Newsflash for Writers: New anthology looking for superhero stories

Hey comic fans! I don’t know how many of you out there are writers as well as comic fans, but I recently saw a new anthology being developed called “No More Heroes.” Most anthologies are closed (i.e.: writers submit stuff by invitation only), but this one has an open submission policy. Basically, they are looking for short stories between 3000-9000 words about some of the remaining super-powered beings in a world where most of the heavy-hitters have been wiped out in a giant cataclysm. Short stories are a great way to break into something bigger, so if you’re interested, have a look, write a story, have someone read it and give you good feedback. Then, fix it and send it off.   Here’s the website: No More Heroes.

Disclaimer: I have no connection to this anthology, nor am I submitting. I just saw it on Ralan.com and recognized it as one of the few prose outlets for superhero fiction and thought the loyal readers of WCBR might be interested.

-DS Arsenault

Secret Invasion #7 (of 8) – Review

By Brian Michael Bendis (Writer), Leinil Yu (Pencils), Mark Morales (Inker), Laura Martin, and Emily Warren (Colorists)

The Story: The penultimate chapter of the Secret Invasion is all about the action. Heroes and villains from throughout the Marvel universe come together for an epic battle against the Skrull army. But this isn’t just a straight forward fight, the final seeds planted months ago by writer Brian Bendis finally come to fruition.

What’s (very) Good: The action. The artwork here is absolutely phenomenal. Each panel packs a punch and it seems as though every character involved in the fight gets a chance to shine. There is a LOT going on in this comic and the art team pulls it off spectacularly. As far as action goes, this is one epic fight that manages to live up to the hype. Hats of to Leinil Yu for delivering the goods!

What’s Not So Good: The dialogue. I know that I may sound a bit too critical here, but most of the battlefield dialogue just simply doesn’t work for me. The banter and catch-phrases, while (admittedly) fun, take away from the seriousness and scope of the battle at hand. I held on to some hope that the encounter would somehow be able to transcend above its summer blockbuster status, but it doesn’t. It is all very fun, but considering how seriously some of this story has been taken, I can’t help but feel the tone is a bit off. It just seems like some of the characters involved are having way too much fun.

Conclusion: For all out Marvel superhero action, you really can’t get much better than this. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. Whether that is a positive or a negative is up to you, the reader, to decide.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

As short-changed as some might feel, this book doesn’t need the dialogue. Why? Because there’s really not much of a story here. It’s a full blown brawl fest — Marvel porn at its finest. Finally… finally some of those New Avengers and Mighty Avengers stories that were dismissed as “throwaways” make sense and carry more weight. The concept of Wasp being chosen to be the doomsday weapon is a bit silly, though. And why only infect her when you can infect others as a contingency plan? That logic throws me off a bit, but whatever. This once dreaded invasion is showing signs of fatigue. At least I now know why Marvel released that Marvel Boy hardcover a couple of weeks back.

At this point I just want this series to be over.

Grade: C

– J. Montes

Kick-Ass #1 – Review

By Mark Millar (writer), John Romita Jr. (pencils), Tom Palmer (inks), Dean White (colors)

Everything you’ve heard about this book is true. It’s gritty, real, and violent. For those not in the know, the book’s premise is simple: A high school kid who’s a big comic book fan wonders why no one ever dresses up and does the “super hero thing” in the real world. He decides to be the first and is (literaly) hit with a grim reality.

What’s so fascinating about this book is not just how grounded in reality it is, but also how it comes to its conclusion. I know there’s more issues coming, but from the catastrophe we witness, you’d think there wouldn’t be much left for a second issue. What also surprised me is just how much narrative we’re given. I was expecting a “silent” type of book where Millar and Romita take us out on a day with this kid. Instead, we get a complete origin story. This isn’t a book you’ll breeze through in a few minutes – there’s a lot to read!

Mark Millar does an excellent job getting us into the shoes of the “hero” and learning about the world he dwells in. His references to other comics aren’t distracting either – this is stuff comic book geeks really talk about! And John Romita Jr.? What’s there to say? He’s a god. This is easily the best art he’s produced in the last few years. If you were expecting the rushed look he did in World War Hulk, you’re in for a big surprise. The world he draws is completely alive and full of detail. His storytelling is spot on perfect, and when things get frantic, he steps up to the plate and hits us a home run. Romita’s portrayal of violence stings and there will be moments that’ll genuinely make you cringe. Because it’s all real. And reality hurts. (Grade: A)

– J. Montes

A Second Opinion

I knew little about the book, but I like that it’s based on reality, not the Marvel universe of superheroes. Love the nerd references, lots of funny moments. This is a truly great origin story.

I didn’t expect the ending as well. How does he get to be a superhero if he’s almost dead? I can’t wait for next issue! Every comic book fan needs to buy this comic, it’s about you! (Grade: A)

-Daniel Yanez