Tucker and Dale vs. Evil

You've seen this story before, but never quite like this. A group of college kids on a road trip run into a couple of unsavory types in the back woods and terror and mayhem ensue. So what makes Tucker & Dale vs. Evil so different? The script by Morgan Jurgenson and Eli Craig turns the overused premise sideways and provides one of the craziest movies of the year.

Tucker & Dale vs Evil casts the two scary looking hillbillies not as potential killers but victims in a world turned completely upside down. Dale (Tyler Labine) and Tucker (Alan Tudyk) are no killers. They're just a pair of guys looking for some time away at their new summer home in the Appalachian Mountains.

When they save one of the girls from drowning her friends believe they pair have kidnapped Alison (Katrina Bowden) and plan to kill her. What follows is a level of insanity that's hard to describe without giving away some of the film's funniest moments.

Luther - Series Two, Episode One

After providing an engaging first series centered around a troubled genius detective with a mean-streak and a penchant for breaking the rules Luther returns for another season on BBC America.

Reason #83 Why I Love DS9 - Babel

There are many reasons why I love Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and why it remains my favorite of the Star Trek franchise.

Reason #83: Babel

Michele Williams Gives Good Face

Actress Michele Williams took some time to sit down with Vogue's Adam Green and discuss the novels of Vladimir Nabokov, turning 30, nudity in films, her daughter, the heroes of her youth, her love of acting, music, the death of Heath Ledger, living life with the paparazzi, the thrill from making a child laugh, and the obstacles and difficulties in playing Marilyn Monroe in her latest project My Week with Marilyn (which opens in theaters on November 4th). She also took time to pose for a few pics in character which you can find after the jump.

Glee - I Am Unicorn

The second episode of the season returns an old friend as the glee club takes its first tenative steps to Nationals with a boot camp for the corps less talented dancers. Meanwhile, Rachel (Lea Michele) tries out for the school musical, which Artie (Kevin McHale) will be directing with the help of Coach Beiste (Dot Jones) and Emma (Jayma Mays), Brittany (Heather Morris) begins her campaign to get Kurt (Chris Colfer) elected for class president, and Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) continues her crusade to end arts funding in Ohio by creating a documentary focusing on how Quinn's (Dianna Agron) life was derailed by glee club.

Captain Atom #1 (New 52)

I've been a fan of Captain Atom since the late 80's reboot of the character and his subsequant runs on Justice League Europe and recently Justice League: Generation Lost. He's had more than a few ups-and-downs in his career including his unfortunate role as Monarch, that awful golden and red look, and that time he got lost in the WildStorm Universe.

The latest reinterpretation of the Charlton Comics character by writer J.T. Krul is a new version of the character far more like the Watchmen's Dr. Manhattan (who was coincidentally created from the Charlton version of Captain Atom) than we've seen before.

In the comic Captain Atom's powers are expanding as he discovers the ability to manipulate molecules outside of himself. Our hero is informed by Dr. Heinrich Megala, the scientist in charge of the project that transformed Nathaniel Adam into a nuclear-powered super-hero, that this ability, which in turn effects his own molecules, could end up killing him.

Green Lantern Corps #1 (New 52)

Green Lantern Corps is the third Green Lantern title to be launched as part of the New 52. The first dealt with Sinestro and Hal Jordan, the second with the Red Lanterns, and the fourth will follow the adventures of Kyle Rayner and... well, I really don't care about that one. Corps looks to team up Guy Gardner and John Stewart for some cosmic ring slinging.

The issue begins with both Guy and John's troubles leading normal lives given the fact that they're publicly known to be super-heroes. Guy is denied a teaching position given that his presence could put students at risk and John's high standards for safety are scoffed at those willing to build his designs only if they will allow him to cut costs.

In need of some fresh air (so to speak) the pair take a trip to Oa and learn that two Green Lanterns have recently been killed in Sector 3599. Grabbing a team that includes Brik, Isamot Kol, Vandor, Hannu, and Sheriff Mardin set out to find the cause but are unprepared for what they find. A solid opener. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

Castle - Heroes and Villains

When a samurai sword wielding vigilante hits the streets of New York and halves an attacker (James Ferris) in an alley Beckett (Stana Katic) and Castle (Nathan Fillion) draw the case. Despite getting off-track for a non-too-subtle sequence which was little more than a commercial for Marvel Comics, the show delivers its fair share of Castle moments.

Batman #1

In the final issues of the old DC writer Scott Snyder was working on an impressive storyline in Detective Comics. Now after the reboot the writer continues to tell stories of Gotham's Dark Knight Detective in the new volume of Batman.

