webcomic & podcast

McSoss is a webcomic & podcast. The McSoss Tumblr is a place for various artwork from us & others art we appreciate.

[mcsoss]

Can I be honest with you guys? I have a secret but I feel like we're good friends and you won't judge me too harshly. I'm not all that excited about the new Spider-Man movie. Maybe it has something to do with Sony's mediocre effort a few years ago. It also could be all of the other high-quality genre films on the schedule.  With Marvel Studios in high gear, Disney cranking out Star Wars films and the DC Universe finally joining the party it's not enough to simply be another Spider-Man film. It needs to be a GOOD Spider-Man film. I am excited to see him fight alongside all the familiar Marvel heroes in Captain America: Civil War but I honestly just don't know what another solo Spider-Man film could possibly do different. Just this week they announced that Robert Downey Jr.will be in this upcoming movie. That's a very positive sign. The more these solo Spider-Man films are woven into the fabric of the greater Marvel Cinematic Universe the better. -Soss- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/2016/04/homecumming.html#sthash.oFaUVP4B.dpuf

[mcsoss]

I DID make the discovery this week that you can alter the ethnicity of your emojis. While I doubt that this will change race relations in our culture my digital middle finger game has never been so diverse. Dr. King would be so proud. -Soss - See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

Archie Comics is having a real renaissance. It made a big splash in the mainstream with the relaunching of Archie #1 featuring writing from Mark Waid and art by the incredible Fiona Staples. The new series refreshes and updates the exploits of the gang from Riverdale for a new millennial audience. I appreciate that it never goes overboard by completely changing the tone of the series. The heart of Archie is still wholesome and positive storytelling. The CW also announced that they are creating a pilot for an Archie themed teen drama produced by current television golden boy Greg Berlanti. I'm sure this show will have a whole new generation of fans asking themselves the eternal question: Betty or Veronica? -Soss - See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

If I had to, I'd say Iron Man is more popular than Captain America, but not by a crazy amount. Chris Evans and the way the Marvel Cinematic Universe have treated Cap (with some inspiration from Ed Brubaker's work) have made Cap and Iron Man (led by Robert Downey, Jr.'s charms) nearly neck and neck. Batman and Superman have never had such a tight race. I'd say maybe it was close in the 60s, when Supes was revitalized by the science fiction angle, and Bats was getting all that television pussy. But since, aside from a strong blip in Supes favor by Christopher Reeve, its been the Batman show ever since. Supes can't catch a break while Batman gets led by award winning video games and Christopher Nolan. All leading up to now, where its no contest. Admittedly, this last panel above is indicative of my own desire for Superman to be as popular as Batman. I love most things about the character and if you've been reading this comic or listening to the podcast very long, you know why. So while Superman may not struggle with an inferiority complex, I'm certainly having one for him. The comics haven't helped. Soss always says, "there are a million definitive Batman stories. How many definitive Superman stories are there?" He's right. Not too many. But when a writer can mine that gold properly, you get why Superman has lasted almost a hundred years of publication. Man of Steel hasn't lit the fire under potential Superman fans, but I'm holding out hope that Batman v Superman is going to deliver something no one's expecting. I have to because I love Superman and want the world to love him too... just as much as Captain America, Iron Man and Batman. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

I've always had a pretty overactive imagination. While my parents did a great job of spoiling me rotten with toys and games I still was able to entertain myself with simple stuff. I spent countless hours reenacting the trash compactor scene from A New Hope with a pile of pillows and blankets. Give me a stick and a backyard and I had a medieval adventure for an entire afternoon. As an adult my imagination isn't as useful as it was as when I was growing up. Excel spreadsheets and TPS reports don't really grab my attention like the constant space battles that are running in my head- Soss- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

