Sunday, June 30, 2019

I Reads You Juniors June 2019 - Update #88

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From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler are producing an illustrated novel, entitled "Cursed," that will be published next year by Netflix.  Miller says that it is a feminist retelling of the King Arthur Myth.

From Newsarama:  As an exclusive treat, IDW Publishing is offering dinner with two comic book luminaries at San Diego Comic Con 2019.  For $500, you can be part of a private dinner with Walter Simonson ("Thor") or Stan Sakai ("Usagi Yojimbo") or both for a thousand bucks.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics announces mature-line, dark high fantasy, "The Last God."  This 12-issue series from writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson, artist Riccardo Federici, colorist Dean White, and letterer Tom Napolitano.

From EW:   Joe Hill is overseeing a new line of DC Comics horror titles - "Hill House Comics," which wall fall under the "DC Black Label" imprint.  The "pop-up" line will include five miniseries, two of which Hill will write.  Each issue of all five series will also include a two-page installment of a serial Hill is writing.

From Newsarama:  Fox television series, "Prison Break," is being adapted into an online manga.

From CNN:  Robert Mueller special counsel report - the Mueller Report - is being turned into a comic book to be published by IDW Publishing.

From WorldofWalt:  Disney is reviving its animation classes for visitors to Animal Kingdom, beginning July 11th.

From FlickeringMyth:  Six things you might not know about Tim Burton's 1989 film, "Batman," in the midst of its 30th anniversary.

From Deadline:  Glenn Danzig's film, "Verotika," will get a video-on-demand release Halloween 2019.  The film's title is a play on the name of name of Danzig's comic book company, Verotik.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics announces its middle-grade and young adult graphic novels for 2020 and 2021 at the American Library Associations' annual convention.  These would have been DC Ink and DC Zoom titles, but those imprints were discontinued.

From Newsarama:  The "Ultimate Universe" returns in "Mile Morales: Spider-Man #10."

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics makes it official that its "Vertigo Comics" imprint is closed.  2020 will see a DC rebranding into three imprints:  "DC Kids" (ages 8 to 12); "DC" (ages 13+); and "DC Black Label" (17+ and mature readers).

From Newsarama:  The comic book series, "Safe Sex," originally announced for DC's Vertigo Comics imprint, is moving to Image Comics.

From BleedingCool:  Actress Sanaa Lathan will provide the voice for Catwoman in in DC Universe's "Harley Quinn" adult animated series.

From BleedingCool:  As part of its 80th anniversary celebration, Marvel will publish an "Alpha Flight" one-shot that has an entirely Canadian creative team.

From IndieWire:  Robert Downey, Jr. advocates for Riri Williams/Ironheart in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics is doubling retailer's order for "Aero #1" for free.  This comic book will star Marvel's Chinese superhero.

From Newsarama:  Jim Lee's illustration for the cover of the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con's souvenir book includes Black Panther, Spider-Man, Spawn, and more.

From Newsarama:  This article has a question-and-answer session with master of horror manga, Junji Ito.

From Newsarama:  R.B. Silva shares character designs from "Powers of X."

From BleedingCool:  Joe Madureira gives updates on his comic book, "Battle Chaser," specifically the arrival of issues 10 to 12.

From TheBrag:  A police raid reveals drugs smuggled to Australia via comic books.

From NikkeiAsianReview:  In Japan, shrinking manga sales are forcing people to rethink the business.

From Newsarama: "What We Learned from DC's September 2019 Solicitations"

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics is cancelling "Teen Titans Go" and "Scooby-Doo Team-Up."

From Newsarama:  DC Comics is bring back its "Dollar Comics" format, but with a small page count.

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From Newsarama:  "Legion of Super-Heroes" will return in a two-issue miniseries and then in an ongoing series from writer Brian Michael Bendis.

From Newsarama:  Artist Ryan Sook, who is quite good at designing characters, is redesigning the look of the Legion of Super-Heroes for Brian Michael Bendis' relaunch of the franchise.  Here is a look at Sook's designs.
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From Newsarama:  The Justice Society of America is returning to the DC Universe and to continuity.

From Newsarama:  Universal Pictures has optioned the film rights to Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo de Felici's "Oblivion Song" comic book from Image Comics.

From BloodyDisgusting:  Horror manga master Junji Ito has ideas about video games.

From Newsarama:  "Batman Beyond" is connected to Brian Michael Bendis' teased about DC Comics project, "Millennium."

From BleedingCool:  Rumors say that DC Comics is closing its "Vertigo" imprint.

From PhillyTrib:  New graphic novel, “Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality!” by James Buckley Jr. and YouNeek Studios, offers insights into Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

From ANN:  In Japan, "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" is moving from "Weekly Shonen Jump" to "V Jump" magazines for serialization.

From Mashable:  "Dark Phoenix" has the worst opening in "X-Men" film history.

From BleedingCool:  John Byrne is publishing his X-Men "fan fiction" comic online rather than letting Marvel Comics publish it.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' recent "No Compromise, No Mercy" teasers are for a new comic book featuring a "ruthless" team.  The title will reportedly spin out of the "War of the Realms" event.

From Deadline:  DC Universe has cancelled its streaming series "Swamp Thing" one week after its debut.

From Deadline:  Netflix has renewed "Lucifer" for a firth and final season.  "Lucifer" is based on the DC Comics character of the same name.

From Newsarama:  Mark Millar has recruited artists he liked when he was in high school to draw variant covers for the first issue of his upcoming comic, "Space Bandits." These are Howard Chaykin, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, Dave Gibbons, Klaus Janson, and Walter Simonson

From Newsarama:  The 2019 Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award nominees have been announced.  They are Lorena Alvarez; Ellen T. Crenshaw; M. J. Kim; Sumit Kumar; and Kieran McKeown.  The award is given to promising new comic books artists.

From CBR:  The first "Wonder Woman 84" poster. It shows off new armor.

From BleedingCool: Marvel's beloved vampire hunter, Blade, may be getting his own comic book series, with the news possibly being revealed next week. #bringbackblade

From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios has cancelled its WWE comic book after 25 issues.

From Deadline:  Two series based on comic books, "Deadly Class" and "Happy!," have been cancelled by Syfy.  Both series are being shopped to new networks.

