Looking for a sweet Halloween horror list? Check out my friend, Kendragarden's blog for a short list of some winners.
She's funny, so if you like quirky humor, follow her blog.
kendragarden: Kendragarden Tells You What Horror Flicks To Watch...: Today is Advice Wednesday, which is rapidly becoming my favorite day to blog. True, I get to bitch on Rant Monday and I get to be nostalg...
The only blog on the 'net where Zombies, Blood, and Fights matter.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
ZOMBIES: Recap - #TheWalkingDead Late 'Wild Speculation', Notes for 'Isolation'
DEATH WATCHES, ESCALATION OF TENSION IN LATEST EPISODE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
'The Walking Dead' returns with another dark episode that just gets darker. It seems this season they're balancing the action with a crueler theme at this point. But before we get to the notes/recap, let's see how some of the 'wild speculation' played out
JACKIE DRUGA, author of 'The Flu' series from Permuted Press
First just let me get my typical gripe out of the way. I hate the fact that they wrote all the Woodbury residents into the series, and now they have found a way to write them off. Gotta love that the immune are original cast. Hmmm. Maybe that has something to do with the illness.
My prediction is the illness is not what you think. I think Kirkman and writers got a hold of my book Flu 2 and stole the idea of taking a germ from a BSL lab. The Gov did that. It’s all him.
Carol is doing the killing. She and that little girl are doing the deeds.
ARMY ED, Special Weapons and Tactics Advisor to ZombieBloodFights.com
I think Carol will turn out to be the one responsible for the rats and burning the bodies.
R THOMAS RILEY, author of If God Doesn't Show from Permuted Press
1) there will be more minor character deaths due to the "superflu", characters who we barely know their names, a major character will get sick, my prediction is either Rick (though he'll recover) or Daryl.
2) supply run, yep, and then the supply run will experience a setback, separating the two groups for an episode or 2.
3) a new group will (at least should) be introduced, Rick and company are going be faced with some tough decisions, possibly expelling the sick ones to protect the core group, of course this will be met with resistance and Rick's position will be in jeopardy as group leader.
So how did they do? Looks like both Jackie and Army Ed scored with the prediction that CAROL WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXECUTING THE FIRST TWO SICK FOLKS by burning them. Well done Army Ed and Jackie. That confession by Carol to Rick was pretty cold. Not to mention the fact that she was asked by Tyrese to watch after Sasha while he was away. Now we'll have to see how the possible revelation to Tyrese plays out. And we get to see if Carol executes Sasha, too.
That's an issue, though, because Tyrese made the SUPPLY RUN that EXPERIENCED A MAJOR SETBACK (way to go, R Thomas) when the team that was sent 50 miles out to get antibiotics was jumped by the proverbial zombie mob and their Dodge Charger was disabled.
Here's some notes and observations from this episode:
DODGE MOTORCARS THROWING MORE MONEY AT THE WALKING DEAD
So, looks like the character Zach happened to have a stylish black Dodge Charger that Daryl had the ability to fix for the supply run. We've already seen our hardy survivors use Dodge Rams. Dodge trying to get that Hyundai Santa Fe/Death Dealer promo dollars.
MORE KILLING KIDS
Eesh. The harsh truth of the Zombie Apocalypse has been a part of this series from the first five minutes of the series: Kids are going to die, too. Remember when Rick's first action was shooting a little girl who had turned into a zombie in the face? Remember when they spent an entire half of season two looking for a kid? Remember when The Governor kept his dead daughter, Penny, around after turning and Michone put a sword through her head in front of her father? Here we go again with one of the kids Carol tried to train coming down with the virus that killed her dad.
DID CAROL TAINT THE WELL?
So, the weirdest moment was when Carol knocked over the water barrel. What was that about? There was still a lot of water in there. If she wanted more water, couldn't she have tilted the barrel to get to it from the spout. Could she have tainted the well with zombie blood and spilled it out of guilt?
JACKIE DRUGA chimes back in with WILD SPECULATION for next week's show:
My prediction for next week, Rock finds out Carol is not alone. Hershel saves people but gets sick in the process and we find out that Michonne was actually a stay at home mom of a little boy who was snatched from the crib by walkers.
Will the squad sent out for antibiotics make it back on time? Did Tyrese get bit or get all that gore in his mouth and get infected? Looks like we'll have to wait until next week to find out more.
And if you need more zombie horror, check out the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin. Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
'The Walking Dead' returns with another dark episode that just gets darker. It seems this season they're balancing the action with a crueler theme at this point. But before we get to the notes/recap, let's see how some of the 'wild speculation' played out
JACKIE DRUGA, author of 'The Flu' series from Permuted Press
First just let me get my typical gripe out of the way. I hate the fact that they wrote all the Woodbury residents into the series, and now they have found a way to write them off. Gotta love that the immune are original cast. Hmmm. Maybe that has something to do with the illness.
My prediction is the illness is not what you think. I think Kirkman and writers got a hold of my book Flu 2 and stole the idea of taking a germ from a BSL lab. The Gov did that. It’s all him.
Carol is doing the killing. She and that little girl are doing the deeds.
ARMY ED, Special Weapons and Tactics Advisor to ZombieBloodFights.com
I think Carol will turn out to be the one responsible for the rats and burning the bodies.
R THOMAS RILEY, author of If God Doesn't Show from Permuted Press
1) there will be more minor character deaths due to the "superflu", characters who we barely know their names, a major character will get sick, my prediction is either Rick (though he'll recover) or Daryl.
2) supply run, yep, and then the supply run will experience a setback, separating the two groups for an episode or 2.
3) a new group will (at least should) be introduced, Rick and company are going be faced with some tough decisions, possibly expelling the sick ones to protect the core group, of course this will be met with resistance and Rick's position will be in jeopardy as group leader.
So how did they do? Looks like both Jackie and Army Ed scored with the prediction that CAROL WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR EXECUTING THE FIRST TWO SICK FOLKS by burning them. Well done Army Ed and Jackie. That confession by Carol to Rick was pretty cold. Not to mention the fact that she was asked by Tyrese to watch after Sasha while he was away. Now we'll have to see how the possible revelation to Tyrese plays out. And we get to see if Carol executes Sasha, too.
