I Reads You Juniors February 2019 - Update #94

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From Newsarama:  Tom Bilyeu, the co-founder of the protein bar company, Quest Nutrition, is starting a comic book company, Impact Theory.

From SoutheastMissourian:  Saturday, February 23, 2019, the city of Jackson, Missouri celebrated native son, Roy Thomas' comic book career.  Thomas was a writer and editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics and also a longtime writer at DC Comics.

From BoundingIntoComics:  Actor Dean Cain, who portrayed Superman/Clark Kent in "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," roasted Comic Book Resources (CBR) after they wrote an article asking, “Man of Tomorrow: Does #Superman Need to be White?

From ANN:  An interview with Mikio Ikemoto, the artist of the "Boruto" manga, the sequel to "Naruto."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics will make those 100-page giant comics that are exclusive to Wal-Mart stores available to comic book shops.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Studios' "Black Panther" film won three Oscars at the 91st Academy Awards.

From Newsarama:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" won the "Best Animated Feature" Oscar at the 91st Academy Awards last night (Sun., Feb. 24th).

From Newsarama:  Stan Sakai is taking his long-running comic book series, "Usagi Yojimbo," to IDW Publishing after 24 years at Dark Horse Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Ed Piskor's "X-Men: Grand Design" returns in May for his take on the "X-Tinction Agenda."

From Newsarama:  There will be an ongoing "Lois Lane" comic book from writer Greg Rucka and artist Mike Perkins.  There will also be a "Jimmy Olsen" comic book from writer Matt Fraction and artist Steve Lieber.

From GoodReader:  Shueisha Launches Global MANGA Plus Service, with 50 titles and 13 complete series.

From TheWeekUK:  Why Christians are outraged over DC Comics’ Jesus series

From Newsarama:  Batman will take on zombies in the new DC Comics series, "DCeased."

From Newsarama:  DC Collectibles will offer an exclusive version of its "Batman: Black and White" statue line to Walmart stores as 4-inch mini-figures.  The original versions were 9 inches.

From CBB:  Herve St. Louis launches a new webcomic, "Spit."  Here is strip #1 in English.
From CBB:  Spit webcomic, strip #1 in French.

From Newsarama:  Ivy Noelle Weir and Christina "Steenz" Stewart's graphic novel, "Archival Quality" (Oni Press) is the winner of the Fifth Annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics unveils the complete story lineup for "Detective Comics #1000, which hits stories March 27, 2019.

From ANN:   Naoki Urasawa's Asadora! Manga Returns in April

From MetroUK:  Who is Gerard Way, the creator of "The Umbrella Academy" comic book.

From ANN:  Q Hayashida, the creator of the Manga, "Dorohedoro," has drawn a cover for "Bloodborne: The Death of Sleep," the comic book adaptation of Software's video game.  The "Bloodborne" comic book is produced by Ales Kot and Piotr Kowalski.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics relaunching rumors.

From SyfyWire:  DC Comics' 25 cent "Year of the Villain" special coming before Free Comic Book Day 2019.

From Endgadget:  "Shonen Jump" announced an apparently new cheaper subscription program.

From DreadCentral:  VIZ Media announces new Junji Ito manga for the fall, "No Longer Human."

From Newsarama:  Red Sonja and Vampirella Meet Betty and Veronica.

From Newsarama:  Writer Brandon Thomas and artist Khary Randolph bring their comic book, "Excellence," to Image imprint, Skybound.

From Newsarama:  Archie Comics is changing the name of its long-running "Archie" comic book series to "Archie and Sabrina."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics cancelled its upcoming and controversial comic book, "Second Coming."  Now, writer Mark Russell is looking for another publisher.

From Bustle:  What are the origins of "Alita: Battle Angel?"

From Deadline:  Aftershock Comics previews its upcoming series, "Mary Shelley: Monster Hunter."

From IGN:  DC Consumer Products has entered a three-year license with Todd McFarlane's McFarlane Toys to produce action figures based on the "DC Multiverse."  The first figures will appear in 2020 and be 6" to 12" posable figures.

From TCAF:  Horror manga master, Junji Ito, will be the featured guest and official poster artist of the 2019 Toronto Comics Arts Festival (TCAF).

From Deadline:  Marvel TV and Hulu ink deal to produce a "Howard the Duck" "adult" animated series and a number of other animated series.  Kevin Smith will apparently oversee the "Howard the Duck" project.

