Sunday, February 18, 2018

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.

Friday, February 9, 2018

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.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Motor Crush issue 7 and Batman:Dawn Breaker and mural stuff Comic Book reviews 10/4/17


 Motor Crush #7 review by Anthony Andujar Jr



(W) Brenden Fletcher , Cameron Stewart (A) Jake Wyatt , Babs Tarr


    When you're a World Grand Prix racer with a lot of Fame, you'd be happy, unless you're using Crush to keep you happy and focused to keep up with all of the competitors and fame. But when you're addicted to  Crush and end up disappearing for two years due to the drug, much like the series protagonist Domino Swift, you'd be surprised and curious to wonder how bad things have gotten in the city of Nova. How much has changed since Domino's disappearance ? What happened to Domino's father Sully and her girlfriend Lo?

   When I first read this series a year ago, it was recommended to me by my friend Miranda aka Miraswonderland  (shout out to ya !) And it had been a few months since I've gone back to read this series and the good news is, this was a nice jumping on point for anyone who is new to the series or may have had a hard time keeping up with the series. What's interesting is seeing the ramifications that happened to Domino's friends while she went missing through time due to the amount of crush that she used. Seeing how relationships have changed and how Domino's actions influenced and changed the way the World Grand Prix , and the rest of the city of Nova. Fletcher and Stewart does a good job at showing how each character has been affected by Domino's return but also how much each character has changed during this period of time.

  The artwork by Jake Wyatt and Babs Tarr are beautifully rendered. The gestures are solid and the panel choices are thought out. The colors by Babs Tarr and Heather Danforth really make the book pop with visual life which is one of the biggest strengths of this issue and keeps the visual continuity of those series consistent.

  This is an indie title that is definitely worth your while if you're looking for a cool futuristic series that has some animated flair that doesn't scream dystopian. It's a worthwhile series and this issue is a good jumping on point to catch up on the series. Plus, it's good to support independent creator content, so do yourself the favor and pick this issue up.

P.S. Both Motor Crush issue 7 and Batman: WHite Knight issue 1 were suppose to be on the Fanboy Factor website, but something caused the reviews to not show, so I decided to put them here. With that said, I at least managed to get Batman: Dawn Breaker (Dark Nights Metal tie-In) up on the website, so you can find it here:


I've been a bit busy with the mural work in ELmhurst,Queens with my partner Stephy and other fellow mural artists as of late, along with the sorting out getting the ProtoSaga comic published online, in addition to still working on other comics etc ,classes and work.

But here is a peek of the process thus far.










Batman: White Knight Review by Anthony Andujar Jr 10/4/17

     Batman: White Knight Review by Anthony Andujar Jr



Writer/Illustrator/Inker :Sean Murphy Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

  For years the Joker has always been a villain through and through, and Batman has always been perceived as a hero. This time, the tables turn as The Joker has suddenly found himself on the right side of the law, and now Batman is perceived as the bad guy.
Comic Book illustrator Sean Murphy has finally gotten his shot at telling a story of his own as a writer with Batman:White Knight.

      The comic begins with Batman locked up in Arkham Asylum only to be visited by a few officers and a man named Jack Napier otherwise (formerly) known as The Joker. How did Batman end up on the bad side of the law? How did the Joker suddenly become the hero of the people of Gotham? What sort of madness will Murphy deliver with this series!?!?

   This was a really solid first issue for a variety of reasons. It's not the first time that there have been moments where the Joker was returned to sanity for a period of time. Frank Miller did that with Dark Knight Returns, Grant Morrison did that in his JLA run, and Scott Snyder did it during his New 52 Batman run. It's not a new concept, but Sean Murphy finds a fresh way of taking that concept and expanding it in a way that hasn't been executed in that way before.
  Murphy first and foremost definitely introduces the foundations that set up perfectly the events led up to the predicament that Batman is currently in as an inmate in Arkham. Murphy places all of the instances that showcases how the Joker went from being a known serial killer to a sane, intelligent, political representative of the people Gotham. I felt that Murphy gave some surprisingly plausible plot elements that lead to the joker to finally be cured from his insanity (as far as this story is concerned of course). Keep in mind, this is a self contained story (which is also great for a variety of reasons) that goes in places that the normal titles wouldn't do.

