Showing posts with label Sergio Aragones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sergio Aragones. Show all posts

Monday, February 20, 2023

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 22, 2023

DARK HORSE COMICS

OCT220486 AVATAR ADAPT OR DIE TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
DEC220411 BLUE BOOK #1 (OF 5) CVR A OEMING $4.99
DEC220412 BLUE BOOK #1 (OF 5) CVR B FOIL OEMING $4.99
DEC220413 BLUE BOOK #1 (OF 5) CVR C JOHNSON $4.99
DEC220414 BLUE BOOK #1 (OF 5) CVR D THOMPSON $4.99
DEC220415 BLUE BOOK #1 (OF 5) CVR E BOSS $4.99
DEC220418 BLUE BOOK #1 (OF 5) CVR H FOC VAR THOMPSON $4.99
OCT220431 BPRD OMNIBUS TP VOL 04 (C: 0-1-2) $29.99
JUN220526 COUNT CROWLEY TP VOL 02 AMATEUR MIDNIGHT MONSTER HUNTER (C: $19.99
APR220284 CYBERPUNK 2077 YOU HAVE MY WORD TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
DEC220467 DEAD MALL #4 (OF 4) $3.99
DEC220485 DRAGON AGE MISSING #2 (OF 4) $3.99
DEC220473 GROO GODS AGAINST GROO #3 (OF 4) $3.99
DEC220440 HELLBOY IN LOVE #3 (OF 5) $3.99
OCT220472 LAST DAYS OF BLACK HAMMER FROM WORLD OF BLACK HAMMER TP (C: $19.99
OCT220494 LONESOME HUNTERS TP (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
OCT220481 MIND MGMT BOOTLEG HC (C: 0-1-2) $24.99
OCT220483 NEXUS NEFARIOUS HC (C: 0-1-2) $17.99
DEC220449 ONES #4 (OF 4) CVR A EDGAR $4.99
DEC220450 ONES #4 (OF 4) CVR B ALLRED $4.99
OCT220462 PEARL TP VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $24.99
OCT220506 PSYCH OPASS INSPECTOR SHINYA KOGAMI TP VOL 06 (MR) (C: 0-1-2 $11.99
OCT220400 STAR WARS THE NAMELESS TERROR #1 (OF 4) (C: 1-0-0) $4.99
DEC220479 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #3 (OF 4) CVR A MONTLLO $3.99
DEC220480 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #3 (OF 4) CVR B REBELKA $3.99
DEC220481 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #3 (OF 4) CVR C SCHMIDT $3.99
DEC220482 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #3 (OF 4) CVR D LOPEZ $3.99

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Monday, December 19, 2022

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 21, 2022

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAY220427 ART OF HE-MAN & THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE HC (C: 1-1-2) $39.99
AUG220395 BPRD OMNIBUS TP VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $29.99
MAY220490 BREAK OUT #4 (OF 4) CVR A GORHAM $3.99
MAY220491 BREAK OUT #4 (OF 4) CVR B LINDSAY $3.99
OCT220423 GROO GODS AGAINST GROO #1 (OF 4) $3.99
OCT220407 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #1 (OF 4) CVR A MONTLLO $3.99
OCT220408 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #1 (OF 4) CVR B REBELKA $3.99
OCT220409 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #1 (OF 4) CVR C SCHMIDT $3.99
OCT220410 WITCHER THE BALLAD OF TWO WOLVES #1 (OF 4) CVR D LOPEZ $3.99

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Monday, November 15, 2021

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 17, 2021

DARK HORSE COMICS:

Groo Meets Tarzan #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Sergio Aragones), $3.99
Norse Mythology II #6 (Of 6)(Cover A P. Craig Russell), $3.99
Norse Mythology II #6 (Of 6)(Cover B David Mack), $3.99
Savage Hearts #5 (Of 5)(Cover A Jed Dougherty), $3.99
Witchfinder Omnibus Volume 2 HC, $39.99

