Showing posts with label Louise Simonson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Louise Simonson. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: X-MEN GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS Extended Cut #1

X-MEN: GOD LOVES, MAN KILLS EXTENDED CUT #1 (OF 2)
MARVEL COMICS

STORY: Christopher Claremont
ART: Brent Eric Anderson
COLORS: Steve Oliff
LETTERS: Tom Orzechowski
EDITOR: Louise Jones (original); Jennifer Grunwald (extended cut)
EiC: Jim Shooter (original); Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski (extended cut)
COVER: Salvador Larroca with Guru-eFX
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Brent Anderson; Rod Reis; Giuseppe Camuncoli and Erick Arciniega
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2020)

Rated T+

The X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby


The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team and franchise created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Jack Kirby.  In The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963), readers were introduced to a professor who was also team-leader to his students.  Each student had unique powers and abilities because he or she was a “mutant.”

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills (Marvel Graphic Novel #5) was an original graphic novel published in 1982 by Marvel Comics.  It was written by Christopher Claremont and illustrated by Brent Eric Anderson.  Colorist Steve Oliff and letterer Tom Orzechowski completed the graphic novel's creative team.  The story pits the X-Men and their longtime enemy, Magneto, against a fanatical religious leader bent on exterminating “mutantkind.”  The graphic novel went on to become one of the most popular and beloved X-Men stories of all time.  Elements of the God Loves, Man Kills were used in the 2003 X-Men, film, X2: X-Men United.

Back in 2020, Marvel republished X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills as a two-issue miniseries, entitled X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Extended Cut.  The series divides the story in two parts and brackets it with a new ten-page framing sequence or story produced by the original story's creating team.  The first issue of this “extended cut” opens with five pages of the framing sequence and the second issue ends with the other five pages.

In this new sequence, the member of the X-Men known as Kitty Pryde and her pet dragon, Lockheed, are in southwest Texas.  There, Kitty visits a young woman named Kate who met Erik Lehnsherr a.k.a. “Magneto.”  Kitty has decided to tell the young woman the story that is X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Extended Cut #1 opens in the “Gold Star Cafe,” somewhere in southwest Texas.  There, Kitty Pryde of the X-Men meets Kate, a friend of Magneto, and decides to tell her the story of a time when Kitty was new to the X-Men and was known by the code name, Ariel.

Once upon a time, there was a popular and fanatical religious leader named William Stryker who led a religious organization called the “Stryker Crusade.”  Under the guise of evangelical Christianity, Stryker hatched a plot to destroy all mutants on Earth.  To begin, Stryker targeted Charles Xavier a.k.a. Professor X, the lynch pin to his plot.

To get to Xavier, Stryker will have to go through the X-Men:  Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Kitty Pryde/Ariel.  To fight the X-Men, Stryker had a strike force, a form of armor-wearing men he called the “Purifiers.”

Professor X and his X-Men were unaware of the danger to their lives.  Colossus' younger sister, Illyana, was also living with the team.  After Professor X and two of his X-Men are captured, the X-Men begin to fight back, but they will find themselves needing help from the greatest enemy, Magneto.

THE LOWDOWN:  I read X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills several times in my youth, but prior to reading this reprint series, I don't think that I had read it in decades.  I didn't read the sequel to it that Chris Claremont wrote for his former X-Men comic book series, X-Treme X-Men (2001-04).  Entitled “God Love, Man Kills Part II, it ran from X-Treme X-Men #25 (July 2003) to X-Treme X-Men #30 (October 2003).  The entire story line was collected in the trade paperback, X-Treme X-Men Vol. 5: God Love, Man Kills (October 2003).

It turns out that I had forgotten quite a bit of “God Loves, Man Kills.”  That includes the action-packed final battle against the Purifiers and that final debate with William Stryker at the “Stryker Building.”  I also had forgotten that Claremont has Kitty Pryde use the term “nigger-lover” in anger at Stevie Hunter.  An African-America woman, Stevie was a recurring, non-mutant character, who mostly appeared in The Uncanny X-Men and New Mutants in the early 1980s.  Four decades later, I have to say that I don't like that scene very much and I'm not happy about the use of that term.  I'm not surprised that Marvel did not remove it, but I am sure that it would not be used today in a scene of a similar context.

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills is a pivotal point in the publication history of the X-Men.  I believe that the X-Men began as a group of costume adventurers and superheroes who were defined by the fact that they were mutants and who faced prejudice because of it.  However, the original X-Men comic book series also focused on the action and was essentially an adventure serial.

After the debut of the “new X-Men” in 1974, writer Chris Claremont wrote the X-Men comic book as a serialized soap opera, although the X-Men team of the time traveled around the world having adventures and facing one peril after another.  Under Claremont, the X-Men and mutants, in general, became outcasts because of their mutant status.  No matter what they did as superheroes, being a mutant overshadowed or defined their actions.

Eventually, the X-Men, which was eventually re-titled “Uncanny X-Men,” became a comic book in which the narrative focused on prejudice, bigotry, racism, and hate.  The X-Men's struggles were a metaphor for the struggles of persecuted and hated minority groups fighting to be accepted by the wider society.  What made them different did not make them “less human” was a recurring theme, even as the traveled around the world and off it.

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills was the point of no return.  Never again would the The Uncanny X-Men and its various spin-off series really be about adventure.  Past, present, and future – even future-past – would be about the mutant struggle and what forms the struggle would take.  Eventually, the X-Men would become a franchise that was insular and redundant.  I think that is why over time the Uncanny X-Men went from being a bestselling comic book franchise to being in the shadow of titles like Avengers, Batman, and Justice League, to name a few.

The mutant struggle became repetitive and tired and it began with a really memorable story, X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.  The X-Men were once mutants who really wanted to prove that they could be the kind of superheroes who protected both mutants and humans and fought to save a world upon which both shared.  Then, the X-Men became just mutants.

Apparently, individual issues of comic books that are reprints of other individual comic books have been popular with buyers for more than a decade.  That is the only reason to reprint X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Extended Cut.  The X-Men are not as relevant as they once were, and the original X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills was rendered irrelevant by repetition of its themes long ago.

As for the new framing sequence:  there is a kernel of something relevant in Claremont's scenario.  And Brent Anderson's art reminds us that he is still an important artist in the history of X-Men publications despite his small output in the franchise.  If one of the themes of X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills was and still is “hope,” then, X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Extended Cut, at least for me, suggests that there is hope for the X-Men  It is hope that the franchise can be more than what it is now – a consumer product, an intellectual property (IP), and for some, a fetish.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of the original X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills will want to give X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills Extended Cut a try.

[This comic book includes two interviews, one with Chris Claremont and one with Brent Anderson.]

