My Love Story: The Unspoken Love of Yukika Amami

I read My Love Story!!, Vol. 7

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Review: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2015) No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dan Slott
PENCILS: Giuseppe Camuncoli
INKS: Cam Smith
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Alex Ross
VARIANT COVERS: Mark Bagley; Giuseppe Camuncoli with Marte Gracia; J. Scott Campbell with Nei Ruffino; Andrew Hennessy with Nolan Woodard; Mike Del Mundo; Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado; Ryan Sook; Gameloft with Trevor Cook; Aaron Rivin photographed by Judy Stephens
68pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated  “T”

Spider-Man created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

There have been at least three prior series to start with the title, The Amazing Spider-Man, to say nothing of all the comics published as Spider-Man #1.  In fact, there was The Amazing Spider-Man #1 launched by writer Dan Slott and artist Humberto Ramos just last year.

With the arrival of the “All-New All-Different Marvel,” The Amazing Spider-Man starts over, again with writer Dan Slott; artists Giuseppe Camuncoli (pencils) and Cam Smith (inks); colorist Marte Gracia; letterer Joe Caramagna; and cover artist Alex Ross.

The Amazing Spider-Man #1 opens in Shanghia.  Why?  Because Spider-Man has gone global, that's why.  Spider-Man and Mockingbird are trying to receive the secure servers of Parker Industries (P.I.), which contain critical data concerning P.I.'s “Webware” Internet app/browser/provider.  An adversarial entity calling “The Zodiac” is the culprit, but another, far more dangerous villain is lurking in the shadows.

I totally dug The Amazing Spider-Man 2014, mainly when Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos were the creative team.  Yes, it is only one issue, but I am not as excited by The Amazing Spider-Man 2015.  Still, the last page will make sure I come back, and I must say that, in general, I find Dan Slott to be one of the best Spider-Man comic book writers that I have had the pleasure of reading.

B+

[This comic book includes previews of Spider-Man 2099 #1; Silk #1; Spider-Woman #1; Webwarriors #1; and Spider-Man #1]

[This comic book includes the bonus comic “The Spider's Corner with Petey P” by Anthony Holden with Jordie Bellaire.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

The Demon Prince of Momochi House: White Nue's Burden

I read The Demon Prince of Momochi House, Vol. 3

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Review: WHO'S WHO Volume 1

WHO'S WHO: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE OF THE DC UNIVERSE VOL. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Len Wein, Marv Wolfman
PENCILS: Joe Orlando, Craig Hamilton, Carmine Infantino, Don Heck, Alex Saviuk, Scott Shaw!, Jerry Ordway, Marshall Rogers, Mike Zeck, Keith Giffen, Ernie Colón, Gil Kane, José Delbo, Howie Post, Greg Theakston, George Pérez, Chuck Patton, Steve Bissette, Jan Duursema, Eduardo Barreto, Rick Hoberg, Murphy Anderson, Curt Swan, Tod Smith
INKERS: Joe Orlando, Dick Giordano, Frank McLaughlin, Murphy Anderson, Don Heck, Scott Shaw!, Jerry Ordway, Marshall Rogers, John Beatty, Bob Oksner,  Ernie Colón, Gil Kane, Romeo Tanghal, Howie Post, Greg Theakston,  George Pérez, John Totleben, Jan Duursema, Eduardo Barreto, Rick Magyar
COLORS: Helen Visik, Shelly Eiber, Tatjana Wood, Joe Orlando, Greg Theakston
LETTERS: Todd Klein (production)
EDITORIAL: Len Wein with Marv Wolfman and Robert Greenberger
COVER: George Perez
32pp, Color, $1.00 U.S., $1.35 CAN, 45p U.K. (March 1985)

Who's Who: The Definitive Guide to the DC Universe was an encyclopedia of the characters, places, and things of the DC Universe, but it was published in a comic book format.  Created by Len Wein, Marv Wolfman, and Robert Greenberger, Who's Who began publication in 1984 one month before the release of Crisis on Infinite Earths, the 12-issue comic book series that changed the DC Universe of characters.  Who's Who ran for 26 issues, but there were updates (in 1987 and 1988) and spinoffs (including one for DC Comic's 1980s “Star Trek” comic book series).

