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Marvel Meltdown: March ’10

The Twelve: Spearhead, X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back #2, and Hulk: Let the Battle Begin comprise this month’s Marvel Meltdown docket at Impulse Creations. Check out previews for three of this Wednesday’s comics!

“Spearhead defies the aging, yellow color now often associated with WWII nonfiction and freshly portrays the tumultuous historical era through the eyes of a costumed reporter who walks unsteadily beside super-powered avengers.” - The Twelve: Spearhead

“Pixie Strikes Back #2 packs a delightful charm that glides past any age restrictions … despite whose invited to the “dazzling,” popular party.” - X-Men: Pixie Strikes Back #2

“‘Let the Battle Begin’ … succeeds as a superficial but highly entertaining short narrative.” - Hulk: Let the Battle Begin

Tags: Hulk, Impulse Creations, Let the Battle Begin, Marvel Meltdown, Pixie Strikes Back, Spearhead, The Twelve, X-Men
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Exploring Underground: Interview with Steve Lieber

Another interview touches down upon the Impulse Creations forums today, and this time I converse with artist Steve Lieber (Whiteout, Gotham Central) and briefly with writer Jeff Parker (Agents of Atlas, Fall of the Hulks) about their collaboration, Underground (Image Comics). If you’re interested in peeling back the pages, head over to Impulse now. Here’s a sneak peek just in case:

Steve Lieber and Jeff Parker’s Underground from Image Comics concludes next week. If you’re not on board with the environmental adventure that takes a dangerous turn, then dive in and enjoy. Series artist Lieber agreed to answer some of our questions about the comic that’s off-the-cave-wall exciting, and writer Jeff Parker jumps in, as well.

Impulse Creations: Thanks for sitting down with us, Steve, and agreeing to talk about your work on Underground! Can you tell us a little about the comic?

Steve Lieber: Underground is a comic about a fight over a big cave in a small town. Our heroes, Wes Fischer [Ed. note: the female lead] and Seth Ridge, are two Park Rangers in Kentucky. They come into conflict with some locals over what to do with the cave: preserve it for the naturalists or open it up for the tourists. Misunderstandings quickly escalate into violence, and the result is a deadly chase through the cave.

Tags: Image Comics, Impulse Creations, Interviews, Jeff Parker, Steve Lieber, Underground
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Pull-O-Rama: February ’10

Computer troubles got you down? That’s been the case for me recently, but luckily I did crank out my weekly Impulse Creations coverage. This month’s Pull-O-Rama investigates this Wednesday’s Grimm Fairy Tales #44 as well as Resurrection #8, Salem’s Daughter #3, and Angel: A Hole in the World #3. They have nothing to do with computers, but a lot to do with good reading material. Below are some previews:

“Roper grants the comic a surprisingly authentic feel, and Brusha keeps our eyes glued to the pages.” - Grimm Fairy Tales #44

“As usual, Guggenheim builds conspiracies and knocks down nations in stride.” - Resurrection #8

“Some might consider the witchcraft angle a tired subject, but fortunately the creators stuff more than crooked finger-pointing into this comic.” - Salem’s Daughter #3

“Those who are still exploring Whedon’s Buffy/Angel world will enjoy this comic depiction of a fantastic episode streak, but those who recognize Acker’s stellar performance will probably find that it falls short.” - Angel: A Hole in the World #3

Tags: Angel, Grimm Fairy Tales, Impulse Creations, Resurrection, Salem's Daughter
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Marvel Meltdown: February ’10

Need your Marvel fix? This month’s Marvel Meltdown at Impulse Creations previews three new comics: Psylocke #4, Uncanny X-Men #521, and Captain America #603. Here are some quick teasers:

“Psylocke #4 does rise as a decent character spotlight … It just doesn’t necessarily accomplish anything terribly influential.” - Psylocke #4

“Fraction’s writing suffers from weak, forced dialogue that, even when humorous, doesn’t push the right buttons.” – Uncanny X-Men #521

“Luke Ross polishes the comic with a wonderful, almost sentimental artistic flair, which transports us back to the 1950s and rekindles our memories of Steve Rogers.” - Captain America #603

Tags: Captain America, Impulse Creations, Marvel Meltdown, Psylocke, Uncanny X-Men
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Showcase: February ’10

Okay, so it’s been awhile. I’ve been hitting some bumps with the Showcases lately, but finally I’ve published another one at Impulse Creations. I hope you enjoy the reviews of The Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 1, The Umbrella Academy: Dallas, and Mouse Guard Vol. 2: Winter 1152. Happy reading!