A-
★★★½ out of 4 stars

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



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The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and  syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, March 2, 2020

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 4, 2020

MARVEL COMICS

JAN200891    2020 RESCUE #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
JAN200892    2020 RESCUE #1 (OF 2) BARTEL VAR    $3.99
DEC198689    ATLANTIS ATTACKS #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG ANINDITO VAR    $3.99
JAN200976    BLACK CAT #10    $3.99
JAN200977    BLACK CAT #10 SPIDER-WOMAN GRANOV VAR    $3.99
JAN200986    BLACK PANTHER AND AGENTS OF WAKANDA #7    $3.99
JAN200987    BLACK PANTHER AND AGENTS OF WAKANDA #7 SPIDER-WOMAN VAR    $3.99
SEP190966    BLACK WIDOW POSTCARD BOOK HC    $19.99
DEC190998    BLACK WIDOW WAID SAMNEE COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $29.99
JAN201082    CABLE #1 POSTER    $8.99
JAN201010    CONAN BATTLE FOR SERPENT CROWN #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN201012    CONAN BATTLE FOR SERPENT CROWN #2 (OF 5) CHRISTOPHER VAR    $3.99
JAN200999    DAREDEVIL #19    $3.99
JAN201000    DAREDEVIL #19 DEL MUNDO SPIDER-WOMAN VAR    $3.99
JAN200993    DOCTOR DOOM #6    $3.99
JAN200994    DOCTOR DOOM #6 MAYHEW SPIDER-WOMAN VAR    $3.99
JAN200927    DR STRANGE #4    $3.99
JAN201087    EMPYRE #1 POSTER    $8.99
JAN200846    EXCALIBUR #8 DX    $3.99
JAN200882    IRON MAN 2020 #3 (OF 6)    $4.99
JAN200883    IRON MAN 2020 #3 (OF 6) BIANCHI CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
JAN200885    IRON MAN 2020 #3 (OF 6) RON LIM VAR    $4.99
JAN200884    IRON MAN 2020 #3 (OF 6) SUPERLOG HEADS VAR    $4.99
JAN201002    MAGNIFICENT MS MARVEL #13    $3.99
JAN200853    MARAUDERS #9 DX    $3.99
JAN200867    MARVEL #1 (OF 6)    $4.99
JAN200868    MARVEL #1 (OF 6) RUDE VAR    $4.99
JAN201085    MARVEL #1 POSTER    $8.99
SEP190964    MARVEL COMICS 1000 HC    $29.99
JAN200961    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #16    $3.99
JAN200962    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #16 FERRY SPIDER-WOMAN VAR    $3.99
SEP190972    POWER PACK CLASSIC OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $125.00
SEP190973    POWER PACK CLASSIC OMNIBUS HC VOL 01 BOGDANOVE DM VAR    $125.00
JAN201015    ROBERT E HOWARDS DARK AGNES #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN201016    ROBERT E HOWARDS DARK AGNES #2 (OF 5) ANACLETO VAR    $3.99
JAN200913    SAVAGE AVENGERS #11    $3.99
JAN200816    SPIDER-MAN NOIR #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN200817    SPIDER-MAN NOIR #1 (OF 5) RON LIM VAR    $3.99
JAN200960    SPIDER-VERSE #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN201084    SPIDER-VERSE ART ADAMS POSTER    $8.99
JAN201081    SPIDER-WOMAN #1 CLASSIC COVER POSTER    $8.99
DEC198690    STAR WARS #2 2ND PTG SILVA VAR    $3.99
DEC198691    STAR WARS RISE KYLO REN #1 (OF 4) 3RD PTG CRAIN VAR    $4.99
JAN200795    STRANGE ACADEMY #1    $4.99
JAN200796    STRANGE ACADEMY #1 ADAMS CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT VAR    $4.99
JAN200798    STRANGE ACADEMY #1 JS CAMPBELL VAR    $4.99
JAN201083    STRANGE ACADEMY #1 POSTER    $8.99
JAN200797    STRANGE ACADEMY #1 RAMOS DESIGN WRPAD VAR    $4.99
JAN200800    STRANGE ACADEMY #1 YOUNG VAR    $4.99
JAN201003    STRIKEFORCE #7    $3.99
JAN201005    SWORD MASTER #9    $3.99
DEC198692    THOR #2 2ND PTG KLEIN VAR    $3.99
JAN200858    TRUE BELIEVERS EMPYRE MANTIS #1    $1.00
JAN200857    TRUE BELIEVERS EMPYRE MAR-VELL #1    $1.00
SEP190971    UNCANNY X-FORCE BY REMENDER OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG    $100.00
DEC198693    WEAPON PLUS WORLD WAR IV 2ND PTG GIANGIORDANO VAR    $4.99
NOV190982    WEB OF BLACK WIDOW TP    $15.99
DEC198694    X-MEN #5 2ND PTG YU VAR DX    $3.99
JAN201086    X-MEN #9 POSTER    $8.99
SEP190974    X-MEN CHILDREN OF ATOM HC BOX SET SLIPCASE    $500.00

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #108

STAR WARS No. 108
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Matthew Rosenberg
PENCILS: Giuseppe Camuncoli; Andrea Broccardo; Kerry Gammill; Jan Duursema; Stefano Landini; Luke Ross; Leonard Kirk
INKS: Cam Smith; Andrea Broccardo; Ze Carlos; Jan Duursema; Stefano Landini; Luke Ross; Leonard Kirk
COLORS: Chris Sotomayor
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Walter Simonson with Antonio Fabela
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: John Tyler Christopher; Michael Golden; Carmine Infantino and Dan Green with Dean White
52pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (July 2019)

Rated “T”

Marvel Comics is in the middle of celebrating some kind of 80th anniversary or birthday.  Marvel is 80 when you count the debuts of Marvel's “predecessors,” Timely Comics (1939) and Atlas Comics (1951 to 1971).  The declaration, “80 Years,” is currently emblazoned on the Marvel logo.

As part of the celebration, Marvel has been publishing a series of one-shots that act as a brief continuation of odd, off-beat, and forgotten Marvel and Timely comics titles (such as the recent Ziggy Pig - Silly Seal Comics and Gunhawks one-shots).  One of those one-shots, Star Wars No. 108, is a continuation of Marvel's original Star Wars comic book series, which was published from 1977 to 1986 for a total of 107 issues, three annuals, and the Return of the Jedi miniseries, which was a comic book adaptation of the 1983 film.

Star Wars #108 is written by Matthew Rosenberg, who divides the story into eight chapters.  The team of Giuseppe Camuncoli and Cam Smith draws the first four pages of Chapter 1, with Andrea Broccardo drawing the rest.  Chapter 2 is drawn by the team of Kerry Gammill and Ze Carlos.  Chapter 3 is drawn by Broccardo.  Chapter 4 is drawn by Jan Duursema (who drew numerous Star Wars comic books for Dark Horse Comics).  Chapter 5 is drawn by Broccardo.  Chapter 6 is drawn by Stefano Landini.  Chapter 7 is drawn by Luke Ross (who has drawn several Star Wars comic books for Marvel).  Chapter 8 is drawn by Leonard Kirk.  The colorist for this comic book is Chris Sotomayor, and the letterer is Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars #108 is a sequel to “The Crimson Forever,” which was published in Star Wars #50 (cover dated: August 1981) and was written by late Archie Goodwin and drawn by the late Al Williamson and Walter Simonson.  The story also features the character Valance the Hunter, a character that originates in Marvel's original Star Wars comic book and not in the Star Wars films.  Valance was created by writer Goodwin and Simonson and first appeared in Star Wars #16 (cover dated: October 1978).  Simonson, with colorist Antonio Fabela, provides the main cover art for Star Wars #108.

Other Star Wars comics-only characters appear in #108.  First, they are the bounty hunters, Jaxxon (a rabbit-like humanoid) and the female, Amaiza Foxtrain, both of whom first appeared in Star Wars #8 (cover dated: February 1978) and who were created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Howard Chaykin.  Another is the lead villain of “The Crimson Forever,” the vengeful Domina Tagge, who first appeared in Star Wars #35 (cover dated: May 1980) and who was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist Carmine Infantino.

