Showing posts with label Jim Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jim Lee. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: Wolverine #1

WOLVERINE #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Benjamin Percy
ART: Adam Kubert; Viktor Bogdanovic
COLORS: Frank Martin; Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
COVER: Adam Kubert with Frank Martin
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alex Ross; Chip Kidd; Jeehyung Lee; Jim Lee with Jason Keith; Rahzzah; R.B. Silva with Marte Gracia; Skottie Young; Gabriele Dell'Otto
72pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (April 2020)

Parental advisory

Wolverine created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita, Sr.

“The Flower Cartel” and “Catacombs”

Wolverine is a Marvel Comics character, a member of the superhero team, the X-Men, and one of Marvel's all-time most popular characters.  Wolverine first appeared in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180, but his first full appearance was in The Incredible Hulk #181 (cover-dated: Nov. 1974).  Wolverine was created by then Marvel Editor-in-Chief Roy Thomas, writer Len Wein, and then Marvel art director John Romita (Sr.)  Romita designed Wolverine, but the late artist Herb Trimpe drew Wolverine's earliest comic book appearances.

Wolverine first starred in his own solo comic book in the four-issue miniseries simply entitled Wolverine (cover-dated:  September to December 1982), which was famously written by Chris Claremont and drawn by Frank Miller.  Claremont and the late comic book artist, John Buscema, launched Wolverine's first ongoing comic book series with Wolverine #1 (cover-dated: November 1988), the first of many Wolverine ongoing comic book series.

Summer 2019, writer Jonathan Hickman revamped, rebooted, and re-imagined the X-Men comic book franchise via a pair of six-issue comic book miniseries, House of X and Powers of X (pronounced “Powers of Ten”).  October 2019 welcomed “Dawn of X,” the launch of six new X-Men titles.  The new series are Excalibur, Fallen Angels, Marauders, New Mutants, X-Force, and X-Men.

The seventh Wolverine ongoing comic book series headed the “second wave” of “Dawn of X” titles.  Wolverine (2020) is written by Benjamin Percy; drawn by Adam Kubert; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Cory Petit.  The first issue of the new series also includes a second story written by Percy; drawn by Viktor Bogdanovic; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by Petit.

Wolverine #1 (“The Flower Cartel”) opens to find Wolverine and his cohorts:  Marvel Girl, Domino, and Kid Omega, in a sorry state.  The story turns to a flashback from several days earlier, with Wolverine on Krakoa, the living island and mutant nation-state that is the home to all mutants on Earth (if those so choose).  At the behest of Kitty Pryde, Wolverine begins an investigation/mission to discover who is selling narcotics based on a Krakoan flower from which medicine is derived.  Wolverine will come across many players in this narcotics trade before finding himself tangling with an entity known as “The Pale Girl.”

In the second story, Wolverine begins another investigation/mission, this time to discover why the homicidal mutant, Omega Red, suddenly showed up on Krakoa in a grievously wounded condition.  Who whipped that ass?  Wolverine vehemently opposes Red being given sanctuary on Krakoa, but he does want to know what happened to him.  Wolverine heads to Paris where he discovers that blood flows freely in the “Catacombs” beneath Paris.

If I had to give a grade only to the opening story, “The Flower Cartel,” I might give it a “B.”  Ten of the 30 story pages simply meander, but when the action kicks into gear, it has quite a kick.  There is nothing here by the creative team that stands out as any of its members' best work, and I am disappointed to say that because I always expect a lot of Adam Kubert.

The real treat in this issue is the second story, “The Catacombs.”  For a grade, I will give it a solid “A.”  I don't want spoil anything, but Benjamin Percy's story reads like a slickly, produced dark fantasy, mystery-thriller.  Viktor Bogdanovic's illustrations and storytelling recall some Marvel stalwarts, like John Romita Jr. and Art Adams, 1980s work.  Matthew Wilson's color is pitch perfect for the tale, and Cory Petit's lettering creates an edgy, but alluring rhythm.

I am inclined to seek out the second issue of this new series to see if the plot of the second story plays out in the next issue.  Beyond that, the fact that Adam Kubert is drawing a Wolverine comic book will keep me curious about it.  The truth is, however, the main story of Wolverine 2020 simply does not stand out as exceptional material.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, September 14, 2020

DC Comics from Lunar/UCS Distributors for September 15, 2020

DC COMICS

Batman #99 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $3.99
Batman #99 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman #99 (Cover C Jorge Jimenez Nightwing Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Curse Of The White Knight HC, $29.99
Batman The Golden Age Omnibus Volume 8 HC, $125.00
Batman’s Grave #10 (Of 12)(Cover A Bryan Hitch), $3.99
Batman’s Grave #10 (Of 12)(Cover B Arthur Adams Card Stock Variant), AR
Catwoman #25 (Cover A Joelle Jones), $5.99
Catwoman #25 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), AR
Dark Knight Returns The Golden Child Deluxe Edition HC, $17.99
DCeased Dead Planet #1 (Of 6)(Peach Momoko 4th Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
DCeased Dead Planet #2 (Of 6)(David Finch 2nd Printing Black & White Variant Cover), $3.99
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover A Andy Kubert Wraparound Variant), $9.99
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Batman & Nightwing Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover C J. Scott Campbell Batman & Batgirl Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover D Stanley Artgerm Lau Batman & Batwoman Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover E Frank Quitely Batman & Robin Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover F Jim Lee Batman & Superman Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover G Jim Cheung Batman & Bane Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover H Olivier Coipel Batman & Harley Quinn Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover I Gabriele Dell’Otto Batman & Scarecrow Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover J Adam Hughes Batman & Catwoman Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover K Marc Silvestri Batman & Joker Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover L Blank Variant), AR
Hawkman Volume 3 Darkness Within TP, $16.99
Joker Killer Smile HC, $29.99
Justice League #53 (Cover A Liam Sharp), $3.99
Justice League #53 (Cover B Ian MacDonald), AR
Metal Men #10 (Of 12)(Cover A Shane Davis), $3.99
Metal Men #10 (Of 12)(Cover B Kevin Nowlan), AR
Robin 80 Years Of The Boy Wonder HC, $29.99
Strange Adventures #1 (Of 12)(Evan Doc Shaner 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Strange Adventures #1 (Of 12)(Mitch Gerads 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Strange Adventures #3 (Of 12)(Mitch Gerads 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Strange Adventures #4 (Of 12)(Mitch Gerads 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Teen Titans #45 (Cover A Bernard Chang), $3.99
Teen Titans #45 (Cover B Khary Randolph), AR

