Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for December 6, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

OCT171035    ACTIONVERSE ONGOING #4 STRAY CVR A IZAAKSE    $3.99
OCT171036    ACTIONVERSE ONGOING #4 STRAY CVR B RUIZ    $3.99
OCT171302    ADVENTURE TIME #71    $3.99
OCT171303    ADVENTURE TIME #71 SUBSCRIPTION MCCORMICK VAR    $3.99
SEP171474    AGENT 47 BIRTH OF HITMAN #2 CVR A LAU    $3.99
SEP171475    AGENT 47 BIRTH OF HITMAN #2 CVR B GAMEPLAY    $3.99
OCT171202    ALL STAR BATMAN #1 ASPEN B&W VAR SET    $39.99
OCT171201    ALL STAR BATMAN #1 ASPEN VAR    $19.99
OCT171099    ALTERS #8 (MR)    $3.99
OCT171200    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #15 ASPEN B&W VAR SET    $39.99
OCT171199    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #15 ASPEN VAR    $19.99
OCT171280    AMORY WARS GOOD APOLLO #9 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.99
JUN171526    ANIMAL JAM HC    $12.99
AUG171943    ANTIMAGIC ACADEMY 35TH PLATOON COMPLETE GN    $19.99
OCT171170    ARCHIE #26 CVR A MOK    $3.99
OCT171171    ARCHIE #26 CVR B JARRELL    $3.99
OCT171172    ARCHIE #26 CVR C PITILLI    $3.99
OCT171663    ATTACK ON TITAN NO REGRETS COMP COLOR HC (RES)    $29.99
OCT171186    B & V FRIENDS WINTER ANNUAL DIGEST #257    $6.99
OCT171087    BABYTEETH TP VOL 01    $14.99
OCT171413    BARBARELLA #1 CVR A ROCAFORT (MR)    $3.99
OCT171414    BARBARELLA #1 CVR B JUSKO (MR)    $3.99
OCT171415    BARBARELLA #1 CVR C LINSNER (MR)    $3.99
OCT171416    BARBARELLA #1 CVR D HACK (MR)    $3.99
OCT171417    BARBARELLA #1 CVR E WU (MR)    $3.99
OCT171418    BARBARELLA #1 CVR F YARAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171419    BARBARELLA #1 CVR G DELANDRO (MR)    $3.99
OCT171420    BARBARELLA #1 CVR H FISH (MR)    $3.99
OCT171421    BARBARELLA #1 CVR I CASTRO EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171428    BARBARELLA #1 CVR O BLANK AUTHENTIX (MR)    $10.00
OCT171804    BE YOUR OWN BACKING BAND GN    $10.00
OCT171307    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 (MR)    $5.99
OCT171320    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 KILLER BODY (MR)    $5.99
OCT171321    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 KILLER BODY NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171309    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 NOBLE (MR)    $5.99
OCT171329    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 NOBLE NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171316    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 NOBLE SUNSET (MR)    $5.99
OCT171326    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 NOBLE TOPLESS (MR)    $7.99
OCT171313    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171315    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 PLAYTIME NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171311    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 SHIELD MAIDEN (MR)    $5.99
OCT171323    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 SHIELD MAIDEN NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171310    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 STUNNING (MR)    $5.99
OCT171312    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 STUNNING NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171319    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 VIKING VIXEN (MR)    $5.99
OCT171325    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 VIKING VIXEN NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171308    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 WRAP (MR)    $5.99
OCT171327    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 WRAP NUDE (MR)    $7.99
OCT171198    BLACK PANTHER #25 ASPEN VAR    $14.99
JUL172395    BLACK SABLE #3 (OF 6) CVR A GOH    $3.99
JUL172396    BLACK SABLE #3 (OF 6) CVR B RICHARDSON    $3.99
JUL172397    BLACK SABLE #3 (OF 6) CVR C PUAUD    $3.99
JUL172398    BLACK SABLE #3 (OF 6) CVR D TOLIBAO    $3.99
OCT171396    CAPTAIN CANUCK YEAR ONE #1 VIRGIN ART    $1.99
OCT171685    CATALYST PRIME NOBLE #7    $3.99
JUL171977    CELLS AT WORK GN VOL 05    $12.99
OCT171051    CONSULTANT #1 (OF 4) (MR)    $3.99
OCT171860    DAN DARE #3 CVR A FOUCHE    $3.99
OCT171861    DAN DARE #3 CVR B WESTON    $3.99
OCT171052    DANGER DOLL SQUAD #3 CVR A MACCAGNI (MR)    $4.99
