Sunday, April 30, 2017

I Reads You Presents "I Reads You Juniors" - Update #5

Support Leroy on Patreon.

From Newsarama:  There will be some shipping delays for the Batman/Flash crossover event, "The Button."

From BleedingCool:  Comic book legend, George Perez, doing better after recent health scare.

From io9:  There is a documentary about Batman's co-creator, Bill Finger, on Hulu.

From CBR:  Stan Lee has a cameo in the new FOX X-Men TV series, which may be called "Gifted," and has apparently started shooting.

From CBR:  Kevin Melrose talks about the Chris Claremont-inspiration of the new X-Men comic book series, "X-Men: Gold."

BLURB REVIEWTHE WILD STORM #3 (DC Comics – June 2017) by Warren Ellis and Jon Davis-Hunt with Steve Buccellato

Well, it's the return of an “unaffiliated covert action team,” a “wild CAT.”  Get it?  The Wild Storm continues to pay off on the promise of its first issue, and it may end up being one of DC Comics' best series – if not the very best.  There is a slight problem, if I may.  Even at 22 pages in length, The Wild Storm #3 seems like a sip of water of a longer story, not enough to quench the reader's thirst.  That is the problem with modern comic book serials.  Each chapter of a story is a single issue of a comic book, and often, that single issue is either redundant story padding or is like an abbreviated chapter cut-off in the middle of an important sequence.  I guess that is why many readers simply “wait for the trade.”

Kickin' it adverbial, this comic book is an example of Warren-Ellis-when-he-is-really-good, so I highly recommend The Wild Storm.

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Saturday, April 29, 2017

Review: THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP #2

THE UNSTOPPABLE WASP No. 2
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

STORY: Jeremy Whitley – @jrome58
ART: Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Megan Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Elsa Charretier with Nicolas Bannister
VARIANT COVER: Tony Fleecs
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2017)

Rated “T+”

The Wasp a.k.a. Janet van Dyne is a Marvel Comics female super hero, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.  First appearing in Tales to Astonish #44 (cover dated:  June 1963), The Wasp is usually depicted as having the ability to shrink to a height of several centimeters; fly by means of insectoid wings; and fire bio-electric energy blasts.  The Wasp is also a founding member of the Avengers.

After Janet van Dyne, there was another version of The Wasp, Hope Pym, also known as the Red Queen and the Wasp.  Hope is the daughter of Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man.  Of course, Marvel has an alternate universe version of Hope Pym, and her name is Nadia, who is now in the main Marvel Universe.  She is the daughter of Hank Pym and Maria Trovaya.  Nadia is the star of the new Marvel comic book series, The Unstoppable Wasp.  It is written by Jeremy Whitley; drawn by Elsa Charretier; colored by Megan Wilson; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

The Unstoppable Wasp #2 opens as Nadia continues her quest to build “G.I.R.L.” (Genius in Action Research Labs).  This is an organization “dedicated to finding the brilliant girls and women who will not just save the world, but change it.” First stop, meet Taina Miranda, before moving on to Lunella Lafayette a.k.a. “Moon Girl.”  But Nadia's past is about to make a reappearance.

I enjoyed the first issue of The Unstoppable Wasp comic book.  I had a few reservations, but everything makes sense after reading this second issue.  That's crazy because it is hard to believe that a comic book has its act together or seems fully formed after only two issues.

Perhaps, the secret is in writer Jeremy Whitley's characterization of Nadia/The Unstoppable Wasp.  She is self-assured, although not fully formed.  She is determined to make her place in the world by not having to wash a man's drawers, bake him cookies, or get him a beer.  In fact, Nadia believes that her place in the world is to make sure other girls and women have a place in the world where they can be the best they can be (or even better than that).  This is comic book where the female characters don't get together to talk about what the man is doing.  At some point, I may have to call this something like brilliant, even if I don't use that word.

Artist Elsa Charretier vivid compositions and boisterous storytelling is well served by Megan Wilson's bright colors.  The Charretier-Wilson team marries the retro-style of Daniel Clowes' Ghost World with the pop charm of Darwyn Cooke, and that is a good thing.

A

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.

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

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Review: MIDNIGHT OF THE SOUL #1


MIDNIGHT OF THE SOUL No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

WRITER/ARTIST: Howard Chaykin
COLORS: Jesus Aburtov
LETTERS: Ken Bruzenak
COVER: Howard Chaykin with Jesus Aburtov
28pp, Color, $3.50 U.S. (June 2016)

Rated “M / Mature”

Midnight of the Soul is a new comic book miniseries from Howard Chaykin.  The series is set in 1950 and is written and drawn by Chaykin; colored by Jesus Aburtov; and lettered by Ken Bruzenak.

Midnight of the Soul #1 opens in New York City, 1950.  Joel Breakstone is a former G.I. who served in World War II and was one of the liberators of the infamous internment camp at Auschwitz.  Joel is also a pile of seriously damaged good, formerly addicted to morphine and currently addicted to alcohol.  He recalls his wartime experiences as he struggles to be a writer of alternate-universe science fiction.  With his life cratering, Joel is ready for change.

As a youngster, I was a fan of Chaykin's seminal and influential 1980s science fiction comic book series, American Flagg!!  I also fell hard for Chaykin's other 1980s work, especially The Shadow, a four-issue reboot of the classic pulp magazine hero for DC Comics.  To a lesser extent, I also enjoyed Blackhawk, his re-imagining of the Golden Age, adventure comic, Blackhawks (also for DC Comics).  I also read and re-read Chaykin's noir-infused, black and white, porno-mystery comic, Black Kiss.

After those classics, I found other Howard Chaykin comic books to enjoy, but none brought me the sheer joy I got from his 1980s comics.  I have not gotten around to reading his recent output, especially the work published by Image Comics.  I only read one issue of his murder mystery comic book series, Satellite Sam (created with writer Matt Fraction).  I read the entirety of Blade, which stars Marvel's vampire-killin' Black dude, which Chaykin drew, but did not write.

This is the long way of saying that I never stopped being interested in Howard Chaykin and still read his comics when I can find them.  So I am curious about Midnight of the Soul.  Chaykin buries the reader in the morass that is Joel Breakstone, and, in my case, I am ready to take a journey into or to wherever he is going.

After four decades of producing comic books and graphical storytelling, Chaykin still has it.  He has mastered the medium, creating a unique graphical language with its own captivating rhythm.  Graphic design, page layout, and composition create panels that are individually striking and collectively intriguing.  I don't know if Midnight of the Soul will ultimately be an ambitious misfire or a standout, but the creator is exceptional.  That makes reading this comic book worth the time.