The issue begins with Batman stopping a break-out in Arkham Asylum with the apparent assistance of the Joker (don't worry, it will be explained). From there we are reintroduced to Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, and Damian Wayne at a party where Bruce unveils his new plan for Gotham City.

The issue also includes an appearance by Commissioner Gordon and a nice on-the-job conversation between Harvey Bullock and Batman. Not only am I glad to see Bullock has survived the reboot, I rather like seeing that he's the one who notices Batman has gone back to his old method of hiding in the shadows.

This one's an easy recommendation, and a solid read (even if the final panel is an obvious red herring). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

Castle - Season Three

Castle's Third Season finds Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) and her plucky sidekick mystery writer Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) solving murders, refusing to admit their true feelings for each other, and delving back into the unsolved mystery of Beckett's mother. Sounds good to me.

This year's cases involve counterfeiters, secret underground clubs, a dead psychic (Patricia Tallman) who predicted her own murder, a treasure map, a serial killer, a dead juror, a child kidnapping, aliens (okay, not really) and a shadowy government agency (yes, really!), a secret stash of Prohibition whiskey worth killing for, a dead matchmaker, a magician (Jeff Hephner) hired to plan the perfect murder, a dead lottery winner, the search for a dirty bomb hidden somewhere in the five burroughs, a death on the set of a soap opera, a murderous feud between rival pizza owners, a trip to Los Angeles, a murdered swimmer, and a death at a beauty pageant.

Darkwing Duck #16

The title may be winding down to its final issue but that's not stopping the team of writer Ian Brill and artist James Silvani from delivering great stories month after month.

The lastest issue wraps up the St. Canard mayoral race between Darkwing Duck and Launchpad McQuack as well as reveals the identity of the latest villain to hit town: Suff-Rage. (Yeah, that's right the female villain in an electoral story arc is named suffrage). How are more people not reading this title?

The aftermath of the election is quite humorous, as are the two front page news stories relating the landslide victory and what happens to the city five-minutes after he takes office.

The final pages of the issue also introduce our villains for the series final two issues: Magica and The Phantom Blot (based on the classic Disney character and enemy to Mickey Mouse). The new story arc will continue in a crossover in the next issue of Duck Tales (also ending in a couple of months) before returning next month for the series' penultimate issue. Best of the week.

[Boom, $3.99]

The Cat Haz Swagger

DreamWorks has released a teaser ad from their Shrek spin-off in the form of a parody of the Old Spice commercials with Isaiah Mustafa. Based on Antonio Banderas' character from Shrek 2, the film also stars Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, and Constance Marie. Puss in Boots hits theaters on November 4th.

Doctor Who - Closing Time

The series jumps forward from the last episode which saw The Doctor (Matt Smith) say farewell to Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill). The Doctor is now only hours away from his fatal meeting on the shore of Silenco Lake. On the eve of his foretold death, and in need of a friend, The Doctor decides to pay Craig (James Corden) a visit, and that's when things really get interesting.

None of you are safe

DC has released a clip from the adaptation of Frank Miller's Batman: Year One showcasing Batman confronting a cowardly lot of villains feasting on "Gotham's spirit." From what little we see here I'm a little unsure of Ben McKenzie's Batman voice. Batman: Year One hits stores on October 18th.

Comic Rack 147

It’s a new week so it must be time to talk about comics! Welcome to the RazorFine Comic Rack boys and girls. Pull up a bean bag and take a seat at feet of the master as we offer you this quick list of all kinds of comic book goodness set to hit comic shops and bookstores this week from all your favorite publishers including DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Archie, Dynamite, Image Comics, and others.

This week includes Angel & Faith, Archie, Astonishing X-Men, Breed III, Deadpool MAX, Doctor Who, Epoch, FF, G.I. JOE, Hack/Slash, Herc, Hulk Vs. Dracula, Iron Man 2.0, Kato, The Mighty Thor, Queen Sonja, Secret Avengers, Snake Eyes, Witchblade, Wolverine, X-Men Legacy, the first issues of Annihilators: Earthfall, Aquaman, Batman: The Dark Knight, Blackhawks, Brilliant, Dorothy & The Wizard in Oz, FF: 50 Fantastic Years, The Flash, The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men, Savage Hawkman, Superman, Teen Titans, and the final issue of Fear Itself: The Deep.

Enjoy issue #147

Don't ask what Superman can do for you...

...but what you can do for him.