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Monday, August 31, 2020

I Reads You Juniors August 2020 - Update #100

"Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

IN MEMORIAM - From Variety:  The actor Chadwick Boseman has died at the age of 43, Friday, August 27, 2020, after a four-year battle with cancel.  Boseman was best known for playing T'Challa/Black Panther in Marvel Studios' 2018, Oscar-winning, recording-setting film, "Black Panther."  Boseman also appeared in a number of biopics:  Jackie Robinson in "42" (2013); James Brown in "Get on Up" (2014), and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in "Marshall" (2017).

From TheStar:  "We lost our own superhero." How Chadwick Boseman — as a Black superhero on the big screen — made families feel seen.
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AWARDS - From TheBeat:  2020 Harvey Awards nominations have been announced.  The winners will be announced at New York Comic-Con Metaverse vitrual event in October.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Kieron Gillen talks about 10 months of his life writing Marvel Comics' new "Eternals" comic book series.

MILLARWORLD - From BleedingCool:  Superstar comic book writer and Netflix executive, Mark Millar, talks about his upcoming comic books, including "Jupiter's Legacy 3," "The Magic Order 2," and "Prodigy 2."

DC FANDOME - From DCFanDome:  "DC FanDome is live.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "Justice League: Snyder Cut" will be released as four one-hour installments on HBO Max. This article includes a trailer.

DC CINEMA - From GameSpot:  The first trailer for director Matt Reeves "The Batman" has arrived. Actor Robert Pattinson stars as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  "Official main trailer" for "Wonder Woman 1984." The film due October 2, 2020,

DC CINEMA - From ScreenGeek:  The first trailer for "Justice League Snyder Cut" is out there, but Warner's is doing its best to silence it.

DC CINEMA - From ScreenGeek:  Out of FanDome came a sneak peek at director James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad."

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson previews his costume for the DC Extended Universe film, "Black Adam," which is still scheduled for a December 2021 debut.

DC FANDOME - From BleedingCool:  For "DC FanDome," Jim Lee created a superhero based on guest, professional tennis champion, "Venus Williams."
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DARK HORSE - From CBR:  Dark Horse Comics is publishing a comic book adaptation of Neil Gaiman's 2017 book, "Norse Mythology."  Due to start this Fall, "Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology" will feature art by P. Craig Russell, Mike Mignola, and Jerry Ordway.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics is publishing a portfolio featuring the art of hot cover artist, Peach Momoko.  It will be entitled "Marvel Portfolio: Peach Momoko."

COMICS - From THR:  Vault Comics announces "I Walk With Monsters" from writer Paul Cornell.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics will release an omnibus collecting Dark Horse Comics' "Aliens" comic books published from 1988 to 1992.  Marvel recently obtained the license to publish comic books based on the film "Alien" (1979) and its sequels and spinoffs, which Dark Horse had since the late 1980s.

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Sony Pictures is eyeing director J.C. Chandor ("Margin Call") to direct its "Kraven the Hunter" movie based on the classic Spider-Man villain.

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  A few months ago, it was announced that the Batman played by Michael Keaton in two films ("Batman" and "Batman Returns") would appear in Warner Bros.' planned DC Comics movie, "The Flash."  Now, according to reports, the Batman played by Ben Affleck ("Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Suicide Squad," and "Justice League") will also appear in "The Flash."

COMIC SHOPS - From BleedingCool:  Lashawn Colvin is opening a new comic book store, making her the first Black woman in U.S. south to own a comic book shop.  Comics & Geeks of Alabama will be opening in early October, and is located at 1264 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, Alabama.

DC FANDOME - From GamesRadar:  The site has a schedule of events for DC Comics' "DC Fandome," which occurs Sat., Aug. 22nd.

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  Actress Olivia Wilde has signed a deal with Sony Pictures to develop and direct an untitled female-centric Marvel film project.

MARVEL - From Marvel:  The "Eternals" are coming back to comic books in November, and Marvel has released a trailer to announce it.

DC FANDOME - From CBR:  DC Comics has announced that its "DC Fandome" event will not be divided into two separate virtual events.  The first will be held on Sat., Aug. 22nd, 2020 as planned.  The second will be held Sat., Sept. 10th, 2020.

COMICS TO FILM - From THR:  The site remembers director Edgar Wright's 2010 film, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World," on the tenth anniversary of its release.  The film is based on cartoonist Bryan Lee O'Malley's "Scott Pilgrim" graphic novels.

IMAGE COMICS - From CBR:  Superstar comic book writer, Scott Snyder, has a new creator-owned imprint at Image Comics, "Best Jackett Press."  But he isn't moving his own creator-owned titles, "Wytches" and "Undiscovered Country" to that label.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  Producer Charles Roven speaks to home the upcoming sequel, "Wonder Woman 1984," does and doesn't tie into the "DC Extended Universe" (DCEU).

