Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Review: DAREDEVIL #1

DAREDEVIL No. 1 (2019)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted in Patreon.]

STORY: Chip Zdarsky
ART: Marco Checchetto
COLORS: Sunny Gho
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Devin Lewis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Julian Totino Tedesco
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alex Maleev; Joe Quesada; Skottie Young; Gabriele Dell'Otto
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2019)

Daredevil created by Stan Lee and Bill Everett with Jack Kirby and Wally Wood

“Know Fear” Part 1

Daredevil is a Marvel Comics superhero created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett.  The character first appeared in Daredevil #1 (cover dated: April 1964).  Daredevil is Matt Murdock, a vision-impaired attorney who was blinded as a child after being exposed to a radioactive substance.  That substance enhanced his senses to a supernatural level and gave him a 360-degree radar sense.

Marvel Comics is giving Daredevil the comic book something of a reboot.  Daredevil 2019 is written by Chip Zdarsky; drawn by Marco Checchetto; colored by Sunny Gho; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Daredevil #1 opens in the wake of the events depicted at the end of writer Charles Soule's run on Daredevil and in the subsequent five-issue miniseries, Man Without Fear.  After recovering from grievous injuries and intense physical therapy, Matt Murdock returns to Hell's Kitchen.  As the story begins, Matt has already acted once as Daredevil (although apparently not in costume).  However, there is a new sheriff in town.

Straight outta Chicago comes Detective Cole North.  He has been tasked by New York City Mayor Wilson Fisk, formerly known as The Kingpin – the crime lord of New York City, to take down costumed superheroes in NYC.  When he dons the Daredevil costume for the first time in a long time, Matt may end up doing Detective Cole's work for him.

Daredevil #1 (2019) is quite a good start for the new series.  First, there is Julian Totino Tedesco's beautiful cover art.  Inside, Marco Checchetto offers his most disciplined compositions to date, with an emphasis on storytelling that makes the most of atmosphere and mood and characters' emotions.  Previously, Checchetto was good at these things, but his drawings seemed to emphasize style.  Sunny Gho's colors are beautiful and emphasize reds and blues to create a sort of rose-tinted Film-Noir look.  The artists' depiction of Daredevil's radar sense is also quite nice.

Writer Chip Zdarsky's storytelling here reminds me, in some ways, of writer Frank Miller and artist David Mazzuchelli's “Born Again” story arc in Daredevil (1964) #227-231.  It is also something of a spiritual heir to the last year of Frank Miller's original run on Daredevil as writer-artist/designer (with Klaus Janson as artist).  I don't know if Zdarsky's work on Daredevil will reach the great heights of Miller, but I like how Zdarsky emphasizes Matt's moral conflicts and his past, as well as emphasizing Wilson Fisk as being an existential threat to Matt Murdock-Daredevil.  Clayton Cowles lettering creates a nice rhythm for Zdarsky's script.

I was not looking forward to Daredevil (2019), but happenstance dropped a copy of Daredevil #1 (2019) in my lap.  I am glad I read it, and I am recommending it to Daredevil fans.

8 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 or syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Juniors July 2019 - Update #92

Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:

My "Spider-Man: Far From Home" review is here.

From Newsarama:  Director Ava DuVernay confirms that Darkseid and "the Furies" will appear in her "New Gods" film.

From ComicBook:  Hiram Garcia, producer of the "Black Adam" movie, offers updates on the development of the film featuring the Shazam villain.

From ComicBook:  "Batman" film producer talks about the impact of Stan Lee on the franchise.

From BleedingCool:  Jonah Weiland, the founder of ComicBookResources (CBR), is reportedly going to be the Vice President of Marketing and Creative Services for DC Comics...

From BleedingCool:  Joe and Anthony Russo of "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame" will apparently adapt 1980s, First Comics title, "Grimjack," (writer John Ostrander and artist Tim Truman) for the screen.

From Newsarama:  Netflix has ordered more episodes of "Lucifer" (based on the DC Comics series).  Season 5 will run 16 episodes instead of 10.

From Deadline:  Executive producer Daniel Lindelof says that his HBO "Watchmen" series confronts White Supremacy but offers no grandiose solutions.  He also says "Fuck you" to Alan Moore.

From Newsarama:  Here is a "first-look" preview of all four issues of "Chrononauts: Futureshock."

From ScreenRant:  Guillermo del Toro wanted to turn his script for the unproduced "Hellboy 3" into a comic book, but Mike Mignola said no because...

From BloodyDisgusting:  Acclaimed horror movie director, Alexandre Aja ("Crawl") has signed on to diret and executive produce a TV series adaptation of Junji Ito's legendary horror manga, "Tomie," for the Quibi streaming service.

From ComicsBeat:  Who do comic book editors do?  Well, at Comic-Con International 2019, editors explained.

