Monday, December 18, 2017

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

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

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
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

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, VOL. 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

ASTRA LOST IN SPACE, VOL. 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

DC COMICS

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

MARVEL COMICS

OCT170944    ALL NEW WOLVERINE #28 LEG    $3.99
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
OCT170910    DAREDEVIL #596 LEG    $3.99
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
OCT170933    ROYALS #12 LEG    $3.99
OCT170961    RUNAWAYS #4    $3.99
OCT170934    SECRET WARRIORS #10 LEG    $3.99
OCT170922    SHE-HULK #160 LEG    $3.99
OCT170972    STAR WARS #40    $3.99
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
OCT170982    TRUE BELIEVERS PHOENIX RETURNS    $1.00
OCT170865    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #27 LEG    $3.99
OCT170856    WEAPON X #12 LEG    $3.99
OCT170948    X-MEN BLUE #17 LEG    $3.99