DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 11, 2020

DC COMICS

JAN200613    AQUAMAN GIANT #3    $4.99
JAN208157    BATMAN #89 2ND PTG    $3.99
JAN200533    BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #11    $3.99
JAN200534    BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #11 CARD STOCK DELL OTTO VAR ED    $4.99
AUG190704    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE BY DOUG MAHNKE    $90.00
DEC190559    BATMAN CITY OF CRIME DELUXE EDITION HC    $39.99
DEC190561    BATMAN TALES OF THE DEMON HC    $49.99
JAN200531    BATMANS GRAVE #6 (OF 12)    $3.99
JAN200532    BATMANS GRAVE #6 (OF 12) JEEHYUNG LEE VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200537    CATWOMAN #21    $3.99
JAN200538    CATWOMAN #21 IAN MACDONALD VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190498    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS POWERLESS TP    $9.99
AUG190654    DCS WANTED WORLDS MOST DANGEROUS SUPERVILLAINS HC    $39.99
JAN200611    DETECTIVE COMICS #38 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
JAN200617    DOLLAR COMICS BATMAN #428    $1.00
JAN200623    DOLLAR COMICS ROBIN #1 1991    $1.00
JAN200597    DOLLHOUSE FAMILY #5 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JAN200598    DOLLHOUSE FAMILY #5 (OF 6) JAY ANACLETO VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JAN200541    FLASH #751    $3.99
JAN200542    FLASH #751 JUNGGEON YOON VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200546    GREEN LANTERN SEASON 2 #2 (OF 12)    $3.99
JAN200547    GREEN LANTERN SEASON 2 #2 (OF 12) NICOLA SCOTT VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200550    HAWKMAN #22    $3.99
JAN200551    HAWKMAN #22 GERARDO ZAFFINO VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200606    HOUSE OF WHISPERS #19 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190573    JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE CREATING THE DC UNIVERSE TP BOOK 01    $34.99
JAN200565    LOONEY TUNES #254    $2.99
SEP190588    MISTER MIRACLE BY STEVE ENGLEHART & STEVE GERBER HC    $39.99
JAN200572    RWBY #6 (OF 7)    $3.99
JAN200573    RWBY #6 (OF 7) EJIKURE VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200580    SUPERMAN #21    $3.99
JAN200581    SUPERMAN #21 BRYAN HITCH VAR ED    $3.99
JAN200586    TERRIFICS #26    $3.99
JAN200587    WONDER WOMAN #753    $3.99
JAN200588    WONDER WOMAN #753 JAE LEE VAR ED    $3.99
DEC190587    WONDER WOMAN CHEETAH TP    $19.99
JAN208158    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #3 (OF 4) 2ND PTG    $4.99
JAN200591    YOUNG JUSTICE #14    $3.99
JAN200592    YOUNG JUSTICE #14 DAVID LAFUENTE VAR ED    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 8, 2020

DC COMICS

OCT190486    AQUAMAN GIANT #2    $4.99
NOV190411    BATMAN #86    $3.99
NOV190412    BATMAN #86 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
NOV190437    BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #9    $3.99
NOV190438    BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #9 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT190629    BATMAN ARKHAM BLACK MASK TP    $19.99
OCT190635    BATMAN BY NEAL ADAMS TP BOOK 03    $24.99
MAY190541    BATMAN VS DEATHSTROKE BATTLE STATUE    $350.00
NOV190442    CATWOMAN #19    $3.99
NOV190443    CATWOMAN #19 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
NOV190415    DAPHNE BYRNE #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
NOV190416    DAPHNE BYRNE #1 (OF 6) CARD STOCK VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
MAY190539    DC BOMBSHELLS DEATH STATUE    $125.00
NOV190517    DOLLAR COMICS THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #197    $1.00
NOV190502    DOLLHOUSE FAMILY #3 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
NOV190503    DOLLHOUSE FAMILY #3 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
OCT190657    DREAMING TP VOL 02 EMPTY SHELLS (MR)    $16.99
NOV190454    GEN LOCK #3 (OF 7)    $3.99
NOV190455    GOTHAM CITY MONSTERS #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV190458    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV190459    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #5 (OF 6) CARD STOCK HARLEY VAR ED    $4.99
NOV190460    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #5 (OF 6) CARD STOCK POISON IVY VA    $4.99
NOV190461    HAWKMAN #20    $3.99
NOV190462    HAWKMAN #20 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190507    HOUSE OF WHISPERS #17 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190676    INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE COMPLETE COLL TP    $34.99
NOV190486    SUPERGIRL #38    $3.99
NOV190487    SUPERGIRL #38 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
SEP190602    SWAMP THING THE BRONZE AGE TP VOL 02    $39.99
NOV190515    YOUNG JUSTICE #12    $3.99
NOV190516    YOUNG JUSTICE #12 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 20, 2019