From Newsarama:  All four issues of the upcoming miniseries, "Chrononauts: Futureshock" (Image/Netflix), the sequel to Mark Millar's hit, "Chrononauts," will be released simultaneously on October 30th, 2019.

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From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing will collect Steve Ditko's complete "Mr. A" comics in hardcover volumes beginning in 2020.  This article also includes a fascinating question and answer session with IDW editor Scott Dunbier and one of Ditko's nephews, Mark Ditko.

From BleedingCool:  More about IDW's artist editions and art book releases via editor Scott Dunbier, including more on Steve Ditko's estate.
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From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will collect Garth Ennis' run on "Hellblazer" in one omnibus edition in April 2020.

From Newsarama:  Tom King, Mitch Gerads, and Evan Shaner will producer a "Strange Adventures" comic book starring Adam Strange.

From TheGuardian:  Apparently, it is official.  Alan Moore has retired from comic books.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  The "Harley Quinn" animated series for "DC Universe" has a first trailer.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  Two-time, Oscar-winning actor Mahershala Ali has been cast as Marvel Studios' vampire-hunting character, Blade.

SDCC - From THR:  Marvel Comics announces the relaunch of the X-Men franchise with six new titles: "X-Men," "Excalibur," "Marauders," "New Mutants," "Fallen Angels," and "X-Force."

SDCC - From THR:  The 2019 Will Eisner Award winners have been announced.  Writer Tom King wins in four of the five categories in which he was nominated.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  Miracleman returns in "Marvel Comics #1000" in a one-page story by Neil Gaiman and Mark Buckingham.

SDCC - From Newsarama:  DC Comics has aligned its imprints... again... adding a new one, "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults" (which will encompass the former "DC Ink" line).  So the revised line of imprints are as follows:  "DC Graphic Novels for Kids," "DC Graphic Novels for Young Adults," "DC" (also known as DC Universe), and "DC Black Label."

SDCC - From THR:   Brandon Routh, how played Superman in the 2006 film, "Superman Returns," will reprise that role in The CW's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" crossover in December 2019 and January 2020.

SDCC - From BleedingCool:  Jonathan Hickman talks X-Men at Comic-Con 2019 via video

SDCC - From CBR:  Announced at a Comic-Con press event, comiXology has announced another of its "Originals" program, "Afterlift" by writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Jason Loo.

From Deadline:  Ed Brubaker has signed a multi-year deal with Legendary Entertainment Television to develop his creator-owned comic book series for television.

From Deadline:  The upcoming seventh season will be the final season for the ABC TV series, "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

From Newsarama:  Random House reveals its 2020 releases under its graphic novel imprint, "Random House Graphic."

From EW:  Jonathan Hickman says that Marvel Comics should not be taking its storytelling cues from Marvel Studios.

From Newsarama:  DC will launch a new Birds of Prey ongoing series this October from writer Brian Azzarello and artists Emanuela Lupacchino, Ray McCarthy, and Trish Mulhivill.

From Newsarama:  Bill Jemas and Axel Alonso have hired ReedPOP's Gabe Yocum as its Sales Director for their new comic publishing start-up Artists, Writers, and Artisans (AWA)

From Newsarama:  "The Authority" creators, writer Warren Ellis and artist Bryan Hitch, are reuniting for a 12-issue Batman comic books series, "The Batman's Grave."

From HypeBeast:  13 years after it ended, the infamous manga, "Death Note" is coming back for a one-off, reuniting the manga’s original author and illustrator, Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata.  Now, they are giving fans a look at a storyboard for the upcoming 87-page story.

From TheGeekHerald:  The latest "My Hero Academia" spinoff manga debuts this month in Japan.  "My Hero Academia: Team Up Mission" will debut in "Saiko Jump" on or around July 25th.

From CincyJungle:  NFL running back, Rodney Anderson (Cincinnati Bengals), is openly a fan of comic books and science fiction.  He is apparently part of a wave of young NFL players willing to be open.

From Wired:  Former Marvel EiC and current CCO, Joe Quesada, will be the star of "Storyboards," which will pair him with "visionary" people to find out how they do their best work.  Hugh Jackman of the "Wolverine" and "X-Men" movies will be the guest on the debut episode of this Disney+ streaming service series.

From Deadline:  WTG Enterprises is producing an animated series based on the long-running Underground Comix titles, "The Faburlous Furry Freak Brothers," created by Gilbert Shelton.  The plan is for eight 22-minute episodes to debut early in 2020, but there is currently no distributor.

From FlickeringMyth:  Actress Olivia Munn, who played Psylocke in the film, "X-Men: Apocalypse" (2016), said that she found director Bryan Singer and writer Simon Kinberg's lack of knowledge of the X-Men mythos very frustrating.

From ComicBookMovie:  There are new characater posters for the film, "The Kitchen," which is based on the 2014 DC Comics/Vertigo miniseries.

