In this intoxicating episode we have no Pick Of The Week, however we do have a Fast Five selection. Picks include All-Star Western #5 (DC), B.P.R.D.: Hell On Earth – Russia #5 (Dark Horse), American Vampire #23 (Vertigo), Fantastic Four #602 (Marvel), and The Walking Dead #93 (Image). Spoilers!

I’m sick this week! Hopefully you won’t catch what I have from listening to this episode. Pick Of The Week goes to Jason Aaron & R.M. Guera for Scalped #54 (Vertigo). Fast Five picks include Secret Avengers #19 (Marvel), Locke & Key: Guide To The Known Keys (IDW), Fantastic Four #600 (Marvel), Invincible #85 (Image), and Captain America & Bucky #624 (Marvel).

This episode has been brought to you by, Zombie Outlaw.

The New Fantastic Four

Written by Dwayne McDuffie

Art by Paul Pelletier

Marvel

Due to two recent major events in the comic book industry, I determined this should be the book of the month that I selected. Last month, the comics industry was shocked when we lost an extremely talented individual named Dwayne McDuffie. Whether you know who he is or not, chances are he’s had an impact on your comic reading experience. He wrote entertaining stories for many different companies, and had a major role in the animation field as well, giving us Static Shock and writing many of your favorite Justice League Unlimited episodes.

Also last month, the Fantastic Four lost the Human Torch to the devastating Annihilus hordes from the Negative Zone, in a way disbanding the team. The news made headlines worldwide, and was spoiled days before the issue had even hit stores. Because of these two events, one story in particular jumped out at me from a few years ago, and I find it very fitting that this Book Of The Month selection is sort of my own personal tribute to Dwayne McDuffie, may he rest in peace.

The New Fantastic Four debuted in Fantastic Four issues 544-550, taking place after Marvel’s Civil War event. Sue and Reed needed a break and decided to take a second honeymoon while trying to resolve some issues between them, while T’Challa and Storm need a new Wakandian embassy for the time being as the one in New York was just bombed. Seeing an opportunity to help out Reed and Sue, Black Panther and Storm set-up home at the Baxter Building and join the team as the new husband and wife part of the equation.

Spanning from cosmic battles against Galactus and his heralds, to battling the Fearsome Five on the moon Titan, McDuffie and Pelletier keep us the reader entertained to the max. McDuffie had said in prior interviews that writing the Fantastic Four was a lifelong dream for him, so you can absolutely tell he put heart and soul into this collection. It really is a great tribute to the Fantastic Four stories of old, and has the perfect mixture of fun, science-fiction, and glorious illustrations. Paul Pelletier kills it on art, and has the cast rendered beautifully throughout while at the same time gives us exciting scenes of cosmic proportions.

Whether you’re a new fan or old fan of the Fantastic Four, McDuffie gives us longtime friends and foes for everyone to enjoy including the Watcher, Silver Surfer, the Wizard and so many more. Do yourself a favor and pick this trade up, because it really demonstrates how talented McDuffie was, and maybe it will inspire you to checkout his other masterworks as well.

Click here for past Book Of The Month reviews!

So many good choices this week, only so few spots available. Pick Of The Week goes to Nathan Edmondson & Tonci Zonjic for Who Is Jake Ellis? #2 (Image). Fast Five picks include Fantastic Four #588 (Marvel), King Conan #1 (Dark Horse), Star Trek: Infestation #2 (IDW), Scalped #46 (Vertigo), and Avengers #10 (Marvel).

Remember to vote for The Cammy’s Speech for the Best Picture Oscar!

Apparently you ninnies need a spoiler warning from now on, so consider yourself warned! Pick Of The Week goes to Rick Remender & Jerome Opeña for Uncanny X-Force #4 (Marvel). Fast Five picks include Avengers #9 (Marvel), Scalped #45 (Vertigo), Thunderbolts #152 (Marvel), Detective Comics #873 (DC), and Fantastic Four #587 (Marvel).

Heads-up number two; I slightly rant about Marvel’s PR and the Fantastic Four this episode.

In this special episode, I’m joined by Nic Fury as we talk about the past decade of comic book movies (in alphabetical order). The best, the worst, we talk about them all.

This week was a good one to be a comic book fan.

Happy Halloween! While Cammy recovers from his Halloween Hangover, Lobster Johnson guest-hosts this episode. Pick of the Week goes to Greg Rucka & J.H. Williams III for Detective Comics #858 (DC). Fast Five picks include Dark Reign – The List: Punisher #1 (Marvel), Green Lantern #47 (DC), Fantastic Four #572 (Marvel), NOVA #30 (Marvel), and Invincible Presents: Atom Eve & Rex Splode #1 (Image).

Eat some candy, kill some Nazis, and read some comics!

The format for this episode is a tad bit different; instead of a Pick of the Week and a Fast Five, I give you TWO Picks of the Week because they were both THAT fantastic! Picks of the Week include Fantastic Four #571 (Marvel) by Jonathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham, and Detective Comics #857 (DC) by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III.

Format for next week should be back to normal, but I just really felt the need to highlight two amazing comics this episode.

After an exciting last week, I return with picks aplenty! Pick of the Week goes to Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III for Detective Comics #855 (DC). Fast Five picks include Blackest Night: Tales Of The Corps #3 (DC), Fantastic Four #869 (Marvel), Northlanders #19 (Vertigo), Ignition City #4 (Avatar), and Justice League of America #35 (DC).

Not to worry, the Comic-Con 2009 video will be up in the next few weeks!