COMIC BOOKS & PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM # 4 - XAOS

 Joining us this week is the other half of the Ikaricast, Fighter Xaos. And once again we talk about comics and more.

 CBC: So Xaos, you've done well over 100 episodes of the Ikaricast, how does it feel?

 

Xaos: It feels like I've become a man of destiny. XD Nah, in all honesty it feels great. Almost like I'm an actual talk show radio host. I don't think I put as much work as they do, but I do feel real comfortable with speaking with pretty much anyone now and be able to make it entertaining.

CBC: Do you find that your confidence helps you in your work?

Xaos: Most definitely. If you don't have confidence to speak with your guest the program or segment you're recording or broadcasting will sound awkward.

CBC: So besides a love for Anime, Gaming and even Tokusatsu . . . you love comics and art as well, correct?

Xaos: You are correct good sir.

CBC: What kind of comics have you been enjoying lately?

Xaos: I believe Jeff has mentioned some of the same comics I've been reading like DareDevil and Wonder Woman. But other series I've been enjoying lately are the new Superman, Blue Beetle, and... pretty much whatever Dan Slott is doing with Spider Man. I really am enjoying his work

CBC: Interesting. Mark Waid's Daredevil has been heralded the best run on the comic in years and one of the best of 2011. Do you think it lives up to that hype?

Xaos: Does it live up the hype? Hmm, indeed Mark Waid's Daredevil run is great, but I don't think Brubaker's run needs to live up to the hype, and I don't think he's trying to. Which is why I feel this current run is doing great. Sometimes with trying to follow up an act like that you shouldn't try to match it but do your own thing.

CBC: Do you feel that a lot of writers and/or artist try to recreate and/or live up to a previous, popular run?

Xaos: I do feel that writers do that, unfortunately. There's arcs I see where it seems writers will try and recreate things like Superman's death for DC comics, or in Marvel there always seem to be some sort of Skrull invasion. I'm not going to judge Avengers vs X Men until I actually read it, but I have a feeling some repeats of Civil War are going to happen.

CBC: Do you feel like originality has died in comics? Only in the big 2?

Xaos: Has originality died? It's on life support I think. The big 2 want to take fewer risks nowadays so they're not as quick to jump on more unique possibly risky storylines. Outside of those 2 IDW seems to be willing to do more original stories but I still don't want to say they're heaps better than Marvel and DC with that. Seems they want to do crossovers nowadays which isn't bad at all, I'm very interested in some of these crossovers with Transformers and the like but doesn't mean they're all too original we've seen crossovers before.

CBC: Okay. How did you feel about the New 52? And how do you feel about Blue Beetle Pre New 52 to current Blue Beetle?

Xaos: Like I'm sure the other guys said, I'm loving the new 52. Especially Superman, Wonder Woman, and... I'm kicking myself for not having picked it up yet... The Flash. I'm a little frustrated that DC decided to keep Green Lantern in the same continuity though. It's not a deal breaker for me, I'll still read the comics but I would've liked to see a Green Lantern reboot as well. I honestly didn't keep up with Blue Beetle pre New 52, well, not in recent years anyway. But I am loving this new Blue Beetle, he has a very Kamen Rider aesthetic and  feel to him. Right now his stories are pretty fun to read and I can see them staying that way.

CBC: I forgot to ask Jeff this but I am gonna ask you, was there any event or storyline that you felt disappointed by within the last year?

Xaos: Within the last year, I had to think about it, but I remember being very hype for Fear Itself and being disappointed by certain parts. The build up to it, I loved but then seeing the hammers and everything I was thinking to myself "blackest night?" I guess it becomes a bigger disappointment because it's Matt Fraction and I really enjoy his writing, especially Iron Fist

CBC: Ah. Who are some of your favorite writers? Who are some of  your favorite artists?

Xaos: For writers, I enjoy Mark Millar, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Azzarello, Ed Brubaker, and Dan Slott. For artists I really like Alex Ross, Joe Madureira, Ed McGuiness, George Perez, and Francis Manapul.

CBC: Awesome. You are also an artist too.  What influenced you to be an artist?

