Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 19, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

JUL188346    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #4 2ND PTG OTTLEY VAR    $3.99
JUL181035    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1    $4.99
JUL181036    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 DELLOTTO VAR    $4.99
JUN180961    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN HC RED GOBLIN    $34.99
JUL181043    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN RENEW YOUR VOWS #23    $3.99
JUL181011    AVENGERS #8    $3.99
JUL181013    AVENGERS #8 MCKONE COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUL188347    BLACK PANTHER #3 2ND PTG ACUNA VAR    $3.99
JUN180986    CABLE TP VOL 03 PAST FEARS    $15.99
JUL181017    CAPTAIN AMERICA ANNUAL #1    $4.99
JUL181018    CAPTAIN AMERICA ANNUAL #1 ANDREWS VAR    $4.99
JUN180989    CLANDESTINE TP FAMILY TIES    $29.99
JUL181076    DOCTOR STRANGE #5    $3.99
JUL181077    DOCTOR STRANGE #5 TEDESCO COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUL180987    EDGE OF SPIDER-GEDDON #3 (OF 4)    $3.99
JUL180988    EDGE OF SPIDER-GEDDON #3 (OF 4) HAMNER VAR    $3.99
JUL188348    EXTERMINATION #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG LARRAZ VAR    $4.99
JUL180973    FRANKLIN RICHARDS FANTASTIC YEAR #1    $7.99
JUL181025    IMMORTAL HULK #6    $3.99
JUL181026    IMMORTAL HULK #6 SCHOONOVER COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUN180970    INFINITY COUNTDOWN DARKHAWK TP    $15.99
JUL188349    INFINITY WARS #2 (OF 6) 3RD PTG DEODATO VAR    $4.99
JUL181004    INFINITY WARS SOLDIER SUPREME #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
JUL181006    INFINITY WARS SOLDIER SUPREME KUBERT VAR #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
JUL188350    LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG SAUVAGE VAR    $3.99
JUL181096    LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUL181097    LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL #3 (OF 5) QUESADA VAR    $3.99
JUN180967    MARVEL KNIGHTS FANTASTIC FOUR BY MORRISON & LEE TP 1234    $15.99
JUN180988    MIGHTY THOR TP VOL 04 WAR THOR    $19.99
MAR180981    MMW KILLRAVEN HC VOL 01    $100.00
MAR180982    MMW KILLRAVEN HC VOL 01 DM VAR 265    $100.00
JUL181125    MR AND MRS X #3    $3.99
JUL181157    MSH ADVENTURES CAPTAIN MARVEL FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL #1    $3.99
JUL181140    MULTIPLE MAN #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUL180952    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5)    $4.99
JUN188388    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN AGE OF APOCALYPSE COST    $4.99
JUN188389    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN BROWN & TAN COSTUME VI    $4.99
JUN188390    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN CURRENT COSTUME VIRGIN    $4.99
JUN188391    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN FANG COSTUME VIRGIN VA    $4.99
JUN188392    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN PATCH COSTUME VIRGIN V    $4.99
JUN188393    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN WEAPON X COSTUME VIRGI    $4.99
JUN188395    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 (OF 5) MCNIVEN X-FORCE COSTUME VIRGIN    $4.99
JUN188986    RETURN OF WOLVERINE #1 LITHO (BUNDLE OF 20)    $PI
JUN180987    SPIDER-GWEN TP VOL 06 LIFE OF GWEN STACY    $15.99
JUL181146    STAR WARS #54    $3.99
MAR180985    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA HC VOL 01    $34.99
JUL181148    STAR WARS LANDO DOUBLE OR NOTHING #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUN180980    STAR WARS LEGENDS EPIC COLLECTION MENACE REVEALED TP VOL 01    $39.99
JUL188351    THOR #3 2ND PTG DEL MUNDO VAR    $3.99
JUL181032    THOR #5    $3.99
JUL181034    THOR #5 LUPACCHINO COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUL188352    TONY STARK IRON MAN #3 2ND PTG SCHITI    $3.99
JUL181066    TRUE BELIEVERS IRON FIST BY THOMAS & KANE #1    $1.00
JUL181067    TRUE BELIEVERS POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1    $1.00
JUL181069    TRUE BELIEVERS PUNISHER BY GRANT & ZECK #1    $1.00
JUL181068    TRUE BELIEVERS PUNISHER FIRST APPEARANCE #1    $1.00
JUL188353    VENOM #5 2ND PTG STEGMAN VAR    $3.99
JUL181044    VENOM #6    $3.99
JUL181045    VENOM #6 RAMOS COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUN180974    VENOM BY DANIEL WAY TP COMPLETE COLLECTION NEW PTG    $34.99
JUL181050    VENOM FIRST HOST #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUL181051    VENOM FIRST HOST #4 (OF 5) MIYAZAWA VAR    $3.99
JUN180973    VENOM TP VOL 04 NATIVITY    $15.99
JUL181014    WEST COAST AVENGERS #2    $3.99
JUL188354    X-23 #2 2ND PTG CABAL VAR    $3.99
JUL181110    X-MEN GOLD #36    $3.99
JUL181111    X-MEN GOLD #36 PORTACIO FINAL ISSUE VAR    $3.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 21, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

