I Reads You

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 7 2013

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN130028 ABE SAPIEN #5 $3.50
JUN130038 CATALYST COMIX #2 (MR) $2.99
MAR130075 FAGIN THE JEW 10TH ANNIVERSARY HC $19.99
DEC120116 GAME OF THRONES JON SNOW & GHOST STATUE $349.99
JAN130139 GAME OF THRONES PIN SHIELD LANNISTER $14.99
NOV120094 GAME OF THRONES PIN SHIELD RENLY $14.99
MAR130088 HELLBOY 5 INCH MINI QEE BPRD $19.99
MAR130087 HELLBOY 5 INCH MINI QEE GLOW IN DARK $19.99
MAR130086 HELLBOY 5 INCH MINI QEE RED $19.99
APR130078 LONE WOLF & CUB OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 $19.99
JUN130040 MICHAEL AVON OEMINGS VICTORIES #4 TRANSHUMAN (MR) $3.99
MAR130022 ORCHID TP VOL 03 (MR) $17.99
APR130016 TREKKER OMNIBUS TP $24.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 7 2013

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for August 7 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
JUN130808 ALAN MOORE FASHION BEAST HC (MR) $32.99
JUN130807 ALAN MOORE FASHION BEAST TP (MR) $24.99
MAY131253 ALICE I/T COUNTRY OF HEARTS CLOCKMAKERS STORY GN VOL 01 (MR) $13.99
JUN131163 AMULET SC VOL 03 CLOUD SEARCHERS NEW PTG $12.99
MAR131271 ATOMIC ROBO REAL SCIENCE ADV #9 $2.75
JUN131257 ATOMIC ROBO SAVAGE SWORD OF DR DINOSAUR #2 $3.50
JUN131194 BAG OF MARBLES GN $9.95
MAY131321 BAKUMAN TP VOL 20 $9.99
JUN131012 BLACK BAT #4 BENITEZ ART CVR $3.99
JUN131009 BLACK BAT #4 LEE CVR $3.99
MAY131254 CERTAIN SCIENTIFIC RAILGUN GN VOL 08 $12.99
JUN130797 CHARISMAGIC VOL 2 #4 DIRECT MARKET MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99
APR130912 CRITTER (ONGOING) #13 $3.50
MAY130895 CROSSED BADLANDS #34 (MR) $3.99
MAY130897 CROSSED BADLANDS #34 TORTURE CVR (MR) $3.99
MAY130896 CROSSED BADLANDS #34 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99
JUN130812 CROSSED HC VOL 06 (MR) $32.99
JUN130811 CROSSED TP VOL 06 (MR) $24.99
MAY130950 DAMNED TP VOL 01 $16.99
APR131068 DAMSELS #9 $3.99
MAY131256 DANCE IN VAMPIRE BUND OMNIBUS VOL 03 (MR) $19.99
MAY131073 DARK SHADOWS #19 $3.99
MAY131327 DEVIL & HER LOVE SONG GN VOL 10 $9.99
APR131104 DF DANGER GIRL TRINITY #1 CAMPBELL EXC CVR $10.00
APR131105 DF GUARDIANS O/T GALAXY #1 EXC CVR PI
MAY131101 DF IRON MAN #9 EXC CVR PI
MAY131106 DF TEN GRAND #1 LEE EXC CVR $6.99
MAY131109 DF TEN GRAND #1 LEE EXC VIRGIN CVR $14.99
NOV121161 DF WARLORD OF MARS #27 RISQUE RED CVR (MR) $19.99
APR131103 DF X-FILES SEASON 10 #1 EXC CVR $6.99
JUN130737 EXPLORER SC $10.95
MAY131183 FAIRY TAIL GN VOL 28 $10.99
JUN130712 FINAL PLAGUE #2 (MR) $2.99
JAN131095 GAME OF THRONES #16 (MR) $3.99
JUN130908 GARFIELD #16 [DIG] $3.99
MAY131069 GARTH ENNIS BATTLEFIELDS TP VOL 07 GREEN FIELDS BEYOND (MR) $16.99
JUN130842 GEORGE RR MARTIN SKIN TRADE #2 (MR) $3.99
JUN130844 GEORGE RR MARTIN SKIN TRADE #2 GRISLY CVR (MR) $3.99
JUN130843 GEORGE RR MARTIN SKIN TRADE #2 WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99
MAY131373 GFT WONDERLAND DOWN RABBIT HOLE #3 A CVR SPAY $2.99
