My Journey Short Comic By Ant Andujar Jr 2018

During the duration of 2018, I was going through some stuff, and whenever I had something i wanted to express, I illustrated it into my personal sketchbook. I knew that whenever I was illustrating a sketch in my sketchbook, It was something that felt like it belonged to an anthology of some kind because I kept drawing things that were cyberpunk esque. In between animating, scraping pages for other comics that I was working on with collaborators, and then joining the interpreting program at laguardia community college after obtaining my associates in Fine Arts, I felt ...lost. at times I felt lost, impatient, angry, frustrated, etc. But I always went back to that sketchbook. 

I remember hesitating to draw in this particular sketchbook for a couple of reasons that I won't] disclose. But my friend Stephanie.J. blessed with me with a sketchbook that became a great device to visual regurgitate ideas that inspired various concepts that I could turn stories out of. WIth that I realized that I could create anything that comes to mind, and that's when it lead to this short comic. Artists, most especially illustrators are magicians/ wizards/ sorcerers. Creating something out of thin air, creating something out of nothing, making a space where something on a two dimensional page will feel more three dimensional and more real than any conversation and voice that they hear on a daily basis. 

So I went with that, exploring the various worlds that inhabit the mind of an illustrator such as myself. While I was working on this personal projects Stan Lee passed away. I grew up on a lot of his stuff, reading his X-men,Fantastic Four and most definitely his stuff on Amazing Spider-man with Steve Ditko. I remember that pushed me to go to my sketch book, to take those personal pages and turn it into a comic. After I finished taking one of my finals for intro to field interpreting. I scanned the selected pages  and started  digitally coloring these pages... I Went for a Bill Sinkevich and David Mack approach when I was drawing this stuff loosely and then i would draw heavily detailed stuff to contrast with it all.

There are various things I'd like to bring to life, but find difficult due to finding other illustrators that have the same enthusiasm, or being bogged down by the natural pace at which human beings draw hahaha. I don't know if this will help people through depression, It definitely won't cure cancer, and most likely won't change the situations that occurs in ones life. But I at least hope that It can inspire action. i hope it inspires my fellow artists to take action to create what they want to create regardless of what they are told. SO i hope this helps you in your journey as it is helping me as I enter 2019. Also, I'd like to wish a birthday shout out to the homie Johnathan Acosta, Happy Birthday man! Dope! You share the same B-Day as Stan lee. I Also want to thank @obey_thelaw /@unbothered_thoughts for being one of my reference models for the muse section of the short comic. Ya'll should check out her writing and poetry. Anywho, See ya soon folks!

See ya soon.

 

 

You can check out all of my other stuff here:

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-comics-that-ive-completed-thus-far.html

The Comics That I've Completed Thus Far

I originally posted this post on to my AAJ Comics N Stuff page, https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-comics-that-ive-completed-thus-far.html 

but I'd figured I'd post it on here too. 

For the past few years I've been working on some comics that I've made on my own, or collaborated with fellow co-writers, contributing colors to, or still currently working on. It's been a joy to see my progress and how much i've improved in various areas. I'm still working on some content that I can't show just yet but I look forward to completing them and showing them to you without spoiling nor giving away the entirety of the plot and the details that it may contain.  But I figured to save you guys the trouble of trying go through the entirety of it all, I figured I'd save you the entirety of your search and put the comics that I've completed on here:

 My first comic from 2015: 

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/memory-detective-2015-my-first-comic.html

Proto Saga (2016/2017):

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/proto-saga-fan-made-comic-20152017.html

I Can't Remember (Amnesiac Mage) 2017:

https://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/i-cant-remember-amnesiac-mage-2017.html

Stan Lee tribute collaboration with Jose Garcia:
http://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2018/12/stan-lee-avengers-infinity-war-end-game.html

 Spidersona comic Knight Spider:

http://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2019/02/knight-spider-short-comic-by-anthony.html

Valentines Day silent Spidey short comic:
http://aajcomicsnstuff.blogspot.com/2019/02/spidey-in-rush-valentines-day-silent.html



       These are only some of the projects that I've been working on in between completing my associates as a Fine Arts Major, Joining the ASL interpreting program, volunteering, working, animating animatics etc. The point is, I utilize as much as my free time as I can. I'd like to show more but this is as good as it gets for now. I'm working on getting more of this graphic novel done over the winter break, along with the other comic that I'm working on with (Will and Jose.S) so hopefully you'll see it sooner than later! 

