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Monday, December 18, 2017
Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017
OCT170657 ANGELIC #4 $3.99
OCT170664 COPPERHEAD #17 (MR) $3.99
OCT170569 CURSE WORDS HOLIDAY SPEC #1 CVR A BROWNE (ONE SHOT) (MR) $3.99
OCT170570 CURSE WORDS HOLIDAY SPEC #1 CVR B NORTON (ONE SHOT) (MR) $3.99
OCT170666 DARK FANG #2 (MR) $3.99
AUG170634 DEADLY CLASS TP VOL 06 (MR) $16.99
SEP178856 EVOLUTION #1 2ND PTG (MR) $3.99
OCT170668 EVOLUTION #2 (MR) $3.99
OCT170670 FAMILY TRADE #3 $3.99
OCT170673 GENIUS CARTEL #5 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99
OCT170642 GRRL SCOUTS MAGIC SOCKS TP (MR) $16.99
OCT170680 HARD PLACE #5 (OF 5) CVR A STELFREEZE (MR) $3.99
OCT170681 HARD PLACE #5 (OF 5) CVR B RUMMEL & KIRCHOFF (MR) $3.99
OCT170683 HEAD LOPPER #8 CVR A MACLEAN & BELLAIRE $5.99
OCT170684 HEAD LOPPER #8 CVR B KINNER & ZIRITT $5.99
OCT170685 HORIZON #17 (MR) $3.99
OCT170686 INVINCIBLE #143 (MR) $3.99
OCT170705 REALM #4 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR) $3.99
OCT170706 REALM #4 CVR B HUDDLESTON (MR) $3.99
OCT170707 REDLANDS #5 (MR) $3.99
AUG170717 ROCKSTARS #8 CVR A HUTCHISON (MR) $3.99
AUG170718 ROCKSTARS #8 CVR B WALKING DEAD #59 TRIBUTE VAR (MR) $3.99
OCT170731 SPREAD #24 (MR) $3.99
Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017
SEP171875 ABSOLUTE DUO GN VOL 02 $12.99
OCT171298 ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #18 $3.99
OCT171299 ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #18 SUBSCRIPTION PIZARRI VAR $3.99
AUG171376 ADVENTURE TIME TP VOL 13 $14.99
OCT171181 ALL NEW CLASSIC ARCHIE YOUR PAL ARCHIE #5 CVR A REG PARENT $3.99
OCT171182 ALL NEW CLASSIC ARCHIE YOUR PAL ARCHIE #5 CVR B MCCLAINE $3.99
NOV172071 ANONYMOUS NOISE GN VOL 06 $9.99
SEP171877 ARPEGGIO OF BLUE STEEL GN VOL 12 (MR) $12.99
OCT171660 ATTACK ON TITAN GN VOL 23 $10.99
OCT171090 BACKWAYS #1 CVR A CARLINI $3.99
OCT171091 BACKWAYS #1 CVR B TEMPLESMITH $3.99
OCT171448 BETTIE PAGE #6 CVR A LINSNER $3.99
OCT171449 BETTIE PAGE #6 CVR B CHANTLER $3.99
OCT171450 BETTIE PAGE #6 CVR C PHOTO $3.99
OCT171175 BETTY AND VERONICA VIXENS #2 CVR A EVA CABRERA $3.99
OCT171176 BETTY AND VERONICA VIXENS #2 CVR B ANWAR $3.99
OCT171273 BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA OLD MAN JACK #4 MAIN & MIX $3.99
OCT171274 BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA OLD MAN JACK #4 SUBSCRIPTION ACT $3.99
JUL172191 BLOOD BOWL MORE GUTS MORE GLORY TP $16.99
SEP171729 CARDCAPTOR SAKURA CLEAR CARD GN VOL 01 $10.99
OCT171684 CATALYST PRIME ACCELL VOL 2 #2 $3.99
OCT171693 CATALYST PRIME SUMMIT #1 $3.99
AUG171186 CAVEWOMAN DEEP WATER #1 CVR A MASSEY (MR) $3.99
SEP171494 CENTIPEDE #5 (OF 5) CVR A FRANCAVILLA $3.99
SEP171495 CENTIPEDE #5 (OF 5) CVR B MARRON $3.99