Xaos: What originally influenced me to be an artist was when a certain anime I watched as a kid called Dragon Ball Z. Almost everybody at school from 4th grade to 6th grade would come up with their own characters and I did the same. But different than the other kids instead of just making a bunch of different levels of super saiyan and the like, I actually cared about the story I was making. Tenchi Muyo, and the X Men cartoon also influenced my style of art. Before deciding to become an artist I merely fancied myself a writer. I've got a big explanation for that as well, if you ask. :D

CBC: So you would say you are an artist/writer?

Xaos: Yes, I would. Every time I think of a picture to draw I think of a story to go with it. I don't always talk about it, but every single one has a story... unless they're design sheets. XD

CBC: lol

Xaos: While trying to get into comic book business I feel that even if they don't like my art, I can win them with my stories.

CBC: Giving you a great chance of breaking into the business. I see. Do you have any art/writing projects coming up?

Xaos: I do actually. For writing there's this story I've been working called "March On" about two friends from the lower classes of society fighting the world essentially. As for art projects I have this "pin up" calendar I've been working on. Things have been slow with that but with more time on my hands I should get that done BEFORE 2013. XD Very recently I've also had this idea to draw people from the internet as I IMAGINE them looking, whether I know what they look like or not, I won't take that into consideration I'll just let their personality shine in my pieces.

CBC: That is awesome. Who are some of the comic book creators you would love to work with?

Xaos: Great question. If I had the opportunity, and this was a candy land where everyone is still alive I would love to work with legends Jack Kirby, and Superman creators Siegel and Shuster, and of course Stan Lee. Currently, I think me and Ed McGuiness would work great together, and I would love to have the opportunity to draw for a Matt Fraction story. Stan Lee, of course, not dead, if any reader gets confused by my sentence

CBC: Anything that you are looking forward to in comics this year?

Xaos: My mind ,of course, just HAS to blank right now on most things happening right now. But I really am looking forward to Avengers versus X Men, cautious optimism you could say. I'm also looking forward to what the new team on the current Superman series come up with after George Perez leaves.

CBC: Good List. What is coming up for you this year on the Ikaricast and other projects?

Xaos: For the Ikaricast I'm going to try and see if we can bring even more podcasters together in future episodes. Currently we have Soul Bro Ryu of Gundamn! to join us this week for a special fighting game centric episode, but in the future I would also like to see if I can get the hosts of podcasts like the AAA podcast and VVV gaming podcast. See if we can make podcasting at least a little bit more of a tight knit community. As for other projects I plan to not only write that "March On" story I was telling you about but these other stories I have after I finish with that. Also, if I can learn it well enough I plan to make some flash cartoons actually, I always wanted to do those.

CBC: That is awesome. Final question: Any last words for our readers?

Xaos: My last words for the readers, NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS! Also, stay humble, and lastly NIMYOU KANRYOU! (mission complete)

CBC:  Thank you again Xaos.

For more on Xaos & 16-Bit Jeff, go over here to the Ikaricast in Reviewtopia.  To help their fellow Reviewtopian, Cin Wicked, check out details here.

COMICS & PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM # 3 - 16-BIT JEFF

  Ladies and Gents, once again, we got another interview with another internet personality. This time from the Ikaricast & the Next Gen podcast, it is 16-bit Jeff.

by Frankie Rodriguez

CBC: So Jeff, you've been pretty busy of late with your shows and new games coming out, right?

16-bit Jeff: .... Yes XD

 CBC: For our readers, what has been consuming your life of late in terms of Video Games?

16-bit Jeff: Let's See... Mass Effect 3 for one (and it's was not Fun Times with Shepard T_T)

 CBC: Ouch. I heard.

16-bit Jeff: Thank You for understanding my pain

CBC: Some people also know that you are an avid comic book fan, correct?

16 Bit Jeff : you are correct :)

CBC: Who or what got you interested in comics in the first place?

 16 Bit Jeff: What got my into Comics, was a Combination of the Cartoons & the Respective Series that were released in the 90's. For Example... X-Men, Spider-Man, Silver Surfer, WildCats...

