Hatter M the Nature of Wonder is Magical!

Hatter M: The Nature of Wonder, Volume 3.

Publisher: Automatic Pictures Publishing

Author: Frank Beddor

Writer: Liz Cavalier

Artist: Sami Makkonen

Book Cover: Vance Kovacs

RELEASED DATE: OCTOBER 15TH 2010

A Natural Masterpiece of Wonder!

By John L. Daniels, Jr.

Frank Beddor writes a great new visionary graphic novel, Hatter M the Nature of Wonder that enthralls readers into the realm of Hatter M.

Beddor and Liz Cavalier’s ingenious captions, which intertwine the past with the present storyline, builds a reader’s anticipation and promotes great use of one’s imagination while living the storyline with enjoyment. The quest of Hatter M has a wonderful paradoxical storyline progression. Though the storyline parallels past Hatter M adventures; Hatter M. continues to meet historical and scientific characters through his quest to find Alyss. In this story Hatter M meets a historical character from the civil war era who voiced equality and freedom for African Americans. Hatter and this freedom icon also share a love and flair for hats.

Each chapter in this work of art explores a different era of time that surrounds Hatter Madigan; whether it’s the patients’ asylum dance at the presence of Hatter M or meeting his new civil war allies. During his adventure with two new colleagues, Hatter meets another new ally from another realm who will help him with his quest to find Alyss. The chapters reveal secrets, and magical tricks to lure Hatter M through our realm.

Sami Makkonen has the artistic flair of a Zen master. The panels and background flow rhythmically with specks and trickles of dark inks. The use of bright pops of color and water color washed hues are stunning, and induce one to reminiscence of antique glass slide viewing. The book cover artistry by Ernie Kovacs also draws and excites the reader to quickly open the book to continue the feeling of warm but deep darkness and pure visionary splendor.

The progression of Hatter M’s character is present in this nature of wonder story, with a realm of imagination and the wonders of trust in others. This is truly another masterpiece of written wonderment and visual artistry. It is obvious that a read of Hatter M. The Nature of Wonder ends all thoughts of wonder - why Beddor’s Mad with Wonder won the 2010 IPPY award for best graphic novel.

INTERVIEW WITH FRANK BEDDOR AND CREATIVE TEAM COMING SOON!

Neal Adams Returns!

BATMAN ODYSSEY #1
AUTHOR/WRITER: NEAL ADAMS
PUBLISHER: DC COMICS


The Pristine Batman
By John L. Daniels Jr.

As any comic historian knows, BOB Kane was the creator of The Batman. The character was dark and avenging against villains. During the 1950's the presentation of Batman had a quirky wholesome persona. Then in the late 60's and early seventies the transformation began with the artist Neal Adams putting his indelible imprint on the suave and sophisticated and daring hard hitting detective with the slick riding corvette as his Batmobile.

The DC adventures were up to the times of the transitional seventies. Neal Adams was ahead his time. Adams had the vision to portray the character dealing with the crime and the social issues and experiences that related to the time.

Now Neal Adams returns to comics writing, drawing the series Batman Odyssey. Adams
presents the Batman as only he can, excellently!.The story is action-packed from panel to panel.

I implore any comic book aficionado who remembers the quality of Mr. Adams bronze age run with Batman tile and the Green Lantern and Green Arrow series of the seventies will be amazed and relive the aura of this fantastic storyteller and legendary artist.

This is pure enjoyment, do not miss this 6-part series.

RETURN OF THE LEGION OF SUPERHEROES!

Always a legionnaire!


It all began in the summer of 1977, I stopped in at a local 7-11 and picked a book from the rack of comic books, an issue of Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #203, and the rest they say is history. I did not I realize I would begin a subscription to comics. When the issue came in the mail folded in a brown wrapper with my name on it I was excited and and in awe after opening the first page. I could never have imagined this would become one of my favorite comic periodicals.


The legion's first appearance was in Adventure comics 1958. Over the past Fifty-two years there has been many changes to the Legion of super-Heroes. Many artists, characters, and writers. None have been more associated with the legion series as writer and editor Paul Levitz.


DC comics has blasted off another run of The Legion of super-heroes - the storyline was siphoned off and build up from: The final crisis : Legionnaire of three worlds, add a pinch of Green Lantern Corps Blackest Night storyline along with Mr. Levitz's writing and you have the revitalization of The Legion of superheroes #1 vol 6 and if you include the title of R.e.b.e.l.s its vol 7.


This is a good time to be a fan of The Legion of Super-Heroes. DC comics is reissuing the first chapter of Superman and the Legion of Super Heroes from soon to be released the graphic novel. Also the Legion will be featured in Adventure Comics #12. So the characters of the legion are still captivating and interesting as today.


