Review: INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #593

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN No. 593
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Stefano Caselli; Alex Maleev
COLORS: Marte Gracia; Alex Maleev
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Adi Granov
VARIANT COVERS: Alan Davis and Mark Farmer with Matt Yackey; John Tyler Christopher with Stefano Caselli and Marte Gracia; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Chip Zdarsky; Jack Kirby with Frank Giacola
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Rated “T+”

Iron Man created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Don Heck, and Jack Kirby

“The Search for Tony Stark” Part One

One could be forgiven for thinking that there was a new Iron Man #1 comic book of some type every year, and that would not be far from the truth.  I think that going back to 1999, there have been close to 10 Iron Man #1's of one type or another, if not more.

Thanks to Marvel Comics' new “Legacy” initiative, Iron Man goes back to its original numbering (plus several relaunch numbers) and the result is Invincible Iron Man #593.  The creative team behind the most recent Invincible Iron Man relaunch (which was just a year ago) remains for the “Legacy” launch.  That would be writer Brian Michael Bendis; artist Stefano Caselli; colorist Marte Gracia; and letterer Clayton Cowles, with International Iron Man and Infamous Iron Man artist/colorist, Alex Maleev joining the team.

With Tony Stark out of commission (following events depicted in Civil War II), Riri Williams, a teenage girl and genius, and Victor Von Doom, formerly the super-villain Doctor Doom, have taken on the mantle of Iron Man.  Riri does so as the armored hero, Ironheart.

As Invincible Iron Man #593 opens, Tony Stark's comatose body has disappeared.  Riri joins Amanda Armstrong (Tony's birth mother); Mary Jane Watson (chosen by Tony to run Stark Industries); and Friday (an artificial intelligence Tony created to help him) in the search for Tony Stark.  They better hurry!  Stark Industries' Board of Directors is making bold moves.  Meanwhile, the Infamous Iron Man Victor von Doom has to find some escaped prisoners.

I had high hopes for the 11-issue run of Invincible Iron Man starring Riri Williams, and writer Brian Michael Bendis delivered.  Riri is the most fascinating female character of color in superhero comic books since the X-Men's Storm, specifically during the first decade of Storm's existence as written by Chris Claremont.  Riri is a well-developed character, and would be fascinating even if she were not in a superhero comic book.  Her imagination and inquisitiveness are infectious; I want to learn with her and be by her side inventing stuff.

But many of the white dudes that read comics and control the means of production (allegedly) ain't having it.  It is time to bring the white Iron Man back.  Seriously, Brian Bendis writing about Riri the armored character “Ironheart” in Invincible Iron Man and about Victor von Doom trying to be good guy as Iron Man in Infamous Iron Man did some stellar work.  In my decades as a Marvel Comics reader, I have never read better Iron Man comic books than what Bendis wrote, and he was doing it twice a month.

Bendis recently announced that he has signed as an exclusive creator with DC Comics, leaving Marvel after nearly 20 years.  I don't know who will replace him on Iron Man, and I don't think the new writer (who will obviously be a white male) can match Bendis.  If he does, I doubt he can do it on two monthly books.

So this first issue of “The Search for Tony Stark,” which is probably Bendis' last Iron Man story arc (for a while at least), is a nice start, and the ending of this issue is quite intriguing.

A
8 out of 10

Thursday, December 21, 2017


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #789

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN No. 789
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Dan Slott
PENCILS: Stuart Immonen
INKS: Wade von Grawbadger
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Alex Ross
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Ross (based on art by John Romita); Steve Ditko with Michael Kelleher
32pp, Color, $9.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Rated  “T”

Spider-Man created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee

“Fall of Parker” Part 1 – “Top to Bottom”

In a previous review, I stated that there were were three comic book series to start with the title and issue number, The Amazing Spider-Man #1, beginning with the original in 1962.  I wrote that as I began my review of the fourth regular comic book to have that title and issue number – the third in 16 years and the second in three years.  Two years later, facing reportedly plummeting sales, Marvel Comics has launched its “Legacy” initiative, which would bring Marvel titles back to their original issue numbering.

So we come to The Amazing Spider-Man #789 (“Top to Bottom”) and the beginning of a “back to basics” story arc, entitled “Fall of Parker.”  It is written by Dan Slott; drawn by Stuart Immonen (pencils) and Wade von Grawbadger (inks); colored by Marte Gracia; and lettered by Joe Caramagna; with cover art by Alex Ross.  Before we move on with this review, I don't think The Amazing Spider-Man #789 is any different from what The Amazing Spider-Man #33 (2015) would have been.

The Amazing Spider-Man #789 opens in the aftermath of the fall of Spider-Man/Peter Parker's behemoth tech company, Parker Industries.  Parker is basically living on a couch in the apartment of Bobbi Morse, who is the superhero, Mockingbird.  Everyone, mainly the general public and customers of Parker Industries tech and software, hates Peter Parker.  Then, Parker decides that being the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will cure his ills, but nothing every really works out perfectly for puny Parker and Spidey.