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, April 24, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 26, 2017

DC COMICS

FEB170162    ACTION COMICS #978    $2.99
FEB170163    ACTION COMICS #978 VAR ED    $2.99
FEB170183    BATGIRL #10    $3.99
FEB170184    BATGIRL #10 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170261    BATMAN 66 MEETS WONDER WOMAN 77 #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
FEB170187    BATMAN BEYOND #7    $3.99
FEB170188    BATMAN BEYOND #7 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170253    BATMAN THE SHADOW #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
FEB170256    BATMAN THE SHADOW #1 (OF 6) BLANK VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170255    BATMAN THE SHADOW #1 (OF 6) CHIANG VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170257    BATMAN THE SHADOW #1 (OF 6) COLORING BOOK VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170254    BATMAN THE SHADOW #1 (OF 6) SALE VAR ED    $3.99
JAN170387    BATMAN TWO FACE FACE THE FACE DLX ED HC    $34.99
FEB170195    BLUE BEETLE #8    $3.99
FEB170196    BLUE BEETLE #8 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170330    CLEAN ROOM #18 (MR)    $3.99
SEP160334    DEADMAN KELLEY JONES GALLERY EDITION HC    $125.00
FEB170205    DETECTIVE COMICS #955    $2.99
FEB170206    DETECTIVE COMICS #955 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160333    DOOM PATROL #6 (MR)    $3.99
DEC160334    DOOM PATROL #6 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
NOV169202    FLASH #21 (THE BUTTON)    $2.99
NOV169211    FLASH #21 INTERNATIONAL EDITION (THE BUTTON)    $2.99
NOV169204    FLASH #21 LENTICULAR VAR ED (THE BUTTON)    $3.99
NOV169203    FLASH #21 VAR ED (THE BUTTON)    $2.99
JAN170392    FLASH BY MARK WAID TP BOOK 02    $34.99
JAN170379    GREEN LANTERNS TP VOL 02 PHANTOM LANTERN (REBIRTH)    $19.99
FEB170217    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #19    $2.99
FEB170218    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #19 VAR ED    $2.99
OCT160338    HARLEY QUINN RED WHITE & BLACK STATUE INJUSTICE 2    $80.00
FEB170223    HELLBLAZER #9    $3.99
FEB170224    HELLBLAZER #9 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170235    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #5    $2.99
FEB170236    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #5 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN170380    JUSTICE LEAGUE TP VOL 02 OUTBREAK (REBIRTH)    $16.99
JAN170394    JUSTICE LEAGUE UNWRAPPED BY JIM LEE HC    $39.99
FEB170276    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #4 (OF 12)    $3.99
FEB170277    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #4 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170288    MOTHER PANIC #6 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170289    MOTHER PANIC #6 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JAN170381    RED HOOD & THE OUTLAWS TP VOL 01 DARK TRINITY (REBIRTH)    $16.99
FEB170280    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #25    $2.99
FEB170241    SUICIDE SQUAD #16    $2.99
FEB170242    SUICIDE SQUAD #16 VAR ED    $2.99
FEB170278    SUPERGIRL BEING SUPER #3 (OF 4)    $5.99
FEB170245    TEEN TITANS #7    $3.99
FEB170246    TEEN TITANS #7 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170281    TEEN TITANS GO #21    $2.99
FEB170334    UNFOLLOW #18 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170251    WONDER WOMAN #21    $2.99
FEB170252    WONDER WOMAN #21 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN170403    WONDER WOMAN WHO IS WONDER WOMAN TP NEW ED    $16.99
JAN170404    YOUNG JUSTICE TP BOOK 01    $29.99


Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 26, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

FEB170945    ANAD MARVEL READING CHRONOLOGY #1 (BUNDLE OF 25)    $0.01
JAN171132    AVENGERS EPIC COLLECTION TP MASTERS OF EVIL    $39.99
FEB170798    BEN REILLY SCARLET SPIDER #1    $3.99
FEB170894    BLACK PANTHER #13    $3.99
FEB170897    BLACK PANTHER #13 MCKELVIE CONNECTING A VAR    $3.99
JAN171110    BLACK WIDOW TP VOL 02 NO MORE SECRETS    $17.99
JAN171121    CAPTAIN AMERICA TP VOL 02 MARVEL KNIGHTS    $34.99
JAN171106    CARNAGE TP VOL 03 WHAT DWELLS BENEATH    $17.99
JAN171129    DARK TOWER DRAWING OF THREE TP SAILOR (MR)    $19.99
JAN171117    DEADPOOL MERCS FOR MONEYTP VOL 02 IVX    $15.99
FEB170918    DEADPOOL VS PUNISHER #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB170919    DEADPOOL VS PUNISHER #2 (OF 5) ESPIN VAR    $3.99
JAN171118    DEADPOOL WORLDS GREATEST TP VOL 06 PATIENCE: ZERO    $17.99
FEB170873    ELEKTRA #3    $3.99
FEB170837    GREAT LAKES AVENGERS #7    $3.99
FEB170841    HULK #5    $3.99
FEB170824    INFAMOUS IRON MAN #7    $3.99
FEB170882    MAN-THING #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB170838    MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL #4    $3.99
FEB170844    MIGHTY THOR #18    $3.99
FEB170860    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #18    $3.99
JAN171109    MOSAIC TP VOL 01 KING OF WORLD    $15.99
FEB170827    OCCUPY AVENGERS #6    $3.99
FEB170932    OLD MAN LOGAN #22    $3.99
FEB170881    PATSY WALKER AKA HELLCAT #17    $3.99
FEB170913    ROCKET RACCOON #5    $3.99
FEB178182    SECRET EMPIRE #1 PARTY INVITE POSTCARDS (BUNDLE OF 100) (NET    $5.00
FEB178184    SECRET EMPIRE FREE PREVIEWS SPOTLIGHT (BUNDLE OF 25)    $5.00
JAN171105    SECRET EMPIRE PRELUDE TP    $34.99
FEB170958    STAR WARS DARTH MAUL #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB170909    THANOS #6    $3.99
FEB170944    TRUE BELIEVERS ASTONISHING X-MEN #1    $1.00
FEB170943    TRUE BELIEVERS GENERATION X #1    $1.00
FEB170942    TRUE BELIEVERS X-MEN GOLD #1    $1.00
FEB170834    ULTIMATES 2 #6    $3.99
FEB170796    WEAPON X #2    $3.99
FEB170775    X-MEN BLUE #2    $3.99
FEB170784    X-MEN GOLD #2    $3.99
JAN171127    X-MEN ORIGINS TP FIRESTAR    $29.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for April 26, 2017

