Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 1, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

JAN170796    COMPLETE TALES FROM THE CON TP    $9.99
JAN170650    EXTREMITY #1    $3.99
JAN170804    GLITTERBOMB TP VOL 01 RED CARPET (MR)    $9.99
DEC160830    IMAGE PLUS #11 (WALKING DEAD HERES NEGAN PT 11)  (MR)    $1.99
NOV160624    INVISIBLE REPUBLIC #15 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170746    NAILBITER #30 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170750    PAPER GIRLS #12    $2.99
JAN170658    RAT QUEENS #1 CVR A GIENI (MR)    $3.99
JAN170659    RAT QUEENS #1 CVR B GIENI (MR)    $3.99
DEC168662    RAT QUEENS #1 CVR C WOMENS HISTORY MONTH CHARITY VAR (MR)    $3.99
JAN170646    ROYAL CITY #1 (MR)    $4.99
DEC168665    ROYAL CITY #1 CVR B WOMENS HISTORY MONTH CHARITY VAR (MR)    $4.99
NOV160641    SAVAGE DRAGON #221 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170669    THINK TANK VOL 5 #1 CVR A EKEDAL    $3.99
JAN170670    THINK TANK VOL 5 #1 CVR B EKEDAL    $3.99
DEC168433    THINK TANK VOL 5 #1 DCD C2C VAR    $3.99
JAN170772    WALKING DEAD #165 (MR)    $2.99
JAN170887    WAYWARD TP VOL 04 THREADS & PORTENTS (MR)    $16.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 23, 2016

IMAGE COMICS

SEP160618    AD AFTER DEATH BOOK 01 (OF 3)    $5.99
SEP168233    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #1 4TH PTG (MR)    $4.99
SEP168234    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #2 3RD PTG (MR)    $4.99
SEP168235    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #3 2ND PTG (MR)    $4.99
SEP160719    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #4 (MR)    $4.99
SEP160641    CHEW #60 (MR)    $5.99
SEP160767    CHEW ADULT COLORING BOOK TP (MR)    $14.99
SEP160773    DEADLY CLASS HAT    $19.99
JAN160584    GODDAMNED #5 CVR A GUERA (MR)    $3.99
JAN160585    GODDAMNED #5 CVR B BRUNNER (MR)    $3.99
SEP160735    LAKE OF FIRE #4 CVR A SMITH & FAIRBAIRN (MR)    $3.99
SEP160736    LAKE OF FIRE #4 CVR B FOWLER & FAIRBAIRN (MR)    $3.99
SEP160742    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #23 (MR)    $2.99
AUG160663    SNOTGIRL #4 CVR A HUNG (MR)    $2.99
AUG160664    SNOTGIRL #4 CVR B O`MALLEY    $2.99
SEP160762    THIEF OF THIEVES #37 (MR)    $2.99
SEP160765    WAYWARD #18 CVR A CUMMINGS & BONVILLAIN (MR)    $3.99
SEP160766    WAYWARD #18 CVR B SUTHERLAND (MR)    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 9, 2016

IMAGE COMICS

SEP160720    CANNIBAL #2 (MR)    $3.99
JUN160620    CASANOVA ACEDIA #7 (MR)    $3.99
SEP160725    FUSE #23 (MR)    $3.99
SEP160726    GLITTERBOMB #3 CVR A MORISSETTE-PHAN (MR)    $3.99
SEP160727    GLITTERBOMB #3 CVR B NG (MR)    $3.99
AUG169185    GREEN VALLEY #1 (OF 9) 2ND PTG    $2.99
SEP160728    GREEN VALLEY #2 (OF 9) (MR)    $2.99
AUG160638    ISLAND #12    $7.99
AUG168737    LCSD 2016 LYING CAT STATUE EXC (Net)    $100.00
JUL168777    LCSD 2016 MOONSHINE #1 MILLER B&W EXC    $2.99
AUG168150    LCSD 2016 OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA HC BOOK 01 (MR)    $39.99
SEP160806    MICE TEMPLAR TP VOL 05    $17.99
SEP160741    NO MERCY #11 (MR)    $3.99
SEP160635    VIOLENT LOVE #1 CVR A SANTOS (MR)    $3.99
SEP160636    VIOLENT LOVE #1 CVR B SANTOS (MR)    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 18, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

