I Reads You Review: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1.1

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1.1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Dan Slott
ART: Ramon Perez
COLORS: Ian Herring
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos with Joe Caramagna
COVER: Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2014)

Rated T

Learning to Crawl: Part One: The Show Must Go On

The core Spider-Man comic book series, The Amazing Spider-Man, has returned.  This All-New Marvel NOW series returns with a partner series of sorts, a side-series that retells the story of the early days of Peter Parker’s career as Spider-Man.  Entitled The Amazing Spider-Man 1.1 (Learning to Crawl: Part One), this series is brought to readers by writer Dan Slott, artist Ramón Pérez, colorist Ian Herring, and letterers Chris Eliopoulos and Joe Caramagna.

Learning to Crawl: Part One: The Show Must Go On opens shortly after Peter Parker as Spider-Man confronts the man who shot and killed his beloved Uncle Ben (Benjamin Parker) to death.  Peter is now in a position where he must put on his Spider-Man costume in order to help his family, where he once wore it as part of a secret new life.  As Uncle Ben’s funeral approaches, Peter remains unaware of how people perceive him and his alter-ego, but those perceptions will make his life even more complicated.

The art by Ramón Pérez for The Amazing Spider-Man 1.1 recalls the art of Steve Ditko that first brought Spider-Man to life more than 50 years ago.  This is an effective visual style that makes The Amazing Spider-Man 1.1 seem like a comic book that was published during the early days of Marvel Comics, instead of merely being a comic book tied into the launch of The Amazing Spider-Man 2014.

Writer Dan Slott uses this comic book to get inside Peter Parker’s head and to take an intimate look at the struggles of a 15-year-old boy more as a teenaged boy than as a superhero.  Whenever Slott brings Spider-Man into the story, it is in the context of teen Parker and not as teen superhero.  This emphasis on Peter is best exemplified in this issue when Peter is faced with his late uncle’s generosity at time when he knows that he and Aunt May could use the money Uncle Ben once gave away to those in need.  I look forward to more of this series.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: LOVELESS: A Kin of Homecoming

LOVELESS: A KIN OF HOMECOMING (Volume 1)
DC COMICS/Vertigo – @DCComics @vertigo_comics

CREATOR/STORY: Brian Azzarello
CREATOR/ART: Marcelo Frusin
COLORS: Patricia Mulvihill
LETTERS: Clem Robins
EDITOR: Will Dennis (original series)
COVER: Marcelo Frusin
128pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $13.50 CAB (2006)

Suggested for mature readers

Loveless was a Western comic book series for mature readers published by Vertigo, an imprint of DC Comics.  The series was created by writer Brian Azzarello and artist Marcelo Frusin.  Loveless was published for 24 issues with the cover dates:  December 2005 to May 2008.  In addition to Frusin, artists Danijel Zezelj and Werther Dell'Edera also drew the series.  Loveless was a monthly, ongoing comic book series that was apparently intended to run for four years, but was cancelled after two-and-half years.

Loveless began as a series that focused on a Confederate Civil War veteran who returns to his hometown and finds it under Union control.  The veteran eventually becomes sheriff, as he continues to investigate the fate of his missing wife.  While the early issues of Loveless focused on the veteran’s relationships with the townsfolk and other locals, the series eventually expanded its scope and themes.

Several years ago, probably around the end of Loveless’ publication, I used some Amazon credit to buy the first two trade paperback collections of Loveless.  After misplacing the books, I found them and decided to read both and to review, at least, the first trade collection (for you, of course, dear readers).

Loveless: A Kin of Homecoming collects Loveless issues #1 to 5.  All five issues were produced by writer Brian Azzarello, artist Marcelo Frusin, colorist Patricia Mulvihill, and letterer Clem Robins.  The art for the cover of Loveless #1 was reused as the cover for Loveless: A Kin of Homecoming, but with new cover copy.

Loveless is set mainly in and around the town of Blackwater, Missouri.  The series introduces Wesley “Wes” Cutter, a former Confederate soldier who returns to Blackwater, where he finds that Union soldiers occupy his house and his wife, Ruth Stokes, is missing.  To regain his house, Wes starts killing Unions soldiers, but he isn’t the only former rebel killing soldiers.  Another former Confederate leads a band of fellow rebels who do not accept that the Civil War ended.  A man named Boyd leads this band of bushwhackers that are not only killing Union soldiers, but also Black people who live locally.

Jeremiah Trotter, a Northern businessman (a “carpetbagger”) wants to bring stability to the area.  In spite of the protests of Union commander, Colonel Silas Redd, Trotter offers Cutter the job of sheriff, which he accepts.  Perhaps, Cutter hopes the position will help him find answers about his missing wife and his missing younger brother, Jonny Cutter.  Also, a former slave turned bounty hunter, Atticus Mann, enters the scene.

Writer Brian Azzarello offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to intriguing characters.  Lead character, Wes Cutter, is full of mystery, and with each page, he becomes more interesting rather than off-putting, which having too much mystery can sometimes do to a character.  Having a lot of characters can be a little confusing when the narrative shifts back and forth in time, however, which the first fives issues of Loveless do quite a bit.

One thing about Loveless of which I am ambivalent is the violence.  Artist Marcelo Frusin stages all of it in interesting ways, as if trying to create a graphical impression similar to that of film.  In spite of that, the violence is sometimes tedious, to the point where instead of raising the ante, it just wears down the story.

Marcelo Frusin and colorist Patricia Mulvihill deliver some pretty art.  In fact, the art is so good looking that the violence, the depictions of rape, and the portrayal of corpses (in various stages of damage and decay) seem odd, even out of place.

On the back cover of Loveless: A Kin of Homecoming is a quote from what is likely a favorable review.  The quote mentions the term “spaghetti western,” which Loveless is not.  Loveless, at least in the beginning, is a Western historical drama.  It is more like one of those old Western television series from the 1950s and 60s (but with explicit violence, profanity, and sex) than it is like a Sergio Leone-Clint Eastwood film … or even like Django Unchained, a truer heir to Leone and Eastwood.

I plan to read the rest of Loveless.  I am curious to see how this series turned out before being cancelled.

