DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for October 12, 2021

DC COMICS:

Batman ’89 #3 (Of 6) (Cover A Joe Quinones), $3.99
Batman ’89 #3 (Of 6) (Cover B Lee Weeks Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries #7 (Of 12) (Cover A Dario Brizuela), $2.99
Batman Arkham Asylum The Deluxe Edition HC, $34.99
Batman The Audio Adventures Special #1 (One Shot) (Cover A Dave Johnson), $9.99
Batman The Audio Adventures Special #1 (One Shot) (Cover B Francis Manapul Card Stock Variant), $10.99
Batman The Audio Adventures Special #1 (One Shot) (Cover C Tom Haskard Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman The Imposter #1 (Of 3) (Cover A Andrea Sorrentino), $5.99
Batman The Imposter #1 (Of 3) (Cover B Lee Bermejo), $5.99
Batman The Imposter #1 (Of 3) (Cover C Kaare Andrews), AR
Batman The Long Halloween Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99
Batman Urban Legends #8 (Cover A Colleen Doran) (Fear State), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #8 (Cover B Khary Randolph) (Fear State), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #8 (Cover C Riccardo Federici) (Fear State), $7.99
Batwoman Omnibus HC, $99.99
Blue And Gold #3 (Of 8)(Cover A Ryan Sook), $3.99
Challenge Of The Super Sons #7 (Of 7) (Cover A Simone Di Meo), $3.99
Challenge Of The Super Sons #7 (Of 7) (Cover B Riley Rossmo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Deathstroke By Christopher Priest Omnibus HC, $150.00
Flash Volume 15 Finish Line TP, $16.99
Future State Gotham #6 (Cover A Simone Di Meo), $3.99
Future State Gotham #6 (Cover B Rose Besch Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Hardware Season One #2 (Of 6) (Cover A Mateus Manhanini), $3.99
Hardware Season One #2 (Of 6) (Cover B TK Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn The Animated Series The Eat Bang Kill Tour #2 (Of 6) (Cover A Max Sarin), $3.99
Harley Quinn The Animated Series The Eat Bang Kill Tour #2 (Of 6) (Cover B Babs Tarr Card Stock Variant), $4.99
I Am Batman #2 (Cover A Olivier Coipel) (Fear State), $3.99
I Am Batman #2 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant) (Fear State), $4.99
Inferior Five TP, $16.99
Joker #8 (Cover A Guillem March), $5.99
Joker #8 (Cover B Jorge Molina), $5.99
Joker #8 (Cover C Acky Bright), $5.99
Joker #8 (Cover D James Stokoe), AR
Justice League Last Ride #6 (Of 7) (Cover A Darick Robertson), $3.99
Justice League Last Ride #6 (Of 7) (Cover B Michael Choi Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Pennyworth #3 (Of 7)(Cover A Jorge Fornes), $3.99
Strange Adventures #12 (Of 12) (Cover A Mitch Gerads), $4.99
Strange Adventures #12 (Of 12) (Cover B Evan Doc Shaner), $4.99
Superman And The Authority #4 (Of 4) (Cover A Mikel Janin), $4.99
Superman And The Authority #4 (Of 4) (Cover B Yanick Paquette Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Titans United #2 (Of 7) (Cover A Jamal Campbell), $3.99
Titans United #2 (Of 7) (Cover B Kael Ngu Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Wonder Woman #780 (Cover A Travis Moore), $4.99
Wonder Woman #780 (Cover B Becky Cloonan Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman By George Perez Volume 6 TP, $29.99
Wonder Woman The Adventures Of Young Diana Special #1 (One Shot), $9.99

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#IReadsYou Review: THE SILVER COIN #1

THE SILVER COIN #1 (OF 5)
IMAGE COMICS

STORY: Chip Zdarsky
ART: Michael Walsh
COLORS: Michael Walsh
LETTERS: Michael Walsh
EDITOR: Chris Hampton
COVER: Michael Walsh
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Tula Lotay; Maria Nguyen
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (April 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

The Silver Coin is created by Michael Walsh, Ed Brisson, Jeff Lemire, Kelly Thompson, and Chip Zdarsky

“The Ticket”

The Silver Coin in a new horror comic book anthology and miniseries published by Image Comics.  It is the creation of artist Michael Walsh and writers Ed Brisson, Jeff Lemire, Kelly Thompson, and Chip Zdarsky.  Each issue of this five-issue miniseries will tell a tale of terror that is set in a supernatural world in which the mysterious “Silver Coin” changes the lives of those who take possession of it.  The first issue is written by Zdarsky and drawn, colored, and lettered by Walsh.

