IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for December 9, 2015

IDW PUBLISHING

SEP158209     BACK TO THE FUTURE #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
OCT150376     BACK TO THE FUTURE #3     $3.99
OCT150435     BROOKLYN ANIMAL CONTROL (ONE-SHOT)     $7.99
OCT150440     COLLECTED ESSEX COUNTY LTD ED HC     PI
AUG150457     COMPLETE VOODOO HC VOL 01     $29.99
OCT150433     EIGHTH SEAL #1     $3.99
OCT150319     GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #221     $3.99
OCT150323     GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO TP VOL 13     $19.99
OCT150381     MICKEY & DONALD CHRISTMAS PARADE     $5.99
OCT150385     MICKEY MOUSE #7     $3.99
OCT150340     MY LITTLE PONY HOLIDAY SPECIAL     $3.99
OCT150366     SHERLOCK HOLMES 7 PER-CENT SOLUTION #5     $3.99
OCT150367     SHERLOCK HOLMES 7 PER-CENT SOLUTION #5 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
OCT150356     STAR TREK GREEN LANTERN #6     $3.99
OCT150354     STAR TREK ONGOING #52     $3.99
OCT150405     TMNT AMAZING ADVENTURES #5     $3.99
SEP150433     TMNT WORKS HC VOL 04     $49.99

Review: PLUTONA #1

PLUTONA No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Emi Lenox and Jeff Lemire
SCRIPT: Jeff Lemire
ARTIST: Emi Lenox
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Steve Wands
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (September 2015)

Rated M / Mature

Plutona is a new superhero comic book series from Jeff Lemire (Descender) and newcomer Emi Lenox.  The series focuses on five suburban kids who make a shocking discovery in the nearby woods, the body of the world's greatest superhero.

Plutona #1 opens in a suburb of Metro City, a pastoral-like setting where the central characters live.  First, there is Teddy; he engages in an activity called “capespotting,” which involves watching the skies over Metro City and cataloging any superhero sightings.  Ray is his neighbor, who teases Teddy relentlessly, calling his “Teddy Tugger.”

Diane (called “Chubbs” by Ray) is a portly teen girl who likes to accessorize her clothes in order to make her fashion statements.  Mie is a teen girl whose fashion sense is grunge or some kind of post-grunge, and she hates being stuck taking care of her younger brother, Mike.  One afternoon, these five youngster make a startling discovery.

Image Comics describes Plutona as “heartfelt.”  Jeff Lemire and Emi Lenox share the “story” credit for this series, and the combination of Lemire's script and Lenox's art seem inseparable, which intensifies the emotional resonance.  Plutona does seem heartfelt, but I would prefer to describe it as engaging.  There was not a moment during my reading of this first issue when I did not want to read it.  Actually, I wanted much more Plutona.

In fact, the series does give more.  Plutona #1 ends with a four-page story written and drawn by Lemire that focuses on Plutona.  By day, she is a waitress at “Double Dipper Diner,” and by night, this single mom of a young daughter heeds the call to protect Metro City.  Wow, Plutona would make an interesting superhero comic book outside of this comic book.

I have to say that I felt more engaged and much more connected to Plutona #1 than I did to Descender #1, Jeff Lemire's Image Comic series (co-created by Dustin Nguyen) that was launched earlier this year.  I could not get myself to be interested in Descender past the first issue, but I can hardly wait for the second issue of Plutona.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 2, 2015

DC COMICS

JUL150259     BAT MITE #4     $2.99
JUL150263     BATMAN ARKHAM KNIGHT #8     $3.99
JUL150265     BATMAN BEYOND #4     $2.99
JUL150212     DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #2     $3.99
JUL150269     DETECTIVE COMICS #44     $3.99
JUL150338     FBP FEDERAL BUREAU OF PHYSICS #24 (MR)     $3.99
JUL150222     FLASH SEASON ZERO #12     $2.99
JUN150293     FLASH TP VOL 05 HISTORY LESSONS (N52)     $14.99
JUL150223     GREEN ARROW #44     $2.99
JUL150283     GREEN LANTERN #44     $3.99
JUL150218     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FOUR #9     $2.99
JUL150228     LOBO #10     $2.99
MAY150271     MAD MAX FURY ROAD TP (MR)     $14.99
JUL150230     MIDNIGHTER #4     $2.99
JUL150289     MORTAL KOMBAT X #10 (MR)     $3.99
JUN150294     NEW 52 FUTURES END TP VOL 03     $29.99
JUL150234     OMEGA MEN #4     $2.99
JUN150292     SUICIDE SQUAD TP VOL 01 TRIAL BY FIRE NEW ED     $19.99
MAY150269     SWEET TOOTH DELUXE ED HC BOOK 01 (MR)     $29.99
MAY150250     WONDER WOMAN HC VOL 07 WAR TORN     $24.99
JUN150295     WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 06 BONES (N52)     $14.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JAN150429     BATMAN BLACK & WHITE DICK GRAYSON BY JOCK 2ND ED STATUE     $79.95
APR150344     DC COMICS ICONS FIRESTORM STATUE     $99.95
MAR150326     SUPERMAN MAN OF STEEL STATUE BY CULLY HAMNER     $79.95

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 2, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

JUN150541     8HOUSE #3 KIEM PART ONE (MR)     $2.99
FEB150642     BEYOND BELIEF #2     $3.50
FEB150596     CASANOVA ACEDIA #4 (MR)     $3.99
JUL150531     DARK CORRIDOR #2 (MR)     $3.99
JAN150679     DYING AND THE DEAD #3     $3.50
JUN150563     EMPTY #6     $3.99
JUN150565     JUPITERS CIRCLE #6 CVR A QUITELY (MR)     $3.50
JUN150566     JUPITERS CIRCLE #6 CVR B QUITELY SKETCH (MR)     $3.50
MAY150517     LAST DAYS OF AMERICAN CRIME HC (MR)     $24.99
JUN150568     LAZARUS #19 (MR)     $3.50
JUN150570     MATERIAL #4 (MR)     $3.50
JUL150533     MINIMUM WAGE SO MANY BAD DECISIONS #5 (MR)     $3.99
JUL150534     NAILBITER TP VOL 03 BLOOD IN THE WATER (MR)     $14.99
JUL150545     PLUTONA #1 (MR)     $2.99
JUL150546     POSEIDON IX ONE SHOT CVR A SEVY (MR)     $3.99
JUL150547     POSEIDON IX ONE SHOT CVR B SEJIC (MR)     $3.99
MAY150547     TALES OF HONOR BRED TO KILL #2 CVR A SEJIC     $3.99
MAY150548     TALES OF HONOR BRED TO KILL #2 CVR B SEJIC     $3.99
JUL150548     WE STAND ON GUARD #3 (MR)     $2.99

I Reads You Review: DESCENDER #1

DESCENDER #1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

WRITER: Jeff Lemire
ARTIST: Dustin Nguyen
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: Dustin Nguyen
VARIANT COVER: Jeff Lemire
36pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2015)

Rated T+ / Teen Plus

Book 1: Tin Stars

Descender is a recently-launched science fiction comic book created by writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen.  It is set in an indeterminate, distant future and focuses on child-like android.