B

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Yu-Gi-Oh: Zexal - Line World!!

I read Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal, Vol. 5

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

I Reads You Review: DANGER GIRL: Mayday #2

DANGER GIRL: MAYDAY #2
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

WRITER:  Andy Hartnell
PENCILS: John Royle
INKS: Eeshwar
COLORS: Romulo Fajardo
LETTERS: Neil Uyetake
EDITOR: Scott Dunbier
COVER: John Royle and Eeshwar with Romulo Fajardo
VARIANT COVERS: John Royle and Eeshwar with Romulo Fajardo (subscription cover)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2014)

I loudly declared my return to reading Danger Girl comics with my review of the first issue of Danger Girl: Mayday.  Written by Andy Hartnell and drawn by John Royle, it is the latest entry in the comic book series created by artist J. Scott Campbell and Hartnell back in the 1990s.

Mayday focuses on one of the original Danger Girl stars, Natalia Kassle, revealed to be a traitor in the Danger Girl organization.  In the first issue of Danger Girl: Mayday, a team of rogue brigands finds an unconscious Kassle during a battle on Hammer Island.

Danger Girl: Mayday #2 opens in the Kingdom of Bhutan in South Asia.  There, Kassle lives among a group of women, a sisterhood, as she gradually regains her physical fitness.  Recovering her memories remains a problem.  However, she has a new ally, April Mayday, who seems to know quite a bit about Natalie and is determined to make her the most dangerous woman in the world… again.

As soon as I saw Danger Girl: Mayday #2 on the new release shelf of my “local” comic book shop, I grabbed it.  I wanted to see if I would like it as much as I liked the first issue.  I do.  I’m intrigued and want to know what is the big mystery, hiding behind Natalie’s return and those who want to control her.

Yeah, thus far, this comic book is pretty inconsequential and lacking in substance.  Comics should be good, of course, but comics should also be fun, and Danger Girl: Mayday is more of the latter than it is of the former – but it is, in a way, both.  John Royle’s art is a joy to behold, and I found myself flipping through the book several times just to look at the art.  I plan on finding the third issue of Danger Girl: Mayday.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 25 2014

DC COMICS

APR148268     ACTION COMICS #31 2ND PTG (DOOMED)     $3.99
APR140245     ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #14     $3.99
APR140240     ALL STAR WESTERN #32     $3.99
APR140176     AQUAMAN #32     $2.99
APR140209     BATMAN #32 (ZERO YEAR)     $3.99
APR140212     BATMAN #32 COMBO PACK (ZERO YEAR)     $4.99
APR140246     BATMAN 66 #12     $3.99
APR140252     BATMAN BEYOND UNIVERSE #11     $3.99
FEB140246     BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC VOL 04 THE WRATH (N52)     $24.99
MAR140251     BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS TP VOL 03 EMPEROR PENGUIN (N52)     $16.99
APR140208     BATMAN ETERNAL #12     $2.99
MAR140272     BEFORE WATCHMEN OZYMANDIAS CRIMSON CORSAIR TP     $19.99
APR140228     CATWOMAN #32     $2.99
MAR140290     DEAD BOY DETECTIVES TP VOL 01 SCHOOLBOY TERRORS     $9.99
APR140173     FLASH #32     $2.99
APR140226     HARLEY QUINN #0 DIRECTORS CUT     $4.99
APR140253     HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #14     $2.99
FEB140260     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US HC VOL 02     $19.99
MAR140265     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US TP VOL 01     $14.99
APR140247     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR TWO #6     $2.99
MAR140175     JUSTICE LEAGUE #31     $3.99
MAR140177     JUSTICE LEAGUE #31 COMBO PACK     $4.99
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APR140165     NEW 52 FUTURES END #8 (WEEKLY)     $2.99
APR140239     RED LANTERNS #32     $2.99
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APR148270     SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN #8 2ND PTG (DOOMED)     $3.99
MAR140291     TOM STRONG AND THE PLANET OF PERIL TP     $14.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

DEC130359     BATMAN BLACK & WHITE HARLEY QUINN STATUE     $79.95
JAN140397     DC COMICS COVER GIRLS POISON IVY STATUE     $99.95
DEC130365     DC COMICS ICONS CYBORG 1/6 SCALE STATUE     $99.95
JAN140393     DC COMICS NEW 52 EARTH 2 FLASH AF     $24.95
JAN140395     DC COMICS NEW 52 EARTH 2 GREEN LANTERN AF     $24.95
JAN140394     DC COMICS NEW 52 EARTH 2 THOMAS WAYNE BATMAN AF     $24.95
JAN140399     FLASH VS GORILLA GRODD PATINA MINI STATUE     $124.95
JAN140401     WHITE LANTERN 1:1 SCALE POWER BATTERY PROP W RING     $199.95

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 25 2014

MARVEL COMICS

APR140727     ALL NEW DOOP #3     $3.99
APR140701     ALL NEW GHOST RIDER #4     $3.99
APR140672     ALL NEW ULTIMATES #4     $3.99
APR140679     AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #3 ANMN     $3.99
APR140774     AVENGERS AI TP VOL 02 12000 AD     $16.99
APR140666     AVENGERS UNDERCOVER #6 ANMN     $2.99
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APR140715     MARVEL UNIVERSE ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #27 SYU     $2.99
APR140760     MMW HUMAN TORCH TP VOL 01     $24.99
APR140711     MS MARVEL #5     $2.99
APR140664     NEW AVENGERS #20 ANMN     $3.99
APR140660     NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 ANMN     $4.99
MAR140757     NEW AVENGERS PREM HC VOL 03 OTHER WORLDS     $24.99
APR140700     NEW WARRIORS #6     $3.99
APR140640     ORIGINAL SIN #3.1     $3.99
APR140639     ORIGINAL SINS #2     $3.99
APR140648     SAVAGE HULK #1     $3.99
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APR140669     UNCANNY AVENGERS #21 ANMN     $3.99
APR148212     UNITED STATES OF MURDER INC #1 2ND PTG OEMING VAR (MR)     $3.99
APR140782     WHAT IF TP AGE OF ULTRON     $16.99
APR140731     WOLVERINE #9     $3.99
APR140739     X-FORCE #6     $3.99
APR140776     X-MEN TP VOL 02 ROAD TO ONSLAUGHT     $39.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for June 25 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

