Better Off Dead...

A face not even a mother could love...finds love. 

See, there is hope for everyone. If a crazy loud mouth killing mercenary can find love, so can you. Keep reaching for that rainbow. But the funny thing about love, sometimes it can go unwanted. So is the case for our favourite killer anti-hero, Deadpool in issue 43 of the 2008 run of the series. After Deadpool gets sent to the loony bin out in England, he manages to escape thanks to one of the doctors who works there and finds a deep attraction to him. Wait a minute, where else have I seen this? Crazy killer gets set free with a blonde doctor who is also kind of nuts, sounds familiar? I see what you did there Deadpool. That alone gives this issue and this story so many brownie points, or chimichanga points in this case. After all the Merc with a Mouth is known as much for his over the top violence as he is for his comedy, it is a careful and beautiful dance of both that is needed for a great Deadpool book. How does this one hold up? 

It takes a real kind of crazy to out crazy Deadpool, isn't that crazy? Well that is exactly the kind of psychopath we have on our hands with Dr.Ellen Whitby. Not because she is in love with Wade, although that is up for debate, but her love seems more like a really creepy obsession, creepy and dangerous. And when you start licking up a used can of beans, that is probably crossing the streets of creep town. So naturally Deadpool is now on the run from the police and federal agents and a stalker, all the while being stuck across sea in England. On the bright side, it can't possibly get any worse, can it? Well let's just say that his trip does end up getting a bit of royalty in there. And also we get a really dark and twisted reveal from the good old Dr.Whitby. 

The comedy in this book really holds up in this book, especially with Deadpool trying to get around in London, from car theft to clothes switch tricks, plenty of laughs in this book. Though not a lot of action, no slice and dice or bang bang bang or pineapple grenades here, which feels like something is missing. The book tends to be more of a comedy issue in that sense. Although the doctor here, she does come off really creepy, it is hard to feel sympathetic for such a character, especially considering her love is more of a sick obsession. I doubt the writers wanted to create something more here. The art is solid here, with Carlo Barberi taking care of the pencils as he does on plenty of the issues of this run of Deadpool. We actually get a lot of face time with Wade Wilson here, which is pretty cool to see, sometimes you forget about the guy under the mask. But given the amount of action in this issue, we don't get any big moments that take advantage of the art fully, still the art is done exceptionally well for what it needs to do. 

So while the issue is stronger in comedy, it still holds up pretty well, especially knowing what comes next from this story, it is worth reading on. And while the doctor parody joke is pretty funny, it might be lost on a few readers. Not the best Deadpool issue or story by any means, but not exactly the worst one out there. Worth a read for the bigger picture for all Deadpool fans.

So there you have it another book down on this Valentine week thing I am doing here. But again, I always want to hear from the people, so please by all means if you've read this issue, leave your thoughts below. And if you enjoyed this read, follow the page and tell a friend or two, anything helps here. But thanks again for your time and be sure to stay tuned as we got a few more issues for this week to take a look at, until then keep chasing the storm! 

Editorial: Kill'em All Dead...

There is an old saying...

"The Lord Giveth and the Lord taketh away. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord."

This is Marvel comics today in a nutshell. For every Agent Carter, Avengers 2: Age of Ultron and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl,  you get a company that is very fast and harsh at taking away from the fans. The first family of comics is getting axed, Wolverine is dead and X-Men books are becoming a rarity. And earlier this week I found out that the merc with a mouth is next up on the chopping block, Marvel has decided to kill Deadpool. Arguably the most popular character in comic books today, another series and character that is getting the plug pulled (or pool closed in this case...cause you know Deadpool) because movie rights. And please, just own up to it, you want all your properties back, just say it. I am sick and tired of hearing that these decisions have nothing to do with the movie properties and rights, stop pissing in my ear and telling me it's raining! Marvel is ruining years of stories and characters, for what? Another million on top of that billion dollar box office sales. For crying out loud, Ant-Man is going make you a million dollars! The guy who rides ants is going to make you money! But fuck it, what do fans know? What do I know? I bought AXIS...all nine issues. If disappointment was made into a comic book.