In Who's Who, each of the characters, places, and things (for the most part) has its own page and is depicted in an illustration, pin-up, or technical drawing created by a comic book artist or a penciller/inker team.  Some of the artists are legendary comic book creators or are famous or are at least known for their association with DC Comics.  Others are comic book artists who were active working professionals in American comic books, including in independent and alternative comics, at the time of the publication of the original Who's Who.

At the recent Louisiana Comic Con (October 17 and 18th, 2015 in Lafayette, LA), I found a copy of Who's Who: The Definitive Guide to the DC Universe #1.  I once had several issues of this series, but I don't know what happened to them.  Although I actually once read some of the text, I really bought Who's Who for the illustrations.

First of all, I love the wraparound cover art by George Perez, especially the detail with “Arak: Son of Thunder” sitting on a rock outcropping.  Inside, there is also a lot to like.  I think that it is just great that the first illustration of this first issue is by the late, great Joe Orlando, a depiction of House of Secrets star/victim, “Abel.”  Seeing classic Flash artist, Carmine Infantino, draw “Abra Kadabra,” a character in Flash's “rogue gallery” is a treat.  Fans of Jerry Ordway's 1980s work for DC Comics will be happy to see his double-page spread of the cast of All-Star Squadron.

I can never say no to “Ambush Bug” drawn by Keith Giffen.  I can never say “No” to anything by legend Gil Kane, who offers a drawing of pre-Grant Morrison, “Animal-Man” and a drawing of his version of “Atom.”  I like Ernie Colón, so I was happy to see a few drawings from him, including one of “Amethyst: Princess of Gemworld.”  “Arcane” by the classic Swamp Thing art team of Steve Bissette and John Totleben is a highlight.  Classic Golden and Silver Age DC Comics artist, Murphy Anderson, offers a drawing of one of his signature characters, “Atomic Knight.”  Anderson also inked “The Atomic Skull” drawing by one of my all-time favorite artists, Curt Swan.

Greg Theakston did a good job with an “Apokolips” drawing, but I would have preferred that “Fourth World” creator, Jack Kirby, draw Apokolips for this series.  Eduardo Barreto is a fine comic book artist, but I wish that Jose Luis Garcia Lopez had drawn the Atari Force double-spread.

In the nearly three decades since Who's Who: The Definitive Guide to the DC Universe was originally published, much of its text is no longer relevant.  That is the result of DC Comics' numerous reboots and relaunches and “new directions.”  Still, this series can be of use as a reference source for writers, comics historians, and archivists, and especially for fans of DC Comics' bygone days.  Fans of classic and veteran comic book artists, of course, will want this series.  I plan on hunting down more issues.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

One-Punch Man: The Rumor

I read One-Punch Man, Vol. 3

I posted a review at the ComicBookBin.  Follow me on Twitter and Tumblr or at Grumble.  Support me on Patreon.

Review: DOCTOR STRANGE #1

DOCTOR STRANGE (2015) No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Jason Aaron
PENCILS: Chris Bachalo
INKS: Tim Townsend, Al Vey, and Mark Irwin
COLORS: Chris Bachalo
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Chris Bachalo and Tim Townsend
VARIANT COVERS: Neal Adams; John Tyler Christopher; Juan Doe; Eric Henderson; Dave Johnson; Kevin Nowlan; Jakub Rebelka; Skottie Young; Allen Lee Hansard with Mary Cahela and Judy Stephens
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T+

Doctor Strange created by Steve Ditko

“The Way of the Weird”

Doctor Strange is a Marvel Comics superhero character.  Doctor Strange first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (cover dated:  July 1963) and was created by artist Steve Ditko, although Marvel Comics also recognizes Stan Lee as the character's co-creator.

Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is a brilliant, but egotistical neurosurgeon who only cares about using his career and talents to become wealthy.  A car accident severely damages his hands, ending his ability to perform surgery.  His pride causes him to lose everything, but his encounter with the Ancient One changes him.  Doctor Strange becomes the “Sorcerer Supreme,” the “Master of the Mystic Arts,” who is the primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats from wherever they may come.

As part of the “All-New All-Different Marvel” initiative, Marvel Comics is launching a new Doctor Strange comic book series.  The new series is written by Jason Aaron; drawn and colored by Chris Bachalo, with inking by Tim Townsend, Al Vey and Mark Irwin; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Doctor Strange #1 (“The Way of the Weird”) with Strange battling possession in the Netherworld.  After a day of battling soul-eaters and a psychic-leech, Strange sees a pattern.  Something bad is coming.  Plus, Strange meets Doctor Voodoo, Shaman, and the Scarlet Witch.

I am intrigued by some of the elements presented in this new series, but I don't know that this is a title that I would buy every month.  If you have ever seen Chris Bachalo's art, and you have because he has been a Marvel Comics stable pony for over a decade, then, this comic book will look familiar to you.  Maybe some of it looks like Bachalo's work on Neil Gaiman's Death comic book miniseries.  Anyway, I can't recommend this, not because it is bad, but because I don't see myself being a regular reader of this new Doctor Strange.  So why should I suggest that you be?

Now, there is also a five-age epilogue written by Aaron and drawn by the great Kevin Nowlan (who also draws one of this #1 issue's variant covers).  For a long time, Nolan has been known as a comic book artist's artist, and Nowlan's five pages are worth every penny of this book's cover price.  I will come back to this title if there is more Nowlan.

[This volume includes a bonus story written by Jason Aaron; drawn and colored by Kevin Nowlan; and lettered by VC's Cory Petit.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 20, 2016

DC COMICS

NOV150296     ASTRO CITY #31     $3.99
OCT150210     BATGIRL #47     $2.99
OCT150244     BATGIRL TP VOL 01 SILENT KNIGHT     $19.99
NOV150219     BATMAN #48     $3.99
NOV150225     BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL #16     $2.99
NOV150252     BATMAN ARKHAM KNIGHT GENESIS #6     $2.99
NOV150298     CLEAN ROOM #4 (MR)     $3.99
OCT150147     DARK KNIGHT III MASTER RACE #2 COLLECTORS ED HC     $12.99
NOV150183     DOCTOR FATE #8     $2.99
NOV150301     FABLES THE WOLF AMONG US #13 (MR)     $3.99
OCT150253     GRAYSON TP VOL 01 AGENTS OF SPYRAL TP     $14.99
OCT150254     GRAYSON TP VOL 02 WE ALL DIE AT DAWN     $14.99
NOV150236     HARLEY QUINN #24     $3.99
NOV150256     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE #2     $2.99
OCT158891     JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID WAR BATMAN #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
OCT158892     JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID WAR FLASH #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
OCT158893     JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID WAR GREEN LANTERN #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
OCT158894     JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID WAR SHAZAM #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
OCT158895     JUSTICE LEAGUE DARKSEID WAR SUPERMAN #1 2ND PTG     $3.99
NOV150302     LUCIFER #2 (MR)     $3.99
NOV150191     MARTIAN MANHUNTER #8     $2.99
OCT150259     NEW TEEN TITANS TP VOL 04     $19.99
NOV150166     POISON IVY CYCLE OF LIFE AND DEATH #1     $2.99
NOV150308     RED THORN #3 (MR)     $3.99
NOV150242     ROBIN SON OF BATMAN #8     $3.99
NOV150203     SECRET SIX #10     $2.99
OCT150261     SHOWCASE PRESENTS BATMAN TP VOL 06     $19.99
NOV150246     SINESTRO #19     $2.99
NOV150213     SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN #25     $3.99
NOV150201     TITANS HUNT #4     $3.99
NOV150205     WONDER WOMAN #48     $3.99