APR140394     24 #3     $3.99
APR140455     7TH SWORD #3     $3.99
APR140354     CARTOON NETWORK SUPER SECRET CRISIS WAR #1     $3.99
APR140355     CARTOON NETWORK SUPER SECRET CRISIS WAR #1 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
APR140337     GHOSTBUSTERS #17     $3.99
APR140413     GI JOE SPECIAL MISSIONS TP VOL 03     $19.99
MAR140443     GODZILLA RULERS OF EARTH TP VOL 03     $17.99
APR140451     GODZILLA RULERS OF THE EARTH #13     $3.99
MAR140447     ILLEGITIMATES #6     $3.99
FEB140453     LIBRETTO TP VOL 01 VAMPIRISM     $39.99
OCT130332     LOCKE & KEY SPEC ED HC VOL 03 CROWN OF SHADOWS     $100.00
APR140376     MARS ATTACKS FIRST BORN #2     $3.99
APR140364     MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER TP VOL 01     $17.99
APR140362     MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #20     $3.99
APR140367     TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #12     $3.99
APR148027     TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #12 LEGO CVR     $3.99
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MAR148384     V-WARS #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
APR140414     X-FILES SEASON 10 #13     $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 25 2014

DARK HORSE COMICS

APR140036     CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT #12     $2.99
APR140077     CONAN THE AVENGER #3     $3.50
APR140050     DREAM THIEF ESCAPE #1     $3.99
APR140055     EMILY & THE STRANGERS BREAKING RECORD #1     $3.99
FEB140009     FRANK MILLERS BIG DAMN SIN CITY HC     $100.00
APR140039     GHOST #5     $2.99
APR140016     GOON ONE FOR THE ROAD ONESHOT     $3.50
APR140069     HALO ESCALATION #7     $3.99
APR140078     KING CONAN CONQUEROR #5     $3.50
APR140070     MASS EFFECT FOUNDATION #12     $3.99
APR140052     MASSIVE #24     $3.50
FEB140031     MASSIVE TP VOL 03 LONGSHIP     $19.99
APR140051     MIND MGMT #23     $3.99
FEB140014     OCCULTIST TP DEATHS DOOR     $16.99
APR140048     PARIAH #5     $3.99
APR140064     SERENITY LEAVES ON THE WIND #6     $3.50
FEB140013     SIN CITY A DAME TO KILL FOR HC (MR)     $25.00
APR140061     STAR WARS LEGACY II #16     $2.99
APR140058     STAR WARS REBEL HEIST #3 HUGHES MAIN CVR     $3.50
FEB140102     TARZAN BURNE HOGARTHS LORD OF JUNGLE HC     $49.99
APR140071     TOMB RAIDER #5     $3.50
APR140067     VANDROID #5     $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 25 20114

IMAGE COMICS

APR140560     CHEW #42 (MR)     $2.99
APR148351     COWL #1 2ND PTG (MR)     $3.50
APR140562     COWL #2 (MR)     $3.50
APR140512     DEAD BODY ROAD TP (MR)     $14.99
APR140563     DEADLY CLASS #6 (MR)     $3.50
APR140564     DREAM POLICE #3     $2.99
APR140570     FUSE #5 (MR)     $3.50
MAR140578     INVINCIBLE #112     $2.99
APR140576     MERCENARY SEA #5     $2.99
APR140481     OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #1 (MR)     $2.99
FEB140619     PETER PANZERFAUST #19     $3.50
APR140589     REVIVAL #21 (MR)     $2.99
APR148258     SAGA #19 2ND PTG (MR)     $2.99
APR140593     SAGA #20 (MR)     $2.99
APR140595     SEX #14 (MR)     $2.99
APR140599     SKULLKICKERS #28     $3.50
APR148350     SOUTHERN BASTARDS #2 2ND PTG (MR)     $3.50
APR140601     SOVEREIGN #4 (MR)     $2.99
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APR140612     UNDERTOW #5 CVR A TRAKHANOV (MR)     $2.99
APR140613     UNDERTOW #5 CVR B RINGUET (MR)     $2.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 25 2014

PREVIEWS PUBLICATIONS
MAY140001     PREVIEWS #310 JULY 2014     $4.50
MAY140004     PREVIEWS #310 JULY 2014 CUSTOMER ORDER FORM     PI

