#IReadsYou Review: VAMPIVERSE #1

VAMPIVERSE VOLUME 1 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Thomas Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson
ART: Daniel Maine
COLORS: Francesca Cittarelli
LETTERS: Taylor Esposito
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Adam Hughes
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Stephen Segovia; Meghan Hetrick; Maria Sanapo; Daniel Maine; Roberto Castro; Adam Hughes; Rachel Hollon (cosplay)
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2021)

Rated Teen+

“The Red Mass” Book 1: “The Bride”

Vampirella is a vampire and female superhero created by the late author and science fiction and horror expert, Forrest J Ackerman, and designed by comic book artist, Trina Robbins.  Vampirella first appeared in Vampirella #1 (Sept. 1969), the debut issue of a black and white horror comics magazine from Warren Publishing.  Writer-editor Archie Goodwin changed the character from a hostess of horror comics to a leading character in her own stories.

Vampirella publications were published by Warren into 1983, and after Warren's bankruptcy, Harris Publications obtained the character and published new and reprint Vampirella comic books into the mid-1990s.  In 2010, Dynamite Entertainment obtained the character and has been publishing new Vampirella material since then.

Dynamite's Vampirella comic book series is Vampiverse.  The series is written by Thomas Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson; drawn by Daniel Maine; colored by Francesca Cittarelli; and lettered by Taylor Esposito.  In this new series, a Vampirella from one universe must gather Vampirellas from other universes in order stop a mysterious force from destroying them and the Creator of all things.

Vampiverse Volume 1 #1 opens in war.  Some stories are just beginning.  Some have been going on for a really, really long time.  Some are ending.

There is a different Vampirella for every thread – for every story – across the “Weave,” the fabric of time and space.  There is a Vampirella of every conceivable notion born to protect her particular reality. Some of Vampirella stories are beginning, and some have been going on for a very long time.  Some Vampirella stories are ending...

Bloodwing is killing the Vampirellas and stealing away their precious life energies and growing in power.  Now, it is up to one particular Vampirella to gather other special Vampirellas in order to stop this growing threat to “The Artist,” the creator of all things.  And all she has is a book, but is that enough, even if it is the “Book of Prophecy?”

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Vengeance of Vampiverse Volume 1 #1, one of a growing number of Vampirella comic books that I have recently read.

I like Dynamite's “multiverse of Red Sonjas” comic book, Sonjaversal, but I was not sure I could like Vampiverse, “a multiverse of Vampirellas” comic book.  However, the creative team has changed my mind … for the time being.

Writers Thomas Sniegoski and Jeannine Acheson offer a nice first chapter, one that teases me enough to a pay attention.  They also offer a bad-ass villain.  Daniel Maine's art is both pretty and effective storytelling, with some nice coloring from Francesca Cittarelli layered over.  Plus, DC Comics' letterer Taylor Esposito stops by to drop off his usual high-quality lettering.

I think I'll come back for more and tell you about it, dear readers.  Vampiverse, I must admit, has some potential to be an entertaining Vampirella comic book.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella comics will want to read Vampiverse Volume 1.

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


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#IReadsYou Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: The Tornado's Path

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE TORNADO'S PATH
DC COMICS

STORY: Brad Meltzer
PENCILS: Ed Benes
INKS: Sandra Hope
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Rob Leigh
EDITORS: Eddie Berganza (original); Bob Harras (collection)
COVER: Michael Turner with Peter Steigerwald
MISC. ART: Ed Benes with Alex Sinclair; Ed Benes and Maria Benes with Alex Sinclair; Michael Turner with Peter Steigerwald; Phil Jimenez and Andy Lanning with Jeremy Cox; Chris Sprouse and Karl Story with Alex Sinclair; J.G. Jones with Alex Sinclair; Art Adams with Alex Sinclair; Adam Hughes; Ed Benes; Gene Ha; Luke McDonnell; George Perez; Howard Porter & Drew Geraci; Eric Wright; Kevin Maguire with Alex Sinclair
ISBN: 978-1-4012-1580-4; paperback (August 2008)
144pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $21.99 CAN

Justice League of America created by Gardner Fox

Introduction by Damon Lindelof

The Justice League of America is a DC Comics team of superheroes.  The team was conceived by writer Gardner Fox in the late 1950s as a then modern update of the 1940s superhero team, the Justice Society of America.  The Justice League of America's original line-up of superheroes was comprised of Superman (Clark Kent), Batman (Bruce Wayne), Wonder Woman (Diana Prince), The Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Aquaman (Arthur Curry), and the Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz).  This group first appeared together as the Justice League of America in the comic book, The Brave and the Bold #28 (cover dated: March 1960).