From BleedingCool:  Is "The Exceptionals" a new Mark Millar Netflix project?

From Deadline:  Netflix and Sugar23 win a bidding war for film rights to "Faun," an upcoming short story from comic book writer and bestselling author, Joe Hill (a child of bestselling author, Stephen King).

From Newsarama:  Music from Marvel Studios' hit film, "Black Panther," wins two Grammys at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.  Its music received eight nominations overall.

From CBR:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" has won Best Animated Film at the 2019 / 72nd BAFTA Awards.  This  British Academy Award is the twenty-sixth major award the animated film has earned since its release in December 2018, according to CBR.

From Newsarama:  The most excellent Dan Brereton is seeking to publish his late 1990s giant monster comic, "Giantkiller," in a new edition.

From Newsarama:  Warner Bros. is developing a spin-off of its global box office hit, "Aquaman."  Entitled "The Trench," it will reportedly have a "horror-tone."

IN MEMORIAM:  From Newsarama:  Comic book colorist, James Rochelle, died at the age of 48, Saturday, February 2, 2019.  He worked long stints for WildStorm and CrossGen, making his debut on "Gen 13 #1 in 1994.  Rochelle also colored comic books for Marvel and DC Comics, to name a few.  Rochelle also worked extensively in the video industry.

From CriticalHit:  Rob Liefeld offers a peek at his last Deadpool comic book story, "Deadpool: Badder Blood."

From Newsarama:  Comic book writer David F. Walker is launching his own comic book company, Solid Comix.

From Newsarama:  Aaron McGruder revives his beloved comic strip, "The Boondocks," for a short run.  The six new strips are drawn by Seung Kim, the animator on Cartoon Networks, "The Boondocks" animated TV series.  There may be more to come.

From Newsarama:  Greg Cox will bring back the Court of Owls in the prose novel, "Batman: The Court of Owls."

From Deadline:  "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" is a new "Turtles" film headed to Netflix.  It will not be associated with the current Nickelodeon series of the same title.

From CBR:  Actor Harry Lloyd will portray Professor X in the third and final season of FX's X-Men TV series, "Legion."

From BleedingCool:  Ben Dunn of Antarctic Press proposes a coalition of independent comic book publishers.

From BleedingCool:  The graphic novel, "Fun Home," and the manga, "Assassination Classroom," are being removed from high school libraries.

From TheWrap:  "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" won all seven awards for which it was nominated at the 2019 / 46th Annie Awards, including for "Best Animated Feature."  70 percent of best animated feature winners at the Annie Awards wins the "Best Animated Feature" at the Oscars.

From TheWrap:  "Black Panther" was one of three top winners at the 23rd annual Art Directors Guild Awards.

From PasteMagazine:  The most anticipated comics of 2019:  Part One and Two.

From ANN:  Yen Press announces licenses for six manga, three novels, and one art book.

From Newsarama:  Comic Books' 10 Most Game-Changing Black Superheroes

From ANN:  VIZ Media's SuBLime imprint for yaoi manga announced that it has licensed "Scarlet Beriko's Fourth Generation Head: Tatsuyuki Oyamat" manga and plans to release it in print and digital this August.

From Crunchyroll:  The "Ultraman" manga will go on a two-month hiatus due to the health of Tomohiro Shimoguchi.

From ComicBook:  Lucasfilm gives some details on "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" tie-in comic books and novels.  Galaxy's Edge is an upcoming Disney resort.

From CBR:  Mike Grell is reviving his 1990s Image Comics title, "Maggie the Cat."  He will launch a Kickstarter to finish the series which saw only two issues published.

From Newsarama:  Mark Millar confirms a sequel to his [fantastic] miniseries, "The Magic Order."

From Newsarama:  Oni Press announces its Fall 2019 comics titles.

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FEBRUARY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Full DC Comics catalog
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:   BOOM! Studios for Feb. 2019
From AdventuresinPoorTaste:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics solicitations for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for Feb. 2019
From BleedingCool:  First Second for Feb. 2019
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for Feb. 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for Feb. 2019

MARCH 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama: 01 First Second for March 2019
From Newsarama: Adhouse Books for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Avatar Press for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Avery Hill for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for March 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  Cave Pictures Publishing for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Devil's Due/1First Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertaiment for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  First Second for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Graphix for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Impact Theory for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Force for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama: Oni Press for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2019
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for March 2019