DC COMICS

JUN190561    ABSOLUTE NEW FRONTIER 15 ANNIV ED HC    $99.99
AUG190643    ADVENTURES OF THE SUPER SONS TP VOL 02 LITTLE MONSTERS    $16.99
AUG190596    AQUAMAN #54 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190595    AQUAMAN #54 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
SEP190473    BATMAN #83    $3.99
SEP190474    BATMAN #83 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
SEP190447    BATMAN GIANT #2    $4.99
AUG190604    BATMAN SUPERMAN #4 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190603    BATMAN SUPERMAN #4 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
AUG190647    BATMAN THE 1989 MOVIE ADAPTATION HC DLX ED    $19.99
SEP190437    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT PRESENTS VON FREEZE #1    $5.99
SEP190438    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT PRESENTS VON FREEZE #1 VAR ED    $5.99
AUG190649    BOOKS OF MAGIC 30TH ANNIVERSARY DLX ED HC    $29.99
AUG190648    BOOKS OF MAGIC NEW EDITION TP    $19.99
APR190588    DARK KNIGHTS METAL BATMAN THE RED DEATH STATUE    $90.00
MAY190538    DC BOMBSHELLS BLACK CANARY SEPIA VAR STATUE    $125.00
AUG190650    DCEASED HC    $29.99
AUG190658    DEATH OF SUPERMAN THE WAKE TP    $16.99
SEP190528    DIAL H FOR HERO #9 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190535    DOLLAR COMICS LUTHOR #1    $1.00
APR190538    DOOM PATROL THE BRONZE AGE OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
SEP190490    FLASH FORWARD #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP190491    FLASH FORWARD #3 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190446    GREEN LANTERN #85 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
SEP190454    HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE MULTIVERSE #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP190455    HE MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE MULTIVERSE #1 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
SEP190460    INFECTED SCARAB #1    $3.99
SEP190502    JUSTICE LEAGUE #36    $3.99
SEP190503    JUSTICE LEAGUE #36 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG190667    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY TP VOL 02 DEATH OF THE DARK    $16.99
SEP190525    LUCIFER #14 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190510    METAL MEN #2 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190511    METAL MEN #2 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
APR190560    NEW TEEN TITANS OMNIBUS HC VOL 04 (RES)    $99.99
AUG190624    NIGHTWING #66 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190623    NIGHTWING #66 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
SEP190466    QUESTION THE DEATHS OF VIC SAGE #1 (OF 4) (MR)    $6.99
SEP190467    QUESTION THE DEATHS OF VIC SAGE #1 (OF 4) VAR ED (MR)    $6.99
AUG190628    SUPERGIRL #36 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV    $4.99
AUG190627    SUPERGIRL #36 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
AUG190683    SUPERMAN HC VOL 02 THE UNITY SAGA THE HOUSE OF EL    $29.99
SEP190515    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #5 (OF 12)    $3.99
SEP190516    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #5 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG190632    TEEN TITANS #36 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
AUG190631    TEEN TITANS #36 YOTV ACETATE    $3.99
SEP190538    TITANS BURNING RAGE #4 (OF 7)    $4.99
SEP190539    WONDER WOMAN COME BACK TO ME #5 (OF 6)    $4.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 11, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

