The Best Stuff In Comics: 12-8-14

Normally this has been a VIDEO FEATUREfor over one hundred episodes. We're still toying with the idea of changing the format to see what works best. It's all a matter of time for us to produce and in how you all prefer to consume this feature. I've toyed with the idea of testing a text version to see how it goes. Let me know in the comments below.

Each week we take a look at the other Best Stuff you might have missed.

HULK #9

Best Hello Kitty Reference

Someone tell me if this has been done before. You would think that since Kitty Pryde goes by Kitty instead of another variation of Katherine, she must have heard this a million times. When Hulk comes a knocking, you have to decide whether or not to open the door.

You might as well open it because he'll just smash it down if you don't. Wonder what Hulk's thoughts are on Hello Kitty not being a cat?

Best Necklace

Hulk, or we should be saying Doc Green, has been mixing up his fashion a little. He's been seen adjusting his hairstyle and was even walking around with a briefcase when he went to visit Kitty. We won't give away the specifics here or what happens next, but you can see the fancy neckwear Hulk has in the issue.

Uh oh...

DETECTIVE COMICS #37

Best Christmas Card Scene

Once in a while we see the holiday seasons reflected in comics even though a specific timeline isn't mentioned or clear. In DETECTIVE COMICS, Alfred insists that Bruce take a little time away from the Batcave to appreciate some of the other things in life.

DEADPOOL #38

Best Homage Cover This Week

I don't know about you but I love a really good homage cover. There's different ways to do them, whether it an obvious or subtle approach. If the situation fits to have one, even better. The cover to this week's DEADPOOL was a pretty great homage to UNCANNY X-MEN #210.

Best Escape from the Danger Room

The Danger Room can be pretty crazy at times. When Deadpool and friends were locked inside with the safety restraints turned off, thankfully Deadpool, with his new zen outlook, was able to figure out how to get out.

It's almost as if they're about to come right off the page, right?

CHEW #45

Best Kool-Aid Man & Rice Krispies Reference

Things have gotten pretty brutal in the pages of CHEW. Looks like there's still more to come. In the midst of waiting to see the conditions of some others, we see a little reminiscing going on about Tony and John's days on the police force.

Here's from their rookie years:

Here's another shot during their vice squad days:

Those were some interesting days.

RAI #5

Best Creator Cameo

We've seen, many times, creators show up within the pages of a comic. Most of the time, it's because the artist decided to throw in a little Easter egg for those paying close attention. It can be fun to look for. In this week's RAI, we can see Matt Kindt appear.

His name is even on his shirt if you were unaware of what he looks like.

INHUMAN #9

Best Use of a Squeezing Power

As we're seeing new Inhumans pop up, or NuHumans as they're called, you have to be careful when approaching them. If their powers are unknown, you won't know if you're prepared for what they might unleash. Take, for example, someone with the power to mentally squeeze things.

And then...

I think no further words are necessary.

JUSTICE LEAGUE 3000 #12

Best Superhero Plan When You’re Outgunned

In case you missed the news, Booster Gold and Blue Beetle are back together. Or so it seems. Somehow they've ended up in the future after being frozen cryogenically. As they try to figure out how to get off what is now a prison planet, they find one of Ted's old Beetle caches. They also discover there is someone else that is using the equipment and has upgraded it immensely. So how can they deal with this situation?

Hit him a lot and then run away.

LEGENDARY STAR-LORD #6

Best Cheesy Line to Say on a First Date in a Long Distance Relationship

Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde have started a relationship of sorts. One of the problems they're facing is the fact that she's on Earth and he's out in space. It's like the ultimate long distance relationship. As they attempted to go on a virtual/holographic date, we see Peter trying to find the right words to say.

Looks like the line might've scored him some points. Of course bad stuff is about to happen

IRON FIST: THE LIVING WEAPON #7

Best Reason Why the Women of K'un Lun Weren't Allowed to Fight

They were too creative.

The "forbidden kick," indeed.

Best Poll of the Week

Last week the poll dealt with which character featured in the Best Stuff list deserved their own series. The list included Shocker, Simon Baz, Cyborg, Bronze Tiger, Lady Shiva, Phil Coulson, and Ben Reilly. It got pretty close with Cyborg getting 22% of the votes and Ben Reilly right behind him with 20%.

This week, let's find out what you all think of the Forbidden Kick when it comes to fighting.

(Note: if you get a "session expired" notice, refresh the page).

That's all I came up with this week. Let us know in the comments below what other Best Stuff you dug this past week. Special thanks to @djfanco, @simonsezstuff, and @Jawshco for their suggestions. If you want to participate, you can @reply me on Twitter at @GManFromHeck by Fridays using the hashtag#BestStuffInComics and I'll think you're pretty groovy.

Let us know what you think of this format. Answer the poll question. Be sure to always look for the best stuff and be sure to always be on guard in case someone tries unleashing the Forbidden Kick upon you.

That art from Iron Fist makes me think of Shaman King for some reason. Maybe it's the idea of a young girl brutalizing a young boy. Sigh.... memories :)

@captainmarvel4ever: right on, I get similar feel

Less Hello, Kitty, more The Shining.

Whats the story behind BlueBeetle and Booster Gold? Are they the same pre-flashpoint Infinite crisis characters?

I like this much much more! I always wanted to explore this segment, but never used to since it was in video. I tend to check ComicVine at work or on public transportation, both of which I can't watch things on. It was a really fun article and thank you for making it text--its just faster and easier.

love the deadpool homage cover

uhm whats with maestro? Dr.Green has changed into that has he? Would read ish but no $.

Ha ha! got to love the snap crackle & pop reference. Made me laugh.

Anyone else notice that the date on this is wrong?

Widow's stingers

Wolverine arm and claws at least one.

Daredevils fighting sticks.

Somebody's avenger card.

So what are the last bits?

@crimsonlord53: There's Cyclops' visor.

@wheatstalker said:

Less Hello, Kitty, more The Shining.

My thoughts exactly.

In Rai he has what looks like a sonic screwdriver.

Awesome stuff! Who knew Kool-Aid man was so brutal? Ha!

Love it! Keep up the great work (and this format, since I can read the article in formats where I couldn't play a video)

@crimsonlord53: Spidey's webshooter and the Eye of Agamotto.

Justice League 3000 was one of the best comics in the shells.

@wheatstalker:

i think that was the point.

No way, it's forbidden. Always.

@scavengerfist:Eye of Aghamotto(?), Spideys webshooter, Black Widows' "stingers"...

Please, bring back video format. Or at least do both :)

@wurzel: Honestly, video takes longer. I'd have to try to film either Friday morning before the podcast or Friday afternoon after. But after the podcast I also work on Awesome Art Picks. It usually meant me editing videos Saturday or Sunday morning which is kind of...you know. Also, believe it or not, the articles get a lot more views than the video version. It's picking up more views each week at a greater increase than the video version. This does still take time for format and all. No way I could do both in order to get it posted by late Sunday night.

@nickthedevil said:

@wheatstalker said:

Less Hello, Kitty, more The Shining.

My thoughts exactly.

yup

@g_man:

I'm liking the shift to text, its easier to read the stories than watching videos if something interrupts.

...and its a forbidden kick for a reason!

The Deadpool homage cover is just sweet!

Um uh oh indeed that is more The Maestro than "Doc Green" and the "Neckware" reminds me of the action figure version of The Maestro only with Dr. Strange's cloak for a cape and Thor's hammer as an "wrist chain" dragging it along.... And it should always stay forbidden.... ALWAYS.

That's so "Here's Johnny!"

I might have to pick up that Hulk if Maestro is in it!

Is Matt Kindt holding a sonic screwdriver?

@mrnoital said:

@nickthedevil said:

@wheatstalker said:

Less Hello, Kitty, more The Shining.

My thoughts exactly.

yup

It's so obvious, it's awkward.

As for the poll, everything's fair game. Everything.

Yes.

BB

I like like the text more than the videos, Next week you should have The Wicked + The Divine cameo from Sex Criminals......

@g_man: for this week I suggest reading Justice League United, there's a few good things that would work for the best stuff this week