OCT171053    DANGER DOLL SQUAD #3 CVR B MACCAGNI RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
OCT171054    DANGER DOLL SQUAD #3 CVR C MENDOZA (MR)    $4.99
OCT171055    DANGER DOLL SQUAD #3 CVR D MENDOZA RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
OCT171056    DANGER DOLL SQUAD #3 CVR E WINSTON YOUNG (MR)    $4.99
OCT171057    DANGER DOLL SQUAD #3 CVR F WINSTON YOUNG RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
OCT171560    DF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #789 LEE & ROMITA SR SGN    $899.99
JUN171667    DF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN RENEW YOUR VOWS #8 STAN LEE SGN    $699.99
NOV161526    DF CHAMPIONS #1 DF EXC CASSADAY CVR WAID SGN    $19.75
OCT161515    DF CHAMPIONS #1 WAID SGN    $19.75
OCT171558    DF MARVEL LEGACY #1 CAMPBELL MIDTOWN EXC    $19.61
SEP171591    DF MARVEL LEGACY #1 ULTRA LTD WRAPAROUND GOLD LEE SGN    $499.99
OCT161521    DF NOW AVENGERS #1 WAID SGN    $19.61
OCT171563    DF SPIDER-GWEN #1 BROOKS SKETCH ART EXC    $19.99
OCT171564    DF SPIDER-GWEN #1 BROOKS SKETCH ART EXC SGN    $29.99
AUG171667    DF TRUE BELIEVERS AMAZING FANTASY SPIDER-MEN LEE ROMITA SGN    $899.99
SEP171931    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #10 CVR A MYERS & SMITH    $3.99
SEP171932    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #10 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
SEP171933    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #10 CVR C CARR (SEASONS)    $3.99
SEP171883    DRAGONAR ACADEMY GN VOL 13 (MR)    $12.99
OCT171929    FAITHS WINTER WONDERLAND SPECIAL #1 CVR A SAUVAGE    $3.99
OCT171930    FAITHS WINTER WONDERLAND SPECIAL #1 CVR B GANUCHEAU    $3.99
OCT171932    FAITHS WINTER WONDERLAND SPECIAL #1 CVR D 20 COPY INCV LAFUE    $3.99
AUG171063    FEMFORCE #180    $9.95
OCT171666    FIRE FORCE GN VOL 07    $10.99
OCT171287    GIANT DAYS #33    $3.99
OCT171208    HARLEY QUINN #1 ASPEN B&W VAR SET    $39.99
OCT171209    HARLEY QUINN #1 ASPEN HOLIDAY VAR    $19.99
OCT171207    HARLEY QUINN #1 ASPEN VAR    $19.99
OCT171946    HELVETICA STANDARD ITALIC GN VOL 01    $16.95
OCT171224    HOW TO BE ALIVE GN    $8.00
AUG171812    HUNTERS OF SALAMANSTRA #7 CVR A MAIN    $4.99
AUG171813    HUNTERS OF SALAMANSTRA #7 CVR B JOSECO    $4.99
SEP171064    INFINITE SEVEN TP VOL 02 FAMILY BUSINESS    $14.99
SEP171680    IRON MAIDEN LEGACY OF THE BEAST #2 (OF 5) CVR A CASAS    $3.99
SEP171681    IRON MAIDEN LEGACY OF THE BEAST #2 (OF 5) CVR B TONG    $3.99
SEP171682    IRON MAIDEN LEGACY OF THE BEAST #2 (OF 5) CVR C PRIOR    $3.99
OCT171283    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #9 (OF 12)    $3.99
OCT171284    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #9 (OF 12) SUBSCRIPTION TAK    $3.99
OCT171040    JUPITER JET #1 CVR A MATSUYA    $3.99
OCT171041    JUPITER JET #1 CVR B MATSUYA    $3.99
OCT171042    JUPITER JET #1 CVR C MEYERS    $3.99
OCT171206    JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 ASPEN B&W VAR SET    $39.99
OCT171205    JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 ASPEN VAR    $19.99
OCT171237    KLAUS AND THE CRISIS IN XMASVILLE #1    $7.99
SEP178852    KLAUS AND THE CRISIS IN XMASVILLE #1 FOC INCV QUITELY VAR    $7.99
SEP171746    KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 58    $14.99
JUN171165    LAND THAT TIME FORGOT FROM EARTHS CORE #2 CONNECTING CVR A    $3.99
JUN171166    LAND THAT TIME FORGOT FROM EARTHS CORE #2 CONNECTING CVR B    $3.99
OCT171392    LEGENDLORE REALM CHRONICLES TP VOL 03    $14.99
OCT171765    LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD GN    $19.99
SEP171354    LOOKERS EMBER #4 (MR)    $5.99
SEP171358    LOOKERS EMBER #4 BONDAGE (MR)    $5.99
SEP171359    LOOKERS EMBER #4 BONDAGE BIKINI (MR)    $5.99
SEP171361    LOOKERS EMBER #4 BONDAGE NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171360    LOOKERS EMBER #4 BONDAGE TOPLESS (MR)    $7.99
SEP171372    LOOKERS EMBER #4 GGA HOMAGE (MR)    $5.99
SEP171367    LOOKERS EMBER #4 GGA HOMAGE NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171374    LOOKERS EMBER #4 LUSCIOUS (MR)    $5.99
SEP171369    LOOKERS EMBER #4 LUSCIOUS NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171364    LOOKERS EMBER #4 NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171356    LOOKERS EMBER #4 RED HOT (MR)    $5.99