SEP150552     BEAUTY #4 CVR A HAUN (MR)     $3.50
SEP150553     BEAUTY #4 CVR B ROSSMO (MR)     $3.50
SEP150554     BEAUTY #4 CVR C KOSCHAK (MR)     $3.50
SEP150568     HUCK #1 CVR A ALBUQUERQUE     $3.50
SEP150569     HUCK #1 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE     $3.50
SEP150570     I HATE FAIRYLAND #2 CVR A YOUNG (MR)     $3.50
SEP150572     INVINCIBLE #125     $2.99
AUG150536     LOW TP VOL 02 BEFORE THE DAWN BURNS US     $14.99
SEP150540     PHONOGRAM THE IMMATERIAL GIRL #4 (MR)     $3.99
SEP150574     PRETTY DEADLY #6 CVR A RIOS (MR)     $3.50
MAY150521     RAT QUEENS #13 (MR)     $3.99
SEP150576     REYN #10     $2.99
SEP150544     SAVAGE DRAGON ARCHIVES TP VOL 05     $19.99
SEP150545     SAVIOR #8     $2.99
SEP150577     SHUTTER #17 (MR)     $3.99
SEP150546     TOKYO GHOST #3 CVR A MURPHY & HOLLINGSWORTH (MR)     $3.99
SEP150547     TOKYO GHOST #3 CVR B MURPHY & MCCAIG (MR)     $3.99
SEP150583     WAYWARD #11 CVR A CUMMINGS & BONVILLAIN (MR)     $3.50
SEP150584     WAYWARD #11 CVR B BRADSHAW & BONVILLAIN (MR)     $3.50
SEP150585     WAYWARD #11 CVR C BRINE & BONVILLAIN (MR)     $3.50
AUG150570     WITCHBLADE 20TH ANNIVERSARY HC     $39.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

AUG150641     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 8 AF     $15.99
AUG150644     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 8 BOB STOOKEY AF     PI
AUG150643     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 8 DALE AF     PI
AUG150646     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 8 EUGENE PORTER AF     PI
AUG150642     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 8 MORGAN AF     PI
AUG150645     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 8 RICK AF     PI

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 14, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

AUG150508     ASTRONAUTS IN TROUBLE #5 (MR)     $2.99
AUG150593     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY LG MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150598     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY LG WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150592     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY MED MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150597     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY MED WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150591     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY SM MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150596     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY SM WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150594     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY XL MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150599     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY XL WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150595     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY XXL MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150600     COMICS ARE FOR EVERYBODY XXL WOMENS T/S     $24.99
JUL150529     COVENANT #4 CVR A LIEFELD (MR)     $2.99
JUL150530     COVENANT #4 CVR B HORAK (MR)     $2.99
AUG150573     DEADLY CLASS LG MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150578     DEADLY CLASS LG WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150572     DEADLY CLASS MED MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150577     DEADLY CLASS MED WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150571     DEADLY CLASS SM MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150576     DEADLY CLASS SM WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150574     DEADLY CLASS XL MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150579     DEADLY CLASS XL WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150575     DEADLY CLASS XXL MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150580     DEADLY CLASS XXL WOMENS T/S     $24.99
MAR150526     DEATH VIGIL TP VOL 01     $24.99
MAY150536     EAST OF WEST #21     $3.50
AUG150510     FASTER THAN LIGHT #2 (MR)     $2.99
AUG150511     FUSE #15 (MR)     $3.99
AUG150474     I HATE FAIRYLAND #1 (MR)     $3.50
JUL150606     LOW #10 (MR)     $3.50
AUG150583     NAILBITER MURDER STORE LG MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150588     NAILBITER MURDER STORE LG WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150582     NAILBITER MURDER STORE MED MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150587     NAILBITER MURDER STORE MED WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150581     NAILBITER MURDER STORE SM MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150586     NAILBITER MURDER STORE SM WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150584     NAILBITER MURDER STORE XL MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150589     NAILBITER MURDER STORE XL WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150585     NAILBITER MURDER STORE XXL MENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150590     NAILBITER MURDER STORE XXL WOMENS T/S     $24.99
AUG150513     PHONOGRAM THE IMMATERIAL GIRL #3 (MR)     $3.99
JUL150639     ROCHE LIMIT CLANDESTINY #5     $3.50
AUG150514     SATELLITE SAM OMNIBUS DLX HC (MR)     $44.99
AUG150515     SAVIOR #7     $2.99
AUG150494     SECRET IDENTITIES TP VOL 01     $14.99
JUN150555     SEX CRIMINALS #13 (MR)     $3.50
JUN150579     SKULLKICKERS TREASURE TROVE HC VOL 03     $34.99
AUG150506     SWITCH #1 CVR A SEJIC     $3.99
AUG150519     WALKING DEAD #147 (MR)     $2.99
AUG150520     WAYWARD HC BOOK 01     $39.99
AUG150521     WICKED & DIVINE #15 CVR A MCKELVIE & WILSON (MR)     $3.50
AUG150522     WICKED & DIVINE #15 CVR B HANS (MR)     $3.50