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
FEB140901     64-BIT ZOMBIE #1     $3.99
MAR141339     ABC WARRIORS MEK FILES HC VOL 01 (MR)     $42.00
APR141261     AIR GEAR GN VOL 31     $10.99
MAR141364     ALIEN LEGION UNCIVIL WAR #1     $3.99
NOV130800     ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #5 DIRECT MARKET CVR A     $3.99
NOV130801     ALL NEW EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS #5 DIRECT MARKET CVR B     $3.99
JAN141133     AMANDA HOCKING THE HOLLOWS GN     $14.99
APR141000     AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #1 MAIN CVRS     $3.99
APR140955     ANNE BONNIE #2     $3.99
MAR140836     ARCHIE COMICS SPECTACULAR SUMMER DAZE TP     $5.99
APR141484     ARE YOU ALICE GN VOL 05     $13.00
APR141167     ARMY OF DARKNESS VS HACK SLASH TP     $24.99
FEB141373     ASTERIX OMNIBUS HC VOL 09     $27.95
MAR141277     ASTERIX OMNIBUS SC VOL 07     $19.95
APR141262     ATTACK ON TITAN NO REGRETS GN VOL 01     $10.99
APR140857     B & V FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #239     $4.99
MAY141400     BARNABY HC VOL 02     $39.99
MAR141012     BARRACUDA GN VOL 02     $13.95
APR148228     BEE AND PUPPYCAT #1 (2ND PTG)     $3.99
APR141485     BLOODY CROSS GN VOL 03     $11.99
APR141339     BRASS SUN #2     $3.99
APR141026     BRAVEST WARRIORS #21 MAIN CVRS     $3.99
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APR141306     CLASSICS ILLUS HC VOL 19 TOM SAWYER     $9.99
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APR140904     CROSSED BADLANDS #56 (MR)     $3.99
APR140907     CROSSED BADLANDS #56 FATAL FANTASY CVR (MR)     $3.99
APR140906     CROSSED BADLANDS #56 TORTURE CVR (MR)     $3.99
APR140905     CROSSED BADLANDS #56 WRAP CVR (MR)     $3.99
APR141350     DANCE IN VAMPIRE BUND FORGOTTEN TALES GN (MR)     $13.99
FEB141436     DEATH SENTENCE HC     $22.99
APR140986     DEATHMATCH TP VOL 03     $14.99
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NOV131058     DF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ROMITA SR SGN MASTER SET     PI
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OCT131158     DF DYNAMIC 12 DAYS STARTER SET     PI
AUG131279     DF OCTOBER 5 STAR TRICKS AND TREATS STARTER SET     PI
NOV131061     DF PRETTY DEADLY #1 DECONNICK SGN     $14.99
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MAR140875     DISENCHANTED HC VOL 01 (MR)     $27.99
MAR140874     DISENCHANTED TP VOL 01 (MR)     $19.99
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MAY141063     EXTINCTION PARADE TP VOL 01 (MR)     $19.99
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APR141513     GFT WONDERLAND #24 C CVR ORTIZ (MR)     $3.99
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APR141509     GFT WONDERLAND CLASH OF QUEENS #5 C CVR GARZA (AOFD)     $3.99
APR141510     GFT WONDERLAND CLASH OF QUEENS #5 D CVR ORTIZ (AOFD)     $4.99
APR140808     GIRL GENIUS HC VOL 13 SLEEPING CITY     $50.00
APR140807     GIRL GENIUS TP VOL 13 SLEEPING CITY     $25.00
APR140923     GOD IS DEAD #15 (MR)     $3.99
APR140924     GOD IS DEAD #15 CARNAGE WRAP CVR (MR)     $3.99
APR140925     GOD IS DEAD #15 END OF DAYS CVR (MR)     $3.99
APR140926     GOD IS DEAD #15 ICONIC CVR (MR)     $3.99
MAR141354     HAGANAI I HAVE NO FRIENDS GN VOL 07 (MR)     $12.99
DEC131250     HARVEY HORRORS TOMB OF TERROR SOFTIE TP VOL 03     $24.99
APR141257     HOW I MADE THE WORLD ONE SHOT (MR)     $2.95
MAR141015     IZNOGOUD GN VOL 09 GRAND VIZIER     $13.95
APR141486     JUDGE GN VOL 04     $12.99
MAR140840     JUGHEAD & ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #3     $3.99
FEB140916     KADE TRIBAL SUN GN     $14.95
APR141291     LETTER 44 #7     $3.99
APR141213     LOCAS TP VOL 02 GIRL FROM HOPPERS (NEW PTG)     $19.99
APR148318     LUMBERJANES #2 (2ND PTG)     $3.99
FEB141196     MARK WAID GREEN HORNET #13     $3.99
APR140867     MEGA MAN #38 REG CVR     $2.99
JAN141063     MERCY SPARX #6 (MR)     $3.99
APR140996     MIDAS FLESH #7     $3.99
JAN141326     MODESTY BLAISE TP VOL 24 YOUNG MISTRESS     $19.95
MAR141112     NOIR TP VOL 01     $19.99
MAR141365     ORDINARY #2     $3.99
OCT128170     OURAN HS HOST CLUB GN VOL 01     $9.99
MAR141017     PANDORA BOX GN VOL 05 ENVY (MR)     $13.95
APR141028     PEANUTS VOL 2 #19     $3.99
APR141202     PIRATES I/T HEARTLAND HC VOL 01 CLAY WILSON (MR)     $34.99
DEC131251     PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE WORLDS HC VOL 01     $47.99
APR141487     PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA DIFFERENT STORY GN VOL 02     $13.00
APR140797     RACHEL RISING #26     $3.99
APR141059     RED TEN #6 (MR)     $3.99
APR140824     RITUAL THREE VILE DECAY (MR)     $6.95
APR140982     ROBOCOP HUMAN ELEMENT TP     $14.99
MAR141336     ROY THOMAS PRESENTS COLL PACK PLANET COMICS SLIPCASE ED     $129.99
MAR140963     RUSH CLOCKWORK ANGELS #3     $3.99
APR141266     SANKAREA GN VOL 07     $10.99
APR141230     SHACKLETON ANTARCTIC ODYSSEY GN     $16.99
APR141138     SHADOW MASTER SERIES TP VOL 02 (MR)     $24.99
APR141428     SHADOWMAN END TIMES #3 LAROSA CVR     $3.99
APR140979     SIX GUN GORILLA TP     $19.99
MAR141341     SLAINE LORD OF THE BEASTS TP (MR)     $29.99
APR141310     SMURFS GN VOL 18 FINANCE SMURF     $5.99
APR141311     SMURFS HC VOL 18 FINANCE SMURF     $10.99
APR141110     SOLAR MAN O/T ATOM #3     $3.99
FEB140946     SONIC MEGA MAN WORLDS COLLIDE TP VOL 03     $11.99
MAR141355     STRIKE WITCHES SKY THAT CONNECTS US GN (MR)     $12.99
APR141488     SWORD ART ONLINE FAIRY DANCE GN VOL 01     $13.00
APR141489     TALE OF WANING MOON GN VOL 04 (MR)     $17.00
APR141304     THANIEL #4 (MR)     $3.99
APR141100     TUROK DINOSAUR HUNTER #5 SEARS     $3.99
APR141258     UNFABULOUS FIVE HC     $24.95
MAR141018     VALERIAN GN VOL 07 ON FALSE EARTHS     $11.95
APR141313     WWE SUPERSTARS ONGOING TP VOL 01 MONEY I/T BANK     $9.99
APR148227     X-O MANOWAR #25 2ND PTG     $4.99
APR141419     X-O MANOWAR #26 CVR A REG (AH)     $3.99
APR141420     X-O MANOWAR #26 CVR B CHROM (AH)     $5.99