The Silver Coin #1 (entitled “The Ticket”) opens in 1978.  Disco is at the height of its power over American pop culture.  Feeling that power is local rock band, the power trio, “Running Red.”  They currently have the seven o'clock spot at “The Dirty Eagle,” a rock club that now caters to the disco crowd.

Ryan, the lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist of Running Red, wants to be more than just the leader of a bar band living on the edge.  However, his band mates, bassist, Joe, and drummer, Ashley, seem happy just playing together.  One day, Ryan discovers a mysterious silver coin, and he begins using it as his guitar pick.  Before they know it, Running Red is no longer a failing rock band, but this sudden change of fortune comes with a cost – a hungry curse.

THE LOWDOWN:  I am a big fan of horror comic book anthologies, which includes, of course, the classic EC Comics titles.  However, I am also a fan of EC's comics inheritors, including Kitchen Sink Press's Death Rattle, DC Comics' Ghosts and House of Mystery, Warren Publishing's Creepy and Eerie, and Approbation Comics' Amour, to name a few.

The Silver Coin reminds me of DC and Warren's 1970s horror comics, especially because of Michael Walsh's ghostly coloring.  His ethereal compositions recall the late master of horror comics, Bernie Wrightson, and Walsh's storytelling is both efficient in its narrative and lavish in its presentation.  Even Walsh's lettering has a horrific lilt, as the fonts chronicle a creeping doom.

Chip Zdarsky, one of the most clever and inventive mainstream comic book writers, offers a standalone story that is complete and delivers the brutal comeuppance of dealing with a cursed object in a single-issue.  Efficient beginning, informative middle, and shocking ending:  we get all this in 22 pages and not in six issues of padded storytelling.

If The Silver Coin #1 is any indication of what the remaining issues will offer, I feel very confident in highly recommending it.  And I want more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic horror comic book anthologies will want to spend The Silver Coin.

A
8 out of 10

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


https://twitter.com/Mister_Walsh
https://michaelwalshcomics.com/
https://twitter.com/zdarsky
http://www.zdars.co/
https://twitter.com/JeffLemire
https://tinyletter.com/JeffLemire
https://twitter.com/edbrisson
http://www.edbrisson.com/
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: NOCTERRA #1

NOCTERRA #1
IMAGE COMICS/Best Jacket Press

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
ART: Tony S. Daniels
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Andworld Design
EDITOR: Will Dennis
COVER: Tony S. Daniels with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jock; Bosslogic; Greg Capullo
36pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (March 2021)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“FULL THROTTLE DARK”

Nocterra is a new comic book series from writer Scott Snyder and artist Tony S. Daniels.  Published by Image Comics, Nocterra is set on an Earth that has been experiencing an everlasting night for well over a decade.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Andworld Design complete the series' creative team.

Nocterra #1 opens in Denver, Colorado in the fifth grade class of Valentina “Val” Riggs.  This is the day of the “Big PM,” when the sky goes dark and the world is plunged into an everlasting night.  Any living organism left unlit in the dark for more than 10 hours starts undergoing a biological transformation and changes into a monstrous version of itself, becoming something called a “Shade.”

Thirteen years later (“13 PM”), Val is a big rig hauler, driving a heavily-illuminated 18-wheeler, and her call sign in “Sundog.”  She is a skilled “ferryman” who transports people and goods along deadly unlit roads between the few remaining human outposts.  At Luxville, Colorado, a well-lit outpost, Val hopes to find her brother Emory a.k.a. “Em” in better condition.  Waiting for Val, however, are two people with a request for help that she cannot refuse and that will change everything.

THE LOWDOWN:  I enjoy Scott Snyder's creator-owned series more than I enjoy his recent work for DC Comics.  I find all that Dark Nights: Metal stuff mostly unreadable, but I enjoyed Wytches (2014-15).

Nocterra #1 is a strong first issue because it offers so much information.  Snyder keeps a lot of secrets, but he gives readers a clear understanding of the basics when it comes to the lead character, the setting, and the plot.  Of course, the next few issues will thrill the readers with shocking reveals and new mysteries, but Snyder does not leave me with the maddening feeling that instead of reading the first issue of a comic book I have actually read a teaser.  Andworld Design's lettering conveys the shifts in tone of the dialogue, from the introspection of Val to the urgent appeals of her brother, Em.

