Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Flash #0

Flash #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Francis Manapul

(Spoiler Alert)
This was a yakety yak issue if I ever read one. This was an in depth view into the same old same old. If you didn't know the Flash's origin, then, I would tell you to read this. The gang just told us a nice little yarn with me being no more enlightened than when I started. I knew Barry Allen was a good man before I read this story. What was new? He stayed in a coma. He won a spelling bee. His uniform had to be armor. The only action in the story was a bank robbery. I feel like I'm cheating you out of your time by writing this review, but you didn't pay $2.99 to read this. There is a good reason to call this issue #0. This did not reach the bar set by other #0 stories.

I rate Flash #0 Don't Waste Your Time and Cash.


Jiu Jiu: Prince Meru the Vampire Pig

I read Jiu Jiu, Vol. 2

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

DC COMICS

MAY120288 ABSOLUTE FINAL CRISIS HC (RES) $99.99

AUG120168 ACTION COMICS ANNUAL #1 $4.99

JUL120213 ALL STAR WESTERN TP VOL 01 GUNS AND GOTHAM (N52) $16.99

AUG120279 AMERICAN VAMPIRE #32 (MR) $2.99

AUG120150 AQUAMAN #13 $2.99

AUG120191 BATGIRL ANNUAL #1 $4.99

AUG120242 BATMAN BEYOND UNLIMITED #9 $3.99

JUL120220 BATMAN EYE OF THE BEHOLDER TP $14.99

JUL120238 EXTREMELY MORONIC MAD TP $12.99

AUG120285 GHOSTS #1 (MR) $7.99

AUG120236 JOE KUBERT PRESENTS #1 $4.99

AUG120214 JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1 $4.99

AUG120271 LOONEY TUNES #209 $2.99

AUG120276 LOT 13 #1 (MR) $2.99

AUG120278 MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE THE ORIGIN OF SKELETOR #1 $2.99

AUG120289 NEW DEADWARDIANS #8 (MR) $2.99

AUG120244 PHANTOM LADY #3 $2.99

JUN120225 SUPERMAN EARTH ONE HC VOL 02 $22.99

AUG120270 SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES #6 $2.99

AUG120219 SWAMP THING ANNUAL #1 $4.99

JUL120259 SWEET TOOTH TP VOL 05 UNNATURAL HABITAT (MR) $14.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

AUG120312 BATMAN BLACK AND WHITE BATMAN BEYOND STATUE $79.95

AUG120309 DARK KNIGHT RETURNS SUPERMAN VS BATMAN STATUE (RES) $324.95

AUG120310 DARK KNIGHT RISES BATMAN WITH EMP RIFLE BUST $79.95

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

MARVEL COMICS

AUG120562 A PLUS X #1 NOW $3.99

AUG120594 AVENGING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 $4.99

AUG120575 AVX CONSEQUENCES #4 $3.99

AUG120647 CAPTAIN MARVEL #6 $2.99

JUL120676 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER TP JOURNEY BEGINS $19.99

AUG120709 DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE TP $14.99

AUG120731 FEAR ITSELF TP HOME FRONT $24.99

AUG120734 FEAR ITSELF TP UNCANNY X-FORCE DEEP $19.99

AUG120688 HIT-GIRL #4 (MR) $2.99

AUG120708 JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY NEW MUTANTS TP EXILED $16.99

AUG120617 MIGHTY THOR #22 BURNS $3.99

AUG120678 NEW MUTANTS #50 $2.99

AUG120721 NEW MUTANTS TP VOL 06 DEANIMATOR $12.99

AUG120718 RED HULK TP MAYAN RULE $16.99

JUL120662 SECRET AVENGERS TP RUN MISSION SAVE WORLD $19.99

AUG120608 ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #16.1 $2.99

AUG120603 ULTIMATE COMICS X-MEN #18 UWS $3.99

AUG120699 UNCANNY X-FORCE PREM HC BOOK 01 FINAL EXECUTION $24.99

AUG120609 WINTER SOLDIER #12 $2.99

AUG120675 WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #19 $3.99

AUG120738 X-MEN HIDDEN YEARS TP VOL 02 $34.99

AUG120680 X-MEN LEGACY #275 $2.99



IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG120402 30 DAYS OF NIGHT ONGOING #11 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120451 COLONY TP $24.99

AUG120369 DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #2 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120339 GHOSTBUSTERS ONGOING #14 [DIG/D+] $3.99

JUL120331 GI JOE COMPLETE COLL HC VOL 01 $49.99

AUG120385 GODZILLA ONGOING #6 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120329 KISS GREATEST HITS TP VOL 02 $19.99

AUG120449 LORE COMPLETE ED PROSE SC $29.99

AUG120333 MARS ATTACKS HOLIDAYS ONE SHOT [DIG] $7.99

AUG120342 REAL GHOSTBUSTERS OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 $24.99

AUG120383 ROCKETEER CARGO OF DOOM #3 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120362 STAR TREK ONGOING #14 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120321 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANNUAL 2012 $8.99

AUG120318 TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ONGOING #15 $3.99

AUG120360 TRANSFORMERS CLASSICS TP VOL 04 $24.99

AUG120354 TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE ONGOING #10 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120334 TRUE BLOOD ONGOING #6 [DIG/D+] $3.99



Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

DARK HORSE COMICS

AUG120069 ANGEL & FAITH #15 STEVE MORRIS CVR $2.99

JUL120073 ARCHIE ARCHIVES HC VOL 07 $49.99

AUG120062 BPRD HELL ON EARTH #100 RETURN O/T MASTER #3 $3.50

AUG120078 STAR WARS DARTH MAUL DEATH SENTENCE #4 $2.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

IMAGE COMICS

AUG120461 BEDLAM #1 (MR) [DIG] $3.50

AUG128224 BEDLAM #1 PHANTOM CVR (MR) $3.50

AUG128223 BEDLAM #1 THIRD EYE CVR (MR) $3.50

JUL120488 BLOODSTRIKE #32 [DIG] $3.99

SEP120492 CREATOR OWNED HEROES #6 CVR B JOHNSON (MR) $3.99

JUL120393 EPOCH TP (MR) $19.99

JUL120499 FATALE #9 (MR) [DIG] $3.50

AUG120515 HAPPY #2 [DIG] $2.99

APR120541 HAUNT #27 [DIG] $2.99

AUG110443 MICE TEMPLAR HC VOL 03 $29.99

JUN120579 WHISPERS #4 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

JUL120523 WITCHBLADE #161 CVR A CHRISTOPHER [DIG] $2.99

JUL120524 WITCHBLADE #161 CVR B BERNARD & BENES $2.99

IMAGE COMICS
AUG120468 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2012 #5 CVR A BA (MR) [DIG] $4.99

AUG120469 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2012 #5 CVR B DODSON (MR) $4.99

AUG128005 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2012 #5 CVR C GIARRUSSO (MR) $4.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS
AUG121827 TMP MLB BRYCE HARPER AF PI



Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for October 31 2012

PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS
SEP120004 PREVIEWS #290 NOV 2012 CUSTOMER ORDER FORM PI
SEP120001 PREVIEWS #290 NOVEMBER 2012 [DIG] $4.50

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUL121147 ABELARD HC $22.99

AUG120793 ARCHIE #638 [DIG/D+] $2.99

AUG120794 ARCHIE & FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #21 [DIG/D+] $3.99

MAY121058 ARMY OF DARKNESS ONGOING #6 $3.99

AUG121309 AUGUST MOON GN $14.95

JUL121221 AWKWARD SILENCE VOL 02 (MR) $12.99

AUG121209 AYN RAND ANTHEM GRAPHIC NOVEL $15.00

JUL128199 BILLY TUCCI A CHILD IS BORN HC $15.99

JUL121144 BUCKAROO BANZAI #2 (RES) $3.99

JUL121326 CALL OF WONDERLAND TP (MR) $12.99

SEP121090 CARTOON UTOPIA HC $24.99

JUL120716 CAVEWOMAN GANGSTER #2 $3.75

SEP120817 CHARISMAGIC DEATH PRINCESS #1 CVR A RANDOLPH $3.99

SEP120818 CHARISMAGIC DEATH PRINCESS #1 CVR B LOPEZ $3.99

SEP120819 CHARISMAGIC DEATH PRINCESS #1 CVR C OUM PI

AUG121253 CHARLES BURNS HIVE BOOKPLATE ED $21.95

AUG121305 CLINT 2.0 #5 (MR) $6.99

AUG120882 CRITTER (ONGOING) #5 $3.50

SEP120843 DAN THE UNHARMABLE #7 (MR) $3.99

SEP120844 DAN THE UNHARMABLE #7 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