-Ant ANdujar Jr

New Comic Book Day 10/10/18 by Anthony Andujar Jr

    Hi guys! I know its been a a few months. I've been really busy since I began the ASL interpreting program which is heavily dense with reading materials and content and can be a bit of drag at times. While I do appreciate the discussions of morals, ethics, and how impactful the field of interpreting is along with the consequences of interpreting. Despite all of this, I had to put my graphic novel stuff on hold and just do pin up pieces or inktober pieces and make sketches on the go to keep consistency. 

        With that said,  I had a little bit of time to do some comic book reviews this week @fanboyfactor. My top recommendations for #NewComicBookDayfor this week are @danielwarrenart Murder Falcon. If you like Metal, beer, Jojo's bizarre adventure, then you'll definitely enjoy this new series by the very talented Daniel Warren Johnson who does primarily most of the art aside from the writing.

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/10/comic-review-murder-falcon-1-image/ 

    Now, if you're in the mood for a cyber punk esque, near universal extinction, NOIR, suspense, mystery thriller, then recommend @ry_cady @andreamutti9 Infinite Dark. It's definitely one of my new favorite reads for a new series in quite a while. I love the Alien vibes that it evokes.

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/10/comic-review-infinite-dark-1-image/

 And in terms of superhero books, my choice is none other than Joshua Williamson and Scott Kolins Flash issue 56!!!

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/10/comic-review-the-flash-56-dc-comics/

 Literally all three are great freaking reads!!! I had a blast reading them and re reading them as much as I did reviewing them (in between classes of course). Definitely check these books out!

Justice League Issue 5 Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 7/31/18

Justice League issue 5 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

  The origin point! The secret behind Lex Luthor's plans, the reasons that lead to Lex Luthor return to villany,  the assemblage of the Legion of Doom is finally revealed! As the Justice League is ambushed, Lex Luthor ventures on, one step closer to his goal. What caused Lex Luthor to turn away from heroism? What did Lex Luthor discover that shattered him to his core? And what can the League do about it!?

   Okay, of all of the issues, i think the fifth issue is a favorite of mine for a couple of reasons which i will state. The pacing in this issue feels much steadier, and takes it's time breaking down everything. In a sense this is an issue with required exposition, giving a grander picture of the puzzle that Scott Snyder has written in, piecing the plot together, and connecting it all.    If you have read my prior reviews of the first four issues, i stated that i was very puzzled as to why Lex Luthor suddenly became a villain again after the events of No Justice. The transition just felt odd. But thankfully in this issue , readers finally get a chance to know why, and how Lex has forsaken his role as a hero , once again embracing his role in villainy.

   I was a bit skeptical about how it was gonna pan out with the explanation, but i think Snyder managed to deliver a pretty solid one, that in a way, kinda reminds me of The Joker’s views in Batman the Killing Joke. I won't spoil anything but when readers discover Lex Luthor's reasons, it will become clear to them, let alone a plausible reason that readers may come to expect and accept. Although i will miss Lex Luthor's time as a hero ever since he exhibited aspects of redemption since Geoff Johns Forever Evil.

  Mahnke and Mendoza deliver a one , two combo in the artwork with Quintana providing fantastic color work, making this Legion of Doom centric issue visually and aesthetically fitting.  I wasn't sure if Snyder was gonna sell me on this issue, but thankfully he casted out my doubts and hopefully others doubts as well with this issue. After connecting things together from the last four issues, i look forward to what Snyder and co will deliver next. Add this to your pull list, this issue is definitely a worth your while.

Now, I've been busy these past few months, with joining a bachelors program, in becoming an ASL Interpreter, while working on a bunch of comic projects etc etc.

