I Reads You: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

I Reads You Review: KIMI NI TODOKE, VOL. 10

Creator: Karuho Shiina; Ari Yasuda, HC Language Solutions, Inc. (translation)
Publishing Information: VIZ Media, paperback, 184 pages, $9.99 (US), $12.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4215-3822-8 (ISBN-13)

Rating “T” for “Teen”

Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me to You is a shojo manga from creator Karuho Shiina. The series is a high school romantic drama and focuses on a teen girl named Sawako Kuronuma.

Because of her jet black hair and a gloomy attitude, Sawako’s classmates call her “Sadako” after the haunting horror movie character of the same name. Sawako comes across as someone frightening to her classmates, but this high school student is really a sweet person. When Shota Kazehaya, the most popular boy in school, starts talking to Sadako… err… I mean Sawako, her life changes.

Kimi Ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 10 focuses on the big moment in Sawako and Kazehaya’s relationship. A misunderstanding has placed a distance between the two. Now, they are determined to admit to each other how they really feel – with the school festival raging all around them. How will their fellow students react to them taking the next step in the evolution of Sawako and Kazehaya’s relationship?

After I read it for the first time, I was sure that Kimi Ni Todoke would be a one-note shojo manga really only enjoyed by lovers of all things high school shojo romance. However, Sawako and Kazehaya are such a mismatched pair that, by itself, that creates enough dramatic tension and conflict to keep this story running for a long time. There is some big news in this volume, but the most enjoyable part of it all is watching the other students’ reactions. Plus, the ending sets up a major conflict with this series’ main mean girl. Yeah, this is a good read.

B+

Shop: Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 10

The Story of Saiunkoku: Shurei's Brothel Adventure

I read The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 5

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Leroy Douresseaux Reviews THE VAULT #3

"Needs more than a little luck"

THE VAULT #3 (OF 3)
IMAGE COMICS

WRITER: Sam Sarkar
ARTIST: Garrie Gastonny
COLORS: Sakti Yuwono
COVER: Garrie Gastonny and Bagus Hutomo
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

The Vault is a three-issue comic book miniseries from Image Comics, which comes to a rousing conclusion. It is written by Sam Sarkar and drawn by Garrie Gastonny and focuses on a small team of treasure hunters struggling to excavate a dangerous treasure pit before a massive storm arrives. Nothing can prepare these people for what they are about to unleash.

The story focuses on archeologists and treasure hunters, Dr. Gabrielle Parker and Dr. Michael Page. Unlocking the secrets of the treasure pit at Sable Island, known as the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic,” is the culmination of a decade of their hard work. After Gabrielle discovers a hidden vault connected to the main treasure shaft, the team finds a large stone sarcophagus surrounded by a layer of corrosive liquid.

It’s The Vault # 3, and it’s alive! The survivors leave the island, but something has followed them aboard their rescue vessel. Now, Parker and Page, the protagonists, must also become the heroes.

Think of this as Raiders of the Lost Ark meets The Abyss meets The Mummy (1999) meets one of my favorite B-movies, Virus (which is based upon a Dark Horse Comics miniseries). Writer/creator Sam Sarkar focuses on the setup in the first issue; the characters, their motivations, and secrets in the second issue; and on the denouement (and what an exciting one it is) in this third issue. This is a study in creating the brief, efficient, and bluntly effective thriller.

Garrie Gastonny is a good artist; his compositions are strong and his storytelling is clear and engaging. However, the important thing in The Vault is atmosphere, and, with colorist Sakti Yuwono, Gastonny depicts a modern world full of science adventurers and mercenaries breaking down before the unknown of our largely dark ancient pasts. The atmosphere and mood make this a winner.

A

For more information about the artist, please visit http://thegerjoos.deviantart.com/.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Manga Box Set Celebrates 25 Years of "Zelda" Manga

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LEGEND OF ZELDA MANGA BOX SET

Just in Time to Celebrate Video Game’s 25th Anniversary, Collection Features Complete Set of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Volumes In A Keepsake Box

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight gamers and manga (graphic novel) fans nationwide with the release of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set, just in time to celebrate the series’ 25th Anniversary. The set, available in stores now, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, includes all 10 volumes of the fantasy action adventure series as well as a full color poster, and carries an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $80.99 CAN.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, and is the best selling role-playing, puzzle-solving, action title for Nintendo video game platforms. More information on the history of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and its anniversary is available at: www.zelda.com/25th.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series takes place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the Triforce. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named Link sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to Zelda, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set bundles Link’s entire magical quest into a single collection that is a must-read for any true fan of the classic video game,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, Children’s Publishing. “The series wonderfully transforms the game’s fast-paced action into a linear storyline, and has been a consistent bestseller since VIZ Media published the first volume in 2008. This new box set is an eye-catching way to revisit the entire series and commemorate the 25th Anniversary of this groundbreaking game title.”

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series was created by Akira Himekawa, which is the pen name of two women known simply as A. Honda and S. Nagano. The pair have created nine manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons and FOUR SWORDS. Their most recent work, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, was serialized in Japan in the kid’s magazine Shogaku Rokunensei, published by Shogakukan.

For more information on the THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga series, please visit: www.viz.com/the-legend-of-zelda.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Leroy Douresseaux Reviews The Vault #2

"Don't open that..."

THE VAULT #2 (OF 3)
IMAGE COMICS

WRITER: Sam Sarkar
ARTIST: Garrie Gastonny
COLORS: Sakti Yuwono
COVER: Garrie Gastonny and Bagus Hutomo
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Sam Sarkar is a former actor turned television writer and is now an executive at Johnny Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil (which is a dumb ass name, I know, but I love me some Depp). Garrie Gastonny of Imaginary Friends Studios drew Warren Ellis’ Supergod and Radical Publishing’s Caliber: First Canon of Justice.

Sarkar is the writer of and Gastonny is the artist on The Vault, a three-issue miniseries from Image Comics. The story focuses on a small team of treasure hunters struggling to excavate a dangerous treasure pit before a massive storm arrives. Nothing can prepare these people for what they are about to unleash.

Archeologists and treasure hunters, Dr. Gabrielle Parker and Dr. Michael Page, seek to unlock the secrets of the treasure pit at Sable Island, known as the “Graveyard of the North Atlantic.” Their team has found something extraordinary.

As The Vault #2 opens, a hurricane bears down on the island. Inside the base, the team squabbles over what to do with the large stone sarcophagus they found in the treasure pit. Should they open it now or wait until they are at a facility better equipped to handle this delicate discovery, as Gabrielle wants? Inside the sarcophagus is a skeleton of something that looks human, but is clearly not.

Well, the first issue was not a fluke. The Vault is an absolutely riveting suspense thriller because this second issue does not let up on the mystery and still offers a thick atmosphere of impending doom. Think of this as Raiders of the Lost Ark meets The Abyss meets The Mummy (1999). I like this enough to read it again.

A-

For more information about the artist, please visit http://thegerjoos.deviantart.com/.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Tegami Bachi: Blue Notes Blues

I read Tegami Bachi, Vol. 7

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

VIZ Media Announces New Yaoi Manga Line Called "SuBLime"

VIZ MEDIA PARTNERS WITH JAPAN’S ANIMATE AND LIBRE PUBLISHING TO LAUNCH SuBLime, A NEW YAOI MANGA LINE

North American Manga Publishing Powerhouse Launches A Bold New Initiative To Deliver Acclaimed Boys’ Love Titles Digitally And In Print To An Eager Fan Base

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated new yaoi manga (graphic novel) line – SuBLime – which represents an innovative new partnership between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate) and Libre Publishing Co., Ltd. (Libre Publishing).

This bold, global publishing initiative will present English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide on its dedicated web site at SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide. From the supernatural men of Naono Bohra’s tales of fantasy to the sexy actors portrayed in some of Youka Nitta’s best works, SuBLime will offer something for even the most discerning yaoi manga fan.

“The yaoi manga genre enjoys a sizeable and very passionate following, and the launch of SuBLime will give fans around the world an entirely new outlet that will deliver an exciting range of titles,” says Leyla Aker, Vice President of Publishing, VIZ Media. “We invite fans to join us as we prepare to bring some of the best new boys’ love manga titles to North America and beyond!”

“I’m very excited to open the way to providing boys’ love manga to fans all over the world,” says Shingo Kunieda, Director of Animate's Overseas Division. “There are many wonderful yaoi manga titles released every month in Japan, and we know that fans want to read them as soon as possible. We are always moving forward to find new ways of doing business, and by partnering with VIZ Media, we can make yaoi fans happy and release boys’ love titles as quickly as possible!”

Toshiko Ohta, President of Libre Publishing, concurs, saying, “Libre’s dream is to bring our content to yaoi fans around the world. In partnership with VIZ Media, this is now a reality. We look forward to readers’ support for SuBLime!”

SuBLime’s first round of digital manga titles are scheduled to launch this December, and will feature LOVE PISTOLS Vol. 1, by Tarako Kotobuki, and the North American debut of DANNASAMA TO MITSUGETSUCHU Vol. 1, by Haruka Minami. January 2012 sees the debut of OUSAMA NO BED, by Sakae Kusama, and in February, SWEET POOL Vol. 1, by Nitro+CHiRAL. Additional new titles slated for 2012 include SHIZUKU HANABIRA RINGO NO KAORI Vols. 1 and 2 by Toko Kawai, DEVIL’S HONEY by Isaku Natsume, KEKKON ZENYA by Kou Fujisaki, ADULT TEACHER WA OSUKI? by Kiu Aion, and YOKUBOU NO SHIZUKU by You Higashino.

