Review: WAYWARD #4

WAYWARD #4
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Josh Perez and Tamra Bonvillain – @dyemooch and @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings and Ross A. Campbell
VARIANT COVER: Philip Tan
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Arriving in comic book stores today, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, is the fourth issue of Wayward.  This is the fascinating new fantasy comic book series from writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and penciller Steve Cummings and published by Image Comics.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl.  Rori is trying to start a new life in Japan with her mother, Sanae, only to find herself connected to the magic and ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

As Wayward #4 (“Chapter Four”) opens, Rori is trying to keep doing the mundane things in life (like attending school), even after experiencing so much of the supernatural.  She gathers her “gang” of fellow supernatural types:  Ayane, Shirai, and Nikaido for a supernatural pow-wow.  Their meeting is centered around answering the question, “What does each of us know about the supernatural?”  In the decommissioned subway tunnels beneath Ueno Park, Rori finds the kind of answers that are really just more questions.

The ComicBookBin received the advanced review PDF copy of Wayward #4 that writer Jim Zub sent to reviewers.  It's much appreciated, but do I feel obligated to give Wayward a good review because Zub gives me a chance to read one of my favorite comic books a little early?  Actually, I feel obligated to break into Zub's house or into the Image Comics offices, whichever one allows me to read future issues of Wayward now.

Seriously, I like Wayward... a lot.  Instead of comparing it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I compare it to Harry Potter in the following way.  Potter was essentially a series of mystery novels, in which the hero and his allies traveled to unknown, but fantastic places; they dealt with a growing cast of characters, each character having shifting alliances and secretive motivations.  The endgame was not just to discover a villain, but to also unravel a far-reaching conspiracy that was born in the past and could determine the future, as well as the fate of countless people.

Wayward offers a mystery that is as unknown as it is alluring.  Like Rori following the glowing threads that guide (or lead) her, we don't know where this mystery will take us, but let's follow!  Rori is not so much Buffy fighting monsters as she is like Harry Potter guiding us into a fantastic labyrinth of conspiracies and old secrets.  Let's keep going Wayward.

A

[Wayward #4 contains the engrossing essay, “Tokyo Underground,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson), with art by Steve Cummings.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Reads: WAYWARD #3

WAYWARD #3
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: John Rauch and Jim Zub with Tamra Bonvillain – @John_Rauch and @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings and Ross A. Campbell
VARIANT COVER: Jorge Molina
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Additional material by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson) and Steve Cummings

Writer Jim Zub sent an advanced review PDF copy of the third issue of Wayward to comics media people, and the ComicBookBin was one of the recipients.  I decided to also share the good news about Wayward with you, dear reader.  I really appreciate the chance to read advanced comics, but when the comic book is something as good as Wayward, I almost feel honored to receive it.

Wayward is the intriguing new fantasy comic book series from Zub and penciller Steve Cummings.  Published by Image Comics, Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl who is trying to start a new life in Japan, only to find herself connected to the magic and ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

As Wayward #3 (“Chapter Three”) opens, Rori can sense a storm is brewing – both naturally and supernaturally.  She still isn't fitting in at school, but she's found a homeboy, of sorts, in Shirai, a teenaged boy who can “eat ghosts.”  Meanwhile, somewhere else in Tokyo, a stranger man senses a “rogue weaver.”  Also, enter Nikaido, and someone whom Rori knows has a secret.

Clearly, Wayward is attracting readers, and I think that is because Jim Zub is slowly introducing readers to a world of magic and intrigue.  Perhaps, it is a really big world, and the only way for Zub to do right by his creation is to work through the characters.  They confront the magic in bits and pieces, rather than having to face an epic, wide-ranging magical conspiracy all at once.  Zub knows that if we buy into the characters first, we will also accept the supernatural that they encounter as they encounter it.

Yes, someone says the word, “magic,” in this chapter, but artist Steve Cummings perfectly blends the magical, the supernatural, and the otherness into a solidly real world of mundane tasks and ordinary living.  Cummings is going to make us invest in this world, by recognizing its relationship to ours.  Cummings' art is kind of teaching our imaginations to feel the difference between an ordinary world in which magic just might be as legitimate a part of the world as anything else.

Yeah, it's not fluke.  Wayward is one of the best new titles of the year.  Plus,  Zack Davisson offers another hugely informative essay on the mythology of Japan in “The Magical Foxes of Japan.”

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Legends of Baldur's Gate #1

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS LEGENDS OF BALDUR'S GATE #1
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing @Wizards_DnD

WRITER: Jim Zub – @JimZub
ART:  Max Dunbar – @Max_Dunbar
COLORS: John-Paul Bove
LETTERS: Neil Uyetake
COVER: Sarah Stone
VARIANT COVERS:  Max Dunbar with John-Paul Bove; Max Dunbar with Jim Zub; Raymond Swanland; Michael Komark
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S.

Tyranny of Dragons

Writer Jim Zub sent out PDF copies for review of his latest comic book series, Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate.  It is a new licensed Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) comic book series from IDW Publishing.  This series is written by Zub and drawn by Max Dunbar with colors by John-Paul Bove and letters by Neil Uyetake.

Apparently, Baldur's Gate is a fictional city in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the D&D fantasy role-playing game (RPG).  I say “apparently” because it has been decades since I have read a D&D comic book or even played the game.