IDW PUBLISHING

FEB170356    24 LEGACY RULES OF ENGAGEMENT #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB170357    24 LEGACY RULES OF ENGAGEMENT #1 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
NOV160506    AIRBOY ARCHIVE TP VOL 05    $29.99
JUN160541    ARCHANGEL #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
JUN160543    ARCHANGEL #4 (OF 5) PAPERBACK VAR    $3.99
JUN160542    ARCHANGEL #4 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170457    COMIC BOOK HISTORY OF COMICS #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
FEB170458    COMIC BOOK HISTORY OF COMICS #6 (OF 6) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
JAN170574    D4VEOCRACY #3    $3.99
JAN170575    D4VEOCRACY #3 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170438    DIRK GENTLY SALMON OF DOUBT #7    $3.99
FEB170439    DIRK GENTLY SALMON OF DOUBT #7 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170386    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #239    $3.99
FEB170387    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #239 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
JAN170591    JEM THE MISFITS #4    $3.99
JAN170592    JEM THE MISFITS #4 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170420    JUDGE DREDD BLESSED EARTH #1    $3.99
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FEB170481    KILL SHAKESPEARE PAST IS PROLOGUE JULIET #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
FEB170482    KILL SHAKESPEARE PAST IS PROLOGUE JULIET #2 (OF 4) SUB VAR    $3.99
FEB170388    MICRONAUTS WRATH OF KARZA #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB170389    MICRONAUTS WRATH OF KARZA #1 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170483    NIGHT OWL SOCIETY #1 (OF 3)    $3.99
FEB170484    NIGHT OWL SOCIETY #1 (OF 3) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170405    OPTIMUS PRIME #6    $3.99
FEB170406    OPTIMUS PRIME #6 SUBSCRIPTION VAR A    $3.99
FEB170407    OPTIMUS PRIME #6 SUBSCRIPTION VAR B    $3.99
FEB170430    ORPHAN BLACK DEVIATIONS #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
FEB170431    ORPHAN BLACK DEVIATIONS #2 (OF 6) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170468    REAL SCIENCE ADVENTURES #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
FEB170469    REAL SCIENCE ADVENTURES #1 (OF 6) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
JUN160550    SATELLITE FALLING #4    $3.99
JUN160551    SATELLITE FALLING #4 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
JAN170632    STAR HAWKS HC VOL 01    $39.99
FEB170364    TMNT UNIVERSE #9    $4.99
FEB170365    TMNT UNIVERSE #9 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $4.99
JAN170453    X-FILES (2016) TP VOL 02 COME BACK HAUNTED    $17.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 26, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB170019    ALIENS DEAD ORBIT #1    $3.99
JAN170148    ALIENS DEFIANCE #11    $3.99
DEC160088    AVATAR LAST AIRBENDER TP VOL 15 NORTH SOUTH PART 3    $10.99
DEC160113    CONAN THE SLAYER #8    $3.99
DEC160114    CONAN THE SLAYER TP VOL 01 BLOOD IN HIS WAKE    $19.99
FEB170105    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN ARRYN    $4.99
FEB170106    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN BARATHEON    $4.99
FEB170107    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN BOLTON    $4.99
FEB170108    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN FREY    $4.99
FEB170109    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN GREYJOY    $4.99
FEB170110    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN LANNISTER    $4.99
FEB170111    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN MARTELL    $4.99
FEB170112    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN STANNIS BARATHEON    $4.99
FEB170113    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN STARK    $4.99
FEB170114    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN TARGARYEN    $4.99
FEB170115    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN TULLY    $4.99
FEB170116    GAME OF THRONES MAGNET 2.25 IN TYRELL    $4.99
FEB170032    LOBSTER JOHNSON PIRATES GHOST #2    $3.99
FEB170024    PROMETHEUS LIFE & DEATH ONE SHOT    $5.99
FEB170025    PROMETHEUS LIFE & DEATH ONE SHOT TENG VAR    $5.99
FEB170080    REBELS THESE FREE & INDEPENDENT STATES #2    $3.99
FEB170037    VISITOR HOW AND WHY HE STAYED #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV160072    WB DUBAYS THE ROOK ARCHIVES HC VOL 01    $19.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 26, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

MAR160556    BITCH PLANET #10 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170581    BLACK MONDAY MURDERS #5 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170633    BLACK ROAD #9 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170650    HADRIANS WALL #6 (OF 8) (MR)    $3.99
FEB170611    IMAGE GIANT-SIZED ARTISTS PROOF ED RENATO JONES (MR)    $24.99
FEB170750    IMAGE PLUS #13 (WALKING DEAD HERES NEGAN PT 13)  (MR)    $1.99
JAN170828    INVISIBLE REPUBLIC TP VOL 03 (MR)    $14.99
FEB170694    KID SAVAGE TP VOL 01    $14.99
FEB170657    KILL OR BE KILLED #8 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170658    LOOSE ENDS #4 (OF 4) (MR)    $3.99
FEB170660    MAGDALENA #2    $3.99
JAN178879    MAGDALENA #2 CVR B    $3.99
FEB170666    OLD GUARD #3 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170708    SAGA DLX ED HC VOL 02 (MR)    $49.99
FEB170619    SAVAGE DRAGON #223 (MR)    $3.99
JAN178690    SAVAGE DRAGON #223 CVR B APRIL FOOLS VAR (MR)    $3.99
FEB170579    SPLITTING IMAGE 80-PAGE GIANT    $7.99
FEB170680    STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES #23 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170714    STREET ANGEL AFTER SCHOOL KUNG FU SPEC HC    $19.99
FEB170716    SURGEON X TP VOL 01 PATH OF MOST RESISTANCE (MR)    $14.99
FEB170685    UNDERWINTER #2 (MR)    $3.99
JAN178878    UNDERWINTER #2 CVR B NGUYEN (MR)    $3.99


Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for April 26, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

