Adapted for comics by Daniel Abraham, the book—or at least, the first issue—leans more on the source text rather than on the TV series. Fans who just don’t have the time to read the original book can sink their eyes on the comics version without missing important details or suffering cinematic twists that are not at all found in George R.R. Martin’s original material. This is not to say that the TV series version is less than spectacular.

I enjoyed reading A Game of Thrones #1 because—unlike in the original book—the comics storyline does not shift abruptly according to the points of view of the characters. In other words, the comics version lays out the story on a straight line whenever possible, making it more convenient and less confusing to read. I’m also impressed that—unlike in the first HBO episode—the first few pages of the comicbook depicting the scenes in the Haunted Forest (where The Others first appeared) have remained faithful to what has been described in the original work.

As to the artwork, I’m really blown away by the main cover art by Alex Ross. The art by Tommy Patterson is also clean and crisp. And the colors by Ivan Nunes go very well with the dark fantasy theme of the story. Overall, I find A Game of Thrones #1 an enjoyable read. It’s definitely a brilliant companion to George R.R. Martin’s original work. Comics fans who have yet to read the novel can also opt to read the comics instead.

Btw, big congratulations to Peter Dinklage(who played Tyrion Lannister) for winning this year’s Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.

Well, that’s the long and short of Uncouth Sleuth. It’s an Indiana Jones parody that tells the story of Harrison “Harry” Johnson, a hard-hitting private detective who manages to insert double-meaning sleazy lines in almost every panel in the book and somehow gets away with it (even the guy’s name has that obscene ring to it or is it just me?). This explains the parental advisory on the cover. Even so, I find this satirical comic book as a welcome relief to all the interdimensional crises, superhero deaths, shared universes and other dark moments that are common in mainstream comicbooks.

Set in 1937, the story opens with a damsel in distress named Selena Crabbe hiring Harry Johnson to look for her father who disappeared without a trace. After two pages of kinky one-liners, our seasoned private investigator accepts the job. But Harry can’t just go around the world all by himself looking for Ms. Crabbe’s missing dad. He needed an assistant and there’s no better place to find a dedicated, smart backup than in a stripper club. Enter Fanny Sellers, a stripper from the Temple of Poon. Together, Harry and Fanny must face cannibals, a former Majaraja and his henchmen, typical Nazis, and a squad of Swastika-clad femme fatale bodyguards. Question is, will the tandem accomplish their job?

A self-contained book, Uncouth Sleuth compiles three episodes of raw Harry Johnson adventures or – more appropriately – misadventures. Writer and creator Charles Fulp tells a good story that really entertains. The book is a Director’s Cut that also includes the sketchbook by legendary Playboy Magazine gag artist Dean Yeagle, who designed the characters in this satirical comic book. With playful pencil work by Craig Rousseau and inks by Norman Lee, this one will surely tickle your funny bone. True, the book doesn’t offer clean humor, but it’s great fun to read.

More than the erotic temptresses that are scattered within the pages of the book and more than just being a funny and smutty take on a very popular Hollywood hero, Uncouth Sleuth is a straightforward detective story where there’s no need for explanations. In fact, there’s nothing new to the overall plot of the story and this is not surprising as the book is supposed to be a parody. But this is not to say that the book is cliché-ridden. Quite on the contrary, with the mind-blowing number of cockiness and subplots in the book, readers can only expect the unexpected from Harry Johnson.

My only complaint is that I find the frequent and instantaneous shifting of the locations in the story to be somewhat disruptive of the story’s general flow. But what the heck, who cares about the story flow when you’re having fun? Once you open the book, you’ll find yourself seduced and easily carried away by Harry Johnson’s hilarious story. The witty and perky one-liners make this comicbook a very macho piece of literature with a healthy dose of adventure story to tell.

Uncouth Sleuth comes to your favorite comic book shop this August.

For this day only, participating comic book shops will be giving away free comics and loot bags. All you have to do is walk to your local comics shop and you get free stuff. NO. STRINGS. ATTACHED. You don’t even have to buy anything (if you’re that thick), but it is common for local comics shops to implement certain participation rules such as setting the maximum number of free comics that each fan can get.