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Chex Mix" cereal is sending a free comic book anthology to comic book stories (via Diamond Comics Distributors) next week.

DC TV-FANDOME - From BleedingCool:  Did Jim Lee just draw the first look at actress Javicia Leslie's "Ryan Wilder/Batwoman," who will take over The CW's "Batwoman" from actress Ruby Rose's "Kate Kane/Batwoman?"

MANGA - From ANN:  Inia Asano has put his crazy manga, "Dead Dead Demon's Dededededestruction," on hiatus until the winter.

MANGA - From CBR:  A look at ONE, the writer-artist who created the manga, "One-Punch Man."

MARVEL - From Truthout:  Marvel Comics’ “The Punisher” was a hate symbol long before police co-opted his character.

FRANK MILLER - From CBR:  Yes, Zack Snyder's film, "300," is still problematic and racist, as was its source material, Frank Miller's comic book miniseries, "300."

JIM LEE - From THR:   Jim Lee, DC Comics' Publisher, gives a wide ranging interview to "The Hollywood Reporter" about the recent changes at the comics publisher.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marie Javins and Michele Wells are interim Editor-in-Chiefs at DC Comics after former EiC Bob Harras was "laid off."

MARVEL TV - From TheWrap:  With each passing season, ABC's "Marvel's Agents of SHIELD" experienced a steep drop in ratings.  The series recently ended after sevens seasons and 136 episodes.

ALAN MOORE - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will publish Alan Moore's "Twilight of the Superheroes" proposal, which was meant to be a big post-"Crisis on Infinite Earths" event, in a collection of DC comics stories from the 1980s.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  According to the site, with DC Comics' November 2020 solicitations, five more titles have been cancelled, including "John Constantine Hellblazer," "Teen Titans," and "Young Justice."

IMAGE - From BleedingCool:  Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's vampire comic book, "Killadelphia," has seen a 40 percent increase in sales from issue #6 to #7.

DC CINEMA - From IndieWire:  Actor Ray Fisher, who played "Cyborg" in the "Justice League" movie, says that former DC Comics executive, Geoff Johns, threatened his career after he (Fisher) complained about director Joss Whedon's on-set behavior during reshoots for "Justice League."

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DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  There was a DC Comics "townhall" meeting involving remaining executives and staff.  The publisher will issue press releases afterwards.

From BleedingCool:  Is DC Comics going into a new two-year plan?

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' next big think, "Generations," has apparently been cancelled.

From THR:  The WarnerMedia layoffs that have been roiling Hollywood hit DC Comics and the DC Universe streaming service today (Mon., Aug. 10th), with Bob Harras and Hank Kanalz among the laid off.  DC Direct, the in-house merchandise and collectibles manufacturer, has also been shuttered.

From BleedingCool:  The site has something to say about the DC Comics layoffs.

From BleedingCool:  There are rumors of a new DC Comics "implosion," as the number of titles may be cancelled.
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COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer-artist Johnnie Christmas has just sold at auction three middle-grade graphic novels to HarperAlley, the graphic novel imprint of HarperCollins Childrens.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  The voice cast has been revealed for the 42nd DC Universe animated film (straight to DVD), "Batman: Soul of the Dragon."  Executive produced by Bruce Timm, the film is due in early 2021.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley's oft-delayed "The Other History of the DC Universe" is apparently happening now.  First issue is due Nov. 2020.

BATMAN - From BleedingCool:  Legendary X-Men writer, Chris Claremont, shares with his Facebook followers his pitch for a Young Adult Batman story.

DC COMICS - From Deadline:  "DC Fandome" announces it impressive line-up of stars.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From WeGotThisCovered:  The hot rumor is that Marvel Studios is considering actor Shia LaBeouf for the character "Iceman" in its "X-Men" reboot.

DC CINEMA - From YahooTotalFilm:  New image from Zack Snyder's "Justice League" film reveals original design for the villain, Steppenwolf.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  John Walker the "U.S. Agent," the character that once replaced Steve Rogers as Captain America, will be back in a new miniseries written by Christopher Priest and drawn by Stefano Landini.

COMICS - From TheBeat:  Former Disney Channel child star, Dylan Sprouse ("The Suite Life" series), talks about his new comic book, Sun Eater, from Heavy Metal... and also about making mead.

ANIME - From Variety:  Japan's leading anime content providers have banded together to start a YouTube channel, "Animelog."  The goal is to have 30 companies provide 3000 anime titles by 2022.

LEGAL - From BleedingCool:  Updates on the Richards Meyers vs. Mark Waid legal case.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Kodansha and comiXology will publishing a complete English-language edition of the entire run of the "Shaman King" manga for the first time.

MANGA - From ComicBook:  Fans online are asking that a number of manga published in the 1980s be adapted into anime, including "Fist of the North Star" and "Slam Dunk."

IDW - From BleedingCool:  The publisher has reportedly fired its recently promoted publishers, Jud Meyers.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Some Mark Waid, Alex Ross, DC Comics gossip.

DC COMICS - From YahooEntertainment:  DC Comics gets in social media hot water over the term, "blerd" (black nerd).

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Yen Press announces 10 new manga and light novel titles for August 2020.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  The three best-selling comic books on Amazon right now are the three volumes of "The Umbrella Academy" from Dark Horse Comics.  Netflix's adaptation of the comic book just made its second season debut.