APR121015 DARK SHADOWS #9 $3.99

APR121090 EC KURTZMAN CORPSE O/T IMJIN AND OTHER STORIES HC $28.99

APR121089 EC WALLY WOOD CAME THE DAWN AND OTHER STORIES HC $28.99

SEP120839 FASHION BEAST #3 (MR) $3.99

SEP120840 FASHION BEAST #3 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

SEP120835 FERALS #10 (MR) $3.99

SEP120837 FERALS #10 GORE CVR (MR) $3.99

SEP120836 FERALS #10 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

AUG121386 FLOWERS OF EVIL GN VOL 03 (MR) $10.95

SEP120755 FOXTROT KIDS ED VOL 01 AAAA $9.99

AUG121430 GFT MYTHS & LEGENDS #22 A CVR CAFARO (MR) $2.99

AUG121431 GFT MYTHS & LEGENDS #22 B CVR CAFARO (MR) $2.99

JUN120773 GOLD DIGGER #143 [DIG] $3.99

MAY121065 GREEN HORNET #30 $3.99

MAR111065 GREEN HORNET STRIKES #10 $3.99

SEP121134 HEAD FULL OF NOISE GN $8.99

AUG121144 HEADS OR TAILS TP $22.99

AUG120772 HEREVILLE HOW MIRKA MET A METEORITE HC $16.95

AUG120929 HIGHER EARTH #6 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99

SEP120904 HIGHER EARTH TP VOL 01 $14.99

AUG120824 IDOLIZED #3 CVR A GUNNELL $3.99

AUG120825 IDOLIZED #3 CVR B PHOTO $3.99

AUG121395 INFERNAL DEVICES CLOCKWORK ANGEL GN VOL 01 $12.99

AUG120946 ITS TOKYO CHARLIE BROWN GN $13.99

AUG120800 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #186 [DIG/D+] $3.99

SEP120939 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #23 (MR) $3.99

SEP120940 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #23 SULTRY CVR (MR) $3.99

SEP120941 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #23 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

AUG120884 LEGEND OF OZ THE WICKED WEST ONGOING #1 $3.50

JUL120991 LORD OF THE JUNGLE TP VOL 01 (MR) $19.99

JUL121114 METABARONS ULTIMATE COLL ED (MR) $59.95

APR120770 NAZI ZOMBIES #4 $3.99

AUG120833 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD AFTERMATH #1 (MR) $3.99

AUG120835 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD AFTERMATH #1 GORE CVR (MR) $3.99

AUG120834 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD AFTERMATH #1 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

AUG120781 OLD MCMONSTERS HAUNTED FARM BRIDE OF PORKULA GN $6.99

SEP120739 POPE HATS #3 (MR) $6.95

SEP121135 PURITY GN $8.99

AUG120749 RACHEL RISING #12 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG121048 RED SONJA ATLANTIS RISES #3 $3.99

AUG120778 RISE O/T GUARDIANS HIDDEN TRUTH & OTHER GN $6.99

AUG121420 ROBYN HOOD #2 A CVR GARZA (MR) $2.99

AUG121421 ROBYN HOOD #2 B CVR PATTERSON (MR) $2.99

AUG120885 ROOKIE SPECIAL (ONE SHOT) $3.50

AUG120968 SCAM #2 (MR) $3.99

AUG120897 SIMPSONS ILLUSTRATED #4 $3.99

AUG120809 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #242 [D+] $2.99

AUG120918 STEED AND MRS PEEL ONGOING #2 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99

JUL121115 THROUGH THE WALLS HC (MR) $29.95

JUL121165 TICK #101 TICK MEETS MADMAN $6.99

AUG121011 VAMPIRELLA #24 $3.99

AUG120987 VAMPIRELLA VS FLUFFY ONE SHOT $4.99

JUL120986 WARRIORS OF MARS TP $19.99

AUG121234 WASTELAND #40 (MR) $3.99

AUG121422 WONDERLAND #4 A CVR CHEN (MR) $2.99

AUG121423 WONDERLAND #4 B CVR GOH (MR) $2.99

MAGAZINES
JUL121350 CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #184 HAMMERHEAD $14.00

JUL121351 CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #185 LONGSHOT $14.00

AUG121473 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1324 PI

JUN121401 DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #16 BLACK CANARY WHITE PAWN $16.00

JUL121352 DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #17 HARLEY QUINN BLACK QUEEN $16.00

JUL121354 DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG #118 VENTRILOQUIST & SCARFACE $14.00

JUL121355 DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG #119 ELONGATED MAN $14.00

AUG120658 DISNEY PRINCESS MAGAZINE #9 $4.99

AUG121449 HI FRUCTOSE MAGAZINE QUARTERLY #25 $6.95

SEP121411 STAR TREK MAGAZINE #42 NEWSSTAND ED $9.99

AUG121544 STAR WARS INSIDER #137 PX ED $7.99

SEP120733 TERRY MOORE HOW TO DRAW #2 EXPRESSIONS [DIG] $4.99

SEP120734 TERRY MOORE HOW TO DRAW #3 BEAUTIFUL [DIG] $4.99

SEP120735 TERRY MOORE HOW TO DRAW #4 FUNNY [DIG] $4.99

BOOKS
SEP121358 101 TOP TIPS FOR FANTASY PAINTERS SC $22.99

JUL121432 BRIEF GUIDE TO STAR WARS SC $13.95

MAR121361 DOCTOR WHO 100 SCARIEST MONSTERS HC $13.99

SEP121385 DRAWING BASICS AND VIDEO GAME ART SC $24.99

AUG121448 ELYSIUM ART OF DAARKEN SC $34.99

SEP121124 HEAVY METAL RELOAD SC (MR) $21.95

SEP121379 HOGARTHS DYNAMIC WRINKLES & DRAPERY $23.95

AUG121284 KITE RUNNER GN $19.00

SEP121093 LAST VISPO ANTHOLOGY SC $39.99

JUL121366 LAW OF SUPERHEROES HC $26.00

SEP121371 MASTERING MANGA W/ MARK CRILLEY 30 DRAWING LESSONS SC $22.99

SEP121386 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ANGRY BIRDS SPACE SC $13.95

SEP121363 PERPECTIVE FOR COMIC BOOK ARTIST SC $21.95

SEP121160 SHATTERED ASIAN AMER COMICS ANTHOLOGY TP $21.95

SEP120883 SIMPSONS HANDBOOK SECRET TIPS FROM THE PROS HC $39.95

AUG122105 WARHAMMER 40K PARIAH: RAVENOR VS EISENHORN HC $24.99



Monday, October 29, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Aquaman #0

Aquaman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Geoff Johns
Art: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado

(Spoiler Alert)
The formula for success is team Geoff Johns with a good artist and let them do that thing. This story is a prime example of this formula. This story is a prime example of this.

Aquaman has been revealed to be an Atlantean. Before he dies, Thomas Curry gives his son a message to give to his mother. Then, Aquaman escapes a group of reporters into the sea. Then, Johns lets the artist do their thing. They take us on a fabulous journey through the oceans depths that National Geographic would envy. He battles a Great White Shark using his ability to control ocean animals to end the battle. Aquaman surfaces in a storm in time to save a yacht from crashing on a rocky coast. The man he saves tells Aquaman of another Atlantean named Vulko. Aquaman finds Vulko, who tells him that he is the rightful king of Atlantis. Vulko takes Aquaman to Atlantis.

Johns does one of the things that he is excellent at doing. He lets the artist shine. This is a great collaboration between writer and artists. A large part of the story was told through the art. The splash page with the shark, the panel where Aquaman saves the yacht, and the final two pages were masterpieces among masterpieces. I could go on about other scenes, but you should enjoy this on your own. The story reads quickly, but the joy of the story comes from the visual story telling.

I rate Aquaman #0 Buy Your Own Copy.


March Story: Lady Janjaghee

I read March Story, Vol. 4

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Book Review: THE FIFTY YEAR SWORD

THE FIFTY YEAR SWORD
PANTHEON BOOKS – @PantheonBooks

AUTHOR: Mark Z. Danielewski
STITCHING: Atelier Z – Regina Gonzales, Claire Kohne, Michele Reverte
ISBN: 978-0-307-90772-1; hardcover (October 2012)
288pp, B&W and Color, $26.00 US, $31.00 CAN

Born in 1966, Mark Z. Danielewski is a novelist and postmodern writer. His debut novel, House of Leaves (2000), was released to some critical acclaim. In 2005, he released The Fifty Year Sword, an illustrated novella, in two limited editions.

Now, the trade edition of The Fifty Year Sword arrives, published in hardcover by Pantheon Books. There are more than 60 pages of illustrations in this edition, but this art isn’t drawn. The illustrations are stitched, rather than drawn. This stitching was executed by Mark Z. Danielewski and three seamstresses: Regina Gonzales, Claire Kohne, and Michele Reverte.

The Fifty Year Sword is set in Upshur County, East Texas, on a cold, windy night. Readers follow the story through Chintana, a local seamstress recently abandoned by her husband, Pravat. Chintana’s activity for the evening is a party thrown by 112-year-old Mose Dettledown, a peculiar woman known for her odd gatherings and get-togethers. This evening, however, Chintana finds herself the guardian of five orphans: two girls – Inieda and Micit, and three boys – Ezade, Sithiss, and Tarff.

This rambunctious quintet is captivated by a strange, shadowy storyteller, perhaps an uninvited guest to the party, who spins a tale of vengeance. He tells them of strange lands (The Valley of Salt and The Forest of Falling Notes) and strange people (The Man with No Arms). Of particular interest is the long black box that the storyteller set before Chintana and the children. As midnight approaches, Chintana and the children prepare to get a full glimpse of the storyteller, his secrets, and the thing in his black box.