That's an issue, though, because Tyrese made the SUPPLY RUN that EXPERIENCED A MAJOR SETBACK (way to go, R Thomas) when the team that was sent 50 miles out to get antibiotics was jumped by the proverbial zombie mob and their Dodge Charger was disabled.
Here's some notes and observations from this episode:
DODGE MOTORCARS THROWING MORE MONEY AT THE WALKING DEAD
So, looks like the character Zach happened to have a stylish black Dodge Charger that Daryl had the ability to fix for the supply run. We've already seen our hardy survivors use Dodge Rams. Dodge trying to get that Hyundai Santa Fe/Death Dealer promo dollars.
MORE KILLING KIDS
Eesh. The harsh truth of the Zombie Apocalypse has been a part of this series from the first five minutes of the series: Kids are going to die, too. Remember when Rick's first action was shooting a little girl who had turned into a zombie in the face? Remember when they spent an entire half of season two looking for a kid? Remember when The Governor kept his dead daughter, Penny, around after turning and Michone put a sword through her head in front of her father? Here we go again with one of the kids Carol tried to train coming down with the virus that killed her dad.
DID CAROL TAINT THE WELL?
So, the weirdest moment was when Carol knocked over the water barrel. What was that about? There was still a lot of water in there. If she wanted more water, couldn't she have tilted the barrel to get to it from the spout. Could she have tainted the well with zombie blood and spilled it out of guilt?
JACKIE DRUGA chimes back in with WILD SPECULATION for next week's show:
My prediction for next week, Rock finds out Carol is not alone. Hershel saves people but gets sick in the process and we find out that Michonne was actually a stay at home mom of a little boy who was snatched from the crib by walkers.
Will the squad sent out for antibiotics make it back on time? Did Tyrese get bit or get all that gore in his mouth and get infected? Looks like we'll have to wait until next week to find out more.
And if you need more zombie horror, check out the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin. Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA earned his BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com today.
FIGHTS: NERD RAGE - Alamo City ComiCon a bush league cash grab
UNPROFESSIONAL SHYSTERS DUPE SOUTH TEXAS NERDS, DORKS, AND GEEKS
by
Bowie Ibarra
Here's reasons why this con needs to be listed as one of the worst cons for customer service and organization and that came across as a big cash grab with no consideration for the folks that were hoping to attend. Alfredo 'Apple' DeLaFuente (ACCC Pres), Roger Bustamante (ACCC Vice-Pres.), take note.
by
Bowie Ibarra
Take a look at the pic below. This is the pic of close to a thousand some-odd folks who were turned away at the Alamo City ComiCon 2013. I was in this line and waited three hours to be told they weren't letting anyone else in. That also included folks who had bought their tickets because by 4pm that afternoon, they had violated the fire code.
Here's reasons why this con needs to be listed as one of the worst cons for customer service and organization and that came across as a big cash grab with no consideration for the folks that were hoping to attend. Alfredo 'Apple' DeLaFuente (ACCC Pres), Roger Bustamante (ACCC Vice-Pres.), take note.
So, check this out. Long line? I get it. It's a con. It's been billed as 'The Biggest Pop Culture event' in San Antonio. I could understand the line.
But if these scammers running this organization were professional, they could have 1) Been aware of the numbers of the presale tix, VIP, and such to know how many people they could let in. Again, by the time I got near the ticket booth, the Fire Marshall had shut the show down because they let too many people into the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (!).
2) They could have communicated with the folks waiting hours in line better. I watched as one lady came out near the ticket booth saying 'We're stopping ticket sales for one hour and not letting anyone else in'. They did that because they were in violation of the fire code and had to let people leave. But that was it. The lady or no other volunteer went down that line that you see above of about 1k+ folks to tell them that fact, so those folks still stood there like idiots.
2) They could have communicated with the folks waiting hours in line better. I watched as one lady came out near the ticket booth saying 'We're stopping ticket sales for one hour and not letting anyone else in'. They did that because they were in violation of the fire code and had to let people leave. But that was it. The lady or no other volunteer went down that line that you see above of about 1k+ folks to tell them that fact, so those folks still stood there like idiots.
3) So that's about the time some asshole came out to the front of the line, a representative from the convention, who started telling people we're not letting anybody in and we all could have avoided this had we bought our tickets online.
So this fat piece of shit basically told me, the dudes who had drove in from Midland, and everyone else in line, that it was OUR FAULT for waiting in line and not getting tickets even though I showed up two hours after the door had opened? He basically came out and spit in our faces with no regard for the folks who had driven in, their families, or other children who also waited in line for this event, who were told they could buy tickets at the door.
Asshole's reply? Buy your tickets for tomorrow now.
Again, this reply shows that the folks running this debacle had no consideration for the folks like myself who could only attend one day. And what about the folks who drove in? Tough shit. Should have bought online.
What kind of fucking so-called professional organization treats folks like myself who were dumb enough to be ready to shell out $35 bucks for a chance to go into an event to spend even more money? An organization that could give a shit about the people outside because they already made their money stuffing the small space they had rented (I thought they rented out the whole venue), which then denied people who HAD bought their tickets online from even going in. That line was just as long.
So the 'should have bought your tickets online' argument doesn't hold water. They were turned back, too, because organizers weren't concerned about counting the folks that came in but lining their own pockets. There were enough volunteers with their thumbs up their asses that could have been there to do that. But its hard to be led and told what needs to be done when their leadership is clueless. That falls on the two volunteer coordinators, Stephanie Ramos and Robert Moreno, so I can't fault the volunteers for that.
But I'm not the only one. Here's some gripes from the public Alamo City Comic Con Facebook page:
"For such a big turnout I was disppointed with the lack of volunteers outside directing the lines, no fliers being given out with list of events, more signs, bigger room for celebrity ally, it was all shoved into a small place, not enough concession stands, not enough Atms, Sapd should not have to be given info out....the list can go on. I've been to bigger cons that had their act together. This con has potential but needs better planning. Oh at price change from what is listed on your website not cool. Glad I didn't shell out big bucks for this event."