So do not miss out on the rebirth of The New Legion of Super-Heroes.

more updates to come....

Hatter M returns with wonder!!!

Hatter M: Mad with Wonder (vol. 2)

Writer: Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier

Artist: Sami Makkonen

Publisher: Automatic Pictures Publishing

Release date: October 15th 2009

The exciting quest of Hatter M. returns with extraordinary wonder!

By JOHN L. DANIELS JR

The title of this book is Mad with Wonder, but what the reader will experience is an extraordinary vision of Frank Beddor’s character Hatter Madigan. The character was introduced to the fantasy reading community with Beddor’s award winning novel The Looking Glass Wars.

Hatter Madigan’s quest takes him to North America, after he befriends a young lad while in England. Hatter reminisces of his desire to become millinery. The story touches on his relationship with his brother, a member of the royal guard. Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier’s story takes the reader to a side of Hatter Madigan that loyal readers may not have experienced while reading Hatter M volume 1 or the comic periodicals published by Desperado publishing.

As with most of Beddor and Cavalier’s stories involving the millinery, Hatter M continues to intermingle with historical figures and events. This graphic novel does not let down its readers expectations of Madigan’s worldwide travels to find Alyss. Hatter Madigan learns about the mystique of New Orleans and receives the hospitality of Georgia. In Virginia he is a first-hand witness of the ravages of the civil war. Has Hatter Madigan found Alyss or maybe someone more of his interest – A southern lady named, Rosalind?

The flow of the story is fast-paced with twists and turns galore. The reader learns more of Hatter Madigan’s candor and strength and the lighter side of the Hatter Madigan’s persona. Readers learn more about the abilities of Hatter Madigan’s weapons; his trusted cutlery and his magnificent hat.

The readers are introduced to a new artist Sami Makkonen. Makkonen takes the reigns and retains the atmosphere of the original artist Ben Templesmith. The chapters in the novel are very detailed and exquisite. The Macabre and subdued palate is still dark but dynamic to view. These historical subplots provide an exceptional read of a heroic character on a quest for honor and hope with maniacal and whimsical characters. This is an impressive companion to all of Frank Beddor’s extraordinary novels: The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd and his newest novel ArchEnemy.

Frank Beddor’s creative vision will make you believe in the Wonder of Hatter M.

Frank Beddor's New Novel "Archenemy"

ARCHENEMY

Writer: Frank Beddor

Publisher: Dial Books

Release date: October 15^th 2009

The Climactic Battle for Wonderland is outstanding and extraordinary reading for all generations!

By JOHN L. DANIELS JR

In Frank Beddor’s third installment of the looking glass wars Alyss along with Hatter Madigan, Homburg Molly and Dodge Anders returns for the final battle of wonderland.

After reading his first novel The Looking Glass Wars, I was amazed at his story.

This is an excerpt from my interview of Frank Beddor:

What was your inspiration in writing the Novel –The Looking Glass Wars?

“A number of years ago I was in London for the European premiere of THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY. I went to the British Museum and saw an exhibit of ancient cards. For instance, Napoleon hired artists to hand paint depictions of his many victories in battle. But what caught my attention, at the very end of the exhibit, was an incomplete deck of cards illuminated by an unusual glow, almost as though they were alive. I was intrigued by the exhibit and captivated by the images on the cards. This was a very, very different version of Wonderland.”

This is amazing as I thought to myself. The amazing story grew with the sequel Seeing Redd novel about the return of the Aunt Redd and her quest for Wonderland. Aunt Redd, the sister of Alyss's mother, wanted to rule Wonderland. Redd's treacherous plan almost worked; but for the escape of Alyss from wonderland and her royal bodyguard Hatter Madigan. They escaped through the pool of tears and lost each other while escaping. Thus began his quest to find Alyss and return her to her rightful throne at wonderland.

Three years later, I asked Mr. Beddor the following question concerning the release of the third series:

How do you compare the atmosphere of your new novel Archenemy with the previous two books you have written, the Looking Glass Wars and Seeing Redd?

“Archenemy is where it all folds together -- the first two books were about 'Discovery' -- getting to know this other Wonderland and the heroes and Villains who occupy it. By book 3, readers who have stayed with theseries are emotionally ready to have it build and come to completion.The atmosphere is inclusive, in their minds they are as much a part of Wonderland as Alyss and Redd, they know as much and are ready for allthe answers. I guess it is insider versus outsider, with Archenemy, you're an insider having an experience with the characters. Maybe that's the pay-off of staying with a series.”

I have read the Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd and the Hatter M. graphic novels. When you read Mr. Beddor’s stories, you can envision the lands of which he writes: the valley of mushrooms, the checkered board desert along with the characters of evil; and the ones of righteousness. All are conceived by his visionary ideas which trickles endlessly from his own glow of white imagination and is reflected by his creative team at Automatic studios.

