Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 3, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN180344    COMPLETE ANGEL CATBIRD TP    $24.99
JUN180382    CONSPIRACY OF RAVENS HC    $14.99
AUG180368    DEATH ORB #1    $3.99
MAY180384    EROMANGA SENSEI TP VOL 01    $11.99
APR180093    GAME OF THRONES CERSEI WESTEROS MAP PUZZLE    $19.99
JUN180385    GOT 1000 PC DLX PUZZLE IRON THRONE    $19.99
JUN180373    HARROW COUNTY TP VOL 08 DONE COME BACK    $17.99
APR180018    LIKELY STORIES HC (MR)    $17.99
JUN180356    PLANTS VS ZOMBIES HC BOX SET VOL 04    $29.97
JUL180483    TOMB RAIDER INFERNO #4 (OF 4)    $3.99
JUN180308    TROLLHUNTERS TALES OF ARCADIA THE FELLED TP    $10.99
AUG180314    UMBRELLA ACADEMY HOTEL OBLIVION #1 CVR A BA    $3.99
AUG180315    UMBRELLA ACADEMY HOTEL OBLIVION #1 CVR B BA    $3.99
AUG180337    WAR BEARS #2 (OF 3)    $4.99
JUN180386    WITCHER 3 WILD HUNT 1000 PC DLX PUZZLE CIRI AND WOLVES    $19.99
JUL180514    WITCHER 3 WILD HUNT WITCHER WORLD MAP PUZZLE    $19.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 12, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

JUN188876    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #3 2ND PTG OTTLEY    $3.99
JUL181038    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #5    $3.99
JUL181039    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #5 BRADSHAW GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUN188877    AVENGERS #3 3RD PTG MEDINA VAR    $3.99
JUN188878    CAPTAIN AMERICA #2 2ND PTG YU VAR    $3.99
JUL181027    CHAMPIONS #24    $3.99
JUN188879    COSMIC GHOST RIDER #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG BURNETT VAR    $3.99
JUL181080    DAREDEVIL #608    $3.99
JUN188880    DEATH OF INHUMANS #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG OLIVETTI VAR    $3.99
JUL181114    DOMINO #6    $3.99
JUL181139    EXILES #8    $3.99
JUL180969    FANTASTIC FOUR #2    $3.99
JUL180971    FANTASTIC FOUR #2 ADAMS CONNECTING WRAPAROUND VAR    $3.99
JUL180972    FANTASTIC FOUR #2 RANEY COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUL180984    ICEMAN #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUN188881    IMMORTAL HULK #4 2ND PTG BENNET VAR    $3.99
JUN188985    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #5 (OF 5) 2ND PTG HAWTHORNE VAR    $4.99
JUN180969    INFINITY COUNTDOWN COMPANION TP    $17.99
JUN180971    INFINITY COUNTDOWN TP    $29.99
JUN188882    INFINITY WARS #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG DEODATO VAR    $5.99
JUL180996    INFINITY WARS #3 (OF 6)    $4.99
JUL181000    INFINITY WARS #3 (OF 6) GARRON CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
JUL180998    INFINITY WARS #3 (OF 6) LIM VAR    $4.99
JUN180995    IRON FIST EPIC COLLECTION TP FURY OF IRON FIST NEW PTG    $39.99
JUL181078    JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY BIRTH OF KRAKOA #1    $4.99
JUL181079    JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY BIRTH OF KRAKOA #1 CALDWELL VAR    $4.99
JUN180966    MARVEL KNIGHTS DAREDEVIL BY SMITH & QUESADA TP GUARDIAN DEVI    $19.99
JUL181093    MARVEL RISING OMEGA #1    $4.99
JUL181094    MARVEL RISING OMEGA #1 CHEN VAR    $4.99
JUL181095    MARVEL RISING OMEGA #1 GONZALES CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
MAR180983    MMW FANTASTIC FOUR HC VOL 20    $75.00
MAR180984    MMW FANTASTIC FOUR HC VOL 20 DM VAR 264    $75.00
JUL181101    MS MARVEL #34    $3.99
JUL181132    OLD MAN LOGAN #47    $3.99
JUL181056    PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #309    $3.99
JUL181091    RUNAWAYS #13    $3.99
JUL181141    STAR WARS DARTH VADER #21    $3.99
JUN180982    STAR WARS DARTH VADER DARK LORD SITH TP VOL 03 BURNING SEAS    $19.99
JUL181150    STAR WARS LAST JEDI ADAPTATION #6 (OF 6)    $4.99
JUN180981    STAR WARS TP THRAWN    $17.99
JUL181062    TRUE BELIEVERS DAREDEVIL AND THE DEFENDERS #1    $1.00
JUL181065    TRUE BELIEVERS JESSICA JONES ALIAS BY BENDIS & GAYDOS #1    $1.00
JUL181073    TRUE BELIEVERS LUKE CAGE HERO FOR HIRE #1    $1.00
JUL181099    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #36    $3.99
JUN188883    VENOM #3 3RD PTG STEGMAN VAR    $3.99
JUN180976    VENOM ADVENTURES DIGEST    $9.99
JUN180978    VENOM BY CULLEN COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $39.99
JUL181048    VENOM FIRST HOST #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUL181049    VENOM FIRST HOST #3 (OF 5) JOHNSON VAR    $3.99
JUN180979    VENOM TP PLANET OF SYMBIOTES    $15.99
JUN180975    VENOM TP TOOTH AND CLAW    $39.99
JUL181135    WEAPON H #7    $3.99
JUL181136    WEAPON H #7 STEVENS COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUL181137    X-23 #4    $3.99
JUL181138    X-23 #4 PUTRI COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
JUL181115    X-MEN BLUE #35    $3.99

