely worth a try.
Grade: B+
PULL LIST
DC Comics
- Batman #15 by Tom King & Mitch Gerads
- Green Lanterns #15 by Sam Humphries, Tom Derenick, Miguel Mendonca, Scott Hanna, & Blond
- Justice League #13 by Tim Seely, Scott Eaton, Wayne Faucher, & Gabe Eltaeb
- Justice League of America: The Ray - Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando & Stephen Byrne
- Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #5 by Joshua Williamson, Robson Rocha, Jay Leisten, Daniel Henriques, Sandy Florea, Oclair Albert, Alex Sinclair, & Jeremiah Skipper
- Nightwing #13 by Tim Seely, Marcus To, & Chris Sotomayor
- Superman #15 by Peter J. Tomasi, Patrick Gleason, Ryan Sook, Ed Benes, Clay Mann, & Jorge Jimenez
- Trinity #5 by Francis Manapul
Marvel
- Dead No More: The Clone Conspiracy #4 by Dan Scott, Jim Cheung, John Dell, Cory Smith, & Justin Ponsor
Image
- Curse Words #1 by Charles Soule & Ryan Browne
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Wess Reads Comics - Week of 1/11/17
Each week, Wess grabs a few issues from his stack of comics to share his thoughts with you. If you're looking for a place for brief, initial impressions, then this is it! Have questions about books that Wess didn't review? Then leave a comment below!
Justice League/Power Rangers #1
Written by: Tom Taylor
Art By: Stephen Byrne
Published by: DC Comics & BOOM! Studios
Growing up I used to love to watch the original Power Rangers. The Zords, their weapons (which they never used enough), villains like Lord Zedd; I just couldn't get enough. So when DC announced a Justice League/Power Rangers crossover, I was sold. DC has had some great collaborations so far. Batman/TMNT was an awesome read and I've heard great things about Green Lantern/Star Trek. While we don't see most of the League in this first issue, it does a pretty good job of setting up the premise for why these guys are all in the same place. It's not overly complicated and maybe a little simple at times but it's a great start and we get a glimpse of a grown-up tone for the Rangers. If you are a Rangers fan, then this should be a must-read for you.
Grade: B
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #4
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Alex Sinclair, & Jeremiah Skipper
Published by: DC Comics
Now that we're more than halfway through our first "Rebirth-era" event, things are finally starting to pick up. While this mini series hasn't been bad, it's just moved a little slow and we haven't gotten a lot of payoff...until this issue. We get some great moments in this issue that answers the question of "how is this team of B-list super villains going to fight the Justice League & Suicide Squad?". The answer: Johnny Sorrow. He has some bad-ass moments and there's a great interaction between him, Harley Quinn, & Wonder Woman. We also get some more plot development by finding out what Maxwell Lorde is finally after and what he plans to do with it. The next two issues look promising to help finish a good first effort in this event mini series.
Additional note: Don't fight Batman when he realizes you can regenerate.
Grade: B+
Jessica Jones #4
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Michael Gaydos
If you've ever read or watched Jessica Jones before, then you can appreciate a lot of the character moments in this series and issue so far. One of things that's great about this so far is that you get to see a side of Jessica that is a twist on her typical personality. You also discover in this issue some revelations about Jessica and her situation that are not what they appear. Another fun thing about this series is that it exists squarely in the Marvel Universe and isn't immune to what's happening in other books and event series, but it isn't driven by them. Jessica's story is much more personal and important to her than any Civil War or whatever else is happening to the other heroes that her focus is on what's happening in front of her in her world.
Grade: A
PULL LIST
DC Comics
Action Comics #971 by Dan Jurgens, Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, & Arif Prianto
All-Star Batman #6 by Scott Snyder, Jock, Franco Francavilla, Matt Hollingsworth
Batman Vol. 1 - I Am Gotham TPB
Dark Knight III: The Master Race Book 7 - Collector's Edition by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, Andy Kubert,
Klaus Janson, Brad Anderson, & Alex Sinclair
Detective Comics #948 by James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett, & Ben Oliver
Justice League of America: Vixen - Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando, Jody House, & Jamal Campbell
Justice League/Power Rangers #1 by Tom Taylor & Stephen Byrne
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #4 by Joshua Williamson, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Alex Sinclair, & Jeremiah Skipper
Wonder Woman #14 by Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott, & Romula Fajardo Jr.