Descender #1 (“Tin Stars”) introduces a section of the galaxy where there is a group of nine “Core Planets” known as “The United Galactic Council” (UGC).  The nine Core Planets are Niyrata, Phages, Mata, Sampson (home of the “original colonists from Old Earth”), Knossos, Silenos, Amun, Gnish, and Ostrakon.  The story opens on the planet Niyrata (the “Hub World”).  There, we meet Dr. Jun Quon, the man acknowledged as the inventor of “modern robotics.”  Dr. Quon is about to face a “Harvester,” a robotic situation that is both awesome and devastating.

The second character of focus is found on “The Moon of Dirishu-6,” home of the Dirishu Mining Colony.  We meet Tim-21, a robot from the “Tim” android series.  Meant to be a “child companion bot,” Tim is about to become a very important robotic boy.

When Descender #1 debuted in March of this year, it was a fast sellout.  Apparently, part of the buzz around Descender was that it had already been optioned for film.  [That's the whole point of publishing a creator-owned comic book through Image, right?]  Luckily, I found “Heroes Corner Comics and More,” a comic book shop that still had copies of recent hot Image Comics titles.  [It's located in Harvey, Louisiana – on the “Westside” of New Orleans.]

I just read this first issue, and now, I don't really see what the fuss was all about.  Descender #1 is mostly borrowed ideas, and Tim seems like nothing more than a character that didn't make it into Steven Spielberg's 2001 film, A.I.: Artificial Intelligence.  Descender is by no means bad, but I am not impressed, nor do I find myself especially titillated to read more.  It doesn't help matters that I am not enamored with Dustin Nguyen's wispy, watercolor-like art, and here, it is similar to how he drew the “kids” comic book, Batman: Li'l Gotham, a painfully obvious cash-in on all-things Batman.

I don't see myself pumping hard to find future issues.  Maybe, it gets really better...

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux; support on Patreon.


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

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 4, 2015

MARVEL COMICS

JAN150761     ALL NEW HAWKEYE #1     $3.99
JAN150802     ANGELA ASGARDS ASSASSIN #4     $3.99
JAN150815     AVENGERS #42 TRO     $3.99
DEC140957     AVENGERS TP VOL 05 ADAPT OR DIE     $19.99
JAN150818     AVENGERS WORLD #18 TRO     $3.99
DEC140980     DEATH OF WOLVERINE TP WEAPON X PROGRAM     $19.99
DEC140815     GUARDIANS TEAM-UP #1     $3.99
DEC140975     HAWKEYE VS DEADPOOL TP     $16.99
JAN150845     HULK #12     $3.99
JAN150844     IRON FIST LIVING WEAPON #10     $3.99
JAN150837     MARVELS ANT-MAN PRELUDE #2     $2.99
DEC140951     MARVELS AVENGERS TP AGE OF ULTRON PRELUDE     $16.99
JAN150856     MIRACLEMAN #16 (MR)     $5.99
APR140749     MMW CAPTAIN AMERICA HC VOL 01 NEW PTG     $49.99
APR140750     MMW DAREDEVIL HC VOL 01 NEW PTG     $49.99
JAN150835     OPERATION SIN #3     $3.99
JAN150727     PRINCESS LEIA #1     $3.99
JAN150861     RETURN OF LIVING DEADPOOL #2     $3.99
JAN150798     ROCKET RACCOON #9     $3.99
JAN150787     SPIDER-WOMAN #5     $3.99
DEC140982     SUPER VILLAINS UNITE TP COMPLETE SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP     $34.99
JAN150866     WOLVERINES #9     $3.99
JAN150876     X-MEN #25     $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 4, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

JAN150598     68 JUNGLE JIM GUTS N GLORY ONE SHOT CVR A JONES & FOTOS (MR)     $3.99
JAN150599     68 JUNGLE JIM GUTS N GLORY ONE SHOT CVR B VAN DYKE & FOTOS (     $3.99
AUG148160     ALEX + ADA TP VOL 02     $12.99
JAN150572     BIG MAN PLANS #1 (MR)     $3.50
JAN150622     BIRTHRIGHT TP VOL 01 HOMECOMING (MR)     $9.99
JAN150671     BLACK SCIENCE #12 CVR A SCALERA & DINISIO (MR)     $3.50
JAN150672     BLACK SCIENCE #12 CVR B MURPHY & HOLLINGSWORTH (MR)     $3.50
NOV140579     DARK ENGINE #5 (MR)     $3.50
JAN150567     DESCENDER #1 CVR A NGUYEN (MR)     $2.99
DEC148386     DYING AND THE DEAD #1 2ND PTG     $4.50
JAN150681     EGOS #6     $2.99
JAN150687     GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #6 CVR A BROWNE (MR)     $3.50
JAN150688     GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #6 CVR B MOORE (MR)     $3.50
JAN150593     NAILBITER HACK SLASH HACK SLASH NAILBITER ONE SHOT (MR)     $4.99
JAN150641     NAILBITER TP VOL 02 BLOODY HANDS (MR)     $14.99
DEC148405     NAMELESS #1 2ND PRINTING (MR)     $2.99
JAN150694     NAMELESS #2 (MR)     $2.99
JUL140569     RAT QUEENS #9 (MR)     $3.50
DEC140754     REVIVAL #28 (MR)     $3.99
JAN150704     SAGA #26 (MR)     $2.99
DEC140766     SUPREME BLUE ROSE #7 (MR)     $2.99

Review: PUNKS: The Comic #2

PUNKS: THE COMIC #2
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

CREATORS:  Joshua Hale Fialkov and Kody Chamberlain – @JoshFialkov @KodyChamberlain
COVER: Kody Chamberlain
VARIANT COVER: Jeff Lemire
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2014)

Rated T+ / Teen Plus

I have added a new comic book to my must-read list.  It's Punks: The Comic, and the second issue recently arrived.  This new series is actually a revival of writer Joshua Hale Fialkov (The Ultimates) and artist Kody Chamberlain's (Sweets) 2007 small press comic book, Punks.  Chamberlain produces Punks' “original art” by cutting up various photographic images and compiling them to create the characters, settings, and storytelling.  Punks may be part of what Wired Magazine called “cut-and-past” culture.  Punks: The Comic stars the screwy quartet of  Dog, Skull, Fist, and Abe Lincoln.