FEB171841    ANCIENT DREAMS #1 REISSUE ED    $3.99
FEB171213    ARCHIE COMICS ANNUAL DIGEST #278    $5.99
FEB171190    ARCHIE TP VOL 03    $17.99
FEB171848    ARPEGGIO OF BLUE STEEL GN VOL 10 (MR)    $12.99
FEB171764    ATTACK ON TITAN GN VOL 21    $10.99
MAR171559    BECK AND CAUL INVESTIGATIONS TP    $19.99
FEB171419    BELLADONNA #1 FRENZY CVR (MR)    $6.99
FEB171420    BELLADONNA #1 FRENZY NUDE CVR (MR)    $9.99
JAN171539    BELLADONNA #1 VIKING VIXENS CVR (MR)    $6.99
JAN171543    BELLADONNA #1 VIKING VIXENS NUDE CVR (MR)    $9.99
JAN171541    BELLADONNA #2 SULTRY CVR (MR)    $9.99
JAN171544    BELLADONNA #2 SULTRY NUDE CVR (MR)    $9.99
NOV161311    BELLADONNA #4 CENTURY NUDE SET (MR)    $119.99
NOV161309    BELLADONNA #4 COSTUME CHANGE SET (MR)    $19.99
NOV161310    BELLADONNA #4 NUDE & NAUGHTY SET (MR)    $25.99
FEB171196    BIG MOOSE ONE SHOT CVR A REG TOM PITILLI    $4.99
FEB171197    BIG MOOSE ONE SHOT CVR B VAR CORY SMITH    $4.99
FEB171198    BIG MOOSE ONE SHOT CVR C VAR WILFREDO TORRES    $4.99
NOV161234    BILL & TED GO TO HELL TP    $14.99
JAN171223    BLACK EYED KIDS #12 (MR)    $3.99
FEB172078    BLOODSHOT USA TP    $14.99
FEB171721    BOOK OF CHAOS HC (MR)    $39.95
FEB172054    BRITANNIA WE WHO #1 (OF 4) CVR A NORD    $3.99
FEB172055    BRITANNIA WE WHO #1 (OF 4) CVR B MACK    $3.99
FEB172056    BRITANNIA WE WHO #1 (OF 4) CVR C BLANK    $3.99
MAR172189    COLOSSI #2    $3.99
JAN171778    CRICKETS #6 (MR)    $8.00
FEB171134    DAUGHTERS OF THE DARK ORACLE #2 (OF 5) BLOODBATH VAR (MR)    $3.99
MAR171560    DAYS OF WRATH GN    $16.99
FEB171688    DEEPAK CHOPRAS BEYOND #3    $3.99
JAN151429    DF GOTG AND X-MEN BLACK VORTEX #1 HUMPHRIES SGN    $29.99
MAY161477    DF GREEN LANTERNS REBIRTH #1 HUMPHRIES SGN    $19.59
SEP161641    DF JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 DF EXC KIRKHAM SGN    $19.61
SEP161642    DF JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 DF EXC LTD GOLD KIRKHAM SGN    $89.99
JUN161460    DF JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 DF EXC TOP SECRET CGC GRADED    $89.99
APR151467    DF STAR-LORD AND KITTY PRYDE #1 HUMPHRIES SGN    $19.80
FEB171737    DISNEY DARKWING DUCK COMICS COLL TP VOL 02    $14.99
DEC161999    DISNEY MANGA BEAUTY & BEAST GN BOX SET LTD ED    $19.99
NOV161895    DISNEY MANGA KILALA PRINCESS GN VOL 05 (OF 5)    $10.99
FEB171511    DOC SAVAGE RING OF FIRE #2 (OF 4) CVR A SCHOONOVER    $3.99
FEB171512    DOC SAVAGE RING OF FIRE #2 (OF 4) CVR B MARQUES    $3.99
DEC161922    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #2 CVR A IANNICIELLO    $3.99
DEC161923    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #2 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
DEC161924    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #2 CVR C PAPERCRAFT    $3.99
DEC161925    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #2 CVR D QUALANO    $3.99
DEC161926    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #2 CVR E ZANFARDINO    $3.99
DEC161910    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #12 CVR A BOLSON    $3.99
DEC161911    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #12 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
DEC161912    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #12 CVR C PAPERCRAFT    $3.99
DEC161913    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #12 CVR D QUALANO    $3.99
FEB171061    DOLLFACE #4 CVR A MENDOZA (MR)    $3.99
FEB171062    DOLLFACE #4 CVR B MENDOZA TATTERED & TORN (MR)    $4.99
FEB171064    DOLLFACE #4 CVR D MCKAY (MR)    $4.99
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MAR171736    ONE HUNDRED DEMONS HC    $21.95
FEB171163    PEARLS BEFORE SWINE TP PEARLS HOGS THE ROAD    $18.99
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JAN171370    PROVIDENCE #11 (OF 12) CENTURY ED DUNWICH (MR)    $39.99
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FEB171266    PROVIDENCE #11 (OF 12) CENTURY ED HPL (MR)    $39.99
FEB171267    PROVIDENCE #11 (OF 12) CENTURY ED MOON BOG (MR)    $39.99
FEB171265    PROVIDENCE #11 (OF 12) CENTURY ED MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS (MR)    $39.99
FEB171264    PROVIDENCE #11 (OF 12) CENTURY ED UNNAMABLE (MR)    $39.99
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FEB171275    QUANTUM TEENS ARE GO #3 (MR)    $3.99
FEB171425    RAVENING #1 (OF 4) CENTURY BIKINI SET (MR)    $149.99
JAN171538    RAVENING #1 (OF 4) DEATH METAL CVR (MR)    $9.99
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DEC161490    RAVENING #1 (OF 4) KS SUCCUBI CVR (MR)    $9.99
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FEB171293    REGULAR SHOW 2017 SPECIAL #1 CVR A FRIDOLFS    $7.99
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JAN171937    REM 8 #4 (MR)    $3.99
FEB171815    RICK & MORTY #25    $3.99
FEB171840    RIFT #4 (OF 4)    $3.95
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FEB171844    SMOKETOWN #2    $3.99
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FEB171421    UNHOLY #1 TEAM PHOTO CVR (MR)    $9.99
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FEB171323    WWE #4 MAIN CVR    $3.99
FEB172049    X-O MANOWAR (2017) #2 CVR A LAROSA    $3.99
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FEB171873    ZOMBEN #1 (OF 4)    $3.99

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DEC162229    AMAZING FIGURE MODELER #63    $10.00
FEB172271    CINEFEX #152    $12.50
FEB172273    GIRLS AND CORPSES MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 (MR)    $8.95
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DEC162231    MEGAMI MAR 2017    $20.00
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MAR172373    RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #176 (RES)    $9.95
FEB172266    THE CREEPS #10 (MR)    $5.95
FEB172274    ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #15    $4.99

BOOKS
FEB172217    DR ELEVENTH    $5.99
FEB172216    DR FIRST    $5.99
FEB172218    DR FOURTH    $5.99
FEB172219    DR TWELFTH    $5.99
DEC161682    DRAW OF SPORT HC MURRAY OLDERMAN    $24.99
MAR172330    GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS HC    $70.00
JAN178881    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS OFF COLORING BOOK    $16.99
FEB172229    OFFICIAL MORTAL INSTRUMENTS COLORING BOOK    $16.95
MAR173353    WARHAMMER 40K DAWN OF WAR III PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00
FEB173199    WARHAMMER 40K PHAROS SC    $9.99
JAN172110    YU-GI-OH ART OF CARDS HC    $39.99

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Review: NIGHTHAWK #1

NIGHTHAWK No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David F. Walker
ARTIST: Ramon Villalobos
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz with Chris Sotomayor
VARIANT COVERS: Rafael Albuquerque; John Tyler Christopher; Bill Sienkiewicz; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory

Nighthawk is a Marvel Comics character.  While there have been several versions of the character, the first Nighthawk was Kyle Richmond, initially a supervillain and also a member of the Squadron Supreme.  Richmond, as the original Nighthawk, debuted in The Avengers #69 (cover dated:  October 1969) with two other members of the Squadron Supreme.

The “All-New, All-Different Marvel” event offers a new ongoing Nighthawk comic book.  This series focuses on an African-American version of Kyle Richmond from Earth-31916, who also uses the identity of Raymond KaneNighthawk is written by David F. Walker; drawn by Ramon Villalobos; colored by Tamra Bonvillian; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Nighthawk #1 opens in Chicago, Illinois which is both roiled by racial strife and rotten with political corruption.  The city's streets, neighborhoods, and districts are Nighthawk's stomping grounds.  In fact, we find him stomping on the “True Patriots,” a White supremacist gang that deals in guns and meth production.  Nighthawk uses his physical and mental skills to destroy them, will his partner, Tilda Johnson, as usual, helps with the robotics and technology Nighthawk uses.  Meanwhile, Kane faces a dirty offer from Dan Hanrahan; plus, a sinister figure returns.

Stunned.  I am truly stunned both by how much I like this comic book and by how good it is.  If DC Comics were not so afraid of letting African-American scribes write marquee titles, David F. Walker would be writing Batman now.  [Walker recently had a short stint as writer of the Cyborg comic book for DC.]  Although I am a fan of both Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz, I think the cover art they provided for Nighthawk #1 is kinda whack.  When I first saw the cover, I looked at this comic book with disdain.

But something made me buy it.  Maybe, it is the buy-the-first-issue fanboy gene that made me do it, but whomever or whatever I have to thank – thank you, bitches!  I think that Walker is going to tackle issues surrounding themes of anger, aggression, rage, violence, political corruption, and corporate depravity.  So that makes David F. Walker's Nighthawk a smart buy.  Besides, the covers are going to get better, aren't they?