 CBC: So the cartoons were the gateway drug into comics? What stood out about those books for you back then?

16-bit Jeff: Well. Like Anything.... The Story. The Reason Why I like Spider-Man is becauese he's one of the Most Reconizable and Relatable Characters in the Marvel Universe. Ironically, Majority of the Marvel Heroes Start off with a Random Tragedy happening to them.... God Bless You, Stan "The Man" Lee! :D

 CBC: *laughs* You do have a great point. So, what are some of your favorite stories in comics?

16-bit Jeff: It's Mostly with Writers rather than Arcs. I'm a Fan of Geoff Johns, Brian Azzarello, Mark Waid, Jeff Parker, Stan Lee, Peter David, Dan Slott, Brain Bendis, and ALOT more..... (and yes I'm a Fan of Mark Millar, DEAL WITH IT!)

CBC: Hey. hey. I love Mark Millar's stuff too. I get flack for liking Bendis, Fraction  & Brubaker. Are you still reading comics? And if so, what have you been reading recently?

16-bit Jeff: Yes. I've been reading a lot of Comics recently. Ongoing Series that I would reccomend: Tom Waltz & Kevin Eastman's TMNT Series (IDW), Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (MARVEL), Ultimate Comics X-Men (MARVEL), Action Comics (DC), The Flash (DC), Wonder Woman (DC), The Cape (IDW), Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel), Daredevil (Marvel), Avengers: Children’s Crusade (Marvel), Young Avengers (Marvel) and trust me... the List goes on and on. XD

CBC: Awesome. What do you think about DC's New 52, now that it's been half a year & are you picking up any of the 2nd wave titles?

16-bit Jeff: Honestly, I LOVE It. The 2nd Wave Titles I'm Picking: Dial H (for a Hero), Earth 2 & World's Finest (and Thanks to Brian of Laid Back Comics for helping me out as we speak)

CBC: Ah. So you are looking forward to the new Justice Society?  And how do you feel about Azarello's WW?

16-bit Jeff: Justice Society. Yes because I'm a fan of Robinson's Work. Azarello's work on Wonder Woman is what I Hoped what JMS Work on the Comic was during his Time... GOOD! In Defense, when I mean Good.... I mean of his work on the Comic Making Sense.

CBC: *laughs* So let's get to the dark side of comics for a second. Are they any comic book tropes that just turn you off or frustrate you?

16-bit Jeff: One Trope that I've Despise (that thanks to Poor writing) is Revolving Door Syndrome (or in laymen's Terms, Comic Book Deaths).

 CBC: How so? Just the overuse of it? How it's done?

16-bit Jeff: it's actually a mixture of both (Overuse & How it's Done). one of it being Overused is that It's a Poor Excuse to make a hero relevant once more (i.e. Superman's death in the early 90's). The Other Being How it's Done is of how they passed and When they are inevitably revived, it's no longer matters.

 CBC: So do you believe that any kind of resurrection cheapens a character?

16-bit Jeff: Unless if the Revival of a Deceased Character makes sense. Than Yes, It's Cheapens the Hero's/Villain's Last Stand. And This is One thing I love of the Ultimate Universe than 616. That is if someone dies in Ultimate, They STAY Dead!

CBC: I can see your point. So, tell me, what are you looking forward to in comics this summer?

16-bit Jeff: Two Events that I'm Looking forward to during this Summer are: X-Men vs. Avengers & Spider-Men... and Why do I have a feeling that Scott Summers Is going to perish during XvsA :D

CBC: Are you a fan of Scott Summers? Is it safe to say you are more of a Big 2 than an indy collector?

16-bit Jeff: I Do like Cyclops. I just think it's Hilarious he's becoming more like Magneto... as for Compays, I'm both a reader of the BIG 3 (Marvel, DC, Image) & of Indy (Oni Press, IDW, Top Cow, etc.)

CBC: Speaking of Cyclops, how do you feel about the X-Men books of late, now that they have split up?