Whew. Where to start with this one... Lets start with the uninitiated. Yes, this is what Superman (Clark Kent) and Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) currently look like in the DC comic book universe. I'm pretty sure Bruce Wayne is still dead, but the line of Bat-books got so whackadoo-crazy who knows what's going on over there. Above is a decent approximation of what Hal Jordan's current costume looks like. I say "approximation" because I stopped getting the Green Lantern books way before this affront to all things Lantern started and had to Google Image it. Let's take a guy who's known for getting his power from a ring... and take out the ring. If the goal was complete failure, then A+'s all around. Superman's no better. Since the launch of the New 52, DC has been throwing things at the wall to see what would stick with Supes. The answer is nothing. Every Superman book has been pretty bad since the launch. Now he has a crewcut and has been depowered... cause that's what everyone wants: a Less-super-Man. Which brings us to DC Rebirth which kicks off at the end of May. The title Rebirth is taken from the ultra successful (critically and commercially) Green Lantern: Rebirth, where DC brought Hal Jordan back from the dead and focused on the core of the character while keeping all of his previous stories since his creation in the 1960s intact. They tried a similar trick with Barry Allen (The Flash) with less successful results (that shit was confusing). DC has gotten so far away from the cores of their characters in this current iteration of books that it needs to re-center the whole universe. I think its a great idea. These books have been so off-mark for so long, I'm surprised its taken this long for DC to admit it needs a big change. I appreciate all the ingenuity of the writers and artists involved trying new things the last few years, but its not working. There's a reason the Pre-New 52 versions of these characters are the most enduring. Its time to hit the reset button. Its a huge task, and one that will have its fair share of bumps along the way. But if everyone really pulls in the right direction, and really stays focused on what's important about these characters (not Jim Gordon in a Bat-robot suit), they should have more wins than losses. I miss getting comics of my favorite heroes each week. I am DC's biggest cheerleader and really hope this time they get it right. -Gint Ps At least get Green Lantern right. That shit is FUCKED UP.- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

February 23rd and here's our first Black History Month strip. We clearly need to get our priorities straight. Even through the upcoming DC Rebirth at the end of May, Cyborg will no doubt still be a member of the Justice League. The New 52 League actually works quite well, especially the way Bryan Hitch uses them in his current JLA run. So I'm a bit conflicted about what direction the Rebirth of the entire DC comic line is going to take. First and foremost, I'm happy to see a book called Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns on the docket. As much of a supporter of diversity as I am (I promise that's not sarcasm), I was pretty sure the Green Lantern line would focus on John Stewart, Simon Baz or Jessica Cruz. Their diversity isn't the problem, it's that, like Cyborg, I just don't find them to be very interesting characters. Robert Venditti has screwed up so much of the Green Lantern wing of the DC library, that this new Rebirth has a chance to kick his ass out and start again from Geoff Johns' impeccable outline of what that brand is all about. Hal Jordan and the Green Lanterns and Green Lanterns will both be bi-monthly-shipping books. PLENTY of pages there to focus on Hal (preferably on/around Earth) and the various billions of GL's that have been created over the decades. Its a disappointing spot when your favorite character and line of books has been mishandled so poorly for so long. If there's one thing I wish for out of Rebirth, it's that the powers that be are able to make Green Lantern a pillar DC's line again. -Gint Ps, And please retcon that ridiculous Carol Ferris/Kyle Rayner relationship. Carol belongs with Hal. End of story.- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

Full House, at it's absolute best, was the first three seasons when the storylines focused on Danny, Joey and Jesse. Three single, bumbling dads raising three girls. Hijinx ensue and all that. Eventually it became the Michelle Tanner show, and while the dads still had some classic moments, the show lost what it was at it's original core. Besides giving Uncle Jesse a Green Lantern ring (not really) I think a Full House reboot really could have worked if you focused on the three dads again. Sure, you may have to write crazy hot Aunt Becky and the twins out of the show, but its a small sacrifice to get a more adult, 2016 version of the single guys that would focus on its star players. The fact that Fuller House will focus on the girls (DJ, Stephanie and Kimmy Gibbler), and stay in the traditional family friendly format is a bit of a disappointment. I question whether Candace Cameron, Jodie Sweetin or Andrea Barber can carry the show like Bob Saget, John Stamos and Dave Coulier. That said, Fuller House has the chance to do all the things I'd like to see, but with those three girls. I only have two simple-to-follow rules: 1. keep the kids in the background. This show is about the original kids, not the grand-kids. And 2. don't be afraid to push the envelope a little into some racier territory. I'm not talking Aristocrats joke racy, but the bulk of this show's audience is going to be closer to adults than kids. Having the show's tone, along with its actors growing with it's audience could only help. I don't know how I'm going to fit ANOTHER show into my already over-crowded TV landscape, but I'm definitely going to try. Green Lantern guest-starring or not, Fuller House gets my support. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