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Monday, July 26, 2021

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 28, 2021

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB210248    AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER SUKI ALONE TP    $12.99
MAY210279    GRENDEL DEVILS ODYSSEY #8 (OF 8) CVR A WAGNER (MR)    $3.99
MAY210280    GRENDEL DEVILS ODYSSEY #8 (OF 8) CVR B SHAVLEY (MR)    $3.99
MAY210268    GROO MEETS TARZAN #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
MAR210305    HEART IN A BOX TP (2ND ED)    $24.99
MAY210288    PARASOMNIA #2 (OF 4) CVR A MUTTI    $3.99
MAY210289    PARASOMNIA #2 (OF 4) CVR B WARD    $3.99
MAR210309    PLANTS VS ZOMBIES HC CONSTRUCTIONARY TALES (RES)    $10.99
MAR210258    RAPTOR LTD ED HC    $99.99
FEB210267    SHAOLIN COWBOY START TREK TP    $19.99
MAY210304    WITCHER WITCHS LAMENT #3 (OF 4) CVR A DEL REY    $3.99
MAY210305    WITCHER WITCHS LAMENT #3 (OF 4) CVR B FINNSTARK    $3.99
MAY210306    WITCHER WITCHS LAMENT #3 (OF 4) CVR C KOIDL    $3.99


Sunday, October 14, 2018

Review: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES/USAGI YOJIMBO

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES/USAGI YOJIMBO (ONE-SHOT)
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Stan Sakai
COLORS: Tom Luth
LETTERS: Stan Sakai
EDITORS: Bobby Curnow, Philip R. Simon, and Megan Walker
COVER: Stan Sakai with Tom Luth
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stan Sakai; Stan Sakai with Tom Luth; Sergio Aragones with Tom Luth; David Petersen; Kevin Eastman with Stan Sakai and Tomi Varga; Kevin Eastman
48pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird; Usagi Yojimbo created by Stan Sakai

“Namazu of The Big Fish Story”

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (also known as TMNT and Ninja Turtles or sometimes as “the Turtles”) are a media empire that began with four fictional characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.  The comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (cover dated: May 1984), introduced four teenage anthropomorphic turtles (meaning they walk and talk like humans).

Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael were adopted by an anthropomorphic rat, Master Splinter, who was their sensei and who trained them in the art of ninjutsu.  The Turtles live in the sewers of New York City and battle every bad guy, from petty criminals and overlord-mastermind types to alien invaders and mutated creatures.

Usagi Yojimbo, which means “rabbit bodyguard,” is an anthropomorphic rabbit ronin who is sometimes hired as a bodyguard.  His adventures take place in Edo-era Japan (specifically the 17th century).  Created by Stan Sakai, Usagi first appeared in the small press comic book, Albedo Anthropomorphics #2.  He is the star of a long-running comic book series, Usagi Yojimbo, which is currently published by Dark Horse Comics, but was previously published by Fantagraphics Books (1987) and Mirage Publishing (1993).

TMNT and Usagi Yojimbo team up (not for the first time) in the new full-color comic book, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo.  This recently published one-shot is written, drawn and lettered by Stan Sakai and is colored by Tom Luth.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo (“Namazu of The Big Fish Story”) opens with Usagi dispatching a group of bandits that have been infesting a section of a road used by pilgrims.  A group of people on a pilgrimage thank Usagi for getting rid of the bandits, but they also inform Usagi that “the Old One” is expecting a visit from him.

The old one is Kakera-sensei, who wants Usagi to be his bodyguard as he travels to Tashima Shrine to deliver a special object.  One bodyguard will not be enough, so Kakera summons Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael – the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  However, these turtles are not quite like the ones Usagi remembers, and their opponent, the evil Jei, is the obstacle in their big fish adventure called Namazu.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo is one of the best comic books I have read this year.  I have even put it on my my short list of best comic books of 2017.  Why?  First, it is really a good comic book.  The fact is that Stan Sakai is a master cartoonist and superior comic book creator.  I don't read Usagi Yojimbo that often (which is a shame on my part), but every time I have read it I have marveled at Sakai's imagination and inventive storytelling and, of course, his beautiful artwork.

I think Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo's format plays a big part as to why I like it so much.  This comic book is a one-shot.  It is like a magical item that shows up once, delivers some magical storytelling, and then is magically spirited away.  It is also a comic book that is appropriate and accessible to anyone who can read comic books, regardless of age.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Usagi Yojimbo is an example of a perfect (or near-perfect) comic book.  It features venerable, beloved comic book characters, and it is the creation of two master comic book creators, Stan Sakai and Tom Luth.

9.5 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.