NOV171056    ALL NEW WOLVERINE TP VOL 05 ORPHANS OF X    $17.99
DEC170831    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #796 LEG    $3.99
DEC170890    ASTONISHING X-MEN #8 LEG    $3.99
NOV171063    ASTONISHING X-MEN BY CHARLES SOULE TP VOL 01 LIFE OF X    $17.99
DEC178076    AVENGERS #676 2ND PTG BROOKS VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170805    AVENGERS #681 LEG    $3.99
DEC170855    BLACK PANTHER ANNUAL #1 LEG    $4.99
DEC170856    BLACK PANTHER ANNUAL #1 STELFREEZE VAR LEG    $4.99
NOV171083    CABLE & X-FORCE TP ONSLAUGHT RISING    $34.99
DEC170845    DAREDEVIL #599 LEG    $3.99
DEC170916    DEADPOOL VS OLD MAN LOGAN #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC170917    DEADPOOL VS OLD MAN LOGAN #5 (OF 5) LIM VAR    $3.99
DEC170841    DEFENDERS #10 LEG    $3.99
DEC170797    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #1 (OF 4) CONNECTING VAR LEG    $4.99
DEC170794    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #1 (OF 4) LEG    $4.99
DEC170795    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #1 (OF 4) LIM VAR LEG    $4.99
NOV178643    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #1 (OF 4) TARNATION VAR LEG    $4.99
NOV171081    EXCALIBUR EPIC COLLECTION TP CROSS-TIME CAPER    $39.99
DEC170903    GENERATION X #87 LEG    $3.99
DEC170814    INCREDIBLE HULK #713 LEG    $3.99
DEC170883    INFINITY COUNTDOWN PRIME #1 LEG    $4.99
DEC178151    INFINITY COUNTDOWN PRIME #1 LOGAN HOLDS INFINITY VAR LEG    $4.99
NOV171061    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN IRONHEART TP VOL 01 RIRI WILLIAMS    $19.99
DEC170847    LUKE CAGE #170 LEG    $3.99
NOV171038    MARVEL LEGACY HC    $39.99
DEC170816    MIGHTY THOR #704 LEG    $3.99
DEC170873    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #11 LEG    $3.99
DEC178037    OLD MAN HAWKEYE #1 (OF 12) 2ND PTG CHECCHETTO VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170918    PUNISHER PLATOON #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
NOV171089    RUNAWAYS TP VOL 09 DEAD WRONG NEW PTG    $14.99
NOV171051    SECRET WARRIORS TP VOL 02 IF TROUBLE MUST COME    $19.99
DEC170927    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #17    $3.99
DEC170869    TALES OF SUSPENSE #102 (OF 5) LEG    $3.99
DEC178038    VENOM #160 2ND PTG SANDOVAL VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170901    VENOM #162 LEG    $3.99
DEC170895    X-MEN GOLD #22 LEG    $3.99

Review: AVENGERS No. 1.1

AVENGERS No. 1.1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Waid
PENCILS: Barry Kitson
INKS: Mark Farmer
COLORS: Jordan Boyd
LETTERS: Ferran Delgado
COVER: Barry Kitson with Jordan Boyd
VARIANT COVERS: Alan Davis and Mark Farmer with Matt Yackey; Alex Maleev; John Tyler Christopher
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2017)

Rated “T+”

Avengers created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

The Avengers are a Marvel Comics team of superheroes.  The team made its debut in The Avengers #1 (cover dated:  September 1963) and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.  Known as “Earth's Mightiest Heroes,” the Avengers had an original line-up of Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant Man, and The Wasp.  Captain America, a 1940s character from Timely Comics (Marvel's precursor), joined the team in The Avengers #4 (cover dated:  March 1964).

With The Avengers #16 (cover dated:  May 1965), every member of the Avengers, except Captain America, quit the team.  Replacing them were three former villains:  Hawkeye, Quicksilver, and the Scarlet Witch.  Marvel Comics revisits those early years of the “new” Avengers in the new comic book series, Avengers 1.1.  It is written by Mark Waid; drawn by Barry Kitson (pencils) and Mark Farmer (inks); colored by Jordan Boyd; and lettered by Ferran Delgado.

Avengers #1.1 opens with “Avengers Assemble” as Thor, Iron Man, Giant-Man (formerly Ant-Man), and the Wasp take on the members of the Masters of Evil:  The Black Knight, The Enchantress, The Executioner, and The Mysterious Melter.  After that battle, the remaining original Avengers decide to quit the team.  Now, Captain America is left alone to deal with three new Avengers who have controversial pasts.  Now, an enemy is prepared to take advantage of this awkward moment in the history of “Earth's Mightest Heroes.”