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for July 25, 2018

BOOM! STUDIOS

MAY181229    ADVENTURE TIME BEGINNING OF END #3    $3.99
MAY181230    ADVENTURE TIME BEGINNING OF END #3 SUBSCRIPTION DAGUNA VAR (    $3.99
MAY181203    BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA OLD MAN JACK #11    $3.99
MAY181204    BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA OLD MAN JACK #11 SUBSCRIPTION AC    $3.99
MAY181178    BONE PARISH #1 CVR A GARBETT    $3.99
MAY181179    BONE PARISH #1 CVR B REIS VAR    $3.99
MAY189179    BONE PARISH #1 FOC CROOK INCV    $3.99
APR181133    FENCE TP VOL 01    $9.99
MAY181212    JIM HENSON LABYRINTH CORONATION #5 (OF 12)    $3.99
MAY181213    JIM HENSON LABYRINTH CORONATION #5 (OF 12) SUBSCRIPTION TAKE    $3.99
MAY181198    LUCY DREAMING #5    $3.99
MAY181219    LUMBERJANES #52    $3.99
MAY181220    LUMBERJANES #52 SUBSCRIPTION DOZERDRAWS VAR    $3.99
MAY181232    REGULAR SHOW 25 YEARS LATER #2    $3.99
MAY181233    REGULAR SHOW 25 YEARS LATER #2 SUBSCRIPTION JOHNSTONE VAR (C    $3.99

Review: BABYTEETH #1

BABYTEETH No. 1
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Donny Cates
ARTIST: Garry Brown
COLORS: Mark Englert
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
COVER: Garry Brown
VARIANT COVERS: Garry Brown; Dylan Burnett; Elias Chatzoudis; Juan Doe; Francesco Francavilla; Phil Hester; Nat Jones; Tobias Morrow; Brent Peeples; Shelby Robertson; Mike Rooth; Elizabeth Torque; Arturo Torres with Larry Watts
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Mature Readers

Babyteeth created by Donny Cates and Garry Brown

“Mother of God”

Babyteeth is a new comic book series from writer Donny Cates and artist Garry Brown.  Their collaborators are Mark Englert on colors and Taylor Esposito on letters.  Published by AfterShock Comics, this series will focus on the young woman who gives birth to the Anti-Christ, a child that will eventually break down the barriers between the earthly and demonic planes.

Babyteeth #1 (“Mother of God”) opens in a darkened exterior.  Using a smart phone, young Sadie Ritter records a story to tell her baby, which takes us back one year prior.  In Salt Lake City, Utah, 16-year-old Sadie is trying to hide her pregnancy from her classmates.  Her sister, the bad-ass Heather, knows about the bundle of joy and has to make some people back up off her little sister.  When Sadie's contractions start, some weird crap starts happening, too, including Sadie's belief that she may be dead!

All I can say is that I am intrigued by Babyteeth.  Writer/co-creator Donny Cates is hot as he comes off two Image Comics, God Country and Redneck.  I get the feeling that Babyteeth will be somewhat funny, maybe a black comedy or a satire or both.  It is hard to tell how dark or violent it will be, but there is something in Garry Brown's angular compositions and matter-of-fact storytelling that makes Babyteeth seem promising.  It is almost as if Brown's art and graphical storytelling is saying to us, “Oh, you are going to want to see the rest of this!”

And for now, I do want to see more of this.

[This comic book includes the following extras and back-matter:

There are four-pages of the behind-the-scenes process of producing Babyteeth #1, from script to art to coloring and lettering.

This is a six-page preview of upcoming AfterShock Comics title, Unholy Grail E1 by Cullen Bunn and Mirko Colak.]

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: JIMMY'S BASTARDS #1

JIMMY'S BASTARDS No. 1
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Garth Ennis
ARTIST: Russ Braun
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Rob Steen
COVERS: Dave Johnson (A); Russ Braun with John Kalisz (B)
VARIANT COVERS: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson; Cully Hamner; Andrew Robinson; Mike Booth with Elizabeth Torque
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Mature Readers

Created by Garth Ennis and Russ Braun

“Get Daddy”

Jimmy's Bastards is a new comic book series from writer Garth Ennis and artist Russ Braun.  Ennis is known for the seminal DC Comics/Vertigo title, Preacher, and for his work on such titles as The Punisher and his controversial creator-owned title, The Boys.  Braun is known for his work on Vertigo titles like Fables, Fairest, and Jack of Fables.  On Jimmy's Bastards, John Kalisz is colorist and Rob Steen is letterer.

Jimmy's Bastards #1 (“Get Daddy”) introduces James “Jimmy” Regent, who is Great Britain's number one super-spy.  He has all the intrigue and adventure he can handle, and he has a license to shoot whomever he likes.  Jimmy can also perform whatever sexual acts he wishes on a veritable legion of beautiful and willing women.  His new partner, Nancy McEwan, isn't sold on his charms, though.  It turns out that she isn't the only one not so impressed with Jimmy.  Their is a new threat mounting against him and it is more personal than he can imagine.

