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AICN Comics Q & @ with HACK/SLASH director Todd Lincoln! Reviews of CONNOR HAWKE! GEORGE PEREZ STORYTELLER! & More!
Filmmaker Todd Lincoln is traveling from the land of short films, music videos and commercials to the world of features by taking on the task of co-writing and directing a feature adaptation of Tim Seeley's horror action comic HACK/SLASH ( Devil's Due Publishing ) for Rogue Pictures and Alter Ego Entertainment. The comic, the second volume of which is due to street January 17, follows female badass Cassie Hack and her colossal deformed sidekick, Vlad, who travel the nation hacking, slashing and giving evil killers a gruesome taste of their own bloodletting medicine. Lincoln, who also recently co-wrote IDW's ROAD TO HELL three-issue miniseries, is promising a return to the smart and scary Hard-R slasher flick with HACK/SLASH. When he's neither writing nor directing Lincoln is tending to the Tulsa Overground Film Festival for which he is the co-founder and director. The festival celebrates its tenth year in September.
Lincoln took some time to answer some questions for AICN.
Elston Gunn: Your website boasts your short films, music videos and ads. How did you get involved with film in general?
Todd Lincoln: It had something to do with loving movies and hating math.
EG: Congrats on landing the feature adaptation of Tim Seeley's HACK/SLASH. How did that opportunity present itself?
TL: I bought the first issue of HACK/SLASH the day it hit the stands. I loved it and immediately saw it as a movie. I tried to option it from Devil's Due Publishing, but the rights had already been snatched up by producers Adrian Askarieh and Daniel Alter. By an insane stroke of luck, it turned out that Adrian and Daniel were fans of my work and approached me about the project before I even knew that they were the ones who had optioned it. Around the same time, Andrew Rona at Rogue Pictures had contacted my agent Craig Gering at CAA to see if I had a project I was interested in doing. I went in to Rogue, slammed down the HACK/SLASH comics, told them that's the movie people want to see and that's the movie I want to make. We had a deal.
EG: What can fans of the HACK/SLASH comic, as well as those who know nothing about the story, expect from the film?
TL: They can expect a smart, scary, new-generation, blood-soaked, breast-laden, Hard-R frightfest with all the detail and character work of the best auteur films.
The heart of this movie is Cassie Hack. A real American teenage girl. Vulnerable, sympathetic, socially inept, driven by fate and circumstance to save and protect the type of people she hates. This is not Lara Croft, Aeon Flux or Wonder Woman. This is just a girl with a baseball bat, wearing bargain bin clothes, kicking a plastic soda bottle outside a Taco Bell. Cassie killed her own slasher-mom and drives around the U.S. in a junker van hunting slashers with her only friend in the world, Vlad.
Vlad is Chewbacca meets Hellboy meets Lenny from OF MICE AND MEN. A self-taught, rejected freak, germophobe, man-child. He's logical, caring and protective with great fighting, technical and medical skills. He's the voice of reason for Cassie. Cassie and Vlad are blue-collar heroes with no money, no style, no real training and no weapons supplier. They're constantly on the hunt and on the run. These are rich, challenging, iconic roles that will create a star or transform an established star's reputation.
HACK/SLASH fits in with and ties together all slasher films. The well-known slasher movies don't exist as movies in Cassie's reality. In HACK/SLASH, all fictional slashers and horror territories really exist. Haddonfield, Springwood (Elm Street), Bates Motel and Camp Crystal Lake are all real places in the America that Cassie and Vlad drive around in.
Tonally, the movie is much more grounded and serious than the comic. We're playing this film straight, suspenseful, vicious and bloody. This is not a parody. This is not a self-aware, post-modern, campy retro-trip. The goal is to create something special. Not just a love letter to slasher films, but a film that reconstructs, reinvigorates and elevates the genre in the same way that INDIANA JONES, STAR WARS, TERMINATOR, JAWS, and KILL BILL did for their respective B-movie genres.
We're going to make the slasher film scary again.
EG: What's it like trying to get inside the head of this character who killed her own homicidal mother?
TL: Easy.
EG: Are you retelling the origin or is this a brand new storyline?
TL: This is an entirely new adventure, but the film stays true to the style, heart and voice of the comics. Fans are absolutely going to get the Cassie and Vlad they know and love. We'll touch on the origin story, but this is not an origin story movie. It cuts to the chase and drops you in the shit by minute one.
EG: Did Tim Seeley (creator of the HACK/SLASH comic) have any input on the script? What advice did he give you, if any?
TL: Even before I pitched HACK/SLASH, it was important for me to get Tim's blessing and involve him as much as possible. I think the mistake of so many movies adapted from comics is that they completely ignore the original creators and original material. Tim and I first met at the San Diego Comic-Con and we instantly hit it off. We've become good friends. I call him throughout the process with updates and to bounce ideas around. The film and comic will perfectly compliment and inspire each other.
EG: Are you planning on more practical effects than CGI? Who is doing the effects?
TL: Practical effects all the way. I've got some personal favorite effects artists/houses. It's still anyone's game.
EG: Where are you now with the project, when will you start shooting and what is your target release date?
TL: We're right where we should be. The script is tight, fresh and bloody. We've already got lots of interest from top talent and techs. We're shooting late Spring '07. Hits theaters everywhere in '08.
EG: Between HACK/SLASH and the recent IDW comic miniseries you penned, ROAD TO HELL, you're obviously a fan of horror-action. What is it about putting the two genres together that interests you?
TL: I'm a fan of every style of horror and every kind of genre. Horror/Action just happens to be the right choice for these projects. ROAD TO HELL is actually Martin Schenk's brainchild. I co-wrote the comic with him, mainly contributing some horror details and character moments. ROAD TO HELL is kind of like HELLRAISER meets ROAD WARRIOR as seen through Rod Serling's eyes.
EG: What films or comics are you looking to for inspiration?
TL: None. I'm purposely keeping an open mind and trying to protect the purity of HACK/SLASH itself. Sometimes the best thing to do is take a walk in a parking lot.
EG: How do you approach screenwriting vs. comic writing? Does one influence the other?
TL: They're very different. Writing comics is much more difficult for me than writing screenplays. I have huge respect for comic writers. Screenwriting and comic writing definitely influence each other. I've been a life-long comic book fan. Over the years we've seen comics become much more cinematic and now I think movies could learn a thing or two from them.
EG: Let's talk a little about the Tulsa Overground Film Festival, which you co-founded. How was the festival born and what's your goal with it?
TL: Like all major cities, Tulsa needed a film festival. Shortly after high school my friend Jeremy Lamberton and I created Tulsa Overground to bring attention to the Tulsa scene, change people's perceptions of cinema and loosen the notches of the Bible Belt. So far the plan is working.
Now in its 10th year, Tulsa Overground is an annual, three-night, international, non-competitive, non-profit film festival. It's an all-ages, all-formats, all-styles, all-genres, anything-goes-showcase of the most innovative work from around the world. It's a cinematic grab bag of first-time filmmakers, student directors, professional lensers and big name auteurs.
Overground is one of the largest film festivals out there. Over 1500 people a night attend the festival and its legendary afterparties. It has really become so much more than a film festival and has inspired a scene/style/movement. Kids buy and trade Tulsa Overground posters, stickers, buttons, t-shirts and panties. They make their own Tulsa Overground stencils and spray paint them on the sides of buildings and under their skateboard decks.
EG: Why do you only accept short films? Do you have plans to expand?
TL: Actually, we've always screened independent features (which we hand-pick), but we don't currently accept feature submissions. The sad truth is that most independent features are just not cool, not innovative and not fun. They're too damn stiff and long. Cinema snacks are the way to go. We receive about a thousand short films each year and I watch every single one of them no matter what.
EG: Any success stories from the festival since its inception?
TL: They're all success stories. We don't play favorites. We don't give awards. We just give people a place to show their work.
Todd Lincoln's Official Website
Tulsa Overground's Official Website
HACK/SLASH Comics Webstore
Writer: Jason Aaron Penciler: R.M. Guera Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics Reviewed by Humphrey LeeSo, another Vertigo series has hit the shelves, and I have decided it's up to me, our resident Vertigo whore, to go ahead and give everyone the lowdown on what hopefully turns out to be yet another high quality title from the imprint that has built their history upon them.
So what's the skinny on SCALPED, you ask? Well, it is written by up-and-coming writer Jason Aaron, scripter of one of the best titles I believe to be on the stands in the form of THE OTHER SIDE (also from Vertigo). Apparently it's being hailed as a sort of "Native American 'Sopranos'", which I guess I can understand because it does have a bit of the same kind of plotlines you'd see in "The Sopranos", and well, it has Native Americans. Basically the plot boils down to this: There's a gentleman by the name of Red Crow who has a lot of power thanks to some rather illegal activities on the Prairie Rose Indian Reservation in South Dakota. And after a fifteen year absence, one Dashiell Bad Horse has come back to the same reservation to raise a little hell. Basically this is a hardboiled story of blood, money, and bullets; a tried and true kind of story that we all know and love but always come back from more, especially since this one has such a unique setting.
As far as the writing standpoint goes, this is a solid debut issue. The plot is cleanly laid before us, and we're given enough info on the characters in just the right doses to get acclimated with the setting and what's going on and to see where things may be going in the future of this title. There's also good bit of old fashioned ass whupping in here, though if there is any quibble I have with the writing outright, it's that some of the events in this issue seem a little gratuitous for gratuity's sake. I can't even begin to count the amount of f-bombs dropped in this title, plus there's a little bit of randomness to the violence, like in a scene where "Uncle" Red Crow is having a conversation with the newly returned Dashiell and there's a shot of a random man dead and scalped on Red Crow's office floor. Stuff like that happens a little bit out of the blue here and is a little unnecessary or a bit groan inducing, but overall the dialogue is solid if overly profanity laced, and the pacing is smooth if a bit forced in order to give the readers the lowdown on the story at hand.
On the art front I would also rate this as "solid but with a couple minor ticks". Mainly the thing that I wouldn't say ruins the art but hinders it is that some of it seems muddled. Basically the facial features on Guera's characters seem a little squished together, or sometimes there's way too much black ink on the page, trying to create some tension and atmosphere no doubt, but oft times it just more ruins the detail that the art really does seem to strive for. Not that the art is necessarily bad though, it does have a lot of positives going for it. The panel work is great from a storytelling perspective, as no space is wasted and the transitions are really tight. And when the dark inks are used just right it's real easy to forget the problems I mentioned earlier as the characters that are supposed to stand out do just that. So, just like the writing, the art has the goods, but it seems to be held back a bit by some minor quibbles. Oh, and the JOCK cover is amazing. That definitely needs mentioned. I know he hasn't done any interiors since the would be classic series THE LOSERS, but at least in the meantime he's solidifying himself as one of the best cover artists out there. Just great stuff.