SEP171365    LOOKERS EMBER #4 RED HOT NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171373    LOOKERS EMBER #4 SEXY SPIES (MR)    $5.99
SEP171368    LOOKERS EMBER #4 SEXY SPIES NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171357    LOOKERS EMBER #4 WORKOUT (MR)    $5.99
SEP171366    LOOKERS EMBER #4 WORKOUT NUDE (MR)    $7.99
SEP171355    LOOKERS EMBER #4 WRAP (MR)    $5.99
SEP171370    LOOKERS EMBER #4 WRAP NUDE (MR)    $7.99
JUL178566    LOVE & ROCKETS MAGAZINE #1 GILBERT LTD VAR CVR (MR)    $4.99
OCT171587    LOVE & ROCKETS MAGAZINE #4    $4.99
AUG171358    LUMBERJANES TP VOL 07    $14.99
OCT171641    MAGICAL TWINS DLX HC    $19.95
SEP171885    MAGIKA SWORDSMAN & SUMMONER GN VOL 08 (MR)    $12.99
OCT171067    MEDISIN TP VOL 02 IN THE GRIP OF MALADY (MR)    $11.99
OCT171167    MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 CVR A SHANNON    $3.99
OCT171168    MIGHTY CRUSADERS #1 CVR B SMITH    $3.99
AUG171936    MINDBENDER #5    $3.99
AUG171067    MIRACULOUS #18 GUITAR VILLAIN    $4.99
JUN171725    PHANTOM COMP DAILIES HC VOL 12 1953 - 1954    $60.00
SEP171041    PRINCELESS RAVEN YEAR 2 #2 LOVE AND REVENGE CVR A PAMFIL    $3.99
SEP178598    PRINCELESS RAVEN YEAR 2 #2 LOVE AND REVENGE CVR B FLASH & SU    $3.99
SEP171068    PUPPET MASTER CURTAIN CALL #2 CVR A LOGAN (MR)    $3.99
SEP171069    PUPPET MASTER CURTAIN CALL #2 CVR B WILLIAMS (MR)    $3.99
SEP171070    PUPPET MASTER CURTAIN CALL #2 CVR C MANGUM KILL CVR (MR)    $3.99
SEP171071    PUPPET MASTER CURTAIN CALL #2 CVR D PHOTO (MR)    $3.99
SEP171530    RED SONJA #11 CVR A MARION    $3.99
SEP171531    RED SONJA #11 CVR B DUURSEMA    $3.99
SEP171532    RED SONJA #11 CVR C SANTUCCI    $3.99
SEP171533    RED SONJA #11 CVR D COSPLAY    $3.99
SEP171534    RED SONJA #11 CVR E SANAPO EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
SEP171801    RICK AND MORTY TP VOL 06 (MR)    $19.99
AUG172015    RIVERS OF LONDON TP VOL 04 DETECTIVE STORIES    $16.99
SEP178853    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #1 FOC INCV LOOK & FIND VAR    $3.99
OCT171246    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #1 MAIN    $3.99
OCT171249    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #1 SKETCH BLANK VAR    $3.99
OCT171247    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #1 SUBSCRIPTION PORTRAIT VAR    $3.99
AUG171073    ROSCO ALIEN PHOTOGRAPHER HC    $9.99
OCT171430    SHADOW BATMAN #3 (OF 6) CVR A KALUTA    $3.99
OCT171431    SHADOW BATMAN #3 (OF 6) CVR B PETERSON    $3.99
OCT171432    SHADOW BATMAN #3 (OF 6) CVR C DESJARDINS    $3.99
OCT171433    SHADOW BATMAN #3 (OF 6) CVR D TAN    $3.99
OCT171434    SHADOW BATMAN #3 (OF 6) CVR E EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
OCT171505    SHADOW DEATH OF MARGO LANE TP    $19.99
OCT171393    SHERLOCK HOLMES RETIRED DETECTIVE GN    $8.99
OCT171841    SHERLOCK THE GREAT GAME #5 (OF 6) CVR A COKER    $4.99
OCT171842    SHERLOCK THE GREAT GAME #5 (OF 6) CVR B PHOTO    $4.99
SEP171896    SMALL REVOLUTION GN    $13.99
SEP171872    SMELL OF STARVING BOYS GN    $29.99
SEP171869    SOLAR FLARE SEASON 2 #2    $3.99
SEP172012    STREET FIGHTER RELOADED #2 (OF 6)    $0.99
OCT171895    STREET FIGHTER SHADALOO SPECIAL CVR A STEINBACH    $3.99
OCT171896    STREET FIGHTER SHADALOO SPECIAL CVR B KINNAIRD    $3.99
OCT171204    SUICIDE SQUAD #1 ASPEN B&W VAR SET    $39.99
OCT171203    SUICIDE SQUAD #1 ASPEN VAR    $19.99
AUG171958    TALES OF ZESTIRIA GN VOL 03    $12.99
SEP171785    THE SENSES HC    $22.95
SEP171723    TRUMPS TITANS VS FIDGET SPINNER #1 CVR A NO SPIN ZONE VAR    $4.99
SEP171724    TRUMPS TITANS VS FIDGET SPINNER #1 CVR B FIDGET SPINNER VAR    $9.99
OCT171210    UBER INVASION #10 (MR)    $3.99
OCT171212    UBER INVASION #10 BLITZKREIG CVR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171213    UBER INVASION #10 PROPAGANDA POSTER CVR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171215    UBER INVASION #10 VIP PREMIUM CVR (MR)    $9.99
OCT171214    UBER INVASION #10 WAR CRIMES CVR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171211    UBER INVASION #10 WRAP CVR (MR)    $3.99
SEP171743    WAKE UP SLEEPING BEAUTY GN VOL 01    $12.99
AUG171886    WET MOON GN VOL 05 WHERE ALL STARS FAIL TO BURN NEW ED (O/A)    $19.99
AUG171887    WHITEOUT COMPENDIUM GN (MR)    $19.99
OCT171394    WINTER WAR GN    $12.99
SEP172127    WONDERFUL WORLD OF PERFECTO GN    $24.99

