Milestone Monday is upon us again my friends; let’s take a look at Blood Syndicate #6!

(Click the cover for a larger version!)

Last issue ended with the Syndicate inside an exploding crack house, victims of a trap set by John Wing & the criminal organization known as “The Demon Fox Tong”. How will they survive (because remember this is an ongoing series)?

They survive via the powers of Flashback, as she keeps going 3 seconds backwards in time while her flesh and friends burn. She eventually gets enough time back to warn Brickhouse and Third Rail to protect everybody as the house is going to explode. Luckily enough, the Syndicate finally manages to escape the exploding building. Their escape is not without incident, as they need to take down the punks that The Tong hired to eliminate the survivors. Guns and grenades prove to be no match for the Syndicate, and Mr. Wing is left standing alone at the end of the battle. Masquerade brings Wing to face Wise Son, who begins to shake him down for information. Wing refuses to buckle, and tells Wise to just kill him “There’s no dishonor in death at the hands of my enemy.” Wise Son replies:

(Click the scan for a larger version!)

Yeah, that’s really the first time I have ever seen someone “dishonor” a person like that in a comic book. The Syndicate take their leave of the now urine soaked Mr. Wing, and head back to their factory home.

Meanwhile, we are treated once again to the exploits of Nina Lam (she was the teenage oriental girl with the freaky nightmares from the last issue). She is on a van to school, when her head starts to explode with pain. She screams out something in a foreign language, and passes out. She is brought to the Medina University Hospital, where her parents arrive to find out what happened. The doctors seem unsure what could have caused the pain, and want to run a few tests on her brain to see if there is any evidence of an epileptic seizure. However, the doctors are also concerned about Nina’s welfare and safety. Nina’s parents seem astonished by this accusation. The doctor ignores their pleas and says, “There are laws that prohibit any disfiguring of the body. Ornamental or otherwise.” Nina’s Father reacts to this statement, as if he knows what is happening to his daughter. Nina’s mother on the other hand pushes the doctor aside, and bursts into her daughter’s hospital room to find:

(Click the scan for a larger version!)

Kwai is coming?!?! Nina’s Father seemed to have been expecting this, but what exactly does that mean, and what will it mean for the Syndicate? Is there a connection between the Demon Fox Tong and the Lam’s. We will find out the answer soon enough, but first the story weaves it’s way back to the Syndicate.

It is pretty clear from the Syndicate’s interactions that they are all pretty worried about being led by Wise Son, but they do not collectively voice their opinions as they head back to the factory to regroup. They go their separate ways to rest and Boogeyman goes to hang out with his rat buddies because it is safe for the time being as he thinks, “They all need professional help.” Flashback and Fade both continue to mourn Tech-9, and wonder about DMZ and his past.

Masquerade flies off to peak in on his mother and younger brother. He does not interact with them, but only assumes the form of a cat to peer into their window. He leaves lamenting, “Mama, let US go.” Hmmm…. US huh? Does Masquerade mean the Syndicate as a whole? There must be more to that statement, perhaps we will get answers in another issue!

Third Rail decides to voice his displeasure with Wise Son by confronting him as he sits by a pier known as the Dead Zone:

(Click the scan for a larger version!)

Is that apparently sentient spanish-speaking spout of water friend or foe to the members of the Syndicate? We will not find out this issue, as we now move on to the villainous John Wing.

John is sitting in his home in Prospect Hills, hiding from the other members of The Demon Fox Tong who are trying to reach him via phone, alone in the dark. He laments about the fact that he built the Tong up as a master criminal organization, but that his position in that organization is now gone due to failure. He has lost face in the eyes of the other members of the Tong, and fears his only way to get it back is to kill himself. However another option might still remain as he weighs some unknown option in his mind. Wing thinks, “I need to get back my face, by any means necessary, and if it means the end of me… at least I end with some dignity. SHUT UP AND GET THE BOX!”

Our issue ends as the dawn rises in the Wing household, and John’s wife awakes alone in their bedroom. She begins to search the house for her husband, and finally finds him in the basement of their home. What she sees astonishes her, as she discovers her husband standing amongst a pile of dirt in their basement:

(Click the scans for a larger version!)

Wow, this guy is ruthless and will stop at nothing. Here we have the explanation from the ending of the previous issue, as the box in the basement’s true purpose is revealed. This must be the Demon Fox that the Tong named themselves after, and coincidentally is the same beast that Nina Lam pictured fighting in her dreams from last issue.

This issue raises so many questions. The connection between the Lam’s and Wing’s seems to be building, but to where? Is Nina Lam becoming this Kwai to battle the Demon Fox? And if so, where does the Syndicate fit into all of this? Who was that watery woman? Will the Syndicate ever stop squabbling about leadership? We’ll have to wait for the next issue to find out some answers!