The Mentalist – Scarlet Ribbons

Last season's cliffhanger saw Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) shoot and kill Red John (Bradley Whitford), the serial killer responsible for the death of his wife and child. As the show went to break I wondered how the new season would deal with Jane's actions. It turns out it mostly doesn't. Of all the possible choices the writers of The Mentalist could have come up with what we get in the season premiere isn't bad, but it is pretty damn underwhelming.

Daredevil #4

The latest issue is a little unfocused (but in a good way) as both Daredevil and Matt Murdock deal with several issues rather than focusing on a single story. Once again writer Mark Waid gives us a strong issue featuring the Man Without Fear battling evil in and out of a courtroom.

The issue gives us small pieces of several of Nelson & Murdock's new clients as well as giving us glimpses of Daredevil out in action doing everything from running down a gangster, to fighting of lions, to saving children from a burning building. We're also introduced to Murdock's latest client, a blind teenager who was fired from a job without warning and now finds his life in danger.

In terms of larger context you could probably skip this issue and not miss anything all that important to the ongoing storyline but that doesn't mean you should. There's plenty here worth picking up including a very cool cover by Paolo Rivera featuring Daredevil swinging through a city scape made of guns. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

Time Out for Vengeance!

When Batmen of various eras start disappearing from history its up to Batman's (Diedrich Bader) friends to travel in time and save them before the world forgets the Dark Knight Detective. This episode is so jam-packed full of action it's hard to know where to begin. We get Guy Gardner (James Arnold Taylor) and Ice (Jennifer Hale), Blue Beetle (Will Friedle) and Booster Gold (Tom Everett Scott), Caveman Batman (with a giant Cromagnon coin in his Bat-Tree), Fire (Grey DeLisle), Timemaster Rip Hunter (Bloom) and his time sphere, Robot Batman, giant statues coming to life, Pirate Batman, a T-Rex, the JLI, pompous (yet always highly entertaining) Aquaman (John Di Maggio), sea monsters, Roman Centurion Batman, and the all too brief return of Catman (complete with the giant robotic cat he used in his very first comic book appearance)!

Red Hood and the Outlaws #1

Of all the the issues set for the DC Reboot this was one that caught my interest. Here are three characters who, each in their own way, had been abused by the old DCU. I was curious to find out what the New 52 versions might look at. And you know what? I'll admit, I kinda like it.

The first half of the issue centers around the Red Hood and Starfire breaking Roy Harper out a military prison in Qurac and getting reacquainted. First off let me say I like this version of Jason Todd far more than Grant Morrison's (and thankfully his additions to the character have been ignored here). I also felt the inner-monologue of each of the three characters worked well.

Some might object to this version of Starfire, but she's always been hyper-sexual and at least writer Scott Lobdell's explanation for her behavior (that as an alien she sees humans as roughly all the same and has a far less puritan view of sex than anyone who watches FOX News) makes more sense than the childish version we've seen before. And, thankfully, Roy Harper is in far better shape then we last saw him before the Reboot.

Charlie's Angels - Angel With a Broken Wing

Wow, did that suck. I wasn't expecting much from the reboot of the late 70's show focused on three women working as private eyes for a mysterious unseen benefactor, but in the very least I expected it to be dumb fun.The original wasn't Shakespeare but at least if felt competent. Sadly, neither of those words can be used to describe this version.

"Angel With a Broken Wing" may be one of the worst pilot episodes I've ever watched. The writing and dialogue is one step away from intentionally bad (and yet still painfully unfunny). And don't even get me started on the acting. These young women might be able to act (hey, anything is possible) if given better material but I have a feeling we'll never know (at least as long as this show stays on the air).

Moneyball

In the early 2000's the Oakland A's had just lost three of their big name stars and the small market team was in trouble in terms of continuing to compete in a league where they could be outspent by more than $100 by the likes of the New York Yankees. A's General Manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) knew something had to change.

Hiring an assistant (Jonah Hill) who believed the team could compete by relying on sabermetrics (created by Bill James) rather than traditional models of building a team, Beane became an innovator by showcasing how a small market team could compete against the big boys.

The film begins with the playoff loss to the Yankees in 2001 and follows the rocky course of Beane instituting a completely new way of thinking to the old school baseball front office scouts and staff. The film highlights the early struggles and eventual success of the team over the 2002 season as well as focus on Beane's relationship with his daughter (Kerris Dorsey).

Killer Elite

Tired of killing, the world's best mercenary (Jason Statham) calls it quits only to be pulled out of retirement a year later by an oil sheikh (Rodney Afif) who holds one of his oldest friends (Robert De Niro) hostage to make sure Danny takes the job.