16-bit Jeff: While i didn't like the Outcome Schism (it's still a great event comic)  of why they disbanded. I thought it was a smart move on Marvel's end. And While I still enjoy Uncanny X-Men, I Enjoy Wolverine & the X-Men more due to it's Story-telling & the book portraying Loganas a Headmaster of a School is Hilarious yet Interesting at the same time.

CBC: Ah, you mean the uncomfortable aspect of his (and some other characters') role correct?

16-bit Jeff: Exactly.

CBC: Is it hard to juggle between games and comics and you doing Ikaricast?

16-bit Jeff: In All Honestly, Not Really.

CBC: So, for our readers, what is coming up on the Ikaricast and for you?

16-bit Jeff: Well... For this week's Ikaricast. We are joined With Gundamn Podcast's Own SoulBroRyu to talk about the Recent Trends in the Fighting Game Community (most Infamously, SfXT's DLC & that whole Debacle). For my solo podcast, The Next-Gen podcast.... Stay Tuned.

CBC: Any final words you want to leave our Readers with?

16-bit Jeff: Thank You for Supporting the Ikaricast throughout the Years.

CBC: No problem. Thank you again Jeff.
For more on 16-bit Jeff, check out the Ikaricast and Next-Gen Podcast. 

COMICS & PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM #2 - EZ RIDER

 Welcome once again to Comics and the People Who Love Them. This time, EIC Frankie Rodriguez (also known as Seraph) sits down with another Reviewtopia contributor & Tokusatsu lover: the host of Toku Time:  EZ Rider.

CBC: For people who don't know, EZ, you are a host of Toku Time; can you explain your show to our readers?

EZ Rider: I am The Toku Guy, I'm trying to show people the true glory that is tokusatsu, and how if people can look past Power Rangers and see it for what it really is, it can be an enjoyable genre for a more mature audience AND kids.

CBC: True and you cover all sorts of Tokusatsu, correct?

EZ Rider: Indeed, there's so many sub-genre series and movies out there in the world of toku, and I'm going to cover them all

 CBC: Not to switch gears. Some of your fans many or many not know this, but you are a comic book fan as well, right?

EZ Rider: yep, not as big as BAC (Bryan Clendening from Comics & the People Who Love Them # 1)  from Laid Back Comics, Linkara or yourself but I'd consider myself an adept reader. When I can get to the comic store/bookstore that is. *laughs*

CBC:  So tell us EZ, what books got you started into reading comics?

EZ Rider: Well, probably the biggest was when I was a kid. I was big into the Superman movies and he was like a god to kids back then in the 80's. So my dad actually got me a subscription to Action Comics. He'd spent every other night reading them to me. Well I got into my teen years and I expanded into the world of Marvel and got hooked on Spider-Man at the time, but I kinda left them behind in high school. It wasn't until college that a comic book class caught my eye and even better, the library had it's own reading room for comics/graphic novels. So I was hooked again, and I had some catching up to do then.

CBC: What have been some of  your favorite stories in comics?

EZ Rider: Probably the biggest one for me was the Clone Saga from Spider-Man, I can see people rolling their eyes already but I still like it. I admit it has it's problems but who cares? It gave us probably my favorite character in the Marvel universe, Ben Reilly. Seeing Spider-Man and Scarlet Spider fighting evil side by side, it was so awesome. Almost better than a Batman/Superman team-up.

Currently I have been heavy into Green Lantern. I think the Emotional Spectrum is the best thing to happen in comics. The new lantern corps hold so many endless possibilities and I can't wait to see what they do next and how they expand on these new corps.

CBC: With those said, how do you feel about the New Scarlet Spider? Are there particular lanterns you like more than others?

EZ Rider: I almost wished the Clone Saga has gone in the direction they are going now as opposed to the lackluster ending. It's interesting to see them do this now. Maybe they are trying to redeem themselves *laughs*

As for lantern corps I think I think the Red Lanterns pretty awesome. It's interesting to know now that when you lose your head in battle you can become a berserk killing machine (see Guy Gardner in Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps). Blue Lanterns are also very intriguing. It's a shame that Saint Walker has not gotten his own series (well, New Guardians is close enough). He kind of reminds me of Cane in Kung Fu or Mr. Miyagi. He wants to find the peaceful way out and doesn't like to resort to fighting. Kind of admirable. I'd like to see him get his own series as a nomadic drifter through the sectors, helping people where he goes.