MAGAZINES
APR141659     COMIC SHOP NEWS #1410     PI
FEB141633     DC BATMAN AUTO FIG MAG #33 CLASSIC TV BATGIRL BIKE     $20.00
MAR141580     DC BATMAN AUTO FIG MAG #34 ARKHAM ASYLUM VIDEO GAME     $20.00
FEB141637     DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #58 CYBORG WHITE ROOK     $16.00
APR141662     DOCTOR WHO ESSENTIAL GUIDE #1 THE CYBERMEN     $19.99
FEB141672     FILMFAX #137     $9.95
MAR141338     JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #348     PI
APR141388     MONSTER HIGH MAGAZINE #8     $4.99

BOOKS
MAR141563     ART JAPANESE MONSTERS GODZILLA GAMERA & SF FILM ART HC (MR)     $59.99
MAR141564     HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER MINI KIT     $9.95
APR141557     ONCE UPON A DREAM FROM SLEEPING BEAUTY TO MALEFICE HC     $40.00
APR141232     SLEEP TIGHT ANNA BANANA YR GN     $15.99
APR141574     TMNT LIGHT & SOUND KEYCHAIN MINIATURE BOOK KIT     $12.95
APR141575     WORLD GONE WILD SURVIVORS GT POST APOCALYPTIC MOVIES HC     $34.99

One Piece: Coliseum of Scoundrels

I read One Piece, Vol. 71

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

I Reads You Review: INHUMAN #2

INHUMAN #2
MARVEL COMICS - @Marvel

WRITER: Charles Soule
ARTIST: Joe Madureira
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC’s Clayton Cowles
COVER:  Joe Madureira and Marte Gracia
VARIANT COVER: Frank Cho with Jason Keith
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2014)

Rated T+

Party 2: The Queen in the Sky

The Inhumans are a race of superhumans that appear in Marvel Comics.  This race was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee and first appeared in Fantastic Four #45 (cover dated: December 1965).  They are a strain of humanity that began with genetic manipulation by visitors to Earth from an alien civilization (the Kree) long ago in human prehistory.

The last year has seen the Inhumans begin to have a more prominent place in the Marvel Universe.  There is a new Inhumans comic book series, entitled Inhuman, written by Charles Soule, drawn by Joe Madureira, colored by Marte Gracia, and lettered Clayton Cowles.  Recently, the re-launched The Amazing Spider-Man #1 (thankfully) reprinted the sold-out Inhuman #1 (Part 1: Genesis).

Inhuman #2 (“The Queen in the Sky”) opens in the remains of Attilan, the capital city of the Inhumans, now located in the Hudson River on the New York/New Jersey border.  Inside, the former human musician Dante is trying to understand what happened to him.  He was exposed to the Terrigan Cloud, a runaway dispersion of the Terrigan Mists.  Anyone with Inhuman DNA buried in their genetic code undergoes a stunning transformation when exposed to the Terrigan Mists.  Post exposure, Dante has a tendency to suddenly burst into flame, and now, he wants to be cured or else…

Meanwhile, Medusa, Queen of the Inhumans and wife of Black Bolt (the presumed dead King of the Inhumans), tries to hold Attilan together.  She must also reach out both to the new Inhumans created by the rogue Terrigan Cloud and to humanity at large.  Now, Captain America wants a word with her.

I am enjoying Inhuman as much as I enjoyed writer Paul Jenkins and artist Jae Lee’s 1999, twelve-issue miniseries, Inhumans.  To be honest, my initial interest in Inhuman had to do with the announcement that the series artist would be Joe Madureira, whom I have admired going back to his early work on Deadpool and Uncanny X-Men for Marvel in and around 1993-94.  With Inhuman, the combination of his compositions with Marte Gracia’s colors is producing Madureira’s most energetic art and most vigorous storytelling since his creator-owned series, Battle Chasers.

The driving force behind Inhuman, however, might be writer Charles Soule.  He juggles multiple conspiracies, subplots, groups of characters, motivations, and storylines like a maestro of must-watch, soap opera television.  Perhaps, it was fate that made Matt Fraction, the writer originally intended to helm Inhuman, depart the series because of “creative differences.”  Fate knew what Charles Soule could do with this title.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

I Reads You Review: BATMAN ’66 MEETS THE GREEN HORNET #1

BATMAN ’66 MEETS THE GREEN HORNET #1
DC COMICS/DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @DCComics and @dynamitecomics

WRITERS: Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman
ARTIST: Ty Templeton
COLORS: Tony Avina
LETTERS: Wes Abbott
COVER: Alex Ross
VARIANT COVER: Michael Allred and Laura Allred
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2014)

Rated E (Everyone)

Starring Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin, the television series, “Batman,” debuted on the ABC television network in January 1966 and was an immediate success.  That apparently encouraged Greenway Productions and 20th Century Fox Television, the company’s behind “Batman,” to bring another costumed superhero to network television.

Later that same year, ABC debuted “The Green Hornet,” a television series based on The Green Hornet, a character that first appeared on radio.  Van Williams starred as the Green Hornet and his civilian identity, Britt Reid, and the legendary Bruce Lee played the Hornet’s martial-artist partner, Kato.  The series ran for one season from 1966 to 1967.

Van Williams and Bruce Lee made cameo appearances as the Green Hornet and Kato on the Batman TV series, during the second season.  Later that same season, the Green Hornet and Kato appeared in the two-part episode, “A Piece of the Action” and “Batman's Satisfaction” (first aired on March 1–2, 1967).  The episodes feature the Green Hornet and Kato in Batman’s Gotham City, trying to foil a counterfeit stamp ring run by Colonel Gumm.

Debuting in 2013, Batman ’66 is a comic book series that is inspired by the classic 1960s “Batman” TV series.  Now, DC Comics is publishing a Batman ’66 miniseries that teams Batman and Robin of that show with the Green Hornet and Kato of the 1966-67 television program.  Entitled Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet, the six-issue comic book miniseries is written by Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman, drawn by Ty Templeton, colored by Tony Aviña, and lettered by Wes Abbot.

Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet #1 (“On the Wrong Track’) finds millionaire Bruce Wayne, who is Batman, and his young ward, Dick Grayson, who is Robin, at home in stately Wayne Manor.  Bruce and Dick are discussing Dick’s date with a young woman for later in the evening, but this domestic scene is about to be interrupted.