From Newsarama:  Writer-director Quentin Tarantion has tapped screenwriter Jerrod Carmicheal to write the screenplay adaptation of the 2014 Django/Zorro crossover comic book series, which was a sequel to Tarantino's Oscar-winning "Django Unchained."  How sure this project is to being an actual film is unknown.

From ANN:  The manga, "Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma," will end soon.

From ComicBook:  Spawn will appear in the video game, "Mortal Kombat 11."  Keith David who voiced Spawn in the 1990s HBO animated series will reprise that role for the game.

From Newsarama:  The first meeting of Harley Quinn and the Joker will get a unique twist in a new DC Black Label due Fall 2019.  "Joker/Harley: Criminal Insanity" is from writer Kami Garcia and artists Mike Mayhew and Mico Suayan.

From Newsarama:  DC Comics reveals a slate of new Young Adult graphic novels.

From LATimes:  The newspaper profiles "Love and Rockets'" Jaime Hernandez.

From ChicagoReader:  The paper talks to Ben Passmore and Ezra Clayton Daniels about their new comic book, "BTTM FDRS."

From CBR:  DC Comics announces a "Beast Boy" graphic novel for its "DC Ink" imprint.

From Newsarama:  Robert Pattison beats out actor Nicholas Hoult (Nightcrawler in Fox's "X-Men" movies) to be the next screen Batman/Bruce Wayne.

From Newsarama:  For Your Consideration: A Marvel/DC Crossover Proposal

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JUNE 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  June 2019 comic book publisher solicitations for June 2019
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for June 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for June 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for June 2019

JULY 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  July 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Albatross Funnybooks for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Alterna Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  American Mythology for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Hero Tomorrow for July 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Nobrow Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Papercutz for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for July 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for July 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZMedia for July 2019

AUGUST 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  August 2019 comics solicitations for all publishers on one page.
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Action Lab Entertainment for August 2019
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Avatar Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Black Mask Studios for August 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for August 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for August 2019
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Red 5 Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for August 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for August 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for August 2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Antarctic Press for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Archie Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Aspen Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Fantagraphics Books for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Humanoids for September 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Image Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Lion Forge Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Oni Press for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Titan Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Entertainment for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Vault Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  VIZ Media for September 2019

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2019:
From Newsarama:  28 comic book titles for the industry's fall event taking place Saturday, October 26, 2019 at participating comic shops worldwide.

DC's HILL HOUSE COMICS Debut Solicitations:
From Newsarama:  These are the solicitations for DC Comics' "Hill House Comics" group overseen by Joe Hill.  The line is scheduled to kick off October 30, 2019 with "Basketful of Heads #1."


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Friday, June 28, 2019

Review: BLACK: Widows and Orphans #1

BLACK: WIDOWS & ORPHANS No. 1
BLACKMASK STUDIO – @blackmaskstudio @BLACKsuprppowrs

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY/PLOT: Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3 – @kwanzer
SCRIPT/DIALOGUE:  Kwanza Osajyefo
PENCILS/INKS: Tim Smith 3 – @TS3
COLORS/SHADES: Derwin Roberson
LETTERS/SFX: Dave Sharpe
EDITOR: Sarah Litt
COVER: Tim Smith 3
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (Diamond-FEB181179 – April 25, 2018)

Rated M/Mature

Black [AF] created by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3

Black – also known as Black [AF] – is a six-issue comic book miniseries created by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3.  It was first introduced to the public as a Kickstarter crowdfunding project seeking to raise $29,999, but ultimately raised almost $100,000.  Black is set in a world where only Black people have super-powers (called “Quarks”), and this world is suddenly and shockingly forced on Kareem Jenkins, who discovers that he is “empowered.”

Now, a second miniseries recently arrived and is entitled Black: Widows and Orphans.  It written by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3; drawn by Smith 3; colored by Derwin Roberson; and lettered by Dave Sharpe.

Black: Widows and Orphans #1 opens as the first empowered U.S. senator is nearly assassinated by a ninja!  However, the empowered of the “Project” are there to stop it, but a revelation of what the assassin is delivers a shocker.  He is connected to the past of one of the Project's empowered, Anansi, who, as a child, was trained as a Ninja.

Anansi is on a mission to return to her former clan, “the Amime” and to learn what has become of what was once her family.  However, the Project's leader, Juncture, insists that Anansi take with her someone who can watch her back.  Now, Hoodrat finds herself following her mentor, Anansi, into the world of the ninja.

The original Black miniseries was published in black and white with toning, but Black: Widows and Orphans is in glorious full-color. Colorist Derwin Roberson delivers such vivid hues that I thought I was having a trippy experience while reading this first issue.  Roberson's color art here really goes a long way in not only making this miniseries distinct form the original, but also in selling the setting of this series as a world beyond the normal – beyond even the world of the Quarks and empowered.

I was so used to the original miniseries' artist, Jamal Igle, that I was initially somewhat put off by Tim Smith 3's quirky, anime-style art.  It was not long before I was seriously loving Smith's compositions and the kinetic feel of his graphical storytelling.  I also like that Smith 3 makes Black: Widows and Orphans distinct from the first series as a graphics package.

As usual, I enjoy the scriptwriting of Kwanza Osajyefo, who always makes his work something different from standard superhero comic book fare.  It is as if he is stubbornly eccentric and offbeat, but that is why I think that will help Black [AF] survive as a strong, superhero comic book of color.  Kwanza's words will make this story the kind of Black sci-fi that can weather the slings and arrows of outrageous comic book shop owners who don't want “blacks, homos, and freaking females” on the pecker-wood of their KKK store shelves.  And Dave Sharpe's sharp lettering assures that we can read every chocolate thunder word.

9 out of 10

[This comic book includes a preview of the comic book, The Wilds, by Vita Ayala and Emily Pearson from Black Mask Studio.]

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


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

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Thursday, June 27, 2019

Review: NEW CHALLENGERS #1

NEW CHALLENGERS No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Rebecca Taylor
COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (July 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

Challengers of the Unknown created by Jack Kirby

Part 1

DC Comics has launched a new superhero comic book initiative, “The New Age of DC Heroes,” coming out of its Dark Nights: Metal event miniseries.  This line of comic books will consist of eight new comic book series:  The Curse of Brimstone, Damage, The Immortal Men, Sideways, The Silencer, The Terrifics, The Unexpected, and the subject of this review, New Challengers.