SuBLime’s first print titles are scheduled to be THREE WOLVES MOUNTAIN, by Naono Bohra, and HACHIMITSU DARLING, by Norikazu Akira, which will both be released in Spring 2012, followed by PUNCH UP Vol. 1, by Shiuko Kano, and AITSU NO DAIHONMEI Vol. 1, by Suzuki Tanaka, to be released in the Summer of 2012.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at http://www.sublimemanga.com/, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at http://www.viz.com/.

About Animate, Ltd.
From North to South, it’s by far the largest anime store chain in Japan! There are 100 shops across Japan, gathering countless anime-related goods to fire up the spirits of anime fans. It’s the go-to place for any anime-manga fan! Character goods from anime, manga, game, comics, art supplies… You name it! All anime/mange-related merchandise is available! Additionally, you can find original Animate goods, specials, etc. Furthermore, we have special events such as autograph sessions, panel discussions, campaigns, and more! Come to Animate filled with ‘dreams’ and ‘hope’!! See http://www.animate-world.com/ for more information.

About Libre Publishing Co., Ltd.
The biggest boys’ love publisher in Japan. The company name “Libre Publishing Co., Ltd.” is taken from the Latin base “Lib”, which can mean “Book” or “Liberty”. Such is the aim of our company, to be able to share this love of “books” and “freedom” by the unique contents of the works that we offer, for the enjoyment of our readers. See http://www.libre-pub.co.jp/ for more information (in Japanese).

Death Metal City: The Final Chapter

I read Detroit Metal City, Vol. 10

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 26 2011

DC COMICS

MAY110255 ABSOLUTE ALL STAR SUPERMAN HC NEW PTG $99.99

AUG110269 ALL NEW BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #12 $2.99

AUG118111 ALL STAR WESTERN #1 2ND PTG $3.99

AUG110225 ALL STAR WESTERN #2 $3.99

MAR110411 AME COMI V.1 CHEETAH STEALTH VARIANT FIGURE $60.00

MAR110412 AME COMI ZATANNA V.1 HALLOWEEN VARIANT FIGURE $60.00

AUG118112 AQUAMAN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110165 AQUAMAN #2 $2.99

AUG118113 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110191 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #2 $2.99

MAR110410 BLACK LANTERN 1/4 SCALE POWER BATTERY & RING PROP $35.00

AUG118114 BLACKHAWKS #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110223 BLACKHAWKS #2 $2.99

AUG110234 DC COMICS PRESENTS CATWOMAN GUARDIAN OF GOTHAM #1 $7.99

AUG110236 DC COMICS PRESENTS JACK KIRBY OMNIBUS SAMPLER #1 $7.99

AUG110278 DMZ #70 (MR) $2.99

AUG118115 FLASH #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110167 FLASH #2 $2.99

AUG118116 FURY OF FIRESTORM THE NUCLEAR MEN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110171 FURY OF FIRESTORM THE NUCLEAR MEN #2 $2.99

AUG110274 GEARS OF WAR #20 (MR) $2.99

AUG118117 GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110206 GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #2 $2.99

JUL110291 GREEN WOMAN TP (MR) $17.99

AUG118118 I VAMPIRE #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110214 I VAMPIRE #2 $2.99

AUG118119 JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110210 JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #2 $2.99

AUG110232 LEGION SECRET ORIGIN #1 (OF 6) $2.99

AUG110272 MAD MAGAZINE #512 $5.99

AUG118120 SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110174 SAVAGE HAWKMAN #2 $2.99

JUL110294 SCALPED #53 (MR) $2.99

AUG110276 SPACEMAN #1 (OF 9) (MR) $1.00

AUG110184 SUPERGIRL #2 $2.99

AUG118121 SUPERMAN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110182 SUPERMAN #2 $2.99

JUN110280 SUPERMAN BATMAN SORCERER KINGS HC $22.99

AUG118122 TEEN TITANS #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110226 TEEN TITANS #2 $2.99

AUG118123 VOODOO #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110220 VOODOO #2 $2.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 26 2011

MARVEL COMICS

AUG110598 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #672 SPI $3.99

AUG110638 ANNIHILATORS EARTHFALL #2 (OF 4) $3.99

AUG110659 ASTONISHING X-MEN #43 $3.99

AUG110575 AVENGERS ACADEMY #20 FEAR $2.99

AUG110609 AVENGERS SOLO #1 (OF 5) $3.99

AUG110621 CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BUCKY #623 $2.99

AUG110713 CAPTAIN AMERICA TRIAL OF CAPTAIN AMERICA TP $19.99

AUG110664 DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE #16 $2.99

AUG110710 DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE PREM HC BIG BREAK $19.99

AUG118052 DAREDEVIL #3 2ND PTG RIVERA VAR (PP #990) $2.99

AUG110625 DAREDEVIL #5 $2.99

AUG110674 DEADPOOL #45 $2.99

AUG110631 DISNEY PIXAR PRESENTS TOY STORY $5.99

AUG110592 DOROTHY AND WIZARD IN OZ #2 (OF 8) $3.99

FEB110638 DREAM LOGIC #4 (MR) $5.99

AUG110739 FANTASTIC FOUR BY JOE QUESADA POSTER $8.99

AUG110719 FANTASTIC FOUR BY JONATHAN HICKMAN TP VOL 04 $19.99

AUG110640 FF #11 $2.99

AUG110720 FROM MARVEL VAULT TP $14.99

AUG110584 INCREDIBLE HULK #1 $3.99

AUG110695 IRON AGE HC $29.99

AUG110580 JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #630 FEAR $2.99

AUG110573 MIGHTY THOR #7 FEAR $3.99

AUG110690 MMW FANTASTIC FOUR TP VOL 07 $24.99

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AUG110577 NEW MUTANTS #32 FEAR $2.99

AUG110619 RED SKULL #4 (OF 5) $2.99

AUG110611 SECRET AVENGERS #18 $3.99

AUG110603 SPIDER-ISLAND AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #3 (OF 3) SPI $2.99

AUG110599 SPIDER-ISLAND CLOAK AND DAGGER #3 (OF 3) SPI $2.99

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AUG110629 SPIDER-MAN #19 $2.99

AUG110729 SPIDER-MAN COMPLETE BEN REILLY EPIC TP BOOK 02 $39.99

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AUG110730 THOR TRIALS OF LOKI TP $16.99

JUL118188 ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #2 2ND PTG ANDREWS VAR (PP #989) $3.99

AUG110594 ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #3 $3.99

AUG110702 ULTIMATE COMICS X ORIGINS PREM HC $24.99

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AUG110636 VAMPIRES MARVEL UNDEAD #1 $3.99

AUG110601 VENOM #8 SPI $2.99

AUG110653 WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #1 XREGG $3.99

AUG110709 WOLVERINE WOLVERINES REVENGE PREM HC $24.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 26 2011

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG110370 ANNE RICE SERVANT OF THE BONES #3 (OF 6) $3.99

AUG110386 BILLY MAJESTIC HUMPTY DUMPTY TP $14.99

AUG110331 COBRA ONGOING #6 $3.99

AUG110385 DANGER GIRL DLX ED TP $29.99

AUG110392 ETERNAL DESCENT VOL 2 #1 (OF 6) $3.99

AUG110337 GI JOE OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 $24.99

AUG110358 GODZILLA KINGDOM OF MONSTERS #8 $3.99

AUG110399 JAMES PATTERSON WITCH & WIZARD TP VOL 01 SHADOWLAND $12.99

AUG110396 ROBERT BLOCH THAT HELLBOUND TRAIN TP $17.99

AUG110309 STAR TREK ONGOING #2 $3.99

AUG110353 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ONGOING #3 $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 26 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

AUG110035 ABE SAPIEN DEVIL DOES NOT JEST #2 $3.50

AUG110032 ANGEL & FAITH #3 REBEKAH ISSACS VAR CVR $2.99

AUG110031 ANGEL & FAITH #3 STEVE MORRIS CVR $2.99

JUN110040 BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL TP VOL 24 MASSACRE $19.99

JUN110042 BRIDE OF THE WATER GOD TP VOL 09 $9.99

JUL110089 CLASSIC MARVEL CHARACTERS #2 THE HULK $49.95

JUL110057 DAGAR THE INVINCIBLE ARCHIVES HC VOL 01 $49.99

JUN118167 MANARA LIBRARY HC VOL 01 $59.99

JUL110054 MANARA LIBRARY HC VOL 01 $59.99

JUN110043 OH MY GODDESS RTL TP VOL 19 $11.99

AUG110015 STAR WARS CRIMSON EMPIRE III EMPIRE LOST #1 (OF 6) DORMAN CV $3.50

JUL110056 TUROK SON OF STONE ARCHIVES HC VOL 09 $49.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 26 2011