So this fat piece of shit basically told me, the dudes who had drove in from Midland, and everyone else in line, that it was OUR FAULT for waiting in line and not getting tickets even though I showed up two hours after the door had opened? He basically came out and spit in our faces with no regard for the folks who had driven in, their families, or other children who also waited in line for this event, who were told they could buy tickets at the door.
Asshole's reply? Buy your tickets for tomorrow now.
Again, this reply shows that the folks running this debacle had no consideration for the folks like myself who could only attend one day. And what about the folks who drove in? Tough shit. Should have bought online.
What kind of fucking so-called professional organization treats folks like myself who were dumb enough to be ready to shell out $35 bucks for a chance to go into an event to spend even more money? An organization that could give a shit about the people outside because they already made their money stuffing the small space they had rented (I thought they rented out the whole venue), which then denied people who HAD bought their tickets online from even going in. That line was just as long.
So the 'should have bought your tickets online' argument doesn't hold water. They were turned back, too, because organizers weren't concerned about counting the folks that came in but lining their own pockets. There were enough volunteers with their thumbs up their asses that could have been there to do that. But its hard to be led and told what needs to be done when their leadership is clueless. That falls on the two volunteer coordinators, Stephanie Ramos and Robert Moreno, so I can't fault the volunteers for that.
But I'm not the only one. Here's some gripes from the public Alamo City Comic Con Facebook page:
"For such a big turnout I was disppointed with the lack of volunteers outside directing the lines, no fliers being given out with list of events, more signs, bigger room for celebrity ally, it was all shoved into a small place, not enough concession stands, not enough Atms, Sapd should not have to be given info out....the list can go on. I've been to bigger cons that had their act together. This con has potential but needs better planning. Oh at price change from what is listed on your website not cool. Glad I didn't shell out big bucks for this event."
"This was the line of about 1000 people waiting to purchase tickets. The ticket stands were closed at the time but unless you were at the front of the line, you had no clue they were sold out. After this line was another like of about 500 people who had already purchased tickets including pre-orders online. These people (not photographed) were waiting to even get in the building. That line had been waiting at least an hour for more space to clear out. "Very disappointing that even if you had purchased a ticket ahead of time you couldn't go in. Being sold out is one thing, but waiting until you've reached capacity and then saying you won't let honor pre-purchased tickets is another matter."
"Being under-prepared and overwhelmed by the turn-out is one thing. Turning away people who have already purchased tickets is quite another. When you pre-purchase a ticket online there is an agreement with the event holder, and that agreement was broken for many people. If you try to purchase tickets to a sporting event online, they will stop selling them when they've reached capacity. That did not occur here. I believe that next year will be better after this fiasco, but that doesn't do anything for the people who have wasted time and money trying to participate and support this event.""I had a ticket, my 7yr old did not,I too stood in line at 1pm only to be told they were no longer selling tickets. After I had invested 3hrs of my day and a chance pick up a 5hr $100 gig. I couldn't attend because the look in my sons eyes when I told him we wouldn't be able to go in. So I took him to a local pizza place in full Ironman costume. Sad day for this father. Thanks for thinkin this shindig through."
"Being under-prepared and overwhelmed by the turn-out is one thing. Turning away people who have already purchased tickets is quite another. When you pre-purchase a ticket online there is an agreement with the event holder, and that agreement was broken for many people. If you try to purchase tickets to a sporting event online, they will stop selling them when they've reached capacity. That did not occur here. I believe that next year will be better after this fiasco, but that doesn't do anything for the people who have wasted time and money trying to participate and support this event.""I had a ticket, my 7yr old did not,I too stood in line at 1pm only to be told they were no longer selling tickets. After I had invested 3hrs of my day and a chance pick up a 5hr $100 gig. I couldn't attend because the look in my sons eyes when I told him we wouldn't be able to go in. So I took him to a local pizza place in full Ironman costume. Sad day for this father. Thanks for thinkin this shindig through."
"my opinion: great booths, good celebrities, good panels. BIG lack of organization. If you got cheapish tickets and didn't expect much, you were fine. But if you were VIP and promised things for months that just flat out didn't happen, you become the not so happy camper."
Look, don't get me wrong. I want this event to succeed. San Antonio deserves something fun like this to elevate itself from that 'Keep San Antonio Lame' moniker folks have given it. This con is a fun event that this city needs to contrast against its blue-collar image of folks that only enjoy The Spurs and want to go out and drink every Friday night.
I also don't fault the folks that made it in and had a good time. It was cool to see so many people having fun inside the venue and hearing about them meeting people and seeing all the fun costumes.
And I don't fault Apple and company for the endeavor. It's a cash cow, we know, and their probably wiping their asses with all the money they made this weekend off of saps like me. You sank lots of money into a multi-month slick promo campaign as if you were the next big thing, but ran it more like you were at the pulga off of Highway 90. C'mon, man. The whole promo campaign made it look like ya'll had your shit together, but it turned out to be a disorganized disappointment.
And I understand that in the end, my gripe is very much a '1st World Problem'. It's all like, 'I got turned away at Alamo City ComiCon after waiting in line for three hours on my day off. Now I have to drive back to my apartment in my new VW Bug with all this money in my pocket.' Really, when you put it in perspective.
But next year, observe basics like fire code, head counts on pre-sale, head counts day of, and don't be afraid to let the people in line know what's going on instead of making them wait like dumb asses. Show some respect to the people who are about to line your pockets.
But this con really needs to start planning for next year and clean up their act, and it starts with ACCC PR guy Fred Hernandez issuing some sort of statement acknowledging their mistakes and oversights and pledging to make it up to the thousand some-odd folks who were looking forward to the event, drove in from all around, and were ultimately treated like shit by their staff.
That is, if these folks haven't already hit the rails and we'll never hear from them again.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He has written three superhero-inspired books, 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull', and 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', which takes place in San Antonio, Texas. His most recent title, 'Alamo Rising', is the story of an ancient curse unleashed on downtown San Antonio, Texas. It is available in Kindle or paperback from Amazon.com today.
Look, don't get me wrong. I want this event to succeed. San Antonio deserves something fun like this to elevate itself from that 'Keep San Antonio Lame' moniker folks have given it. This con is a fun event that this city needs to contrast against its blue-collar image of folks that only enjoy The Spurs and want to go out and drink every Friday night.