But, Back in June I met Scott Snyder at his Barns and Noble Dark Nights Metal signing, and My Co-writer Jose took me out to see Radiohead live, at MSG (which was an awesome moment for myself). I have no Vocation in view, but this made up for it inn between work, classes and days of no sleep doing assignments etc etc . I'll try to be more active on here, and If you guys have been wondering, I post a lot on the Fanboy Factor website which you can find here, http://fanboyfactor.com/author/anthony-andujar/

See you guys around!

Flash-Speed Buggy#1 & other Comicbook Reviews! 5/30/18 by Ant Andujar Jr

     Hi guys! It's been a heck of a time these past two months. As usual I've been busy sluggishly working through projects. Other things that have occured is just personal life stuff which everyone deals with and some how, in some way,  powers through in life.  But comic reviews are still happening as you guys can see at the Fanboy Factor website!

Here are some reviews from last week:

Scott Lobdell and Brert Booth hit readers fast and strong with a solid crossover between two unlikely speedsters in The Flash-Speedbuggy #1 crossover:
http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/05/comic-review-flash-speed-buggy-1-dc-comics/

Justice League: No Justice issuw 4 review:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/05/comic-review-justice-league-no-justice-4-dc-comics/

 And Doomsday Clock issue 5 Review:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/05/comic-review-doomsday-clock-5-dc-comics/

    Personally for me, my favorite of the three comics reviewed is most defintely The Flash - Speedbuggy crossover. Largely in part because it was a very fun and wacky book that story wise was enjoyable to read. Scott Lobdell's writing accompanied by Brett Booth's art really makes it a treat for the eyes and mind.

  There will be more reviews as usual. Other than that, I'm still alive and kicking, and I only hope you all are continuing to do the same. Take the time to love yourself and appreciate the good company that you keep! Life is full of rough patches, so hopefully we can all make life bareable for ourselves and our loved ones by showing some kindness however best we can.  Have a good weekend!

Sometimes you never know who's checking your content out. So when you have a bad day, try to remember that there is always room for better days. And sometimes when you think no one is paying attention, somewhere out there, someone is. Keep your head up y'all!

Dark Nights Metal issue 6 review 3/28/18 by Anthony Andujar Jr

Dark Nights Metal issue 6 review by Anthony Andujar Jr. 3/28/18

Variant Cover art by Tony Daniel

     It's finally here folks!!! The final issue of the multiversal spanning,  Batman, DC Universe event concludes!!!

     As the waves of Dark Multiverse versions of our heroes attack earth's last line of defense, the remaining members of the Justice League prepare for their final battle. But deep in the darkness, below the surface is a larger battle that determines the fate of the Multiverse and everything else. As Barbatos and the Batman Who Laughs prepare to execute their final step to plummet the entire multiverse into darkness forever, The Man of Steel and The Caped Crusader make their last attempt to save the multiverse. But will they succeed in saving almost everyone? Who lives? Who dies? What will become of some of Batman and the Justice League? 

  Despite a one month break between the month of January and March, a lot of readers felt a little bloated , wondering whether or not the event was gonna end due to concerns of delays of the final issue. Thankfully Snyder , Capullo, Placencia (colorist) and Glapion (inker) were gracious enough to make the final issue a 48 page comic filled with tons of action and fun moments. Although admittedly, i did feel that the issue wasn't as strong as issue 4 & 5 to a certain degree in terms of tone. And compared to the tie-in issues it felt a little lighter in tone. Then again, given that it's the final issue of this event, thematically it makes sense since it the heroes had gone through hell and back to try to stop Barbatos and the Dark Knights from wreaking havoc across the world. 

  The story is pretty fun and for the most part, it's satisfying. It basically felt like a Batman version of Crisis on Infinite Earths, with some nice elements of Morrison's Multiversity and in some cases loosely reminds me of the Superman Beyond aspect of Final Crisis. But then again when it comes to alternate realities, Morrison is always associated with the concepts anyway. But that doesn't take away from the fun thrills and entertainment value of this 48 page conclusion. I had a fear that maybe Snyder wouldn't have enough room to give a full conclusion to the event, but thankfully he did (for the most part). I do have some minor gripes about the final issue, mostly due to Barbatos as the villain of the whole event. Despite the fact that he is the series antagonists, he didn't really strike anyone as a really intimidating threat as compared to The Batman Who Laughs.

