Friday, June 30, 2017

The Adventures of NIKKI HARRIS the Cybermation Witch #10

THE ADVENTURES OF NIKKI HARRIS THE CYBERMATION WITCH No. 10
CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics – @candlelightpres @attila71

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Carter Allen – @attila71
32pp, Color, $3.00 U.S. (2016 – 3rd)

The Fall of Nikki Harris, Part1: “Save the Day”

When last we saw her, Nikki Harris (cybermation witch and sci-fi heroine) played the role of god-killer as she stopped “Planet Gods” from freezing the people of the planet Pluto in their icy grip.  However, Nikki finds herself not being received as a conquering hero should.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch #10 (“Save the Day”) opens on Dogura Prime, where Nikki Harris makes time to stop a bank robbery.  Hold up!  There is a new superhero team in town, “Justice C,” and its members think Nikki is more trouble than she is worth.  Captain Cyclops, Arma Oculta, Crimson Cload, Lectronik, Burbuja, and Tiger Titan believe they have everything in hand, and that Nikki should learn to play better with others.  The Green Stygma thinks they all suck.

The Adventures of Nikki Harris the Cybermation Witch is always entertaining.  It not only gets better with each issue, but it also offers some new, novel treat with each installment.  Creator Carter Allen embraces the inherent weirdness of comic books and presents his readers with inventive characters.

Nikki Harris #10 continues to head towards the end of the series as if no such thing were going to happen.  This issue is as fresh as the early issues.  How could Nikki Harris end when her comic book is still showing us a new side to this world and also new characters, all of which make the colorful sci-fi comedy even more colorful.  It is not too late to enjoy Nikki Harris (the daughter of Princess Leia and Wedge Antilles); back issues and a trade paperback are available.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/
www.nikkithewitch.com
www.warningcomics.com

The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.


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I Reads You Juniors June 2017 - Update #30

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Welcome to the I Reads You blog.  It's May 2017.  This post and its updates will offer news and blurb reviews.

From BleedingCool:  More information on "Marvel Legacy" and the "Generations" one-shots.

From GoFundMe:  Veteran comic book writer-artist and WWII veteran, Sam Glanzman, needs the help of his fans and admirers as he goes through hospice.

From BleedingCool:  At this year's San Diego Comic-Con International, IDW will use a multi-media display to showcase 1300 pages of Jack Kirby's artwork.  This year is the 100th anniversary of his birth (August 28, 1917).

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet Episode #123 in English.

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet Episode #123 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Fandemic Tour is a new brand of comic conventions created by John Macaluso, ex-CEO of Wizard World.

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BLURB REVIEW:

Generation X #1 (Marvel Comics – July 2017) by Christina Strain and Amilcar Pinna with Felipe Sobreiro

Why is Marvel Comics reviving the mid-1990s X-Men title, Generation X (1994 to 2001; 75 issues)?  Well, it's a title/trademark they own, and since they are in the middle of the latest X-Men reboot/revival (called “ResurrXion”), and they need new X-titles, why not?

This new series focuses on a “newer” generation of mutants, with Jubilee being the only original member to belong to this new iteration.  I read the original Generation X for a number of years, mainly because of Chris Bachalo's incredible detailed and textured art.  Current series artist Amilcar Pinna does nothing for me, and writer Christina Strain's script does not inspire me to keep reading.  I am not interested in the characters, and the name, term, or phrase, “Generation X,” simply does not have the power or draw it once did.


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From BleedingCool:  A look at the Marvel "Legacy" covers.

From SideshowToys:  See an older Jack Burton in the upcoming "Big Trouble in Little China" comic book series, "Old Man Jack."

From BleedingCool:  Longtime comic book artist, Rich Buckler, died of cancer in May of this year at the age of 68.  The Marvel Comics' shipping today, June 21st, will have feature a memorial page to him.

From CBB:  Deejay Dayton's "DC Comics History" looks at "Mademmoiselle Marie," from the "Star Spangled War Stories" comic book series.

From CBR:  Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons' "The Secret Service" comic book (which became the film, "Kingsman: The Secret Service") has a sequel, which will be written by Rob Williams and drawn by Simon Fraser.

From BleedingCool:  Enrico Marini is creating a Batman graphic novel, exclusively for French publisher, Dargaud.  The book will be published in two volumes - one this year and the second volume next year.

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment is publishing a comic book series that will offer the origins of the character "John Wick" from the popular film franchise.  Greg Pak is writing and Giovanni Valletta.

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet Episode #122 in English
From CBB:  Johnny Bullet Episode #122 in French.

From BusinessWire:  20th Century Fox Film buys a "significant minority stake" in indie comics publisher, BOOM! Studios, according to this press release.

--------------------------
BLURB REVIEW:

Reborn #6 (Image Comics – June 2017) by Mark Millar and Greg Capullo with Jonathan Glapion

Mark Millar's latest comic book-as-Hollywood pitch, Reborn, ends with a sixth issue.  Meh.  It has it moments, some of them quite evocative, but Reborn seems like something in which the best is yet to come, or at least the actual story is yet to come.  Apparently, there are plans for several more volumes of Reborn.  I liked Greg Capullo's imaginative character and creature designs and sets; in fact, there are three pages of Capullo's concept sketches at the end of this issue.

Also, is it just me or does much of Reborn seem to be inspired by Ridley Scott's ambitious, but troubled fantasy film, Legend (1985)?

--------------------------

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics may be publishing a series of comic books from horror novelists for Halloween.

From BleedingCool:   IDW Publishing is beginning is new Hasbro crossover event (G.I. Joe, Transformers, Micronauts, Rom, etc.) with "First Strike #0," a free comic book - in print and online.

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BLURB REVIEW:

Jean Grey #1 (Marvel Comics – July 2017) by Dennis Hopeless and Victor Ibanez with Jay David Ramos

I think that this is the first solo Jean Grey comic book title in the 50+ years of X-Men comic books.  Maybe, Marvel had to take its time to get it right, because this Jean Grey comic book is right.  Writer Dennis Hopeless makes Jean Grey's powers seem fun with an imaginative display of tossing villains and juggling objects.  I like Victor Ibanez's interior art, but not as much as I like that of series cover artist, David Yardin.  Still, there is something fresh and sparkling about Ibánez's art, which is enhanced by Jay David Ramos' shimmering colors.  I can't wait to read more, especially because of the teaser the last page offers.

---------------------------

From CBR:  There might have been a Frank Miller/Bill Sienkiewicz Wonder Woman bondage comic book.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel will ship preview copies of "Legacy #1" to retailers in September.

From ICv2:  Hasbro is throwing its own convention, Hascon, on September 8-10, 2017.  Stan Lee will be a guest.

From TheBeat:  Marvel month-to-month sales chart March 2017 to April 2017.

From CBB:  Leroy reviews "Everyone's Getting Married Vol. 5."

From BleedingCool:  Jimmie Robinson ("Bomb Queen," "The Empty")  talks about not drawing for a year.

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet #120 in English.