Baldur's Gate is located in the Faerûn region and is a coastal city on the north bank of the river Chiontar.  It is “a place of history and a home to legends.”  Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate #1 (“Part One”) opens in the Upper City where a young female moon elf, Delina the Wild Mage, is on the run from two flying, stone gargoyles.

Her magic is not enough to stop them, but Minsc, a tall, imposing figure of a man, comes to her rescue.  He has a pet, Boo the hamster, and insists on calling Delina by the name, “Neera.”  She will accept the hamster and the new name, if Minsc can help her find her missing brother.

Simply put, Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate #1 is the kickoff of a comic book adventure series.  Specifically, it is a comic book narrative structured as if it were a D&D campaign.  Writer Jim Zub grew up on D&D, as he writes in a “Welcome” essay at the end of this first issue, so the series may reflect what Zub loves about D&D.

Legends of Baldur's Gate #1 is not a great comic book, but it does have an intriguing premise.  And I have to be honest; I think I will always be interested in the idea of a D&D campaign.  In this first issue, the story is straightforward, so artist Max Dunbar is not required to convey any complex storytelling.  It is good enough and acceptable for Dunbar to draw big panels and splash pages because this story is three things:  vague introductions of characters, fights, and chase scenes, which are big panel-ready story elements.

I want to try the next one or two issues in order to see where this goes.  Right now, I'll give it a grade of “B.”  I do think that readers of D&D comic books will want to try Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate.

B

www.IDWPublishing.com
DungeonsandDragons.com

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 22, 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

AUG140520     7TH SWORD #5     $3.99
JUL140413     BORDERLANDS FALL OF FYRESTONE #3     $3.99
AUG140419     DEXTERS LABORATORY TP VOL 01 DEES DAY     $17.99
AUG140436     DUNGEONS & DRAGONS LEGENDS OF BALDURS GATE #1     $3.99
AUG140437     DUNGEONS & DRAGONS LEGENDS OF BALDURS GATE #1 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
AUG140411     EDWARD SCISSORHANDS #1     $3.99
AUG140448     GI JOE (2014) #2     $3.99
AUG140401     GODZILLA CATACLYSM #3     $3.99
AUG140403     GODZILLA RULERS OF THE EARTH #17     $3.99
AUG140487     JUDGE DREDD ANDERSON PSI DIVISION #3     $3.99
MAR142411     KILL SHAKESPEARE THE BOARD GAME     $59.99
AUG140515     LAST UNICORN TP     $19.99
MAY142831     MACHI KORO THE CARD GAME     $29.99
AUG140501     MAXX MAXXIMIZED #12     $3.99
AUG140429     MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #10     $3.99
AUG140443     ROT & RUIN #2     $3.99
AUG140414     SAMURAI JACK #13     $3.99
AUG142788     SKYLANDERS MICRO COMIC FUN PACK DSP     $2.99
AUG140420     SUPER SECRET CRISIS WAR COW & CHICKEN #1     $3.99
APR142375     TAMMANY HALL THE BOARD GAME     $59.99
AUG140392     TMNT GHOSTBUSTERS #1     $3.99
AUG140463     TRANSFORMERS PRIMACY #3     $3.99
AUG140460     TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #34 DAWN O/T AUTOBOTS     $3.99
MAY140533     V-WARS BLOOD AND FIRE PROSE HC     $24.99
AUG140482     X-FILES SEASON 10 #17     $3.99
AUG140485     X-FILES YEAR ZERO #4     $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 1, 2014

IMAGE COMICS

JUL140531     ALEX + ADA #9     $2.99
AUG140574     BLACKHAND COMICS HC (MR)     $19.99
JUL140534     BURN THE ORPHANAGE REIGN OF TERROR #5 CVR A GRACE (MR)     $3.99
JUL140535     BURN THE ORPHANAGE REIGN OF TERROR #5 CVR B DAMOOSE     $3.99
AUG140544     CUTTER #1 (MR)     $3.99
JUL140545     FADE OUT #2 (MR)     $3.50
AUG140651     GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #2 CVR A BROWNE (MR)     $3.50
AUG140652     GOD HATES ASTRONAUTS #2 CVR B RUGG (MR)     $3.50
AUG140653     HACK SLASH SON OF SAMHAIN #4 (MR)     $3.50
AUG140550     LIL DEPRESSED BOY SUPPOSED TO BE THERE TOO #1 CVR A GRACE     $3.99
AUG140659     MADAME FRANKENSTEIN #6     $2.99
JUL140498     MANHATTAN PROJECTS HC VOL 01     $34.99
AUG140555     MASTERPLASTY ONESHOT     $5.99
MAR140583     MORNING GLORIES #41 (MR)     $3.50
AUG140663     NAILBITER #6 (MR)     $2.99
AUG140593     NAILBITER TP VOL 01 THERE WILL BE BLOOD (MR)     $9.99
AUG140664     NIGHTWORLD #3     $3.99
JUL148428     OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #3 2ND PTG (MR)     $2.99
JUN140493     PETER PANZERFAUST #21 CVR A UPCHURCH     $3.50
JUL140568     PROTECTORS INC #9 (MR)     $2.99
JUN140495     RAT QUEENS #8 CVR A JENKINS (MR)     $3.50
AUG140597     SKULLKICKERS TP VOL 05 DOZEN COUSINS & A CRUMPLED CROWN     $16.99
JUL140517     SOUTHERN BASTARDS TP VOL 01 HERE WAS A MAN (MR)     $9.99
AUG140686     TECH JACKET #4     $2.99
AUG140566     WALKING DEAD #132 (MR)     $2.99
JUL148487     WAYWARD #1 2ND PTG (MR)     $3.50
JUL140594     WITCHBLADE #178 CVR A BRAGA     $3.99
JUL140595     WITCHBLADE #178 CVR B CHRISTOPHER     $3.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

