Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for July 25, 2018

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

FEB181915    ALIEN BOUNTY HUNTER TP    $19.99
MAY181402    ARCHIE AND ME COMICS DIGEST #9    $6.99
MAY181398    ARCHIES BIG BOOK TP VOL 04 FAIRY TALES    $19.99
MAY181394    ARCHIES SUPERTEENS VS CRUSADERS #2 CVR A WILLIAMS CONNECTING    $3.99
MAY181395    ARCHIES SUPERTEENS VS CRUSADERS #2 CVR B DAVE WILLIAMS B&W    $3.99
MAY181944    BALLAD OF HALO JONES TP VOL 02 COLOR ED    $9.99
MAY181863    BATTLECATS TP 1 01 THE HUNT FOR THE DIRE BEAST    $14.99
APR181442    BELLADONNA #0 COSTUME CHANGE A (MR)    $8.99
APR181443    BELLADONNA #0 COSTUME CHANGE B (MR)    $8.99
APR181444    BELLADONNA #0 COSTUME CHANGE C (MR)    $8.99
APR181445    BELLADONNA #0 COSTUME CHANGE D (MR)    $8.99
APR181447    BELLADONNA #0 COSTUME CHANGE NUDE (MR)    $16.99
APR181446    BELLADONNA #0 COSTUME CHANGE TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
MAY181520    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #4 SIEGE (MR)    $9.99
MAY181521    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #4 SIEGE NUDE (MR)    $9.99
MAR181356    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #6 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (MR)    $89.99
APR181405    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #7 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (MR)    $89.99
MAY181522    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY ACT 1 BAG SET (5 BOOK SET) #0 (MR)    $23.99
NOV172146    BLACK SABLE TP    $19.99
MAY182072    BRITANNIA LOST EAGLES OF ROME #1 (OF 4) CVR A NORD    $3.99
MAY182073    BRITANNIA LOST EAGLES OF ROME #1 (OF 4) CVR B THIES    $3.99
MAY181322    BROTHERS DRACUL #4 (MR)    $3.99
MAY182289    CARDFIGHT VANGUARD GN VOL 12    $10.95
MAY181855    CATALYST PRIME INCIDENTALS #10    $3.99
MAY181852    CATALYST PRIME KINO #8    $3.99
MAY181436    CROSSED 10TH ANN HC VOL 01 (MR)    $34.99
JAN181265    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #1 CENTURY OF BLOOD (MR)    $39.99
JAN181261    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #1 GOLD LEATHER (MR)    $29.99
FEB181159    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #2 CENTURY OF BLOOD (MR)    $39.99
APR181346    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 (MR)    $5.99
APR181347    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 AMERICAN HISTORY X (MR)    $5.99
APR181352    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 CROSSING OVER ATTACK (MR)    $9.99
APR181353    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 CROSSING OVER BLOODY (MR)    $9.99
APR181354    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 CROSSING OVER CORRUPT (MR)    $9.99
APR181351    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 FATAL FANTASY (MR)    $5.99
APR181349    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 HELLISH HOMAGE (MR)    $5.99
APR181348    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 HISTORY X WRAP (MR)    $5.99
APR181350    CROSSED PLUS 100 MIMIC #4 MS MAYHEM (MR)    $5.99
MAY181305    CYKO KO #1 (OF 3)    $1.50
MAY181264    DANGER DOLL SQUAD GALACTIC GLADIATORS #4 CVR A YOUNG (MR)    $4.99
MAY181265    DANGER DOLL SQUAD GALACTIC GLADIATORS #4 CVR B YOUNG RISQUE    $4.99
MAY181266    DANGER DOLL SQUAD GALACTIC GLADIATORS #4 CVR C TROM (MR)    $4.99
MAY181267    DANGER DOLL SQUAD GALACTIC GLADIATORS #4 CVR D MARCELO RISQU    $4.99
MAY181268    DANGER DOLL SQUAD GALACTIC GLADIATORS #4 CVR E MENDOZA (MR)    $4.99
MAY181269    DANGER DOLL SQUAD GALACTIC GLADIATORS #4 CVR F MENDOZA RISQU    $4.99
MAY182022    DARK SOULS AGE OF FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR A ANGULO (MR)    $3.99
MAY182023    DARK SOULS AGE OF FIRE #3 (OF 4) CVR B K    $3.99
APR181872    DEEP ROOTS #3 CVR A STRIPS (MR)    $3.99
APR181873    DEEP ROOTS #3 CVR B RODRIGUES VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAY181660    DF DAREDEVIL #600 GRANOV SKETCH SGN MILLER EXC    $299.99
MAY181657    DF DAREDEVIL #600 SKETCH GRANOV EXC    $29.99
MAY181667    DF ELVIRA #1 EXC    $29.99
MAR181600    DF INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #600 GOLD SGN BENDIS    $89.99