Overall, I'd have to say that SCALPED is off to a pretty solid start, but it's way to early to tell how favorable the future is. The setting is indeed a breath of fresh air and Aaron really seems to have integrated it well into a pretty archetypal story. Also, there's a twist to end the issue that is actually kind of predictable when you think about it, but you still don't really see it coming, and it's one that can be very interesting depending on how it all plays out. Sadly, the thing that really hurts this book I think, is that while Vertigo is so good at bringing all these new and various genres to the table, they're already doing not only a great hardboiled crime series in the form of 100 BULLETS, but it's so good that it already overshadows most comics on the stands with its quality, let alone a book with a story in somewhat the same vein and with a relative newcomer trying to sell it. Still though, I like what I see here so far, and will be interested to see how things play out in this first arc. I'm not highly recommending this one like I did Aaron's other title THE OTHER SIDE (seriously, go buy that now) but I'm willing to say if you have the extra three bones I don't think it's hurt to give this one a try. Cheers...
Writer: Christopher Lawrence Artist: George Pérez Publisher: Dynamic Forces Reviewer: Prof. ChallengerA couple of years ago on a Christmas episode of the Howard Stern radio show, one of Howard's cronies gave Howard the massive hardcover DC ENCYCLOPEDIA because of Howard's love of comics. Howard then proceeded to chainsaw the book in half because, as he put it, he loves comics but absolutely hates books about comics!
Now, see, I'm completely the opposite. I LOOOVVVVEEE books about comics and I'm in the realm of the severely disenchanted as to most monthlies at this stage o' the game. So, it's no surprise that finally getting my grubby little fingers on the hardcover GEORGE PÉREZ: STORYTELLER meant I was going to really dig it.
Bar none, George Pérez is simply the best comic book artist of all time. That does not mean he is the best at anatomy. It does not mean he is the finest draftsman. It does not mean his art is the most sensual. He may not even be the best at composing the panels on a page. Pérez is the best because he excels at every aspect of comic book art and combines it all together into one near-perfect package completely committed to the art of comic book storytelling. He's the Amazo of comic book artists and this book is filled to the brim with tons of art to drool over.
The book chronologically traces Pérez's life from childhood, including a glimpse at his first published fanzine work from 1972. Even in that raw form, there are stylistic elements that make it instantly recognizable as Pérez art. The book traces Pérez's rise and demise at Marvel and resurrection at DC. The book also pretty frankly deals with the many times that his career was torpedoed either by his own youthful character flaws or by serious physical ailments. I appreciated the honest approach here and found it inspiring to see how a professional with a strong commitment to improving himself had the strength of character to not only fight against his own demons to succeed but to continually challenge himself to improve. He's truly an artist that makes me believe his best really is whatever he's currently working on.
JLA/AVENGERS was the albatross hanging over the last twenty years of Pérez's career and it hangs over this book too. Thankfully, Lawrence deals with the topic in depth providing a good overview of how that original project fell apart and then the circumstances that led to its successful completion a few years back. For Pérez, that book could have been a coda on his career but instead he's continuing to surge forward. I know that those original pencils from the cancelled project have seen print in various publications over the years, but it still would've been nice to see those original penciled pages in this book. But Good Lord, if Pérez retired today he would be able to sit back and claim credit for one of the longest and best sustained excellent runs on AVENGERS (with writer Kurt Busiek), making DC competitive with Marvel by co-creating THE NEW TEEN TITANS, killing the Silver Age with CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS, making WONDER WOMAN a viable character, producing the fanboy's wet dream JLA/AVENGERS, and a hand in producing hundreds of other comics. And DC Comics rightly recognizes how valuable a resource Pérez is to their company and appear to be making him offers he just can't refuse.
Pérez quite simply has slipped quietly into the role of the elder statesman of modern comicbook art. He has proved himself professionally, but he has also proved himself personally as a prized convention guest who is never seen without a smile and an expression of genuine affection for everyone around him.
This book is clearly a labor of love and it shows. It is also an invaluable resource for anyone who appreciates the art and storytelling prowess of George Pérez. By the end of the book, the reader has a firm understanding of why the book is called STORYTELLER. What's especially nice to read, in this era of the internet community where every word and deed of a celebrity is highlighted and magnified and distorted, is the voice of a talent who quite simply makes an honest effort to remember that without the fans he would not be where he is today.
I've yet to read or hear of anything I would call a "Bad Pérez Story" and that gives me a little hope. My thanks to Chris Lawrence for writing this book and also to George Pérez for being a part of it. Order this book.
Writer: Chuck Dixon Artist: Derec Donovan Publisher: DC Comics Reviewer: Dan Grendell"...I won't be drawn into your world. I won't follow that path."
We haven't seen Connor Hawke in a long time, not really. Sure, he's been in GREEN ARROW, JLA, some other stuff, but that was just his image saying some lines. It wasn't the actual character. Connor isn't just Ollie's uptight son who knows kung fu. He's a character with his own past, his own issues, and his own beliefs. Well, no surprise Chuck Dixon can get him right - he created Connor, after all, way back in the first GREEN ARROW #0.
In this issue, Connor has been invited to an archery contest, one only the greatest archers in the world can come to. He came because he thought his dad would be there, and he still has something to prove, not because he cared about the contest itself, but he finds another blast from the past instead - Shado. The woman Connor blames for Ollie having started down the killing road. He also meets an old kyudo (that's the Japanese way of the bow) master named Honduro Kishu and some other interesting folks. Dixon's character creation muscles are as strong as ever.
it's the meeting with Shado that plays center stage here, though, as Connor deals with his resentment and anger (or tries to) and she in turn gives him some information that he wasn't expecting. Seems an old, lingering plot hook from Dixon's days on GREEN ARROW is being resurrected, and I couldn't be happier - I've always wondered what was up with that...
Donovan does a great job on art here, nailing attitude in body language and facial expression. Panel layouts are interesting, which is good in a book that has a lot of talking, and when there is action it flows smoothly. The full-page shot where Shado describes the day when Ollie rescued Dinah is a particular favorite of mine. Guy Major's colors do nothing but improve the book, never overpowering the artwork, always accenting it just right. I have to give the entire team a round of applause here; this issue is one that works well in all departments.
We're only two issues into this six-issue mini-series, but I've liked both so far, so I have high hoped for the rest of it. If I can't have the real Connor Hawke in GREEN ARROW, I'll settle for his own mini-series.
MARVEL: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE Video Game
Activision: Developer Xbox 360: Platform Vroom Socko: AICNVroomSocko on Xbox LiveI have to confess, I haven't picked up any comics in a while. I've been busy, sorry. You see, I received a copy of the new Marvel game as a Christmas gift. And I am fucking addicted to it.
This thing is so ridiculous; I can't help but love it. You are in control of a small coalition of Marvel heroes who are hired on by SHIELD to face off against an all-star version of the Masters of Evil. Much of the story is inherently silly, since you have a bunch of villains with different agendas working together. There's also a strange element involving Wolverine referencing the recent "Enemy Of The State" storyline involving his grudge against the Hand, this while he's hanging out in the same room as Hand leader Elektra.
But who cares about all of that, when you can make Colossus pick up a henchman with one hand and use said henchman to bludgeon the Crimson Dynamo into a pulp?l I just love how you can mix and match pretty much any team you want, including the FF, various Avengers, and several X-Men. I love that the costume changes mean you can replace Thor, Captain America, and the wretched Jessica Drew with Beta Ray Bill, USAgent, and the superior Julia Carpenter. And it's just damn reassuring to make Cap and Iron Man work together to beat the shit out of the Mandarin. Then there's the cut scenes, which include the best damned action scene Nightcrawler's been featured in in almost a decade. Not to mention the appearance of Galactus...
As for the team I've been using, I have my own little Defenders team going on, with Dr. Strange, Luke Cage (decked out in his classic yellow shirt and chain belt,) Spidey, and Moon Knight. Seriously, Moon Knight is the most badass fighter in the game. The man will fuck you up in seconds.
There's a host of comics I need to pick up, not to mention things like my job and sleep. But to hell with those things: I just unlocked Daredevil as a playable character.
Anyone know if there's such a thing as digital methadone?
Writer: Simon Oliver Penciler: Tony Moore Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics Reviewed by Humphrey LeeTHE EXTERMINATORS has been one of my biggest "guilty pleasure" comics since its inception. While he's relatively unknown, writer Simon Oliver has, in my mind, been penning one of the more twisted, unique, and thrilling books on the market today. This criminally under-bought title has created some of the most genuinely fun characters I get to enjoy time with on a monthly basis, and it really does have a pretty intriguing story that is playing itself out in a very well thought out and methodical pace. I know that right there is just a large heap of praise from the outset, but I feel it should be said given how little attention this book gets. It also pretty much sums up my thoughts on this particular issue, which is a great first part in the start of another arc of the EXTERMINATORS "saga".
After taking a couple issues' break to give us some backstory on one of the most, uh, "eclectic" supporting characters in this series, Saloth (the squirrely bug expert at Bug-Bee-Gone company), this arc starts pushing more towards the somewhat silent but escalating war between man and bug alike. Nils Petterson Sr. is laid to rest by his son and a new twist is thrown in with the emergence of Nils Jr.'s son Stefan from his jail cell (the reason he's there remains a mystery). Also, the body of one of my absolute favorite tertiary characters Kevin finally emerges from his watery grave, and it looks like another infestation is on the way, this time in a rather populous hospital.
What I really like about this series is how Oliver slowly and seamlessly introduces more supporting players into the overall story, and then nudges them forward into their roles in the bigger picture, if they have one. Lots of little pieces are being put into place on this story, and while from the outskirts it seems like it's really a simple yarn, you can always feel that there's something bigger on the horizon. Plus, you can tell that there's a lot of fun to be had in the writing process. There's just such a sedate humor to this that also occasionally turns into a big belly laugh because of a sudden situation or simple misunderstanding. Like this particular issue and the opening sequence involving Henry James and a seemingly innocent pigeon, or a scared and sweet little boy going in for an eye operation that turns out to basically be a junior member of the KKK. So many big and little laughs just make this book some of the most genuine fun I have each month.
And Tony Moore's pencils are the real show here. Yes, the writing is great for all the reasons I've been going on and on about, but it's Moore's dynamic with his lines and the range he has that really drive everything home. It's been noticeable the past couple issues that the overall energy of the book went downhill a bit, and that I think can be attested right to the lack of Moore's art (not to knock our fill in artist Mike Hawthorne who did a stand up job, but it's just not the same). The facial expressions he brings to emphasize the humor, the amount of detail he puts into our creepy crawlers to make you uncomfortable and downright disgust you; the writing might be the hook that snags you, but it's the art that reels you in.