I am a fan of Silver Age comic books, especially those published by Marvel and DC Comics.  However, I am not necessarily a fan of modern comic books that try to retell those stories in a faux-retro style.  [After all, Marvel and DC Comics often retell stories they originally published in the 1960s with a modern spin via remakes or re-imaginings.]

I am a fan of Avengers #1.1 for two reasons.  The first reason is writer Mark Waid, who always seems to have the Midas touch when writing comic books that retell stories from the 1960s or at least tries to recapture the spirit of those comic books.  I can't quite describe it, but Waid gets it right with this first issue.

The second reason is artist Barry Kitson.  His clean compositions recall the classic mid-century modern and “New York slick” aesthetic of classic 1960s Marvel Comics.  It helps that Kitson's inker for this issue is Mark Farmer, known for inking the pencil art of Alan Davis.  Davis' comic book art has a timeless quality that looks like it could belong in any comic book era, and here, Farmer makes Kitson's storytelling resemble Davis's.

I am excited about Avengers 1.1 (or Avengers .1)  As long as Mark Waid is writing and artists like Barry Kitson are drawing this Avengers title, I will read it, although I generally avoid Avengers comic book series...

A-

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


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

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

Review: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #593

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN No. 593
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Stefano Caselli; Alex Maleev
COLORS: Marte Gracia; Alex Maleev
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Adi Granov
VARIANT COVERS: Alan Davis and Mark Farmer with Matt Yackey; John Tyler Christopher with Stefano Caselli and Marte Gracia; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Chip Zdarsky; Jack Kirby with Frank Giacola
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Rated “T+”

Iron Man created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby

“The Search for Tony Stark” Part One

One could be forgiven for thinking that there was a new Iron Man #1 comic book of some type every year, and that would not be far from the truth.  I think that going back to 1999, there have been close to 10 Iron Man #1's of one type or another, if not more.

Thanks to Marvel Comics' new “Legacy” initiative, Iron Man goes back to its original numbering (plus several relaunch numbers) and the result is Invincible Iron Man #593.  The creative team behind the most recent Invincible Iron Man relaunch (which was just a year ago) remains for the “Legacy” launch.  That would be writer Brian Michael Bendis; artist Stefano Caselli; colorist Marte Gracia; and letterer Clayton Cowles, with International Iron Man and Infamous Iron Man artist/colorist, Alex Maleev joining the team.

With Tony Stark out of commission (following events depicted in Civil War II), Riri Williams, a teenage girl and genius, and Victor Von Doom, formerly the super-villain Doctor Doom, have taken on the mantle of Iron Man.  Riri does so as the armored hero, Ironheart.

As Invincible Iron Man #593 opens, Tony Stark's comatose body has disappeared.  Riri joins Amanda Armstrong (Tony's birth mother); Mary Jane Watson (chosen by Tony to run Stark Industries); and Friday (an artificial intelligence Tony created to help him) in the search for Tony Stark.  They better hurry!  Stark Industries' Board of Directors is making bold moves.  Meanwhile, the Infamous Iron Man Victor von Doom has to find some escaped prisoners.

I had high hopes for the 11-issue run of Invincible Iron Man starring Riri Williams, and writer Brian Michael Bendis delivered.  Riri is the most fascinating female character of color in superhero comic books since the X-Men's Storm, specifically during the first decade of Storm's existence as written by Chris Claremont.  Riri is a well-developed character, and would be fascinating even if she were not in a superhero comic book.  Her imagination and inquisitiveness are infectious; I want to learn with her and be by her side inventing stuff.

But many of the white dudes that read comics and control the means of production (allegedly) ain't having it.  It is time to bring the white Iron Man back.  Seriously, Brian Bendis writing about Riri the armored character “Ironheart” in Invincible Iron Man and about Victor von Doom trying to be good guy as Iron Man in Infamous Iron Man did some stellar work.  In my decades as a Marvel Comics reader, I have never read better Iron Man comic books than what Bendis wrote, and he was doing it twice a month.

Bendis recently announced that he has signed as an exclusive creator with DC Comics, leaving Marvel after nearly 20 years.  I don't know who will replace him on Iron Man, and I don't think the new writer (who will obviously be a white male) can match Bendis.  If he does, I doubt he can do it on two monthly books.

So this first issue of “The Search for Tony Stark,” which is probably Bendis' last Iron Man story arc (for a while at least), is a nice start, and the ending of this issue is quite intriguing.