The Fifty Year Sword is a novella written in verse. I can’t say that I was happy to discover that fact after I received a review copy from Pantheon. After I read a few pages, however, I started to enjoy the book. Pantheon describes The Fifty Year Sword as “a ghost story for grownup readers.” To me, this is a children’s story and dark fairytale told in a grown-up’s voice with adult idioms, metaphors, symbolism, etc. It’s like Neil Gaiman with splashes of Edgar Allen Poe and Rudyard Kipling.

The most enjoyable thing about The Fifty Year Sword is that’s Danielewski strings his words together in a visually evocative manner. I imagine the world of this novella as sparse, even barren, but I bet that what is on the landscapes and in the environments is unique. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much, in terms of setting, to make a place magical, wonderful, and different.

I think that being written in verse sometimes does not work for the story. It can be awkward in the way it presents some things. The Fifty Year Sword is flawed in some ways, but it still does what good fantasy does. It takes you places filled with magic, mystery, wonder, and even danger.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


Case Closed vs. the Kaito Kid

I read Case Closed, Vol. 44 (Case Closed (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

Saturday, October 27, 2012

I Reads You Review: AVX: VERSUS #2

AVX: VERSUS #2 (OF 6)
MARVEL COMICS

WRITERS: Steve McNiven, Kieron Gillen
PENCILS: Steve McNiven, Salvador Larroca
INKS: John Dell, Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Morry Hollowell, Jim Charalampidis
LETTERS: VC’s Joe Caramagna
COVER: Salvador Larroca
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

Rated: T+

Avengers Vs. X-Men was Marvel Comics’ most recent, big event, crossover series. The final issue was just released, but I mostly ignored the entire thing except for reading the #0 and #1 issues. However, I was recently going through a box of comic books given to me by fellow comics aficionado and comic book reviewer, Albert Avilla, when I came across AVX: VS #2.

I was confused by the title. Was this Avengers Vs. X-Men? But the first page of this comic book explains it all. This is Avengers versus the X-Men, but instead of big, sprawling team brawls, AVX: VS features one-on-one battles between individual members of the Avengers and the X-Men. To paraphrase the introduction: it’s not about plot, but about two superheroes pounding the snot out of each other. AVX: VS is a six-issue, tie-in miniseries to the main event, but even more than the main series, AVX: VS is pure fight comics.

AVX: VS #2 has two heavyweight bouts – Match 3 and 4 of this series. First, Avenger Captain America takes on X-Man, Gambit, in a story written and penciled by Steve McNiven with inks by John Dell. Then, Avenger, the Amazing Spider-Man, takes on a Juggernaut-enhanced Colossus of the X-Men in a story written by Kieron Gillen and drawn by Salvador Larroca.

I thought that Steven McNiven’s delicate line work and intricate cross-hatching would not work when trying to depict a fight between two superheroes that seem to be in constant motion. However, refined lines and precise cross-hatching are perfect for capturing combatants in static images with grace and beauty. When the panels are connected in the way that comics are read, this gracefully rendered artwork creates the illusion that these two characters are in motion and are fighting.

Salvador Larroca is quite good at drawing the exaggerated anatomy that has practically been the standard over the better part of the last three decades. It’s usually a mixed bag with Larroca. Sometimes, his superhero figure drawing looks ugly or even anal in its delineation of every nook and cranny of bulging muscles. Other times, Larroca gets it just right, as he does here.

He captures the inherent gangly nature of Spider-Man’s physique while giving him the grace of a dancer and the precise skill of an acrobat. Larroca turns Colossus into a body-building mass of destruction and transforms his body into a force of nature driven by muscle power. The second and third pages of the Spider-Man/Colossus bout form a double-page spread that encapsulates how fittingly Larroca depicts the two characters.

Story? Who needs story with fight comic book art like this?

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's: The Duel Dragons

I read Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, Vol. 3 (Yu-Gi-Oh! (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Friday, October 26, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batwoman #0

Batwoman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer/Artist: J.H. Williams III
Writer: W. Haden Blackman

(Possible Spoilers)
Sometimes a story becomes more than a comic book or even a graphic novel and becomes just good literature. I have stated before that I like the old-fashioned fisticuffs in my comics, but if the creators have real talent I can be moved by words. This is a fine example of one of those stories. This story makes you believe that these fictional characters are real and that we are privy to one of their secret moments.

The writers do an incredible job of illustrating the changing dynamic in Kate's relationship with her father. Williams and Blackman give us a fresh take on the training of a Bat-character. Her training does not come from Batman; it is directed by her father's own military background. Batman may have inspired her name and costume, but Kate's father is the inspiration for her life. Batwoman's origin is told in a message to her father that she leaves on her computer to let her father know his importance to her. In Kate Kane we see a powerful self-reliant woman who is able to resist falling into the abyss that is Gotham. Some writer once made the quote that we do not judge great literature; it judges us. Let this story judge you.

With a story like this, there is no need to make a comment about the art. We all know that Williams has made Batwoman his character.

I rate Batwoman #0 Recommend It To A Friend.


The Story of Saiunkoku: Cheaters Rule

I read The Story of Saiunkoku, Vol. 8

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free comics).

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Catwoman #0

Catwoman #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Ann Nocenti
Pencils: Adriano Melo
Inks: Julio Ferreira

This is a story about nothing. We have no insight into Selina Kyle. The story jumps around so much I don’t think it gives itself a chance to tell us anything. I get the feeling that Nocenti tries to do too much without really revealing anything. It's understandable that there is a mystery to be solved, but the story does not motivate me to find out what the answers are. I cannot find words to continue writing about this story much less persuade anyone that they should read this story.

I rate Catwoman #0 Don't Waste Your Time and Cash.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America #17

Captain America #17
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Ed Brubaker & Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Scot Eaton
Inks: Rick Magyar

“New World Orders Part 3” (Spoiler Alert)
A Brubaker story, where can you go wrong? Cap is fighting an army of super-powered villains. Anarchy is raging across the U.S.A. Cap is leading his crew to destroy the MNN satellite that is broadcasting a mind-altering signal. Diamond Back is trying to throw that stuff on Cap, but Cap don't play that. Cap is going to sneak on Hydra Island, but every Discordian on the planet is waiting for him.

Sharon Carter and Dum Dum Dugan are destroying the satellite; Baron Zemo shows up shooting and stabbing. Zemo is ready to cut Sharon down. Falcon and DBack are on the ground working the streets, ready to clean up once the signal is stopped, but that is a no go because the signal is being broadcasted by these big clunky robots.

Brubaker does what he's good at, giving Cap a world-threatening enemy to defeat. Cap has supporting characters that give Cap depth as a character, not just as a soldier fighting to save the world. He does have a little personal drama to deal with. This is the issue that builds up to the issue that we don't want to miss. I call it the good old set up.

Just average comic book art, nothing to go on about. The art is mostly character driven, not much on the background details.

I rate Captain America #17 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Astonishing X-Men #54

Astonishing X-Men #54
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Marjorie Liu
Artist: Mike Perkins
Cover: Phil Noto

(Spoiler Alert)
The story starts with the X-Men buried under tons of rubble. With the super-human effort of Cecilia Reyes, the X-Men escape. The moment the X-Men are free, Hatchi shows up and infects them with nano-worms. She blinds Northstar to demonstrate her power over them. She orders the X-Men to take over Madripoor for her or she'll infect New York City. The X-Men find their way to Madripoor. Wolverine arrives on the island in his Patch persona. The X-Men meet with Tyger Tiger in a steel mill. Northstar and Iceman get into an argument about whether they are taking over Madripoor. Iceman ends up falling into a cauldron of molten iron.

The story flows well, and it is eventful with mild action. The big shocker of Iceman dying at the end is interesting. Eagerly anticipating finding out how Bobby will escape this predicament. Liu does a good job of handling the group; all of the characters make a contribution to the storyline. No one seems to just be along for the ride.

The art is uninspiring. It's hard to distinguish any facial features. I had to look closely at times to tell which character was speaking.

I rate Astonishing X-Men #54 Read a Friend's Copy

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Birds of Prey #0

Birds of Prey #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Pencils: Romano Molenaar
Inks: Vicente Cifuentes
Cover: Stanley "Artgerm" Lau

“First Flight” (Spoiler Alert)
The story opens up with action, and that’s always a good point to start on. Black Canary is kick-ass to another level. She is trying to infiltrate the Penguin's organization to try and stop Basilisk from getting the components to create a mutation bomb. When the deal is going down, Batgirl shows up. Of course, Black Canary and Batgirl have to throw down. Canary lets Batgirl know that she's undercover. Canary takes charge of the situation and the Birds of Prey are born.

If you like female-on-female action, then this is the story for you. Black Canary is the total package as a super-heroine. She has the hand-to-hand skills and a cool meta-power, and she's a natural leader. In this incarnation, she also has the covert operative skills. With Batgirl and her skill-set, the two make a formative team. There is a rotating cast that allows the team to change to meet the challenge. There are a lot of bad B's in the DC Universe that need a place to shine. Birds of Prey will only be limited by the reins put on them. It's the New 52 letting the Birds soar to new heights.