Readers may be surprised to see how subdued Tony Daniels' art is.  His pencils are subtle and impressionistic, more original Mad Max than Mad Max: Fury Road.  The inking captures the nuance in the characterization and the action.  Daniels plus colorist Tomeu Morey is always a good thing, and here, Morey creates the sense of an eternal night dotted by the neon twilight of the human outposts.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Scott Snyder and Tony S. Daniels will want to sample Nocterra.

8 out of 10

[This comic book includes “A Note from Scott,” an afterword by Scott Snyder.]

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


https://twitter.com/Ssnyder1835
https://www.instagram.com/ssnyder1835/
https://twitter.com/TonyDanielx2
https://tonydaniel.bigcartel.com/
https://twitter.com/tomeu_morey
https://twitter.com/deronbennett
https://twitter.com/andworlddesign
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Movie Review: VENOM: Let There Be Carnage

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)

Running time:  97 minutes (1 hour, 37 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some strong language, disturbing material and suggestive references
DIRECTOR:  Andy Serkis
WRITERS:  Kelly Marcel; from a story by Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy (based on the Marvel Comics)
PRODUCERS:  Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Matt Tolmach, Tom Hardy, Kelly Marcel, and Hutch Parker
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Robert Richardson (D.o.P.)
EDITORS:  Maryann Brandon and Stan Salfas
COMPOSER:  Marco Beltrami

SUPERHERO/FANTASY/ACTION

Starring:  Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, Peggy Lu, Little Simz, Jack Bandeira, Olumide Olorunfemi, and Woody Harrelson

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a 2021 superhero fantasy-action film directed by Andy Serkis.  The film is based on the Marvel Comics super-villain/anti-hero characters, Eddie Brock/Venom, to which several comic book writers, artists, and editors contributed in the creation, most especially artist Todd McFarlane and writer David Michelinie.  This film is a direct sequel to the 2018 film, Venom, and it is also the second film in “Sony's Spider-Man Universe” series.  In Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock and Venom face a new symbiote, a violent monster more powerful than Venom.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage opens in “St. Estes Home for Unwanted Children,” circa 1996.  There, young Cletus Kasady (Jack Bandeira) watches helplessly as his love, young Frances Barrison (Olumide Olorunfemi), is taken away.  She will be placed at the “Ravencroft Institute,” where she will be experimented upon because of her special power, her ability to emit a sonic scream.

In the present day, police Detective Patrick Mulligan (Stephen Graham) contacts Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy), who is attempting to revive his journalism career.  Mulligan asks Brock to speak to Cletus Kasady (Woody Harrelson), now a serial killer who sits on death row and awaits execution.  Kasady refuses to talk to anyone other than Brock.  Kasady invites Brock to attend his execution, but Brock uses the visit to benefit himself.  Kasady sees Brock's actions as betrayal.

Meanwhile, Brock and the symbiote, Venom, have hit a wall in their relationship.  Each believes that the other does not really appreciate what he brings to the relationship.  Plus, Brock's ex-fiancée, Anne Weying (Michelle Williams), tells him that she is now engaged to Dr. Dan Lewis (Reid Scott).  This news and his cantankerous relationship with Venom lead Brock into being careless when he visits Kasady a second time, which leads to the creation of a monstrous new symbiote named “Carnage.”  Meanwhile, the adult Frances Barrison (Naomie Harris) is still imprisoned and, in her new identity as “Shriek, she still pines for her man, Cletus.

From what information I have gathered, the general consensus seems to be that the sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, is better than the first film, Venom.  As entertaining as I found the sequel, I think the original is the better film.  Yes, Venom: Let There Be Carnage has a lot going for it.  Its main cast:  Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, and Woody Harrelson have all received Academy Award nominations for their acting – Williams and Harrelson more than once.

Yes, the sequel's special effects are excellent.  It is quite an achievement to create multiple scenes featuring not one but two shape-shifting, morphing CGI characters.  Venom and Carnage transmute at the same speed and frequency with which the late actor and comic legend, Robin Williams, blabbed and babbled – every chance he got.

Yes, I will give Venom: Let There Be Carnage credit for attempting to be something more than just a superhero film.  [Venom considers himself a hero.]  The film offers themes related to romance, fractured relationships, troubled friendships, jealousy, unrequited love, and love triangles.  In fact, I have to credit Tom Hardy for sharing so much of what is essentially his film with another actor.  Much of this film is about the story of Woody Harrelson's character, Cletus Kasady.