This issue, in terms of both art and story, was very well done. Chriscross shows a giant leap in terms of art quality and storytelling. He has begun to develop an excellent grasp of facial expressions, reminding me a little of Kevin Maguire, and does a lot to give each member of the Syndicate a distinct look. In previous recaps, my only complaint about this book was the rotating artists were giving the book a feeling of “poor quality”. Chriscross’ second issue as penciller has squashed that complaint.

Ivan Velez script was quite good, as we got both action and a look into our heroes’ and villain’s emotions. His use of foreshadowing (questions about DMZ, the water woman, hints about a relationship between Fade and the now dead Tech-9, and Masquerade’s family visit) will undoubtedly pay off in the future. I always appreciate a writer that can juggle current and future storylines well, and Velez shows in this issue he is capable of doing just that.

That wraps up this week’s column, be sure to check back next week for more Milestone goodness as we recap the next issues of Icon and Hardware! Until then my Milestone Minions, have a great week!

The crew for the Comicazi podcast have really appreciated everyone comin’ through, leaving comments for the show and callin’ in to the Skype line (617.418.3611).  The feedback we’ve been getting has been solid, and fun!  Keep on getting down with us as we continue to drop more Comics clue on you!  If you haven’t voted for us, be sure to drop in on our profile and vote.  Leave some comments there as well, so newcomers who find the podcast can understand exactly why people have loved it so far!  In the meantime, we appreciate the love.  Expect even more science as 2007 rolls on!  Bahlactus has spoken.

The word is out on the streets! Comicazi fans want us to drop some Comics clue on Alternate Universes! Here on Comicazi, we’re about the fans and live to drop some science on the masses. Because you demanded it, we’ve compiled a solid list of Alternate Universe/What-If/Elseworld flavored stories that we love and hit you upside the head on just why you should get down with them! Enter the realm of the Comicazi Alternaverse Recommendates, right now with issue No.12!

Comics mentioned in this issue of Comicazi: Earth X, Marvel 1602, Days of Future Past, MARVEL What If? (#13,#43 — Conan the Barbarian Walked the Earth Today?), DC: The New Frontier, Kingdom Come, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Squadron Supreme, Batman: Son of the Demon, The Incredible HULK: Future Imperfect, JSA: The Liberty Files, JSA: Golden Age, Avengers Forever, and Last Avengers Story.

If you’re interested in getting down with any Comics mentioned above, be sure to hit up Comicazi and place an order!

In the fall of 2006 I began a Comics journey I don’t believe anyone else has attempted..collecting every appearance of GALACTUS. It’s true that he has turned out to be one of the tightest characters to have existed in Comics to date. His struggle is ongoing, his destiny is unknown, and every day is a fight for survival. GALACTUS has appeared in a number of different instances in the MARVEL universe, and I intend to compile them into a collection currently unknown on this planet — an ABSOLUTE GALACTUS collection. Bahlactus has spoken.

(Click the cover for a larger image!)

Oh yeah! It’s back, the column of the hour, the tower of power – The Triple M! Welcome to you all and I hope the Super-Bowl was good for all of you (as this is done in advance I have no idea how it was for me yet…… but I got a feeling Indianapolis pulled it out). Let’s get down with some Milestone Madness as we take a look at Static #4

(Click the cover for a larger version!)

Static #4 picks up in the aftermath of the Static/ Tarmack fight from last issue. Holocaust has shown up, and takes credit for sending Tarmack after Static. He tells Static that he sent Tarmack to test him, and that he didn’t think he would bug out and hurt people. Holocaust promises Static he will make good on repairs to Akkad’s and take care of anyone who was hurt. He offers Static two things, a ride in a nice stretch limo and a banana berry cola, as he gives Static a sales pitch on what it would be like to roll with Holocaust. He gives him the “Life According to Holocaust” speech as he compliments him on his brains getting him past Tarmack. He tells Static that for all the good work he does, he is missing the big picture. Holocaust’s worldview involves money & status, and he clues Static in on this. “Look at ‘em.” He tells Static “Can they fly? You risk your life every day for them? You gonna get something for it or give it away? These rich SOB’s, what they got that we don’t? Brains? Talent? It’s LUCK! It’s CONNECTIONS! Who you know. Who your Daddy know. It’s Birthright. Well WE got their Birthright beat all to hell.”

Holocaust brings Static to an abandoned theatre that he has obviously fixed up, filled with cars and TV’s and of course women:

(Click the scan for a larger version!)

Holocaust has started Static on the road to “if you want it, take it” land, and their first pit stop is at Don Cornelius’ house. Holocaust takes his limo (which honestly looks like “Pimp My Ride” got their hands on it) and takes on the Don’s guards in a quest to talk to him. Static begins to see that Holocaust does not exactly use his power in a “responsible manner”. Holocaust heats up the guns in the guard’s hands, and Static has to yank them out of their grasps before someone is badly hurt. Holocaust takes that action as Static just watching his back like he asked him to, and he thanks him for saving him the effort in disarming the thugs. Static is floating near the limo thinking that things are moving way too fast, when guard dogs go on the attack!