The writing job was solid; Swierczynski handles the character of Black Canary well and the action flows smoothly. He did not let the one issue format restrict his storytelling. The whole creative team gave us more than what they were paid to give us. The art only heightened the pleasure of reading the story. The action scenes were bloody. The characters combat movement was natural. Black Canary was quite pleasing to the eye.

I rate Birds of Prey #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Review: THE WALKING DEAD: The Official Magazine #1

THE WALKING DEAD: THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE #1 (NOV/DEC 2012)
TITAN MAGAZINES – @WalkingDeadMag

WRITERS: Robert Kirkman, Tob Weidmann, Dan Auty, Stuart Barr, Tara Bennett, Jay Bonansinga, Dan Bura, and Bryan Caims
ART: Charlie Adlard
98pp, Color, $9.99 U.S./Canada

The Walking Dead is a black and white comic book series published by Image Comics. It first appeared in late 2003, the creation of writer Robert Kirkman and artist Tony Moore. Artist Charlie Adlard replaced Moore as of the seventh issue and continues to draw the series, which, as of this writing, recently reached issue #103. The series follows Rick Grimes, his family and friends, and other survivors as the try to stay alive during a zombie apocalypse.

In 2010, a television series, “The Walking Dead,” based on the comic book, debuted on cable television channel, AMC. The Golden Globe Award-nominated series recently began its third season. The Walking Dead has also spawned merchandise such as video games, novels, apparel, (including Halloween costumes), action figures, toy lines, etc.

Like other genre media franchises (Star Wars, Star Trek), The Walking Dead has its own magazine. The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine #1 (November/December 2012) is now walking to newsstands and into mailboxes.

I must admit that I’ve never read a single issue of The Walking Dead comic book, although I’ve been meaning to since it first debuted. I watched the TV series’ debut episode, but I’ve only sporadically watched it since then. But The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine has my back. It is designed and produced not only to inform fans, but also to guide fresh newbie meat into the world of The Walking Dead.

The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine covers everything about The Walking Dead – comics, prose fiction, merchandise, and, of course, the TV series. That includes an interview with Glen Mazzara, the showrunner of AMC’s The Walking Dead. Mazzara even explains what a showrunner does (basically the day to day administration of the production). There is also an interview with the host of “Talking Dead,” Chris Hardwick.

“Choice Cuts,” one of what will be several regular features in the magazine, looks at Michonne, a hugely-popular character since her debut in the comic book. There is also an interview with Danai Gurira, the actress who portrays Michonne on the TV series. We learn, for instance, that Gurira is an award-winning playwright.

Do I have to tell you that there is a Robert Kirkman interview? There is a synopsis of the comic book from issue #1 to #100 and a preview of the TV series’ Season Three. Read the exclusive Walking Dead short story, “Just Another Day at the Office.” Learn about series artist Charlie Adlard and see the variant covers of The Walking Dead #100, including art from Bryan Hitch, Todd McFarlane, Ryan Ottley, Sean Phillips, Frank Quitely, Matthew Roberts, and Marc Silvestri.

There is so much more. And it’s good. Why be objective? The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine is awesome.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux



Tuesday, October 23, 2012

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

DC COMICS

AUG120224 ALL STAR WESTERN #13 $3.99

JUN120173 BATMAN INCORPORATED #4 $2.99

JUN120176 BATMAN INCORPORATED #4 COMBO PACK $3.99

AUG120187 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #13 $2.99

AUG120282 FABLES #122 (MR) $2.99

AUG120157 FLASH #13 $2.99

AUG120159 FURY OF FIRESTORM THE NUCLEAR MEN #13 $2.99

JUL120223 HUNTRESS CROSSBOW AT THE CROSSROADS TP $14.99

AUG120221 I VAMPIRE #13 $2.99

AUG120213 JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13 $2.99

JUL120224 LEGION SECRET ORIGIN TP $14.99

AUG120275 MAD MAGAZINE #518 $5.99

AUG120243 NATIONAL COMICS MADAME X #1 $3.99

AUG120207 RED LANTERNS #13 $2.99

AUG120155 SAVAGE HAWKMAN #13 $2.99

JUL120215 SAVAGE HAWKMAN TP VOL 01 DARKNESS RISING (N52) $16.99

JUL120226 SHOWCASE PRESENTS THE FLASH TP VOL 04 $19.99

AUG120169 SUPERMAN #13 $2.99

AUG120173 TALON #1 $2.99

AUG120230 TEEN TITANS #13 $2.99

AUG120297 UNWRITTEN #42 (MR) $2.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JUL120275 BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE BATMAN BY K JONES V2 $79.95

JUL120268 DARK KNIGHT RISES BANE WINTER BATTLE BUST $79.95

JUL120271 DC COMICS SUPER HEROES SUPERMAN BUST $69.95

JUL128115 JUSTICE LEAGUE BATMAN ACTION FIGURE NEW PROD RUN PI

MAY128303 JUSTICE LEAGUE GREEN LANTERN AF WAVE 2 PI



Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

MARVEL COMICS

AUG120601 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #696 $3.99

AUG120668 ASTONISHING X-MEN #55 $3.99

AUG120723 ASTONISHING X-MEN TP VOL 09 EXALTED $16.99

AUG120584 AVENGERS #32 AXFO $3.99

AUG120573 AVX CONSEQUENCES #3 $3.99

AUG120613 CAPTAIN AMERICA #19 $3.99

AUG120610 CAPTAIN AMERICA AND BLACK WIDOW #638 $2.99

AUG120677 DEADPOOL #63 $2.99

AUG120733 FEAR ITSELF TP YOUTH IN REVOLT $16.99

AUG120634 FF #23 $2.99

AUG120673 GAMBIT #4 $2.99

AUG120620 INCREDIBLE HULK #15 $3.99

AUG120625 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #527 $3.99

AUG120619 JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #645 BURNS $2.99

AUG120707 MARVEL TALES BY ALAN DAVIS TP $16.99

AUG120651 MARVEL UNIVERSE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #7 $2.99

AUG120693 MMW CAPTAIN AMERICA TP VOL 02 $24.99

AUG120642 PUNISHER WAR ZONE #1 $2.99

AUG120588 SECRET AVENGERS #33 $3.99

AUG120740 SPIDER-MAN COMPLETE BEN REILLY EPIC TP BOOK 06 $39.99

JUL120670 SPIDER-MAN FLYING BLIND TP $16.99

AUG120687 SUPERCROOKS PREM HC (MR) $19.99

AUG128049 ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #15 2ND PTG KOMARCK VAR (#1042) $3.99

AUG120606 ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #17 UWS $3.99

AUG120664 WOLVERINE #315 $3.99

JUL120658 WOLVERINE AND X-MEN BY JASON AARON TP VOL 01 $14.99

AUG120683 WOLVERINE MAX #1 (MR) $3.99

AUG120728 X-FACTOR TP VOL 16 TOGETHER AGAIN FOR FIRST TIME $16.99

AUG120679 X-TREME X-MEN #5 $2.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG120390 ALAN ROBERT KILLOGY #1 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120378 BATTLE BEASTS #4 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120343 COBRA ONGOING #18 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120376 CROW MIDNIGHT LEGENDS TP VOL 02 FLESH & BLOOD $17.99

AUG120341 GHOSTBUSTERS 100 PAGE SPOOKTACULAR $7.99

AUG120326 KISS #5 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120392 LETS PLAY GOD #1 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120367 STAR TREK TNG DOCTOR WHO ASSIMILATION #6 [DIG/D+] $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN120052 BRIDE OF THE WATER GOD TP VOL 12 $9.99

AUG120071 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SPIKE #3 FRISON CVR $2.99

AUG120046 DARK HORSE PRESENTS #17 $7.99

MAR120058 GAME OF THRONES DAENERYS BUST $125.00

JUN120063 GAME OF THRONES DIRE WOLF BOOKENDS $79.99

JUL120077 GAME OF THRONES STARK SHIELD PIN $14.99

JUN120053 GANTZ TP VOL 25 (MR) $12.99

AUG120043 GHOST #1 $2.99

AUG120048 MIND MGMT #6 $3.99

JUL120024 SHAOLIN COWBOY ADVENTURE MAGAZINE TP $15.99

JUN120040 STAR WARS AGENT O/T EMPIRE TP VOL 01 IRON ECLIPSE $18.99

JUL120041 STAR WARS DARK TIMES TP VOL 05 OUT WILDERNESS $17.99

JUL120042 STAR WARS KNIGHTS O/T OLD REPUBLIC TP VOL 10 WAR $19.99

AUG120050 UNTOLD TALES OF DOG MENDONCA & PIZZABOY ONE SHOT $2.99
 

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

IMAGE COMICS

JUL120485 ARTIFACTS #22 [DIG] $3.99

AUG120482 DANCER TP $16.99

AUG120508 DEBRIS #4 (MR) [DIG] $3.50

AUG128044 GUARDING THE GLOBE #1 2ND PTG $2.99

JUN120554 HACK SLASH #19 CVR A SEELEY (MR) [DIG] $3.50

JUN120555 HACK SLASH #19 CVR B LAISO (MR) $3.50

JUL120505 INVINCIBLE #96 [DIG] $2.99

APR120544 LIL DEPRESSED BOY #14 [DIG] $3.99

AUG120463 MULTIPLE WARHEADS ALPHABET TO INFINITY #1 (MR) [DIG] $3.99

AUG128081 MULTIPLE WARHEADS ALPHABET TO INFINITY #1 SHARED EXC $3.99

AUG120525 PROPHET #30 [DIG] $3.99

AUG128227 REVIVAL #1 4TH PTG $2.99

AUG128228 REVIVAL #2 3RD PTG $2.99

AUG128229 REVIVAL #3 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG120526 REVIVAL #4 [DIG] $2.99