The team received its own comic book title entitled Justice League of America, beginning with a first issue cover dated November 1960.  Justice League of America #261 (cover dated: April 1987) was the series' final issue, and a new series, simply titled Justice League, began with a first issue cover dated May 1987.  The title, “Justice League of America,” would not be used for an ongoing comic book series for almost two decades.

After the events of the event miniseries, Infinite Crisis, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman reformed the Justice League of America as seen in Justice League #0 (cover dated: September 2006).  The kickoff of a new Justice League of America ongoing comic book series was under the guidance of writer Brad Meltzer and pencil artist Ed Benes.  The rest of the creative team was comprised of artist Sandra Hope (inks); colorist Alex Sinclair; and letterer Rob Leigh.

DC Comics reprinted Meltzer and Benes' Justice League of America issues #1 to #7 (cover dates: October 2006 to May 2007) in the collection, Justice League of America: The Tornado's Path.  It was released first in a hardcover edition in June 2007, and was later released in its first paperback edition in August 2008.

Justice League of America: The Tornado's Path begins with a framing sequence.  It depicts Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman's mission to build a new Justice League of America.  Elsewhere, dark forces have gathered to take down a longtime member of the League.

John Smith, the robot superhero known as “Red Tornado,” is about to get a new lease on life.  With the help of Deadman and Dr. Will Magnus (creator of the Metal Men), John is going to transfer his “soul” into a duplicate body of the recently deceased metahuman, Multiplex.  The duplicate or clone is brain dead.  By becoming a flesh and blood human, Red Tornado believes that he can become a real husband to his wife, Kathy Sutton, and to their adopted daughter, Traya.  However, a conspiracy led by some of the Justice League's most powerful and evil adversaries has other plans for Red Tornado and for the new Justice League of America.

THE LOWDOWN:  I remember, lo those many years ago, what big news it was that bestselling novelist, Brad Meltzer, would be the writer that would help launch (or relaunch) a new Justice League of America comic book series.  Meltzer had already wowed fans and courted some controversy just a few years earlier with his DC Comics event comic book miniseries, Identity Crisis (2004-05).

Meltzer's opening Justice League of America story arc, “The Tornado's Path,” lived up to the anticipation.  For one thing, the Red Tornado/John Smith's situation was just so tragic.  Sure, the idea of his soul being transferred into the brain dead clone body of a dead man was (and is) super-gross.  Still, Metltzer made me feel that Smith's journey was honest and genuine.  Also, the villains were damn mean and evil.  Meltzer wasn't trying to do  something similar to what Marvel Comics writers have been trying to do with X-Men character, Magneto, for four decades – turn an evil, racist mass murderer into a tragic Holocaust survivor.  No, the villains that appear in this story arc (and I don't want to spoil their identities for those of you who have not, but should read this story) are evil, lowdown, dirty-ass muthas, and they want to annihilate some JLA ass.

Speaking of the Justice League, I find that Meltzer did not so much give them personalities as he simply wrote an engaging character drama in which he made all the characters interesting.  The characters were equal parts poignant, dramatic, and humorous, but the potential for superhero action-violence was always there.

Artist Ed Benes did some really good work here.  His pencil art, especially under Sandra Hope's inks, was clearly inspired by some of the artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s who founded Image Comics.  However, Benes' graphical storytelling was powerfully dramatic.  He drew costumed characters with broad, muscular, meaty, and thick bodies that filled up the panels with power and the potential for power.  Benes made every threat of or potential for violence feel real.  The contents of each panel were designed and staged for maximum effect.  He gave this story epic power, although “The Tornado's Path” did not feel so much like an epic as it did feel like a consequential moment in the history of Justice League of America comic books.

I don't have much to say about the coloring by Alex Sinclair; his work here is among his lesser achievements.  On the other hand, Rob Leigh's lettering helps to sell the elements of drama, violence, and danger in this story.  I had been putting off reading Brad Meltzer's Justice League of America comics for years, and fortune brought this trade collection into my hands.  I'm glad it did.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Brad Meltzer and of the Justice League of America will want to treat themselves to Justice League of America: The Tornado's Path.

A
9 out of 10

[This volume includes additional commentary by Brad Meltzer, Ed Benes, Alex Sinclair, and Sandra Hope.]