JUL190911    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE SYMBIOTE OF VENGEANCE #1 AC    $4.99
JUL190895    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE VS DEADPOOL #2 (OF 3) AC    $3.99
JUL190897    ABSOLUTE CARNAGE VS DEADPOOL #2 (OF 3) CONNECTING VAR AC    $3.99
JUL191060    AGE OF CONAN VALERIA #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUN191059    AGE OF X-MAN APOCALYPSE & X-TRACTS TP    $15.99
JUN199040    AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG NEW ART REMENAR VAR    $4.99
JUL190974    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #29    $3.99
JUL190975    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #29 BAGLEY IMMORTAL WRPAD VAR    $3.99
JUN199035    AVENGERS #22 2ND PTG CASELLI VAR    $3.99
JUL190984    BLACK CAT #4    $3.99
JUL191010    CAPTAIN MARVEL #10    $3.99
JUL191014    DAREDEVIL #11    $3.99
JUL191015    DAREDEVIL #11 PHAM IMMORTAL WRPAD VAR    $3.99
JUN199039    DAREDEVIL #9 2ND PTG SHARMA VAR    $3.99
JUN190993    DOCTOR STRANGE #19    $3.99
JUN190994    DOCTOR STRANGE #19 NORDSOL BOBG VAR    $3.99
JUN191057    DOMINO TP HOTSHOTS    $15.99
JUN199036    FANTASTIC FOUR #12 2ND PTG SHALVEY VAR    $4.99
JUL191037    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY PRODIGAL SUN #1    $4.99
JUL191038    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY PRODIGAL SUN #1 TAN VAR    $4.99
JUL191026    GWENPOOL STRIKES BACK #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUN199037    IMMORTAL HULK #20 3RD PTG BENNETT VAR    $3.99
JUN199038    IMMORTAL HULK #22 2ND PTG BENNETT VAR    $3.99
JUL190957    IMMORTAL HULK DIRECTORS CUT #3 (OF 6)    $4.99
JUL190953    INVADERS #9    $3.99
JUL190998    INVISIBLE WOMAN #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUL191023    IRONHEART #10    $3.99
JUL190930    KING THOR #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
JUL190933    KING THOR #1 (OF 4) ROSS IMMORTAL WRAPAROUND VAR    $3.99
JUL191002    LOKI #3    $3.99
JUN191041    MARVEL MONOGRAPH TP ART OF ESAD RIBIC    $19.99
JUL191003    MARVEL TALES BLACK PANTHER #1    $7.99
JUN191039    MARVEL VISIONARIES TP JACK KIRBY    $34.99
JUN191070    MILES MORALES GN TP WITH GREAT POWER    $12.99
JUL190978    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #10    $4.99
JUL190981    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #10 LUPACCHINO WRAPAROUND VAR    $4.99
MAR190997    MMW INCREDIBLE HULK HC VOL 13    $75.00
MAR190998    MMW INCREDIBLE HULK HC VOL 13 DM VAR ED 279    $75.00
JUL191043    MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1    $4.99
JUL191044    MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1 CHRISTOPHER CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
JUL191045    MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1 FERRY IMMORTAL WRAPAROUND VAR    $4.99
JUL190865    POWERS OF X #4 (OF 6)    $4.99
JUL190868    POWERS OF X #4 (OF 6) CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR    $4.99
JUL190869    POWERS OF X #4 (OF 6) LAND CHARACTER DECADES VAR    $4.99
JUL190872    POWERS OF X #4 (OF 6) MOLINA CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
JUL190866    POWERS OF X #4 (OF 6) WEAVER NEW CHARACTER VAR    $4.99
JUL190870    POWERS OF X #4 (OF 6) YOUNG VAR    $4.99
JUN190982    PUNISHER KILL KREW #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUN191050    SHURI TP VOL 02 24-7 VIBRANIUM    $15.99
JUL191031    SILVER SURFER BLACK #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUL191034    SILVER SURFER BLACK #4 (OF 5) GARNER IMMORTAL WRPAD VAR    $3.99
JUL191032    SILVER SURFER BLACK #4 (OF 5) LIM VAR    $3.99
JUN190782    SPIDER-MAN TP MANY HOSTS OF CARNAGE    $39.99
JUL191076    STAR WARS AOR SUPREME LEADER SNOKE #1    $3.99
JUL191077    STAR WARS AOR SUPREME LEADER SNOKE #1 MCKONE PUZZLE PC VAR    $3.99
JUL190939    SWORD MASTER #3    $3.99
JUL190964    TRUE BELIEVERS HULK GRAY HULK RETURNS #1    $1.00
JUL190963    TRUE BELIEVERS HULK MINDLESS HULK #1    $1.00
JUL191051    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #48    $3.99
JUN191052    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL TP VOL 11 CALL YOUR SQUIRRELFRIEND    $15.99
JUN191053    UNSTOPPABLE WASP UNLIMITED TP VOL 02 GIRL VS AIM    $15.99
JUN199034    VENOM #17 2ND PTG NEW ART BAGLEY VAR AC    $3.99
JUL190919    VENOM #18 AC    $3.99
JUL190920    VENOM #18 SLINEY IMMORTAL WRAPAROUND VAR AC    $3.99
JUN191047    VENOM TP WAR OF REALMS    $15.99
JUN191046    WAR OF REALMS SPIDER-MAN DAREDEVIL TP    $15.99
MAR190991    X-MEN BY ROY THOMAS & NEAL ADAMS HC GALLERY EDITION    $39.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for September 4, 2019