And this is also coming off the news of a Deadpool movie announcement, filming will be in Vancouver later on this year and according to sources, Ryan Reynolds is back as the loud mouth assassin! That is really cool, if they can confirm a rated R rating, I think we can safely say that we will be set. 

Marvel has revealed as well what is going to be going on in the upcoming Secret Wars event. Think multiple universes brought into one world, every single version of all of our favourite heroes, and then they all duke it out until one remains. Like Highlander, there can only be one! Like Royal Rumble, 30 men in the ring and only one gets to main event at Wrestlemania (Let's go Cesaro)! Or like my personal favourite, Lemongrab...

Here is hoping that I am wrong, that this is all smoke and mirrors to a bigger plot secret. While I am not exactly counting down the days to be reading Secret Wars, I will probably be picking it up as it comes out, mainly on pure curiosity of the whole show. Who knows, it could be a beautiful oblivion. And I can guarantee you that it won't be anywhere near as bad as AXIS, you can't even try to be worst. When I read a comic as rushed and as messy as AXIS, trust me, I will let you know. In the meantime, Remender, quit your day job or go back to writing Uncanny X-Force...that was actually a pretty awesome team. 

So I don't know about you, but this bitter sweet pill is getting harder to swallow. But hey, maybe I am old. Perhaps a bit jaded. Or both. Regardless, let me know what you think about the news from Marvel this week, what did you think about all this? Also Deadpool fans, if you've got the Marvel App on your smartphone, they have the first issue of Deadpool Kills Deadpool up for FREE. A really fun and bloody good time, and at no costs a great time to go back and read it up! Going to be drawing a lot this weekend, I am also looking for more work in general. Things are looking bleak if we are talking about my bank account and all the money that isn't there. But I am going to be fine, come hell or high water, I am going to find a way through all of this. Thanks for taking the time to read this up, until the next one, keep chasing the storm. 

Deadpools for Everyone

So I kind of haven't posted anything comic or art or comic art related for a while now, I was beginning to worry that I would be getting side tracked. I mean complaining and bitching is fine every now and then, especially on a blog, it's practically why they are made in the first place, right? Anyways, a lot of art work to be done in the next few days, we got a few events to be leading to and a convention next month, not to mention that Spent Pencils has got some big projects in store for the new year and I got to get my ass in gear and pump out some amazing work. And yeah, we are rolling up a lot of work and shows in the next months as well, so I got organize myself and keep all of you in the loop and updated. Also I want to connect more with all of you around the world, be it in the States or in Europe, I want to send out some cool art giveaways and maybe prints, and you guys spread the word of ChileanStorm and Spent Pencils. One of these possible giveaways could a postcard, maybe a Deadpool postcard, like this one...

Bam! Wam! Thank you mam! 

So I am going to have this at the Ottawa Pop Expo on December 7th and 8th, these will be postcard sized so it's perfect to mail out to any and all Deadpool friends during the holiday season. They will be on sale for $2 a card, and I've also got some New 52 style Joker and Scarecrow cards as well. And of course a few originals for sale that go for about $10, not a lot for some original art. Also going to try and bust out some more prints and postcards for the show. So anyone going to the show in December, let me know what you would like to see and I can do it up for you. Got a cool idea for a sketch cover, let me know and I can have it ready for you. Drop a comment or shoot me an email, I look forward to meeting and chatting with the lots of you. 

So remember guys, December 7th and 8th at the Ottawa Pop Expo! Be there and tell your friends! Until then keep chasing the storm! 

And also, Rob Ford...ugh.

Get Funky

Every now and then you get a story or even a single issue that breaks all the rules and stands out as an awesome single book. For many, these are the random books we find as young fans in those dollar bins, who hasn't been there once or twice. It can also be that book with the really pretty cover, something so eye catching you can't leave it on the shelf, and hey it's got a pretty cool story as well to boot. But sometimes it can be a single issue in the larger story line of the big plot but it has an iconic moment of your favorite characters dueling to the death or the introduction of a brand new character all together. But every now and then you get a story so ridiculous you can't help but plug in your blog, cause let's face it as far as over the top and strictly silly stories go...this one takes the cake and throws it at the wall...then licks it off the wall. Welcome to Deadpool #13, I will let the cover here do the talking...