From ComicBookMovie:  Producer Amy Pascal says that there is no timetable for the sequel to 2018's hit film, "Venom."

From TheBeat:  An analysis of June 2019 comic book and graphic novel sales.

From Newsarama:  John Carpenter will help the Joker get his swagger back in "The Joker: The Year of the Villain #1."

From Newsarama:  What is known about the return of Marvel's "Ultimate Universe."

From Newsarama:  Here is the first trailer for the new "Lupin III" film.

From Newsarama:  Mike Allred previews his David Bowie biographical original graphic novel, "Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams," produced with writer Steve Horton and colorist Laura Allred.

From PW:  HarperCollins is announcing a new graphic novel imprint, HarperAlley, which will be headed by Andrew Arnold, formerly of FirstSecond.

From io9:  Jeff Lemire is writing two "DC Black Label."  The first is "Joker: Killer Smile," which will be drawn by Andrea Sorrentino.  The next is "The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage," which will be drawn by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz.

From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing announces its plans for San Diego Comic Con 2019.

From BleedingCool:  If you like Ed Piskor's "X-Men: Grand Design," prepare for Tom Scoli's "Fantastic Four: Grand Design."

From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics announces a new comic book from writer Peter Milligan and artist Mike Allred, the creators of X-Statix.  "X-Cellent" debuts in 2020.

From Newsarama:  John Costantine/Hellblazer gets another relaunch with "The Sandman Universe Presents Hellblazer #1" in October.

From Newsarama:  Todd Phillips says that the Joker's origin in his upcoming film, "The Joker," is not from the comic books.

From Seibertron:  Someone found an Amazon listing for VIZ Media's "Transformers: The Manga" collection.

From TimesofSanDiego:  The evolution of San Diego Comic Con International.

From CBR:  DC Comics has apparently made a deal to produce original comic books based upon two anime films from American-anime studio, Rooster Teeth.  Expect (mediocre) RWBY and gen:LOCK comic books beginning in August 2019.

From BleedingCool:  It's Alive! next project is an omnibus collecting the work of cartoonist and comic book creator, Jeff Nicholson.  Nicholson's "Father & Son Omnibus: Reality Soldiers" is set to be released on September 25th and currently available for preorder now.

From Madison:  Anne Elizabeth Moore, former writer for "The Onion," is writing a book about alternative and indie cartoonist and comic book creator, Julie Ducet.

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From ThePlaylist:  While throwing shade at Warner Bros., Oscar-winning screenwriter turned film director, Christopher McQuarrie, says that he wanted to make interconnected "Green Lantern Corps" and "Superman" movies.

From Newsarama:  In the wake of news that MAD Magazines will no longer feature new content comes word that DC Comics has laid off MAD senior editor Dan Telfer has been laid off.

From BleedingCool:  William Messner-Loebs contributes to "Kiss: The End #3."  Loebs, a popular comic book creator, artist, and writer doing the 1980s and 1990s, has struggled to find work most of this century and has been in financial dire straits several times.

From THR:  Katsuhiro Otomo announced at Anime Expo that he will direct a third anime project that will continue the universe of his legendary Akira, which he began as manga before turning into an animated feature film.  He also announced that there will be a "Complete Works" collection of his manga.

From CBR:  Why isn't there a Stan Lee cameo in "Spider-Man: Far From Home?"   The filmmakers were concerned about his health.

From TheComicsBeat:  MAD Magazine #9 will be the last one distributed to newstands.  #10 will be the last one to feature new content.  With #10, MAD will only be available through the direct comics market and digitally.

From TheComicsBeat:   Matt Groening is launching a new company, Babber Books.  Groening was one of the founders of Bongo Comics.  Bongo primarily published comic books based on Fox's "The Simpsons," animated TV series, which Groening created.

From Newsarama:   The classic Italian comics, "Diabolik," is about to get another film adaptation.  The previous film adaptation appeared in 1968, six years after "Diabolik" debuted in Italy.

From Newsarama:  AMC reassures fans that "The Walking Dead" TV series and films are not ending although the comic book, the inspired them, is.

From Newsarama:  Warner Bros.' proposed "Flash" film will have a new director and writer.

From Deadline:  The Syfy TV series, "Wynonna Earp," which is based on a comic book, is seeing its fourth season delayed until 2020, due to financing issues.

From Newsarama:  "Marvel Zombies" will return in October.

From Newsarama:  "The Walking Dead" comic book series is to end with issue #193, which is due in stores, Wed., July 3rd,2019

From ComicBook:   George Perez talks about what he did not like about working on The New 52 "Superman" comic books series.

From Newsarama:  Netflix orders TV series based on "The Sandman" comic book.

From YahooNews:  Canadian cartoonist Michael de Adder says he was fired from his freelance contract for a Donald Trump political cartoon he drew.