A
8 out of 10

Thursday, December 21, 2017


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

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

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 22, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

AUG171016    ALL NEW GUARDIANS OF GALAXY TP VOL 01 COMMUNICATION BREAKDOW    $17.99
SEP170923    ALL NEW WOLVERINE #27 LEG    $3.99
SEP170818    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN RENEW YOUR VOWS #13 LEG    $3.99
SEP170899    BLACK PANTHER #167 FRISON CONNECTING VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170898    BLACK PANTHER #167 LEG    $3.99
SEP178150    CABLE #150 2ND PTG LIEFELD VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170936    CABLE #151 LEG    $3.99
SEP170917    CAPTAIN MARVEL #126 LEG    $3.99
SEP178151    CHAMPIONS #13 2ND PTG MORA VAR LEG    $3.99
AUG171018    DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE AGAIN TP    $15.99
AUG171027    DOCTOR STRANGE AND SORCERERS SUPREME TP VOL 02 TIME AFTER TI    $17.99
SEP170957    GENERATION X #9    $3.99
AUG171009    GENERATIONS HC    $50.00
SEP170939    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY TELLTALE SERIES #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP170940    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY TELLTALE SERIES #5 (OF 5) GAME VAR    $3.99
AUG171014    I AM GROOT TP    $17.99
SEP178152    INCREDIBLE HULK #709 2ND PTG DEODATO VAR LEG    $3.99
AUG171019    INFAMOUS IRON MAN TP VOL 02 ABSOLUTION OF DOOM    $17.99
SEP178153    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #593 2ND PTG DAVIS LEG    $3.99
SEP170907    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #594 LEG    $3.99
SEP170912    LUKE CAGE #167 LEG    $3.99
SEP178154    MIGHTY THOR #700 2ND PTG HANS VAR LEG    $5.99
SEP178155    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #7 2ND PTG MORA VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170926    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #8 LEG    $3.99
SEP170863    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #25 LEG    $3.99
AUG171033    NICK FURY TP DEEP COVER CAPERS VOL 01    $17.99
SEP170949    PUNISHER PLATOON #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP170919    ROYALS #11 LEG    $3.99
SEP170897    SILVER SABLE WILD PACK #36 CHRISTOPHER TRADING CARD VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170895    SILVER SABLE WILD PACK #36 LEG    $3.99
SEP178156    SPIDER-GWEN #25 2ND PTG RANDOLPH VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170817    SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #24 LEG    $3.99
SEP170971    STAR WARS #39    $3.99
AUG171045    STAR WARS DARTH VADER DARK LORD SITH TP VOL 01 IMPERIAL MACH    $17.99
SEP170873    THANOS #13 LEG    $3.99
AUG171026    ULTIMATES 2 TP VOL 02 ETERNITY WAR    $15.99
AUG171037    VENOM CARNAGE UNLEASHED TP NEW PTG    $34.99
AUG171031    X-MEN BLUE TP VOL 02    $17.99
SEP170930    X-MEN GOLD #16 LEG    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 18, 2017

DC COMICS

AUG170191    AQUAMAN #29    $3.99
AUG170192    AQUAMAN #29 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170352    ASTRO CITY #48    $3.99
AUG170199    BATMAN #33    $2.99
AUG170200    BATMAN #33 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170311    BATMAN THE DROWNED #1 (METAL)    $3.99
AUG178453    BATMAN THE RED DEATH #1 2ND PTG (METAL)    $3.99
AUG170203    BATWOMAN #8    $3.99
AUG170204    BATWOMAN #8 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170287    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #4    $2.99
AUG170303    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #3    $3.99
AUG170304    FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #3 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170338    GRAYSON THE SUPERSPY OMNIBUS HC    $99.99
AUG170176    GREEN ARROW #33    $2.99
AUG170177    GREEN ARROW #33 VAR ED    $2.99
AUG170217    GREEN LANTERNS #33    $2.99
AUG170218    GREEN LANTERNS #33 VAR ED    $2.99
AUG170225    HARLEY QUINN #30    $2.99
AUG170226    HARLEY QUINN #30 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170477    HARLEY QUINN A ROGUES GALLERY THE DLX COVER ART COLL HC    $24.99
AUG170290    INJUSTICE 2 #12    $2.99
JUL170481    JLA THE NAIL ANOTHER NAIL DLX ED HC    $39.99
AUG170231    JUSTICE LEAGUE #31    $2.99
AUG170232    JUSTICE LEAGUE #31 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170460    JUSTICE LEAGUE MOVIE WONDER WOMAN STATUE    $150.00
AUG170316    MAD MAGAZINE #548    $5.99
AUG178454    MISTER MIRACLE #1 (OF 12) 3RD PTG (MR)    $3.99
AUG178455    MISTER MIRACLE #2 (OF 12) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
AUG170241    NIGHTWING #31    $2.99
AUG170242    NIGHTWING #31 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170492    SEBASTIAN O MYSTERY PLAY HC (MR)    $29.99
JUL170463    SUICIDE SQUAD REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 01    $34.99
AUG170255    SUPER SONS #9    $3.99
AUG170256    SUPER SONS #9 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170253    SUPERMAN #33    $2.99
AUG170254    SUPERMAN #33 VAR ED    $2.99
AUG170315    TEEN TITANS GO #24    $2.99
AUG170261    TITANS #16    $3.99
AUG170262    TITANS #16 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170263    TRINITY #14    $3.99
AUG170264    TRINITY #14 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170283    WILD STORM #8    $3.99
AUG178372    WILD STORM #8 LEE VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170284    WILD STORM #8 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170486    WILD STORM TP VOL 01    $16.99
AUG170295    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
AUG170296    WONDER WOMAN CONAN #2 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 15, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