As Punks: The Comic #2 opens, Skull and Abe witness the arrival of “Superdog,” who drops from the sky like a falling star.  This new-fangled canine looks almost identical to Dog.  Perhaps, he will be a better roommate than plain-ol' Dog; at least, Fist agrees.  When Superdog's true colors are revealed in a yellow stream, the out-with-the-old Dog will have to stop the in-with-the-new Superdog.

[Punks: The Comic #2 includes some story pages from the original Punks comix.]

The cut-and-paste, do-it-yourself aesthetic of Punks: The Comics seems a little strange at first, but this is a comic book that gets better with each issue.  “Irreverent” does not seem to be a strong enough word to describe the kind of humor produced by Fialkov and Chamberlain.  And “witty” sure as hell doesn't hack it.

For me, the animations that Terry Gilliam created for Monty Python's Flying Circus and Monty Python, in general, come to mind when I read this comic book.  Punks is pungent and potent like British satire and as beguiling as the best of it.  Indeed, it is as if Fialkov and Chamberlain have formed their own surreal comedy troupe.  Punks certainly seems like the beast that will devour the staid yuck-yuck pamphlets that pass for humor in American comic books.

Readers looking for something truly different and truly good in comic books will want Punks: The Comic.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 19, 2014

DC COMICS

JUL140235     AQUAMAN HC VOL 05 SEA OF STORMS (N52)     $24.99
AUG140327     AQUAMAN TP VOL 04 DEATH OF A KING (N52)     $16.99
SEP140336     ASTRO CITY #17     $3.99
SEP140289     BATMAN 66 MEETS GREEN HORNET #6     $2.99
SEP140290     BATMAN 66 THE LOST EPISODE #1     $9.99
SEP140251     BATMAN AND ROBIN #36 (ROBIN RISES)     $2.99
JUL140239     BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC VOL 05 GOTHTOPIA (N52)     $24.99
AUG140329     BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS TP VOL 04 THE WRATH (N52)     $17.99
SEP140245     BATMAN ETERNAL #33     $2.99
SEP140239     BATMAN SUPERMAN #16     $3.99
SEP140242     BATMAN SUPERMAN #16 COMBO PACK     $4.99
SEP140271     BATWOMAN #36     $2.99
JUL140271     DUST COVERS THE COLLECTED SANDMAN COVERS HC NEW ED (MR)     $49.99
SEP140205     EARTH 2 WORLDS END #7     $2.99
SEP140340     FABLES #146 (MR)     $2.99
AUG140364     FAIREST IN ALL THE LAND TP (MR)     $14.99
SEP148167     GOTHAM ACADEMY #1 2ND PTG     $2.99
SEP148168     GRAYSON #1 3RD PTG     $2.99
SEP140278     GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #36 (GODHEAD)     $2.99
SEP140268     HARLEY QUINN #12     $2.99
SEP140298     INFINITE CRISIS FIGHT FOR THE MULTIVERSE #5     $3.99
SEP140297     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR THREE #4     $2.99
SEP140185     JUSTICE LEAGUE #36     $3.99
SEP140188     JUSTICE LEAGUE #36 COMBO PACK     $4.99
SEP140180     MULTIVERSITY PAX AMERICANA #1     $4.99
SEP140219     NEW 52 FUTURES END #29 (WEEKLY)     $2.99
SEP140272     RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #36     $2.99
SEP140299     SENSATION COMICS FEATURING WONDER WOMAN #4     $3.99
SEP140236     SUPERGIRL #36     $2.99
SEP140233     SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN #13     $3.99
SEP140235     SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN #13 COMBO PACK     $4.99
SEP140222     TEEN TITANS #4     $2.99
JUL140249     TEEN TITANS A CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS HC     $39.99
JUL140221     TEEN TITANS EARTH ONE HC VOL 01     $22.99
SEP140224     TRINITY OF SIN #2     $2.99
AUG140344     VAMPIRE DIARIES TP     $24.99
SEP140173     WONDER WOMAN #36     $2.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

JUN140313     BATMAN ANIMATED NBA BATMAN AF     $24.95
APR140327     BATMAN LIL GOTHAM HARLEY QUINN MINI ACTION FIGURE     $12.95
APR140325     BATMAN LIL GOTHAM ROBIN MINI ACTION FIGURE     $12.95
MAY140419     DC COMICS GOTHAM CITY GARAGE CATWOMAN STATUE     $349.95

