Wednesday, June 30, 2021

I Reads You Juniors: June 2021 - Update #101

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS

IMAGE/DARK HORSE - From ICv2:   In September, Eisner Award-winning writer Jeff Lemire will launch two new miniseries, "Mazebook" from Dark Horse and "Primordial: from Image.

BOOM STUDIOS - TheBeat:  The site has a five-page story preview and some cover art from BOOM! Studios' "Dark Blood #1."  Written by televisions writer and showrunner, Latoya Morgan and drawn by newcomer Walt Barna, the comic book is due July 21st.

WARREN ELLIS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Ben Templesmith recently announced that he and writer Warren Ellis will finish their old Image Comics series, "Fell." Image has released a statement saying that it will not work with Ellis on anything further until he makes amends.
 
From BleedingCool:   Warren Ellis accepts "So Many of Us" offer.
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DC TV - From DCBlog:   In honor of "DC Pride Month," actor Anissa Pierce talks about playing "Thunder" on The CW's "Black Lightning."

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   August 3rd, 2021 will mark the 10th anniversary of the first appearance of the Spider-Man character, Miles Morales (Marvel's 21st century Spider-Man).  The comic book, "Miles Morales: Spider-Man #30," will feature Miles in a new Spider-Man costume.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   Marvel Comics will celebrate that it has published 300 issues of "Conan the Barbarian" over two eras.  The 300th issue will be "Conan the Barbarian #25," it will feature several creative teams and sport several variant covers, including covers by Peach Momoko and Alex Toth.

DC CINEMA - From GeekFeed:   The site has the first official look at the costumes for the "Shazam! Family" in DC Films' "Shazam!: Fury of the Gods."

DC CINEMA - From HypeBeast:   "Batman" actor Michael Keaton seen on the set of DC Film's "The Flash."

DC CINEMA - From TheDrive:  In "The Flash" movie, Michael Keaton's Batman will drive a "Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6," an EV car.

DC CINEMA - From Collider:  Footage from the set of director Andy Muschietti's DC Film's production, "The Flash," reveals the costume that actress Sasha Calle will wear as Supergirl.

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Artist Ben Templesmith has announced that he and writer Warren Ellis will finish their comic book, "Fell," of which nine issues were published by Image Comics from 2005 to 2008.  There was to be a further 7 issues, but Templesmith says the conclusion may be published as a single-volume work.

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:   Diamond Comic Distributors has announced the return of the "Retailer Summit" as an online event for 2021 on the 26th and 27th of September 2021.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Warner Bros. has released an "Early Access" trailer for writer-director James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad," which is due Aug. 6th.

DC COMICS/MANGA - From JapanToday:    Superman will start in a gourmet manga, "Superman vs Food: Superman’s Meals of Solitude" (Superman vs Meshi: Superman No Hitori Meshi), written by Satoshi Miyakawa with art by Kai Kitago.

MANGA - From TheOuterHaven:   Ablaze Publishing reveals to new manga titles it will publish, "Versus Fight Story" and "Crueler Than Dead."

MANGA/EISNERS - From CBR:   The site tells readers how to read the manga nominated for the 2021 Eisner Awards.

BLACK COMICS - From THR:   Nigeria’s Comic Republic, Africa’s largest publisher of independent comic books, has signed a production deal with Emagine Content and JackieBoy Entertainment to adapt its catalog of African superheroes for film and TV.

IMAGE COMICS - From THR:   How Emilia Clarke paid homage to "Game of Thrones" with her new comic book, "M.O.M.: Mother of Madness."

MCU RUMORS - From WeGotThisCovered:  Marvel wants to kill of Iron Fist in the MCU.

MILESTONE - From BleedingCool:   "Milestone Compendium One" is a softcover collection from DC Comics with more than 1,300 pages of classic Milestone Comics stories, collecting the debut story arcs of Blood Syndicate, Hardware, Static, Icon, Xombi, and Shadow Cabinet from the original Milestone creative teams.  It will be published September 2021.

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool: There will be at least nine variant covers for the first issue of "M.O.M.: Mother of Madness," which is co-written by Emmy nominated actress, Emilia Clarke.

DC TV - From DCBlog:   In honor of Pride Month, "DC Blog" interviews and profiles "Batwoman" actress, Javicia Leslie.

FANTAGRAPHICS - From Newsarama:   The site presents a preview of the upcoming "Red Room #2" from Ed Piskor.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Aquaman villain, Black Manta, will star in a six-issue miniseries from writer Chuck Brown and artist Valentine De Landro.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The current Batman/Superman comic book series will come to an end with #22 in September 2021.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  A look at Jackson Hyde/Aqualad ahead of his miniseries, "Aquaman: The Becoming."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   The great comic book creator, Ty Templeton, has stage 3 colorectal cancer, and he is talking about via his online comic, "Bun Toons."

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Artist Stuart Immonen joins Mark Millar for the second volume of Millar's fantastic fantasy comic book, "The Magic Order."

MANGA - From ANN:   In May, the 1st volume of the English version of Reibun Ike's "Dick Fight Island" was ranked as the #1 Romance manga and #1 Yaoi & LGBTQ+ Manga according to Amazon's Best Sellers Rank.

MANGA - From BoundingInto:   Comic book writer, Gerry Conway, who has created hundreds of comic book characters, The Punisher and Power Girl, wants manga creators “taken to task” for their “rampant sexism and misogyny.”

COMICS - From YahooInsider:   This article offers an overview of a recent controversy involving comic book cover artist J. Scott Campbell and the online movement of "art fixing."

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD:   Veteran "Judge Dredd" and "Strontium Dogs" artist Trevor Hairsine talks to "2000 AD Thrill-Cast" podcast.

MANGA TO ANIME - From YouTube:  Hiroshi Nagahama is the director of Cartoon Network/Adult Swim's anime adaptation of Junji Ito's seminal manga, "Uzumaki."  Now, Nagahama is sharing a brief preview of the miniseries.

MILLARWORLD - From FlickeringMyth:   The site has an eight-page preview of Mark Millar and Tommy Lee Edward's "Jupiter's Legacy: Requiem #1," which is due tomorrow.

MILESTONE - From TheBeat:  In a web chat, writer Vita Ayala and layout artist ChrisCross talk about "Static Season One," the first comic book series that will mark the return of Milestone.  "Static Shock Season #1" is on sale as early as today.

DC ANIMATION - From Variety:    In an article about a particular group of TV series (including Disney's "WandaVision") that "subvert the superhero" genre, the writer details how DC Comics objected to Batman performing oral sex on Catwoman in the hit animated series, "Harley Quinn."  If this act does happen, it will be seen in the upcoming third season of the HBO Max series.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   "Harley Quinn: The Animated Series" is getting a comic book sequel to the show's second season finale meant to fill in the time before the upcoming third season.  "Bingo Love" writer Tee Franklin, artist Max Sarin, and letterer Taylor Esposito are working on the six-issue "Harley Quinn: The Animated Series - The Eat, Bang, Kill Tour."

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Jackson Hyde/Aqualad is getting his own comic book this fall, "Aquaman: The Becoming."

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   The classic DC Comics/Vertigo series, "Fables," which ended in 2015, is returning as an ongoing series in 2022.  In meantime, September will see the debut of the six-issue miniseries, "Batman vs. Bigby!: A Wolf in Gotham."