APRIL 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  All publishers' solicitations link in one place.
From Newsarama:  01 First Second for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for April 2019
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Aftershock Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Amigo Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for April 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Caliber Press for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Cave Pictures Publishing for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Drawn & Quarterly for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Heavy Metal for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for April 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Joe Books for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Keenspot for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for April 2019
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for April 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for April 2019
From Newsarama: Yen Press for April 2019

MAY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Kevin Eastman Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Zenescope Entertainment for May 2019

Review: RWBY Official Manga Anthology Volume 4 - Burn

RWBY OFFICIAL MANGA ANTHOLOGY, VOL. 4 – BURN
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

CARTOONISTS:  Ohtsuki; Ritsu Hayami; mojojoj; Xily; Mochiyama; Mugupo; Moromoimaru; Mikanuji; Meteo; Sun Hiura; Natsutaro; Sora; Tsutanoha; Kaogeimoai; Rojine Kio; EMO; monorobu; Umiya
TRANSLATION: Joe Yamasaki
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Jason A. Hurley
LETTERS: Evan Waldinger
EDITOR: Joel Enos
MISC. ART: monorobu; Ritsu Hayami; Ohitashi; Honojirotowoji
COVER: Ein Lee and Meteo
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0282-4; paperback (February 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
168pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 U.K.

Based on the animation from Rooster Teeth Productions; RWBY created by Monty Oum

Streamed over the Internet, “RWBY” is an American animated series.  The late Monty Oum created the series for Rooster Teeth Productions (an American company), which is known for its web animated series.  “RWBY” is produced in a Japanese anime style, although some consider it to be an actual anime series.  It is the first western-produced anime series to be distributed to Japanese television.

“RWBY” is set on the world of Remnant, which is beset by “Grimm,” horrific monsters bent on the destruction of humanity.  The kingdoms of Remnant have risen to combat these monsters by training powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses at academies around the planet. “RWBY” focuses on Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long, four such Huntresses-in-training who are collectively known as “Team RWBY.”

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology collects original short manga and comics set in the world of RWBY.  Each graphic novel in the series showcases a particular member of Team RWBY.  RWBY The Official Manga Anthology, Vol. 4 is subtitled “Burn.”  This volume focuses on Yang Xiao Long, the RWBY member who is also the older half-sister of Ruby Rose.

The stories offered in “Burn” reveal how hard Yang works at her warrior skills, at being a sister to Ruby, and at being a good teammate.  Sometimes, she finds herself walking the dog, Zwei.  Other times, she fights with two sisters over a teddy bear.  Yang worries about her weight and tries to plan a party.  Often, she has to play make up to her sister, when the entire team isn't fighting demons.

[This volume contains commentary one-panel cartoons from the cartoonists that contributed to this volume.  It also includes “Message from Ein Lee” and “Message from Barbara Dunkelman.”]

As I have stated in previous RWBY manga reviews, I had not heard of “RWBY” until I received a VIZ Media press release that it was going to collect Shirow Miwa's 2015-2017 manga adaptation of the anime.  My VIZ Media press rep has sent me all four volumes of the RWBY The Official Manga Anthology manga published to date.

RWBY The Official Manga Anthology Graphic Novel Volume 4 is a nice read, although it is not as good as Vol. 3, the best volume of the series, thus far.  Yang Xiao Long is not a particularly strong character in these stories, as she seems one note.

The stories here are written by new, emerging, and amateur manga creators.  Some the stories are pleasant, but nothing is standout material here.  I do like the work of some of the artists, for instance EMO, who offers a particularly strong panel featuring only a pair of eyes.  Beyond that, I think Vol. 4 is especially for RWBY fans.

B
6 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: PUMPKINHEAD #1

PUMPKINHEAD No. 1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @dynamitecomics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cullen Bunn
ART: Blacky Shepherd; Kyle Strahm
COLORS: Thiago Ribeiro; Kyle Strahm
LETTERS: Troy Peteri
COVER: Kelley Jones with Chris O'Halloran
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kelley Jones with Chris O'Halloran; Kelley Jones; Ken Haeser and Buz Hasson with Blair Smith
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

Rated “Teen+”

Pumpkinhead is a1988 horror and dark fantasy horror film.  It is the directorial debut of special effects artist Stan Winston, a multiple Oscar-winner (Aliens, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Jurassic Park).   Pumpkinhead is the titular monster, a grotesque creature summoned when hillbillies and assorted backwoods denizens and people of the “holler” wanted supernatural revenge – usually against a person or persons who killed a loved one.