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 5, 2014

IMAGE COMICS

SEP140708     68 HOMEFRONT #3 CVR A JONES (MR)     $3.99
SEP140709     68 HOMEFRONT #3 CVR B GALLAGHER (MR)     $3.99
SEP140567     AMERICAN LEGENDS #1     $3.99
SEP140574     ARTIFACTS #40 (MR)     $5.99
AUG148516     BIRTHRIGHT #1 2ND PTG     $2.99
SEP140711     BIRTHRIGHT #2     $2.99
SEP148137     BIRTHRIGHT #2 CVR B     $2.99
JUL140536     CHEW #44 (MR)     $2.99
AUG148514     COPPERHEAD #2 2ND PTG     $3.50
AUG148515     FADE OUT #2 2ND PTG     $3.50
SEP140719     FUSE #7 CVR A GREENWOOD (MR)     $3.50
SEP140720     FUSE #7 CVR B FRISON (MR)     $3.50
SEP140723     GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #3 CVR A BROWNE (MR)     $3.50
SEP140724     GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #3 CVR B BURNHAM (MR)     $3.50
SEP140725     HACK SLASH SON OF SAMHAIN #5 (MR)     $3.50
SEP140551     HUMANS #1 (MR)     $2.99
SEP140727     IMPERIAL #4     $2.99
SEP140594     KINSKI TP     $14.99
SEP140730     LIL DEPRESSED BOY SUPPOSED TO BE THERE TOO #2     $3.99
SEP140732     MADAME FRANKENSTEIN #7     $2.99
SEP140734     MERCENARY SEA #7     $2.99
SEP140735     NAILBITER #7 (MR)     $2.99
SEP140736     NIGHTWORLD #4     $3.99
SEP140583     PENNY DORA & THE WISHING BOX #1 CVR A GRACE     $2.99
SEP140584     PENNY DORA & THE WISHING BOX #1 CVR B LARSON     $2.99
SEP140742     PUNKS THE COMIC #2 CVR A CHAMBERLAIN     $3.99
SEP140743     PUNKS THE COMIC #2 CVR B LEMIRE     $3.99
APR140587     REAL HEROES #4     $4.99
AUG140681     SPAWN #248     $2.99
AUG140682     SPREAD #4 (MR)     $3.50
AUG140684     SUPERANNUATED MAN #4 (MR)     $3.99
SEP140757     TECH JACKET #5     $2.99
MAR140609     TEN GRAND #11 (MR)     $2.99
SEP140540     TOOTH & CLAW #1 (MR)     $2.99
JUL140586     VELVET #8 (MR)     $3.50
SEP140657     WALKING DEAD TP VOL 22 A NEW BEGINNING (MR)     $14.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

AUG140709     ASSASSINS CREED SER 3 AH TABAI AF     PI
AUG140711     ASSASSINS CREED SER 3 ALTAIR AF     PI
AUG140710     ASSASSINS CREED SER 3 EZIO AF     PI
AUG140712     ASSASSINS CREED SER 3 SECRET ASSASSIN AF     PI
AUG140708     ASSASSINS CREED SERIES 3 AF     PI
JUL142184     HALO 2014 AF     PI
JUL142185     HALO 2014 HALO 2 MASTER CHIEF AF     PI
JUL142186     HALO 2014 MASTER CHIEF WITH CLOAK AF     PI

I Reads You Review: TRILLIUM #2

TRILLIUM #2
DC COMICS/VERTIGO – @DCComics and @vertigo_comics

CARTOONIST: Jeff Lemire
COLORS: Jose Villarrubia (pp 1-19) with Jeff Lemire (p. 20)
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
COVER: Jeff Lemire
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (November 2013)

“Suggested for Mature Readers”

Chapter 2: “Binary Systems”

Trillium is a new science fiction comic book from DC Comics’ Vertigo imprint.  This eight-issue miniseries is created, written, and drawn by cartoonist and graphic novelist, Jeff Lemire.  Lemire described Trillium as “a time-spanning science fiction love story…” (Defy 2013 Preview – DC Comics)  The series focuses on scientist Dr. Nika Temsmith, who is an expert in xeniology (a kind of archeology), and is set in the year 3797, a time that finds humanity living in different solar systems.

Mankind is facing extinction because of a smart virus named “The Caul,” but a white-colored flower called, Trillium, can possibly save humankind.  Trillium thrives on Atabithi, and Nika is negotiated with the Atabithians, when an event tosses her back in time to the ear 1921.  There, she meets British World War I veteran and explorer, William Pike, at “the Forbidden Temple of the Incas.”

Trillium #2 (“Binary Systems”) opens with two humans from different millennia, unable to communicate with one another.  Nika thinks that she has been transported to another star system.  Pike thinks the strange woman before him is possibly part of a rival team of Norwegian explorers that is also looking for the legendary Incan temple.  What happens when they learn the truth about who, what, and when?

In my review of Trillium #1, I admitted that I am sometimes reluctant to grade or pass judgment on a first issue.  However, I was not shy about expressing my feelings and thoughts on the first issue of Trillium.  I still friggin’ love this comic book, and Trillium #2 proves that this series is really as good as I think it is, thus far.

I never thought I would enjoy a comic book that is almost entirely about two people who cannot understand each other’s language and can barely communicate, but I did, in this case.  I felt as frustrated as the characters are depicted as being, but I found that frustration to be hugely entertaining and compelling.

Jeff Lemire is giving us one of the best comic books of the year.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

I Reads You Review: CONSTANTINE #2

CONSTANTINE #2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITERS: Ray Fawkes and Jeff Lemire
ARTIST: Renato Guedes
COLORS: Marcelo Mailolo
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
COVER: Juan Jose Ryp and Brett Smith
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (June 2013)

Rated T+ (Teen Plus)

The Spark and the Flame Part 2: “The Blind Man”

It has been a few months since I read Constantine #1, the re-launch of the long-running comic book series, Hellblazer.  I thought that first issue showed promise for the series and as a fresh start for title character, John Constantine.  Now, I’ve just read the second issue, and I am not so sure.

Constantine #2 is the second part of the opening story arc, “The Spark and the Flame.”  Issue #2 continues John Constantine’s search for Croydon’s Compass, a powerful tool of divination that, of course, has the potential for evil in the wrong hands.  Also looking for Croydon’s Compass is the Cult of the Cold Flame (or simply “Cold Flame”), a group of powerful malevolent magic-using types.

Croydon’s Compass has been broken into three parts.  John has the first part, the needle, and now, he has arrived in Myanmar to find the second piece, the dial.  Waiting for him is Mr. E. and The Spectre, who really wants to get his spectral hands of John.

Constantine #2 is a comic book full of characters trying to be clever, but they are neither particularly interesting nor especially boring.  Their cleverness simply registers nothing.  Even this chapter of “The Spark and the Flame” seems as if it is inconsequential to the larger narrative.  This is the first time I am really starting to wonder about the wisdom of ending Hellblazer in order to start Constantine.  Or maybe DC Comics just needs to cut back on the use of writer Jeff Lemire.

C

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

I Reads You Review: TRILLIUM #1

TRILLIUM #1
DC COMICS/VERTIGO – @DCComics and @vertigo_comics

CARTOONIST: Jeff Lemire
COLORS: Jeff Lemire and Jose Villarrubia
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
COVER: Jeff Lemire
32pp, Color, $2.99 (October 2013)

Trillium is a new eight-issue comic book miniseries created, written, and drawn by cartoonist and graphic novelist, Jeff Lemire.  Lemire has described Trillium as “a time-spanning science fiction love story…” (Defy 2013 Preview – DC Comics)

So I’ll tread as lightly as I can, concerning spoilers:  Trillium #1 is a flip book, with Chapter 1 divided into two stories.  Flip Trillium #1 to the back cover, and it has another cover and opens to the second part of the story.