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Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Review: BART SIMPSON Bust-Up

BART SIMPSON BUST-UP
HARPERCOLLINS/Harper Design – @HarperCollins @harperdesignbks @TheSimpsons

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: John Zakour; Carol Lay; Sergio Aragones; David Seidman; Tom & Henry Gammill; Mary Trainor; Max Davison; Ian Boothby; Peter Kuper; Tony Digerolamo; John Jackson Miller; Evan Dorkin
PENCILS: John Delaney; Carol Lay; Sergio Aragones; Hilary Barta; Tone Rodriguez; John Costanza; Phil Ortiz; Peter Kuper; Jason Ho; Eric Shanower; James Lloyd; Rex Lindsey
INKS: Dan Davis; Carol Lay; Sergio Aragones; Hilary Barta; Tone Rodriguez; Phyllis Novin; Mike DeCarlo; Andrew Pepoy; Peter Kuper; Jason Ho; Eric Shanower
COLORS: Nathan Hamill; Peter Kuper & Minah Kim; Jason Ho; Art Villanueva
LETTERS: Karen Bates
COVER: Matt Groening
ISBN: 978-0-06-269255-9; paperback (April 3, 2018)
128pp, Color, $16.99 U.S., $21.00 CAN

Bart Simpson Bust-Up is a new trade paperback comic book collection from Harper Design.  Bart Simpson Bust-Up collects 18 comic book short stories and short gags that were published in various Bart Simpson comic books during the second half of 2012.

Bart Simpson is a character on the animated television sitcom, “The Simpsons,” produced first run for the Fox Broadcasting Company.  “The Simpsons” present a satirical depiction of a working class family which consists of Homer Simpson (the father), Marge Simpson (the mother), Bart (the oldest child and only son), Lisa (the precocious and brilliant elder daughter), and Maggie (a baby girl).  “The Simpsons” also parodies American culture, pop culture, society, politics, media, etc. via the denizens of The Simpsons home town, Springfield.

In 1993, Matt Groening (creator of “The Simpsons”), Bill Morrison, and Steve and Cindy Vance founded Bongo Comics Group (or simply Bongo Comics).  Over the course of a quarter-century, Bongo Comics has published numerous comic book series and single-issue publications based on “The Simpsons.”  The comic books have starred and featured all the characters that are part of this franchise, from the Simpsons clan to the various supporting characters, including Ralph Wiggum and his father, Chief Wiggum; Bart's pals, Milhouse and Nelson; Ned Flanders; and Principal Seymour Skinner, to name a few.

Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins, has been publishing a line of full-color, original trade paperbacks that reprint select stories from Bongo Comics' various Simpsons comic books.  The latest trade paperback, Bart Simpson Bust-Up, reprints issues #73 to #77 of Simpsons Comics Presents Bart Simpson (July 2012 to November 2012) and The Simpsons Summer Shindig #7 (May 2013).  Simpsons Comics Presents Bart Simpson or simply Bart Simpson was Bongo Comics' long-running comic book series starring Bart Simpson that ran from 2000 to 2016.

Bart Simpson Bust-Up opens with “Everybody Really Hates Bart,” and it is Bart's fault after one of his pranks creates a nightmare right out of a horror movie.  Then, Bart is the victim of Lisa's sociological experimentation in “Decisions, Decisions.”  It is a disaster of shoe proportions in “There's No Business Like Shoe Business,” with a little help from baby genius, Maggie Simpson.

Bart and Milhouse go “Into the Woods,” showing that these two boys are not scout material.  Bart, Milhouse, and Nelson are among the boys trying to impress the “New Girl in Town.”  Bart uses old coupons and causes a disaster in “ For a Limited Time Only.”  Finally, Bart uses all his wiles to bring comfort to his family in “Railroaded.”

Harper Design has been sending me review copies of its Simpsons trade paperback originals for the past few years.  Bart Simpson Bust-Up is the fourth one they have sent me, and I am delighted to say that it is the best.  That is saying a lot because I really liked the previous three Simpsons collections that I read.

Bart Simpson Bust-Up is filled with stories that are funny (obviously), but are also imaginative and inventive.  “Good Cop, Bart Cop” (story by Ian Boothby and art by John Delaney and Andrew Pepoy) is funny in a way that recalls the best entries in the Lethal Weapon film franchise (the first two).  “Into the Woods” has a killer “special bonus” panel to end the story.  No two stories are the same; each one is a surprising and novel treat.