Star Wars #108, entitled “Forever Crimson” opens some time after the events depicted in Return of the Jedi.  The story finds Domina Tagge again seeking to use the mysterious twin red jewels to avenge herself on both the Rebel Alliance (now known as the “Alliance of Free Planets”) and the remnants of the Galactic Empire.  When separated, the jewels create a deadly plague called “the Crimson Forever.”  Now, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO must stop Tagge.  Jaxxon and Amaiza Foxtrain are allies-of-sorts to Luke and company, but they have their own plans.  And Domina's actions have inadvertently served to revive Valance the Hunter, but whose side is he on?

First, let me say that I am disappointed and somewhat upset that Lando Calrissian does not appear in Star Wars #108, especially because he was directly involved in the original story, “The Crimson Forever.”  That aside, this is a really nice way to celebrate and to remember – even honor – Marvel's original Star Wars comic book series.  For many Star Wars fans (myself included, dear readers), Marvel's Star Wars was the only way we got a regular Star Wars fix during the three-year wait between the release of the original Star Wars films.  [No newspaper local to me carried the very good Star Wars newspaper comic strip that ran from 1979 to 1984.]

Writer Matthew Rosenberg was also someone who was a big fan of those early Marvel Star Wars comic books.  His love for them shows up in “Forever Crimson,” which is true in spirit, tone, and storytelling style to those old Star Wars comic books.  We would be so lucky if Rosenberg produced sequels to other Star Wars stories from those bygone days.

The artists turn in excellent work, and Giuseppe Camuncoli and Cam Smith expertly mimic Walt Simonson's graphic style in their four-page retelling of the story of Valance the Hunter.  Luke Ross delivers his usual stellar work, and Leonard Kirk's closing chapter, with its Art Adams and Mike Mignola-like flourishes, gives us award-worthy art.

Superstar colorist Chris Sotomayor displays his wicked skills coloring seven different artists or art teams in bright colors that recall old-school Marvel comic book coloring.  And superstar letterer Clayton Cowles helps to give each chapter its own tone and atmosphere.

I was quite excited when I first heard about Star Wars #108.  It surpasses my expectations, and it makes me anxious to go back and reread those old Star Wars comic books.  That is high praise indeed.

This issue also includes an afterword in which several people who worked on the original Star Wars comic books recount, to editor Mark Paniccia, their experiences working on the title, some taking a paragraph or more to tell their story.  These include Jo Duffy, Ron Frenz, David Michelinie, Tom Palmer, Louise Simonson, and Walter Simonson.

8.5 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, July 15, 2019

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 17, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

MAY190893    AGE OF X-MAN OMEGA #1    $4.99
MAY190894    AGE OF X-MAN OMEGA #1 PORTACIO VAR    $4.99
MAY198160    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #22 2ND PTG RAMOS VAR    $3.99
MAY198161    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #23 2ND PTG OTTLEY VAR    $3.99
APR190966    BLACK WIDOW TP NO RESTRAINTS PLAY    $15.99
MAY198162    CAPTAIN MARVEL #6 2ND PTG MARTELLO VAR    $3.99
MAY190855    CAPTAIN MARVEL #8    $3.99
MAY190857    CAPTAIN MARVEL #8 INHYUK LEE CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $3.99
MAY190864    DAREDEVIL #8    $3.99
MAY190865    DAREDEVIL #8 GARBETT CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $3.99
MAY190902    DEADPOOL #15    $4.99
MAY190903    DEADPOOL #15 YOUNG CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $4.99
MAY190896    DOMINO HOTSHOTS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAY190761    GIANT SIZED X-MEN #1 FACSIMILE EDITION    $4.99
MAY198163    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY ANNUAL #1 2ND PTG CINAR VAR    $4.99
APR190973    HAVOK AND WOLVERINE TP MELTDOWN NEW PTG    $24.99
APR198595    HOUSE OF X POWERS OF X PREVIEWS (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
MAY198193    IMMORTAL HULK #19 2ND PTG BENNETT VAR    $3.99
MAY190777    IMMORTAL HULK #21    $3.99
MAY198164    INCREDIBLE HULK LAST CALL #1 2ND PTG KEOWN VAR    $4.99
MAY190811    INVADERS #7    $3.99
MAY190720    LOKI #1    $3.99
MAY190722    LOKI #1 SLINEY CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $3.99
APR190978    MARVELS EYE OF CAMERA TP NEW PTG    $19.99
MAY198166    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #4 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
MAY198167    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #5 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
MAY198168    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #6 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
APR190958    MILES MORALES TP VOL 01 STRAIGHT OUT OF BROOKLYN    $17.99
MAY190879    PUNISHER ANNUAL #1    $4.99
MAY190880    PUNISHER ANNUAL #1 CHRISTOPHER CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
MAY190788    SECRET WARPS GHOST PANTHER ANNUAL #1    $4.99
MAY190789    SECRET WARPS GHOST PANTHER ANNUAL #1 PACHECO CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
MAY198159    SILVER SURFER BLACK #1 (OF 5) 3RD PTG MOORE VAR    $3.99
MAY190858    SILVER SURFER BLACK #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAY190860    SILVER SURFER BLACK #2 (OF 5) LIM VAR    $3.99
MAY190846    SPIDER-MAN CITY AT WAR #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
MAY190848    SPIDER-MAN CITY AT WAR #5 (OF 6) WAITE 8-BIT VAR    $3.99
MAY198194    SPIDER-MAN LIFE STORY #4 (OF 6) 2ND PTG BAGLEY VAR    $4.99
MAY190813    SPIDER-MAN LIFE STORY #5 (OF 6)    $4.99
MAY190936    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #34    $3.99
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MAY190934    STAR WARS TIE FIGHTER #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAY190845    SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #9    $3.99
MAY198169    SYMBIOTE SPIDER-MAN #3 (OF 5) 2ND PTG LAND VAR    $3.99
JAN191088    THANOS BY DONNY CATES HC    $34.99
APR190979    TOMB OF DRACULA TP DAY OF BLOOD NIGHT OF REDEMPTION    $24.99
MAY190770    TRUE BELIEVERS ABSOLUTE CARNAGE MAXIMUM CARNAGE #1    $1.00
MAY190769    TRUE BELIEVERS ABSOLUTE CARNAGE SAVAGE REBIRTH #1    $1.00
MAY190899    UNCANNY X-MEN #22    $4.99
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MAY190888    UNSTOPPABLE WASP #10    $3.99
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APR190965    WOLVERINE TP LONG NIGHT    $15.99
MAY190901    X-FORCE #10    $3.99
APR190970    X-MEN EPIC COLLECTION TP ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE DAWN    $39.99
APR190971    X-MEN MILESTONES TP FALL OF MUTANTS    $34.99

Thursday, May 30, 2019

I Reads You Juniors May 2019 - Update #82

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  Two of IDW's founder, Ted Adams and Robbie Robbins, have founded a new publishing venture, Clover Press.  The new company will publish graphic novels, art books, prose books, "and other works."

From Newsarama:  An estimated 1.35 million people attended Free Comic Book Day 2019, which was held on Saturday, May 4th.

From ScreenRant:  Director James Gunn says that Disney/Marvel and Warner Bros./DC Comics are not built to make a movie that is as (relatively) small as "Brightburn," which Gunn produced.

From Variety:  Keya Morgan, the former business manager of the late Stan Lee, was arrested in Arizona on an outstanding warrant from the Los Angeles Police Department.  Morgan is facing several "elder abuse" charges related to Lee.

From BleedingCool:  Veteran comics scribe Howard Mackie says that his pay-per-hour rate is better at Zenescope Entertainment than it was at DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller and John Romita, Jr.'s "Superman: Year One" is apparently in continuity with Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns."