DC COMICS

JUL190509    BATMAN #181 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
FEB190628    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE MINI PVC FIGURE 7 PACK SET 3    $40.00
MAR190571    BATMAN DAMNED HC (MR)    $29.99
JUN190566    BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC VOL 01 MYTHOLOGY    $24.99
JUL190547    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUL190548    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III #5 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
JUN190454    BATMAN VS RAS AL GHUL #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUN190455    BATMAN VS RAS AL GHUL #1 (OF 6) B&W VAR ED    $3.99
JUN190572    BATWOMAN ELEGY TP NEW ED    $19.99
JUN190578    CATWOMAN TP VOL 02 FAR FROM GOTHAM    $19.99
FEB190623    DARK KNIGHTS METAL BATMAN THE DEVASTATOR STATUE    $130.00
JUL190514    DCEASED A GOOD DAY TO DIE #1    $4.99
JUN198686    DCEASED A GOOD DAY TO DIE #1 ANDREWS VAR ED    $4.99
JUL190516    DCEASED A GOOD DAY TO DIE #1 HORROR VAR ED    $4.99
JUL190515    DCEASED A GOOD DAY TO DIE #1 VAR ED    $4.99
JUL190559    DEATHSTROKE #47 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
JUL190558    DEATHSTROKE #47 YOTV    $3.99
FEB190629    DKR BATMAN VS SUPERMAN MINI BATTLE STATUE    $150.00
JUL190527    DOLLAR COMICS DETECTIVE COMICS #854    $1.00
JUL190561    DOOM PATROL WEIGHT OF THE WORLDS #3 (MR)    $3.99
JUL190562    DOOM PATROL WEIGHT OF THE WORLDS #3 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
MAR190507    DOOMSDAY CLOCK #11 (OF 12)    $4.99
MAR190508    DOOMSDAY CLOCK #11 (OF 12) VAR ED    $4.99
JUL190563    DREAMING #13 (MR)    $3.99
JUL190571    GREEN LANTERN #11    $3.99
JUL190572    GREEN LANTERN #11 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL190574    HARLEY QUINN #65 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
JUL190573    HARLEY QUINN #65 YOTV    $3.99
JUL190505    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUL190508    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #1 (OF 6) BLANK VAR ED    $3.99
JUL190506    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #1 (OF 6) HARLEY CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
JUL190507    HARLEY QUINN & POISON IVY #1 (OF 6) POISON IVY CARD STOCK VA    $4.99
JUN190604    JOKER HIS GREATEST JOKES TP    $19.99
JUL190579    JUSTICE LEAGUE #31 VAR ED YOTV    $3.99
JUL190578    JUSTICE LEAGUE #31 YOTV    $3.99
JUL190512    LEGION OF SUPER HEROES MILLENNIUM #1 (OF 2)    $4.99
JUL190513    LEGION OF SUPER HEROES MILLENNIUM #1 (OF 2) VAR ED    $4.99
JUL190586    LOIS LANE #3 (OF 12)    $3.99
JUL190587    LOIS LANE #3 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
JUN190607    SANDMAN DREAM HUNTERS 30 ANNIV TP PROSE ED (MR)    $16.99
JUN190606    SCOOBY DOOS GREATEST ADVENTURES TP    $14.99
JUL190618    SUPERMAN UP IN THE SKY #3 (OF 6)    $4.99

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


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

Review: DETECTIVE COMICS #1000

DETECTIVE COMICS No. 1000
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

EDITORS: Chris Conroy and Dave Wielgosz
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Steve Rude; Bruce Timm; Michael Cho; Jim Steranko; Bernie Wrightson with Alex Sinclair; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair; Tim Sale with Brennen Wagner; Jock; Greg Capullo with FCO Plascencia
MISC. ART: Mikel Janin; Jason Fabok with Brad Anderson; Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts;
96pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (May 2019)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Detective Comics is an American comic book series published by DC Comics, and it is the longest continuously published comic book periodical in the United States, according to the Guinness World Records.  Its first issue, Detective Comics #1 (cover dated:  March 1937), was published by Detective Comics, Inc., a forerunner of DC Comics.  Detective Comics is best known as the comic book series in which Batman/Bruce Wayne first appeared, in Detective Comics #27 (cover dated:  May 1939).

The first volume of Detective Comics was published from 1937 to 2011 (for 881 issues).  Then, as part of “The New 52” initiative, the series was relaunched in the fall of 2011 with a new Detective Comics #1 (cover dated:  November 2011).  In 2016, after 52 issues of “The New 52” run, Detective Comics reverted to what would have been its original numbering if it had not been relaunched – with Detective Comics #934 (cover dated:  Early August 2016).

March 30, 2019 marked the 80th anniversary of the first appearance of Batman.  Although Detective Comics #27's cover date is May 1937, it apparently debuted for sale March 30, 1939.  Just in time for this Bat-birthday is the arrival of Detective Comics #1000.