The recent movie Spider-Man: Homecoming makes it clear that high school Peter Parker/Spider-Man is such an attracting and lovable character.  After all, that is the original version of the character that creators Steve Ditko and Stan Lee gave us back in 1962.  Post-high school Spider-Man is also immensely likable, but, over the decades, that Peter Parker has been such a mixed bag, entirely the fault of various writers.

Adult Peter Parker, as depicted by writer Dan Slott, has been interesting, mostly.  However, the last two years, Slott has played Peter Parker as less the lovable loser, hard-luck guy and more like Tony Stark.  That, in turn, has made Spider-Man a kind of tech-driven, Iron Man-like hero.  Stark-ish Parker is cute as a novelty.  Spider-Man as a jet-setting, international hero is also nice – as a novelty.

Spider-Man is a regular guy superhero.  Yes, the character has extraordinary and weird powers, but the civilian Peter Parker is the guy who looks out for his family and protects and serves his family.  While Parker has always been depicted as a scientific genius, playing hero-by-gadget isn't Spider-Man, who has always seemed to be about service and personal sacrifice.

So, what about The Amazing Spider-Man #789?  It's just a run-of-the-mill story which suggests or hints at nothing but the status quo.  More accurately, it is just another first chapter in an eventual trade paperback collection.  While “Fall of Parker” could turn out to be an exceptional story arc (which I doubt), the first chapter in The Amazing Spider-Man #789 represents the mediocrity that has unfortunately also been part of the Marvel recent “Legacy.”

[This comic book includes a Spider-Man “Legacy” overview short story written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Mark Bagley (pencils) and John Dell (inker); colored by Dan Brown; and lettered by VC's Joe Caramagna.]

C
4 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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: SWEET BLUE FLOWERS Volume 2

SWEET BLUE FLOWERS, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page

MANGAKA: Takako Shimura
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: John Werry
LETTERS: Monalisa De Asis
EDITOR: Pancha Diaz
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9299-2; paperback (December 2017); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
360pp, B&W, $24.99 U.S., $33.99 CAN, £16.99 UK

Sweet Blue Flowers is a yuri manga from creator Takako Shimura.  “Yuri” is “girls' love” manga, a genre which depicts romantic situations between female characters.  Sweet Blue Flowers is a coming-of-age manga that depicts love and friendship between two girls, Akira Okudaira and Fumi Manjome, attending separate high schools.

As Sweet Blue Flowers, Vol. 2 (Part 3: Chapters 14 to 18; Part 4: Chapters 19 to 25) begins, Kyoko Ikumi invites a group of her friends to join them at the summer home of her fiance, Ko Sawanoi's family.  There is camping, ghost stories, and horseback riding, and there is time for Fumi to confirm her romantic feelings for Akira.

Later, Akira and her drama club prepare to perform a play at her high school, Fujigaya Women's Academy High School.  Now, a freshman girl, Haruka Ono, wants Fumi to play a part... because she is probably in love with Fumi.

[This volume includes an afterword and the following “Little Women” bonus stories:  “Kuri and Komako, Part 1,” “Orie and Hinako,” and Kuri and Komako, Part 2,” and Shinako and Kaoruki.”]

I have not read many yuri manga titles.  The Sweet Blue Flowers manga is the second yuri manga that I've read, following creator Yuhta Nishio's After Hours (also published in English by VIZ Media).

Sweet Blue Flowers Graphic Novel Volume 2 is, like the previous volume, filled with so many young female characters.  It can be hard to keep up with them, but creator Takako Shimura makes each one so vivacious and engaging.  Also, rather than be catty and completely melodramatic, the characters are full of budding romance and yearnings.  Yes, this can sometimes be teen-soapy, but mostly it is full of interesting characters.

A
8 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #89

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 89
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Rob M. Worley; Brett Lewis
PENCILS: Scott Gross; Anthony Lewis
INKS: Scott Gross; Dan Davis
COLORS: Scott Gross; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; Ryan Cline
COVER: Scott Gross
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Let's continue to enjoy the fruits of the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I recently received the fourth issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #89 opens with “Panic at the Pizza Palace” (written by Rob M. Morley and drawn by Scott Gross).  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma are in New York City and have stopped at “Poldo's Pizza Palace,” which Shaggy declares has the best pie in all of NYC.

Things have changed, however; siblings Franco and Sabry are now the owners, and Franco prefers to serve a new kind of pizza with different toppings.  Franco says that modern pizza toppings, like banana and kale, are the new art form.  The ghost of the pizzeria's original owner, Gerolamo Piredda, hates this new art pizza and is threatening to burn Poldo's to the ground.

The second story is “Good Ghost Haunting” (written by Brett Lewis and drawn by Anthony Williams and Dan Davis), a story originally published in Scooby-Doo #42 (cover dated: January 2001).  The story finds Mystery Inc. at Plymouth Institute of Technology for its annual technology fair, where students compete for scholarships and research grants.  Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo are attending the fair, hoping to find new technologies to help them in their crime fighting.  The problem is that the ghostly “Salem Witch Hunter” is stealing at the fair, and so it is another ghostly mystery for the gang to solve.

“Panic at the Pizza Palace” is drawn by one of the great modern Scooby-Doo comic book artists, Scott Gross (who also provides the cover art for this issue), and it is actually a pretty good story.  I think the reason it resonates with me is that the mystery turns on family strife to which many of us, especially those dealing with inheritance, can relate.  Plus, I just love that Scott Gross art.