AUG171900 CHLOE GN VOL 02 NEW GIRL $9.99
SEP171658 CICIS JOURNAL HC GN $17.99
JUL172399 COURIER TP VOL 01 THROUGH THE ASHES $19.99
OCT171097 DARK ARK #4 $3.99
OCT171683 DAWN 2017 LINSNER SGN SKETCHBOOK $24.95
APR171710 DF PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #1 STAN LEE SGN $620.00
AUG171806 DISNEY PRINCESS COMICS COLL TP VOL 03 $9.99
AUG172006 DOCTOR WHO 9TH TP VOL 03 OFFICIAL SECRETS $16.99
OCT171717 DOSTOYEVSKY LIFE AND WORK GN $18.95
OCT171851 DR RADAR (STATIX) #2 $4.99
SEP171134 ETERNAL THIRST OF DRACULA #1 BRIDES NUDE CVR (MR) $5.99
SEP171133 ETERNAL THIRST OF DRACULA #1 MAIN CVR (MR) $3.99
OCT171290 FENCE #2 $3.99
OCT171945 FLYING WITCH GN VOL 04 $10.95
SEP172143 GFT GRIMM TALES OF TERROR VOL 3 #11 A CVR ERIC J (MR) $3.99
SEP172144 GFT GRIMM TALES OF TERROR VOL 3 #11 B CVR BIFULCO (MR) $3.99
SEP172145 GFT GRIMM TALES OF TERROR VOL 3 #11 C CVR VELEZ (MR) $3.99
NOV171737 GHOST IN SHELL DLX COMP BOXED SET (MR) $79.97
OCT171149 GOLD DIGGER CHRISTMAS SPECIAL #11 $3.99
OCT171169 HANGMAN GN VOL 01 (MR) $14.99
OCT171667 HAPPINESS GN VOL 06 $12.99
OCT171065 HARCOURT LEGACY #2 (OF 3) CVR A BURCHAM $3.99
OCT171066 HARCOURT LEGACY #2 (OF 3) CVR B VROSH $3.99
OCT171039 HERO CATS HC VOL 01 $19.99
OCT171103 HILLBILLY TP VOL 02 $17.99
SEP171162 HOW THE TRUMP STOLE CHRISTMAS (ONE SHOT) $4.99
SEP171163 HOW THE TRUMP STOLE CHRISTMAS (ONE SHOT) GOLD FOIL ED $9.99
SEP171717 IMMORTAL #3 CVR A GIENI $3.99
SEP171718 IMMORTAL #3 CVR B FURTADO $3.99
OCT171772 INFERNOCT #3 $3.99
OCT171669 INUYASHIKI GN VOL 10 $12.99
OCT171244 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER FAIRIES #1 (OF 4) $3.99
OCT178178 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER FAIRIES #1 (OF 4) FOC INCV SAKAI VAR $3.99
OCT171245 JIM HENSON STORYTELLER FAIRIES #1 (OF 4) SUBSCRIPTION MILLED $3.99
OCT171877 JUSTICE LEAGUE ART OF THE FILM HC $39.95
OCT171261 KONG ON PLANET OF APES #2 $3.99
OCT171263 KONG ON PLANET OF APES #2 CLASSIC PULP HACK VAR $3.99
OCT171262 KONG ON PLANET OF APES #2 CONNECTING MAGNO VAR $3.99
OCT171407 LADY DEATH NAUGHTY GIFT BOX (MR) $125.00
AUG171181 LAND THAT TIME FORGOT FROM EARTHS CORE #3 CONNECTING CVR A $3.99
AUG171182 LAND THAT TIME FORGOT FROM EARTHS CORE #3 CONNECTING CVR B $3.99
OCT171279 LAZARETTO #4 (OF 5) $3.99
SEP171870 LITTLE GUARDIANS TP $17.99
OCT171721 MADE MEN #4 (MR) $3.99
OCT171257 MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #22 $3.99
AUG171068 MIRACULOUS ADVENTURES LADYBUG CAT NOIR #4 CVR A HESS $3.99
AUG171069 MIRACULOUS ADVENTURES LADYBUG CAT NOIR #4 CVR B FLEECS $3.99
OCT171594 NIGHT BUSINESS HC (MR) $24.99
OCT171919 NINJA-K #2 CVR A HAIRSINE $3.99
OCT171920 NINJA-K #2 CVR B TROYA $3.99
OCT171904 QUANTUM & WOODY (2017) #1 CVR A TEDESCO $3.99