From CBB:  Johnny Bullet #120 in French.

From WomenWriteAboutComics:  Yeah, why is Marvel Comics' "Generation X" back?

From BleedingCool:  See Spider-Man's Mary Jane Watson as several Avengers, courtesy of artist J. Scott Campbell.

From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books announces a new anthology, "Now," to be edited by Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds.

From BleedingCool:  There will be more from the world of Mark Millar's comic, "The Secret Service," which became the movie, "Kingsman: The Secret Service."

From BleedingCool:  In "Wildstorm: A Celebration Of 25 Years," fans will see the uncensored versions of Mark Millar and Frank Quitely's "The Authority" #13 to 14.

From ComicBookBin:  Today's lesson in "DC Comics History" is "The Wyoming Kid" (1960 to 1964) by Deejay Dayton.


Thursday, June 29, 2017

Review: BLACK #1

BLACK No. 1
BLACKMASK STUDIO

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kwanza Osajyefo
DESIGNER: Tim Smith 3
ART: Jamal Igle with Steven Walker
INKS: Jamal Igle; Robin Riggs
TONES: Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Dave Sharpe
COVER: Khary Randolph
VARIANT COVER: Ashley A. Woods
2-Color, $3.99 U.S.

“Chapter One”

Black is a new comic book miniseries created by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3.  This comic book was introduced to the public as a Kickstarter project seeking to earn $29,999, but ultimately earned almost $100,000.  Black is set in a world where only Black people have super-powers.

Black is written by Osajyefo and is drawn by Jamal Igle (pencils) and Robin Riggs (inks); toned by Sarah Stern; and lettered by Dave Sharpe.  Khary Randolph is the cover artist, and Steve Walker assists Igle on the interior art.

Black #1 opens with Officer Ellen Waters of the New York Police Department (NYPD) recounting a shocking incident.  She witnessed three young Black teenagers mistakenly misidentified as three perpetrators of an armed robbery.  They are subsequently shot down in a hail of bullets by White police officers.  Officer Waters witnesses one of the three, Kareem Jenkins, get up from his injuries as if he were never harmed.  What Waters does not realize is that the truth behind Jenkins miraculous survival is even more mind-blowing.

I remember the Kickstarter campaign for Black, and I was impressed by what the team behind it presented to the public.  I was shocked by how successful it was, as it reached its campaign goal in a short time before going on to raise about three times that goal.  Although I was impressed, I forgot about the campaign.  I only remembered after seeing a listing for Black #1 as a new release on the website for comic book distributor, Diamond Distributors.  I was fortunate enough to receive a PDF copy of Black #1 for review.

I have often thought about what it would be like to create a comic book set in a world in which only Black people had super-powers.  I am glad that Kwanza Osajyefo (the former editor of DC Comics' “webcomics” imprint, ZUDA) and Tim Smith 3 (who has worked for Marvel, DC Comics, and Archie Comics, among others) had the gall or the balls to create just such a comic book.

For some readers, the idea of a world in which only Black people have super-powers may be controversial or perhaps, a bridge-too-far, but for nearly three decades, the fictional worlds of American superhero comic books only imagined White men and a few White women with super-powers.  There were even pets and inanimate objects with super-powers before comic book characters of color gained powers.  Black's central conceit alone makes Black #1 a riveting, gripping read.

The other thing that makes this first issue so thrilling, without spoiling it, is that the focus is on the hunt for Kareem Jenkins.  Osajyefo pounds out a script that drags the readers along and makes them think that they are also imperiled.  Jamal Igle's quicksilver compositions visualize the story in lurid detail, especially in the sequence that goes from the explosive hail of bullets to the heart-stopping resurrection-like rise of Kareem.

Black, of course, is timely.  That is both fortunate and unfortunate.  The last decade in the United States has been troubling.  It began with the persecution and prosecution of the Black male teenagers known as the “Jena 6” and continues with the latest killings of unarmed Black males or shootings of Black males in general by law enforcement officials and armed White vigilantes.  Activism concerning justice and equality for African-Americans has exploded, with people of all skin colors and ethnicities joining the activism and protests.  That is fortunate.  It is unfortunate that young Black teenagers have had to die to force a movement that should have not slumbered to awaken again.

Still, out of these dark times, we may have, in Black, one of the few American comic books in a long time that means something important beyond the market and the medium.  Black #1 is not perfect, as some of it (so far) relies on a few tired tropes of superhero and science fiction storytelling.  Still, the first issue of Black is a great start.

A-
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Review: GOLDEN KAMUY Volume 1

GOLDEN KAMUY, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Satoru Noda
TRANSLATION: Eiji Yasuda
LETTERING: Steve Dutro
EDITOR: Mike Montessa
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9488-0; paperback (June 2017); Rated “M” for “Mature”
192pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Golden Kamuy is a historical drama from manga creator Satoru Noda.  The story follows a war veteran's quest for hidden gold in Japan's wild northern frontier and the native Ainu girl who helps him.

Golden Kamuy, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 7) opens early in 20th century Japan.  Saichi “Immortal” Sugimoto, a veteran of the Russo-Japanese war, is scrapping out a meager existence during the postwar gold rush on the wild frontier of Hokkaido.  Sugimoto is called “Immortal” because he refused to die during the war and killed anyone who tried to kill him.

Sugimoto will need all his survival skills after he stumbles upon the first “piece” of a map leading to a fortune in hidden gold belonging to the Ainu (an indigenous people of Japan and Russia).  However, ruthless criminals and rogue Japanese soldiers are also hunting for the gold in the harsh northern wilderness.  It will take all Sugimoto's skills and the help of a immensely-skilled Ainu girl named Asirpa to survive, let alone find the gold.

The Golden Kamuy manga simply stuns me.  It is one of the best comics that I have read all year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it make some “best of 2017” lists.

In the seven chapters that compose Golden Kamuy Volume 1, creator Satoru Noda seems to do everything right.  There is tremendous technical details concerning costumes, uniforms, tools, guns and ammunition, etc.  The story deftly mixes elements of both man vs. man and man vs. nature, with a battle against a monstrous brown bear being a standout.  In a way, Golden Kamuy seems like an American frontier Western film or story.

There are scenes of taut action, intimate drama, and tense duels played out between well drawn characters.  The Ainu girl, Asirpa, is not really a supporting character.  She is every bit as interesting as Sugimoto (if not more so).  The adversaries of the series leads are a growing menagerie of mysterious, lethal, and alluring characters.  I can't wait for the second volume.  Fans of Westerns and of Japanese historical dramas will want to try the VIZ Signature title, Golden Kamuy.