It seems a few years back the British S.A.S. killed three of the sheikh's four sons. Now he wants vengeance before he dies and has chosen Danny to be the instrument of that revenge. In return he'll release his friend and agree to pay Danny and his team (Dominic Purcell, Aden Young) $6,000,000.

Simple, right? Well it would be if it wasn't for the fact that the Her Majesty's Special Air Service are the best trained soldiers in the world. And if you didn't know that going in the movie will remind you, more than once (except, of course, when our hero needs to dispatch nameless agents with relative ease).

Nightwing #1

After being disappointed with Dectective Comics #1 and Batgirl #1 (and to a lesser extent Batman and Robin #1) this week seems to be the one where the Bat-books start to make their comeback. Dick Grayson is out of the Bat-suit and back as Nightwing but writer Kyle Higgins makes sure that Dick's time as Batman wasn't wasted.

The issue is broken into three parts. The first involves Nightwing taking down a low-rent thug while thinking over his return to the role of Nightwing. This works well to reintroduce readers to the characters as well as a pleasant reminder that Dick's time under the cowl hasn't been lost in the DC Reboot.

The second-half of the story, however, was the one that the most pleasant surprise. When I heard the first issue had to do with Dick returning to the circus I was less than enthused. Haley's Circus returns to Gotham for the first time since the Flying Graysons last performance and Dick's conflicted feelings about making an appearance remind us, for all his differences, Dick does have a few things in common with Bruce Wayne.

J. Edgar trailer

The first trailer for director Clint Eastwood's latest has been released. J. Edgar stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the first director of the FBI. Naomi Watts, Josh Lucas, Armie Hammer, Lea Thompson, Dermot Mulroney, Judi Dench, and Jeffrey Donovan also star. The film opens in theaters on November 9th.

Captain America #3

The story picks up right where the last issue left off: Captain America is battling the Ameridroid (a giant robot with the brain of a crazy scientist, made to look like Captain America) while Sharon Carter has her own hands full with Baron Zemo.

Meanwhile, Codename: Bravo and his mysterious lady friend continue to work behind the scenes using the comatose Jimmy Jupiter to play havoc with reality and pull a certain patriotic super-soldier into the dream world.

Writer Ed Brubaker does a good job explaining the Ameridroid without pausing the action. And even if the character is insanely goofy, it works well as a real threat to Cap. The fight between Agent 13 and Zemo isn't quite as exciting but it does allow Sharon to get a couple zingers at Zemo's expense. (I also liked Sharon's attempt to throw Cap his sheild, which, of course, doesn't go exactly as planned).

With Cap locked in the dreamworld for the next issue I'm assuming the craziness seen here is only the beginning. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Birds of Prey #1

For the first time since 2003 the regular writer of Birds of Prey is not named Gail Simone. As part of DC's New 52 writer Duane Swierczynski takes over a team that, quite frankly, has seen better days.

The recent run of the title never matched the heights of the first volume and, although I love Gail Simone, I wasn't opposed to giving someone else a shot at the title. Sadly, this isn't what I had in mind.

Not only does Barbara Gordon's return as Batgirl throw Stephanie Brown under the proverbial bus but it leaves a huge hole to be filled on a title that centered around her as Oracle. The comic was about the relationship between Babs and Black Canary, and started clicking on all cylinders with the inclusion of the Huntress (and great supporting characters like Zinda Blake).

Batman and Robin #1

One of the relationships taken away with the DC Reboot was that of the Dick Grayson as Batman with Damian Wayne's Robin. In its place DC relaunches the title with writer Peter Tomasi who gives us the first issue of Damian teamed up with the original Batman, his father, Bruce Wayne.

Since we last saw him it appears Damian has devolved a bit back into confrontational character minus the progress that he had made over the course of the last year as a partner for Batman.

Tomasi does give us a couple of good exchanges between Batman and son but it's going to take a while for this relationship to work itself out (much like the Dick/Damian relationship in the previous title). The challenge is both of these characters are sullen, and neither has Dick Grayson's humor to balance the other out.

Daredevil #3

I've never been a big fan of Klaw. So when he was chosen as the first "big" villain to show up in the latest volume of Daredevil I certainly wasn't expecting much. Although it's not a great issue, writer Mark Waid gives me more than I expected in a solid story that pits Daredevil against the Master of Sound.

The issue opens with Daredevil captured by Klaw who has been fractured into separate pieces or "soundshadows" who are hoping to restore themselves into a solid form. Although the complexity of Daredevil's confinement isn't satisfactorily explained, his escape and defeat of Klaw on the streets of New York works quite well.