From BookRiot:  Seven comic books written by novelists you love.

From THR:   "Daphne Byrne" is a new comic book, part of DC Comics and Joe Hill's recently announced "Hill House Comics." It is the work of comics newcomer and playwright Laura Marks and veteran artist Kelley Jones.


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:  September 2019 comics solicitations for 24 publishers on one page
From Newsarama:  AfterShock Comics for September 2019
From Newsarama:  Ahoy 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:  Drawn & Quarterly 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:  Insight 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

OCTOBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  AC Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for October 2019
From Newsarama:  BOOM! Studios for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  DC Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  IDW Publishing for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2019
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Marvel Comics for October 2019 
From Newsarama:  Scout Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Valiant Comics for October 2019
From Newsarama:  A Wave Blue World for October 2019
From Newsarama:  Yen Press for October 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."

NOVEMBER 2019 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From Newsarama:  DC Comics advanced solicitations for November 2019 ( for acetate covers)

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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Review: PRODIGY #1

PRODIGY No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics @TheMagicOrder

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque
COLORS: Marcelo Maiolo
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Rafael Albuquerque
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Frank Quitely; Rafael Albuquerque
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2018)

Rated M / Mature

Prodigy is a new comic book miniseries created by Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque.  It is the second series (following The Magic Order) produced by Millar since he sold his company, Millarworld, to Netflix.  Prodigy focuses on the world's smartest man, who believes that he is the go-to guy when there is a global crisis to solve.

Prodigy #1 opens in 1993 at the end of the “Inter-School Polo Cup Final.”  Eleven-year-old Edison Crane is the star of the match, much to the ire of some of his teammates who are high school students of actual high school age.  How he deals with those violent, bitter teammates is a hint at what Edison will become – a man who will take on any problem or challenge on the road to becoming the world's smartest man running the world's most successful business.

But Edison Crane is not content because his brilliant mind needs constant challenge, so he becomes the go-to guy for governments around the world when they have a problem or crisis they cannot solve.  When strange cars containing crispy critters start popping up around the world, however, Edison may finally face something that will truly challenge him.

I am a fan of a number of Mark Millar's creator-owned comic book series, with Kick-Ass, Empress, and The Magic Order (also a Netflix title) being among my favorite.  I only read the first issue of the previous Millar-Albuquerque collaboration, Huck, which did not interest me enough to keep reading past the first issue.

Prodigy #1 is a teaser; the series' narrative really won't kick off until the second issue.  Millar uses this first issue to sell Edison Crane, who has a thoroughly unlikable personality, to his readers.  By the end of this issue, you might think Edison is a thoroughly intriguing character, dear readers; I did.  This first issue also has one killer scene, which concerns surgery.

Rafael Albuquerque continues to transform as a comic book artist, in terms of his draftsmanship and in terms of the flair in his illustrative style.  This stylishly-drawn first issue is among his best work, and Marcelo Maiolo's bright coloring makes this one gorgeously drawn comic book.

I am intrigued by this first issue, so I plan to keep reading Prodigy.  Of course, I recommend it to all loyal Mark Millar readers.

7.5 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.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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Monday, July 29, 2019

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

BOOM! STUDIOS

MAR191272    BEN 10 ORIGINAL GN FOR SCIENCE    $7.99
MAY191257    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #30 CVR A MAIN PENA    $3.99
MAY191258    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING #30 CVR B PREORDER ADLER VAR    $3.99
MAR191313    STEVEN UNIVERSE ONGOING TP VOL 05 FIND A WAY    $14.99
MAR191292    WWE PHENOMENAL ONE TP    $19.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR190325    DISNEY FRANKENSTEIN STARRING DONALD DUCK TP    $10.99
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MAY190233    FIGHT CLUB 3 #7 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
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MAY190227    STRANGER THINGS SIX #3 (OF 4) CVR C CROOK    $3.99
MAY190228    STRANGER THINGS SIX #3 (OF 4) CVR D SATTERFIELD PHOTO    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

DC COMICS

MAY190376    AMERICAN CARNAGE #9 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180527    AUTHORITY OMNIBUS HC    $99.99
MAY190360    BATMAN LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #2 (OF 3)    $5.99
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APR190534    DC BOMBSHELLS THE DELUXE ED HC BOOK 02    $29.99
JUN190003    DC PREVIEWS #16 AUGUST 2019 EXTRAS    $PI
MAR190470    DEAR JUSTICE LEAGUE TP    $9.99
MAY190415    GREEN LANTERN ANNUAL #1    $4.99
APR190554    INJUSTICE 2 HC VOL 06    $24.99
MAY190431    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK ANNUAL #1    $4.99
MAY190494    KITCHEN TP NEW ED (MR)    $12.99
MAY190443    RED HOOD OUTLAW ANNUAL #3    $4.99
NOV180575    SUPERMAN THE GOLDEN AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 06    $125.00
APR190569    WONDER WOMAN BY JOHN BYRNE HC VOL 03    $39.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