So another chapter in the book is unfolding, and the fun factor is as high as ever. If you haven't read it, well it's still not to late to get in on the fun since this book is just now entering its second year. This book is about as unique as it gets and it really is a special book worthy of your attention. With books like CIVIL WAR failing to deliver, well, almost anything they promise other than taking your money, it's nice to see another book out there proud to be different and unrelenting in it's willingness to go places most others wouldn't, just to make you smile or to sicken you to your stomach. Job well done, boys, job well done.
Writer: Tadashi Ikuta Artist: Naomi Kimura Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing Reviewer: Dan Grendell"For the future of our company - find us that 'new venture' in America!"
PROJECT X CHALLENGERS was a Japanese television show, launched in 2000, that focused on Japanese successes post-World War II. Hugely successful, the creators brought the idea to manga a year later, and now DMP is bringing these Japanese success stories to the West. I have no idea how well they will do here, in a land that doesn't really have a big market for business comics, but I do know that I'm enjoying them.
This is the second in the series (I reviewed CUP NOODLE several months ago). In SEVEN ELEVEN, we learn the story of Toshifumi Suzuki and Hideo Shimizu, employees of Japanese supermarket and apparel giant Ito-Yokado tasked with finding a new area for the business to expand into. Given the demands of the Japanese culture and the small amount of space available, they are stymied until they stop into a Seven-Eleven during a trip across America in 1972. Amazed at the steady flow of customers despite a lack of discounts and the small space required for each store, the pair bring the idea home and then push through a deal with the Southland Corporation to bring Seven Elevens to Japan.
Along the way, innovations they create for their stores to fix issues never encountered in America become commonplace in convenience stores all over, and growth is rapid. Their stores do so well, in fact, that when Southland Corporation faces bankruptcy due to bad investments, it is the Japanese who save them, taking over reconstruction and putting Southland back in the black in just three years. Such is the dedication and skill of their staff that just twenty years after they have begun, they have gone from student to master.
Ikuta and Kimura work well together here, writing and art doing a fine dance to show the drive and determination on the mens' faces as they hit roadblock after roadblock on their way to success. The project was more than a job to them, it was their life, and this comes across very well. Especially well portrayed is their Japanese stiffness, how they feel emotion but hide it. As businessmen, they 'feel' different than people they meet, more relaxed family types or what have you, and this is all due to Kimura.
This is a quirky series, and I have no idea if there will be any more of them, but I found it informative and enjoyable. Well worth checking out.
Written by: Rich Bernatovech Illustrated by: Luciano Vecchio Published by: Drumfish Productions Reviewed by: superheroIt's a rare thing when a series ends with as satisfying conclusion as SENTINELS does. More often than not, when a finite series makes its final curtain call, whether it be on television or in the pages of comics books, I will find myself extremely disappointed. It happened most recently with the Sci-Fi mini-series THE LOST ROOM. Six hours of my life invested in a great mini-series which just ended up fizzling out by the end. Oh, well.
I can be grateful, however, that the same thing did not happen with SENTINELS: VOLUME FOUR. I have to say that when I got my hands on this book I was a bit afraid to read it. See, I discovered SENTINELS several years ago at the San Diego Comic-Con and I've loved every page that I've read since I picked up the first book. Yes, it's taken ages for each volume to come out but it's been worth it. Great storytelling takes time and SENTINELS is great storytelling.
So when I got this book in my hands over the holidays I was praying, praying that it wouldn't suck. I was hoping that the last book of SENTINELS would be my own little Christmas surprise...and guess what? It delivered. SENTINELS: VOLUME FOUR does not suck. As a matter of fact it is excellent. Especially if you're a fan of the first three volumes as I am.
The team behind SENTINELS does a great job of wrapping up the series in an intelligent and well thought out manner. Unlike some of the recent big company comic events in the recent past you can tell that some thought has been put into the events that take place in SENTINELS. With this fourth volume you can tell that a lot of planning went into building a coherent and sensible story. All the elements of the first three volumes come together and things actually begin to congeal as revelations are made and all of the players are put through their paces. This last book leaves no stone unturned and I, as a fan of the series, was thankful for it. It's the first time in a long time that I've felt that every penny of my investment has been returned and all my love for a series has been justified. Bravo to the creators of SENTINELS for delivering one of the best super-hero tales of the past ten years. Yes, while all of you comic fans have been drooling over your CIVIL WARS and INFINITE CRISISES a truly great comic book tale has been unfolding. One that respects super heroes and treats the genre as something to revel in instead of something to break down and deconstruct. You can tell that the creators of SENTINELS love what they're doing and also love the stories that inspired them to self publish a super-hero tale of their own making. If you're as tired of super-hero stories that feel as inconsequential as the stuff that Marvel and DC are currently putting out make sure you run out and get a copy of the first volume of SENTINELS as fast as you can. You'll be glad you did.
Written, Illustrated and Published by: Sean Wang seanwang.com Reviewed by: superheroRemember when Star Wars didn't suck? Remember when Star Trek was a bunch of guys spanning the spaceways kicking ass instead of acting all stuffy for an hour talking about the Federation? Remember when there were no midichlorians, peaceful Klingons, or Mexican jumping Yodas? Remember when space adventure was fun and not just plain stupid???
Well Sean Wang does and with his fantastic series RUNNERS he's captured all of the best aspects of the aforementioned series in one great comic book. I first saw Wang's work in the pages of the Image comics book MELTDOWN. I didn't have any doubts regarding his talent after reading MELTDOWN but if I did they'd have all been wiped clean after having read RUNNERS. Not only does Wang display his artistic talents within the pages of RUNNERS he shows off some really solid writing chops as well. RUNNERS is a terrific take on the old school space opera genre and Sean Wang is smart enough to take all of the good stuff from it without adding any silly superfluous ness to it.
Let me admit something here. I've never liked space comics. I could never really get into them. I've never read anything by Jim Starlin, never picked up an issue of DREADSTAR, and don't particularly take to the SILVER SURFER, GREEN LANTERN or LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES stuff. There's just something about the space genre in comics that's just always been underwhelming to me. Sure, when I was younger I was a hardcore Star Trek and Star Wars fan but I could never really get into the comics. Something about them just left me cold.
Which is why I was really surprised that I ended up loving RUNNERS so much. Much of it has to do with how incredibly well put together the book is. Wang's artwork is precise with tight storytelling and a fantastic design sense. This book is filled to the brim with some of the best looking alien and spaceship designs I've seen in a long time. The visual imagination in this book is terrific and there's no skimping as far as detail is concerned. Each and every panel is professionally rendered and many comic artists could learn a lot just by looking through these pages.
But what's really great about RUNNERS? Well, just imagine a comic book about a crew of Han Solo archetypes. Well, that's what RUNNERS pretty much is. RUNNERS details the adventures (or misadventures) of a group of space smugglers and what happens when one of their runs goes wrong. It's fun, classic space adventure stuff at its best that doesn't get bogged down with too many details. The creator of RUNNERS is wise enough to focus on the adventure of the book and not on all of the silly details that so much of space adventure gets caught up in these days. RUNNERS is just a plain good read that reminded me of why I used to love space fiction as a kid and that's no small feat for a comic book. RUNNERS is great stuff and whether or not you like space adventure tales I'm pretty positive that this book has a universal appeal that all comic book fans in general will enjoy.
Remember, if you have an Indie book you'd like one of the @$$holes to take a look at, click on your favorite reviewer's link and drop us an email.
Readers Talkbackcomments powered by Disqus
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Jan. 10, 2007, 8:46 a.m. CST
Best Alliance Team
by BadAshe
Deadpool, Black Panther, Thor and Thing. I wish they had dumped the X-Men characters though, seeing as how we have played them in two previous games.
Jan. 10, 2007, 8:54 a.m. CST
I got your black goliath right here
by Deus Vult
oh who am I kidding? I'm packing like Ant Man and my wife can vouch for it.
Jan. 10, 2007, 9:40 a.m. CST
Why's there no Hulk in Ultimate Alliance?
by rev_skarekroe
Were his video game rights tied up with some other company?
Jan. 10, 2007, 9:42 a.m. CST
Also, is anyone else reading Ultimate Power?
by rev_skarekroe
I ask because I'm reading the Squadron Supreme stuff in trade, so I'm curious if any of the recent issues of the regular series enable it to fit into the mini. There's puzzling continuity at work (why is Nighthawk working with the Squadron, where's Burbank, etc.)
Jan. 10, 2007, 10:10 a.m. CST
Geez, that Connor Hawke sounds dull.
by Homer Sexual
The thing is, I like the idea of Connor Hawke, but this mini sounds deadly dull. Dixon writes good action, but he's very traditional, and maybe this character needs to break with tradition to become interesting (please don't think I want him Winnicked, either.)
Jan. 10, 2007, 10:38 a.m. CST
All-Star Superman did indeed rock the house....
by superhero
But I think a lot of us @$$holes are still getting over our New Year's hangovers…I mean, if you guys think Axel Rose partied hard…you should see New Years at the @$$hole HQ. I don't want to name names but Bug is still getting over his Crying Game incident with the Brazilian stripper…
Jan. 10, 2007, 10:45 a.m. CST
Ultimate Power
by Squashua
I'm pretty sure it's paced for trade, so that's what I'm waiting for. The trade.
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:24 a.m. CST
Anybody notice how late The Ultimates Vol. 2 #13 is?
by Mr Incredible
No, because we've all gotten used to it. Thanks, Marvel.
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:48 a.m. CST
A good game indeed...
by Beeslo
Yeah, I wasted ungodly hours on this game but it was pretty easy to beat. My team consisted of Spider-man (in his black costume), Wolverine (in his brown costume), Thor and Deadpool (yes, cause I just love Deadpool). However with Wolverine in your party, his healing factor is almost unfair at times...for the villians. I was always able to tear pieces to shreds with him and would switch him out at times to give the game a little more difficulty at times. But all around, an awesome game. Can't wait for the sequel that isn't too far away....
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:49 a.m. CST
wtf is "The Ultimates" you speak of??
by Shigeru
I have heard it whispered in the shadows... a myth, telling of long ago, there was a cool comic book, that never came out. It's been an age or more since anyone has seen "The Ultimates". Some await its return, fervently. Some have stopped believing alltogether.
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:51 a.m. CST
RE: rev_skarekroe
by Beeslo
Take what I said above about Wolverine an multiply that by 100...and there's your reason for why Hulk is not in this game...at least, as a playable character. Hopefully he may appear in the next game as a cameo or even...a boss? Now how much would that rule?? Fuck Galactus...a Hulk battle royale would be sick!