CBC: Do you have any favorite writers, artists ? If so, who are they?

EZ Rider: My favorite writers are probably (in no particular order) Grant Morrison. I just recently picked up All-Star Superman Vol. 1 and I'm currently reading his run on Action Comics. I HIGHLY recommend both.

Geoff Johns for his phenomenal work on Green Lantern and Flashpoint.

Matt Fraction: Didn't care for him at first until I read Fear Itself.

Brian Michael Bendis: His work on Ultimate Spider-Man, need I say more?

And last but not least, my personal favorite, Fabian Nicieza. It is CRIMINAL how underrated his work is, just look at his work on Trinity or more recently, Legion LOST. Two series I highly recommend.

CBC: Pretty damn awesome. So what was your reaction to the new 52 from DC? to Avengers vs. X-Men?

EZ Rider: I think the new 52 was a good idea but it felt so...rushed. That could just be my love for the World of Flashpoint talking. (And I hope to go we see more of that in future) but my only real gripe with the new universe is how Green Lantern has pretty much been untouched. Not just that. Other dead characters were revived but beloved characters (like Laira, Batman Beyond, The Marvels,  and Renee Montoya) have either gone missing or never existed and I'm a little mift about that.

As for Avengers vs. X-Men I think this has been a long time coming, ever since Civil War. Let's hope it doesn't become another House of M though. The less I say about that the better

CBC: You mentioned Fabian Nicieza as an underrated writer. Who else, writer, artist, comic, character, do you feel is underrated?

EZ Rider: Well I missed artists earlier so I'll focus on them first. One I really love is Simone Bianchi who did work/covers for Green Lantern and Uncanny X-Force, another is Fernando Blanco, who I noticed did work on Captain America. Pick up the Theater of War collection and you'll see what I mean.

As for comic characters I was excited to hear Static Shock was back for the new 52 but I heard recently it's going to be discontinued. Very sad but then again without Dwayne McDuffie I guess it isn't really the same. Still a great story/hero though. I recommend the cartoon for it as well.

CBC: What are you looking forward to  comic book wise in 2012?

EZ Rider: Probably the first big DC event that I've heard whispers about. And Earth 2, the new comic announced from DC that apprently is going to be bringing back the JSA. I can't wait to see how they pull that off and what the multiverse means to the new 52. As for Marvel, the Avengers vs. X-Men event and how the Ultimate universe will go on. In my own opinion Spider-Man was carrying the Ultimate series, let's see how they can keep it going without retconning him back to life or pulling another One More Day.

CBC: Do you feel there are tropes that carry from comics to Tokusatsu or vice versa?

EZ Rider: Well it would've been a nice little nod to the toku series if Tony Stark gave Spidey a mech instead of that new costume during Civil War *laughs*  But seriously, sometimes. It feels a lot of times like Captain America and Iron Man are like two Kamen Riders out of the Heisei-Era. They never get along, they seldom see eye to eye but in the end they work together for the greater good.  So in answer to your question. Sometimes.

CBC: What are some of the tropes you are tired of seeing in comics today?

EZ Rider: The lack of real female superheroes. Don't get me wrong, I love fanservice and hot chicks in spandex as much as the next horny fanboy but seriously. Look at the new 52 for example. Personal favorites like Power Girl and Mary Marvel have vanished. Now I know, Power Girl was only popular because of her enormous "talents" but personally I beg to differ. Go read her solo work if you don't believe me. Thank god I heard she may be coming back soon (with Huntress no less) I feel like DC has actually taken two steps back instead of going forward. *Now I know what you're thinking

CBC: What can we look forward to on Toku Time & your other shows (Rider Ramblings, Talk Toku, etc)? I heard you are working on  a review of Kamen Rider Hibiki.

EZ Rider: Indeed I have, hopefully I'll have the Hibiki review done by the time you read this. After that I'll be celebrating my 50th episode by reviewing the old school sentai series, Liveman.