DYNAMITE

MAY191150    BOYS OMNIBUS TP VOL 03 (MR)    $29.99
MAY191114    RED SONJA LORD OF FOOLS ONE SHOT    $4.99
MAR191084    SWEET VALLEY HIGH GN ACADEMIC ALL STAR    $14.99
MAY191018    VAMPIRELLA #1 BLANK COMIC    $3.99

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

IDW PUBLISHING

MAY190642    CANTO #2 (OF 6) CVR A ZUCKER    $3.99
APR190689    CLIVE BARKER GREAT & SECRET SHOW DLX ED TP    $29.99
MAY198001    CROW HACK SLASH #1 (OF 4) 2ND PTG    $3.99
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MAY190603    ENEMY OF PEOPLE TP CARTOONISTS JOURNEY    $24.99
JAN190845    ENOLA HOLMES CASE OF LEFTHANDED LADY HC    $14.99
MAY190638    GEARS OF WAR POP ONE-SHOT #1 CVR A PENA    $4.99
APR190613    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #265 CVR A DIAZ    $3.99
APR190614    GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #265 CVR B FRAGA    $3.99
APR190636    GLOW #4 CVR A TEMPLER    $3.99
MAR190683    GOOSEBUMPS HORRORS OF THE WITCH HOUSE #3 FENOGLIO    $3.99
OCT180711    JOE HILL THE CAPE FALLEN #4 CVR A HOWARD & DANIEL    $3.99
OCT180712    JOE HILL THE CAPE FALLEN #4 CVR B DANIEL    $3.99
FEB190652    MARVEL ACTION SPIDER-MAN #6 JONES    $3.99
MAY190678    MEN IN BLACK GHOSTBUSTERS INVASION PREMIUM PUZZLE    $24.99
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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

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Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JUN191667    7TH SWORD DLX TP VOL 01    $24.99
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MAGAZINES
JUN191879    CARTOONS MAGAZINE #22    $6.99
MAY191610    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1676    $PI
JUN191729    FAMOUS MONSTERS ACK-IVES #2 HOUSE OF HAMMER    $16.99
MAR191796    HEAVY METAL #294 CVR A GIANCOLA (RES) (MR)    $8.95
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BOOKS
MAY192047    CARTOON GUIDE TO BIOLOGY GN    $19.99
JUN191964    DISNEY LION KING OFF MOVIE SPECIAL HC    $19.99
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MAY192174    SAGA OF TANYA EVIL LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 06 NIL ADMIRARI    $14.00
MAY192269    VOICES OF A DISTANT STAR LIGHT NOVEL SC    $14.95

Friday, July 26, 2019

Review: SURFACING: Depth Perceptions #4

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

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Nenad Cviticanin
COLORS: Santtos
LETTERS: Krugos
EDITORS: John Ward and Denise Thompson
COVER: Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. / $1.99 digital-comic (2018; digital release date – October 31, 2018)

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

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions is a four-issue comic book miniseries published by Approbation Comics.  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.

As Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 opens, Marcus tells Anton that he is going scuba diving in order to visit “The Gardens.”  These are underwater pods that contain hydroponic gardens.  Anton is against this, as he is increasingly paranoid about “Becca,” the name Marcus has given the mermaid.  Marcus is playing a dangerous game, as Anton and Becca each see a different side of him.  As his friend and the mermaid make their final plays, Marcus himself has to survive his own dangerous game.

The first three issues of Surfacing: Depth Perceptions are some of the prettiest comic books Approbation Comics has published to date, and four does not turn out to be the ugly duckling of the bunch.  Artists Cesar Grego and Alivon Ortiz have produced some pretty cover art for this series, using gorgeous illustrations and shimmering colors.  Their cover for Surfacing: Depth Perceptions takes a dark turn, as beauty gives way to a striking image that encapsulates the violent resolution to this series.

The interior art by Nenad Cviticanin has been consistently good with solid storytelling that keeps the shifting moods of this narrative blending.  Colorist Santtos delivers stellar work the second half of this issue, creating an atmosphere that moves from apocalypse to paradise.  The lettering by Krugos conveys this double-size issue's sudden resolution and its expectations for a hopeful future.

Writer B. Alex Thompson presents an ending that readers of this series would expect, with a twist or two and some back story.  One of the best writers of naturalistic dialogue in American comic books, Thompson lets the characters play out this drama in their own words.  Yes, we do get a killer ending, and it was quite exciting, but this finale is also thoughtful.

Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 gives us an excellent ending to an excellent comic book series.  So, dear readers, head over to comiXology to read the entire thing.

9 out of 10

Buy Surfacing: Depth Perceptions #4 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.