IMAGE COMICS

AUG110506 27 SECOND SET #2 (OF 4) $3.99

AUG110508 AVENGELYNE #4 CVR A LIEFELD $2.99

AUG110509 AVENGELYNE #4 CVR B GIENI $2.99

AUG110512 BREED III #6 (OF 7) (MR) $2.99

JUL110515 BUTCHER BAKER RIGHTEOUS MAKER #7 (MR) $2.99

APR110499 DARKNESS #94 (MR) $2.99

AUG110519 GLADSTONES SCHOOL FOR WORLD CONQUERORS #6 $2.99

AUG110520 GREEN WAKE #6 (MR) $3.50

NOV100459 GUARDING THE GLOBE #6 (OF 6) $3.50

AUG110430 INFINITE HORIZON #5 (OF 6) (RES) $2.99

JUL110533 LIL DEPRESSED BOY #7 $2.99

JAN110660 MAGDALENA #7 SGN ED $14.99

JUL110534 MAGDALENA #9 $3.99

AUG110423 PILOT SEASON THE BEAUTY #1 $3.99

AUG110535 RED WING #4 (OF 4) $3.50

AUG110539 SCREAMLAND ONGOING #5 $2.99

AUG110545 VAULT #3 (OF 3) $3.50

AUG110546 VESCELL #3 (MR) $2.99

AUG110547 WALKING DEAD #90 (MR) $2.99

AUG110551 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #43 (MR) $2.99

MAR110611 WITCHBLADE #144 SGN ED $10.00

JUL110422 WITCHBLADE #145 HEROES CON EX VAR $10.00

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for October 26 2011

COMICS

AUG111172 2000 AD #1754 $5.00

AUG110751 AFRODISIAC HC (O/A) (MR) $14.95

AUG110945 ALI BABA & THE FORTY THIEVES RELOADED GN $9.99

AUG111099 ANIMAL LAND GN VOL 02 $10.99

AUG110811 ARCHIE #626 $2.99

AUG110813 ARCHIE & FRIENDS #158 $2.99

AUG110815 ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #223 $3.99

JUN111043 ARMOR X TP $16.99

JUN111374 ART OF EPIC MICKEY HC $40.00

AUG110882 BART SIMPSON COMICS #64 $2.99

AUG110818 BETTY & VERONICA #256 $2.99

AUG111264 BLACK BUTLER TP VOL 07 $11.99

AUG111265 BLACK GOD TP VOL 14 $11.99

AUG111266 BRIDES STORY HC GN BOOK 02 $16.99

AUG111297 BRIMSTONE #6 (MR) $3.25

MAY111032 BRING THE THUNDER TP $16.99

MAY110873 CAPTAIN SWING #4 (OF 4) (RES) (MR) $3.99

MAY110876 CAPTAIN SWING #4 (OF 4) AUXILIARY ED (RES) (MR) $3.99

MAY110874 CAPTAIN SWING #4 (OF 4) WRAP CVR (RES) (MR) $3.99

AUG110779 CASPERS SCARE SCHOOL #1 (OF 4) $3.99

JUN110802 CAVEWOMAN SNOW #4 (MR) $3.75

AUG110760 CAVEWOMAN SNOW #4 BUDD ROOT SE (MR) PI

AUG111298 CHARMED #15 (MR) $3.50

AUG111233 CHI SWEET HOME GN VOL 07 $13.95

AUG111142 CLASSICS ILLUS DLX HC VOL 07 AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS $17.99

AUG111141 CLASSICS ILLUS DLX SC VOL 07 AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS $13.99

JUN111243 CLINT #11 (MR) $6.99

AUG110781 DARK AXIS RISE O/T OVERMEN #1 (OF 4) (MR) $2.99

SEP110784 DEAD MANS RUN #0 CVR A PARKER $2.50

SEP110785 DEAD MANS RUN #0 CVR B GUNNELL $2.50

JUL111082 DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE BOX SET VOL 01 & 02 $49.99

JUL111081 DISNEY MICKEY MOUSE HC VOL 02 TREASURE ISLAND $29.99

AUG110895 DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP HC VOL 06 (OF 6) $24.99

JUL111259 DROPS OF GOD VOL 01 $14.95

JUL111117 EXTINCTION SEED #0 (OF 6) $1.99

JUL111118 EXTINCTION SEED #0 (OF 6) LTD EXTENDED CVR $1.99

JUL111158 FLESH AND BLOOD GN VOL 01 (OF 4) (MR) $14.99

JUL111214 FLESH DINO FILES GN $25.99

AUG111294 FLY #5 A CVR LETTER F (MR) $2.99

AUG111295 FLY #5 B CVR LETTER L (MR) $2.99

AUG111296 FLY #5 C CVR LETTER Y (MR) $2.99

JUN111092 FRANK BOOK HC (NEW PTG) $45.00

JUN111093 FRANK BOOK SC $34.99

AUG110974 GAME OF THRONES #2 (MR) $3.99

JUN111310 GFT DREAM EATER CROSSOVER CONCLUSION (PT 12) A CVR EBAS $5.99

JUN111311 GFT DREAM EATER CROSSOVER CONCLUSION (PT 12) B CVR YANG $5.99

JUN111312 GFT DREAM EATER CROSSOVER CONCLUSION (PT 12) C CVR MEDINA $5.99

AUG111277 GFT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2011 A CVR FRANCHESCO $5.99

AUG111278 GFT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2011 B CVR SEIDMAN $5.99

JUL111307 GIANT-SIZE GFT 2011 SINBAD A CVR EBAS $5.99

JUL111308 GIANT-SIZE GFT 2011 SINBAD B CVR MYCHAELS $5.99

JUL110812 GOLD DIGGER ANNUAL #17 $4.50

JUL110813 GOLD DIGGER HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2011 $3.99

AUG110783 HELLDORADO #1 (OF 3) (MR) $3.99

AUG111267 HERO TALES GN VOL 05 $11.99

AUG111268 HIGH SCHOOL OF DEAD GN VOL 04 (MR) $13.99

AUG111269 HIGURASHI WHEN THEY CRY GN VOL 15 ATONEMENT ARC PT 1 $11.99

JUL111246 ICE #3 (OF 4) $3.99

AUG110905 INCORRUPTIBLE #23 $3.99

AUG110906 INCORRUPTIBLE TP VOL 05 $16.99

AUG111074 JACK KIRBYS GALACTIC BOUNTY HUNTERS TP $19.99

AUG111079 JANES WORLD HC VOL 10 ANNIVERSARY ED $18.00

JUL111215 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CASE FILES TP VOL 18 $35.99

MAR111067 KATO #14 $3.99

JUL110998 KIRBY GENESIS #4 $3.99

JUL111135 KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #179 $5.99

MAY110799 LAST ZOMBIE INFERNO #4 (OF 5) $3.99

JUN111041 LIVING CORPSE OMNIBUS TP $24.99

AUG111104 MARDOCK SCRAMBLE GN VOL 02 $10.99

AUG111270 PANDORA HEARTS GN VOL 07 $11.99

AUG110912 PLANET OF THE APES #7 $3.99

JUL110903 POOD #4 (MR) $4.50

JUL111209 POST IT NOTE DIARIES SC $15.00

JUL110795 REHEATED LIO STILL ANOTHER LIO COLLECTION TP $12.99

MAY111030 ROBERT JORDAN WHEEL OF TIME EYE O/T WORLD #15 $3.99

AUG111107 SAYONARA ZETSUBOU SENSEI GN VOL 11 $10.99

AUG111156 SIXTH GUN #16 $3.99

JUL111183 SMURFS GN VOL 08 SMURF APPRENTICE $5.99

JUL111184 SMURFS HC VOL 08 SMURF APPRENTICE $10.99

AUG110824 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG LEGACY VOL 01 $14.95

AUG110823 SONIC UNIVERSE #33 $2.99

AUG111271 SOUL EATER TP VOL 07 $11.99

AUG111273 SPICE AND WOLF GN VOL 05 (MR) $12.99

AUG110918 STAN LEE TRAVELER TP VOL 02 $14.99

JUL110822 STEAMPUNK HALLOWEEN ONE SHOT $3.50

SEP110795 STITCHED #1 (MR) $3.99

SEP110796 STITCHED #1 GORE CVR (MR) $3.99

SEP110797 STITCHED #1 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

JUL110802 STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY FUN #3 (OF 4) $3.99

JUL111235 TANK GIRL CARIOCA #1 (OF 3) (MR) $5.99

SEP111159 TINTIN YOUNG READERS ED GN BLUE LOTUS $8.99

JUL111155 TINTIN YOUNG READERS ED GN BROKEN EAR $8.99

JUL111019 VAMPIRELLA #11 $3.99

AUG110991 VAMPIRELLA MASTERS SERIES TP VOL 06 JAMES ROBINSON $16.99

JUL111022 VAMPIRELLA SCARLET LEGION #5 $3.99

AUG111181 WAR OF THE INDEPENDENTS #1 $2.99

SEP111192 WASTE OF TIME TP (MR) $19.99

AUG111274 YOTSUBA & ! GN VOL 10 $11.99

JUL111018 ZORRO TP VOL 03 TALES OF THE FOX $19.99

MAGAZINES
JUL111212 2000 AD PACK SEP 2011 $20.00
AUG111329 COMICS REVUE PRESENTS OCT 2011 $19.95
JUN111376 DOCTOR WHO SPECIAL #29 $9.99
JUL111364 DR WHO INSIDER #7 $6.99
JUL111363 DR WHO MAGAZINE #439 $9.00
AUG111308 JUXTAPOZ #130 $5.99
JUL111390 SCREAM MAGAZINE #7 $8.99
JUL111413 SFX #214 $10.99
JUL111434 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG #35 WEDGE ANTILLES $14.00
AUG111437 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG IMPERIAL SHUTTLE #37 $14.00
JUN111433 STAR WARS VEHICLES COLL MAG #72 AT-OT $18.00
JUN111434 STAR WARS VEHICLES COLL MAG #73 HOME ONE $18.00

Monday, October 24, 2011

Tenjo Tenge: Bunshichi Takes on Shin

I read Tenjo Tenge, Vol. 3: Full Contact Edition 2-in-1 (Tenjho Tenge)

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Review: YOUNG ARTISTS DRAW MANGA

YOUNG ARTISTS DRAW MANGA
WATSON-GUPTILL PUBLICATIONS

AUTHOR: Christopher Hart
ISBN: 978-0-8230-2657-9; paperback
144pp, B&W, $14.99 US, $16.99 CAN

I like how-to-draw books, although I’ve been plugging away at them for 20 years, and I’m not really any good. I own many books by Burne Hogarth, and I’m still in love with my beat-up copy of The Figure by Walt Reed. One of the recent authors of how-to-draw books that I’ve discovered is the prolific Christopher Hart.