DC CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  Director James Gunn has revealed a new logo for his upcoming film, "The Suicide Squad."  Details about the film will be revealed Aug. 22nd at "DCFandome."

From YahooEntertainment:  In a birthday video, some of "The Suicide Squad" actors may reveal the characters they are playing in the film.
----------------

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics has cancelled its current "Doctor Strange" comic book series with today's (8/5) release of "Doctor Strange #6."

NEWSPAPER COMICS - From YahooEntertainment:  A black cartoonist, Bianca Xunise, is one of the six female cartoonists who create the collaborative comic comic strip, "Six Chix."  A recent episode of "Six Chix," produced by Xunise got "Six Chix" cancelled by some of its more than 120 clients.

DC COMICS - From TheBeat:   The first three issues of DC Comics' digital-first series, "Injustice: Year Zero," debuted today.  Each issues costs .99 cents or $2.49 for a bundle of three.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The site has details on writer Ridley Pearson and artist Berat Pekmezci's original graphic novel trilogy, "The Indestructibles," the first volume of which is due in March 2021.

MANGA - From OtakuStudy:  Square Enix Manga & Books new manga acquisitions for 2021.

eREADERS - From GoodEReads:  The site recommends the "The Pocketbook Color" e-reader for reading manga and comics.

DIGITAL - From MediaPost:  "Batman" comic book writer, James Tynion IV, has launched a digital horror anthology, "Razorblades: The Horror Magazine."

MANGA TO ANIME - From CBR:  There is an English-dub trailer for anime film, "Demon Slayer-Kimetsu no Yaiba-The Movie: Mugen Train," an anime adaptation of the manga, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba."  The film may be released in the U.S. in 2021.

SCANDAL - From THR:  This article says that the "comic book industry reckons with abuse claims."  [As far as I'm concerned, at least they are pretending to reckon. - Leroy]

MANGA - From CBR:  A guide to three manga that won awards at the 2020 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

EASTERN COMICS - From CBR:  The difference between manga (Japan), manhwa (Korea), and manhua (China).

COMICS - From Rappler:  Why adults still read comic books  [Well, I just love the medium. - Leroy]

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The "RunDMC" comic book from Rob Guillory, Amy Chu, and Larry Hama has debuted on Playbo.com.

SCANDAL - From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer Warren Ellis has been the subject of numerous sexual abuse allegations.  He is also creator, writer, and producer of Netflix's hit animated series, "Castlevania."  Ellis has finished his work on the upcoming fourth season of the series, but "word" is that he will not be back for any potential future seasons after the fourth.

FOX MARVEL U - From THR:  How the success of the first X-Men (2000) film made Bryan Singer into a monster.

MANGA - From ScreenRant:  Horror manga master, Junji Ito, says that he would like to collaborate with master of horror, Stephen King...

MANGA - From Epicstream:  Toonami co-founder, Jason Demarco, talks about what separates manga from Western comic books.

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AUGUST 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  AWA for August 2020
From CBR:  DC Comics for August 2020
From FirstComicsNews:  IDW Publishing for August 2020
From Seibertron:  IDW Publishing's "Transformers" solicitations for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2020
From CBR:  Marvel Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  PS Artbooks for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2020

OCTOBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for October 2020

NOVEMBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Abaze for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press/Lion Forge for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2020
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for November 2020

DECEMBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool: VIZ Media for December 2020



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Monday, March 16, 2020

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 18, 2020

DC COMICS

JAN200523    AQUAMAN #58    $3.99
JAN200524    AQUAMAN #58 JEREMY ROBERTS VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200511    BATMAN #91    $3.99
JAN200512    BATMAN #91 CARD STOCK FRANCESCO MATTINA VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190555    BATMAN ALFRED PENNYWORTH TP    $19.99
DEC190565    BATMAN UNIVERSE HC    $24.99
JAN200610    BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
SEP190615    DC DESIGNER SER BATMAN BY OLIVIER COIPEL STATUE    $155.00
JAN200513    DCEASED UNKILLABLES #2 (OF 3)    $4.99
JAN200515    DCEASED UNKILLABLES #2 (OF 3) CARD STOCK HORROR  BEN OLIVER    $5.99
JAN200514    DCEASED UNKILLABLES #2 (OF 3) CARD STOCK MATTINA VAR ED    $5.99
JAN200620    DOLLAR COMICS JLA #1    $1.00
JAN200618    DOLLAR COMICS JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 1987    $1.00
JAN200552    HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE MULTIVERSE #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN200557    JUSTICE LEAGUE #43    $3.99
JAN200558    JUSTICE LEAGUE #43 CARD STOCK KAARE ANDREWS VAR ED    $4.99
JAN200599    LOW LOW WOODS #4 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JAN200600    LOW LOW WOODS #4 (OF 6) JENNY FRISON VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JAN200609    LUCIFER #18 (MR)    $3.99
JAN200568    NIGHTWING #70    $3.99
JAN200569    NIGHTWING #70 ALAN QUAH VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200601    PLUNGE #2 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JAN200602    PLUNGE #2 (OF 6) GARY FRANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JAN200496    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1    $9.99
JAN200497    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 1940S JIM LEE VAR E    $9.99
JAN200498    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 1950S JT TEDESCO VA    $9.99
JAN200499    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 1960S DUSTIN NGUYEN    $9.99
JAN200500    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 1970S KAARE ANDREWS    $9.99
JAN200501    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 1980S FRANK MILLER    $9.99
JAN200502    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 1990S JIM CHEUNG VA    $9.99
JAN200503    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 2000S DERRICK CHEW    $9.99
JAN200504    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 2010S YASMIN PUTRI    $9.99
JAN200505    ROBIN 80TH ANNIV 100 PAGE SUPER SPECT #1 BLANK VAR ED    $9.99
DEC190579    SUPERMAN TP VOL 02 THE UNITY SAGA HOUSE OF EL    $19.99
JAN200582    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #9 (OF 12)    $3.99
JAN200583    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #9 (OF 12) BEN OLIVER VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200584    TEEN TITANS #40    $3.99
JAN200585    TEEN TITANS #40 KHARY RANDOLPH VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200616    TITANS GIANT #1    $4.99
MAR190609    WONDER WOMAN THE GOLDEN AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 04    $150.00
JAN200518    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #4 (OF 4)    $4.99
JAN200519    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #4 (OF 4) R FEDERICI VAR ED    $4.99