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

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Review: THE UNEXPECTED #1

THE UNEXPECTED No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Steve Orlando and Ryan Sook
PENCILS: Cary Nord
INKS: Mick Gray and Wade von Grawbadger
COLORS: FCO Plascencia
LETTERS: Carlos M. Mangual
EDITOR: Katie Kubert
COVER: Ryan Sook
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (August 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

The Unexpected created by Steve Orlando and Ryan Sook

Call of the Unknown: Part One – “Punch First”

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 consists of eight new comic book series:  The Curse of Brimstone, Damage, The Immortal Men, New Challengers, Sideways, The Silencer, The Terrifics, and the subject of this review, The Unexpected.

The Unexpected is the eighth and final release in “The New Age of DC Heroes.”  The series is written by Steve Orlando and Ryan Sook; drawn by Cary Nord and Ryan Sook (pencils) and Mick Gray and Wade von Grawbadger (inks); colored by FCO Plascencia; and lettered by Carlos M. Mangual.  The Unexpected focuses on a group of unlikely heroes who are called to action across the Multiverse in the wake of the events depicted in Dark Nights: Metal.

The Unexpected #1 (“Punch First”) introduces Janet Fals.  She was a paramedic killed in the line of duty.  Civil Solutions, “ a futurist arms developer,” revives Janet giving her a new heart – something called “the Conflict Engine.”  Every 24 hours, she has to feed the Conflict Engine a fight or violence... or she dies.  Janet Fals is now known as the super-powered entity, “Firebrand.”

In her new life, Firebrand uses the name “Ronan,” and works at a VA hospital.  When a new and strange patient starts causing trouble, Ronan has to become Firebrand to deal with the Bad Samaritan, Neon the Unknown, Ascendant, and Viking Judge.

I don't know how much of this book is drawn by Ryan Sook and how much is drawn by Cary Nord.  I do know that Mick Gray and Wade von Grawbadger are two of the best inkers working in American superhero comic books today.  The result is that The Unexpected has the most beautiful art of any of “New Age” titles, which is quite a feat.  Many of the initial art teams on the “New Age” books turned out some pretty art, and some of the secondary teams have also delivered attractive illustrating.  Colorist FCO Plascencia and letterer Carlos M. Mangual complete what is a top-notch graphics and graphical storytelling team on The Unexpected.

Unfortunately, The Unexpected offers a terrible story and only a serviceable script.  It offers the kind of pointless bombastic action that plagues event comic books that Marvel and DC Comics publish every time they and comic book retailers need a sales bump.  Bombastic action over anemic character writing:  hope that works for you if you want to like The Unexpected.  I would be surprised if The Unexpected lasts 12 issues, which is a pity.  This is one good-looking comic book.

3.5 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.

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


Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Review: SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #1

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN No. 1 (2019) – Legacy #236
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Gerry Duggan
ART: Ron Garney
COLORS: Richard Isanove
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Basso
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Alex Ross
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Kevin Eastman with Tomi Varga; Ron Garney with Richard Isanove; George Perez with Jason Keith; Rahzzah
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2019)

Parental Advisory

Conan the Barbarian based on the “Conan” character created by Robert E. Howard

“The Cult of Koga Thun” Part One: “Shipwrecked”

Conan the Cimmerian is a fictional “sword and sorcery” hero created by Robert E. Howard (REH).  Conan first appeared in the pulp fiction magazine, Weird Tales (1932).  Conan lived in Howard's fictional “Hyborian Age” and was a mercenary, outlaw, pirate, thief, warrior, and eventually a king, but because of his tribal origins, some characters that encountered him thought of Conan as a barbarian.

Beginning in 1970 and for three decades, Marvel Comics brought Conan to the world of American comic books with the series, Conan the Barbarian.  Marvel is publishing Conan comic books again and recently began a revival of its black and white Savage Sword of Conan comic magazine as a full-color standard-sized comic book.  Savage Sword of Conan (2019) is written by Gerry Duggan; drawn by Ron Garney; colored by Richard Isanove; and lettered by VC's Travis Lanham.

Savage Sword of Conan #1 (“Shipwrecked”) finds Conan cast adrift on the seas of fate.  Starving, half-drowned, half-dead, and hallucinating, Conan (who is about 20 or so years of age) is picked out of the ocean by the slave ship, “Ouroboros.”  He finds an ally (that he doesn't really need or want) in a fellow slave, Suty.  Together, they will discover that there is more to the captain of the Ouroboros and more to the treasure chest in his cabin than they suspect.

I enjoyed the return of Conan the Barbarian to Marvel Comics, and while that comic book has been good, even very good at times, it has not been great.  Savage Sword of Conan's return to Marvel Comics suggests that Savage Sword of Conan could be THE great Marvel Conan comic book (Era #2).  When I first read the original old, black and white magazine Savage Sword of Conan when I was a teenager, I found it to be superior to the Conan the Barbarian title of that time.