To celebrate, Detective Comics #1000 is an anthology (which the series originally was) featuring ten short stories created by an “all-star” list of comic book creators.  It also features a twelve-page preview of Detective Comics #1001 and has three pin-up illustrations.

For this review of Detective Comics #1000, I'll offer a few comments one each story:

“Batman's Longest Case”
STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: Greg Capullo
INKS: Jonathan Glapion
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Tom Napolitano

Snyder and Capullo have been THE rock star Batman creative team of this decade, but this story, introducing another of Snyder's contrived secret societies, is a misfire.

“Manufacture for Use”
STORY: Kevin Smith
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Todd Klein

I think this is the first story I have ever read this is about the gun that killed Bruce Wayne's parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne.  I like this slightly imaginative slash inventive tale from filmmaker and sometimes comic book writer, Kevin Smith.  The art is standard Jim Lee Batman art – not Lee's best work, obviously.  The coloring by Alex Sinclair is gorgeous though.

“The Legend of Knute Brody”
STORY: Paul Dini
PENCILS: Dustin Nguyen
INKS: Derek Fridolfs
COLORS: John Kalisz
LETTERS: Steve Wands

This is another good idea turned poorly executed Paul Dini story from Paul Dini.  However, this story has the best Dustin Nguyen art I have seen in quite awhile; maybe Derek Fridolfs' inking helped.  John Kalisz colors are also nice.

“The Batman's Design”
STORY: Warren Ellis
ART: Becky Cloonan
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Simon Bowland

The art team of Becky Cloonan and colorist Jordie Belliare produce some attractive art for this story.  Warren Ellis offers a thoughtful examination of how young men can end up as violent, remorseless criminals.  Ellis also presents a rather screwy, oddball version of what mercy from Batman looks like.  This is a nice story.

“Return to Crime Alley”
STORY: Denny O'Neil
ART: Steve Epting
COLORS: Elizabeth Breitweiser
LETTERS: Andworld Design

If any writer deserved to have a spot in Detective Comics #1000, it is classic Batman writer, Denny O'Neil.  His offering for this anniversary comic book features a Batman supporting character, Leslie Thompkins, that O'Neil created with artist Dick Giordano.  This is a powerful, powerful tale starring the one of the few characters who can give both Batman and Bruce Wayne pause.  Steve Epting's beautiful illustrations, Elizabeth Breitweiser's watercolor-like hues, and Andworld Design's lettering make this the best story in Detective Comics #1000.

“Heretic”
STORY: Christopher Priest
ART: Neal Adams
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Willie Schubert

The second best story in Detective Comics #1000, “Heretic,” features art by one of the greatest Batman artists of all time, Neal Adams.  It is set in the world of Ra's al Ghul, a character that Adams had a hand in creating.  Christopher Priest offers a potent tale about the fate of those become ensnared in both Batman and al Ghul's sphere of existence.

“I Know”
STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART/COLORS: Alex Maleev
LETTERS: Josh Reed

Okay.  The third best tale in this comic book is Bendis and Maleev's “I Know,” which depicts a confrontation between an aged Bruce Wayne and The Penguin.  This is an edgy tale with a Film-Noir feel, and I really like Maleev's design of each page.

“The Last Crime in Gotham”
STORY: Geoff Johns
ART: Kelley Jones
COLORS: Michelle Madsen
LETTERS: Rob Leigh

This is a nice tale by Johns and Jones.  This isn't Jones' best Batman work, but it is nice, and it is made all the better by Michelle Madsen's (as usual) gorgeous coloring.

“The Precedent”
STORY: James Tynion IV
PENCILS: Alvaro Martinez-Bueno
INKS: Raul Fernandez
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Sal Cipriano

This is a nice, sentimental tale about the importance of Dick Grayson/Robin to Bruce Wayne/Batman.  The art team, the colorist, and the letterer turn in some pretty art.  Brad Anderson's colors are practically radiant.

“Batman's Greatest Case”
STORY: Tom King
ART: Tony S. Daniel and Joëlle Jones
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles

Meh.

“Medieval”
STORY: Peter J. Tomasi
PENCILS: Doug Mahnke
INKS: Jaime Mendoza and Doug Mahnke
COLORS: David Baron
LETTERS: Rob Leigh

This is story is basically twelve pages of filler exposition, but the art, colors, and letters are eye-catching.  “Medieval” also offers the preview of a big character debut that is supposed to happen in Detective Comics #1001.

Detective Comics #1000 is, by my estimation, better than last year's Action Comics #1000, which was apparently the bestselling comic book of 2018.  I think many of the creative teams in Detective Comics #1000 are better at capturing the history and characteristics of Batman and his supporting cast, than their Action Comics #1000 equals were with Superman, even if the Batman teams largely fail to tell stories that convey the mystique of Batman.