“Good Ghost Hunting” also deals with the “rightful owners” theme.  The crooks' method of operation is clever, although many readers will solve the mystery of that ghost pretty quickly.

And it happens again.  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #89 makes me excited about the next issue.  I really enjoy reading this series.  I think I need to find some back issues.

A-
7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page

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Review: BLACK LIGHTNING: Cold Dead Hands #1

BLACK LIGHTNING: COLD DEAD HANDS No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Tony Isabella
ART: Clayton Henry
COLORS: Pete Pantazis
LETTERS: Josh Reed
COVER: Clayton Henry with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER: Ken Lashley with Juan Fernandez
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Black Lightning created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden

Cold Dead Hands Part One: “Ready to Do It All Over”

Black Lightning is a DC Comics superhero.  Also known by his civilian identity, Jefferson Pierce, the character was one of the first major African American superheroes to appear in DC Comics.  Pierce debuted in Black Lightning #1 (cover dated: April 1977), and was created by writer Tony Isabella and artist Trevor Von Eeden.

Black Lightning returns in a new six-issue miniseries, entitled Black Lighting: Cold Dead Hands.  It is written by Tony Isabella; drawn by Clayton Henry; colored by Pete Pantazis; and lettered by Josh Reed.

Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 (“Ready to Do It All Over”) finds Jefferson Pierce back in Cleveland, already having to play superhero.  On the plus side, Pierce has been learning to maximize his electricity-based powers, and in his first battle back, Black Lightning takes down members of “The Weathermen,” street thieves in the possession of advanced weaponry.

His success is tempered, however, by the state of affairs in Cleveland.  The local police do not want what they see as superhero interference, and some of them may be willing to shoot Black Lightning to make their point.  Also, Black Lightning's take down of “The Weathermen” has earned him the ire of a very powerful and very bad man.

First, Black Lightning: Cold Dead Hands #1 looks dazzling from the art, graphics, and design perspective.  Clayton Henry's art features strong composition and dynamic layout and design.  Pete Pantazis posts layers of color that are luscious like flowing cake frosting.  The color effects on the energy blasts from weapons, the arcs of Black Lightning's electricity, and the gold of Lightning's goggles are radiant.

Josh Reed's lettering is quite effecting; at least to me, it seems that the word balloons were placed for maximum effect.  Reed's work never intrudes; instead, he creates a rhythm that builds a sense of rising tension and also suggests that Black Lightning is in an increasingly precarious position.

Isabella's story is also quite good.  He should write more comic books.  I like the way that he creates a sense of tension around Black Lightning, which gives the story edge and latent hostility.  Remember, 12-year-old Tamir Rice, shot to death by a Cleveland police officer, was described as “menacing,” by those who made disingenuous arguments in support of his killing?  That is basically what Black Lightning faces; he is a superhero in a place inclined to think of him as a menace.  We, the readers (at least, some of us) do not think of him as a menace.  Isabella creates a scenario in which many distrust Black Lightning, to one extent or another, so as the narrative precedes, the hero finds himself under a spreading malaise.

Isabella increases the obstacles against his hero and that makes a compelling story that will, in turn, make readers want to come back for more.  I want to come back for more.

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.

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

Review: STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Graphic Novel Adaptation

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. and please, visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Alessandro Ferrari (Manuscript Adaptation)
ART: Igor Chimisso (character studies); Matteo Piana (layout)
INKS: Igor Chimisso, Stefano Simeone
PAINT: Davide Turotti (background and settings); Kawaii Creative Studio (characters)
COVER: Eric Jones
ISBN: 978-1-68405-220-2; paperback, 6 3/4” x 9” (December 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN (December 12, 2017)

IDW Publishing is currently publishing an all-ages Star Wars comic book, entitled Star Wars Adventures.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration (April 2017) in Orlando, Florida, Star Wars Adventures is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.

In addition, IDW Publishing is also publishing U.S. editions of Star Wars graphic novels drawn by a group of Disney artists, apparently based in Italy.  This group's art is intended to bridge the gap between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation, making these Star Wars comics more attractive for younger audiences that are probably familiar with Disney style art in Disney comic books and illustrated books.

This group also produced an adaption of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the eighth live-action Star Wars film.  Released in 2016, Rogue One is a stand-alone film, meaning it is not part of the original, prequel, or sequel trilogies.  Rogue One's story is set immediately before the events depicted in the original Star Wars (1977).  IDW is now releasing that Rogue One graphic novel as Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation.  It is written by Alessandro Ferrari, who has adapted numerous Walt Disney and Pixar films into the graphic novel format and has also written many comics for Disney Worldwide Publishing.

In Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation, the Death Star, the Galactic Empire’s ultimate weapon, looms large.  Its near-completion means doom for the Rebel Alliance.  Enter Jyn Erso, daughter of the Death Star’s reluctant creator, Galen Erso; she desperately seeks to save her father from Imperial control.  For this quest, Jyn will join forces with Rebel spy, Cassian Andor; his reprogrammed Imperial droid, K-2SO, and a small band of rebels.  Aboard a ship one of them dubs “Rogue One,” they will attempt to steal the Death Star’s plans and keep hope for the Rebellion alive.