That's right, Deadpool in the 70's. 

Not only is the Merc with a Mouth doing business in New York looking for work, he decides to team up with the Heroes for Hire, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. And yes we get the classic yellow shirt Power Man, an awesome throwback for fans. The whole look of the book is a throwback as well, with a very cool vintage look done by Scott Koblish, it makes the whole experience much more. And the incredibly hilarious writing team of Gerard Gorman Duggan and Brian Edmund Posehn, which have been at the helm of the new Marvel Now Deadpool series, continue to keep the series crazy, funny and completely insane. Which in Deadpool's case is everything you could ask for. I don't want to give out too much of the plot on this one, so I will leave you with this piece of information, the villain is a pimp. Again, I can't recommend this book enough, it's so ridiculous and yeah the time line is thrown out the window, but sometimes you just need that. I mean it's hard to keep track of your own life, let alone all the different time lines and lives of our beloved comic book heroes and villains. So relax, read and laugh your ass off. We can't always be so serious. 

This is a two part story though, so you can pick up Deadpool #13 in stores now and Deadpool #14 will be in stores next week, gives you a little something to laugh at during the Infinity series that also begins next week as well. So be sure to give these books a read if you haven't already, an extremely funny experience that shouldn't be missed. Got some work to take care of tonight, not to mention a new episode of Time Well Spent! So stay tuned for that. 

Keep chasing the storm. 

August Already!

Hot damn, it's already August! 

Well that means it's crunch time for all of us comic book artist and writers, less sleep and more Monster energy drinks. Tonight will be my first night to be able to sit down and get working on some of my projects, I got a lot to finish but I think I should be alright if I stick to the plan and power through and make some awesome art work. I didn't feel great this morning, had to call in sick after throwing up bile all morning, I am pretty sure it was something I ate the night before. Although I am finding now in days my body is becoming more and more sensitive towards the things I eat, so I really need to be more careful about what I eat now in days. But I am feeling a little better, hopefully I can put in a few hours and bust out some good work. I am meeting up with the crew tomorrow for some work and of course filming the latest episode of Time Well Spent, it will be episode 9! I also want to do some promotional work for TWS, maybe some postcards and/or stickers for the Spent Pencils table at Fan Expo. Trying to get the word out on the show and get more viewer interaction, which would be amazing. We love doing the show, and I would love to share that with as many fans as possible, so spread the word and tell the world. Also if you have yet to see it, here is episode 8 in case you didn't get a chance to see it yet...

A very funny episode to shoot, it was hard to keep a straight face with all the shenanigans going on in the background. As for the Spotlight comics on this issue me and Tiffany take a look at two different one shot issues, Tiff takes a look at Marvel comics Wolverine: In The Flesh, a book which has Wolverine working with a celebrity chef to track down a cannibal killer. I take a look at Kaboom comics Adventure Time: 2013 Summer Special, a collection of mini adventures with the crazy casts of AT, a must for all fans. Then for Reviews we look at a local talent in Yuki vs Panda, an awesome martial arts comedy about one girls rivalry with a panda, I can't even make that up, it's awesome though with a colorful casts of characters and both fighters training for the ultimate showdown. A great ready and very fun read, highly suggest to check it out when you get a chance. And remember, if you know any great books that you think we should be reading, by all means let us know. 

And also, please be sure to subscribe and watch my video vlogs that I am doing, this is the latest if you haven't had the chance to watch yet, so by all means give it a watch...

I will probably do a quick video tonight as well as I work away in the night, so please subscribe and let me know what you think. 

But that's all the time I got for now, but sure to stay tuned for all news and ChileanStorm updates that are coming soon! Keep chasing the storm!

Sketch Cards Giveaway!

Before I go on about the sketch cards that I am giving out this Wednesday at Silver Snail Comics, I need everyone to stay calm and time well spent...