Hart is a bestselling author of illustrated art books that focus on drawing and cartooning. His website describes him as “the world’s leading author of How-to-Draw books on the popular arts, including cartoons, manga, comics and classic subjects such as figure drawing, anatomy and realistic animals.” I discovered Hart a few years ago and have his 2008 book, Drawing the New Adventure Cartoons: Cool Spies, Evil Guys and Action Heroes.

Hart has a new series of art instructional books and it launches with the just-released Young Artists Draw Manga (Watson-Guptill, 144pp, $14.99). The book not only gives step-by-step instructions on how to draw a basic face and the rest of the body, but it also presents a way to draw character types from manga, Japanese comic books. Taking characters from anime, books, movies, and video games, as well as manga, Hart offers more than 120 original characters for young artists to learn to draw. Each character gets a full page, and Hart breaks the character down into six basic steps along the way to drawing the character.

I think children and teens that are interested in manga and anime and want to draw characters from them will like this book. The entire book package and its contents are clearly directed at young readers and artists, in an open and friendly way. With so many different characters offered, Young Artists Draw Manga seems determined to both reach as many young artists as possible and to offer lots of material to inspire them. If a young artist has talent or a young reader wants to begin drawing, Hart meets her or him halfway with plenty of material to try.

http://www.chrishartbooks.com/

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Rosario+Vampire Season II: Love Bites

I read Rosario+Vampire: Season II, Vol. 6

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Review: SWEETS: A New Orleans Crime Story

"Murder, my sweet?"

SWEETS: A NEW ORLEANS CRIME STORY
IMAGE COMICS

CARTOONIST: Kody Chamberlain
INTRODUCTION: Duncan Fegredo
ISBN: 978-1-60706-413-8; paperback
120pp, Color, $14.99 U.S.

Kody Chamberlain is a Lafayette, Louisiana-based graphic designer turned comic book artist. He drew a backup feature for IDW’s 30 Days of Night and was the artist on two issues of BOOM Studio’s three-issue horror miniseries, Tag. He also received critical acclaim for his creator-owned comic, Punks (with writer Joshua Hale Fialkov).

Sweets was a five-issue comic book miniseries written and drawn by Kody Chamberlain and published by Image Comics beginning in 2010. The series was recently collected in the trade paperback, Sweets: A New Orleans Crime Story. Set in the days before the arrival of Hurricane Katrina, Sweets follows a grieving detective as he tries to uncover the identity of a spree killer terrorizing New Orleans.

In the story there is a killer on the loose in New Orleans, one who sometimes leaves pecan pralines at the crime scene, so he is called “Sweets.” The investigation is dropped in the lap of New Orleans Police Detective Curt Delatte, who is still grieving the loss of his daughter, Katie (Kaitlin M. Delatte) in a car crash. His boss, Lt. Palmer is not really sympathetic; he just wants Sweets found, especially with the mayor becoming exceedingly insistent that the police catch Sweets after he kills one of the mayor’s pals.

Delatte and his partner Jeff Matthews, who protects Delatte’s job and acts as a sort of filter between Delatte and Palmer, navigate the exotic streets and neighborhoods of the Big Easy. Along the way, they meet an eccentric cast of characters and discover that Sweets may act as spree killer or even a serial killer, but there is more to his game than anyone realizes.

I have to say that Sweets’ basic story will be recognizable to anyone familiar with detective fiction, films, television, or even comic books. The troubled detective, his ass of a police superior, the destined-for-tragedy partner, the absolutely nuts and/or ruthless mass killer, and the gritty setting: this all has a very loud ring of familiarity. Also, I am not as enamored with the dialogue in this series as Duncan Fegredo, who provides an introduction to this volume, is. Then, there is that crazy ending that recalls Polanski’s Chinatown and Antonioni’s Blowup.

Because the detective story is so common and well worn, a storyteller must find a unique angle upon which to execute the story, and Kody Chamberlain does. This unique angle is New Orleans. Sweets is not just another Film-Noir pretense. Chamberlain presents a fictional New Orleans that is colorful and exotic even while it is gritty. It is a city of striking eccentricities, but in places it resembles both cookie-cutter bland and decaying urban landscape. This New Orleans’ sweetness can be candy or poison.

Chamberlain also offers interesting juxtapositions of characters and of character relationships. For instance, Curt Delatte works kind of a razor’s edge. On one side is a city bureaucracy that demands justice after a favored son gets snuffed, and on the other side is an aspect of the city that doesn’t really index death by social status. Death comes for all.

Sweets: A New Orleans Crime Story is truly unique in crime fiction. New Orleans, however, has been done to death. I would like to see Kody do more crime comics, and I’m sure that between Thibodaux and Lafayette, he can find characters and settings to set the world of crime comics on fire.

A-

Sweets: A New Orleans Crime Story also reprints an interview of Kody conducted by the comic book website, Newsarama and a sketchbook section of preliminary art and thumbnails, among other things. There is also a script-to-art section, showing how the comic book went from script to breakdowns to pencil art to finished art.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Review: STAN LEE’S HOW TO WRITE COMICS

STAN LEE’S HOW TO WRITE COMICS
WATSON-GUPTILL PUBLICATIONS

WRITERS: Stan Lee with Bob Greenberger
COVER: Jonathan Lau
ISBN: 978-0-8230-0084-5; hardcover
224pp, Color, $45.00 U.S. ($24.99 paperback), $53.00 CAN

Born way back in 1922, Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) has been a writer, editor, and publisher of comic books. He is most famously associated with Marvel Comics; Lee began with the company back in 1939 when it was Timely Comics. For Marvel Comics, Lee co-created such characters as Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and the Hulk, among many others

Stan Lee is an American comic book legend, but he is also known internationally and is the co-creator of a Japanese comic book series, a manga entitled Karakauri Dôji Ultimo. In addition to writing comic books, Lee has also authored several books. Perhaps, Lee’s best known non-comic is How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way (1978), co-authored with artist, John Buscema.

Stan Lee’s latest how-to book is Stan Lee’s How to Write Comics, which is available in both hardcover ($45.00 U.S.) and paperback ($24.99 U.S.) editions. Apparently, the purpose of the book is for Lee “to teach everything he knows about writing and creating comic book characters.” Lee offers tips, advice, and even a few secrets (or at least what he thinks are secrets).

Truthfully, this book has a misleading title. Yes, it does offer some how-to advice, and yes, it is rather interesting. However, this probably should be titled “Stan Lee’s About Writing Comics,” because the book is really about writing comics rather than being a how-to, guide to, or advice book, although this tome does all three things at different sections of the book.

Unless you open this book, you won’t know that Lee has a co-writer, Bob Greenberger. I wouldn’t be surprised if Greenberger did much of the writing in this book based upon interviews he conducted with Lee. Reading Stan Lee’s How to Write Comics, I got the sense of a collaborative process in which Lee strolled down memory lane recalling how he wrote, how he created, and how he collaborated with different artists, such as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko.

Much of this book includes quotes from current comic book creators and editors like Alan Moore, Kurt Busiek, Bryan Hitch, Doug Moench, Jerry Ordway Richard Pini, and Mark Waid, among others. There is even a script sample by Neil Gaiman. That’s why I say that Stan Lee’s How to Write Comics is about writing comics rather than a pure how-to book.

Stan Lee’s How to Write Comics is lavishly illustrated by pages, covers, and details from a wide assortment of comic books. There are also reproductions of original art, pencil art, and preliminary art of various kinds. To me, this book is worth purchasing because there is an entire chapter devoted to the benefits and shortcomings of using the full script or “Marvel Style” script, which is a plot-first way of telling the artist what to draw.

Upon first glance, I honestly didn’t expect much of this book, but Stan Lee’s How to Write Comics is a book that beginning and novice comic book writers should have. Even if they keep it for simple reference, they will like having this book because it has a lot to say about writing comic books.