“Chapter 1: 3797 – The Scientist” is set in the year 3797, when a smart virus is poised to annihilate humanity.  Scientist Dr. Nika Temsmith (xeniology – a kind of archeology, maybe) knows that Trillium, a miracle flower, can possibly save mankind.  However, obtaining Trillium will require negotiations with restless natives.  In “Chapter 1.2: 1921 – The Soldier,” British World War I vet, William Pike goes into the jungle looking for “the Forbidden Temple of the Incas.”  He finds restless natives and strange doings.

Sometimes, I am reluctant to grade or pass judgment on a first issue, but I’m not afraid in the case of Trillium.  I friggin’ love this comic book, so I wonder if I’m missing something.  Is Trillium #1 really as good as I think, I ask myself?

I find the structure of the story, especially the use of the “flip book” format, really forces me to engage both sides of Chapter 1.  “The Scientist” is riveting, with its sense of desperation and doom, but also with a sense of wonder and exploration.  I don’t want to reveal anymore than I already have, but Jeff Lemire may have just presented us with the best science fiction comic book in a long time.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

#IReadsYou Review: SWEET TOOTH #1

SWEET TOOTH #1
DC COMICS/VERTIGO – @DCComics and @vertigo_comics

CARTOONIST: Jeff Lemire
COLORS: Jose Villarrubia
LETTERS: Pat Brosseau
32pp, Color, $1.00 (November 2009)

Sweet Tooth was a comic book series created, written, and drawn by cartoonist and graphic novelist, Jeff Lemire.  At that time of Sweet Tooth’s debut, Lemire was best known for his Essex County Trilogy:  Tales from the Farm, Ghost Stories, and The Country Nurse, which were all published Top Shelf Productions.

Sweet Tooth was Lemire’s first ongoing series.  Published by Vertigo (the publisher of Lemire’s graphic novel, The Nobody), Sweet Tooth is a post-apocalyptic series that focuses on a human/animal hybrid child who pals around with a dangerous friend.  The series concluded with the publication of issue #40.

Sweet Tooth #1 opens ten years after a still mysterious pandemic ravaged America.  A boy named Gus is part of a rare new breed of human/animal hybrid that emerged from the devastation.  This breed is also apparently immune to the infection that still continues to kill.  Gus lives with his ailing father in a Nebraska state wilderness sanctuary.  Gus’ father is determined to keep his son living in isolation.  After his father dies, Gus is left to fend for himself, but not for long, as the hunters arrive.

In his “On the Ledge” essay, which appears in Sweet Tooth #1 (and all September 2009-dated Vertigo books), Jeff Lemire writes that “there are no tired, played-out stories – just tired and played-out ways of telling them.”  This is a frank admission from a distinctive voice in comic books that his latest work is – plot, characters, and setting – firmly rooted in the familiar subgenre of post-apocalyptic America.  Lemire, however, is correct about tired stories, and didn’t someone recently win a Pulitzer Prize for his post-Apocalyptic-set novel?

Lemire tells stories in a voice most comic book characters avoid.  His stories are both disquieting and alluring in the tranquil way in which Lemire weaves tales of a rural folk, a breed of people who are not often seen in comics, compared to other types.  There is beauty in the way Lemire depicts desperation; it is desperation that is as serene as the landscape of wide open farms, small towns, and woodland areas where much of the Essex County stories set.  Lemire’s stories aren’t so much forlorn or even melancholy as they are calm and settled.  No matter how sad the life of a particular Lemire character may be, the reader is drawn into the stillness of contemplation, introspection, and self-observation.

This is how Lemire will make Sweet Tooth such a unique take on the post-apocalyptic world.  Lemire’s unobtrusive way is not Mad Max, but he offers the reader the chance to find insight in every panel.  Each panel is a moment in time, not to be taken for granted.  In this way, perhaps, Lemire will show us the profound even in a hopeless world, where there just might be hope.

A-

[This comic book also contained an 8-page preview of the hardcover prose novel, Peter & Max: A Fables Novel by Bill Willingham with illustrations by Steve Leiahola.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

2013 Top Shelf Massive $3 Sale is On!

Once again, it is that time of year when we have football, a chance to buy great comic books and graphic novels at bargain basement prices, and an opportunity to keep one of the best publishers in America from going in the basement:

The 2013 Top Shelf Massive $3 Sale

Welcome to the 2013 Top Shelf Massive $3 Graphic Novel Sale, where you can pick up the year's greatest graphic novels at incredibly low prices by ordering direct from Top Shelf!

For the next two weeks — through Friday, September 27th — Top Shelf is having our annual $3 web sale. When you visit our site, you'll find 150+ critically acclaimed graphic novels and comics on sale — with over 100 titles marked down to just $3 & $1!

Each year Top Shelf uses this sale to help spread the word about our incredible new releases, and raise funds to “kick start” a full rollout for next year. With your help, we'll keep publishing some of the most beloved graphic novels on earth — from award-winning masters and exciting new talents (and yes, even Members of Congress!). Now's your chance to support a great independent publisher and expand your graphic novel collection at the same time.

To go directly to the list of items on sale at the Top Shelf website, just click here:

Buy here or http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals

But here are a few examples to get you started:

Slashed prices on brand-new releases and beloved perennials!
-- Slashed Prices: March, A Matter of Life, Monster on the Hill, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: Nemo: Heart of Ice, God is Disappointed in You, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: Lost Girls, From Hell, League Century 1910/1969/2009, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: Blankets, The Underwater Welder, Any Empire, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: We Can Fix It, Blue, August Moon, Infinite Kung Fu, and more!
-- Slashed Prices: Unearthing (HC), Super Spy, Crater XV, Heck, and more!

Acclaimed graphic novels from world-class talents for $3!
-- $3 Titles: The From Hell Companion, Unearthing (SC), and more!
-- $3 Titles: The Lovely Horrible Stuff, Upside Down, The Ticking, and more!
-- $3 Titles: Ax, Voice of the Fire, The Homeland Directive, and more!
-- $3 Titles: Gingerbread Girl, Liar’s Kiss, Undeleted Scenes, and more!
-- $3 Titles: Incredible Change-Bots, Night Animals, Underwire, and more!
-- $3 Titles: Lucille, BB Wolf, Pirate Penguin, and more!