I’m going to my favorite comicbook shop. That’s Planet X in Glorietta 4. The shop will start giving away free comics at exactly 10 a.m. I’m looking forward to get FCBD Green Lantern Flashpoint Special Edition and FCBD Geronimo Stilton & Smurfs. There are over 30 titles to choose from and here’s some of them:

FCBD 2011 2000 AD (NET)
FCBD 2011 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (NET)
FCBD 2011 ATOMIC ROBO & FRIENDS
FCBD 2011 AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER STAR WARS CLONE
FCBD 2011 BALTIMORE CRIMINAL MACABRE (NET)
FCBD 2011 BONGO COMICS FREE FOR ALL (NET)
FCBD 2011 CAPTAIN AMERICA THOR (NET)
FCBD 2011 CIVIL WAR ADVENTURE (NET) (MR)
FCBD 2011 DARKNESS 2 PREQUEL (Net)
FCBD 2011 DEADLIEST SHARKS&PREHISTORIC PREDATORS
FCBD 2011 ELRIC BALANCE LOST
FCBD 2011 GERONIMO STILTON & SMURFS (NET)
FCBD 2011 GREEN LANTERN FLASHPOINT SPECIAL ED
FCBD 2011 ICE (NET)
FCBD 2011 INSPECTOR GADGET
FCBD 2011 INTREPID ESCAPEGOAT & STUFF OF LEGEND
FCBD 2011 JAKE THE DREAMING (NET)
FCBD 2011 JAMES PATTERSON WITCH & WIZARD (NET)
FCBD 2011 JOHN STANLEY SUMMER FUN (NET)
FCBD 2011 KIZOIC KUNG FU PANDA & RICHIE RICH (NET)
FCBD 2011 LOCKE & KEY FREE COMIC BOOK DAY ED (NET)
FCBD 2011 MISADVENTURES ADAM WEST #1
FCBD 2011 OVERSTREET GUIDE TO COLL COMICS #1 (NET)
FCBD 2011 PEP COMICS BETTY & VERONICA (Net)
FCBD 2011 RATED FREE FOR EVERYONE (NET)
FCBD 2011 WALT DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE (NET)
FCBD 2011 WORLDS OF ASPEN
FCBD 2011 YOUNG JUSTICE BATMAN BB SUPER SAMPLER

I’ve mentioned earlier that all these comic book titles will be given away for free. But in my opinion, if you’re an avid fan and collector, all of us will do more good for our beloved industry by supporting our local shops. At Planet X, they will not only mark the Free Comic Book Day 2011 with free comics and loot bags, but they will also be having a one-day sale in their Glorietta and Trinoma branches.

From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on May 7th, you can get back issues in the bin boxes for PHP 50.00 each. You can also enjoy 30% off on all hardcovers, trade paperbacks, and graphic novels. 25% discount will be applied on statues, collectibles, action figures and new comics. If that’s not enough, you can avail of 50% discount on variant covers, except those released on May 2011. I’m really excited for tomorrow and I hope to meet other comics fans in the event. See you there.

I Hate Spoilers, But Thor Told Me to Write Anyway

If you’re not familiar with Marvel Comics’ resident superhero god, here’s the rundown.For centuries, the realm of Asgard – led by the All-Father Odin (Sir Anthony Hopkins) – had waged war against their sworn enemy, the Frost Giants. These monstrous walking popsicles, led by Laufey, wanted to conquer all of the nine realms under the World Tree, also called Yggdrasil. Finally, in 970 A.D., a big battle between the Asgardians and the Frost Giants ensued. Needless to say, the Asgardians (also called Aesir) won the day. As a trophy, Odin seized the Casket of Ancient Winters which provided the power (think of it as the freezer coolant) to the Frost Giants.

Fast forward to the present, all of Asgard was about to witness the ascension of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) as successor to Odin. But this most glorious of days was interrupted by a small band of Frost Giants who had deviously entered the city of the gods to retrieve the Casket. And they almost succeeded in obtaining their target had they not been fried to bits by the Destroyer, an indestructible suit of armor created by Odin himself and intended to be the last line of defense of Asgard.