Interestingly, this book in regards to it's plot and art style feels like a more mature spin off of the Timm/Dini/Abnett Batman: The Animated Series. Obviously, Murphy makes that known with a lot of Easter eggs and references to the 90s cartoon in addition to the classic 1989 Tim Burton Batman, with Sprinkles of Frank Miller as well. The book's biggest strength is the character interactions and plot development. The motivations behind the Bat Family which consists of Batgirl and Nightwing (very BTAS) , along with Batman behaving a bit recklessly in his pursuit of the joker, the GCPD etc are all believable and the most logically sound that I've seen in a Batman comic in a long time. The fact that the Joker has found a cure, and finds a way to flip the script on Batman with all of these legal state laws etc is a brilliant approach and shines a new light on the Joker as a character that hasn't been done in that way before.

    There is also some interesting commentary within the book that highlights social media, the difficulties and dualities of social issues in regards to police brutality and SJW issues, but the book does a good job at not shoving down your throat. It just takes inspiration from the world of today and weaves a story that makes use of the real world and provides an interesting narrative that provides a new lense for Batman and the Joker.

 It feels like Sean Murphy had a lot of conversations, and gags like everyone comic book fan that critically thinks about all the ridiculous excuses that allow for Batman to not be legally detained for vigilantism. It's surprising that the motivations for each character within the book all makes sense to the plot and structure of the story.

 The artwork by Murphy is just solid, with heavy shadows, silhouettes, great gestures, renders and designs that make the book it's own. The art work by Murphy is unique in the same way like Otis Schmitt (Green Arrow), or Jamie Hewlett (Gorillaz) where each character within the book has a distinct aesthetic/shape that sets them apart in contrast with each other in an enjoyable way. Plus, it gives off some solid Batman: The​ Animated Series vibes that just feels perfect to this book. The artwork is overall solid. The colors by Hollingsworth are perfect for the tone of the book , providing very solid colors that compliments Murphy's artwork.

   Do yourself a favor, if you don't want to read an event based book, or don't want to feel bogged down by continuity, and want to have a cool book that you can just jump right in to read, this book is perfect for you. But if you're also a Batman fan, or a fan of Batman the animated series, or like Sean Murphy's work, you will definitely find something for you. Add this to your pull list.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Dark Nights Metal!!Comic book reviews, comic making, animation and Murals!!!!!! Ant ANdujar 9/22/17

New semester, and i've been busy with comic book making, animation stuff etc etc. Proto Saga, my fan made comic (with my co writers WIllinzy, and Jose) is gonna be ready to be released either this month or october. in addition, im cooking up some comic pages with my buddy Brainslug_art , My friend Manny is helping me with the protosaga website, and I'm working on my own montage animation by doing some rotoscoping over stopmotion footage that I shot over a year ago. But, I made sure to be consistent in posting my reviews here. so without further delay,

Dark Nights Metal has been on my reading list along with a few tie ins that I reviewed from DC Comics. My top picks : 

   Dark Nights Metal issue 2: http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/09/comic-review-dark-nights-metal-2-dc-comics/

  Batman:Red Death #1 (Metal tie-in): http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/09/comic-review-batman-red-death-1-dc-comics/


 Nightwing #29 (Gotham Resistance pt 2, Metal Tie- IN) : http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/09/comic-review-nightwing-29-dc-comics/  