New Challengers is the seventh release (with only The Unexpected still due).  The series is written by Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie; drawn by Andy Kubert (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Deron Bennett.  New Challengers is a reboot of the Jack Kirby creation, Challengers of the Unknown.  This feature focused on group of adventurers that first appeared in Showcase #6 (cover dated: February 1957) and appeared off-and-on in various forms and in comic books over the next six decades.

New Challengers #1 takes place during the events depicted in Dark Nights: MetalTrina Alvarez, Robert Brink, Moses Barber, and a man who insists on being called “Krunch” are dead.  Their first post-mortem stop is Challengers Mountain, and now it is time for them to meet the mysterious “Professor,” or as he calls himself, “The Prof.”  He is giving these “misfit strangers” a second chance at life, but only if they obey the orders of the Prof and execute deadly missions in the most unexplored corners of the multiverse.  And before the first mission even begins, one them dies!

I can say that I am intrigued by New Challengers.  I am a fan of artist Andy Kubert and have been for almost three decades, so I tend to want to read any comic book that he draws.  However, although Kubert's pencil art is inked by the great Klaus Janson, this is far from being close to Kubert's best work  The page design is impressive, but the storytelling does not aspire to be anything more than professionally polished.  Brad Anderson covers Kubert-Janson's compositions in his shimmering, evocative colors.  Deron Bennett wrangles the Challengers Mountain worth of dialogue in this first issue with sterling lettering and graphic design.  So that does make things, from a graphical storytelling point of view, a little better.

Writers Scott Snyder and Aaron Gillespie tease as much as they leave things about this story vague.  I thought too much about this first issue was coy.  Would it have killed DC Comics to make all first issues of “New Age” titles double-sized?  New Challengers #1 definitely needs to be at least regular-size and a half.  Twenty pages is a joke; 30 pages would have made this a better first issue.  Honestly, as it is, New Challengers #1 is only a little above average, but I will try the second issue.

6 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 or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Review: ZEITGEIST #1

ZEITGEIST No. 1
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: John River
COLORS: John River
LETTERS: B. Alex Thompson
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: John River
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S.

Rated: Teen 13+

Zeitgeist is a comic book series published by Approbation Comics.  It is written and lettered by Approbation boss, B. Alex Thompson, and drawn and colored by John River.  The series, which is told in an episodic style that mimics a Sunday newspaper comic strip, follows the misadventures of on-the-go twenty-somethings.

Zeitgeist #1 presents Strips 001 to 036.  This first issue opens in a large comic book store.  Employee Isabelle Fanning spies a customer handling a graphic novel in an appropriate and damaging manner.  After confronting the young man, she discovers that his name is Max Yeung, and he is a screenwriter.  After some witty repartee, it is decided that Isabelle will read a screenplay Max recently sold and give him feedback.  Truthfully, Isabelle is very attracted to Max, but a chance encounter with Isabelle's friend, Leah Winters, leads to hilarity.

The interior pages of Zeitgeist #1 are printed in the landscape format, so readers will have to read it as if they were flipping through a calendar.  When I first received a review copy of this comic book from Approbation, I was not sure if I was annoyed or not.  I prefer to read comic books the same way I normally do – left to right in the “portrait” layout.

Still, there was something about Zeitgeist that kept bugging me and attracting my attention, so I finally surrendered and read it.  Zeitgeist is good – really good.  It has a situation comedy (sitcom) quality and is somewhat similar to many of the popular television sitcoms of the last three decades that focus on groups of friends, including “Friends,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and Living Single,” to name a few.  B. Alex Thompson has created some especially likable characters; you will not have to read too far into the first issue to feel like you want to hang out with these characters.

Zeitgeist really seems to capture a defining spirit of modern times... or attempting to do so.

The art by John River is clean and expressive.  It is like a combination of the graphic styles found in alt-comix and college newspaper comic strips.  River uses minimal backgrounds, but they are still highly suggestive.  I found my imagination filling in the rest of the environments.  I think many readers will find themselves filling out the story by putting themselves in this comic book.

8 out of 10

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


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

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Review: ZEITGEIST #2


ZEITGEIST No. 2
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: John River
COLORS: John River
LETTERS: B. Alex Thompson
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
COVER: John River
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2015 / February 17, 2016 – comiXology release date)

Rated: Teen 13+ /12+ comiXology rating

Zeitgeist is a comic book series published by Approbation Comics.  It is written and lettered by Approbation boss, B. Alex Thompson, and drawn and colored by John River.  The series is told in an episodic style that mimics a Sunday newspaper comic strip.  Zeitgeist follows the misadventures of on-the-go twenty-somethings:  Max Yeung, Isabelle Fanning, Leah Winters, and Cassie Washington.

Zeitgeist #2 presents Strips 037 to 072.  This second issue opens in the morning with Isabelle discovering a naked Max in Leah's apartment.  WTF?!  He booty was supposed to belong to Isabelle!  The day gets even worse when Isabelle discovers that the comic book store is closing, which means that she will be out of a job in probably less than two months.  To lighten the mood, Leah suggests dinner with her parents, which leads to revelations about the extent of her and Isabelle's relationship.  Plus, Max is determined to tag along.

The interior pages of Zeitgeist #2 are printed in the landscape format, so readers will have to read it as if they are flipping through a calendar, just as they did for the first issue.  When I first received a review copy of the first two issues of Zeitgeist from Approbation, I was not sure if I was annoyed or not.  I prefer to read comic books the same way I normally do – left to right in the “portrait” layout.

Well, after reading the second issue, I actually like this landscape slash Sunday newspaper comics page format.  I am surprised to find myself not only enjoying Zeitgeist, but also anticipating more of it.  It's like a version of all our favorite sitcoms about groups of friends, from “Seinfeld” and “Living Single” to copycats like “Friends” and “Will & Grace.”

The art by John River is clean and expressive, which serves the narrative's focus on dialogue and character interaction.  River's art has a knack for focusing on facial expression which makes the characters' emotions clear and gives heft to the character drama and comedy.  I think Zeitgeist is deserving of a larger readership, and I hope people head to comiXology to purchase an issue.