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


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#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS VOL. 1: The Destiny Path

STAR WARS VOL. 1 (2020): THE DESTINY PATH
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon, and visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Jesus Saiz
COLORS: Arif Prianto with Jesus Saiz (#1); Rachelle Rosenberg (#4); and Dan Brown (#5)
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: R.B. Silva with Guru-eFX
MISC. ART: Arthur Adams with Jesus Aburtov; Jen Bartel; Adam Hughes; Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson; Phil Noto; Ema Lupacchino with Jesus Aburtov; Daniel Acuna; Patch Zircher with Edgard Delgado; John Tyler Christopher
ISBN: 978-1-302-92078-4; paperback (November 10, 2020)
152pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $22.99 CAN

Rated T

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again.  Marvel's new Star Wars #1 opened in the time immediately after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977), which is also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.  After 75 issues, that series ended.

In late 2019, the new Star Wars ongoing series began.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Jesus Saiz; colored by Arif Prianto; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  Star Wars (cover dated: 2020) starts during the last act of the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back) and then, goes on to tell the story of the aftermath of the events depicted in Episode V.

The first six issues of Star Wars (2020) are collected in the recently released trade paperback, Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path.  “The Destiny Path” is the first story arc of this new series.

Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path opens inside the Millennium Falcon.  Its passengers:  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Lando Calrissian have fled the Cloud City of Bespin, formerly owned by Lando.  They also escaped capture by the forces of the Galactic Empire, thanks to a save by R2-D2 (as seen in The Empire Strikes Back).  However, there are also feelings of recrimination and anger over Han Solo being the prisoner of a group of bounty hunters, led by Boba Fett, in service of Darth Vader – with the involuntary assistance of Lando.

Leia's plan is for the Falcon to reach The Mid Rim, Rendezvous Point: Delta-Three and join the “Fourth Division” of the Rebel Fleet.  But the Fourth Division is trapped there by Imperial forces led by Lieutenant Gorr of the Imperial Star Destroyer, “Tarkin's Will.”  Now, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, and Lando will have to put aside the anger, pain, and grief if they are going to save the Rebel Alliance.

“No … I am your father.”

Meanwhile, Luke struggles with his destiny as a Jedi Knight in the aftermath of his battle with Darth Vader at Cloud City.  He calls to his late mentor, Ben “Obi-Wan” Kenobi, but does not receive a reply, and Luke also feels out of sorts with the Force – as if it has abandoned him.  Then, Luke begins to have dreams and visions of a mystery woman who holds out a lightsaber to him – perhaps to replace the one he lost at Cloud City.  Now, Luke must find her, if he is to find his way with the Force … or so he thinks.  Plus, Leia, Luke, and Lando return to Cloud City, each for his or her own reasons.

THE LOWDOWN:  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path takes place inside the final 10 minutes of The Empire Strikes Back.  It expands on what happens between the Millennium Falcon escaping the Imperial forces shortly after leaving Bespin and the film's final moments.  Then, The Destiny Path creates a larger story of what happens afterwards, which involves several sub-plots.

The Rebel Alliance must find a new base, but first, they have to escape Imperial forces, which have found a way to track the whereabouts of the separated “Divisions” of the Rebel Fleet.  The Imperials can track one Division in order to find a second; then, it destroys both.  The main goal of Leia, Luke, Lando, and Chewbacca is to find Han Solo, and if Boba Fett hasn't already turned Han over to Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine, then, they must track Boba.

Writer Charles Soule has previously said that he hopes to use this new Star Wars series to expand on what happened between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (1983), the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy.  And I'm all for that!  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path is a very well written first arc.  Soule expounds on the conflict between Leia and Chewbacca against Lando.  Soule gives Lando a chance to settle his affairs at Cloud City and to reunite with a friend (and one of my favorite characters, Lobot).

Soule delves into Luke's struggles after his duel with Darth Vader, revealing a young man adrift and who may have to find his own way.  Soule plays up the idea that Luke's journey will be different from that of any other Jedi's.  The Destiny Path allows readers to see Luke take the first big steps that he takes alone on his path to being a Jedi.

I really like the art by illustrator Jesus Saiz and colorist Arif Prianto.  The graphical storytelling is moody and emotionally, but also offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, all of it well paced by Clayton Cowles' lettering.  For however long Saiz and Prianto work on this new Star Wars series, they seem capable of capturing the dark mood of a time when the Star Wars narrative fell into the deep, cold shadows of the Empire.