AUG120528 SPAWN #224 $2.99

AUG128045 THIEF OF THIEVES #8 2ND PTG $2.99

AUG128248 WALKING DEAD #102 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99

JUN120512 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S LG $24.99

JUN120511 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S MED $24.99

JUN120510 WALKING DEAD I HEART T/S SM $24.99

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JUN120508 WALKING DEAD T/S RICK XL $24.99

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IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS
JUN128176 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 30 AARON RODGERS AF PI

JUN128175 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 30 AF PI

JUN128180 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 30 ANDREW LUCK AF PI

JUN128177 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 30 MATT FORTE 2 AF PI

JUN128181 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 30 PEYTON MANNING 3 AF PI

JUN128179 TMP SPORTS NFL SERIES 30 TIM TEBOW AF PI



Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for October 24 2012

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUL121200 2000 AD #1802 $5.25

AUG121271 2000 AD #1803 $5.25

AUG120938 ADVENTURE TIME #9 [DIG] $3.99

AUG128056 ARCHER & ARMSTRONG (NEW) #1 3RD PTG $3.99

AUG120796 ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #234 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120797 ARCHIES GIANT KIDS JOKEBOOK TP $6.99

AUG120894 BART SIMPSON COMICS #76 $2.99

AUG121391 BLACK BUTLER TP VOL 11 $11.99

AUG121392 BLACK GOD TP VOL 17 $12.99

JUL121128 BLOODY MONDAY GN VOL 08 $10.99

AUG120941 BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99

JUL120718 CAVEWOMAN NATURAL SELECTION #2 BUDD ROOT SP ED PI

AUG120771 CAVEWOMAN NATURAL SELECTION #2 BUDD ROOT SP ED NUDE PI

JUL120719 CAVEWOMAN NATURAL SELECTION #2 MASSEY SP ED NUDE PI

AUG121029 CHOSEN #1 $3.99

JUL121155 CLASSICS ILLUS DLX HC VOL 09 CHRISTMAS CAROL & MUGBY $15.99

SEP120860 CROSSED BADLANDS #13 AUXILIARY ED (MR) $3.99

SEP120861 CROSSED BADLANDS #14 AUXILIARY CVR (MR) $3.99

AUG120852 CROSSED BADLANDS #16 (MR) $3.99

AUG120855 CROSSED BADLANDS #16 RED CROSSED CVR (MR) $6.60

AUG120853 CROSSED BADLANDS #16 TORTURE CVR (MR) $3.99

AUG120854 CROSSED BADLANDS #16 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

MAY121116 DF WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH #16 RISQUE RED CVR $14.99

JUL120722 DILBERT I CANT REMEMBER IF WERE CHEAP OR SMART TP $16.99

AUG121393 DISAPPEARANCE OF NAGATO YUKI CLAN GN VOL 02 $11.99

JUL121156 DISNEY FAIRIES GN BOX SET VOL 5-8 $29.99

AUG121265 DOCTOR WHO DALEK PROJECT GN $23.99

AUG121394 DURARARA GN VOL 04 $11.99

MAY120813 EATERS DIGEST #1 $10.99

AUG120926 EXTERMINATION #5 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99

SEP120830 FREAKANGELS COMPLETE COLL SLIPCASE ED (MR) $99.99

AUG121426 GFT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2012 A CVR PEKAR $5.99

AUG121427 GFT HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2012 B CVR MYCHAELS $5.99

JUL121317 GFT MYTHS & LEGENDS #21 A CVR CHA (MR) $2.99

JUL121318 GFT MYTHS & LEGENDS #21 B CVR TBD (MR) $2.99

AUG121434 GIANT SIZE GFT 2012 B CVR REYES (MR) $7.99

AUG121433 GIANT-SIZE GFT 2012 A CVR MYCHAELS (MR) $7.99

AUG121424 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #78 A CVR QUALANO (MR) $2.99

AUG121425 GRIMM FAIRY TALES #78 B CVR THOMPSON (MR) $2.99

AUG128057 HARBINGER (ONGOING) #1 2ND PTG $3.99

AUG128058 HARBINGER (ONGOING) #2 2ND PTG $3.99

AUG120905 HELLRAISER #19 MAIN CVRS (MR) [DIG] $3.99

AUG120869 HERO WORSHIP #4 $3.99

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AUG128053 HYPERNATURALS #3 (2ND PTG) $3.99

AUG120932 ICE AGE PAST PRESENT & FUTURE ONE SHOT [DIG] $3.99

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JUL121325 IRRESISTIBLE #4 B CVR GOH (MR) $3.99

JUL121118 KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #191 $5.99

SEP120948 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #18 ELECTRIC CVR (MR) $9.99

SEP120947 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #19 AUXILIARY CVR (MR) $3.99

MAY120814 LAST ZOMBIE NEVERLAND TP $14.95

MAY121081 LORD OF THE JUNGLE #8 (MR) $3.99

AUG120895 MAGGIE #1 $2.99

JUL120715 MUTTS BONK SC $19.99

AUG120837 NIGHT O/T LIVING DEAD AFTERMATH #1 ORIG PTD ART CVR $50.00

AUG121223 NINJAGO GN VOL 05 KINGDOM O/T SNAKES $6.99

AUG121222 NINJAGO HC VOL 05 KINGDOM O/T SNAKES $10.99

AUG121396 PANDORA HEARTS GN VOL 12 $11.99

JUL120962 PANTHA #4 $3.99

AUG121145 RALPH AZHAM HC VOL 01 WHY LIE SOMEONE LOVE $14.99

APR121056 RED SONJA #70 $3.99

AUG121049 ROBERT JORDAN WHEEL OF TIME EYE O/T WORLD #30 $3.99

JUL120946 SHADOW #6 $3.99

AUG120963 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #71 S/N PHOTO COVER (MR) $15.00

AUG121278 THARGS CREEPY CHRONICLES GN (MR) $19.99

AUG121398 TRIAGE X GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.99

AUG121400 TWILIGHT MANGA COLLECTORS ED GN $24.99

AUG121341 VALIANT MASTERS BLOODSHOT HC VOL 01 $24.99

APR121042 WARRIORS OF MARS #5 (MR) $3.99

JUL121075 YOULL NEVER KNOW HC VOL 03 SOLDIERS HEART $24.99

MAGAZINES
JUL121356 ALTER EGO #113 $8.95

APR121717 CLUTTER MAGAZINE #17 $9.99

AUG121472 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1323 PI

AUG121475 COMICS REVUE PRESENTS OCT 2012 $19.95

AUG120656 DISNEY JUNIOR MAGAZINE #9 $4.99

JUL121375 DR WHO MAGAZINE #452 $8.99

SEP121353 FANGORIA #318 $9.99

AUG121538 GIRASOL PULP DOUBLES THE SPIDER VOL 25 $14.95

AUG121500 LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #29 DR PHIBES SPECIAL $9.95

AUG120657 PHINEAS AND FERB MAGAZINE #13 $4.99

JUL121398 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #127 $9.95

JUL121404 SF&F MODELLER PRESENTS EPIC SCALE SF MODELLING VOL 05 $27.99

JUL121422 SFX #227 $10.99

JUL121423 SFX SPECIAL #58 A TO Z OF HORROR $17.99

AUG121543 STAR WARS INSIDER #137 NEWSSTAND ED $7.99

JUL120702 TERRY MOORE HOW TO DRAW #5 COMICS [DIG] $4.99

JUN121474 VIDEO WATCHDOG #170 (MR) $8.95

AUG121529 WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #1 NEWSSTAND ED $9.99

AUG121530 WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #1 PX ED $9.99

BOOKS
JUL121202 ART OF JUDGE DREDD 35 YEARS ZARJAZ CVRS HC $68.00

JUL121415 BRIEF GUIDE TO JAMES BOND SC $13.95

JUN121418 DISNEY PIXAR CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA HC $16.99

AUG121481 DOCTOR WHO HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE IN 100 OBJECTS HC $31.99

AUG121498 FATHER GAETANOS PUPPET CATECHISM ILL NOVELLA HC $19.99

JUL121190 FRANK HAMPSON TOMORROW REVISITED CELEBRATION LIFE & ART HC $47.99

JUN121198 FULL MOON PHASES O/T MOON HC $29.99

MAY121128 LOST ART OF AH POOK HERE HC IMAGES FROM THE GN (MR) $39.99

JUL121367 MAD GREATEST ARTISTS MORT DRUCKER HC $30.00

AUG121204 MEMOIR TATTOOED PORTRAITS SERIES HC $39.95

MAY121129 OBSERVED WHILE FALLING HC BURROUGHS POOK AND ME $29.99

JUN121203 SPIDER SHADOW OF EVIL LTD ED HC (RES) $22.99

JUL121441 STAR WARS OLD REPUBLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA HC $40.00

JUL121371 WALKING DEAD NOVEL HC VOL 02 ROAD TO WOODBURY $24.99

SEP121264 WILL EISNERS COMICS & SEQUENTIAL ART SC REVISED ED $22.95



Sunday, October 21, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews - Daredevil: End of Days #1

Daredevil: End of Days #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & David Mack
Pencils: Klaus Janson
Finishes/Paintings: Bill Sienkiewicz

(Spoiler Alert)
The story begins with a gruesome battle to the death between Daredevil and Bullseye. The fight scenes are down and dirty, no mercy, fights to the death with blood splattering across the panels. Daredevil meets his end by the way of a baton through the skull on the streets of Hell's Kitchen.

