Ultimo: The House of Awakening

I read Ultimo, vol. 6

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

I Reads You Review: FLASHPOINT #5

FLASHPOINT #5 (OF 5)
DC COMICS

WRITER: Geoff Johns
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS: Sandra Hope and Jesse Delperdang
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Rick J. Napolitano
COVER: Andy Kubert, Sandra Hope, and Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Rod Reis
40pp, Color, $3.99

In the beginning, I enjoyed DC Comics’ crossover events and would read the entire core limited series and as many of the tie-in titles as I could. I read Crisis on Infinite Earth (1985-86) and most of the tie-in comic books. I read Legends (1986-87) and many of the tie-in issues. I read some of Millennium (1988) and a few of the tie-ins. By the time of Invasion (1988-89), I only felt like spending a little money on the whole event, so I only passively sampled it. Armageddon 2001 (1991) interested me for a few weeks. Since reading a few issues of DC One Million, I have entirely avoided DC’s comic book crossover story arcs, including just about anything that smacked of being an event.

Well, this is a big year for DC Comics, and I find myself coming in on the end of Flashpoint, the biggest comic book crossover event of 2011. For the past few decades, many crossover events have promised to change either Marvel or DC’s fictional universes forever, but Flashpoint seems to be the real deal. When Flashpoint ends, the DC Universe will reboot (DC’s bosses call it a re-launch), and from August 31 to September 28 2011, DC Comics will publish 52 number one issues – the first issues of 52 new comic book series. It’s known as “The New 52.”

Flashpoint, the core miniseries in a massive publishing event, is a five-issue series written by Geoff Johns and penciled by Andy Kubert. As I understand it: Barry Allen/Flash is among a handful of characters who realize that they have awakened in an altered timeline, vastly different from the regular one in which they live. This timeline is called Flashpoint.

As Flashpoint #5 begins, Reverse Flash/Eobard Thawne is triumphant, as everything Flash/Barry Allen tries seems to come up short. Batman/Thomas Wayne comes to the rescue, with Grifter and the Resistance close behind. But only Flash can fix the mess he made – with millions of lives hanging in the balance.

As crossover events go, Flashpoint offers the usual superhero/super-villain spectacle – skirmishes and big cast-of-thousands battles. There’s plenty of exposition in the form of recaps, explanations, back story, exclamations of triumph, premature ejaculation, etc. I think this is the first Geoff Johns scripted comic book that I have ever read… I think.

After reading this, I can understand why Johns’ comics might not be on my must-recall list. Still, the second half of this comic book has a few poignant scenes. Perhaps, these moments of character tenderness and bonding are what make Johns’ reputation with comic book fans.

The art is a mixed bag. I don’t think this kind of event comic, in which action scenes and characters are packed like sardines into small panels are Andy Kubert’s strength. Covers, double-page spreads, splash pages, and pages with big panels are where he thrives, and that is no more evident than here in Flashpoint #5. Kubert’s gorgeous pencil art for the cover shows that almost 20 years later, Jim Lee is still influencing Kubert.

Do you need to read Flashpoint before you start reading “The New 52?” No, you do not.

B-

DC Comics' "The New 52" Release Schedule

DC Comics Launches Historic Era of Comic Books With 52 New #1 Issues

The World's Greatest Super Heroes Get a Makeover as Comic Book Giant Starts Titles at #1 and Launches All Titles Digitally

[Posted by Leroy Douresseaux on Patreon.]

BURBANK, Calif., Aug. 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DC Comics is making history today as it relaunches its entire line of comic books with all new first issues, which, for the first time, will all be available for purchase digitally on the same day they are released in print.

The release of JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 officially kicks off "The New 52" as part of DC Comics' plan to launch an entire comic book line of 52 new number one issues this fall. Written by best-selling author Geoff Johns and drawn by legendary artist Jim Lee, JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 is a new beginning for the world's greatest super hero team, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and other iconic characters from the pages of DC Comics.