A call from Commissioner Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department alerts Bruce to potential trouble.  Soon, Bruce is aboard the Gotham Express, accompanying a priceless fossil collection as it is being transported to another city.

Once aboard, Bruce discovers that he is acquainted with two other passengers:  playboy and media mogul Britt Reid, the owner and publisher of the big city newspaper, The Daily Sentinel, and Kato, Reid’s valet.  It seems that they are also concerned about the safety of the fossil collection.  They are about to discover, however, that a villain, familiar to Batman and the Green Hornet, wants the fossils, and it will take the combined effort of Batman and Robin and The Green Hornet and Kato to stop him.

As a child, I was a huge fan of the 1960’s ABC Batman program; as an adult, I like the series, but not as much as I once did.  I like ABC’s similar series, “The Green Hornet,” but I doubt that I have seen even half the episodes that aired during the series’ single season, which numbers at 26, I think.

I don’t know how to describe what I think or even how I feel about Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet.  Perhaps, I am mildly entertained.  It is like an homage to the original television series that is not sure if it should send up the originals or pen a love letter.  I can see the heavy-hand of Kevin Smith, the movie director who has been writing comic books since the 1990s.  I think Smith wants this comic book to seem like the old TV shows, but also seems as if he is not sure if the politically correct thing to do is mock the television shows or to slavishly imitate them.

I have been an admirer of artist Ty Templeton, but his work on Batman ’66 Meets The Green Hornet is mechanical.  Even the coloring is unimaginative.  Will I read more of this?  If I am overcome by nostalgic love for the old TV shows, I might.

C+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Tiger and Bunny: Mad Bears

I read Tiger & Bunny, Vol. 5

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which is seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #46

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? #46
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Scott Gross, John Rozum
PENCILS: Fabio Laguna, Leo Batic
INKS: Fabio Laguna, Horacio Ottolini
COLORS: Candace Schinzler-Bell, Heroic Age
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte, Nick J. Napolitano
EDITOR: Aniz Ansari
COVER: Scott Gross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2014)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46 is the most recent issue that I have received through my subscription to the title.  Join me as I continue my journey through the current Scooby-Doo comic book series with a review of the forty-sixth issue.  Why is this happening, those of you who are new might ask?  I bought a subscription to Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? via a fundraiser held by my nephew’s school last year, which involved selling magazine subscriptions.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46 opens with “Awesomelantis Rises” (written by Scott Gross and drawn by Fábio Laguna).  After Shaggy and Scooby, through their usual antics, dig up a mysterious artifact, The Mystery Inc. gang visits a local university.  In the Marine Archeology Department, Professor Varzi tells them that he believes the artifact to be a relic of the long-lost city of Atlantis.  When a group of creatures calling themselves “Atlanteans” show up, the gang has another mystery to solve.

“A Wolf in Creep’s Clothing” (written by John Rozum and drawn by Leo Batic and Horacio Ottolini) finds the gang at a monster convention, “Monster Mix 2004.”  This is the one place where Shaggy and Scooby can feel safe around monsters, because these monsters are only fans in costumes.  However, the ghost of Patricia Millicent, the late, famed movie monster costume designer, is terrorizing the contestants of the convention’s costume contest.  And Shag and Scoob have to solve this mystery on their own, as Fred, Daphne, Velma are trapped on a convention panel.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46 offers two delightful tongue-in-cheek stories.  Both trade in classic Scooby-Doo scenarios, while gently poking fun at how Mystery Inc. solves cases.  “Awesomelantis Rises” is a mystery so obviously not about the supernatural, but the art by Fábio Laguna is a treat.  It is also funny to see what is essentially a children’s comic book making a pointed attack on commercial exploitation of history and on frivolous commercial real estate development.

“A Wolf in Creep’s Clothing” is a reprint from Scooby-Doo #92 (the Scooby-Doo series prior to this one).  I like Scooby-Doo stories that take place at conventions and at other behind-the-scenes locales like a movie lot, a circus, or a theatre where stage plays are performed.  Writer John Rozum spoofs figures that are well-known in monster films, television, and fiction, such as Hellboy’s Mike Mignola (as Mike Magnolia) and Stephen King (as Steve Kingman).  This story left me wanting more Scooby-Doo, and Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #46, as a whole, makes me want to re-subscribe.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 18 2014

DC COMICS

APR140217 BATMAN AND RAS AL GHUL #32 $2.99
APR140207 BATMAN ETERNAL #11 $2.99
APR140219 BATWOMAN #32 $2.99
MAR140270 BEFORE WATCHMEN COMEDIAN RORSCHACH TP $19.99
MAR140271 BEFORE WATCHMEN NITE OWL DR MANHATTAN TP $19.99
APR140293 FABLES #141 (MR) $2.99
FEB140264 GRAPHIC INK THE DC COMICS ART OF FRANK QUITELY HC $39.99
FEB140249 GREEN LANTERN LIGHTS OUT HC (N52) $24.99
APR140237 GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #32 $2.99
APR140223 HARLEY QUINN #7 $2.99
MAR140254 LARFLEEZE TP VOL 01 REVOLT OF THE ORANGE LANTERNS (N52) $16.99
APR140288 MAD MAGAZINE #528 $5.99
APR140164 NEW 52 FUTURES END #7 (WEEKLY) $2.99
MAR140292 PREACHER TP BOOK 04 (MR) $19.99
APR140230 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #32 $2.99
MAR148293 SANDMAN OVERTURE #1 2ND PTG (MR) $4.99
APR140248 SCRIBBLENAUTS UNMASKED CRISIS OF IMAGINATION #6 $2.99
MAR140268 SHOWCASE PRESENTS GREAT DISASTER FEAT THE ATOMIC KNIGHTS TP $19.99
APR140200 SUPERGIRL #32 $2.99
MAR140259 SUPERMAN HEL ON EARTH TP (N52) $19.99
JAN140236 SUPERMAN S-SHIELD LED SIGN PI
APR140287 TEEN TITANS GO #4 $2.99
APR140180 TRINITY OF SIN PANDORA #12 $2.99
APR140301 UNWRITTEN VOL 2 APOCALYPSE #6 (MR) $3.99
APR140186 WONDER WOMAN #32 $2.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