MAGAZINES
MAY172200    AMAZING FIGURE MODELER #64    $10.00
OCT172104    CARTOONS MAGAZINE #12    $5.99
OCT172103    JUXTAPOZ WINTER 2018    $9.99

BOOKS
SEP171036    ATHENA VOLTAIRE PULP TALES PROSE NOVEL TP VOL 01    $14.99
OCT172053    BY THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH ART & DESIGN OF MORNING BREATH    $30.00
AUG172307    DALI & DISNEY DESTINO STORY LTD ED    $250.00
OCT172067    ED BRUBAKER CONVERSATIONS SC    $25.00
SEP171891    GRIMGAR OF FANTASY & ASH LIGHT NOVEL VOL 04    $13.99
OCT172054    IN THE NIGHT STUDIO ILLUSTRATION AFTER DARK DAN BRERETON    $34.95
SEP172205    INCREDIBUILDS LAST JEDI A-WING DLX MODEL W BOOK    $19.99
SEP172206    INCREDIBUILDS LAST JEDI BB-8 DLX MODEL W BOOK    $19.99
OCT172094    JOURNEY STAR WARS LAST JEDI CANTO BIGHT HC    $28.99
AUG172292    LITTLE BOOK OF SPIDER-MAN FLEXICOVER    $9.99
OCT172060    OTOMO KATSUHIRO 20 POSTERS REPRINTS OF CLASSIC POSTERS SC (C    $49.95
JUN172052    ROBOTECH VISUAL ARCHIVE MACROSS SAGA HC    $44.99
SEP172221    SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 124 GHOST MAKERS & HOUSE OF GHOSTS (    $14.95
AUG172101    STREET FIGHTER NOVEL    $19.99
AUG172358    TOTALLY AWESOME GREATEST CARTOONS 80S HC    $50.00
OCT172946    WARHAMMER 40K CRIMSON KING PROSE NOVEL SC    $18.00
OCT172950    WARHAMMER PLAGUE GARDEN PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00
OCT172076    WHO WAS CHUCK JONES YR BIO SERIES    $5.99
SEP172194    WHY COMICS FROM UNDERGROUND TO EVERYWHERE HC    $40.00

