[“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”]
Monday, October 10, 2022
IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for October 12, 2022
Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 12, 2022
Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 12, 2022
Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for October 12, 2022
---------------------
DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for October 11, 2022
American Vampire Omnibus Volume 2 HC, $125.00
Batgirls #11 (Cover A Jorge Corona), $3.99
Batgirls #11 (Cover B Audrey Mok Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batgirls #11 (Cover C Rian Gonzales Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries #1 (Cover A Dario Brizuela), $2.99
Batman Incorporated #1 (Cover A John Timms), $3.99
Batman Incorporated #1 (Cover B Jorge Molina Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Incorporated #1 (Cover C Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Incorporated #1 (Cover D Jeff Spokes Glow In The Dark Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Urban Legends #20 (Cover A Max Dunbar), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #20 (Cover B Jorge Corona), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #20 (Cover C Edwin Galmon), $7.99
Batman Vs. Robin #2 (Of 5)(Cover A Mahmud Asrar), $5.99
Batman Vs. Robin #2 (Of 5)(Cover B Greg Capullo Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Batman Vs. Robin #2 (Of 5)(Cover C Francis Manapul Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Batman Vs. Robin #2 (Of 5)(Cover D Rafael Sarmento Battle-Speed Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Vs. Robin #2 (Of 5)(Cover E Clayton Henry Card Stock Variant), AR
Black Adam #1 (Special Edition), AR
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Arrow #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Clayton Henry), $4.99
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Arrow #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Megan Huang), AR
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Arrow #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Clayton Henry Foil Variant), AR
Dark Crisis Worlds Without A Justice League Green Arrow #1 (One Shot)(Cover D Nik Virella), $4.99
DC Horror Presents Soul Plumber HC, $24.99
DC’s Terrors Through Time #1 (One Shot)(Cover A John Mccrea), $9.99
DC’s Terrors Through Time #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Steve Beach VHS Variant), $9.99
DC’s Terrors Through Time #1 (One Shot)(Cover C Karl Mostert), AR
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #2 (Of 3)(Cover A Sebastian Fiumara), $5.99
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #2 (Of 3)(Cover B Juan Ferreyra Card Stock Variant), $6.99
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #2 (Of 3)(Cover C Jorge Corona Card Stock Variant), AR
Flash The Fastest Man Alive #2 (Of 3)(Cover D Ricardo Lopez Foil Card Stock Variant), AR
Future State Gotham #18 (Cover A Simone Di Meo), $3.99
Future State Gotham #18 (Cover B Carlos Danda Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Jurassic League #6 (Of 6)(Cover A Daniel Warren Johnson), $3.99
Jurassic League #6 (Of 6)(Cover B Juan Gedeon Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Rogues #4 (Of 4)(Cover A Sam Wolfe Connelly), $6.99
Rogues #4 (Of 4)(Cover B Leomacs), $6.99
Rogues #4 (Of 4)(Cover C Kaare Andrews), AR
Superman Son Of Kal-El #16 (Cover A Travis Moore)(Kal-El Returns), $3.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #16 (Cover B Ariel Colon Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns), $4.99
Superman Son Of Kal-El #16 (Cover C Megan Huang 90s Bedroom Card Stock Variant)(Kal-El Returns), AR
Teen Titans Academy Volume 2 Exit Wounds HC, $29.99
Wonder Woman #792 (Cover A Yanick Paquette), $4.99
Wonder Woman #792 (Cover B Joelle Jones Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #792 (Cover C Lucio Parrillo Black Adam Movie Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #792 (Cover D Zu Orzu Card Stock Variant), AR
Wonder Woman #792 (Cover E Crystal Kung Cheetah Costume Card Stock Variant), AR
Wonder Woman Evolution HC, $29.99
--------------------
Friday, October 7, 2022
#IReadsYou Review: NOW: The New Comics Anthology #11
NOW: THE NEW COMICS ANTHOLOGY #11
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
CARTOONISTS: Theo Ellsworth; Jesse Simpson; Justin Gradin; Tim Lane; Baptiste Virot; Stacy Gougoulis; Natalia Novia & Ariel Lopez V.; Kayla E. Chris Wright; Steven Weissman; Josh Simmons
DESIGN: Jacob Covey
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds
COVER: Daria Tessler
BACKCOVER: Nick Thorburn
ISBN: 978-1-68396-520-6; paperback (March 2022)
128pp, Color, $12.99 U.S.
NOW: The New Comics Anthology is an alternative-comics anthology series launched in 2017 and edited by Eric Reynolds. NOW is published by alt-comix and art comics publisher, Fantagraphics Books. Over its four-plus decades of existence, Fantagraphics has published what is probably the most diverse collection of comic book anthologies in the history of North American comic books. That line-up includes such titles as Anything Goes, Critters, Mome, Pictopia, and Zero Zero, to name a few.