With "The New 52," DC Comics' most iconic super heroes will be presented in a younger and more contemporary way, including new costumes, characters and storylines. "The New 52" also marks a new era in digital availability for comics, as all books will launch the same day digitally with their physical counterparts. This groundbreaking initiative makes DC Comics the first major publisher to release all of its comic book titles digitally the same day as they are available in print. All new issues can be downloaded to PC, tablet or mobile devices on the Windows, iOS and Android platforms.

"For us, it's always been about the fans and we wanted to channel all of the excitement they've shown by giving back with a big event," said Dan DiDio, co-publisher, DC Entertainment. "We're really excited about 'The New 52' and we think all fans - old and new - will love the journey we're about to embark on."

Since the historic launch was announced earlier this year, fans from around the world have been eagerly anticipating the books to get a first look at the changes in store. Comic retailers have also embraced the arrival of "The New 52." More than 50 stores held local Midnight Madness events around the country last night to celebrate the launch and accommodate fans clamoring for the first issue.

Additional #1 titles will be available for sale every Wednesday through September 28. For more information about how to subscribe to DC Comics, visit our digital store at http://www.read.dccomics.com/ or locate a comic book shop near you.

Book Release Schedule:

August 31st
JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 3.99
FLASHPOINT #5 3.99

September 7th
ACTION COMICS #1 3.99
ANIMAL MAN #1 2.99
BATGIRL #1 2.99
BATWING #1 2.99
DETECTIVE COMICS #1 2.99
GREEN ARROW #1 2.99
HAWK AND DOVE #1 2.99
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #1 2.99
MEN OF WAR #1 3.99
OMAC #1 2.99
STATIC SHOCK #1 2.99
STORMWATCH #1 2.99
SWAMP THING #1 2.99

September 14th
BATMAN AND ROBIN #1 2.99
BATWOMAN #1 2.99
DEATHSTROKE #1 2.99
DEMON KNIGHTS #1 2.99
FRANKENSTEIN AGENT OF SHADE #1 2.99
GREEN LANTERN #1 2.99
GRIFTER #1 2.99 2.24
LEGION LOST #1 2.99
MISTER TERRIFIC #1 2.99
RED LANTERNS #1 2.99
RESURRECTION MAN #1 2.99
SUICIDE SQUAD #1 2.99
SUPERBOY #1 2.99

September 21st
BATMAN #1 2.99
BIRDS OF PREY #1 2.99
BLUE BEETLE #1 2.99
CAPTAIN ATOM #1 2.99
CATWOMAN #1 2.99
DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS #1 2.99
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #1 2.99
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #1 2.99
NIGHTWING #1 2.99
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #1 2.99
SUPERGIRL #1 2.99
WONDER WOMAN #1 2.99

September 28th
ALL STAR WESTERN #1 3.99
AQUAMAN #1 2.99
BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #1 2.99
BLACKHAWKS #1 2.99
FLASH #1 2.99
FURY OF FIRESTORM #1 2.99
GREEN LANTERN NEW GUARDIANS #1 2.99
I VAMPIRE #1 2.99
JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #1 2.99
SAVAGE HAWKMAN #1 2.99
SUPERMAN #1 2.99
TEEN TITANS #1 2.99
VOODOO #1 2.99


About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, etc.), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables, etc.) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating across Warner Bros. and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment, and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.

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Seven Narutos for Seven Days

VIZ MANGA DEBUTS SEVEN VOLUMES OF NARUTO IN SEVEN DAYS

Release Promotion Culminates in NARUTO Volume 52 Debuting Same Day As Print Counterpart on September 6th

VIZ Media starts off September with a special NARUTO release promotion through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad™, iPhone™ and iPod™ touch. NARUTO Vol. 46 is available now, Vol. 47 launches today, and a new volume of NARUTO (volumes 48-51) will be available each day thereafter. On Tuesday, September 6th, NARUTO Volume 52 will debut DAY-AND-DATE with its print counterpart!