I also don't fault the folks that made it in and had a good time. It was cool to see so many people having fun inside the venue and hearing about them meeting people and seeing all the fun costumes.
And I don't fault Apple and company for the endeavor. It's a cash cow, we know, and their probably wiping their asses with all the money they made this weekend off of saps like me. You sank lots of money into a multi-month slick promo campaign as if you were the next big thing, but ran it more like you were at the pulga off of Highway 90. C'mon, man. The whole promo campaign made it look like ya'll had your shit together, but it turned out to be a disorganized disappointment.
And I understand that in the end, my gripe is very much a '1st World Problem'. It's all like, 'I got turned away at Alamo City ComiCon after waiting in line for three hours on my day off. Now I have to drive back to my apartment in my new VW Bug with all this money in my pocket.' Really, when you put it in perspective.
But next year, observe basics like fire code, head counts on pre-sale, head counts day of, and don't be afraid to let the people in line know what's going on instead of making them wait like dumb asses. Show some respect to the people who are about to line your pockets.
But this con really needs to start planning for next year and clean up their act, and it starts with ACCC PR guy Fred Hernandez issuing some sort of statement acknowledging their mistakes and oversights and pledging to make it up to the thousand some-odd folks who were looking forward to the event, drove in from all around, and were ultimately treated like shit by their staff.
That is, if these folks haven't already hit the rails and we'll never hear from them again.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press. He has written three superhero-inspired books, 'Codename: La Lechusa', 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull', and 'Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul', which takes place in San Antonio, Texas. His most recent title, 'Alamo Rising', is the story of an ancient curse unleashed on downtown San Antonio, Texas. It is available in Kindle or paperback from Amazon.com today.
Bowie Ibarra earned a BFA in Acting and a Masters in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
FIGHTS: ZBF.com recognized! Repost from Apocalypse Nana: 21 and Counting. Some of the Best Undiscovered in ...
Apocalypse Nana: 21 and Counting. Some of the Best Undiscovered in ...: Publishing has come a long way since the days of paper submissions and multitudes of rejections. Readers were at the mercy of the publish...
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
FIGHTS: Repost from BISH'S BEAT: FIGHT PULPS
Check out these outstanding fight covers from the 20s and 30s pulp magazines collected at BISH'S BEAT: FIGHT PULPS
FIGHTS: Review - 'The Shadow' Vol. 2: Revolution TPB
MIDDLE STORY ARC, FEATURED VILLAIN, BOOKENDS FEATURED
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
The 2nd trade paperback of issues 7-12 of 'The Shadow' comic series from Dynamite Comics has been out for a little while now. The trade is available, featuring two bookend 'one shot' stories, and a middle story arc featuring a new nemesis for The Shadow: The Black Sparrow.
Here's the lowdown.
The first bookend story features a confrontation with an renegade drug dealer who trained at the same mysterious temple as The Shadow.
The middle extended story arc finds The Shadow thrust into the middle of the Spanish Civil War, meeting the real-life George Orwell. He also makes a new nemesis in Major Esmeralda Aguilar, military intelligence officer who has an alter ego: The Black Sparrow! Sparrow is allied with El Rey, a ruthless military leader who wants his cut of the war.
The final bookend is a story of The Shadow doing what he does best: Fighting crime!
Even though the TPB did not have an extended story arc like the first one, the stories were still good. The middle story is worth the price of the book, and reminded me of the old Indiana Jones Chronicles in which Indy met true historical figures.
The first story is illustrated very well by Jack Herbert. The Spanish Civil War story by Aaron Campbell. The final story by Giovanni Timpano. Their styles are very distinctive, but all of them were great.
The TPB also includes all the variant covers by the likes of Alex Ross, Sean Chen, Francesco Francavilla, Tim Bradstreet, Jack Herbert, Micheal Golden, John Cassidy, Darwin Cooke, and Mike Mayhew.
I enjoyed knowing I was reading about the origins of a new nemesis in Black Sparrow. As per any male/female dynamic, the affection and relationship angle is always fun. It's also a great set up for the limited run 'Noir' series from Dynamite, in which Black Sparrow returns.
All in all, it was a fun read. Again, I'm no The Shadow historian by any means, but I'm enjoying the reboot of the legendary crime fighter with the Dynamite Comics team.
And if you like comic-style superheroes, you need to give the ZombieBloodFights.com superheroes a chance. Codename: La Lechusa, Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul, and Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull. Get a copy today via paperback or kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
The 2nd trade paperback of issues 7-12 of 'The Shadow' comic series from Dynamite Comics has been out for a little while now. The trade is available, featuring two bookend 'one shot' stories, and a middle story arc featuring a new nemesis for The Shadow: The Black Sparrow.
Here's the lowdown.
The first bookend story features a confrontation with an renegade drug dealer who trained at the same mysterious temple as The Shadow.
The middle extended story arc finds The Shadow thrust into the middle of the Spanish Civil War, meeting the real-life George Orwell. He also makes a new nemesis in Major Esmeralda Aguilar, military intelligence officer who has an alter ego: The Black Sparrow! Sparrow is allied with El Rey, a ruthless military leader who wants his cut of the war.
The final bookend is a story of The Shadow doing what he does best: Fighting crime!
Even though the TPB did not have an extended story arc like the first one, the stories were still good. The middle story is worth the price of the book, and reminded me of the old Indiana Jones Chronicles in which Indy met true historical figures.
The first story is illustrated very well by Jack Herbert. The Spanish Civil War story by Aaron Campbell. The final story by Giovanni Timpano. Their styles are very distinctive, but all of them were great.
The TPB also includes all the variant covers by the likes of Alex Ross, Sean Chen, Francesco Francavilla, Tim Bradstreet, Jack Herbert, Micheal Golden, John Cassidy, Darwin Cooke, and Mike Mayhew.
I enjoyed knowing I was reading about the origins of a new nemesis in Black Sparrow. As per any male/female dynamic, the affection and relationship angle is always fun. It's also a great set up for the limited run 'Noir' series from Dynamite, in which Black Sparrow returns.
All in all, it was a fun read. Again, I'm no The Shadow historian by any means, but I'm enjoying the reboot of the legendary crime fighter with the Dynamite Comics team.
