One of the best parts of going to conventions is discovering out of print classics. One such classic is “The Raven Banner: A Tale of Asgard”. Written by Alan Zelentz and illustrated by Charles Vess, “The Raven Banner” was originally published in 1985 as the 15th installment of Marvel’s original graphic novel line. These graphic novels were original works and were published in a storybook sized format, rather then the dimensions of a standard comic book. And the quality showed, especially in “The Raven’s Banner”.  

They haven’t released their album yet, but I can already tell it will be a candidate for album of the year. Last week, Them Crooked Vultures made their New York debut at Roseland Ballroom with a phenomenal performance that is one of the best shows I’ve ever been to. Then again what else should I expect from a supergroup composed of  drummer Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Probot), lead guitarist and vocalist Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), rhythm guitarist Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age), and bassist, keyboardist, and legend, John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).  

This past weekend, Wizard sponsored the 2009 Big Apple Comic Con at Pier 94 in New York City. The show had many highs and many lows, but like most conventions, is only as good as you make it.  

It’s the most anticipated reunion since the original Guns N Roses, at long last the ‘big three’ Avengers, Captain America, Thor, and Iron Man are reuniting to bring an end to the ‘Dark Reign’ cast over the Marvel Universe in an event entitled, “Siege”. “Siege”, which will be written by Brian Michael Bendis and drawn by Oliver Coipel is a four issue mini series that promises to bring the biggest changes to the Avengers franchise since ‘Avengers:Disassembled’ in 2004. It will also tie together plot lines that have been brewing since Bendis’ “Secret War”. And it all kicks off in December with the “Siege: The Cabal” one shot,... 

In one of World Wrestling Entertainment’s more inspired moves Monday Night RAW is going to be hosted by a man whose notoriety eclipses that of Vince McMahon, Ozzy. Unlike other celebrity hosts such as Jeremy Piven or Reverend Al Sharpton, Ozzy is a perfect fit for the world of professional wrestling. (Or sports entertainment as it’s supposedly referred to in WWE Headquarters) Their creative team has tried for years to come up with characters that are just like Ozzy. Unfortunately, you can’t beat the genuine article. And to make matters even better, this isn’t Ozzy’s first foray into the WWE. Long time fans like myself know he managed the British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and the Dynamite... 

Sometimes you can judge a band by an album cover.  I did in the winter of 2000. I was reading Metal Edge when I stumbled upon an advertisement for a concept album, called “Avenger” by a band named ASKA. The image featured a woman clad in Witchblade attire, with a zombie like alien behind her. Beneath the image was a blurb that read “ The Outworlders had won…their conquest of Earth was now truly complete. All resistance to their control was obliterated by mandatory sterilization. Today, the last breeder male was found and executed. His mate would blame her body’s state on the Outworld oppressors and she would hope that the child she now carried in her womb would be the One…the One the prophets had foretold... 

“Adults are evil”, was Yoshiyuki Tomino’s advice to a rabid audience during his Q&A. The director and creator of such acclaimed Anime’s as Aura Battler Dubine, Brain Powered, and an unknown franchise called, Mobile Suit Gundam, sat down at Anime Fest to answer fans burning questions. Some of the questions were ones that were constantly asked, while others give great insight into the mind of one of Anime’s greatest innovators.  

Truly the most unique comic released this year, IDW’s GI Joe: Cobra Special offers a fascinating look into the minds of two of the most famous members Cobra, the Crimson Twins Xamot and Tomax, but also builds on a storytelling device not seen since Watchmen number 5.  

Disney Buying Marvel, Positive or Negative? By Todd Matthy