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 2, 2015

MARVEL COMICS

JUN150743     AGE OF APOCALYPSE #3 SWA     $3.99
JUL150725     AGE OF ULTRON VS MARVEL ZOMBIES #4 SWA     $3.99
APR150911     ALL NEW X-MEN HC VOL 02     $34.99
APR150912     AVENGERS BY JONATHAN HICKMAN HC VOL 02     $34.99
JUL150788     DAREDEVIL #18     $3.99
JUL150795     DARK TOWER DRAWING OF THREE LADY OF SHADOWS #1     $3.99
JUL150789     DEADPOOL VS THANOS #1     $3.99
JUL150796     FIGMENT 2 #1     $3.99
JUL150756     FUTURE IMPERFECT #5 SWA     $3.99
JUL150794     GROOT #4     $3.99
MAY150705     HAIL HYDRA #2 SWA     $3.99
JUN150727     HOUSE OF M #2 SWA     $3.99
JUN150831     JESSICA JONES TP VOL 01 ALIAS (MR)     $24.99
JUL150801     MIRACLEMAN BY GAIMAN AND BUCKINGHAM #1     $4.99
JUL150811     MOCKINGBIRD SHIELD 50TH ANNIVERSARY #1     $4.99
JUN150688     SILK #7 SWA     $3.99
MAY150649     SILVER SURFER #14 SWA     $3.99
JUN150741     SPIDER-ISLAND #3 SWA     $3.99
JUN150757     SQUADRON SINISTER #3 SWA     $3.99
JUN150717     STAR-LORD AND KITTY PRYDE #3 SWA     $3.99
JUN150696     THORS #3 SWA     $3.99
JUL150781     TRUE BELIEVERS CAPTAIN MARVEL #1     $1.00
JUL150779     TRUE BELIEVERS SPIDER-GWEN #1     $1.00

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 26, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

JUN150497     COVENANT #3 CVR A LIEFELD (MR)     $2.99
JUN150498     COVENANT #3 CVR B HORAK (MR)     $2.99
APR150574     COWL TP VOL 02 THE GREATER GOOD (MR)     $14.99
APR150531     EAST OF WEST #20     $3.50
FEB150521     FIVE GHOSTS TP VOL 03 MONSTERS & MEN     $14.99
JUN150564     IMAGE GIANT SIZED ARTISTS PROOF ED WALKING DEAD #1 (MR)     $19.99
JUN150545     INVISIBLE REPUBLIC TP VOL 01     $9.99
APR150521     IXTH GENERATION TP VOL 01     $14.99
JUN150569     LOW #9 (MR)     $3.50
JUN150573     RASPUTIN #8 (MR)     $3.50
JUN150574     ROCHE LIMIT CLANDESTINY #4     $3.50
JUN150576     RUMBLE #6 CVR A HARREN (MR)     $3.50
JUN150577     RUMBLE #6 CVR B BERMEJO (MR)     $3.50
JUN150554     RUNLOVEKILL TP VOL 01 (MR)     $9.99
JUN150580     SONS OF THE DEVIL #4 (MR)     $2.99
JUN158622     SONS OF THE DEVIL #4 CVR B MILLER (MR)     $2.99
JUN158623     SONS OF THE DEVIL #4 CVR C OUM (MR)     $2.99
MAY150544     SPAWN #255     $2.99
MAY150545     SPREAD #9 (MR)     $3.50
JUN150583     SUNSTONE OGN VOL 03 (MR)     $14.99
JUN150587     THEYRE NOT LIKE US #7 (MR)     $2.99
APR150678     THIEF OF THIEVES #30 (MR)     $2.99
JUN150588     TITHE TP VOL 01     $14.99
JUN150589     VALHALLA MAD #4     $3.50
JUN150591     WAYWARD TP VOL 02 (MR)     $16.99

Review: WAYWARD #9

WAYWARD #9
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Gurihiru
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

This review comes with an “editor's note.”  I forgot to post this back at the end of June when I was supposed to do so.  I gotta be anal about it and post it...

The latest issue of Image Comics' Wayward is the second-to-last issue of the series' second story arc.  The comic book, which launched late Summer 2014, is set in Japan and features those creatures and spirits of Japanese folklore, Yokai.  Wayward is the creation of writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl, who is trying to start a new life in Japan.  Instead, Rori and a small band of fellow magically-touched folks battle a secret war of magic in the shadows of Tokyo.

Wayward #9 (“Chapter Nine) opens in the past, as we witness the “Great Tengu,” Daranibo and his forces destroy a village.  What's going on?

Back to the future:  Ohara Emi (the narrator of much of this story arc) and Nikaido meet cat-girl Ayane's new pals, the Tsuchigumo – the Earth Spiders.  They offer to help the trio in the battle against the Yokai, Nurarihyon, and his allies, but Ohara is suspicious.  Meanwhile, Rori is on a mission, and she is feeling the full extent of her powers, which leaves her companion, Shirai, troubled.

Wayward writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, is still sending out advanced review PDF copies of Wayward, nine issues into the series, which one comics reviewer called “the next Saga.”  The ComicBookBin receives these complementary PDFs, and I am glad that I received this one.  I had planned on not reviewing Wayward for a while.  What more can I say about the comic book that should have received a “best new series” Eisner nomination, I thought?

Well, what I don't want to say is that Wayward is getting better.  That's too easy.  It is actually getting bigger.  The more Zub opens this world to his readers, the more he will ensnare them in the weave and the more they will buy into Wayward's conceit.  In fact, it will be increasingly harder for readers to walk away.  Steve Cummings and Tamra Bonvillain's graphical storytelling blazes, conjuring Wayward in a furious story of imagination and wild magic.