From Newsarama:  Writer Tom King is leaving "Batman" for a new title, "Batman/Catwoman" title in 2020... And people wonder why the Direct Market is going to shit.

From THR:  Taika Waititi is directing a live-action version of the classic manga, Akira, which will open in theaters May 21, 2012.  The manga's creator, Katsuhiro Otoma, directed an anime version of his manga that was released in 1988.

From Nippon:  The British Museum in London will hold the world's largest exhibition of manga outside Japan, beginning Thursday, May 23rd through Aug. 26, 2019.

From Marketplace:  Did you know that the Federal Reserve produces comic books?

From CBR:  Marvel Entertainment is partnering with the United States Golf Association (USGA) to produce exclusive gold education products aimed at junior golfers.  The partnership begins with a printed and digital comic book that features numerous Marvel superheroes teaching readers the basics of playing golf, as well as the etiquette of the game.

From Newsarama:  Writer Tom King is apparently leaving his gig writing "Batman" by the end of the year, which will be short of his planned 100-issue run.

From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment contests the use of the trademark "Atlas Comics" related to the recent Paramount film deal.

MEMORIAM - From Newsarama:  Colorist Justin Ponsor died at the age of 42, Saturday, May 18, 2019.  Much of his outpus has been for Marvel Comics, and this week's "Avengers #19" will be his final credit.

From Newsarama:  Spawn creator Todd McFarlane and longtime Spawn artist, Greg Capullo, will produce interior art for the landmark Spawn #300.  Capullo last drew interior art for Spawn #100.  McFarlane has not drawn interior art for Spawn since 1995.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Entertainment signs a deal with the Chinese company "NetEase" to develop Marvel characters into games, comics, and TV series for the Chinese market.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics August 2019 comics solicitations - cover gallery.

From Deadline:  Paramount Pictures makes a movie into superhero films with a deal that involves the old Atlas/Seaboard line of superhero characters.  [I am not clear on what characters are owned by the current iteration of Atlas, which is called SP Media Group.]

From Variety:  Lindsey Beer and James Wan have signed on as executive producers for the upcoming Mark Millar Netflix series “The Magic Order,” which is based on his 2018-19 comic book miniseries.

From HollywoodLife:  Actress Raven-Symone ("Raven's Home") will provide the voice of Valkyrie in the Disney XD animated series, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout."

From YahooEntertainment:  Robert Pattison, best known for playing the brooding vampire, Edward Cullen in the "Twilight" film series, is the new Batman/Bruce Wayne, according to an exclusive story by "Variety."  Nicholas Hoult, who has been played "The Beast/Hank McCoy" in the "X-Men" film series since 2011, was apparently a finalist.

From Newsarama:  "Fantastic Four: Yancy Street #1" is apparently the first in a series of "Fantastic Four" one-shots.

From Newsarama:  Writer Warren Ellis and artist Ramon Villalobos will revive Wildstorm's "WildCATS," beginning in August with a new #1 issue.

From BleedingCool:  Here are seven preview pages of Frank Miller and John Romita, Jr.'s "Superman: Year One."

From BleedingCool:  Neal Adams will write and draw a new six-issue mini-series, "Batman Vs. Ra’s Al Ghul," as part of DC Comics' "Year of the Villain" initiative.  Adams co-created Ra’s al Ghul, a classic Batman villain.

From Newsarama:  Koyama Press announces its Fall 2019/Winter 2020 line-up of trade paperbacks.

From Newsarama:  Writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman will return to the comic book they created in the 1980s, "Power Pack."  They will produce a new Power Pack one-shot comic book set in the original series' continuity, "Power Pack: Grow Up #1."

--------------------------------------
X-MEN:
From ComicBook:  Jonathan Hickman talks about "House of X" and "Powers of X" (pronounced "Powers of Ten") and the restart of the X-Men line.

From Newsarama:  Marvel to cancel and then, relaunch entire X-Men line... agin.

--------------------------------------
From Newsarama:   Stan Lee's former manager, Keya Morgan, has been charged with five counts of elder abuse in Los Angeles Superior Court.  Lee, who died in November 2018, is known for his time as a writer and editor at Marvel Comics when he co-created some of the most popular comic book characters ever created.

From Newsarama:  The designs that renowned fantasy and concept artist, William Stout, produced for the 1987 "Masters of the Universe" film, will now become a line of action figures.

From ComicBook:  NBA star Donovan Mitchell, nicknamed "Spida," has a new Spider-Man themed sneaker set to come out with "Spider-Man: Far From Home."  He gave a pair to Spide-Man star, Tom Holland.

From BBC:  A look at John Brunner's Hugo Award-winning science fiction novel, "Stand on Zanzibar" (1968).

From Newsarama:  Lerner's Fall 2019 comic book solicitations

From BleedingCool:  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Neil Gaiman are among the contributors to "Marvel Comics #1000."

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics announces "Marvel Comics #1000," a comic book with 80 one-page stories to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

-------------------------------------
From THR:  Oni Press, the small press comic book and graphic novel publishers, is merging with Lion Forge Comics.

From Forbes:  What the Oni Press-Lion Forge Comics merger means for the comic book industry.

From ComicsBeat:  More on the aftermath of the Oni Press/Lion Forge Comics merger.

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

From Newsarama:  Marvel plans some kind of "exclusive announcement" on Friday, April 10th.

From Newsarama:  Dark Horse signs a "first look" deal with Netflix

From GoodEReader:  This article says that webtoons are starting to overshadow digital manga.

From BookRiot:  In cast you need it: a reader's guide to the manga, "Naruto."

From Newsarama:  Writer Joe Hill and artist Mike Allred are working on a secret project for Marvel Comics.

From Newsarama:  Two comic book characters will get TV series on TheCW during the 2019-20 television season.  They are "Batwoman" (starring actress Ruby Rose) and "Katy Keene" (a "Riverdale" spinoff).

From Newsarama:  Disney has officially moved the 20th Century Fox-produced "New Mutants" from August 7 2019 to April 3, 2020.

From BleedingCool:  Jamie Delano ("Hellblazer") is looking for a publisher for his "2020 Visions" book collection.  The book is based on Delano's comic book series of the same name that was originally published in 1997 and 1998 by DC Comics' Vertigo imprint.

From BleedingCool:  Steve Englehart is determined to bring you "Batman: Dark Detective III" one way or another.

From BleedingCool:  Roy Thomas, perhaps the most famous writer of "Conan" comic books, will join British comic book legend, Alan Davis, to produce a prequel comic book to the classic Conan tale, "People of the Black Circle."

From Newsarama:  Patrick Gleason, known for his work for DC Comics for the last several years, is moving to Marvel Comics.

From Newsarama:  May 25th, 2019 will be "Denny O'Neil Day" in Phoenix, Arizona.

From ANN:  Yōichi Takahashi, creator of the "Captain Tsubasa" manga, will appear in conversation at the British Museum on Friday May 24.

From Kotaku:  The "Game of Thrones" television series has the same problem the "Fullmetal Alchemist" anime had.

From ANN:  Yen Press licenses four new manga titles and two new light novels.  They are scheduled for publication between November 2019 and April 2020.

From Previews:  Marvel provided a launch trailer for its new series, "Savage Avengers."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski teases the next million-selling comic books.

From Newsarama:  Baker & Taylor, a distributor of graphic novels to comic book shops and bookstores, is closing its retail business.