Saturday, February 29, 2020

I Reads You Juniors February 2020 - Update #79

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Birds of Prey" review is here.

From Newsarama:  At his C2E2 panel, Jim Lee has indicated that DC Comics will not replace the recently fired Dan DiDio as co-publisher... which leaves Lee as the DC's sole publisher and Chief Creative Officer (CCO).

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Sony Pictures has released 12 new photographic stills from the film, "Bloodshoot," which stars Vin Diesel and is based on the Valiant Entertainment comic book.

From Newsarama:  Todd McFarlane has drawn Spider-Man (the character that brought him to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s) and Spawn (his signature creator-owned character) together for the first time.  McFarlane brings Spider-Man and Spawn together for his cover illustration for the 50th volume of the Overstreet Price Guide, due July 2020.

MANGA TO ANIME - From Deadline:  Funimation's animated feature film, "My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising," topped the Wed., Feb. 26th, 2020 daily box office with an estimated take of 1.7 million.

From BleedingCool:  There is more nuance than previously suggested regarding AT&T/Warner Bros., fired Dan DiDio, and DC Comics' 5G/Generation Five.

From BleedingCool:  Is Jim Lee ready to go from co-publisher to sole publisher at DC Comics in the wake of Dan DiDio's departure?

From Newsarama:  DC Comics' "The Sandman" and IDW Publishing's "Locke & Key" will crossover in a publishing event entitled, "Locke & Key: Hell & Gone - A Sandman Universe Crossover Event."

--------------------------------------
DAN DIDIO - From BleedingCool: (UPDATE) - So Warner Bros. reportedly fired Dan DiDio as co-publisher of DC Comics for "cause," specifically for fostering a poor work environment.

From BleedingCool:  Dan DiDio speaks about his departure from DC Comics on Facebook.

From BleedingCool:  Co-publisher Dan DiDio is reportedly no longer at DC Comics.  Not much else is known.

From BleedingCool:  Some industry reaction to DiDio leaving DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Some more reaction from industry insiders about Dan DiDio's ouster from DC Comics.
--------------------------------------

COMICS TO FILM - From Newsarama:  Photos allegedly from the set of THE BATMAN show the new "Batsuit" in the daylight.

From BleedingCool:  Abrams ComicArts announces more titles from its graphic novel line, "Megascope," which is curated by John Jennings.

FILM TO COMICS - From Newsarama:  The original version of the screenplay for the 1987 film, "Predators," will be adapted into a five-issue comic book miniseries by Dark Horse Comics.  "Predator: The Original Screenplay" will be based on the script entitled "Hunters" by brother John and James Thomas.

From SyFy:  Rising "Blerd" (Black nerd) star and comics creator, Che Grayson, talks to "SyFy Wire."

From ANN:  A doujinshi (amateur) manga artist in Japan has won her lawsuit against an IT company that operates doujinshi manga piracy sites.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Actor Ben Affleck says that he dropped out of his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne ("Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice," "Justice League") for a number of reasons including his struggles with drinking alcohol.

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics is launching a young adult (YA) imprint, "Scoot."

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:  Oscar winner Taika Waititi and Oscar-nominee Jude Law considering a TV adaptation of Oni Press' comic book, "The Auteur."

From Newsarama:  Mark Waid has been named publisher of Humanoids, the American publisher that reprints classic European comics.

From BleedingCool:  The 100 most ordered comic books ("Wonder Woman #750") and graphic novels ("Absolute Carnage") for January 2020.

From MissState:   Comic book writer, Benjamin Percy, will be a writer-in-residence at Mississippi State University.   Percy had a long tenure on DC Comics' "Green Arrow" and will be writing Marvel Comics' new "Wolverine" series.

From CBR:  Who are the 10 richest manga creators in Japan?

From GoodReader:  Digital manga sales increased by almost 30 percent in Japan in 2019.  Print sales declined for the 15th straight year.

From THR:  Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, two of the producers on the classic 1990s animated TV series, "Batman: The Animated Series," are writing a six-issue miniseries, "Batman: The Adventures Continue."  It will act as a continuation of the TV series.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Director Matt Reeves has a camera test of actor Robert Pattinson wearing the "Bat-suit" for the film, "The Batman," which is due June 25, 2021.

From Newsarama:  An oral history of the "X-Men" will be presented at SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas on March 13.

From Newsarama:  The project that Marvel Comics was teasing is a new ongoing comic book series from Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, and Yildiray Cinar.  It is "The Marvels," a team-up series that will span the entirety of Marvel Comics' publishing history and continuity.

DC CINEMA - From Newsarama:  For his performance as the title character in the hit film, "Joker," Joaquin Phoenix won the Oscar for "Best Actor" at the 92nd Academy Awards.  That was one of two Oscars the film won - the other being for "Best Original Score" by Hildur Guonadottir.