8 out of 10

Zeitgeist #2's ComiXology page.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Review: THE MAN OF STEEL #1

THE MAN OF STEEL No. 1 (2018)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

SCRIPT: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: Ivan Reis; Jason Fabok (pp. 21-22)
INKS: Joe Prado; Jason Fabok (pp. 21-22)
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Cory Petit
EDITOR: Michael Cotton
COVER: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado with Alex Sinclair
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2018)

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

“Man of Steel “ Part 1

In November 2017, Marvel Comics' best writer of the last two decades, Brian Michael Bendis, ended his tenure with Marvel and signed an exclusive deal with Marvel's rival, DC Comics.  It was not long before rumors of Bendis focusing on the character Superman were burning up the e-grapevine.

After serving up a Superman tale in the anthology and milestone comic book, Action Comics #1000, Brian Michael Bendis officially begins his tenure as the lead writer of the Superman comic book line with the six-issue, weekly miniseries, The Man of Steel.  Each issue will feature a different art team, and the artists for the first issue are Ivan Reis (pencils) and Joe Prado (inks), with Jason Fabok drawing the story's last two pages (pp. 21-22).  Alex Sinclair colors, and Cory Petit letters.

The Man of Steel #1 opens sometime in the past when a being named “Rogol Zaar” declares that Krypton must destroyed.  Kryptonians mean to destroy the rest of the galaxy, according to Rogol, so they must be destroyed first.  Rogol believes he is just the being who can and should do the destroying.  Back in the present, Superman believes that he has discovered that arson is plaguing a particular section of Metropolis.  Meanwhile, Clark Kent deals with work and family, not realizing that a new threat to destroy him is emerging.

In late 1986, DC Comics published a special, event miniseries, entitled The Man of Steel.  Written and drawn by John Byrne, then one of the most popular and powerful comic book writer-artists, The Man of Steel re-imagined, rebooted, and modernized Superman.  After decades of stagnation up to the mid-1980s (according to some), the Superman comic book line needed a course correction.  Byrne's The Man of Steel was a seismic shift in terms of what a Superman comic book could and should be.

Brian Michael Bendis' The Man of Steel 2018 is quieter because it does not need to modernize Superman.  John Byrne already did that, beginning with The Man of Steel during his subsequent two-year run as writer-artist and writer on Superman, Action Comics, and The Adventures of Superman titles.  Since he does not have to modernize Superman, Bendis can focus on the character and personality of the Man of Steel.

Bendis presents Superman/Clark Kent as stoic and stalwart, but with a generous sense of humor.  I think that this Bendis Superman of the comic books is so like the cinematic Superman portrayed by beloved actor, the late Christopher Reeve.  Bendis's Superman is not so different from Patrick J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason's Man of Steel, as seen during their recent run on the flagship comic book, Superman, except the emotional component of Bendis' Superman/Clark Kent is a bit edgier, even with the humor present.

Apparently, from what I have read, Bendis is rewriting Superman's origins.  Still, 2018 The Man of Steel does not seem like a sea change in terms of Superman's world and fictional mythology the way the 1986 Byrne miniseries was and still is.  However, from a character and emotional point of view, Bendis may adding or changing something rather than fashioning a new Man of Steel

8.5 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 or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, June 24, 2019

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

BOOM! STUDIOS

JAN191414    ADVENTURE TIME JAKE TP    $9.99
APR191244    AVANT-GUARDS #6 (OF 12) MAIN    $3.99
APR191245    AVANT-GUARDS #6 (OF 12) PREORDER MCGEE VAR    $3.99
APR191230    BONE PARISH #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
FEB191260    CODA TP VOL 02    $14.99
MAR198801    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #40 FOC MORA VAR    $3.99
APR191199    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #40 FOIL MONTES VAR    $4.99
APR191198    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #40 MAIN    $3.99
APR191251    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #29 MAIN PENA CVR    $3.99
APR191252    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #29 PREORDER LOUGHRAN VAR    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

APR190254    AVATAR TSU TEYS PATH #5 CVR A WHEATLEY    $3.99
APR190255    AVATAR TSU TEYS PATH #5 CVR B STANDEFER    $3.99
APR190274    BAD LUCK CHUCK #4 (OF 4)    $3.99
FEB190389    BERSERK DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 02 (MR)    $49.99
APR190239    FIGHT CLUB 3 #6 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
APR190240    FIGHT CLUB 3 #6 CVR B FAGAN (MR)    $3.99
FEB190388    HP LOVECRAFTS AT MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS TP VOL 01    $19.99
FEB190277    JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE HC VOL 03 DROWNING CITY    $24.99
FEB190343    STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL 04    $10.99
APR190216    STRANGER THINGS SIX #2 CVR A BRICLOT    $3.99
APR190217    STRANGER THINGS SIX #2 CVR B GIST    $3.99
APR190218    STRANGER THINGS SIX #2 CVR C DAWN    $3.99
APR190219    STRANGER THINGS SIX #2 CVR D SATTERFIELD PHOTO    $3.99
FEB190342    USAGI YOJIMBO TP VOL 33 HIDDEN    $17.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

DC COMICS

APR190436    ACTION COMICS #1012    $3.99
APR190437    ACTION COMICS #1012 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190444    BATMAN BEYOND #33    $3.99
APR190445    BATMAN BEYOND #33 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR190493    BATMAN DAMNED #3 (OF 3) (RES) (MR)    $6.99
MAR190494    BATMAN DAMNED #3 (OF 3) VAR ED (RES) (MR)    $6.99
APR198794    BATMAN LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG (MR)    $5.99
APR190456    BOOKS OF MAGIC #9 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180596    DARK KNIGHTS METAL BATMAN THE MERCILESS STATUE    $85.00
NOV180595    DC DESIGNER SER SUPERGIRL BY STANLEY LAU STATUE    $150.00
MAY190003    DC PREVIEWS #15 JULY 2019 EXTRAS    $PI
APR190466    DETECTIVE COMICS #1006    $3.99
APR190467    DETECTIVE COMICS #1006 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190463    DIAL H FOR HERO #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR190472    FLASH #73    $3.99
APR190473    FLASH #73 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190480    HIGH LEVEL #5 (MR)    $3.99
APR190482    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #12    $3.99
APR190483    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #12 VAR ED    $3.99
MAR190586    MAN OF STEEL BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS TP    $17.99
APR190491    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #6 (OF 12)    $3.99
APR190492    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #6 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
MAR190590    OLD LADY HARLEY TP    $16.99
MAR190598    SANDMAN TP VOL 09 THE KINDLY ONE 30TH ANNIV ED (MR)    $19.99
APR190503    SILENCER #18    $3.99
APR198795    SUPERMAN LEVIATHAN RISING SPECIAL #1 2ND PTG    $9.99
FEB190469    TEEN TITANS RAVEN TP DC INK    $16.99
APR190510    TERRIFICS #17    $3.99
APR190516    WONDER WOMAN #73    $3.99
APR190517    WONDER WOMAN #73 VAR ED    $3.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