In my review of the previous volume, Simpsons Comics Game On!, I wrote that one does not have to be a fan of “The Simpsons” to like it.  It is the same with Bart Simpson Bust-Up, which is filled with excellently crafted humor comics.  If you want funny comics, buy this collection.  If you are a fan of “The Simpsons,” Bart Simpson Bust-Up is too funny to pass up.

9.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, February 5, 2018

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 7, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

OCT170041    BTVS SEASON 11 TP VOL 02 ONE GIRL IN ALL WORLD    $19.99
OCT170056    GROO PLAY OF THE GODS TP    $17.99
OCT170095    HALO RISE OF ATRIOX #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT170018    INCOGNEGRO A GRAPHIC MYSTERY HC    $19.99
DEC170048    INCOGNEGRO RENAISSANCE #1    $3.99
DEC170100    KOSHCHEI THE DEATHLESS #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT170050    MOEBIUS LIBRARY INSIDE MOEBIUS HC VOL 01    $39.99
SEP170071    NIOURK HC    $29.99
DEC170101    RASPUTIN VOICE OF DRAGON #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC170102    RASPUTIN VOICE OF DRAGON #4 (OF 5) DEL RAY VAR    $3.99
NOV170043    TOMB RAIDER SURVIVORS CRUSADE #3 (OF 4)    $3.99

Monday, October 9, 2017

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 11, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

AUG170061    BRIGGS LAND LONE WOLVES #5 (OF 6) MAIN    $3.99
AUG170062    BRIGGS LAND LONE WOLVES #5 (OF 6) VAR OLIVER CVR    $3.99
JUN170081    FALLOUT 4 TP POSTER COLLECTION    $24.99
AUG170058    GROO PLAY OF GODS #4    $3.99
AUG170066    HALO ADULT COLORING BOOK TP    $14.99
JUN170044    HARLEQUIN VALENTINE HC 2ND ED    $12.99
AUG170037    HARROW COUNTY #26    $3.99
JUN170036    HARROW COUNTY TP VOL 06 HEDGE MAGIC    $17.99
JUL170026    HCF 2017 HELLBOY BRPD 1953 WITCH TREE RAWHEAD BLOODY BONES (    $PI
AUG170026    HELLBOY & BPRD 1955 OCCULT INTELLIGENCE #2 (OF 3)    $3.99
JUN170017    HELLBOY IN HELL LIBRARY EDITION HC    $49.99
JUN170065    MICHAEL CHABON ESCAPISTS TP    $19.99
AUG170020    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS SHADOWS #8 MACK CVR (MR)    $3.99
AUG170019    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS SHADOWS #8 MAIN (MR)    $3.99
JUN170115    OH MY GODDESS OMNIBUS TP VOL 06    $19.99
JUN170080    OVERWATCH ANTHOLOGY HC VOL 01    $19.99
JUN170096    PLANTS VS ZOMBIES LAWN OF DOOM HC    $9.99
JUN170101    SERENITY EVERYTHINGS SHINY ADULT COLORING BOOK TP    $14.99
JUN170077    TERMINATOR ORIGINAL SERIES TEMPEST & ONESHOT HC    $39.99

Monday, August 7, 2017

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 9, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

APR170046    ALIEN VS PREDATOR LIFE AND DEATH TP (MR)    $19.99
APR170086    ANGEL SEASON 11 TP VOL 01 OUT OF PAST    $17.99
APR170108    DRIFTERS TP VOL 04 (MR)    $13.99
APR170081    EC ARCHIVES INCREDIBLE SCIENCE FICTION HC    $49.99
JUN170107    GROO PLAY OF GODS #2    $3.99
JUN170025    HELLBOY AND THE BPRD 1955 SECRET NATURE ONE SHOT    $3.99
APR170104    NGE SHINJI IKARI RAISING PROJECT OMNIBUS TP VOL 04    $19.99
JUN170032    SHADOWS ON THE GRAVE #7 (OF 8)    $3.99