   But i feel that the tie-ins did a much better job at making the main Antagonists more terrifying than the actual event. I wished there was a little more panel time between Batman and The Batman Who Laughs in the climax of the book. Now don't get me wrong it is a really cool fight , and it's displayed greatly, but i felt it could have gone on just a bit longer. And given that this is a much more personal thing for Batman when dealing with a warped version of himself that embodies the worst of himself, i would have liked to seen a little more moments between the two. But maybe, that would have taken away from the story a bit. And given that they needed to tell a good amount of story for the conclusion of this arc, I think readers will be satisfied enough. Snyder does open the door to some of the stuff that DC had already announced publicly in their solicitations. Snyder does a fine job at wrapping up the book , and given what readers will discover at the conclusion of this issue, I think readers will look forward to what Snyder has in store for the Justice League since he was announced the new ongoing writer for the title earlier this month. 

  In regards to the artwork, both Greg Capullo and Mike Janin along with Glapions inks, do a fantastic job providing all the coolest visuals in the book. Capullo came through with the art on this final issue, and in some cases one can tell he had some fun with illustrating all the dark multiverse versions of various DCU characters. Mike Janin did a great job too, and eased the workload for the epilogue pages, shifting to a lively tone that Janin’s art managed to accomplish. The art in this book really makes the story shine in all the right ways , making the story even more enjoyable. 

  Thoughts:  Despite the one month wait for the conclusion of this 6 issue (and some tie-ins) event, i can say that in some ways, it almost feels like Scott Snyder has some kind of  parallel to Akira Toriyama’s approach to the conclusion of Dragon Ball Super’s Universe Tournament of Power arc. I won’t go into details but it felt very much like the DBS ep 131 finale due to the fact that there are some really cool moments where certain characters that one doesn't expect actually show up in an entertaining manner. But there is a part in the story that Snyder wrote that felt so much like last Saturday's DBS episode 131 battle that i was sorta chuckling to myself about. 

If you have watched the final episode of Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power arc, and you read this issue, you'll be thinking the same thing as I did when reading issue 6 of this event. It’s actually very interesting that the timing of DBS ‘s last arc episode, and the last issue of this event both wrapped up in the same month (March). But to see a fight in issue 6, where it sorta mirrored the final fight in which Goku and Frieza team up to fight Jiren to take him out of the ring. 

 It really surprised me to see a moment like that in this issue and coincidental and cool that was to see Batman and Dragon Ball have a similar conclusion. Heck Batman and Goku both achieved a new transformation in a similar sense in the same month as well!! Okay, I know, you’re thinking I'm fanboying too much about Dragon Ball Super ep 131 and Dark Nights Metal issue 6 having similar moments in their respective arcs. But what can I say, as a fan of comic books and anime, it's nice to see parallels of things that one likes. With that said, I don't know if Snyder is a Dragon Ball fan, But it's a nice unintentionally, timed, coincidence that made me somewhat satisfied as a Dragon Ball and Batman/ DC Comics fan. 

   Overall this was an enjoyable conclusion, while it isn't without it's flaws, it's satisfying enough. I definitely recommend adding this to the pull list this week.  

Action Comics 998 and Flash 41 reviews by Anthony Andujar Jr

    Hey Guys!!! i didn't get to post this on my blog here, but I've been posting actively on Fanboy Factor, which you can find here with the links that I've posted below. As of late I've been working on new material and posted some new pieces on redbubble.com which you can find at the bottom of the comic links. I hope you guys have been enjoying what Joshua WIlliamson and Dan Jurgens have been delivering within The Flash and Action Comics.

Action Comics #998 review :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/02/comic-review-action-comics-998-dc-comics/

The Flash #41 review:
http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/02/comic-review-the-flash-41-dc-comics/

Here is my Redbubble stuff!
https://www.redbubble.com/people/antdujar94/works/30664485-four-horsemen-of-academia-by-anthony-andujar-jr?grid_pos=6&p=t-shirt&rbs=c8be5b34-d840-48ea-8526-c5bbd36f62f4&ref=shop_grid&style=mens


   I hope you guys enjoy and see you guys soon!