A
9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, June 26, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 28, 2017

DC COMICS

MAR170450    ABSOLUTE Y THE LAST MAN HC VOL 03 (MR)    $125.00
APR170264    ACTION COMICS #982    $2.99
APR170265    ACTION COMICS #982 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170447    ASTRO CITY #45 (RES)    $3.99
APR170273    BATGIRL #12    $3.99
APR170274    BATGIRL #12 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170383    BATMAN 66 MEETS WONDER WOMAN 77 #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR170277    BATMAN BEYOND #9    $3.99
APR170278    BATMAN BEYOND #9 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR170403    BATMAN BEYOND TP VOL 01 ESCAPING THE GRAVE (REBIRTH)    $16.99
FEB170302    BATMAN BY AZZARELLO & RISSO DELUXE ED HC    $39.99
APR170357    BATMAN ELMER FUDD SPECIAL #1    $4.99
APR170358    BATMAN ELMER FUDD SPECIAL #1 VAR ED    $4.99
APR170371    BATMAN THE SHADOW #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR170372    BATMAN THE SHADOW #3 (OF 6) RISSO VAR ED    $3.99
APR170373    BATMAN THE SHADOW #3 (OF 6) SALE VAR ED    $3.99
APR170285    BLUE BEETLE #10    $3.99
APR170286    BLUE BEETLE #10 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR170396    CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE TP VOL 01 GOING UNDERGROUND    $16.99
MAR170365    DARK KNIGHT III MASTER RACE #9 (OF 9) COLLECTORS EDITION    $12.99
MAR170445    DARK NIGHT A TRUE BATMAN STORY TP (MR)    $16.99
JAN170428    DC BOMBSHELLS AQUAMAN STATUE    $125.00
APR170293    DETECTIVE COMICS #959    $2.99
APR170294    DETECTIVE COMICS #959 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170297    FLASH #25    $3.99
APR170298    FLASH #25 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR170421    FLASH TP VOL 09 FULL STOP    $16.99
APR170309    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #23    $2.99
APR170310    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #23 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170315    HELLBLAZER #11    $3.99
APR170316    HELLBLAZER #11 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170359    JONAH HEX YOSEMITE SAM SPECIAL #1    $4.99
APR170360    JONAH HEX YOSEMITE SAM SPECIAL #1 VAR ED    $4.99
APR170323    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #9    $2.99
APR170324    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #9 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170386    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #6 (OF 12)    $3.99
APR170387    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #6 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
APR170450    LUCIFER #19 (MR)    $3.99
APR170405    MOTHER PANIC #8 (MR)    $3.99
APR170406    MOTHER PANIC #8 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
APR170395    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #27    $2.99
APR170335    SUICIDE SQUAD #20    $2.99
APR170336    SUICIDE SQUAD #20 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170388    SUPERGIRL BEING SUPER #4 (OF 4)    $5.99
MAR170408    SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 01    $34.99
MAR170407    SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS TP VOL 03 MEN OF STEEL (REBIRTH)    $16.99
APR170347    TEEN TITANS #9    $3.99
APR170348    TEEN TITANS #9 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170355    WONDER WOMAN #25    $3.99
APR170356    WONDER WOMAN #25 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170441    WONDER WOMAN 100 PROJECT TP    $12.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 28, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

APR170958    ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF GALAXY ANNUAL #1 MORA VAR SE    $4.99
APR170957    ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF GALAXY ANNUAL #1 SE    $4.99
APR170956    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #29 SE    $3.99
APR171010    BEN REILLY SCARLET SPIDER #4    $3.99
APR171032    BLACK PANTHER #15    $3.99
APR171033    BLACK PANTHER #15 MCKELVIE CONNECTING VAR C    $3.99
APR171092    CABLE #2    $3.99
APR171090    DEADPOOL VS PUNISHER #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR171091    DEADPOOL VS PUNISHER #5 (OF 5) STEGMAN VAR    $3.99
APR170986    DEFENDERS #2    $3.99
APR171052    DOCTOR STRANGE SORCERERS SUPREME #9    $3.99
APR171153    DOCTOR STRANGE TP VOL 02 LAST DAYS OF MAGIC    $19.99
APR170962    EDGE OF VENOMVERSE #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR170963    EDGE OF VENOMVERSE #1 (OF 5) LIM VAR    $3.99
APR171040    ELEKTRA #5    $3.99
APR171164    FANTASTIC FOUR EPIC COLL MASTER PLAN OF DOCTOR DOOM TP    $39.99
APR171150    FOOLKILLER TP VOL 01 PSYCHO THERAPY    $15.99
APR171152    GHOST RIDER TP VOL 01 FOUR ON THE FLOOR    $15.99
FEB170986    GREAT LAKES AVENGERS TP VOL 01 SAME OLD SAME OLD    $19.99
APR171064    I AM GROOT #2    $3.99
APR170999    INFAMOUS IRON MAN #9    $3.99
APR171094    JEAN GREY #3    $3.99
MAY170002    MARVEL PREVIEWS #24 JULY 2017 EXTRAS    $1.25
APR170947    MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL #6 SE    $3.99
APR171021    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #20    $3.99
APR171155    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR TP VOL 03 SMARTEST THERE IS    $17.99
APR170949    OCCUPY AVENGERS #8 SE    $3.99
APR171151    PROWLER TP VOL 01 CLONE CONSPIRACY    $17.99
APR171054    PUNISHER #13    $3.99
APR170928    SECRET EMPIRE #5 (OF 10)    $3.99
APR170930    SECRET EMPIRE #5 (OF 10) SORRENTINO HYDRA HEROES VAR    $3.99
APR171012    SPIDER-GWEN #21    $3.99
APR171166    SPIDER-MAN WEBSPINNERS COMP COLL TP    $39.99
APR171114    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #8    $3.99
APR171099    STAR WARS DROIDS UNPLUGGED #1    $4.99
APR171100    STAR WARS DROIDS UNPLUGGED #1 ALLRED VAR    $4.99
APR171118    STAR WARS POE DAMERON #16    $3.99
APR171148    THANOS TP VOL 01 THANOS RETURNS    $17.99
APR171157    THUNDERBOLTS TP VOL 02 NO GOING BACK    $17.99
APR178622    TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #19 2ND PTG SEOK VAR    $3.99
APR171078    TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #20 WMD    $3.99
MAR178045    TRUE BELIEVERS AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1    $1.00
MAR178046    TRUE BELIEVERS MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #1    $1.00
MAR178047    TRUE BELIEVERS PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #1    $1.00
APR178713    VENOM #150 SANDOVAL 2ND PTG VAR    $5.99
APR171085    X-MEN BLUE #6    $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for June 28, 2017