It took a little over eighty-two years for Detective Comics to get to one thousand issues, so many of the Batman writers, artists, and editors who established the character are deceased.  The shame of it is that many of the people who really deserve to contribute to Detective Comics #1000 are long gone from the world of the living, that includes Batman creators, artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger (arguably the greatest Batman writer of all time).

I would replace most of the artists in Detective Comics #1000 with such late luminaries as Carmine Infantino (one of the most important Batman artists of all time), Jim Aparo, Bob Brown, Gene Colan, Sheldon Moldoff, Don Newton, Marshall Rogers, and Dick Sprang, to name a few.  I would brush away almost all the writers who actually appear in this comic book for a number of Batman writers who are deceased, such as John Broome, Gardner Fox, and Frank Robbins, to name a few.

There are quite a few living Batman creators who should have stories here:  writers Mike W. Barr, Gerry Conway, Steve Englehart (a frickin' crime that he is not included here, really) Doug Moench, Grant Morrison, and artists Brian Bolland and Alan Davis, to name a few.  Frank Miller provides a variant cover for Detective Comics #1000, but...  Also, Alan Moore...

But I have learned to take what I get... even when there could be better.  Detective Comics #1000 will be the high-water mark for one-thousandth issues until some other titles reaches a thousandth issue.  Oh, well.

7 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 syndication rights and fees.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 2, 2019

DC COMICS

NOV180390    ACTION COMICS #1006    $3.99
NOV180391    ACTION COMICS #1006 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180398    BATGIRL #30    $3.99
NOV180399    BATGIRL #30 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180406    BATMAN BEYOND #27    $3.99
NOV180407    BATMAN BEYOND #27 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT180554    BATMAN BY NEAL ADAMS TP BOOK 02    $24.99
SEP180552    BATMAN PRODIGAL TP NEW ED    $24.99
SEP180557    BATMAN SHADOW THE MURDER GENIUSES TP    $16.99
NOV180416    BOOKS OF MAGIC #3 (MR)    $3.99
OCT180568    DARK DAYS ROAD TO METAL TP    $19.99
NOV180428    DETECTIVE COMICS #995    $3.99
NOV180429    DETECTIVE COMICS #995 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180438    FLASH #61    $3.99
NOV180439    FLASH #61 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT180583    HAL JORDAN & THE GLC TP VOL 07 DARKSTARS RISING    $19.99
NOV180457    HEROES IN CRISIS #4 (OF 9)    $3.99
NOV180458    HEROES IN CRISIS #4 (OF 9) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180461    HEX WIVES #3 (MR)    $3.99
JUN180578    HOUSE OF MYSTERY THE BRONZE AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $99.99
NOV180464    INJUSTICE VS THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP180590    JINX TP NEW ED (MR)    $29.99
NOV180472    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY #4    $3.99
NOV180473    JUSTICE LEAGUE ODYSSEY #4 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV180453    OLD LADY HARLEY #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP180600    POWERS TP BOOK 02 NEW ED (MR)    $29.99
NOV180484    RAVEN DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #11 (OF 12)    $3.99
NOV180488    SCARLET #5 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
NOV180491    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #45    $2.99
NOV180494    SILENCER #12    $2.99
OCT180612    SUPERMAN KRYPTONITE DELUXE ED HC    $29.99
OCT180615    SWEET TOOTH TP BOOK 03 (MR)    $24.99
NOV180507    TERRIFICS #11    $2.99
NOV180509    TITANS #32    $3.99
NOV180510    TITANS #32 VAR ED    $3.99
SEP180619    WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY TP VOL 02    $16.99
NOV180517    WONDER WOMAN #61    $3.99
NOV180518    WONDER WOMAN #61 VAR ED    $3.99

Review: DEADMAN #1

DEADMAN No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY/ART/COLORS: Neal Adams
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Neal Adams
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S./$4.99 U.S. for Glow-in-the-Dark cover (January 2018)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Deadman created by Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino

“Journey into Death” Part One: “Still Dead... After All These Years!”

Deadman is a DC Comics superhero.  The character first appeared in Strange Adventures #205 (cover dated: October 1967) and was created by writer Arnold Drake and artist Carmine Infantino.  Deadman is a ghost, but he was once Boston Brand, a circus trapeze artist.

Brand performed under the name “Deadman,” his stage persona which included him wearing a red costume and white corpse makeup.  Brand was murdered during a trapeze performance by a mysterious assailant known only as “the Hook.”  A Hindu god named “Rama Kushna” gave Brand's spirit the power to possess any living being, so that Brand could search for his murderer and obtain justice.  Brand's spirit takes the moniker “Deadman,” and he becomes a superhero of sorts.

