Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 31, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR170017    ALIENS DEAD ORBIT #2    $3.99
MAR170082    JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE OUTER DARK #1    $3.99
NOV160057    KINGSWAY WEST TP    $14.99
MAR170092    LOBSTER JOHNSON PIRATES GHOST #3    $3.99
JAN170138    MISTER X ARCHIVES TP    $24.99
JAN170140    STARSLAYER TP LOG OF JOLLYROGER    $24.99
MAR170097    VISITOR HOW AND WHY HE STAYED #4 (OF 5)    $3.99

Review: NIGHTHAWK #1

NIGHTHAWK No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David F. Walker
ARTIST: Ramon Villalobos
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz with Chris Sotomayor
VARIANT COVERS: Rafael Albuquerque; John Tyler Christopher; Bill Sienkiewicz; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory

Nighthawk is a Marvel Comics character.  While there have been several versions of the character, the first Nighthawk was Kyle Richmond, initially a supervillain and also a member of the Squadron Supreme.  Richmond, as the original Nighthawk, debuted in The Avengers #69 (cover dated:  October 1969) with two other members of the Squadron Supreme.

The “All-New, All-Different Marvel” event offers a new ongoing Nighthawk comic book.  This series focuses on an African-American version of Kyle Richmond from Earth-31916, who also uses the identity of Raymond Kane.  Nighthawk is written by David F. Walker; drawn by Ramon Villalobos; colored by Tamra Bonvillian; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Nighthawk #1 opens in Chicago, Illinois which is both roiled by racial strife and rotten with political corruption.  The city's streets, neighborhoods, and districts are Nighthawk's stomping grounds.  In fact, we find him stomping on the “True Patriots,” a White supremacist gang that deals in guns and meth production.  Nighthawk uses his physical and mental skills to destroy them, will his partner, Tilda Johnson, as usual, helps with the robotics and technology Nighthawk uses.  Meanwhile, Kane faces a dirty offer from Dan Hanrahan; plus, a sinister figure returns.

Stunned.  I am truly stunned both by how much I like this comic book and by how good it is.  If DC Comics were not so afraid of letting African-American scribes write marquee titles, David F. Walker would be writing Batman now.  [Walker recently had a short stint as writer of the Cyborg comic book for DC.]  Although I am a fan of both Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz, I think the cover art they provided for Nighthawk #1 is kinda whack.  When I first saw the cover, I looked at this comic book with disdain.

But something made me buy it.  Maybe, it is the buy-the-first-issue fanboy gene that made me do it, but whomever or whatever I have to thank – thank you, bitches!  I think that Walker is going to tackle issues surrounding themes of anger, aggression, rage, violence, political corruption, and corporate depravity.  So that makes David F. Walker's Nighthawk a smart buy.  Besides, the covers are going to get better, aren't they?

As artist, I like the choice of Ramon Villalobos, whose work on last summer's E is for Extinction (a Secret Wars title) wowed me.  You know what?  I'm going to highly recommend this book to you, dear readers.

A

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.

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

Review: DARK KNIGHT III: The Master Race #8

DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE No. 8
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS:  Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair; Klaus Janson with Brad Anderson; Bill Sienkiewicz; Riley Rossmo
32pp (plus 16-page insert), Color, $5.99 U.S. (May 2017)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Dark Knight III: The Master Race (also known as DKIII) is a nine-issue Batman comic book event miniseries.  It is the second sequel to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (also known simply as The Dark Knight Returns or DKR), the 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.  DKIII finds Batman united with Superman to stop a murderous group of people from Superman's home planet, Krypton, from taking over the Earth.

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #8 opens with the new Batgirl (Carrie Kelley) witnessing the seeming death of Batman.  However, Superman placed Batman's body in a Lazarus Pit, and now Bruce Wayne is not only alive, but young again.  Meanwhile, the “master race” of Kryptonians from the Bottled City of Kandor invade the home of Wonder Woman's and the Amazons (an island now called “Amazonia”).  The Kryptonians are sure that they will win their fight with the Amazons, but Wonder Woman and her people have something that can match the Superman-like powers of a master race.