JAN170988    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #25    $9.99
DEC161101    AVENGERS INITIATIVE COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 01    $34.99
JAN171024    BLACK PANTHER WORLD OF WAKANDA #5    $3.99
JAN170966    CAPTAIN AMERICA SAM WILSON #20    $3.99
JAN171009    DAREDEVIL #18    $3.99
DEC161108    DEADPOOL CLASSIC TP VOL 17 HEADCANON    $34.99
JAN171066    DEADPOOL THE DUCK #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN171068    DEADPOOL THE DUCK #5 (OF 5) JOHNSON CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
DEC161113    EXCALIBUR EPIC COLLECTION TP SWORD IS DRAWN    $39.99
JAN170960    GREAT LAKES AVENGERS #6    $3.99
JAN171047    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #18    $3.99
JAN171048    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #18 BEST BENDIS MOMENTS VAR    $3.99
DEC161115    MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS ULTRON REVOLUTION DIGEST TP VOL 02    $9.99
JAN170974    MIGHTY THOR #17    $3.99
JAN170914    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #5 (OF 5)    $4.99
JAN170915    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #5 (OF 5) FRANCAVILLA 50S MOVIE POSTER VA    $4.99
JAN170918    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #5 (OF 5) KUBERT MONSTER VAR    $4.99
JAN170917    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #5 (OF 5) SUPERLOG VAR    $4.99
JAN171008    MS MARVEL #16    $3.99
JAN171021    PATSY WALKER AKA HELLCAT #16    $3.99
DEC161001    PUNISHER #10    $3.99
JAN171004    SPIDER-MAN #14    $3.99
JAN171086    STAR WARS POE DAMERON #12    $3.99
JAN171050    STAR-LORD #4    $3.99
JAN170970    TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #17    $3.99
DEC161098    UNBELIEVABLE GWENPOOL TP VOL 02 HEAD OF MODOK    $17.99
JAN170980    UNCANNY AVENGERS #21    $3.99
JAN171076    UNCANNY X-MEN #19    $3.99
JAN170979    US AVENGERS #4    $3.99
JAN170994    VENOM #5    $3.99
DEC168701    WEAPON X #1 POSTCARDS (BUNDLE OF 100)    $5.00
DEC161110    WOLVERINE VS MARVEL UNIVERSE TP    $34.99
SEP161121    WOMEN OF POWER STANDEE PUNCH OUT BOOK HC    $24.99
DEC168677    X-MEN BLUE #1 POSTCARDS (BUNDLE OF 100) (Net)    $5.00

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for November 4, 2015

IDW PUBLISHING

SEP150459     ANGRY BIRDS SUPER ANGRY BIRDS #3     $3.99
SEP150416     ATOMIC ROBO & THE RING OF FIRE #3     $3.99
SEP150441     DONALD DUCK #7     $3.99
SEP150407     INSUFFERABLE #7     $3.99
SEP150444     MICKEY MOUSE #6     $3.99
APR150415     MIRACLEMAN ARTIFACT ED HC     PI
SEP150357     MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #22     $3.99
SEP150424     OCTOBER FACTION #10     $3.99
SEP150414     SHERLOCK HOLMES 7 PER-CENT SOLUTION #4     $3.99
SEP150415     SHERLOCK HOLMES 7 PER-CENT SOLUTION #4 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
SEP150386     STAR TREK NEW ADVENTURES TP VOL 02     $29.99
SEP150391     STAR TREK NEW VISIONS HOLLOW MAN     $7.99
SEP152625     THE GAME CARD GAME     $19.99
SEP150432     TMNT COLOR CLASSICS SERIES 3 #11     $3.99
AUG150362     TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #46     $3.99
AUG150363     TRANSFORMERS MORE THAN MEETS EYE #46 ARTIST ED BLANK SKETCH     $3.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 1, 2015