NOW: The New Comics Anthology #11 offers a selection of fourteen cartoonists and comics creators, as well as a back cover “comics strip” from Nick Thorburn. NOW #11 holds to editor Eric Reynolds' creed (from NOW #1) that NOW showcases “...as broad a range of quality comic art as possible...”
The contributors list also includes a Leroy favorite, Steven Weissman. But let's take a look at each of NOW #11's cartoonists' contributions:
THE LOWDOWN: The illustration that acts as NOW #11's cover art is entitled “Untitled,” and is produced by Daria Tessler. It looks like something at least partially inspired by the animation in “Monty Python's Flying Circus.”
“Untitled” by Theo Ellsworth:
The NOW regular offers a one-page comic with an impressive display of curvy lines.
“Snub” by Jesse Simpson:
What's with the eyes on the two lead characters, seriously? I want to say that it has something to do with either emotions or personality. So after being snubbed (maybe) by fellow party-goer, “Kevin,” two friends talk it out and reveal that it does bother them, although they are also saying it does not. I like that Simpson creates what seems like a natural conversation. The characters are talking as much to themselves as to each other. I want more of this.
“Wounded Candy” by Justin Gradin:
Grover, a garbage man employed by a waste disposal company called, “Talkin' Trash,” and a creature, something I call a “sidewalk spirit,” have an adventure with a celebrity Halloween mask, lots of garbage, and vomited gum. “Wounded Candy” is the kind of edgy, surreal fantasy that alternative cartoonists produce. Why draw a Doctor Strange comic book for Marvel that pretends to be “way out there” when you can go “off the beaten path” in many phantasmagoric directions via alt-comics? [If you say page rate...] Once again, I say “Encore! Encore!”
“The Junkman” by Tim Lane:
I know Tim Lane's work from Glenn Head's amazing anthology, Hotwire Comics, specifically Hotwire Comics #2. Lane drew the cover and contributed three stories, “Outing,” “In My Dream,” and “The Aries Crow.”
“The Junkman” takes place in a junkyard. It features a young man with an instant camera and an older man sitting in the remains of an automobile, a 1955 Chevy Belair. The young fellow likes to take pictures of junk, and the older dude likes to ponder what could have been. Lane's art is sort of a combination of Charles Burns and of EC Comics' Al Feldstein and Jack Kamen. Lane's art looks like it belongs in a 1950s comic book, which makes it the perfect method and medium for a story that laments choosing practicality over risk.
As lovely as the art is, with all its textures and draftsmanship, “The Junkman” is driven by the high-quality of the dialogue and how it evolves this moment in time between two different men. They are really talking past each other for a time, and then Lane reveals that in their differences, there are connections and familiarity. “The Junkman” is a tremendous work of comics storytelling.
“Interior Design,” “The Visit,” “Allo?” and “The Great Escape” by Baptiste Virot:
This suite of four stories, which totals seven pages, are surreal exercises concerning the difficulty of escaping one's current situation. Virot's “clear line” style and flat colors reveal the skills of someone investing in print making. I wish periodical comic books could support work like this, but alas...
“Mandorla” by Stacy Gougoulis:
I was just talking to a friend about the idiotic things stupid people do for a selfie. Starting with a failed selfie, “Mandorla” is about the perception of time, possible lives, and especially about how life goes on … after us. As the story goes down the rabbit hole of time, I found myself drawn into it. Gougoulis' storytelling is so powerful, I barely escaped.
“Mission: E5” by Natalia Novia & Ariel Lopez V.:
Woodcut art, acid, Jack Kirby, and the last six decades of science fiction films come together in “Mission: E5.” At the end of the story, we are informed that “Mission: E5” was inspired by the 1917 story, “A la Deriva” (“Adrift”), from author Horacio Quiroga, the influential Uruguayan short story writer (among other things). I also felt drawn in by this story, and once again, I barely escaped the time-bending surrealism.
“Precious Rubbish” by Kayla E.:
This comic book is another case of adaptation, in this case a combination of old publications, including comic books, and text messages between the cartoonist and her elderly mother. “Precious Rubbish” is an ordeal to read, but not because it is a terrible work. It is as if Kayla E. is exorcising some personal demons … that I recognize. So, this is another excellent entry.
“Monet Coil” by Chris Wright:
This story pits French surrealist Claude Monet and American expatriate and prolific portrait painter, John Singer Sargent, in a battle over a woman. Monet believes that every moment is a rebirth, but Sargent just wants Monet to stay away from the woman. Monet and Sargent were apparently real-life homies, but I have not found anything about them fighting over a woman. However, I enjoyed this philosophical tale, which reminds me of the work of the late great cartoonist, Richard Sala.