Monday, July 10, 2017

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 12, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB170075    ART OF CAMILLA DERRICO HC VOL 01 FEMINA & FAUNA (2ND ED)    $24.99
FEB170015    ART OF SPLATOON HC    $39.99
MAY170030    BRIGGS LAND LONE WOLVES #2    $3.99
MAY170031    BRIGGS LAND LONE WOLVES #2 STAPLES VAR    $3.99
MAY170022    DRAGON AGE KNIGHT ERRANT #3    $3.99
MAY170050    GROO PLAY OF GODS #1    $3.99
MAR170037    LEAD POISONING PENCIL ART OF GEOF DARROW HC    $34.99
MAR170062    LEGEND OF KORRA COLORING BOOK TP    $14.99
MAR170050    MANARA LIBRARY TP VOL 02 EL GAUCHO & OTHER STORIES (MR)    $29.99
MAY170017    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS SHADOWS #5 (MR)    $3.99
MAY170018    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS SHADOWS #5 MACK VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY170071    SHADOWS ON THE GRAVE #6 (OF 8)    $3.99

Monday, October 10, 2016

Review: SIMPSONS COMICS COLOSSAL COMPENDIUM Volume 4

SIMPSONS COMICS COLOSSAL COMPENDIUM VOLUME 4
HARPERCOLLINS/Harper Design

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Tom Gammill & Henry Gammill; Brian Houlihan; Mary Trainor; Max Davison; Sergio Aragones; and others
PENCILS: Mike Kazaleh; John Delaney; James Lloyd; Tone Rodriguez; Kassandra Heller; Sergio Aragones; and others
INKS: Andrew Pepoy; Mike Kazaleh; Dan Davis; Sergio Aragones; and others
COLORS: Art Villanueva; Nathan Hamill; Kassandra Heller; and others
LETTERS: Karen Bates
COVER: Matt Groening
ISBN: 978-0-06-242326-9; paperback (July 5, 2016)
176pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $21.99 CAN

“The Simpsons” is an American animated television sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company.  “The Simpsons” began in 1987 as a series of animated shorts that were part of the comedy variety television program, “The Tracey Ullman Show.”  The shorts were eventually developed into a half-hour animated TV series and began being broadcast on Fox in December of the 1989-90 television season.  “The Simpsons” continues to this day, and Fox has ordered new episodes into 2018.

“The Simpsons” present a satirical depiction of a working class family which consists of Homer Simpson (the father), Marge Simpson (the mother), Bart (the oldest child and only son), Lisa (the precocious and brilliant elder daughter), and Maggie (a baby girl).  “The Simpsons” also parodies American culture, pop culture, society, politics, media, etc. via the denizens of The Simpsons home town, Springfield.

In 1993, Matt Groening, Bill Morrison, and Steve and Cindy Vance founded Bongo Comics Group (or simply Bongo Comics).  Over the course of more than two decades, Bongo Comics has published numerous comic book series and single-issue publications based on “The Simpsons.”  The comic books have starred and featured all the characters that are part of this franchise, from the Simpsons clan to the various supporting characters, including Ralph Wiggum and his father, Chief Wiggum; Itchy & Scratchy; Krusty the Clown, Duffman, McBain, and Mr. Burns and Smithers, to name a few.

Since 2013, Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins, has been publishing Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium.  This is a paperback graphic novel (or trade paperback) series which reprints select comic book stories starring characters from “The Simpsons” that were originally published by Bongo Comics.  Harper Design recently published Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4 (July 2016).

It has been at least a decade since I last read a Simpsons comic book (although I have read one since I finished this book).  I always enjoyed them, so I don't know why I stopped.  Bongo Comics consistently delivers high-quality comic books that capture the spirit of “The Simpsons” television series.  I was intrigued when Harper Design sent me a copy of Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4.

Right from the start, Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4 delivers a bang with the story “Donut Disturb,” which follows Bart and Lisa's battle to win the “Donut Kid of the Year” contest.  This contest is put on by “Lard Lad,” the immensely popular donut chain, and this contest has plenty of wacky contestants.  However, the true fun and the best satirical moments come after the winner claims the crown, which hangs heavy on the head.

Mike Kazaleh, one of my all-time favorite cartoonists, draws the Chuck Jones-inspired “The Man of the House.”  The story makes me think that the true comedic potential of Ralph Wiggum really has not been tapped.  Also, “Sun Burns” shows Mr. Burns in all his grubby Rupert Murdoch-like glory, but the story also showcases the plucky side of the brainy Lisa Simpson.

Writer Sherri L. Smith and artist Kassandra Heller present a wonderful Lisa Simpson tale, entitled “Lisa's Lending Library.”  Heller's pastel like illustrations give this story a fairy tale-like aura.  MAD Magazine legend and Groo the Wanderer creator, Sergio Aragones, offers the delightful two-page “Maggie's Crib,” which shows the toddler's mischievous side.  The Judge Dredd parody, “Judge Redneck,” is an unexpected and clever treat.