Pumpkinhead yielded straight-to-video and television movie sequels and a two-issue, never completed comic book series from Dark Horse Comics.  Because everything old is retread again, Dynamite Entertainment has obtained the license to produce comic books based on Pumpkinhead.  Dynamite's debut title, Pumpkinhead, is written by Cullen Bunn; drawn by Blacky Shepherd; colored by Thiago Ribeiro; and lettered by Troy Peteri.

Pumpkinhead #1 opens on Bradley Mountain “long ago,” and reveals a ritual that involves finding demons.  The story moves to the present day small town of Wrightson Mills.  Sheriff Andi Ferris, a woman of color, is trying to get cooperation concerning the hit-and-run death of two local (i.e. hillbilly) children.  Meanwhile, the perpetrator of that crime, Clayton Reese, sits tight, waiting for his bosses to help him escape from the consequences of his actions.  The consequences are more dire than he can realize or even dream in his worst nightmares.

The plot of Pumpkinhead #1 is similar to the plot of the original film, and the first issue's script basically follows the film's formula.  I liked the movie when I first saw it in a theater decades ago, and I have watched it a few times since.  So I enjoyed the fact that Pumpkinhead #1 does not veer from the film in that respect.

However, I don't like the new origin slash explanation of Pumpkinhead's existence and of what he is.  Sure, I wanted to know more about the whys, hows, and wheres of Pumpkinhead as I left the theater after seeing the film for the first time, but there is something to be said in favor of keeping the mystery, or at least some of it, unsolved.

Writer Cullen Bunn has become quite prolific in the last several years, writing a number of comic books, especially for Marvel.  Some of his comic books are imaginative, even a little scary; some of his other comics writing is ordinary superhero hackwork.  Pumpkinhead #1 reflects both Bunns.  Some of it is good storytelling, roiling with anticipation and a sense of dread.  Some of it, like Pumpkinhead's back story, is the kind of screwy, pretend inventiveness we get from that process called “re-imagining.”

The art and coloring by Blacky Shepherd and Thiago Ribeiro is perfect for visualizing scary stories and for comics that have a folktale bent, like Pumpkinhead #1.  Shepherd's graphical storytelling and page design creates a milieu perfect for a comic book story that sometimes reads like a campfire tale, and Shepherd even manages to brings dignity to the ridiculous “origin” story.

And no scary comics story is complete without lettering that strikes the right tone, which Troy Peteri does, especially with the dialogue.  Peteri uses his lettering to give each character a voice – from the creepy old lady to the vengeful mountain man and from the stalwart lady lawdog to the sleazy hood.  Everyone “sounds” right.

Pumpkinhead #1 shows how good and important it is to have a complete skilled graphics team of artist, colorist, and letterer.  Colorist Thiago Ribeiro and letterer Troy Peteri are making me push aside my few reservations about Pumpkinhead the comic book series.

7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 27, 2019

DC COMICS

DEC180527    ACTION COMICS #1008    $3.99
DEC180528    ACTION COMICS #1008 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC180533    BATGIRL #32    $3.99
DEC180534    BATGIRL #32 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC180535    BATMAN BEYOND #29    $3.99
DEC180536    BATMAN BEYOND #29 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180538    BATMAN SHADOW OF THE BAT TP VOL 04    $24.99
NOV180545    BOMBSHELLS UNITED TP VOL 03 TAPS    $16.99
DEC180541    BOOKS OF MAGIC #5 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180675    DC ESSENTIALS HARLEY QUINN AF    $26.00
AUG180673    DC ESSENTIALS NIGHTWING AF    $26.00
DEC180553    DETECTIVE COMICS #999    $3.99
DEC180554    DETECTIVE COMICS #999 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180556    FIRE TP NEW ED    $14.99
DEC180517    FLASH #65 THE PRICE    $3.99
DEC180518    FLASH #65 VAR ED THE PRICE    $3.99
DEC180557    FREEDOM FIGHTERS #3 (OF 12)    $3.99
NOV180557    GREEN LANTERN BY GEOFF JOHNS TP BOOK 01    $24.99
DEC180521    HEROES IN CRISIS #6 (OF 9)    $3.99
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DEC180568    HEX WIVES #5 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180576    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY #6    $3.99
DEC180577    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY #6 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC180579    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #3 (OF 12)    $3.99
DEC180580    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #3 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
DEC188981    NAOMI #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
DEC180567    OLD LADY HARLEY #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC180589    SHAZAM #3    $3.99
DEC180590    SHAZAM #3 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180569    SHAZAM ORIGINS TP NEW ED    $12.99
DEC180591    SIDEWAYS #13    $2.99
DEC180592    SILENCER #14    $3.99
DEC180600    TERRIFICS #13    $2.99
NOV180582    UNEXPECTED CALL OF THE UNKNOWN TP    $19.99
DEC180608    WONDER WOMAN #65    $3.99
DEC180609    WONDER WOMAN #65 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC188982    YOUNG JUSTICE #1 2ND PTG    $4.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for February 27, 2019