OCT171905 QUANTUM & WOODY (2017) #1 CVR B ULTRA FOIL SHAW $3.99
JUN171915 RE MONSTER GN VOL 03 (RES) (MR) $12.99
AUG171956 RECORD LODOSS WAR GREY WITCH HC GN GOLD ED $27.99
OCT171180 RIVERDALE DIGEST #5 $6.99
OCT171675 SAY I LOVE YOU GN VOL 18 (RES) $10.99
SEP172047 SECRET WEAPONS TP VOL 01 $9.99
OCT171498 SHADOW #5 CVR A KIRKHAM $3.99
OCT171499 SHADOW #5 CVR B KALUTA $3.99
OCT171500 SHADOW #5 CVR C JONES $3.99
MAY171118 SIDEWINDER #3 $3.99
NOV171744 SILENT VOICE COMPLETE SERIES BOXED SET $76.93
SEP171441 SINK #3 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99
JUN171721 STAN LEE CHAKRA MYSTERY OF MIGHTY GIRL #4 (OF 6) $2.99
AUG171345 STARDUST KID HC $24.99
OCT171153 STEAM WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL #3 $3.99
MAY171120 STEAM WARS STRIKE LEADER #3 $3.99
OCT171898 STREET FIGHTER RELOADED #3 (OF 6) $0.99
JUL172238 STREET FIGHTER UNLIMITED TP VOL 01 $19.99
SEP172008 STREET FIGHTER VS DARKSTALKERS TP VOL 01 $19.99
JUL172239 SUPER STREET FIGHTER OMNIBUS TP $24.99
OCT171690 SUPERB TP VOL 01 LIFE AFTER THE FALLOUT $14.99
JUL172193 TEKKEN TP VOL 01 BLOOD FEUD $16.99
NOV172079 TERRA FORMARS GN VOL 20 (MR) $12.99
OCT171849 THE BEAUTIFUL DEATH (STATIX) #4 (OF 5) $3.99
OCT171104 THE CHAIR #4 (OF 4) (MR) $1.00
OCT171678 TO YOUR ETERNITY GN VOL 02 $12.99
SEP171934 TORCHWOOD THE CULLING #3 (OF 4) CVR A DIAZ $3.99
SEP171935 TORCHWOOD THE CULLING #3 (OF 4) CVR B PHOTO $3.99
OCT171105 TRESPASSER #4 (OF 4) $1.50
OCT171098 UNHOLY GRAIL #5 $3.99
SEP171551 VAMPIRELLA #9 CVR A TAN $3.99
SEP171552 VAMPIRELLA #9 CVR B DESJARDINS $3.99
SEP171553 VAMPIRELLA #9 CVR C COSPLAY $3.99
SEP171554 VAMPIRELLA #9 CVR D BROXTON EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR $3.99
OCT171106 WICKED RIGHTEOUS #3 (OF 6) (MR) $1.50
SEP171911 WONDERFUL WORLD OF TANK GIRL #2 CVR A PARSON (MR) $3.99
SEP171912 WONDERFUL WORLD OF TANK GIRL #2 CVR B WAHL (MR) $3.99
SEP171913 WONDERFUL WORLD OF TANK GIRL #2 CVR C BOOKSHELF VAR (MR) $3.99
NOV172061 WORLD TRIGGER GN VOL 18 $9.99
OCT171698 WRAPPED UP #3 BEARD WRAPAROUND CVR $3.99
OCT171697 WRAPPED UP #3 MAIN MCMAHON CVR $3.99
NOV172078 YO-KAI WATCH GN VOL 08 $9.99
AUG171629 Z NATION TP VOL 01 $19.99
OCT171080 ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #42 CVR A CELOR (MR) $4.99
OCT171081 ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #42 CVR B CELOR RISQUE (MR) $4.99
OCT171082 ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #42 CVR C MENDOZA (MR) $4.99
OCT171083 ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #42 CVR D MENDOZA RISQUE (MR) $4.99
OCT171084 ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #42 CVR E WHITAKER (MR) $4.99
OCT171085 ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #42 CVR F WHITAKER RISQUE (MR) $4.99
MAGAZINES