The story is told through the words of Ben Urich, the reporter of the Marvel world. Urich struggles to begin the story, but once he begins ,the story is gripping. We get a reporters view of the history of Daredevil intermingled with a friend's memories of a great hero. During his investigation of the story, we get to see the callous nature of the citizens of the city which has been a theme in Daredevil stories for decades. Urich paints a picture of a hero who protects Hell's Kitchen at all costs. A hero who crosses the line and kills his greatest enemy. In the closing scene, we see a red-eyed Daredevil looking down on Ben Urich. This issue gives me the feeling of a prologue to the story, and if the prologue is this good, then, the rest of the story better be on the money.

I'm looking forward to a classic Daredevil story, and I will be very upset (pissed like a mother f---) if it fails to live up to the standard that Bendis has set for himself. We don't need six issues of filler and a decent closing. A tour de force of ninja, gangster, super-villain violence wrapped by two covers is what I’m expecting, a story worthy of the character, Daredevil.

Klaus Janson and Bill Sienkiewicz are two industry greats who have made their names long before now, but it never hurts to try your best. Some pages make me say, Wow,” and others make me say, “Oww.” The balance of this book falls in the story more than the art.

I rate Daredevil End of Days #1 Buy Your Own Copy.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

I Reads You Review: V FOR VENDETTA #1

V FOR VENDETTA #1

DC COMICS
WRITER: Alan Moore
ARTIST: David Lloyd
COLORS: David Lloyd, Siobhan Dodd
LETTERS: Jenny O’Connor, Steve Craddock
32pp, Color, $2.00 U.S., $2.95 CAN

So much for going out of print. DC Comics recently published a gift-box edition of the V for Vendetta trade paperback that includes the book and a plastic Guy Fawkes mask. This arrives about three years after DC Comics published a pricey “Absolute Edition” of V for Vendetta.

For those who don’t know: V for Vendetta is a comic book series written by Alan Moore and drawn by David Lloyd who provided most of the art for the series. The series is set in a dystopian, near-future United Kingdom after a nuclear war. It imagines a view of the 1980s and 1990s that is different from the same time period in our world. The series focuses on the activities of a mysterious masked revolutionary who calls himself “V.” Using elaborate methods and a theatrical style, “V” works to destroy the totalitarian government that rules over the U.K.

V for Vendetta originally saw publication as a serial in Warrior, a black and white, British comics anthology (1982-85). Warrior was cancelled in 1985, and V for Vendetta remained unseen until DC Comics began publishing V for Vendetta as a comic book series that reprinted the Warrior material in color and also published the new material that took the story to its conclusion. DC eventually collected the entire series, including some additional material, in trade paperback form under its Vertigo imprint.

I first read V for Vendetta back in the mid-1980s when I came across some issues of Warrior in the bowels of a comic book shop. I read both the V for Vendetta comic book series and the first trade paperback edition released by DC Comics. Since then, I’ve been meaning to read it again, but always put that off. The release of the gift-box trade encouraged me to re-read, at least, a little of V for Vendetta, although I didn’t buy the gift-box. Yes, I did think about buying that, but it seemed like a waste of money, really.

V for Vendetta #1 (September 1988) contains the first four chapters of the story (now called a graphic novel). In Chapter One: The Villain, we meet V and wannabe prostitute, Evey Hammond. In Chapter Two: The Voice, The Leader, ruler of fascist England demands that his subordinates find V after the mysterious figure blows up the Houses of Parliament. In Chapter Three: Victims, enter investigator Mr. Finch after V abducts the Voice of Fate. Chapter Four: Vaudeville, after Evey recounts her life and her experiences of the time the world changed, V passes judgment on the Voice of Fate.

When I first read V for Vendetta all those years ago, it left me stunned or, as people often say, I was blown away. Even after reading American Flagg!, comics by Moebius, and a smattering of independently published science fiction and fantasy titles, I was still not prepared for what V for Vendetta offered. A quarter-century later, the writing still engages me, and Lloyd’s elegant art, with its uncanny touch of realism without being a slave to realism, impresses me even more. Moore’s story and Lloyd’s art come together to create a graphical narrative that recalls Film-Noir and makes the story seem as much a mystery as it is a science fiction story.

In hindsight, we can take exception to this series’ ideas on how a limited nuclear war would effect the environment and the likelihood of how humans would live in its aftermath (or even survive it). Still, V for Vendetta seems like a reasonable scenario – from a socio-economic and political point of view. Reading it now, however, I think Moore’s character writing (along with Lloyd’s art) sells this series more than the near-future concepts, ideas, and setting.

Of course, the character, “V,” is remembered for his style and the theatrical manner in which he went about his activities. I think that the series works because all the characters, to put it simply, are interesting. There is such a sense of the melodramatic about them, with Moore heightening each one’s personalities and quirks so that they become visual cues. The Leader’s moodiness and rash temper, Mr. Finch’s blunt way of carrying out an investigation, and Evey’s near-hysterical survivor’s guilt are played for maximum effect. The characters are why V for Vendetta does not seem like just another post-apocalyptic tale. Instead, it reads and feels like a grand tale of politics and revenge that plays on the comic book page as if it were played on a stage.

Yes, V for Vendetta is still great.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: X-Treme X-Men #4

X-Treme X-Men #4
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Script: Greg Pak
Art: Paco Diaz

(Spoiler Alert)
Greg Pak writing about iconic X-Men characters in an alternate reality, bring it. The X-Men land in the Wild West. Xavier is a professional gambler who uses his telepathy to cheat. He crosses paths with Sabertooth and comes into his power while protecting himself. Evil Xavier takes over the town and oppresses the town. Good old fashioned Western Mutant action popping off every page. Sabertooth and some outlaws are harassing a mother and her son. Little Jamie starts popping claws. Team X-Treme saves the pair.

Wolverine lets himself get captured so that he can do some reconnaissance. Wolverine is in jail with his alternate reality father when Boss Xavier shows up with Colossus and Danger to take Wolverine. Dazzler and Nightcrawler arrive at the jail too late to save Wolvie, but they get Howlett out. Dazzler is left with the odds stacked against her as sheriff Cyclops and his posse, Wolverine, Sabertooth, Danger, and Colossus-riding a bison (hell, yeah, a bison!) are coming for her. She's rolling with ‘tween Nightcrawler, rug rat Wolverine, and the Xavier balloon.

The art was above average, but what I really enjoyed was Diaz's Flair for design. The industrialized West was fun. The characters were cool. The John Henry-style Colossus was awesome and he rides a bison. Xavier is all Wild West-bossed-up. Dazzler is fine as hell.

I rate X-Treme X-Men #4 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Batman the Dark Knight #0

Batman the Dark Knight #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Gregg Hurwitz
Pencils: Mico Suayan and Juan Ryp
Inks: Vicente Cifuentes

"Chill in the Air" (Spoiler Alert)

This story ventures away from the other #0 stories that I've read and tackles the origin of Batman from another angle. We see the traits that make Batman who is developed in his youth.

Early in his life, we see Bruce display the courage that will make him a hero when he returns to the scene of his parents’ murder. This is the determination that drives him throughout his life. Every step that he takes in his life moves him in the direction of finding his parents’ killer; there is nothing that will lead him astray. There is no one to push him to achieve his goal. He is a Spartan warrior living for battle. He allows no pleasures to distract him from his preparation. When the time comes for Bruce to face battle, he throws down on a biker gang. We don't see a bumbling idiot falling over himself. We see a master of hand to hand combat who takes down the gang without a bead of sweat.

Bruce is destroyed when he learns that his parents were not killed as part of a conspiracy, but for being in the wrong place when an alcoholic needed his next drink. The symbolism of his mother's pearls and father's watch shows how the death of his parents drives Bruce.

If you just look at the art, you are not impressed, but when you look at it in the context of the story, the art becomes an important tool in the telling of the story. The artist uses the details to help drive the story home.

I rate Batman the Dark Knight #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Uncanny Avengers #1

Uncanny Avengers #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Rick Remender
Artist: John Cassaday

(Spoiler Alert)

More uncanny people, who would not like it?