At 64 pages of actual comics, IDW's Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation is half the size of Marvel Comics' six-issue miniseries, Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation.  Writer Alessandro Ferrari has to excise chunks out of many scenes and sequences, yet he makes the most of the narrative space he has.  Ferrari's Rogue One adaptation runs hot and the dialogue is passionate.  The threat that looms above the Rebel Alliance, the Death Star, seem genuine and larger than life.  It reads as if it were a behemoth bearing down upon the rebels even when it is nowhere near them.

The art is gorgeous.  The character drawings convey the dark personalities of the characters and the intensity of their emotions and the grittiness of their determination.  The backgrounds and settings are wonderfully painted.  You would think the painters were doing this high-quality work for an animated film project, but no, they are turning out this sumptuous painting for a kids' comic book!

The screenplay for the Rogue One film was written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy (from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta), and Alessandro Ferrari and the artists of Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation have done these writers proud.  I hope this creative team gets the chance to do a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and I am sure I am not the only one waiting to see what they can do with this new Star Wars film.

A
8 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.

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

Review: ELENORA MANDRAGORA: Daughter of Merlin

ELENORA MANDRAGORA: DAUGHTER OF MERLIN
IDW PUBLISHING/EuroComics – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Severine Gauthier
ART: Thomas Labourot
TRANSLATION: Edward Gauvin
COLORS: Grelin & Thomas Labourot
LETTERS: Ron Estevez
COVER: Thomas Labourot
EDITORS: Justin Eisinger and Alonzo Simon
ISBN:  978-1-68405-008-6; hardcover – 8¼”  x 10¾” (November 8, 2017)
60pp, Color, $14.99 U.S., $19.99 CAN

Age 10-17; Grades 5-12

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is a full color, hardcover graphic novel recently published by IDW Publishing.  Written by Severine Gauthier and drawn by Thomas Labourot, Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is French comic book originally published as a graphic album, entitled Aliénor Mandragore – Merlin est mort, vive Merlin! by Paris-based publisher, Rue de Sèvres.  The IDW edition has a trim size of 8¼”  x 10¾” and comes in at 60-pages long.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin focuses on Elenora, the daughter of Merlin the wizard.  Merlin is the greatest druid in the forest of Broceliande, and he spends most of his time in his “Mushroomery,” a dank and dark place in the woods where a variety of mushrooms grow.  Elenora lives with her father, but the impish and undisciplined girl has no interest in “druiding,” which her father insists on teaching her.  Elanora has no talent for magic.

That all changes one day when Elenora does something that kills her father.  However, Merlin's ghost is determined not to stay dead, and it falls on Elenora to befriend the one person who may have the ability to revive Merlin.  That would be her father's greatest rival, Morgana the fairy magician and sorceress.

IDW's press materials for Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin compares this graphic novel to the work of legendary creators of stories for children:  author Roald Dahl; animated filmmaker, Hayao Miyazki; and American legend and mogul, Walt Disney.  I am quite versed in Miyazaki and Disney, but I have only read two Dahl books (that I remember), and with that experience, I can still say that IDW is not far off with such comparisons.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is a fantastic comic book and original graphic novel.  I think middle school students who read fantasy literary will likely enjoy this.  I think older teens and high school students familiar with comic books will also enjoy this graphic novel.

It is not perfect; there are some oddly extraneous characters in the story, characters I am assuming will be important in later Elenora Mandragora adventures.  However, the three core characters:  Elenora, Merlin, and Morgana form a solid trinity of motivations, desires, conflicts, rivalries, back story, and endearment.  They are the powerful engine that drive this engaging and magical story of fathers and daughters and mentors and students.  This is a love triangle, of sorts, that propels this wonderfully inventive comic book.

Elenora Mandragora: Daughter of Merlin is infused with a sense of magic, and the setting is a place to which you will want to return, even if only in your dreams.  And the characters – you will want to visit with them again... and again.

9 out of 10
A

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.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2017

DC COMICS

SEP170440    AMERICAN WAY THOSE ABOVE AND BELOW #5 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
OCT170363    AQUAMAN THE WATERBEARER TP NEW EDITION    $19.99
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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

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IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2018

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT170539    ATOMIC ROBO SPECTRE OF TOMORROW #3 CVR A WEGENER    $3.99
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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

SEP170044    ANGEL SEASON 11 TP VOL 02    $17.99
SEP170103    DRAGON AGE KNIGHT ERRANT TP    $17.99
NOV170034    GIANTS #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

