Grand Theft America, Gotta Love the Title

I received my copy of the trade paperback Ultimates 2, Volume 2: Grand Theft America a couple days ago from Acmamall. It didn't disappoint and now my collection of Ultimates 1 and 2 TPBs is finally complete. Turns out that the publisher used the cover of issue #13 as the TPB cover and the main highlight is the multiple page spread of the Ultimates versus Loki's gang of mythical horrors, this was presented in foldable pages in order not to break up the action.

With Ultimates 2 ending its stint in May 2007, the same can be said for the writer Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch. The both of them have delivered in the Ultimates, a "re-imagining" of the Avengers that is closer to real life both in art, and in the storylines written. But this pair were also responsible for the series' irregular schedule, imagine a total of 26 issues since its conception in March 2002 to the finale of Ultimates 2 in May 2007.

To some fans, saying that the they are a patient and long-suffering bunch would be a major understatement.

With Millar and Hitch gone, Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira are to each take over the roles of writer and artist respectively for Ultimates 3, and yes it would dictate a change of writting and art direction. I have not seen any panels yet (so no comment on the writting), but judging by the art style, readers would be in for a hell of a time:
It's more manga-like than I would prefer, and it even looks like one of those X-Men books. It's that Hawkeye and why does the Scarlet Witch look like her weird Earth 616 counterpart completed with the headgear? Aside from the above preview art, the jury has not convened on Ultimates 3, so let's just wait till the end of the year for it to debut.

And before I forget, Amazon currently lists the Volume 2 TPB as not available. You poor saps are best looking for this in Barnes and Nobles (haven't said that in a longggg time) or your local bookstore. Do some walking, it's good for you.

These Legs Are Made For Running...and ARE YOU LADIESMAN217?!?!

It's suprising how fast the human body can heal itself. I must admit it was a rather dumb idea to have an intense session of badminton right after the Siemens Run 2007. But despite walking like Mad Eye Moody for the whole of Tuesday (and Monday night) and grimacing at the sight of stairs, I'm pretty much back to normal.

Come this August, not only I'll be running in the Adidas King of the Road event, but also the Subang Jaya 10K run. This would be the first time I would be running in events outside of KL, should be fun. I got a comment from a friend today that I like entering these sort of events; I replied that it's better than sitting at home and getting fat.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are getting on pretty friendly terms with the Malaysian population, and with the lack of exercise, the certainty that is death is gonna come knocking faster and with it the suffering associated with the two health problems. So, pick up some physical activity as a hobby, whether it is running, going to the gym, kick boxing, etc, and probably you'll make a difference in your physical well-being.

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Come August as well, I should be receiving the final trade paper back to complete my collection of Ultimates 1 and Ultimates 2. The TPB in question, Ultimates 2 Vol 2: Grand Theft America, was released just last month and I ordered in via Acmamall.com. This is the same online retailer whereby I purchased Ultimates 2 Vol 1: Gods and Monsters.

I called the local Borders bookstore to enquire about the availability of the TPB, it turned out that they had already placed an order for 10 copies since LAST YEAR, and that order has not arrive yet.

And on the subject of purchases, I bought a Decepticon today, Barricade, the one that transforms into a police car in the movie. It's the cheapest version (RM 19.90) available and as such, it has a horrible looking robot mode, but a very nice Hot Wheels sized vehicle mode. And he also has a couple of the funniest lines in the movie (grabbed from IMDB):

Barricade: Are you eBay user LadiesMan217?
Sam 'Spike' Witwicky: Uh...
Barricade: ARE YOU EBAY USER LADIESMAN217?
Sam 'Spike' Witwicky: Uh Yes! Yes!

"Death of Superman" and Finally, The Ultimates

It's easy to relate the storyline of "The Death of Superman" graphic novel to that of a generic first person shooter, where you have a badass, no-name protagonist beating up a host of, in this case instead of zombies or alternate history Nazis, superheroes with the end-level boss being Superman. And die trying.

There you go, a summary to the "The Best-Selling Graphic Novel of All Time!" It makes for a rather entertaining read and despite the early 90s feel, the artwork is generally good and rather colourful, although I've been spoilt by artwork (and paper quality) from The Ultimates paperbacks.

Speaking of which, it is finally coming to an end. Issue 13 of Ultimates 2 is out today states-side and with that, I can look forward to the trade paperback. Thus ends a 30 month for 13 issues journey (I got that trivia from somewhere else, didn't actually start counting).