That's right episode 7 is here! We take a look at all the news from San Diego Comic Con, as well as Spotlight on Fatale (which I am reading right now, and damn it is good) and on Marvel Now's New Avengers. Then in reviews, we look at Revival, which is an amazing little series about the living and the undead. So gives us a watch, like, comment and subscribe to the Maddsketch channel. And spread the word as well, episode 8 will be up later on this week. But yeah, let us know what you think.

Okay so back to those sketch cards. Yes I will be giving away four sketch cards to the first four who purchase anything from my table, a sketch or a cover or even one of my Bizzaro prints. These are fully inked and colored sketch cards, and would usually go for about 10 bucks or so, but I want to throw one in as a thank you to you, so with out anymore delay here are the four cards available...

 

And remember this is a first come, first pick kind of deal. And these are all one of a kind, so come early and get some cool ChileanStorm comic book art! And I am always doing these kind of promotions, I like giving things out and what not, so stayed tuned here and always look for the Spent Pencils table at shows and conventions. We got tons of different deals and promotions going on all the time, so if you are looking for the best deal at the shows, look no further. 

So now you know, so come on down to Silver Snail Comics early on Wednesday for the last day of July Well Spent, it's been a blast all month long, so don't miss the last show! Well I got a lot of work to get back to but I am going to try and keep updated with as much content as well. But remember to follow all my work on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube as well, need to get more views going on that. But I will be back later on in the week, keep chasing the storm.

Deadpool Reads Deadpool

Today I am going to be taking a look at the latest new series of everyone's favourite Merc with a Mouth, Deadpool. This red devil has had his own series run, he has teamed up with various heroes in the Marvel universe, he made a team of various different Deadpools from different universes, joined the X-Force and the Thunderbolt, he killed a universe and even other story world have been nuked by Deadpool. So what's left to kill? How about himself? Well that's exactly what is happening in the all new Deadpool Kills Deadpool. Someone or something is plotting to take out Deadpool in all the different universes and worlds. But who is doing this and why? And what repercussions will be done to all the worlds? That's pretty much the plot, the bigger question here though, is it worth your time and money? Let's find out.

Off the bat, if you're a Deadpool fanatic it probably goes without saying to get this book. All the Deadpool books and series are practically made for the already and large fanbase demographic. If you aren't sold on the Merc with a Mouth, you will probably want to skip this series, cause it doesn't do anything differently, not to mention you may be lost on more then a few jokes. But if you are in the grey zone, then let me break it down for you all the good, the bad, the ugly and the absolutely awesome.
The book starts off with a bam, actually more of a boom cause someone gets blown up as our sort mysterious assassin is presented. Honestly still not sure about the who the main villain/culprit/bad guy really is, but it adds to the story, gives it some intrigue and mystery, which in comics is a bonus. We see our Deadpool, the one from the main Marvel universe (also known as universe 616) trying his best to save a city and the innocent citizens from a robot terrorist attack. I would imagine this is used to identify our Deadpool as a crazy merc who is trying to do some good in this world, which by the issues in the current Marvel Now series of Deadpool, you really do get that impression. He gets a little assist from the Deadpool Corps, who have also come to warn him on the assassin who is taking out all Deadpools. A gory and brutal battle goes down and our heroes set off to find the hunters and put a stop to all of them.
An extremely fun and hilarious read, if you've never read any of the Deadpool books, these are the elements that define him and most of his misadventures. The problem here though is to get most of the story you would have to have been reading a lot of the different series that he has spawned in the last few years. I can imagine it would leave a lot of new readers in the dark, making it a hard recommendation to any new readers. However if you do decide to venture on you will find the funny and crazy writing is packed with pop culture references and a lot of overall silliness. With a lot of big summer events going on in Marvel and DC, it's nice to have a book we can relax and turn down the tension. The art stays true to the formula as well, with plenty over the top violence and destruction going on, and this is probably a make or break situation, what's your take on violence? Can you laugh at the over the top gore or does it make you look away. Depending on how you feel about this, it will probably determine your ultimate decision on Deadpool Kills Deadpool. To those iron stomach ready for a fun book to get to know and see the mouthy mercenaries battle for their liv
es, gives this book a shot. If you end up loving the formula and the character, you will no doubt be set on finding all of the previous and future Deadpool comics. But this kind of character wasn't made for everyone, so if you've turn Deadpool books down before in the past, this book does nothing to change your mind in that department.
That's all the time I got right now, thanks for reading and remember to subscribe to this blog to follow all kinds of comics news and reviews and inside look at the world of comic books. Also be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram, by following @ChileanStorm. I am also on YouTube, doing Time Well Spent on the Maddsketch channel and also doing my own Storm VLOG videos, so please subscribe to our channel, give a like and leave a comment. And be sure to like the Spent Pencils page on Facebook, one like goes a long way. I am ChileanStorm, and remember to chasing the storm.

