The Tick turns 20.

Hello Chums,

Although con season is officially over, comic books are always on my mind. As I've said before, I can't get enough of them. So I thought I'd talk a little bit about a few things I've read recently.

First up is The Tick 20th Anniversary Special Edition #1. Now I've been a fan of The Tick since it was a cartoon. I've collected the awesome (and sometimes hard to find) toys and even read a few of the comics.

Being a fan of The Tick hasn't been easy. The comics come out very infrequently, have had odd numbering and multiple creators. Having said all that, I was very pleased to get a copy of the 20th anniversary issue. This 56 page issue is stuffed with plenty of Tick goodness.

First of all, check out the great Arthur Suydam zombie Tick cover. Did I tell you I LIKE ZOMBIES? Inside is multiple stories from tons of creators in full color goodness. The book also has creator bios, the history of how The Tick came to be, a nice fold out section from Ben Edlund (creator of The Tick), words from the publisher and printer and a Tick San Diego Comic-Con 2006 report. That my friends, is a lot of Tick goodness. rating: A+

Next up is The Fantastic Four Unstable Molecules. On the surface, I should really like this book. I mean it's the Fantastic Four (FF) and it's drawn by one of my favorites-Guy Davis. And I did like the book. However, I didn't really care for the concept. You see, if it was just a story it would be okay. But the whole premise is that the FF are all based on real people. Scientist Reed Richards as Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Sturm as the Storms and boxer Ben Grimm as Ben Grimm. It even has Johnny Strum's friend Rich as the basis of the Moleman and a Reed Richard rival as the basis of Dr. Doom.

These "four" all have various issues (with each other) which culminate at a party at the Sturm's house. That party is attended by none other than Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. They, of course, go on to use these characters in their comic book. If only the "real" FF were as likable as there comic book cousins. rating: Story C+ Art A

I really enjoy Alex Ross art. For me, Marvels is his high mark. Nothing since has been as good. The Terminator The Burning Earth was done before Marvels. Is it as good? NO. The artwork isn't as sharp and its too dark.

Is the story enjoyable? Yes. It's your basic human trying to stop the oncoming monster (terminator hoard) type of story. The story works well and fits into the Terminator series just fine. rating: B-

Lastly is Powers Roleplay. Powers by superstars Brain Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming is the story of Det. Christian Walker and Det. Denna Pilgrim. The detectives work in a city with super heroes and super villains. The crimes they investigate involve superpowers.

Roleplay is the story of what goes wrong when non-powered kids "roleplay" as super heroes with super villains in town. This trade collects issues 8-11. If you like "cop" TV shows and super heroes, this is the book for you. I liked it much better than vol.1 Who Killed Retro Girl? rating: B

Happy Reading.

D.L.