However, the first film seemed more sure of its plots and story points.  As eye-popping as Carnage is in this sequel, I think the original film's human/symbiote villains, Carlton Drake (played by Riz Ahmed) and Riot, were … deliciously evil.  Carnage is needlessly homicidal, and the character takes away from the subtle notes that Woody Harrelson tries to play as Cletus Kasady.

So, in the end, Venom: Let There Be Carnage is entertaining and often funny.  The supporting characters get to play, even fifth wheel Dr. Dan, and I'm always happy to see Naomi Harris, who makes the most of her time as Shriek.  But Venom: Let There Be Carnage feels like a placeholder.  It is as if Sony Pictures offered this sequel in order to satisfy demand while it takes time to develop a really good follow-up to the original Venom, instead of this merely good one.

B

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


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for October 6, 2021

BOOM! STUDIOS

JUN211076 ABBOTT 1973 TP $17.99

AUG210915 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #30 CVR A FRANY $3.99

AUG210916 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #30 CVR B GEORGIEV $3.99

AUG210958 MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #7 CVR A KHALIDAH $4.99

AUG210959 MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #7 CVR B VILLA $4.99

AUG210960 MAGIC THE GATHERING (MTG) #7 CVR C HIDDEN SPARK VAR $4.99

AUG210964 MIGHTY MORPHIN #12 CVR A LEE $3.99

AUG210965 MIGHTY MORPHIN #12 CVR B LEGACY VAR CARLINI $3.99

AUG210969 MIGHTY MORPHIN #12 CVR F FOC REVEAL VAR FERNANDEZ $3.99

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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 6, 2021

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUN210373 APEX LEGENDS OVERTIME #3 (OF 4) $3.99

APR210480 GANTZ OMNIBUS TP VOL 07 $24.99

AUG210335 LAST FLIGHT OUT #2 (OF 6) $3.99

AUG210330 LUCKY DEVIL #3 (OF 4) $3.99

MAY210297 TRIUMPH OF THE WIZARD KING TP BOOK THREE $12.99

APR210479 VAMPIRE HUNTER D OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 $19.99

AUG210287 WORST DUDES #5 (OF 5) (MR) $3.99

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Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for October 6, 2021

DYNAMITE

JUL210925 BARBARELLA #3 CVR J PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN $50.00

JUL210926 BARBARELLA #3 CVR K CHEW LTD VIRGIN $50.00

JUL210927 BARBARELLA #3 CVR L COHEN LTD VIRGIN $50.00

JUL210965 DIE!NAMITE LIVES #4 CVR J PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN $50.00

JUL210966 DIE!NAMITE LIVES #4 CVR K SUYDAM LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV200802 JAMES BOND BIG THINGS HC $24.99

AUG210653 JENNIFER BLOOD #1 CVR A PARRILLO (MR) $3.99

AUG210654 JENNIFER BLOOD #1 CVR B LINSNER (MR) $3.99

AUG210655 JENNIFER BLOOD #1 CVR C LI (MR) $3.99

AUG210656 JENNIFER BLOOD #1 CVR D YOON (MR) $3.99

AUG210657 JENNIFER BLOOD #1 CVR E COSPLAY (MR) $3.99

AUG210658 JENNIFER BLOOD #1 CVR F BLANK AUTHENTIX (MR) $3.99

FEB191197 LAST TEMPTATION LITHO SGN NEIL GAIMAN $89.99

NOV200873 RED SONJA #13 FRANK CHO LTD ED LITHO $49.99

AUG210740 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR A ANDOLFO $3.99

AUG210741 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR B ANACLETO $3.99

AUG210742 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR C LINSNER $3.99

AUG210743 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR D DURSO $3.99

AUG210744 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR E COSPLAY $3.99

JUL219414 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR N FOC BONUS LI ORIGINAL ART $3.99

JUL219415 RED SONJA (2021) #2 CVR O FOC BONUS FLEECS & FORSTNER ORIG A $3.99

JUL210914 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #3 CVR I PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN $50.00

JUL210915 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #3 CVR J IZAAKSE LTD VIRGIN $50.00

DEC200933 RED SONJA PRICE OF BLOOD #3 CGC GRADED SUYDAM CVR $89.99

JUL211022 VAMPIRELLA #24 CVR K PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN $50.00

SEP191212 VAMPIRELLA 50TH ANN PARRILLO LITHO VAMPIRELLA #21 (2010) CVR $49.99

SEP191209 VAMPIRELLA 50TH ANN PARRILLO LITHO VAMPIRELLA #30 (2010) CVR $49.99

OCT191230 VAMPIRELLA PARILLO 50TH ANN LITHO $49.99

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