B

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS - work by the following artists appears in this book:
Neal Adams, Ross Andru, Erica Awano
Mark Bagley, Diego Bernard, John Byrne
Aaron Campbell, J. Scott Campbell, Chris Caniano, Milton Caniff, John Cassaday, Cliff Chiang, Gene Colan
Steve Dillon, Steve Ditko
Glenn Fabry, Francesco Francavilla, Frank Frazetta,, Frank Kelly Freas
Dick Giordano
George Herriman, Bill Hughes, Bryan Hitch
Dan Jurgens
Gil Kane, Jack Kirby
David Lafuente, Jonathan Lau, Bob Layton, Sr., Larry Lieber
Mike Mayhew, Bob McLeod, Frank Miller, Tom Morgan
Katsuhiro Otomo, Richard Outcault
Carlos Paul, Frank Paul, George Perez, Windy Pini
Joe Quesada, Frank Quitely
Carlos Rafael, Caesar Razek, Wagner Reis, Paul Renaud, John Romita, John Romita, Jr., Alex Ross, Mel Rubi
Edgar Salazar, Manuel Clemente Sanjulian, Mike Sekowsky, Joe Shuster, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave Sim, Vin Sullivan
Rodolphe Topffer, Michael Turner,
Mike Zeck

Thursday, October 20, 2011

I Reads You Review: ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #2

"Part Two"

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #2
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ARTIST: Sara Pichelli
COLORS: Justin Ponsor
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Kaare Andrews
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.
Rated T+

The result of the “Death of Spider-Man” Ultimate Comics storyline was that Peter Parker was killed. Miles Morales, a teenager of African-American and Latino heritage, is the new Spider-Man (or Ultimate Spider-Man II).

As Ultimate Spider-Man #2 (AKA Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #2) begins, Miles is testing his new powers, but he needs answers. What is happening to him? Can his pal Ganke help him? Meanwhile, Miles’ father reveals his and his brother’s (Miles’ uncle) troubled past.

Perhaps, I over-praised writer Brian Michael Bendis in my review of the first issue of Ultimate Spider-Man #1, and did so at the expense of artist Sara Pichelli. Bendis is good in this series, but so is Pichelli. First of all, she draws some of the most convincing looking Black people I’ve ever seen in American comic books. Secondly, she is perfect for Bendis’ character-heavy stories with their sometimes exceeding sense verisimilitude and realism.

Pichelli is also a master of drawing facial expressions and subtle gestures. The way she can shift, from panel to panel, the emotion or tone via a look, expression, or gesture from a character is uncanny. During Miles’ conversation with his father, the reader will understand exactly when Miles is shocked, confused, hurt, or when he wants to exclaim, “Say what?!” to his father.

Sara Pichelli is as important as Bendis in making Ultimate Spider-Man one of the top five superhero comic books currently being published (in my estimation, of course).

A

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 includes a backup feature that reprints pages from “A Moment of Silence” and “Heroes,” two of Marvel Comics’ 9/11 publications. These are pin-ups from Sam Keith, Richard Corben, Adam Kubert with Richard Isanove, Michael Avon Oeming, and Tom Raney and Scott Hanna with Hi-Fi

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dark Horse Makes Brian Wood a Regular

BRIAN WOOD AND KRISTIAN DONALDSON’S THE MASSIVE CONTINUES IN ALL NEW COMIC SERIES FROM DARK HORSE!

Following up on the news that Brian Wood (DEMO, DMZ, NORTHLANDERS) and Kristian Donaldson (Supermarket) would be bringing their upcoming collaboration to Dark Horse’s premier anthology, Dark Horse Presents, comes news that the three-part storyline will be continued in an all-new series in June of 2012!

The Massive follows a group of direct-action environmentalists after the world has experienced a crippling ecological disaster. With society grinding to a halt and the planet itself in a state of rebellion, this group sails the world’s oceans looking not only for its lost sister ship, the titular Massive, but for some sense of logic in all the chaos. What does it mean to be an environmentalist after the world’s already ended?

“The Massive is the next logical step in my creative output: the world-building and politics of DMZ with the humanity of Northlanders, amped up and truly global in scope” said writer, Brian Wood. “No one is pulling any punches here; Kristian Donaldson is turning in his best work I’ve seen in all our years of collaboration, and the crew at Dark Horse is giving this the five-star treatment.”

As previously announced, The Massive will debut in Dark Horse Presents #8 in January of 2012, and will run in three installments through March. The Massive comic series debuts in June!

New "Knight Errant" and "Blood Ties" Star Wars Comics Coming

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES NEW KNIGHT ERRANT & BLOOD TIES SERIES!

Fresh from the panel at New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics is back with new series arcs from two of their most popular Star Wars books!

Star Wars: Blood Ties – Boba Fett is Dead

Established Star Wars writer Tom Taylor is back with another stunning Blood Ties series to be released in April 2012.

"Boba Fett is dead. The most infamous hunter in the galaxy has been hunted. He's lying, broken, on the desert floor. He's more blaster-holes than man. It's the ultimate ending. However, this is just the start of our story. With the fall of Fett broadcast across the galaxy, someone rises to avenge him. But who would care about the death of a man like Fett? Bounty hunters aren't exactly known for their enduring, close friendships but even a man like Boba Fett has family... and now a Blood Tie demands blood." -Tom Taylor

Star Wars: Knight Errant - Escape

The next installment of the sunning Knight Errant series was announced today. Star Wars: Knight Errant – Escapewill launch in June 2012 for a 5-issue arc.

Fan favorite John Jackson Miller is writing the series, with artwork from penciller, Marco Castiello, inking by Vincenzo Acunzo, colors by Michael Atiyeh and lettering by Michael Heiser.

John Jackson Miller’s Knight Errant novel for Del Rey was a New York Times Bestseller.

Jedi Knight Kerra Holt continues her one woman crusade against the Sith from behind enemy lines on her most dangerous mission yet!

Darth Vader Headlines Upcoming Star Wars Miniseries

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE GHOST PRISON!

DARK HORSE COMICS ANNOUNCES STAR WARS™: DARTH VADER & THE GHOST PRISON

Darth Vader is back and kicking ass in the brand new series announced today at New York Comic Con by Dark Horse Comics.

The upcoming 5-issue series is slated to be released next May and will be written by Haden Blackman, with artwork by Agustin Alessio.

Ghost Prison takes place a year after Revenge of the Sith and will showcase Darth Vader’s impact on the galaxy in ways fans have never seen. Darth Vader will serve the Emperor to the best of his abilities, after all – Darth Vader makes no mistakes.

Ghost Prison also marks the return of Star Wars character Moff Trachta who will be vital to how the series unfolds.

Star Wars: Darth Vader and The Ghost Prison is in stores May 2012.

Afterschool Charisma: Attack of the Clones Continues

I read Afterschool Charisma, Vol. 4

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 19 2011

DC COMICS

JUL118235 ACTION COMICS #1 3RD PTG $3.99

AUG118063 BATMAN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110186 BATMAN #2 $2.99

AUG110192 BATMAN ODYSSEY VOL 2 #1 (OF 7) $3.99

APR110279 BATMAN VAMPIRE MINI STATUE (RES) $95.00

AUG118064 BIRDS OF PREY #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110201 BIRDS OF PREY #2 $2.99

AUG118065 BLUE BEETLE #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110228 BLUE BEETLE #2 $2.99

AUG118066 CAPTAIN ATOM #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110170 CAPTAIN ATOM #2 $2.99

AUG118067 CATWOMAN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110198 CATWOMAN #2 $2.99

AUG110235 DC COMICS PRESENTS SUPERBOYS LEGION #1 $7.99

AUG110240 DC COMICS PRESENTS SUPERMAN SECRET IDENTITY #1 $7.99

AUG110178 DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #16 $2.99

AUG118068 DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110175 DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #2 $2.99

AUG118075 DRIVER CROSSING THE LINE #1 CORRECTED COPIES $2.99

AUG110282 FABLES #110 (MR) $2.99

JUL110257 GOTHAM CENTRAL TP BOOK 03 ON THE FREAK $19.99

AUG118069 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110205 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #2 $2.99

JUL110253 GREEN LANTERN THE MOVIE PREQUELS TP $14.99

AUG110281 HELLBLAZER #284 $2.99

AUG118074 JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 4TH PTG $3.99

AUG110160 JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 $3.99

AUG118070 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110231 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #2 $2.99

APR110207 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES THE CURSE DELUXE ED $49.99

JUL110278 MARZI TP $17.99

AUG118078 NIGHTWING #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110200 NIGHTWING #2 $2.99

AUG118071 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110199 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #2 $2.99

AUG118072 SUPERGIRL #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110267 TINY TITANS #45 $2.99

DEC100331 ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN BATMAN VS THE JOKER SET $175.00

JUL110296 UNWRITTEN TP VOL 04 LEVIATHAN (MR) $14.99

AUG110286 VERTIGO RESURRECTED THE EATERS #1 (MR) $7.99

AUG118073 WONDER WOMAN #1 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG110166 WONDER WOMAN #2 $2.99

AUG110268 YOUNG JUSTICE #9 $2.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 19 2011