DYNAMITE

DEC181108    ARMY OF DARKNESS BUBBA HOTEP #1 MANDRAKE VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
NOV181233    BARBARELLA TP VOL 02 HARD LABOR (MR)    $17.99
DEC181168    HACK SLASH VS CHAOS #3 CVR A SEELEY (MR)    $3.99
DEC181169    HACK SLASH VS CHAOS #3 CVR B CERMAK    $3.99
DEC181170    HACK SLASH VS CHAOS #3 CVR C HOTZ    $3.99
NOV171560    JOHN WICK #5 (OF 5) CVR A VALLETTA    $3.99
NOV171561    JOHN WICK #5 (OF 5) CVR B MCWILLIAMS    $3.99
NOV171562    JOHN WICK #5 (OF 5) CVR C PHOTO    $3.99
DEC181213    PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #2 CVR A ZDARSKY    $3.99
DEC181214    PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #2 CVR B GANUCHEAU    $3.99
DEC181215    PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #2 CVR C WIJINGAARD    $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for February 27, 2019

IDW PUBLISHING

NOV180631    ATOMIC ROBO & DAWN OF NEW ERA #3 (OF 5) CVR A WEGENER    $3.99
NOV180632    ATOMIC ROBO & DAWN OF NEW ERA #3 (OF 5) CVR B BURCHAM    $3.99
NOV180715    CORTO MALTESE GN THE SECRET ROSE    $19.99
NOV180725    EUTHANAUTS TP VOL 01 GROUND CONTROL    $19.99
DEC180803    PUNKS NOT DEAD LONDON CALLING #1 CVR A SIMMONDS    $3.99
DEC180804    PUNKS NOT DEAD LONDON CALLING #1 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE    $3.99
DEC180703    SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #14 CVR A WELLS    $3.99
DEC180704    SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #14 CVR B GRAY    $3.99
DEC180746    STAR TREK Q CONFLICT #2 (OF 6) CVR A MESSINA    $3.99
DEC180747    STAR TREK Q CONFLICT #2 (OF 6) CVR B MESSINA    $3.99
NOV180672    STAR TREK VS TRANSFORMERS #5 (OF 5) CVR A MURPHY    $3.99
NOV180673    STAR TREK VS TRANSFORMERS #5 (OF 5) CVR B BURCHAM    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 27, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

DEC180074    COLD SPOTS TP (MR)    $16.99
NOV180052    CYBER FORCE AWAKENING TP VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
JUL188526    DIE DIE DIE #8 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180251    HARDCORE #3 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180252    ICE CREAM MAN #10 CVR A MORAZZO & OHALLORAN (MR)    $3.99
DEC180253    ICE CREAM MAN #10 CVR B FERREYRA (MR)    $3.99
DEC180259    MAGE HERO DENIED #15 (OF 15) CVR A WAGNER    $7.99
DEC180260    MAGE HERO DENIED #15 (OF 15) CVR B WAGNER    $7.99
DEC180261    MAN-EATERS #6 CVR A MITERNIQUE    $3.99
NOV188758    MAN-EATERS #6 CVR B MITERNIQUE    $3.99
DEC180123    MAN-EATERS TP VOL 01    $12.99
DEC180267    OLIVER #2 CVR A ROBERTSON    $3.99
NOV188853    OLIVER #2 CVR B HAMNER    $3.99
DEC188894    OLIVER #2 CVR C STOTT    $3.99
DEC180268    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #39 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180274    REALM #11 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
DEC180275    REALM #11 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
DEC180278    REDLANDS #11 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180164    REDNECK TP VOL 03 LONGHORNS (MR)    $16.99
DEC180279    ROSE #17 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
DEC180280    ROSE #17 CVR B LAM    $3.99
DEC180281    ROSE #17 CVR C KATZ    $3.99
DEC180282    ROSE #17 CVR D SHULTZ    $3.99
DEC180177    SKYWARD TP VOL 02 HERE THERE BE DRAGONFLIES    $16.99
DEC180285    SPAWN #294 CVR A MATTINA    $2.99
DEC180286    SPAWN #294 CVR B MATTINA VIRGIN    $2.99
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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 27, 2019

