Comic Review: The Wicked + The Devine

The Wicked+ The Divine review by Joe David Thompson
The Wicked + The Divine is the new book from Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, the creative team behind the excellent series Phonogram (you have read Phonogram, right?).

The Wicked + The Divine is built on the intriguing conceit that every 90 years our culture is impacted by the reincarnation of twelve gods into human hosts...with one catch. In two years, they die. To quote the press materials: "Just because you're immortal, doesn't mean you're going to live forever." Their latest recurrence, in 2014, find the gods reborn as pop stars, playing huge concerts and giving interviews in posh hotel suites.

Our point of entry is Laura, a suburban girl from south London on a quest to rebel, if only her parents wouldn't be so supportive. Laura hops a train to a Amaterasu concert, where fans black out from sheer ecstasy at the performance of the Stevie Nicks styled surrogate. Laura suffers the same fate, only to be woken up backstage by Luci, otherwise known as Lucifer (a Beatles fan!) and we're off to the races. Luci whisks Laura to their suite, where Amaterasu is entertaining a very belligerent journalist until things take a dramatic and violent turn.

The book sparkles with Gillen's trademark love of pop music, something that seeps into the pacing and plot. Even the dialogue crackles with the energy of a great single. Gillen is heir to the Joss Whedon throne when it comes to writing witty, human characters. As a first issue, Gillen handles the exposition duties with skill. Necessary information is given through either the images or the same dialogue that introduces us to some of the characters. The world of this story feels rich and I cannot wait to learn more about these other characters, who we don't get to spend too much time with yet, and the various recurrences throughout history. Luci becomes the "star" of this issue, coming off a little like Loki from Gillen & McKelvie's Young Avengers (you are reading Young Avengers, right?). Jaime McKelvie has drawn a simply beautiful book. He delivers uncluttered panels that allow us to focus on the story being told. His attention to detail is stunning, especially when he captures the emotion on these character's faces. The team is rounded out by rich colors from Matthew Wilson and the clean lettering of Clayton Cowles.

The Wicked + The Divine dropped its first issue this week via Image Comics and it comes highly recommended. This will sell out.

Joe David Thompson has been doing media reviews for websites such as Red Carpet Crash and the 405 Music Blog. For any questions or comments for Joe David Thompson, you can email him at jovid52@me.com and follow him on twitter @jovid52

Comic Book Review: Sex Criminals

Sex Criminals review by Joe David Thompson
After a three month break, Sex Criminals returns with the beginning of its second storyline.

Jon and Suzie made a narrow escape from the Sex Police, and now the couple focuses on going straight. So that means no bank robberies and no sex while they work on saving the library through fundraisers. Life goes on, but not all is well.

In its sixth issue, Sex Criminals strikes an unlikely serious tone, taking a look at relationships after the excitement wears off. Add to the mix an issue devoted to examining Jon's teetering emotional state and you have the makings for some very serious drama. Writer Matt Fraction takes us on a frank and honest tour through Jon's mind, as the character wrestles with his problems. In much the same way that the sex portrayed in this comic is never exploitative, neither is Jon's disintegration played for cheap laughs or show. As always, artist and co-creator Chip Zdarsky captures the world of Sex Criminals with an everyday style that makes it instantly recognizable.

Make no mistake, Sex Criminals is for a mature, adult audience. If interested, this is a decent jumping on point, but I highly recommend seeking out the first arc.

For more info about this Image Comics release, check out:     https://imagecomics.com/comics/releases/sex-criminals-6


Joe David Thompson has been doing media reviews for websites such as Red Carpet Crash and the 405 Music Blog. For any questions or comments for Joe David Thompson, you can email him at jovid52@me.com and follow him on twitter @jovid52

Cosplay talk with Kit Cosplay

Hey friends! As I promised we are going to have some new features here at www.thestevestrout.com. I'm really excited to introduce you to our new column about about one of the fastest growing, and downright coolest art forms around, Cosplay with our newest columnist and team member, Kit Cosplay. Kit is a co-founder of the Comic Book Charcters For Causes fundraising and charity cosplay group. Kit's  She's going to share her knowledge on all things cosplay. Enjoy her debut....

by Kit Cosplay

What is cosplay? Formally, it’s the act of donning a costume to depict a character typically from an anime, comic book, film, or show. Cosplay is an abbreviated word, made from the words “Costume play”, and in addition to the costume part of it, generally involves a bit of role play. To some, it’s a fun way to show fandom and put smiles on people’s faces. To others, it’s an expression of skill and creativity. To others still, it’s a way of connecting with other people who enjoy becoming the characters they love. To most, it’s a combination of all these.

Kit Cosplay and Dragon Slipper Tailoring

Aside from some out of the box costumes as a kid, my first cosplay was Usagi from the popular anime Sailor Moon. I didn’t know how to sew at the time, so I spent hours combing thrift stores, trying to find a tennis skirt, blouse, and scarf that could pass for a Japanese school uniform. Returning unsuccessful, I carefully picked out an outfit that combined her favorite colors, and was similar to casual outfits I had seen her depicted in different art. I meticulously learned how to tie my (very) long hair into two knots at the top of my head, with the signature pigtails included. Satisfied with my casual costume, I attended my first convention in it in 1999 – Sakura Con in Seattle; known at the time as Baka-Con. Back then, there weren’t a whole lot of other cosplayers around, but the few I did see ignited a spark in me.