From ComicBook:  Writer-director James Gunn, the man behind Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" films, is directing "The Suicide Squad," based on the DC Comics series.  He says his favorite Suicide Squad stories are the one written by John Ostrander in 1987.

From PostandCourier:  The University of South Carolina recently received a comic collection worth about $2.5 million.  It is 180,000 copies including the first appearance of key Silver Age heroes.

From Previews:  DC Comics updates the contents of "Crisis On Infinite Earths HC Box Set" (November 6, 2019).  This box will include 14 hardcover books and retail at $500.

From Variety:  Actor Gabriel Luna who played the "Ghost Rider" in the ABC series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," will play the character in the just announced Hulu series, but this will be a different version of the character.

From BleedingCool:  IDW Media Holdings has raised $13.8 million of its $22.5 million goal in the first round of funding.

From Newsarama:  Hulu will have TV series based on Marvel characters, "Ghost Rider" and Helstrom."

From EyeonDesign:  Julian Glander talks about his new book, "3D Sweeties."

From YorkDailyRecord:  "The Avengers" effect: Have local comic book shops benefited from decade of Marvel films?

From Vimeo:  "A Warren Ellis Production" production card / bumper.

From RogerStrunk:  Strunk talks about his process creating a production card for Warren Ellis.

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

MAY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:   All publishers' solicitations link in one place.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Kevin Eastman Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for May 2019
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for May 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for May 2019
From Newsarama:  Zenescope Entertainment for May 2019

JUNE 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  June 2019 comic book publisher solicitations for June 2019
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for June 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for June 2019

JULY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  July 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for July 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Nobrow Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Papercutz for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for July 2019

AUGUST 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for August 2019


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

Monday, May 20, 2019

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 22, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

MAR190936    AGE OF X-MAN AMAZING NIGHTCRAWLER #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAR190905    ALPHA FLIGHT #1 FACSIMILE EDITION    $4.99
NOV181004    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS HC VOL 04 CHO VAR    $125.00
NOV181005    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS HC VOL 04 ROMITA DM VAR    $125.00
MAR190815    ASGARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #9 MAXX LIM MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
MAR190814    ASGARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #9 WR    $3.99
MAR190827    AVENGERS #19    $3.99
MAR190829    AVENGERS #19 MAXX LIM MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
MAR198343    AVENGERS NO ROAD HOME #10 (OF 10) 2ND PTG IZAAKSE VAR    $4.99
FEB191011    CHAMPIONS GN TP WE STILL NEED HEROES    $12.99
MAR190907    DOCTOR STRANGE #14    $3.99
MAR190908    DOCTOR STRANGE #14 NEXON MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
FEB191010    FANTASTIC FOUR TP BEHOLD GALACTUS    $24.99
FEB190999    FANTASTIC FOUR TP VOL 02 MR AND MRS GRIMM    $15.99
MAR190924    MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #5    $4.99
MAR190877    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #6    $3.99
MAR190878    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #6 YOON LEE MARVEL BATTLE LINES    $3.99
MAR190822    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #43 SUJIN JO MARVEL BATTLE LINE    $3.99
MAR190821    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #43 WR    $3.99
MAR190927    MR AND MRS X #11    $3.99
MAR190906    RUNAWAYS #21    $3.99
MAR190900    SHURI #8    $3.99
MAR190901    SHURI #8 HEEJIN JEON MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
FEB191007    SILVER SURFER EPIC COLLECTION TP INNER DEMONS    $39.99
FEB191001    SPIDER-MAN TP SINISTER SIX    $19.99
FEB191003    STAR COMICS PLANET TERRY TP COMPLETE COLLECTION    $39.99
MAR190973    STAR WARS AOR JABBA THE HUTT #1    $3.99
MAR190975    STAR WARS AOR JABBA THE HUTT #1 CONCEPT VAR    $3.99
MAR190977    STAR WARS AOR JABBA THE HUTT #1 PAREL VILLAINS VAR    $3.99
MAR190982    STAR WARS GALAXYS EDGE #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB190852    TONY STARK IRON MAN #11    $3.99
FEB190853    TONY STARK IRON MAN #11 FERRY ASGARDIAN VAR    $3.99
MAR190853    TRUE BELIEVERS IRON FIST MISTY KNIGHT #1    $1.00
MAR190855    TRUE BELIEVERS POWER PACK #1    $1.00
MAR190858    TRUE BELIEVERS WHAT IF SPIDER-GIRL #1    $1.00
MAR190915    UNSTOPPABLE WASP #8    $3.99
MAR190808    VENOM #14 MAXX LIM MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR WR    $3.99
MAR190807    VENOM #14 WR    $3.99
MAR190801    WAR OF REALMS JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #3 (OF 5) WR    $3.99
MAR190797    WAR OF REALMS NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS #2 (OF 4) WR    $3.99
MAR198344    WAR OF REALMS PUNISHER #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG FERREIRA VAR    $3.99
MAR190791    WAR OF REALMS PUNISHER #2 (OF 3) WR    $3.99
MAR190785    WAR OF REALMS STRIKEFORCE LAND OF GIANTS #1 HAMNER VAR WR    $4.99
MAR190784    WAR OF REALMS STRIKEFORCE LAND OF GIANTS #1 WR    $4.99
MAR190803    WAR OF REALMS UNCANNY X-MEN #2 (OF 3) WR    $3.99
MAR190942    WOLVERINE INFINITY WATCH #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAR190945    X-FORCE #8    $3.99

Monday, February 26, 2018

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 28, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

DEC170906    ALL NEW WOLVERINE #31 LEG    $3.99
DEC178244    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #794 2ND PTG IMMONEN VAR LEG WW    $3.99
DEC170874    AMERICA #12 LEG    $3.99
DEC178158    AVENGERS #677 2ND PTG LARRAZ VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC178159    AVENGERS #678 2ND PTG LARRAZ VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170807    AVENGERS #682 LEG    $3.99
NOV171078    AVENGERS ACADEMY TP VOL 01 COMPLETE COLLECTION    $34.99
DEC170857    BLACK PANTHER #170 LEG WW    $3.99
NOV171077    CAPTAIN AMERICA TP ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA    $34.99
DEC170819    CAPTAIN MARVEL #129 LEG    $3.99
DEC170818    CHAMPIONS #17 LEG    $3.99
DEC170911    DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #295 LEG    $3.99
NOV171066    DESPICABLE DEADPOOL TP VOL 01 DEADPOOL KILLS CABLE    $17.99
DEC170799    DOCTOR STRANGE #386 LEG    $3.99
DEC170867    GWENPOOL #25 BARTEL VAR  LEG    $3.99
DEC170865    GWENPOOL #25 LEG    $3.99
DEC170866    GWENPOOL #25 SHIRAHAMA VAR  LEG    $3.99
DEC170809    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #597 LEG    $3.99
DEC170846    JESSICA JONES #17 LEG    $3.99
DEC178256    LEGION #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG RODRIGUEZ VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170887    LEGION #2 (OF 5) LEG    $3.99
NOV171073    LEGION SON OF X TP VOL 02 INVASIVE EXOTICS    $15.99
DEC170876    LOCKJAW #1 (OF 4) DUARTE VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170875    LOCKJAW #1 (OF 4) LEG    $3.99
DEC170877    LOCKJAW #1 (OF 4) LIM VAR LEG    $3.99
JAN180088    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #8 MARCH 2018 EXTRAS (NET)    $1.25
DEC170921    MARVELS AVENGERS INFINITY WAR PRELUDE #2 (OF 2)    $3.99
DEC170879    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #28 LEG    $3.99
DEC170868    MOON KNIGHT #192 LEG    $3.99
NOV171082    NEW MUTANTS EPIC COLLECTION TP CURSE OF VALKYRIES    $39.99
DEC170821    PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #300 LEG    $5.99
DEC178245    ROGUE & GAMBIT #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG PERE PEREZ VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170839    SPIDER-GWEN #29 LEG    $3.99
DEC170838    SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #28 LEG    $3.99
DEC170934    STAR WARS DARTH VADER #12    $3.99
NOV171075    STAR WARS JEDI OF THE REPUBLIC MACE WINDU TP    $15.99
DEC178160    THANOS #15 2ND PTG SHAW VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170886    THANOS #16 LEG    $3.99
NOV171064    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL TP VOL 07 BEEN WAITING FOR SQUIRREL    $17.99
NOV171047    UNCANNY AVENGERS UNITY TP VOL 05 STARS AND GARTERS    $15.99
NOV171060    UNSTOPPABLE WASP TP VOL 02 AGENTS OF GIRL    $15.99
NOV171059    WEAPON X TP VOL 02 HUNT FOR WEAPON H    $15.99
DEC170899    X-MEN BLUE #22 LEG    $3.99
DEC178246    X-MEN BLUE ANNUAL #1 2ND PTG BRADSHAW VAR LEG    $4.99