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Comics, Books and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for February 27, 2019

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Fantagraphics to Republish Four Tomi Ungerer Books

Honoring A Legend

Fantagraphics To Resurrect Tomi Ungerer Classics

SEATTLE, WA—The international art and literary communities recently suffered a huge blow with the loss of legendary artist and writer Tomi Ungerer (1931–2019). Readers of all ages have been enchanted by his vast oeuvre, from his masterpieces of children’s literature (such as the internationally beloved and award-winning The Three Robbers, Moon Man, and Otto) to his equally masterful satirical and erotic work for adults. In his lifetime he was recognized for the extraordinary breadth of his creative vision, receiving both the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for Children’s Book Illustration and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sexual Freedom Awards.

Fantagraphics Books is honored to play a part in preserving the legacy of this creative genius with the re-publication of four Ungerer books for adults: The Underground Sketchbook, The Party, Babylon, and Adam and Eve.

Due out in Fall 2019, Tomi Ungerer’s infamous 1969 Underground Sketchbook is a tour de force glimpse into the artist’s id. A shocking departure from his children’s book illustration, each page seethes with coruscating social commentary, dada-esque observations, and existential angst. Underground Sketchbook is revered for its audacious visual wit, absurdist humor, and scathing satire, and this long-awaited reprint will be a visual treat for both fans of Ungerer and appreciators of fine cartooning unfamiliar with his work.

“While preparing for my career-spanning interview with Tomi Ungerer that appears in the new print edition of The Comics Journal, I was astonished to discover that many of his best satirical works were only available as used books at exorbitant prices,” explains Fantagraphics Publisher Gary Groth. “In an attempt to right this wrong, I chose four of his books to reprint, all trenchant commentaries on the folly of our relationships and the absurdity of our social order."

The publication dates of The Party, Babylon, and Adam and Eve are TBD.

Underground Sketchbook by Tomi Ungerer
Introduction by Steve Brodner
On-sale: October 2019
$19.99 Hardcover
160 pages, two-color, 10 ¼” x 7 ¼”
ISBN: 978-1-68396-262-5

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

Review: SIDEWAYS #1

SIDEWAYS No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dan DiDio and Kenneth Rocafort
DIALOGUE: Dan DiDio and Justin Jordan
ART: Kenneth Rocafort
COLORS: Daniel Brown
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

Sidways created by Kenneth Rocafort and Dan DiDio

“Fun and Games”

DC Comics has launched a new superhero comics initiative, “The New Age of DC Heroes,” coming out of its Dark Nights: Metal event miniseries.  This line of comic books will consist of eight new comic book series:  The Curse of Brimstone, Damage, The Immortal Men, New Challengers, The Silencer, The Terrifics, The Unexpected, and the subject of this review, Sideways.

Sideways is written by co-creator Dan DiDio, co-creator Kenneth Rocafort and Justin Jordan; drawn by Rocafort; colored by Daniel Brown; and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual.  Sideways focuses on a Puerto Rican high school junior who can create rifts in midair to leap through dimensions at will.

He accidentally fell through a rift into the dark matter dimension (as seen in Dark Nights: Metal).  Sideways #1 finds Derek James invading the personal space of his girlfriend, Ernestine a.k.a. “Ernie.”  She knows about Derek's power to create rifts in midair.  She is the one who designed and created the uniform that allows Derek to become the new superhero, “Sideways.”  Derek dons his new costume and goes “rifting,” introducing the world to what it means to go “Sideways.”  Not everyone or every entity is exciting about that.

I enjoyed the first “New Age of DC Heroes!” comic book, Damage, but I did not enjoy the second one, The Silencer.  “Sideways” is a little better than The Silencer.  I am overly fond of artist Kenneth Rocafort's overly cute drawing style.  However, the story has some potential.  All I can tell you is that I am genuinely curious about Sideways.  I don't think that it will be a great comic book, but if the creators try something different from the same-old-DC/Marvel-Comics, this could be unique.

Seriously, y'all, we can hope.

