Thursday, April 11, 2013

I Reads You Review: THE ROCKETEER: Hollywood Horror #2

THE ROCKETEER: HOLLYWOOD HORROR #2
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

WRITER: Roger Langridge
ARTIST: J Bone
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
EDITOR: Scott Dunbier
COVERS: Walter Simonson with Jordie Bellaire – regular cover
Walter Simonson – Cover RI; and James White – Strange Adventures Retailer Exclusive Cover
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2013)

The Rocketeer created by Dave Stevens

The Rocketeer vs. Hollywood Horror, Chapter 2 “These troubled times”

I finally got around to reading the second issue of the latest Rocketeer comic book miniseries, The Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror. This four-issue miniseries is written by cartoonist Roger Langridge and drawn by artist J Bone.

Of course, some of you know that The Rocketeer is a character created by the late artist and illustrator, Dave Stevens. The Rocketeer is Cliff Secord, a stunt pilot who discovers a mysterious rocket backpack (or jet-pack) that allows him to fly. Donning the jet-pack and a metal helmet, Secord becomes the adventurer and masked crime-fighter, The Rocketeer. His adventures begin in 1938 and continue into the 1940s (as of this writing). Most of his activities occur mainly in and around Los Angeles.

The Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror opens in the year 1939. Cliff and his girlfriend, Betty, are having their usual squabbles, but that is all about to be put on hold. Betty’s roommate, newspaper reporter, Dahlia Danvers, has gotten herself into some trouble and disappears. Cliff’s trouble is that the actual inventor of The Rocketeer’s jet-pack has sent two henchmen to retrieve it.

Meanwhile, Cliff’s friend, partner, and ace airplane mechanic, Peevy, learns that an old WWI acquaintance, scientist August “Augie” Lowcroft, is missing. Then, there is impresario/mystic, Reverend Otto Rune, and a couple of detectives or a detective couple or a couple who are detectives.

The Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror #2 opens with a return, and with Cliff looking for a place to sleep for the night. The henchmen demanding the jet-pack confront Peevy. Cliff decides to focus on Otto Rune, with whom Betty is about to make a connection. Meanwhile, Rune and his Church of Cosmicism prepare for a big gathering.

After reading the previous Rocketeer miniseries, the most excellent The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, I had high expectations for the next miniseries – perhaps, too high. Hollywood Horror #1 received a mixed reaction from me.

Hollywood Horror #2 changed my opinion. Now, I can’t wait for the third issue (which will already be in comic book shops by the time I post this review). I love the vibe writer Roger Langridge has created for Hollywood Horror. It is a comedy and mystery mixed with the visual elements and sensibilities of 1930s and 40s era Hollywood B-movies and sci-fi movie serials.

Artist J. Bone’s quirky art captures what Langridge is doing and even does him one better. Somewhere between the cartoony graphics and the semi-deformed (like manga’s super-deformed) art, Bone is trying to invent a visual aesthetic for what might be the comic book version of the screwball comedy.

I also enjoy the cultural and pop culture allusions and references that appear in Hollywood Horror. The henchmen after the jet-pack might be working for Doc Savage, although I always thought that Howard Hughes was supposed to be the jet-pack’s inventor. Of course, the detectives are stand-ins for Nick and Nora Charles of Dashiell Hammett’s novel, The Thin Man, and the film series adapted from it. I’m sure Otto Rune is based on some (in)famous, Depression-ear occultist.

Sorry about before, Cliff – I’m in again.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Batman Publications are March 2013 Bestsellers

BATMAN Dominates with Two of DC Entertainment’s Best-Selling Comic Books in March

White-hot writer Scott Snyder pens both top-selling BATMAN periodical and collection

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DC Entertainment, the largest English-language comic book publisher in the world, announced today that BATMAN Vol. 2: THE CITY OF OWLS was the best-selling graphic novel and BATMAN #18 was DC Entertainment’s top-selling periodical to comic shop retailers in March 2013, according to the world’s largest comic book distributor, Diamond Comic Distributors.

Writer Scott Snyder – a lifelong fan of Batman – has brought a dynamic and frenetic energy to his portrayal of The Dark Knight, and it’s resonated with readers. Paired with fan-favorite artist Greg Capullo, Snyder’s depiction of Batman has helped cement DC Comics’ line-wide “The New 52” initiative as essential reading for fans of the iconic hero.

