Author: Jason

 This is the second in a new series by shop regular, Chris Haas, The Book & Brew Review.

>>> Book: Amazing X-Men #4

“Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties ’cause it’s cooooold out there today.”

-Groundhog Day

Apparently, purgatory is a bitch. I loved the look of this cover.  My favorite part has to be the use of blue as the only color.  And it’s not often that icicles form on Wolverine’s claws but it seems that it’s pretty damn cold in the world of in-between.  The cover is credited to Ed McGuinness, Dexter Vines, and Marte Gracia.  These talented individuals also provide the great work within the comic itself and have done so throughout the first four issues.  I hope the partnership lasts well into this particular X-Men book.

As for the book itself, Ed McGuinness is doing a fantastic job at bringing back a dead teammate.  If you are a regular reader, then you know who I mean.  But I’m not a fan of spoilers, so I won’t say anything to give it away.  The writing is playful and energetic, avoiding the major serious attitudes that can sometime plague the other major mutant titles (not that solemn tones aren’t necessary now and then).  All in all, I always look forward to a new issue.

Also, on a side note, screw that guy in the background. No one cares about you. That’s why you are in the background (Poor Northstar).

>>> Brew: Rogue Ales Double Chocolate Stout

So last week I did a stout and this week I’m doing a stout.  I swear I have love for a wide range of beers.  It just happens to be that I’m in a phase right now.  A delicious phase.  And once again, I’ve found another beer to satiate that desire.  Rogue is a quality brewery out of Newport, Oregon.  I’ve had tons of different brews from their list and not one has disappointed.  In fact, before I had this one, I had their regular chocolate stout to compare the two.  The regular was decent, but it could not compare to the tastiness of the double.

The beer is considered an American Double/ Imperial Stout with a healthy ABV of 9%.  There is a slight coffee flavor with a hint of vanilla.  The color is close to pitch black and it leaves me nice and warm when I take on the entire 22 oz. bottle.  Yum.

 This is the first in a new series by shop regular, Chris Haas, The Book & Brew Review.

>>> Book: X-Men Legacy #24

What don’t I love about this cover?

The art is incredible, of course, and Mike Del Mundo delivers as usual.  My favorite aspect would be how he uses the yellow and pink to create shading and depth.  His work succeeds in what every great cover should do and that is to capture my attention.

The part that I enjoy the most has to be the emphasized connection between father and son.  A little history lesson if you will indulge me.  The guy getting the haircut from a blindfolded chick happens to be David Haller (aka Legion).  His deceased father is well known mutant leader Charles Xavier.  And there, in lies, the major problem with David’s life.  Despite the recent death of his father, he can never escape his father’s presence. Removing the ridiculous haircut that has made Legion so recognizable destroys the former identity.  Of course, no haircut takes place in the comic.  That would be silly.  But the father issues are blatant throughout the entire series.  To show Legion with that bald head reminds us of how much he truly wishes to live up to his father’s legacy.  Get it?!?!  Legacy?…yeah, it’s a little on the nose.

Overall, the writer, Simon Spurrier, should feel pride when it comes to completing a well-written series that was based around someone who doesn’t really show up on the radar when it comes to major X-Men storylines.  The covers just happened to be the icing on the cake.

>>> Brew: Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

I am not an expert.  By any means.  But when it comes to stouts, I feel that I’ve found something special in this particular beer.  Recently, I was informed that Goose Island is not technically a craft brew due to their sale to Anheuser-Busch in 2011.  But I say screw the details, this beer is craft at heart and it remains delicious.  It is considered an American Double/Imperial Stout.  And this wonderful, tasty beer clocks in at an impressive 14.2% ABV.  It’s wood and barrel aged, with a dark, thick body.  When I pour, I always notice the almost syrup like quality.

Up until at least 6 months ago, I wasn’t a big stout person.  They belonged to a class of beer that didn’t strike me as spectacular.  I don’t know what happened, but one day, the palate changed.  And I’m thankful for that because it led to me enjoying this fine beer.  It was perfect for a cold winter night while reading my comics, and I hope you try it as soon as possible (if you’re able to get your hands on it).