5.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: STAR WARS: Thrawn #1

STAR WARS: THRAWN No. 1 (OF 6)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jody Houser
ART: Luke Ross
COLORS: Nolan Woodard
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Paul Renaud
VARIANT COVERS: Francesco Mattina; John Tyler Christopher
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated “T”

Based on the novel by Timothy Zahn

Grand Admiral Thrawn is a character in the Star Wars media franchise.  An Imperial military commander, Thrawn was introduced in the 1991 novel, Heir to the Empire, written by Timothy Zahn and also known as the first novel in the “Thrawn trilogy.”  Zahn also wrote a two-novel set known as the “Thrawn duology” that brought the character back, seemingly from the dead.

After the Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm, the owner of the Star Wars franchise, Thrawn became a “Star Wars Legends” character – meaning he was not part of Star Wars canon, also known as “official Star Wars lore.”  Thrawn became a cannon character when he appeared in the third season of the animated television series, “Star Wars Rebels” (Disney XD).

Now, Marvel Comics is adapting Timothy Zahn's 2017 novel, Star Wars: Thrawn, as a six-issue miniseries.  Like the novel, the comic book adaptation chronicles the origins of Grand Admiral Thrawn.  The comic book miniseries is written by Jody Houser; drawn by Luke Ross; colored by Nolan Woodard; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars: Thrawn #1 opens in that area of the galaxy that is beyond the “Outer Rim” and that is referred to as “Wild Space.”  Captain Parck of the Imperial Navy leads a squad of Myomar Imperial Academy cadets on a mission to an unnamed planet in Wild Space to search for a possible new alien species.  What they find is a highly-skilled non-human that calls itself “Thrawn.”  Being the only member of the mission who can speak to Thrawn, Cadet Vanto soon finds himself ensnared in Thrawn's surprising Imperial ambitions.

I am not familiar with the original novel of the same name upon which this comic book, Star Wars: Thrawn, is based.  I can say that writer Jody Houser has fashioned an excellent first issue in this adaptation of the novel.  The pacing is excellent, and the dialogue is evocative and detailed in conveying the machinations and personalities of the characters, especially Thrawn.  Houser creates a comic book that is a joy to read and also does not feel like another Star Wars retread.

As always, artist Luke Ross delivers strong compositions and page design.  Ross arranges the panels in a way that allows the story to flow while it presents the characters, plots, and settings in rich detail.  Nolan Woodard's vivid colors, especially the blue and green hues not only make the art sparkly, but also heighten the sense of mystery and danger about Thrawn.

Clayton Cowles' lettering make the story hum with energy and creates a sense that a surprise is coming around every corner on the way to the next panel.  All of this wonderful graphical storytelling simmers underneath another striking example of Paul Renaud's art – the cover illustration for this first issue.

I was merely interested in Star Wars: Thrawn; now I can't wait for the next issue.

9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: X-MEN: Red #1

X-MEN: RED No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tom Taylor
ART: Mahmud Asrar
COLORS: Ive Svorcina
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Travis Charest
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mahmud Asrar with Ive Svorcina; John Tyler Christopher; Phil Jimenez; Phil Jimenez with Nolan Woodard; Rob Liefeld; Skottie Young; Pepe Larraz with Edgar Delgado
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated T+

X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“The Hate Machine” Part 1: “Heal the World”

Last year, Marvel Comics launched a publishing event, entitled “ResurrXion,” in an attempt to shoot new life in its moribund X-Men line of comic books.  This initiative involved the debut of several new X-Men comic book titles, including the color-coded X-Men: Blue and X-Men Gold.

Still trying to pump life into the X-Men, Marvel has launched a new X-Men color-coded comic book, entitled X-Men: Red.  It will feature an X-Men team led by the resurrected, original Jean Grey, also known at times as Marvel Girl and Phoenix/Dark Phoenix.  This new comic book is written by Tom Taylor; drawn by Mahmud Asrar; colored by Ive Svorcina; and lettered by Cory Petit.

X-Men: Red #1 (“Heal the World”) opens with Heather, a young mutant, being hounded by a mob of neighbors who want to kill her because she is a mutant.  Her rescuers are Jean Grey, Nightcrawler, Gentle, Namor, Trinary, Honey Badger, and Wolverine (Laura Kinney).  Two months earlier, Jean Grey, newly brought back to life, decides that in order to protect mutants from a world that still hates them, she will need to find a way to protect the entire world.  Of course, not everyone wants that.

