"Marvel Noir" Covers

Marvel has recently released a series of new mini-series in which the different Marvel characters are recreated- not just a little, like the Ultimate series, but completely- in 1930's crime ridden New York City. The series has a visual style similar to that of 1930s and '40s crime movies. They are truly brilliant. They stray away from the superhero factor, and more to a detective/thriller story.

For those interested, I thought I'd share some covers with you. So far, there are four miniseries- "Spider-Man Noir", "Daredevil Noir", "X-Men Noir" and "Wolverine Noir". The series don't just change the characters a little- they change practically everything about them. Essentially, they create new characters.

1. "Daredevil Noir"
   http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/daredevil_noir
2. "Spider-Man Noir"
   http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/spider-man_noir
3. "Wolverine Noir"
   http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/wolverine_noir
4. "X-Men Noir"
   http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/x-men_noir

I hope some of you check out these miniseries. Two have been released in complete hardcovers- "Spider-Man Noir" and "X-Men Noir". They will be shortly followed by more hardcovers, and some new miniseries are on there way: "Luke Cage Noir" and "Punisher Noir".

"Spider-Man Noir" Sequel

When I was in England, I read a short graphic novel named "Spider-Man Noir". It was a complete reimagining of the character in 1930s crime-ridden new york. The visual style of the book borrowed heavily from many noir films, like "On the Waterfront" and "The Third Man". I liked it so much that I decided the story should be taken further.

I'm currently writing a sequel named "Spider-Man Noir II: Carnage and Tragedy", and it is set two years after the rise of Spider-Man and the fall of the Goblin's crime group. The story deals with the rise of a new criminal mastermind, named Cletus Kassidy, alternatively known as "Carnage"- and how the events that transpire break Spider-Man and his soul.

It's going to be a lot darker than the original miniseries, and of course, this Carnage is the Noir version of the classic Spider-Man villain Carnage. But don't worry, there will be no symbiotic relationship between him and an alien, like there was in the comics. I was much more interested in the serial killer side of the story.

Anyone who wants a copy of the story once it's finished can get it by requesting it via email.

Green Day's "21st Century Breakdown"

So, as you guys probably already know, Green Day has just released their new album, "21st Century Breakdown". It is their second Rock Opera/Concept Album (their first was "American Idiot") and their eighth studio album.
At first, I was skeptical. I am quite a fan of Green Day, and I do like their stuff, but I thought before listening that the album was going to be garbage. They don't need to make good music now to have a bestselling album- they're Green Day! But, after listening to the album, my opinion has changed. It is their best album to date, and if you look carefully at each song, you will tear up when you realize what the story is.
The album is split up into three acts, with a small prologue ("Song of the Century"): "Heroes and Cons", "Charlatans and Saints", and "Horseshoes and Grenades". The album follows two legendary figures, Gloria and Christian. They are lovers, and the story is their experience and emotions during the reign of Bush. Gloria is an idealistic person, very light and happy, whilst Christian is moody, and simply wants to destroy everything. Although their is not a clear storyline per se, the album deals with their issues and emotions rather than their physical presence.
The story is told through 18 relentless assaults of songs that, at times, evoke such strong emotions that it is hard to hide them. Songs like "21 Guns" and "Restless Heart Syndrome" evoke sad, longing emotions, whilst "Song of the Century" and "Christian Inferno" speak and evoke emotions of rebellion and happiness.
All in all, Green Day has outdone themselves. Although it may be hard to compute, "21st Century Breakdown" is Green Day's masterpiece. If you thought that "American Idiot" was their best, you will be pleasantly suprised that you are wrong. The story of "American Idiot" is easy to disect: Jesus of Suburbia travels around, wanting to be free and happy, and meets St. Jimmy and Whatsername, whom represent opposite ideals. St. Jimmy represents destruction, whilst Whatsername represents happiness and contentness. "21st Century Breakdown" is different in the fact that it talks to us about emotions and feelings, rather than a storyline.
Imagine the greatness of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Sex Pistols all combined into one album. More or less, "21st Century Breakdown" is the end result, and one that everybody will be roaring about for millenia.