MAR181599    DF INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #600 SGN BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS    $29.99
MAY181655    DF NEW MUTANTS DEAD SOULS #1 SKETCH BLACK MAGIC EXC    $69.99
MAY181416    DISSENSION WAR ENTERAL #1 CVR A GUNDERSON    $3.99
MAY181417    DISSENSION WAR ENTERAL #1 CVR B MANAPUL    $3.99
APR182086    DREAMIN SUN GN VOL 07    $12.99
MAY181307    EDEN #1 (OF 4)    $1.50
MAY181426    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS VOL 5 #3 CVR A TRAN    $3.99
MAY181427    EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IRIS VOL 5 #3 CVR B CHA    $3.99
APR180947    FRUIT NINJA AND JETPACK JOYRIDE HC    $12.99
MAY181976    GOOD EARTH TP    $19.99
OCT171228    GRAVETRANCERS #4 (MR)    $3.99
JUN182192    HAIKYU GN VOL 26    $9.99
MAY182076    HARBINGER WARS 2 #3 (OF 4) CVR A JONES    $3.99
MAY182077    HARBINGER WARS 2 #3 (OF 4) CVR B SUAYAN    $3.99
MAY181986    HELLICIOUS #1 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
MAY181519    HELLINA SCYTHE #1 GOLDEN FIRE LEATHER (MR)    $29.99
MAY181306    HILLBILLY #12 (RES)    $3.99
APR182090    HOLLOW FIELDS COLOR ED GN VOL 02 (RES)    $12.99
MAY181678    I RENE TARDI PRISONER OF WAR IN STALAG IIB HC VOL 01    $29.99
MAY181854    INCIDENTALS TP VOL 02 BALANCE OF POWER    $14.99
MAY181988    JOHN CARPENTER TALES OF SCI FI STANDOFF #2 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
JUN182189    JOJOS BIZARRE ADV 3 STARDUST CRUSADERS HC VOL 08    $19.99
APR181448    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #1 COSTUME CHANGE A (MR)    $8.99
APR181449    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #1 COSTUME CHANGE B (MR)    $8.99
APR181450    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #1 COSTUME CHANGE C (MR)    $8.99
APR181451    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #1 COSTUME CHANGE D (MR)    $8.99
APR181453    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #1 COSTUME CHANGE NUDE (MR)    $16.99
APR181452    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #1 COSTUME CHANGE TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
MAR181336    JUNGLE FANTASY SECRETS #0 CENTURY (MR)    $39.99
MAR181322    JUNGLE FANTASY SECRETS #0 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (MR)    $89.99
MAR181333    JUNGLE FANTASY SECRETS #0 JUNGLE GREEN LEATHER (MR)    $24.99
DEC171316    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #10 CENTURY NUDE (MR)    $39.99
FEB181310    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS BAG SET OMEGA (SET OF 5 BOOKS) (MR)    $23.99
MAY181523    JUNGLE FANTASY VIXENS #2 (OF 2) COSTUME CHANGE A (MR)    $8.99
MAY181524    JUNGLE FANTASY VIXENS #2 (OF 2) COSTUME CHANGE B (MR)    $8.99
MAY181525    JUNGLE FANTASY VIXENS #2 (OF 2) COSTUME CHANGE C (MR)    $8.99
MAY181526    JUNGLE FANTASY VIXENS #2 (OF 2) COSTUME CHANGE D (MR)    $8.99
MAY181528    JUNGLE FANTASY VIXENS #2 (OF 2) COSTUME CHANGE NUDE (MR)    $16.99
MAY181527    JUNGLE FANTASY VIXENS #2 (OF 2) COSTUME CHANGE TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
APR181625    KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #256    $5.99
MAY181831    KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 59    $14.99
MAY181879    LONG CON #1 CVR A    $3.99
MAY181880    LONG CON #1 CVR B DEL DUCA VAR    $3.99
APR181735    LONG LOST BOOK ONE TP    $19.99
JAN181405    LOOKERS EMBER #8 FIFTY SHADES HOMAGE NUDE (MR)    $89.99
APR182092    MADE IN ABYSS GN VOL 03    $13.99
JUN182210    MAGI GN VOL 31    $9.99
MAY181775    MAKING FRIENDS GN VOL 01    $12.99
MAY181776    MAKING FRIENDS HC GN    $24.99
MAY182040    MIKE HAMMER #2 CVR A DALTON    $3.99
MAY182041    MIKE HAMMER #2 CVR B SALAZA    $3.99
JUN181296    MIRACULOUS TALES LADYBUG CAT NOIR S2 TP VOL 01 CHOSEN ONE    $8.99
JUN182184    MY HERO ACADEMIA GN VOL 14    $9.99
JUN182186    ONE PIECE GN VOL 87    $9.99
MAY181324    PESTILENCE STORY OF SATAN #3 (MR)    $3.99
MAR181794    PIZZASAURUS REX TP    $14.99
MAY181888    RICK & MORTY #40 CVR A    $3.99
MAY181889    RICK & MORTY #40 CVR B RIESS VAR    $3.99