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG138056    CLASSIC GI JOE TP VOL 01 NEW PTG    $24.99
APR170549    CLUE #1    $3.99
APR170550    CLUE #1 SUBSCRIPTION VAR A    $3.99
APR170551    CLUE #1 SUBSCRIPTION VAR B    $3.99
FEB170536    COMPLETE CHESTER GOULD DICK TRACY HC VOL 22    $44.99
APR170526    DUCK AVENGER #5    $6.99
APR170527    DUCK AVENGER #5 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $6.99
APR170575    GHOSTBUSTERS 101 #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR170576    GHOSTBUSTERS 101 #4 (OF 6) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170622    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #241    $3.99
APR170623    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #241 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170669    HAUNTED HORROR #28    $4.99
APR170481    JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS INFINITE #1 (OF 3)    $3.99
APR170482    JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS INFINITE #1 (OF 3) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
MAR170582    KILL SHAKESPEARE PAST IS PROLOGUE JULIET #3 (OF 4)    $3.99
MAR170583    KILL SHAKESPEARE PAST IS PROLOGUE JULIET #3 (OF 4) SUB VAR    $3.99
APR170553    KULL ETERNAL #1    $3.99
APR170554    KULL ETERNAL #1 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170493    MY LITTLE PONY MOVIE PREQUEL #1    $3.99
APR170494    MY LITTLE PONY MOVIE PREQUEL #1 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170508    POWERPUFF GIRLS TIME TIE #2 (OF 3)    $3.99
APR170509    POWERPUFF GIRLS TIME TIE #2 (OF 3) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170641    SAUCER STATE #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR170642    SAUCER STATE #2 (OF 6) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170564    STAR TREK TNG MIRROR BROKEN #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR170565    STAR TREK TNG MIRROR BROKEN #2 (OF 6) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170535    TMNT ONGOING #71    $3.99
APR170536    TMNT ONGOING #71 SUBCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
AUG160477    TOM TOMORROW 25 YEARS OF TOMORROW HC    $125.00
APR170593    TRANSFORMERS LOST LIGHT #7    $3.99
APR170594    TRANSFORMERS LOST LIGHT #7 SUBSCRIPTION VAR A    $3.99
APR170595    TRANSFORMERS LOST LIGHT #7 SUBSCRIPTION VAR B    $3.99
FEB170447    WALTER SIMONSON THOR RETURN OF BETA RAY BILL ARTIST ED HC    $125.00
APR170585    X-FILES (2016) #15    $3.99
APR170586    X-FILES (2016) #15 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Dimaond Distributors for June 28, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB170084    ART OF PREY HC    $39.99
APR170022    BANKSHOT #1    $3.99
FEB170068    BUFFY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS PARENTAL PARASITE TP    $10.99
MAR170029    CONAN THE SLAYER #10    $3.99
APR170096    ELFQUEST FINAL QUEST #20    $3.99
FEB170065    ELFQUEST FINAL QUEST TP VOL 03    $17.99
APR170074    JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE OUTER DARK #2    $3.99
APR170092    MASS EFFECT DISCOVERY #2    $3.99
APR170093    MASS EFFECT DISCOVERY #2 NIEMCZYK VAR    $3.99
APR170015    REBELS THESE FREE & INDEPENDENT STATES #4    $3.99
FEB170071    USAGI YOJIMBO TP VOL 31 HELL SCREEN    $17.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 28, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

FEB170689    AD AFTER DEATH HC    $24.99
APR170737    ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN COMP COLL HC    $54.99
APR170760    BLACK MAGICK #6 CVR A SCOTT (MR)    $3.99
APR170761    BLACK MAGICK #6 CVR B SHARPE (MR)    $3.99
MAR178605    BLACK MAGICK #6 CVR C PRIDE MONTH VAR (MR)    $3.99
APR170766    CHEW SMORGASBORD ED HC VOL 03 (MR)    $100.00
APR170767    CHEW SMORGASBORD S&N LTD ED HC VOL 03 (MR)    $150.00
MAR170705    ELEPHANTMEN #77 (MR)    $3.99
APR170820    IMAGE PLUS #15 (WALKING DEAD HERES NEGAN PT 15)  (MR)    $1.99
APR170831    MAGDALENA VOL 4 #4    $3.99
APR178806    MAGDALENA VOL 4 #4 CVR B ROJO    $3.99
APR170837    OCTOPUS PIE TP VOL 05    $19.99
APR170844    PAKLIS #2 (MR)    $5.99
APR170851    POSTAL TP VOL 05 (MR)    $16.99
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NOV160643    SNOWFALL #9 (MR)    $3.99
APR178627    SPAWN #1 25TH ANN DIRECTORS CUT FOIL ENCORE ED    $4.99
APR170699    SPAWN #275 25TH ANNIVERSARY CVR A HABCHI    $2.99
APR170700    SPAWN #275 25TH ANNIVERSARY CVR B B&W HABCHI    $2.99
APR170900    THROWAWAYS #9 (MR)    $3.99
APR170901    UNDERWINTER #4 CVR A (MR)    $3.99
FEB178527    UNDERWINTER #4 CVR B LENOX (MR)    $3.99
APR170903    WAYWARD #21 CVR A CUMMINGS & BONVILLAIN (MR)    $3.99
APR170904    WAYWARD #21 CVR B HABCHI (MR)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 28, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