Marvel
Captain America: Steve Rogers #9 by Nick Spencer, Javier Pina, Andres Guinaldo, & Rachelle Rosenberg
Jessica Jones #4 by Brian Michael Bendia, Michael Gaydos, and Matt Hollingsworth
 |
| Credit: DC Comics |
Justice League/Power Rangers #1
Written by: Tom Taylor
Art By: Stephen Byrne
Published by: DC Comics & BOOM! Studios
Growing up I used to love to watch the original Power Rangers. The Zords, their weapons (which they never used enough), villains like Lord Zedd; I just couldn't get enough. So when DC announced a Justice League/Power Rangers crossover, I was sold. DC has had some great collaborations so far. Batman/TMNT was an awesome read and I've heard great things about Green Lantern/Star Trek. While we don't see most of the League in this first issue, it does a pretty good job of setting up the premise for why these guys are all in the same place. It's not overly complicated and maybe a little simple at times but it's a great start and we get a glimpse of a grown-up tone for the Rangers. If you are a Rangers fan, then this should be a must-read for you.
Grade: B
 |
| Credit: DC Comics |
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Alex Sinclair, & Jeremiah Skipper
Published by: DC Comics
Now that we're more than halfway through our first "Rebirth-era" event, things are finally starting to pick up. While this mini series hasn't been bad, it's just moved a little slow and we haven't gotten a lot of payoff...until this issue. We get some great moments in this issue that answers the question of "how is this team of B-list super villains going to fight the Justice League & Suicide Squad?". The answer: Johnny Sorrow. He has some bad-ass moments and there's a great interaction between him, Harley Quinn, & Wonder Woman. We also get some more plot development by finding out what Maxwell Lorde is finally after and what he plans to do with it. The next two issues look promising to help finish a good first effort in this event mini series.
Additional note: Don't fight Batman when he realizes you can regenerate.
Grade: B+
 |
| Credit: Marvel Comics |
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Michael Gaydos
If you've ever read or watched Jessica Jones before, then you can appreciate a lot of the character moments in this series and issue so far. One of things that's great about this so far is that you get to see a side of Jessica that is a twist on her typical personality. You also discover in this issue some revelations about Jessica and her situation that are not what they appear. Another fun thing about this series is that it exists squarely in the Marvel Universe and isn't immune to what's happening in other books and event series, but it isn't driven by them. Jessica's story is much more personal and important to her than any Civil War or whatever else is happening to the other heroes that her focus is on what's happening in front of her in her world.
Grade: A
PULL LIST
DC Comics
Action Comics #971 by Dan Jurgens, Stephen Segovia, Art Thibert, & Arif Prianto
All-Star Batman #6 by Scott Snyder, Jock, Franco Francavilla, Matt Hollingsworth
Batman Vol. 1 - I Am Gotham TPB
Dark Knight III: The Master Race Book 7 - Collector's Edition by Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, Andy Kubert,
Klaus Janson, Brad Anderson, & Alex Sinclair
Detective Comics #948 by James Tynion IV, Marguerite Bennett, & Ben Oliver
Justice League of America: Vixen - Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando, Jody House, & Jamal Campbell
Justice League/Power Rangers #1 by Tom Taylor & Stephen Byrne
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #4 by Joshua Williamson, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Alex Sinclair, & Jeremiah Skipper
Wonder Woman #14 by Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott, & Romula Fajardo Jr.
Marvel
Captain America: Steve Rogers #9 by Nick Spencer, Javier Pina, Andres Guinaldo, & Rachelle Rosenberg
Jessica Jones #4 by Brian Michael Bendia, Michael Gaydos, and Matt Hollingsworth
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Wess Reads Comics - Week of 1/4/17
Each week, Wess grabs a few issues from his stack of comics to share his thoughts with you. If you're looking for a place for brief, initial impressions, then this is the place! Have questions about books that Wess didn't review? Then leave a comment below!
Batman #14
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mitch Gerads
Published by: DC Comics
After years of an epic, character-defining run by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo, it's easy to be a little uneasy getting a new creative team on a book you love. For me, the New 52 Batman was a big part of what got me back into comics. After only a few issues, I would have let Scott & Greg take me anywhere. So now with Tom King firmly in the drivers' seat, I can say that I have no doubts. "Rooftops" is a brief, two issue interlude between "I Am Suicide" & "I Am Bane". And it's incredible. What we have here in the first issue is this awesome dynamic between Batman & Catwoman that is some of the best interaction we see of them in their entire cannon. By the end of the issue you want nothing more than for Bruce & Selina to be able to run off and live their lives together a la 'Dark Knight Rises'. The difference is King is able to do more in a few pages then what DKR had an entire movie to do. Mitch Gerads does some great work not only in his technique but also in his use of action and framing across the issue. If you love a great Batman & Catwoman story, then this is a definite read.