Monday, December 25, 2017

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

OCT170885    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #793 LEG    $3.99
OCT170900    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN RENEW YOUR VOWS #14 LEG    $3.99
OCT171016    AVENGERS TALES TO ASTONISH TP    $24.99
OCT170903    BEN REILLY SCARLET SPIDER #12 LEG    $3.99
OCT170924    BLACK PANTHER #168 LEG    $3.99
OCT170999    BLACK PANTHER MAN WITHOUT FEAR COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $34.99
OCT171000    BLACK PANTHER PANTHERS QUEST TP    $29.99
OCT170920    CAPTAIN MARVEL #127 LEG    $3.99
OCT170954    DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #291 LEG    $3.99
OCT178077    DOCTOR STRANGE #381 2ND PTG DEODATO VAR LEG    $3.99
OCT171019    DOCTOR STRANGE LORDS OF FEAR TP    $29.99
SEP171009    DOCTOR STRANGE TP VOL 04 MR MISERY    $19.99
OCT178078    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #147 2ND PTG KUDER VAR LEG    $3.99
OCT171004    ICEMAN TP VOL 01 THAWING OUT    $15.99
OCT178079    INCREDIBLE HULK #710 2ND PTG LAND VAR LEG    $3.99
OCT170894    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #595 LEG    $3.99
OCT170909    JESSICA JONES #15 LEG    $3.99
OCT171014    MARVEL MANGAVERSE COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $34.99
NOV170002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #6 JANUARY 2018 EXTRAS    $1.25
OCT171006    MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL TP VOL 02 BAND OF SISTERS    $15.99
OCT178080    MIGHTY THOR #701 2ND PTG DAUTERMAN LEG    $3.99
OCT170936    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #26 LEG    $3.99
OCT171011    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR TP VOL 04 GIRL-MOON    $17.99
OCT170921    MOON KNIGHT #190 LEG    $3.99
OCT178081    PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #297 2ND PTG SIQUEIRA VA    $3.99
AUG178989    PHOENIX RESURRECTION RETURN JEAN GREY #1 (OF 5) ARTGERM VAR    $4.99
OCT170828    PHOENIX RESURRECTION RETURN JEAN GREY #1 (OF 5) IN-HYUK LEE    $4.99
OCT170824    PHOENIX RESURRECTION RETURN JEAN GREY LH #1 (OF 5)    $4.99
OCT171012    POWER PACK CLASSIC TP VOL 01 NEW PTG    $24.99
OCT178082    PUNISHER #218 2ND PTG BRADSTREET VAR LEG    $3.99
OCT170966    PUNISHER PLATOON #4 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
OCT170935    SECRET WARRIORS #11 LEG    $3.99
OCT170907    SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #25 LEG    $3.99
SEP170947    SPIDER-MEN II #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP170948    SPIDER-MEN II #5 (OF 5) SAIZ CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
OCT170977    STAR WARS JEDI REPUBLIC MACE WINDU #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT170967    STAR WARS LAST JEDI STORMS OF CRAIT #1 (OF 1)    $4.99
OCT170969    STAR WARS LAST JEDI STORMS OF CRAIT #1 (OF 1) MOVIE VAR    $4.99
OCT170968    STAR WARS LAST JEDI STORMS OF CRAIT #1 (OF 1) WIJNGAARD VAR    $4.99
OCT170937    THANOS #14 LEG    $3.99
OCT171007    THANOS TP VOL 02 GOD QUARRY    $17.99
OCT170988    TRUE BELIEVERS DEATH OF PHOENIX    $1.00
OCT170989    TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX ORIGINS    $1.00
OCT170987    TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX WHAT IF    $1.00
OCT171003    VENOMVERSE TP    $15.99
OCT170949    X-MEN BLUE #18 LEG    $3.99

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for August 20, 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

JUN140340     (USE JUN148390) LITTLE NEMO RETURN TO SLUMBERLAND #1 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
JUN140457     AIRBOY ARCHIVE TP VOL 02     $29.99
JUN140364     JUDGE DREDD #22     $3.99
JUN140339     LITTLE NEMO RETURN TO SLUMBERLAND #1     $3.99
JUN140377     MONSTER & MADMAN TP     $17.99
JUN140390     MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #8     $3.99
JUN140395     SAMURAI JACK #11     $3.99
JUN140368     SINISTER DEXTER TP     $24.99
JUN140446     STAR SLAMMERS REMASTERED #6     $3.99
JUN140383     SUPER SECRET CRISIS WAR GRIM ADV OF BILLY & MANDY #1     $3.99
JUN140384     SUPER SECRET CRISIS WAR GRIM ADV OF BILLY & MANDY #1 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
JUN140405     TMNT ADVENTURES TP VOL 08     $19.99
FEB140386     TMNT ANNUAL 2014     $7.99
JUN140412     TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #32 DAWN O/T AUTOBOTS     $3.99
JUN140430     X-FILES YEAR ZERO #2     $3.99

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for July 23 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

MAY140517     GODZILLA RULERS OF THE EARTH #14     $3.99
MAY140542     KILL SHAKESPEARE MASK OF NIGHT #2     $3.99
MAR140462     MEMORY COLLECTORS HC     $39.99
MAR140463     MIKE MIGNOLA HELLBOY ARTIST ED     PI
MAY140549     MONSTER MOTORS ONE SHOT     $5.99
MAY140492     MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #7     $3.99
MAR142362     MY LITTLE PONY MICRO COMIC FUN PACK SER 2     $2.99
MAY140553     POPEYE CLASSICS ONGOING #24     $3.99
MAY140444     RAGNAROK #1     $3.99
MAY140512     STAR TREK CITY O/T EDGE OF FOREVER #2     $3.99
MAY140513     STAR TREK CITY O/T EDGE OF FOREVER #2 SUBSCRIPTION     $3.99
MAY140478     SUPER SECRET CRISIS WAR JOHNNY BRAVO #1     $3.99
APR140369     TMNT HEROES COLLECTION HC     $34.99
MAY140498     TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #13     $3.99
APR148242     TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #13 LEGO CVR     $3.99
MAY140507     TMNT TURTLES IN TIME #2     $3.99
MAY140501     TMNT UTROM EMPIRE TP     $17.99
APR140407     TRANSFORMERS CLASSICS TP VOL 07     $29.99
MAY140456     TRANSFORMERS VS GI JOE #1     $3.99
MAY140466     TRANSFORMERS WINDBLADE #4 DAWN O/T AUTOBOTS     $3.99
NOV130382     WILD BLUE YONDER #5     $3.99
MAY140534     WINTERWORLD #2     $3.99
MAY140547     WRAITH DIRECTORS CUT #1     $4.99
MAY140525     X-FILES SEASON 10 #14     $3.99