COMICS - From BI:  Substack, the newsletter platform, is getting into the digital comic publishing business.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Lunar Distribution, LLC plans to join Diamond Comic Distributors and distribute Marvel Comics titles via Penguin Random House, Marvel's new distributor.

DC ANIMATION - From DCBlog:   Dwayne Johnson introduces "DC League of Super-Pets."

BOOK NEWS - From AP: One of the country’s most esteemed novelists, Louise Erdrich, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for “The Night Watchman.”  Other winners for books include the late Les Payne and daughter Tamara Payne for their Malcolm X biography “The Dead Are Arising.”

MARVEL - From Nerdist:  Marvel has released a trailer for "X-Men #1" which debuts July 7th.

EISNER AWARDS - From BleedingCool:   The nominees for the 2021 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards have been announced.  This is for works published between Jan. 1st and Dec. 31st, 2020.  The deadline for voting is June 30th,  and the winners will be announced sometime in July via a virtual ceremony.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   The trade paperback collection of the 2003 miniseries, "Truth: Red, White & Black," has been out of print for over a decade. The miniseries focuses on Isaiah Bradley, one of 300 African American soldiers experimented on by the US Army in an attempt to create super soldiers via the serum that would eventually turn Steve Rogers into Captain America.  Marvel will return the collection to print under the new title, "Captain America: Truth," in February 2022.

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:   Director James Wan has revealed that the title for the "Aquaman" sequel is "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," which will be released December 16, 2022.

NEIL GAIMAN - From CBR:   Netflix has release a first-look video featurette at "The Sandman," its live-action adaptation of the classic DC Comics/Vertigo comic book written by Neil Gaiman.

DC ANIMATION - From Deadline:   Dwayne Johnson has just unveiled the voice-over cast for the upcoming animated DC movie "DC League of Super-Pets." The list includes Kevin Hart, Keanu Reeves, Kate McKinnon, Vanessa Bayer, John Krasinski, Diego Luna and Natasha Lyonne. None of their roles were disclosed, except that Hart will be the voice of "Ace" (the Bat-Hound).  Johnson will voice "Krypto" (the Super-Dog).

DC TV - From Variety:   The CW and Warner Bros. TV dropped first-look photos of “Batwoman” star Camrus Johnson, who plays "Luke Fox," suited as the character, "Batwing."

MANGA - From BleedingCool:   Yen Press is producing a graphic novel adaptation of Disney's Oscar-winning animated feature film, "Big Hero 6," which was based on a Marvel Comics title.

DC CINEMA - From LATimes:   DC Film's "Blue Beetle" movie, based on the comic book, will be an HBO Max exclusive.

DC CINEMA - From MurphysMultiverse:   Directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who recently wrapped on the upcoming Disney+ series "Mrs.Marvel," will direct the "Batgirl" movie for DC Films and HBO Max.

DC TV - From THR:   Anna Diop, the Senegal-born actress who plays "Starfire" on HBO Max's "Titans," has signed on to M88 for career management.

IDW - From THR:   Beloved "G.I. Joe" comic book writer, Larry Hama, is joining writer-artist Rob Liefeld on the fifth and final issue of Liefeld's G.I. Joe spinoff comic book, "Snake Eyes: Deadgame.  That issue will feature Hama's pencil art on the cover.

COMICS - From ToyNews:   The children’s book publisher AMEET has detailed a new partnership with the multi-platform content company, Skybound Entertainment to launch a new series of LEGO comic books. The first in the series is slated to debut in 2022 and will be published by Image Comics and Skybound.

COMICS TO TV - From BloodyDisgusting:   "Y: The Last Man," based on the DC Comics/Vertigo series from Brian K. Vaughn and Pia Guerra, will reportedly debut on "FX on Hulu" in September.

COMICS TO TV - From EW:  Here is a first look at actor Jensen Ackles ("Supernatural") as "Soldier Boy" from Amazon's "The Boys" Season 3. 

MILLARWORLD - From GhettoManga:  Back in the day (May 2012), Mark Millar provided a preview of "Supercrooks #1."

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:    Director Matt Reeves' "The Batman" supposedly has a dark tone - darker than "Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice" - and may be the grimmest Batman film yet.

DC CINEMA - From THR:   Danny Elfman is a four-time Oscar nominee and a Grammy Award winner for his film music.  But Elfman has a wild tale about how he composed his iconic score to director Tim Burton's "Batman" (1989), which he says involved freaking out several flight attendants.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Marvel's newest Captain America will be debut September 2021 in "United States of Captain America #4." She is Ari Agbayani, a Filipino-American college student.

ARCHIE - From BleedingCool:   The site has a preview of Rob Liefeld's "The Mighty Crusaders: The Shield #1 one shot.

MILLARWORLD - From Deadline:  Actor Josh Duhamel reacts to the premature cancellation of his hit Netflix TV series, "Jupiter's Legacy," based on the Mark Millar comic book.

SONY MARVEL U - From Variety:  Actress Issa Rae will provide the voice of Jessica Drew/Spider-Woman in the sequel to Oscar-winning animated film, "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse." 

MARVEL -From BleedingCool:  Will Marvel Comics really kill of Doctor Strange this September?

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   James Tynion talks to "DC Nation" about his new horror series, "Nice House on the Lake"

DC Comics - From DCBlog: Mariko Tamaki talks about her new DC Comics series, "Crush & Lobo."

DC TV - From DCBlog:   Go behind the scenes of "Sweet Tooth," the new Netflix series based on the DC Comics/Vertigo series.

DC TV - From BleedingCool:  Word has come down that the DC Comics/Vertigo title, "Red Thorn," is being adapted for television.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Here is a first look at the Wolverine vs. Deathlok battle in the Free Comic Book Day 2021 title, "FCBD 2021 Marvel Gold Avengers Hulk #1"

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Lunar Distribution, the DC Comics direct market exclusive distributor created by their biggest customer, DCBS, is moving (along with DCBS) from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to New Haven, Indiana.  They will receive up to a million dollars in tax credits for the move.

DYNAMITE - From SyFy:   The site has a preview of Dynamite Entertainment's upcoming "Elvira meets Vincent Price #1."  The miniseries is written by David Avallone and drawn by Juan Samu.

NEIL GAIMAN - From IndieWire:   Neil Gaiman says he gives "all the fucks" about "The Sandman." But he gives "zero fucks about people who don’t understand/haven’t read ‘Sandman’ whining about a nonbinary Desire or that Death isn’t white enough." Re - Netflix's "The Sandman" TV series.

DC COMICS - From Polygon:  Writer James Tynion IV talks about his new horror comic book series, "The Nice House on the Lake," from DC Comics' new horror imprint, "DC Horror."

MILLARWORLD - From THR:   Netflix has cancelled its TV adaptation of Mark Millar's comic book, "Jupiter's Legacy, after one season.  However, it has ordered a live-action and anime adaptation of "Supercrooks," which is set in the same universe as "Jupiter's Legacy."

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  Comic book retailers are learning what their new Marvel order discount will be if they stick with Diamond Comic Distributors rather than go with Marvel's new distributor, Penguin Random House.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Artist Bryan Hitch will join writers Ram V and Al Ewing on a new ongoing "Venom" comic book that begins in November.