DEC130361 JUSTICE LEAGUE WAR FLASH AF $19.95
DEC130364 JUSTICE LEAGUE WAR GREEN LANTERN AF $19.95
DEC130363 JUSTICE LEAGUE WAR SHAZAM AF $19.95
DEC130362 JUSTICE LEAGUE WAR SUPERMAN AF $19.95
DEC130360 JUSTICE LEAGUE WAR WONDER WOMAN AF $19.95

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 18 2014

MARVEL COMICS

MAR140766 ALL NEW X-FACTOR TP VOL 01 NOT BRAND X $17.99
MAR140762 AMAZING X-MEN TP VOL 01 QUEST FOR NIGHTCRAWLER $17.99
APR140645 AVENGERS #31 SIN $3.99
MAR140781 AVENGERS EPIC COLLECTION TP JUDGMENT DAY $34.99
APR140662 AVENGERS WORLD #8 ANMN $3.99
MAR140767 AVENGERS WORLD TP VOL 01 AIMPIRE $16.99
APR140709 DAREDEVIL #4 $3.99
APR140704 ELEKTRA #3 $3.99
MAR140779 GALACTUS DEVOURER TP $24.99
MAR140685 GEORGE ROMEROS EMPIRE OF DEAD ACT ONE #5 $3.99
APR140685 IRON MAN #28 ANMN $3.99
APR140708 IRON PATRIOT #4 $3.99
APR148147 MILES MORALES ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #1 2ND PTG MARQUEZ VAR $3.99
APR148152 MOON KNIGHT #1 3RD PTG SHALVEY VAR ANMN $3.99
APR148153 MOON KNIGHT #2 3RD PTG SHALVEY VAR ANMN $3.99
APR148148 MOON KNIGHT #3 2ND PTG SHALVEY VAR ANMN $3.99
APR148154 MS MARVEL #2 3RD PTG MCKELVIE VAR ANMN $2.99
APR140636 NOVA #18 SIN $3.99
APR140630 ORIGINAL SIN #4 $3.99
APR140698 PUNISHER #7 $3.99
APR148155 SHE-HULK #1 3RD PTG WADA VAR ANMN $2.99
APR148149 SILVER SURFER #2 2ND PTG ALLRED VAR ANMN $3.99
MAR140654 SILVER SURFER #3 ANMN $3.99
APR148150 SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #31 2ND PTG CAMUNCOLI VAR ANMN $5.99
MAR140765 SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 06 GOBLIN NATION $19.99
APR140691 THOR GOD OF THUNDER #23 $3.99
APR140695 THUNDERBOLTS #27 $2.99
APR140675 ULTIMATE FF #3 $3.99
APR140720 UNCANNY X-MEN #22 $3.99
APR140734 WOLVERINE AND X-MEN #5 $3.99
APR140728 X-MEN #15 $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for June 18 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

MAR140376 ARCHIE SWINGIN SIXTIES DAILY NEWSPAPER COMICS 1963-1965 HC $49.99
JAN140431 CHARLES SCHULZ PEANUTS ARTIST ED HC PI
APR140420 DEADWORLD RESTORATION TP $19.99
APR140385 JUDGE DREDD MEGA CITY TWO DIRECTORS CUT #1 $4.99
APR140389 KILL SHAKESPEARE MASK OF NIGHT #1 $3.99
APR140360 LITTLEST PET SHOP #2 $3.99
APR140365 MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #6 $3.99
FEB140359 PARKER THE HUNTER NOVEL HC ILLUS BY DARWYN COOKE $29.99
APR140446 POPEYE CLASSICS ONGOING #23 $3.99
APR140352 POWERPUFF GIRLS #10 $3.99
APR140357 SAMURAI JACK #9 $3.99
APR140345 STAR TREK CITY O/T EDGE OF FOREVER #1 $3.99
APR140346 STAR TREK CITY O/T EDGE OF FOREVER #1 SUBSCRIPTION VARIANT $3.99
APR140435 STARSTRUCK TREASURY ED $9.99
APR140374 TMNT ONGOING #35 $3.99
APR140372 TMNT TURTLES IN TIME #1 $3.99
APR140418 V-WARS #3 $3.99
APR140380 WINTERWORLD #1 $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 18 2014

DARK HORSE COMICS

APR140024 1 FOR $1 STRAIN #1 $1.00
APR140054 AXE COP AMERICAN CHOPPERS #2 $3.99
FEB140025 BLOODHOUND TP VOL 02 CROWBAR MEDICINE $19.99
APR140014 BPRD HELL ON EARTH #120 $3.50
APR140038 BRAIN BOY MEN FROM GESTALT #2 $2.99
APR140020 BTVS SEASON 10 #4 MAIN CVR $3.50
FEB140086 CHRONICLES OF KING CONAN TP VOL 08 ROAD EMPIRE $19.99
FEB140079 CLOWN FATALE TP (MR) $17.99
FEB140078 CRIMINAL MACABRE EYES OF FRANKENSTEIN TP $17.99
APR140074 EYE OF NEWT #1 $3.99
JAN140221 LEGEND OF KORRA PATCH AIR $4.99
JAN140220 LEGEND OF KORRA PATCH EARTH $4.99
JAN140222 LEGEND OF KORRA PATCH FIRE $4.99
JAN140223 LEGEND OF KORRA PATCH WATER $4.99
FEB140107 NGE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT TP VOL 14 $9.99
FEB140087 PORTENT TP ASHES $17.99
APR140057 STAR WARS DARTH MAUL SON OF DATHOMIR #2 $3.50
APR140072 WITCHER #4 $3.99
APR140012 WITCHFINDER MYSTERIES OF UNLAND #1 $3.50