“Kirkman’s work wisely keeps you in the dark so that you’re as lost and uninformed as the survivors—and itching for more.” - The Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 1

“Opening Dallas inspires an innovative adventure that satisfies readers’ lonely craving for amazing comics. History could use more books like The Umbrella Academy.” - The Umbrella Academy: Dallas

“Despite his elaborate, perhaps excessive fashion, Peterson rises as a pensive word smith whose storytelling touches our hearts with wondrous ease.” - Mouse Guard Vol. 2: Winter 1152

Tags: Impulse Creations, Mouse Guard, Showcase, The Umbrella Academy, The Walking Dead
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Pull-O-Rama: January ’10

The first Pull-O-Rama of 2010 is up at Impulse Creations. Be sure to take a few minutes out of your busy day (or lazy Sunday) to read the mini reviews of the spotlighted comics: Demonic #1, Darkness: Shadows and Flame #1, Kick-Ass #8, and Escape from Wonderland #4.

“Demonic‘s concept is unexpectedly refreshing, and Kirkman darkens an ordinary man into an anti-hero whose policy checks but whose decisions remain questionable.” - Demonic #1

“Levin shows us an uncomfortable, pitch black side of the Darkness that readers often idly forget.” – Darkness: Shadows and Flame #1

“Kick-Ass #8 boasts a rather charming ending glossed with the right touch of humor and sentiment that rides perfectly on its own thrilling wave.” - Kick-Ass #8

“While not a bad endeavor, the issue doesn’t necessarily bring anything to the Mad Hatter’s table that you haven’t tried before. Even so, the now unveiled identity of Wonderland’s new Alice will feed your appetite.” - Escape from Wonderland #4

Tags: Darkness, Demonic, Escape from Wonderland, Impulse Creations, Kick-Ass, Pull-O-Rama, Shadows and Flame
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Holy Digital Future, Batman!

Printed comics are, like, so last year.

Okay, those are words I hope no one ever utters, let alone types in any sincerity. But between iTunes, PlayStation, and the upcoming Longbox program, digital comics are becoming more prevalent than ever. And I’m talking about the legal kind.

So should we be worried? LCS owner Brandon Wilt over at Bent Wookee Comix agreed to lend his thoughts for my most recent Impulse Creations article. You can read the full write-up at the forums, but enjoy the snippet below.

Virtual editions of comic books are pouring onto a variety of mediums—and no, I’m not talking about the ye ol’ illegal rite of piracy. Companies who normally delve into other areas are beginning to show interest in the visually spearheaded, papery pages of superheroes and indie icons. In a modern age where books are now preferred on electronic, wireless Kindles and people check their email on the go, will fans relinquish the printed page in exchange for a more convenient and suitable format? Should we be worried or thrilled?

Digital comic platforms increasingly populate the industry’s news. From exclusive purchases on iTunes to Rantz Hoseley’s upcoming Longbox contender and Sony’s push through unfamiliar barriers with their PlayStation Digital Comics offerings, publishers’ hands are full collaborating with other industries. The major incentive besides tapping into a newly discovered and sprightly well of cash flow? The business deals maximize the audience, which strengthens the comic medium’s power, overall impression, and future potential.

Tags: Bent Wookee Comix, Brandon Wilt, Impulse Creations, iTunes, Longbox, PlayStation Digital Comics
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Pilot: Mass Effect: Redemption

Mass Effect aficionados might want to snag a copy of this month’s Mass Effect: Redemption #1 (out now), which preludes the new Mass Effect 2 video game. Yesterday’s Impulse Creations article determines whether it passes the quality test as a comic, but chances are you’ll want to purchase the issue regardless if you’re a fan.

Welcome to another installment of Pilot! As comic book readers ourselves, we at Impulse know how important it is to get a quality bang for money spent on a single issue. Comic prices add up, after all! So every so often we’ll take an in-depth look at a new title or mini-series. We’ll give you the heads up on whether it’s is worth getting into or passing up. If it’s good, then you’ll know. If it’s not so good … well, we read it so you don’t have to.

Another video game series enters the comic book world this month with Mass Effect: Redemption #1 (of 4), penned by the lead writer of the upcoming Mass Effect 2, Mac Walters. Published by Dark Horse, the mini-series agrees to test its weight against the demands of an audience who favors a printed, visual medium. The transition between mediums—and in this case, from the screen to the page—usually requires a certain toll, and many times the cost proves high. Either the nature of the source gives way to convolution or the end product doesn’t try to function as a new work. I might not be a Mass Effect familiar, but the comic feeds more than just the interests of the original fans: By stepping foot into comic book waters, readers with little or zero Mass Effect education are going to flip through the pages. In fact, the point of the transfer lies with reaching new audiences and inviting them to dip into the video game experience, as well.

Tags: Dark Horse, Impulse Creations, Mass Effect, Pilot, Redemption
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