You don't have to be a fan of “The Simpsons” to like Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium Volume 4, but if you like good humor comics, you need an occasional jolt of Simpsons comic books in your reading life.  The creators and editors behind Bongo Comics' Simpsons comics are as good at humorous parody and satire as any other humor comics creator – and better in most cases.  So that is what the Simpsons Comics Colossal Compendium series is here to do – fill your comedy and humor comics needs.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 21, 2015

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV140050     1 FOR $1 ELFQUEST     $1.00
SEP140095     ABE SAPIEN TP VOL 05 SACRED PLACES     $19.99
NOV140038     BPRD HELL ON EARTH #127     $3.50
SEP140094     BPRD PLAGUE OF FROGS TP VOL 02     $24.99
NOV140027     BTVS SEASON 10 #11 MAIN CVR     $3.50
NOV140057     DARK HORSE PRESENTS 2014 #6     $4.99
SEP140027     DREAM THIEF TP VOL 02 ESCAPE     $17.99
JUL140083     GHOST TP VOL 03 AGAINST WILDERNESS (MR)     $14.99
NOV140084     GROO FRIENDS AND FOES #1     $3.99
SEP140083     KING CONAN TP VOL 04 CONQUEROR     $19.99
SEP140051     LEGEND OF KORRA ART ANIMATED SERIES HC BOOK 03 CHANGE     $34.99
SEP140033     MICHAEL AVON OEMINGS VICTORIES TP VOL 04 META HUMAN     $17.99
SEP140084     ROBERT E HOWARDS SAVAGE SWORD TP VOL 02     $17.99
NOV140042     STRAIN NIGHT ETERNAL #5 (MR)     $3.99

Monday, August 18, 2014

I Reads You Review: GROO VS. CONAN #1

GROO VS. CONAN #1 (OF 4)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier
ART:  Sergio Aragonés and Thomas Yeates
COLORS: Tom Luth
LETTERS: Richard Starkings and Comicraft
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (July 2014)

I don't remember when or where I first encountered Groo the Wanderer, the classic 1980s independent comics character created by cartoonist Sergio Aragonés.  Groo first appeared in Destroyer Duck #1 in 1982 (which I believe I owned at one time).  I really got into the character during the long-running comic book series,  Groo the Wanderer, which was published by Marvel Comics' imprint, Epic, for 10 years from 1985 to 1994.   Aragonés plotted and drew Groo comic books and co-conspirator, Mark Evanier, provided the characters' dialogue.

Groo apparently began as a parody of the Conan the Barbarian comic books that Marvel Comics began publishing in the early 1970s.  Groo lives in a world that resembles Medieval Europe (with some anachronisms), although he has traveled to lands that resemble Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East, among others.  Groo is a large-nosed buffoon/oafish type; is probably the most stupid person of his time; and is clueless about his environment and surroundings.  However, this accident-prone fool is an almost supernaturally-skilled swordsman, which is why he tries to work as a mercenary, among other jobs.  He has a pet dog, Rufferto, that accompanies him.

I stopped reading Groo comic books sometime around the turn of the century (still sounds weird to me to say that).  However, when I discovered that the long-planned, crossover comic book featuring Groo and Conan the Barbarian was finally about to be published, I knew that it was time to return to Groo.

Groo vs. Conan #1 opens with Conan the Cimmerian in battle against a typical all-powerful and evil wizard.  Conan's appearance is no coincidence, because the story switches to the “real world” (or a cartoon version of it); there Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier are talking about bringing Groo and Conan together.  Sergio is not crazy about the idea; then, fate changes things.  And a king known as Murcia is about to give Conan a reason to join the story.

I started off excited to read Groo vs. Conan #1.  Then, I began to be annoyed by its meta-fiction quality and comic-within-a-comic story structure.  Then, I started to understand where the story was going (or where I thought it was going), and I enjoyed it, feeling disappointed when I came to the last page.  I must say that I like having Thomas Yeates drawing the Conan segments of the story and Sergio drawing the Groo parts of the story, as well as the scenes featuring himself and Mark Evanier.

Groo vs. Conan #1 promises that this four-issue issue miniseries will be unique both in terms of graphics and art and also in terms of the plot and narrative.  Unique is good, and if the creative team can come close to their best work, Groo vs. Conan will also be a great read.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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