MAY131374 GFT WONDERLAND DOWN RABBIT HOLE #3 B CVR MCTEIGUE $2.99
JUN131391 GFT ZOMBIES CURSED #2 A CVR SIQUEIRA $3.99
JUN131392 GFT ZOMBIES CURSED #2 B CVR REYES $3.99
JUN131393 GFT ZOMBIES CURSED #2 C CVR QUALANO $3.99
MAY131326 HAPPY MARRIAGE GN VOL 01 (MR) $9.99
MAY138359 HARBINGER WARS #3 2ND PTG $3.99
MAY130795 HEADSMASH GN $19.95
JUN131227 HELHEIM #6 (MR) $3.99
NOV121001 HIGHER EARTH #9 MAIN CVRS [DIG] $3.99
MAY131263 JOHN CARPENTERS ASYLUM #2 (MR) $3.99
MAY130813 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #195 [DIG/D+] $3.99
MAY131148 KAFKA GN (NEW PTG) $16.99
MAY131328 KAMISAMA KISS TP VOL 13 $9.99
MAY131257 KANOKON GN COLL ED VOL 02 $18.99
MAY131331 KAZE HIKARU GN VOL 21 $9.99
MAY130814 KEVIN KELLER #10 REG CVR [DIG/D+] $2.99
MAY131330 KIMI NI TODOKE GN VOL 17 FROM ME TO YOU $9.99
JUN131377 KINGDOM HEARTS II TP VOL 01 $19.00
MAY130915 KNIGHTINGAIL SHADOW DIVISIONS #1 $3.99
JUN130956 LADY RAWHIDE #1 $3.99
MAY130916 LEGEND OF OZ THE WICKED WEST ONGOING #10 $3.50
MAY131329 LIBRARY WARS LOVE & WAR GN VOL 10 $9.99
JUN131195 LITTLE PRINCE GN VOL 09 PLANET O/T GIANT $7.95
JUN130943 LORDS OF MARS #1 ROSS CVR (MR) $3.99
MAY130819 MEGA MAN #28 REG CVR [DIG/D+] $2.99
MAY131322 NARUTO TP VOL 62 $9.99
MAY130756 NATHAN HALES HAZARDOUS TALES HC VOL 03 DONNER DINNER PARTY $12.95
JUN131138 NO STRAIGHT LINES QUEER COMICS TP $35.00
MAY131323 NURA RISE O/T YOKAI CLAN GN VOL 16 $9.99
JUN131315 OVER THE WALL GN $14.95
JUN131025 OWL #2 $3.99
JUN131031 PATHFINDER GOBLINS #1 $3.99
APR131178 PHASES OF THE MOON TP $12.99
JUN130898 PLANET O/T APES CATACLYSM #12 [DIG] $3.99
MAY131334 POKEMON BLACK & WHITE GN VOL 11 $4.99
JUN130711 PRINCELESS TALES OF GIRLS WHO ROCK ONE SHOT $2.99
JUN131320 QUANTUM & WOODY #2 REG SOOK $3.99
JUN130709 RACHEL RISING TP VOL 03 CEMETERY SONGS $16.99
MAY138378 RED SONJA #1 2ND PTG $3.99
APR131063 RED SONJA TP VOL 11 ECHOES OF WAR $19.99
JUN130889 ROBOCOP LAST STAND #1 (MR) [DIG] $3.99
APR130799 RUBICON HC (MR) $24.95
MAY131258 SACRED BLACKSMITH GN VOL 02 (MR) $13.99
JUN131415 SCREWED #3 A CVR KIRKHAM (MR) $2.99
JUN131416 SCREWED #3 B CVR MILLER (MR) $2.99
MAY130917 SERUSIS #2 $3.50
MAY131016 SHADOW #16 $3.99
JUN131330 SHADOWMAN #9 REG JOHNSON $3.99
JUN130710 SKYWARD #2 $2.99
MAY131340 SLAM DUNK GN VOL 29 $9.99
MAY130797 STEAM ENGINES OF OZ #2 $3.99
JUN130905 SUICIDE RISK #4 [DIG] $3.99
MAY131341 TEGAMI BACHI GN VOL 14 $9.99
MAY131319 TEZUKA TWIN KNIGHT GN VOL 01 $13.95
JUN130742 THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR HC $19.95
JUN131197 TIB & TUMTUM GN VOL 01 WELCOME TO TRIBE $6.95
MAY131342 TORIKO GN VOL 17 $9.99
FEB130817 URSA MINOR #6 (MR) $3.50
APR131229 VAMPIRE CHEERLEADERS MUST DIE GN VOL 01 (MR) $12.99
APR131046 VAMPIRELLA #31 $3.99
APR131058 WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS #28 (MR) $3.99
JUN131264 WITCH BUSTER TP VOL 01 BOOKS 1 & 2 (MR) $16.99
JUN131265 WITCH BUSTER TP VOL 02 BOOKS 3 & 4 (MR) $16.99
MAY131259 WORLD WAR BLUE GN VOL 02 $11.99