Comic Reviews and Happy Late Valentines Day 2/18/18 by Ant A

   I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day with their family, friends and loved ones. I didnt get to post on this since i've been busy (as usual), but i didn't come empty handed ...


Here is a review for Action Comics issue 997!!! You can read it here!:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/02/comic-review-action-comics-997-dc-comics/

   So far I've been enjoying the work that the Superman Teams (Dan Jurgens on Action Comics, Peter J Tomasi & Patrick Gleason on Superman) have done. They really have a great understanding of the character and have a fantastic ability when it comes to pacing, plot, and character development. Which it sorta saddens me that when they finish their time on these respective titles, that Brian Bendis (i love his early work on Daredevil, Ultimate Spider-man, early New Avengers ) will be taking the reigns.

 I hope he can weave some good tales and respect the character progression that has been developed for the Man of Steel within the past two years. If Bendis is able to write the titles, acknowledging continuity and making sure not to add useless sub plots that don't get resolved and cause plot holes, then i'm all for it. But lets see, Black Panther is making history (deservedly so) and the movie is just fantastic!!! It's literally one of the top 5 and top 10 best MCU films with a strong villain that lives up to the level of antagonist ideology that hasn't been seen often since Nolan/ledger Joker.

   Aside from that, Action Comics is on its way to making issue 1000! This is gonna be a historical year since it'll be the first time that a DC Comics comic book, let alone a Comic Book makes that kind of historical number in regards to publication!!! So i can't wait to see that come to fruition and review it! Any who, aside from that, it's a crazy time that we're living in, where such tragedies have become more and more of the norm, and there is a lack of action being done to stop school shooters etc. Now i won't get into all that stuff since there are various others that have spoken about this topic to no end. And it won't end since there needs to be a change in how these terrorists, are able to ibtain that level of fire arms without taking extensive tests for their psyche. It makes no sense for a gun owner to have that heavy grade of ballistics in their hands, especially and more specifically, an unlicensed one.

    I get it , it's acceptable for a licence gun owner to have a pistol etc, depending on a profession, or self protection incase such a situation requires it. But to have military grade weapons, is just insane in regards to those who dont have a gun liscence and are able to obtain this kind of weaponry and put a bad name on people who ate not of that caliber and let alone make things worse for children and people who have no means to get assitance from local authorities. It's just insane times we're living in. And due to that, sometimes we all go to other forms of media and fiction to learn to accept and reflect on the current state of reality  and life that we live in.

    Hopefully through time, we can find a means that will help to mitigate these kinds of tragedies. But in the meantime, as we find mini breaks from our realities, that we go to our favorite fantasy worlds that remind us the power of words and ideas when done right. That maybe we can find the strength to be imaginative in finding solutions to the daily problems that plague the world. We Don't need to be Superman to make a change, we just gotta do our part to inspire good and know when to find the right time and the right kind of battles in which we can face the problems head on and make a better future for the people and world around us. And if we can't do that, then at least, inspire our communities to find solutions and make the best of their situations within a unjust system that the world constantly tussles with.

  Too optimistic? Possibly? But if history has taught us, especially from the civil rights movement, that things can be obtained. Through positivity. Find that positivity in whatever you love, apply it in your life and just do good by your friends, family, loved ones and your fellow man and woman. Protect your heart, and keep fighting the good fight. See ya around.

Happy (late) New Year (in February) 2018! Injustice 2# 19 and Superman #40 Comic Reviews!

      Ladies and Gents, Happy New Year!!! I meant to write in January, but as usual, I've been keeping busy and haven't had a chance to keep you guys updated on the comic book reviews here since i've been posting them to the Fanboy Factor page.

 First things first.. Comic Book Reviews of the week!!!!!!