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD:  Writer-artist Chris Weston talks about his new Judge Dredd story, "Adios, Rowdy Yates."

From 2000AD:  The House That Dredd Built: A Brief History of Rowdy Yates Block
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DC TV - From YahooEntertainment:   The Tulsa Race Massacre turns 100: How HBO's "Watchmen" helped teach America a crucial history lesson.

BLACK PANTHER - From YahooWashPost:  Ta-Nehisi Coates took the Black Panther comic book to dark places - and it paid off.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   "Mister Miracle: The Great Escape" is a new young adult graphic novel from DC Comics out in January, 2022.  Created by Varian Johnson and Daniel Isles, it re-imagines Scott Free as a young Black student attending school on the planet of Apokalips.

NEWSPAPER COMICS - From BleedingCool:   ABLAZE announced today a deal with Tribune Content Agency to publish a collection of the groundbreaking comic strip "Friday Foster." The series was the first US newspaper comics strip to feature an African-American woman as its main character.

ARCHIE - From BleedingCool:  David Gallaher is now writing Archie Comics "The Shield," that Rob Liefeld has previously worked on.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics will publish four titles for Free Comic Book Day 2021 (August 14th): "Batman FCBD Special Edition," "Suicide Squad FCBD Special Edition," "Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven Special Edition," and "Batman And Robin And Howard and Amethyst: Princess Of Gemworld Special Edition Flipbook."

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JUNE 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for June 2021 
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Eaglemoss for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for June 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for June 2021
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for June 2021 
 
JULY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Bad Idea for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collectors for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2021
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for July 2021

AUGUST 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Free Comic Book Day for August 14, 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth for August 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  It's Alive for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Second Sight Publishing for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for August 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Action Lab for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for September 2021 
From BleedingCool:  AWA for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2021

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#IReadsYou Review: NARUTO Volume 71

NARUTO, VOL. 71
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

CARTOONIST: Masashi Kishimoto
TRANSLATION: Mari Morimoto
LETTERS: John Hunt
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8176-7; paperback (August 2015); Rated “T” for “Teen”
208pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Naruto is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto.  The series is based on two one-shot manga by Kishimoto: Karakuri (1995) and Naruto (1997).  Naruto was serialized in the Japanese magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from 1999 to 2014.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a series of paperback graphic novels from August 2003 to October 2015, under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.

Naruto tells the story of a young shinobi (ninja) named Uzumaki Naruto, in two parts, first his pre-teen years and then, his teen years.  Naruto has an incorrigible knack for mischief, and he is the biggest troublemaker at the Ninja Academy in the shinobi Village of Konohagakure.  He is an outcast because there is something special about him.  When he was a baby, his parents (father Minato and mother Kushina) imprisoned a nine-tailed fox spirit (Kurama) inside his infant body.  Now, 16-years-old and incorrigible as ever, Uzumaki Naruto is still serious about his quest to become the world’s greatest ninja and the Hokage (leader) of his village.

The Akatsuki villain, Uchiha Madara, was the true instigator of The Fourth Great Ninja War.  Reviving the monstrous tailed-beast (biju), Ten Tails, was just the part of his plan.

Naruto, Vol. 71 (Chapters 680 to 690, entitled “I Love You Guys”) opens with Naruto and his former teammate/now teammate again, Uchiha Sasuke, facing the prospect of fighting the revived Kaguya, the creator of all chakra.  That will be difficult as this mother of all can traverse time-space.

Her partner, the creature who has been plotting Kaguya's revival since time immemorial, Black Zetsu, has information to share.  He explains who he is, what Ten Tails really is, and how Kaguya will reclaim all chakra.  Also, he says that his opponents are the reincarnation of Kaguya's two sons, with Naruto being Ashura and Sasuke being Indra.  Plus, the Sage of Six Paths returns, and Cell Seven reunites to save the world.

Some of you may know that the Naruto manga came to an end in Japan last November (2014).  Here, in the states, we are just catching up to that finale via VIZ Media's graphic novel format publication of Naruto.  Naruto Graphic Novel Volume 71 is the penultimate volume of the series (which I incorrectly thought was Vol. 70).  Vol. 71 is big... big... big, but still the same size.  It is not that the battles contained herein are any more epic than the battles in previous volumes.  It is simply that Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto puts everything or almost everything in context.  He explains basically who the “bad guys” were and are, and why they were and are.

SPOILER ALERT:  I don't yet know what happens in the final graphic novel (Vol. 72), but the good guys win in Vol. 71.  However, I think we are the losers because Naruto is gone too soon.  Still, the 72 volumes that comprise this series are so packed with narrative that we have likely forgotten much of what has already happened by the time we get to the end.  Naruto is worth reading again.

A+
10 out of 10

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


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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, June 29, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL 2017

HELLBOY WINTER SPECIAL (JANUARY 2017)
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mike Mignola, Scott Allie, and Chris Roberson
ARTISTS: Christopher Mitten; Paul Grist; Sebastian Fiumara
COLORS: Dave Stewart; Bill Crabtree
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Sebastian Fiumara with Dave Stewart
BACK COVER: Geof Darrow with Dave Stewart
EDITOR: Scott Allie
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2017)

Hellboy, a superhero and horror comic book character, was created by writer-artist Mike Mignola and first appeared in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2 (cover date: August 1993).  The character's debut in his own comic book was Hellboy: Seed of Destruction #1 (March 1994).  However, Hellboy has been featured in short stories that have appeared in various publications for over two decades, including the Hellboy Winter Special.

The 2017 edition of the Hellboy Winter Special, an anthology comic book, was recently published and offers three Hellboy short stories.  It sports two covers:  a front cover by Sebastian Fiumara (colored by Dave Stewart) and a back cover drawn by Geof Darrow (and also colored by Stewart).  Eight creators contribute to Hellboy Winter Special – January 2017:  Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson, Christopher Mitten, Dave Stewart, Paul Grist, Bill Crabtree, Scott Allie, and Sebastian Fiumara.

The first story is “The Great Blizzard” by Mignola and Roberson and Mitten and Stewart.  The story is largely set in Cornwall, England and takes place in March 1891.  An excerpt from the “secret journals” of Sir Edward Grey, the story finds Grey and Sarah Jewell (of Rise of the Black Flame) trying to discover if a fierce winter storm that has gripped England is of supernatural origin.

“The Great Blizzard” seems like a prologue for a larger story to come.  It's okay, but I really didn't warm to it.

The second story is “God Rest Ye Merry” by Mignola and Roberson and Grist and Crabtree.  It is set in December 1961 and opens in Fairfield, Connecticut (the home of the BPRD, the occult research organization of which Hellboy is associated).  In the story, Hellboy has to battle a bad Santa.

Once again, “God Rest Ye Merry” did not arouse much interest in me.  It apparently is the intro to an upcoming comic book, entitled The Visitor.  Surprisingly, while the story doesn't excite me, I am curious about The Visitor, which will be a new “Mignola-verse” title.  On a side note, this story reminded me of what a stunningly “white bread” world Hellboy is.  Black and Latino characters are virtually nonexistent.  It is as if Hellboy was set in the programming world of MeTV (which has pretty much taken the place of “Nick at Nite” and “TVLand” when it comes to reruns of 1950 and 1960s, black and white television series).