After reading Archenemy, I remembered how thrilled I was while reading the first installment of the looking glass wars; how the characters were subtle and believable as the characters nurtured the reader along the wondrous domain of wonderland.

Archenemy is a fantastic, exhilarating, and compelling read with plenty of complex storylines that will have the reader furiously wanting to read every page. Beddor, as with all his stories, draws the reader into the wonderland universe; from the introduction to the very last word in the book. This book is great for all ages is an easy read that can be understood from the very beginning.

This will be another blockbuster bestseller for Mr. Beddor. Readers and fans of this series will be astounded and enjoy the final installment of this incredible series.

The Inqusitive Critiquer Returns!!

Hi Everyone,

I know it has been a while since the last review or Interview, but I am back.
Today with the economy and life challenges we all have to sit back a moment and re-evaluate our daily life. So that is why I needed this sabbatical to re-evaluate mine as well. A lot has happened in the world of comicdom and the political world. America has a new president. Therefore, to have both intertwined is where I will begin.


In this era, as a person of ethnicity I thought I would never see an ethnic president. Nor would I have imagined seeing him on the cover of a comic periodical. Two comic book publishers have done just that.


President Obama appears on the cover and in a story of Marvel Comics THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #583.

The story involves Spidey at the Inauguration of president-elect Obama.


President Obama also appears in on the cover and story of IMAGE Comics THE SAVAGE

DRAGON #145.

The story has the return of SAVAGE DRAGON and involves President Obama’s return to Chicago.



Both of issues are groundbreaking which included President Obama as a character in the story. I applaud both Image and Marvel Comics for their gracious-nous in presenting an individual to readers of comics and to the American People and the Global world.

If you read the issues: What are your thoughts on both issues? Should political figures be featured in comics? Send a comment.

ELECTION 2008!!

Presidential Material:
John McCain
Writer: Andy Helfer
Art: Stephen Thompson
Barack Obama
Writer: Jeff Mariotte
Art: Tom Morgan
Publisher: IDW Publishing

In this presidential race of 2008 two candidates come out to save the day in heroic comic books published by IDW publishing!

By John L. Daniels Jr.

On the eve of the third and final debate between Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and
Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill), the economy in the U.S. is in shambles, Wall Street is
being saved by the Federal Government and Americans are on the verge of being hit hard by a recession. It is 8:50 on October 14th and in 10 minutes the debate will start. This debate will be viewed throughout the country and the world. To whom will Americans be drawn, cling to and align with in confidence for the President of the United States; in hopes that McCain or Obama will secure a solid future for America’s sons and daughters.

I reflect on the stories I read about the personalities and platforms of these extraordinary Americans: Senator McCain and Obama. The contrasts in “character” amaze me:

McCain-

- A P.O.W from the Vietnam War.

- A Navel Cadet

- A Fighter pilot

- A Figure who was tied to the Keating five.

- And historically the oldest nominated presidential candidate for the GOP.

Obama-

-Raised by a single mother

-Became the First African-American to be president of the Harvard law review.

-Associated with a known sympathizer.

-First African-American to be nominated for a presidential candidate in modern history

(Can you name the first African American to be nominated by a political party?)

How historic is this moment in American history?

The creators of this comic book give a good perspective for readers of this momentous collectible graphic novel. Both writers’ stories appealed to me. Andy Helfer wrote McCain’s story. His story of Senator McCain was informative and caught the quirkiness of the Senator’s snafus in his political and personal life. The story starts out as a serious recount of his time in Vietnam as a prisoner of war. One of the most memorable panels shows McCain dancing on a table with women in a wild soiree.

Obama’s story written by Jeff Mariotte, begins from the point in Barack's Campaign when Hilary Clinton defeated him in the New Jersey primary. It swells to his life as a young kid growing up in Hawaii to his struggles with not having money to attend the democratic convention in 2000. The story concludes with the historic acceptance of his party.

The artwork is a definitive recreation from pictures as well as life footnotes by biographers and gives a great visual insight of the candidates. The book is filled with
extras such as biographical resources and black and white drawings of the covers of each candidate.

This is a well-published and informative book for voters who need a definitive resource about the candidates. This presidential material pleases me because it enlightened me about the two candidates. Those comic costume enthusiasts who are expecting costumed candidates may be disappointed. There are no hero costumes or powers of prowess; just heroic experiences of two men vying for the role of commander-in- chief of the United States of America.

I applaud IDW for publishing an important book in comic book history. This book is yet another historical footnote to one of the most anticipated and unprecedented presidential races in United States of America history.

I give this book 5 stars for an informative presentation to the American voters.