SEP172000 ALTER EGO #150 $9.95
OCT171886 BACK ISSUE #102 $8.95
SEP172259 BEST OF THE WALKING DEAD MAG VOL 02 (MR) $24.99
SEP172243 FROZEN MAGAZINE #18 $4.99
SEP172238 HOBBY JAPAN DEC 2017 $20.00
OCT172124 LOCUS #683 $7.50
OCT172115 SCREEM #34 NEWSSTAND ED $8.95
OCT172116 SCREEM #34 PX ED $8.95
SEP172248 STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI COLLECTORS EDITION MAG NEWSSTAND ED $10.99
SEP172249 STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI COLLECTORS EDITION MAG PX ED $10.99
SEP172255 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #19 $4.99
BOOKS
OCT172087 ART AND MAKING OF THE SHAPE OF WATER HC $45.00
NOV172062 ART OF MAGIC THE GATHERING HC IXALAN $39.99
NOV172223 ART OF PERSONA 5 SC $39.99
OCT172093 ART OF STAR WARS LAST JEDI HC $40.00
AUG171312 BIG TROUBLE LITTLE CHINA ILLUS NOVEL HC MERRIE OLDE ENGLAND $19.99
OCT171948 CHI SWEET COLORING BOOK SC $9.95
OCT172088 COMP MARRIED WITH CHILDREN BOOK TV DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY SC ( $15.00
NOV172188 DC SUPER HEROES WORLDS GREATEST JOKES SC $9.95
SEP172196 DISNEY PIXAR POP UP CELEBRATION HC $65.00
OCT171630 DOG MAN GN VOL 04 DOG MAN AND CAT KID $9.99
SEP172175 JAMIE HEWLETT INSIDE THE MIND OF JAMIE HEWLETT HC (MR) (RES) $59.99
OCT172086 LEGO DC SUPER HEROES ACTIVITY BOOK #3 W FLASH MINIFIGURE $8.99
SEP171893 POLLYANNA ILLUS SC $11.99
OCT172074 SECRET HERO SOCIETY HC VOL 03 DETENTION OF DOOM $12.99
OCT172098 STAR WARS 5 MINUTE STAR WARS STORIES STRIKE BACK HC $12.99
OCT172099 STAR WARS LAST JEDI COBALT SQUADRON HC $16.99
OCT172096 STAR WARS LAST JEDI INCREDIBLE CROSS SECTIONS HC $22.99
OCT172101 STAR WARS LAST JEDI ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTION SC $12.99
OCT172097 STAR WARS LAST JEDI VISUAL DICTIONARY HC $22.99
SEP172182 UNOFF GUIDE TO VINTAGE TRANSFORMERS 1980 - 1990 SC $29.99
OCT172945 WARHAMMER 40K ANGELS OF CALIBAN PROSE NOVEL SC $9.99
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Review: STAR WARS #38
STAR WARS No. 38 (2015)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel
[Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]
STORY: Kieron Gillen
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Guru e-FX
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: David Marquez with Matthew Wilson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)
Rated T
Part I: “The Ashes of Jedha”
In 2015, Marvel Comics restarted their publication of Star Wars comic books with a brand new Star Wars #1. I wrote a review of it and went on to review a few more issues of the series, plus the first annual. Jason Aaron was the series writer from the beginning and delivered a number of really good story arcs and, recently, several really good stand alone, single-issue stories.