DYNAMITE

MAR191074    ALTERED CARBON DOWNLOAD BLUES HC    $24.99
APR191029    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TWILIGHT COMMAND #5 CVR A SCHOONOVER    $3.99
APR191030    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA TWILIGHT COMMAND #5 CVR B TAMURA    $3.99
APR191065    KISS END #3 CVR A SAYGER    $3.99
APR191066    KISS END #3 CVR B COLEMAN    $3.99
APR191067    KISS END #3 CVR C BUCHEMI    $3.99
APR191068    KISS END #3 CVR D PHOTO    $3.99
FEB191189    PROJECT SUPERPOWERS OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 BLACK TERROR    $29.99
APR191000    RED SONJA BIRTH OF SHE DEVIL #1 PARRILLO VIRGIN VAR    $50.00

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

IDW PUBLISHING

FEB190751    BOX TP BOOK 01    $9.99
APR190645    CANTO #1 (OF 6) CVR A ZUCKER    $3.99
APR190642    CROW HACK SLASH #1 CVR A SEELEY    $3.99
FEB190658    DESCENDANTS GN VOL 01 TWISTED FIELD TRIP (RES)    $9.99
DEC180793    DIABOLICAL SUMMER HC    $24.99
APR190616    DICK TRACY FOREVER #3 CVR A OEMING    $3.99
APR190675    DISNEY AFTERNOON GIANT #5    $5.99
MAR190745    EVE STRANGER #2 BOND    $3.99
MAR198821    GHOST TREE #1 3RD PTG    $3.99
MAR198822    GHOST TREE #2 2ND PTG    $3.99
APR190641    GHOST TREE #3 CVR A GANE    $3.99
MAR190691    GLOW #3 CVR A TEMPLER    $3.99
APR190702    MARILYN MANOR #1 CVR A ZARCONE    $3.99
APR190670    MY LITTLE PONY SPIRIT OF THE FOREST #2 (OF 3) CVR A HICKEY (    $3.99
APR190671    MY LITTLE PONY SPIRIT OF THE FOREST #2 (OF 3) CVR B FLEECS (    $3.99
APR190700    PUNKS NOT DEAD LONDON CALLING #5 CVR A SIMMONDS    $3.99
MAR198823    ROAD OF BONES #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG    $3.99
APR190640    ROAD OF BONES #2 CVR A CORMACK    $3.99
APR190595    TRANSFORMERS GHOSTBUSTERS #1 CVR A SCHOENING    $3.99
APR190596    TRANSFORMERS GHOSTBUSTERS #1 CVR B ROCHE    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

APR190114    ASCENDER #3 (MR)    $3.99
APR190116    BEAUTY #27 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
APR190117    BEAUTY #27 CVR B GORHAM & JENKINS (MR)    $3.99
JAN190290    DEADLY CLASS #39 CVR A CRAIG (MR)    $3.99
JAN190291    DEADLY CLASS #39 CVR B ASRAR (MR)    $3.99
APR190043    HARDCORE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $14.99
APR190146    HEAD LOPPER #12 CVR A MACLEAN    $5.99
APR190147    HEAD LOPPER #12 CVR B ALLISON    $5.99
MAR190215    ISOLA #8 CVR A KERSCHL    $3.99
MAR190216    ISOLA #8 CVR B STAPLES    $3.99
APR190154    KICK-ASS #15 CVR A FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
APR190155    KICK-ASS #15 CVR B FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
APR190156    KICK-ASS #15 CVR C REEDER (MR)    $3.99
APR198591    MIDDLEWEST #7 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
APR190078    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA HC BOOK 03 (MR)    $39.99
APR190189    REDNECK #21 (MR)    $3.99
APR198592    SPAWN #297 2ND PTG    $2.99
APR190026    SPAWN #298 CVR A MCFARLANE    $2.99
APR190027    SPAWN #298 CVR B MCFARLANE VIRGIN    $2.99
APR190028    SPAWN #298 CVR C B&W MCFARLANE    $2.99
OCT180254    THIEF OF THIEVES #43 (MR)    $3.99
APR190204    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #1 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
APR190205    WEATHERMAN VOL 2 #1 CVR B ROBINSON (MR)    $3.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