NOV170713    BIG HARD SEX CRIMINALS HC VOL 02 (MR)    $39.99
OCT170660    BIRTHRIGHT #29    $3.99
SEP170716    CROSSWIND #6 (MR)    $3.99
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OCT170635    GENERATION GONE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $17.99
NOV170761    GRAVEDIGGERS UNION #3 (MR)    $3.99
NOV170770    KILL 6 BILLION DEMONS TP VOL 02 (MR)    $14.99
NOV170785    NO 1 WITH A BULLET #3    $3.99
OCT170800    OUTCAST SIDNEY AF (COMIC VER) (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
OCT170802    OUTCAST SIDNEY AF (TV VER) (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
OCT170799    OUTCAST SIDNEY AF BLOODY (COMIC VER) (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
OCT170801    OUTCAST SIDNEY AF BLOODY (TV VER) (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
NOV170787    PAPER GIRLS #19    $2.99
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NOV170793    RAT QUEENS #7 CVR B VALENTINO & GIENI (MR)    $3.99
NOV170800    ROCK CANDY MOUNTAIN #7 (MR)    $3.99
OCT170803    SAGA THE WILL & LYING CAT AF 2-PACK (NET) (C: 0-1-2)    $PI
NOV170830    SCALES & SCOUNDRELS #5    $3.99
OCT170729    SPAWN #281 CVR A ALEXANDER    $2.99
OCT170730    SPAWN #281 CVR B B&W ALEXANDER    $2.99
NOV170846    THROWAWAYS #11 (MR)    $3.99
NOV170604    WALKING DEAD #175 CVR A ADLARD & STEWART (MR)    $3.99
OCT178651    WALKING DEAD #175 CVR B SIENKIEWICZ (MR)    $3.99
OCT170797    WALKING DEAD EZEKIEL SOCKS (C: 0-1-2)    $15.00
OCT170798    WALKING DEAD LUCILLE FULL SIZE 34IN BAT BLOODY (NET) (C: 0-1    $PI