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  Warner Bros. is apparently renamed "Birds of Prey" (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)" to "Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey" which opened at the box office lower ($33.2 million) than expected ($40 to $50 million).

DC CINEMA - From BleedingCool:  The site has a list of comic book creators who were "thanked" for the contributions to the recent DCEU film, "Birds of Prey."

From TheLantern:  Apparently, Ohio State's "University Libraries" has the largest manga collection outside Japan.

From BleedingCool:  In 2017, comic book "fan," Matthew Sterling went to the 2017 Phoenix Comicon with the intention of shooting "Power Rangers" actor, Jason David Frank, and any police who got in his way.  Luckily the police were alerted and the wrestled Sterling to the ground on the first floor of the convention centre.  He was recently found “guilty except insane” and Judge Jennifer Ryan-Touhill sentenced Sterling to 25 years in the Arizona State Hospital.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Longtime Archie Comics editor Victor Gorelick has died at the age of 78, Friday, February 7, 2020.  Gorelick started working in the art department at Archie Comics right out of high school.  He would go on to become Archie's editor-in-chief.

From Newsarama:  Longtime "Wolverine" writer, Larry Hama, is returning to the character for a tie-in to "Iron Man 2020."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is teasing a "most ambitious series ever" from "Marvels" creators, Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross with artist Yildiray Cinar.

From TampaBayTimes:  26 years after being convicted of obscenity (three charges) in Pinellas County, Florida, cartoonist and comic book creator, Michael Diana just got off probation.  Diana, now 50, is best known for his infamous "Boiled Angel" comics.

From Lionstooth:  Cris Siqueira interviews cartoonist and publisher, Eric Reynolds, of Fantagraphics Books, in a wide-ranging (but not too long) and fantastic interview.  Fans of alternative and small press comic books will find it quite informative.

DC TV - From Collider:  Actor Barry Keoghan has left FX's "Y The Last Man" as its leading man.  The series is of course based on the DC Comics/Vertigo comic book.

DC TV - From Deadline:  Benjamin Bratt has been cast in HBO Max's pilot for "DMZ," based on the DC Comics/Vertigo comic book series.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing will put "My Little Pony" and "Transformers" together for a major summer crossover event.

From Newsarama:  "Bad Idea" is a new comic book publisher made of Valiant Entertainment alumni.  They reveal their... bad idea.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' 2020 Free Comic Book Day giveaway, "Generation Zero," may start DC Comics' new timeline.

From Newsarama:  Former Valiant Entertainment types are involved with a new publishing venture that involves the name, "Bad Idea."

From Syfy:  The sites "Indie Comics Spotlight" falls on Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander's awesome vampire comic book series, "Killadelphia" (Image Comics).

From ComicBook:  "Birds of Prey" film director, Cathy Yan, breaks down the film's unique costumes.

From ComicBook:  There is a new report on how badly piracy has hurt the development of manga in Japan.

VALIANT CINEMA - From Newsarama:  Sony Consumer Products, Valiant Entertainment and Titan Books are teaming up for a novelization of "Bloodshot: The Movie."  Gavin Smith, who has written novels based on video games, will write the novel.

FOX MARVEL U - From Newsarama:  There is a new poster for "The New Mutants," the last of 20th Century's Fox's "X-Men" movies.  The poster apparently sports the new "20th Century Studios" logo that Disney created to rid itself of the "Fox" name.  The film is still due April 3rd...

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Joker" wins three awards at the 2020 BAFTA Film Awards in London.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:  The "Black Adam" film is rumored to introduce "Cyclone," the daughter of the original comic book version of "Red Tornado."

From BleedingCool:  No American has ever written for the "Doctor Who" TV series, and if one did, author and comic book writer, Joe Hill, would not be the first... according to a story Joe Hill tells.

From Newsarama:  Inker Dexter Vines has been diagnosed with cancer, and his friends have started a "GoFundMe" page to help with his expenses.

From ComicBook:  The special one-shot revival chapter of the manga, "Death Note" will be simultaneously release in Japan and the U.S.

From BleedingCool:  Silenn Thomas, the CEO of Frank Miller's production company, has some kind of "beef" with DC Comics.

JACK KIRBY - From CBR:  Jack Kirby died 26 years ago (Feb. 6th).  "CBR" takes a look at ten "forgotten characters" that "the King" created.

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

FEBRUARY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  February 2020 comics solicitations for 25 publishers
From Newsarama:  01: First Second for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybook for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for February 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for February 2020
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Random House for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for February 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for February 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for February 2020

MARCH 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  March 2020 comics solicitations for 23 publishers
From Newsarama:  :01 First Second for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Artists, Writer and Artisans for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Book for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Rebellion for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for March 2020
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for March 2020
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for March 2020
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for March 2020

APRIL 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Media for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Amigo Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Devil's Due for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for April 2020
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for April 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for April 2020


MAY 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  A full-list of titles available for "Free Comic Book Day 2020" on May 2, 2020.
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Aspen for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Hero Complex for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publihsing for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Red 5 Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  Storm King Productions for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for May 2020
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2020
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for May 2020

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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

#IReadsYou Review: BATMAN: Damned #3

BATMAN: DAMNED No. 3
DC COMICS/DC Black Label – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Brian Azzarello
ART: Lee Bermejo
COLORS: Lee Bermejo
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher
EDITOR: Mark Doyle
COVER: Lee Bermejo
VARIANT COVER: Jim Lee with Alex Sinclair
48pp, Color, $6.99 U.S. (August 2019)

Mature Readers

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Batman: Damned is the three-issue comic book miniseries written by Brian Azzarello, drawn by Lee Bermejo, and lettered by Jared K. Fletcher that launched DC Comics' “DC Black Label” prestige imprint.  Published in an over-sized softcover format (8.5” x 10.875”), Batman: Damned #1 gained attention and created controversy when it was discovered that the art included a depiction of Bruce Wayne/Batman's penis.  There have been reports on various comic book news sites that the later issues of the series were delayed so that portions of the story could be redrawn to remove potentially controversial content.