After the dust had settled, the young arrogant Thunder God wanted to know why and how those Frost Giants were able to sneak into the weapons hall of Asgard. Thor proposed an attack on Jotunheim (home world of the Frost Giants) to show the frosties who’s the boss in all the Nine Realms. But Odin ordered Thor to do no such thing as it could ruin the current truce between Asgard and Jotunheim.

Thor stubbornly disobeyed his father’s orders and went to Jotunheim anyway, accompanied by Lady Sif (Jaimie Alexander), Volstagg (Ray Stevenson), Hogun (Tadanobu Asano), Fandral (Joshua Dallas), and Loki (Tom Hiddleston). In Jotunheim, Thor’s party engaged the Frost Giants in a skirmish, which quickly snowballed into a full-blown battle involving six Asgardians against hordes of frost giants. Armed with his hammer Mjolnir, Thor is simply unbeatable. In the last minute, Odin arrived mounted on his eight-legged steed called Sleipnirthe. The All-Father stopped the fight, brought Thor and his company back to Asgard, and ultimately banished Thor to Midgard – that’s Earth. And that, my friends, is where the Thunder God’s – and Earth’s – troubles have begun.

The Bottom Line

The essence of the story is Thor’s human element. Here’s an arrogant, selfish, vain god cast down to Midgard by his own father Odin who wanted to teach his boy a lesson or two. In short, even gods need some spanking. One isn’t born into whatever he wants to do in life. Oftentimes, we have to lift our own hammers and fight for what we believe is ours for the taking – just watch out for government guys and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents!

I must admit, Thor movie has exceeded my expectations. For the past few months, I was worried that my favorite comicbook character’s jump on the big screen will be the cause of his downfall. Also, it didn’t help me a bit to know that director Kenneth Branagh, while he is a great great actor (remember Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), is best known for his directorial works that focus mainly on Shakespearean plays.

Sure, the way that Asgardians talk to each other would have big similarities to many of the characters in William Shakespeare’s theater pieces, but we’re talking Norse legends here not some cross-eyed lovers or English kings. But after watching Thor movie, I take it all back. All my doubts about Kenneth Branagh’s ability to bring to life one of the most beloved characters in the Marvel Universe are all without substance.

The film was able to seamlessly combine the worlds of gods and mortals into one kickass story. Sir Anthony Hopkins as the All-Father Odin is just phenomenal. Even Hollywood newcomer Chris Hemsworth truly embodies the physical features of the Thunder God and was exceptionally extraordinary as Thor. The supporting cast also delivered. As for Loki, it would seem that Tom Hiddleston was conjured by the gods themselves to play the role. He’s just so convincing.

In terms of visual effects, Thor movie also got everything right. The rendering of the Bifrost bridge was just plain awesome. Plus, the Destroyer armor is truly alive. Costume design is also very impressive. Overall, avid fans will find an instant sense of endearment to this Thor movie adaptation.

On the downside, I think Volstagg was not as huge as he should have been. And I still prefer Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) as nurse or medical doctor rather than an astrophysicist. Also, I can’t help but ask where Balder and Tyr are? Perhaps, we’ll see these characters in the sequel. Yes, shameless as it is, Thor is one of those flicks that I would love to have a sequel.

Just a Bit of a Spoiler Part

The movie starts off with news footage and documentaries about early and recent UFO sightings from all over the planet. Finally, on August 2011, a formation of what looked like meteors is seen approaching Earth’s atmosphere. While all this is happening, the elements assigned to Camp Pendleton (the primary Marine Corps Base in Southern California) are busy going about their daily routines like running, smelling the flowers in the shop, playing golf in the dead of the night, and getting drunk on the golf course.

Staff Sergeant Michael Nantz (played by Aaron Eckhart) is among these fine Marines. But as a veteran who’s hounded by a traumatic experience where he lost many men in his company during his last tour, he feels that he’s no longer an effective member of the corps. Besides, his age is an indication that he has become too old for his career (as implied by younger Marines leaving him behind during a morning run). Reluctantly, his immediate superior approves his early discharge.