The real fun of this issue, however, comes in the conversations between Matt Murdock and Foggy Nelson as the figure out a way for their client to win his case, talk with some attractive women at a local watering hole (careful, they might be super-villains), and decide the new direction of their law practice. Worth a look.

[Marvel, $2.99]

Jane Eyre DVD review

Charlotte Brontë's novel has been adapted to film more than a dozen times over the years. In the latest, by director Cary Fukunaga and screenwriter Moira Buffini, Mia Wasikowska stars as the title character Jane Eyre, an orphaned child turned governess and teacher, who struggles to find her place in the world.

Bronte's protagonist has long been heralded as the world's first feminist hero. Jane overcomes (a seemingly never-ending list of) struggles and unhappiness over the course of the tale and battles to stand on her own two feet and only then to embrace love on her terms.

The film jumps between three different timelines in Jane's life including her life as a child (played by Amelia Clarkson) in her aunt's house and later at boarding school, her time as the governess at Thornfield Hall for Edward Rochester (Michael Fassbender), and her months with the Rivers family (Jamie Bell, Tamzin Merchant, Holliday Grainger) as a teacher at a country school.

Super Dinosaur #4

After a few weeks of delay Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard's Super Dinosaur finally returns to comic shops with issue #4 which finds Super Dinosaur and Derek Dynamo track down the secret base of evil genius Max Maximus.

However, the situation changes quickly changes with Maximus is able to track a beacon set by Erica (who wants to leave her isolated new home) right back to Dyna Dome where he unleashes his latest creation: Mega-Raptor.

Seriously, this comic not only has a dinsaur with a robotic exoskeleton fighting evil but it has a new baddie called "Mega-Rapotor." I don't really need to sell you on this, do I?

The issue ends with a tease that the crazy awesomeness of next issue will put this one to shame. And this one was pretty darn good. If you aren't reading Super Dinosuar you need to be. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

Castle - Rise

"Rise" picks up moments after last seasons cliffhanger as Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) is rushed to the hospital following her shooting. As she struggles for her life, and later recuperates in a self-imposed exile away from her friends, Castle (Nathan Fillion), Esposito (Jon Huertas), and Ryan (Seamus Dever) attempt to find the shooter and tie him back to the death of Kate's mother and Captain Montgomery (Ruben Santiago-Hudson).

Season Premieres - Glee

After a terrific first season, and a bit of a up-and-down second season, Glee returns in what has been called a "return to basics" for the show's third season. The entire cast is back (even if it does seem like half of them should have graduated by now). "The Purple Piano Project" airs tonight at 8pm (7pm Central) on FOX.

The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth Season

The Fourth Season of The Big Bang Theory finds more hijinks for the science nerds, the introduction of new characters like Raj's sister Priya (Aarti Mann), an expanded role for Mayim Bialik as Sheldon's girlfriend, and guest-appearances by Eliza Dushku, LeVar Burton, and Keith Carradine, as well as the return of Wil Wheaton, Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie), and Laurie Metcalf as Sheldon's mother.

This season's episodes include Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) pussycat phase, Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette (Melissa Rauch) getting back together, Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Amy become besties, Sheldon is baffled by Howard's magic trick, an attempt to create an iPhone app, Leonard begins a relationship with Raj's (Kunal Nayyar) sister, Sheldon attempts to throw a party with a new group of friends and takes part in a girls night out, the gang takes part in a New Year's Eve costume contest, and Leonard meets Penny's father.

Buffy the Vampire Season Nine #1

Although I grew weary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight it did have its moments (including a terrific story arc by Drew Goddard) and even if it eventually went off the rails it managed to end with a strong finale.

Season Nine picks up where we left off. The line of Slayers is gone, magic is gone from the world, Giles is still dead, and Buffy Summers is responsible. Creator Joss Whedom promised Season Nine would get down to smaller stories and that's exactly what he delivers here. No big bad, no ultimate evil, just Buffy and the Scoobies getting on with their lives. And it's pretty freakin' good.

The first issue centers around Buffy's hangover from the first party for all her pals and new roomies at her new apartment. We get flashes of the party from Buffy's hazy memory (some of which she'd just as soon forget). The comic is filled with great dialogue and it actually feels like the characters we remember from Buffy's better days are back in force once again. It's only a first issue, but it's a damn good. Best of the week.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]

Season Premieres - Hawaii Five-0

Check out this recap of season one before Hawaii Five-0 returns tonight for its second season. When last we saw them McGarret (Alex O'Loughlin) was on the run, Chin (Daniel Dae Kim) had rejoined the police department that once shunned him, Kono (Grace Park) had been arrested, and the team had been disbanded. "Ha'i'ole" airs tonight at 10pm (9pm Central) on CBS.