After much criticism and complaining about DKIII (with only scattered praise), I have to admit that I think that DKIII #8 is not only the best issue of the series, but it is also a truly good comic book.  DKIII has been wildly inconsistent, but DKIII #7 and #8 move the narrative forward more powerfully than a locomotive.

I don't think... No, I know that I have not had this much fun reading the other issues of DKIII as I had reading #8, although #7, as I've said, is quite good.  Wonder Woman in full battle mode is a beautiful thing, and of course, this story barrels forward because #8 is the penultimate issue (although it was originally intended to be the last issue).  Of note, a younger Bruce Wayne adds fuel to the rumors that many more series set in the DKR universe are to come.

Dark Knight Universe Presents: Detective 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 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,” which focuses on Green Lantern and two denizens of Thanagar.  This issue's “Detective Comics” insert is the best of the lot, thus far, and is Frank Miller's best work as an artist for these inserts.  This insert also features some familiar characters and story elements that first appeared in DKR, and that makes me happy.  Plus, this is “To be continued...”

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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: FUTURE QUEST #1

FUTURE QUEST No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTISTS: Evan “Doc” Shaner – @DocShaner (p. 1-19, 28-30); Steve “The Dude” Rude (p. 20-27)
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire – @whoajordie
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc” Shaner
VARIANT COVERS: Steve Rude with Steve Buccellato; Bill Sienkiewicz; Aaron Lopresti; Joe Quinnoes
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Part One: “Lights in the Sky”

A few months ago, DC Comics announced that it would publish a small line of comic books that would re-imagine and re-interpret classic Hanna-Barbera television series and characters.  Hanna-Barbera was an American animation studio that produced animated television series for American television networks, mostly for broadcast on Saturday mornings, but also for prime time.

Future Quest, the first of these comic books, debuted recently.  Future Quest brings the stars of Hanna-Barbera's action, sci-fi, and superhero TV series together.  That includes “Jonny Quest” (one of those prime time animated series), “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

The cast of “Jonny Quest” seem to be the stars of Future Quest, and are referred to as “Team Quest.”  They are Jonny Quest; his adopted brother, Hadji; his father, Dr. Benton Quest; family bodyguard, Race Bannon; Race's love interest and spy-type, Jezebel Jade; and, of course, Jonny's dog, Bandit. Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; drawn by Evan “Doc” Shaner; colored by Jordie Bellaire; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Artist Steve Rude contributes eight pages to this first issue.

Future Quest #1 (“Lights in the Sky”) finds Jonny and Hadji wearing classic Quest rocket packs and zipping around the Florida Everglades. Meanwhile, Dr. Quest receives two visitors from “Inter-Nation Security,” who have come to see him about strange anomalies popping up all over the Earth.  Meanwhile, Team Quest's arch-nemesis, Dr. Zin, suddenly appears in the Everglades and attacks Jonny, Hadji, and Race.  However, all of Earth is about to be drawn into an epic struggle that threatens the galaxy and perhaps, even the universe.

I was cynical about DC's Hanna-Barbera (sometimes known as “H-B”) announcement.  Quite a bit of the storytelling that entertained me in my early and formative years came from classic H-B series.  It is not often that comic book versions or even TV remakes of classic 1960s and 1970s H-B series have pleased me.  [I really like the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video movies that Warner Bros. has been producing since the late 1990s].

However, I'm all in on Future Quest.  Writer Jeff Parker has captured the sense of adventure, fun, and wonder that permeated classic action/superhero/sci-fi and fantasy H-B series like “Jonny Quest” and “Space Ghost.”  It does not matter that Future Quest will unite characters that have rarely appeared together, if at all.  If H-B had brought together “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor,”  I can't imagine that it would look too different from what at least this first issue of Future Quest suggests.  Also, my feeling is that Jeff Parker is doing this the right way.