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:53 a.m. CST
Foul language/excessive violence in SCALPED
by Shigeru
You noticed this in SCALPED but don't mind it in THE OTHER SIDE? I've gotten used to it in The Other Side, but just comparing the first issues of each, I would say there is way more "shocking" violence and gratuitous f-bombs in TOS.
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:53 a.m. CST
Ultimates are on vacation apparently....
by Beeslo
But what about freakin' Ultimate Hulk vs. Wolverine?!?!? I was promised an epic, ridiculous battle....and um....haven't....WTF??
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:54 a.m. CST
Mark Millar can SUCK IT
by LouStick
This whole epic Ultimates storyline he's been doing, and which was supposed to be released in continuious cycles when an entire run of issues was in the can, has gotten me thinking. Hmm...all the members of the team are betrayed and fucked over, then humiliated and tortured by government authorities. Then they escape their predicaments and turn the tables on their tormentors. Hmmmm...is it just me or is this pretty much the EXACT plot of his last storyline on Authority? If I'm being served a rehash, it could at least be on time...
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:59 a.m. CST
I played X-Men Legends II a bit...
by Shigeru
Didn't like it at all. The whole button-mashing dungeon crawling thing didn't work for me. I get the feeling that a lot of people love X-Men Legends and now Ultimate Alliance simply because of the "I'm playing as my favorite sooper-heroes!!" factor. Give me Hulk: Ultimate Destruction any day. That game was all kinds of good.
Jan. 10, 2007, 12:31 p.m. CST
Oh, a lot of people noticed ULTIMATES #13 is late...
by SleazyG.
...because earlier this year Millar was offended when people said they didn't believe it would be done by the end of '06. In fact, he promised that if it wasn't anybody who wanted to could punch him in the stomach. Pretty stupid call, really, considering his health problems. If he shows up at Wizard World Chicago, the line of people camping out to punch him in the gut is gonna be even longer than the one full of drooling shitheels who show up a week early every year just to be in a room with "Special Guest Who Comes Every Year So It's Not Really That Special Kevin Smith!"
Jan. 10, 2007, 12:35 p.m. CST
P.S. Don't take that last post as Millar hatin'...
by SleazyG.
...in fact, I'd like to take him up on the gutpunch offer, then spend the night getting pissed with him. He seems like he's charming, funny and witty, and I know there are a lotta things in his personal life that have caused delays, not to mention the art delays. It's just that you can't tell people "if thing X doesn't happen, you can do thing Y" and then expect them not to call you on it.
Jan. 10, 2007, 1 p.m. CST
Well, SleazyG, that's just Millar
by rev_skarekroe
He's from that Stan Lee carnival barker school of comics hype. Everytime he sees a finished page it's the greatest piece of comic art in the history of the universe and every idea he has will shake the foundations of creation to their very core - but you'll just have to wait several months until it's actually released, True Believer! So yeah, that kind of guy is prone to ludicrous, hyperbolic promises.
Jan. 10, 2007, 1:05 p.m. CST
Will someone please get Winick off Green Arrow...
by Sledge Hammer
...before he gives him aids, or some other, just as retarded, re-imagining. He's so far somehow managed to make Ollie, one of the most charismatic characters in the DCU, boring, he can't write any of the supporting characters for shit, he keeps retreading the same damn dull ass stories that were pretty dull ass stories the first time he did them, and of course now he's revving up to change Green Arrow all over again in yet another ego-soaked bout of "I'm bored so I'm going to break the character and then remake him differently and with a new lame twist just because it's far easier to fill in a bunch of issues doing that than actually trying to write the already established character in good stories, well told". Fuck you Winick, you god damned hack.
Jan. 10, 2007, 1:11 p.m. CST
by arrangedletters
When will the revolt about the number of fucking ads in Marvel's B level books start. 26 pages of ads in a 22 page Daredevil story?!?!?!?
Jan. 10, 2007, 1:53 p.m. CST
Mark Millar Licks Goats
by Squashua
You heard it here third!
Jan. 10, 2007, 2:10 p.m. CST
It's that Ultimates scheduling crap...
by superhero
that has made me pull away from weeklies in general and start moving towards trades. Let's face it kids, the pamphlet is dead. Marvel and DC keep talking like it's not but their late (more Marvel's) releases are proving them otherwise. I tend to look at a lot of stuff now and think...y'know what? I'll wait on that. And late books or letting "star" creators do whatever they want has made me walk away from as many weeklies as I can now. Bring on The Age of the Trade! I've been predicting it for years (just ask my friends).
Jan. 10, 2007, 2:48 p.m. CST
Trade paperbacks are where's it's at!
by Mr Incredible
Had a good time reading 100 BULLETS in that format. Forget going to the store on a weekly basis like the old days; the way story plots go these days, you might as well wait until they put it all in one book.
Jan. 10, 2007, 5:15 p.m. CST
Does Marvel have titles running as late as
by dregmobile
ASBAR? I think I just noticed issue 5 hitting in March or April.
Jan. 10, 2007, 6:11 p.m. CST
Trade Waiting… indefinitely.
by The Heathen
Here's the thing, Marvel and DC or any other publisher won't do nothing but trades as long as their monthly books still make them a reasonable profit. Not to mention that many people buy monthlies AND trades in some form. I personally love the Omnibus and Absolute formats for collecting and quality reasons, but I guess if the monthlies were to stop the most reasonable thing to do would be to release 6-issue arcs in TPB's and then perhaps in 12-issue arcs in HC and TPB form. Like "BATMAN: SON OF THE BAT (Vol. ? Issue(s)?). What I'm pretty sure won't happen for comics is digital distribution. I just don't think people would pay for that. As for the ads, yeah it's pretty crazy. I know some people have suggested that they don't mind the adds… as long as they're all grouped together in the back. I work in print advertising and there's no way in hell the people who put those adds in would go for that. They want the inside front cover or as close as they can be to the front basically. What I can't put up with is the dramatically increasing price of comics. If I'm going to continue to buy monthlies and have to put up with obtrusive ads I should get cardstock covers with high quality thick inside paper as well as a spine that I can't pull apart with my pinky and more content whether it's pin-up pages or letters or more story. It's unacceptable when we have those super thin shitty covers like the last issue of Teen Titans and then have some of the worst pencils I've ever scene (NOTE: I now am going to be a comic penciler). I dunno, it seems as if the industry will bleed this medium dry and repeat the same mistakes it has before (too many crossovers and too many variant covers). The thing that's bad about having only trades is the indy publishers out there. The young talent with new properties that doesn't have millions or even thousands to spend on something. Food for thought.
Jan. 10, 2007, 6:12 p.m. CST
Fetish rasslin and George Perez
by van_line
i am huge fan of Perez but I learn that he is big into this weird women fetish wrestling thing, designed costume and everything.
Jan. 10, 2007, 6:22 p.m. CST
I thought I heard ASBAR was cancelled?
by superhero
Wasn't ASBAR Cancelled?
Jan. 10, 2007, 6:28 p.m. CST
The cost of self publishing will...
by superhero
hurt young talent anyway! Whether it's pamphlets or trades.
Jan. 10, 2007, 6:52 p.m. CST
Slight correction...
by dan grendel
to my CONNOR HAWKE review. Kelley Puckett and Jim Aparo did GREEN ARROW #0 and created Connor; Chuck Dixon took over the series immediately afterwards and really gave him life. My bad.
Jan. 10, 2007, 7:17 p.m. CST
by The Heathen
Self publishing will hurt either way sure, but unless you have a fuggin trust fund then it's not likely that anyone self publishing will be able to do anything more than a small run of a normal sized comic. I could scrape together the funds to put out a pamphlet or even a single issue, but you're betting the bank on putting out a trade.
Jan. 10, 2007, 7:22 p.m. CST
oh, and…
by The Heathen
Pamphlets don't hurt… they inform. ; ) <br> <br> I'm gonna read the rest of the Hack/Slash interview now. I've almost bought that trade/series like five times, but in the end I didn't.
Jan. 10, 2007, 9:15 p.m. CST
by Parkour
I LOVED JLA/Avengers. Wherefore Albatross?
Jan. 10, 2007, 9:39 p.m. CST
ASBAR was never cancelled.
by SleazyG.
The existing solicits and subscriptions were cancelled because, shockingly, it's behind schedule. Like SECRET WARS-level behind schedule. Like 19 months for 5 issues behind schedule. So yeah, they had to cancel because somebody who paid for a 12-issue subscription was gonna take three years to get it, which is kinda, y'know, HORSESHIT. Just like ASBAR.
Jan. 10, 2007, 11:39 p.m. CST
by Bloo
I don't have a local comic book shop or bookstore, I'm thinking about investing some money on getting them mailed to me, is this worth it or should i just wait for TPBs adn order off amazon or something. And if I do do the mail order comic thing, point me to about 4 good titles worth investing in...not for monatary gain, i fell into that trap int he 90s but for good soild entrtainment value where the writer is going to stick around for awhile--thanks all
Jan. 11, 2007, 12:34 a.m. CST
Everett, what sort of thing...
by superhero
interests you in comics? Superhero, sci-fi, horror, crime, what? It just helps recommend if you need to stick to only four titles...
Jan. 11, 2007, 10:32 a.m. CST
re: Everett Robert
by The Heathen
Amazon is the best for trades and bigger books because you usually get those discounted and save major money. <br> <br> If you want to order monthly books offline, then I suggest ** http://www.g-mart.com ** for advance orders and subscriptions. You save about $3.00 issues run $2.25 when you do use the advance orders system. You save a lot by doing this, trust me. <br> <br> Series I suggest checking out: <br> The Walking Dead - The best zombie book there is. <br> All Star Superman - The best Superman book that is just gorgeous to look at and has the best 'feeling' type of Supes stories in ages. <br> Astonishing X-Men - Best X-Men's been in a long time until… <br> Uncanny X-Men, Daredevil or anything by Ed Brubaker including his great new series Criminal that's only on the third issue. <br> Pretty much anything by Brian K. Vaughan is a safe bet too. <br> <br> For more in depth coverage make sure to check this place out next week ** http://tinyurl.com/ymxgqj ** Hope this helped Everett.
Jan. 11, 2007, 12:03 p.m. CST
A few thoughts...
by Mister Mediocre
Nice reviews @$$holes!<BR>Screw MARVEL: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE. How hard is it for the developers to not confuse the 616 Universe with the Ultimate Universe? True, most non-comic fans won't notice that Ultimate Cap and Ultimate Thor are battling 616 Galactus, but fuck them.<BR>I liked reading the review and I'm glad to see this book get more coverage but why exactly is Exterminators a guilty pleasure? I love the hell out of that book and I don't feel remotely guilty about it. Secretly enjoying 80s band Air Supply would qualify as a guilty pleasure.