And if you like comic-style superheroes, you need to give the ZombieBloodFights.com superheroes a chance. Codename: La Lechusa, Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul, and Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull. Get a copy today via paperback or kindle today.
Bowie V. Ibarra (1975- present) was born and raised in Uvalde, Texas, to a school principal and a book keeper. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Master of Arts in Theatre History.
Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
ZOMBIES - RECAP: Late Wild Speculation and 'Infected' notes
EPISODE 2 GETS BRUTAL
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
As we got into week 2, my weekend got busy before I had a chance to do some 'Wild Speculation'. Good thing my buddy and fellow Permuted Press author R Thomas Riley, writer of If God Doesn't Show, pitched in before the show. Here's what he predicted would go down:
-- So we're one episode into season 4. How was it, an incremental improvement over last season. We're still at the prison, though.
1) we're gonna see what's left of Woodbury and how those survivors are going to interact with the core group
2) obviously the walker virus has jumped species, not an original idea, granted, but it definitely expands the danger
3) Carl isn't a boy anymore and he's going to clash with his father and the rest of the group in the coming issues.
4) as the group gets bigger, definitely expect Rick to want to break away because he misses the Ricktatorship days --
Not a bad prediction for the next show and the rest of the season. Here's some notes from 'Infected'.
ARE THE WRITERS OF 'THE WALKING DEAD' READING WAYNE SIMMONS OR JACKIE DRUGA BOOKS?
It was kind of funny to see some of the people in the prison developing 'flu-like symptoms' on the onset of the killer bug everyone might be getting. It immediately reminded me of the outstanding zombie horror title Flu by Wayne Simmons that takes place in Ireland. There's even another zombie-themed book with a sickness-first theme called 'The Flu' by Jackie Druga from Permuted Press.
Look who is ahead of the curve! Both are highly recommended and were doing 'flu' based zombie horror before flu-based zombie horror was cool.
LOOKS LIKE THAT WHOLE BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN/BODILY FLUIDS THING IS THE NEW HOTNESS
Not like blood-borne pathogens are anything new, but it seems like they've been emphasized this episode. The pig blood splashing on Rick made me really, really nervous.
There's been lots and lots of kissing, too, sharing some saliva. Now I don't anticipate any kind of 28 Weeks Later craziness, but its time to take some time out and not make out anymore. I'm going to have to follow up on some predictions with the 'Wild Speculation' later this week.
We'll see how this continues to build next week. See you then.
Need some more Zombie Horror? These books are chock full of great zombie horror and excellent story-telling. Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin. Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
As we got into week 2, my weekend got busy before I had a chance to do some 'Wild Speculation'. Good thing my buddy and fellow Permuted Press author R Thomas Riley, writer of If God Doesn't Show, pitched in before the show. Here's what he predicted would go down:
-- So we're one episode into season 4. How was it, an incremental improvement over last season. We're still at the prison, though.
1) we're gonna see what's left of Woodbury and how those survivors are going to interact with the core group
2) obviously the walker virus has jumped species, not an original idea, granted, but it definitely expands the danger
3) Carl isn't a boy anymore and he's going to clash with his father and the rest of the group in the coming issues.
4) as the group gets bigger, definitely expect Rick to want to break away because he misses the Ricktatorship days --
Not a bad prediction for the next show and the rest of the season. Here's some notes from 'Infected'.
ARE THE WRITERS OF 'THE WALKING DEAD' READING WAYNE SIMMONS OR JACKIE DRUGA BOOKS?
It was kind of funny to see some of the people in the prison developing 'flu-like symptoms' on the onset of the killer bug everyone might be getting. It immediately reminded me of the outstanding zombie horror title Flu by Wayne Simmons that takes place in Ireland. There's even another zombie-themed book with a sickness-first theme called 'The Flu' by Jackie Druga from Permuted Press.
Look who is ahead of the curve! Both are highly recommended and were doing 'flu' based zombie horror before flu-based zombie horror was cool.
LOOKS LIKE THAT WHOLE BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN/BODILY FLUIDS THING IS THE NEW HOTNESS
Not like blood-borne pathogens are anything new, but it seems like they've been emphasized this episode. The pig blood splashing on Rick made me really, really nervous.
There's been lots and lots of kissing, too, sharing some saliva. Now I don't anticipate any kind of 28 Weeks Later craziness, but its time to take some time out and not make out anymore. I'm going to have to follow up on some predictions with the 'Wild Speculation' later this week.
We'll see how this continues to build next week. See you then.
Need some more Zombie Horror? These books are chock full of great zombie horror and excellent story-telling. Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin. Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA earned his BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com today.
FIGHTS: Notes from 'NWA Branded Outlaw Wrestling Invasion' 2013
LEGENDARY WRESTLERS FROM JAPAN COMPETE IN THE ALAMO CITY
By
Bowie V. Ibarra
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
By
Bowie V. Ibarra
NWA-Branded Outlaw Wrestling out of San Antonio, Texas put on one of the best wrestling shows I've been to in a while. Well, truth is, that's what they always seem to do with a roster stacked to the gills with the best in Texas talent right now. I'm glad I finally made time to show up.
But the big news was that not only were the Texas stars going to compete, but members of New Japan Pro-Wrestling were scheduled to compete as well, including the legendary Hiroshi Tenzan and Jushin Liger. It was Mongolian Chops and Koppo Kicks for everyone this past Saturday night in San Antonio.
Here's some notes on some things that went down.
MY LITTLE GIRL'S FIRST SHOW - My little girl has been to a WWE wrestling show before, but we were sitting in the rafters. This time around, I got us front row tickets to the fun.
Well, those who know me know that I enjoy myself and understand the athletic magic show that is pro-wrestling. But the brutal illusion was a little hard for her to take after the first match featuring RUDY RUSSO, WEEZY WOO, national talent CHASE OWENS, among others. The intensity was too much for her and she started shedding tears for the good guys, so we stepped to the back for a bit and watched the following matches from the back. She eventually got acclimated to the action and the fun and we moved back to the front. It was an unexpected, but wonderful experience.