A ChileanStorm Update

Okay so I know it's been a few days without a post and I feel like I needed to update everyone on what's been going here specifically in Toronto. Now I didn't think it was that bad, but little did I know how strong this storm was. Yeah, the ChileanStorm was drowned by the actual storm, the irony, you got to love it. Needless to say I got out of work pretty late, not to mention that it took me, no jokes, over 5 hours to get home. Keep in mind on a good day, when I can catch all the right trains on time, it will take me about 30 minutes. And in this time, non stop rain. And I didn't have it as bad as others all over the GTA, some commuters had to literally swim out of the trains, while others abandon their vehicles on the highway. When I got back home I realized all of Etobicoke was covered in darkness, like absolute and pure darkness. I have never seen anything like it, I got to say one of the most surreal things I have ever seen. So needless to say, my day was wasted. The power being out also made getting to and back from work a lot longer, so basically that's two days that were wasted. Now granted, I feel like it was on me a little bit here. I think I should have done at least a little something, but as one of my favourite sayings go, you can catch up with yourself if you run. 

So what do I have in store for all of you awesomely amazing readers, well for starters if you haven't read it yet, I just posted a blog on the second volume of the amazingly good Saga, when you get a chance click here to read it. It's a long read, so I hope you enjoy it. In the next few days, I am going to take a look at a couple different books that I have been reading, this including many brand new series like Deadpool Kills Deadpool, Daredevil: Dark Nights, New Avengers, B.P.R.D Vampire, Sheltered, and The Emerald City of Oz. So if you are curious on any of these books or series, stay tuned for plenty of ChileanStorm coverage! And also let me know about any awesome books that you think that I should be reading. I always love a good book suggestion! 

I also got a few episodes up for the Storm VLOG series that I am doing, and you can see all past episodes right here. But I did upload an episode today over at Silver Snail Comics, so you can see that right here and right now! Please be sure to give a like, a comment and subscribe to the channel, I want to bust out as much content as I possible can everyday, so stay tuned. Another way for you to stay in touch with this comic loving Chilean artist.

And now that we are on the topics of events a big thanks to Gauntlet Comics out in Orangeville for being amazing hosts as always, and to everyone who came out and spent some time with all the Spent Pencils artist. We love being invited to do these events, and we can't wait to come back and bring the noise. And a big thanks to everyone who participated in the Paper Road event this past weekend, I hope everyone enjoy the films and being able to help make some amazing art. Rain and all we stayed until the end, I hope we inspired many to keep on drawing. So what do we have in store for the future days, well we still got the July Well Spent days going on all of this month at Silver Snail Comics. Don't forget every Wednesdays and Saturdays, three different artist from Spent Pencils will be on hand to draw any and all unique art, a lot of sketch covers were taken care of already, so don't miss out on this amazingly cool opportunity. And also this Saturday I will out and about in Port Colborne, Ontario to help out in the fundraising event, Jace Wars. This event will be raising money for Ronald McDonald House Hamilton ad brain tumor research. Me and some my fellow pencilnecks will be drawing and taking donations to raise some funds, so come on out and help out this great cause. We hope to see everyone come on out and take part!

Well that's what I got, I hope it makes up for those two lost days, I will be back tomorrow for sure, this is a storm you can count on. And remember to be sure to subscribe to the page and leave a comment, don't be a stranger.  Follow my Twitter and Instagram as well for up to the minute updates, thanks for taking the time to read this crazy little blog, lots of love and keep chasing the storm.