MARVEL COMICS

AUG110712 15 LOVE GN TP $14.99

AUG110605 AVENGERS #18 $3.99

AUG110608 AVENGERS 1959 #2 (OF 5) $2.99

AUG110618 CAPTAIN AMERICA CORPS #5 (OF 5) $2.99

JUL118242 DAREDEVIL #2 2ND PTG RIVERA VAR $2.99

JUL110748 DARK TOWER FALL OF GILEAD TP $19.99

AUG110676 DEADPOOL MAX 2 #1 (MR) $3.99

AUG110718 FANTASTIC FOUR BY WAID & WIERINGO ULT COLL TP BOOK 03 $24.99

AUG110568 FEAR ITSELF #7 (OF 7) FEAR $4.99

AUG110582 FEAR ITSELF FEARLESS #1 (OF 12) $2.99

AUG110572 FEAR ITSELF HOME FRONT #7 (OF 7) FEAR $3.99

AUG110576 FEAR ITSELF YOUTH IN REVOLT #6 (OF 6) FEAR $2.99

MAY110602 HALO FALL OF REACH COVENANT #4 (OF 4) (MR) $3.99

AUG110641 HERC #9 $2.99

AUG110624 HULK #43 $2.99

AUG110578 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #509 FEAR $3.99

AUG110723 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN TP VOL 07 MY MONSTERS $15.99

AUG110590 JOHN CARTER A PRINCESS OF MARS #2 (OF 5) $2.99

AUG110579 JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #629 FEAR $2.99

AUG110635 KA-ZAR #5 (OF 5) $2.99

MAY110720 MMW ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES HC VOL 05 $64.99

MAY110721 MMW ATLAS ERA STRANGE TALES HC VOL 05 DM VAR ED 168 $64.99

JUL118236 NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 2ND PTG DELLOTTO VAR (PP #989) $4.99

AUG110724 NEW WARRIORS CLASSIC TP VOL 03 $24.99

AUG110727 SHIELD TP ARCHITECTS OF FOREVER $19.99

AUG110683 SUPERIOR #6 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99

JUL118241 THUNDERBOLTS #163 2ND PTG WALKER VAR (PP #989) $2.99

AUG110701 ULT COMICS SPIDER-MAN DOSM PREM HC MCNIVEN DM VAR ED $24.99

AUG110700 ULT COMICS SPIDER-MAN DOSM PREM HC QUESADA CVR $24.99

AUG110593 ULTIMATE COMICS HAWKEYE #3 (OF 4) $3.99

JUL118187 ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #2 2ND PTG RIBIC VAR (PP #989) $3.99

JUL118246 UNCANNY X-FORCE #15 2ND PTG OPENA VAR (PP #989) $3.99

AUG110662 UNCANNY X-MEN #544 $3.99

AUG110642 VENGEANCE #4 (OF 6) $3.99

AUG110725 VENOM TP LETHAL PROTECTOR NEW PTG $16.99

AUG110667 WOLVERINE #17 XREGG $3.99

AUG110632 WOLVERINE PUNISHER GHOST RIDER OFF INDEX MU #3 $3.99

AUG110734 X-23 TP VOL 01 KILLING DREAM $16.99

AUG110669 X-FACTOR #226 $2.99

AUG110708 X-FACTOR HARD LABOR PREM HC $19.99

AUG110648 X-MEN #1 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION $3.99

JUL118238 X-MEN #17 2ND PTG MOLINA VAR (PP #989) $3.99

JUL118237 X-MEN SCHISM #2 (OF 5) 3RD PTG CHO VAR (PP #989) $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 19 2011

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG110315 30 DAYS OF NIGHT ONGOING #1 $3.99

AUG110325 COLD WAR #1 $3.99

AUG110375 DOCTOR WHO ONGOING VOL 2 #10 $3.99

AUG110347 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLASSICS TP VOL 02 $24.99

AUG110343 DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS #12 $3.99

AUG110335 GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #171 $3.99

AUG110360 GODZILLA GANGSTERS & GOLIATHS #5 (OF 5) $3.99

AUG110348 HP LOVECRAFT THE DUNWICH HORROR #1 (OF 4) $3.99

AUG110362 MONOCYTE #1 (OF 4) $3.99

AUG110333 SNAKE EYES ONGOING (IDW) #6 $3.99

AUG110312 STAR TREK LEGION OF SUPERHEROES #1 (OF 6) $3.99

AUG110341 TRANSFORMERS ONGOING #28 $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 19 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAY118370 ALIENS OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 (NEW PTG) $24.99

DEC100094 BETTIE PAGE PINT GLASS SET $24.99

AUG110036 BPRD HELL ON EARTH RUSSIA #2 $3.50

DEC100093 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER PINT GLASS SET $24.99

AUG110027 CONAN ROAD OF KINGS #9 $3.50

AUG110045 DARK HORSE PRESENTS #5 $7.99

AUG110046 DARK HORSE PRESENTS #5 GREENE VAR CVR $7.99

JUN110065 DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES CHARACTERS #2 DAISY DUCK $49.95

JUN110041 GANTZ TP VOL 19 $12.99

JUN110039 GATE 7 TP VOL 01 $10.99

AUG110013 MASS EFFECT INVASION #1 (OF 4) CARNEVALE CVR $3.50

JUN118157 RAGE AFTER THE IMPACT TP $10.99

JUL110050 RAGE AFTER THE IMPACT TP $10.99

AUG110028 ROBERT E HOWARDS SAVAGE SWORD #3 $7.99

AUG110019 STAR WARS KNIGHT ERRANT DELUGE #3 (OF 5) $3.50

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 19 2011

IMAGE COMICS

MAY110488 68 (SIXTY EIGHT) #4 (OF 4) CVR A NAT JONES & JAY FOTOS (MR) $3.99

APR118196 68 (SIXTY EIGHT) #4 (OF 4) CVR B NAT JONES (MR) $3.99

AUG110507 ALL NIGHTER #5 (OF 5) $2.99

AUG110533 NEAR DEATH #2 $2.99

AUG110537 SAMURAIS BLOOD #5 (OF 6) $2.99

MAY110527 SAVAGE DRAGON #174 $3.50

AUG110450 SCIENCE DOG OVERSIZED HC $19.99

AUG110544 TEEN WOLF BITE ME #2 (OF 3) $3.99

JUL110505 WALKING DEAD LOGO T/S LG $24.99

JUL110504 WALKING DEAD LOGO T/S MED $24.99

JUL110503 WALKING DEAD LOGO T/S SM $24.99

JUL110506 WALKING DEAD LOGO T/S XL $24.99

JUL110507 WALKING DEAD LOGO T/S XXL $27.99

AUG110455 WALKING DEAD SURVIVORS GUIDE TP $12.99

AUG110550 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #42 (MR) $2.99

MAY110484 WITCHBLADE REDEMPTION TP VOL 03 $19.99

AUG110412 XENOHOLICS #1 (MR) $3.50

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distrubutors for October 19 2011