MAY140761     RABBIDS INVASION PLUSH WITH SOUND SER 1     PI

Review: WAYWARD #2

WAYWARD #2
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings @stekichikun
COLORS: John Rauch @John_Rauch and Jim Zub
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings and Ross A. Campbell
VARIANT COVER:  Riley Rossmo
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Additional material by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson)

The second issue of Wayward, the intriguing new fantasy comic book series from Image Comics, was just published.  Written by Jim Zub (Skullkickers) and drawn by Steve Cummings, Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl who is trying to start a new life in Japan, only to find herself confronted by the ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

As Wayward #2 (“Chapter Two”) opens, Rori arrives home late, after a night of craziness in Tokyo, in which she encountered monsters with swords and a warrior-girl.  Now, she has to get ready for her first day at school, which she knows will be difficult.  How difficult will that first day be?  One of her classmates has a secret for which he is willing to kill.

After praising Wayward #1 around the beginning of August, I was a bit concerned that I would be disappointed in Wayward #2.  Writer Jim Zub sent a PDF copy of #2 to the ComicBookBin, and I approached it with trepidation.  I didn't need to worry because #2 kept #1 from being a fluke.  So far, Wayward does indeed look to be one of the year's best new comic book series and one of the best fantasy comic books period.

Advertising copy and promotional material describe Wayward as Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation.  That may be true, but it is certainly a damn good comic book for any generation that can read.  It has the kind of intrigue and sense of mystery that permeate Mike Mignola's Hellboy universe, and it crackles with the kind of magic that fills Harry Potter.  I imagine that quite a few comic book readers will be eagerly awaiting each new issue.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: WAYWARD #1

WAYWARD #1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings
COLORS: John Rauch and Jim Zub
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
COVER: Steve Cummings and Ross A. Campbell
VARIANT COVER:  Alina Urusov; Jeff “Chamba” Cruz; Adam Warren and John Rauch
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Additional material by Zack Davisson and Kalman Andrasofszky

Jim Zub sent the ComicBookBin a PDF copy of the first issue of his new comic book series, Wayward, published by Image Comics.  I reviewed it for the Bin and am now posting a slightly altered version of that review for you, dear readers, on I Reads You.

Wayward is an intriguing new fantasy comic book series from writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers, Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller) and penciller Steve Cummings (Legends of the Dark Knight, Deadshot) and published by Image Comics.  The upcoming series focuses on a teen girl trying to start a new life only to find herself confronted by the ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

Wayward #1 (“Chapter One”) opens as Rori Lane arrives in Japan from Ireland.  She is the child of a Japanese mother and an Irish father.  Her parents divorced, and although she initially stayed in Ireland, she is now moving to Japan to live with her mother.

Moving halfway across the world from Ireland to make a new home means that Rori will have to make some cultural adjustments, but she is game.  Things are going well, and it seems as if she and her mother can live together.  However, things take a turn for the weird when Rori begins glimpsing signs, creatures, and other things that no one else can see.  Then, there is Ayane...

It seems as if the selling point of Wayward is to compare it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  I received a PDF copy for review from series writer, Jim Zub, and on one page of the PDF is the tagline, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation.”  On the same page, Hellboy is referenced.  With the comparisons/references to Buffy and Hellboy, you might think Wayward is a Dark Horse Comics title.  In truth, Wayward's first issue makes a good first step towards being the long-running fantasy franchise that both Buffy and Hellboy are.

However, Wayward does also resemble, to one extent or another, urban fantasy comics published by DC Comics' imprint, Vertigo (particularly Crossing Midnight), and by VIZ Media (the sublime Natsume's Book of Friends).  In fact, the manga and Japanese comparisons are appropriate as Wayward's pencil artist, Steve Cummings, drew the OEL manga (American manga) titles, Pantheon High and Star Trek: The Manga, for TOKYOPOP.

Whether the creators hope for their new comic book to inherit the mantle of Buffy the Vampire Slayer or not, we can keep discussing in the future.  What I can say is that Wayward is a series with promise and with a promising lead character.  Rori Lane is the kind of misfit who isn't afraid of the big, mean world.  She doesn't seem like a young woman ready to run away, and in that, she is like Buffy.  Zub uses internal dialogue (via caption boxes) both to endear her to us and to make her journey of discovery our journey also.  I can tell by this winning first issue that some readers will be glad to be Rori's Scooby gang, and, if need be, her BPRD.  I am one of them.

The art by Steve Cummings, John Rauch, and Jim Zub is colorful and vibrant.  Wayward's Tokyo might be a crowded modern city, but it isn't drab or dull; the monsters in the shadows will make sure of that.  Cummings' storytelling is clean and straight-forward, which makes the magic and mystery stand out.