Finally, we have “The Last Witch of Fairfield” by Mignola and Allie and Fiumara and Stewart.  The story is set in 1979, once again in Fairfield.  While searching for two missing girls, Hellboy, Abe Sapien, and Liz Sherman encounter a tormented spirit.

“The Last Witch of Fairfield” is the best of the trio of stories presented here.  Sebastian Fiumara and Dave Stewart make a killer art team, and turn this comic book short story into a bejeweled fairy tale and ghost story.  I think “The Last Witch of Fairfield” would make a superb longer narrative, perhaps as a one-shot comic book or even as a miniseries.  It is classic weird Hellboy.

Overall, I don't think that Hellboy Winter Special 2017 has the dramatic heft and imagination of the 2016 edition.  2016 was filled with stories that are classic Mignola, classic Hellboy investigates, or classic Hellboy humor.  While “The Last Witch of Fairfield” matches the high-quality of last year's edition, “The Great Blizzard” and “God Rest Ye Merry” are minor works.

I would recommend Hellboy Winter Special 2016 to anyone who reads comic books.  I would only recommend Hellboy Winter Special 2017 to Hellboy completists.

B

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


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

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Monday, June 28, 2021

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

BOOM! STUDIOS

APR219403    BASILISK #1 2ND PTG LUCKERT    $3.99
APR211208    BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER TEA TIME #1 CVR A ANDOLFO    $7.99
APR211209    BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER TEA TIME #1 CVR B ANDOLFO FOIL    $8.99
APR211227    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES #8 (OF 12) CVR A CAGLE    $4.99
APR211228    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES #8 (OF 12) CVR B DEKAL    $4.99
FEB210875    MEGA MAN FULLY CHARGED TP    $14.99
APR211188    POWER RANGERS UNLTD EDGE DARKNESS #1 CVR A MORA    $7.99
APR211189    POWER RANGERS UNLTD EDGE DARKNESS #1 CVR B YOON    $7.99
APR211275    SPECTER INSPECTORS #5 (OF 5) CVR A MCCURDY    $4.99
APR211276    SPECTER INSPECTORS #5 (OF 5) CVR B HENDERSON    $4.99
APR211262    WE ONLY FIND THEM WHEN THEYRE DEAD #7 CVR A DI MEO    $3.99
APR211263    WE ONLY FIND THEM WHEN THEYRE DEAD #7 CVR B INFANTE    $3.99



Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB210308    ART OF ARKHAM HORROR HC    $39.99
FEB210291    EC ARCHIVES SADDLE JUSTICE HC    $49.99
FEB210311    EVERYONE IS TULIP TP    $19.99
APR210444    FAR CRY RITE OF PASSAGE #2 (OF 3)    $3.99
FEB210329    MASS EFFECT HEROES PUZZLE    $19.99
APR210368    PARASOMNIA #1 (OF 4) CVR A MUTTI    $3.99
APR210369    PARASOMNIA #1 (OF 4) CVR B ALBUQUERQUE    $3.99
APR210462    WITCHER WITCHS LAMENT #2 (OF 4) CVR A DEL REY    $3.99
APR210463    WITCHER WITCHS LAMENT #2 (OF 4) CVR B FINNSTARK    $3.99
APR210464    WITCHER WITCHS LAMENT #2 (OF 4) CVR C KOIDL    $3.99


Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

DYNAMITE

APR211028    DIE!NAMITE LIVES #1 VAN LENTE SGN ATLAS ED    $49.99
MAR210858    FRANK CHO RED SONJA LTD ED CHALLENGE COIN    $29.99
MAR210832    SACRED SIX #10 PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
MAR210833    SACRED SIX #10 ROUX LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
APR211118    SONJAVERSAL #5 LEE LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
APR211119    SONJAVERSAL #5 LINSNER LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
MAR210744    VAMPIRELLA #21 CVR A PARRILLO    $3.99
MAR210745    VAMPIRELLA #21 CVR B MASTRAZZO    $3.99
MAR210746    VAMPIRELLA #21 CVR C MAER    $3.99
MAR210747    VAMPIRELLA #21 CVR D GUNDUZ    $3.99
MAR210748    VAMPIRELLA #21 CVR E LORRAINE COSPLAY    $3.99
APR219114    VAMPIRELLA #21 PREMIUM CASTRO FOC VAR    $3.99
APR219113    VAMPIRELLA #21 PREMIUM RB WHITE FOC VAR    $3.99


IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

IDW PUBLISHING

APR210630    CANTO & CITY OF GIANTS #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
MAR210440    CHAINED TO THE GRAVE #4 (OF 5) CVR A SHERRON    $3.99
FEB210430    CHIBI USAGI ATTACK OF HEEBIE CHIBIS GN    $12.99
JAN210437    DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FELLS FIVE TP    $39.99
APR210636    GODZILLA RIVALS VS HEDORAH    $7.99
NOV190727    JACK KIRBY FANTASTIC FOUR ARTISAN ED TP    $39.99
FEB210454    MARVEL ACTION CAPTAIN MARVEL #4    $3.99
NOV200392    MARVEL ACTION SPIDER-MAN #3    $3.99
APR210648    MLP TRANSFORMERS II #3 (OF 4) CVR A TONY FLEECS    $3.99
APR210649    MLP TRANSFORMERS II #3 (OF 4) CVR B BETHANY MCGUIRE-SMITH    $3.99
JAN210457    SONIC THE HEDGEHOG IDW COLLECTION HC VOL 01    $59.99
FEB210468    STAR TREK YEAR FIVE #21    $3.99
APR210658    STAR WARS ADVENTURES WEAPON OF A JEDI #2 (OF 2)    $5.99
NOV200383    TMNT URBAN LEGENDS TP VOL 02    $29.99
APR210675    TRANSFORMERS BEAST WARS #5 CVR A JOSH BURCHAM    $3.99
APR210676    TRANSFORMERS BEAST WARS #5 CVR B DAN SCHOENING    $3.99
APR210683    USAGI YOJIMBO DRAGON BELLOW CONSPIRACY #1 (OF 6)    $3.99


Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

IMAGE COMICS

APR210151    CROSSOVER #7 CVR A ZDARSKY    $3.99
APR210285    DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #10 CVR A SIMMONDS (MR)    $3.99
APR210286    DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #10 CVR B RICCARDI (MR)    $3.99
APR218120    DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #10 CVR C DIALYNAS (MR)    $3.99
APR210123    KANE & ABLE TP (MR)    $12.99
APR210312    MADE IN KOREA #2 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
APR210314    MONSTRESS #35 (MR)    $3.99
FEB210144    OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA HC BOOK 04 (MR)    $39.99
APR210333    SPAWN #319 CVR A BARENDS    $2.99
APR210334    SPAWN #319 CVR B MCFARLANE    $2.99
APR210335    SPAWN #319 CVR C MATTINA    $2.99
APR210194    THAT TEXAS BLOOD #7 CVR A PHILLIPS (MR)    $3.99
APR210195    THAT TEXAS BLOOD #7 CVR B ASPINALL (MR)    $3.99
APR210342    TWO MOONS #5 CVR A GIANGIORDANO & CRABTREE (MR)    $3.99
APR210343    TWO MOONS #5 CVR B RICCI (MR)    $3.99
APR218773    WALKING DEAD DLX #10 2ND PTG CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
APR218775    WALKING DEAD DLX #11 2ND PTG CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
APR218777    WALKING DEAD DLX #12 2ND PTG CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
APR218767    WALKING DEAD DLX #7 2ND PTG CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
APR218769    WALKING DEAD DLX #8 2ND PTG CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99
APR218771    WALKING DEAD DLX #9 2ND PTG CVR A FINCH & MCCAIG (MR)    $3.99


Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

MARVEL COMICS

MAR210706    AVENGERS BY JASON AARON TP VOL 08 ENTER PHOENIX    $19.99
APR210905    AVENGERS MECH STRIKE #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR210906    AVENGERS MECH STRIKE #4 (OF 5) RON LIM VAR    $3.99
APR210874    BETA RAY BILL #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR210739    BLACK CAT ANNUAL #1 CHAREST VAR INFD    $4.99
APR210738    BLACK CAT ANNUAL #1 INFD    $4.99
APR210740    BLACK CAT ANNUAL #1 RON LIM CONNECTING VAR INFD    $4.99
APR210922    BLACK KNIGHT CURSE EBONY BLADE #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR210912    BLACK WIDOW #8    $3.99
APR210913    BLACK WIDOW #8 GO SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS VAR    $3.99
MAR210592    CABLE #11    $3.99
APR210937    DAREDEVIL #31    $3.99
APR210938    DAREDEVIL #31 LAND SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS VAR    $3.99
APR210880    ETERNALS #5    $3.99
APR210883    ETERNALS #5 NAUCK HEADSHOT VAR    $3.99
APR210890    GIANT-SIZE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CHAMELEON CONSPIRACY #1    $5.99
APR210891    GIANT-SIZE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN CHAMELEON CONSPIRACY #1 VAR ST    $5.99
APR210982    KING IN BLACK TP    $24.99
MAY210002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 05 #13 JULY 2021 EXTRAS    $1.25
APR210994    MODOK HEAD GAMES TP    $15.99
APR210991    REIGN OF X TP VOL 01    $17.99
APR210858    SHANG-CHI #2    $3.99
APR210861    SHANG-CHI #2 BUSTOS SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS VAR    $3.99
APR210859    SHANG-CHI #2 MOMOKO VAR    $3.99
APR210960    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #11 PRIDE VAR    $3.99
APR210958    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #11 WOBH    $3.99
APR210942    STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC #6    $3.99
APR210944    STAR WARS HIGH REPUBLIC #6 GARRON PRIDE VAR    $3.99
APR210872    THE MARVELS #3    $3.99
APR210841    UNITED STATES CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (OF 5)    $4.99
APR210844    UNITED STATES CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (OF 5) BAZALDUA DESIGN VAR    $4.99
APR210845    UNITED STATES CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 (OF 5) NAUCK HEADSHOT VAR    $4.99
APR210801    X-FACTOR #10 BALDEON CHARACTER DESIGN VAR GALA    $3.99
APR210800    X-FACTOR #10 DAUTERMAN CONNECTING VAR GALA    $3.99
APR210798    X-FACTOR #10 GALA    $3.99
APR210802    X-FACTOR #10 JIMENEZ PRIDE MONTH VAR GALA    $3.99
DEC200634    X-MEN AGE OF APOCALYPSE OMNIBUS COMP HC HITCH DM VAR NEW PTG    $125.00
DEC200633    X-MEN AGE OF APOCALYPSE OMNIBUS COMP HC KUBERT CVR NEW PTG    $125.00


Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 30, 2021

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

APR212023    (USE APR219822) BARBARIC #1 CVR A GOODEN    $3.99
APR212024    (USE APR219822) BARBARIC #1 CVR B HIXSON    $3.99
APR212025    (USE APR219822) BARBARIC #1 CVR C DANIEL    $3.99
APR211928    20 FISTS #3 (OF 3) (MR)    $3.99
APR212145    AFTER SCHOOL BITCHCRAFT GN VOL 02 (MR)    $13.00
MAR211050    AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY KIDS COMICS 10 PACK STARTER SET    $19.99
APR211440    ARCHIE 80TH ANNIVERSARY JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #3    $7.99
MAY211952    ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM GN VOL 06 PT 1    $14.99
APR211375    ATHENA GODDESS OF WISDOM AND WAR    $14.99
MAR211658    AUTUMNAL #8 CVR A SHEHAN    $3.99
MAR211659    AUTUMNAL #8 CVR B GOODEN    $3.99
MAR218873    AUTUMNAL #8 CVR C WORDIE    $3.99
APR212026    BARBARIC #1 CVR D SEELEY POLYBAG VAR    $5.99
APR211963    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #5 CVR A STRIPS (MR)    $3.99
APR211964    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #5 CVR B MEAD (MR)    $3.99
APR211965    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #5 CVR C YOSHIMIZU (MR)    $3.99
APR211966    BLADE RUNNER 2029 #5 CVR D IANNICIELLO (MR)    $3.99
APR211905    BLOWTORCH #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB218917    BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY SCOURGE MECHANICAL MEN ONESHOT (    $4.99
APR211929    BROKEN GARGOYES SIN AND VIRTUE #1 (MR)    $3.99
APR211790    BURT THE BEETLE DOESN`T BITE GN    $12.99
APR211887    BY THE HORNS #3 (OF 7) CVR A MUHR (MR)    $3.99
APR211942    CARPENTER TALES SCIFI HELL #3 (OF 8) (MR)    $3.99
MAR211850    CERTAIN MAGICAL INDEX GN VOL 23    $13.00
APR211907    CHESS #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR211932    CULT OF DRACULA #4 (OF 6) CVR A NEMETH (MR)    $3.99
APR211933    CULT OF DRACULA #4 (OF 6) CVR B MAER (MR)    $3.99
APR211924    DARLING #1 CVR A MIMS (MR)    $3.99
APR211925    DARLING #1 CVR B RIEGEL (MR)    $3.99
APR212143    DEAR NOMAN GN VOL 02    $13.00
APR212164    DETECTIVE IS ALREADY DEAD GN VOL 01 (MR)    $15.00
MAR211275    DF GREEN LANTERN #1 CHANG SGN    $39.99
APR211643    DF HEROES REBORN MAGNETO & MUTANT FORCE #1 CHANG SGN    $29.99
APR211644    DF HEROES REBORN MAGNETO & MUTANT FORCE #1 SPOILER CHANG SGN    $39.99
APR211909    DIVINE RETRIBUTION ONE SHOT    $3.99
APR211911    DUPLICANT #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAR211229    FACTORY SUMMERS HC    $22.95
APR212136    FAREWELL TO MY ALTER GN (MR)    $15.00
APR211519    FREAK SNOW #2 CVR A SANTOS (MR)    $3.99
APR211520    FREAK SNOW #2 CVR B EMMONS (MR)    $3.99
APR211344    GIRLS OF DIMENSION 13 #3    $3.99
APR211304    GUNG HO ANGER #2 CVR A MIKE MCKONE (MR)    $3.99
APR211305    GUNG HO ANGER #2 CVR B ANTONIO FUSO (MR)    $3.99
APR211306    GUNG HO ANGER #2 CVR C JARED MURALT (MR)    $3.99
APR211307    GUNG HO ANGER #2 CVR D KUMMANT (MR)    $3.99
APR212149    HETEROGENIA LINGUISTICO GN VOL 03    $15.00
MAR211849    HIGH SCHOOL PRODIGIES HAVE IT EASY ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 10 (    $13.00
APR211804    HONOR AND CURSE #12    $3.99
APR212162    HONOR STUDENT AT MAGIC HIGH SCHOOL GN VOL 11    $13.00
APR212152    I CANNOT REACH YOU GN VOL 02    $13.00
MAY211953    I SHALL SURVIVE USING POTIONS GN VOL 04    $14.99
FEB211752    IF THE RPG WORLD HAD SOCIAL MEDIA GN VOL 01    $13.00
MAR211834    IVE BEEN KILLING SLIMES 300 YEARS MAXED OUT GN VOL 06    $13.00
APR211733    JOP AND BLIP WANNA KNOW GN CAN HEAR PENGUIN FART ON MARS    $7.99
APR211734    JOP AND BLIP WANNA KNOW HC CAN HEAR PENGUIN FART ON MARS    $12.99
MAR211164    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211182    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 BIKINI BABE NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211181    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 BIKINI BABE VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211180    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 HOMAGE NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211179    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 HOMAGE VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211185    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 LUSCIOUS NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211184    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 LUSCIOUS VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211175    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 NATURAL BEAUTY NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211174    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 NATURAL BEAUTY VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211165    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211169    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 PAINTED NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211168    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 PAINTED VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211167    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 SNEAKY WRAP VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211171    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 SULTRY NUDE VAR (RES) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211170    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 SULTRY VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
MAR211177    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 WRAP NUDE VAR (O/A) (MR)    $8.99
MAR211176    JUNGLE FANTASY FAUNA #1 WRAP VAR (RES) (MR)    $5.99
APR211835    KAIJUMAX SEASON 6 #2    $3.99
APR212150    KAKEGURUI TWIN GN VOL 10 (MR)    $15.00
MAR211392    KNIGHTS OF THE DINNER TABLE #284 (RES)    $6.99
APR211585    LA MUERTA RETAILIATION ONE SHOT CHATZOUDIS PREMIUM FOIL ED (    $25.00
APR211583    LA MUERTA RETAILIATION ONE SHOT KHAMUNAKI STANDARD CVR (MR)    $7.99
APR211586    LA MUERTA RETAILIATION ONE SHOT MONTE MOORE RAW CVR ED (MR)    $25.00
APR211584    LA MUERTA RETAILIATION ONE SHOT ORTIZ MAMA Z (MR)    $7.99
APR212157    LOVE AT FOURTEEN GN VOL 10    $15.00
FEB211483    MACHINE GIRL TP VOL 01 (MR)    $12.95
APR219084    MANIAC OF NEW YORK #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
APR211893    MIDNIGHT WESTERN THEATRE #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR212140    MIERUKO-CHAN GN VOL 03 (MR)    $13.00
APR211423    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR A ROB LIEFELD    $3.99
APR211424    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR B FRANCAVILLA    $3.99
APR211425    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR C AARON LOPRESTI    $3.99
APR211426    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR D DAVID MACK    $3.99
APR211427    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR E JERRY ORDWAY    $3.99
APR211428    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR F TOP SECRET LIEFEL    $3.99
APR211429    MIGHTY CRUSADERS ONE SHOT THE SHIELD CVR G LIEFELD SKETCH    $3.99
APR212039    MONEY SHOT #12 CVR A LAYNE (MR)    $3.99
APR212040    MONEY SHOT #12 CVR B BLACK BAG VAR (MR)    $5.99
APR211930    MONSTROUS HEARTBREAK BLOOD LOSS #2 (OF 3)    $3.99
MAR211048    MOON MAID THREE KEYS #1 CENTURY ED LTD ED    $29.99
FEB211096    NIGHTMARES OF PROVIDENCE #1 CURIOUS VAR (MR)    $6.99
FEB211097    NIGHTMARES OF PROVIDENCE #1 NCTOSA WRAP VAR (MR)    $6.99
FEB211095    NIGHTMARES OF PROVIDENCE #1 SIREN VAR (MR)    $6.99
FEB211099    NIGHTMARES OF PROVIDENCE #1 WHEATLEYS VAR (MR)    $6.99
FEB211092    NIGHTMARES OF PROVIDENCE #1 WISDOM VAR (MR)    $6.99
FEB211098    NIGHTMARES OF PROVIDENCE #1 WRAP VAR (MR)    $6.99
APR211783    NINJAS & ROBOTS #8 CVR A ERIK KLAUS    $4.99
APR211784    NINJAS & ROBOTS #8 CVR B BELLA RACHLIN    $4.99
APR211785    NINJAS & ROBOTS #8 CVR C ELLIOT FERNANDEZ    $4.99
APR212070    OZ ANNUAL PATCHWORK GIRL ONE SHOT #1 CVR A VITORINO    $7.99
APR212071    OZ ANNUAL PATCHWORK GIRL ONE SHOT #1 CVR B TOLIBAO    $7.99
APR212072    OZ ANNUAL PATCHWORK GIRL ONE SHOT #1 CVR C NAKAYAMA    $7.99
APR212147    PLAY IT COOL GUYS GN VOL 02    $15.00
MAR211233    REBECCA AND LUCIE SC GN    $21.95
APR211664    RED ROOM #2    $3.99
MAR219060    RED ROOM #2 CVR B NIXEY 5 COPY FOC INCV    $3.99
MAR219061    RED ROOM #2 CVR C PISKOR 10 COPY FOC INCV    $3.99
MAR219062    RED ROOM #2 CVR D RUGG 15 COPY FOC INCV    $3.99
APR211512    REDEMPTION #5 (MR)    $3.99
MAR211848    ROYAL TUTOR GN VOL 15    $13.00
MAR211852    SACRIFICIAL PRINCESS & KING BEASTS GN VOL 13    $13.00
APR211931    SEIS CUERDAS DEFENDER OF MEXICO #2 (OF 3) (MR)    $3.99
APR211325    STRANGERS IN CEREBUS ONE SHOT    $4.00
APR212161    STRAWBERRY FIELDS ONCE AGAIN GN VOL 03    $13.00
APR212092    STREET FIGHTER 2021 SCIFI FANTASY SPECIAL #1 CVR A VILLA    $4.99
APR212093    STREET FIGHTER 2021 SCIFI FANTASY SPECIAL #1 CVR B KINNAIRD    $4.99
APR212094    STREET FIGHTER 2021 SCIFI FANTASY SPECIAL #1 CVR C BLANK SKE    $5.99
APR212154    SWORD ART ONLINE PROJECT ALICIZATION GN VOL 03    $13.00
APR211326    SWORDS OF CEREBUS IN HELL TP VOL 03    $19.95
APR211569    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #128 (MR)    $3.99
APR211418    TEETHER TP BIG BITE SGN    $29.99
APR211808    THEY FELL FROM THE SKY #5    $3.99
MAR211822    TOILET BOUND HANAKO KUN GN VOL 09    $13.00
APR212155    TRINITY SEVEN 7 MAGICIANS GN VOL 23    $13.00
MAR211717    UNDER THE AIR GN (MR)    $15.95
MAY211589    UNDER THE COTTONWOOD TREE GN    $19.99
MAY211590    UNDER THE COTTONWOOD TREE HC GN    $29.99
APR211347    UNDONE BY BLOOD OTHER SIDE OF EDEN #4    $4.99
APR212043    VAMPIRE THE MASQUERADE #9    $3.99
APR219086    WE LIVE #1 4TH PTG    $4.99
APR219085    WE LIVE #5 3RD PTG    $3.99
FEB211157    WHITE #1 (MR)    $3.99
APR211883    WHITE LILY #5 (MR)    $3.95
APR211770    WITCH PT 8 TEACH 2B WITCH GN VOL 02    $15.00
APR212044    WITCHBLOOD #4 CVR A STERLE    $3.99
APR212045    WITCHBLOOD #4 CVR B STERLE    $3.99
APR212046    WITCHBLOOD #4 CVR C YOSHITANI    $3.99
APR211441    WORLD OF BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #6    $7.99
APR211856    X-VENTURE XPLORERS HC VOL 03 FISH OF FURY    $16.99
APR211855    X-VENTURE XPLORERS SC VOL 03 FISH OF FURY    $12.99
APR218095    YOU PROMISED ME DARKNESS #1 3RD PTG    $3.99
APR211529    YOU PROMISED ME DARKNESS #3 CVR A CONNELLY (MR)    $3.99
APR211530    YOU PROMISED ME DARKNESS #3 CVR B CONNELLY (MR)    $3.99
APR211531    YOU PROMISED ME DARKNESS #3 CVR C CONNELLY    $3.99
APR212160    YOUTH ROMANTIC COMEDY WRONG EXPECTED GN VOL 15    $13.00
APR211927    YUKI VS PANDA #2 (MR)    $3.99
MAR211031    ZORRO LAND THAT TIME FORGOT #1 VIRGIN BONK CVR    $19.99
MAR211030    ZORRO SWORDS OF HELL TP PROMO CARD ED    $19.99