Jan. 11, 2007, 3:12 p.m. CST
The Heathen
by Shigeru
Wow, that is a killer link!! I loved it!! All those people sound so cool! Here it is again: http://tinyurl.com/ymxgqj <br> I hear that they will be doing a ginormous "BEST OF 2006" series very soon!
Jan. 11, 2007, 3:42 p.m. CST
Yes! You're totally right Shigeru.
by The Heathen
That link is super fantastic! The people are pretty awesome indeed and I've heard HUGE things for their "BEST OF 2006" series. I'm baited with anticipation! Just in case ** http://tinyurl.com/ymxgqj **
Jan. 11, 2007, 5:58 p.m. CST
I have Air Supply's Greatest Hits...
by SleazyG.
...on cassette in my car. Seriously.
Jan. 11, 2007, 6:43 p.m. CST
Holla at yer boy...
by Mister Mediocre
Homer Sexual, I'm not sure you've given Connor Hawke a real chance. In Chuck Dixon's long run on Green Arrow (before meathead Kevin Smith screwed things up) he gave Connor the most interesting characterization of just about any superhero character from the 90s. Connor was a better martial artist than his dad Ollie, but not nearly as good with a bow.<BR><BR>Also, Connor was shy around girls. The reason for his shyness was always ambiguous. Was it due to Connor being raised in a secluded ashram and being inexperienced with women or was it because he's gay. The comics didn't answer this question. Ultimately the determination was left up to the reader.<BR><BR>Another great aspect of Dixon's GA run was how he juxtaposed Connor Hawke and Eddie Fyers--an old friend of Ollie who was a mentor of sorts. Connor's naivety played well against Eddie's been there/done that attitude. Really the two were the ying to each other's yang. All of this continues in the Connor Hawke mini.<BR><BR>SleazyG, Rock on with your Air Supply. What's the cool ,from-the-street, way to say "Rock on"?
Jan. 11, 2007, 8:18 p.m. CST
by The Heathen
Sean McKeever signs exclusively with DC. This sucks because A) I feel that he is one of the few guy's who 'gets' the Marvel Universe and B) because I just recently got into the great series Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane and C) I can't think of anything at DC I'd like him to do over anything he's done/doing or would have done at Marvel.
Jan. 12, 2007, 9:53 a.m. CST
by loodabagel
What's his problem? Everyone knows SMLMJ is the tits.
Jan. 12, 2007, 10:19 a.m. CST
It's ok looda, I heard…
by The Heathen
that Bendis and Maleev were taking over. Peter is going to have sex with Gwen while MJ watches and then we're not going to know whether or not they really did it 'Luke & Jess' style or if a door was opened (including that back one) into that room. If that team falls through, Warren Ellis said he'd write it and throw in a bunch of references to teen bukkake and what not. Fear not, SMLMJ will be fine. <br> <br> Seriously, I wonder who will take over? Hmm… I say Vale.
Jan. 12, 2007, 12:42 p.m. CST
Air Supply
by Buzz Maverik
It's the 80s. My friend Eriglione and I are guzzling Yukon Jack at his house and about to leave for an Ozzy concert (I don't think you could call what we are about to do drunk driving because we were already wasted from smoking weed all day) and Eriglione's sister and her boyfriend start playing Air Supply in the family room, which was located next to the garage (you know, the place where you smoke weed, guzzle Yukon Jack and read comics all day). We had the kindling and the gasoline and certainly enough matches, but we were going to miss the opening act (turned out to be Crue which I hated but Eriglione liked and at least it wasn't Air Supply) so we had to leave before we could burn the house down.
Jan. 12, 2007, 6:15 p.m. CST
Could it be?
by The Heathen
Maybe? I dunno? I wouldn't mind it. Wait. We are talking about the same person right?
Jan. 12, 2007, 8:05 p.m. CST
DC taking McKeever...Now go get Slott!
by superhero
That's right DC...you've stolen one great talent who loves superheroes and great characters which Marvel refused to put on a big mainstream book NOW go get the other talented superhero writer who respects the genre and Marvel treats as their dunce in the corner. DC...OFFER DAN SLOTT AN EXCLUSIVE!!!! HE'S WORTH IT! And while you're at it throw the creators of SENTINELS tons of money to make more books. They deserve it!
Jan. 13, 2007, 12:58 p.m. CST
It's not Ray Palmer *dreamy sigh*
by Thalya
Supernova's been stealing all sorts of hero tech, so just add in an Atom belt while you're at it.
Jan. 13, 2007, 2:03 p.m. CST
Why not? That's what Ryan Choi did right?
by The Heathen
But who is Supernova???
Jan. 13, 2007, 8:48 p.m. CST
Gotta be...
by Thalya
Booster. It's the only thing that makes sense, especially when you consider the dramatics going into that scene. Plus, it fits his M.O.: he stole future tech like a Legion flight ring and Brainiac 5's belt for his fighting equipment. What do we see Supernova with in that scene? Stolen tech like Luthor's glove and a Starman rod.
Jan. 13, 2007, 9:01 p.m. CST
yeah, and…
by The Heathen
the way he talked about Skeets, or I guess even mentioned him sounded and felt like Booster. It's weird how much I like Booster. I blame Timm, McDuffie, Tom Everett Scott and Dos Santos personally. During Infinite Crisis, Booster was my overall favorite character. I liked where he was going, but at the beginning of 52 I wasn't feeling the 'product endorsed' Booster of old because of what he'd gone through. I'm interested in how and why he thought of becoming Supernova. Maybe because he didn't want to be the endorsed joke anymore. I'm thinking too much and working too late. Cheers. Namaste.
Jan. 15, 2007, 9:25 a.m. CST
I figured that Supernova crap out a while ago...
by Shigeru
and I don't even read 52.
Jan. 15, 2007, 9:27 a.m. CST
In other news (McKeever):
by Shigeru
FRACK! You gotta be kidding me here. Was Marvel paying him beans for SMLMJ?? WTF, first Takeshi leaves and now Sean McKeever too? Just cancel the damn book. Check out Shigeru's 'Best Ongoing Series' of 2006 for proof of me hating this news.
Jan. 15, 2007, 2:46 p.m. CST
killed the TB
by Shigeru
Jan. 15, 2007, 4:24 p.m. CST
by Thalya
Jan. 15, 2007, 4:37 p.m. CST
by dregmobile
has anyone else noticed this WORLD WAR III stuff coming? what a complete and utter rip-off of CIVIL WAR! feels like only yesterday dc was into that WORLDS AT WAR event. i am going to avoid this mega-crossover-whatever like the plague. more confirmation dc are flushing themselves down a giant smelly toilet. though i'm sure with 4 parts each month, the series will be a big seller ... <br> <br> i'm already pissed that JLA will be crossing over into JSA for some five-parter. i keep hearing about how great JSA is but i will never collect this title since i don't know any of the characters and ... this is superficial, i know ... but they jsut look stupid. stupid costumes. <br> <br> cancelled JLA CLASSIFIED. i'm embarrassed to say i have been collecting this title this far ... <br> <br> but bring on THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD and the ongoing DR. FATE!
Jan. 15, 2007, 9:01 p.m. CST
Fine, but what about this WWIII crap?
by dregmobile
And come on, you have to admit at least HALF the JSA costumes are dumb (power girl at the top of the list).
Jan. 15, 2007, 10:50 p.m. CST
Who watches SMALLVILLE?
by dregmobile
i just read this over at variety: <br> <br> "Although the marriage of the WB and UPN hasn't yielded all the anticipated benefits, a few of the survivors continue to do yeoman work, perhaps none more so than the sixth season of the Superboy series "Smallville." Deftly mixing elements of young-adult soap, family drama and comic-book fanboy action, the show has been adept at adding intriguing twists to the Superman mythology, including this week's break-the-TV-piggy-bank episode assembling a youthful version of DC Comics' Justice League, with facsimiles of Green Arrow, Aquaman, the Flash and Cyborg joining the young Man of Steel." <br> <br> i've never watched an episode in my life but am interested in checking this out when it hits dvd in a year or so ...
Jan. 16, 2007, 8:01 a.m. CST
dreg, dude...
by Thalya
JSA #1 came out last month. Ideal time to check it out and LEARN who all the characters are. You have no excuses. Furthermore, the WWIII stuff isn't 4 parts each month, it's four oneshots coming out the same day as 52 #50 and that's it. Over and done with. No Marvel-like delays.<BR><BR> Also, don't you dare talk smack about Peege. While you're busy unintentionally staring she'll Superboy-Prime punch you a few dimensions away.
Jan. 16, 2007, 8:46 a.m. CST
Marvel vs. DC fights
by Shigeru
is like watching 2 retards trying to kung-fu each other. nigga please.
Jan. 16, 2007, 9:02 a.m. CST
by Shigeru
I bought #1. Like dreg, I have little to no clue who any of these people are ('cept for Power Girl). To those previously invested in the characters, I can see how they would enjoy it. But for someone not familiar with them, it was a pretty poor first issue. I thought the point of a relaunch was a new introduction or jumping-on point? I was left confused and not caring. And yeah I'm sorry but that guy with the whip who gets killed? Dumb costume. <br> I saw #2 on the stands and flipped to the first page. I saw a page about 60% covered in those dumb Meltzer captions (at least they were only from one character, right?), and my eyes glazed over. No thanks.
Jan. 16, 2007, 9:08 a.m. CST
Lest favorite JSA costume...
by loodabagel
Hourman. Least favorite character-Damage.
Jan. 16, 2007, 9:08 a.m. CST
by Shigeru
I think KKK every time I see him. Not a good association.
Jan. 16, 2007, 10:06 a.m. CST
by loodabagel
I think dirtbag with a hood whenever I see him. What kind of jerk wears a hood over a mask? Psylocke did it back in the eighties, and it looked stupid then. One good thing we can say about Marvel right now is that they have better looking costumes than DC.
Jan. 16, 2007, 10:08 a.m. CST
On other news...
by loodabagel
Cog Smooch awards! Yeah!!!
Jan. 16, 2007, 10:11 a.m. CST
Check this out...
by The Heathen
The firt batch of CoG Awards at your service ** http://tinyurl.com/y3me75 **
Jan. 16, 2007, 10:44 a.m. CST
by blackthought
Jan. 16, 2007, 4:09 p.m. CST
by dregmobile
Maybe that's why whenever I try to kung-fu, I end up just looking like a retard ... <br> <br> JSA - I flipped through issues 1 and 2 but my eyes were glazed before I even touched them. Too many characters and bad colour co-ordination in all those costumes. Now that I hear it's a bad jumpin on point ... no way. <br> <br> Has that CogSmooches page been updated? Sweet.
Jan. 16, 2007, 9:43 p.m. CST
and yes...
by blackthought
please check out our cog awards.