I think that Wayward will be different from the other titles that Image is publishing, and that's a good thing.  I think the Young Adult novel has finally made it to comics in the form of Wayward, and I think it will be one of the standout new titles of the year.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 27, 2014

IMAGE COMICS

JUN140539    BLACK SCIENCE #8 (MR)    $3.50
JUN148317    CHEW WARRIOR CHICKEN POYO #1 2ND PTG    $3.50
JUN148316    COWL #3 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.50
JUN140544    COWL #4 (MR)    $3.50
MAY140701    DREAM POLICE #4 (MR)    $2.99
JUN140548    DRUMHELLAR #8 (MR)    $3.50
JUN140504    FUSE TP VOL 01    $9.99
JUN140481    GENIUS #4 (MR)    $3.99
JUN140482    GENIUS #5 (MR)    $3.99
MAY140673    INVINCIBLE PROFILE BLACK T/S SM    $19.99
MAY140674    INVINCIBLE PROFILE BLACK T/S MED    $19.99
MAY140675    INVINCIBLE PROFILE BLACK T/S LG    $19.99
MAY140676    INVINCIBLE PROFILE BLACK T/S XL    $19.99
MAY140677    INVINCIBLE PROFILE BLACK T/S XXL    $21.99
JUN148268    LOW #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
JUN140553    LOW #2 (MR)    $3.50
JUN140555    MANHATTAN PROJECTS #23    $3.50
JUN140557    MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #13 CVR A OEMING    $3.99
JUN140558    MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #13 CVR B SANTOS & FREE    $3.99
JUN148240    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $2.99
JUN140563    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #3 (MR)    $2.99
JUN140567    REVIVAL #23 (MR)    $2.99
JUN140570    SAGA #22 (MR)    $2.99
JUN140497    SEX #15 (MR)    $2.99
JUN140577    SPAWN #246    $2.99
APR140532    THINK TANK BOX SET    $39.99
JUN140487    WAYWARD #1 CVR A CUMMING & CAMPBELL (MR)    $3.50
JUN140488    WAYWARD #1 CVR B URUSOV (MR)    $3.50
JUN140489    WAYWARD #1 CVR C CRUZ (MR)    $3.50
JUN140490    WAYWARD #1 CVR D WARREN & RAUCH (MR)    $3.50
JUL140461    WHITE DEATH HC    $14.99
JUN140588    WILDFIRE #3 CVR A LINDA SEJIC    $3.99
JUN140589    WILDFIRE #3 CVR B STJEPAN SEJIC    $3.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

APR140624    WALKING DEAD SER 3 PX RICK/ANDREA AF 2-PK CS    PI

I Reads You Review: SUICIDE SQUAD: Amanda Waller #1

SUICIDE SQUAD: AMANDA WALLER #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITER: Jim Zub
PENCILS: André Coelho
INKS: Scott Hanna
COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
COVER: Giuseppe Camuncoli with Blond
48pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rating “T+” Teen Plus

Amanda Waller created by John Ostrander and John Byrne

“Sacrifice in the Storm”

Dr. Amanda Blake Waller, or simply, “Amanda Waller,” is a DC Comics character.  Waller first appeared in Legends #1 (1986) and was created by John Ostrander and John Byrne.  [Ostrander plotted the series, while Len Wein wrote the script.]  Waller does not possess super-powers, but she has been and is a powerful ally/antagonist of the DC Comics superheroes, as well as being an antihero.

In The New 52, the restart of the DC Comics Universe, Waller is the commander of the Suicide Squad (or “Task Force X”), a team of super-villains.  Members of the squad take on risky missions in exchange for time served.  The team’s base of operations is Belle Reve Penitentiary, a special prison for meta-humans and super-villains located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.  Waller chooses the Suicide Squad’s membership and basically has the power of life and death over those members.  The New 52 Amanda Waller is a slim, attractive young woman, whereas the original version of her was a portly, older African-American woman.

Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller #1 is a one-shot comic book set after the events depicted in Suicide Squad #24 (The New 52 series, of course).  Entitled “Sacrifice in the Storm,” the story finds Amanda Waller confronting a super-powered attacker and focuses on the decisions she has to make in order to save some lives.

The story opens with Waller traveling aboard a U.S. Air Force plane with a military escort.  She is negotiating the cooperation of Dr. Algot Issen, who has developed genetic testing equipment that not only classifies super-powered beings, but also offers the opportunity to control them.  However, an entity from Dr. Issen’s past, called Kriger-3, has come back for some payback.  Now, Waller has to make the tough decisions that will decide who dies and who survives … if anyone survives.

When a young actor is hot… well, let’s be honest… When a young white male actor starts getting hot, the major Hollywood studios/corporations (Warner Bros., FOX, Universal, etc.) will find a “star vehicle” for this hot stuff.  A “star vehicle” is some kind of action movie or comedy with an uncomplicated plot, but has an interesting idea (once called a “high concept”).  Basically, it’s a chance for YWM (young white male) to showcase whatever it is about him that might make him a movie star.

The movie will feature a young (usually) white actress as a sidekick slash arm candy slash girl who probably gives him some booty (off-screen or on-screen, depending on the rating).  This film will have a mixture of respected older actors, venerable character actors, and actors (regardless of age) who specialize in playing such supporting characters as best friends, sassy friend-girls, kooky coworkers, etc.