Batman and the Resistance team go to the imprisoned Superman’s Fortress of Solitude to embark on a search and rescue mission into the Phantom Zone to rescue the Teen Titans. As they venture through the Phantom Zone they are greeted with an unfriendly presence, otherwise known as Zod!!!!
You can read the rest of the review here:
 http://fanboyfactor.com/2018/02/comic-review-injustice-2-19-dc-comics/

Unfortunately when I wrote the other review, it didn't get to make it in time for the site, but I'll link you to my review of Superman issue 40 here: 

http://antacomicpage.blogspot.com/2018/02/superman-40-review-by-anthony-andujar.html


 Recently I've been making prints and T-Shirt stuff and selling them through RedBubble.com . Whether you like comic books, superheroes, anime/manga, Dragon Ball Z/Super etc, You can find some stuff here : https://www.redbubble.com/people/antdujar94/portfolio/recent/ 

This is something I have as a side thing to make some side income while I am working my day job and reapplying for another degree since i mainly completed my associates degree in Fine Arts (although it is I'll have to wait until June to actually receive my degree since I completed my credits in the fall of 2017.

Also I never had a chance to show you guys (unless you've been following my Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=161045157283284&ref=br_rs and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antdujar94/?hl=en but the Elmhurst Mural Project in Queens was finally completed in early December of 2017 (last year). Painted through rain, hail, sleet and snow, but my partners and I managed to complete the project. You can see some of the images here:

   In addition, I've been working on some new comic book content. Now, I know I said that I would have the comic website ready for you guys to see Protosaga etc, but I've been working on new content with my collaborators, and unfortunately, good things come in due time. WIth that being said, when the comics are complete and the site is completed, i'll keep you guys posted when it is ready for your viewing pleasure! Aside from that, While making pieces and illustrating comics with @shawtity_ Willinzy, @brainslug_art and @_whydopeopleusethis,I've taken time to catch up on anime's that I've started such as Serial Experiments Lain (a fantastic anime), My Hero Academia (loving season 2 thus far. Can't wait for season 3), and catching up on some other animes in between moments. Other than that, that's all the latest info for y'all. 

   Hopefully ,I'll keep you guys posted with more comic book reviews, and link you to them in between everything. WIsh me luck, and I wish you the very same in all your endeavors, to all my readers. Until next time, I'll see you guys in the funny pages.....or next week that is.

        Enjoy the weekend!!!!-AAJ

Superman #40 review by Anthony Andujar Jr 2/7/2018

 Superman #40 review by Anthony Andujar Jr

W: Robinson A: Doug Mahnke C: Quintana I: Mendoza & Scott Hannah

  It's a father and son day out at Superman and Jon (Superboy) learn of the importance of tradition as they celebrate life by reflecting on the history of Krypton and learn of its unfortunate destruction. Suddenly, Superman and son get a distress signal from the planet Galymayne coincidently experiencing the same conditions that led to Krypton’s destruction. Superman and Superboy fly to the planet Galymayne to rescue and evacuate the inhabitants before the impending destruction of the planet. But unfortunately Things don't go as planned as the religious fanatics of the planet have other plans , ensuing in a struggle between science and religion, choice and fate .

  Can Superman and Son save the planet from its own fanaticism ? Or will Galymayne and the rest of its Seahorse population suffer the same fate as Krypton?

    Robinson jumps kicks off The Last Days arc providing writing duties while Tomasi and Gleason are working on the other arcs. Robinson provides some humor and relief between Big Blue and son that continues to feel as natural to what Tomasi and Gleason have established since the beginning of Rebirth. Admittedly there are parts of the issue (in the beginning of the book) where Jon’s dialogue is a little weak at times, but the themes of the issue and the plot itself makes up for the minor nitpicks that I had with the beginning of the issue.

 What makes this issue enjoyable is the use of making parallels to Galymayne’s impending destruction and Krypton's established end. It's interesting to see Jon learning first hand an experience that isn't too different from what Superman has already experienced. There is a nice distinction to the generational gap that is clearly evident between Superman and Son that makes it very entertaining to read. In regards to being awe to new discoveries in contrast to no longer being entertained by such things over a period of time. It shows how different Superman and Jon are not only as father and son but also as two individuals that grew up in different eras.

  Mahnke’s pencils along with Mendoza and Hannah’s inks are very strong together on the pages. All making the issue looks beautiful and enjoyable to read. With the assistance of Quintana’s colors it really makes Mahnke and Company’s art flourish greatly with every page. I definitely recommend picking this issue up since Robinson continues to live up to the quality as his co writes Tomasi and Gleason have for this title. Also it's best to enjoy this roller coaster of a series before Brian Bendis takes the reigns.