APR171935    ALICE & ZOUROKU GN VOL 01    $12.99
APR171936    ANCIENT MAGUS BRIDE GN VOL 07    $12.99
APR172180    AOHARU X MACHINEGUN GN VOL 05    $13.00
APR172181    ASTERISK WAR ACADEMY CITY ON WATER GN VOL 04    $13.00
MAY171346    AUTUMN TP    $14.99
MAY171347    BALLAD OF RORY HAWKINS GN    $19.99
APR171370    BEAUTIFUL CANVAS #1 CVR A KIVELA (MR)    $3.99
APR171371    BEAUTIFUL CANVAS #1 CVR B WARD (MR)    $3.99
FEB171998    BIZENGHAST 3IN1 GN VOL 03 SPECIAL COLLECTOR ED    $19.99
APR172146    BLAME GN VOL 04    $34.95
APR171600    BLOOD BROTHERS #1 CVR A CABA    $3.99
DEC161221    BROKEN MOON LEGENDS O/T DEEP #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR172182    BUNGO STRAY DOGS GN VOL 03    $13.00
APR171801    CARTHAGO ADVENTURES DLX HC (MR)    $34.95
APR171778    CLEOPATRA IN SPACE GN VOL 04 GOLDEN LION    $12.99
APR171779    CLEOPATRA IN SPACE HC GN VOL 04 GOLDEN LION    $22.99
APR171833    CLOCKWORK PLANET GN VOL 03    $12.99
JAN172000    DARK SOULS TP WINTERS SPITE    $16.99
APR172183    DEVIL IS PART TIMER GN VOL 09    $13.00
JAN171960    DOCTOR WHO 9TH TP VOL 02 DOCTORMANIA    $16.99
APR172184    DRAGONS RIOTING GN VOL 07 (MR)    $13.00
MAR171393    DREGS #4 (MR)    $3.99
APR171226    ELEANOR & THE EGRET #3    $3.99
APR172185    ERASED GN VOL 02    $30.00
APR171847    EVER AFTER HIGH GN VOL 01 CLASS OF CLASSICS    $9.99
APR171959    EVIL DEAD 2 DLX TP VOL 01 BEYOND DEAD BY DAWN 30TH ANN ED (C    $22.99
MAY171448    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS TP    $19.99
APR172148    FLYING WITCH GN VOL 02    $10.95
MAY171589    FOG OVER TOLBIAC BRIDGE HC TARDI    $19.99
APR171962    FOUR POINTS SC GN VOL 01 COMPASS SOUTH    $12.99
APR172208    GFT ROBYN HOOD TAROT ONE SHOT CVR A CHEN    $5.99
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APR172210    GFT ROBYN HOOD TAROT ONE SHOT CVR C ORTIZ    $5.99
APR172211    GFT ROBYN HOOD TAROT ONE SHOT CVR D PREITANO    $5.99
APR172212    GFT ROBYN HOOD TAROT ONE SHOT CVR E MEGURO    $5.99
FEB171165    GOLD DIGGER #244    $3.99
APR171776    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #24 LTD B/W BIAGINI VAR    $9.99
APR171774    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #24 MAIN CVR    $2.99
APR171775    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #24 SINGH VAR    $2.99
APR171614    GREATEST ADVENTURE #3 CVR A NORD    $3.99
APR171615    GREATEST ADVENTURE #3 CVR B ZIRCHER    $3.99
APR171616    GREATEST ADVENTURE #3 CVR C CASTRO    $3.99
APR172186    GRIMGAR OF FANTASY & ASH GN VOL 01    $13.00
APR172187    HANDA KUN GN VOL 06    $15.00
APR171960    HEROINES #2    $3.99
APR172188    HONOR STUDENT AT MAGIC HIGH SCHOOL GN VOL 07    $13.00
APR172189    HOW TO RAISE BORING GIRLFRIEND GN VOL 06    $13.00
MAY171348    HP LOVECRAFT WORLDS TP VOL 01 LURKING FEAR AND OTHER    $14.99
MAR171261    INVISIBLE HANDS #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
FEB171304    IRREDEEMABLE PREMIER EDITION HC VOL 04    $34.99
MAR171411    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #4 (OF 12)    $3.99
APR178628    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #4 (OF 12) FOC INCV LEE COL    $3.99
MAR171412    JIM HENSON POWER OF THE DARK CRYSTAL #4 (OF 12) SUBSCRIPTION    $3.99
APR171315    JUGHEAD #16 CVR A DEREK CHARM    $3.99
APR171316    JUGHEAD #16 CVR B STEPHEN BYRNE    $3.99
APR171317    JUGHEAD #16 CVR C ELLIOT FERNANDEZ    $3.99
APR171443    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 (MR)    $5.99
APR171455    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 BIKINI BABES CVR (MR)    $5.99
APR171461    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 BIKINI BABES NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171446    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 LUCIOUS CVR (MR)    $5.99
APR171459    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 LUCIOUS NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171445    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 NATURAL BEAUTY CVR (MR)    $5.99
APR171458    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 NATURAL BEAUTY NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171456    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171454    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 SULTRY CVR (MR)    $5.99
APR171460    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 SULTRY NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171447    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 SWELTER CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171450    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 SWELTER NUDE CVR (MR)    $9.99
APR171449    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 SWELTER TOPLESS CVR (MR)    $9.99
APR171448    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 SWELTER VIXENS CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171444    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 WRAP CVR (MR)    $5.99
APR171457    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 WRAP NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR171304    KAGAGI HC    $24.95
APR172190    KINIRO MOSAIC GN VOL 03    $17.00
APR171635    KISS #9 CVR A STRAHM    $3.99
APR171636    KISS #9 CVR B WILSON    $3.99
APR171637    KISS #9 CVR C PHOTO    $3.99
MAY171730    KUMA MIKO GN VOL 05    $11.95
APR171840    LAND OF THE LUSTROUS GN VOL 01    $12.99
APR171886    LETTER 44 #34    $3.99
APR171966    LIFE CHANGING MANGA OF TIDYING UP    $14.99
APR171394    LUMBERJANES #39    $3.99
APR171946    MAGICAL GIRL APOCALYPSE GN VOL 12 (MR)    $12.99
APR171762    MAKING SCENTS GN    $15.99
MAY171731    MARIA HOLIC GN VOL 10    $11.95
APR171196    MEDISIN #2 CVR A BRAME    $3.99
APR171197    MEDISIN #2 CVR B BRAME    $3.99
APR171983    MILLENNIUM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO #1 CVR A IANNICIELLO    $5.99
APR171984    MILLENNIUM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO #1 CVR B COKER (MR)    $5.99
APR171985    MILLENNIUM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO #1 CVR C CHANG    $5.99
APR171986    MILLENNIUM GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO #1 CVR D BOOK VAR    $5.99
JAN172058    MOORCOCK LIB HC VOL 05 VANISHING TOWER    $29.99
FEB171821    MOTRO TP VOL 01    $9.99
APR171232    NAMWOLF #3    $3.99
APR171233    NAMWOLF #3 SPECIAL AARON CONLEY CVR    $5.99
MAR171948    NIGHTS DOMINION TP VOL 01 (MR)    $9.99
APR171783    NNEWTS GN VOL 03 BATTLE FOR AMPHIBOPOLIS    $10.99
APR171784    NNEWTS HC GN VOL 03 BATTLE FOR AMPHIBOPOLIS    $19.99
DEC161344    NO ANGEL #4 (MR)    $3.99
APR172192    NO GAME NO LIFE PLEASE GN VOL 01    $13.00
MAR172106    NORMAN TP FIRST SLASH    $19.99
APR171951    NURSE HITOMIS MONSTER INFIRMARY GN VOL 06 (MR)    $12.99
APR172193    OF THE RED LIGHT & AYAKASHI GN VOL 07    $13.00
APR171438    OVER GARDEN WALL ONGOING #15    $3.99
APR171439    OVER GARDEN WALL ONGOING #15 SUBSCRIPTION MADERNA VAR    $3.99
FEB171308    PAKNADEL AND TRAKHANOV TURNCOAT TP    $19.99
APR171646    PATHFINDER RUNESCARS #2 CVR A LAU    $4.99
APR171647    PATHFINDER RUNESCARS #2 CVR B QUALANO    $4.99
APR171648    PATHFINDER RUNESCARS #2 CVR C BORGES    $4.99
JAN172022    PEEPLAND TP (MR)    $19.99
MAR172149    PERSONA 3 GN VOL 05    $13.99
APR172194    PRISON SCHOOL GN VOL 07 (MR)    $20.00
APR171652    PROJECT SUPERPOWERS HERO KILLERS #2 CVR A WOODS    $3.99
APR171653    PROJECT SUPERPOWERS HERO KILLERS #2 CVR B BROWNE    $3.99
MAY171349    RAVEN CHRONICLES TP VOL 01 MYTHS & MONSTERS    $16.99
FEB171295    REGULAR SHOW ORIGINAL GN VOL 04 WRASSLESPLOSION    $14.99
MAR171254    REICH #8 (OF 12) (MR)    $4.00
APR171888    RICK & MORTY #27    $3.99
APR171229    ROUGH RIDERS RIDERS ON THE STORM #4    $3.99
APR172195    SCHOOL LIVE GN VOL 07    $13.00
APR171235    SCRIMSHAW #1 (MR)    $1.50
APR172108    SECRET WEAPONS #1 (OF 4) CVR A ALLEN    $3.99
APR172109    SECRET WEAPONS #1 (OF 4) CVR B DJURDJEVIC    $3.99
APR172111    SECRET WEAPONS #1 (OF 4) CVR C BLANK VAR    $3.99
APR172110    SECRET WEAPONS #1-4 PRE-ORDER ED    $3.99
MAR171901    SKULL ISLAND BIRTH OF KONG #2    $3.99
APR171817    SOFTBALL #1 CVR A WIJAYA    $3.99
APR171818    SOFTBALL #1 CVR B BLANKENSHIP    $3.99
APR171819    SOFTBALL #1 CVR C MOKHTAR    $3.99
APR171820    SOFTBALL #1 CVR D JOSECO    $3.99
APR171821    SOFTBALL #1 CVR E DRAW YOUR OWN CVR    $3.99
APR178213    STAINED #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG    $3.99
MAR171267    STARGATE ATLANTIS BACK TO PEGASUS #1-3 WHEATLEY CVR SIGNED P    $14.99
MAR171265    STARGATE UNIVERSE BACK TO DESTINY #1 BLANK CVR    $5.99
MAR171263    STARGATE UNIVERSE BACK TO DESTINY #1 CHAR DSN CARACUZZO CVR    $7.99
MAR171264    STARGATE UNIVERSE BACK TO DESTINY #1 PHOTO CVR    $3.99
MAR171262    STARGATE UNIVERSE BACK TO DESTINY #1 SCALF CVR    $3.99
APR171268    STARRING SONYA DEVEREAUX DEBUTANTE DESPERADO BLAZING BARRELS    $3.99
APR171267    STARRING SONYA DEVEREAUX DEBUTANTE DESPERADO MAIN CVR    $3.99
APR171440    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #5    $3.99
APR171441    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #5 SUBSCRIPTION SYGH CVR    $3.99
APR172100    STREET FIGHTER VS DARKSTALKERS #3 (OF 8) CVR A HUANG    $3.99
APR172101    STREET FIGHTER VS DARKSTALKERS #3 (OF 8) CVR B PORTER    $3.99
APR172196    STRIKE THE BLOOD GN VOL 07    $13.00
FEB171278    THE FOREVERS #4 (MR)    $3.99
FEB171950    THE MUMMY (HAMMER) TP VOL 01 PALIMPSEST    $19.99
MAR171256    TITAN #5 (MR)    $6.99
APR171789    TOBY GOES BANANAS YR GN #1    $9.99
APR171790    TOBY GOES BANANAS YR HC GN VOL 01    $19.99
APR172197    TODAY CERBERUS GN VOL 04    $13.00
MAY171350    VELDA GIRL DETECTIVE GN VOL 03    $14.99
APR171844    VINLAND SAGA GN VOL 09    $22.99
APR171956    WADANOHARA & GREAT BLUE SEA GN VOL 01    $15.99
FEB171559    WONDER WOMAN 77 BIONIC WOMAN #5 (OF 6) CVR A STAGGS    $3.99
FEB171560    WONDER WOMAN 77 BIONIC WOMAN #5 (OF 6) CVR B JIMENEZ    $3.99
APR171401    WWE #6 MAIN CVR    $3.99
APR172114    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #4 (NEW ARC) CVR A LAROSA    $3.99
APR172115    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #4 (NEW ARC) CVR B JOHNSON    $3.99
APR172140    X-O MANOWAR 2017 TP VOL 01 SOLDIER    $9.99
APR172198    YOUR NAME GN VOL 01    $13.00
APR171214    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #36 CVR A CELOR (MR)    $4.99
APR171215    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #36 CVR B CELOR RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
APR171216    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #36 CVR C MENDOZA KAIJI (MR)    $4.99
APR171217    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #36 CVR D MENDOZA KAIJU RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
APR171218    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #36 CVR E HERMAN (MR)    $4.99
APR171219    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #36 CVR F HERMAN RISQUE (MR)    $4.99