The story opens with the Red Skull implanting a mind control device into the brain of Avalanche and preaching his message of hate. Then, we cut to Xavier's funeral where Wolverine is giving the eulogy. Yes, Wolverine. Havok visits Cyclops in prison. I still get sick to my stomach at seeing how far he has sunken into depravity. Cap and Thor ask Havok to be the leader of the mutants. Yes, Cyclops's hotheaded brother. The three work together to stop a mind controlled Avalanche from tearing up Manhattan. Rogue and the Scarlet Witch have a little disagreement; then, Goat-Faced Girl and her team kidnap them. Yes, Goat-Faced Girl. The Red Skull has found a new source of power, Xavier's brain.

I enjoyed the story; it had action and drama. Remender does the little things that make a story great, but I do have some questions. You have two geniuses in Beast and Kitty Pryde, who would have had the sense to not eulogize a man of peace by saying you felt like killing someone. Where were the chairs at the funeral service? Why Havok as the leader of the mutants?

He has run from leadership roles most of his career. He didn't want the pressure of being on the team for many years. Let's ask Saddam's brother to lead Iraq; the public will go for that. Did they ask Ms. Marvel about putting Rogue on the Avengers? Rogue has a clean record. Who came up with the name Goat-Faced Girl? I can't wait to hear the explanation behind that name. The Skull had something to do with that.

The art was masterful. I could not ask for better. I have another question. Couldn't Cap ask Stark or someone at S.H.E.I.L.D. for better options than a chin strap and knee pads. Those knee pads look like the ones the floor man was wearing when he redid my floors.

I rate Uncanny Avengers #1 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Teen Titans #0

Teen Titans #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Pencils: Tyler Kirkman
Inks: Batt, Norm Rapmund, Jon Sibal

"Red Robin" (Spoiler Alert!)
The origin of Red Robin. Lobdell writes a wonderful story; this is a fascinating beginning for a Robin. Tim Drake is motivated to be a hero for different reasons than Batman and the other Robins. His determination to be the best at everything is important in his struggle to become Robin.

From the beginning, his family sees that Tim is destined for greatness and they support him. Despite Batman's efforts to dissuade him from the life, Tim continues in his pursuit of the mantle of Robin. Tim begins his own war on crime by stealing from rich criminals and giving to the poor. He runs afoul of the Penguin when he steals a fortune from Cobblepot. Batman saves him just as a hit squad arrives to kill him. Tim's parents are put in witness protection, and Batman takes Tim on as Robin.

Points that I liked about the story: Tim wants to be Robin, so it is not thrust upon him; he sees it as a step toward reaching his destiny. He feels that he is meant for greatness. Being Robin is not the be-all and end-all of his life. He forges his own destiny by designing his own uniform and choosing the name Red Robin. Lobdell is making Teen Titans his book with the creative direction he is taking this book.

The art is average. The characters look clunky; sometimes their movement does not seem natural. I do not like the dark gloomy look of most of the book.

I rate Teen Titans #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors from October 17 2012

DC COMICS

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AUG120137 BEFORE WATCHMEN MINUTEMEN #4 (MR) $3.99

AUG120139 BEFORE WATCHMEN MINUTEMEN #4 COMBO PACK (MR) $4.99

AUG120195 BIRDS OF PREY #13 $2.99

AUG120235 BLUE BEETLE #13 $2.99

AUG120196 CATWOMAN #13 $2.99

AUG120156 DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #13 $2.99

JUL120222 GREEN LANTERN CORPS THE WEAPONER TP $14.99

AUG120205 GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #13 $2.99

JUN120235 GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS HC VOL 01 RING BEARER $22.99

JUL120242 HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #3 $2.99

AUG120287 HELLBLAZER #296 (MR) $2.99

AUG120146 JUSTICE LEAGUE #13 $3.99

AUG120149 JUSTICE LEAGUE #13 COMBO PACK $4.99

AUG120234 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #13 $2.99

AUG120197 NIGHTWING #13 $2.99

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AUG120294 SAUCER COUNTRY #8 (MR) $2.99

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AUG120172 SUPERGIRL #13 $2.99

JUL120216 SUPERGIRL TP VOL 01 LAST DAUGHTER OF KRYPTON $14.99

AUG120211 SWORD OF SORCERY #1 $3.99

JUL120262 UNWRITTEN TP VOL 06 TOMMY TAYLOR WAR OF WORDS (MR) $16.99

AUG120152 WONDER WOMAN #13 $2.99

AUG120273 YOUNG JUSTICE #21 $2.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES
JUL120276 AME COMI BRAINIAC PVC FIGURE $69.95

JUL120277 AME COMI HARLEY QUINN V2 PVC FIGURE $69.95

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 17 2012

MARVEL COMICS

AUG120579 A-BABIES VS X-BABIES #1 $2.99

AUG120589 AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #8 $3.99

JUL120649 AVENGING SPIDER-MAN TP FRIENDS BEAT UP YOUR FRIENDS $19.99

AUG120571 AVX CONSEQUENCES #2 $3.99

AUG120645 CAPTAIN MARVEL #5 $2.99

AUG120636 DAREDEVIL #19 $2.99

AUG120591 DARK AVENGERS #182 $2.99

AUG120648 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER MAN IN BLACK #5 $3.99

JUL120665 FEAR ITSELF TP SPIDER-MAN $16.99

AUG128050 GAMBIT #2 2ND PTG MANN VAR $2.99

AUG128051 HAWKEYE #2 2ND PTG AJA VAR $2.99

AUG120592 HAWKEYE #3 $2.99

JUL120673 INFERNAL MAN-THING TP $14.99

JUL120660 JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY TP VOL 03 TERRORISM MYTH $16.99

JUL120683 MARVEL FIRSTS BEFORE MARVEL NOW TP $24.99

AUG120546 MARVEL NOW POINT ONE #1 NOW $5.99

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JUL120669 PUNISHERMAX TP HOMELESS (MR) $15.99

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JUL120671 VENOM TP SAVAGE SIX $16.99

AUG120669 X-FACTOR #245 $2.99

JUL120648 ZOMBIES CHRISTMAS CAROL TP $19.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 17 2012

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG120408 30 DAYS OF NIGHT MOVIE SCRIPTBOOK TP (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120407 30 DAYS OF NIGHT TP 30 DAYS TIL DEATH (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120409 30 DAYS OF NIGHT TP VOL 04 BLOODSUCKERS TALES (SALE ED) $5.99

AUG120410 30 DAYS OF NIGHT TP VOL 05 THREE TALES (SALE ED) (MR) $4.99

AUG120411 30 DAYS OF NIGHT TP VOL 07 EBEN & STELLA (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120412 30 DAYS OF NIGHT TP VOL 08 RED SNOW (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120413 30 DAYS OF NIGHT TP VOL 09 BEYOND BARROW (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120414 AMERICAN FREAKSHOW GN (SALE ED) $4.99

JUL120378 BARACK OBAMA COMIC BOOK BIOGRAPHY HC (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120330 CAPE 1969 #4 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120336 CLASSIC POPEYE ONGOING #3 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120415 CLASSICS MUTILATED MMPB (SALE ED) $3.99

AUG120416 DARE NOVEL (SALE ED) $3.99

AUG120417 DOC MACABRE HC (SALE ED) $4.99

JUN120351 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FORGOTTEN REALMS #4 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120418 EVERYBODYS DEAD TP (SALE ED) $4.99

JUL120357 FISHTOWN HC (SALE ED) $9.99

AUG120419 FRANKENSTEIN MOBSTER TP (SALE ED) VOL 01 $4.99

AUG120420 FREAKS OF THE HEARTLAND SCRIPTBOOK SC (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120351 GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #183 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120387 GODZILLA HALF CENTURY WAR #3 [DIG/D+] $3.99

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JUL120358 GRIMMS FAIRY TALES HC VOL 01 (SALE ED) $8.99

AUG120422 GROOM LAKE TP (SALE ED) $4.99

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JUL120328 TRANSFORMERS IDW COLLECTION HC VOL 07 $49.99

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AUG120400 WOMANTHOLOGY SPACE #2 [DIG/D+] $3.99

AUG120425 YOURS TRULY JACK THE RIPPER TP VOL 01 (SALE ED) $4.99

AUG120394 ZAUCER OF ZILK #1 [DIG/D+] $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 17 2012

DARK HORSE COMICS

AUG120054 BILLY KIDS ODDITIES & ORM LOCH NESS #1 HOTZ CVR $3.50

AUG120060 BPRD 1948 #1 JOHNSON CVR $3.50

AUG120064 EX SANGUINE #1 (MR) $3.99

MAY120060 JOE GOLEM & THE DROWNING CITY DLX HC $99.99

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AUG120073 ORCHID #10 (MR) $3.50

JUN120050 SKY ART OF FINAL FANTASY HC BOXED SET $139.99

AUG120075 STAR WARS AGENT O/T EMPIRE HARD TARGETS #1 $2.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 17 2012

IMAGE COMICS

JUL120482 ACTIVITY #9 [DIG] $3.50

JUL120392 BLOODSTRIKE TP VOL 01 REBORN UNDER A BAD SIGN $14.99

JUL120489 CHEW #29 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

AUG120460 CYBER FORCE #1 [DIG] PI

JUL120494 DARKNESS #107 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

AUG120511 GLORY #29 [DIG] $3.99

AUG120520 IT GIRL & THE ATOMICS #3 [DIG] $2.99

AUG120486 MIND THE GAP TP VOL 01 INTIMATE STRANGERS (MR) $9.99

MAY120569 MUDMAN TP VOL 01 $9.99

APR120550 NO PLACE LIKE HOME #5 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