   9/21/17
So today was finally the first official day of the murals. @vavanatasha @diegorcastillo1 @arualnorig @yin3219 @Msemmyart and a few of us all came in and all started up drawing the base of the murals so that way, we can see what we will do in regards to underpainting. And then when the pencils are all said and done, it will then lead to the final phases and then off to painting stages. Obviously I had a rough start, since I am the first and only who was tagged up , I had to repaint a little, and sand the surfaces . So while some of the paint was drying, I just pencilled around what was repainted. After 20 minutes or so, I just did as much as I could from 1pm -5:30pm. A few rough starts, but so far, so good. Some of the best parts was seeing the warm reaction from the people of the neighborhood good resonated and responded greatly to each I of the artists that were drawing in their murals. I met a corrections officer who loves art, met some nurses, met some locals that all voiced appreciation, love and respect for the kind of stuff produced for a the community. I can't wait to see what our other partners come up with. It reminds me why I love doing what I love. And hopefully, I we can do the residents and culture justice. #muralpriming #murals #nyc #nycmurals#art #panels #paneling #muralpanels #paint #gridding #artwork #citymurals#antdujar #antdujar94 #anthonyandujarjr #queensartists #muralsNYC#barcodepapelnyc #visualartsnyc #visualartsqueens#visualartsbarcodepapelnyc #laguardiacommunitycollege #lagcc #acrylic#comicbookartist




During the Q&A 9/16/17 at Queens library in elmhurst











Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Hi Guys! Its been a while, but I'm back! Anthony Andujar Jr 8/30/17

    Hi guys, I know its been a minute since I have been on posting on this blog. I've had a lot going on in terms of completing the comic, (which should be ready for release in September (hopefully), typing comic book reviews for The Fanboy Factor website, preparing for classes (I passed a Math class that I had struggled with for a good chunk of time, finally!), work, quick subway sketches (that are then digitally colored) ,a Mural project for the city of New York, and Elmhurst Queens/ MTA / Laguardia Community College, revisiting a lot of Linkin Park and Soundgarden/ Temple of the Dog/ Audioslave music, and personal stuff in my life. 

  I didn't forget about you all, and I apologise for the disappearance, but now, I'm back, letting you all know that I didn't forget about you guys and that I have a ton of stuff in store for you all. 

first off, Comic Book Reviews!!!!!

     Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo have reunited to work on a Batman/ DC Universe Event that spans all the way back from their New 52 run on Batman and the rich history of The DC Universe itself!!!! whats Batman's stake in all that is occuring within the DC Universe? and can he and his allies stop it?:

  http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-dark-nights-metal-dc-comics/

    Tim Seeley, and Javier Fernandez are heating things up and making things very difficult for Nightwing to handle within the kitchen of Spyral!!:

http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-nightwing-27-dc-comics/

   Superman searches for the missing whereabouts of a child, only to find that there is more to fear than the missing kid himself!!!

  http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-superman-29-dc-comics/

  The Negative Speed Force is having a negative effect of Barry Allen, and there is a traitor in the midst of the CCPD!!! :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-the-flash-29-dc-comics/

  Superman and Lex Luthor are in the midst of a battle against one another and themselves! Can Superman save himself and Luthor before it's too late? :
http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-action-comics-986-dc-comics/

  My Movie Review of Batman and Harley Quinn can be read here!!!!: http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/blu-raydvd-review-batman-and-harley-quinn-warner/

    The Search for Ray Palmer within the Microverse continues ! : http://fanboyfactor.com/2017/08/comic-review-justice-league-of-america-13-dc-comics/


    Also, My home boy Claude ( @madeintime2021 )and I (@antdujar94 ) got interviewed by Prototype : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUAmum7JFNk&t=44s

      Check her stuff out: https://www.instagram.com/pro.totype/ 

     here is a little preview of my comic that will be released in September : 



  Here is also a glimpse of a 90 page graphic novel that I'm creating with https://www.instagram.com/brainslug_art/ that is currently in the works. I just want to give you all something cool that's worth your time, attention and investment. In the mean time, thanks for your support, even if its just skimming through what I write. It means a lot. 

Till next week, see ya around. - AAJ.