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for January 3, 2018

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

NOV171378    ADVENTURE TIME #72 (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
NOV171379    ADVENTURE TIME #72 SUBSCRIPTION MCCORMICK VAR (C: 1-0-0)    $3.99
OCT171094    ANIMOSITY EVOLUTION #3 (MR)    $3.99
NOV171690    ANYAS GHOST GN NEW PTG SQUARE FISH ED    $10.99
NOV171257    ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #285    $6.99
NOV171147    BABYTEETH #7 (MR)    $3.99
NOV171383    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 (MR)    $5.99
NOV171385    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 GLORIOUS (MR)    $5.99
NOV171390    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 GLORIOUS NUDE (MR)    $7.99
NOV171392    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 GLORIOUS SKIMPY (MR)    $5.99
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NOV171394    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 VIKING VIXEN (MR)    $5.99
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NOV171384    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 WRAP (MR)    $5.99
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JUN172015    BEST OF STAR WARS INSIDER VOL 07 ICONS    $24.99
SEP171327    BOOM BOX MIX TAPE SC (C: 0-1-2)    $19.99
OCT171856    CAPTAIN KRONOS #4 CVR A MANDRAKE    $3.99
OCT171857    CAPTAIN KRONOS #4 CVR B HAMMER GLAMOUR    $3.99
NOV171759    CATALYST PRIME NOBLE #8    $3.99
NOV171239    CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SORCERY TP    $19.99
NOV171231    COSMO #1 CVR A YARDLEY    $2.99
NOV171232    COSMO #1 CVR B CHARM    $2.99
NOV171233    COSMO #1 CVR C HUNTING    $2.99
NOV171234    COSMO #1 CVR D JAMPOLE    $2.99
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NOV171971    DAN DARE #4 CVR A FOUCHE    $3.99
NOV171972    DAN DARE #4 CVR B WESTON    $3.99
JAN171250    DAUGHTERS OF THE DARK ORACLE TP VOL 01 SIGNED ED    $24.99
SEP171923    DOCTOR WHO 12TH TP VOL 06 SONIC BOOM    $16.99
OCT171835    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #11 CVR A SHEDD    $3.99
OCT171836    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #11 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
AUG171200    GAO #1    $3.99
NOV171363    GIANT DAYS #34    $3.99
OCT171882    GOLDFISCH MANGA GN VOL 01 (C: 0-1-2)    $10.99
SEP171126    HATCHET #2 BONK MUTILATION CVR (MR)    $3.99
SEP171127    HATCHET #2 LAROCQUE NO MERCY CVR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171142    HATCHET #2 LTD ED PHOTO CVR    $5.99
SEP171128    HATCHET #2 MANGUM PEEKABOO CVR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171038    HERO CATS #20    $3.99
OCT171786    HIGH SCHOOL LIFE OF FUDANSHI GN VOL 03 (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
NOV171895    HIS FAVORITE GN VOL 10 (MR) (C: 1-0-1)    $12.99
SEP171727    HUNTERS OF SALAMANSTRA TP VOL 02 (MR)    $14.99
NOV172049    IMPERFECT GIRL GN VOL 02 (OF 3) (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $12.95
OCT171812    JOHN CARPENTER TALES OF SCI FI VORTEX #3 (OF 8) (MR)    $3.99
NOV171763    LITTLE TAILS ON THE FARM HC VOL 05 (OF 6) (C: 0-0-1)    $14.99
SEP171955    MILLENNIUM GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE TP    $19.99
OCT171845    MINKY WOODCOCK GIRL WHO HANDCUFFED HOUDINI #2 CVR A DALTON    $3.99
OCT171846    MINKY WOODCOCK GIRL WHO HANDCUFFED HOUDINI #2 CVR B VON BUHL    $3.99
NOV172075    NARUTO 3IN1 TP VOL 21 (C: 1-0-1)    $14.99
OCT178579    NINJA-K #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
NOV172054    NISEKOI FALSE LOVE GN VOL 25 (C: 1-0-1)    $9.99
SEP171887    NOT LIVES GN VOL 07 (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
OCT171795    NURSE HITOMIS MONSTER INFIRMARY GN VOL 07 (MR) (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
NOV171682    OLYMPIANS GN VOL 04 HADES LORD OF DEAD (NEW PTG) (C: 0-1-0)    $10.99
OCT171843    PENNY DREADFUL #8 CVR A CALDWELL    $3.99
OCT171844    PENNY DREADFUL #8 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
NOV171299    PLANET OF THE APES URSUS #1 MAIN & MIX    $3.99
NOV171300    PLANET OF THE APES URSUS #1 SUBSCRIPTION CAREY VAR    $3.99
OCT171847    QUARRYS WAR #2 CVR A CONRAD    $3.99
OCT171848    QUARRYS WAR #2 CVR B IANNICIELLO    $3.99
NOV172021    SECRET WEAPONS #0 CVR A ALLEN    $3.99
NOV172022    SECRET WEAPONS #0 CVR B FISH    $3.99
NOV172023    SECRET WEAPONS #0 CVR C MEYNET    $3.99
NOV171585    SHADOW BATMAN #4 (OF 6) CVR A NOWLAN    $3.99
NOV171586    SHADOW BATMAN #4 (OF 6) CVR B TAN    $3.99
NOV171587    SHADOW BATMAN #4 (OF 6) CVR C PETERSON    $3.99
NOV171588    SHADOW BATMAN #4 (OF 6) CVR D ACO    $3.99
NOV171589    SHADOW BATMAN #4 (OF 6) CVR E EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
NOV171924    SHERLOCK GREAT GAME #6 (OF 6) CVR A MYERS    $4.99
NOV171925    SHERLOCK GREAT GAME #6 (OF 6) CVR B PHOTO    $4.99
NOV171468    SHERLOCK HOLMES MURDER AT CABARET GN    $8.99
OCT171048    SHINOBI NINJA PRINCESS LIGHTNING ONI #4    $3.99
OCT171234    SIMPSONS COMICS GAME ON GN    $16.99
SEP178489    SINK #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV171469    SNOW QUEEN ADV IN FROZEN KINGDOM GN    $10.99
OCT171776    SOLAR FLARE SEASON 2 #3    $3.99
SEP171444    SUGAR BOOGARZ #2    $3.99
SEP171112    UNDERDOG 1975 GALVAN THROWBACK HOMAGE CVR    $3.99
SEP171113    UNDERDOG 1975 OWSLEY CLASSIC CVR    $3.99
SEP171111    UNDERDOG 1975 ROPP ROGUES MAIN CVR    $3.99
NOV172126    VAN HELSING VS ROBYN HOOD #1 (OF 4) A CVR RIVEIRO    $3.99
NOV172127    VAN HELSING VS ROBYN HOOD #1 (OF 4) B CVR GOH    $3.99
NOV172128    VAN HELSING VS ROBYN HOOD #1 (OF 4) C CVR TUCCI    $3.99
NOV172129    VAN HELSING VS ROBYN HOOD #1 (OF 4) D CVR MEGURO    $3.99
NOV172130    VAN HELSING VS ROBYN HOOD #1 (OF 4) E CVR BLANK SKETCH    $10.00
NOV171094    WATCHVARK #1    $4.00
NOV171701    WINGS OF FIRE HC GN VOL 01 DRAGONET PROPHECY (C: 0-1-0)    $24.99
NOV171700    WINGS OF FIRE SC GN VOL 01 DRAGONET PROPHECY (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99
OCT171799    YOKAI RENTAL SHOP GN VOL 02 (C: 0-1-0)    $12.99

MAGAZINES
MAY172196    FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #288 FORREST J ACKERMAN VAR (C:    $9.99
NOV172236    RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #180 (C: 0-1-1)    $9.95
SEP172250    STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI COLLECTORS EDITION HC    $19.99