I am a fan of artist Steve Rude.  He claims “Space Ghost” as a huge influence on his work as a comic book artist, especially on the comic book, Nexus, which he produces with writer Mike Baron.  It is good to see him work on Future Quest.  Rude on Future Quest is a no-brainer.

But series artist Evan “Doc” Shaner takes a backseat to no one on this comic book.  His clear line drawing style recalls classic H-B, but also captures the spirit of those wonderful European comic graphic albums that appeal to readers, young and old, such as Tintin and the Smurfs.  When Jordie Bellaire adds her magical colors, the comic art in Future Quest looks fantastic.  It evokes H-B while being something new, fresh, and vibrant.

In fact, this is what the classic, but old H-B action TV series need – a fresh take and a new beginning.  Part of me is still doubting.  Is this first issue a fluke?  Can Future Quest be as good – long term – as I think this first issue is.  I believe in Parker and Shaner.

A

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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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 2, 2016

MARVEL COMICS

DEC150767     A-FORCE #3     $3.99
DEC158637     ALL NEW ALL DIFFERENT AVENGERS #4 ALEX ROSS 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC158635     ALL NEW INHUMANS #3 CASELLI 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC158636     ALL NEW X-MEN #3 BAGLEY 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
JAN160856     AMAZING SPIDER-MAN AND SILK SPIDERFLY EFFECT #1     $4.99
JAN160762     AVENGERS STANDOFF ASSAULT ON PLEASANT HILL ALPHA #1 ASO     $4.99
JAN160743     BLACK WIDOW #1     $3.99
DEC158638     CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 ANKA 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
SEP150851     CIVIL WAR BOX SET SLIPCASE HC     $500.00
SEP150852     CIVIL WAR ILLUSTRATED PROSE NOVEL HC     $39.99
DEC150897     CIVIL WAR NEW AVENGERS TP     $16.99
DEC158639     DAREDEVIL #3 GARNEY 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
SEP150855     DAREDEVIL BY MILLER AND JANSON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG     $125.00
DEC150865     DARTH VADER #17     $3.99
JAN160891     DEADPOOL #8     $3.99
SEP150856     ELEKTRA BY FRANK MILLER OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG     $100.00
DEC158640     EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #6 RAMOS 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
JAN160813     GUARDIANS OF INFINITY #4     $4.99
SEP150860     INHUMAN HC     $34.99
DEC158641     INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #4 MARQUEZ 3RD PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC158642     INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #5 MARQUEZ 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
JAN160718     INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #7     $3.99
JAN160755     MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS ASSEMBLE CIVIL WAR #1     $2.99
NOV150932     MIRACLEMAN GAIMAN BUCKINGHAM PREM HC (MR)     $29.99
NOV150931     MIRACLEMAN GAIMAN BUCKINGHAM PREM HC BOOK 01 GOLDEN AGE (MR)     $29.99
DEC158643     NEW AVENGERS #5 JIMENEZ 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150757     NEW AVENGERS #7     $3.99
JAN160797     NOVA #5     $3.99
DEC158644     OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN #2 CHECCHETTO 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC158645     OLD MAN LOGAN #1 SORRENTINO 2ND PTG VAR     $4.99
JAN160898     OLD MAN LOGAN #3     $3.99
JAN160842     SPIDER-MAN #2     $3.99
DEC150747     UNCANNY AVENGERS #6     $3.99
DEC158646     UNCANNY INHUMANS #4 MCNIVEN 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
JAN160902     UNCANNY X-MEN #4     $3.99

Review: BIZARRO #1

BIZARRO #1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Heath Corson
PENCILS: Gustavo Duarte
INKS: Bill Sienkiewicz
COLORS: Pete Pantazis
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano
COVER: Gustavo Duarte with Pete Pantazis
VARIANT COVERS: Kyle Baker
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2015)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

“America: Part 6”

Bizarro is a supervillain that first appeared in Superboy #68 (cover dated:  October 1958).  Created by  writer Otto Binder and artist George Papp, Bizarro was meant to be a “mirror image” of Superman, but he is also an antagonist of the Man of Steel's.