As for other shows, Rider Ramblings are usually on my youtube bi-weekly, depending on what's on my mind at the moment. *laughs*

I haven't been able to land any more interviews for Talking Toku but I'll be going to Power Morphicon in August and I intend to hopefully land several interviews there to make up for it. It all depends on who all shows up.

I also have a crossover video with my good friend and fellow toku brother, Apollo Z. Hack so look forward to that some time in April. I've been kicking around the idea of my own comic series but nothing's coming out of it.......yet. Other than that, not much else for the forseeable future. Just reviewting and spreading the word of toku.

CBC: That is awesome. Finally, any words you want to say to the readers and fans?

EZ Rider: Yes, keep checking out Seraph's stuff, it's EZ Rider approved *laughs* But other than that, be sure to check out Reviewtopia for all the newest and coolest reviews, series, and entertainment you ould want. And support your toku fansubs where and when you can. Remember, the fansub will never die.

CBC:  Thank you very much EZ. Please check out All of EZ Riders stuff on Reviewtopia. And that is all for us this week. 

COMICS & PEOPLE WHO LOVE THEM # 1: INTERVIEW WITH BRYAN CLENDENING OF LAID BACK COMICS

Welcome to the first of a brand new interview series were we talk to celebrities, internet personalities, politicians and more about their love of comics. This week, for our inaugural posts, we will be interviewing many of the folks with our friends, Reviewtopia. Starting us off is Laid Back Comics' own, Bryan Clendening.


Interview by Frankie Rodriguez

CBC:To our readers out there Bryan, you are the host of Laid Back Comics & Who Would Win, what got you started in doing a comic book review show?

BAClend: I got into it while I was still finishing up my college degree, at the time there was this certain review site which I am sure people can guess which by now that caught my eye. On there I noticed the one comic book reviewer and what he was doing. I enjoyed it for the most part but I noticed it seemed one sided to spotlight the only the "Bad" comics. So I said one day I would spotlight the good comics and then it slowly moved into spotlighting comics I read in general.

CBC: Ah I see. Laid Back Comics has seen it fair share of good and bad comics. What, so far, has been your favorite book to review on the show and why?

BAClend: I think my favorite one might be one of my early review of Atomic Robo, It since has been taken from the internet when Youtube nuked my account. It was just great to spotlight something I knew a lot of people didn't know. I had recently discovered it and felt like an excited kid and wanting to show it off to everyone I could. The series also was Shadow from Beyond Time which mixed in Lovecraft himself for a few issues and made this fun crossover with Robo himself.

CBC: I did see that review before it got nuked. And it is a solid read. Switching gears to Who Would win, how was that born? And what made you decide on its format?

BAClend: Funny Story, True Story. I got the idea from a debat card game I own. The came had two decks, one with people and the other a contest. You were suppose to debat on who would win in some of these outlandish concepts and it hit me. I have seen and done these types of conversations with comic book characters before, I should do it again. So when I sat down to do my first one I didn't really wanted to be outlandish and silly so I treated it as seriously as I could do, while remembering these are comic book characters. But, at the same time a small goal of the series was as always spark a debat. So I would look to powers, skills, examples, but most important of all I kept their personailties in tact. A set of ground rules they would follow. Though I throw those out when I have two villains up there.

CBC: Which of the Who Would Win's are your favorites cause you have done quite a few by now?

BAClend: I would say my Deathstroke vs Deadpool was my favorite because it was the first. But, the top spot has gone to my newest one of Spider-Man vs Blue Beetle Ted Kord.The images of a meet up of those two characters made me smiling for a while. And edging in close to that one is Voltron vs Devestator for the sheer robotic carnage that would have taken place.

CBC: Dear God, I loved all three of those; Just some great stuff all around. Now, which Laid Back Comics was the hardest to do? Which Who Would Win was the hardest to do?