As artist, I like the choice of Ramon Villalobos, whose work on last summer's E is for Extinction (a Secret Wars title) wowed me.  You know what?  I'm going to highly recommend this book to you, dear readers.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Saturday, April 22, 2017

Review: ALL TIME COMICS: Crime Destroyer #1

ALL TIME COMICS: CRIME DESTROYER No. 1
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS/ALL TIME COMICS - @fantagraphics @alltimecomics

[This review originally appeared on Patreon.]

STORY: Josh Bayer
PENCILS: Herb Trimpe
INKS: Benjamin Marra
LETTERS: Rick Parker
COLORS: Alessandro Echevarria
MISC. ART: Victor Martinez
COVERS: Jim Rugg; Johnny Ryan
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2017)

Crime Destroyer in “Human Sacrifice”

I was surprised to learn that Fantagraphics Books announced through a press release sometime late last year that they were going to publish comic books set in a new shared superhero universe.. Entitled “All Time Comics,” this imprint/universe would see the release of six comic books, each a stand-alone story featuring featuring a particular superhero or set of superheroes.

The hook with All Time Comics is that each title is a mash-up of and throwback to classic 1970s comic books, especially those published by Marvel Comics.  The first such title is All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer.  It is written by Josh Bayer; drawn by Herb Trimpe (pencils) and Benjamin Marra (inks); colored by Alessandro Echevarria; and lettered by Rick Parker.

All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1 is set in Optic City, a sort of fictional recreation of the rundown, in-a-malaise New York City of the 1970s.  Crime Destroyer, a superhero whose uniform shoulder pads have two large fists perched on them, is inside “The Penitentiary.”  He is there to see an old friend and former military buddy, “Titan,” who wants Crime Destroyer to find a family member named “Anji.”

It seems that Anji has disappeared, which she often does, but this time, she is apparently under the sway of rising cult leader, “The White Warlock,” leader of the “Wotan Cult.”  Crime Destroyer is ready to rescue Anji and deliver some serious beat-down to this cult and its leader.  However, local superhero, “Atlas,” does not want Crime Destroyer (who is from “Swan City”) operating in his city, Optic City.

All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1 is a retro comic book.  It reminds me of the kind of comic books the late, great Jack Kirby, who practically co-created the Marvel Universe in the 1960s, produced in the 1970s.  An example would be Kirby's own mid-1970s run on Captain America for Marvel Comics.  I think that All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1 is also quite similar to Marvel Comics titles produced in the 1970s and early 1980s that are either influenced by or are pastiches of Kirby's 1970s's comic book output.  Marvel Two-in-One Starring The Thing comes to mind, especially those issues produced by writer David Michelinie and artist and Kirby-copycat, Ron Wilson.

The artist for All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1 is the late Herb Trimpe, who drew this comic book before he died last year.  Trimpe, who drew the first comic book appearances of Wolverine of the X-Men, produced quite a bit of comic book art that was clearly influenced by Jack Kirby.  The art here is a bit rough around the edges and is quite chunky, but it also reminds me of the art the late Spain Rodriguez drew for his Underground Comix comic book, Trashman.

Here, Trimpe's pencils are perfect for this gritty and grimy tale of Crime Destroyer, a superhero that blends elements of Marvel Comics' urban superheroes/anti-heroes Luke Cage and Blade.  However, there is just a hint of cinematic hero, Mad Max, which gives this story a trashy, post-apocalyptic aura.  I still have not made up my mind if Ben Marra's inks help create such an aesthetic or works against it.

I do like Josh Bayer's storytelling.  Bayer does not take his story too seriously, but does take the comics to which he is honoring seriously.  This comic book is funny and action-packed, and the villain is a metaphor for the kind of people who are real threats to our real world.  By the end of this comic book, I really did want more of Crime Destroyer.

All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1 is not perfect, but I find myself still thinking about it.  Part of me does want more, and it is up to the readers to decide if they want more comic books like All Time Comics: Crime Destroyer #1, even if only for a little while.

B+

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.

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Friday, April 21, 2017

Review THUNDERBOLTS #1

THUNDERBOLTS No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Jim Zub
ARTIST: Jon Malin
COLORS: Matt Yackey
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
COVER: Jon Malin with Matt Yackey
VARIANT COVERS: Mark Bagley with Sonia Oback; John Tyler Christopher; Anthony Piper; Chris Stevens with Frank Martin
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory

There is No High Road: Part One “Power and Control”

The Thunderbolts are a Marvel Comics superhero team.  Over the years, the team has mostly consisted of supervillains, reformed and otherwise.  The Thunderbolts first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #449 (cover dated: January 1997) and were created by writer Kurt Busiek and artist Mark Bagley.

Marvel Comics recently launched a new ongoing comic book series featuring the team, entitled Thunderbolts, of course.  It is written by Jim Zub; drawn by Jon Malin; colored by Matt Yackey; and lettered by Joe Sabino.

Thunderbolts #1 (“Power and Control”) introduces a version of the Thunderbolts that is known as “Winter Soldier's Team.”  Coming out of the Avengers: Standoff! story line, the team consists of Winter Soldier (James “Bucky” Barnes); The Fixer (Paul Norbert Ebersol); Moonstone (Karla Sofen); and Atlas (Erik Josten); Mach-X (Abner Jenkins), and maybe Kobik.  Winter Soldier has decided to take up Nick Fury's mandate of protecting Earth from all threats, but things are complicated.

First, let me say that I am getting a kick out of the art of Jon Malin.  He seems like a third generation disciple or maybe even clone of Rob Liefeld.  If you took Liefeld's back-in-the-day work on New Mutants, X-Force, and Youngblood and made the compositions stronger or more polished, you would get Jon Malin.

I am a fan of the work of Jim Zub, especially for his work on his creator-owned series, Wayward (Image Comics), and for Samurai Jack (IDW Publishing), a continuation of the former Cartoon Network animated series.  For the past few years, I have been hoping that Zub would take over an ongoing comic book series for either Marvel or DC Comics.

That said, I am disappointed in Thunderbolts.  Not that I ever expected much of this comic book from the time I heard about it, but I had hoped that Zub would get to write a series that took advantage of his imagination and inventiveness.  I don't think this is it.  Thunderbolts is mere filler material, the also also-ran of the Marvel Comics line-up of Avengers-related team books.  I am not even going to say that if anyone can save this book, it is Jim Zub.  I don't plan on finding out.

C-

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Review: DARK KNIGHT III: The Master Race #8

DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE No. 8
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS:  Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair; Klaus Janson with Brad Anderson; Bill Sienkiewicz; Riley Rossmo
32pp (plus 16-page insert), Color, $5.99 U.S. (May 2017)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Dark Knight III: The Master Race (also known as DKIII) is a nine-issue Batman comic book event miniseries.  It is the second sequel to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (also known simply as The Dark Knight Returns or DKR), the 1986 four-issue comic book miniseries written by Frank Miller and drawn by Miller (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks).  DKR focuses on a 50-year-old Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement to resume fighting crime as Batman.

DKIII is written by Brian Azzarello and Frank Miller; drawn by Andy Kubert (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Clem Robins.  DKIII finds Batman united with Superman to stop a murderous group of people from Superman's home planet, Krypton, from taking over the Earth.