MAGAZINES
APR172361    COMICS REVUE PRESENTS JUN 2017    $19.95
APR172369    DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE SPECIAL #46 TOYS AND GAMES    $11.99
MAR171984    JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #384    $13.00
APR172050    MONSTER HIGH MAGAZINE #26    $4.99
APR172373    SCREAM MAGAZINE #42 (MR)    $8.99

BOOKS
APR172199    ACCEL WORLD NOVEL VOL 10 ELEMENTS    $14.00
JAN172066    ALIENS BUG HUNT SC    $16.95
APR172065    COMP ALIENS NOVEL OMNIBUS MMPB    $9.99
MAY172115    DIRTYLAND ART BRIAN M VIVEROS HC (MR)    $40.00
MAR172339    DOCTOR WHO COMP HIST HC VOL 45 10TH DOCTOR STORIES    $18.99
MAY171792    GRIMGAR OF FANTASY & ASH LIGHT NOVEL VOL 01    $13.99
APR172200    IS WRONG PICK UP GIRLS DUNGEON SWORD ORATORIA NOVEL VOL 03 (    $14.00
DEC161990    JAMES BOND CLASSIC COLLECTION TP VOL 02 GOLDFINGER 1960-1966    $39.95
APR172201    KINGDOM HEARTS II NOVEL    $16.00
APR172203    MAGICAL GIRL RAISING PROJECT LIGHT NOVEL VOL 01    $14.00
APR171957    OCCULTIC NINE LIGHT NOVEL VOL 01    $13.99
APR172204    PSYCOME LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 04 MURDER ANNIV & REVERSE MEMORIA    $14.00
APR172205    RE ZERO LIGHT NOVEL VOL 04 STARTING LIFE ANOTHER WORLD    $14.00
MAY172117    REDHEADS BY RAFFAELE MARINETTI SC (MR)    $14.95
APR172206    SOUND EUPHONIUM LIGHT NOVEL VOL 01    $14.00
APR172070    SUPERNATURAL USUAL SACRIFICES MMPB (RES)    $7.99
APR173265    WARHAMMER 40K EYE OF TERRY PROSE NOVEL    $9.99
APR172191    YOUTH ROMANTIC COMEDY WRONG EXPECTED GN VOL 05    $13.00

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Review: SEVEN TO ETERNITY #1

SEVEN TO ETERNITY No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was first posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Rick Remender
ARTIST: Jerome Opena
COLORS: Matt Hollingsworth
LETTERS: Rus Wooton
COVER: Jerome Opena with Matt Hollingsworth
VARIANT COVER: Tony Moore
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (2016)

Rated M / Mature

Seven to Eternity created by Rick Remender and Jerome Opena

Seven to Eternity is a new fantasy comic book series created by writer Rick Remender and artist Jerome Opena.  Colorist Matt Hollingsworth and letterer Rus Wooton complete the creative team.  The series focuses on a dying knight from a disgraced house who must choose between a desperate bid for freedom or the gifts of an evil God.