“Now” by Steven Weissman:
This story about two women who place a baby in the mouth of a weird breed of cat called a “Qat” unsettles me. But I'm a fan of Weissman, so I like it.
“Shortcut” by Josh Simmons:
I am still chuckling at this tale of two dopers who come to an ignoble end after taking a shortcut while smoking their weed. Encore! Encore!
“Some Guy's Food” by Theo Ellsworth:
This is an effective one-page comic. I have feeling that someone might exploit this for a YA dystopian prose or graphic novel before the talented Theo Ellsworth does. Seriously, these are nine panels full of raw comics and graphical storytelling power.
“Untitled” by Nick Thorburn:
This is another weird animal tale, but it is less creepy that Weissman's tale.
NOW #11 may be the best entry in the series since NOW #1, and that is saying a lot. Not too long ago, I declared NOW #10 to be a series high point. What The New Yorker is to American single-panel cartoons, NOW is to alternative and art comics. If I have to pick a best of NOW #11 – and I don't – I'll choose Tim Lane's “The Junkman,” but tomorrow, I could change my mind.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic alternative-comics anthologies will want to discover NOW: The New Comics Anthology.
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://www.fantagraphics.com/
https://twitter.com/fantagraphics
https://www.instagram.com/fantagraphics/
https://www.facebook.com/fantagraphics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtLxEaspctVar287DtdsMww
The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.
-------------------------
Thursday, October 6, 2022
#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #18
KILLADELPHIA #18
IMAGE COMICS
STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
PENCILS: Christopher Mitten (pp. 21-23)
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Simon Bisley
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S. (October 2021)
Rated “M/ Mature”
Killadelphia and Elysium Gardens created by Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
“Home is Where the Hatred Is” Part VI: “The End of Things”
Killadelphia is an apocalyptic vampire and dark fantasy comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander and is published by Image Comics. At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.” Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.
Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr. and his father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr., thought to be dead. He is actually a vampire. Now father and son lead a ragtag team comprised of a medical examiner, a dead president, and a rebellious, but special young vampire (Tevin Thompkins a.k.a. “See Saw”) in a bid to save Philly from an ambitious and murderous former First Lady.
As Killadelphia #18 (“The End of Things”) opens, Abigail Adams and her vampire hordes and legions are tearing Philadelphia apart and tearing through its human citizens. Meanwhile, back at the heroes' ranch, Anansi is ready to bounce, but at least he is offering some parting words of wisdom.
James Sr. is determined that Jim Jr. and Jose's unborn child – his grandchild – have a better life than he got and than what he gave Jim Jr. So, he's off to battle … with a few friends. There's no way they can survive Abigail Adams, so they need allies... The reckoning for a city and a nation is finally at hand, but are all the players on the board?
THE LOWDOWN: Killadelphia's third story arc, “Home is Where the Hatred Is,” comes to an end. I thought that this would be the story arc that most reveals the complexities and multiple layers of Killadelphia. I thought it would be the one that reveals this series as more dark fantasy than mere vampire comic book. And it is.
I think I do need a break from the series. I have run up against a rhetorical wall. What more can I say? Every issue I read impresses me and inspires me to create my own fiction. So I need a few months breather before I take on the next glorious arc and more Rodney Barnes. I'll have extra time to mine the dictionary for new words of praise and glorification. Can you imagine what Barnes' Falcon comic book series would have been if Marvel Comics had not canceled it?
As for artist Jason Shawn Alexander: Jason’s art continues to astound me. He is just beyond talented. Isn't it crazy or coincidental that we feel the say way about Jason, Mr. Barnes? Seriously, Jason's art in this closer is like the best of elements of 1960s and 70s horror comic books, Hammer Films, and Bill Sienkiewicz – all brought together in a way only Jason can do.
Colorist Luis Nct, who has always done great work on this series, lost his mind and created a comic book coloring masterpiece in Killadelphia #18. Marshall Dillon's lettering brings peace to the story, or at least enough so that we can read through the madness. And I credit artist Chris Mitten for bringing his “A game” so that his guest art here blends in without a bump.
I'll end this review by saying that Killadelphia #18 is yet another chance for readers to get in now on the best of the best. However, even if you get far behind, dear readers, it will be such fun to catch up.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.
[This issue includes an afterword by Rodney Barnes.]
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/
https://www.instagram.com/imagecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Image-Comics-Inc/178643148813259
https://www.twitch.tv/imagecomics
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmaKLo0FXWIPx-3n6qs3vQ
https://www.linkedin.com/company/image-comics/
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 affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).