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #8 opens with the new Batgirl (Carrie Kelley) witnessing the seeming death of Batman.  However, Superman placed Batman's body in a Lazarus Pit, and now Bruce Wayne is not only alive, but young again.  Meanwhile, the “master race” of Kryptonians from the Bottled City of Kandor invade the home of Wonder Woman's and the Amazons (an island now called “Amazonia”).  The Kryptonians are sure that they will win their fight with the Amazons, but Wonder Woman and her people have something that can match the Superman-like powers of a master race.

After much criticism and complaining about DKIII (with only scattered praise), I have to admit that I think that DKIII #8 is not only the best issue of the series, but it is also a truly good comic book.  DKIII has been wildly inconsistent, but DKIII #7 and #8 move the narrative forward more powerfully than a locomotive.

I don't think... No, I know that I have not had this much fun reading the other issues of DKIII as I had reading #8, although #7, as I've said, is quite good.  Wonder Woman in full battle mode is a beautiful thing, and of course, this story barrels forward because #8 is the penultimate issue (although it was originally intended to be the last issue).  Of note, a younger Bruce Wayne adds fuel to the rumors that many more series set in the DKR universe are to come.

Dark Knight Universe Presents: Detective Comics #1 (Insert comic book)
STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Frank Miller
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair

I have not really enjoyed these mini-comics inserted into the center of each issue of DKIII, but I did like DKIII #7's“Strange Adventures,” which focuses on Green Lantern and two denizens of Thanagar.  This issue's “Detective Comics” insert is the best of the lot, thus far, and is Frank Miller's best work as an artist for these inserts.  This insert also features some familiar characters and story elements that first appeared in DKR, and that makes me happy.  Plus, this is “To be continued...”

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.

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Monday, April 17, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2017

DC COMICS

FEB170176    ALL STAR BATMAN #9    $4.99
FEB170177    ALL STAR BATMAN #9 BURNHAM VAR ED    $4.99
FEB170178    ALL STAR BATMAN #9 FRANCAVILLA VAR ED    $4.99
JAN170374    ALL STAR BATMAN HC VOL 01 MY OWN WORST ENEMY (REBIRTH)    $24.99
FEB170181    AQUAMAN #21    $2.99
FEB170182    AQUAMAN #21 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN170411    ASTRO CITY #43 (RES)    $3.99
NOV169198    BATMAN #21 (THE BUTTON)    $2.99
NOV169201    BATMAN #21 INTERNATIONAL EDITION (THE BUTTON)    $2.99
NOV169200    BATMAN #21 LENTICULAR VAR ED (THE BUTTON)    $3.99
NOV169199    BATMAN #21 VAR ED  (THE BUTTON)    $2.99
JAN170385    BATMAN TP VOL 10 EPILOGUE    $16.99
FEB170189    BATWOMAN #2    $3.99
FEB170190    BATWOMAN #2 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170283    CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE #7 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170284    CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE #7 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
OCT160332    DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS RAVEN STATUE (RES)    $125.00
FEB170201    DEATHSTROKE #17    $2.99
FEB170202    DEATHSTROKE #17 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN170419    FILTH TP NEW EDITION (MR)    $19.99
FEB170209    GREEN ARROW #21    $2.99
FEB170210    GREEN ARROW #21 VAR ED    $2.99
FEB170213    GREEN LANTERNS #21    $2.99
FEB170214    GREEN LANTERNS #21 VAR ED    $2.99
FEB170221    HARLEY QUINN #18    $2.99
FEB170222    HARLEY QUINN #18 VAR ED    $2.99
FEB170265    INJUSTICE GROUND ZERO #10    $2.99
FEB170231    JUSTICE LEAGUE #19    $2.99
FEB170232    JUSTICE LEAGUE #19 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN170393    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA THE SILVER AGE TP VOL 03    $24.99
FEB170329    LUCIFER #17 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170282    MAD MAGAZINE #545    $5.99
FEB170227    NIGHTWING #19    $2.99
FEB170228    NIGHTWING #19 VAR ED    $2.99
FEB170275    ODYSSEY OF THE AMAZONS #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN170398    SUICIDE SQUAD MOST WANTED EL DIABLO TP    $16.99
FEB170243    SUPER SONS #3    $3.99
FEB170244    SUPER SONS #3 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170166    SUPERMAN #21    $2.99
FEB170167    SUPERMAN #21 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN170382    SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS TP VOL 02 WELCOME TO THE PLANET (REBI    $14.99
FEB170172    SUPERWOMAN #9    $3.99
FEB170173    SUPERWOMAN #9 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170174    TRINITY #8    $3.99
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FEB170258    WILD STORM #3    $3.99
FEB170260    WILD STORM #3 JIM LEE VAR ED    $3.99
FEB170259    WILD STORM #3 MCKELVIE VAR ED    $3.99
JAN170402    WONDER WOMAN EARTH ONE TP VOL 01    $16.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

JAN171124    A YEAR OF MARVELS TP    $24.99
FEB170892    BLACK PANTHER WORLD OF WAKANDA #6    $3.99
JAN171107    CAGE TP    $14.99
JAN171119    CAPTAIN AMERICA SAM WILSON TP VOL 04 #TAKEBACKTHESHIELD    $17.99
FEB170832    CAPTAIN AMERICA STEVE ROGERS #16    $3.99
FEB170833    CAPTAIN AMERICA STEVE ROGERS #16 RB SILVA CONNECTING A VAR    $3.99
JAN178986    CHAMPIONS #6 2ND PTG RAMOS VAR    $3.99
FEB170876    DAREDEVIL #19    $3.99
FEB170926    DEADPOOL #29    $3.99
FEB170885    DOCTOR STRANGE #19    $3.99
FEB178229    GENERATION X #1 POSTCARDS (BUNDLE OF 100)    $5.00
JAN171134    GHOST RIDER BY DANIEL WAY COMPLETE COLLECTION TP NEW PTG    $34.99
FEB170908    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY DREAM ON #1    $3.99
FEB170825    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #6    $3.99
JAN171113    INVINCIBLE IRON MAN TP VOL 02 WAR MACHINES    $19.99
JAN178987    MAN-THING #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG CROOK VAR    $3.99
JAN171137    MARVEL UNIVERSE ULT SPIDER-MAN VS SINISTER SIX DIGEST TP VOL    $9.99
JAN171128    MOCKINGBIRD TP VOL 02 MY FEMINIST AGENDA    $15.99
FEB170816    MONSTERS UNLEASHED #1    $3.99
FEB170887    MOON KNIGHT #13    $3.99
FEB170862    MS MARVEL #17    $3.99
FEB170811    NICK FURY #1    $3.99
FEB170878    PUNISHER #11    $3.99
FEB170809    ROYALS #2    $3.99
JAN171112    SCARLET WITCH TP VOL 03 FINAL HEX    $15.99
FEB170758    SECRET EMPIRE #0 (OF 9)    $4.99
FEB170761    SECRET EMPIRE #0 (OF 9) TORQUE VAR    $4.99
FEB170859    SILK #19    $3.99
JAN171115    SPIDER-MAN 2099 CLASSIC TP VOL 04    $34.99
JAN171114    SPIDER-MAN FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SM BY DAVID COMP COLL TP    $39.99
FEB170962    STAR WARS POE DAMERON #13    $3.99
FEB170914    STAR-LORD #6    $3.99
FEB170902    THUNDERBOLTS #12    $3.99
FEB170840    TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #18    $3.99
FEB170940    TRUE BELIEVERS X-FACTOR MUTANT GENESIS #1    $1.00
FEB170941    TRUE BELIEVERS X-MEN BLUE #1    $1.00
FEB170835    US AVENGERS #5    $3.99
FEB170855    VENOM #6    $3.99
JAN171125    X-MEN 92 TP VOL 02 LILAPALOOZA    $15.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2017