Suddenly, what was supposed to be a “mature audience” imprint, DC Black Label, had to tone down its content and attitude.  Supposedly, some announced projects for the imprint were canceled or were being rewritten – to be toned down.  Sadly, Batman: Damned #2, which seemed like filler material, could have used the depiction of a good stiff penis (say, Deadman's) to liven up the proceedings.

The central focus of Batman: Damned is that The Joker is dead, and that maybe Batman is the one who killed him... But Batman cannot remember, and there may be some sinister and thus far unknown force that done the deed.  Are John Constantine and Deadman Batman's true allies in solving this mystery?  And why is Batman recalling such a horrifying version of his youth, especially concerning his late (and murdered) mother, Martha Wayne?

Batman: Damned #3 opens with Batman in a grave.  And Swamp Thing thinks Batman should not trust John Constantine.  Now, Batman must face his worst nightmares and the stunning truth about the death of The Joker.

I don't want to spoil Batman: Damned #3, although it has been out for about two weeks now.  I can say that the title is literal, and that it has a stunning ending.  I did suspect that Batman was an unreliable narrator, because he was dead, so...

I can also say that the art by Lee Bermejo's art is as beautiful ever.  In fact, in terms of story, Bermejo does his best work of the series in Batman: Damned #3 with this powerful graphical storytelling.  Jared K. Fletcher's lettering is simple, yet so evocative and powerful.  Brian Azzarello, after delivering empty, tattered Gothic trappings, gives us a powerful finale this is actual storytelling.

I think the problem with Batman: Damned is that Brian Azzarello had an idea for what is essentially a story that belongs in a Batman Annual or in one of those 48 or 64-page Batman “Elseworlds” comic books.  Anything more than 100 pages, which the total page count of Batman: Damned exceeds, is simply a story stretched too thin and is a consumer product that is not honestly released to consumers.

So, at least they got Batman: Damned #3 mostly right.  In fact, this last issue is good enough to warrant a sequel – of a certain page count, of course.

7.5 out of 10

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


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

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Monday, December 2, 2019

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 4, 2019

DC COMICS

APR190525    ABSOLUTE DARK KNIGHT III THE MASTER RACE HC    $125.00
OCT190501    BATMAN #84    $3.99
OCT190502    BATMAN #84 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190611    BATMAN UNIVERSE #6 (OF 6)    $4.99
OCT190484    BATWOMAN SUPERGIRL WORLDS FINEST GIANT #1    $4.99
SEP190560    BLACK ORCHID TP NEW EDITION (MR)    $19.99
OCT190604    COLLAPSER #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
OCT190483    CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS #8 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
OCT190517    DEATHSTROKE #50    $4.99
OCT190518    DEATHSTROKE #50 VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190615    DOLLAR COMICS BIRDS OF PREY #1    $1.00
OCT190598    DREAMING #16 (MR)    $3.99
JUN190587    FINAL CRISIS OMNIBUS HC NEW ED    $150.00
OCT190531    GEN LOCK #2 (OF 7)    $3.99
OCT190533    GREEN LANTERN BLACKSTARS #2 (OF 3)    $3.99
OCT190534    GREEN LANTERN BLACKSTARS #2 (OF 3) VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190535    HARLEY QUINN #68    $3.99
OCT190536    HARLEY QUINN #68 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190578    HAWKMAN TP VOL 02 DEATHBRINGER    $16.99
OCT190479    INFECTED DEATHBRINGER #1    $3.99
OCT190545    INFERIOR FIVE #4 (OF 12)    $3.99
MAR190580    INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $125.00
OCT190551    JUSTICE LEAGUE #37    $3.99
OCT190552    JUSTICE LEAGUE #37 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190586    JUSTICE LEAGUE BY SCOTT SNYDER DLX ED HC BOOK 01    $39.99
OCT190561    LOIS LANE #6 (OF 12)    $3.99
OCT190562    LOIS LANE #6 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG190673    MAN AND SUPERMAN DELUXE ED HC    $19.99
OCT190481    NEW YEARS EVIL #1    $9.99
SEP190599    SUPERMAN FOR TOMORROW 15TH ANNIV DLX ED HC    $49.99
SEP190600    SUPERMAN SECRET ORIGIN DLX ED HC    $39.99
OCT190612    SUPERMAN UP IN THE SKY #6 (OF 6)    $4.99
SEP190603    TEEN TITANS DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINUS AGENDA HC    $24.99
OCT190614    WONDER WOMAN COME BACK TO ME #6 (OF 6)    $4.99
OCT190609    YOUNG JUSTICE #11    $3.99
OCT190610    YOUNG JUSTICE #11 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99