When I tell people I've loved Ryan Reynolds since Two Guys A Girl And A Pizza Place it sounds pretentious and hipster-y. Its not supposed to, but it is 100% true. Two Guys A Girl And A Pizza Place stands as one of my all-time favorite sitcoms. Not only did it give us Ryan Reynolds, but it was also a launchpad for Nathan Fillion. It only ran for four seasons and doesn't get enough credit. After loving Ryan Reynolds for years and having him get a chance to play another love of mine (Hal Jordan) it was a match made in heaven. Almost. He was great. Actually, there was a lot of really good stuff in Green Lantern. Mark Strong's Sinestro was inspiring. But everything around them fell apart. After that Reynolds' star took a tumble and it didn't look like we were going to get him back. Until now. Deadpool has been a box office, critical and fanboy success. If there's anyone out there that doesn't like the movie, I haven't come close to meeting them. A lot of that has to do with Ryan Reynolds carrying that movie like a champ. Not just in the actual movie, but being so involved in all the promotion leading up to it. The breaking-the-fourth-wall element allowed Reynolds to take some shots at himself and put some of those previous demons (Green Lantern) behind him. I've never liked Deadpool. A little too over the top for my taste. I won't be coming around any time soon on traditional Deadpool, but movie Deadpool was incredible. Director Tim Miller deserves a huge pat on the back for balancing all the comedy with a very emotional, heartfelt story. I'm not a Deadpool comics guy, but I'll bet dollars to donuts the comics version hasn't had the sentimental core Miller and Reynolds gave him. So congratulations to everyone involved and for Ryan Reynolds being back in the positive spotlight. Lets hope he continues to make good career choices and we get to enjoy more fun Waiting-style Reynolds along with his Wade Wilson. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

A new Star Wars trilogy... another pair of Oreo Bros. Much like Han Solo and Lando Calrissian, I really don't care which new school hero I get to be, Finn or Poe. I'd prefer not to be in a coma at movie's end, but each one is a really cool character. While we didn't get to see the adventures of Han & Lando in the Original Trilogy, this new trilogy still has a chance to pair these guys together for a few fun rides. The Force Awakens can't be in theatres much longer, so I'm going to have to make an effort to go see it one more time. I think I saw it three times in the first three weeks, so I'd like to see how I feel after a couple months absence. Regardless, the way DVD releases run these days, I can't imagine we'll be waiting too long for it in homes. So here's to Finn and Poe, and here's to me getting a Finn costume before Ian gets his hands on one. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

As much as I would like Batman v Superman to crush the 2016 box office and take the super hero movie world by storm, I don't think its gonna happen. Its going to take one hell of a movie to turn all the lukewarm feelings into a raging fire of good will. Even hardcore DC fans like myself are going into Batman v Superman with trepidation. Contrary to the strip above, as well as the opinion of "put Batman in anything and it'll sell," the casting of Ben Affleck (who has my full support) has cast an eye-rolling shadow on what's normally a sure-fire recipe for success. At the announcement of the title "Batman v Superman," the word was that alone would sell tickets. But with each bit of media released, the jaded comic book public just hasn't embraced what could be a really good movie. Sure, Doomsday looks like a cave troll, Wonder Woman seems shoehorned in and Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor sticks out like myself at a Tyler Perry convention. Batman v Superman's trailers haven't delivered A+'s across the board. But there's also a lot to love. Henry Cavill's Superman looks to be rounding into the character everyone expected in Man of Steel. Whether you like Ben Affleck or not, his Bruce Wayne and Batman are the most imposing those characters have ever been on the big screen. Amy Adams and Lawrence Fishburne (screen time to be decided) are rock solid supporting players. And the movie looks stunning. Above all else, Zack Snyder knows how to make a movie visually beautiful. Still, whether its the darkness and desaturation DC is using in their cinematic universe, or just a general disinterest in the characters themselves, I expect Batman v Superman to under perform. This is when a diehard DC fan like myself needs to draw on the kind of hope that IS Superman that this movie delivers a lot more than what people expect. March 25th is right around the corner. I wish all the best for my favorite characters in comics books. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