MAGAZINES

APR211591    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1767    $PI
APR211739    HEAVY METAL #307 CVR A THUMBS (MR)    $13.99
APR211740    HEAVY METAL #307 CVR B CARPENTER (MR)    $13.99
FEB211574    HOBBY JAPAN MAY 2021    $20.00
JAN211609    MEGAMI APRIL 2021    $20.00
JAN211610    NEWTYPE APRIL 2021    $20.00
MAR219440    STAR WARS INSIDER #203 FOC CVR    $9.99
APR211983    STAR WARS INSIDER #203 NEWSSTAND ED    $9.99
APR211982    STAR WARS INSIDER #203 PX ED    $9.99

BOOKS

MAY211454    ANOTHER HISTORY OF ART HC    $24.99
APR212167    BOFURI DONT WANT TO GET HURT MAX OUT DEFENSE NOVEL SC VOL 02    $15.00
MAR211225    DC SUPER HEROES ABC BOARD BOOK    $10.99
MAR211226    DC SUPER HEROES DIVERSITY IS SUPERPOWER BOARD BOOK    $10.99
MAR211227    DC SUPER HEROES MY FIRST BOOK OF GIRL POWER BOARD BOOK    $10.99
MAR211228    DC SUPER HEROES MY FIRST BOOK OF SUPERPOWERS BOARD BOOK    $10.99
FEB211240    DC SUPER HEROES POWER OF KINDNESS BOARD BOOK (RES)    $10.99
MAR218753    ERB AUTH LIB TARZAN HC VOL 05 TARZAN & JEWELS OF OPAR    $29.95
MAR218750    ERB AUTH LIB TARZAN HC VOL 06 JUNGLE TALES OF TARZAN    $29.95
MAR218757    ERB AUTH LIB TARZAN HC VOL 07 TARZAN THE UNTAMED    $29.95
MAR218756    ERB AUTH LIB TARZAN HC VOL 08 TARZAN THE TERRIBLE    $29.95
MAY211369    GIGGLES ARE COMING HC    $17.99
APR212173    KID FROM DUNGEON BOONIES MOVED STARTER TOWN NOVEL SC VOL 06    $15.00
APR212010    POLITICS IN GUTTERS SC    $30.00
MAY211958    SEIREI GENSOUKI SPIRIT CHRONICLES OMNIBUS NOVEL VOL 02    $22.99
MAY211857    SHIGENORI SOEJIMA & P-STUDIO ART UNIT ART WORKS 2 TP    $44.99
MAY211858    SHIGENORI SOEJIMA ART WORKS TP    $44.99
APR212171    SISTERS ALL YOU NEED LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 10    $15.00
MAR211858    SOLO LEVELING LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02    $15.00
APR211330    TERRY MOORE 2021 SKETCHBOOK    $15.99
APR212166    THAT TIME I REINCARNATED SLIME LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 11    $15.00
MAY211278    WAKANDA FILES TECHNOLOGICAL EXPLORATION AVENGERS & BEYOND (C    $30.00



DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for June 29, 2021

DC COMICS:

Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries Extravaganza #1, $4.99
Batman By John Ridley The Deluxe Edition HC, $17.99
Batman White Knight Presents Harley Quinn HC, $24.99
Catwoman 2021 Annual #1 (Cover A Kyle Hotz), $5.99
Catwoman 2021 Annual #1 (Cover B Liam Sharp Card Stock Variant), $6.99
DC Connect #14, AR
DC Poster Portfolio Joelle Jones TP, $24.99
Flash By Mark Waid Volume 8 TP, $34.99
Future State Superman TP, $39.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover A Dan Mora), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover B Michael Cho 1940s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover C Daniel Warren Johnson 1950s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover D Neal Adams 1960s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover E Derrick Chew 1970s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover F Gary Frank 1980s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover G Howard Porter 1990s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover H Jen Bartel 2000s Variant), $9.99
Green Arrow 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 (Cover I Simone Di Meo 2010s Variant), $9.99
Infinite Frontier Secret Files #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Bryan Hitch), $9.99
Mystery Of The Meanest Teacher A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel GN, $9.99
Space Jam A New Legacy TP, $12.99
Suicide Squad Casualties Of War TP, $29.99
Teen Titans Academy 2021 Yearbook #1 (Cover A Rafa Sandoval/Alejandro Sanchez/Jamal Campbell/Steve Blackwell), $5.99
Teen Titans Academy 2021 Yearbook #1 (Cover B Rafa Sandoval Card Stock Variant), $6.99


Friday, June 25, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: CHAOS CAMPUS #34

CHAOS CAMPUS: SORORITY GIRLS VS ZOMBIES #34
APPROBATION COMICS

STORY: B. Alex Thompson – @ApproBAT
ART: Ricardo Mendez
COLORS: Alivon Ortiz
LETTERS: Krugos
POST-SCRIPTING/POLISH: John P. Ward
EDITORS: B. Alex Thompson and John P. Ward
MISC. ART: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
COVERS: Ricardo Mendez with Alivon Ortiz
24pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. print/$1.99 U.S. digital (2017; digital release date – December 27, 2017)

Rated: Teen 13+ / 15+ Only – comiXology rating

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies created by B. Alex Thompson

“Higher Learning, Part 2 of 4”


Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies is the long-running zombie apocalypse comic book series from Approbation Comics.  Mixing in elements of comedy, horror, adventure, and magic, it is the creation of B. Alex Thompson.  The series is set during a zombie invasion and follows the adventures of three members of the sorority, Epsilon Alpha Zeta Upsilon (EAZY):  ass-kickin’ Jamie Lynn Schaeffer, brainy and magic-wielding Paige Helena Patton, and sexy goddess-type Brittany Ann Miller.