Also, an integral contributor to Wayward is Zack Davisson, a writer and scholar who is an expert on Japanese folklore and culture, including manga.  His essays, which appear after the last story page of each issue of Wayward, are must-reads for manga readers who are interested in Japan outside the comics pages.  This issue's essay, “The Secret History of Dirt Spiders,” is startling, and it also expands on information I have encountered in passing.  This is info I need as a fan of Japanese comics and literature, and also of Japanese film and television.

A+

[Wayward #9 contains another engrossing essay, “The Secret History of Dirt Spiders,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Review: WAYWARD #10

WAYWARD #10
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Hanzo Steinbach
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Wayward, the comic book series from writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings, is about to take a three-month break from publishing.  Before that break, Wayward #10, which is the concluding issue of the series' second story arc, has arrived.

Published by Image Comics, Wayward is set in Japan and features those creatures and spirits of Japanese folklore, yokai.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl, who is trying to start a new life in Japan.  Instead, Rori and a small band of fellow magically-touched folks battle a secret war of magic in the shadows of Tokyo.

Ohara Emi was a quite school girl until she started manifesting strange powers.  Now, she is the narrator of the current story arc, and she manipulates matter and transmutes man-made materials.  As Wayward #10 (“Chapter Ten”) opens, Ohara, Nikaido, and Ayane have team up with Tsuchigumo.  These are supernatural spiders that are fighting their yokai brethren.

Now, humans and mystical spiders attack the Fudo Temples, but their tengu guardians are determined to fight back.  Do Ohara and her friends know the entire story of this fight, however?  Meanwhile, Rori and Shirai, thought to be dead, prepare to reemerge.

Wayward writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, sent out advanced review PDF copies of Wayward #10 (which the ComicBookBin received).  This is a pivotal issue.  Not only is issue #10 the closing chapter of the series second story arc, but it also essentially the end of series introductions.  Now, the series is prepared to get on with the big story, as Zub says in an afterword to this issue.

Zub's script does not disappoint, and co-creator Steve Cummings brings the script to life as magical graphical storytelling that remains grounded at the same time it brings the supernatural to life with imagination and inventiveness.  Colorist Tamra Bonvillain delivers striking colors that make the magical energy pop.  Also, integral Wayward contributor, Zack Davisson, delivers two essays (instead of the usual one) that explain the mythology and culture in which Wayward travels.  I think the next 10 issues will blow our minds.

A

[Wayward #10 contains two engrossing essays, “Circle of Protection Tokyo! The Goshiki Fudo” and “Sokushinbutsu – Buddhas of the Living World,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 29, 2015

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR150078     CONAN RED SONJA HC     $19.99
MAY150071     CONAN THE AVENGER #16     $3.50
MAR150097     EC ARCHIVES WEIRD SCIENCE HC VOL 04     $49.99
MAR158379     GRINDHOUSE MIDNIGHT TP VOL 03 SLAY RIDE & BLOOD LAGOON (MR)     $17.99
MAY150062     HALO ESCALATION #20     $3.99
MAY150085     LOBSTER JOHNSON A CHAIN FORGED IN LIFE ONE SHOT     $3.50
MAY150026     MULAN REVELATIONS #2     $3.99
MAR150100     OH MY GODDESS OMNIBUS TP VOL 01     $19.99
MAY150016     PASTAWAYS #5     $3.99
MAY150027     RESIDENT ALIEN SAM HAIN MYSTERY #3     $3.99
MAY150064     TOMB RAIDER #18     $3.99

I Reads You Review: SAMURAI JACK #20

SAMURAI JACK #20
IDW PUBLISHING with Cartoon Network – @IDWPublishing and @cartoonnetwork

WRITER: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ARTIST: Andy Suriano
COLORS: Josh Burcham
LETTERS: Shawn Lee
COVER A: Andy Suriano
VARIANT COVER: Andy Suriano
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2015)

Samurai Jack created by Genndy Tartakovsky

“Mako the Scribe”

"Samurai Jack" is an animated series that was 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.

In the Fall of 2013, IDW Publishing brought Samurai Jack back to life as a new five-issue comic book miniseries written by Jim Zub and drawn by Andy Suriano.  [IDW had begun a partnership with Cartoon Network (CN) to produce original comic books based on CN’s animated properties.]

Zub and Suriano's Samurai Jack comic book was not merely an adaptation of the original animated series; that comic book WAS Samurai Jack.  The initial five-issue run was well-received enough that IDW made it an ongoing comic book series.  Now, however, Samurai Jack the comic book is ending with the publication of its twentieth issue.

Samurai Jack #20 (“Mako the Scribe”) opens in an indeterminate future of the future into which Aku transported Jack.  A wandering scribe named “Mako,” searches for the elusive truth about the one called “Jack.”  Mako says of himself, “I inscribe the words and deeds of important historical figures.”  He is having a difficult time finding little more than exaggerations and second-hand tales of his latest historical subject, Jack... until he meets LaMarr.  This is the first person whom Mako has encountered who seems to have actually met Jack.  Now, LaMarr is offering Mako a chance to meet his subject...

