Who's who in the Comics Bulletin Universe - Update 2008
Who is... Michael A. Diaz?
Michael Diaz lives in Michigan, but don't hold that against him.
There he works as a Sys. Admin. while fostering dreams of one day becoming a "real" writer.
Most importantly, Michael is seriously addicted to comics, something that his wonderful wife tolerates with the patience of a saint.
He also writes this weekly column that people occasionally read.
"[O]ne of the most positive
and entertaining columns going."
- Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Villains United)
WLG #193: Three's Company!
It's a wonderful day in Michigan and though I would much rather be outside leaning how to NOT fall when I'm wearing my new in-line skates (a major feat, by the way) here I am tied to a computer writing a column for all of you.
I'd say that you should all consider yourself to be lucky, but considering my lackluster track run as of late I probably MORE than owe this to you. It's nice to actually have the time and the wherewithal to actually write this column for a change. It's moments like this that I am glad that it is still here.
It's another quiet week for me. Last week I could only find TWO books to get all excited about. I found more books this week, but still, my selections only number three this week. Maybe the big companies are just gearing up for a huge push come summer.
*shrug*
Now this:
So, let's take a gander of the books coming out and see What Looks Good...
OMEGA FLIGHT #1 (OF 5) $2.99 (Michael Avon Oeming / Scott Kollins)Let me first confess that I have never been a huge fan of Alpha Flight; I know that the series has had its fans and that's cool, but the only version of the book that I really ever bothered to check out was the one that was a bit of a comedy, and even there the reason that I picked it up was for Clayton Henry's pencils.
So what is doing it for me? Not to slam the creators, because I respect them very much, but for me and this book the hook is the premise. Basically, now that all powers are to be regulated within the United States there are plenty of villains, and former heroes, that are moving north to stay away from the new registration laws. Canada now finds itself with a strong need for super-powered lawmen of a sort. Obviously Canada has some heroes but seeing as a lot of the “capes” that are heading to the Great White North are from the U.S. it also makes sense that a large portion of the team is American as well.
Plus, I think that this is the first time that I have ever bought a book with Beta Ray Bill.
Weird.
Still, I think it sounds like an interesting premise and sure to cause all kinds of friction, especially with an uber-patriot like U.S. Agent fighting the “good” fight.
PUNISHER #46 $2.99 (Garth Ennis / Lan Medina)I haven't mentioned this book in a while but that has everything to do with me getting behind on my comic book reading. I am getting caught up and I have to say that I am really enjoying this very original story-arc where a group of widows from men that Frank Castle has put down want there revenge.
The Punisher has never been one to intentionally go after innocents, but in a fashion weren't these women for the most part innocent victims? Some knew what their husbands did, some didn't, yet all were affected by one man's personal war on crime. Now, seeing as they've put a hit on Frank no one is innocent, but a small part of me sees their point. Villains never believe that they are the bad guy, after all.
Good stuff.
RUNAWAYS #25 $2.99 (Joss Whedon / Michael Ryan)I have really enjoyed the work that Whedon has done on another, smaller profile book called Astonishing X-Men (perhaps you've heard of it) so when I heard that Vaughan was leaving there was only one name that could take the pain away. Mind you, I never in my wildest dreams would have predicted that Whedon would take on Runaways, one of my favorite comics of all time, so you could say that I am and was elated to say the least.
One of the first things Whedon is going to do is bring the team to New York, which is of course out of their comfort zone, creating plenty of drama for these teens to have at each other almost as much as they take on the bad guys.
This is a great book and with Whedon on board it should be in good hands; also, don't forget Michael Ryan. I am a big fan of some of his past work, such as another title that was originally written by Vaughan, Mystique.
Sweet!
Was there something that did it for you this week? If so, stop by the What Looks Good message boards (see link below) and spread the love, my friend.
Until then,
Peace!
-Diaz
Were Diaz's picks on the mark?
Have your say on What Looks Good at the Looking Good message board.