Disturbia was a star vehicle for Shia LaBeouf.  Most of the films in Channing Tatum’s filmography of the last six or seven years are star vehicles.  Enemy of the State was a star vehicle for Will Smith (one of the Negro exceptions in Hollywood).

Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller #1 could be seen as a star vehicle for a fictional character.  To be honest, I only picked up this comic book because I am a fan of writer Jim Zub’s work on IDW Publishing’s Samurai Jack comic book.  [And Black Jesus knows DC Comics acts as if it would kill them to hire a Black writer to write about a Black character.]

Anyway, I think Amanda Waller makes an excellent choice to star in her own series or occasional miniseries, one-shot, or original graphic novel, especially if Jim Zub were the writer.  Zub’s story focuses on Waller, but is also told in the context of Suicide Squad’s central idea – imprisoning super-villains and sending them on deadly missions no one else would take and Waller’s part in that.

Zub sends Waller on a mission that is dangerous in every sense of the word.  To live, she has to make some brutal choices, and no, I won’t spoil the story by listing them.  I can say that to stay alive, Waller has to go to the heart of darkness and his cousin, ugly.  I am not saying that this is great work.  In some ways, it is merely professionally executed – nothing particularly special.  However, this story does mix internal character conflict and explosive superhero action quite well.

The art by André Coelho (pencils), Scott Hanna (inks) and Andrew Dalhouse (colors) is good.  The colors heighten the drama and beauty of the compositions with its clean line and “exacto” inking.  The storytelling, however, rests on Jim Zub’s efforts, so I hope we get more Suicide Squad: Amanda Waller, with the right storyteller.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

I Reads You Review: SAMURAI JACK #5

SAMURAI JACK #5
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano – @wolfboy74
COLORS: Josh Burcham
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER: Andy Suriano
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2014)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time” Part 5

IDW Publishing’s licensed Samurai Jack comic book series is a comic book adaptation of the Emmy-winning animated television series, Samurai Jack (2001-2004).  The series’ initial storyline, “The Threads of Time,” comes to a close

Written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano, Samurai Jack was one of the best new comic book series of 2013.  What started out as a miniseries received the green light to become an ongoing series.  Hooray!

Like the animated series, Samurai Jack the comic book focuses on the samurai known as “Jack.”  Trapped on a dystopian, futuristic Earth, Jack fights an old enemy, the tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard named Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan.  There, he can try to keep Aku from creating this troubled future.

Samurai Jack #5 finds Jack near the end of his journey to find the last of the Threads of Time.  Once in possession of all the strands, he can wind them into the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself back to Feudal Japan.  Jack enters Aku’s fortress to find Aku in possession of the final Thread of Time.  Victory is in Jack’s grasp, but so is doom.

I have enjoyed reading the previous issues of Zub and Suriano’s Samurai Jack, and my determination to find and read every issue has been paid off with an excellent conclusion.  This final chapter in the opening story arc is a tour de force performance by Suriano and colorist, Josh Burcham.  Suriano’s art is kinetic, crackles with life, and practically stirs as if animated.  Burcham’s colors make the art pop off the page, bringing the graphics and story to life.  Samurai Jack the comic book is an outstanding pop confection, the kind of comic book that makes me keeping coming back for more.

A

www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 23 2014

IMAGE COMICS

FEB140596 DEAD BODY ROAD #5 (MR) $2.99
FEB148225 DEADLY CLASS #2 2ND PTG (MR) $3.50
OCT130486 DISTANT SOIL TP VOL 02 THE ASCENDANT $16.99
JAN140588 FIVE GHOSTS #11 $2.99
FEB140603 FUSE #3 CVR A GREENWOOD (MR) $3.50
FEB148223 FUSE #3 CVR B MCKELVIE (MR) $3.50
FEB140604 GHOSTED #9 (MR) $2.99
DEC130578 LAZARUS #8 (MR) $2.99
DEC130579 MANHATTAN PROJECTS #20 $3.50
FEB140611 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #9 CVR A OEMING $3.99
FEB140612 MICE TEMPLAR IV LEGEND #9 CVR B SANTOS & FREE $3.99
FEB140620 PROTECTORS INC #6 (MR) $2.99
FEB140554 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S LG MEN $19.99
FEB140559 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S LG WOMEN $19.99
FEB140553 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S MED MEN $19.99
FEB140558 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S MED WOMEN $19.99
FEB140552 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S SM MEN $19.99
FEB140557 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S SM WOMEN $19.99
FEB140555 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S XL MEN $19.99
FEB140560 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S XL WOMEN $19.99
FEB140556 RAT QUEENS HANNAH T/S XXL MEN $22.99
JAN140614 SAVIORS #4 (MR) $2.99
JAN140616 SHELTERED #8 $2.99
FEB140518 SHOTGUN WEDDING #4 (MR) $3.99
FEB140629 SKULLKICKERS #26 $3.50
FEB148200 SOVEREIGN #1 2ND PTG (MR) $2.99
FEB140630 SOVEREIGN #2 (MR) $2.99
FEB140639 THIEF OF THIEVES #20 (MR) $2.99
FEB140641 UNDERTOW #3 CVR A TRAKHANOV (MR) $2.99
FEB140642 UNDERTOW #3 CVR B CHURILLA (MR) $2.99
FEB148226 WALKING DEAD #117 3RD PTG (MR) $2.99
FEB140645 WALKING DEAD #126 (MR) $2.99
FEB140646 ZERO #7 CVR A MULLER & TAYLOR (MR) $2.99
FEB140647 ZERO #7 CVR B PHILLIPS & MULLER (MR) $2.99

I Reads You Review: SAMURAI JACK #4

SAMURAI JACK #4
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano – @wolfboy74
COLORS: Josh Burcham
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER: Andy Suriano
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2014)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time” Part 4

Samurai Jack, the comic book adaptation of the Emmy-winning animated television series, Samurai Jack (2001-2004), reaches the penultimate issue of “The Threads of Time” storyline.  The Samurai Jack five-issue comic book miniseries is written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano.