The original Star Wars (1977) would have been perfectly fine without a sequel.  The film's ending offered the first big victory of the small and vulnerable Rebel Alliance against the mighty and evil Galactic Empire.  As the credits rolled on the film, the audience could imagine that this battle of good versus evil would continue forever (or at least for a long time) because this battle is an eternal struggle.

When the immortal Aku flung the “foolish samurai warrior” into the future, this master of darkness made the samurai, who would become known as “Jack,” also an immortal.  Thus, Jack's struggle against Aku becomes an eternal one... or something like that.  We can assume that one day Jack will defeat Aku, but good may defeat evil, but it cannot destroy it.

Samurai Jack #20 is merely the end of this comic book iteration of “Samurai Jack.”  Perhaps, the current comic book market cannot support a long-running, ongoing Samurai Jack comic book.  Zub and Suriano proved that they can produce a high-quality comic book that is true to the original “Samurai Jack,” so I cannot imagine that IDW would just let Samurai Jack die as a comic book.  How can they when the comic book is so good?

In this last (not final?) issue, Zub and Suriano offer a beginning that pretends to be an ending.  Samurai Jack will be back.  Until then, dear reader, find the trade paperback collections and search the back issue bins, but read this series... or re-read it like me.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux - support on Patreon.


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

Review: WAYWARD #7

WAYWARD #7
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Sie Nanahara
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

The latest issue of Image Comics' Wayward is in comic book shops today (Wednesday, April 29, 2015).  The comic book, which launched late last summer, is set in Japan and features those creatures of Japanese folklore, yokai.

Wayward is the creation of writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings.  Wayward focuses on Rori Lane, a half-Irish/half-Japanese teen girl, who is trying to start a new life in Japan with her mother, Sanae.  Instead, Rori finds herself connected to the magic and ancient creatures that lurk in the shadows of Tokyo.

Wayward #7 (“Chapter Seven”) continues the focus on Ohara Emi, a high school girl to whom most people pay little or no attention.  Now, she does have people paying attention to her, Ayane and Nikaido, two teens who are part of Rori Lane's little monster-hunting band.

With the arrival of Obon, the Japanese festival of the dead, Ayane wonders what has happened to Rori and Shirai, who were lost during a battle with several powerful creatures.  Meanwhile, these “corrupted children” are the subject of a meeting between Nurarihyon and other yokai, who are themselves in for quite a surprise.

In a bid to keep the word going about his comic book, Wayward writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, sent out an advanced review PDF copy of Wayward #7.  I like this comic book and support it by buying copies, even after reading it for free.

Recently, someone said that Wayward is the next Saga.  I wouldn't know, as I have yet to read Saga, but if it is as good as Wayward, then, I must read it immediately.  This seventh issue of Wayward is, so far, the best issue of the new story arc.  Sometimes, comic books about magic don't feel very magical.  Like The Sandman, this series has a sense of enchantment about it that is... well, enchanting.  I heartily recommend... Oh, the hell with it.  Read this, dammit!

A

[Wayward #7 contains another engrossing essay, “Obon – The Festival of the Dead,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 29, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

FEB150588     ALEX + ADA #14     $2.99
JAN150670     BITCH PLANET #4 (MR)     $3.50
JUN140502     CYBER FORCE REBIRTH TP VOL 02     $19.99
FEB150607     FUSE #12 (MR)     $3.50
FEB150524     GONERS TP VOL 01 WE ALL FALL DOWN     $9.99
FEB150613     INVINCIBLE #119     $2.99
FEB150617     MICE TEMPLAR V NIGHTS END #2 CVR A OEMING     $5.99
FEB150618     MICE TEMPLAR V NIGHTS END #2 CVR B SANTOS & FREE     $5.99
NOV140664     MORNING GLORIES #45 (MR)     $3.50
FEB150622     OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #8 (MR)     $2.99
FEB150484     PISCES #1 (MR)     $3.50
FEB150625     RED ONE #2 (MR)     $2.99
FEB150627     RUMBLE #5 (MR)     $3.50
FEB150633     SKULLKICKERS #32     $3.50
NOV140686     SPREAD #7 CVR A STRAHM (MR)     $3.50
NOV140687     SPREAD #7 CVR B COBB (MR)     $3.50
FEB150538     SUNSTONE OGN VOL 02 (MR)     $14.99
FEB150640     THEYRE NOT LIKE US #5 (MR)     $2.99
FEB150545     WALKING DEAD TP VOL 23     $14.99
FEB150646     WAYWARD #7 CVR A CUMMINGS & BONVILLAIN (MR)     $3.50
FEB150647     WAYWARD #7 CVR B NANAHARA (MR)     $3.50
NOV140698     WITCHBLADE #182 CVR A MAAN HOUSE     $3.99
NOV140699     WITCHBLADE #182 CVR B SEJIC     $3.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

OCT148147     TMP NBA TIM DUNCAN LTD ED AF COLL BOX     PI
DEC140776     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 7 AF     PI
DEC140778     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 7 CARL GRIMES AF     PI
DEC140780     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 7 GARETH AF     PI
DEC140779     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 7 MICHONNE AF     PI
DEC140777     WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 7 MUD WALKER AF     PI

Review: WAYWARD #6

WAYWARD #6
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Takeshi Miyazawa; Max Dunbar with Tamra Bonvillain; Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Wayward is back, y'all!  One of the best new series of 2014 has a new story arc.