COMICS

JUL111289 AFTERSCHOOL CHARISMA TP VOL 04 $12.99

JUL110882 ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON HC (MR) $27.99

JUL110881 ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON TP (MR) $19.99

AUG110794 AMNESIA TP (O/A) $14.95

AUG110816 ARCHIE OBAMA & PALIN IN RIVERDALE TP $12.95

AUG110947 AROUND THE WORLD HC $24.99

JUL111216 ATOMIC ROBO GHOST OF STATION X #2 (OF 6) $3.50

AUG110819 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #195 $3.99

JUL111248 BLACK RIVER ONE SHOT (MR) $2.99

AUG111183 BONNIE LASS #2 (OF 4) $2.95

JUN111163 BOOK SMART GN $8.99

AUG110998 BOYS BUTCHER BAKER CANDLESTICKMAKER #4 (MR) $3.99

JUL111129 BRIMSTONE A/T BORDERHOUNDS CONTEST ONE SHOT $5.00

JUN111187 BUBBLES & GONDOLA HC $16.99

JUN110933 CALLING CTHULHU CHRONICLES TP (O/A) $14.99

AUG110805 CRITICAL MILLENNIUM HC VOL 01 DARK FRONTIER (RES) (MR) $24.95

AUG110851 CROSSED WISH YOU WERE HERE ASHCAN SET (MR) $5.99

AUG110894 CTHULHU TALES OMNIBUS MADNESS TP $19.99

AUG111184 DAMAGED #3 (OF 6) (MR) $3.50

AUG110925 DARKWING DUCK #17 $3.99

JUN110967 DARKWING DUCK TP VOL 02 CRISIS ON INFINITE DARKWINGS (O/A) ( $14.99

JUL111244 DEAR CREATURE GN $15.99

JUL111075 DF BIONIC MAN #2 ROSS VIRGIN EXC CVR $14.99

JUL111069 DF GAME OF THRONES #1 ROSS B&W EXC CVR $14.99

JUL111186 DISNEY FAIRIES BOX SET VOL 1-4 $29.99

JUL110808 DIVINE INTERVENTION GN $14.95

AUG111193 DPD DOKTORMENTOR JAIL BABE SURGEON COLL SET (MR) $29.95

AUG110928 DUCKTALES RIGHTFUL OWNERS TP $14.99

AUG110902 FARSCAPE #24 $3.99

JUN110831 FEEDING GROUND EN ESPANOL HC (MR) $24.95

JUL110888 FREAKANGELS HC VOL 06 (MR) $27.99

JUL110889 FREAKANGELS HC VOL 06 ELLIS & DUFFIELD SGN ED (MR) $39.99

JUL110887 FREAKANGELS TP VOL 06 (MR) $19.99

JUL111206 GANDHI MANGA BIOGRAPHY GN $15.00

AUG111144 GARFIELD & CO HC VOL 04 CAROLING CAPERS $7.99

AUG111102 GON GN KODANSHA ED VOL 02 $10.99

AUG111080 GOOD NEIGHBORS GN VOL 03 KIND $12.99

AUG110742 INDIE COMICS MAGAZINE #3 (MR) $6.49

AUG110980 KEVIN SMITH BIONIC MAN #3 $3.99

AUG110892 KEY OF Z #1 (OF 4) (MR) $3.99

JUL111291 KINGYO USED BOOKS TP VOL 04 $12.99

JUN110806 KUNG FU PANDA #3 (OF 4) $3.95

AUG110821 LIFE WITH ARCHIE #14 $3.99

AUG110797 LIL HELLIONS GN $14.95

JUN111161 MEOW HC VOL 01 $21.00

JUL111130 METABARONS ULTIMATE COLL SLIP CASE (MR) $129.95

JUL110794 MUTTS OUR LITTLE KAT KING MUTTS TREASURY SC $18.99

AUG110755 NOVO GN VOL 04 WASTE $9.99

AUG111068 NURSERY RHYME COMICS 50 TIMELESS RHYMES HC $18.99

JUL110810 OLD SCHOOL GN (MR) $14.95

AUG111069 ORCS GN VOL 01 FORGED FOR WAR $17.99

JUL110989 PHINEAS & FERB EARLY COMIC READER #6 BEAK STRIKES $4.99

JAN110931 POCKET GOD DIGEST GN VOL 01 $9.95

JUN111046 QUEEN SONJA #22 $3.99

NOV100747 SCOURGE #5 COVER A BATTLE $2.99

NOV100748 SCOURGE #5 COVER B GARZA $2.99

AUG110883 SERGIO ARAGONES FUNNIES #4 $3.50

JUN111162 SHE ONLY LIKED ME FOR MY BRAINS ONE SHOT GN $16.00

AUG110979 SHERLOCK HOLMES YEAR ONE TP $19.99

AUG110885 SIMPSONS COMICS #183 $2.99

AUG110932 SPACE WARPED #4 (OF 6) $3.99

AUG111157 SPONTANEOUS #5 (OF 5) $3.99

JUN110805 STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY FUN #2 (OF 4) $3.99

JUL110969 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #70 DLX ED (MR) $19.99

JUL111293 TENJO TENGE GN VOL 03 (MR) $17.99

MAR111330 TEZUKAS BLACK JACK TP VOL 16 $16.95

AUG111197 THE PACK #1 (OF 3) (MR) $4.50

AUG110767 TIME LINCOLN TP SGN ED $29.95

JUL111296 TWILIGHT MANGA GN VOL 02 (OF 2) $19.99

AUG111276 ULTIMATE 7 #2 (OF 12) (MR) $3.99

JUN111140 VAMPIRE KISSES GRAVEYARD GAMES GN VOL 01 $9.99

JUN111009 WARLORD OF MARS #11 $3.99

AUG110967 WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS TP VOL 01 COLOSSUS OF MARS (MR) $16.99

AUG110999 ZORRO RIDES AGAIN #4 (OF 12) $3.99

MAGAZINES
AUG111358 DIABOLIQUE #6 $9.98
AUG111359 FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #258 $9.99
JUL111386 FREAKY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #5 $9.95
AUG111429 GIRASOL PULP DOUBLES THE SPIDER VOL 21 $14.95
JUL111404 HOBBY JAPAN OCT 2011 #94 $16.60
AUG111424 LOCUS #609 $6.95
MAY111366 NEWTYPE AUG 2011 $16.00
JUL111391 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #116 $9.95
JUL111415 SUPERNATURAL MAGAZINE #28 NEWSSTAND ED $6.99
JUL111416 SUPERNATURAL MAGAZINE #28 PX ED $6.99
JUL112154 WHITE DWARF #381 PI

Kingyo Used Books: Devil Power

I read Kingyo Used Books, Vol. 4

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Geof Darrow Brings "Shaolin Cowboy" to Dark Horse Comics

GEOF DARROW’S SHAOLIN COWBOY RETURNS IN AN ALL-NEW THREE ISSUE SERIES FROM DARK HORSE!

Five years after it’s initial run ended, Geof Darrow’s (Hard Boiled, Big Guy and Rusty) returns in 2012!

Originally published by Burlyman Entertainment, Shaolin Cowboy is a loaf of wry in a wonder bread world, a nicotine patch in a ten pack-a-day universe. He wonders as he wanders through a world where yesterday, today and tomorrow exist in a collage of carnage of his own making!

“Geof Darrow's relationship with Dark Horse goes back to the early days of the company. I can't tell you how excited I am to again be publishing his amazing work” said Dark Horse president, Mike Richardson. “Geof's art literally stopped me in my tracks when I first met him more than two decades ago and his work is every bit as stunning today. Geof has influenced a generation of artists and I am proud and excited to have him back partnered with Dark Horse.”

Shaolin Cowboy returns with all-new stories in 2012!

Review: MORIARTY VOLUME 1: The Dark Chamber

MORIARTY VOLUME 1: THE DARK CHAMBER
IMAGE COMICS

WRITER: Daniel Corey
ARTIST: Anthony Diecidue
COLORS: Anthony Diecidue and Perry Freeze (issues 3 and 4)
LETTERS: Dave Lanphear
ISBN: 978-1-60706-450-3; paperback
128pp, Color, $14.99 U.S.

Created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes is the most famous literary detective. Such an illustrious protagonist needs an illustrious adversary, and Holmes had one in Professor James Moriarty. Although referenced in various Holmes short stories, Moriarty first appeared in “The Final Problem,” an 1893 short story. Moriarty played a direct role in the Holmes novel, The Valley of Fear, but is apparently unseen.

Moriarty is a recently launched comic book series from Image Comics. This mystery thriller focuses on Professor James Moriarty, as its title character and central protagonist. In late September of this year, the first trade collection of Moriarty was published.

Moriarty Volume 1: The Dark Chamber is set at the dawn of World War I. It is also 20 years after the death of Sherlock Holmes at the hand of Moriarty, and the master villain is a lost man, with his once-vaunted criminal empire now just a pitiful shadow of its former self. Still, Moriarty is a formidable man, which is why Section 5 (MI5) is blackmailing him to find Sherlock Holmes’ missing brother, Mycroft Holmes.

What at first appears to be a routine case turns out to involve someone Mycroft was investigating, another person who is now missing, Rupert Thomason. Both men have apparently fallen into the clutches of a dangerous new villain, the mysterious Tartarus. With the help of the Jade Serpent, who also has her own criminal empire, Moriarty doggedly pursues his quarry across England and finally to a showdown that will decide the fate of London and perhaps, the world.

I was not exactly pleased when I received a copy of Moriarty Volume 1: The Dark Chamber for review. I was not interested in another Holmes pastiche. Feeling obligated, I eventually started reading and then couldn’t stop. This is every bit as fun as Guy Ritche’s fantasia, Sherlock Holmes, with a Moriarty every bit as interesting and as fun to follow as Holmes. Sometimes, we have to learn to love a great villain (Iago, Hannibal Lecter), and in writer Daniel Corey’s clever story, I found myself loving Moriarty, even if he is a murderous bastard.

Something else that grew on me is Anthony Diecidue’s art with its woodblock sensibilities and expressionistic inking. You may think of Kevin O’Neill when you see this; I did. If you’ve been waiting for a real Sherlock Holmes comic book, you’ll be delighted by the fact that Moriarty is the one to give it to you.

A-

Sunday, October 16, 2011

New Star Wars Comic Book Goes Back to the "Dawn of the Jedi"

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES STAR WARS: DAWN OF THE JEDI

TAKING YOU BACK TO THE BEGINNINGS OF THE JEDI

Direct from New York Comic Con, Dark Horse Comics announces its most exciting Star Wars title for 2012! A brand-new series that establishes the beginnings of the Jedi!

Series creators John Ostrander and Jan Duursema have gone from the future of Star Wars (Legacy) to the beginnings of that galaxy far, far away to reveal the mythic age of the Jedi’s origin. This is the Star Wars era of legend! Launching with a #0 issue, which will serve as the official guide for readers - Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi is the perfect jumping on point for any fan of Star Wars!

Here’s your first look at the Star Wars of 25,000 years ago—before there were lightsabers, when the ties to the Force were new, and before the Jedi spread out into the galaxy. It began with the mysterious pyramid ships—the Tho Yor—scattered to the eight corners of the galaxy, and ended with the establishment of an Order that would change the universe forever.

On the planet Tython, in the center of the galaxy, an order of warrior monks strives to maintain peace and to balance the mysterious power known as the Force. But a stranger is coming—one who will destroy both peace and balance, and open the galaxy to exploration and conquest. This is where it all begins!

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #0 is on sale 1 February 2012

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi—Force Storm #1 is on sale 15 February 2012

About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of licensed comics material.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

I Reads You Review: ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1

"Everybody's talking 'bout the new kid in town"

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ARTIST: Sara Pichelli
COLORS: Justin Ponsor
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Kaare Andrews (Variant covers by Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

I don’t read many titles from Marvel Comics, and it has been that way for the past seven years, at least. During the last decade, I’ve occasionally read titles from Marvel’s Ultimate line and, for the most part, enjoyed them. However, I had ignored the “Death of Spider-Man” Ultimate storyline which ran through most of this year. Peter Parker was killed, and Miles Morales, a teenager of African-American and Latino descent, is the new Spider-Man (or Ultimate Spider-Man II).