As you now, Samurai Jack focuses on a samurai known as “Jack,” who is trapped in a dystopian, futuristic Earth.  It is ruled by an old enemy of Jack’s, a tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard named Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan.  Then, he can try to keep Aku from creating this troubled future.

Samurai Jack #4 finds Jack continuing to search for the Threads of Time.  With them, he can wind into the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself home.  He already has four strands.

Jack now travels through a remote area beset by a terribly frigid winter.  Jack arrives in a village searching for food and other provisions for his journey.  What he finds instead is a beaten populace that serves the needs of the vain and greedy, immortal Queen Krystle the Ageless.  And even Jack’s martial prowess may be no match for her power and her robotic army.

Once again, I am not surprised that I enjoyed reading Zub and Suriano’s Samurai Jack.  As I review this miniseries, I keep saying that this Samurai Jack comic book is not merely an adaptation of the cartoon; it is the real Jack.  This time, I also have to acknowledge the colors by Josh Burcham.  He brings this story to life as much as Zub and Suriano by creating mood and atmosphere.  Burcham also gives this story’s setting the sense of being a character.

I still hope this Samurai Jack miniseries turns into a Samurai Jack regular series.

A


www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for February 26 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

DEC130381 GHOSTBUSTERS #13 $3.99
DEC130391 JUDGE DREDD #16 $3.99
DEC130443 MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #2 $3.99
DEC130449 POWERPUFF GIRLS #6 $3.99
DEC130446 SAMURAI JACK #5 $3.99
DEC130448 SAMURAI JACK SPECIAL DIRECTORS CUT $7.99
DEC130431 STAR TREK KHAN #5 $3.99
DEC130435 STAR TREK ONGOING #30 $3.99
DEC130417 THUNDER AGENTS #6 $3.99
DEC130419 THUNDER AGENTS ONGOING TP VOL 01 $17.99
DEC130422 TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #8 $3.99
DEC130427 TMNT ONGOING #31 $3.99
DEC130429 TMNT UTROM EMPIRE #2 $3.99
DEC130407 TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE #99 $3.99
DEC130386 WRAITH WELCOME TO CHRISTMASLAND #4 $3.99
DEC130375 X-FILES CONSPIRACY TRANSFORMERS #1 $3.99
DEC130483 ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS NO MANS LAND PROSE SC $19.99

I Reads You Review: SAMURAI JACK #3

SAMURAI JACK #3
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano – @wolfboy74
COLORS: Josh Burcham
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER: Andy Suriano
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2013)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time” Part 3

The Emmy-winning animated television series, Samurai Jack (2001-2004), focuses on a samurai known as “Jack,” who is trapped in a dystopian, futuristic Earth.  It is ruled by an old enemy of Jack’s, a tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard named Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan, and keep Aku from creating this troubled future.

Samurai Jack returns in a new five-issue comic book miniseries from IDW Publishing, written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano.  Samurai Jack #3 opens as Jack continues to search for the Threads of Time, which he can wind into the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself home.  He already has three strands.

Jack enters the village of Grantus, a place straight out of Greek antiquity.  The villagers are not very friendly, but the village’s champion, Gloer the Great, can explain why.  Gloer is friendly and welcoming, but there is more to his story than Jack realizes.

Throughout my reviews of this miniseries, I have said that this Samurai Jack comic book is not merely an adaptation of the cartoon.  It IS Samurai Jack, simply because it captures the spirit, tone, and look of the cartoon.  Writer Jim Zub tells the kind of stories that could have been episodes of the cartoon, so much so that you would think he had been a writer on the series.

Artist Andy Suriano did work on the original Samurai Jack, as a character designer.  As a comic book artist, he brings Jack back to life, with graphics that pop off the page.  He makes the reader believe that Jack is animated again, his sword slashing across the comic book page.

I must admit that I am not too crazy about the twist or “shocking reveal” of this issue’s story, but I still enjoyed reading it.  That enjoyment is the reason why I hope this miniseries turns into a regular series.

A-

www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

Review: SAMURAI JACK #2

SAMURAI JACK #2
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano – @wolfboy74
COLORS: Josh Burcham
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER: Andy Suriano
SUBSCRIPTION COVER: Genndy Tartakovsky
COVER RI: Riley Rossmo
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2013)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time” Part 2

There is a legendary samurai, known as “Jack,” who is transported to a dystopian, futuristic Earth.  It is ruled by an old enemy of Jack’s, a tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard named Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan, and keep Aku from creating this troubled future.  This is the premise of the 2001-2004, Cartoon Network animated series, Samurai Jack.

