Author name: Chris Bushley

Our good friends at Dark Horse have found it in their hearts to bestow a bevy of advance copies of this weeks books to the CBN offices. Hopefully, you checked out my other advanced review for the latest issue of B.P.R.D., Mike Mignola has been doing some amazing stuff! But Ragemoor, though within the horror genre, is not something from the mind of Mike Mignola. No my friends, it is from the classic horror duo of Jan Strnad and Richard Corben!

Ragemoor is steeped in pure classic horror and you will enjoy each and every black and white stunning page! Cut from the same vein as Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, or more recently Stephen King’s Rose Red, Ragemoor is about a monolithic castle that is more alive than some of it’s inhabitants. Built on blood and pain, it seethes and grows without the help of man. It’s own demonic rage is fuel enough to render itself larger with each passing day! And when a long lost uncle comes back to claim ownership, Ragemoor has plans all it’s own!

Horror fans have yet again been blessed with the artistic talent of Richard Corben! At seventy-one years old, Mr. Corben is still turning out some of the most amazing art I have ever seen! His skill is unprecedented, challenging the most artistic talent in the field today, and inspiring those itching to break into the business. Combined with the compelling tale by Jan Strnad, this duo has created a contemporary classic that nods to the past while forging the future of horror comics. You are literally waiting for Vincent Price to enter the panel, putting his stamp of approval upon a book that can bridge the gap between then and now. If you are remotely interested in the horror genre at all, this is the book that will make you an instant fan for life! I cannot recommend it enough!

2012 is the year the Mignolaverse all goes to hell — quite literally! With the “death” of Hellboy, the evolution/de-evolution of Abe Sapien, the wayward roaming of Liz Sherman and the impending doom of Fenix, there is only one being that can help off set the hordes of evil knocking on reality’s door — Johann Kraus! But instead of leading his squad against the forces of evil, Johann wanders away on a mission of revenge. Seeking to find Captain Daimio might not cost him anything, but it will cost his squad much more than they are willing to lose! 

Mike Mignola and James Harred have created a tale that is astonishing! We all know Mignola can spin an amazing story about the occult and the warriors that stand tall against the forces of evil, but this book is all about James Harred! The art is utterly amazing! There is a fluidity, a naturalness to it that makes every page feel alive. Even the most grotesque scenes, and there are a lot of them, have a unique quality that helps transcend past the written tale of the book. B.P.R.D. books have always had an extremely high caliber of artists waiting in the wings, but as of now, James Harred has taken top billing on my list! Not to be left out in all the artistic praise, check out the viciously outstanding cover by Duncan Fegredo and Dave Stewart — this is why people are afraid of the dark!

This is an extremely pleasing read filled with all the outlandish horror aspects we have become accustomed to without being complacent. B.P.R.D. fans will be pleasantly surprised with the return of a certain “monster” and all the references to past storylines, but new readers will have a hard time feeling comfortable in the vastness of the Mignolaverse. But anyone can enjoy the creative, artistic talent of James Harred, and no other book can boast having a final battle quite like this one! I have read comics for twenty-five years and have never seen anything like it! 

If you have never read a B.P.R.D. book before, I recommend picking up a bundle of trades and get in on a fantastic series before it all goes to hell!

Swamp Thing is a character that has a certain aura about it. Never a forerunner for DC, it was always a cult classic, something hidden from the mainstream — something secret. It was that same sense of taboo that let creators open their minds up to new possibilities for the character, the shackles of bigger named characters never restrained their work.  They were free to create a vast array of situations, ones that challenged the status quo. And so, in the eyes of many, he was a character that surpassed his more well known brethren.

But now, in the capable hands of Scott Snyder, Swamp Thing and it’s fans no longer need to stay a secret. The playing field has been leveled and Swamp Thing has emerged as the quintessential book to read every month! The legend of what was, has now become a legend in it’s own time!

Swamp Thing #7 brings Alec Holland’s quest to stop the Rot to a drastic conclusion. The Parliament of Trees has been torn apart, dying, they curse Alec for his indecision and save him long enough to prolong his own death. But it is not out of mercy that they stave off his attackers, they only extend his life in order to extend his agony. How did things go so wrong and how will they be rectified? The only thing left to change the course of the inevitable — war!

Disturbing and yet wholly satisfying, Scott Snyder and Yanick Paquette have created a utopia of the macabre! A wretched symphony of story and art that will completely assault and astound you! I am so pleased that DC had the foresight to open up genres again that challenged the status quo of “super hero” comics. Snyder and Paquette have created a book that, without a doubt, will go down as one of the classics in comic history. It is so visceral, moving and appalling at the same time, challenging the reader to diversify their tastes of what “normal” books can be. 

Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire are on a collision course against the Rot! The Swamp Thing and Animal Man crossover is looming before us and it all begins here! 

Ripping from the pages of Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force, comes a new tale of everyone’s favorite alternate timeline — Age Of Apocalypse!

The 90’s are back in full swing and I am loving it! Set a decade after the events of the original A.O.A. storyline that rocked the mutant world, this timeline is far worse off than we have ever seen! Weapon Omega has inherited the Apocalypse seed and now Wolverine is far more tyrannical than Apocalypse ever was! Mutantkind has finally won over mankind and the war amongst themselves has become more vicious than anyone could have imagined. A caste system has emerged and every mutant is now judged worthy or unworthy of even the most common rights. As the dystopian cities crumble even further and mutant eats mutant, it is the perfect time for the all human rebellion to begin. One that will be led by — The X-Terminated!