DC Comics' “DCYou” publishing initiative includes the launch of several new series, some of them are “all ages” titles.  One of those is Bizarro, a six-issue miniseries written by Heath Corson; drawn by Gustavo Duarte and Bill Sienkiewicz; colored by Pete Pantazis; and lettered by Tom Napolitano.

Bizarro #1 (“America: Part 6”) opens with Superman's pal, Jimmy Olsen, and Bizarro on a road trip.  It is all part of plan to get Bizarro to Canada and then, convince him that this foreign country is really “Bizarro America.”  Along for the trip is Bizarro's pet, Colin the Chupacabra, and alien visitors!  Plus, Regis “King Tut” Tuttle just wants to sell cars to Smallville.

The highly stylized art of the team of Gustavo Duarte and Bill Sienkiewicz is one good thing about Bizarro #1.  Anything else good about it, you might ask?  Well, Bizarro #1 is mildly amusing, but I did not enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed the other “DCYou” six-issue all-ages miniseries, Bat-Mite.

I can convince myself that Bizarro has potential.  I don't know if I can convince myself to prove that by reading another issue.

C+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

I Reads You Review: MOON KNIGHT #1

MOON KNIGHT (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ARTIST/COVER: Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
VARIANT COVERS: Adi Granov; Bill Sienkiewicz; Skottie Young; Katie Cook; Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2014)

Moon Knight is a Marvel Comics superhero character.  Created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, Moon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 (cover dated: August 1975).

Moon Knight is Marc Spector an American-born mercenary who dies in Egypt, under the statue of Khonshu, an ancient Egyptian moon god.  Khonshu appears to Spector and offers him a second chance at life.  After he awakens, Spector wraps himself with the silver shroud that covers Khonshu’s statue, turning it into a silver cloaked costume, becoming the Moon Knight.  A superb athlete and master of martial arts and hand-to-hand combat, Spector is also a skilled acrobat, gymnast, detective, marksman, and is an aviator who uses traditional and sophisticated weaponry.  In short, Moon Knight is Marvel Comics’ version of Batman.

It is easy to lose track of all the iterations of a Moon Knight comic book series that Marvel has published over the last four decades.  The latest Moon Knight title is part of Marvel Comics’ “All-New Marvel NOW!” initiative.  This 2014 launch of Moon Knight is written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Declan Shalvey with colors by Jordie Bellaire.

Moon Knight #1 finds Moon Knight back in New York City.  He apparently lost his mind, and perhaps, he is back to being normal – whatever that may be for Marc Spector-Moon Knight (MK for short).  The policeman, Detective Flint, who wants MK’s help, calls him “Mister Knight,” to keep MK from being associated with the dangerous vigilante he was.  MK or Mister Knight: by any name, can he stop a slasher killer who is good, albeit somewhat clumsy, at what he does?

I just read Moon Knight #1.  Interesting is one word that I can use to describe what I just read.  I’m curious, but it is hard to pass judgment on a new series in which the writer decompresses a short story about a not particularly interesting serial killer and kooky costumed hero into a full-length story about a not particularly interesting serial killer and kooky costumed hero.

I have heard rumblings of Warren Ellis’ Moon Knight being similar to Warren Ellis’ Planetary.  If you scratch hard enough, you may be able to pretend that Moon Knight is a scratch-and-sniff comic book ever so slightly oozing the leftover essence of the great Planetary… maybe.

Declan Shalvey is supposed to be some up and coming hotshot artist; oh, really?  And Jordie Bellaire has done better work.  About this new Moon Knight:  we’ll see.

B-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for December 18 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT130370 BEN 10 #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130326 DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME TP VOL 03 $17.99
OCT130376 GHOSTBUSTERS #11 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130403 GI JOE AMERICAS ELITE DISAVOWED TP VOL 02 $19.99
OCT130398 GI JOE COBRA FILES #9 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130348 GODZILLA RULERS OF EARTH TP VOL 01 $19.99
OCT130346 GODZILLA RULERS OF THE EARTH #7 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130349 ILLEGITIMATES #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP130367 KISS KIDS #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130407 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 BOX SET $49.99
AUG130398 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR A RODRIGUEZ [DIG/P+] $7.99
AUG130399 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR B BISLEY $7.99
AUG130400 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR C FABRY $7.99
AUG130401 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR D KALUTA $7.99
AUG130402 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR E SIENKIEWICZ $7.99
AUG130403 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR F SIM $7.99
AUG130404 LOCKE & KEY ALPHA #2 CVR G WRIGHTSON $7.99
OCT130344 MARS ATTACKS JUDGE DREDD #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130373 MR PEABODY & SHERMAN #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130357 MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #14 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130359 MY LITTLE PONY MICRO SERIES #10 LUNA [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130378 POPEYE CLASSICS ONGOING #17 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130362 SAMURAI JACK #3 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130339 SINISTER DEXTER #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130320 STAR TREK CLASSICS TP VOL 05 WHO KILLED CAPTAIN KIRK $21.99
OCT130317 STAR TREK ONGOING #28 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP130460 TARZAN RUSS MANNING NEWSPAPER STRIPS HC VOL 02 1969-1971 $49.99
OCT130413 TMNT ADVENTURES TP VOL 06 $19.99
OCT130407 TMNT KEVIN EASTMAN CVR GALLERY $3.99
OCT130410 TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #6 $3.99
OCT130405 TMNT ONGOING #29 $3.99
AUG130488 TRANSFORMERS ART OF PRIME HC $49.99
OCT130388 TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE #97 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130385 TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #24 DARK CYBERTRON PART 5 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130418 X-FILES SEASON 10 HC VOL 01 $24.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 5 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IMAGE COMICS

APR130524 68 JUNGLE JIM #3 CVR A ZORNOW & FOTOS (MR) [DIG] $3.99

APR130525 68 JUNGLE JIM #3 CVR B JONES & FOTOS (MR) $3.99

MAR130452 ALL NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS #1 CVR A HUANG & CAMPBELL [DIG] $3.50

MAR130453 ALL NEW SECRET SKULLKICKERS #1 CVR B OH $3.50

MAR130463 BEDLAM #7 (MR) [DIG] $3.50

APR130529 BLACKACRE #7 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

JAN130580 DARKNESS #113 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

MAR138383 EAST OF WEST #1 4TH PTG $3.50

MAR130566 EAST OF WEST #3 [DIG] $3.50

MAR130505 HACK SLASH OMNIBUS TP VOL 05 $34.99

APR130542 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #3 [DIG] $2.99

MAR138318 JUPITERS LEGACY #1 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99

APR130551 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #3 CVR A OEMING [DIG] $2.99

APR130552 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #3 CVR B SANTOS & FREE $2.99

APR130564 PERHAPANAUTS DANGER DOWN UNDER #5 CVR A ROUSSEAU [DIG] $3.50

APR130565 PERHAPANAUTS DANGER DOWN UNDER #5 CVR B SIMONSON $3.50

APR130566 PERHAPANAUTS DANGER DOWN UNDER #5 CVR C GOLDEN $3.50

MAR130588 SAVAGE DRAGON #188 [DIG] $3.99

APR130571 SON OF MERLIN #5 [DIG] $2.99

APR130572 SPAWN #232 [DIG] $2.99

MAR138353 TEN GRAND #1 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99

APR130574 TEN GRAND #2 CVR A TEMPLESMITH (MR) [DIG] $2.99

APR130575 TEN GRAND #2 CVR B SIENKIEWICZ (MR) $2.99

APR130482 WALKING DEAD TP VOL 18 WHAT COMES AFTER $14.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

FEB131629 TMP MLB SERIES 31 FELIX HERNANDEZ AF PI

FEB131630 TMP MLB SERIES 31 MIKE TROUT AF PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 1 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. Click here for a complete list of this week's Digital New Releases. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IMAGE COMICS

MAR130555 68 JUNGLE JIM #2 CVR A ZORNOW & FOTOS (MR) [DIG] $3.99

MAR130556 68 JUNGLE JIM #2 CVR B DYKE & FOTOS (MR) $3.99

OCT120511 ACTIVITY #12 [DIG] $3.50

JAN130572 ARTIFACTS #27 CVR A SEJIC [DIG] $3.99

JAN130573 ARTIFACTS #27 CVR B TURINI $3.99

MAR130464 BEDLAM TP VOL 01 [DIG] $9.99

MAR130468 BLACKACRE #6 (MR) [DIG] $2.99

MAR130469 BLACKACRE TP VOL 01 [DIG] $9.99

FEB130442 EPIC KILL #10 [DIG] $2.99

MAR130484 G-MAN TP VOL 03 COMING HOME [DIG] $9.99

MAR130502 GRAVEYARD OF EMPIRES TP [DIG] $14.99

MAR130504 GREAT PACIFIC TP VOL 01 TRASHED (MR) [DIG] $9.99

FEB138575 IMAGE FIRSTS BEDLAM CURR PTG #1 (MR) $1.00

FEB138576 IMAGE FIRSTS GREAT PACIFIC CURR PTG #1 (MR) $1.00

FEB138577 IMAGE FIRSTS MIND THE GAP CURR PTG #1 $1.00

FEB138578 IMAGE FIRSTS MORNING GLORIES CURR PTG #1 $1.00

FEB138579 IMAGE FIRSTS PETER PANZERFAUST CURR PTG #1 (MR) $1.00

FEB138580 IMAGE FIRSTS SUPER DINOSAUR CURR PTG #1 $1.00

MAR130573 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #2 [DIG] $2.99

MAR130580 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #2 CVR A SANTOS [DIG] $2.99

MAR130581 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #2 CVR B OEMING $2.99

FEB130462 SAVAGE DRAGON #187 [DIG] $3.99

FEB138534 SEX #1 3RD PTG (MR) $2.99

MAR130590 SNAPSHOT #4 [DIG] $2.99

MAR130591 SON OF MERLIN #4 [DIG] $2.99

MAR130592 SPAWN #231 $2.99

JAN130612 SUPER DINOSAUR #19 [DIG] $2.99

MAR130432 TEN GRAND #1 CVR A TEMPLESMITH (MR) [DIG] $2.99

MAR130433 TEN GRAND #1 CVR B SIENKIEWICZ (MR) $2.99

Albert Avilla Reviews - Daredevil: End of Days #1

Daredevil: End of Days #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valiant Comics Debuts "Shadowman" in November 2012

VALIANT Solicitations For NOVEMBER 2012

SHADOWMAN #1

Written by JUSTIN JORDAN & PATRICK ZIRCHER
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER
Cover by PATRICK ZIRCHER
"Blackout" Pullbox Exclusive Variant by PATRICK ZIRCHER
Variant Covers by DAVE JOHNSON and BILL SIENKIEWICZ

The next epic expansion of the Valiant Universe starts this November in a new ongoing series by comics superstar Patrick Zircher (Captain America, Thor: Ages of Thunder) and Harvey Award nominee Justin Jordan (The Strange Talent of Luther Strode, Team 7)!

There’s a million dreams in the Big Easy. But now its worst nightmare is about to come true. As the forces of darkness prepare to claim New Orleans as their own, Jack Boniface must embrace the legacy he was born to uphold. As Shadowman, Jack is about to become the only thing that stands between his city and an army of unspeakable monstrosities from beyond the night. But is the mantle of Shadowman a blessing or a curse? And what is the true cost of his otherworldly power?

The rebirth of a Valiant icon starts right here when Shadowman strikes this November!

$3.99 US/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE NOVEMBER 7th!

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ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #4

Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by CLAYTON HENRY
Cover by JASON PEARSON
Variant Cover by JUAN DOE

Archer & Armstrong make their last stand against The Sect high in the Himalayas!

Every clan of The Sect has gathered together for the first time in millennia to harness the unthinkable, sanity-shattering destruction of the mythical Book. But one piece is still missing - and Obadiah Archer has it! If he turns it over, The Sect will give him back his family. If he refuses, the man called Armstrong dies! PLUS: The true nature of Archer's powers revealed! AND, on top of everything else, witness the debut of the Valiant Universe's next superstar hero – only in this issue!

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE NOVEMBER 14th!

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BLOODSHOT #5

Written by DUANE SWIERZCYSNKI
Art by MANUEL GARCIA
Cover by ARTURO LOZZI
Variant Cover by MANUEL GARCIA

ALL-NEW ARC! Before Bloodshot, who was Raymond Garrison?

Bloodshot is finally free of the memories that have haunted him since his awakening – but now even greater mysteries remain. Who was he before he was transformed into a walking weapon of mass destruction? And does he have a real family out there somewhere? Unfortunately, the only man with the answers is the former mastermind of Project Rising Spirit, Dr. Emmanuel Kuretich –‑and he’s just struck a devil’s bargain with Bloodshot. “Destroy your creators and I’ll reveal everything.” Well, almost everything…

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE NOVEMBER 14th!

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HARBINGER #6

Written by JOSHUA DYSART
Art by PHIL BRIONES
Cover by MICO SUAYAN
Variant Cover by MATTHEW CLARK

ALL-NEW ARC! From out of the ashes – ­RENEGADES!

After a crushing defeat at the hands of his would-be mentor, Peter Stanchek lies critically wounded and the only person who can save him is the person that hates him the most – his childhood love Kris Hathaway. As Harada’s Eggbreaker strike force closes in, the helpless Peter wonders if he is going to find forgiveness at Kris’s door –‑or unbridled vengeance. But when Faith returns as the superhero she’s always dreamed of being, the game is going to change for everyone involved…‑

As the most daring series in comics enters its staggering second act,‑fi nd out why this is the book that Comic Book Resources says “feels new in a way that few comics about characters with superpowers manage these days.”

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE NOVEMBER 21st!

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X-O MANOWAR #7

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by LEE GARBETT
Cover by DOUG BRAITHWAITE

X-O Manowar vs. Ninjak. To the victor – Earth!

Agents of the alien race known as The Vine have been living in secret among us for centuries and now they’ve just been activated for one final mission – purge the Earth of all human life! An invasion fleet is on its way and the only weapon in existence powerful enough to defeat it is the X-O Manowar armor. But first, Aric of Dacia must survive his latest encounter with Ninjak, the covert operative and master weapons specialist charged with taking him down. The stakes are raised and revelations abound in the latest issue of the smash hit series that has IGN declaring, “This is X-O Manowar done for this generation...and it is awesome.”

$3.99/Rated T+/32 pgs.
ON SALE NOVEMBER 21st!

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 15 2012

MARVEL COMICS

JUN120620 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #691 $3.99

JUN120605 AVENGERS #29 AVX $3.99

JUN120610 AVENGERS ACADEMY #35 $2.99

JUN120599 AVENGERS VS X-MEN #10 AVX $3.99

JUN120740 CABLE CLASSIC TP VOL 03 $24.99

MAY120760 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY ED BRUBAKER TP VOL 01 $16.99

JUN120653 CAPTAIN MARVEL #2 $2.99

JUN120656 DAREDEVIL #17 $2.99

JUN120613 DARK AVENGERS #179 $2.99

JUN120662 DARK TOWER GUNSLINGER MAN IN BLACK #3 $3.99

JUN120699 DEADPOOL #59 $2.99

JUN120702 DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL UNIVERSE #3 $2.99

JUN120739 ELEKTRA ASSASSIN TP $19.99

JUN120746 ESSENTIAL WARLOCK TP VOL 01 $19.99

JUN120641 HULK #56 $2.99

MAY120746 HULK SEASON ONE PREM HC $24.99

JUN120687 NEW MUTANTS #47 $2.99

JUN120626 SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #33.2 $2.99

MAY120769 ULT COMICS SPIDER-MAN BY BENDIS TP VOL 01 $19.99

JUN120691 UNCANNY X-FORCE #29 $3.99

JUN120731 UNCANNY X-FORCE TP VOL 04 DARK ANGEL SAGA BOOK 2 $19.99

JUN120686 X-FACTOR #242 $2.99

JUN120690 X-MEN #34 $3.99

I Reads You Review: ROCKETEER ADVENTURES VOL. 2 #1

"More tears than rockets"
ROCKETEER ADVENTURES VOL. 2 #1
IDW PUBLISHING

WRITERS: Marc Guggenheim, Peter David, Stan Sakai
ARTISTS: Sandy Plunkett, Bill Sienkiewicz, Stan Sakai
COLORS: Jeromy Cox, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Robbie Robbins, Bill Sienkiewicz, Stan Sakai
PIN-UP: Arthur Adams with John Rauch
EDITOR: Scott Dunbier
COVER: Darwyn Cooke (alternate cover by Dave Stevens)
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

First appearing in 1982, The Rocketeer is a superhero created by the late writer/illustrator Dave Stevens and inspired by the Saturday matinee movie heroes of the 1930s and 1940s. Set mainly in Los Angeles in and after the year 1938, the series follows Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a mysterious jet pack that allows him to fly, leading to the birth of The Rocketeer.

After a long absence from comics, The Rocketeer returned last year in Rocketeer Adventures. This four-issue miniseries was an anthology comic book edited by Scott Dunbier and published by IDW Publishing. Rocketeer Adventures features Rocketeer short stories (about 7 to 8 pages in length) from some of the premiere creators in American comic books. Now, the fun is back in Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2.

Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 #1 opens with “The Good Guys,” story by Marc Guggenheim and art by Sandy Plunkett. While the wounded Rocketeer slumbers in a bed on the second floor of a farmhouse, the locals discuss his fate: turn him over to the law or not. But a child shall lead them. Peter David gives the Rocketeer a Looney Tunes spin in “The Ducketeer,” with art by Bill Sienkiewicz, who executes a graphic riff on Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble. Stan Sakai takes the Rocketeer to a small-ville and the Rocketeer takes a kid up, up, and away in “A Dream of Flying.”

Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 starts off nostalgic and quaint with this first issue. The stories are sweet and sentimental, with in-jokes for comic book and cartoon fans. These pop culture references and riffs will make even the most jaded pop culture buff smile.

Marc Guggenheim’s tale (“The Good Guys”) treads on familiar territory. Are there enough good people to fight evil and what is the nature of vigilantism are two real-world questions with which this story grapples. Guggenheim’s story is timely in light of a FOX News affiliate in Orlando, Florida referring to Neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Movement, as a civil rights group, something the FOX News website later repeated.

This story is also a welcomed return of seldom-seen comic book artist, Sandy Plunkett, whose style is ideal for this old-timey, rural pastoral story. Like Rocketeer creator, Dave Stevens, Plunkett is apparently also influenced by the American book and magazine illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

That aside, these new Rocketeer comic books are rapidly becoming showcases for artists that don’t regularly produce comic book art. These stories are also too sentimental, and, as much as I enjoy a dose of “Disneyana” with my comics, The Rocketeer’s origin comes out of adventure movie serials. This character needs to bust out in a miniseries – one complete with cliffhanger endings at the end of each issue. New Rocketeer comics should not be treated as if they are part of a eulogy to Stevens. All this pretty art and quaintness makes Rocketeer Adventures seem like a funerary item.

I appreciate the new Rocketeer comics, but they can be more than what they are. I must admit, of course, that I think the Art Adams pin-up is awesome.

B+