Aaron has moved on and the new series writer is Kieron Gillen, who did stellar work on Marvel's initial Darth Vader title, which was drawn by Salvador Larroca. In fact, I can make a good case that Gillen and Larroca's Darth Vader was and still is the best Star Wars comic book Marvel has published since it regained the license to produce such comic books. Gillen, as writer, and Larroca, as artist, reunite as the new Star Wars creative team. They are joined by Guru e-FX on colors and Clayton Cowles on letters.
Star Wars #38 (“The Ashes of Jedha”) finds that the forces of the Galactic Empire have returned to the desert moon Jedha, which the Empire nearly destroyed (as seen in the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story). The Empire wants the kyber crystals, which are plentiful on Jedha and which power lightsabers, that managed to survive the destruction wrought on the moon by a test of the Death Star.
Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 have arrived on Jedha in hopes of forming an alliance with the “main” rebellion and the rebels on Jedha. However, the partisans on Jedha are different in many ways from the Rebel Alliance, and these wild rebels of Jedha may hold the Alliance in as much disdain as they do the Empire.
As much as I was enjoying Star Wars the comic book, I know that there was a part of me that believed the series needed, if not a fresh start, some injection of freshness. I think Kieron Gillen is that injection, and there is something about Gillen and Larroca that really works as a comic book creative team. There is fire in the drama, and the tension is electrically charged. Together, they produce comic books that have me hopping for the next issue every time I finish the issue at hand.
The rich colors by Guru e-FX dazzle my eyes. It is near perfect, although the colors seem to emphasize a peculiar photo-like quality in many of the faces that Larroca draws. I often don't mention lettering in my reviews, but here, Clayton Cowles actually super-charges the edgy mood of this story.
Once again, the creators of a Marvel Star Wars comic book title have me chomping at the bit to read the next issue. In the case of the new Star Wars team, I am not ashamed to be a fanboy.
A
9 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.
-------------------------------
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
WRITERS: Cavan Scott; Landry Q. Walker; Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Derek Charm; Jon Sommariva; Elsa Charretier
INKS: Derek Charm; Sean Parsons; Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Derek Charm; Charlie Kirchoff; Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Tom B. Long; Robbie Robbins
PIN-UPS: Derek Charm; Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Mike Maihack; Craig Rousseau; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Eric Jones; Tim Levins
COVER: Derek Charm
ISBN: 978-1-68405-205-9; paperback, 6” x 9” (October 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN
“Better the Devil You Know” Parts l and 2; Tales from Wild Space - “Stop, Thief!” and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin”
Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, from IDW and not from current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics. Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity. Star Wars Adventures will feature a rotating casts of characters, and the stories will range from settings that take place before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace all the way up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) and beyond.
Now, comes the first book collection of Star Wars Adventures. It is entitled Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy. It collects Star Wars Adventures #1 and #2 and the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan, which was given out at San Diego Comic-Con International 2017 ahead of the release of Star Wars Adventures #1.
The main story of Star Wars Adventures #1-2 is a two-part tale, entitled “Better the Devil You Know,” written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long. “Better the Devil You Know” opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet. Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found. Rey realizes that dealing with Plutt, terrible as he is and can be, is better than dealing with the aliens determined to kill him.
Each issue of Star Wars Adventures has a back-up feature, “Tales from Wildspace.” This anthology-like features various Star Wars characters from different eras of the Star Wars universe and is narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf. The two “Wildspace stories here are “Stop, Thief!” (Star Wars Adventures #1) and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin” (#2).
I like Star Wars Adventures. I know that it is geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it. I like Derek Charm's art, which is a blend of animation-styled art and the art found in Archie Comics. Cavan Scott's storytelling in “Better the Devil You Know” is true to the spirit of Star Wars – emphasizing adventure, imagination, and, of course, wisdom and justice.