I think that the central premise of Jimmy's Bastards is ripe with possibilities, but I don't like Jimmy Regent.  I think that he is supposed to be unlikable, but to me, he barely registers as a character.  Obviously, we will learn more about Jimmy in future issues (I hope).  I think that Nancy McEwan has more potential than Jimmy, but there will probably be some violence done to her in the end, ruining her full development.

I recommend Jimmy's Bastards to Garth Ennis fans, especially because I think the adversaries in this series will yield great fun.  Obviously, the second issue will reveal even more about this narrative than the first issue does.

[This comic book includes a six-page preview of Unholy Grail by Cullen Bunn and Miriko Colak.]

6.5 out of 10

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


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

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

Review: REGRESSION #1

REGRESSION No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cullen Bunn
ARTIST: Danny Luckert
COLORS: Marie Enger
LETTERS: Marie Enger
COVER: Danny Luckert
VARIANT COVERS: Danny Luckert (Spawn Month variant covers)
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2017)

Rated M / Mature

Regression is a new comic book from writer Cullen Bunn, artist Danny Luckert, and colorist-letterer Marie Enger.  The series focuses on a young man whose nightmarish hallucinations are complicated by the very thing that was supposed to help him.

Regression #1 introduces Adrian, a young man who is having a bad time at a happening backyard party.  Even this good time cannot stop Adrian from receiving a visit from the ghastly waking nightmares that plague his daily life.  His (girl)friend Molly suggests once again that her friend, Sid Ferrel, a hypnotist and comedian, can help him.  Sid, in turn, suggests past life regression hypnotherapy, to which Adrian reluctantly agrees, which may only make things worse.

I am familiar with Cullen Bunn's comic book work through the superhero and Star Wars comic books he writes for Marvel Comics.  I have not read Haunted, which Danny Luckert draws, nor have I read Marie Enger's titles, Pistolwhip or 2 Sisters.  After reading Regression #1, I may consider adding some of those titles to my already-too-packed reading list.

But Regression is worth a spot on the horror comic book fan's reading list.  It is like nothing else that I have read.  My only past experience with “past life regression” (a form of hypnosis which can supposedly recover memories of a person's past or of a past life or incarnation) is the 1999 David Koepp film, Stir of Echoes (based upon Richard Matheson's novel, A Stir of Echoes), which was really not about past life regression, although I associate the film with that.

Stir of Echoes had a deep sense of the mysterious, and I think that is what attracts me to Regression #1.  It is intriguing, creepy, and gruesome, but the first issue makes me ask questions (Who is that guy?  What is that? What's going on?, etc) to which I want answers... at least for the time being.  Regression is a mystery, and I want to play detective-reader enough to want to read at least a few more issues.  The first issue is also interesting enough for me to recommend it to readers.

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: DARTH MAUL #1

DARTH MAUL No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ART: Luke Ross
COLORS: Nolan Woodard
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Rod Reis
VARIANT COVERS: Rafael Albuquerque; Mark Brooks; John Tyler Christopher; Terry Dodson; Rod Reis; Michael Turner; Ashley Witter
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2017)

Rated “T”

Book 1, Part 1

Since he first appeared in the film Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), Darth Maul has been a favorite character of Star Wars fans.  Maul is a Sith Lord, an apprentice to Darth Sidious, and is seemingly killed in his film debut.  With striking facial tattoos, vestigial horns, and a double-bladed lightsaber, however, Maul proved too popular to stay dead.  The character returned in the canonical Star Wars animated series, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels.”

Now, Darth Maul gets his first Star Wars comic book from Marvel Comics.  [There were Darth Maul comic books from Dark Horse Comics, the previous license holder of Star Wars comic books].  Entitled, Darth Maul, this five-issue miniseries is written by Cullen Bunn; drawn by Luke Ross; colored by Nolan Woodard; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Darth Maul #1 opens before the events depicted in The Phantom Menace.  The Sith Lord, Sidious, is not ready to reveal himself to his enemy, the Jedi.  However, his apprentice, Darth Maul, grows restless, and finds that hunting some of the galaxy's most dangerous creatures does not satisfy his blood lust.  Now, Sidious sends Maul on a mission that will unexpectedly yield just the kind of hunting that Maul really wants to undertake.

It is easy for me to be cynical every time Marvel Comics announces another Star Wars comic book, but I know I am going to read at least the first issue of each new series, and likely read miniseries in their entirety.  Sometimes, I am genuinely happy with what I read, which is the case with Darth Maul.

Writer Cullen Bunn completely sells the idea that Maul so chafes under Sidious that he would willingly tempt fate and go against his master's wishes just to feed his blood lust.  It is a side of Maul that writers of Star Wars animated television series and novels have either hinted at or fully depicted.  With his Darth Maul comic book, it seems that Bunn is going to use this to full effect, and he may actually take the character places others have not.

The art team of Luke Ross and Nolan Woodard are producing a visual and graphical style that is unlike other Star Wars comic books.  I don't know if Woodard is coloring the art directly from Ross' pencils, but the effect is striking – bold, rich colors over moody compositions.  I recommend.

[This issue includes the bonus story, “Probe Droid Problem” by Chris Eliopoulos and Jordie Bellaire.]

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.

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

I Reads You Juniors October 2017 - Update #59

Support Leroy on Patreon.

From BleedingCool:  Tim Sale, known for his Batman work, especially "Batman: The Long Halloween," is talking about returning to Batman and is eyeing two projects.

From BleedingCool:  Liam Sharp is drawing an ongoing Batman/Wonder Woman comic book.