BOOKS
JUN171522    ART OF ATARI HC SGN ED    $59.99
OCT172071    BATGIRL CLASSIC ON THE CASE YR SC (C: 0-1-0)    $3.99
OCT172072    BATMAN NIGHTWALKER YA HC (C: 1-0-0)    $18.99
NOV172179    BLACK PANTHER LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK (C: 1-1-0)    $4.99
OCT172066    CAPTURING ARCHETYPES VOL 03 ASTONISHING AVENGERS ADVERSARIES    $50.00
NOV172181    DC MY GIRL POWER JOURNAL SC (C: 0-1-0)    $16.99
NOV172182    DC SUPER FRIENDS FAST AS THE FLASH YR SC (C: 1-0-0)    $4.99
NOV172183    DC SUPER FRIENDS LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK FLASH (C: 1-1-0)    $4.99
NOV172184    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS BIG SPLASH YR PICTUREBACK (C: 0-1-0)    $5.99
NOV172185    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS BUTTERFLY BATTLE (C: 0-1-0)    $4.99
NOV172186    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS COLOR CAPER BOOK (C: 0-1-0)    $7.99
NOV172187    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS YR HC HARLEY QUINN AT SUPER HERO HIGH (C    $13.99
OCT172077    DOCTOR WHO BOOK OF WHONIVERSAL RECORDS SC (C: 0-1-0)    $19.99
NOV172161    MARVEL BLACK PANTHER ULTIMATE GUIDE HC (C: 1-1-0)    $24.99
NOV172162    MARVELS BLACK PANTHER ILLUSTRATED HIST OF A KING HC (C: 0-1-    $45.00
OCT172069    MICHAEL ALLRED CONVERSATIONS SC (C: 0-1-0)    $25.00
NOV172195    POKEMON DELUXE PICTUREBACK VOL 03 FAVORITE FIRST FRIENDS (C:    $5.99
OCT172084    POKEMON ORIGAMI SC FOLD YOUR OWN ALOLA REGION POKEMON (C: 0-    $12.99
OCT172091    SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 125 DEATH TOWER & SILENT SEVEN (C: 0    $14.95
OCT172092    SHADOW HIST & MYSTERY OF RADIO PROGRAM 1930-54 SC (C: 0-1-0)    $44.95
NOV172221    STAR WARS BIG GOLDEN BOOK ALIENS CREATURES & BEASTS (C: 1-1-    $10.99
NOV173126    WARHAMMER 40K CRISIS OF FAITH PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00
NOV173128    WARHAMMER 40K FULGRIM PROSE NOVEL HC (C: 0-0-1)    $19.00
NOV173125    WARHAMMER VAMPIRE WARS PROSE NOVEL SC (C: 0-0-1)    $21.00
NOV172216    X-FILES ORIGINS AGENT OF CHAOS SC (C: 0-1-0)    $10.99
NOV172217    X-FILES ORIGINS DEVILS ADVOCATE SC (C: 0-1-0)    $10.99

I Reads You Juniors December 2017 - Update #61

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

From Newsarama:  December 28th 2017 was Stan Lee's 95th birthday and industry pros wished him a happy birthday.

From ComicBook:  Batman co-creator, the late Bill Finger, had a street in New York City named for him - "Bill Finger Way."

From ComicBook:  Dr. Strange is apparently set to become the "God of Magic."

From BleedingCool:  The Max Landis story that was removed from The DC Holiday Special 2017 is available again on digital copies bought via comiXology.

OBIT - From BleedingCool:  British comic book creator and artist, Jim Baikie, died at the age of 77, Friday, December 29, 2017.  A mainstay of the venerable British comics magazines, "2000AD," Baikie created the alien science fiction comic strip, "Skizz" with Alan Moore.  He also created with Moore the comics, "The First American," for Moore's America's Best Comics (ABC) line.

From TheBeat:  In his column, "Tilting at Windmills #266, Brian Hibbs writes an open letter to new Marvel Comic EiC C.B. Cebulski, with some good suggestions for the publisher - that will ultimately be ignored.

From BleedingCool:  A list of rumors about upcoming creator changes at Marvel, including Nick Spencer on "The Amazing Spider-Man."

From AldotCom:  Alabama.com profiles Alabama favorite son, Jason Aaron.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Weapon X" comic book could become "X-Men: Black."

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics is launching an app that will allow fans to create their own comics - which Marvel will completely own.

From ComicBook:  There is a controversial "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" cover that has fans fuming.

OBIT - From Newsarama:  Veteran comic book inker, Victor Llamas, has died at the age of 41, Friday, December 22, 2017.  He broke into the industry via Top Cow and inked then emerging artists like David Finch and Joe Benitez.  There is a GoFundMe page here to help his family with expenses.

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COMIC BOOK THEFTS:
From ABCActionNews:   Thousands of dollars in comic books stolen from IDC Comics Toys & Collectibles in Avon Park, Florida.

From BostonHerald: $20,000 in comic books stolen The Hall of Comics store in Southborough, Massachusetts.

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From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #148 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullete episode #148 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Sony Would Have Liked the Rights to a Gay Miles Morales Spider-Man.

From BleedingCool:  Brian Michael Bendis announces that his "Punisher" comic book, "Punisher: End of Days," has been cancelled, as well as some of his other Marvel projects of which we have never heard.

From BleedingCool:  Rumor is that Brian Michael Bendis will write a Superman book in 2018.

From Mashable:  This article explains the difference between the 2003 film, "Old Boy," and the manga from which it was adapted.

From BleedingCool:  It's Alive is bringing back Trina Robbins' long out-of-print graphic novel, "The Silver Metal Lover" with a Kickstarter campaign.

From CBLDF and LatuffCartoons:  Lawyers for Turkey‘s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pressure Twitter to delete the content of 80 of Brazilian cartoonist, Carlos Latuff's posts, including 11 of Latuff's ‘toons,

From ScienceFiction:  Gail Simone has advice for aspiring comic book writers.

From FortressofSolitude:  An embarrassing (and typical) "best comic books of 2017" list.

From NYT:  The New York Times profiles a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania comic book store, Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, that promotes diversity.

From BleedingCool:  Joe Quesada takes to Twitter to discuss Marvel Comics' recent cancellation of titles starring LGBTQ characters, characters of color, and female characters.