Although the “kick-off” storyline to this book was originally helmed by fan fave Rick Remender in the pages of Uncanny X-Force, David Lapham brings a depth to the story that makes this a completely engrossing read! Told from the first person perspective of Harper Simmons, a reporter from the Marvel 616 that was teleported to the A.O.A., we get to see and hear all the horrific deeds from the angle of an outsider; someone who can compare the atrocities to events in his own world. It is that same perspective that can allow casual readers of the new series to feel vested in the story and stay focused on what is unfolding before them. And what unfolds is astonishing!

The X-Terminated crew are some of the coolest looking characters that have come out in a long time! Normal humans that only rely on their strength of will, extensive training, weapons and guile to bring the fight for freedom to their mutant oppressors — this team is completely bad ass! But it’s not just the creation of cool characters that moves the story to new heights, it is the focus on detail, the melding of classic A.O.A. characters and situations and the overall richness of story that Lapham brings to the table. Combined with , one of my favorite artists, Roberto de La Torre’s brutally aggressive art, this book will be an instant fan favorite. And speaking of de La Torre’s art, it was a complete joy to see him render Daredevil again, or should I say Keeper Murdock!

This is a great book with a completely shocking reveal at the end! If you haven’t read the original A.O.A. stories, or especially Uncanny X-Force #19.1, you may become lost with all the content within the book. But there is enough action and intrigue woven in that you can probably work your way through with out a hitch. 

Steve Pugh makes his triumphant return to Animal Man after a seventeen year hiatus! 

Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman have created a brilliant book that pushes the boundaries of what is to be expected of a comic book. Every month, this dramatic team has crafted something more awe inspiring than the last. Now, sadly, we are given the last issue that Travel Foreman will draw for Animal Man. For personal reasons, that we detailed in an article before, Travel will be stepping in on art chores for Birds of Prey. Though I wish him luck on his new endeavor, I will sorely miss his distinct style. 

Now, on to the book! This has been one of my favorite issues so far. While being on the run from the pursuing Rot, we get the chance to feel the family dynamic of the Bakers. From the mother-in-law’s speech about how insane all of their lives have become, to the bond that resides between Buddy and his son; Lemire has truly brought a weight to these characters that makes us genuinely fear for their lives. The sense of dread is palpable on every page, but it is the dream sequence that makes this issue truly stand out! Being a huge Vertigo fan, I was overjoyed at the characters used to portray the horrific future that awaits our hero and his family. Especially a certain mage with a smoking addiction!

Lemire has set his Animal Man on a collision course with Scott Snyder’s Swamp Thing and the winner will be all of us! Horror books have never been done this well before! Smart, engaging and repulsive all at the same time, Animal Man will instantly become one of your top books every month.  

The “DOC’s” Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

(A weekly quick pick of the five titles that should reside at the top of your pull list. In no particular order!)

I do the research, you reap the reward! Before you head out to your favorite shop today, be sure to add these five titles to your list of goodies. Forget that apple a day nonsense, this “DOC’s” prescription for good health starts with these top five books of the week!

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1.  Supurbia #1 (of 4):  BOOM! Studios new mini about the inner workings of a super hero community and all the secrets it holds, hits stands today! Be one of the first to get a glimpse of how “real” things can get! Check out my advanced review here for all the details!

2.  Animal Man #7:  Jeff Lemiere’s tale of Buddy Baker’s quest against the demonic Rot, has been some of the best stories on the shelves each month! But this issue’s dream sequence brings some very Vertigo-esque characters into the fold, bald Constantine anyone?

3. Swamp Thing #7:  Alec Holland has failed the Parliament of Trees and now all is lost! Unless, there is a way to summon the Swamp Thing! Scott Snyder’s collision course with Jeff Lemiere’s Animal Man takes a giant leap in this issue!

4. Age Of Apocalypse #1:  Stemming from the pages of Rick Remender’s Uncanny X-Force, A.O.A., follows the quest of the X-Terminated against the tyrannical Weapon Omega! Any A.O.A. fan must get this book! The final page reveal is worth it alone!

5. Fairest #1:  From the pages of Fables, Bill Willingham’s new book that focuses on the fairer sex debuts today! Any Fables fan will thoroughly enjoy the tales of characters that have been lost from the regular series. Plus, cosmic fans will definitely recognize the inker — Andy Lanning!

Squaddies Assemble!

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

[[wysiwyg_imageupload:794:]]That’s right Squaddies, February gave us a ton of updates for our favorite MMO geared for our little ones, and now it looks like March is going to be much of the same! I actually received an e-mail from Super Hero Squad Online on March 1st regarding it’s new update, but it has been quite hectic here at the CBN offices as of late! So without further ado, here we go!

After logging in, you will see a box on the left hand side of the screen that says: Redeem A Code. Enter the word “GOODIES” into the box and your account will be credited with a vast array of treats. You will receive one of each of the following in game consumables: STINK BOMB, WINTER STORM, RAISE THE ROOF, PLASMA ORB, HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW and the ever popular — HERO UP(LEVEL UP) POTION! Now, these little treats can only be used in the main boards of The Daily Bugle, Villainville, The Baxter Building or Asgard; not on missions! But they are fun all the same! It’s a nice little way to make the main boards more interesting and the best part is — THEY ARE ALL FREE! If you really enjoy any of these goodies in particular, they can all be purchased in the shopping center for a few silver pieces, but that HERO UP(LEVEL UP) POTION will cost you some gold! But if you really need to level up one character quickly, it’s the fastest way to do it!

So Squaddies, if you have any new codes or updates you would like to share with your fellow heroes, head on over to the forums and let us know! And please make sure your codes are up to date — there are enough sites putting up out dated codes out there! Here at CBN, we only give out the good stuff!

Head on over to to heroup.com to play!