Review: MOSAIC #1

MOSAIC No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Geoffrey Thorne
ARTIST: Khary Randolph
COLORS: Emilio Lopez
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
COVER: Stuart Immonen
VARIANT COVERS: John Tyler Christopher; Marco D'Alfonso; Mike Deodato with Frank Martin; Khary Randolph; Pasqual Ferry with Frank D'Armata
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Rated T+

Episode One: “Mood Indigo”

Out of Civil War II.  Part of Marvel Comics' initiative “NOW!”  Here, comes Marvel's newest Black superhero, Mosaic, and he is the star of his own comic book, entitled Mosaic, of course.  It is written by Geoffrey Thorne; drawn by Khary Randolph; colored by Emilio Lopez; and lettered by Joe Sabino.

Mosaic #1 (“Mood Indigo”) introduces Morris Sackett, maybe the best professional basketball player in the world.  He has led the New York Stride to five championships in five seasons.  As far as Morris is concerned, he is the sole reason that the Stride has won five titles.  However, exposure to Terrigen mists changes Morris in ways that are shocking.  One of the newest Inhumans is about to lose his physical form while inheriting many more.

According to what I have read, writer Geoffrey Thorne and artist Khary Randolph want to explode stereotypes for Black superheroes when it comes to Morris Sackett a.k.a. Mosaic.  I don't know what those stereotypes are.  Even with the relatively small number of Black superheroes in both the Marvel and DC Comics universes, characters are unique and mostly fully formed.  Black Panther is not like Storm is not like Luke Cage/Power Man, and I never thought that Cyborg was like Black Lightning.

The stereotype of Black superheroes is that they are stereotypical.  They are not all noble Negroes in the tradition of Civil Rights activists, nor are they sullen anti-heroes out to get the system.  Under the guiding hand of comics most skilled writers, there have been some really good Black Panther and Blade comic books – to name a few of a few.  The reality (not stereotype) is that many Black superheroes have been featured in comic books in which the writers have those assignments because they are someone's friend more so than because they are good storytellers.  Black superheroes have not been stereotypes; they simply have been in badly written (and sometimes poorly drawn) comic books.

Mosaic #1 suggests that Thorne is a good writer, although his “street lingo” leaves something to be desired.  I give most of the credit for the success of Mosaic #1 to artist Khary Randolph.  This first issue has a lively visual and graphical style that mimics the energy and movement of animated films.  Randolph's art is both stylish and earthy, giving Mosaic a vibe that is different from just about everything else Marvel is publishing.

I'm ready for more and recommend this title.

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.

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

Review: SUICIDE SQUAD #1

SUICIDE SQUAD No. 1 (2016)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Williams
PENCILS: Jim Lee
INKS: Scott Williams
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
COVER: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVER: Lee Bermejo
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (October 2016)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“The Black Vault” Part One: “I Wanna Be Sedated”

Suicide Squad by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru

Suicide Squad is a DC Comics team.  It first debuted in The Brave and the Bold #25 (cover dated: August/September 1959) and was created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Ross Andru.

The second Suicide Squad appeared in Legends #3 (cover dated: January 1987), the 1986 DC Comics event miniseries. Created by John Ostrander, this Suicide Squad was “Task Force X,” an anti-hero team of incarcerated super-villains that undertook high-risk, black ops missions in exchange for commuted prison sentences.

With the re-launch of DC Comics’ superhero line, “The New 52,” there was a new Suicide Squad comic book series.  The Suicide Squad was a team of super-villains, in which the members took on risky missions in exchange for time served. The team’s base of operations was Belle Reve Penitentiary, a special prison for meta-humans and super-villains located in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.

With the “Rebirth” event, there is a new Suicide Squad comic book.  It is written by Rob Williams; drawn by Jim Lee (pencils) and Scott Williams (inks); colored by Alex Sinclair; and lettered by Nate Piekos.

Suicide Squad #1 (“I Wanna Be Sedated”) finds Amanda Waller, the head of Task Force X, making a trip to Belle Reve Penitentiary where she meets with Colonel Rick Flag, Suicide Squad Field Commander, and his second-in-command, Katana.  Together, they will select a squad of super-villain scum for a mission to retrieve or destroy an alien item that a rogue Russian state is studying.  However, this Suicide Squad:  Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang; The Enchantress, and Killer Croc may not be badass enough to compete this mission.

