Comic Cover of the Week

Comic Cover of the Week

X-Men Gold #33

MARVEL

Cover Art by Phil Noto

To see my picks of the week, click this link - New Comics

Saturday Showcase: Kraven the Hunter

Kraven the Hunter

    Kraven the Hunter has been my favorite Spider-Man villain from the very beginning.  In fact, it was a Marvel Tales issue with Kraven and the Vulture attacking Spider-Man that got me interested in Spider-Man comics, well the Punisher had something to do with that as well.  Anyway, Kraven was always my go to villain.  If an issue had Kraven in it, I was buying it.

Marvel Tales #189 (Story taken from Amazing Spider-Man #49)

    Kraven was created in 1964 by Stan Lee and the late, great Steve Dikto.  His first appearance was in the Amazing Spider-Man #15 back in August of '64.  So you could say that in August, Kraven will be 54  years old.  Wow, just think of all that history!  

    Kraven's birth name is Sergei Nikolaevich Kravinoff.  He is a member of the Sinister Six, Kravinoff Family, the Army of Evil,  as well as a Black Ops team that worked with Nick Fury in the '50's.  He has fought Avengers, fellow villains, Daredevil, Kazar, besides his nemesis Spider-Man.  Spider-Man is his main target, because Kraven loves the Hunt so why not try to kill a Spider-Man?  

the Hunter becomes the Hunted

    Kraven's obsession with Spidey led to a moment in history that many will never forget.  Why you ask?  Kraven committed suicide we he failed to capture the spider that haunted his dreams.  Of course, this is the world of comics and he would later be brought back to life to fight another day.  After his resurrection, he was brought to the Savage Land.  There he had some classic battles with Kazar.  Kraven went on to fight the Scarlet Spider and Venom thinking they were Spider-Man.  Even after death he was on a quest to kill a spider.

Kraven attacks Venom while at the Savage Land

    I know Kraven is a well known character and may not need me to do a Spotlight Post on him, but he is one of my faves and has not made it to film yet.  Sure he is a popular character in games and cartoons as well as toys, but he has not been on the big screen yet.  Since he has fought Avengers, Daredevil, and Spider-Man, there is no excuse for him not to be in the movies. 

Kraven as seen in the Marvel Universe cartoons on Disney XD.

    That's my 2 cents on the issue.  If you would like to know more about Kraven, feel free to comment on this post and I will see what I can do.  

Until next time, get your READ on!

Kraven's First Appearance:

the Amazing Spider-Man #15

MARVEL

August 1964

Who's Who Wednesday - Deathstroke the Terminator

Comic Cover of the Week

Cover Art by Ryan Ottley

Derf's Picks of the Week

Bone Parish #1 (Cover B Variant) BOOM! Studios

There are some really good titles coming out this week 

so I am just going to start listing my picks now.

I hope you find something you will enjoy.

BOOM!

BONE PARISH #1

JIM HENSON LABYRINTH CORONATION #5 

Dark Horse

STARCRAFT SCAVENGERS #1 

DC Comics

ACTION COMICS #1001

AQUAMAN #38

DC BEACH BLANKET BAD GUYS SPECIAL #1

DOOMSDAY CLOCK #6 

FLASH #51

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1

MERA QUEEN OF ATLANTIS #6 

TEEN TITANS #20 (Wait, Lobo has a daughter?)

WONDER WOMAN #51

IDW

JUDGE DREDD UNDER SIEGE #3 

TRANSFORMERS UNICRON #2 

MARVEL

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #2 (Marvel debut of Ryan Ottley)

DEADPOOL ASSASSIN #4

INFINITY WARS PRIME #1

MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #8

MOON KNIGHT #197

MR AND MRS X #1

MULTIPLE MAN #2

PUNISHER #228

STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #22

STAR WARS LANDO DOUBLE OR NOTHING #3

VENOM #4

WAKANDA FOREVER X-MEN #1

Well, that is it for this week. 

 I am sure you saw something you liked, as you can see I saw a lot.  LoL

Until next time, get your READ on!

Saturday Showcase: the Trench

the Trench 

With all the excitement from Comic Con and all the new trailers, I thought I would use to showcase the Trench monsters from Aquaman.  In past showcases, I have talked about characters that have been around for years, but after watching the trailer, I wanted to talk about the Trench.

Arthur and Mera battle the Trench creatures

For those of you who don't know, the Trench are a long forgotten race of underwater predators that evolved from one of the three surviving kingdoms of Atlantis.  The other two kingdoms being the Xebelians and Atlantians of course.  (From the trailer it appears all 3 kingdoms are represented)  The Trench have loyalty to the Dead King, but they will follow whoever wields the Dead King's scepter.  Orm thought it was powerful and that is what controlled them where as Arthur thought the sight of the scepter made them follow due to tradition and loyalty to the Dead King.

Outnumbered, just the way Arthur likes it.

The Trench first appeared in 2011 during the New 52 days of the DC Universe.  They were created by Geoff Johns & Ivan Reis.  The trench was also used by King Orm in his war with the surface world and Justice League.  Honestly, the Trench story line is what made me realize how much of a bad ass Aquaman really was.  So when I saw the SDCC trailer for Aquaman and saw the Trench monsters in it, I knew I had to write this post and share my approval.  I am excited to see the film, not only to see the Trench but to see how they are used in the film.  