MAY182251    RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO GN VOL 09 MANGA    $11.95
MAR182068    SONGS FOR THE DEAD #4 (OF 4) CVR A    $3.99
MAR182069    SONGS FOR THE DEAD #4 (OF 4) CVR B ROBLES VAR    $3.99
JUL172372    SPIRIT HUNTERS #12 (OF 12) CVR A GOH (MR)    $3.99
JUL172373    SPIRIT HUNTERS #12 (OF 12) CVR B LEISTER (MR)    $3.99
JUL172374    SPIRIT HUNTERS #12 (OF 12) CVR C MELONI (MR)    $3.99
JUL172375    SPIRIT HUNTERS #12 (OF 12) CVR D TOLIBAO (MR)    $3.99
JAN181172    STARGATE ATLANTIS SINGULARITY #2 CVR A    $3.99
JAN181173    STARGATE ATLANTIS SINGULARITY #2 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
JAN181174    STARGATE ATLANTIS SINGULARITY #2 CVR C PREMIUM FLASHBACK PHO    $9.99
JUN182208    TAKANE & HANA GN VOL 04    $9.99
MAY182031    TANK GIRL ALL STARS #2 (OF 4) CVR A PARSON    $3.99
MAY182032    TANK GIRL ALL STARS #2 (OF 4) CVR B EDWARDS    $3.99
MAY181551    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #111 (MR)    $2.95
MAY181309    TINSELTOWN #3 (OF 5)    $1.50
JUN182190    TOKYO GHOUL RE GN VOL 06    $12.99
JUN182213    TORIKO GN VOL 43    $9.99
MAR181087    TRUE STORIES #3 (MR)    $5.99
APR181207    VAMPBLADE SEASON 3 #4 CVR A COSTA (MR)    $4.99
APR181208    VAMPBLADE SEASON 3 #4 CVR B COSTA RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
APR181209    VAMPBLADE SEASON 3 #4 CVR C WINSTON YOUNG (MR)    $4.99
APR181210    VAMPBLADE SEASON 3 #4 CVR D WINSTON YOUNG RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
APR181211    VAMPBLADE SEASON 3 #4 CVR E MENDOZA (MR)    $4.99
APR181212    VAMPBLADE SEASON 3 #4 CVR F MENDOZA RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
MAY181318    WALK THROUGH HELL #3    $3.99
APR181383    WE ARE DANGER #2 (MR)    $3.99
APR181454    WEBWITCH #3 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE A (MR)    $8.99
APR181455    WEBWITCH #3 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE B (MR)    $8.99
APR181456    WEBWITCH #3 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE C (MR)    $8.99
APR181457    WEBWITCH #3 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE D (MR)    $8.99
APR181467    WEBWITCH #3 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE NUDE (MR)    $16.99
APR181466    WEBWITCH #3 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
APR181458    WEBWITCH #4 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE A (MR)    $8.99
APR181459    WEBWITCH #4 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE B (MR)    $8.99
APR181460    WEBWITCH #4 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE C (MR)    $8.99
APR181461    WEBWITCH #4 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE D (MR)    $8.99
APR181469    WEBWITCH #4 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE NUDE (MR)    $16.99
APR181468    WEBWITCH #4 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
APR181462    WEBWITCH #5 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE A (MR)    $8.99
APR181463    WEBWITCH #5 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE B (MR)    $8.99
APR181471    WEBWITCH #5 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE BOTTOMLESS (MR)    $9.99
APR181464    WEBWITCH #5 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE C (MR)    $8.99
APR181465    WEBWITCH #5 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE D (MR)    $8.99
APR181470    WEBWITCH #5 (OF 5) COSTUME CHANGE NUDE (MR)    $16.99
MAY181866    WORLD WAR II COMIX MIDWAY BATTLE THAT CHANGED PACIFIC WAR    $4.95
MAY182192    WORLDEND LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01    $14.00
MAY182088    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #17 CVR A LAROSA    $3.99
MAY182089    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #17 CVR B MAHFOOD    $3.99
MAY182250    YAMADA KUN & SEVEN WITCHES GN VOL 16 (RES)    $10.99
APR182102    YUUNA & HAUNTED HOT SPRINGS GN VOL 03 (MR)    $12.99
MAY181310    ZERO JUMPER #3 (OF 4)    $1.50
APR181879    ZOJAQAN COMPLETE SERIES TP    $19.99
MAY181291    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #50 MENDOZA DELUXE CVR A (MR)    $9.99
MAY181292    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #50 MENDOZA DELUXE CVR B (MR)    $9.99