APR190895    AGE OF X-MAN X-TREMISTS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR190824    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #24    $3.99
APR190825    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #24 BROOKS MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VAR    $3.99
APR190827    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #24 COIPEL SPIDER-MAN SYMBIOTE SUIT VAR    $3.99
APR190751    AVENGERS #20 RIVERA MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VAR WR    $3.99
APR190750    AVENGERS #20 WR    $3.99
APR190860    BLACK PANTHER #13    $3.99
APR190861    BLACK PANTHER #13 MACK MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VAR    $3.99
APR190908    CONAN THE BARBARIAN #7    $3.99
APR190911    CONAN THE BARBARIAN #7 PACHECO MARVELS 25TH ANNIVERSARY VAR    $3.99
APR190864    DOCTOR STRANGE #15    $3.99
APR190869    FANTASTIC FOUR #11    $3.99
APR190871    FANTASTIC FOUR #11 ANACLETO SPIDER-MAN VAR    $3.99
APR190870    FANTASTIC FOUR #11 BRADHSAW MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VAR    $3.99
APR190839    FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #8    $3.99
APR190840    FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #8 GRANOV SPIDER-MAN IRON S    $3.99
JAN191087    HEROES REBORN OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
APR190867    MAGNIFICENT MS MARVEL #4    $3.99
APR190868    MAGNIFICENT MS MARVEL #4 PAREL SPIDER-MAN VAR    $3.99
APR190889    MAJOR X #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN191089    MARVEL COMICS HC WORLD OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW    $50.00
APR190877    MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #6    $4.99
MAY190002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #24 JULY 2019 EXTRAS    $1.25
APR190883    MARVEL RISING #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR190954    MARVEL VISIONARIES TP STAN LEE    $34.99
MAR190995    MARVELS POSTER BOOK TP    $24.99
APR190968    MASTER OF KUNG FU EPIC COLLECTION TP FIGHT WITHOUT PITY    $39.99
APR190881    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #44    $3.99
APR190957    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR TP VOL 07 BAD DREAM    $15.99
APR190902    MR AND MRS X #12    $3.99
APR190976    NOT BRAND ECHH COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $39.99
APR190977    PETER PORKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-HAM COMPLETE COLLECT TP VOL    $39.99
APR190880    RUNAWAYS #22    $3.99
APR190816    SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1    $4.99
APR190818    SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR    $4.99
APR190817    SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 LIM VAR    $4.99
APR190841    SPIDER-MAN REPTILIAN RAGE #1    $3.99
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JAN199224    STAR WARS #67 SIENKIEWICZ VAR    $3.99
APR190918    STAR WARS AOR DARTH VADER #1    $3.99
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APR190922    STAR WARS AOR DARTH VADER #1 DELLOTTO GREATEST MOMENTS VAR    $3.99
APR190920    STAR WARS AOR DARTH VADER #1 MCKONE PUZZLE PC VAR    $3.99
MAR191023    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA TP VOL 05 WORST AMONG EQUALS    $24.99
APR190929    STAR WARS GALAXYS EDGE #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR190975    STARJAMMERS TP    $29.99
APR190768    SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #8 WR    $3.99
APR190853    THANOS #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR190855    THANOS #3 (OF 6) BRADSHAW SPIDER-MAN WORLDWIDE SUIT VAR    $3.99
APR190747    THOR #14 PUTRI MARVELS 25TH TRIBUTE VAR WR    $3.99
APR190746    THOR #14 WR    $3.99
FEB190995    TONY STARK IRON MAN TP VOL 02 STARK REALITIES    $17.99
APR190804    TRUE BELIEVERS MARVEL TAILS STARRING PETER PORKER #1    $1.00
APR190813    TRUE BELIEVERS SPIDER-MAN SPIDER-MAN VS MYSTERIO #1    $1.00
APR190727    WAR OF REALMS #6 (OF 6) CAMUNCOLI CONNECTING REALM VAR WR    $5.99
APR190731    WAR OF REALMS #6 (OF 6) DEL MUNDO YOUNG GUNS VAR WR    $5.99
APR190732    WAR OF REALMS #6 (OF 6) DODSON SPOILER VAR WR    $5.99
APR190730    WAR OF REALMS #6 (OF 6) LUKE ROSS INTERNATIONAL VAR WR    $5.99
APR190726    WAR OF REALMS #6 (OF 6) WR    $5.99
APR198291    WAR OF REALMS NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS #2 (OF 4) 2ND PTG GANG HYU    $3.99
APR190739    WAR OF REALMS NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS #4 (OF 4) WR    $3.99
APR190741    WAR OF REALMS PUNISHER #3 (OF 3) WR    $3.99
APR190743    WAR OF REALMS UNCANNY X-MEN #3 (OF 3) WR    $3.99
APR190956    WEST COAST AVENGERS TP VOL 02 CITY OF EVILS    $17.99
APR190884    WOLVERINE EXIT WOUNDS #1    $4.99
APR190885    WOLVERINE EXIT WOUNDS #1 KEITH VAR    $4.99
APR190900    X-MEN GRAND DESIGN X-TINCTION #2 (OF 2)    $5.99
APR190901    X-MEN GRAND DESIGN X-TINCTION #2 (OF 2) PISKOR VAR    $5.99
JAN191094    X-MEN HC EVE OF DESTRUCTION    $100.00
APR190972    X-MEN MILESTONES TP DARK PHOENIX SAGA    $24.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 26, 2019