In the end, the Trench are some bad ass mofos and I am glad it didn't take years to get the recognition they deserve.  If you haven't seen the trailer yet, please feel free to watch it here and now.

Aquaman Trailer

Until next time, unleash your inner NERD!

Aquaman (Official Trailer)

That's right, Aquaman is a bad mofo!

Star Wars: the Clone Wars (Official Trailer)

Captain Rex

#Clone Wars Saved

Classic Cover of the Day

Classic Cover of the Day

MARVEL Two - in - One #95

Comic Cover of the Week

Comic Cover of the Week

Life of Captain Marvel #1 (Variant)

MARVEL

Comic Art by Artgerm

Derf's Picks of the Week

How was your week?  

Mine was chaotic as usual, but at least it is now New Comic Book Day. 

Let's see what hits the shelves this week.

BOOM!

WWE #19

DC Comics

BRAVE & THE BOLD BATMAN & WONDER WOMAN #6

HARLEY QUINN #46

INJUSTICE VS THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #1

JUSTICE LEAGUE #4

MARVEL

LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 

STAR WARS #51

STAR WARS DARTH VADER ANNUAL #2

STAR WARS POE DAMERON #29

THOR #3

Valiant

NINJA-K #9

SHADOWMAN (2018) #5

Well, that's it for this week.  Until next time, get your READ on!

Classic Cover of the Day - Saturday Showcase Edition

Classic Cover of the Day - Saturday Showcase Edition

Marvel Two-in-One #55 (First Giant-Man)

MARVEL

September 1979

Saturday Showcase: Goliath (Bill Foster)

    I thought I would showcase Bill Foster aka Goliath today since he has a spot in the Marvel Studios film Ant-Man and the Wasp.  Now if you are a comic book fan, you know that there has been 5 Goliaths so far in the Marvel Universe.  The first was of course Dr. Pym, then there was Clint Barton (yes, Hawkeye) and the third man to fight as Goliath was Bill Foster.  The other two Goliaths will be mentioned at another time, specifically in showcases of their own.

    Bill Foster made his comic debut back in '66 in issue #32 of the Avengers.  He was a lab assistant and fellow scientist to Dr. Henry Pym.  It wasn't until '75 when we saw the birth of Foster's Goliath in Luke Cage, Power Man #24.  He called himself Black Goliath when he first debuted.  What a way to showcase his powers than challenging the one and only Power Man.  

Luke Cage, Power Man #24 (1st Black Goliath)

    Bill later changed his persona to Giant-Man in '79 in Marvel Two-in-One #55.  He finally changed his alter ego's name to Goliath in 2006 in the Thing #1.  Bill Foster was originally created by Don Heck and the one and only Stan Lee.  It wasn't until Black Goliath came along that we can credit Tony Isabella and George Tuska for their creation.

  Bill was a Defender, Champion, as well as a member of Project: Pegasus in his career as a super hero.  Sadly, Bill's reign as Goliath ended in Marvel's Civil War.  He was killed by a Thor clone and his death made heroes realize that they were fighting a senseless war.  He died as a giant and was buried as one.  Tony Stark paid for the 38 plots it took to bury him.  He lived and died as a hero.

Laurence Fishburne as Bill Foster

    Since Bill was a such big part of my life and the world of Marvel Comics, I was beyond happy when I heard that the great Laurence Fishburne was playng Bill Foster in the Ant-Man and the Wasp film.  Finally he (Bill) was getting the respect he deserves.  Now, if we could only get Netflix to put him in the net season of Luke Cage, lol.

Until next time, unleash your inner NERD and get your READ on!

EXTREME RULES 2018 - My Picks

    Sunday, July 15, 2018 promises to be one of the best Extreme Rules PPV's since the original ECW.  Now, we all know this is the PG Era so their will be hardly any blood spilled but their will be pain.  So let's just get right to my picks.

AJ Styles VS Rusev ( World Championship Match)

This promises to be a great match.  The Phenomenal One will show Rusev that you need more than a day to defeat him.  Don't get me wrong, I like Rusev and he is a powerhouse, but I think Styles will come out on top.

My Pick: AJ Styles

Lashley Vs Reigns

This match up is one of those matches where I really could do without it.  Don't get me wrong, he will be a slug fest but is it really PPV worthy? Maybe it is worthy of the kick off show but not the main card.   Either way, I believe Roman will stand tall.

My Pick: Roman Reigns

Strowman Vs Owens (STEEL CAGE)

This is going to be a slobber knocker.  The Monster is going to demolish Owens in that cage...or will he?  Owens is a fighter and I think he may find a way to win.  I know the easy money is on the Monster to win, but I am going for the underdog.

My Pick: Kevin Owens

The Bludgeon Brothers Vs Team Hell No (Smackdown Live Tag Titles)

This could be the sleeper match of the night.  You got two monsters Vs one demon and a goat, so it could go either way.  Team Hell No may have the WWE universe on their side, but is that enough?  As much as I like Kane and Daniel, I feel the Brothers will be victorious to remain the Tag Champs of Smackdown Live.