The original Deadman comic books are most associated with legendary artist, Neal Adams, and writer Jack Miller, the creative team that took over the Deadman serial after Arnold Drake and Carmine Infantino created the initial story.  Neal Adams returns to the character in the new six-issue miniseries, Deadman, which he writes, draws, and colors.  Clem Robins letters the series.

Deadman #1 (“Still Dead... After All These Years!”) opens where readers last left Deadman – discovering that the true story had barely begun!  Deadman’s death was unsolved, and even Batman could unravel the fantastic mysteries surrounding Boston Brand.

The story opens in Japan where Commissioner James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department has arrived as part of a nuclear safety inspection team.  However, Ra's al Ghul's League of Assassins is apparently plotting to kill Gordon, and Deadman has learned that Boston's murder may have been a test for Hook and members of the League.  Will Deadman gets any answers, even after Batman enters the drama and stirs chaos?

The last several years has seen Neal Adams produced a number of limited series comic books starring DC Comics' most popular superheroes, especially Batman and Superman.  I have totally ignored those comic books, but I could not ignore a Neal Adams Deadman comic book.

Deadman #1 is not a particularly good comic book.  Yes, the art displays Neal Adams' signature dynamic page layout and also some nice graphic design that is not as dynamic.  However, the story reads like something undisciplined or unfocused.  Let's be honest:  DC Comics would not allow a first time comic book writer to get away with the kind of clunky and awkward storytelling found in this first issue unless he or she were the child of someone powerful and influential at DC Comics' parent corporation, Time-Warner.

I tried to lie to myself, the first step in lying to you, dear readers, but Deadman #1 is not good.  I hope it gets better, but the first issue does not make a compelling argument that I keep reading.

2 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE #3

THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE No. 3 (OF 12)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jimmy Palmiotti
ART: Amanda Conner
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Ben Caldwell
VARIANT COVER: Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2017)

Rated “T” for Teen

Kamandi created by Jack Kirby

“Bug in Your Ear”

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth was a comic book series created by Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics.  Running from 1972 to 1978, the series starred Kamandi, a teenaged boy in a post-apocalyptic future.  In this time, humans have been reduced back to savagery in a world ruled by intelligent, highly evolved animals.

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #1 (cover dated: October 1972) opens some time after a huge event called “The Great Disaster,” which wiped out human civilization.  In “Earth A.D.” (After Disaster), many animals have become humanoid, bipedal, and sentient, and also possess the power of speech. These newly intelligent animal species have equipped themselves with weapons and technology salvaged from the ruins of human civilization and are constantly at war in a struggle for territory.

The world of Kamandi returns in the DC Comics miniseries, The Kamandi Challenge, bringing together 14 teams of writers and artists.  Each issue will end with an cliffhanger.  The next creative team will resolve that cliffhanger left behind by the previous creative team, before creating their own story and cliffhanger, which the next creative team after them will have to resolve... and so on.  The third issue of The Kamandi Challenge is written by Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Amanda Conner; colored by Paul Mounts; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Kamandi Challenge #3 (“Bug in Your Ear”) opens after Kamandi escaped from Tiger City, but now, he is plunging to his death.  He is rescued by two “Savage Bats” and taken to the “God Watchers.”  Kamandi may start to regret being rescued because the God Watchers think that he is a messenger from their god.

“Bug in Your Ear” follows the cliffhanger that ended issue #2's “Nuclear War.”  The Kamandi Challenge #2 was a fun read, but I thought that it lacked the punch of either of the two stories published in The Kamandi Challenge #1.  The Kamandi Challenge #3 is different; it is both fun to read and it has punch.  It has the elements of a morality tale and is surprisingly thoughtful, and it acts like a series of cliffhangers, big and small.  Some cliffhangers are based on action and threats, but some of the cliffhangers are based on choices that Kamandi will make from a moral or philosophical point of view.

I have been a fan of many of the stories that Jimmy Palmiotti has written, so I am saying good things about his work here with some favoritism.  Artist Amanda Conner and colorist Paul Mounts are a dream team.  Her drawings are always filled with nice background and environmental details that offer something new upon second and third viewings.  Mounts rich colors are simply eye candy, as they shimmer and even pop off the page.

Jack Kirby had a seemingly boundless imagination, and it will be hard for the creative teams in this series to come close to Kirby's vision.  At least, The Kamandi Challenge #3 shows some inventiveness, and it is the kind of issue that will keep me reading this series.