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (AKA Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1) begins 11 months prior to the main story and is set at an Osborn Industries laboratory on Long Island. Norman Osborn is demanding that his latest hire, Doctor Markus, reverse calculate the specifications of a genetically altered spider. What spider? That would be the spider that bit Peter Parker and gave him his special powers; the spider’s genetic alterations were the result of Osborn Industries.

Eleven months later, Miles Morales and his parents are attending a lottery that will decide which Brooklyn, New York students get to attend the charter school, Brooklyn Visions Academy. Miles’ life, however, is about to take an even bigger turn because young Mr. Morales has a date with a special spider.

A few years ago, I started reading back issues of Static, one of the titles published by the comics publishing wing of Milestone Media, a company dedicated to bringing diversity in terms of race and ethnicity to comic book superheroes. Reading those early issues of Static, I was struck by how much they reminded me of the early issues of The Amazing Spider-Man by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

Now, I’m struck by how much this Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man reads like an early issue of Static. Spider-Man writer Brian Michael Bendis has adapted, updated, and reworked the stories of many of the Spider-Man comic book writers that came before him, notably Lee and Ditko. Now, it seems as if he has taken the fresh style and urban tone of Static writers, the late Dwayne McDuffie and Robert L. Washington, III, and fashioned that for Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man. I kid you not; this Spider-Man comic book is an early issue of Static.

I don’t have a problem with that because (1) this is a good opening issue and (2) the story looks, reads, and feels right for a contemporary story of superhero fantasy in which the star is a person of color. This is an auspicious beginning, and I hope Miles Morales welcomes in new readers the way Peter Parker did 50 years ago.

A

Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #1 includes a backup feature that reprints pages from “A Moment of Silence” and “Heroes,” two of Marvel Comics’ 9/11 publications: Bill Jemas (story), Mark Bagley (pencils), Scott Hanna (inks), Hi-Fi (colors), Sharpefont’s PT (letters); and Joe Quesada and Alex Ross (cover illustration)

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Kamisama Kiss: Summer Festival

I read Kamisama Kiss, Vol. 5

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan Take Conan to the Black Coast

WOODS AND CLOONAN CONQUER THE BLACK COAST!

Oct, 15th, NEW YORK, NY - If you never thought of picking up and reading Conan because it just wasn’t your style, then think again!

Dark Horse Comics is proud to announce a new era of Conan. Conan the Barbarian is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers—a bold, fresh take on the Cimmerian from the visionary creative team of writer Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders) and artist Becky Cloonan (Demo, Pixu)!

Wood and Cloonan will have Conan breaking hearts . . . and breaking faces!

In this sweeping adaptation of Robert E. Howard’s “Queen of the Black Coast,” the most-requested Conan adaptation, Conan turns his back on the civilized world and takes to the high seas alongside the pirate queen Bêlit, setting the stage for an epic of romance, terror, and swashbuckling. This is Conan as you’ve never seen him, and with the combination of one of Robert E. Howard’s greatest tales and the most dynamic creative team in comics, there has never been a better time to start reading!

Conan the Barbarian is on sale February 8, 2012.

The New 52 Review: STATIC SHOCK #2

STATIC SHOCK #2
DC COMICS

WRITERS: Scott McDaniel and John Rozum
PENCILS: Scott McDaniel
INKS: Andy Owens
COLORS: Guy Major
LETTERS: Dezi Sienty
COVER: Chris Brunner with Rico Renzi
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S.

Static/Virgil Ovid Hawkins is an African-American teen superhero who first appeared in comic books produced by Milestone Media. With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” Static stars in a new comic book series entitled Static Shock.

As Static Shock #2 (“Disarmed”) opens, Static takes on a big-talking bad guy named Virule. The battle leaves Static grievously injured… or so he thinks, and suddenly, Virgil has to pay attention to the development his powers. As he navigates the halls of his new high school, P.S. M101 Dwayne G. McDuffie Center for Science and Mathematics (good name), Static discovers that he can get some clues about his other current adversaries, the Slate Gang. Meanwhile, the conspiracy in which he is a part grows with new players.

For readers to fully enjoy the new DC Comics Static Shock, they will need to be somewhat familiar with the Milestone Comics Static stories, but that is less so with this second issue than it was with the first. I must have missed something, because something screwed up is going on with Virgil’s sister, Sharon.

Anyway, everything about Static Shock has improved from issue 1 to issue 2. The action and fight scenes are brief, but are explosive and also effective for the story. Co-writer/penciller Scott McDaniel and co-writer John Rozum jump around a lot from scenes with just Static or just the villains to scenes at home and at school, but each one is necessary to the story and moves it forward by offering more tantalizing details. These scenes form one big structural backbone. This time, Static Shock is not just another superhero comic book; it is also an engaging mystery and drama.

The art by McDaniel and inker Andy Owens is also better. The composition is solid, even if this isn’t the prettiest art around. The graphic and page design are dynamic and certainly more lively than last time, which makes the storytelling less stiff and formal. Static Shock #2 gives me hope that I can, at least, expect good things from this series. After the first issue, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading.

B+

Friday, October 14, 2011

VIZ Media Announces Weekly Digital Manga Magazine

VIZ MEDIA TO DEBUT WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA - NORTH AMERICA’S ONLY NEAR-SIMULTANEOUS DIGITAL MANGA MAGAZINE

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Brings Fans The Most Popular Manga In The World Faster Than Ever Before

San Francisco, CA, October 14, 2011 – VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, announces the countdown to the launch of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA (WEEKLY SJ ALPHA), a weekly serial anthology of some of the most popular manga series in the world: BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO. The first issue of WEEKLY SJ ALPHA goes on sale January 30, 2012, and will be available through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga apps for iPhone™, iPod™ touch and iPad™.

Each new digital issue of WEEKLY SJ ALPHA brings manga fans in North America the latest chapters of their favorite series only two weeks after it debuts in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Magazine. Currently, Japanese releases are often several months to years ahead of North American print titles; WEEKLY SJ ALPHA eliminates the delay in unprecedented fashion.

“Simultaneously publishing an official translation of the most popular comics magazine in the world has been a dream since manga publishing began in North America in the 1980s,” said Alvin Lu, Senior Vice President & General Manager. “This is how manga is meant to be read in English – weekly, current, authorized and on the go. Now with WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, it’s about to happen for real.”

WEEKLY SJ ALPHA will be made available through an annual membership that provides access to 48 weekly issues for 52 weeks for just $25.99. Single issues of WEEKLY SJ ALPHA can be read for a four-week rental from the time the reader purchases it for only $0.99. Each issue, once received on one device, can be read on all other enabled devices through the easy-to-use integrated VIZ Manga app and website.

To prepare fans for the debut of WEEKLY SJ ALPHA, VIZ Media is also offering the SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP, a limited collection of digital graphic novel speed-ups that will bring North American readers up-to-date with Japanese releases. In some cases, the digital speed-ups will jump ahead of the print releases in North America. The SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP will begin with NARUTO Volume 53 (available now) and BLEACH Volume 49 (coming soon).

As more fans migrate to the digital WEEKLY SJ ALPHA edition, VIZ Media plans to phase out the print edition of SHONEN JUMP Magazine. The popular, one-of-a-kind monthly magazine led the rapid growth of the manga market for much of the last decade and was VIZ Media’s flagship publication since it launched in 2003. The farewell April 2012 issue hits newsstands March 2012.

For more information on WEEKLY SJ ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit ShonenJump.viz.com or VIZManga.com.

The New 52 Review: DETECTIVE COMICS #2

DETECTIVE COMICS #2
DC COMICS

WRITER: Tony Salvador Daniel
PENCILS: Tony Salvador Daniel
INKS: Ryan Winn and Sandu Florea
COLORIST: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher
COVER: Tony Salvador Daniel, Ryan Winn, and Tomeu Morey
32pp, Color, $2.99

The first issue of Detective Comics debuted with a March 1937 cover date, and two years later, the 27th issue (cover date May 1939) featured the debut of Batman/Bruce Wayne. Detective Comics would become the “DC” in DC Comics. In fact, DC Comics recently re-launched their superhero comic book line, “The New 52,” and that included a start-over for Detective Comics.

Detective Comics #2 (“Playtime’s Over”) opens with a meeting between Bruce Wayne and fellow CEO, Hugh Marder, before Bruce moves on to some playtime TV news vixen, Charlotte Rivers. Batman’s mind, however, is on the troubles at Arkham Asylum, particularly because someone released The Joker. Batman will get some answers but more questions when he runs into the Dollmaker and his motley gruesome crew.

After the talent and intensity writer/artist Tony Daniel showed in Detective Comics #1, I wondered if he could maintain that for a sustained period. There is only a slight letdown from #1 to #2, which is probably due to the fact that this issue’s hero/villain confrontation isn’t quite as powerful as the one between Batman and Joker in the first issue. Still, Detective Comics #2 is no slouch, as Daniel uses superhero conventions to write a story that is more of a dark crime thriller and horror story – think Chris Nolan’s Batman meets the Saw film franchise.

I still say that Daniel’s Detective Comics is the closest anyone has come to replicating the feel and tone of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns and Batman: Year One. With a second issue down, Tony S. Daniel’s Detective Comics remains a winner.

A-

The New 52: The Complete Review List