The main story is 13 pages long and is not long enough for me to get much of a feel for the quality of the beginning of the story arc.  I can say two things.  First, I don't feel I need to read more. Second, Jim Lee is on the down side of his career.  Compared to even his average work, this is poor.

“Never Miss”
STORY: Rob Williams
ARTIST: Jason Fabok
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Nate Piekos

“Never Miss” is kind of an origin story slash biography slash early tale of the career of Deadshot.  I liked it.  It's dark and depicts Floyd Lawton a.k.a. Deadshot as a man who is much more complicated and conflicted than his costumed self suggests.  Writer Rob Williams smartly depicts the high costs of being Deadshot, and Jason Fabok's dark compositions makes this tale's tragic angle feel genuine.

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


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

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

I Reads You Juniors November 2017 - Update #59

Support Leroy on Patreon.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics cancels its planned reprint of writer Rachel Pollack's run on "Doom Patrol."

From BleedingCool:  Mark Millar teases next Netflix project - a Chrononauts sequel, perhaps?

From BleedingCool:   Len Wein will posthumously receive an honor from the Writers Guild of America, with tributes from Hugh Jackman and Neil Gaiman.

From PacificStandard:  How Comic Books Can Get Even Better for Dyslexic Readers

From BleedingCool:  So why did IDW cancel "Scarlett's Strike Force?"

From ComicBook.com:  "Bleach" creator Tite Kubo also sharing a sketch.

From ComicBook.com:  "One Punch Man" creator Yusuke Murata shares a sketch.

From BleedingCool:  Kevin Grevioux will write the final two issues of DC Comics' current "Cyborg" series.

From BleedingCool:  Writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory had a hit series at Image, CHEW, but they still can't get work at Marvel or DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:   Fantagraphics Books solicitations for February 2018.

From BleedingCool: When Alan Moore Talked About DC Comics And Watchmen Sequels…. Back In 2010

From BleedingCool:  The Morality Of Reading, Writing, And Publishing Doomsday Clock.

From BleedingCool:  Kevin Smith will write the second story arc of the ongoing "Hit Girl" comic book series.  Character co-creator Mark Millar will write the first arc.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #144 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #144 in French.

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing Febuary 2018 solicitations.

From SoraNew24:  The Naruto manga will get a kabuki play in 2018.

From LaredoMorningTimes:  Yomiuri Shimbun Buronson, the writer of the "Fist of the North Star" manga, will open a free manga school to attract new manga creators.

From EW:  The site has a preview of Syfy's documentary about Image Comics, "So Much Damage."

From Gizmodo: The site has images from the cancelled promotional comic book that Marvel Comics was producing for war munitions corporation, Northrop Grumman.

From BleedingCool:  Brian Michael Bendis has chosen the writer who will follow him on "Jessica Jones."

From BleedingCool:  Rich Johnston is reporting that C.B. Cebulski is Marvel Comics' new Editor-in-Chief.

From SouthChinaMorningPost: "Tintin" creator, Herge, moved to tears by the global popularity of his creation, Tintin the boy detective/reporter and his dog, Snowy.

From BleedingCool:  Jeff Lemire says writing the X-Men ("Extraordinary X-Men") was kind of a nightmare.

From BleedingCool:  Liam Sharp's Batman/Wonder Woman project is a six-issue miniseries, "The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman," which Sharp will write and draw.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #143 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #143 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Hypertime is back.

From BleedingCool:  Nightcrawler and Gabby will be cast members of the upcoming comic book, "X-Men Red," starring a resurrected Jean Grey.

From EW:  DC Comics fires longtime editor, Eddie Berganza, in the wake of Buzzfeed's article about sexual harassment allegations against him.

From Newsarama:  According to October 2017 numbers, comic book sales still on course to finish ten percent below 2016.

From BleedingCool:  Namor and Gentle (a mutant from Black Panther's country of Wakanda) are revealed as the first two members to join "X-Men: Red" in addition to series headliner, a resurrected Jean Grey.

From BleedingCool:  Comics community reacts to editor Eddie Berganza's suspension at DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics suspended group editor Eddie Berganza on Sat. Nov. 11th as controversy roils around the editor and allegations of sexual misconduct on his part.

From BleedingCool:  Comics creators take to Twitter to respond to and comment on Buzzfeed's Eddie Berganza article.

From Buzzfeed:   The mainstream gets in on the story of DC Comics' super-editor Eddie Berganza's history of sexual harassment of female DC Comics' employees.