Discover a new favorite with these great $1 books!
-- $1 Titles: The Playwright,Tales of Woodsman Pete, Sulk (Vols 1/2/3), and more!
-- $1 Titles: Regards from Serbia, Lone Racer, Van Helsing's Night Off, and more!
-- $1 Titles: SuperF*ckers #1-#4, The Surrogates #1-#5, Beach Safari, and more!
-- $1 Titles: Hutch Owen, Hello Again, Okie Dokie Donuts, Yam, and more!
-- $1 Titles: The Octopi & the Ocean, Conversations #1 & #2, and more!
-- $1 Titles: Comic Diorama, The Man Who Loved Breasts, Hey Mister, and more!

Please note that Top Shelf accepts PayPal, as well as Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Discover — all secure — and that this sale is good for retailers as well (and comic book shops will get their wholesale discount on top of these sale prices):

Buy here or http://www.topshelfcomix.com/specialdeals

And please feel free to share & re-post this announcement, so your friends can find out about it as well!  

Your friend thru comics,
Chris Staros

Top Shelf Productions
PO Box 1282
Marietta GA 30061-1282
USA

DC Comics Rocks July Comic Book Sales Charts

Superman & Batman Team-up to Top Comic Book Sales Charts

DC Entertainment Dominates July with Impressive Results Coming out of Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Super Hero comic book sales soared in July with SUPERMAN: UNCHAINED #2 and BATMAN #22 continuing their reign atop the comic book sales charts at the #1 and #2 positions, respectively, moving DC Entertainment up the ranks as the month’s top publisher in dollars, according to Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest comic book distributor in the world. Additionally, JUSTICE LEAGUE #22 – the first part of “Trinity War,” a crossover that sees the three Justice League teams at odds – took the #4 spot.

The sales figures closed out a historic July for DC Entertainment (DCE), as the company rolled on after a momentous Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013. The show kicked off with the unveiling of a customized JUSTICE LEAGUE-inspired KIA Sorento—the final car in a series of 8 featuring each member of the Justice League—and launched a charity auction on eBay benefitting the We Can Be Heroes giving campaign. To date, the campaign has raised nearly $2.4 million.

Thousands of fans swarmed DCE’s massive booth, an all-star collection of Superman costumes from the character’s various film and TV incarnations, leading up to a star-studded celebration of Superman’s 75th Anniversary, which featured a special guest star: an original issue of ACTION COMICS #1 – the comic book that started it all and made Comic-Con International: San Diego possible. Warner Bros. Interactive (WBIE) also had a great Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013, offering fans hands-on playable stations featuring upcoming games Infinite Crisis, Scribblenauts Unmasked and Batman: Arkham Origins.

The news that was the talk of the town and beyond came courtesy of Man of Steel director Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance in Hall H to confirm that the next DC Super Hero movie is in pre-production, slated for a Summer 2015 release. Snyder also teased a potential storyline featuring two of DC Comics’ most iconic Super Heroes – Superman and Batman – together on the big screen for the first time!

“Superman and Batman are icons, pure and simple. Their popularity stretches across all media,” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “Having them paired together on the big screen is something fans are extremely excited about, and seeing both heroes – and their team, the Justice League – topping the comic book sales charts is further proof of that.”

“Batman: Zero Year,” re-telling the origin of the Dark Knight in DC Comics – The New 52, continues to be a dominant force in terms of sales and critical acclaim, with the work of writer Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo raking in the accolades. As if that weren’t enough, Grant Morrison’s own, epic Bat-saga came to a close in July with the touching, shocking and always engaging BATMAN INC. #13, marking an end to the beloved seven-year tale with a major cliffhanger and press coverage including USA Today and The New York Post.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #22, the first part of the summer “Trinity War” crossover that pits the three Justice League teams against each other, pairs A-list writers Geoff Johns and Jeff Lemire with the best artists in comics, including Ivan Reis, Doug Mahnke and Mikel Janin. The story leads into this September’s FOREVER EVIL #1, by Johns and superstar artist David Finch – the first line-wide event in the history of DC Comics – The New 52. For a primer on “Trinity War” and FOREVER EVIL, fans can check out a special “Justice League 101” video – narrated by Johns himself – that gives fans a crash course on all things Justice League.

Over at Vertigo, issues #1 and #2 of THE WAKE by Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy have sold out and gone back to press along with other key new launches like TRILLIUM and COLLIDER, making for an impressive 2013 for the genre-defying imprint. Writer/artist Jeff Lemire’s sci-fi love story TRILLIUM weaves together the lives of two souls separated by thousands of years and hundreds of millions of miles in a phenomenal, oversized flip book. In Fabletown, bestselling author Lauren Beukes – whose new novel The Shining Girls has been tabbed as a key summer read – hit the top 10 in graphic novel sales with FAIREST Vol 2: THE HIDDEN KINGDOM, revealing the story of Rapunzel in Japan.

“The second half of 2013 is going to be an exciting, innovative and important few months for us,” said Nelson. “From Neil Gaiman’s return to the world of Sandman, the fantastic 3-D Motion covers adorning our Villains Month titles and the epic crossover that is FOREVER EVIL, we hope fans are ready for a fun ride.”

July digital sales saw continued dominance of Digital First title INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US (ranking #1-4) while newly launched Digital First title BATMAN ’66 also scored strong sales during its first month of release, with three digital chapters ranking in the top 20 for the month (ranking #6, 13 and 17) . As the Trinity War event heats up several related Same Day Digital titles were popular in July including JUSTICE LEAGUE #22 (ranked #5), JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #6 (ranked #8), JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #22 (ranked #11) and TRINITY OF SIN: PANDORA #1 (ranked #18). On the eBook front, following the dramatic Comic-Con film announcement there was a huge jump in month-over-month sales of Frank Miller’s BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.

Fans visiting the DC Entertainment websites before Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013 were dazzled by newly-designed video sections, which featured an across-the-board switch to YouTube as the online video player for the site. The redesign and player switch helped bump up traffic for the site’s regular “Con Away From Con” coverage by 67 percent over the prior year.

DC Collectibles also had a great showing in San Diego with its “Con Exclusive” products including new “Super Best Friends Forever” figures and a Man of Steel variant statue posting strong sales.