AUG120476 NOT MY BAG GN [DIG] $12.99

MAR120500 SAVAGE DRAGON #182 [DIG] $3.50

AUG110541 SHINKU #5 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

AUG120492 SKULLKICKERS TP VOL 03 SIX SHOOTER ON THE SEVEN SEAS [DIG] $16.99

AUG128028 WALKING DEAD #100 3RD PTG (MR) $3.99

AUG120472 WALKING DEAD #103 (MR) [DIG] $2.99



Comics, Magazines, and Books from Diamond Distributors for October 17 2012

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

AUG121016 AFTER EARTH ONE-SHOT $3.99

MAY120823 AIRBOY DEADEYE #4 $3.50

MAY121379 ALICE IN WONDERLAND HC (MR) $24.99

AUG120798 BETTY & VERONICA #262 [DIG/D+] $2.99

AUG120799 BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #206 [DIG/D+] $3.99

JUN120768 CAVEWOMAN NATURAL SELECTION #2 $3.75

JUN120769 CAVEWOMAN NATURAL SELECTION #2 DEVON MASSEY SP ED PI

AUG121252 CHARLES BURNS HIVE GN $21.95

AUG121235 COURTNEY CRUMRIN ONGOING #6 $3.99

JUL120816 DICKS $19.99

JUL120877 ELRIC THE BALANCE LOST TP VOL 03 $14.99

JUL121223 FINDING GOSSAMYR #2 $3.99

JUN121036 GARTH ENNIS JENNIFER BLOOD #18 (MR) $3.99

AUG121418 GFT SLEEPY HOLLOW #1 A CVR SEJIC (MR) $2.99

AUG121419 GFT SLEEPY HOLLOW #1 B CVR TRIANO (MR) $2.99

AUG121428 GODSTORM #1 A CVR SPAY (MR) $2.99

AUG121429 GODSTORM #1 B CVR CHA (MR) $2.99

JUL120725 GOLD DIGGER SWIMSUIT ANNUAL #1 $4.99

FEB121063 GRAY MORROWS ORION TP (MR) $39.99

APR121045 GREEN HORNET #29 $3.99

AUG121333 HARBINGER (ONGOING) #5 AJA CVR $3.99

AUG121332 HARBINGER (ONGOING) #5 SUAYAN CVR $3.99

APR120768 HOW TO DRAW ALIEN BABES & PRINCESSES TP $21.95

JUL121227 JAMES BOND OMNIBUS TP VOL 04 $19.95

JUL121204 JUDGE DREDD DIGEST TP DARK JUDGES (MR) $11.00

JUL121133 KITCHEN PRINCESS OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 $14.99

JUN121309 KUZIMU COLL ED TP (MR) $19.99

JUL121297 LIMIT GN VOL 01 $10.95

AUG120970 LOOKOUTS RIDDLE VOL 01 #2 $3.99

JUL120697 LOVECRAFT ANTHOLOGY TP VOL 02 $19.95

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JUL121270 MARCH STORY TP VOL 04 (MR) $12.99

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AUG120947 PEANUTS VOL 2 #3 [DIG] $3.99

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JUL120967 PROPHECY #4 $3.99

FEB120904 SHADOW BLOOD & JUDGMENT TP (MR) $19.99

AUG120896 SIMPSONS COMICS #195 $2.99

AUG121237 SIXTH GUN #26 $3.99

JUL120774 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #241 HORN CVR $2.99

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AUG120872 STITCHED #9 (MR) $3.99

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JUL120925 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #76 DLX ED (MR) $19.99

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JUL121013 THE LONE RANGER SNAKE OF IRON #3 $3.99

JUL121163 THREE STOOGES GN VOL 02 EBENEZER STOOGE $6.99

JUL121164 THREE STOOGES HC VOL 02 EBENEZER STOOGE $10.99

AUG121015 THUNDA #3 $3.99

MAY121069 WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS #17 (MR) $3.99

JUL120992 WITCHBLADE DEMON REBORN #3 $3.99

JUN121293 WIZARD OF ID HC DAILIES & SUNDAYS 1972 $19.95

JUN120826 WULF #6 (RES) $2.99

AUG121334 X-O MANOWAR (ONGOING) #6 BRAITHWAITE CVR $3.99

AUG121335 X-O MANOWAR (ONGOING) #6 CHAR DESIGN CVR $3.99

JUN121205 ZOMBIES VS CHEERLEADERS MISADV OF BECKY & BOB #1 $3.99

MAGAZINES
AUG121304 ALMOST NAKED ANIMALS MAGAZINE #1 $4.99

AUG120654 CARS MAGAZINE #9 $4.99

JUN121466 CINEFANTASTIQUE PRES ULT GUIDE TO ZOMBIES $9.99

AUG121471 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1322 PI

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AUG121497 FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #264 $9.99

JUL121201 JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #328 MOVIE SPEC $13.00

AUG121451 JUXTAPOZ #142 NOV 2012 $5.99

AUG121533 LOCUS #621 $6.95

AUG120655 MARVEL SUPER HEROES #4 $4.99

AUG121505 SCREAM MAGAZINE #13 $8.99

AUG121540 SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 65 $14.95

BOOKS
JUL121401 ANDREW LOOMIS CREATIVE ILLUSTRATION HC $39.95

JUN120803 ART OF BETTY AND VERONICA HC (RES) $29.99

JUL121284 BELKA WHY DONT YOU BARK NOVEL $25.99

AUG121521 ET EXTRA TERRESTRIAL FROM CONCEPT TO CLASSIC SC $24.99

JUL121383 FEAST UNKNOWN NOVEL $12.95

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JUN121415 TOTALLY MAD 60 YEARS OF HUMOR SATIRE & STUPIDITY HC $34.95

JUL121300 VERY HUNGRY ZOMBIE HC $14.95

JUL122144 WARHAMMER 40K TREACHERIES OF THE SPACE MARINES MMPB $8.99

Monday, October 15, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Red Hood and the Outlaws #0

Red Hood and the Outlaws #0
DC Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Scott Lobdell
Artists: Pasqual Ferry, Ig Guara, Brett Booth

The Joker's Robin? The origin of Jason Todd as Robin. Lobdell is one of the best storytellers in comics. Poor, old Jason is raised by a hoodlum dad and a drug addict mom. Dad dies in prison, and mom overdoses. Jason does what he has to in order to survive. Batman takes him in, and he becomes Robin. He is a tough, gritty, brutal Robin.

Finds his mother in the Middle East, but this is a set up by the Joker. Jason goes in half-cocked; gets himself killed. Jason is resurrected by Talia al Ghul. This is a better resurrection than the previous one. Good job New 52. Then we get the old satellite dropped on our heads; The Joker shows up at the end of the story to tell us that Jason's rise to become was orchestrated by him.

This shocker made me respect Scott Lobdell just a little more. Another way to intertwine the characters of the Red Hood and the Joker. Lobdell is a masterful storyteller and I have been enjoying his work. I look forward to what he'll be doing with these characters and their rich backgrounds. We'll keep our fingers crossed, and possibly the team will expand its membership.

The only thing that I need to say about the art is look at Starfire on the cover.

I rate Red Hood and the Outlaws #0 Buy Your Own Copy.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Albert Avilla Reviews: Avengers Vs. X-Men Round 12

Avengers Vs. X-Men Round 12
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Story: Jason Aaron, Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman
Script: Jason Aaron
Pencils: Adam Kubert
Inks: John Dell, Mark Morales, Adam Kubert

(Possible spoilers)
There is no title to this story; it's Round 12. This is the battle of the year. If you read one comic this year, then you need to get a better job, get better friends, or hang around the comic shop a little longer. This is definitely the best one that I've read this month. A great balance of action and drama; I'm more of an aficionado of the action. We get the good old fisticuffs that we enjoy along with the heroic saving of human lives. The heroes use every ounce of their intestinal fortitude to defeat a powerful enemy. Finally, the Scarlet Witch and Hope knock the Phoenix out of Cyclops.

Interspersed with this beautiful action, we get the drama. A warrior who has fought for the light since his days as an adolescent is seduced by the darkness into believing that destruction is the path to his most lofty goals. Fighting to stop him: the mutant messiah and the destroyer of the mutant race. We have the fall of a great hero and the rise of another. Hope Summers just wants what we all want – to be our best self. She takes the Phoenix force and saves the Earth and the mutant race. The road we have traveled; Cyclops is a prisoner and Wolverine is the headmaster of his own school. Cap decides to take up the mutant cause. This event will have repercussions that will be felt across the Marvel Universe. The House of Ideas is still alive and flexing its muscles.

The series has been a showcase for Marvel's artists, and this round continues to give us the best of Marvel. Kubert and the crew are fantastic. From the temples of K'un Lun to every corner of the globe we get a celebration for the eyes.

You guessed it I rate Round 12 Recommend It To A Friend.

Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan - Kyoto in Darkness

I read Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, Vol. 11

I posted a review in ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).