Snyder’s hot streak is far from over. In June, the writer will add Superman to his resume, as he launches SUPERMAN UNCHAINED, an all-new, ongoing series with superstar artist and DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Jim Lee.

“Who’s cooler than Batman?” said Diane Nelson, DC Entertainment President. “Year in and year out, we continue to be amazed by the power of Batman as a pop culture icon. The latest numbers from our channels support that: people love the character, and love the adventure, excitement and drama Scott, Greg and all our talented creators bring to the books each month. Coupled with strong comic shop, book trade and digital sales and continued positive award and review attention, it’s clear March was a strong month for DC Entertainment.”

“Anyone who knows me knows Batman is my favorite character, hands down,” Snyder said. “When I took over writing Batman, the one question I asked myself was ‘if this was my only chance at the character, what would my story be?’ I’m so honored and proud that fans have responded and made the work that artist Greg Capullo and I have done a best-seller in book and periodical form.”

DC Entertainment’s book trade sales continued to be strong, as new titles expanded and supported the already impressive DC Entertainment library of graphic novels and collections. Titles spinning out of DC Comics’ game-changing “The New 52” relaunch have seen marked success and are experiencing the biggest increases through digital and bookstore channels.

Hitting The New York Times Hardcover Bestseller lists in March at #1 are the Vertigo titles SLEEPER Omnibus and FABLES Deluxe Edition Book Six, while the DC Comics titles BATMAN Vol 1: THE COURT OF OWLS, BATMAN: NIGHT OF THE OWLS, and JUSTICE LEAGUE Vol. 2 also landed on the list.

On The New York Times Paperback Bestsellers lists DC Comics titles CATWOMAN Vol. 2 and BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR and backlist favorite WATCHMEN all made appearances in March.

The INJUSTICE: GODS AMONG US digital-first comic, based on the hugely-anticipated video game hitting stores on April 16, continued to dominate digital sales, taking six out of the top 10 spots, including No. 1, and 11 out of the top 20 bestselling titles for the month. Rounding out the digital top 10 was BATMAN #18, BATMAN AND ROBIN #18, JUSTICE LEAGUE #18 and BATMAN INC. #9. The shocking events of BATMAN INC. #8 continued to drive interest and sales with the book ranking in the top 20 for the second consecutive month.

The top-selling March products for DC Collectibles, the exclusive line of toy and collector items from DC Entertainment, include the We Can Be Heroes Justice League seven-pack box set, Vertigo Cover Girls Death statue, Justice League Superman action figure, DC Comics – The New 52 Green Arrow action figure, and the first Lee Bermejo statue from new Superman: The Man of Steel product line.

DC Entertainment titles continue to garner accolades and award nominations, with the latest praise coming for Vertigo’s SAUCER COUNTRY, written by Paul Cornell with art by Ryan Kelly. The first collection of the series was nominated for science fiction’s most prestigious award, the Hugo. Also, BEFORE WATCHMEN: SILK SPECTRE artist Amanda Conner was nominated for the prestigious National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award.

On April 1st MAD celebrated Alfred E. Neuman’s 12th birthday (again). In celebration of the momentous occasion, various DC Comics titles will have MAD themed variant covers throughout the month of April, injecting the magazine’s unique blend of humor and satire into “The New 52.”

Earlier this week, DC Entertainment kicked-off year two of their We Can Be Heroes giving campaign. The second year of the biggest philanthropic initiative in DC Entertainment and its parent company, Warner Bros.’ corporate history, is designed to raise funds to benefit the more than 8 million men, women and children in the Horn of Africa. The first initiative started this week with the launch of a Super Hero-themed crowdfunding campaign hosted by Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform. Made up of several mini-campaigns throughout 2013, the initiative kicked off with exclusive, one-of-a-kind Batman-themed experiences. For more information on We Can Be Heroes, visit www.WeCanBeHeroes.org.


About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched www.WeCanBeHeroes.org — a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League Super Heroes—to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.


Review: STAR WARS #4

STAR WARS #4
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

SCRIPT: Brian Wood
ART: Carlos D’Anda
COLORS: Gabe Eltaeb
LETTERS: Michael Heisler
EDITOR: Randy Stradley
COVER: Alex Ross
28pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2013)

“In the Shadow of Yavin” Part Four

Return to the days of Star Wars yesteryear in Dark Horse Comics new Star Wars comic book. Star Wars 2013 is set during the time of the original and classic Star Wars film trilogy. Star Wars is written by Brian Wood, drawn by Carlos D’Anda, colored by Gabe Eltaeb, and lettered by Michael Heisler, with covers provided by Alex Ross.