A-

[Afterword by Neal Adams]

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: LUKE CAGE #1

LUKE CAGE No. 1 (2017)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David Walker
ARTIST: Nelson Blake II
COLORS: Marcio Menyz
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
COVER: Rahzzah
VARIANT COVERS: Mike Deodato, Jr. with Frank Martin; Andre Leroy Davis; Tim Bradstreet; Neal Adams with Dave McCaig
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Rated T+

Luck Cage created by Archie Goodwin and John Romita, Sr.

Luke Cage, also known as “Power Man,” is a Marvel Comics superhero.  Cage was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., and first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (cover dated: June 1972).  Cage was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but he eventually gained superpowers in the form of durability, unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength.

As Power Man, Cage has been most associated with another superhero, his partner, Iron Fist (Daniel “Danny” Rand), and the duo was featured in the long-running Power Man & Iron Fist comic book series in the 1980s (with a new version being launched last year).  Cage is now also featured in a new solo comic book, Luke Cage.  It is written by David Walker; drawn by Nelson Blake II; colored by Marcio Menyz; and lettered by Joe Sabino.

Luke Cage #1 opens with our titular hero rescuing a very stupid young woman from a really gullible criminal.  Then, Luke gets some awful news.  Dr. Noah Burnstein, the man responsible for giving Luke his powers, has committed suicide, so he travels to New Orleans for Burnstein's funeral.  There, he meets Burnstein's colleague, the sexy Dr. Lenore Mornay, who tells Luke that there is more to Burnstein's death and to his scientific experiments than he may realize.

After the fun of Genndy Tartakovsky's recent four-issue miniseries, Cage!, the darker Luke Cage is a nice follow-up.  The mood is sinister in this comic book, and the threats of adversaries seem to surround the narrative.  Once again, David Walker shows his chops when it comes to writing dark, moody, but intense comic books featuring African-American characters.

Artist Nelson Blake II and colorist Marcio Menyz produced art that is too clean and brightly colored for what promises to be an edgy series.  This is not low quality storytelling by any means, but it does not work for David Walker's storytelling.  We'll see what the second issue looks like.

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE #2

THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE #2 (OF 12)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Peter J. Tomasi
ART: Neal Adams
COLORS: Hi-Fi
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Kenneth Rocafort
VARIANT COVER: Neal Adams with Tim Shinn
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2017)

Rated “T” for Teen

Kamandi created by Jack Kirby

“Nuclear Roar!”

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth was a comic book created by writer-artist Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics. The series ran from 1972 to 1978, and starred Kamandi, a teenaged boy in a post-apocalyptic future.  In this time, humans have been reduced back to savagery in a world ruled by intelligent, highly evolved animals.

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #1 (cover dated: October 1972) opens some time after a huge event called “The Great Disaster,” which wiped out human civilization.  In “Earth A.D.” (After Disaster), many animals have become humanoid, bipedal, and sentient, and also possess the power of speech. These newly intelligent animal species have equipped themselves with weapons and technology salvaged from the ruins of human civilization and are constantly at war in a struggle for territory.

The world of Kamandi returns in the new DC Comics miniseries, The Kamandi Challenge, bringing together 14 teams of writers and artists.  Each issue will end with an cliffhanger.  The next creative team will resolve that cliffhanger left behind by the previous creative team, before creating their own story and cliffhanger, which the next creative team after them will have to resolve... and so on.  The second issue of The Kamandi Challenge is written by Peter J. Tomasi; drawn by Neal Adams; colored by Hi-Fi; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Kamandi Challenge #2 (“Nuclear Roar”) finds Kamandi in Tiger City, where the great leader, Lord Caesar, is apparently about to activate a nuclear warhead.  None of the man-animals seem interested in Kamandi's warnings about the weapon, but no one expects a kind of Trojan horse.  Also, a unique Kirby creation makes an appearance, and it still (shockingly) works.

“Nuclear War” follows the cliffhanger that ended issue #1's “K -- is for 'Kill'!”  Simply put, The Kamandi Challenge #2 is a fun read, but lacks the punch of either of the two stories published in The Kamandi Challenge #1.  I like Neal Adams' art here; it is the best of his recent work that I have seen.  The compositions are big and capture the craziness and epic scale of Jack Kirby in his 1970s prime.

The story, however, reflects the weakness of a gimmick series like The Kamandi Challenge.  In coming up with a new chapter by starting from some other writer's previous chapter can be treacherous.  Even if a writer comes up with a way to resolve the previous writer's cliffhanger, the rest of his own story can meander or seem like filler as the writer tries to do his “own thing.”  That is what happens with “Nuclear Roar;” much of it seems like filler on the way to a cliffhanger ending.

I'm still going to keep reading, though.

B

[Afterword by Dan Abnett]

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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