IDW PUBLISHING

JAN170458    BACK TO THE FUTURE #18    $3.99
JAN170459    BACK TO THE FUTURE #18 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
FEB170479    COSMIC SCOUNDRELS #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB170480    COSMIC SCOUNDRELS #3 (OF 5) SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
JAN170498    GI JOE (2016) #4    $3.99
JAN170499    GI JOE (2016) #4 SUBSCRIPTION VAR A    $3.99
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FEB170528    HAUNTED HORROR #27    $4.99
FEB170425    HIGHLANDER AMERICAN DREAM #3    $3.99
FEB170426    HIGHLANDER AMERICAN DREAM #3 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
JAN170544    JIM THOMPSON KILLER INSIDE ME TP    $19.99
JAN170507    MASK MOBILE ARMORED STRIKE KOMMAND #5    $3.99
JAN170508    MASK MOBILE ARMORED STRIKE KOMMAND #5 SUB VAR A    $3.99
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JAN170598    MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #38    $3.99
JAN170599    MY LITTLE PONY FRIENDS FOREVER #38 SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
DEC160585    POWERPUFF GIRLS POWER UP MY MOJO HC    $12.99
FEB170352    STAR TREK GREEN LANTERN VOL 2 #5    $3.99
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FEB170355    STAR TREK NEW VISIONS THE TRAVELER    $7.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB170055    ANGEL SEASON 11 #4 MAIN FISCHER CVR    $3.99
FEB170056    ANGEL SEASON 11 #4 VAR DEKAL CVR    $3.99
FEB170079    BLACK HAMMER #8 LEMIRE VAR    $3.99
FEB170078    BLACK HAMMER #8 ORMSTON MAIN    $3.99
NOV160062    BRIGGS LAND TP VOL 01 STATE OF GRACE    $19.99
FEB170057    BTVS SEASON 11 #6 MAIN MORRIS CVR    $3.99
FEB170058    BTVS SEASON 11 #6 VAR ISAACS CVR    $3.99
FEB170085    CALL OF DUTY ZOMBIES #4    $3.99
FEB170062    DARK HORSE PRESENTS #33    $4.99
FEB170081    DEPT H #13    $3.99
OCT160060    GROO FRAY OF THE GODS TP    $17.99
DEC160056    HELLBOY INTO THE SILENT SEA HC    $14.99
JAN170177    MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDA APEX EMBROIDERED PATCH    $4.99
JAN170178    MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDA APEX FORCE EMBROIDERED PATCH    $4.99
JAN170179    MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDA PATHFINDER EMBROIDERED PATCH    $4.99
JAN170180    MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDA TEMPEST EMBROIDERED PATCH    $4.99
DEC160085    RESIDENT ALIEN TP VOL 04 THE MAN WITH NO NAME    $14.99
FEB170011    SHAOLIN COWBOY WHOLL STOP THE REIGN #1    $3.99
DEC160087    SOUPY LEAVES HOME TP    $14.99
DEC160058    WITCHFINDER TP VOL 04 CITY OF THE DEAD    $19.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

FEB170630    BEAUTY #14 CVR A HAUN & RAUCH (MR)    $3.99
FEB170631    BEAUTY #14 CVR B KAFTON (MR)    $3.99
JAN170723    BLACK SCIENCE #29 (MR)    $3.99
JAN178692    BLACK SCIENCE #29 CVR B APRIL FOOLS VAR (MR)    $3.99
FEB170636    CURSE WORDS #4 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
FEB170637    CURSE WORDS #4 CVR B MOORE (MR)    $3.99
JAN178684    CURSE WORDS #4 CVR C APRIL FOOLS VAR (MR)    $3.99
FEB170640    DESCENDER #21 (MR)    $3.99
FEB170644    ECLIPSE #6    $3.99
FEB170646    FEW #4 (MR)    $4.99
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FEB170647    GOD COUNTRY #4 CVR A SHAW & WORDIE (MR)    $3.99
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FEB170651    HORIZON #10 (MR)    $2.99
FEB170738    HUNT TP (RES) (MR)    $14.99
FEB170652    I HATE FAIRYLAND #12 CVR A YOUNG (MR)    $3.99
JAN178686    I HATE FAIRYLAND #12 CVR C APRIL FOOLS VAR (MR)    $3.99
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FEB170654    INJECTION #12 CVR A SHALVEY & BELLAIRE (MR)    $3.99
FEB170655    INJECTION #12 CVR B SHALVEY & BELLAIRE (MR)    $3.99
FEB170656    INVINCIBLE #135    $2.99
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JAN178813    INVINCIBLE HC VOL 02 ULTIMATE COLL (NEW PTG)    $39.99
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FEB170570    REDNECK #1 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170840    REVIVAL TP VOL 08 STAY JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER (MR)    $14.99
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FEB170675    SEX CRIMINALS #18 XXX ERICA HENDERSON VAR (MR)    $4.69
FEB170676    SHE WOLF #8 (MR)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for April 19, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

FEB171360    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #10 CVR A GORHAM    $3.99
FEB171361    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS #10 SUBSCRIPTION PERDUE CVR    $3.99
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FEB171189    ARCHIE #19 CVR C VAR GREG SMALLWOOD    $3.99
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FEB171765    ATTACK ON TITAN BEFORE THE FALL GN VOL 10    $10.99
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DEC161377    BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA TP VOL 06    $19.99
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JUL161944    HEROES GODSEND TP    $14.99
FEB172028    HUES TP VOL 01 SPECTRUM    $15.00
FEB171824    IMAGINE WANTING ONLY THIS GN    $29.95
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MAGAZINES
JAN171931    2000 AD PACK MAR 2017    $27.00
FEB172262    BRICKJOURNAL #12    $8.95
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FEB172272    LOCUS #675    $7.50
JAN172363    MARVEL SUPER HEROES MAGAZINE #27    $4.99
FEB172270    SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #104    $9.95
FEB172275    SCOOBY DOO MAGAZINE #39    $4.99

BOOKS
JAN171857    ATTACK ON TITAN ANIME GUIDE SC (RES)    $19.99
OCT162176    DOCTOR WHO COMP HIST HC VOL 28 10TH DOCTOR STORIES 170-173 (    $18.99
OCT162177    DOCTOR WHO COMP HIST HC VOL 29 4TH DOCTOR STORIES 78-80    $18.99
JAN172290    DOCTOR WHO COMP HIST HC VOL 41 4TH DOCTOR STORIES    $18.99
FEB172199    GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY EXPLORING STAR WARS COMICS SC    $16.99
FEB172143    KONOSUBA LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02 LOVE WITCHES & OTHER DELUSION    $14.00
FEB172098    TOKYO GHOUL PAST SC NOVEL    $12.99
FEB173197    WARHAMMER 40K FURY OF THE GOD MACHINE HC    $27.00
FEB173198    WARHAMMER 40K MAGNUS THE RED MASTER OF PROSPERO HC    $19.00