MARVEL COMICS

FEB150721     AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #17     $3.99
JAN150817     AVENGERS #43 TRO     $3.99
JAN150897     AVENGERS EVERYBODY WANTS RULE WORLD PROSE NOVEL HC     $24.99
FEB150693     AVENGERS MILLENNIUM #1     $3.99
DEC140948     AVENGERS RAGE OF ULTRON OGN HC     $24.99
JAN150896     AVENGERS SCARLET WITCH BY ABNETT AND LANNING TP     $24.99
FEB150697     AVENGERS ULTRON FOREVER #1     $4.99
FEB150734     CYCLOPS #12 BV     $3.99
FEB150818     DARK TOWER DRAWING THREE HOUSE CARDS #2 (MR)     $3.99
DEC148710     DARTH VADER #1 GRANOV 2ND PTG VAR     $4.99
DEC148711     DARTH VADER #2 GRANOV 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
FEB150777     GEORGE ROMEROS EMPIRE OF DEAD ACT THREE #1 Of(5)     $3.99
FEB150750     GUARDIANS OF GALAXY BEST STORY EVER #1     $3.99
FEB150751     GUARDIANS TEAM-UP #4     $3.99
FEB150816     IRON FIST LIVING WEAPON #11     $3.99
FEB150675     KANAN LAST PADAWAN #1     $3.99
APR140751     MMW AVENGERS HC VOL 01 NEW PTG     $49.99
APR140752     MMW INVINCIBLE IRON MAN HC VOL 01 NEW PTG     $49.99
DEC140963     ONCE UPON A TIME PREM HC OUT OF PAST     $24.99
FEB150805     OPERATION SIN #4     $3.99
FEB150808     PUNISHER #17     $3.99
FEB150825     RETURN OF LIVING DEADPOOL #3     $3.99
FEB150744     ROCKET RACCOON #10     $3.99
DEC148712     SPIDER-GWEN #1 RODRIGUEZ 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
FEB150731     SPIDER-GWEN #3     $3.99
DEC148713     STAR WARS #1 CASSADAY 4TH PTG VAR     $4.99
FEB150762     TRUE BELIEVERS AGE OF APOCALYPSE #1     $1.00
FEB150761     TRUE BELIEVERS MARVEL ZOMBIES #1     $1.00
JAN150809     UNCANNY AVENGERS #3     $3.99
FEB150664     UNCANNY INHUMANS #0     $4.99
JAN150892     WEIRDWORLD TP WARRIORS OF SHADOW REALM     $34.99
FEB150826     WOLVERINES #13     $3.99

Review: Hickman's Writing is Great in AVENGERS #39

AVENGERS #39
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Jonathan Hickman
ART: Mike Deodato
COLORS: Frank Martin
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Alan Davis and Mark Farmer with Brad Anderson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

“You Can't Win: Part 1”

This is how you kick off a new story arc.  Jonathan Hickman tells the story in a message from Reed Richards to Val Ventura.  Back in the day, we would have called this a letter, but I don't know, now.  Is this an email, a post on Facebook, a tweet, or Instagram?  This social media stuff is just moving so fast that I can't keep up.

Knowing Reed, he probably found a way to insert it into one of Val's genes and it will manifest itself after Val goes through puberty.  Reed is teaching Val how to make plans.  He is using the Illuminati's conflict with Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. to illustrate the lesson.  Hickman's use of the chess piece to let us know that these plans are strategies for winning a war, not landscaping.

Everything about this story is grandiose, or if you prefer, it goes hard.  Cap falls into Reed's trap when he knows it is a trap.  War Machine is stretching himself to limits that may kill him.  Captain Marvel is talking stuff about the Hulk.  The action is spectacular.  I am talking about “are you read to rumble?!” action.  Hickman entertains us on multiple levels.  This is one of those times that reading a comic book added something to my life.

Visceral as well as cerebral:  the scene with Captain Marvel and the Hulk shows us why you need to be able to do what you say you can do.  I won't tell the end of the story, but I will say that Reed teaches Cap and Val the lesson well.

Hickman is a master at telling team stories.  Reed was the focus of this story, but all of the characters have their individual moments.  I'll say this again:  the ending is awesome.  Hickman tells a great epic while giving us great insight into the character of Reed Richards.  If this is the set-up, then, the rest of this arc will be something at which to Marvel.  Yeah, I said that corny bull.  Hickman has given us stories worthy of comic's ultimate team.

The art is pleasing to the eyes.  The facial expressions of the characters helps to depict what is happening in the story.  I said that the story was grandiose, and the art follows in the same vein.  The art is big without giving you the feeling that it 's just taking up space.  The only criticism that I have is that the colors are too dark.  I like my Avengers bright.

I give Avengers #39 a rating of “Recommend it to a Friend,” #1 (of 5) – the top rating on the Al-O-Meter.  If you're a comic book fan you need to be reading this book.

Reviewed by Albert Avilla


The text is copyright © 2015 Albert Avilla. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

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

I Reads You Review: STAR WARS #1

STAR WARS (2015) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

STORY: Jason Aaron
ART: John Cassaday
COLORS: Laura Martin
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
COVER: John Cassaday with Laura Martin
VARIANT COVERS: Bob McLeod; Simone Bianchi, Mark Brooks, J. Scott Campbell with Nei Ruffino; Pascal Campion; John Tyler Christopher; Alan Davis, Dale Keown; Sara Pichelli; Humberto Ramos; Alex Ross; Skottie Young
48pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2015)

Rated T

Book 1: Skywalker Strikes

In 1977, Marvel Comics published a comic book adaptation of the movie, Star Wars, over the course of six issues.  Because of the sales success of that adaptation, Marvel continued publishing this comic book, also entitled Star Wars, assigning a number of writers and artists to fashion new adventures featuring the cast of the Oscar-winning Star Wars, which broke box office records.