The story from the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan (written by Landry B. Walker and drawn by Charm) is narrated by C-3PO and R2-D2 and presents a rather interesting overview of Star Wars history. That overview alone, especially the Luke Skywalker parts, is worth the cost of this book.
“Tales from Wild Space” does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but it is a good back-up. Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that “Wildspace” offers.
I think Star Wars Adventures is closer to traditional, classic comic books – with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – than many comic books available in comic book shops today. This is a comic book that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books, and I think Star Wars Adventures Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy is a great way to introduce young readers to comic books.
[This volume also includes a section of character designs by Derek Charm.]
A+
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.
-------------------------
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Review: ASTRA LOST IN SPACE Volume 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia
MANGAKA: Kenta Shinohara
TRANSLATION: Adrienne Beck
LETTERS: Annaliese Christman
EDITOR: Marlene First
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9694-5; paperback (December 2017); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.
Astra Lost in Space is a new science fiction graphic novel series published by VIZ Media. It is the English-language publication of Kanata No Astra, the shonen manga (Japanese comics for teen) from creator Kenta Shinohara and published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump.
Astra Lost in Space, Vol. 1 (entitled Planet Camp; Chapters 1 to 7) is set in the year 2063. By that time, interstellar travel has become the norm for the people of Earth. The story opens on the first day of “Planet Camp,” and Aries Spring, a sweet-natured teen girl, couldn’t be more excited.
Aries is joining seven other teens and one pre-teen girl (a.k.a. “Planet Camp Group B-5”) on a sojourn to Planet McPa for a week-long excursion. Soon after they arrive on McPa, however, a mysterious orb appears and transports the entire group into the depths of space. That is where they will die unless they can make their way to an empty floating spaceship.
The Astra Lost in Space manga is the latest accessible teen-oriented sci-fi graphic novel series from VIZ Media. It is a pop comic offering mystery, danger, and adventure via interstellar space travel.
Astra Lost in Space Graphic Novel Volume 1 moves quickly into the story. Creator Kenta Shinohara uses the early chapters to reveal the characters' personalities, and many of them are familiar teen manga types. We have the sweet girl; the boy seeking redemption; the bratty, selfish queen bee; the sulky loner, and the really smart science-tech guy, to name a few. The most interesting characters are the leads, Aries (sweet girl) and Kanata Hoshijima (boy seeking redemption), and the story is the strongest when they are the focus.
As for the interstellar adventure, that is quite intriguing because it mixes mystery and conspiracy. The story suggests that something metaphysical or larger than mankind or perhaps something human and conniving is going on. Which is it? Or is it both?
I am not sure that adult readers will really take to Astra Lost in Space because it is so teen-oriented, both in the quality of the narrative and in the tone of its appreciation. I have to say that if Astra Lost in Space were an American teen sci-fi comic, I would think that only BOOM! Studios of the major and mini-major comic book publishers would publish it because BOOM! does have a teen-oriented imprint that would be a good fit for Astra Lost in Space. This adult will keep reading.
A-
7.5 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 or site for syndication rights and fees.