The opening story arc, “In the Shadow of Yavin,” takes place shortly after the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance destroyed the Galactic Empire’s fearsome space station, the Death Star, at the Battle of Yavin. The Rebellion, still fighting off attacks from the Empire, is trying to find a new permanent home base and to restock supplies and armaments. Princess Leia Organa has formed a secret squadron of stealth X-wings to help find a new rebel base and also to help expose a spy within the Rebellion’s ranks

As Star Wars #4 opens, Han Solo and first mate, Chewbacca, are aboard the Millennium Falcon, trying to escape from Coruscant, the Imperial center. Now, to save their lives, they will have to get deeper into a snake pit. Meanwhile, Senator Leia Organa and her secret squadron of stealth X-wings enter the Pybus System, in the continuing search for a new rebel base.

Luke Skywalker and fellow squad member, Prithi, have been grounded for their actions. However, Luke is about to make two surprising discoveries. Also, Darth Vader meets Birra Seah; is she an enemy or an ally?

This new Star Wars comic book is like having A New Hope – the day after or what happened after Luke destroyed the Death Star. Writer Brian Wood tells a story that reads as if it were the real thing – the continuing story of the first Star Wars movie. Wood has practically fooled me into believing that this script came straight out of 1977-78.

Carlos D’Anda does what any Star Wars comic book artist should do: draw comics that look like Star Wars. In this case, D’Anda is true to the visual aesthetic of the original film, and his work recalls the early Star Wars comics from Marvel Comics back in the late 1970s. The new Star Wars comic book is the realest Star Wars we can get at the moment.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 10 2013

DC COMICS

DEC120363 100 BULLETS HC BOOK 04 (MR) $49.99

FEB130140 ACTION COMICS #19 COMBO PACK $4.99

FEB130162 BATGIRL #19 $2.99

FEB130151 BATMAN #19 $3.99

FEB130154 BATMAN #19 COMBO PACK $4.99

FEB130150 BATMAN AND RED ROBIN #19 $2.99

FEB130201 BATMAN ARKHAM UNHINGED #13 $3.99

DEC120324 BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC VOL 02 SCARE TACTICS (N52) $29.99

FEB130232 BATMAN LIL GOTHAM #1 $2.99

FEB130179 CONSTANTINE #2 $2.99

FEB130192 DEATHSTROKE #19 $2.99

FEB130187 DEMON KNIGHTS #19 $2.99

NOV120295 DJANGO UNCHAINED #3 (MR) $4.99

JAN130310 FLASH CHRONICLES TP VOL 04 $14.99

FEB130173 GREEN LANTERN CORPS #19 (WRATH) $2.99

FEB130198 RAVAGERS #11 $2.99

FEB130249 SAUCER COUNTRY #14 (MR) $2.99

FEB130193 SUICIDE SQUAD #19 $2.99

FEB130143 SUPERBOY #19 $2.99

JAN130301 SWAMP THING TP VOL 02 FAMILY TREE (N52) $14.99

FEB130189 TEAM 7 #7 $2.99

FEB130190 THRESHOLD #4 $3.99

JAN130325 TINY TITANS TP VOL 08 AW YEAH TITANS $12.99

JAN130302 WORLDS FINEST TP VOL 01 LOST DAUGHTERS (N52) $14.99

DC COMICS/DC COLLECTIBLES

FEB130259 AARDMAN BATMAN & ROBIN CLASSIC AF 2 PACK $39.95

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 10 2013

MARVEL COMICS

FEB130477 AGE OF ULTRON #5 $3.99

FEB130562 ALPHA BIG TIME #3 $2.99

JAN138308 AVENGERS #6 2ND PTG KUBERT VAR NOW $3.99

FEB130499 AVENGERS #9 NOW $3.99

FEB130507 AVENGERS ARENA #7 NOW2 $2.99

FEB130483 AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #14AU NOW2 $3.99

JAN130772 AVENGERS VS X-MEN TP VS $24.99

FEB130563 AVENGING SPIDER-MAN #19 $3.99

JAN130778 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY ED BRUBAKER TP VOL 03 $19.99

JAN138310 DEADPOOL #5 2ND PTG DARROW VAR NOW $2.99

JAN138314 DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED #2 2ND PTG DEL MUNDO VAR $2.99