MAGAZINES
MAY181592    COMIC SHOP NEWS #1623    $PI
MAY182114    THE CREEPS #15 (MR)    $5.95

BOOKS
MAY181818    DISNEY PIXAR NIGHTMARE BEFORE XMAS MOVIE IN COMICS YA GN    $5.99
MAY181961    LEGO OFF JUSTICE LEAGUE TRAINING MANUAL WITH MINIFIGURE    $12.99
APR181754    LITTLE BOOK OF HULK FLEXICOVER    $10.00
APR181755    LITTLE BOOK OF IRON MAN FLEXICOVER    $10.00
APR181756    LITTLE BOOK OF X-MEN FLEXICOVER    $10.00
MAY182165    ROBOTECH VISUAL ARCHIVE MACROSS SAGA HC 2ND ED    $44.99
MAR182183    ROY STUART LEG SHOW PHOTOS HC (MR)    $50.00
MAY182195    SAGA OF TANYA EVIL LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $14.00
APR181826    SHERLOCK HOLMES DEVILS DUST MMPB    $14.95
MAY181777    SMILEY DREAM BOOK HC PICTUREBOOK    $17.99
MAY182196    SO IM SPIDER SO WHAT LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 03    $14.00
APR181818    SOLO STAR WARS STORY OFF COLL ED HC    $19.99
MAY181962    STAR WARS JEDI ACADEMY YR HC VOL 06 PRINCIPAL STRIKES BACK (    $12.99
MAY181598    STAR WARS JOIN THE RESISTANCE LIFE OTHER PLANS HC    $12.99
MAY181594    STAR WARS THRAWN ALLIANCES HC    $28.99
JUN181660    THOMAS & FRIENDS CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA HC W MINI MODEL    $19.99
APR181253    TOY STORY COLLECTIBLES SC    $21.95
MAY182909    WARHAMMER 40K CASTELLAN CROWE PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00
MAY182911    WARHAMMER 40K ENFORCER PROSE NOVEL SC    $21.00
MAY182914    WARHAMMER 40K SONS OF HYDRA PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00
MAY182903    WARHAMMER HORUS HERESY JAGHATAI KHAN PROSE NOVEL HC    $19.00

Review: BLUBBER #3

BLUBBER No. 3
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS – @fantagraphics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Gilbert Hernandez
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds
COVER: Gilbert Hernandez with Paul Baresh
24pp, B&W, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

He is the cartoonist, comic book creator, and graphic novelist best known for being one-half of the duo known as “Los Bros.” Gilbert Hernandez and his brother, Jaime Hernandez, form the Eisner Award (Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards) winning team that has produced the seminal, alternative comic book series, Love and Rockets (Fantagraphics Books), for 35 years.