She really liked NWA-BOW heavyweight JAX DANE after he came out to help the new competitor, MR. MICAH, after his match with MIKE DELL when JEREMY SAGE'S friends came out to beat up Micah. The way my little girl saw it, Jax Dane stood up for the new kid who has no friends yet in NWA-BOW. My girl appreciated Jax coming out to help Micah and make friends with him.
She also enjoyed SCOT SUMMERS match against GEDO and wanted to give Scot a hug after losing to him and Gedo jumped him. She eventually did, though.
By the end of the night, she was totally into the show and had a good time. She's not quite ready for front row just yet, but I don't have any problem with that.
And the greatest thing that happened? She got a picture with Jushin 'Thunder' Liger.
And for me, she got to see an honest to God National Wrestling Alliance show.
I GOT TO GET SOME MARK PHOTOS WITH NWA MOVERS AND SHAKERS
It was a great time for some photo ops with names I read about online, as well as watch them in action. Here's some snaps.
Below is a pic with one of the architects of the current NWA product, TONY BROOKLYN.
Here's a pic with the newly crowned NWA Lightweight Champ, CHASE OWENS.
Here's a pic of south Texas pro-wrestling superfan, Tommy, getting an earful from CHARLIE HAAS.
Here's a pic with JASON KINCAID, one of the names from the east coast. He was pretty good.
Snaps of Jushin 'Thunder' Liger! He teamed up with HIROYOSHI TENZAN to take on BYRON WILCOTT and MICHAEL TARVER.
I got a chance to meet some of the NWA heavy-hitters from the east coast and Canada, DAMIEN WAYNE and 'THE CANADIAN LION' LANCE ERIKSON. They've formed a tag-team called 'The Lords of Chaos' and looked alright during their four-corners tag match. Erickson was a great power man, but he looked like he was struggling with his cardio as the match went into the deep water. I still enjoyed finally watching them and wish them the best.
Truth is, I want to see a Kingz of the Underground vs. Lords of Chaos match. That is, after Erikson gets that cardio up.
I had the privilege to meet the legacy to The British Bulldogs. DH Smith, son of late 'The British Bulldog' Davey Boy Smith was in attendance. Talk about a legacy to be proud of. Smith looked outstanding in the ring, and Davey Boy would be proud.
Love him or hate him, learn to like him because BRUCE THARPE is doing what it takes to reconstruct the NWA. After a year, I think he's doing a great job, and wish continued growth and success to him and the organization.
I also had a chance to meet two of the best pro-wrestling bloggers out there, BRANDON STROUD and DANIELLE MATHESON of 'Best and Worst of WWE' and 'Best and Worst of TNA' fame, respectively.
If you're not checking out their weekly blogs linked above, the time to start doing that is now.
All in all, it was a true dream come true. I thank NWA-BOW for bringing this talent in. Truth is, they have been putting together great cards since their inception with the best in Texas talent and athletes from across the nation. Keep it up, NWA. You've got a fan here that wants to see you succeed and bring the NWA Title back to the prominence it deserves.
And if you like pro-wrestling action, you're going to love the 'Pit Fighter' series from ZombieBloodFights.com. 'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
And before you go, here's some more random snaps from the event. Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
FIGHTS: Dana, Klitschko Mgmt. Group, make Dos Santos/Either Klitschko happen
A FEW REASONS WHY FORMER UFC CHAMP COULD END KLITSCHKO BOXING REIGN
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
So, SB Nations MMA Department reported that Former UFC Heavyweight Champ Junior Dos Santos (6' 4", 239lbs) claimed he could beat any of the Klitschko brothers in a boxing match.
For those who aren't familiar with the Klitschko brothers, they are two Heavyweight Ukranian dudes who have been two of the most dominant heavyweight boxers in boxing history. Vladimir 'Dr. Steelhammer' (6' 6", 243lbs) and Vitali 'Dr. Iron Fist' Klitschko (6' 7", 248lbs) have had a stranglehold on the entire weight class, disposing of competitors left and right.
So many readers like myself who appreciate combat sports in all its forms might have had the same gut reaction of 'Rolling On The Floor and Laughing My Ass Off' when you read that headline. Dos Santos feels he can compete with the two professional boxing champions because he 'boxes' with 'sparring partners' during the early parts of his training. That's cute, Junior. That's real cute.
But taking a step back from the initial reaction, truth is Dos Santos has a 'punchers chance' at defeating a Klitschko. Let's look at some big facts of the matter.
1. FIGHTING CAB DRIVERS - The Klitschkos are on top of a division that is at a historic low for heavyweight competition. That's part of the reason why the Klitschkos have remained on top. There's just not a lot of dudes who can run with them in the division right now.
Now I joke that they're fighting cab drivers at this point because there's not a lot of competition for them out there right now. Like dudes fighting St. Pierre or Anderson Silva before he became MMA's jackass, the Klitschkos are just on another level as compared to their competition right now. Dos Santos might not be a professional-caliber boxer, but he's got enthusiasm and a punchers chance.
2. THE BROTHERS HAVE LOST WHEN INJURED OR PUSHED - Both brothers have suffered losses as well. The two losses on Vitali's record come from stopping a fight after his left hand became injured against Chris Byrd and his face was mauled by Lennox Lewis. Vladimir lost to three fighters, Lamon Brewster, Ross Purrity, and Corrie Sanders. All three of the fighters pushed the pace with Vladimir and ended up taking TKO wins. Dos Santos might not be the pretties puncher in boxing science terms, but he would definitely push the pace.
3. DOS SANTOS HAS 12 KOs WINS - Of his 16 fights, two were won by decision, two were losses, two were submission wins. But 12 of them are KOs. I remember watching Dos Santos and noticing his hand speed was pretty good. And though that hand speed and wild swinging he does works for MMA, it won't work so well in boxing. Guys in MMA walk back in a line and leave themselves open to those 'Wanderlai Silva' type flurries. And heavyweights with five-ounce gloves? Forget it.
So Dos Santos, who carries on the tradition of cocky Brazillian combat sportsmen, believes that because he 'boxes' with 'sparring partners' and has 12 KOs with 5 ounce MMA gloves, he can handle a Klitcshko? Truth is, maybe. The key to defeating them is pushing the pace, and Dos Santos can do that.