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

APR192162    20TH CENTURY BOYS TP VOL 04 PERFECT ED URASAWA    $19.99
MAR191335    ABERRANT SEASON 2 #4 (OF 5) CVR A LEON DIAS (MR)    $3.99
MAR191336    ABERRANT SEASON 2 #4 (OF 5) CVR B LEON DIAS (MR)    $3.99
APR191300    AFTERSHOCK SHOCK HC VOL 02    $34.99
APR192256    AGAIN GN VOL 09 (MR)    $12.99
APR191853    ALAY OOP GN    $24.95
APR198531    ALEXANDRIA OCASIO CORTEZ & FRESHMAN FORCE WHO DIS 2ND PTG    $5.99
APR192205    ALICE IN MURDERLAND HC VOL 11    $17.00
NOV171847    AMPED #1    $3.99
FEB191922    AMPED #1 WHITE WIDOW CVR    $9.99
FEB198304    ANGEL #2 CVR A MAIN    $3.99
FEB198897    ANGEL #2 CVR B PREORDER BUONCRISTIANO    $3.99
APR192355    APOSIMZ GN VOL 03    $12.95
APR191432    ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #300    $6.99
MAR191990    ART MASTERS SERIES GN VOL 07 BASQUIAT    $19.99
APR191817    AT THE END OF YOUR TETHER #1 (OF 3)    $4.99
APR192257    ATTACK ON TITAN SEASON THREE BOX SET VOL 02 (RES) (MR)    $54.95
APR191835    BATTLECATS VOL 2 #2    $3.99
APR192050    BLOODSHOT RISING SPIRIT #8 CVR A MASSAFERA    $3.99
APR192051    BLOODSHOT RISING SPIRIT #8 CVR B HERBERT    $3.99
APR192052    BLOODSHOT RISING SPIRIT #8 CVR C WALSH    $3.99
MAR198936    BLOODSHOT RISING SPIRIT #8 CVR D PRE-ORDER BUNDLE ED    $3.99
APR192259    BOARDING SCHOOL JULIET GN VOL 06    $10.99
FEB191991    BREAKNECK TP (MR)    $16.99
APR191712    BTTM FDRS HC (MR)    $24.99
APR192260    CARDCAPTOR SAKURA COLL ED HC VOL 01 (OF 9)    $29.99
MAR191872    CATALYST PRIME SUMMIT #15    $3.99
APR191922    CATEGORY ZERO #2    $3.99
APR191270    COLD BLOOD SAMURAI #4    $3.99
APR191912    COUNTERFEIT GIRL TP    $12.99
FEB191891    COURTNEY CRUMRIN TP VOL 05 WITCH NEXT DOOR    $12.99
MAR191341    DANGER DOLL SQUAD PRESENTS AMALGAMA LIVES #4 CVR A YOUNG (MR    $4.99
MAR191342    DANGER DOLL SQUAD PRESENTS AMALGAMA LIVES #4 CVR B YOUNG RIS    $4.99
MAR191343    DANGER DOLL SQUAD PRESENTS AMALGAMA LIVES #4 CVR C ARTIST MA    $4.99
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MAR191345    DANGER DOLL SQUAD PRESENTS AMALGAMA LIVES #4 CVR E ACTION FI    $4.99
MAR191346    DANGER DOLL SQUAD PRESENTS AMALGAMA LIVES #4 CVR F ACTION FI    $4.99
APR191304    DARK RED #4    $3.99
AUG182397    DISNEY MANGA TOY STORY 1 & 2 COLLECTORS ED SC    $12.99
APR191766    DUGOUT GN VOL 01 ZOMBIE STEALS HOME    $12.99
APR191767    DUGOUT HC GN VOL 01 ZOMBIE STEALS HOME    $24.99
FEB192078    FEARSCAPE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $17.99
APR192262    FIRE FORCE GN VOL 16    $10.99
APR191940    FLOPPY COP #3 (MR)    $3.99
APR192358    FLYING WITCH GN VOL 07    $10.95
APR192164    GANGSTA CURSED GN VOL 05 (MR)    $12.99
MAR191387    GOON #3    $3.99
MAR191388    GOON #3 JAMES HARREN CARDSTOCK VAR CVR    $5.99
APR192074    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #29 CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
APR192075    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #29 CVR B TOLIBAO    $3.99
APR192076    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #29 CVR C ANACLETO    $3.99
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APR192263    HAPPINESS GN VOL 09    $12.99
MAY191704    HAWKING HC GN    $29.99
FEB198795    HONOR AND CURSE #2 2ND PTG    $3.99
APR191883    HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA GN VOL 02 MY LITTLE MONSTER SITTER (RES)    $7.99
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APR192066    INTERCEPTOR TP VOL 01    $17.99
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APR191859    INVADER ZIM #44 CVR B LAWTON    $3.99
FEB191894    INVADER ZIM HC VOL 03 DLX ED    $49.99
MAR191449    JACK ERIDON TP VOL 01 MIND SNATCHER    $17.95
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JAN191960    KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #265    $5.99
APR191913    LEOPARD FROM LIME STREET BK 2    $18.99
APR191257    LGBTQ ETC PEOPLE ONE SHOT    $4.00
APR191411    LIEGE KILLER GN    $19.95
APR191975    LIFE IS STRANGE #6 CVR A LEONARDI (MR)    $3.99
APR191976    LIFE IS STRANGE #6 CVR B GAME ART (MR)    $3.99
APR191977    LIFE IS STRANGE #6 CVR C TSHIRT (MR)    $3.99
MAR191661    LUCKY LUKE TP VOL 73 PROPHET    $11.95
FEB191920    MACH 1 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS TP VOL 02 (MR)    $19.99
MAR191662    MERMAID PROJECT GN VOL 02 EPISODE 2    $11.95
MAY191897    METALSHARK BRO TP    $11.99
APR191793    MINUS GN    $15.00
APR192265    MISSIONS OF LOVE GN VOL 17    $10.99
JAN192049    MYSTERIOUS STORIES HC VOL 01    $44.99
JAN192050    MYSTERIOUS STORIES SLIPCASE ED    $54.99
JAN191664    NOBODY IS IN CONTROL #2 (OF 4) (MR)    $3.99
APR192266    NORAGAMI STRAY GOD GN VOL 20    $10.99
APR192267    O MAIDENS IN YOUR SAVAGE SEASON GN VOL 02    $12.99
MAR191968    OPERATION OVERLORD #1    $6.99
APR192082    OZ HEART OF MAGIC #3 (OF 5) CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
APR192083    OZ HEART OF MAGIC #3 (OF 5) CVR B SANTAMARIA    $3.99
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APR191768    POKEMON COMIC NOVEL GN #1 BATTLE WITH ULTRA BEAST    $7.99
JAN192051    PRE CODE CLASSICS BAFFLING MYSTERIES HC VOL 04    $44.99
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APR192268    PRINCESS JELLYFISH BOX SET (MR)    $179.91
APR191357    PRINCESS OF VENUS #1 LTD ED PULP CVR    $9.99
APR191355    PRINCESS OF VENUS #1 MAIN CVR LE    $3.99
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APR192047    PUNK MAMBO #3 (OF 5) CVR A BRERETON    $3.99
APR192048    PUNK MAMBO #3 (OF 5) CVR B MACK    $3.99
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MAR198940    PUNK MAMBO #3 (OF 5) CVR D PRE-ORDER BUNDLE ED    $3.99
APR192072    QUEEN OF THE SEA HC GN    $24.99
APR191315    RELAY TP VOL 01 (RES)    $17.99
APR191866    RICK & MORTY #51 CVR A    $3.99
APR191867    RICK & MORTY #51 CVR B TRIZZINO    $3.99
APR191864    RICK & MORTY TP VOL 09    $19.99
APR191428    RIVERDALE SEASON 3 #4 CVR A PITILLI    $3.99
APR191429    RIVERDALE SEASON 3 #4 CVR B EISMA    $3.99
APR191370    ROCKY & BULLWINKLE SEEN ON TV #1 DUDLEY DORIGHT CVR    $3.99
APR191371    ROCKY & BULLWINKLE SEEN ON TV #1 LTD ED RETRO ANIMATION CVR    $9.99
APR191369    ROCKY & BULLWINKLE SEEN ON TV #1 MAIN ROPP CVR    $3.99
MAY191306    ROUGH AGE GN    $12.00
APR191617    ROUTE 66 LIST GN VOL 01    $11.95
APR192269    SAILOR MOON ETERNAL ED VOL 05    $27.99
APR191942    SAMURAI GRANDPA #1    $3.99
MAR192027    SHADES OF MAGIC #6 CVR A STOTT    $3.99
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APR191943    SHAM #2 (MR)    $4.00
APR192326    SKELETON KNIGHT IN ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 01    $12.99
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APR191436    SOULFIRE VOL 8 #1 CVR A FORTE    $3.99
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Friday, June 21, 2019

Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #3

SURFACING: DEPTH PERCEPTIONS No. 3 (OF 4)
APPROBATION COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITOR: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (2017; digital release date – January 10, 2018)

Rated: “M” for Mature / 17+ Only (comiXology)

Published by Approbation Comics, Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries.  It tells the story of Marcus Wright, a young man who visits an oceanic research facility directed by his childhood friend, Anton Parker, who has a business deal to offer Marcus.  The facility has captured a mermaid-like creature, and Marcus finds himself caught in the mystery of this creature and of its captivity.  Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is written by B. Alex Thompson; drawn by Nenad Cviticanin; colored by Santtos; and lettered by Krugos.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3 opens with Marcus returning to the research room to engage in another extensive conversation with the mermaid, whom he has named “Becca.”  Anton has warned Marcus that “it,” as he calls Becca, has the ability to “mess” with his mind and to manipulate people.