On the book trade side, SOLO: THE DELUXE EDITION, BATMAN Vol. 2, BATMAN AND ROBIN Vol. 2, SUPERMAN: THE GOLDEN AGE Omnibus Vol. 1, BEFORE WATCHMEN: MINUTEMEN/SILK SPECTRE, BEFORE WATCHMEN: OZYMANDIAS/CRIMSON CORSAIR, SUPERMAN Vol. 2 appeared on The New York Times Hardcover Graphic Book Bestseller list while RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS Vol. 2, AQUAMAN Vol. 2, Vertigo’s SWEET TOOTH Vol. 6 all landed on The New York Times Paperback Graphic Book Bestseller list.

MAD Magazine had a very strong presence at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2013, where Editor John Ficarra highlighted the upcoming release of INSIDE MAD - the follow-up to last year's #1 New York Times bestseller, TOTALLY MAD. The week after the convention, MAD released issue #522 while also preparing for the August release of issue #523, which will feature Spy vs Spy depicted as major figures on the cover for the first time. Meanwhile, THE IDIOTICAL blog continued their daily spoofs, including "A Public Service Announcement to the New Royal Parents."

About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 7 2013

DC COMICS

JUN130186 ACTION COMICS #23 $3.99
JUN130188 ACTION COMICS #23 COMBO PACK $4.99
JUN130248 AME COMI GIRLS #6 $3.99
APR130226 BATMAN ARKHAM UNHINGED HC VOL 02 $22.99
MAY130229 BATMAN ARKHAM UNHINGED TP VOL 01 $14.99
JUN130214 BATWING #23 $2.99
JUN130204 DETECTIVE COMICS #23 $3.99
JUN130206 DETECTIVE COMICS #23 COMBO PACK $4.99
JUN130235 DIAL H #15 (NOTE PRICE) $4.99
MAY130245 DISTURBINGLY AWFUL MAD TP $12.99
JUN130173 EARTH 2 #15 $2.99
JUN130288 FAIREST #18 (MR) $2.99
JUN130165 GREEN ARROW #23 $2.99
JUN130218 GREEN LANTERN #23 $2.99
JUN130220 GREEN LANTERN #23 COMBO PACK $3.99
FEB130220 IN THE DAYS OF THE MOB HC $39.99
JUN130254 LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #11 $3.99
JUN130280 LOONEY TUNES #214 $2.99
JUN130233 MOVEMENT #4 $2.99
MAY130259 SAUCER COUNTRY TP VOL 02 RETICULAN CANDIDATE (MR) $16.99
JUN130281 SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #36 $2.99
JUN130237 STORMWATCH #23 $2.99
JUN130238 SWAMP THING #23 $2.99
JUN130285 TRILLIUM #1 (MR) $2.99
MAY138357 TRINITY OF SIN PANDORA #1 2ND PTG $2.99
JUN130161 TRINITY OF SIN THE PHANTOM STRANGER #11 (TRINITY) $2.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

MAY130274 BATMAN ARKHAM CITY SOLOMON GRUNDY DLX AF $89.95
MAY130270 DC COMICS SUPER VILLAINS CAPTAIN COLD AF $24.95
APR130270 INJUSTICE AQUAMAN VS BLACK ADAM 2 PACK AF $29.95
APR130269 INJUSTICE NIGHTWING VS SUPERMAN 2 PACK AF $29.95

Batman Leads DC Comics in May 2013

Batman Continues to Be DC Entertainment’s Best-Selling Comic in May - as June Looks to Be All Things Superman

New digital and print publishing initiatives solidify DC Entertainment’s place as industry leader, innovator

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BATMAN #20 continued the popular comic book's three-month reign as the top-selling DC Entertainment periodical, according to Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest comic book distributor in the world.

The Batman story by the bestselling team of writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo features the conclusion of the Dark Knight's two-part battle with the shape-shifting villain Clayface and serves as a prelude to June’s BATMAN #21 – the first part of “Zero Year,” the modern re-telling of Batman’s classic origin. Additionally, the month saw GREEN LANTERN #20, the critically-acclaimed conclusion of writer and DC Entertainment’s Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns’ epic nine-year run on the series, clock in as the top DC book in total dollars and the softcover graphic novel SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE VOL. 1 as the top DC Entertainment collection in sales to comic shop retailers, according to Diamond.

In celebration of Superman’s 75th anniversary, Warner Bros. Entertainment and DC Entertainment revealed plans befitting the most popular and enduring super hero of all time. The celebration kicks into high gear next Wednesday, June 12 with the launch of SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1, also from writer Snyder and legendary artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee.

Ahead of the theatrical release of Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Man of Steel” on June 14, DC Entertainment announced a partnership with comic book retailers, libraries and bookstores across America to declare Wednesday, June 12 “‘Man of Steel’ Day.” Fans visiting their local comic book retailers on “‘Man of Steel’ Day” will receive a free copy of an ALL STAR SUPERMAN #1 Special Edition comic book, one of the most acclaimed Superman stories ever by the award-winning and beloved creative team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly.

“It’s a great time to be a fan of both Batman and Superman,” said Diane Nelson, President DC Entertainment. “The continued success of these iconic characters is further proof that DC Entertainment is the home to the World’s Greatest Super Heroes. For Superman’s 75th anniversary, we’re showcasing the character’s enduring greatness, from the first panel of ACTION COMICS #1 to next week’s SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1.”

This week also saw the company make two game-changing announcements in the areas of digital and print publishing. Earlier this week, Nelson and Lee unveiled DC2 and DC2 Multiverse — new digital innovations that will take comics to the next level of interactivity — at Time Warner’s “The Future of Storytelling” exhibition at the Time Warner Media Lab in New York. DC2 is a new feature that layers dynamic artwork onto digital comic panels, adding a new level of dimension to digital storytelling. DC2 Multiverse allows readers to determine a specific story outcome by selecting individual characters, storylines and plot developments while reading the comic, creating multiple options and end results for each digital comic chapter, leading the way in interactive comic book storytelling.