BAClend: Oh God, my mini project of the New 52 was the hardest thing I had ever have to do. See I took this as a great oppertunity to look through each book and give my thoughts and so on. Kind of forgetting that meant I would be reading 52 different books for a whole month. That was 13 books a week And I love comics, but never had I read so much before. And what also didn't help was that I have a day job so I couldn't get to my shop until about the afternoon where of course this being a huge event most of the books were gone by the time I got there. So I would sulk home and buy them digitally to finish off the project.

The hardest who would win was Beast Boy and Nightcrawler just because I couldn't pick a winner. I swear I had notes and notes trying to point out which one would have the best advantage and when ever I think I got it, another idea came up and countered it. So it became a draw and some have called me out on a cop out, and frankly I do agree to a point with that. Sooner or later I am going to get myself an answer, if just for my sake.

CBC: Yeah that was a rather large undertaking but looking back, how did you feel you did with your new 52 round up?

BAClend: I feel like I did what I wanted to do and that was to look at every book as if it was just how they said it was a new beginning. I was fair and kept true to what I liked and didn't like. Now the only thing I would done a little different is show some art inside the book, but I didn't want the reviews to go too long.

CBC: Yes. You did mention that, I believe in one of the  reviews.  So, how did you start collecting comics?

BAClend: It was a joint effort from my older brother and myself, he would read some and I would read them after he did. Soon I would grab what I could back then, maybe an issue of X-Factory here or a Superman there. It was a bit random due to lack of money at the time. As I grew up the hobby stuck around. Later I became more 'seriouse' if you will and making weekly trips to shops. I still seemly pick up random series, but now they are in order.

CBC: So, what are some of your favorite books? who are some of your favorite creators?

BAClend: I have always been a superhero fan so it always would but about Spider-Man, Superman, Captain America, Green Lantern, The JSA were always books I would look forward to read. Favortie creators is really hard one to nail down with. But, More often if you can get people like Mark Waid, Marv Wolfman, Amanda Conner, or Geogre Preze on a book I am normally there. Oh also I am a huge fan of Alex Ross Art.

CBC: What are some of the trends in comics are you not so much a fan of?

BAClend: The every year you get the 'SUPER BIG AWESOME MEGA EVENT' from the big two. And while more often when I do get to read them I enjoy them, but at the same time I get tired. You have these run for 6 to 8 months. A few months of normal story and then you go right back into the next event. There isn't enough time to breath and let things sink while these are going on. Need an off-season of stories before a superbowl.

CBC: What would you have to say is the one book or character you ABSOLUTELY cannot collect comics without (your favorite) at this time and why?

BAClend: Right now I might be Green Lantern, I have sat through a lot of the major events that followed the book and for me feeling like it is really at the peek of what it is. Plus, it's space based adventure and I can't say no to space adventure.

CBC: Awesome. What are you looking forward to, comic book wise, in 2012?

BAClend: A few things, I know I am going to sound a bit like I am condradicting myself a little, but Avengers vs X-Men does have a lot of good things going for it as a MEGA Event. And I would be lying if said I wasn't at all intrested in what may happen. 

The other is to see where the industry as whole will go. DC sent a good jolt through the place and has gotten people buying again to the point we may in fact see some growth. Marvel taken point by starting to push out advertising as well. And then you have Image who wants to really stand out and create whole lines of creator owned books for the market. Something no one else has really done so.

CBC: Yeah. DC has really giving a jolt to the industry and Image & Marvel, as well as other publishers, have taken advantage. But finally, what can we look forward to this year from Laid Back Comics & Who would win? Any final words to the readers and fans?

BAClend: For me, I have few series I am currently reading and hopefully going to share with everyone. From things like Voltron, Transformers, Defenders, and perhabs a few older forgetten series. As for Who Would Win, I am just going down my list I keep adding on to, but not going to let too much out of the hat.

As for a final word, straight from me. Read what you enjoy because you enjoy it.

CBC: Awesome. Thank you again for this interview.

 BAClend: Thank you




You can see Laid Back Comics & Who Would Win? on Reviewtopia. 


NEXT WEEK: Frankie (Seraph) goes to talks to Toku Expert & Comic Book fan, EZ RIDER!!!  NUFF SAID!!