In fact, “Shipwrecked,” the opening chapter of this first story arc, reminds me of the stories I read in the original Savage Sword of Conan.  “Shipwrecked” is probably the best Gerry Duggan story I have read to date.  Duggan offers a violent tale that is as bat-shit crazy as Conan creator, Robert E. Howard's original Conan prose fiction, or it is at least as crazy as Roy Thomas' adaptations of Howard's stories for Conan comic books back in 1970s.  Dear readers, obviously you can tell that I had a blast reading this.

The power and aggression in this story is most evident in artist Ron Garney's illustrations and graphical storytelling.  The storytelling is brawny, and Garney deftly captures the sudden switches in Conan's temper and temperament.  Richard Isanove's shimmering colors emphasize, even heighten the intensity rather that merely color over the art.  Travis Lanham's matter-of-fact lettering seems to pound out the story to the reader, a relentless rhythm, page after page.

Savage Sword of Conan #1 is a success.  I will come back for more because this first issue reminds me of the stories that made me a fan of Conan comic books back in the way back.  I highly recommend this to Conan fans.

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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Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Review: William Gibson's ALIEN 3 #1

WILLIAM GIBSON'S ALIEN 3 No. 1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: William Gibson
SCRIPT: Johnnie Christmas (adaptation)
ART: Johnnie Christmas
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: Nate Piekos of Blambot
EDITOR: Daniel Chabon
COVER: Johnnie Christmas with Tamra Bonvillain
VARIANT COVER: Paolo and Joe Rivera
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

The 1979 film, Alien (directed by Ridley Scott), won an Academy Award and was a critical and commercial success.  It's 1986 sequel, Aliens (directed by James Cameron), won two Academy Awards and was a critical and commercial success.  The third film, Alien 3 (1992), was less successful, critically and commercially.

According to contemporary and historical accounts, Alien 3, had a contentious and troubled production.  That started from the beginning and continued into late 1987, when two of Alien 3's producers approached acclaimed science fiction author, William Gibson (Neuromancer), to write the film's screenplay.  Gibson accept the offer and completed a script, but ultimately left the project.  Apparently not much of Gibson's work made the eventually completed Alien 3.

Now, Dark Horse Comics is publishing a comic book adaptation of Gibson's unused screenplay for Alien 3.  The comic book series is entitled William Gibson's Alien 3, and writer-artist Johnnie Christmas (Angel Catbird) is adapting Gibson's script to comics and is drawing the series.  Tamra Bonvillain is the series colorist, and Nate Piekos is series letterer.

William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 opens sometime after the events depicted in the film, Aliens.  The U.S.S. Sulaco enters the territorial space of the Union of Progressive Peoples (U.P.P.).  Aboard this spaceship are Ellen Ripley, Corporal Dwayne Hicks, Rebecca “Newt” Jorden, and Bishop, the damaged android – all four in are in cryonic stasis.

There is also something else aboard the Sulaco, as three U.P.P. military personnel are about to discover.  The U.P.P. forces cannot know that this fifth passenger is quite deadly and is about to unleash chaos between two governmental titans intent on developing the ultimate weapon of mass destruction.

Back in the 1990s, I read a synopsis of William Gibson's Alien 3 screenplay that was published in a British science fiction magazine (possibly Interzone).  At the time, I thought that the synopsis would have made a much better film than the Alien 3 we did get in 1992.

William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 only introduces the milieu of the story, providing what amounts to a first-look at the characters and the settings.  Readers familiar with 20th Century Fox's Alien film franchise understand the threat and menace of the franchise's signature villains, the “Aliens” (a.k.a. “xenomorphs”).  They also understand the conflicts and conspiracies that exist among various human factions in the series.  They know who the heroes are, and, in William Gibson's Alien 3, they have a good idea who will likely be the villains.

Since I have seen most of the films in this franchise numerous times, I know how to read an Alien comic book adaptation, and I have an idea what to expect.  That said, I thoroughly enjoyed all the teasing that William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 does.  I like the relaxed pacing of Christmas' script adaptation, and his clean and minimalist drawing style makes for clear graphical storytelling.

Tamra Bonvillain's colors convey the characters' emotions and suggest conspiracy and secrets with surprising potency.  Bonvillain also makes the action and attack scenes explode off the page.  Nate Piekos' lettering is quiet and quietly effective in hitting story beats.  This first issue is one of those examples of when it is hard not to recognize how effective coloring and lettering is.

I did not know what to expect of William Gibson's Alien 3 #1, but after reading it, I want to read more of this series.  This could turn out to be a really good Alien comic book.