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Review: ALL-STAR BATMAN #2

ALL STAR BATMAN No. 2
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder
PENCILS: John Romita, Jr.; Declan Shalvey
INKS: Danny Miki; Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Dean White; Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Steve Wands
COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White
VARIANT COVER: John Romita, Jr. and Danny Miki with Dean White; Jock; Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2016)

Rated “T” for Teen

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 2

In my review of the first issue of All Star Batman, I wrote that I found Scott Snyder's run on Batman to be inconsistent, mostly because the story arcs were too long, with some issues within each arc reading like story padding.  Still, Snyder was wildly inventive in his run on Batman; often it seemed as if he were finding ways to advance Batman, a character that was moribund.  For 25 years, most writers of Batman comic books were merely wiping up the vestiges of Frank Miller's bomb, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

So here comes the new Batman comic book, All Star Batman.  It is written by Scott Snyder and is currently drawn by John Romita, Jr. (pencils) and Danny Miki (inks); colored by Dean White; and lettered by Steve Wands.  And it is looking like it could be Snyder's best Batman work.

All-Star Batman #2 (“My Own Worst Enemy” Part 2) opens with Jim Gordon and Detective Harvey Bullock about to embark on the raid of a home, an event that will seemingly change their lives as much as it will the owner of the house.  Two days before that raid, Batman and Two-Face/Harvey Dent continue their journey that Two-Face does not want to continue.  A who's who of Gotham's worst criminals and the roster of Batman's rogue's gallery are trying to help Two-Face get his cessation.  Back in Gotham, a trio is going to make a really dangerous decision to “help” Two-Face.  They are going to call on the services of a killer who is an absolute beast.

After reading the first two issues of All Star Batman, I've started to do the dangerous thing and think too much.  I'm thinking that Snyder seems in full bloom writing this series.  It is as if All Star Batman frees him of the expectations, history, and continuity of the flagship Bat-title, Batman.  With this new title, Snyder can do what he wants, and since this is a showcase for the superstars and the up-and-comers, perhaps, editorial will let Snyder run wild.

The result is a Batman comic book that is simply fun to read.  It is action-packed and kick-ass.  The villains are larger than their ordinary fictional lives.  Batman is a Dark Knight, but rather than rehash Frank Miller's Clint Eastwood-Dirty Harry'ish Batman, Snyder offers a Batman with a sly wit that can cut to the bone quicker than his gauntlets and boots can break bones.  This is the Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry Batman – the All Star Batman.  And, hey, we love to pay for all-stars, so this is the Batman comic book you should be reading.

Of course, it is good that there is an all-star art team to bring Snyder's writing to graphical story slash comic book life.  In fact, John Romita, Jr. seems to have gained new life since he moved from Marvel Comics to DC Comics.  Romita is doing his best work since Kick-Ass (with writer Mark Millar), and he is drawing with a lust for life and Miki is inking him with gusto.  Then, White is coloring the fuck out of this comic book.  With this art team, Snyder can't let up.

The back up story, “The Cursed Wheel” continues.  Written by Snyder and drawn by Declan Shalvey.  It is edgy where “My Own Worst Enemy” is big and spectacular, but this second story is holding its own and has a killer cliffhanger.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Review: LOVE AND ROCKETS Vol. 4 #1

LOVE AND ROCKETS VOL. IV No. 1
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS – @fantagraphics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez – @BetomessGilbert @xaimeh
ARTISTS: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds – @earinc
COVER: Jaime Hernandez
BACK COVER: Gilbert Hernandez
VARIANT COVERS: Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez with Paul Baresh; Jacob Covey; Rico Renzi
36pp, B&W, $4.99 U.S. (October 2016)

The seminal alternative comic book, Love and Rockets, produced by brothers Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez (“Los Bros”), has been published since 1982 by Fantagraphics Books.  It started as a magazine-sized comic book that ran for 50 issues (1983 to 1996) and later returned for a 20-issue run as a standard-sized comic book, (Vol II, 2001-2007).  Then, it became an annual graphic novel series which ran for eight volumes, Love and Rockets: New Stories (Vol. III, 2008-2016).  [It is important to note that Gilbert and Jaime do not collaborate, and that each brother had his own characters and stories.]

Late last year, Love and Rockets Vol. IV returned the series to its comic magazine format that fans of the original series fell in love with and probably still love and prefer.  Actually, I am one of those fans who prefers the original format, but I understand that for various reasons the creators and publishers felt the need to initiate format changes at different times.

Under a front cover by Jaime, Love and Rockets Vol. IV #1 offers four stories, three by Jaime and one by Gilbert (Beto).  In Gilbert's story, which is this issue's centerpiece, Baby Fritz, daughter of Rosalba  “Fritz” Martinez (actress, dancer, film producer), is plumbing the secrets and secret history of her mother's life.  Meanwhile, Fritz's wife, Pipo Jimenez, is demanding a divorce, which Fritz is reluctant to grant.  However, the bigger bombshell is a secret child.

Jaime's entries begin with “I Come from Above to Avoid a Double Chin,” the continuation of his recent “punk-reunion concert” story arc.  Maggie discovers that some of her old friends don't want to be punk anymore, and that some don't want to hate on Julie Wree anymore, either.  And there is a fight and minor bloodshed.  Next, Tonta Agajanian is attending a mini-comix show to sell her comix, but her half-sister, Vivian “Frogmouth” Solis wants to steal the show.  Plus, the adventure of Anima and Lumina continue with long-dong Katak.

I knew that I would like the return of Love and Rockets to a magazine-sized publication.  For me, there was something magical about that comic book at that size when I picked up my first issue all the way back in 1985 (probably Love and Rockets #11 – cover dated April 1985).

I think that when I read a Los Bros. comic book in a larger size, preferably magazine-sized, I undergo a sensory experience that goes beyond just reading a normal comic book.  I feel a sense of mystery in the black and white comix of Jaime, his pages filled with solid blocks of black to contrast the perfect cool white spaces.  That graphical style defined Jaime's early B-movie sci-fi, monster, and wrestling stories and made me feel as if the magical mystery tour had dropped me in a fictional world that was wild, weird, and wonderful.  I couldn't get enough.

In Gilbert's comix, the size did matter.  The drama of Palomar was big without being melodramatic, although I assume melodrama and soap opera influenced Gilbert's comix.  That dramatic heft made even Beto's weird fiction comics seem solid, as real as they were surreal and fantastical.  Thus, the violence in a story of aliens, superheroes, and other unreal beings was sudden and shocking as the violence that took place in stories starring Luba or Fritz.

For me, the bigger Love and Rockets Vol. IV #1 is a return of the real, unreal, and surreal.  It's bigger drama and the return of the mystery in live – in Locas, in Mechanics, and in outer space.

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.

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