Unfortunately for Ssgt. Nantz, the UFO sightings turn out to be an alien invasion and it is happening on the same day that his discharge from the service is approved. As a veteran Marine, he’s called back to service even before he can take off his uniform. Ssgt. Nantz is assigned to a new squad headed by a young lieutenant fresh from officer school. The staff sergeant has to fight not only to save Los Angeles from the aliens, but also to redeem his honor in the eyes of the young Marines under him who all have learned about his disastrous past.

After scouring part of Los Angeles to look for civilian survivors, Ssgt. Nantz’ squad are holed up in a police station where their extraction by helicopter has been set. Here, they find survivors Joe Rincon (Michael Peña), his son, a little girl, and a veterinarian named Michelle (Bridget Moynahan). US Air Force Technical Sergeant Elena Santos (Michelle Rodriguez) plus two or three others from her team also arrives in the scene and ultimately joins the Marine squad in the fight.

Bottom Line

Critics say that Battle: Los Angeles is an overused mankind-versus-aliens formula. You know, humans coming in as underdogs with primitive technology but eventually defeating the alien invaders on the very last minute. Some also criticize the shaky close-quarter shots that bring to mind reality TV or YouTube style of filming. There are parts where even I can’t help but imagine the cameraman busy scratching his nose rather than focusing on the scenes. But most viewers tend to disagree with what critics have to say. The film debuted with gross ticket sales of $13.4 million and it presently holds the highest opening-day record for 2011.

If you can get over the cliché part, I’d dare say that this alien science fiction war movie is a gripping tale about humanity’s survival. Battle: Los Angeles really entertains. You do not have to waste precious brain neurons just to enjoy this movie, yet you won’t feel ripped off after it’s over. The action scenes and big explosions pop right off the screen and I don’t remember a part where the story gets bogged down by blah-blah-blahs – except when Ssgt. Nantz was giving his rallying speech to his remaining Marines, particularly to a teary-eyed Corporal Jason Lockett (Cory Hardrict) whose brother was among those killed during Ssgt. Nantz’ previous deployment. Overall, this is old-fashioned straightforward alien science fiction war movie with lots and lots of action in it. ‘Nuff said, just go get a ticket and a bucket of popcorn.

Green Lantern Emerald Warriors and Justice League Generation Lost have very exciting stories this week. And Geoff Johns is at his best in The Flash. Rounding up my recommended titles this week is Victorian Undead II, Holmes vs. Dracula #4.

Here are the 5 comic book titles that make up my list this week:

1. Wolverine #1000
2. Green Lantern Emerald Warriors #7
3. Justice League Generation Lost #19
4. Flash #9
5. Victorian Undead II, Holmes vs. Dracula #4

If you have any comments, please let me know and they will be deeply appreciated.

Story: Ian Edginton
Art: Davide Fabbri with Mario Guevara
Colors: Carrie Strachan

In this comicbook, Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and their new-found allies need to work double time to stop Count Dracula who plans on subjugating the Crown by turning members of the Royal Family into his brood. Alas! It seems that the Vampire Lord has slipped away from their guard. Count Dracula is now inside the Buckingham Palace. And so the game is afoot – but nothing about it is elementary.

• Victorian Undead II, Holmes vs. Dracula #4 offers a thrilling comics story that’s filled with witty lines. Indeed, very evocative of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic work.
• Artwork by Davide Fabbri is pretenseless. Thick lines and heavy shadows fit the story’s horror setting.
• Vivid color work by Carrie Stratchan lends a degree of realism into each panel of this comics.
• The scene where Lucy the Vampire tussled with the vampire hunters is very engaging.

• I recommend not only this issue, but also the entire series to comicbook readers who also love classic works. In that respect, I may be a bit biased. Sorry, but this is truly a great read. No complaints here.

Victorian Undead II, Holmes vs. Dracula #4 sets the stage for the final showdown between Sherlock Holmes and Count Dracula. With the Vampire Lord gaining access to the Royal Family, it would surely be difficult for an ordinary English detective to nail the villain, even with help from his friend Dr. Watson and a famous vampire hunter named Dr. Van Helsing. I just can’t wait for the conclusion to this thrilling comics series.