7.5 out of 10

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


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

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


Monday, July 22, 2019

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for July 24, 2019

BOOM! STUDIOS

MAY191235    BONE PARISH #11 (OF 12)    $3.99
MAY191249    LUMBERJANES #64 CVR A MAIN LEYH    $3.99
MAY191250    LUMBERJANES #64 CVR B PREORDER CHAU VAR    $3.99
MAR191301    LUMBERJANES TP VOL 12    $14.99
MAY191219    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #41 CVR A MAIN CAMPBELL    $3.99
MAY198769    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #41 FOC MORA VAR    $3.99
MAY191221    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #41 FOIL MONTES VAR    $4.99
MAR191291    SONS OF ANARCHY LEGACY ED TP VOL 03    $29.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 24, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR190274    ALIENS RESCUE #1 CVR A DE LA TORRE    $3.99
MAR190275    ALIENS RESCUE #1 CVR B CHATER    $3.99
MAR190377    EROMANGA SENSEI TP VOL 03    $11.99
MAR190336    EXTRAORDINARY TP STORY OF ORDINARY PRINCESS    $12.99
MAR190299    HARROW COUNTY LIBRARY EDITION HC VOL 03    $39.99
MAY190253    INVISIBLE KINGDOM #5 (MR)    $3.99
FEB190390    MOB PSYCHO 100 TP VOL 03 (MR)    $11.99
MAY190268    STARCRAFT SURVIVORS #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
MAR190318    TOM CLANCYS DIVISION HC EXTREMIS MALIS    $14.99
MAR190320    TOMB RAIDER OMNIBUS TP VOL 01    $29.99
MAR190278    WILLIAM GIBSON ALIEN 3 HC    $19.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 24, 2019

DC COMICS

MAY190374    ACTION COMICS #1013 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99
MAY190373    ACTION COMICS #1013 YOTV THE OFFER    $3.99
MAY190380    BATGIRL #37 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99
MAY190379    BATGIRL #37 YOTV THE OFFER    $3.99
MAY190381    BATMAN BEYOND #34    $3.99
MAY190382    BATMAN BEYOND #34 VAR ED    $3.99
APR190527    BATMAN BEYOND TP VOL 05 THE FINAL JOKE    $16.99
MAY190356    BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #1 (OF 8)    $4.99
MAY190357    BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #1 (OF 8) VAR ED    $4.99
MAY190392    BOOKS OF MAGIC #10 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180680    DC DESIGNER SER WONDER WOMAN BY JENNY FRISON STATUE    $150.00
NOV180560    DC UNIVERSE BRONZE AGE OMNIBUS BY JACK KIRBY HC    $150.00
MAY190403    DETECTIVE COMICS #1008 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99
MAY190402    DETECTIVE COMICS #1008 YOTV THE OFFER    $3.99
MAY190404    DIAL H FOR HERO #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
MAY190412    FLASH #75 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $5.99
MAY190411    FLASH #75 YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99
MAY190416    FREEDOM FIGHTERS #7 (OF 12)    $3.99
APR190547    HELLBLAZER TP VOL 21 THE LAUGHING MAGICIAN (MR)    $24.99
APR190546    HOUSE OF WHISPERS TP VOL 01 THE POWER DIVIDED (MR)    $16.99
MAY190430    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99
MAY190429    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #13 YOTV THE OFFER    $3.99
MAY190432    LOONEY TUNES #250    $2.99
MAY190435    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #7 (OF 12)    $3.99
MAY190436    MARTIAN MANHUNTER #7 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
MAY190444    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #49    $2.99
MAY198771    SUPERMAN YEAR ONE #1 (OF 3) 2ND PTG (MR)    $7.99
MAY190455    TERRIFICS #18 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99
MAY190454    TERRIFICS #18 YOTV THE OFFER    $3.99
MAY190461    WONDER WOMAN #75 CARD STOCK VAR ED YOTV THE OFFER    $5.99
MAY190460    WONDER WOMAN #75 YOTV THE OFFER    $4.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for July 24, 2019

DYNAMITE

MAR191075    ALTERED CARBON DOWNLOAD BLUES HC SGN ED    $39.99
FEB191103    CRACKDOWN #3 CVR A JAIME    $3.99
MAR191186    JAMES BOND ORIGIN HC VOL 01    $24.99
APR191124    MARS ATTACKS TP    $19.99
FEB191177    PATHFINDER GOBLINS TP    $19.99
MAY191112    RED SONJA #6 CONNER VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
MAY191113    RED SONJA #6 LINSNER VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
MAY191138    WARLORD OF MARS ATTACKS #2 CVR A HILDEBRANDT    $3.99
MAY191139    WARLORD OF MARS ATTACKS #2 CVR B CASE    $3.99
MAY191140    WARLORD OF MARS ATTACKS #2 CVR C VILLALOBOS    $3.99
MAY191141    WARLORD OF MARS ATTACKS #2 CVR D CALDWELL    $3.99