From GraphicPolicy:  Dark Horse Comics mainstay, Scott Allie, has been accused of inappropriate behavior against coworkers and other people, including biting people.

From ComicsBeat:  "How a toxic history of harassment has damaged the comics industry" by Heidi Macdonald.

From DoctorNerdLove:  "Nerds and Male Privilege: Tess Fowler and Comic Harassment"

----------

From CinemaBlend:  The movie-related reason Brian Michael Bendis left Marvel for DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics has made an offer to Jonathan Hickman.

From Quartz:  Netflix is going to test new ideas by publishing them as comic books, according to this article.

From Netflix:  Here is the press release about Mark Millar's first comic book for the "internet entertainment service."

From BleedingCool:  The resurrected Jean Grey will be the lead of a new X-Men comic book, "X-Men: Red" by Tom Taylor and Mahmud Asrar.

From BleedingCool:  The first graphic novel in the "DC Super Hero Gils" has apparently sold over 100,000 copies.

From AnimeNewNetwork:  Akira creator, Katsuhiro Otomo, reveals a painting of his that was inspired by Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

From TheKingdomInsider:  Would Disney stop publishing Marvel comic books.

From GWillowWilson:  Comic book writer, G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel) has sold her second novel, "The Bird King."

----------
From BleedingCool:  Brian Michael Bendis, the longtime Marvel Comics writer, has signed a multi-year exclusive deal with DC Comics.

From BleedingCool:  According to the site, reasons Bendis left Marvel Comics for DC Comics.
--------------------------

From Variety:  The first comic book that Mark Millar will write for Netflix (which bought Millarworld, reportedly for $30 million) will be "The Magic Order," a six-issue miniseries to be drawn by Olivier Coipel.

From SlashGear:  Make comics or manga right on your phone or tablet.

From BleedingCool:  Brian Michael Bendis all the characters he says can beat Batman.

From ComicBookBin:   New Johnny Bullet episode #142 in English.
From ComicBookBin:   New Johnny Bullet episode #142 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Monster Energy (an energy drink producer) does not want Marvel Comics to have a comic book entitled "Monsters Unleashed."

From Mashable:  Apparently, people are mostly ignoring Amazon's promotional sale prices on digital versions of three "Thor" graphic novels.

----------
From BleedingCool:  Mark Hamill will write a Millarworld comic book.

From BleedingCool:  Rian Hughes is planning on publishing a massive collection of his comic book logo design work.

From CBR:  Writer Joshua Williamson talks about the "Flash War" event that will appear in comic books in 2018.

From CBLDF:  The Library of Congress with throw the spotlight on women comics and comic book cartoonists, artists and illustrators in an exhibit that begins November 18, 2017 and will run through October 2018.

From Polygon:  Titan Comics to publish a comic book based on FromSoftware's "Bloodborne" video game.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #141 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #141 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Salt Lake Comic Con is considering using crowd-funding to finance their fight with San Diego Comic-Con International over the term "Comic Con."

Review: CHILDREN OF THE WHALES Volume 1

CHILDREN OF THE WHALES, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Abi Umeda
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9721-8; paperback (November 2017); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
200pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $17.99 CAN, £8.99 UK

Children of the Whales is a new fantasy adventure manga series from creator Abi Umeda.  The series is set on a island floating atop an endless sea of sand, and the narrative focuses on the isolated community that clings to life on that island.

Children of the Whales, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 4) introduces a boy named Chakuro.  He is the archivist for the “Mud Whale,” a floating island city of clay and magic.  Chakuro diligently chronicles the lives and deaths of his people, who cling to survival, but are cut off from its own history.

As the story begins, the community holds a funeral for Benihi, one of “the marked.”  Chakuro is also one of the marked; they are short-lived, but they wield “Thymia,” a magical power fueled by emotions.  Knowing that his time is short, Chakuro tries to chronicle everything he can about his isolated community.  That isolation, however, is about to be shattered by the discovery of a mysterious girl on another mysterious floating island.

[This volume includes an afterword, “How I Discovered Children of the Whales.”  This is also “From the Archivist's Diary: An Illustration of the Mud Whale,” and “A Note on Names.”]

I can honestly say that Children of the Whales is one of the best new manga and graphic novel debuts of 2017.  It reminds me of Daisuke Igarashi's imaginative environmental manga, Children of the Sea, which VIZ Media published earlier this decade.