---------------------------
Monday, December 11, 2017
DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2017
OCT170216 ACTION COMICS #993 $2.99
OCT170217 ACTION COMICS #993 VAR ED $2.99
SEP170439 ASTRO CITY ORDINARY HEROES HC $24.99
SEP170438 ASTRO CITY REFLECTIONS TP $16.99
OCT170229 BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY #17 $3.99
OCT170230 BATGIRL AND THE BIRDS OF PREY #17 VAR ED $3.99
SEP170400 BATMAN TP VOL 04 THE WAR OF JOKES & RIDDLES (REBIRTH) $19.99
JUL170468 BATMAN UNWRAPPED DEATH OF THE FAMILY HC $29.99
OCT178071 BATMAN WHO LAUGHS #1 2ND PTG (METAL) $3.99
OCT170343 BUG THE ADVENTURES OF FORAGER #6 (OF 6) (RES) (MR) $3.99
SEP170413 DC UNIVERSE BY JOHN BYRNE HC $39.99
OCT170251 DETECTIVE COMICS #970 $2.99
OCT170252 DETECTIVE COMICS #970 VAR ED $2.99
OCT170255 FLASH #36 $2.99
OCT170256 FLASH #36 VAR ED $2.99
OCT170249 GOTHAM CITY GARAGE #5 $2.99
OCT170265 HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34 $2.99
OCT170266 HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34 VAR ED $2.99
SEP170416 JSA BY GEOFF JOHNS TP BOOK 01 $34.99
OCT170283 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #20 $2.99
OCT170284 JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #20 VAR ED $2.99
OCT170287 MISTER MIRACLE #5 (OF 12) (MR) $3.99
OCT170288 MISTER MIRACLE #5 (OF 12) VAR ED (MR) $3.99
OCT170292 NEW SUPER MAN #18 $3.99
OCT170293 NEW SUPER MAN #18 VAR ED $3.99
OCT170299 RAGMAN #3 (OF 6) $2.99
OCT170300 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #17 $3.99
OCT170301 RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #17 VAR ED $3.99
OCT170341 SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #20 $3.99
OCT170342 SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #20 VAR ED $3.99
OCT170349 SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #88 $2.99
OCT170302 SUICIDE SQUAD #31 $2.99
OCT170303 SUICIDE SQUAD #31 VAR ED $2.99
SEP170406 SUICIDE SQUAD TP VOL 04 EARTHLINGS ON FIRE (REBIRTH) $14.99
OCT170306 SUPERGIRL #16 $3.99
OCT170307 SUPERGIRL #16 VAR ED $3.99
OCT170308 SUPERWOMAN #17 $3.99
OCT170309 SUPERWOMAN #17 VAR ED $3.99
OCT170318 TITANS #18 $3.99
OCT170319 TITANS #18 VAR ED $3.99
SEP170408 TRINITY HC VOL 02 DEAD SPACE (REBIRTH) $22.99
SEP170407 TRINITY TP VOL 01 BETTER TOGETHER (REBIRTH) $16.99
OCT170328 WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY #3 $3.99
OCT170329 WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY #3 VAR ED $3.99
OCT170322 WONDER WOMAN #36 $2.99
OCT170323 WONDER WOMAN #36 VAR ED $2.99
Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 13, 2017
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OCT170879 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #792 LEG $3.99
SEP170994 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CLONE CONSPIRACY TP $39.99
OCT170902 BEN REILLY SCARLET SPIDER #11 LEG $3.99
OCT170950 CABLE #152 LEG $3.99
SEP170997 CHAMPIONS TP VOL 02 FREELANCER LIFESTYLE $19.99
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SEP171020 DARK AVENGERS BY BENDIS TP COMPLETE COLLECTION $34.99
SEP171004 DEFENDERS TP VOL 01 DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER $15.99
OCT170951 DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #290 LEG $3.99
OCT170930 FALCON #3 LEG $3.99
JUN171049 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY HC VOL 04 $34.99
OCT170928 JEAN GREY #10 LEG $3.99
SEP178865 MARVEL 2018 CALENDAR (BUNDLE OF 25) $10.00
JUN171045 MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE GUIDEBOOK GOOD BAD GUARDIANS HC $34.99
JUN171043 MMW FANTASTIC FOUR HC VOL 19 $75.00
JUN171044 MMW FANTASTIC FOUR HC VOL 19 DM VAR ED 254 $75.00
SEP170995 MS MARVEL TP VOL 08 MECCA $17.99
SEP171007 PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 01 INTO TWILIGHT $17.99
OCT170916 PUNISHER #219 LEG $3.99
SEP171008 ROCKET TP VOL 01 BLUE RIVER SCORE $17.99
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JUN171048 THOR BY JASON AARON & RUSSELL DAUTERMAN HC VOL 02 $34.99
OCT170984 TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX BIZARRE ADVENTURES $1.00
OCT170983 TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX CLASSIC $1.00
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OCT170865 UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #27 LEG $3.99
OCT170856 WEAPON X #12 LEG $3.99
OCT170948 X-MEN BLUE #17 LEG $3.99