I love Superman. A lot. And that puts me in a minority. Sure sure Superman is still A-list enough to be included in Warner Bros. biggest comic book movies, but due to divisive returns in the movie department, and uninspiring runs on the comic book, Supes falls farther and farther down the popularity list. Its safe to say Batman, Deadpool and Harley Quinn sit atop the pyramid. Iron Man, Captain America and Thor are probably close behind. Then somewhere after Groot, the Hulk, Rocket Raccoon and Black Widow (in that order) you find Superman. The hero's hero that's too hero-ey to be a compelling character. The comics tried depowering him and giving him a buzz cut and that didn't work. Man of Steel tried forcing DC's tried and true dead-parent-guilt on him, but that didn't work either. They didn't work because you don't need to change Superman's fundamentals to make him cool. I don't know what the trick is, but I believe in the character. The answer is out there. Someone just needs to find it. I harbor no delusions that Superman will ever reach Batman or Deadpool heights of popularity. That's not who he is... not anymore. But we're due for a good Superman story. Whether its in the comics or in a movie, there's a story out there that comic fans (hard and soft core) can all get behind and say, "that was a good Superman story." Until then I'll relax in Supes' growing cult-following status and like him the way hipsters like Hall & Oates: under-appreciated corny cheese that, under the surface, is actually quite good. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

The worlds of The Walking Dead and Ash vs. Evil Dead couldn't be more different. For one, there's comedy in Ash vs. Evil Dead. The Passion of the Christ had more zingers than The Walking Dead. Ash vs. Evil Dead also has "villains" that are actually frightening. I may have covered this here before, but allow me another. Zombies aren't frightening. That's a pretty blanket statement, and if a horde of the undead (how does undead get flagged as a misspelling in 2016?) crashed through my living room window right now, there would be some alarm. But it would also be a situation that (I hope) I could escape without being bitten or worse, eaten alive. That would suck. Aside from their numbers, the slow shambling and inability to perform simple functions (like turning a doorknob) makes zombies background noise. In The Walking Dead, the zombies aren't the real scare – the survivors are. Which leads me to the contrast with the demonic possession and supernatural flare of Ash vs. Evil Dead. Coming from a world where your friends can be possessed, forests are rapey, evil doppelgangers can grow from a severed hand, and the demons can perform simple functions (like turning a doorknob), the world of The Walking Dead would seem like a walk in the park to Ash Williams. His biggest challenge would be the ability to pass out drunk every night. But what about the Governer or Terminus or Negan? I don't think Ash would suffer such fools. I actually don't think he'd hang with Rick and the Gang too long either. That bunch of downers isn't the scene were a swinging single can get ripped and get his dick wet. I doubt AMC or Starz, or even Dynamite or Image would indulge us fans in such a wild event. So if you see this particular crossover pop up here, you know the impetus: I think its funny. -Gint PS, I combined TV show Rick Grimes with comic Rick Grimes because I'm tired of AMC stubbornly not cutting off TV show Rick Grimes hand.- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