From BleedingCool:  Joe Glass examines the victims of the Marvel Comics cancellation bloodbath.

From BleedingCool:  Writer David L. Walker has confirmed that his "Luke Cage" series is being cancelled due to low sales.

From CBR:  The site ranks every comic book movie in 2017 from worst (Netflix's "Death Note") to best ("Logan").

From Newsarama:  The "Black Comic Book Festival" is back.  According to Newsarama:  "The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture has opened registration for its "6th Annual Black Comic Book Festival" that will be held on January 12-13, 2018 at the Schomburg Center. Registration is free and open to the public and is available at schomburgcenter.eventbrite.com."

From THR:  Joe R. Lansdale has announced a comic book prequel to his prose novella, "Bubba Ho-Tep," which inspired a 2002 cult film from director Don Coscarelli (creator of the "Phantasm" film franchise).

From WashPost:  Novelist Brad Meltzer has also written comic books, like "Justice League" and "Identity Crisis" for DC Comics.  Now, he is announcing a graphic novel about "Ghandi."

From MyAJC:  Two brothers launch a line of Black superhero comic books in hopes to catch the upcoming "Black Panther" movie wave.

From Crunchyroll:  Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the manga, "Naruto," has a new manga due next year.  Japanese fans caught to see a sneak preview of draft pages from the upcoming and still unnamed manga.

From BleedingCool:  Japan's "Shonen Magazine" (Kodansha) is running a "Marvel manga" contest to recruit new talent.

From BleedingCool:  Trade paperback and collections from Dynamite Entertainment for March 2018.

From BleedingCool:  The DC Comics imprint, "Young Animal," curated by Gerard Way ("The Umbrella Academy") will be relaunched in March with four new titles.

From JeffLemireBlog:  Acclaimed writer, Jeff Lemire, talks about his plans for 2018.

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From BleedingCool:  In Lafayette, Louisiana, comic shop owner, Teresa Moran, is trying to buy the shopping center, where her store, Acadian Comics & Collectibles, is located.  She has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise one million dollars.  [I know Teresa Moran a.k.a. "Miss Teresa," and her shop is the descendant of the comic shop I first patronized when I entered college. - Leroy]

From GoFundMe:  Teresa Moran's GoFundMe page to buy a shopping center.

--------------------------------------------
From Kotaku:  The "Terra Formars" returns to Japan's "Young Jump" next April.

From Newsarama:  Yen Press March 2018 solicitations.

From Newsarama:  A first look at "Rise of the Black Panther #1."

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #147 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #147 in French.

From BleedingCool:  Marc Silvestri's "Cyber Force" returns (again) with Matt Hawkins and Bryan Hill writing and Silvestri "overseeing" the project.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel announces a digital first Avengers comic books, "Avengers: Back to Basics," written by Peter David.

From BleedingCool:  Editorial changes are happening at DC Comics, including for the Superman line, which Brian Michael Bendis will apparently join as a writer (Action Comics?).

From Gizmodo:  The site explains Patreon's recent fee change announcement, which has caused an uproar.  The changes will affect small press and indie comics creators who use the platform.

From IrishTime:  Controversial film director Takashi Miike talks about how important manga was to his generations of boyhood.

From KotakuAustralia:  The best selling manga of 2017 in Japan - actually December 5, 2016 to November 27, 2017.  "One Piece" is #1.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #146 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #146 in French.

From BleedingCool:   An article about calculating history and the sale of the color cover proof for Action Comics #1 - the one that introduced Superman.

From IGN:  What the Star Wars comic books and novels can tell us about "The Last Jedi."

From BleedingCool:  Upcoming "Power Rangers" comic book will featuring killing off of some Rangers.

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics will release "Dave McKean: Short Film as a hardcover  book and a Blu-ray.

From ComicBook:  "One Piece" creator Eiichiro Oda makes a statement about his manga's record breaking sales.

From DangerousMinds:  A look at the comic book story that inspired John Carpenter's 1988 film, "They Live."

From ComicBook:  The "Hunter x Hunter" manga returns next year (2018) in Japan's "Weekly Shonen Jump."

From LRMOnline:  Kouhei Horikoshi, the creator of the manga, "My Hero Academia," will create a poster that brings Star Wars and his manga together.  The poster will appear in a February 2018 issue of "Weekly Shonen Jump."

From Kotaku:  "Junji Ito Collection" is an upcoming anime series that will adapt the super-creepy horror comics of mangaka, Junji Ito.

From LawOfficer:  Police officer Greg Granderson creates a comic book as an outreach to kids.

From ComicBook:  Marvel announces a six issue New Mutants miniseries, "New Mutants: Dead Souls."

From SideshowToys:  Sideshow talks to pretend comic book artist J. Scott Campbell about his new line of statues/figures from Sideshow.  They call Campbell a legend, apparently not really knowing what a legend actually is.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #145 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #145 in French.

From Twitter/BBCArchive:  This archival video is from a 1975 BBC profile of the great and influential artist, Frank Hampson, who created the classic British sci-fi comic, Dan Dare.  Hampson apparently had been experiencing hardship at the time.

From BleedingCool:  When a monthly Batman comic book artist lives on the edge of poverty.