From DailyJSTOR:  An article about Ezra Jack Keats, the man whose "Snowy Day" book helped diversify children's books.

From BleedingCool:  Bryan Talbot's new graphic novel, "Grandville: Force Majeure," uses anti-spoiler technology.

From PREVIEWSWorld:  Grant Morrison talks about his BOOM! Studios comic book, Klaus and The Cris in Xmasville #1.

From Crunchyroll:  Shinobu Ohtaka's manga, "Magi," is nearing its end.

From TheNational:  Japan's manga sector gets a tech makeover.

From CBR:  Writer Matthew Rosenberg talks about why "The Punisher" is moving into the "Marvel Legacy" era as "War Machine."

From BleedingCool:  Rick Remender really wants you to read his comic book, "Black Science" (Image Comics).

From MangaTokyo:  "Fullmetal Alchemist" creator finally made her first TV appearance.

From ComicBook:  The surprising comic book origins of "Playboy."

From NewPressNow:  A local poet laureate produces a graphic novel.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #140 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #140 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Liam Sharp has a new comic book coming out in February 2018.  It's a mystery.

From IndianapolisRecorder:  Tyeesha Bradley is creating comics. [Beautiful art. - Leroy]

From BleedingCool:  Rob Liefeld vs. Diamond Comic Distributors.

From CBR:  Was "The Walking Dead" comic book going to feature aliens?

From FocusTaiwan:  The government of Taiwan plans on spending the equivalent of $33 million US over the next four years to develop its manga sector.

From TheHypedGeek:  "Saint Seiya: Next Dimension" returns next spring.

From BleedingCool:  Avatar Press announces January 2018 solicitations.

From Crunchyroll:  The "One Piece" manga has sold 430 million copies worldwide.

From BedfordandBowery:  "The Unquotable Trump" puts President Trump's words in the mouth of actual comic book villains.

From Mainichi:  The "Lost Manga" of Edo period artist Katsushika Hokusai is published.

From BleedingCool:  Lion Forge Comics announces its January 2018 comic book solicitations.

From BleedingCool:  Raina Telgemeirer's new graphic novel, "Drama," has been banned by an entire educational district in Texas.

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet episode #139 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet episode #139 in French.

From CBR:  Three characters from the hit "Wonder Woman" film join the Wonder Woman comic book.

From BleedingCool:  Warp Graphics of Richard and Wendy Pini and "Elfquest" fame has applied for a trademark for the name, "Futurequest," similar to DC Comics' "Future Quest."

From GizmodoUK:  The horror manga of Junji Ito will become an anime anthology called, "Collection."

From BleedingCool:  [One of my favorite writers - Leroy] Jim Zub answers a loaded questions about how he broke into Marvel Comics as a writer with class and perfection.

From TheVillageVoice:  The 41 freakiest cosplayers of New York Comic Con 2017 - according to the Voice.

From Philly.com:  Ta-Nehisi Coates ("Black Panther") is joining artist Jen Bartel to produce a new comic book starring the X-Men's "Storm."

From BlackEnterprise:  The business of Black comic books, comics produced by creators of color.

From ABC2News:  From Annapolis, Maryland, a profile of local boy Rodney Barnes who is writing Marvel Comics' "Falcon."

From PawhuskaJournal:  Nonprofit promotes literacy through comic books.

From CBRBlog:  The death of one character in "The Walking Dead" comic book will be used for another character on the "The Walking Dead" TV series.

From KARE11:  Students use comic books to teach cyber bulling awareness.

From WordBallon:  The blog features a podcast interview in which NBA legend and Hall of Fame basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, talks about being a lifelong comic book fan.

From BleedingCool:  So Spider-Man was Jack Kirby's idea, so says Mark Evanier.

From Previews:  Dynamite Entertainment has gained a license to produced comic books based on the 1988 horror film, "Pumpkinhead."

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #138 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #138 in French.

From BleedingCool:  There has been a fire at the Charles Schulz Museum.

From FlickeringMyth:  Titan Comics will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic British TV series, "The Prisoner," with a new comic book.

From ComicBook:  VIZ Media announces two new Pokemon manga.

From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP announces that it will produce original comics based on Walt Disney properties and will release English editions of Japanese manga based on Disney properties.

From RollingStone:  Square Enix turning manga in VR comics.

From BleedingCool:  Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici announce a new comic book from Image Comics, "Oblivion Song."

From WeGotThisCovered:  Marvel Comics announces "Old Man Hawkeye."

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will feature to longtime writer/editor Len Wein in the comic books on sale today, Wed. Oct. 4th.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #137 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #137 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Nnedi Okorafor and Andre Lima Araujo will launch a Black Panther digital comic book, "Black Panther: Long Live the King."  It will be available on comiXology and Kindle beginning December 13th.

From ComicBook:  The live-action play based on the manga, "Blue Exorcist" releases its first visual.

From JakartaPost:  Hiro Mashima looks back on his recently ended epic fantasy manga, "Fairy Tail."

From MangaTokyo:  A Tokyo airbnb features a house with 2500 volumes of manga.

From BleedingCool:  At the upcoming 2017 New York Comic Con, you can have lunch with comic book artist J. Scott Campbell for the price of $455 or $1495.

From ComicsBeat:  Kwanza Osayjefo, the co-creator of the comic book series, "Black," talks about that comic book and its past, present, and future.

From SyFyWire:  A thief was arrested trying to sell vintage copies of Amazing Spider-Man #1 and X-Men #1 that he stole.