MAGAZINES
JUN131434 COMIC SHOP NEWS #1364 PI
APR131388 DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #37 SUPERGIRL WHITE PAWN $16.00
APR131389 DC SUPERHERO CHESS FIG COLL MAG #38 LEX LUTHOR BLACK KING $16.00
APR131390 DRAW #25 $8.95
JUN131491 FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #269 $9.99
APR131391 JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR #61 $10.95
JUN131494 MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 $9.98
MAY131492 STAR TREK MAGAZINE #46 PX ED $9.99
JUN131288 STAR WARS CLONE WARS MAGAZINE #19 $4.99
JUN131506 WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #5 NEWSSTAND ED (MR) $9.99
JUN131507 WALKING DEAD MAGAZINE #5 PX ED (MR) $9.99

BOOKS
FEB131295 ALIEN SAGA POSTER COLLECTION $24.99
JUN131421 ART OF BROM HC (MR) $44.95
MAY131436 DOCTOR WHO COMPLETE GUIDE SC $14.95
JUN131190 HI FRUCTOSE COLL 3 BOX SET $75.00
APR131261 JOE KUBERT TRIBUTE TO THE CREATOR & MENTOR SC $17.95
JAN138117 NEIL GAIMAN OCEAN AT END OF LANE DLX SGN ED $150.00
JUN131428 POSTCARD GIRLS SC (MR) $14.95
MAY132309 WARHAMMER 40K SEVENTH RETRIBUTION SC $14.00
MAY132310 WARHAMMER GOTREK & FELIX LOST TALES SC $14.00

Monday, August 5, 2013

I Reads You Review: BATMAN: Li’l Gotham #2

BATMAN: LI’L GOTHAM #2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITERS: Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs
ART/COVER: Dustin Nguyen
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (July 2013)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns was a critical and sales success, likely even beyond what anyone expected. In response, DC Comics, in what can only be described as an unleashing, started releasing Batman publications that ran the gamut from new ongoing comic book series and miniseries to original graphics novels and special editions. It also seemed as if anything about Batman that had once been fit to print was fit to be reprinted – sometimes in cheap editions and other times in expensive hardcover books and archival editions.

The year 1988 saw the publication of Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s one-shot comic book/graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, and also the formal announcement of a Batman movie scheduled to be released during the summer of 1989. After that, DC Comics literally flooded the market with Batman publications, apparel, and assorted merchandise. With limited capital, comic book shops chose Batman, but to do so, many apparently cut orders elsewhere. In my experience, that elsewhere turned out to be fewer orders of comic books from independent, alternative, and small press publishers.

Fantagraphics Books co-publisher Gary Groth described, in The Comics Journal, all the Batman products as “bat guano.” If I remember correctly, Groth wasn’t calling this Batman stuff “crap,” because it was necessarily awful in terms of quality. Perhaps, he meant “crap,” as in “Look, at all this shit!”

So...

Batman: Li’l Gotham is another of DC Comics’ digital-first comics (read using an app on a PC, smart phone, tablet, or other hand-held device). The series features diminutive or child-like versions of characters from the world of Batman comic books.

Batman: Li’l Gotham #2 collects Chapters 3 and 4 of the series. The first story (Chapter 3) takes place during the Christmas season. Batman and Nightwing team-up (1) to stop a well-intentioned, but misguided plot by Mr. Freeze and (2) to find the missing children’s choir of Saint Peter Academy.

Chapter 4 stars the Gotham City Sirens: Catwoman, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy. After a rendezvous with Batman, Catwoman-Selina Kyle is ready to sit back and relax on New Year’s Eve. Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, however, insist that Selina Kyle join them on a crime spree – that will be for the benefit of man and beast, of course.

Pretty art, pretty weird. That’s the best way that I can describe what I read in Batman: Li’l Gotham #2. Chapter 3 pulls off the unusual hat trick of being poignant, creepy, and well-intentioned. I can’t figure out what is the intended audience for this story (or comic book). Chapter 4 is just lame.