During its run of 107 issues and 3 annuals, Star Wars the comic book series also adapted the 1980 film, The Empire Strikes Back (over the course of six issues).  The series created new stories to continue the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca,  C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, and new characters like Lando Calrissian and Boba Fett.  A comic book adaptation of Return of the Jedi was published in a separate four-issue miniseries.  Marvel also published two other Star Wars comic books, a fourteen-issue series, Ewoks, and an eight-issue series, Droids.  In 1986, Marvel stopped producing new Star Wars comic books.

From 1991 to 2014, Dark Horse Comics held the license to publish Star Wars comic books.  During that time, Dark Horse published hundreds of individual Star Wars comic books, paperbacks, and hardcover collections.  The Walt Disney Company bought Marvel Entertainment, LLC in 2009 and Lucasfilm Limited, LLC in 2012 (the home of Star Wars, of course), making Marvel Comics and Lucasfilm corporate siblings.  Because of that, Marvel Comics was slated to once again be the publisher of Star Wars comic books.

To begin this new era of Star Wars comic books, Marvel recently launched a new comic book entitled Star Wars.  This title returns to the period immediately following the events depicted in the original Star Wars film (also known as Episode IV – A New Hope).  That means new adventures featuring the classic versions of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca,  C-3PO, R2-D2, and Darth Vader.

Marvel's Star Wars #1 opens shortly after Luke Skywalker destroyed the evil Galactic Empire's most feared and greatest weapon, the Death Star.  Now, the Rebel Alliance wishes to press the advantage they gained over Imperial Forces and are launching a daring offensive in a bid to defeat the Empire once and for all.

Now, Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 have secretly infiltrated the Corellian Industrial Cluster.  Han is pretending to be the official emissary of Jabba the Hutt, whose organization will provide the raw material that the Empire needs for its weapons factory.  Our favorite rebels are about to discover that another negotiator is also on his way, and he is someone familiar to them.

What can I say?  I love Star Wars.  I have only read a small portion of the books and comic books produced in what is called the “Star Wars Expanded Universe.”  I have occasionally bought toys, clothing, and other merchandising.  Still, I love Star Wars.  I have seen all the films (including the Star Wars: The Clone Wars film) in whole or in part so many times that only God knows the number.  I did not watch much of the old “Droids” and “Ewoks” Saturday morning cartoon series, but I have seen most of the recent animated series, like “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels.”

Yes, I love Star Wars.  Marvel's new Star Wars #1 does feel like it is connected to the original Star Wars film, at least to me.  Writer Jason Aaron is spot-on with the dialogue.  Han's dialogue recalls Harrison Ford of the original trilogy.  There are moments in this first issue when artist John Cassaday draws the characters as if he had gone back in time and was the official portrait artist on the set of Star Wars in 1976 when George Lucas began shooting the first film.  So what can I say?  Of course, I like this.  Of course, I love Marvel Comics' new Star Wars #1.

[At the beginning of 2013, Dark Horse Comics launched a comic book entitled Star Wars.  It also took us (as a press release said) “back to those heady, adventure-filled days following the destruction of the Death Star—when the Empire ruled, the Rebels were on the run, and the galaxy was a dangerous place where anything might happen!”  Dark Horse's Star Wars was a character-driven, science fiction adventure serial, and, to be fair, it was quite good.]

A

[This comic book includes previews of the following comic books:  Star Wars: Darth Vader by Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larocca and Star Wars: Princess Leia by Mark Waid and Terry Dodson.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

I Reads You Review: SAVAGE HULK #1

SAVAGE HULK #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER/PENCILS: Alan Davis
INKS: Mark Farmer
COLORS: Matt Hollingsworth
LETTERS: VC’s Clayton Cowles
COVER: Alan Davis and Mark Farmer with Val Staples
VARIANT COVER: John Cassaday with Paul Mounts; Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $3.99 (August 2014)

Rated T+

“The Man Within”

Savage Hulk is a new comic book starring one of Marvel Comics’ seminal characters, the Hulk.  Like Savage Wolverine did with Wolverine, Savage Hulk will feature the Hulk in standalone story arcs produced by some of Marvel’s top creative talent.  […big names, super stars and break out talent…” says Savage Hulk editor Mark Paniccia]

Savage Hulk’s first story arc is being produced by a comics creator who truly can be called a “superstar,” veteran writer, artist, and writer/artist, the great Alan Davis.  Davis is writing and penciling Savage Hulk with his longtime collaborator, Mark Farmer, inking his pencils.  To start things off with an incredible Hulk bang, Davis is teaming the Hulk with a group of characters that are familiar to Davis, the X-Men.  Davis is essentially writing a sequel to X-Men #66 (cover dated:  March 1970), which featured the original X-Men against the Hulk.

Savage Hulk #1 (“The Man Within”) recaps a battle between the Hulk and the X-Men: Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Angel, Beast, and Iceman.  The X-Men needed the help of Bruce Banner, the Hulk’s alter ego, to bring their teacher and leader, Professor Charles Xavier out of a coma.  They succeed in getting a device from Banner that helps Xavier; now, the Professor wants to return the favor and help Banner.