Friday, May 23, 2014

I Reads You Review: UNCANNY X-MEN in Days of Future Past

UNCANNY X-MEN IN DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

PLOT: Chris Claremont and John Byrne
STORY: Chris Claremont
PENCILS: John Byrne
INKS: Terry Austin
COLORS: Glynis Oliver
LETTERS: Tom Orzechowski
EDITORS: Louise Simonson (original), Gregory Wright (reprint)
EiC: Tom DeFalco
COVER: Jackson Guice and Scott Williams
ISBN: 0-87135-582-5; paperback (1989)
48pp, Color, $3.95 U.S., $5.00 CAN

One of the most famous stories ever published in an X-Men comic book is known as “Days of Future Past.”  The two-part story was originally published in The X-Men #141 (“Days of Future Past,” cover dated: January 1981) and #142 (“Mind Out of Time!” cover dated: February 1981).  The popularity of “Days of the Future Past” is affirmed in the fact that the story has been continued and retold and has also influenced and inspired other X-Men publications and stories in the decades since its original publication.  This story is also the basis for the shortly to be released film, X-Men: Days of Future Past (20th Century Fox, 2014).

“Days of Future Past” was the creation of writer Chris Claremont and artist John Byrne, who were both credited as the story’s “co-plotters,” with Claremont providing the script and Byrne providing the pencil art.  Their collaborators were Terry Austin (ink art), Glynis Oliver (colors), Tom Orzechowski (letters), and Louise Simonson (editor).

I first read the story ages ago.  It simultaneously stunned and thrilled me, so much so that I immediately reread it.  This story had it all:  a dystopian future, an assassination conspiracy, dead X-Men, X-Men in peril, X-Men murdered before my very eyes, Sentinels (which were then new to me), the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, and a superhero/super-villain battle.

The X-Men #141 also probably has one of the most famous (if not the most famous) X-Men comic book covers.  Over the years, I made reading “Days of Future Past” an annual event.  One of my repeat readings was courtesy of a 1989 single-issue reprint entitled, The Uncanny X-Men in Days of Future Past.  When I recently discovered that I no longer had a copy of this comic book, I bought one from Mile High Comics, during a sale.  Because of the new X-Men movie, I decided to read and review The Uncanny X-Men in Days of Future Past.

“Days of Future Past” alternates between the (then) present year of 1980, and the (then) future year of 2013.  The X-Men #141 (“Days of Future Past”) opens in the year 2013.  The story introduces a dystopian future North America that is ruled by the mutant-hunting Sentinels.  Mutants are incarcerated in internment camps, and people are classified by their genetics.  The Sentinels not only killed almost all the X-Men, but they also killed many superheroes, including the Fantastic Four.

We meet an adult Kate Pryde.  She is one of the last surviving X-Men, along with Wolverine, Storm, and Colossus.  Kate and the X-Men join Magneto, Franklin Richards (son of Reed Richards and Sue Storm of the Fantastic Four), and his girlfriend, a telepath named Rachel, in a seemingly-impossible plan to travel into the past and change the horrible era in which they live.

On the eve of a feared nuclear holocaust, Kate’s mind travels backward through time to posses the body of her younger self, Kitty Pryde.  There, she convinces the X-Men: Storm, Wolverine, Colossus, Nightcrawler and Angel that they must stop a plot by the newly reassembled Brotherhood of Evil Mutants:  Mystique, Destiny, Avalanche, Pyro, and Blob.  The Brotherhood plans to assassinate United States Senator Robert Kelly, a pivotal event in mutant–human history.

The X-Men #142 (“Mind Out of Time!”) finds the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants in a pitched battle in and around the Congressional building.  Meanwhile, in 2013, the few remaining X-Men make their last stand.

Apparently, Marvel Comics has designated that “Days of Future Past” takes place in Earth-811 in the Marvel “multiverse.”  When I first read “Days of Future Past,” I saw it as probably the real future for the X-Men.  I also saw it as the height of the X-Men run by the team of Chris Claremont, John Byrne and Terry Austin.  There would be no letdown, however, as this team would produce only one more issue of the X-Men after “Days of Future Past.”  Byrne exited the title to become both a writer and an artist, taking over the Fantastic Four.

As much as I have enjoyed reading the X-Men comic books that came after “Days of Future Past,” only a few have even come close to being as close to this Claremont-Byrne classic.  I think some people consider this Byrne’s best work as an artist.  For a long time, I agreed with that, but, as an artist, Byrne would go on to produce much more polished work, with a stronger sense of composition and design than what is found in his original X-Men run.  As a writer, I won’t compare his collaborative X-Men work with his work as a writer-artist on Fantastic Four and on various Superman titles.  Indeed, he was really good on those, too.

I think of X-Men #1 to #66; #94 to #143 (the final Claremont-Byrne-Austin); and Giant-Sized X-Men #1 to be the core of X-Men “mythology.”  Everything that springs after these issues is not quite fan fiction, but much of it seems like a vain attempt to replicate the Claremont-Byrne blueprint.  I think the reason why “Days of Future Past” means so much to me is because it marked the end of an extended run of what I see as the best and the most important of the X-Men.

From the publication of the first issue of The X-Men to “Days of Future Past,” the title introduced startling new concepts, offered gripping narratives full of drama, melodrama, and soap opera, and sometimes presented visionary graphics, graphical elements, and graphical storytelling.  Pretty much everything since “Days of Future Past” has been a rehash, a copy, or a slavishly inspired remake.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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Thursday, July 25, 2013

I Reads You Review: WOLVERINE Volume 1

WOLVERINE VOL. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Chris Claremont
PENCILS: Frank Miller
INKS: Josef Rubinstein
COLORS: Glynis Oliver (#1-3), Lynn Varley (#4)
LETTERS: Tom Orzechowski
COVER: Frank Miller with Lynn Varley
EDITOR: Louise Jones
REPRINT EDITOR: Ann Nocenti
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Terry Kavanagh
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Jim Shooter
ISBN: 0-87135-277-X; paperback (1987)
96pp, Colors, $4.95 U.S., $5.95 CAN

Wolverine received his first solo comic book in the form of a four-issue miniseries, entitled Wolverine, which was originally published from September to December 1982.  Written by Chris Claremont and penciled by Frank Miller, Wolverine tells the story of Logan/Wolverine’s mission to Japan to learn why the love of his life has rejected him.

For the last decade or so, readers have become used to trade paperbacks arriving shortly after the publication of the story arcs and miniseries that they collect – sometimes as soon as a month after a story arc or series conclusion.  Once upon a time, trade paperback collections were not common.  Wolverine, which collected the miniseries, Wolverine (Vol. 1 #1-4) was published almost five years after the original miniseries first appeared on newsstands and in comic book shops.  Even the indicia for the trade paperback was nothing more than the indicia for Wolverine #1 with a few changes to indicate new dates and prices, as well as the change in Marvel Comics’ ownership.