From DiversionsoftheGroovyKind:  An essay about Gil Kane and Murphy Anderson's Batgirl and Robin splash pages from the late 1960s.

Review: GENERATIONS: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1

GENERATIONS: PHOENIX & JEAN GREY No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
PENCILS: R. B. Silva
INKS: Adriano Di Benedetto with R. B. Silva
COLORS: Rain Beredo
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
COVER: Stephanie Hans
VARIANT COVERS: Terry Dodson with Rachel Dodson; Alex Ross; Stephane Roux
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated T+

Jean Grey created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee; Phoenix created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum

“The Phoenix”

Generations is a ten-issue anthology, weekly comic book series published by Marvel Comics.  Each issue is written and drawn by a different creative team, and each issue will feature a different team-up of a classic Marvel superhero with his or her modern-day counterpart.  The series is meant to unite the legacy of classic Marvel Comics characters with the next generation of heroes, as both move into the future of Marvel Comics storytelling.

The second issue of this series is Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey.  This stand-alone story brings together two versions of Marvel Girl/Jean Grey.  First is the young Jean Grey of the original X-Men, who was brought to the future/present and stranded there beginning in the series, All-New X-Men (written by Brian Michael Bendis).  The second is The Phoenix/Jean Grey, the version of the character that came into existence in X-Men #101 (cover dated:  October 1976) when Jean was possessed by the nigh-all-powerful cosmic entity, the “Phoenix Force.”  This entry in the Generations series is written by Cullen Bunn; drawn by R.B. Silva and Adriano Di Benedetto; colored by Rain Beredo; and lettered by Travis Lanham.

Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1 (“The Phoenix”) opens as young Jean Grey finds herself somewhere she shouldn't be – another world.  After a short walk, she discovers a beach and an older version of herself sunning on the beach.  Jean knows that this older Jean is “The Phoenix.”  Young Jean knows that the Phoenix Force is coming for her (in fact, it already is back in her world).  Now, is the time to ask questions about the Phoenix, but older Jean seems reluctant to tell.  Plus, Jean Grey/The Phoenix suspects that young Jean knows something about her fate – something terrible.  Plus, three classic Marvel Comics cosmic entities guest star.

I wanted to be cynical, but I really enjoyed Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey.  Writer Cullen Bunn makes young Jean Grey ask Jean Grey/The Phoenix ALL the questions she should.  Older Jean Grey should be annoyed, but Bunn depicts her as reticent and troubled.  Bunn's approach not only makes this issue of Generations intriguing, but also makes the current ongoing Jean Grey series seem like a comic book that should be read (and yes, you should be reading it.)

The art team of Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey – R.B. Silva, Adriano Di Benedetto, and Rain Beredo – deliver some gorgeous art, and the storytelling is quite good.  The character scenes are dramatic and even a little poignant and maybe even sad, and the action scenes come across as something a little different – or different enough from standard X-Men franchise fare.  In fact, the art in Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey reminds me of the best of Stuart Immonen and company in one of the few high-quality recent X-Men comic books, All-New X-Men (2012),

So Generations: Phoenix & Jean Grey #1, the second entry in the Generations series, is the best so far.  If the Generations to come are better than this one, the entire series will end up being more than just another cynical Marvel editorial ploy

A
8 out of 10

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


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

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

Review: MICRONAUTS #1

MICRONAUTS No. 1 (2016)
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ARTIST – Breakdowns: David Baldeón
ARTISTS – Finishes: Fico Ossio; Max Dunbar; Jack Lawrence; David Baldeón
COLORS: David Garcia Cruz; Joana Lafuente, Thomas Deer; John-Paul Bove
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
COVER: J.H. Williams III
VARIANT COVERS: David Baldeón with David Garcia Cruz; Gabriel Rodriguez with Nelson Daniel; Jack Rivera (photographer); Casey W. Coller with John-Paul Bove; Butch Guice with Joana Lafuente; Michael Golden; Darick Robertson with Joana Lafuente; Adam Hughes; Stuart Sayger; Rob Liefeld with Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2016)

Micronauts was a toy line that now-defunct toy company Mego manufactured and marketed, beginning in the mid-1970s and ending in 1980.  This science fiction-themed line was based on Japanese toy company Takara's “Microman” toy line.  Mego licensed Microman and other similar toys to create the Micronauts, which were both repackaged Microman toys and also modified and reconfigured versions of both Microman and other Takara toys.

In 1979, Marvel Comics began publishing The Micronauts, a comic book featuring a group of characters based on Mego's Micronauts toy line and also a few original characters Marvel created to appear in The Micronauts.  Marvel ceased publishing comic books based on the Micronauts in 1986.  In the 21st century, Image Comics and Devil's Due Publishing each published its own Micronauts comics for a short period of time.

Last year, IDW Publishing, which seems to specialize in publishing comic books based on licensed properties, announced that it had obtained the license to publish Micronauts comic books.  IDW recently published the first issue of Micronauts.  This series is written (and apparently conceptualized) by Cullen Bunn.  Artist David Baldeón provides the character designs and conceptual art, and draws the breakdowns from which several illustrators provide the finished art.

Micronauts #1 opens on the planet Saqqura where five Biotrons face the wrath of the “entropy storm” that rages against the planet.  Later, on Micropolis-12, Oziron “Oz” Rael and the crew of the “Heliopolis” find themselves tempted by a local crime boss.  Soon, Oz is leading Phenolo-Phi (Space Glider), Acroyear, and their guest, an “orbital defender,” named Larissa into what is either a big score or a big trap.

From its snazzy J.H. Williams III cover to its colorful interiors, Micronauts #1 sure is a pretty comic book.  It was hard to miss it on the shelf of a local comic book shop; to me, it stood out like a pretty candle on Bay Street.  The spiffy new character designs by David Baldeón are eye-candy and are obviously influenced by animation and anime.  I like them; these designs would make cool toys.

This first issue gives the reader just a taste of the opening story line, but I'm betting that the cliffhanger ending will make a large percentage of people who bought this first issue come back for more.  [In fact, I have already obtained a copy of the recently released second issue.]  For the time being, I believe in Cullen Bunn.  I am also somewhat enamored with the art, from page layout and composition to color and graphic design, this looks to be an exciting read.

There are also “extras” and back matter in this first issue, which include a page from Bunn's notebook, 10 pages of character designs, and also a script to inked art comparison.  Yeah, the $4.99 cover price is on the expensive side, but this first issue goes far in giving readers their money's worth.

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.

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

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 4, 2015

MARVEL COMICS

DEC140872     ALL NEW CAPTAIN AMERICA FEAR HIM #1     $3.99
DEC140886     ANGELA ASGARDS ASSASSIN #3     $3.99
DEC148006     ANT-MAN #1 BROOKS SECANT PTG VAR     $4.99
DEC140879     ANT-MAN #2     $3.99
DEC140856     AVENGERS #41 TRO     $3.99
NOV148175     EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE #2 4TH PTG RODRIGUEZ VAR     $3.99
SEP140917     FANTASTIC FOUR BY MATT FRACTION OMNIBUS HC     $99.99
DEC140820     GOTG AND X-MEN BLACK VORTEX ALPHA #1 BV     $4.99
APR140693     HAWKEYE #21     $3.99
DEC140921     HULK #11     $3.99
NOV140878     INHUMANITY TP     $39.99
DEC140878     MARVELS ANT-MAN PRELUDE #1     $2.99
DEC140889     MIRACLEMAN #15 (MR)     $4.99
APR140747     MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN HC VOL 01 NEW PTG     $49.99
NOV140815     MS MARVEL #11     $2.99
DEC140853     OPERATION SIN #2     $3.99
DEC140912     PUNISHER #15     $3.99
DEC140932     RETURN OF LIVING DEADPOOL #1     $3.99
NOV140888     SPIDER-MAN 2099 CLASSIC TP VOL 03 FALL OF HAMMER     $34.99
NOV140875     SPIDER-MAN 2099 TP VOL 01 OUT OF TIME     $17.99
NOV148176     SPIDER-WOMAN #2 2ND PTG LAND VAR SV     $3.99
DEC148099     STAR WARS #1 2ND PTG CASSADAY VAR     $4.99
DEC140806     STAR WARS #2     $3.99
NOV148177     SUPERIOR IRON MAN #2 2ND PTG CHOI VAR AXIS     $3.99
NOV148178     THANOS VS HULK #1 2ND PTG STARLIN VAR     $3.99
NOV148179     THOR #1 4TH PTG DAUTERMAN VAR     $3.99
DEC140883     UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #2     $3.99
DEC140954     UNCANNY AVENGERS OMNIBUS HC     $99.99
AUG140887     UNITED STATES OF MURDER INC #6 (MR)     $3.99
DEC140840     WOLVERINES #5     $3.99

I Reads You Review: MAGNETO #1

MAGNETO (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER:  Cullen Bunn
ART:  Gabriel Hernandez Walta
COLORS:  Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER:  Paolo Rivera
VARIANT COVERS:  John Cassaday, Mike Del Mundo; Gurihiru, Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2014)

Parental Advisory

When The X-Men #1 debuted in 1963 (cover date: September 1963), this comic book first issue introduced Professor Charles Xavier a/k/a “Professor X” and his small circle of students: Scott Summers, Jean Grey, Warren Worthington III, Henry “Hank” McCoy, and Bobby Drake.  Prof. X and his students were “mutants,” people born with genetic mutations that gave them abilities far beyond those of normal humans.

The five students had code names:  respectively, Cyclops, Marvel Girl, The Angel, Beast, and Iceman.  They were the X-Men, a band of costumed adventurers who protected normal mutants from the deprivations of evil mutants, while trying to foster peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans.

The X-Men #1 also introduced an evil mutant, Magneto, the master of magnetism.  Wielding his awesome powers that, among other things, allowed him to control and manipulate metal objects, Magneto became the X-Men's arch-nemesis – their chief adversary.  Over time, however, Magneto would become, on occasion, an ally and even a member of the X-Men.

Magneto, I believe, is the most complex and interesting super-villain in the world of Marvel Comics.  He has been the star of his own comic book series, and earlier this year, Marvel's All-New Marvel NOW! publishing initiative offered the debut of a new comic book series, Magneto, written by Cullen Bunn, drawn by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by Cory Petit.

Magneto #1 opens in Cape Girardean, Missouri, where a witness to a murder committed by Magneto recounts the terrible experience to the police.  Meanwhile, Magneto is in Beloit, Kansas plotting the next move in his series of attacks against those who persecute mutants.  He knows that powerful forces are monitoring of his activities and are setting traps, but he is not aware of everyone watching him...

The easiest way to describe the new Magneto comic book series is to recall one of the most acclaimed X-Men films, 2011's X-Men: First Class.  Early in the film, Magneto (played by actor Michael Fassbender) embarks on a search-and-destroy mission aimed at his Nazi concentration camp tormentors.  Basically, writer Cullen Bunn takes that Magneto and reworks the character a bit in order to feature him in a solo series set firmly in the Marvel Universe.  In fact, artist Paolo Rivera's striking cover art for Magneto #1 recalls Fassbender's Magneto, but without any hair on his head.

I like this new Magneto comic book.  Walta's art has a crime comic aesthetic similar to the work of Edward Risso in DC Comics' 100 Bullets series and Darwyn Cooke in the Parker graphic novels.  Bunn's script even recalls hard-boiled, pulp fiction that featured hard, edgy, dangerous men who deliver justice, cold and without mercy or remorse.  I think I will follow this series for awhile.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Albert Avilla Reviews: The Fearless Defenders #1

The Fearless Defenders #1
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Art: Will Sliney
Cover: Mark Brooks
Variant Covers: Milo Manara; Mike Deodato and Rain Beredo; Skottie Young

The cover was really awesome. That’s what having a great cover is about; it gets your expectations up. The interior of the book did not meet those expectations.

The Defenders have always had trouble attracting readers, and this issue will not do any better. This kind of story could squeak by once the series had established itself. I’m not familiar with Mr. Bunn’s work, so I don’t know if this is leading into a great climax or if this is par for the course. If it’s par for the course, then, I am keeping my money. I like mystery, but too much mystery leaves the reader in the dark.

A first issue should pull you in and build up your expectations. This story made me nostalgic for Indiana Jones movies. Archeology has been the basis for a lot of good comic book stories. My question is where is the evil god behind the artifact that Misty acquired? Give us an awesome villain to look forward to seeing.

Marvel NOW gets a “Marvel scowl” for this venture. Valkyrie and Misty Knight really look cool on the cover. Let’s hope that Mr. Bunn can convert that coolness into good stories.

The interior art didn’t give any more than the writing. It was average comic book art.

I rate The Fearless Defenders #1 “Read a Friend’s Copy.”  #3 (of 5) on Al-O-Meter

Diego Chi Reviews: THE SIXTH GUN #26

THE SIXTH GUN #26
ONI PRESS

Reviewed by DIEGO CHI

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ARTIST: Brian Hurtt
COLORS: Bill Crabtree
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

REVIEW– SPOILERS

The Sixth Gun continues to be an exciting pull every month, marrying the thrills of western gun-slinging with the horrors of the occult. I'm happy to see that 26 issues in, Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt still manage to satisfy my thirst for action and simultaneously put a pit in my belly.

If you haven't yet checked out these books, the story centers around the pursuit of six mystical guns that are fabled to both create and destroy the world. The heroes, Drake Sinclaire and Becky Montcrief, have been stranded in a super-natural blizzard and hunted by a spirit creature called a Wendigo. In order to find Becky and Drake, an unlikely alliance has formed between Gord Cantrell (an ally), Kirby Hale (a thief), and Asher Cobb (a nine-foot-tall mummy. Yes, I said "mummy").

Issue #26 opens with Drake recalling a past encounter with a Wendigo, a creature of many forms. This flashback sequence introduces a woman named Abigail, a former employer of Drake. Drake had been hired by Abigail to track a group of thugs but when they came upon the camp of their bounty, they found only decapitated bodies. A stag-like Wendigo then suddenly appeared, wearing the heads of the thugs on its antlers– quite the chilling visual.

The story then shifts to Gord, Kirby, and Asher's quest to find Becky and Drake. The three are ambushed by an extremist group called the Knights of Solomon, who seek the six guns for their own purposes. This leads to a thrilling horse and wagon chase– the fast paced action makes for a nice break from the drawn out suspense of the first sequence.

Returning to the flashback, the climax hits when Drake figures out how to defeat the Wendigo: by killing the remaining thug who had become possessed by the creature, yet was still alive. As Drake and Becky search for the new Wendigo host, the issue closes with a gut-wrenching reveal– this time the creature had possessed a group of women and children. Will Drake kill the innocent to save himself and Becky? Good grief, what a cliffhanger!

Cullen Bunn's writing packs a lot into this single issue, perhaps a hair too much. Abigail's characterization was too varied between "confident" and "paralyzed with fear" to get a clear grasp on her, but Bunn usually reveals deep wells of intrigue in his characters so I look forward to her development. Brian Hurtt's visuals are fully capable of both gruesome mutilations and expressive head-shots. The tone and voice of the dialogue is heavily carried by the way Hurtt draws the eyes– sometimes cold and steely, other times full of terror or surprise. Bill Crabtree's colors add emotion to the elegance of Hurtt's style. He gracefully shifts the bleak mood during the flashbacks and winter sequences to the energized feel of the wagon chase. Overall, issue #26 proves Bunn and Hurtt have long since figured out that well-crafted plot and well-paced visuals make for a great comic.

Rating: 9/10

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America #17

Captain America #17
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Ed Brubaker & Cullen Bunn
Pencils: Scot Eaton
Inks: Rick Magyar

“New World Orders Part 3” (Spoiler Alert)
A Brubaker story, where can you go wrong? Cap is fighting an army of super-powered villains. Anarchy is raging across the U.S.A. Cap is leading his crew to destroy the MNN satellite that is broadcasting a mind-altering signal. Diamond Back is trying to throw that stuff on Cap, but Cap don't play that. Cap is going to sneak on Hydra Island, but every Discordian on the planet is waiting for him.