My Pick: the Bludgeon Brothers

Intercontinental Championship Iron Man Match

This match has the showstopper Vs the architect.  Seth and Dolph are two of te best IC Champions the WWE has ever seen.  With that said, Dolph has not so secret weapon that could spell trouble for Rollins in this Iron Man match.  Wil Drew be Dolph's key to success in this match up or will Rollins burn it down?

My Pick: Dolph Ziggler

United States Championship Match - Hardy Vs Shinsuke

Both wrestlers are wrestling hurt, will this become a factor on the outcome?  Of course it will!  Question is, who is hurting the worst?  Both wrestlers are extremely talented and could make this match very entertaining.  If Shinsuke is able to stay focused, I believe he can defeat Hardy with his strong style.  If Shinsuke can keep Jeff grounded, the championship is his for the taking.

My Pick: Shinsuke Nakamura

Alexa Bliss Vs Nia Jax (RAW Women's Championship)

Normally, I would just say Nia flat out but this is an extreme rules match which basically means there are no rules.  So, with that said Mickie could interfere or Alexa could use a weapon to her advantage.  But let us not forget that Ronda will be at ringside (as a spectator) and that could draw Bliss's attention.  I believe it will be a fight, bt I also believe that we will see Nia as a two time Raw Women;s Champion.

My Pick: Nia Jax

Asuka Vs Carmella (Smackdown Live Women's Championship)

It's no secret that I am a huge Asuka fan and that I want her to win.  That is what I want, but with James in a shark cage above the match anything could happen.  As we all know, sometimes the shark cage allows for the interference that leads to the wrong person winning.  I have a good feeling that even though the odds are against her, Asuka will come out on top.

My Pick: Asuka

the Deleters of Worlds Vs the B team (Raw Tag Titles)

The B tean has been on a roll lately, even beating Hardy and Wyatt in singles matches but that all ends Sunday.  Look for teh B team to be DELETED!

My Pick: the Deleters of Worlds

Sonya Deville as Raven

Saturday Morning Cartoons - Green Lantern Vs Evil Star

Classic Cover of the Day - THORSday Edition

Classic Cover of the Day - THORSday Edition

the Mighty Thor #382

MARVEL Comics

Cosplay of the Day

Cosplay of the Day

Chun Li by Kay Lynn Syrin

Photo by ACCosplay

Who's Who Wednesdays - Female Furies

Comic Cover of the Week - the Flash #50

Cover of the Week

the Flash #50 (Variant)

DC Comics

Cover Art by Francesco Mattina

Derf's Comic Picks of the Week

Dark Horse

ALIENS DUST TO DUST #2 (MR)

TOMB RAIDER INFERNO #2

DC Comics

DETECTIVE COMICS #984

FLASH #50 

HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #48

HAWKMAN #2

PLASTIC MAN #2

SUPERMAN #1

WONDER WOMAN #50

Dynamite

KISS AOD #5 

IDW

TRANSFORMERS UNICRON #1 

MARVEL

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1

DEADPOOL ASSASSIN #3 

NEW MUTANTS DEAD SOULS #5

PUNISHER #227

STAR WARS DARTH VADER #18

STAR WARS THRAWN #6

X-23 #1

Classic Cover of the Day - MARVELous Monday Edition

Classic Cover of the Day - MARVELous Monday Edition

the Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1, #5

Art by Steve Dikto

Marvel Comics

R.I.P. Steve Ditko

One of my favorite Steve Ditko illustrations.  His creation of Kraven the Hunter is what made me fall in love with the Spider-Man comics to begin with.  R.I.P.  Steve Ditko

Classic Cover of the Day - THORsday Edition

Classic Cover of the Day

Journey into Mystery with the Mighty Thor Vol. 1 #107

Marvel Comics

Cosplay of the Day - THORsday Edition

Cosplay of the Day - THORsday Edition

Cosplayer Unknown

Comic Picks of the Week

BOOM!

JIM HENSON BENEATH DARK CRYSTAL #1 (OF 12) 

DC Comics

BATMAN #50

CATWOMAN #1

DEATHSTROKE #33 

HARLEY QUINN #45

JUSTICE LEAGUE #3

D.E.

ELVIRA MISTRESS OF DARK #1 

IDW

JUDGE DREDD UNDER SIEGE #2 

TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE MOVIE PREQUEL #1 

IMAGE

MEDIEVAL SPAWN WITCHBLADE #3 (OF 4)

SPAWN #287 

WALKING DEAD #181

MARVEL

ASTONISHING X-MEN #13 

CAPTAIN AMERICA #1

COSMIC GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 5)

STAR WARS #50

STAR WARS LAST JEDI ADAPTATION #4 (OF 6)

Until next time, get your READ on!

Cosplay of the Day - July 4th Edition

Cosplay of the Day - July 4th Edition

Jaycee Cosplay as Captain America

Photo: Gregory Geiger

Classic Cover of the Day: MARVELous Monday Edition

Classic Cover of the Day: MARVELous Monday Edition

the Incredible Hulk #216

MARVEL