Grade: A+
Superman #14
Written by: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Art by: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, & Marcelo Maiolo
Published by: DC Comics
There are so many different great Superman stories out there. Some are quiet and inspiring. Some are bombastic and jaw dropping. And some are just a fun adventure story with a character you love. "Multiplicity" looks to be just that. Borrowing cues from Grant Morrison's run on 'Action Comics' & 'The Multiversity', Tomasi & Gleason immediately jump into a Multiverse spanning story that brings in some great characters from across the various Earths. One of the things I love is how they showcase Superman in a way that makes you want to get up and follow him on any adventure. In this case, it's his commitment to anyone out there with an "S" on their chest and his willingness to own that as the original Super. My only disappointment for the issue is the lack of Jon Kent, who has his on co-starring book (SuperSons) coming next month. I love the dynamic that's been established between Clark and Jon so much that I want to read a Father/Son book about them forever.
Grade: A
PULL LIST
DC
Batman #14 by Tom King & Mitch Gerads
Green Lanterns #14 by Sam Humphries, Eduardo Pansica, & Ronan Cliquet
Justice League #12 by Tim Seely & Christian Duce Fernandez
Justice League of America: The Atom - Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando & Andrew T MacDonald
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #3 by Joshua Williamson & Jesus Merino
Nightwing #12 by Tim Seely & Marcus To
Superman #14 by Patrick Gleason, Peter Tomasi, & Ivan Reis
Superman Vol. 1 - Son of Superman TPB
MARVEL
Captain America: Steve Rogers by Nick Spencer & Jesús Saiz
 |
| Credit: DC Comics |
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Mitch Gerads
Published by: DC Comics
After years of an epic, character-defining run by Scott Snyder & Greg Capullo, it's easy to be a little uneasy getting a new creative team on a book you love. For me, the New 52 Batman was a big part of what got me back into comics. After only a few issues, I would have let Scott & Greg take me anywhere. So now with Tom King firmly in the drivers' seat, I can say that I have no doubts. "Rooftops" is a brief, two issue interlude between "I Am Suicide" & "I Am Bane". And it's incredible. What we have here in the first issue is this awesome dynamic between Batman & Catwoman that is some of the best interaction we see of them in their entire cannon. By the end of the issue you want nothing more than for Bruce & Selina to be able to run off and live their lives together a la 'Dark Knight Rises'. The difference is King is able to do more in a few pages then what DKR had an entire movie to do. Mitch Gerads does some great work not only in his technique but also in his use of action and framing across the issue. If you love a great Batman & Catwoman story, then this is a definite read.
Grade: A+
 |
| Credit: DC Comics |
Written by: Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason
Art by: Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, & Marcelo Maiolo
Published by: DC Comics
There are so many different great Superman stories out there. Some are quiet and inspiring. Some are bombastic and jaw dropping. And some are just a fun adventure story with a character you love. "Multiplicity" looks to be just that. Borrowing cues from Grant Morrison's run on 'Action Comics' & 'The Multiversity', Tomasi & Gleason immediately jump into a Multiverse spanning story that brings in some great characters from across the various Earths. One of the things I love is how they showcase Superman in a way that makes you want to get up and follow him on any adventure. In this case, it's his commitment to anyone out there with an "S" on their chest and his willingness to own that as the original Super. My only disappointment for the issue is the lack of Jon Kent, who has his on co-starring book (SuperSons) coming next month. I love the dynamic that's been established between Clark and Jon so much that I want to read a Father/Son book about them forever.
Grade: A
PULL LIST
DC
Batman #14 by Tom King & Mitch Gerads
Green Lanterns #14 by Sam Humphries, Eduardo Pansica, & Ronan Cliquet
Justice League #12 by Tim Seely & Christian Duce Fernandez
Justice League of America: The Atom - Rebirth #1 by Steve Orlando & Andrew T MacDonald
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #3 by Joshua Williamson & Jesus Merino
Nightwing #12 by Tim Seely & Marcus To
Superman #14 by Patrick Gleason, Peter Tomasi, & Ivan Reis
Superman Vol. 1 - Son of Superman TPB
MARVEL
Captain America: Steve Rogers by Nick Spencer & Jesús Saiz
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
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