As a “solo act,” Gilbert (a.k.a. “Beto”) has also produced numerous original graphic novels and several comic book miniseries for publishers like Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, and Drawn & Quarterly, as well as for his original publisher Fantagraphics.  In 2015, Fantagraphics launched Beto's latest solo offering, entitled Blubber.

This black and white comic book series offers short stories and vignettes featuring a cast of misfits, monsters, and anthropomorphic types.  Beto also presents his usual mix of bizarre characters, strange stories, and outlandish sex and sexual acts, all hallmarks of his comix going back to the beginning of his public work.

Blubber #3 (which debuted in the summer of 2016) opens with Mr. Elvis on the inside front cover.  Other incarnations of the masturbating satyr appear throughout this issue.  Last issue's inside front cover star, “XXX Superstar Pupusi,” also returns.    The “Janx” take center stage in all their cock-sucking and orifice-penetrating glory.  Meanwhile, Max and his long dong try to show the defecating Snowman the spiritual side.

I gave a rave reviews to Blubber issues #1 and #2.  Unfortunately, Blubber #3 does not live up to its predecessors.  It does have its moments, such as the “Blubberoo” story and the strange goings-on at the “Blubber Club.”  However, the Janx story, “Circle of Life,” meanders rather than flow freely.  It has a dream like quality, but parts of it don't seem to belong, as if Beto took sections from four other stories and sewed them together for “Circle of Life.”

The “Root 66” strip is a gag, cute in its juvenile nature.  The Pupusi one-pager is like a nice after-dinner chocolate.  I may be a little down on Blubber #3, but there is enough good raunch and depravity to get me ready for #4

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 for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE #3

THE KAMANDI CHALLENGE No. 3 (OF 12)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jimmy Palmiotti
ART: Amanda Conner
COLORS: Paul Mounts
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Ben Caldwell
VARIANT COVER: Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2017)

Rated “T” for Teen

Kamandi created by Jack Kirby

“Bug in Your Ear”

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth was a comic book series created by Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics.  Running from 1972 to 1978, the series starred Kamandi, a teenaged boy in a post-apocalyptic future.  In this time, humans have been reduced back to savagery in a world ruled by intelligent, highly evolved animals.

Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #1 (cover dated: October 1972) opens some time after a huge event called “The Great Disaster,” which wiped out human civilization.  In “Earth A.D.” (After Disaster), many animals have become humanoid, bipedal, and sentient, and also possess the power of speech. These newly intelligent animal species have equipped themselves with weapons and technology salvaged from the ruins of human civilization and are constantly at war in a struggle for territory.

The world of Kamandi returns in the DC Comics miniseries, The Kamandi Challenge, bringing together 14 teams of writers and artists.  Each issue will end with an cliffhanger.  The next creative team will resolve that cliffhanger left behind by the previous creative team, before creating their own story and cliffhanger, which the next creative team after them will have to resolve... and so on.  The third issue of The Kamandi Challenge is written by Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Amanda Conner; colored by Paul Mounts; and lettered by Clem Robins.

The Kamandi Challenge #3 (“Bug in Your Ear”) opens after Kamandi escaped from Tiger City, but now, he is plunging to his death.  He is rescued by two “Savage Bats” and taken to the “God Watchers.”  Kamandi may start to regret being rescued because the God Watchers think that he is a messenger from their god.

“Bug in Your Ear” follows the cliffhanger that ended issue #2's “Nuclear War.”  The Kamandi Challenge #2 was a fun read, but I thought that it lacked the punch of either of the two stories published in The Kamandi Challenge #1.  The Kamandi Challenge #3 is different; it is both fun to read and it has punch.  It has the elements of a morality tale and is surprisingly thoughtful, and it acts like a series of cliffhangers, big and small.  Some cliffhangers are based on action and threats, but some of the cliffhangers are based on choices that Kamandi will make from a moral or philosophical point of view.

I have been a fan of many of the stories that Jimmy Palmiotti has written, so I am saying good things about his work here with some favoritism.  Artist Amanda Conner and colorist Paul Mounts are a dream team.  Her drawings are always filled with nice background and environmental details that offer something new upon second and third viewings.  Mounts rich colors are simply eye candy, as they shimmer and even pop off the page.