Jan. 17, 2007, 9:21 a.m. CST
And the hood...
by loodabagel
Isn't just your regular hooded sweatshirt, it goes down over his eyes and nose. He must superglue that thing to his face, because it's the stupidest damn mask I've ever seen.
Jan. 17, 2007, 9:47 a.m. CST
Now I want to be mad at Damage...
by loodabagel
I always expect him tosay "You can't tell me what to do!" and ride off on a motorcycle.
Jan. 17, 2007, 3 p.m. CST
call me crazy, but…
by The Heathen
I thought the relaunched JUSTICE SOCIETY was one of the better #1's in a long time. It's about the heritage and lineage of the DC heroes and bringing in the new bloodlines of those lineages. There's something cool and classic about it. I myself am still learning wh these characters are like Sand, Damage, etc., but you have Power Girl, Jay Garrick, Alan Scott, Wildcat and Stargirl. Aren't they known in the DC verse? A lot of the others were just introduced for the first time too, so that makes a really good jumping on point in my opinion. You can't fuck with that last page in #1 either. As for WW III? It's a small deal compared to Infinite Crisis, House of M and Civil War. To be honest, I give DC props for underplaying like they have. They could have made it a mega-crossover that lasted seven months, but instead we get four one-shots in one week. It's funny, because out of all the cross-overs that sound like it could have been fun, but my wallet and continuity patience thanks DC. <br> <br> Check out the CogSpace for the firSt part of our Awards that's going to last two weeks. TWO WEEKS!!! ** http://tinyurl.com/y3me75 ** Leave plenty of comments and kudos too… we're ho's.
Jan. 18, 2007, 9:37 a.m. CST
by loodabagel
Hourman is in desparate need of a costme that doesn't suck.
Jan. 19, 2007, 7:34 a.m. CST
I get what JSA is *about*...
by Shigeru
I just couldn't bring myself to care. The red tornado girl (or something?) is the perfect example. I thought the Red Tornado was a robot? Who is this chick? Oh wait, her great aunt was... some giant lady with a pot on her head? Named Red Tornado? What? What the fuck is going on? Who's this flamer with the whip? He's dead? Thrown from a height? I think I saw that in some comic in the 80's...written by Alan Moore... <br><br> I know who Power Girl, Jay Garrick, and Alan Scott are. But the issue focused on Wildcat... who is just a regular boxer dude? Who doesn't know how to sow (judging by his mask)? Oh well, I'm not worried about it. <br><br>Looda: I got next week's ish of SMLMJ. ENVY ME.
Jan. 19, 2007, 7:35 a.m. CST
Who's Buddy?
by Shigeru
see subject title
Jan. 19, 2007, 12:38 p.m. CST
by Shigeru
I'm a crotchety, lecherous old man! Or at least I feel like it sometimes.... most of the time....
Jan. 19, 2007, 8:41 p.m. CST
I just got the Homecoming digest in the mail...
by loodabagel
So ha! Picked up the current issue of JSA and I have to say that I just don't care. I might stick around for Issue 3, but these characters just aren't doing it for me. My loyalties tend to lie with the Marvel U, so I think I might have to say goodbye to this So-called Justice Society.
Jan. 21, 2007, 5:54 p.m. CST
Beep! Beep!
by loodabagel
Blade fucking 2.
Jan. 22, 2007, 9:31 a.m. CST
From ComicBookResources!!!!
by Thalya
SPIDER-MAN 4 The note above is not a typo -- according to Superhero Hype, Spider-Man screenwriter David Koepp is in talks with Sony Pictures to write a fourth film for Marvel's web spinner before the third has even hit the silver screen. Koepp is not signed yet, but the site's sources claim that the studio is definitely moving forward with another installment. Could a villain already be planned? Actor Dylan Baker talked to If Magazine with a smidgen about getting green and scaly for a new installment. "In this one I am still in my business suit and that's all I'll say. I'm kind of the guy that Peter Parker needs to come to whenever he has those quandaries about what's going on," said Baker. But then continues on to explain, "All I can say is we're going to see a lot more of [me] at some point if what Sam says is true, and Sam is the guy who knows, so I am sticking with him." Back to Superhero Hype, they have an article catching up with producer Grant Curtis about the film we'll see before "4." Curtis said that director Sam Raimi and team are spending several hours a day creating the special effects currently and that there are literally hundreds of people around the world working on the film, but dodged the sequel question.
Jan. 22, 2007, 9:44 a.m. CST
by loodabagel
Haven't they been planning for six films? Those people who said 3 was the last were always full of crap!
Jan. 22, 2007, 9:50 a.m. CST
I heard..
by Thalya
They were shooting 3 and 4 back to back and then Raimi might be out. If that's the case then good job for them keeping it well under wraps.
Jan. 22, 2007, 4:47 p.m. CST
Justice Society, Justice, Justice League - JUSTICE!!!
by The Heathen
Continues to impress my penis. Screw you all! Although I do feel like a boob for not getting the Kingdom Come reference on that last page since I read KC not too long ago, but Eaglesham has really upped his game and I like it. <br> <br> Justice on the other hand impressed my penis and drained my scrotum. That 2 page spread with all the *SPOILERS* new armor on the league led by Batman kicked unholy ass. <br> <br> Justice League isn't slacking either. Finally got the team mostly together. I was confused about Vixen falling from the sky and using a human boy as an animal???
Jan. 22, 2007, 8:04 p.m. CST
Aw H..
by Thalya
That Vixen bit was sweet! What was confusing about it?
Jan. 22, 2007, 11:51 p.m. CST
by Homer Sexual
is Manhunter cancelled? That would be a huge bummer. On other notes, Finally a decent issue of She-Hulk after I was bored to death with it, despite my love of the character, and a putrid Ultimate X-Men so bad I think I'm off the book until kirkman quits writing it. Not that I had a problem before with his writing, but he sucks on this book.
Jan. 23, 2007, 8:37 a.m. CST
by Thalya
As far as I know.. The April solicit for #30 stated "final issue", so.. *hangs head* Manhunter was such a good book..
Jan. 23, 2007, 9:05 a.m. CST
On another note...
by loodabagel
<p>No best director nomination for Cuaron? What crap!</p> <p>But Ultimate X-Men was lousy again? Shit. I thought Kirkman was finally starting to get it together.
Jan. 23, 2007, 10:10 a.m. CST
by loodabagel
The final issue of Ultimates 2 comes out in mid-March.
Jan. 23, 2007, 2:05 p.m. CST
splain it to me then, T...
by The Heathen
I just don't know if it fit with everything else in the book. Was it her just being free and wanting to be a kid again? If so, it was out of place me thinks. I dunno. <br> <br> Enlighten me on JSA #2's last page and crack the code in the latest 52 while you're at it. ;) <br> <br> Scorcese will probably take the director Oscar (finally) anyway, but Cuaron kicked ass on Children (which better win best cinematography).
Jan. 23, 2007, 4:41 p.m. CST
T'wasn't that at all, H
by Thalya
Vixen got her totem stolen by the Bomb Squad back in issue 2. Meltzer's been showing that that's what's been keeping her powers in check and from overwhelming her. With the totem gone, she's picking up signals from all kinds of animals and forgetting she's human. She came back to herself when she got close enough to people again.<BR><BR>As for 52 and JSA, check out Newsarama, those folks have beaten me to it and the code was solved in time for the 5.2 with Siglain on Friday. Although I got into a hefty argument this weekend in that thread about which three Horsemen were on the cover for next week's 52..
Jan. 23, 2007, 5:53 p.m. CST
Three horsemen...
by loodabagel
Hmm... Must be Ziggy Stardust, Fascist Bowie and Jarreth. But don't take my word for it. I haven't picked up an issue of 52 yet.
Jan. 23, 2007, 6:11 p.m. CST
I totally forgot about that, T…
by The Heathen
makes sense now though. Thanks. I think the @$$es are working on the @$$ies for 2006. That or the zeta-beam we were working on at the mansion really did go off. Oops.
Jan. 23, 2007, 11:14 p.m. CST
yeah, the JL's armour in JUSTICE
by dregmobile
was spectacular. can't wait to see them in action. <br> <br> Also enjoyed that SHE-HULK issue, my first since I am getting ready for WWH. <br> <br> Is everyone ready for the final issue of MOUSE HUNT this week? Sounds like there will be a second series coming soon, though (and a line of action figures!).
Jan. 24, 2007, 8:17 a.m. CST
A line of Mouse Guard action figures?!?!
by Thalya
That's perfect for my cubicle! Gotta have the little fuzzy wuzzies!
Jan. 24, 2007, 9:33 a.m. CST
In the world of Ulitmate Spider-Man...
by loodabagel
What was the point of Doc Ock's new Magnetic powers? I'm serious when I say that I had enjoyed the Clone Saga until that point. Quite a dissapointing battle too, I might add. And Spider-Woman is still Peter Parker. Spider-Woman is still Peter Parker.
Jan. 28, 2007, 10:48 a.m. CST
by blackthought
Jan. 31, 2007, 7:14 p.m. CST
Best Alliance Team?
by JonQuixote
Any potential 'best' team has to have Human Torch on it. With the right upgrade choices, he makes that game a cakewalk. Fun game, though the format is a little played out. There needs to be a Marvel game that uses GTA as a template. *** Hi guys! S'up?
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text:
Barleans Extra Virigin Coconut Oil Supplement
|Special Info for This Item
|FREE Shipping Eligible
Estd 1989. Organic oils. Tastes great. Cold pressed. Island fresh. Raw. Vegan. USDA organic. Barlean's - Freshest coconut oil in the world! Pure, Pristine & Delicious: Organic - solvent & chemical free. Exceptional coconut flavor & aroma! Cold-expeller pressed fresh. Fresh from the Islands: Hand selected & picked fresh. Harvested at the peak of flavor and nutritional value. Harvested year-round, on demand. Pressed on demand - bottled on demand. Non-hydrogenated, no trans fat, non-GMO. Gluten free. Coconut Oil Nutrition: Rich in lauric acid & caprylic acid; great source of medium chain triglycerides. May support the structure and function of: the immune system; the cardiovascular system; healthy metabolism & energy production; hair, skin & body care. 100% satisfaction guaranteed. - Bruce Barlean. Certified organic by Quality Assurance International. barleans.com. (These statements have not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) Product of Philippines.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Servings Per Container: 32
|Amount per Serving
|% Daily Value
|Calories from Fat
|Total Fat
|14 g
|22 %
|Saturated Fat
|12 g
|60 %
|Polyunsaturated Fat
|0 g
|Monounsaturated Fat
|1 g
|Gluten Free
|Lauric Acid
|6220 mg
|Caprylic Acid
|640 mg
|Capric Acid
|550 mg
May be used straight, in cooking, baking, or frying - as a spread on toast or muffins and as a massage/body oil or hair tonic. No refrigeration required.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Martyrs of Valenciennes
A group of Ursuline nuns martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.