JAN130765 ESSENTIAL IRON MAN TP VOL 05 $19.99

FEB130521 FANTASTIC FOUR #6 NOW $2.99

JAN130759 FANTASTIC FOUR TP VOL 01 NEW DEPARTURE NEW ARRIVALS $15.99

FEB130517 FEARLESS DEFENDERS #3 NOW $2.99

FEB130652 GAMORA BY MANARA POSTER $8.99

JAN138315 HAWKEYE #2 5TH PTG AJA VAR $2.99

JAN130720 HAWKEYE #9 $2.99

JAN138311 INDESTRUCTIBLE HULK #4 2ND PTG YU VAR NOW $3.99

FEB130654 IRON MAN BY RIVERA POSTER $8.99

FEB130589 MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS EARTHS HEROES #13 $2.99

JAN130764 MARVEL UNIVERSE IRON MAN DIGEST TP $9.99

JAN138312 NOVA #1 2ND PTG MCGUINNESS VAR NOW $3.99

JAN130770 OZ ROAD TO OZ HC $24.99

JAN130790 ROCKET RACCOON AND GROOT COMPLETE COLLECTION TP $29.99

FEB130503 SECRET AVENGERS #3 NOW $3.99

OCT120680 SECRET SERVICE #6 (MR) $4.99

FEB130530 THOR GOD OF THUNDER #7 NOW2 $3.99

JAN130723 ULTIMATE COMICS ULTIMATES #23 $3.99

FEB130485 ULTRON #1AU $3.99

FEB130653 ULTRON BY DJURDJEVIC POSTER $8.99

JAN130658 UNCANNY AVENGERS #6 NOW2 $3.99

JAN130779 UNCANNY X-FORCE TP VOL 06 FINAL EXECUTION BOOK 1 $19.99

FEB130545 UNCANNY X-MEN #4 NOW $3.99

FEB130556 WOLVERINE #2 NOW $3.99

JAN130784 WOLVERINE COVENANT TP $14.99

JAN130783 X-MEN RECKLESS ABANDONMENT TP $19.99

FEB130597 X-TREME X-MEN #13 XT $2.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for April 10 2013

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT120439 BRINGING UP FATHER HC VOL 02 CABBAGES & KINGS $49.99

FEB130311 COLONIZED #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99

FEB130332 DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS #2 $3.99

JAN138245 DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME #3 2ND PTG $3.99

FEB130303 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CUTTER #1 $3.99

JAN138246 GI JOE #1 2ND PTG $3.99

FEB130284 GI JOE COBRA FILES #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99

FEB130361 JUDGE DREDD (IDW) TP VOL 01 $19.99

DEC120430 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CARLOS EZQUERRA HC VOL 01 $49.99

JAN130393 KISS SOLO #1 THE DEMON [DIG/P+] $3.99

FEB130325 MARS ATTACKS #9 [DIG/P+] $3.99

FEB130301 ROCKETEER HOLLYWOOD HORROR #3 [DIG/P+] $3.99

FEB130268 STAR TREK COUNTDOWN TO DARKNESS #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99

FEB130270 STAR TREK COUNTDOWN TO DARKNESS TP $17.99

FEB130275 STAR TREK SPACE SPANNING TREASURY ED $9.99

DEC120503 STEVE CANYON HC VOL 03 1951-1952 $49.99

FEB130340 TALES O/T TMNT TP VOL 02 $19.99

FEB130339 TMNT COLOR CLASSICS MICRO SERIES LEONARDO $3.99

AUG120324 TMNT ULT COLL HC VOL 04 $49.99

FEB130352 TRANSFORMERS REGENERATION ONE #90 [DIG/P+] $3.99

JAN130416 TRUE BLOOD ONGOING #11 [DIG/P+] $3.99

JAN120420 WILL EISNER SPIRIT ARTIST ED HC PI

DEC120501 ZOMBIES VS ROBOTS PREMIER CONVENTION ED HC PI

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 10 2013

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB130027 1 FOR $1 MIND MGMT #1 $1.00

FEB130015 BTVS SEASON 9 FREEFALL #20 NOTO CVR $2.99

DEC120083 CRIMINAL MACABRE CAL MCDONALD CASEBOOK HC VOL 01 $34.99

DEC120059 MIND MGMT HC VOL 01 $19.99

DEC120101 OH MY GODDESS RTL TP VOL 44 $12.99

FEB130035 SLEDGEHAMMER 44 #2 $3.50

FEB130044 STAR WARS #4 $2.99

FEB130034 X #0 $2.99