Sharon Carter and Dum Dum Dugan are destroying the satellite; Baron Zemo shows up shooting and stabbing. Zemo is ready to cut Sharon down. Falcon and DBack are on the ground working the streets, ready to clean up once the signal is stopped, but that is a no go because the signal is being broadcasted by these big clunky robots.

Brubaker does what he's good at, giving Cap a world-threatening enemy to defeat. Cap has supporting characters that give Cap depth as a character, not just as a soldier fighting to save the world. He does have a little personal drama to deal with. This is the issue that builds up to the issue that we don't want to miss. I call it the good old set up.

Just average comic book art, nothing to go on about. The art is mostly character driven, not much on the background details.

I rate Captain America #17 Buy Your Own Copy.

Albert Avilla Reviews: Captain America and the Black Widow #637

Captain America and the Black Widow #637
Marvel Comics

Reviewed by Albert Avilla

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist/Cover: Francesco Francavilla

Captain America and the Black Widow are two great characters with great histories. Let’s hope that this story won’t become a memorable part of those histories.

Vennema Multiversal is a criminal corporation made up of the same person from different universes, Kashmir Vennema. Who’s the leader of the corporation? How can the same person tell herself what she needs to do? I know a corporation of me would have a few problems. I would expect me to give me a well-paid cushy job. I couldn’t go to me and tell me that I was going to be the janitor. I would have to tell me that I was wasting my talent in such a low-level job. Once boss wouldn’t be around I would take my place and go around giving orders and enjoying all of my executive perks, because I would know that I was just as intelligent and capable as me. All of the other me’s would be doing the same thing. Eventually, I would say f…. me, and all of me would end up reading comics all day long. I think a corporation needs more than one skill-set and type of personality.

Cap and Widow discover that Vennema is selling heroes from across the multiverse as slaves. Once this is discovered, Vennema abandons the mission. Cap, Widow, and the slaves are transported to some random universe. They land on Garbage World; that’s the best description that I have for the place. Cap leaves to recon the area and finds that Garbage world is controlled by Hydra Tripods, yes tripods.

The art in the advertisements was fantastic. Look at the cover; the interior doesn’t get better.

I rate Captain America and the Black Widow # 637 Don’t Waste Your Time and Cash.

Diego Chi on THE SIXTH GUN VOL. 1 - Cold Dead Fingers

The Sixth Gun, Vol. 1 – COLD DEAD FINGERS
ONI PRESS
Review by Diego Chi

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ARTIST: Brian Hurtt
ISBN: 978-1934964606; paperback
160pp, B&W, $19.99 U.S.

Who doesn’t like a good, old-fashioned Western? The freedom of the open range, the sound of hooves at a full gallop, mystical guns, spirits and zombies– hold on, what? At least, that’s the type of Western Cullen Bunn (The Damned, Fear Itself: The Deep) and Brian Hurtt (Queen & Country, The Damned) envisioned in their creator-owned series, The Sixth Gun. Fresh off the heels of an Eisner nomination for Best New Series, Best Writer, and Best Artist (not to mention a recent deal to become a SyFy series), the Sixth Gun series is worth a closer look.

Plot:
Described as a Western horror story, Bunn creates an engrossing world of mysticism and legend surrounding six magical revolvers. These guns are sought after by former Confederate General Hume, who leads a band of vicious scoundrels (including his wife), and by Drake Sinclair, whose motivation for getting involved remains a mystery. Caught in the middle is Becky Montcrief, daughter of a preacher who possesses one of the six guns. The story sets off at a fast pace and continues all the way through the climactic final battle at the end of the volume.

Writing:
Cullen Bunn’s revitalization of the Western genre is engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable. The plot is thick with mystery and riddled with subtle revelations that keep the reader engaged. Though Becky is the catalyst that begins the course of events, her character felt underdeveloped, at least in this arc. This is in stark contrast to Drake Sinclair, who plays the role of anti-hero. His interesting character revelations seem to demand your attention. General Hume is a cruel and sinister adversary, really centralizing the evil and terror in the story. The goose bumps caused by Hume are only second to his extremely creepy wife (for the mettle of a man is truly revealed in his choice of woman). However, the secondary villains in this arc seem to come and go fairly quickly, which is somewhat disappointing as many held promise of being great long-term foes. While the plot events sometimes overshadow the character development, Bunn clearly proves he knows how to take an old fashioned genre and revamp it into a great story-telling platform.

Art:
Brian Hurtt fills the pages of the Sixth Gun with enough action to match a Clint Eastwood movie. His drawings feel well paced and fluid to couple character expression alongside massive gunfights. The coloring is vivid and really brings Bunn’s vision to life. His character designs are a bit cartoony, but perhaps that is to emphasize the horror elements. Hurtt creates some pretty disturbing panels throughout (keep an eye out for some gruesome deaths and resurrections), though the art does not evoke terror so much as mystery and suspense, especially for a self-proclaimed “Horror-Western.” Still, there is clearly synergy between Bunn and Hurtt in their storytelling– which should be no surprise since they worked together before on another Oni Press title, The Damned.

Verdict:
The Sixth Gun is a very pleasurable read from start to finish. It’s a lot of fun, filled with action, and the supernatural elements feel surprisingly at home in the Wild West. Bunn and Hurtt present a strong launch to their series, leaving high expectations for what is to come. Definitely put these guys in your pull list.

Diego Chi is a guest writer.