Joined by Polaris and Havok, the X-Men return to the last place they saw Banner.  However, long-time Hulk nemesis, The Leader, has been monitoring the actions of Hulk and the X-Men.  Now, he is ready to launch his latest diabolical scheme against the Savage Hulk.

My review of Savage Hulk #1 is this:  I like Alan Davis.  I enjoy the clean, straight-forward way that Davis tells superhero stories with a mix of soap opera and the kind of weird fantasy that is unique to comic books.  Thus, I thoroughly enjoyed Davis’ Savage Hulk #1.  I’m ready for the next issue, and I wish someone at Marvel Comics would encourage Davis to do more comics starring the original X-Men.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

New Orleans Comic Con Has Neal Adams "Miracleman #2" Variant

Marvel Comics & Wizard World Reveal 'Miracleman 2' Exclusive Variant Interlocking Cover By Neal Adams For New Orleans Comic Con

Marvel Will Offer Exclusive Books At All 16 Wizard World Shows Including 'Miracleman #2' At New Orleans Comic Con, February 7-9; VIP Attendees Receive Free Color Version; B&W Limited Edition Available For Purchase

NEW YORK, January 2, 2014 – Marvel Comics and Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) have announced a program by which VIP attendees at each of the 16 scheduled 2014 Wizard World Comic Con pop culture conventions will receive exclusive variant covers of the best Marvel titles, continuing with Miracleman #2 at New Orleans Comic Con (Feb. 7-9). The limited-edition book, with cover illustrated by comics legend and Eisner Award Hall of Famer Neal Adams, features an interlocking cover with Adams' Miracleman #1 from Portland Comic Con (Jan. 24-26), and will be available in both color and black & white sketch editions.

The colored version of Miracleman #2 will be limited to 3,000 copies and provided free at registration to all Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con VIP attendees, including any celebrity VIP packages. The Black & White sketch version is limited to just 2,500 copies and will be available for sale at the Wizard World Store on the convention floor. Quantities per purchase may be limited.

Adams is scheduled to be on site at the event to sign copies (autograph fees may apply). Leading professional comic grader CGC will also be on hand to accept books for grading and Signature Series.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Sunday is also Kids Day, with an array of activities and programming specially designed for the younger Wizard World fans.

Wizard World Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor, often stopping by the Show Stage, the ideal place to see and be seen.

For more on the 2014 Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con, go to http://www.wizardworld.com/home-neworleans.html.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

Wizard World 2014 Schedule

January 24-26 – Wizard World Portland Comic Con

February 7-9 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con

March 7-9 – Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con

March 28-30 – Wizard World Louisville Comic Con

April 4-6 – Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

May 2-4 – Wizard World Minneapolis Comic Con

May 30-June 1 – Wizard World Atlanta Comic Con

June 19-22 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

August 1-3 – Wizard World San Antonio Comic Con

August 21-24 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

September 12-14 – Wizard World Richmond Comic Con

September 26-28 – Wizard World Nashville Comic Con

October 2-4 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con

October 31-November 2 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con

November 7-9 – Wizard World Tulsa Comic Con

November 21-23 – Wizard World Reno Comic Con


# # #

I Reads You Review: WOLVERINE #1

WOLVERINE (2013) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Paul Cornell
PENCILS: Alan Davis
INKS: Mark Farmer
COLORS: Matt Hollingsworth
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Alan Davis and Mark Farmer with Jason Keith
VARIANT COVERS: Olivier Coipel; Salvador Larroca and Frank D’Armata; Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 (May 2013)

Parental Advisory

Until Demon Knights #1 (DC Comics, 2011), I disliked every comic book written by Paul Cornell that I read.  Now, I have found another one that has really grabs my imagination.  It is the new eponymous Wolverine comic book, part of the Marvel NOW initiative that has seen the re-launch of several Marvel titles.

Wolverine is written by Cornell and drawn penciller Alan Davis and his longtime inker, Mark Farmer.  This new series is not specifically a team-up series, but it will apparently feature some surprising guest appearances by Marvel characters, both the familiar, the surprising, and the unusual.

Trying to stay relatively spoiler free, I will say that Wolverine #1 (“Hunting Season” Part 1 of 4) opens with Wolverine in a bad way.  The cause is Robert Gregson, a 41-year-old man on a murderous rampage, and Gregson’s young son, Alex, may be the only person who can help Wolverine put an end to a massacre.

To me, Wolverine #1 simply works because Cornell manages to put Wolverine in a perilous situation, one in which he actually seems imperiled.  The longer these superhero characters are published, the more they become like indestructible demigods and the less like fragile humans with special abilities, which is what most Marvel characters are in their beginnings.  However, without revealing spoilers, I can say that I certainly thought Wolverine would be killed, and that made Wolverine #1 an exciting read.

The other reason I like this comic book is Alan Davis.  I love this comic book artist, and it is always a joy to read comic books drawn by Davis – even when the story isn’t that good.  He brings humanity to the characters, emphasizing their vulnerability over their super powers.  I look forward to following this Wolverine series – especially if both Cornell and Davis keep delivering the good stuff.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

The text is copyright © 2013 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.