Green Lantern #1

I was a little reluctant to pick up a Green Lantern comic where Sinestro was the hero of the book. Although Hal Jordan gets plenty of pages here, he's no longer the Green Lantern of Earth. That responsibility has fallen to his former mentor (and deadly enemy).

The first issue of Green Lantern proves to be one of DC's better #1's of the recent reboot. The focus is split between Sinestro (and the Guardians of the Universe) coming to terms with a ring choosing the Lanterns most hated foe and Hal Jordan's life which has quickly fallen apart since his ring was stripped from him following the events of War of the Green Lanterns.

We're reminded once again, the only thing Hal Jordan ever did well (other than flying jets) was being a hero. Seeing him stuck in a purposeless rut, without a job, cash, car or even a relationship (Hal proves once again he's not a great date) writer Geoff Johns reminds us just because someone is a great hero doesn't mean they're a great man.

Season Premieres - Castle

After waiting all summer we finally get the conclusion to last season's cliffhanger. Detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic) has been shot forcing Castle (Nathan Fillion) to admit his feelings for her and struggle with the fact that his actions helped lead to putting her in front of the sniper's gun. As Castle attempts to uncover the identity of the shooter, Beckett fights for her life in a hospital bed, and Penny Johnson joins the cast as the precinct's new captain. "Rise" airs at 10pm (9pm Central) tonight on ABC.

Comic Rack 146

It’s a new week so it must be time to talk about comics! Welcome to the RazorFine Comic Rack boys and girls. Pull up a bean bag and take a seat at feet of the master as we offer you this quick list of all kinds of comic book goodness set to hit comic shops and bookstores this week from all your favorite publishers including DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Archie, Dynamite, Image Comics, and others.

This week includes Avengers, Captain America, Darkwing Duck, Fables, Green Hornet, Hellblazer, Hulk, Ka-Zar, Red Wing, Richie Rich, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, X-Men, Zorro Rides Again, the first issues of Batman, Birds of Prey, Blue Beetle, B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth Russia, Captain Atom, Catwoman, George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones, Green Lantern Corps, Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Star Trek, Wonder Woman, and the final issues of Fear Itself: Fearsome Four, Star Wars: Jedi - The Dark Side, and Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force.

Enjoy issue #146

Careful Matt...

...they might be super-villains!

Scorn of the Star Sapphire!

After months of refusing to air the final episodes of Batman: The Brave and the Bold (the episodes were released on iTunes back in June) Cartoon Network seems to have finally relented. The first of the remaining episode, "Scorn of the Star Sapphire!" focuses on Batman's (Diedrich Bader) trip to Coast City to have his new vehicles, made by Ferris Aircraft, tested by the best damn test pilot there is - Hal Jordan (Loren Lester). Yeah, I've missed this show.

Red Lanterns #1

Although I've been a Green Lantern fan for almost my entire life (aside from those dark days known as the Ron Marz years) I had no intention of picking up the first issue of Red Lanterns. Atrocitus and the Red Lanterns burst onto the scene in Final Crisis and (along with the other colors of the rainbow all given their own power rings) have been a big part of Green Lantern comics ever since.

Unlike the Green Lantern Corps, the Red Lanterns use their rage and anger to fuel their rings. Their leader, Atrocitus, blames the Guardians of the Universe for the destruction of his home sector of space. Now that Hal Jordan has killed Krona, the Guardian responsible for the massacre, the leader of an army bloodthirsty killers with hate-fueled wish rings finds himself at an impasse.

Castle Season Four Promo Pics

Castle, ABC's mystery of the week featuring the odd pairing of a New York City cop with a crime novelist, returns next Monday for its Season Four premiere.

The cast (including show stars Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic) took some time to stand in front of the camera for some pre-season photoshoots. You’ll find the pics inside!

Esquire reminds us why we love Carla Gugino

For their October 2011 issue Esquire chose Carla Gugino for their "Women We Love" series. I've been a fan of Gugino's for years, and even if her recent work has been mostly disappointing I'm not ready to jump off the bandwagon. In the interview the actress discusses the variety of roles over the course of her career and why she enjoys working on web movies with Sebastian Gutierrez. She also took the time for a very candid NSFW photoshoot. You'll find pics and video after the jump.

Animal Man #1

For those who have no experience with the character Animal Man may be a little hard to understand. Part super-hero, part animal activist, part horror protagonist, and part family man, the character of Buddy Baker is as far on the edge of the DCU as you can get, which was why I was pleasantly surprised when he earned a title as part of DC's "New 52."

Animal Man has the ability to tap the morphogenetic field (known as "the Red") and mimic the abilities of various animals for short periods of time. He can even combine the abilities, such as the speed of a cheetah, stink of a skunk, and the strength of a rhino, all together.

As the comic begins former actor, hero, stuntman, and now actor again, Baker finds himself wrapping up a small role in and independent film, spending time with his family, and throwing on the tights to end a stand-off in a hospital's children's ward.

Usagi Yojimbo #140

The latest issue of Usagi Yojimbo wraps up the two-issue murder mystery arc as Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida attempt to solve not one but two murders that occurred in the inn on the same rainy night.

The comic begins with a panel of the list of suspects for the murder of the paper merchant and the gang leader being held captive in the inn. Our pair of heroes will whittle down the list of suspects over the course of the comic. I'm not going to give away the ending for either crime, but rest assured Usagi and Ishida uncover the culprits for both crimes.

It may be light on action, but writer and artist Stan Sakai gives us yet another strong issue surrounding the travels of the rabbit ronin. But I wouldn't expect anything less. It also includes a great stare down between Usagi and the poet Saburo's bodyguard Benki. Best of the week.

[Dark Horse, $3.50]

Moon Knight #5

Continuing where the last issue left off Moon Knight and Echo find themselves surrounded by cops as the issue centers around their escape.

Although it provides some fun moments including more humorous internal dialogue from Moon Knight's multiple personalities as well as some sexually charged exchanges between the hero and Echo, I was a little disappointed that the entire issue was spent on something that probably could have been wrapped up in a couple of pages.

Even if the plot of uncovering the Los Angeles kingpin isn't furthered with the latest issue it there are some entertaining panels. However, because so little movement is made moving the story forward you could easily save $4, skip this issue, and (aside from a couple humorous scenes) not miss anything all that important.

[Marvel, $3.99]

Stormwatch #1

Stormwatch is an attempt to bring the Wildstorm super-team (that was the precusor to The Authority) into the DCU. The first issue is a mixed success, but still enough of one that I'm willing to give it a couple of issues to see where it goes.

On the plus side, the inclusion of Martian Manhunter works much better than I anticipated, and I also like that the team created to be a secret black ops squad working jobs the Justice League is too visible to handle. In a universe with the JLA, and several other super-hero teams, this gives a reason for Stormwatch to exist. And J'onn J'onzz (being a shapeshifter, and one who can read minds) would seem to be exactly the type of individual the team would recruit.

The main story involves the team of the Martian Manhunter, Jack Hawksmoor, and the Projectionist attemting to recruit Apollo. Writer Paul Cornell gets into a little trouble by trying to introduce a large number of characters at once (Jenny Quantum's tale and the adventure on the moon could both have waited another month or so), but I am glad to know the Engineer is still around.

Batgirl #1

Of all the comics slated for the DC Reboot Barbara Gordon's return as Batgirl created the most heated debate. DC was cancelling Stephanie Brown's popular version of the character in favor of putting Barbara back in the Batsuit for the first time since 1988 when the character was paralyzed by the Joker in Alan Moore's Batman: The Killing Joke.

Forgetting for the second that this first issue is far inferior to Bryan Q. Miller's stellar Batgirl run, and the debate whether or not Barbara Gordon is a more intriguing character as Oracle rather than Batgirl (the answer is Oracle, by the way), this first issue has a great many problems.

I love writer Gail Simone, I'd just rather see her penning Secret Six. The writing her feels rushed, Barbara Gordon's paralysis is fixed by a "miracle" off-panel, and her time as Oracle isn't even hinted at (did it even occur in this vesrion of the DCU?). The villain of the piece (who basically appears to be some guy who has seen Final Destination way, way too many times) is also troubling. And don't even get me started on the costume that looks like someone spray-painted Witchblade.

Morning Glories #12

After giving us a series of issues centered around each of the new students at Morning Glories Academy the latest issue spotlights the return of Miss Hodge, the school's guidance counselor.

The issue opens with Hodge's return to the school which starts in the middle of nowhere at an apparent military facility as the character takes an elevator miles below the earth, transfers a huge empty warehouse (in a hazmat suit), and goes through a vault to to arrive at the school. I'm guessing the school doesn't get many visitors.

The rest of the issue involves Hodge meeting with Miss Daramount, the school nurse, and several of the students one-on-one. In typical Morning Glories fashion, the meetings are far from regular talks. Hodge gives Zoe a gun, struggles to talk with Jun and Ike, and offers Casey her heart's desire (after getting a right hook on the chin).