Devious Cosplay

Today, I definitely don’t consider myself “good” at the hobby, but… I’m OK. I’m learning. I know how to sew, make my own props and armor from foam and thermoplastic, and I know where to find a decent wig. With some friends, I founded a cosplay-based charity that raises funds and volunteers time for kids in need – ComicBook Characters for Causes. With every convention I attend, I make new friends, connect with some amazing people, and learn how to better my craft.

Whether you are interested in cosplay as a spectator, just starting out, or have been doing it for years, I hope that my monthly column entertains or inspires you. Reach out to me on Facebook, Twitter, or shoot me an email – I’d love to chat with you!

Cosplayers featured in photos:
Devious Cosplay
Dragon Slipper Tailoring
Kit Cosplay

Comic Review: The United States Of Murder Inc.

Finally, heres the debut of our new columnist, comic and media reviewer, Joe David Thompson. Joe's been doing reviews for other sites like Red Carpet Crash.  I think you guys will enjoy reading his reviews. To send coments and to follow him on Twitter, you can find him on Twitter @jovid52 or email him jovid52@me.com . Enjoy!


The United States Of Murder INC. review by Joe David Thompson
After a rousing debut issue last month, The United States of Murder, Inc. dropped its exciting second issue this week. For the uninitiated, The United States of Murder is created by the acclaimed partnership of writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming, which brought us Powers.

The United States of Murder, Inc. imagines an alternate history of America, where the mafia grew so powerful, it carved out large portions of the eastern coast as its own. Much of the first issue of the series plunges us into this world, as we watch Valentine Gallo, the series lead, as he undergoes the ceremonial rites to become a made man in the mob. When his first assignment quite literally explodes in his face, the family is thrown into crisis mode to discover just what happened. Add to this a bombshell dropped on Valentine by his mother, and the book has its hooks into me.

I'm already a sucker for crime noir and mafia stories, which is something that these two do well. If you're at all familiar with Bendis' writing style, especially if you are a Powers fan, then there's no mistaking his voice here. Moments of heavy drama are interspersed with quick witted humor all through the book. Crime fiction is the genre Bendis cut his teeth upon, and there's no mistaking his confidence here. It should be noted that if cursing is a deal breaker for you, then United States of Murder may not be the comic choice for you. I'm not finding the series as dialogue heavy as some of his other works, and I think the book benefits from this. It definitely clears the pages for Oeming's wonderful noir art, beautifully contrasted with the colors of Taki Soma, also Oeming’s wife .

In this second issue, we watch Valentine as he tries to clear his head, reeling from his mother's confession and Valentine's expected role. I love the questions the book is asking about our identity. Valentine was raised in a mob family, rising through the ranks to a made man. Now that he discovers the lies just beneath the surface, he must ask himself who he is. I have to admit I didn't see his choice coming. Bendis did a fantastic job of diverting our attention to the hunt for the mysterious bombers and the developing relationship between Valentine and the hitwoman, Jagger Rose. I loved the quick sparring between Jagger and Valentine's mother. I certainly hope we get more of that. We also get the beginnings of the back-story of this alternate world, through flashbacks to a famous assassination.

As The United States of Murder, Inc. finds it's legs, it's developing into a book that deserves your attention. You can grab the first two issues now from Marvel’s Icon imprint.

Northwest summer nerdy events...

    If you're in the Northwest over the next month or so,  try and check out these fun nerdy events!!!

July 5-6, 2014

July 5th and 6th Bremerton, Washington hosts the first annual GAM CON downtown Bremerton on the waterfront! GAM CON stands for Gaming Anime and Music Convention. The name explains it all. Come out for a weekend of gaming, music, anime, cosplay, and so much more geekiness! I've also gotten involved. Some of you know my background in booking standup comedy, well I managed to bring together a few really funny "geek themed" comedians to perform in a special panel. There will be so much going on, so I wouldn't recommend missing this brand new event. Check out their website at www.gamconvention.com

July 13-14, 2014

I personally hope to make it to this event! Comic Book veteran Donna Barr, puts a lot of hard work into this event every year. I've unfortunately missed the first two due to my work schedule. Here's the press release for the event:
The third annual Clallam Bay Comicon is on the way...

The third annual Clallam Bay Comicon will take place July 13-14 in the Lion's Club building in Clallam Bay, featuring artists, discussion panels, music and more. Once again, there will be no admission fee, and sales table rates are kept very low. All creatives are welcome to show. The unusual schedule (Sunday-Monday) allows comic shops to attend.

The show organizer, Donna Barr, says this may be the last year for the show, but she only put it on to prove she could do it.

"If I can do it 'way out here, anybody can do it. The largest nearby town, Port Angeles, has many facilities - space and hotel accommodations, eateries, excellent inexpensive bus service, local attractions and accessible wilderness - that would make a comicon a success, and once a town has a comicon, the opportunities for all businesses just grow. The whole entertainment industry and trees - can you beat it?"

For full information on attending the show, follow the links at http://www.donnabarr.com
August 23, 2014

Hopefully you can make it to one or all of these events if you're local..Or not local and want a reason for a road trip.

As always before I close out the post, I have to self promote.

Be sure to check out the Comic Book Swap Meet group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/comicbookswapmeet/
Follow me on Twitter:www.twitter.com/thestevestrout
And keep on enjoying www.thestevestrout.com ...Though my name is in the title, I do it to entertain you all!! Don't forget to keep your eyes opened for my giveaways through said social media outlets...