The current story line is “Higher Learning.”  It is written by Thompson; drawn by Ricardo Mendez; colored by Alivon Ortiz; and lettered by Krugos.  In this story arc, Paige is reunited with her father, who also happens to be the villain, Tech Locke.

Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies #34 opens in the “Campus Survivors Compound.”  Paige's mother, Morgan, wants the group to have a really good plan of action before they launch an attack on Tech Locke's compound to retrieve her daughter.

Elsewhere, in the stronghold, Paige battles her sister for Tech's amusement, and this leads to a reunion with an old (and thought to be dead) rival, Mitzi Peterson.  Later, Jamie engages in some gladiatorial combat and has some reunions of her own.

THE LOWDOWN:  After bringing “The Road to Salvation” story line to an end and delivering a series of standalone stories, writer B. Alex Thompson turns the focus of Chaos Campus' narrative eye to Paige Helena Patton.  The fun thing of that, especially for regular readers of Chaos Campus is that this story arc means a return of favorite characters that have been absent for several issues or even longer.

Ricardo Mendez's art and graphical storytelling deftly mixes the magic and the reunions.  Mendez also conveys how important this story arc is both in terms of Paige's development and in her personal story and in terms of how the story affects the future of the series.

Alivon Ortiz's good coloring continues to bless Chaos Campus, and his dazzling color effects for the last few issues just pop off the page. Letterer Krugos continues the steady beat of this series, as he carries readers through the narrative.  I heartily recommend Chaos Campus #34, so go back and get #33, if you have to, as you prepare for the rest “Higher Learning.”

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of zombies and of horror-comedies will want to try Chaos Campus: Sorority Girls vs. Zombies.

A
8 out of 10

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



Buy Chaos Campus at comiXology.

www.ApprobationComics.com
https://twitter.com/ApproBAT
www.AlexThompsonWriter.com


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

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Tuesday, June 22, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: KILLADELPHIA #10

KILLADELPHIA #10
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rodney Barnes
ART: Jason Shawn Alexander
COLORS: Luis Nct
LETTERS: Marshall Dillon
EDITOR: Greg Tumbarello
COVER: Jason Shawn Alexander
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: J. Scott Campbell with Sabine Rich
28pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(November 2020)

Rated “M/ Mature”

“Burn Baby Burn” Part IV: “Kill Them All”


Published by Image Comics, Killadelphia is a comic book series from writer Rodney Barnes and artist Jason Shawn Alexander.  At the center of this series is a police officer caught in a lurid conspiracy in which vampires attempt to rule Philadelphia, “the City of Brotherly Love.”  Colorist Luis Nct and letterer Marshall Dillon complete Killadelphia's creative team.

Killadelphia focuses on James “Jim” Sangster, Jr., who comes home to Philly to deal with the final affairs of his recently murdered father, revered Philadelphia homicide detective, James Sangster, Sr.  Not dead, but undead, the father joined the son, the chief medical examiner (Jose Padilla), and a rebellious vampire to lead the battle that saves Philly from the vampires.  But that was just the first battle, and this is an apocalypse.

Killadelphia #10 (“Kill Them All”) opens in Deadwood, South Dakota, 1876.  And this is the story of Fergus O'Neill.  He is a slave, a slave who is a plantation overseer, and a dead-eye shooter, who eventually becomes the mortician known as “Toppy.”  This is the story of how Toppy becomes a vampire and an ally of Abigail Adams.

Elsewhere, the Sangster boys, Ms. Padilla, and Police Lt. Zimmerman battle a vampire horde, but the battle goes awry when one of the soldiers forgets the weapons of war.  Now, cracks rapidly appear in the foundation of a defense force.

Meanwhile, there is a rebellion being born within the rebellion.

THE LOWDOWN:  As I first write this review, it is Thanksgiving Week 2020.  Killadelphia #10 hits comic book shops Wednesday, November 25th, one day before the Thanksgiving … of the apocalypse.

I am thankful for Killadelphia.  I am thankful for Rodney Barnes' scripts, the writhing dishes of blood pudding that is this narrative.  I am thankful for Jason Shawn Alexander's powerful art and graphical storytelling.  I am thankful for Luis Nct's fiery colors of damnation.  I am thankful for Marshall Dillon keeping peace in the border towns of undead lettering.  For all I know, these creative knuckleheads are also immortals … because Killadelphia can't be this good – unless it is a work of the supernatural.

Every issue, I am surprised, and Killadelphia is still killmatic 10 issues on.  So, dear readers, give yourself a reason to be thankful this year and pick up Killadelphia #10 and also the trade paperback, Killadelphia Vol. 1: Sins of the Father.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of vampire comic books and of exceptional dark fantasy will want Killadelphia.

A+
10 out of 10

Killadelphia #10 has a backup feature:

“Elysium Gardens” Part 3 “The Skin I'm In”
Story: Rodney Barnes
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Layouts: Sherard Jackson
Letters: Marshall Dillon

The back-up feature, “Elysium Gardens,” first opened on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California on April 28, 1962 and then, moved to Sicily, 827 A.D.  Now, the story moves … back to the future or present in L.A.  Angela does not want to believe that she is Zubiya or a werewolf, but she may be forced to accept that it is a time of reckoning for her kind.

Previously, I wrote that Rodney Barnes' story and Jason Shawn Alexander's art recalled the black and white horror comics magazines of Warren Publications (like Creepy and Eerie).  However, this is something new, and “Elysium Gardens” looks like it wants to break more than just a little ground.  I'm more sure of that, now.

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


https://twitter.com/TheRodneyBarnes
https://twitter.com/jasonshawnalex
https://twitter.com/luisnct
https://twitter.com/MarshallDillon
https://twitter.com/ImageComics
https://imagecomics.com/
http://rodneybarnes.com/


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.


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Monday, June 21, 2021

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for June 23, 2021

BOOM! STUDIOS

FEB210894    DUNE HOUSE ATREIDES HC VOL 01    $24.99
APR211218    FIREFLY #30 CVR A BENGAL    $3.99
APR211219    FIREFLY #30 CVR B FORBES    $3.99
APR211174    GOOD LUCK #1 (OF 5) CVR A CORONA & PAREL INTERMIX    $3.99
APR211175    GOOD LUCK #1 (OF 5) CVR B CORONA FOIL    $4.99
APR218876    MANY DEATHS OF LAILA STARR #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG LINDSAY    $3.99
APR211200    POWER RANGERS #8 CVR A SCALERA    $3.99
APR211201    POWER RANGERS #8 CVR B LEGACY VAR DI NICUOLO    $3.99
APR218877    PROCTOR VALLEY ROAD #3 (OF 5) 2ND PTG FRANQUIZ (MR)    $3.99
APR211265    SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #17 CVR A DELL EDERA    $3.99
APR211266    SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #17 CVR B GLOW IN THE DARK    $4.99