But those 8oz. gloves and 10 rounds will present a problem for Dos Santos if it goes into the later rounds.
4. GIVE DOS SANTOS A BOXING PAYDAY - UFC pays big stars pretty good. But nowhere close to a boxing payday. Let Dos Santos get a boxing payday, Dana. Hell, lets get you and the Fertittas a boxing management payday, too.
And think about the potential if he does win. First, you can say your MMA champ stepped into a boxing ring and beat a boxing legend. Then, there's your rubber match money. Everybody, including fight fans, win.
All in all, its a fight that needs to happen, mainly because of the money to be made. I know you boxing promoters like money, so let's do it.
Dos Santos is a warrior. That's his career choice: punching people about the face and body, kicking them, choking them, or locking out limbs. He thinks he can beat another warrior skilled a giving dudes concussions with his fists, then let them go at it. That's what they do for fun and profit. That's what fight fans want to see: Two dudes throwing down for combat sports glory.
It could be the shot in the arm the boxing heavyweight division needs. And its two dudes who think they are the best punching each other in the face to determine who the best face and body puncher in the heavyweight world is.
Think about that money, guys. Make it happen.
And to the readers of this blog, if you're interested in a story that already features a Boxer calling out an MMA fighter, you need to read 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross'.
Who wins the Boxing vs.MMA matchup? You'll have to read it to find out.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
So, SB Nations MMA Department reported that Former UFC Heavyweight Champ Junior Dos Santos (6' 4", 239lbs) claimed he could beat any of the Klitschko brothers in a boxing match.
For those who aren't familiar with the Klitschko brothers, they are two Heavyweight Ukranian dudes who have been two of the most dominant heavyweight boxers in boxing history. Vladimir 'Dr. Steelhammer' (6' 6", 243lbs) and Vitali 'Dr. Iron Fist' Klitschko (6' 7", 248lbs) have had a stranglehold on the entire weight class, disposing of competitors left and right.
So many readers like myself who appreciate combat sports in all its forms might have had the same gut reaction of 'Rolling On The Floor and Laughing My Ass Off' when you read that headline. Dos Santos feels he can compete with the two professional boxing champions because he 'boxes' with 'sparring partners' during the early parts of his training. That's cute, Junior. That's real cute.
But taking a step back from the initial reaction, truth is Dos Santos has a 'punchers chance' at defeating a Klitschko. Let's look at some big facts of the matter.
1. FIGHTING CAB DRIVERS - The Klitschkos are on top of a division that is at a historic low for heavyweight competition. That's part of the reason why the Klitschkos have remained on top. There's just not a lot of dudes who can run with them in the division right now.
Now I joke that they're fighting cab drivers at this point because there's not a lot of competition for them out there right now. Like dudes fighting St. Pierre or Anderson Silva before he became MMA's jackass, the Klitschkos are just on another level as compared to their competition right now. Dos Santos might not be a professional-caliber boxer, but he's got enthusiasm and a punchers chance.
2. THE BROTHERS HAVE LOST WHEN INJURED OR PUSHED - Both brothers have suffered losses as well. The two losses on Vitali's record come from stopping a fight after his left hand became injured against Chris Byrd and his face was mauled by Lennox Lewis. Vladimir lost to three fighters, Lamon Brewster, Ross Purrity, and Corrie Sanders. All three of the fighters pushed the pace with Vladimir and ended up taking TKO wins. Dos Santos might not be the pretties puncher in boxing science terms, but he would definitely push the pace.
3. DOS SANTOS HAS 12 KOs WINS - Of his 16 fights, two were won by decision, two were losses, two were submission wins. But 12 of them are KOs. I remember watching Dos Santos and noticing his hand speed was pretty good. And though that hand speed and wild swinging he does works for MMA, it won't work so well in boxing. Guys in MMA walk back in a line and leave themselves open to those 'Wanderlai Silva' type flurries. And heavyweights with five-ounce gloves? Forget it.
So Dos Santos, who carries on the tradition of cocky Brazillian combat sportsmen, believes that because he 'boxes' with 'sparring partners' and has 12 KOs with 5 ounce MMA gloves, he can handle a Klitcshko? Truth is, maybe. The key to defeating them is pushing the pace, and Dos Santos can do that.
4. GIVE DOS SANTOS A BOXING PAYDAY - UFC pays big stars pretty good. But nowhere close to a boxing payday. Let Dos Santos get a boxing payday, Dana. Hell, lets get you and the Fertittas a boxing management payday, too.
And think about the potential if he does win. First, you can say your MMA champ stepped into a boxing ring and beat a boxing legend. Then, there's your rubber match money. Everybody, including fight fans, win.
All in all, its a fight that needs to happen, mainly because of the money to be made. I know you boxing promoters like money, so let's do it.
Dos Santos is a warrior. That's his career choice: punching people about the face and body, kicking them, choking them, or locking out limbs. He thinks he can beat another warrior skilled a giving dudes concussions with his fists, then let them go at it. That's what they do for fun and profit. That's what fight fans want to see: Two dudes throwing down for combat sports glory.
It could be the shot in the arm the boxing heavyweight division needs. And its two dudes who think they are the best punching each other in the face to determine who the best face and body puncher in the heavyweight world is.
Think about that money, guys. Make it happen.
And to the readers of this blog, if you're interested in a story that already features a Boxer calling out an MMA fighter, you need to read 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross'.
Who wins the Boxing vs.MMA matchup? You'll have to read it to find out.
'Pit Fighters: Baptism by Fire' and 'Pit Fighters: Double Cross' are combat sports-themed books that features fights from the early days of MMA, and plenty of underground money fights. You've got to check them out, and they're available on Kindle or paperback today.
BOWIE V. IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuster. His latest story, 'Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull' is a Tex-Mexploitation superhero story in the tradition of 'Machete' and 'Black Dynamite'. Get it in paperback or Kindle today.