Jack Kirby had a seemingly boundless imagination, and it will be hard for the creative teams in this series to come close to Kirby's vision.  At least, The Kamandi Challenge #3 shows some inventiveness, and it is the kind of issue that will keep me reading this series.

A-

[Afterword by Neal Adams]

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: BABYTEETH #1

BABYTEETH No. 1
AFTERSHOCK COMICS – @AfterShockComix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Donny Cates
ARTIST: Garry Brown
COLORS: Mark Englert
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
COVER: Garry Brown
VARIANT COVERS: Garry Brown; Dylan Burnett; Elias Chatzoudis; Juan Doe; Francesco Francavilla; Phil Hester; Nat Jones; Tobias Morrow; Brent Peeples; Shelby Robertson; Mike Rooth; Elizabeth Torque; Arturo Torres with Larry Watts
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Mature Readers

Babyteeth created by Donny Cates and Garry Brown

“Mother of God”

Babyteeth is a new comic book series from writer Donny Cates and artist Garry Brown.  Their collaborators are Mark Englert on colors and Taylor Esposito on letters.  Published by AfterShock Comics, this series will focus on the young woman who gives birth to the Anti-Christ, a child that will eventually break down the barriers between the earthly and demonic planes.

Babyteeth #1 (“Mother of God”) opens in a darkened exterior.  Using a smart phone, young Sadie Ritter records a story to tell her baby, which takes us back one year prior.  In Salt Lake City, Utah, 16-year-old Sadie is trying to hide her pregnancy from her classmates.  Her sister, the bad-ass Heather, knows about the bundle of joy and has to make some people back up off her little sister.  When Sadie's contractions start, some weird crap starts happening, too, including Sadie's belief that she may be dead!

All I can say is that I am intrigued by Babyteeth.  Writer/co-creator Donny Cates is hot as he comes off two Image Comics, God Country and Redneck.  I get the feeling that Babyteeth will be somewhat funny, maybe a black comedy or a satire or both.  It is hard to tell how dark or violent it will be, but there is something in Garry Brown's angular compositions and matter-of-fact storytelling that makes Babyteeth seem promising.  It is almost as if Brown's art and graphical storytelling is saying to us, “Oh, you are going to want to see the rest of this!”

And for now, I do want to see more of this.

[This comic book includes the following extras and back-matter:

There are four-pages of the behind-the-scenes process of producing Babyteeth #1, from script to art to coloring and lettering.

This is a six-page preview of upcoming AfterShock Comics title, Unholy Grail E1 by Cullen Bunn and Mirko Colak.]

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


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

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

Review: THE DIVIDED STATES OF HYSTERIA #1

THE DIVIDED STATES OF HYSTERIA #1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER/ARTIST: Howard Chaykin
COLORS: Jesus Aburtov
LETTERS: Ken Bruzenak
COVER: Howard Chaykin with Wil Quintana
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Rated “M / Mature”

The Divided States of Hysteria is a new comic book series from renowned comic book creator, Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!, Midnight of the Soul).  Chaykin's collaborators include colorist Jesus Aburtov and Chaykin's longtime letterer, Ken Bruzenak.  Published by Image Comics, The Divided States of Hysteria is set in an America that is being destabilized by catastrophic terrorists attacks.

The Divided States of Hysteria #1 opens one month after the elected President of the United States and most of the cabinet were assassinated in an aborted coup d'etat.  The narrative focuses in on Washington D.C. where we meet an ambitious, ladder-climbing, CIA field officer, Frank Villa.  Frank is trying to warn his superiors, including the new President, that a worst-case terrorist attack on D.C. is imminent, but the decision makers would like to analyze the data on Frank's claims before they make big decisions.  Meanwhile, four mass killers: Henry John Noone, Christopher Michael Silver, Paul Evan Berg, and Cesare John Nacamulli, are arrested.

In his afterword to the first issue, Howard Chaykin says (basically) that he thought his new comic book, The Divided States of Hysteria, was dark, but that, in the year since he first announced it, real-world America had turned darker.  Chaykin is obviously referencing a number of events, in particularly that celebrity/public figure/businessman Donald Trump is now President of the United States.  He blames both sides of the left/right political divide.  I tend to blame the fact that the levers of power in this country are mostly attainable through a rigged election system, but let's not talk about that now.