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 18 2014

IMAGE COMICS

APR140557 ALEX + ADA #7 $2.99
MAR140562 APHRODITE IX #11 $3.99
APR140565 DRUMHELLAR #6 CVR A ROSSMO (MR) $3.50
APR140566 DRUMHELLAR #6 CVR B TEMPLESMITH (MR) $3.50
FEB140600 FATALE #23 (MR) $3.50
FEB140525 GLORY COMPLETE SAGA HC $34.99
APR148250 INVINCIBLE #111 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99
APR140574 MANHATTAN PROJECTS #21 $3.50
MAR148190 MANHATTAN PROJECTS #21 BLANK SKETCH CVR $3.50
APR140577 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #11 CVR A OEMING $3.99
APR140578 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #11 CVR B SANTOS & FREE $3.99
APR140579 MINIMUM WAGE #6 (MR) $3.50
APR140580 MPH #2 CVR A FEGREDO $2.99
APR140581 MPH #2 CVR B CANETE $2.99
APR148239 MPH #2 CVR C LEINIL YU $2.99
APR148240 MPH #2 CVR D LEINIL YU $2.99
OCT130620 SAVAGE DRAGON #195 (MR) $3.99
APR140596 SEX CRIMINALS #6 (MR) $3.50
FEB140537 VELVET TP VOL 01 BEFORE THE LIVING END (MR) $9.99
APR140486 WICKED & DIVINE #1 CVR A MCKELVIE & WILSON (MR) $3.50
FEB148313 WICKED & DIVINE #1 CVR B MCKELVIE & WILSON (MR) $3.50
FEB148314 WICKED & DIVINE #1 CVR C OMALLEY (MR) $3.50

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 18 2014

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

APR140956 A PIGGYS TALE #2 $2.99
APR141004 ADVENTURE TIME #29 MAIN CVRS $3.99
APR141014 ADVENTURE TIME ENCHIRIDION ED HC VOL 01 $74.99
FEB141091 ADVENTURE TIME SUGARY SHORTS HC VOL 01 NYCC EXC $49.99
APR141170 ALICE THE 101ST GN VOL 04 $12.95
NOV130802 ALL NEW FATHOM #7 DIRECT MARKET CVR A $3.99
NOV130803 ALL NEW FATHOM #7 DIRECT MARKET CVR B $3.99
JAN140887 ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5 DIRECT MARKET CVR A $3.99
JAN140888 ALL NEW SOULFIRE #5 DIRECT MARKET CVR B $3.99
MAR140834 ARCHIE #656 REG CVR $2.99
MAR140838 ARCHIE FUNHOUSE DOUBLE DOUBLE DIGEST #6 $5.99
FEB120952 ART OF RAMONA FRADON HC SIGNED ED $49.99
APR141289 AUTEUR #4 (MR) $3.99
FEB141023 BALLISTIC #5 (MR) $3.50
APR141478 BATTLE ROYALE ANGELS BORDER GN (MR) $12.99
MAR141123 BIONIC MAN TP VOL 03 END OF EVERYTHING $24.99
MAR141013 BLAKE & MORTIMER GN VOL 18 OATH FIVE LORDS $15.95
APR140831 CAVEWOMAN 20TH ANN 2014 FULL COLOR SHOWBOOK (MR) PI
DEC130985 CLIVE BARKER NEXT TESTAMENT #10 (MR) $3.99
MAR141122 DARK SHADOWS YEAR ONE TP $24.99
MAR141150 DF DEJAH OF MARS #1 RISQUE DF EXCLUSIVE CVR $29.99
APR140894 DICKS TP VOL 02 (MR) $19.99
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Magi: All About the Kou Empire Benjamins

I read Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Vol. 6

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin, which has free smart phone apps and comics and is also seeking donations.  Follow me on Twitter.

Book Review: SLEEP TIGHT, ANNA BANANA

SLEEP TIGHT, ANNA BANANA
FIRST SECOND BOOKS – @01FirstSecond

WRITER: Dominique Roques
TRANSLATION: Mark Siegel
ART: Alexis Dormal
LETTERS: Marion Vitus
ISBN: 978-1-62672-019-0; hardcover (June 17, 2014) 10.5” x 7.75”
24pp, Color, $15.99 US, $18.50 CAN

Ages: 3 to 7-years-old

First Second Books is bringing Anna Banana to America.  This little star of European children’s books is the creation of Dominique Roques and Alexis Dormal, a mother-son author-illustrator team that creates children’s picture books.  Their bio says that when Dominique discovered that one of her two sons, Alexis, had become a picture book illustrator, she began writing stories for him to illustrate.

Together they have published several picture books starring Anna Banana.  Last year, I discovered that First Second Books was going to publish one of them, Ana Ana – Douce nuit, in the spring of 2014 as Sleep Tight, Anna Banana.  The title attracted me because I have a niece named Anna, so last year, I asked First Second for a copy for review.  They remembered, and I received a copy just recently.

Sleep Tight, Anna Banana introduces Anna Banana, a lively little girl who can be a fearsome tyrant to her stuffed animal toys.  These anthropomorphic stuffed animal pals are Zigzag (a rabbit), Fuzzball (some kind of Muppet-like monster), Pingpong (a penguin), Foxface (a fox), Whaley (a whale), and Grizzler (a bear).  One night, Anna is enjoying a good book, so she is not ready to settle down and go to sleep.  However, Anna’s stuffed animal friends are tired and just want to go to sleep.  Now, they have to turn the tables on Anna, but can they win?

I have been eagerly anticipating Sleep Tight, Anna Banana’s release, and having just read it, I am not disappointed.  This is a children’s picture book.  While the story is told by an unseen narrator, Anna’s dialogue is spoken in word balloons.  In a way, Sleep Tight, Anna Banana blurs the line between the children’s picture book and the comic book or graphic novel.

This format allows the narrator to tell a lively story, but Anna’s dialogue is what really punctuates the action and conflict in the story.  Mark Siegel’s translation of Dominique Roques’ exposition and dialogue seems to match Alexis Dormal’s illustrated and graphical storytelling.  This allows readers to get the best of both the picture book and comic book formats.

First Second plans on publishing a second Anna Banana book in 2015, and this first book is an excellent way to introduce what is an inspired concept for a children’s book.  Sleep Tight, Anna Banana is one of my favorite reads of the year, and my only complaint is that I wish it were longer.  Adults looking for a good picture book for readers 3 to 7-years-old will want to choose Sleep Tight, Anna Banana.

A

www.dargaud.com
www.firstsecondbooks.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.