(Click the scan for a larger version!)

Holocaust is clearly a mean bastard, and is not afraid to use force to get his point across. Static just doesn’t know what to do at this point, he is obviously conflicted between Holocaust’s words and actions and his own conscience. He does agree to meet Holocaust back at the Don’s the next night where Holocaust promises to deliver his message for the Don personally. He needs to talk to someone though, so Static takes off for Frieda’s house for a quick chat to help him decide what to do. What he finds there is proof of Holocaust’s mission statement of “Like I always say, If you don’t take it someone else WILL.” He views his friend Larry and his erstwhile crush Frieda kissing on her front porch, and in a true “after school special” moment begins to freak out on the both of them. He can’t believe that after all he has told Frieda about his double life, and after taking Larry’s advice to shoot a gang member who was messing with him, that they would not be honest with him. He blasts Larry with a static shove (which Larry mistakes for a punch…. Thankfully it was a dark night to cover Virgil’s slip yup with his powers) and stalks away mad, Holocausts words ringing in his head as he proclaims that he cannot trust either one of this friends.

The next morning he is faced with the prospects of explaining his lack of employment to his Mother. Mama Hawkins is clearly ticked off at Virgil for losing yet another job, and yells at him for being worthless. She is ticked because Virgil knows they need the extra money, yet he can’t be responsible enough to keep any sort of employment. When Virgil protests that he worked hard, his mom fires back “Not lately from what I hear. I don’t know what it is you DO work hard on anymore”. Holocaust’s words “If you ain’t Takin’, you’re getting’ TOOK” ring in Virgil’s head again as his mother is letting him have it.

Holocaust’s words also hit Virgil hard when he hangs out with some of his friends, and the subject of Larry and Freida comes up. Apparently Virgil really was the last one to know about the two being a couple, as all of his friends knew about them already. Virgil is disgusted as he learns this and leaves the arcade, clearly at a crossroads in his life. He goes home and does some research on Don Cornelius. He discovers that his “new friend” was right, and feels he was right about a lot more than the Don’s criminal behavior. “SO my friends can’t be straight with me and Mom needs cash?” Virgil thinks as he gathers up his Static gear, “ I’ll just help my NEW friend bust a nut on some creep, get the creep’s cash, walk that home to moms, and I’m straight!”

Static and Holocaust then take on the Don once again. Static is ready to do some property damage to teach the Don that he can’t use his people and their money and get away with it. He trashes the Don’s living room, smashing some expensive pieces of art in the process. Holocaust feels that it’s a nice start, but decides to ramp it up a notch. The duo finds the Don and his family, and Holocaust starts to let his temper get the best of him. Holocaust tells the don that he insulted him by having one of his “mooks” tell him that “The Don got no time for Moolies”, that means that the Don has to suffer.

“I couldn’t kill your little girl, that’d be cruel” he tells the frightened Don, “I could kill your woman, but you wouldn’t hardly give a $&*#%. Now your Boy, y’now boys almost always grow up to be trouble. I’d practically be doin’ you a favor!” Holocaust then asks Static whether or not he should kill the frightened young boy, and Static has now idea how to respond or what to do at this point. Sweat is gathering under his mask and all he manages to do is sound nervous about the next move. Holocaust takes this response under advisement as he says “How ‘bout I just do his clothes ..”

(Click the scan for a larger version!)

FINALLY, Static realizes this Holocaust guy is a big chump, and he does the right thing. Holocaust yells at Static that HE needs to do this, and he needs Static to just follow orders, show unity, and not ask any questions! Static tells him that he needs to get a grip, and Holocaust responds by telling him that he is clearly no longer worth his time and tells him to leave with what he came with. Static leaves, after seeing that the Don and his family will be safe, as he realizes that Holocaust is just a big loser/ bully playing a dangerous game with a different set of rules than him.

Virgil realizes, as the issue closes, that he was a little too hard on Larry and Frieda and decides to forgive them both. His mom asks him about the “job” he left for the previous night and whether it was a hoodlum kind of job. He of course tells her no, and she replies “Good. We raised you better than that.” Virgil, through his dealings with Holocaust, realizes the truth in that statement. He has shown this good upbringing by being the hero and not becoming “’lil Holocaust”.

This issue of Static showed our hero facing a huge moral dilemma both in his personal life and in his super-hero identity. He ends up doing the right thing, and learns the big lesson that friends are fallible and that there is no easy way to get by in life (despite Holocaust promising otherwise). Robert Washington and Dwayne McDuffie crafted an entertaining story, and the art by J.P. Leon was top notch as usual. All in all another great issue in my favorite (and obviously Bahlactus’ as well) of the Milestone books.

That’s it for today; check back next week for more Milestone action!