Children of the Whales Volume 1 reads like an eco-fantasy and thriller because so much of the narrative is not only about the characters, but also about the world around them.  Creator Abi Umeda offers graphical striking compositions and inventive page design and layout that drive the narrative to balance character drama with a sense of suspense and mystery.  The four chapters contained in this first graphic novel are obviously connected, but each one presents something new, and sometimes even a fresh perspective.  From the exotic beginning to the shocking ending, Children of the Whales, Vol. 1 is a magical and gripping narrative.

Readers looking for unique graphic novels for young readers and teens will want the VIZ Signature title, Children of the Whales.

A
10 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 or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 29, 2017

DC COMICS

SEP170269    AQUAMAN ANNUAL #1    $4.99
SEP170278    BATMAN ANNUAL #2    $4.99
SEP170348    BATMAN CREATURE OF THE NIGHT #1 (OF 4)    $5.99
SEP178713    BATMAN THE DEVASTATOR #1 METAL 2ND PTG    $3.99
SEP178712    BATMAN THE RED DEATH #1 METAL 3RD PTG    $3.99
AUG170171    DARK DAYS THE FORGE & THE CASTING DIRECTORS CUT #1    $7.99
AUG170334    FLASH BY GEOFF JOHNS TP BOOK 04    $29.99
AUG170335    GOTHAM ACADEMY SECOND SEMESTER VOL 02 BALLAD OF OLIVE    $14.99
SEP170303    GREEN ARROW ANNUAL #1 (RES)    $4.99
SEP170263    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33    $2.99
SEP170264    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33 VAR ED    $2.99
SEP170368    INJUSTICE 2 ANNUAL #1    $4.99
AUG170355    INVISIBLES TP BOOK 02 (MR)    $24.99
SEP170312    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA ANNUAL #1    $4.99
SEP170354    MYSTIK U #1 (OF 3)    $5.99
SEP170371    NEW TALENT SHOWCASE 2017 #1    $7.99
AUG170340    ODYSSEY OF THE AMAZONS TP    $16.99
SEP170333    SUPER SONS ANNUAL #1    $4.99
AUG170325    SUPERMAN TP VOL 04 BLACK DAWN (REBIRTH)    $16.99
AUG170326    SUPERWOMAN TP VOL 02 REDISCOVERY (REBIRTH)    $14.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 29, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

SEP170999    ALL NEW WOLVERINE TP VOL 04 IMMUNE    $17.99
SEP171005    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN RENEW YOUR VOWS TP VOL 02 VENOM EXPERIMEN    $19.99
SEP170920    AMERICA #9 LEG    $3.99
SEP178538    BLACK PANTHER #166 2ND PTG CRAIG VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP178556    CAPTAIN MARVEL #125 2ND PTG MORA VAR LEG    $3.99
JUL171224    DAREDEVIL BACK IN BLACK TP VOL 05 SUPREME    $19.99
SEP170885    DARKHAWK #51 CHRISTOPHER TRADING CARD VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170883    DARKHAWK #51 LEG    $3.99
SEP170935    JEAN GREY #9 LEG    $3.99
SEP171002    JESSICA JONES TP VOL 02 SECRETS OF MARIA HILL    $17.99
SEP178484    LEGACY FREE DECEMBER PREVIEWS SPOTLIGHT (BUNDLE OF 25)    $5.00
OCT170002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #5 DECEMBER 2017 EXTRAS    $1.25
SEP171021    MARVEL SUPER HEROES TP LARGER THAN LIFE    $15.99
SEP171013    MONSTERS UNLEASHED TP VOL 01 MONSTER MASH    $15.99
SEP170858    MOON KNIGHT #189 LEG    $3.99
SEP170859    OLD MAN LOGAN #31 LEG    $3.99
SEP171010    SECRET EMPIRE TP BRAVE NEW WORLD    $15.99
SEP170882    SECRET WARRIORS #9 LEG    $3.99
AUG171015    SILVER SURFER TP VOL 05 POWER GREATER THAN COSMIC    $19.99
SEP170911    SPIDER-GWEN #26 LEG    $3.99
SEP170975    STAR WARS JEDI REPUBLIC MACE WINDU #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP170978    STAR WARS POE DAMERON #21    $3.99
AUG171049    STAR WARS ROGUE ONE ADAPTATION TP    $19.99
SEP170924    US AVENGERS #12 LEG    $3.99
SEP170909    VENOM #158 LEG    $3.99
SEP171014    X-MEN AGE OF APOCALYPSE TP TERMINATION    $34.99
SEP170931    X-MEN BLUE #16 LEG    $3.99
SEP171016    X-MEN EPIC COLLECTION TP MUTANT GENESIS    $34.99