Bowie earned a BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University. Network with Bowie for updates and news at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
BLOOD: Review - 'The Shadow: Fires of Creation' TPB scores
LEGENDARY PULP ICON RETURNS IN DYNAMITE TITLE
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
I'm not going to sit here and tell you I'm the end-all be-all of 'The Shadow' knowledge. Truth is I was drawn in by the cover of one of their most recent issues featuring his pursuit of another vigilante called 'The Light'. I really enjoyed that story arc and decided that since the comics weren't in that deep yet that I'd catch up with the trade paperbacks of the series. The TPB for the first six issues of 'The Shadow' rebirth through Dynamite Comics was already available and I picked it up. I'm glad I did. I had already enjoyed TPBs from Dynamite that include The Spider and Masks, so I felt I couldn't lose with this one.
Briefly, (and if I got this wrong, let me know), in this comic story told by the noted comic writer Garth Ennis, The Shadow is the altar ego of a rich socialite named Lamont Cranston, who once led a life by the name of Kent Allard on the Shanghai waterfront, forming a little piece of the criminal pie of the city. But its intimated that after a few years, Allard disappeared. Years later, a bizarre purge of the criminal underworld of Shanghai occurred, with the big time crooks being massacred effectively and en masse. A survivor claims to have seen a dude named Lamont Cranston years later in New York and found the same trail of dead when he was around. The survivor claims Allard went off to a place in the Himalayas to be trained and purged of his sins to be sent out to the world to be a scourge against evil.
In this book, Cranston is recruited to return to the far east to fight against a sinister plot by Imperial Japan during the 1930s to develop a 'Death Ray'. It's was an exciting read that I enjoyed.
Garth Ennis is a gritty writer known for his 'The Boys' and 'Jennifer Blood' series from Dynamite, as well as work on 'Preacher' and 'Punisher' comics from DC Vertigo and Marvel. Having had experience with vigilante types before, Ennis brings a gritty historical drama to the page as Cranston tries to beat the antagonists to the minerals that will help create the death ray.
Alex Ross, the super-popular and brilliant comic artist, brings his talents to the covers of the books, while Aaron Campbell takes care of the interior to illustrate Ennis' brutal story.
The fun of a TPB also comes in all the extras. Even though I missed all the comics, the book includes every alternate cover in a gallery in the back. It also includes sketches and the first script of the comic for the illustrator.
All I know is I might be a 'noob' when it comes to 'The Shadow' adventures and history, but I'm certainly not going anywhere. I loved it!
With 'The Shadow' being one of the original inspirations for some of the most popular superheroes around today including Batman, it certainly meets my broad appreciation for comic book history. And it definitely meets my standard for ruthless superhero and defender of good at all cost. 'The Shadow' comic book series from Dynamite Comics fills my need for a great crime-fighting action/adventure story, and I look forward to more.
And, yes, I've already put together a pretty sweet 'The Shadow' costume.
'The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows!'
The TPB of 'The Shadow: Fires of Creation' is ZombieBloodFights.com approved, and highly recommended for new readers.
And if you like superhero stories, check out these south Texas superhero stories as well from ZombieBloodFights.com. Codename: La Lechusa, Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul, and Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull. Get a copy today via paperback or kindle today.
by
Bowie V. Ibarra
I'm not going to sit here and tell you I'm the end-all be-all of 'The Shadow' knowledge. Truth is I was drawn in by the cover of one of their most recent issues featuring his pursuit of another vigilante called 'The Light'. I really enjoyed that story arc and decided that since the comics weren't in that deep yet that I'd catch up with the trade paperbacks of the series. The TPB for the first six issues of 'The Shadow' rebirth through Dynamite Comics was already available and I picked it up. I'm glad I did. I had already enjoyed TPBs from Dynamite that include The Spider and Masks, so I felt I couldn't lose with this one.
Briefly, (and if I got this wrong, let me know), in this comic story told by the noted comic writer Garth Ennis, The Shadow is the altar ego of a rich socialite named Lamont Cranston, who once led a life by the name of Kent Allard on the Shanghai waterfront, forming a little piece of the criminal pie of the city. But its intimated that after a few years, Allard disappeared. Years later, a bizarre purge of the criminal underworld of Shanghai occurred, with the big time crooks being massacred effectively and en masse. A survivor claims to have seen a dude named Lamont Cranston years later in New York and found the same trail of dead when he was around. The survivor claims Allard went off to a place in the Himalayas to be trained and purged of his sins to be sent out to the world to be a scourge against evil.
In this book, Cranston is recruited to return to the far east to fight against a sinister plot by Imperial Japan during the 1930s to develop a 'Death Ray'. It's was an exciting read that I enjoyed.
Garth Ennis is a gritty writer known for his 'The Boys' and 'Jennifer Blood' series from Dynamite, as well as work on 'Preacher' and 'Punisher' comics from DC Vertigo and Marvel. Having had experience with vigilante types before, Ennis brings a gritty historical drama to the page as Cranston tries to beat the antagonists to the minerals that will help create the death ray.
Alex Ross, the super-popular and brilliant comic artist, brings his talents to the covers of the books, while Aaron Campbell takes care of the interior to illustrate Ennis' brutal story.
The fun of a TPB also comes in all the extras. Even though I missed all the comics, the book includes every alternate cover in a gallery in the back. It also includes sketches and the first script of the comic for the illustrator.
All I know is I might be a 'noob' when it comes to 'The Shadow' adventures and history, but I'm certainly not going anywhere. I loved it!
With 'The Shadow' being one of the original inspirations for some of the most popular superheroes around today including Batman, it certainly meets my broad appreciation for comic book history. And it definitely meets my standard for ruthless superhero and defender of good at all cost. 'The Shadow' comic book series from Dynamite Comics fills my need for a great crime-fighting action/adventure story, and I look forward to more.
And, yes, I've already put together a pretty sweet 'The Shadow' costume.
'The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay. The Shadow knows!'
The TPB of 'The Shadow: Fires of Creation' is ZombieBloodFights.com approved, and highly recommended for new readers.
And if you like superhero stories, check out these south Texas superhero stories as well from ZombieBloodFights.com. Codename: La Lechusa, Room 26 and the Army of Xulhutdul, and Tejano Star and the Vengeance of Chaplain Skull. Get a copy today via paperback or kindle today.
Bowie V. Ibarra (1975- present) was born and raised in Uvalde, Texas, to a school principal and a book keeper. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and a Master of Arts in Theatre History.
Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com.
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