Watching the first season of Ash vs. Evil Dead awakened me to one thing I don't like about The Walking Dead. I've been watching The Walking Dead since it's premiere and never put it together that I'd like it a lot more if it had just a touch of levity. Sure, you get a couple off-hand smiles here and there, but mostly that show is as serious as death. I'm not saying I want it to do a 180 and all of a sudden be Big Bang Theory with zombies, but maybe take your foot off that serious gas pedal a little bit. As the ratings show, this is MY problem, not the show's. It goes back to the same reason I haven't watched Sons of Anarchy or Breaking Bad and wasn't crazy about my brief experience with Mad Men: I like comedy. Those shows, along side The Walking Dead, don't offer much in the way of fun times. Ash vs. Evil Dead by comparison is comedy first, gore and deadites second. As much as I'd like to see the two show's crossover, Bruce Campbell's patented one-liners would go against the grain of every part of The Walking Dead. You either take the Bruce Campbell out  of Ash, or or bring the funny out of Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier which would result in the writers having to do some serious character acrobatics. Both shows are amazing on their own merit, and this is by no means a contest, but embracing my proclivities for humor, I'd take Ash over Rick Grimes 9 out of 10 times. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

When I hear "Bohemian Rhapsody," I think of Wayne's World. That is a stone cold fact. My first memories of "Bohemian Rhapsody" are FROM Wayne's World. Before the song was re-released as a single for the movie, I'm pretty sure I had never heard it before. As far as I was concerned, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey put this song together specifically for Wayne's World. I know how insane that sounds now, but to a kid in 1992 that didn't know any better, it made a world of sense. So now, twenty-four years later, "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Wayne's World are inextricably linked. That brings us to the official Suicide Squad trailer released last week. It leans heavily on the use of "Bohemian Rhapsody." Is it the most effective use of the billions of times this song has been used? Absolutely not. Is it the least effective? Absolutely not. Sure, the trailer-makers use some questionable stops and starts that undercut how effective the song can be, but overall it highlights the up and down insanity of the characters. Its a statement to Queen and the song itself that its endured so long under so many guises. When it can blend (mostly) seamlessly with the "worst heroes ever," and highlight one of the most memorable scenes from 90s comedies, I say "job well done." Now, if Suicide Squad director David Ayer can give me just the tiniest nod to the scene from Wayne's World, he and Suicide Squad would be endeared to me forever, no matter the quality of the rest of the movie. -Gint Ps I'm really looking forward to Suicide Squad. Like, more than I probably should be.- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

This week we were treated to the second trailer for David Ayer's Suicide Squad. The spot features bright neon lights and a team of dark, mysterious villains. We get an expanded look at the main players, namely Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, Will Smith as Deadshot and loads of Jared Leto's Joker. While my excitement for Batman v Superman has cooled off the closer we get to the film, I find myself getting more wrapped up in this movie with each new piece of media.  The main thing that stuck with me for the past few days is the use of "Bohemian Rhapsody" throughout the trailer. Maybe it's just me but I can't hear that song without thinking about Wayne and Garth cruising through their neighborhood on their way to get donuts. The track is a perfect compliment to the themes of this film. The dramatic musical shifts are right at home with the complex makeup of this band of villains. It is a roller coaster ride bent on making your eyes and ears spew. Of course, if you're gonna spew... spew into this.  I'm hopeful that 2016 will be a year that comic book films take a bold step towards giving fans something fresh. From what I've seen from Suicide Squad and Deadpool I'm optimistic. -Soss - See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf

[mcsoss]

The Boy looks fucking terrifying. Above is where that movie should begin and end. I don't know what Lauren Cohan's character's situation is to make her agree to that nonsense, but I would have to be under some dire fucking straights to take on that babysitting job. Like if Ian's life depended on my watching "Brahms" for a week... sorry, pal. I'll make sure I clear your browser history and write a nice eulogy comic for you. That said, I absolutely want to see it. The problem is I don't get to see many horror movies when they're in theatres. I still haven't seen The Conjuring. In about a year, you'll get my official The Boy review. Right around the time I review Goodnight Mommy and The Forest. Until then, I think we all know better than to take jobs that involve babysitting dolls. That never ends well. -Gint- See more at: http://www.mcsoss.com/search/label/Comics#sthash.yZxTyOVO.dpuf