- guillotined on 17 October 1794 at Valenciennes, Nord, France
- 6 July 1919 by Pope Benedict XV (decree of martyrdom)
- if you have information relevant to this Cause, contact
Ursulines de l'Union Romaine (Province France Nord)
N.D. de l'Ouÿe
91410 Les Granges le Roi, FRANCE
- Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
- Hagiography Circle
- Katherine Rabenstein
- Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints
- "Martyrs of Valenciennes". Saints.SQPN.com. 17 October 2013. Web. 2 October 2014. <>


text:
Phone (443) 422-3810
Price $47.50
Age Suitability Teens and up
Comic, Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Show - The Mystery Krewe
Saturday, Feb 2, 2013 6:30p to 9:00p
Flanagans Harp and Fiddle Bethesda, MD
Roll on down to New Orleans for the Mystery Krewe's post-parade Mardi Gras Ball. Dress to Kill!
Shows change every 5 weeks. Check website for current show.
Maryland Theatre Guide calls Do or Die Mysteries "…clever, outrageous and drop dead funny." This is not your traditional dinner theatre. It is highly interactive and lots of fun. You don't even have to turn off your cell phones.
It's a killer night out for date night, birthdays, anniversaries or just a night of fun with friends.
Created by DoOrDieMystery
Location & Nearby Info
Flanagans Harp and Fiddle
4844 Cordell Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 951-0115
4844 Cordell Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 951-0115
Show nearby:
0.1 mi 2 Chicken on the Run
0.1 mi 3 Trattoria Sorrento
0.3 mi 4 Kabob Bazaar
0.4 mi 5 Daily Grill
0.7 mi 7 Parker's Classic American
0.7 mi 8 Himalayan Heritage Llc
2.1 mi 9 Arucola Osteria
2.2 mi 10 Maggiano's - Chevy Chase
Reviews & Comments
Hot Tickets More »
Wed 6/24 7:30p
Fri 7/24 7:00p
Sat 12/13 5:00p
Fri 10/31 5:00p
Sun 12/7 10:00a
Sun 11/16 5:00p


text:
Great County Farms in Loudoun County is hosting its annual Pumpkin Chunkin' through Tuesday, so head to the farm for some smashing fun.
Bring your leftover jack-o-lanterns to the farm to send down the zip wire or add to the Pumpkin Drop Zone. Test out the best "fillers" for a great smash.
The drop begins at 12:30 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday, but the farm is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both of those days.
Also at the farm: warm cider donuts, hay rides, corn maze and other fall activities.
Admission is $8 per child and $10/adult.
For more information and directions, click here.


text:
Access "CIOs on making the case for enterprise cloud computing"
This article is part of the June 2010 Volume 2 issue of Achieving real business value with cloud computing
When Joe Drouin joined Kelly Services Inc. as CIO three years ago, the Troy, Mich.-based company was in the middle of a business transformation -- and enterprise cloud computing, it turned out, was the solution. More on cloud risks IT executives weighing cloud risks against the benefits Advice for dealing with the top 10 risks in public cloud computing The regionally focused staffing service was fast becoming a global solutions provider, supplying software engineers, accountants, lawyers, scientists and other professionals to the world's largest and not-so-large companies. "When I came in, I had to reassess IT strategy to be able to deliver solutions that would span the close to 40 countries Kelly was operating in, and reach customers and suppliers regardless of where they were located," Drouin recalled. The $5 billion company lacked the infrastructure to reach all its offices and branches, let alone a global constituency of clients and suppliers. Fortunately for Drouin, enterprise cloud computing was starting to take off. "It was a perfect platform for me ... Access >>>
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The value of cloud computing: CIOs discuss expectations and payoffs
by Christina Torode, Editorial Director
CIOs are cautiously deciphering the value of cloud computing, and finding that their expectations don't always match the payoff. Yet the service delivery model is gaining traction.
Making inroads with tactical cloud computing applications
by Ed Scannell
Off-the-shelf cloud computing applications are becoming a priority with enterprise CIOs looking for safe ways to move less strategic products and functions.
CIOs on making the case for enterprise cloud computing
by Christina Torode, Editorial Director
When it comes to enterprise cloud computing, CIOs are finding that even the easy sells are hard. Learn how organizations are incorporating the cloud into their business strategies.
- The value of cloud computing: CIOs discuss expectations and payoffs by Christina Torode, Editorial Director
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Governance structures for the BYOx era
As bring your own device (BYOD) becomes the norm at many organizations, the generation entering the workforce expects to do their work on any device ...
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CIOs have swung from dismissing social networks in the enterprise to applauding and seizing on their potential to boost business productivity and ...
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CIOs looking to make mountains of big data actionable are deliberating whether it's best to build their own enterprise architecture for big data or ...


text:
Flathead's Habitat for Humanity is saying thanks to Plum Creek for all they have given, and in return, Plum Creek is handing over a hefty check.
Plum Creek in Evergreen donated $5,000 to the organization right after Habitat staff presented a thank-you banner to more than thirty employees.
This is the latest move in an ongoing partnership to build sixteen homes in Columbia Falls.
Already, Plum Creek has given building materials such as two by fours and two by sixes.
"They're working hard to provide affordable housing to people and we provide lumber products so again it's just kind of a good fit for us," explained Greg Grace, a manager at Plum Creek.
Grace says this generous gesture would not be possible if the Evergreen plant had not reopened at the end of March.
The plant shut down back in 2009 because it was not able to make a profit.


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Black Canyon Painted Wall on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument is something hubbie has wanted to see for a while. This is the Painted Wall section of the canyon. Molten rock squeezed in between cooled rock at some point in the last few billion years creating the painted walls you see here. The canyon is long, it is narrow, and it is deep. And the Gunnison River drops really quickly along the canyon, making it treacherous.
Awesome sight.


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|Special Programs Map of the World
Every year Maybeck High School students spend two weeks outside of regular classes to explore areas of interest in depth and outside of the structure of our usual academic schedule. Activities range from mural painting and surfing to world travel.
Here are a few of the countries we've visited in recent years:


text:
London Road Fire Station
London Road, Manchester, North West, M1
Designed by Manchester architects Messrs. Woodhouse, Willoughby & Langham, based on sketches by the then chief fire officer George William Parker. And even before the first brick was laid, London Road was described as 'the finest fire station in this round world'. For over a quarter of a century the site has stood unused. Now in a state of neglect it is falling into disrepair. This decaying icon was placed on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk Register in 2001 (and listed as a Grade II building in 1974), yet more than ten years later, nothing has changed. You can sign a petition which encourages the public to support a new compulsory purchase order here and you can follow @ManFireStation on Twitter. Read more about the London Road Fire station here. (Creative Commons image found on Flickr by Gene Hunt)
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Rate Dr. Oliver R. Biggers
Dr. Oliver R. Biggers's Ratings
I am just repeating what all have said here. My elder brother had Surgery by Dr Biggers a few years bck. This man should teach patient care and integrity to other physicians!! I salute him and today my elderly father is looking at bowel obstruction surgery!! I am going to ask and c if he'll take him on as a patient..
Submitted June 3, 2009 | flag
Dr. Biggers has cared for me over the last 23 years. He is compassionate,knowledgeable and has always treated me with kindness and respect. When he says he'll stop and see you on rounds, he does, even if it is 11 pm at night. He has performed 7 bowel surgeries on me, and every decision to do so was as difficult for him as it was for us. He even helped deliver my baby daughter so he could be there and make sure there were no complications when the OB performed my C-section. He gave me back quality of life - how can you possibly rate a doctor high enough for that?
Submitted May 1, 2009 | flag
Dr. Biggers is the best doctor in the business of MD. He nas not only saved my life, but has done it many times. He has done multiple surgeries on me along with assisting in the birth of my daughter. You will never find a better dr than him. His staff is just as great, Kudos to Connie, she is like a mother to my health care and I cannot say enough how much I love Dr, Biggers. My family thinks that he is my savior as well! I would not be where I am today if it were not for him. Thank you Dr. Biggers for being you!!!
Submitted Nov. 7, 2008 | flag
He is the best in class, The whole family goes to him!
Submitted Sept. 16, 2008 | flag
Dr. Biggers is amazing. I met with many doctors when considering surgery, and talking with him was like talking to a family member. I just knew I was going to be in good hands.
Submitted March 21, 2007 | flag
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Happy Labor Day! Please note that we are closed today to give our hard working team a chance to celebrate the holiday with their families.
More than Just a Fabric Store: Houston's Finest Home Interiors Store and Design Team
Woodlands Fabrics and Interiors specializes in creating beautiful home interiors. We offer distinctive collections of fabrics, trimmings, custom furniture, and unique accessories. Come visit our newly expanded Design Center in The Woodlands or schedule an in-home consultation with our exceptional Design Team.
The talented and dedicated designers of Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors can assist with all of your interior design projects: large and small, local and international. We use our carefully selected fabrics and trimmings, made in America and around the world, to transform your home into the showcase you deserve. Attention to detail and an unparalleled commitment to customer service distinguish us from others.
We Are Hiring!
Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors has the following positions open:
- Experienced Drapery Workroom Seamstress
Click here to email us now if you are interested in any of these positions.


text:
As it happens with cancer research, we are finding that the subtype of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBCs, essentially those cancers that cannot be treated with HER2-targeted and hormone therapies), contain many subsets themselves.
This theory may explain why any one drug class or approach to treatment has not been very successful--a topic that was addressed during the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
To date, TNBC has become a catch-all disease with any breast cancer that isn't HER2-positive or ER-positive. Right now, the term triple-negative breast cancer is merely a "descriptive and operational term," as William Foulkes, the director of the cancer genetic program at Quebec's McGill University, put it. It doesn't have a biological definition. And its importance has risen only in the past five years.
What happens when we begin to separate these subtypes out--one expert mentioned there could be up to six (for the record: basal-like 1 and 2, immunomodulatory, mesenchymal, mesenchymal stem-like and luminal androgen receptor)? And how do we separate them? By gene expression, which gave us the six subtypes? By histology? Biomarkers?
A majority of TNBCs are classified as basal-like, but again--it's not the rule. We used to assume that TNBCs were basal-like, but now we know that about 44 percent of TNBC cases are not basal-like, and of the basal-like cancers, 19 percent were not TNBC. Inflammatory breast cancer, a particularly aggressive disease, is usually triple negative. Most TNBCs are high-grade cancers, but some are low-grade.