Created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, NARUTO (rated ‘T’ for Teens) quickly became Japan’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. NARUTO is also one of the most popular anime/manga properties in North America. The NARUTO manga and animated series depict the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of the nine-tailed fox demon sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong. More information on NARUTO is available at http://www.naruto.com/.

NARUTO Vol. 52 sees a Cell Seven reunion as Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto finally meet and the former classmates' complicated past gives way to a violent and unsure future. Naruto realizes he must eventually battle Sasuke one-on-one...to the death! But with Sasuke and his dark allies bent on complete destruction, and political intrigue in the villages, will the powerful Allied Shinobi Forces allow the two "friends" to meet in battle?!

September 5th also sees new additions to 11 other VIZ Media manga series, including:

BLACK BIRD Vol. 10 – available a day earlier than the print counterpart!
DENGEKI DIASY Vol. 4
DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 25
GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA Vol. 3
I’LL GIVE MY ALL TOMORROW Vol. 3
KEKKAISHI Vol. 12
OISHINBO Vol. 2
ONE PIECE Vol. 42
OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 10
ROSARIO + VAMPIRE II Vol. 4
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 21

VIZ Media's digital manga platform continues to expand access for fans in North America to the world's best manga. Starting with the VIZ Manga app (the #1 app for reading manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch) in 2010, the recently launched VIZManga.com is now a leading online destination for reading manga on desktop/laptop computers and on Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users can select from nearly 400 volumes across 40+ series and then enjoy their purchases through even more devices than ever.

For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

Toriko Ten-Fold

I read Toriko, Vol. 6

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Leroy Douresseaux on STAR WARS: JEDI – The Dark Side #4

STAR WARS: JEDI – THE DARK SIDE #4
DARK HORSE BOOKS

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Scott Allie
ARTIST: Mahmud Asrar
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
COVER: Stéphane Roux
32pp, Color, $2.99

The only reason that I’ve become a regular reader of the Star Wars comic books that Dark Horse Comics publishes is because Dark Horse sends me advance review copies in PDF form. Since I don’t make regular (or even semi-regular) trips to the comic book shops that are closest to me (and they’re not that close), I avoid getting into series that require me to buy consecutive issues. If I were a regular comic book guy, I’d probably buy these Star Wars comic books. They’re quite good.

Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side is a Star Wars comic book set during “The Rise of the Empire” era, the thousand-year period before the original Star Wars film. This particular storyline takes place two decades before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

The Jedi Council has sent Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, his headstrong Padawan Xanatos, the beautiful Jedi Master Tahl, and the Padawan Orykan Tamarik (whose master is deceased) to the planet Telos IV. Their assignment is to quell the unrest caused by the mysterious death and possible assassination of High Priestess Liora.

As Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #4 opens, Qui-Gon and the Jedi deal with the aftermath of the attack on Lord Crion, the ruler of Telos IV and father of Xanatos. The attack resulted in a shocking death, which Crion uses to his political advantage. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon must do without one his companions, and he must also deal with the fact that the Jedi are being used for political purposes. And still the true villain behind the murder of the High Priestess remains unknown.

Writer Scott Allie has turned in a Star Wars comic book story that is part palace drama and part conspiracy thriller, in addition to having the usual Star Wars elements. Plus, in this issue, there is plenty of hot light saber action, courtesy of Qui-Gon. Speaking of the master, Allie has generally presented a richly characterized version of Qui-Gon in the series. With this issue, however, he is vapid, although I think the character is supposed to come across as perplexed? Anyway, this series is steadily moving towards a conclusion that I hope can live up to the build up.

B+

Will You Remember the I Reads You of September

Welcome to I Reads You, my blog about the things I read (mostly comic books, comics, and related books) and about the things I come across worth reading (mostly about comic books, politics, and entertainment). Sometimes I’ll comment on “real” books and the mass media.

Don't forget to visit http://www.negromancer.com/. I also write for the Comic Book Bin (which has smart phones apps).

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