I suggest that before jumping into this series (and it is worth jumping into) that you read Chris Claremont’s introduction to you story.  That introduction appeared in the original version of the Wolverine trade paperback.  I must note that I am reviewing Wolverine from a 1987 first printing of the trade paperback.  I don’t know if the introduction has appeared in subsequent collected editions of the miniseries.  Claremont explains how he approached the story and why he used it as an opportunity to redefine Wolverine.

For a time, this book was a personal favorite, one I subjected to numerous readings, but I think it has been close to two decades since I last read it.  Reading it for the first time in a long time, I found that (1) I still love this story and (2) there is something about it that has been nagging at me.  After finishing my recent read, I figured out what that something is.  Chris Claremont and Frank Miller were working together to tell the same story, but they were telling it by using different genres.

First, the plot of the 1982 Wolverine miniseries:  Wolverine is spending time away from the X-Men in Canada.  He discovers that all the letters which he has been sending to Mariko Yashida, the Japanese woman he loves, have been returned unopened.  She does not respond to his telephone calls, nor will anyone connected to Mariko help him make contact with her.

Wolverine travels to Japan, where he discovers that Mariko has entered into an arranged marriage to Noburu Hideki.  This arrangement has something to do with a debt incurred by Mariko’s father, Shingen, Lord of Clan Yashida, whom Mariko once believed to be dead.  Wolverine confronts Shingen only to be easily bested in combat by the clan lord, and then, finds himself marked for death by The Hand, an organization of ninja assassins.  Wolverine’s only ally may be Yukio, a mysterious woman of questionable motivations, who is crazy in love with Wolverine.

Claremont states in the introduction that he and Miller “wanted to utterly, ruthlessly and seemingly irrevocably destroy” Wolverine.  They would use their story to make the character better.  Neither creator was interested in the Wolverine that, at the time, was so popular with readers.  That was Wolverine the “pint-sized, hell-raiser with a hair-trigger temper.”  Claremont wanted a character that was more complicated.  Why just play Wolverine as a “psycho-killer” and an animal when he could be a human who struggles with his killer/animal nature?

Claremont reveals in the introduction that he saw Wolverine as a “failed samurai.”  Thus, he wrote a story in which Wolverine struggles to attain pride, self-respect, and honor, while circumstances require him to be a berserk killer.  By exploring this conflict and struggle, Claremont uses character to drive the plot rather than have plot drive the character, which is what would happen if the story was simply about Wolverine killing his adversaries and other assorted people who want to kill him.  Basically, Claremont tells Wolverine’s story as a samurai drama with a side of existential crisis.

Meanwhile, Frank Miller tells Wolverine the character drama as a kind of crime thriller and martial arts ninja movie.  Miller’s popularity with comic book readers isn’t just because of the many unique and varied drawing styles that he has employed over the better part of forty years of drawing comic books.  Miller captures readers with his graphical storytelling – using graphics and illustrations that are connected to tell a story, but Miller does this in an especially visually arresting manner.

Miller has mastered design, not just in the way he presents pages, but also in the way he composes content within panels, connects one panel to another, and how he uses and manipulates space.  He uses the comics medium to suggest, to evoke, to prod, to provoke, and even to challenge his readers.  He goes beyond simply engaging imagination; he goes after the reader’s emotions, and that is what his pencil art does in Wolverine.  Miller tells this Wolverine character drama by visualizing the struggle between man/samurai and animal/killer with bracing depictions of battle, duels, violence, and tests of will.  Whereas Claremont uses dialogue and exposition, Miller uses visceral action.

What else can I say?  I loved going back and reading Wolverine in anticipation of the movie, The Wolverine.  This film is apparently based in part on Claremont and Miller’s seminal Wolverine miniseries, and the filmmakers could not have made a better choice.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux




Sunday, September 30, 2012

I Reads You Review: ROCKETEER ADVENTURES VOL. 2 #4

ROCKETEER ADVENTURES VOL. 2 #4
IDW PUBLISHING

WRITERS: Louise Simonson, David Mandel, John Byrne
ARTISTS: Walter Simonson, J Bone, John Byrne
INKS: Bob Wiacek, J Bone, John Byrne
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire, J Bone
LETTERS: John Workman, Shawn Lee, Neil Uyetake
PIN-UP: J.K. Snyder, III
EDITOR: Scott Dunbier
COVERS: Darwyn Cooke (A, RI), Dave Stevens (B)
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S.

Here, we are – the final issue of Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2.

The Rocketeer is a comic book character created by the late artist and illustrator, Dave Stevens. The Rocketeer is Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a mysterious jet pack that allows him to fly. Secord dons a funky helmet, straps on the jet pack, and becomes The Rocketeer, beginning his adventures in 1938, in and around Los Angeles.

The Rocketeer returned to comic books in 2011 in Rocketeer Adventures. Edited by Scott Dunbier and published by IDW Publishing, this four-issue, anthology comic book was a tribute to Stevens and featured Rocketeer short stories (about 8 pages in length) from some of the premiere creators in American comic books. The tributes continue in Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2.

Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 #4 opens with “War Hero,” written by Louise Simonson and penciled by her husband, Walter Simonson. The story finds Cliff Secord fuming about being declared unfit for combat in World War II. Now, he is reduced to playing The Rocketeer in war bond drive theatre, but when the Nazi’s show up, Secord gets his chance to show that he is fit for combat.

In “Cliff Secord, Warlord of Blargon,” written by David Mandel and drawn by J Bone, The Rocketeer travels to another planet and completely misunderstands the rules and regulations. “Fair Game,” written and drawn by John Byrne, takes The Rocketeer to the 1939 World’s Fair (The 1939-40 New York World’s Fair, a favorite setting of Byrne’s). Cliff Secord is unhappy with his traveling accommodations, while his girl, Betty, is on the trail of a possible conspiracy. With royalty visiting the expo, the game’s afoot.

Although I’ve had my reservations about Rocketeer Adventures in its entirety, I am a bit sad about the end of Vol. 2. Some of the entries in these two miniseries have not been special or even amounted to much as stories, but they were fitting tributes to Dave Stevens. If there is ever a short list for most beautiful artwork ever produced for American comics, Stevens’ art has to be on that list or that list won’t be worth shit.

This fourth issue of Rocketeer Adventures Vol. 2 features contributions from two comic book legends, John Byrne and Walter Simonson. The Rocketeer first appeared in early 1982 (at least by the cover date) when Byrne was hitting his stride as a writer/artist, especially on Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four. Simonson would shortly shake the industry with his revamp of Marvel’s The Mighty Thor. David Mandel and J Bone’s contribution here, (“Cliff Secord, Warlord of Blargon”) is cute, but the attractions here are Byrne and Simonson.

“War Hero” offers more than just seeing Simonson art. The story is written by Louise Simonson, once a prolific comic book scribe, and letterer is produced by John Workman, whose collaborations with Walter make great comics. Simonson, with inker Bob Wiacek, also create some spectacular pages of aerial action.

Byrne’s “Fair Game” is spry and fun, and looks like some kind of adventure, espionage, newspaper movie from the 1940s. The fifth page offers some excellent panel design, and Byrne packs more action in pages 6 and 7 than most comic book creators can get in six or seven pages. It’s also nice that Byrne still uses thought balloons, which have largely become passé, most likely because Alan Moore did not use them in Watchmen. And, of course, you know that all comic books must follow the holy writ that is Watchmen.

If editor Scott Dunbier can recruit more veteran creators who worked and thrived in the 1970s and 80s, then, I hope we have more Rocketeer Adventures.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux