Comic Review - Amazing Spider-Man 96-98

Title/Storyline
Amazing Spider-Man
Publish Date/Year
1971
Creative Team
Stan Lee, Gil Kane
Issue (s)
96-98
Publisher
Marvel

Story
The Green Goblin resurfaces after certain events & visual cues trigger the amnesiac Norman Osborn to remember that he was the GG! This spells disaster for our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This is because of all the foes that Spidey had fought with, only GG knows Spidey was really Peter Parker (and vice versa). Thus, if GG was back, Peter faces the threat that GG would expose his secret.

Harry, Peter’s room-mate and best friend, has been undergoing a lot of pressure and was on the verge of a breakdown because Mary Jane was openly flirting with Peter on several occasions (as she & their friends all thought that the relationship between Gwen Stacy and Peter was over). Eventually, MU breaks up with Harry and this drove him to taking some pills to help him “feel better”.

ArtGil Kane’s artwork has never been among my favorites. However, credit where credit is due, his art is very good, just not quite my cup of tea. BUT…for these 3 issues, I must admit that I’m blown away by his art. His and Ross Andru’s are still among my favorite artists for Spidey. Persoanlly, I think they are better than the Ditko & McFarlane versions. Yeah, I know McFarlane has legions of loyal fans who would flay me for that but these 2 guys do the best Webhead art ever!

Additional CommentsThese issues were the comic industry’s bold attempt at addressing the drug scourge in the funny pages (it is considered bold because there was a reason why these books were referred to as the "funny books" back then).

Comic Review - Ultimates III

Title/Storyline
Ultimates III
Publish Date/Year
2008
Creative Team
Jeph Loeb, Joe Madureira
Issue (s)
1-5
Publisher
Marvel

Story
Things are not looking good for the Ultimates as they deal with one crisis after another. First, racy videos of Tony & Natasha’s bedroom romps have surfaced and have circulated to the public, driving Tony back to the bottle. Then, they are attacked by Venom at their Mansion, followed by an assassination of Wanda. All of these happen in the 1st issue.

Jeph Loeb is a master at creating cliff hangers at the end of each issue. He keeps you hooked and makes you want to grab the very next issue immediately.

Many of the Marvel Universe characters such as Unus (Yeah, I can hear someone saying “who?...”), Madrox, Wolvie, Kazar & Shanna (and when you see these 2, you know you’re in the Savage Land), Spiderman, Valkyrie, Lorelei, Mystique, Magneto and his Brotherhood, Dr Doom, & Ultron have been thrown in to make this 5-issue series a true visual treat for newbies and veterans alike.

Anyway, the story basically revolves around how Ultron was manipulating events in the Ultimate Universe by using the Ultimates and Mutants to accomplish his goal of obliterating non-machine life on Earth. Question is, where does Dr Doom fit into all of this?

Art
Super sexy art from Joe Mad! If you like Joe’s art, you know what to expect. I have always loved his work since his early Uncanny X-Men days. He has pioneered the unique & un-mistakable pseudo-manga style that makes him 1 of my all time favorite artists. The only problem is that he doesn’t produce many books these days. Hence, this series is a real treat for fans of his work.

Additional Comments
This 3rd series doesn’t quite measure up to the earlier series by Millar & Hitch. Altho’ there are lots of things happening in the 5 issue series, the pacing is too quick and doesn’t allow the reader to really sink their teeth into it.

Perhaps this is caused by Joe’s speed in delivering his artwork (anybody remember Battle Chasers?) Hence, I would have likes the series to have been made into 8 – 10 issues where we get to savor Joe’s art and the development of the characters more.

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Food Review - OKR Bak Kut Teh

NameOKR Dry Bak Kut Teh (Dinner Only)
Address
Off Old Klang Road
FoodBak Kut Teh
Location
Old Klang Road (diagonal to the Post Office)
Getting there
If you are coming from KL/Mid Valley towards PJ on OKR, you need to look out for the Post Office next to the OKR Wet Market on your left. Right before the post office is a small lane to the left.

You can’t miss it once you turn in as it is right at the prominent corner and very well lit.

Parking
This can be a bit of a challenge, but if you are patient, and don’t mind doing a few 3-point turns, you will eventually find a spot at houses or the school near the stall.

ServiceThe Bak Kut Teh is prepared only after you order. So it may take about 10-15 minutes before it can be served. Ambience
This place is not a crowd magnet as it is not a place that would attract diners based on appearance or cleanliness but it’s not so bad that would turn you away either. However, this is not the place to bring your expat friends.

VarietyThis place is unique because it serves both the dry and soup variety.
Taste
I like both the soup and dry varieties served here. Altho the soup variety is served in a claypot, it is still the strong dark-colored herbal type, not the watered down type that is typically served in a claypot. The soup is to die for.

The dry type is also served in a claypot. It is prepared with okra, onions, dried red chilies, Chili Padi and fine cuttlefish strips. It is too savoury to have on its own but mixed with rice, it’s quite a treat. However, it can be a bit oily.
Presentation
Quite nicely done for a stall of this category as I would have half expected the food to be served in plastic bowls. Both the BKT and rice are served in clay ware.
Value for Money
It is good value as pork prices are quite high these days. They do not scrimp on the parts you request for unlike some other stalls. That is to say, if you request for Pai Guat, they give you Pai Guat.
Overall
Not something to have everyday, but you have to try this, because, let’s be honest, when was the last time you had dry BKT?