I cannot give The Divided States of Hysteria a grade rating at this time, but I am interested in it.  It is the philosophical, if not spiritual, heir to Chaykin's seminal mid-1980s comic book series, American Flagg!  The Divided States of Hysteria #1 suggests that this series will be an epic narrative told through multiple characters in multiple settings and involving multiple plot lines – like American Flagg!

Chaykin divides the space on each page into three or four rectangles, and those rectangles are sometimes divided by borders or by objects, and sometimes inset panels are added.  Even the word balloons and caption boxes are rectangle-shaped.  Those rectangles are crowed with information (via balloons and boxes) and illustrations and graphics.

To me, graphic and page design create not so much a sense of hysteria as a sense of things being out of control and careening down hill, without breaks.  That is why I'm intrigued at the possibilities of The Divided States of Hysteria, which could be an excellent comic book full of socio-political commentary, satire, and/or criticism, like the great American Flagg!  Or it can end up ambitious but obtuse like Chester Brown's Underwater.

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.


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

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for July 18, 2018

BOOM! STUDIOS

MAY181226    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #25    $4.99
MAY181227    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #25 SUBSCRIPTION BAK VAR    $4.99
MAY181216    BY NIGHT #2 (OF 12)    $3.99
MAY181217    BY NIGHT #2 (OF 12) SUBSCRIPTION ALLISON VAR    $3.99
MAY181221    FENCE #8    $3.99
MAY181214    JIM HENSON FRAGGLE ROCK #3 MAIN    $3.99
MAY181215    JIM HENSON FRAGGLE ROCK #3 SUBSCRIPTION MYLER CONNECTING CVR    $3.99
MAR181259    LUMBERJANES TP VOL 09    $14.99
MAY181188    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #29 MAIN SG    $3.99
MAY181189    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #29 SUBSCRIPTION GIBSON VAR SG    $3.99
MAR181309    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE TP VOL 01    $14.99
MAR181270    SIX FIGURE CROWDFUNDING HC NO BULLSH*T GUIDE    $19.99
MAY181223    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #18    $3.99
MAY181224    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #18 SUBSCRIPTION OMAC VAR    $3.99
MAY181185    THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR #1 (OF 4) CVR A CASE    $3.99
MAY188891    THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR #1 (OF 4) FOC PRINTMAKING INCV    $3.99
MAY181186    THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR #1 (OF 4) SUBSCRIPTION BUSTOS VAR    $3.99
MAY181206    WWE #19    $3.99
MAY181207    WWE #19 RICHES ACTION FIGURE VAR    $3.99
MAY181208    WWE #19 SCHOONOVER RAW CONNECTING VAR    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 18, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR180106    BLADE OF IMMORTAL OMNIBUS TP VOL 06 (MR)    $21.99
MAR180061    BROOKLYN BLOOD TP    $17.99
MAR180094    BTVS SEASON 10 LIBRARY HC VOL 01    $29.99
MAY180358    BTVS SEASON 12 THE RECKONING #2 (OF 4) CVR A HANS    $3.99
MAY180359    BTVS SEASON 12 THE RECKONING #2 (OF 4) CVR B VAR JEANTY    $3.99
MAY180360    BTVS SEASON 12 THE RECKONING #2 (OF 4) CVR C VAR NOTO ULTRA    $3.99
MAR180062    DEPT H HC VOL 04 LIFEBOAT    $19.99
MAR180037    DORK HC    $19.99
MAY180338    ETHER COPPER GOLEMS #3 (OF 5) CVR A RUBIN    $3.99
MAY180339    ETHER COPPER GOLEMS #3 (OF 5) CVR B VAR MARTIN    $3.99
JAN180159    FATE ZERO TP VOL 06 (MR)    $11.99
MAR180112    GAME OF THRONES QUOTES COASTER SET    $9.99
MAR180113    GAME OF THRONES QUOTES MAGNET SET    $8.99
FEB180050    GO TEAM VENTURE HC ART & MAKING OF VENTURE BROS (RES)    $39.99
MAR180085    HELLBOY OMNIBUS TP VOL 03 THE WILD HUNT    $24.99
MAR180060    ROME WEST TP    $15.99
MAR180023    SHAOLIN COWBOY START TREK HC    $24.99
MAY180374    WITCHFINDER GATES OF HEAVEN #3 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99