Monday, November 25, 2019

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

DC COMICS

AUG190594    ACTION COMICS #1017 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190593    ACTION COMICS #1017 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
AUG190645    AQUAMAN SWORD OF ATLANTIS TP BOOK 01    $39.99
SEP190519    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #2 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
SEP190520    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #2 (OF 7) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
AUG190598    BATGIRL #41 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190597    BATGIRL #41 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
APR190530    BATMAN & ROBIN BY TOMASI AND GLEASON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG    $125.00
SEP190475    BATMAN BEYOND #38    $3.99
SEP190476    BATMAN BEYOND #38 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190590    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE MINI PVC FIGURE 7 PACK SET 4    $40.00
AUG190492    BATMAN CREATURE OF THE NIGHT #4 (OF 4) (RES)    $5.99
AUG190497    BATMAN VS RAS AL GHUL #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP190521    BOOKS OF MAGIC #14 (MR)    $3.99
JUN190576    BOOSTER GOLD THE BIG FALL HC    $39.99
MAR190573    DC COMICS THE ART OF JIM LEE HC VOL 01    $39.99
APR190585    DC DESIGNER SER BATMAN BY FRANK MILLER STATUE    $150.00
OCT190003    DC PREVIEWS #20 DECEMBER 2019 EXTRAS    $PI
SEP190484    DETECTIVE COMICS #1016    $3.99
SEP190485    DETECTIVE COMICS #1016 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
SEP190534    DOLLAR COMICS INFINITE CRISIS #1    $1.00
SEP190488    FLASH #83    $3.99
SEP190489    FLASH #83 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190492    FREEDOM FIGHTERS #11 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190456    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #1 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190458    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #1 BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
SEP190457    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
AUG190620    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #17 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190619    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #17 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
SEP190524    LAST GOD #2 (MR)    $4.99
SEP190506    LOONEY TUNES #252    $2.99
SEP190508    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190509    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #10 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG190626    RED HOOD OUTLAW #40 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190625    RED HOOD OUTLAW #40 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
AUG190677    RED HOOD OUTLAW TP VOL 02 PRINCE OF GOTHAM    $16.99
MAY190445    SHAZAM #8    $3.99
MAY190446    SHAZAM #8 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190514    SUPERGIRL ANNUAL #2    $4.99
SEP190448    SWAMP THING GIANT #2    $4.99
SEP190469    TALES FROM THE DARK MULTIVERSE INFINITE CRISIS #1    $5.99
AUG190634    TERRIFICS #22 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190633    TERRIFICS #22 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Review: BATMAN: Damned #2

BATMAN: DAMNED No. 2
DC COMICS/DC Black Label – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Brian Azzarello
ART: Lee Bermejo
COLORS: Lee Bermejo
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher
EDITOR: Mark Doyle
COVER: Lee Bermejo
VARIANT COVER: Jim Lee with Alex Sinclair
48pp, Color, $6.99 U.S. (February 2019)

Mature Readers

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Batman: Damned is a new three-issue comic book miniseries written by Brian Azzarello and drawn by Lee Bermejo.  Published in an over-sized softcover format, it is the inaugural series for DC Comics' new prestige and event publication imprint, “DC Black Label.”  Letterer Jared K. Fletcher is the other member of Damned's creative team.

The central focus of Batman: Damned is that The Joker is dead, and that maybe Batman is the one who killed him... But Batman cannot remember, and there may be some sinister and thus far unknown force that done the deed.  Are John Constantine and Deadman Batman's true allies in solving this mystery?

In Batman: Damned #2, Batman recalls memories of a troubling time in his childhood, and it has something to do with his late mother, Martha Wayne.  Meanwhile, The Dark Knight’s descent into the madness of Gotham City’s decadent underbelly continues,  and that includes a trip to a club called “The Cavern,” where Etrigan the Demon is a hip-hop artist – a rapping demon!  Plus, a number of supernatural DC Comics characters make appearances... while a strange Bat-signal haunts the sky over Gotham City.

Some describe comic books as a storytelling medium of word and pictures, and some call comics and comic books “sequential art.”  I call comics a kind of graphical storytelling in which the story is conveyed to readers via illustrations and graphics that tell a story.

Brian Azzarello writes the story that artist Lee Bermejo illustrates into the comics medium.  Azzarello is one of American comic books' most popular and acclaimed writers of the past 20 years.  In some ways, Azzarello is still coasting on the strength of his breakout and most famous work, the crime comic book, 100 Bullets.  That award-winning comic book is largely the reason that Azzarello gets to write prestige projects like Batman: Damned.

If I were nice, I would describe Azzarello's story for Batman: Damned as pretentious.  I don't feel like being nice right now, so I will call it mostly junk.  Batman: Damned may be one of those death dream narratives in which the protagonist or the character through which the story is told is dying.  His story is really a long period of subjective time that passes in an instant because it is the hallucination of dying man's mind or consciousness.  Probably the most famous example of this is Ambrose Bierce's short story, “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (first published in 1890).  A more recent and popular example is the 1990 film, Jacob's Ladder, which stars Tim Robbins as Vietnam vet who believes that he has returned home when he is actually dying after being injured in combat.  Nothing Azzarello has done so far in Batman: Damned is anywhere as interesting as that film or Bierce's story.

The member of this creative team that makes Batman: Damned worth seeing (if not reading) is artist Lee Bermejo.  His Gotham City is a hell-scape that hints at the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch.  Much of Batman: Damned's art recalls the best comic book artists who have drawn horror comic books, including Bernie Wrightson and Graham Ingels.  I also see similarities to the comic book art of the great Glenn Fabry, the legendary Brian Bolland, and the sublime Dave McKean.  Bermejo makes Batman: Damned #2 exactly what DC Comics describes – a veritable Grand Guignol.

Batman: Damned #1 became much talked about because of Bermejo's painted depiction of Bruce Wayne's penis in the story.  As good as Bermejo's art is in the second book, I wish DC Comics would have encouraged him to draw another dick – maybe Deadman's.  Batman: Damned #2 would matter more if it contained more comic book character penis

5 out of 10

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


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

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