Once upon a time, someone who thought they were being smart “man-splained” to me that corporations existed to provide goods and services.  I didn't say anything at the time, but I firmly believed that many corporations, if not most, existed first and foremost to make money for their major stockholders and chief executives, officers, and/or managers.  That includes corporations that own comic book publishers like Marvel Comics.

I imagine that in the early 1980s, the people that called the shots noticed how popular the Marvel Comics title, Uncanny X-Men, had become with readers and how its story of a band of mutants who fought for a world that hated and feared them really resonated with fans.  That love had turned Uncanny X-Men into the top-selling comic book, at least in North America.  So why make a lot of money from just one X-Men comic book title when Marvel could make a even more money with more X-Men publications?

First it was one graphic novel... or two, and then, an X-Men spin-off series and a miniseries featuring the most popular X-Men character (Wolverine).  What started as a few X-Men and X-Men-related spin-offs became a trickle, then a stream, and the stream became a deluge.  I think Marvel officially started ruining the X-Men, not when it became a franchise, but specifically when that franchise launched the comic book, X-Factor (cover dated: February 1986).

In the three decades plus since the debut of X-Factor #1, there have been many quality X-Men publications, but most X-Men comic books have been, to be generous, average at best.  The X-Men went from being something special into nothing more than a cynically exploited cash cow for whatever money-grubbing corporation or CEO that owned Marvel Comics at any given time.

Writer Tom Taylor tries to recall the halcyon pre-X-Factor days of Uncanny X-Men in X-Men: Red.  Writer Marc Guggenheim tries to recall the storytelling of the classic X-Men scribe, Chris Claremont (who is arguably still the best X-Men comic book writer ever) with X-Men: Gold, but the results are mixed.  I feel like being cynical and saying that it is too late to make X-Men great again, but Taylor seems to be on to something here.  I would like to see where this goes.

I do think that artist Mahmud Asrar is already delivering excellent work.  I don't need to wait and see with Asrar; I am already declaring his art and graphical storytelling here a winner.  I think Asrar's illustrations, which are beautifully colored by Ive Svorcina, make this issue's story, “Heal the World,” seem as if it is indeed part of a promising larger story.  I have considered Asrar a star-creator in the making since I first saw his art in The New 52 title, Supergirl (2011).

So I see red, X-Men: Red that is.  I will keep reading as long as Taylor and Asrar are making something that seems special like the Uncanny X-Men at its speak from mid-1970s to the mid-1980s.

8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: KAKURIYO: Bed and Breakfasts for Spirits Volume 1

KAKURIYO: BED & BREAKFAST FOR SPIRITS, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Waco Ioka
ORIGINAL STORY: Midori Yuma
CHARACTER DESIGNS: Laruha
TRANSLATION & ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Tomo Kimura
LETTERS: Joanna Estep
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0372-2; paperback (January 2019); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 US, $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Afterlife Inn Cooking is a Japanese light-novel series written by Midori Yūma and illustrated by Laruha.  Wako Ioka has been producing a manga adaptation of the series for Enterbrain's josei manga magazine, B's Log Comic, since 2016.  VIZ Media has started publishing an English-language graphic novel edition of the manga under the series' English title, Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) introduces a young woman named Aoi Tsubaki.  She inherited her grandfather, Shiro's ability to see the spirits known as ayakashi (yokai).  Aoi also inherited his massive debt to the ayakashi, and now, she’s been kidnapped and taken to Kakuriyo (the spirit world) to settle that debt.

Aoi's options are limited.  She can marry Kijin a.k.a. “the Ōdana, who is the ogre and the owner of “Tenjin-ya,” the inn where her grandfather incurred so much debt.  Or she can be eaten by demons.  But Aoi is determined to settle affairs on her own terms.

I was interested in reading the Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits manga after first learning about it via a VIZ Media press release.  Luckily, my VIZ media representative sent me a copy of the first volume for review.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits Graphic Novel Volume 1 is a delight.  Before I continue this review, however, I must admit to you, dear readers, that I am a huge fan of yokai manga.  Kakuriyo does not have prettiest art that I have ever seen in a yokai manga, nor are these most imaginative ayakashi characters I have ever come across (at least so far in the narrative).

What Kakuriyo does have is a fantastic lead in Aoi Tsubaki, a young woman who is stout and determined no matter what is against her.  Aoi has “street smarts” in the fact that she is always on the lookout for someone or some spirit that might try to harm her or to take advantage of her.  An engaging character like Aoi, who is full of curiosity, is worth following.

8.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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