Believing that he is on to Becca's game, Marcus is prepared to interrogate her, but she won't give anything for free.  She reveals information about herself and some about her people, but does Marcus believe her sometimes shocking tale?  Does he even have a reason to believe Anton?

The first two issues of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions are some of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date.  The cover art for this series features gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors by Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz; the covers are like eye candy.  The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin continues to get better with each chapter, as does the coloring by Santtos.  Nenad's graphical storytelling also continues to get stronger, thanks to B. Alex Thompson's excellent scripts.  Let's even give a shout-out to Krugos' lettering.

As I have said before, B. Alex Thompson is one of the best writers of naturalistic dialogue in American comic books.  I look forward to reading the conversations between the characters in every issue of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions, but this third issue has some hot talk that suggests a (literally) killer ending.

Thompson usually delivers high-quality genre storytelling, and he certainly delivers in again in Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3.  This is an excellent comic book, and, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read it.  I hope the final issue does not disappoint, as I have high hopes.

9 out of 10

Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #3 at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, June 20, 2019

Review: BART SIMPSON Breaks Out

BART SIMPSON BREAKS OUT
HARPERCOLLINS/Harper Design – @HarperCollins @harperdesignbks @TheSimpsons

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Pat McGreal; Shane Houghton; Dean Rankine; Ian Boothby; John Zakour and Max Davison; Eric Rogers; Tony DiGerolamo; Carol Lay; Arie Kaplan; Mike W. Barr; Ian Brill
PENCILS: Rex Lindsey; Nina Matsumoto; Dean Rankine; John Delaney; Phil Ortiz; Mike Kazaleh; Carol Lay; Tone Rodriguez
INKS: Dan Davis; Andrew Pepoy; Dean Rankine; Mike DeCarlo; Mike Rote; Mike Kazaleh; Carol Lay
COLORS: Art Villanueva; Nathan Hamill
LETTERS: Karen Bates
EDITOR: Nathan Kane
COVER: Matt Groening
ISBN: 978-0-06-287873-1; paperback (April 2, 2019)
128pp, Color, $16.99 U.S., $21.00 CAN

Bart Simpson Breaks Out is a new trade paperback comic book collection from Harper Design.  Bart Simpson Breaks Out collects comic book short stories and short gags that were originally published in the comic book series, Bart Simpson, specifically issues #78, #79, #80, #81, #82, and #83. (cover dated:  January 2013 to May 2013).

Bart Simpson is one of the lead characters in the long-running animated television sitcom, “The Simpsons” (Fox).  “The Simpsons” presents a satirical depiction of a working class family which consists of Homer Simpson (the father), Marge Simpson (the mother), Bart (the oldest child and only son), Lisa (the precocious and brilliant elder daughter), and Maggie (a baby girl).  “The Simpsons” also parodies American culture, pop culture, society, politics, media, etc. via the denizens of The Simpsons home town, Springfield.

In 1993, Bongo Comics Group (or simply Bongo Comics) began publishing numerous comic book series and single-issue publications based on “The Simpsons.”  Beginning in 2000, Bongo gave Bart his on title, Simpsons Comics Presents Bart Simpson (or simply Bart Simpson).  The comics presented in Bart Simpson Breaks Out collects stories published in the final quarter of the series.  Bart Simpson ended with issue #100 in 2016 (and Bongo ceased publishing in 2018).

I really enjoyed the previous Bart Simpson trade paperback, 2018's Bart Simpson Bust-Up, and I happy to tell you, dear readers, that Bart Simpson Breaks Out is just as good.

The opening story, “The Booty” (written by Pat McGreal and drawn by Rex Lindsey and Dan Davis), is a cute story with a funny pie-eating contest in the middle.  However, Breaks Out really... breaks out with the second story, “I'd Rather Bleed Than Read” (by Shane Houghton, Nina Matsumoto, and Andrew Pepoy), which finds Principal Seymour Skinner trapping Bart in the Springfield Elementary school library in order to force the lad to read at least one book.  The resolution to the story is rather novel, if not a stroke of genius.

“Bartman vs. Doctor Octuplets” (by Ian Boothby, John Delaney, and Pepoy) is one of two stories featuring Bart's superhero alter-ego, “Bartman.”  It has a neat take on Spider-Man villain, Doctor Octopus, via Kwik-E-Mart manager, Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, and his brood of children.  The second Bartman story, “Who the Bartman?” (by Arne Kaplan, Tone Rodriguez, and Pepoy), offers a novel take on how Bart's classmates view Bartman.

Breaks Out has two Maggie Simpson stories written and drawn by the great alternative comic book creator, Carol Lay.  The first one, “Maggie and the Moon,” is quite poignant and beautiful.  That heartwarming vibe also makes an appearance in the story, “The Todd & the Rodyssey” (by Mike W. Barr, Delaney, and Pepoy).  Ned Flanders is a featured character here, but his sons, Rod and Todd, are the stars of this story of escape and survival.  The last two panels of this fast-moving and delightful comic presses all my buttons of sentimentality.

The other stories are also pretty good, especially the Springfield Elementary “Junior Mafia” tale.  I got a kick out of “The Demon” (by Max Davison, Delaney, and Pepoy), because I generally like ghost story-themed tales told in a kids' comic books published by everyone from Archie Comics to whatever company is publishing comic books featuring Disney characters.

In some of my reviews of Simpsons Comics paperback collections, I have said that one does not have to be a fan of “The Simpsons” to like them.  This is the case with Bart Simpson Breaks Out, because this book is full of top-notch humor comics.  Bart Simpson Breaks Out is too funny to pass up.

9 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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