After a three-month hiatus, Image Comics' Wayward returns to comic book stores this week.  Wayward is an intriguing new fantasy comic book series that launched at the end of last summer.  It is the creation of writer Jim Zub and penciller Steve Cummings.  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.

Wayward #6 (“Chapter Six”) apparently opens three months after the events depicted in the issue Wayward #5.  The story introduces Japanese school girl, Ohara Emi.  She is an ordinary girl from an ordinary family, and she is the “quiet,” “obedient,” and “proper Japanese school girl.”  However, changes come into Ohara life when she overhears her classmates gossiping about the “missing students.”  Then, strange things start happening to her.

I got a reminder that Wayward was returning when writer/co-creator, Jim Zub, sent out an advanced review PDF copy of Wayward #6.  I like the introduction of a new character, but I think I spent most of my time reading this issue waiting for Rori.  Zub and Cummings have created magic with Wayward.  This comic book is like one big enchantment that draws me into the story.  I guess I am not the only reader who wants to live in the world of this series.

Still, I'm excited about the beginning of the second story arc.  As a reminder, Wayward's first story arc, “String Theory,” is being released as a trade paperback the same day as Wayward #6 will be calling to you in your dreams.

A-

[Wayward #6 contains another engrossing essay, “Tradition and Japanese Society,” by Zack Davisson (@ZackDavisson).]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 25, 2015

IMAGE COMICS

JAN150669     AUTUMNLANDS TOOTH & CLAW #5 (MR)     $2.99
DEC148708     AUTUMNLANDS TOOTH & CLAW #5 CVR B SHALVEY (MR)     $2.99
NOV140582     BIG HARD SEX CRIMINALS HC (MR)     $39.99
JAN150674     CHEW #47 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150628     CRIMINAL TP VOL 03 THE DEAD AND THE DYING (MR)     $14.99
JUL140542     DREAM POLICE #6 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150677     DRIFTER #5 CVR A KLEIN (MR)     $3.50
JAN150678     DRIFTER #5 CVR B YOUNG (MR)     $3.50
JAN150683     EMPTY #2     $3.50
JAN150685     FUSE #11 (MR)     $3.50
JAN150689     GONERS #6     $2.99
JAN150691     INTERSECT #5 CVR A FAWKES (MR)     $3.50
JAN150692     INTERSECT #5 CVR B ROSSMO (MR)     $3.50
JAN150582     INVINCIBLE #118     $0.25
DEC140670     LOW TP VOL 01 THE DELIRIUM OF HOPE (MR)     $9.99
JAN150606     MICE TEMPLAR V NIGHTS END #1 CVR A OEMING     $3.99
JAN150607     MICE TEMPLAR V NIGHTS END #1 CVR B SANTOS & FREE     $3.99
AUG140662     MORNING GLORIES #44 (MR)     $3.50
JUL140503     MORNING GLORIES TP VOL 08     $12.99
DEC140688     ROCHE LIMIT TP VOL 01     $9.99
JAN158239     RUMBLE #3 2ND PTG (MR)     $3.50
JAN150703     RUMBLE #4 (MR)     $3.50
JAN150655     SEX TP VOL 03 BROKEN TOYS (MR)     $14.99
JAN150608     SKULLKICKERS #31     $3.50
JAN150716     THEYRE NOT LIKE US #4 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150715     THIEF OF THIEVES #27 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150615     WALKING DEAD #139 (MR)     $2.99
JAN150719     WAYWARD #6 CVR A CUMMINGS & BONVILLAIN (MR)     $3.50
JAN150720     WAYWARD #6 CVR B MIYAZAWA (MR)     $3.50
DEC148772     WAYWARD #6 CVR C EDWIN HUANG (MR)     $3.50
JAN150664     WAYWARD TP VOL 01 STRING THEORY (MR)     $9.99
JAN150721     WICKED & DIVINE #9 (MR)     $3.50
DEC148647     WICKED & DIVINE #9 CVR B SAUVAGE (MR)     $3.50
DEC140775     WYTCHES #5 (MR)     $2.99

I Reads You Review: CONAN RED SONJA #1

CONAN RED SONJA #1 (OF 4)
DARK HORSE COMICS/DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @DarkHorseComics and @dynamitecomics

WRITER: Gail Simone and Jim Zub
ARTIST: Dan Panosian
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Richard Starkings & Comicraft
COVER: Dan Panosian
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2015)

Part 1 of 4: The Age of Innocence

Conan the Cimmerian (also Conan the Barbarian) was born in the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard, first appearing in magazine, Weird Tales (1932).  Marvel Comics brought Conan to comic books in 1970, with the long running series, Conan the Barbarian.  In Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973), writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith created a high fantasy sword and sorcery heroine.  She was named Red Sonja and was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Robert E. Howard.