Seven to Eternity #1 opens on the world of Zhal.  There, “the God of Whispers” rules with fear over an entire kingdom.  Also known as “the Mud King,” this dark tyrant will give you everything your heart desires – if you listen to what he has to say.  After an attack on his homestead, which leads to the death of a family member, disgraced knight Adam Osidis decides to fight back.  But first, he will do something he knows he should not, hear what the God of Whispers has to say.

First issues, even those by veteran and/or acclaimed creators, can be tricky, especially in the modern era when stories seem more decompressed than ever.  Writers are stingy with character revelations, often offering information as nothing more than a trickle.  Plots plod along, teasing with explosive sequences that don't necessarily speed the story.  Artists offer beautiful panoramas and vistas that are alluring, but also don't necessarily speed-the-plow of the narrative.

Seven to Eternity #1 is different.  Poetic and lyrical exposition and dialogue unites with beautiful art dressed in splendid covers, Seven to Eternity is straight-forward about the hero's dilemmas and the obstacles he faces.  Writer Rick Remender generously reveals his character's bravery as he simultaneously declares his shame.  By the end of the first issue, the reader knows the conflict and those in conflict (for the most part).  Readers are not left hanging.

Jerome Opena tells this story with an expressive sweep that also captures the intimate and gritty details.   His compositions and graphical storytelling make Seven to Eternity #1 a unique debut.  This comic book recalls Michael Moorcock fantasy and the science fiction and fantasy comics of the 1970s and 1980s that appeared in Heavy Metal and Epic magazines and others that were published by Pacific Comics and Star Reach.  However, Seven to Eternity also moves like a Western thriller that ambles to the sounds of Kentucky bluegrass notes.

There is a reason Seven to Eternity #1 is selling quickly.  Imaginative, inventive, and visually alluring, it promises to be like no other fantasy comic book we have seen in a long time.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Review: Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9

DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE No. 9
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS:  Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Andy Kubert and Frank Miller with Brad Anderson; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Greg Capullo; Klaus Janson with Alex Sinclair; Frank Quitely; Mikel Janin; Chip Kidd
40pp (plus 16-page insert), Color, $5.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

A nine-issue comic book publishing event, Dark Knight III: The Master Race (also known as DKIII) is the second sequel to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (also known simply as The Dark Knight Returns or DKR).  DKR is the now-legendary 1986 four-issue comic book miniseries written by Frank Miller and drawn by Miller (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks).  DKR focuses on a 50-year-old Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to resume fighting crime as Batman.

DKIII is written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller; drawn by Andy Kubert (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Clem Robins.  In DKIII, Batman unites with Superman to stop a murderous group of people from Superman's home planet, Krypton, from taking over the Earth.  Meanwhile, Superman's daughter with Wonder Woman, Lara, has joined with the murderous Kryptonians, and Carrie Kelley, the former Robin, begins to evolve into the new Batgirl.

As Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9 opens, the “master race” of Kryptonians from the Bottled City of Kandor and their leader, Quar, prepare to make the Earth unlivable in order to punish humanity for not worshiping them.  Enter Green Lantern and the Atom.  Batman has a surprise for Quar and company, but Superman may have the biggest surprise of all.

If I remember correctly, when it announced that DKIII was being extended to nine issues, DC Comics said there was more story to tell (or something like that).  After reading DKIII #9, I don't know if this is so much “more story” as it is an extended action sequence, all of which could have been wrapped up in a double-sized DKIII #8.

After much criticism and complaining about DKIII (with only scattered praise), I had to admit that I thought that DKIII #8 was not only the best issue of the series, but was also a truly good comic book.  DKIII #7 and #8 moved the narrative forward more powerfully than a locomotive, and #9 is nice finale slash coda coming after those two issues.

I think that DKIII #9 also came into existence to prepare the way for more comics set in the world of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.  Rumor has it that DC may have outlines all the way to an eighth miniseries, and I'll probably read them all.  For all the series' unevenness, DKIII #9 has some surprises, like The Atom's pivotal moment and the last page, with its graphic homage to an iconic graphic from DKR.  Plus, I can't resist the eight-page gallery of Adam Kubert and Klaus Janson's art in black and white.  So in the end, I'll recommend Dark Knight III: The Master Race #9.

Dark Knight Universe Presents: Action Comics #1 (Insert comic book)
STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Frank Miller
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Frank Miller and Klaus Janson with Alex Sinclair

I have not really enjoyed these mini-comics inserted into the center of each issue of DKIII, but I did like DKIII #7's“Strange Adventures” and #8's “Detective Comics.”  In “Action Comics #1,” Batman provides a narration as we look in on heroes like Aquaman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, and The Atom.  Also, Lara and Carrie Kelley/Batgirl take the next steps in their lives (with Carrie's evolution alluded to at the end of the main story).  “Action Comics #1” is also a nice coda slash prelude to the probable “DKIV” or “DK4.”

B+
7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------------



Monday, June 19, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 21, 2017

DC COMICS

APR170266    ALL STAR BATMAN #11    $4.99
APR170267    ALL STAR BATMAN #11 ALBURQUERQUE VAR ED    $4.99
APR170268    ALL STAR BATMAN #11 FIUMARA VAR ED    $4.99
APR170271    AQUAMAN #25    $3.99
APR170272    AQUAMAN #25 VAR ED    $3.99
APR178934    BATMAN #24 2ND PTG    $2.99
APR170281    BATMAN #25    $3.99
APR170282    BATMAN #25 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170283    BATWOMAN #4    $3.99
APR170284    BATWOMAN #4 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170401    CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE #9 (MR)    $3.99
APR170402    CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE #9 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
APR170380    DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #29    $3.99
MAR170418    DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS TP VOL 04 QUEENS    $19.99
JAN170427    DC DESIGNER SER JOKER BY BRIAN BOLLAND STATUE    $150.00
MAR170353    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS TP VOL 03 SUMMER OLYMPUS    $9.99
MAR170423    DEATH OF HAWKMAN TP    $16.99
JAN170390    DOOM PATROL THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC    $99.99
APR170301    GREEN ARROW #25    $3.99
APR170302    GREEN ARROW #25 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170305    GREEN LANTERNS #25    $3.99
APR170306    GREEN LANTERNS #25 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170313    HARLEY QUINN #22    $2.99
APR170314    HARLEY QUINN #22 VAR ED    $2.99
MAR170404    HARLEY QUINN TP VOL 02 JOKER LOVES HARLEY (REBIRTH)    $16.99
APR170382    INJUSTICE 2 #4    $2.99
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MAR170412    JUSTICE LEAGUE VS SUICIDE SQUAD HC (REBIRTH)    $29.99
APR170363    LOBO ROAD RUNNER SPECIAL #1    $4.99
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APR170398    MAD MAGAZINE #546    $5.99
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APR170367    WONDER WOMAN TASMANIAN DEVIL SPECIAL #1    $4.99
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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 21, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