Additionally, plans were revealed for an epic month of September and beyond, as Lee and fellow Co-Publisher Dan DiDio announced that the company’s legendary villains would be taking over the entire publishing line as part of a month-long event aptly titled “Villains Month,” spearheaded by the seven-issue limited series FOREVER EVIL, from the powerhouse creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artist David Finch, and spinning out of the conclusion of TRINITY WAR, a two-month crossover involving the three ongoing JUSTICE LEAGUE titles this summer. Each of the “DC Comics – The New 52” regular comic book series for September will focus on a key foe and answer the question: “What happens when the villains win?” Each “Villains Month” book will also feature a never-before-seen printing innovation: 3-D Motion covers. Featuring five layers of visual scenery and completely lenticular stock cover, the groundbreaking initiative creates an unparalleled sense of visual depth and brings to life the most beloved – and evil – characters in the DC Entertainment pantheon of characters. The 3-D Motion covers - paired with the universe-spanning saga that is FOREVER EVIL and “Villains Month” - give comic shop retailers and core fans of the company’s print business a great event with lasting value and an engaging story.

Vertigo kicked off the summer in fine form, with the launch of the horror-tinged THE WAKE, from Snyder and writer Sean Murphy in May and this week’s ASTRO CITY #1, from the classic creative team of writer Kurt Busiek, artist Brent Anderson and cover artist Alex Ross. The series leads a pack of notable debuts coming down the line for the genre-defying imprint, including this month’s 100 BULLETS: BROTHER LONO #1 from the legendary team of writer Brian Azzarello and artist Eduardo Risso, July’s sci-fi adventure COLLIDER #1 by rising star writer Simon Oliver and artist Robbi Rodriguez and renowned writer/artist Jeff Lemire’s TRILLIUM #1 in August. More Vertigo news – including details about Neil Gaiman’s much-anticipated return to the world of SANDMAN - will be announced throughout this year.

Just a few weeks ahead of the debut of the BEFORE WATCHMEN deluxe collections, digital sales of the classic WATCHMEN paperback increased in May during a two-week promotion with partner Kindle. This uptick was also seen in overall physical sales.

The New York Times Graphic Novel Bestseller lists also featured a number of new additions from the DC Entertainment library, including DC Comics’ AQUAMAN VOL. 2: THE OTHERS, the second top-selling volume by JUSTICE LEAGUE’s dynamic creative team of writer Geoff Johns and artistic collaborators Ivan Reis and Joe Prado and THE AUTHORITY VOL. 1, from the iconic creative team of writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch.

MAD continues to bring humor to our lives daily on The Idiotical with parodies like “Drone Ranger” and “Obama and Christie: Jersey Shore BFFs.” And MAD Presents Superman #1, the Super Spectacular Summer issue featuring some of the most beloved Superman parodies and includes 7 new pages that put a uniquely MAD spin on the upcoming film, arrives in stores June 12.

The coming weeks will also see a refreshed and streamlined DC Entertainment website, featuring a homepage redesign, a more robust video section and enhanced, daily coverage and features of our products and news.


About DC Entertainment:
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes—a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

The New 52 Review: Constantine #1

CONSTANTINE #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITERS: Ray Fawkes and Jeff Lemire
ARTIST: Renato Guedes
COLORS: Marcelo Mailolo
LETTERER: Sal Cipriano
COVER: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado with Rod Reis
VARIANT COVER: Renato Guedes
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (May 2013)

Rated T+ (Teen Plus)

The Spark and the Flame Part 1: “The Price We Pay”

John Constantine: Hellblazer is dead? Long live Constantine?

After first appearing, in full, as a supporting character in The Saga of the Swamp Thing #37 (June 1985), John Constantine starred in his own comic book, Hellblazer. Twenty-six odd years later, that series came to an end with Hellblazer #300 (April 2013 cover date).

With Constantine #1 (May 2013 cover date), John Constantine is headed in a new direction. Once tempted by magic to the point of his near-destruction, Constantine seeks to “maintain balance and prevent anyone from becoming too powerful.” That is a direct quote taken from Constantine #1. The maintainer of balance: that’s John Constantine’s place in The New 52.

Constantine #1 opens in New York City where Constantine lives in a pet story, Dotty’s Pets. He already has a new mission – get Croydon’s Compass before his rivals, a group called “Cold Flame,” obtain it. You’d be surprised at the membership of Cold Flame, but I’ll say that Zatara is/was one of them. Dragging along a reluctant acquaintance, Chris, Constantine heads to Norway for a battle in which someone does pay a rather high price.

Same old John: knowing him always costs someone his or her life. What can I say about the new Constantine comic book? Well, the first issue lacks the occult detective, London-noir, street hustler, Richard Stark-vibe of Hellblazer. Constantine the comic book is colorful and slick, like the 2005 film, Constantine, but without Keanu Reeves’ sincere-thespian stiffness. Magic explodes as if it were a mutant power, with crackling bursts of energy. It’s a bit like Harry Potter without the wands.

Constantine is interesting. If you’re looking for the old thing – the way Hellblazer was – that’s gone. I like this new thing. I’m not in love with it, but I like it.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 3 2012

DC COMICS

AUG120164 ACTION COMICS #13 $3.99

AUG120167 ACTION COMICS #13 COMBO PACK $4.99

AUG120217 ANIMAL MAN #13 $2.99

AUG120268 BATMAN SCOOBY DOO HALLOWEEN FEST #1 PI

JUN120234 BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT HC VOL 01 KNIGHT TERRORS $24.99

AUG120192 BATWING #13 $2.99

AUG120129 BEFORE WATCHMEN RORSCHACH #2 (MR) $3.99

AUG120131 BEFORE WATCHMEN RORSCHACH #2 COMBO PACK (MR) $4.99

JUN120272 DEATH THE DELUXE EDITION HC (MR) $29.99

AUG120184 DETECTIVE COMICS #13 $3.99

AUG120186 DETECTIVE COMICS #13 COMBO PACK $4.99

AUG120215 DIAL H #5 $2.99

AUG120160 EARTH 2 #5 $2.99

AUG120284 FAIREST #8 (MR) $2.99

AUG120225 GI COMBAT #5 $3.99

AUG120154 GREEN ARROW #13 $2.99

AUG120199 GREEN LANTERN #13 $2.99

AUG120201 GREEN LANTERN #13 COMBO PACK $3.99

JUL128223 GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #1 2ND PTG $4.99

JUL120212 I VAMPIRE TP VOL 01 TAINTED LOVE $14.99

JUL120225 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA RISE OF ECLIPSO TP $16.99

AUG120237 LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #1 $3.99

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