Samurai Jack returns in a new five-issue comic book miniseries from IDW Publishing.  Written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano, Samurai Jack is not merely an adaptation of the cartoon.  Because it captures the spirit and look of the original, this comic book IS Samurai Jack.  This series focuses on Jack’s quest to gather the Threads of Time, which he can wind into the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself home.  He already has one thread.

As Samurai Jack #2 opens, Jack arrives in a small village where he believes he can find another of the Threads of Time.  What he finds is a place full of frightened villagers.  He discovers that the problem is the village’s so-called protectors, identical twin master martial artists who call themselves “Dis and Dat.”

As he did in the first issue, writer Jim Zub maintains the sparkling wit and sly humor that marked the Emmy-winning Samurai Jack television series.  Obviously, I’ve read a lot of comic books, and I can say that this is one that captures the feelings I got watching a favorite Saturday morning cartoon.  Zub is writing a story that is as true to its source material as the best comic book media tie-ins.

Artist Andy Suriano, a character designer on the original Samurai Jack cartoon, gives this comic book art and graphics that pop off the page.  With Josh Burcham’s colors, the art shimmers and glows, which makes reading the story feel like I’m watching a cartoon.

It’s obvious, isn’t it?  I love this comic book.  It’s one of the best new series of the year.  I hope it turns into a regular series.

A

www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 23 2013

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

IDW PUBLISHING

JUN130333 CROW CURARE #3 [DIG] $3.99
AUG130438 DOCTOR WHO OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 $29.99
AUG130433 DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #14 $3.99
APR130387 FEVER RIDGE MACARTHUR JUNGLE WAR #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
JUL130381 GI JOE AMERICAS ELITE DISAVOWED TP VOL 01 $24.99
AUG130493 HAUNTED HORROR #7 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130440 JUDGE DREDD #12 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130445 JUDGE DREDD YEAR ONE TP $17.99
AUG130381 MY LITTLE PONY TALES TP VOL 01 $19.99
AUG130460 OTHER DEAD #2 [DIG] $3.99
JUL130299 POWERPUFF GIRLS CLASSICS TP VOL 01 POWER PARTY $19.99
JUN130349 ROCKETEER SPIRIT PULP FRICTION #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130368 SAMURAI JACK #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130428 STAR TREK ONGOING #26 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130432 STAR TREK TNG DOCTOR WHO ASSIMILATION COMPLETE HC $34.99
AUG130455 THUNDER AGENTS #3 [DIG] $3.99
AUG130468 TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #4 $3.99
AUG130467 TMNT ONGOING TP VOL 06 CITY FALL PT 1 $17.99
JUL130402 TRANSFORMERS LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS HC RED LABEL ED PI
AUG130486 TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE #95 [DIG/P+] $3.99
AUG130494 TRUE BLOOD HC VOL 06 HERE WE GO AGAIN $21.99
AUG130496 VITRIOL THE HUNTER TP $19.99
AUG138054 X-FILES SEASON 10 #1 4TH PTG $3.99
AUG138055 X-FILES SEASON 10 #2 4TH PTG $3.99
AUG138211 X-FILES SEASON 10 #3 2ND PTG $3.99
AUG130458 ZOMBIE WAR #1 [DIG] $3.99

Review: SAMURAI JACK #1

"Jack's Back!"
SAMURAI JACK #1
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER A: Andy Suriano
COVER RI: Rob Guillory
SUBSCRIPTION COVER C and COVER RE – beguiling.com Exclusive: Genndy Tartakovsky
COVER RE – Awesome Con Exclusive: Bryan Turner
COVER RE – Emerald City Comicon Exclusive: Sean Galloway
COVER RE – Hastings Exclusive: Sergio Quijada
COVER RE – Phantom Comics Exclusive: Jim Zub
COVER RE – Newbury Comics Exclusive: Ethen Beavers
COVER RE – Rhode Island Comicon Exclusive: Craig Rousseau
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2013)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Samurai Jack and the Threads of Time”

I’m reading the first issue of the new Samurai Jack comic book from IDW Publishing.  The first time a villain appears in the story, I can hear the late, great Don Messick’s voice in my head as I read the villain’s dialogue.  Messick was a voice actor known for his association with television animation giant, Hanna-Barbera, performing on such series as Jonny Quest and The Huckleberry Hound Show, among many.  Although he died several years before Samurai Jack debuted on television, Messick, I think, would have fit in as a voice performer on the series.

Samurai Jack is an animated series originally broadcast on Cartoon Network from 2001 to 2004 for a total of 52 episodes.  This television series tells the story of a legendary samurai, known as “Jack,” who is transported to a dystopian, futuristic Earth ruled by the tyrannical, shape-shifting, demonic wizard Aku.  Jack wanders this future, trying to find a method by which he can travel back in time to the era in which he belongs, Feudal Japan, where he plans to defeat Aku, another denizen of Japan’s past.

Now, Samurai Jack returns as a new five-issue comic book miniseries from IDW Publishing.  IDW is partnering with Cartoon Network (CN) to produce original comic books based on CN’s animated properties.  Written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano, Samurai Jack is not merely an adaptation of the series.  This comic book IS Samurai Jack.

As Samurai Jack #1 opens, Jack begins his latest quest to find a way back to Feudal Japan.  That involves a trip across a storm-swept, insect-infested desert to seek Soule the Seer.  From Soule, Jack learns of the Threads of Time.  If Jack can obtain these threads, he can rewind the Rope of Eons and therefore, rewind himself home.  But to get the first thread, this samurai must become a gladiator.