It was noted during the AACR session on PARP inhibitors that we got off track when we began testing these drugs in TNBCs. It may be that this class of drugs works best in breast cancers that are driven by BRCA mutations. While women with BRCA mutations may have responded well in the trial, their response was possibly drowned out by cancers that didn't respond, which resulted in a negative and wholly disappointing study. And let's not forget that BRCA mutations are not all TNBCs, and vice versa.
As one presenter said, there are several molecular subtypes of TNBC; we can't just lump them all together.
Knowing that TNBCs make up about 15 to 20 percent of breast cancers, and then dividing them into additional subtypes and studying different targeted agents in each is a daunting mission.
We know many TNBCs have a mutation in the p53 gene, and clinical trials are now testing how to target this mutation. And some TNBCs have EGFR mutations, which could possibly respond to EGFR-targeted therapies that are approved for other cancers. We also have a good idea that PARP inhibitors may work for BRCA-mutation driven breast cancers, many of which are classified as TNBCs. Then you dive down into the more rare targets – the mutations in the PIK3CA gene, HER2 (not to be confused with the HER2 mutation that signifies HER2-positive breast cancer ... see where it gets confusing?), and various mutations in pTEN genes.
One interesting concept is that researchers have identified a subtype--the luminal androgen receptor--that comprises about 10 percent of patients with TNBCs that may respond to an anti-androgen receptor therapy called bicalutamide, a prostate cancer hormone therapy.
"Luminal AR may have the worst prognosis because we've never offered them the right therapy; plus they seem older, with more comorbidities," said Jorge S. Reis-Filho at Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
The good news is that where we as laypeople might be overwhelmed with this information, researchers and physicians are looking at this with an optimistic view--the more knowledge on how to treat these cancers, the better. We have targets.
We can also use this information to pinpoint the more aggressive TNBCs as opposed to those that might respond well to chemotherapy. And as one expert noted, the heterogeneity of TNBC makes unselected targeted therapy unlikely to succeed. Until we can separate these subclasses out and find out what makes them different, throwing the same therapies at them is not likely to work.
Now we can move to Plan B.RELATED POSTS
Excellent article. One question: Metaplastic breast cancers are often classified tripe negative and have recently been put into a sub-type "claudin-low." Is that subtype represented by another name above? Maybe "mesenchymal stem-like?" Just trying to keep up on the terminology.
Thanks again
- Posted by Maria Fowler 4/27/13 9:56 AM
As a metaplastic breast cancer patient I usually see MpBC listed as Claudin-Low but I don't see that here. Do you know where metaplastic falls in this list? Seems like it would be mesenchymal or mesenchymal stem-like?
Thanks for the post. I hope the thinking on treatments change soon since I was treated for 3Neg as that is SOP but it failed and I had a new primary in under 3 months. MpBC patients need more hope that the treatments they are getting will work for them.
- Posted by Maria Fowler 5/2/13 12:54 PM
I did a little research and talked to our editor-in-chief, Dr. Tripathy, who is also a breast cancer expert, about your question.
He said that most of the classifications would put metaplastic in the mesenchymal or mesenchymal stem-like (epithelial mesenchymal transition phenotype), which by expression profiling is usually in the claudin-low group.
He pointed me to two published studies, which I link to below. Hope this helps. We should learn more this summer at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. We're also looking forward to continuing this discussion in a future issue later this year. Stay tuned!
"Identification of human triple-negative breast cancer subtypes and preclinical models for selection of targeted therapies" in JCI 2011 (http://www.jci.org/articles/view/45014)
"Molecular characterization of basal-like and non-basal-like triple-negative breast cancers" in The Oncologist 2013 (http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/18/...)
- Posted by Elizabeth 5/3/13 2:26 PM


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Sauvignon and Merlot grapes in this blend. The 1997 Atlas Peak Consenso Vineyard is a beautiful example of mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon from an excellent vintage. The wine shows intense cassis, spice, tobacco and roasted coffee on the nose. The palate confirms the nose, providing excellent balance, depth and integration of the fruit and oak characteristics. The wine is full-bodied and dry, with a finish composed of tobacco, berry and oak spices.
Atlas Peak was established in 1987. Over time it became clear that Atlas Peak's most valuable hidden resource was literally underfoot: the elevation of its vineyards. The grapes growing at high elevation, and above the natural fog line, experience much lower daytime temperatures than those on the valley floor, allowing the grapes to stay cool while gaining maximum sun exposure. As...Read More About Atlas Peak
It's hard not to think of Napa Valley when thinking of California wines. The region is, after all, the one that brought world recognition to California wine making. The area was settled by a few choice wine families in the 1960's who bet that the wines of the area would grow and flourish. They were right. The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980's, when vineyard...Read More About Napa Valley
(cab-uhr-NAY sow-veeh-yawn) King of Red Many refer to Cabernet Sauvignon as the king of red grapes. Perhaps that title is due to its ability to grow worldwide in a number of climates, or to the fact that it produces wine with such character yet such diversity. Either way, this grape is responsible, as a whole or a partner, for some of the greatest wines in the world. In Bordeaux,...Read More About Cabernet Sauvignon
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* Infusion of Light: This talent now causes the paladin's Flash of Light spells to heal the target for 50/100% of the Flash of Light healing amount over 12 seconds.
This change is a great step away from the random number generator that we've come to know and hate (Holy Shock crits). Instead, it allows paladins to keep a heal-over-time up on the target (similar to a restoration druid's Regrowth). A PvP change I'm sure many holy paladins will welcome.
Actually, nothing changes for holy paladins, if you have Sacred Shield on a target and put a Flash of light on them then the HoT goes up on live. They're just taking this HoT away from Prot and Ret.


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Matches found in Motorcycle News
Chris Newbigging,
10 December 2008 09:59
Jim Carrey rides a Ducati Hypermotard in new US comedy film 'Yes Man'. The film revolves around Carrey's character Carl Allen being challenged to say 'yes' to everything - leading him to learn to ride a motorcycle. See him here in this short trailer wheelying a Hypermotard, or see it from 26 December 2008.
Chris Newbigging,
12 November 2008 16:22
BMW is looking for feedback on the Lo-Rider concept revealed at the Milan Show last week, so MCN has setup an online poll to see what you think. BMWs for sale The motorcycle is based on BMW's 1170cc boxer engine and uses parts already used in the BMW range with a funky, minimalist style. The concept is also designed to be ...
Chris Newbigging,
10 November 2008 11:09
BMW has released official onboard footage of the new S1000RR superbike testing at Oschersleben recently. BMWs for sale The bike appears to be testing on a public trackday, and is seen catching and passing other bikes on track without too much effort.
Chris Newbigging,
14 August 2008 10:27
Check this mad scooter rider, who somehow manages to back-in and power slide his humble Vespa!
Chris Newbigging,
09 May 2008 17:09
YouTube prankster Colin Furze has just finished his latest video, a spoof wind-up on a traffic policeman. Colin's channel is best known for his home-made wall of death, but he also comes up with simple gag videos for his YouTube channel.
Chris Newbigging,
28 April 2008 16:18
James Toseland gave MCN an insight into the ability that sees him banging fairings with Casey Stoner with an exclusive pillion ride at Silverstone's Stow circuit. The reigning World Superbike champion did his best to scare our man witless and joked: "You've got to scare the man from MCN - it's the only chance I'll have to get my own ...
Chris Newbigging,
17 April 2008 14:19
Following yesterday's press launch of the BMW S1000RR World Superbike motorcycle the firm has released this video of the new bike.Powered by an inline-four cylinder engine making over 220bhp in race trim, the prototype is developed from the as yet unseen road bike, which will be available in late 2009.
Chris Newbigging,
16 April 2008 11:30
Short, low and sexy aren't words anyone would associate with Triumph's Rocket III but one off bike builder has managed it with this stunning Rocket powered machine. Commisioned by Bennets Insurance, the unnamed bike has six months of toil behind it with only the engine, fuel injection, wiring and shaft drive left from the original Rocket. Watch the video below ...
Chris Newbigging,
31 March 2008 12:43
Robbie Maddison has beaten his own jumping Guinness World Record at the Crusty Demons Night of World Records in Australia. Maddison leaped his CR500 an astonishing 351 feet, adding 29 feet to his previous world record at the three-way jump-off between Maddison, Ryan Capes and Seth Enslow at Calder Park, Melbourne. Rival stunt rider Ryan Capes held the record for ...
Chris Newbigging,
05 March 2008 15:37
£40,000 buys you a Ducati Desmosedici RR, or a dream garage full of bikes. But 3UpRacing spent the money on this - the four-stroke answer to a 250GP bike, powered by a humble Kawasaki ER-6 engine tuned for 95bhp in a chassis weighing just 110kg wet. You can read the story in this week's MCN, out Wednesday March 5, but ...
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With four weeks until Election Day, there is a change in campaign strategy for Democrat John Gregg.
The Democratic candidate for governor trails Republican challenger Mike Pence by 13 points, according to last week's Howey/DePauw Indiana Battleground Poll.
Just when the race for governor had reached a predictable point, a new TV ad campaign by a third party group is about to get a whole lot tougher.
The 30-second commercial will start airing this weekend and will change the whole tenor of the current gubernatorial campaign.
For months now, Gregg has tried to make points in the campaign by using people and locations in his hometown of Sandborn. His sixth commercial, from the Indiana Statehouse, is more conventional.
"I know how to create jobs and invest in our children, so Indiana experience or Mike Pence, who is part of the problem in Washington. I hope it's an easy answer," Gregg says in the ad.
"It was the next natural step. We are excited about it and there is more to come and four more weeks to go," Gregg said Friday.
Indiana Insider Peter Rusthoven labels Gregg's TV campaign as negative.
"Even in this ad, it closes with a jab at Mike Pence. I think it is not working. I don't think it will work and I think people are tired of this kind of thing," the Republican analyst said. "I am glad to see we have moved away from what I called the sort of 'Hee Haw' form of ads which people looked at and thought, 'It is not that funny. Second of all this is not a governor'."
But the new Believe in Indiana campaign will take the race for governor to a whole new low.
The new third party commercial is from a group called "BelieveInIndiana.org." There is very little information about the group, other than it is union-based and that their commercial will only run in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.
The Pence campaign declined to comment on the commercial.
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Books, Art of art: literature, music, dance, visual arts
The Missal (1902). John William Waterhouse (1849–1917). Oil on canvas.
A missal is a liturgical book containing all instructions and texts necessary for the celebration of Mass throughout the year.
Waterhouse was an English Pre-Raphaelite painter, exhibited at the Society of British Artists from 1872 and at the Royal Academy from 1874. Often painted scenes from ancient history or classical genre subjects, similar to the work of Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Waterhouse consistently painted on a larger scale. His brushwork is bolder, his sunlight casts harsher shadows and his history paintings are more dramatic.
The Missal (1902). John William Waterhouse (1849–1917). Oil on canvas.
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