Conan and Red Sonja are reunited in comic books again in Dark Horse Comics' new four-issue miniseries, Conan Red Sonja.  This series is written by Gail Simone and Jim Zub, drawn by Dan Panosian, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Richard Starkings & Comicraft.

Conan Red Sonja #1 (“The Age of Innocence”) opens when Manus Drath arrives on the Barachan Isles, off the coast of Zingara.  He has brought with him a container of mysterious seeds for an unwary farmer to plant.  Meanwhile, in the city of Enshophur, in the country of Koth, Conan and Red Sonja find themselves after the same prize.  Their quest will take each into royal chambers, where they will learn that not everything is what it is supposed to be.

I have not read very many comic books written by Gail Simone, but what I have read, I have enjoyed.  I only discovered the work of writer Jim Zub within the last two years and have found great pleasure in his recently launched creator-owned series, Wayward (Image Comics).  Thus, I am not surprised that the Simone-Zub union would create such a hugely enjoyable series as Conan Red Sonja.

Conan Red Sonja captures the spirit of a Conan adventure as well as any Conan comic book ever has.  It is brawny and pulpy and has a humorous streak that cuts across most of the first issue.  Red Sonja's sly wit is the perfect foil for Conan's murderous sense of humor.  What makes their union so special is the reality that these two cannot trust each other long enough for them to take on a long campaign together.  It will be interesting to see how this duo comes together at just the right time to take on the darkness that is ahead of them because of their actions in this first issue.

Dan Panosian's art tells a lean and mean story, and Panosian captures how quickly our barbarian heroes can change fate with the sharp edge of their swords.  Panosian sets the mood; this first issue is just the beginning – the introduction and set-up.  The real pain is yet to come, and the art portends in all the right places while offering up the Hyborian version of a heist story.

Conan Red Sonja #1 makes me want to keep reading.  I hope that the rest of this series lives up to my high expectations.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 14, 2015

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV140040    ABE SAPIEN #19    $3.50
NOV140054    ALIEN VS PREDATOR FIRE AND STONE #4    $3.50
SEP140091    BTVS SEASON 9 LIBRARY HC VOL 01    $29.99
NOV140010    CONAN RED SONJA #1    $3.99
SEP140113    DOCTOR SOLAR ARCHIVES TP VOL 04    $19.99
AUG148330    DRAGON AGE INQUISITION PLAYING CARDS    $6.99
JUL140151    ERIC SO SIN CITY MARV VINYL FIGURE    $150.00
NOV140117    GAME OF THRONES EMBROIDERED PATCH MARTELL    $4.99
NOV140087    ITTY BITTY COMICS THE MASK #3    $2.99
SEP140058    PLANTS VS ZOMBIES HC TIMEPOCALYPSE    $9.99
NOV140063    RESURRECTIONISTS #3    $3.50
JUL140130    VEIL HC    $19.99
NOV140060    X #21 MARKED FOR DEATH PT 1 (MR)    $2.99

Review: WAYWARD #5

WAYWARD #5
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

STORY: Jim Zub – @jimzub
ART: Steve Cummings – @stekichikun
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain – @TBonvillain
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon – @MarshallDillon
COVER: Steve Cummings with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Marguerite Sauvage
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Wayward #5 arrives in comic book shops today (Wednesday, December 17, 2017).  It is the conclusion of the series' first story arc (“String Theory”).  Wayward is the creation of writer Jim Zub and penciller Steve Cummings.  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.

Wayward #5 (“Chapter Five”) opens after the battle in the decommissioned subway tunnels beneath Ueno Park.  Rori and her “gang” of fellow supernatural types, Ayane, Shirai, and Nikaido narrowly defeated a band of monsters.  Rori discovered, however, from the leader of their attackers, that all was not what it seemed.  Now, Rori races home, sensing that her mother, Sanae, is in danger.  It is actually worse and more complicated that she imagines.

As with previous issues, the ComicBookBin received an advanced review PDF copy of Wayward #5 that writer Jim Zub sent to reviewers.  This fifth issue is also the close of the series' first story arc.  Wayward is going on a two-month hiatus and will return in March 2015.

Zub and Cummings leave us with a beautifully drawn and exceptionally told series, and while they leave us with many questions, they also leave us caught in the weave.  We want to be Wayward.  With each new issue, Wayward expands its scope without losing its great sense of mystery.  With similarities to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, yokai manga, and Harry Potter, Wayward is that amazing new fantasy series we've been waiting for DC Comics' Vertigo imprint to give us.  Instead, Jim Zub, Steve Cummings, and Image Comics have given it to us.  Gimme more.

A

[Wayward #5 contains another engrossing essay, “Hyakki Yagyo and the Yokai Invasion,” 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.