The addition of Hodge gives the comic yet another wild card. The start of a new arc, issue #12 is a good jump in point for those looking to jump into the series. Worth a look.

[Image, $2.99]

Doctor Who - The Girl Who Waited

Arriving on a planet in a state of quarantine Amy (Karen Gillan) becomes separated from Rory (Arthur Darvill) and The Doctor (Matt Smith). On attempting to rescue her they come across a future version of Amy who has been trapped in the quarantine zone for more than thirty years. The Amy they know is trapped in a divergent timeline, and this is her future.

Detective Comics #1

Before the DC Reboot writer Scott Snyder was penning a strong arc in the final issues of Detective Comics about James Gordon Jr. and the relationships of the Gordon family with the Bat-Family. Tony Daniel takes over the writing duties here as part of DC's "New 52," and if this issue foreshadows one hellova bumpy ride.

The first problem is the issue never tells us when it takes place. Is it at the beginning of the New 52 with Action Comics and Justice League, is it in the current timeline with most of the other #1's, or does it take place sometime in-between?

The comic focuses on Batman's attempt to capture the Joker, but it's unclear how many times Batman and the Joker have met. Is this their first meeting, their tenth, one-hundredth? The comic isn't sure, so how can the reader be?

Even with these issues the first issue may not be good but it is, for the most part passable, - at least until the gruesome final panel. In an attempt to give us a gritty Batman story Daniel gives us the face of one of Batman's villains nailed to a wall. This one's best forgotten. Pass.

[DC, $2.99]

The Artist trailer

At the dawn of talking motion pictures a silent movie star (Jean Dujardin) faces uncertainty while falling for an up and coming dancer (Bérénice Bejo) on the verge of stardom. I've heard very little about this film from writer/director Michel Hazanavicius, but if it's as good as the trailer (presented as a silent film) then I know I'm going to have to search it out. John Goodman, Malcolm McDowell, Penelope Ann Miller, Missi Pyle, Beth Grant, and Ed Lauter also star. The Artist begins its US release on November 23rd.

Justice League International #1

I was surprised how much I liked DC's first new title Justice League. The reboot of Justice League International isn't quite as good, but it's a solid start for another Justice League title.

The original JLI run by Keith Giffen, J. M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire to this day remains one of the best team comics DC, or any publisher, has put out. Way before its time, JLI focused on character relationships, humor, and petty arguments among heroes at least as much as it did with the League saving the day.

The new JLI lacks the zaniness of Giffen's run, and isn't as strong as Judd Winick's year-long Justice League: Generation Lost tale. It's also missing a few key pieces that could really spice up the team dynamic (including Guy Gardner, who quits halfway through this first issue).

Comic Rack

It’s a new week so it must be time to talk about comics! Welcome to the RazorFine Comic Rack boys and girls. Pull up a bean bag and take a seat at feet of the master as we offer you this quick list of all kinds of comic book goodness set to hit comic shops and bookstores this week from all your favorite publishers including DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, Archie, Dynamite, Image Comics, and others.

This week includes Captain America, Cobra, Daredevil, Deadpool, Ducktales, Fear Itself, Herc, Infinite, Jughead, Moon Girl, New Avengers, Scalped, Super Dinosaur, Uncanny X-Force, X-Men Legacy, the first issues of 27 Second Set, Batman and Robin, Batwoman, Bonnie Lass, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9, Deathstroke, Demon Knights, Green Lantern, Grifter, Jurassic Park: Dangerous Games, Legion Lost, Pigs, Red Lanterns, Suicide Squad, Superboy, and the final issues of Mystery Men, Sherlock Holmes: Year One, and Supreme Power.

Enjoy issue #145

CATMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lookee what I found at the Free State Comic Con. The action figure I've been waiting for only about 31 years. CATMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Warrior

In 1976 a struggling young actor and writer starred in a film he had penned. The tale of an unlikely underdog from the streets going the distance with the champ made critics and audiences take notice and transformed Sylvester Stallone into a star. The next year Rocky would take home three Oscars including Best Picture. And Hollywood has been trying to remake it ever since.

Much like last year's critically acclaimed The Fighter (a film others liked more than I did), Warrior begins as a broken family drama concerning two brothers and ends as a typical Hollywood underdog tale complete with training montages and a final showdown in the middle of the ring. Warrior is certainly a little more polished than The Fighter, and presented in a more mainstream Hollywood fashion, but the results are (not surprisingly) very similar.