Of all the comic books that have debuted this year, Samurai Jack is the purest of them all.  It is so free of pretension, yet is still bright and imaginative.  It is so true to its source material, the Primetime Emmy-winning, Samurai Jack, that it does not seem like a mere licensed comic book, but rather a genuine continuation of the original story.

There are two things that really stand out about writer Jim Zub’s story.  First, Zub maintains the sparkling wit and smart humor that marked the television series.  Secondly, he gives Jack personality.  Thus, the character seems like a… well, a character and not just some corporate intellectual property doing the synergistic thing.  Instead, Jack is an approachable dude; sure he can kick some butt, but the character seems approachable.

Artist Andy Suriano, a character designer on the original Samurai Jack cartoon, transforms the graphic sensibilities of the animated series into the graphical storytelling aspects of a comic book.  Suriano does not draw everything in painstaking (and painful-to-look-at) detail.  The simple shapes and abstract features of cartooning figures, sets, and background details are just as effective at establishing plot, character, and setting as the pseudo-realism of much comic book art.

Reading this first issue reminds me of the fun I had watching cartoons.  That means Samurai Jack #1 is a success.  Zub, Suriano, and IDW do what Cartoon Network’s Time-Warner sister, DC Comics, could not do:  make a good Samurai Jack comic book.  Readers who want Cartoon Network comic books finally have one in Samurai Jack.

A

www.jimzub.com
www.IDWPUBLISHING.com
youtube.com/idwpublishing
facebook.com/idwpublishing

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 2 2013

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

IMAGE COMICS

FEB130435 ACTIVITY #15 [DIG] $3.50
MAY130446 AGE OF BRONZE HC VOL 03.B BETRAYAL PT 2 (MR) $28.99
MAY130544 BEDLAM #9 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
AUG130686 BLACKACRE #11 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
AUG130576 BUSHIDO #1 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130444 CARBON GREY TP VOL 02 DAUGHTERS OF STONE $14.99
AUG130596 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2013 CVR A MARQUEZ (MR) $4.99
AUG130597 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2013 CVR B BA (MR) $4.99
AUG130598 CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2013 CVR C CORBEN (MR) $4.99
JUL130421 ELEPHANTMEN #51 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
AUG130698 INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE #7 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130455 IT GIRL & ATOMICS ROUND TWO WORLD IS FLAT TP $14.99
JUL130528 LAZARUS #4 (MR) [DIG] $2.99
JUL130460 MACGYVER FUGITIVE GAUNTLET TP $14.99
MAR130579 MARA #6 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130532 MIND THE GAP #15 CVR A ESQUEJO [DIG] $2.99
JUL130533 MIND THE GAP #15 CVR B MCDAID $2.99
JUL130429 MORNING GLORIES #32 (MR) [DIG] $3.50
AUG130628 NON HUMANS TP VOL 01 RUNAWAY AMERICAN DREAM $14.99
AUG130709 REALITY CHECK #2 [DIG] $2.99
JUL130463 SKULLKICKERS TREASURE TROVE HC VOL 02 [DIG] $34.99
AUG130717 SPAWN #236 [DIG] $2.99
AUG130720 TODD THE UGLIEST KID ON EARTH #6 [DIG] $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

MAY131855 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 JOE FLACCO AF PI
MAY131858 NFL PLAYMAKERS SERIES 4 ROB GRONKOWSKI AF PI

IDW, Jim Zub Revive "Samurai Jack"

Back From The Past, Samurai Jack!

The epic quest to return home continues with all-new comic books from IDW

San Diego, CA (July 26, 2013) - Battling against the forces of evil and the oddities of the future, Samurai Jack's stoic journey is not over yet, in fact, it's just beginning! The long wait is almost over as the fan-favorite series is set to make its IDW debut this October! Through a partnership with Cartoon Network Enterprises, IDW will create and distribute a series of comic books being released monthly.

A cult-classic and fan-favorite of the highest order, the popular and acclaimed animated series from Cartoon Network pitted a feudal Samurai known only as Jack against the ancient demon wizard, Aku. Displaced in time, Jack was made to traverse a strange landscape of the future to find his way back to his own time.

"Samurai Jack is an irresistible mix of high adventure, comedy and mythic storytelling," said series writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers) who will be joined by Andy Suriano (Character Designer on the original Samurai Jack television series) to lead Jack on his newest adventure!

Suriano's affinity for Jack will help shape his continuing adventure. He added, "returning to Samurai Jack is such a personal experience and labor of love for me. It's like stepping through a time portal back to characters I know as friends and a world that really launched my animation career."

The first five-issue arc will explore the secrets of the "Rope of Eons,"

In addition to the great talent already working on this book, the first arc features variant covers by the show's immensely talented creator, Genndy Tartakovsky! "As a Jack and Genndy fan I'm thrilled to be writing new stories that continue where the TV series left off. I'm channeling my inner samurai to deliver a fun action-packed ride each and every issue," said Zub.

Along with the high quality collections of existing material that IDW will be releasing, the new publishing series promises to take Jack back to the past in new and exciting ways!

About Cartoon Network Enterprises
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks' award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is consistently the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.