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 17, 2014

IMAGE COMICS

MAR130557     ACTIVITY #16     $4.50
OCT140729     ALEX + ADA #11     $2.99
SEP140600     BUSHIDO TP (MR)     $19.99
OCT140736     DRIFTER #2 CVR A KLEIN (MR)     $3.50
OCT140737     DRIFTER #2 CVR B CLOONAN (MR)     $3.50
OCT140625     DRUMHELLAR TP VOL 02 DOGS AND GODS     $14.99
OCT140742     GONERS #3     $2.99
OCT140704     IMAGE FIRSTS COWL #1 (MR)     $1.00
OCT140703     IMAGE FIRSTS FADE OUT #1 (MR)     $1.00
OCT140745     INTERSECT #2 CVR A FAWKES (MR)     $3.50
OCT140746     INTERSECT #2 CVR B KINDT (MR)     $3.50
SEP140624     KRAMPUS TP     $12.99
OCT140748     LIL DEPRESSED BOY SUPPOSED TO BE THERE TOO #3     $3.99
SEP140733     MANIFEST DESTINY #12 (MR)     $2.99
SEP140636     MICE TEMPLAR TP VOL 04 .2 LEGEND PT 2     $17.99
OCT140752     ODDLY NORMAL #4 CVR A FRAMPTON     $2.99
OCT140753     ODDLY NORMAL #4 CVR B MOMMAERTS     $2.99
OCT148181     OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #2 3RD PTG (MR)     $2.99
OCT148182     OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #5 2ND PTG (MR)     $2.99
OCT140580     RUMBLE #1 (MR)     $3.50
OCT140644     SAGA TP VOL 04 (MR)     $14.99
OCT140648     SAVAGE DRAGON A NEW BEGINNING TP     $16.99
AUG140609     THIEF OF THIEVES TP VOL 04 (MR)     $14.99
OCT140670     WALKING DEAD FREE NEGAN SHIRT SM MEN     $19.99
OCT140775     WAYWARD #5 CVR A CUMMING & BONVILLAIN (MR)     $3.50
OCT140776     WAYWARD #5 CVR B SAUVAGE (MR)     $3.50
OCT140611     WICKED & DIVINE #6 (MR)     $3.50
OCT148180     WICKED & DIVINE #6 CVR B LAFUENTE (MR)     $3.50
SEP140690     WILDFIRE TP VOL 01     $14.99
OCT140779     WYTCHES #3 (MR)     $2.99
OCT140780     ZERO #13 (MR)     $2.99

IMAGE COMICS/MCFARLANE TOYS

APR148317     WALKING DEAD TV 10IN RICK GRIMES DLX AF     PI

Review: Dungeons & Dragons LEGENDS OF BALDUR'S GATE #2

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS LEGENDS OF BALDUR'S GATE #2
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing @Wizards_DnD

WRITER: Jim Zub – @JimZub
ART:  Max Dunbar – @Max_Dunbar
COLORS: John-Paul Bove and Joana Lafuente
LETTERS: Neil Uyetake
COVER: Sarah Stone
VARIANT COVERS:  Max Dunbar with John-Paul Bove; Tyler Jacobson; Guido Kuip
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2014)

Tyranny of Dragons

The second issue of Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate, the new Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) comic book from IDW Publishing, arrived a few weeks ago.  This comic book series is written by Jim Zub and drawn by Max Dunbar with colors by John-Paul Bove and Joana Lafuente and letters by Neil Uyetake.

Legends of Baldur's Gate #2 is set in the legendary Baldur's Gate (a city in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting of the D&D fantasy role-playing game).  In this “place of history and home to legends,” we meet a young female elf and wild mage named Delina.  On the run from stone gargoyles, Delina casts a spell to protect herself.  It goes wild and hits the statue of Minsc the Beloved Ranger and his hamster, Boo.  Soon, Delina is on the run with Minsc and Boo.

As Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate #2 (“Part Two”) opens, Delina learns that the two thieves they just encountered are Krydle (a male) and Shandie (a female).  They agree to help Delina find her missing twin brother, Deniak.  However, powerful figures and dark conspirators are also looking for Delina and Minsc, as well as Deniak.

While the first issue was a kickoff issue and read as a simple introduction to the series, Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate #2 settles into the heart of the story.  A central plot (the search for Deniak) solidifies, and the narrative comes together as writer Jim Zub adds to his colorful band of heroes.  I like Delina and company, and I think there will be good times with them.  It is obvious that Zub loves the D&D source material, always a good things when adapting a property as a comic book.

Artist Max Dunbar steps forward a little more.  His storytelling and compositions are stronger, as if he figured out that this comic book is his sometime while drawing this second issue.  Legends of Baldur's Gate #2 also offers four pages of conceptual art, designs, and sketches that Dunbar produced for this series, and it is some beautiful work.  Speaking of beauty, the colors by John-Paul Bove and Joana Lafuente positively shimmer on some pages.  Readers of D&D comic books as well as of sword-and-sorcery will want to take a trip to Dungeons & Dragons Legends of Baldur's Gate.

B+

www.IDWPublishing.com
DungeonsandDragons.com

Review by Leroy Douresseaux


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