APR171062    ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #4    $3.99
APR171028    AMERICA #4    $3.99
FEB179020    ASTONISHING X-MEN #1 POSTCARDS (BUNDLE OF 100)    $5.00
MAR171150    AVENGERS UNLEASHED TP VOL 01 KANG WAR ONE    $17.99
APR170954    CAPTAIN AMERICA STEVE ROGERS #18 SE    $3.99
APR171031    DAREDEVIL #22    $3.99
APR170950    DOCTOR STRANGE #22 SE    $3.99
MAR171146    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY PREM HC VOL 04 NEW GUARD GROUNDED    $24.99
APR170993    ICEMAN #2    $3.99
APR171000    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #8    $3.99
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MAR171152    OCCUPY AVENGERS TP VOL 01 TAKING BACK JUSTICE    $17.99
APR170970    PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #1    $4.99
DEC161080    POWERS DEFINITIVE HC COLLECTION VOL 07 BUREAU SAGA HC (MR)    $29.99
APR171026    ROYALS #4    $3.99
APR170937    SECRET EMPIRE BRAVE NEW WORLD #2 (OF 5) SE    $3.99
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APR170940    SECRET EMPIRE UNDERGROUND #1 SE    $4.99
FEB170899    SILVER SURFER #12    $3.99
MAR171163    SPIDER-GWEN TP VOL 03 LONG-DISTANCE    $15.99
APR171018    SPIDER-MAN 2099 #24    $3.99
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APR171075    WEAPONS OF MUTANT DESTRUCTION #1 WMD    $4.99
APR171082    X-MEN GOLD #6    $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for June 21, 2017

IDW PUBLISHING

MAR170561    COSMIC SCOUNDRELS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAR170562    COSMIC SCOUNDRELS #4 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170441    DIRK GENTLY SALMON OF DOUBT TP VOL 01    $19.99
MAR170501    GI JOE (2016) #6    $3.99
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APR170578    HIGHLANDER AMERICAN DREAM #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR170579    HIGHLANDER AMERICAN DREAM #5 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
MAR170628    LEANING GIRL TP (IDW ED)    $29.99
FEB170489    LOST PLANET HC    $29.99
APR170529    MICKEY MOUSE #21    $3.99
APR170530    MICKEY MOUSE #21 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
APR170501    MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #55    $3.99
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MAR170629    PURRLOCK HOLMES FURRIARTYS TRAIL GAME    $24.99
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FEB170445    WYNONNA EARP TP VOL 02 LEGENDS    $19.99
APR170587    X-FILES ORIGINS II DOG DAYS OF SUMMER #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 21, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB170022    ALIENS DEFIANCE #12    $3.99
APR170084    ANGEL SEASON 11 #6 MAIN FISCHER CVR    $3.99
APR170085    ANGEL SEASON 11 #6 MOLINE VAR    $3.99
APR170039    BLACK HAMMER #10 MAIN ORMSTON CVR    $3.99
APR170040    BLACK HAMMER #10 VAR LEMIRE    $3.99
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APR170088    BTVS SEASON 11 #8 VAR ISAACS CVR    $3.99
APR170095    CALL OF DUTY ZOMBIES #5    $3.99
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FEB170073    EMPOWERED TP VOL 10    $19.99
FEB170091    HATSUNE MIKU ACUTE TP    $10.99
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JAN170167    WITCHER TP VOL 03 CURSE OF CROWS    $17.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 21, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

MAR170740    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #6 (MR)    $3.99
APR170674    CROSSWIND #1 (MR)    $3.99
MAR178608    CROSSWIND #1 CVR B PRIDE MONTH VAR (MR)    $3.99
APR170785    DESCENDER TP VOL 04 ORBITAL MECHANICS (MR)    $16.99
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APR178670    GRRL SCOUTS MAGIC SOCKS #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
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APR170720    SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 (OF 5) CVR C SURIANO (MR)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 21, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

APR171434    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #12    $3.99
APR171436    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #12 SUBSCRIPTION LOVAS CVR    $3.99
FEB171314    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS TP VOL 02    $14.99
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MAR171344    ARCHIE 1000 PAGE COMICS HOOPLA TP    $14.99
MAR171875    AT THE MOVIES #1 DISNEY PIRATES CARIBBEAN DEAD MEN TALES    $4.99
APR171309    B & V FRIENDS JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #254    $6.99
MAR172001    BEASTS OF ABIGAILE GN VOL 01    $12.99
MAR171347    BETTY & VERONICA COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #254    $4.99
APR171761    BIG BAD FOX YR GN    $15.99
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FEB171648    ZANARDI HC    $29.99

MAGAZINES
APR172380    CINEFEX #153    $12.50
APR172381    LOCUS #677    $7.50

BOOKS
APR172266    5 MINUTE SPIDER-MAN STORIES HC    $12.99
APR172265    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN SPIDER-MAN SECRET HC    $10.99
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Friday, June 16, 2017

Manga Review: CIGARETTE GIRL

CIGARETTE GIRL
TOP SHELF PRODUCTIONS – @topshelfcomix

[This review was posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Masahiko Matsumoto
TRANSLATION: Spencer Fancutt with Atsuko Saisho
EDITOR: Sean Michael Wilson
ISBN: 978-1-60309-382-8; 5.25”x 7.25” paperback (May 2016)
264pp, B&W, $24.99 U.S.

Cigarette Girl is a trade paperback collection of manga short stories from the late manga creator, Masahiko Matsumoto (1934 to 2005).  This book contains 11 stories (with some of them broken into chapters) that were published in several Japanese manga magazines over a period from 1972 to 1974.

In these stories, a shared cigarette offers a momentary connection between a salesgirl and a lonely young man, who buys cigarettes simply as an excuse to see the “Cigarette Girl.”  A closet hides the evidence of an embarrassed bachelor's laziness, and his shyness is the thing that keeps this bachelor, Asanuma, a virgin.

Toki sells condoms as a door-to-door salesman, as she tries to be “Happy-Chan.”  A single woman, not getting any younger, sifts through letters from would-be husbands.  And “Naruko Tsurumaki's Love” is his dog, more so than the woman who wants to marry him.

Masahiko Matsumoto was apparently the manga equivalent of a alternative-comics creator.  His simply drawn cartoons and comics have more in common with the leading lights of the American alternative and small press than they do with the highly-polished creations seen in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump.

Matsumoto's stories are blunt and unsentimental at the same time that they are gentle and endearing.  They depict a balance of life that is sweet and sour/pungent, but regardless of what aroma or flavor characters get, they got to keep on going.  It is this matter-of-fact simplicity that makes these stories of modest city-dwellers, determined women, and goofy and selfish men fun to read.

Not all of the stories work; some of are awkward.  “Naruko Tsurumaki's Love” is annoying because everyone in the story is annoying.  “To Somewhere” misses the mark on being spontaneous and romantic.  I am not even sure that it could have ever had the spark that one would expect from a story about a young couple just throwing fate to the wind.  Ultimately, I would say that Cigarette Girl is a collection for readers looking for... let's see... if we can use the term “world music,” then, how about a niche called “world alt-comix?”

This book includes the following text pieces:
--An introduction by Sean Michael Wilson--A foreword by the late Yoshihiro Tatsumi
--Biographical notes written by Mitsuhiro Asakawa

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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