Co-writer and artist Dustin Nguyen pulls off the cute with his “chibi” versions of Batman characters. But is this a kid’s comic book or just another way for DC Comics to exploit Batman and take cash from their suckas... I mean, customers?

I think there have been four issues of Batman: Li’l Gotham published as of this writing, and maybe, I would like them more than I do #2 if I had the chance to read them. But either way, Batman: Li’l Gotham seems more Bat-crap – more Bat-guano.

C

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Kamisama Kiss: Swamp Things from Another World

I read Kamisama Kiss, Vol. 13

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin (which has free smart phone apps and comics).

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Review: B.P.R.D.: Vampire #5

B.P.R.D. VAMPIRE #5 (OF 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

STORY: Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon
ART: Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Fábio Moon
EDITOR: Scott Allie
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (July 2013)

B.P.R.D.: Vampire, the five-issue miniseries and direct sequel to B.P.R.D.: 1948, has come to an end. B.P.R.D. (or BPRD) is the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. This organization protects America and the rest of the world from the occult, the paranormal, and the supernatural.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire is produced by writer Mike Mignola and co-writers/artists Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon. It is set in 1948 and follows Agent Simon Anders and his quest for revenge against a clan of vampires and its Gorgon-eyed queen, Hecate. After consulting “witch maps,” Anders travels to Cesky Krumlov, Czechoslovakia. There, he and his guide, Hana Novarov, find Krumlov Castle, where Anders meets the conniving vampire sisters, Katharina and Annaliese.

B.P.R.D.: Vampire #5 opens at BPRD Headquarters in Fairfield, Connecticut. Professor Trevor Bruttenholm finds that he is the only one who can put an end to this vampire hunt. The Professor must also solve the mystery of the undead of Ceský Krumlov (Castle Krumlov). That means, however, that he must face the one who began the hunt, Agent Simon Anders.

Now, that B.P.R.D.: Vampire has ended, it is easier to fully appreciate how unique this series is. It is a scary story by way of horror fiction of many stripes: vampire, psychological, surreal, and weird.

Summoning their inner Mike Mignola, Gabriel Bá and Fábio Moon deliver some visually arresting graphical storytelling. Their art sells the idea that this is a story that is as impressionistic and psychological as it is literal. Damn, this is just a good looking comic book. Dave Stewart’s striking colors make him part of the art team and also part of the story team.

Mignola, Bá, Moon, and Stewart are a comic book Fab Four. B.P.R.D.: Vampire is their excellent yellow submarine to Hell.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Friday, August 2, 2013

IDW, Jim Zub Revive "Samurai Jack"

Back From The Past, Samurai Jack!

The epic quest to return home continues with all-new comic books from IDW

San Diego, CA (July 26, 2013) - Battling against the forces of evil and the oddities of the future, Samurai Jack's stoic journey is not over yet, in fact, it's just beginning! The long wait is almost over as the fan-favorite series is set to make its IDW debut this October! Through a partnership with Cartoon Network Enterprises, IDW will create and distribute a series of comic books being released monthly.

A cult-classic and fan-favorite of the highest order, the popular and acclaimed animated series from Cartoon Network pitted a feudal Samurai known only as Jack against the ancient demon wizard, Aku. Displaced in time, Jack was made to traverse a strange landscape of the future to find his way back to his own time.

"Samurai Jack is an irresistible mix of high adventure, comedy and mythic storytelling," said series writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers) who will be joined by Andy Suriano (Character Designer on the original Samurai Jack television series) to lead Jack on his newest adventure!

Suriano's affinity for Jack will help shape his continuing adventure. He added, "returning to Samurai Jack is such a personal experience and labor of love for me. It's like stepping through a time portal back to characters I know as friends and a world that really launched my animation career."

The first five-issue arc will explore the secrets of the "Rope of Eons,"

In addition to the great talent already working on this book, the first arc features variant covers by the show's immensely talented creator, Genndy Tartakovsky! "As a Jack and Genndy fan I'm thrilled to be writing new stories that continue where the TV series left off. I'm channeling my inner samurai to deliver a fun action-packed ride each and every issue," said Zub.

Along with the high quality collections of existing material that IDW will be releasing, the new publishing series promises to take Jack back to the past in new and exciting ways!

About Cartoon Network Enterprises
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks' award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is consistently the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.