I have to be honest.  Although I was a regular reader of the previous series, Star Wars (2015), my excitement for the series's last 12 issues was about a third of what it was for the first 12 issues.  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path is making me feel excited about Star Wars comic books the way the beginning of Star Wars 2015 did.  And I feel quite safe in recommending this collection to you, dear readers and Star Wars fans.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars comic books and of the time between Star Wars: Episodes V and VI will definitely want to sample Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path.

9 out of 10

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

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#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #1

STAR WARS #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon and visit the "Star Wars Central" review page.]

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Jesus Saiz
COLORS: Jesus Saiz; Arif Prianto
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: R.B. Silva with Guru-eFX
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Adams with Jesus Aburtov; Jen Bartel; Adam Hughes; Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson; Phil Noto; Chris Sprouse; Karl Story with Neeraj Menon
4pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2020)

Rated T

“The Destiny Path” Part I

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again.  Star Wars #1 opened in the time immediately after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977), which is also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.  After 75 issues, that series ended.

Now comes Star Wars 2020.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Jesus Saiz; colored by Arif Prianto and Saiz; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  The new series takes place after the events depicted in the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back).

Star Wars #1 opens inside the Millennium Falcon.  Its passengers:  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Lando Calrissian escaped the Cloud City of Bespin, formerly owned by Lando.  They also escaped capture by the forces of the Galactic Empire, thanks to a save by R2-D2, as seen in The Empire Strikes Back.  There are also feelings of recrimination and anger over the capture of Han Solo by bounty hunters, led by Boba Fett, in service of Darth Vader.

Leia's plan is for them to reach The Mid Rim, Rendezvous Point: Delta-Three and join the “Fourth Division” of the Rebel Fleet.  But the Fourth Division is trapped there by imperial forces led by Lieutenant Gorr of the Imperial Star Destroyer, “Tarkin's Will.”  Now, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, and Lando will have to put aside the anger, pain, and grief if they are going to save the Rebel Alliance... and find a traitor.  Meanwhile, Luke struggles with his destiny in the aftermath of his battle with Darth Vader in Cloud City.

Star Wars #1 (2020) takes place inside the final 10 minutes of The Empire Strikes Back.  It expands on what happened between the Millennium Falcon escaping the Imperial forces shortly after leaving Bespin and the film's final moments.  Writer Charles Soule has said that he hopes to use this new Star Wars series to expand on what happened between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (1983), the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy.  And I'm all for that!

Star Wars #1 is a very well written first issue, as Soule expounds on the conflict between Leia and Chewbacca against Lando.  Soule delves into Luke's struggles after his duel with Darth Vader, revealing a young man adrift and who may have to find his own way.  Soule plays up the idea that Luke's journey will be different from that of any other Jedi's.  Soule also offers a tremendous mini action-thriller involving a besieged part of the Rebel Fleet, facing certain doom at the hands of Imperial Star Destroyers.  Soule creates the perfect scenario in which he can show how the post-Episode V core of heroes:  Luke, Leia, Lando, Chewbacca, and the Droids can work together to save the Rebellion.

I really like the art by Jesus Saiz and Arif Prianto.  The graphical storytelling is moody and emotionally, but also offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, all of it well paced by Clayton Cowles' lettering.  For however long Saiz and Prianto work on this new Star Wars series, they seem capable of capturing the dark mood of a time when the Star Wars narrative fell into the deep, cold shadows of the Empire.

I have to be honest.  Although I was a regular reader of the previous series, Star Wars (2015), my excitement for the series's last 12 issues was about a third of what it was for the first 12 issues.  Star Wars #1 2020 has not made me feel the original highs I felt, but it's close enough.

8 out of 10

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


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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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 11, 2020

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SEP200303    BILL & TED ARE DOOMED #3 (OF 4) CVR A DORKIN    $3.99
SEP200304    BILL & TED ARE DOOMED #3 (OF 4) CVR B CROOK    $3.99
SEP200291    HELLBOY & THE BPRD THE SEVEN WIVES CLUB CVR A HUGHES (RES)    $4.99
SEP200292    HELLBOY & THE BPRD THE SEVEN WIVES CLUB CVR B MIGNOLA (RES)    $4.99
SEP200293    HELLBOY & THE BPRD THE SEVEN WIVES CLUB CVR C HUGHES (RES)    $4.99
JUL200286    NEIL GAIMAN LIBRARY EDITION HC VOL 02    $49.99
SEP200257    RESIDENT ALIEN YOUR RIDES HERE #1    $3.99
SEP200280    TRUE LIVES FABULOUS KILLJOYS NATIONAL ANTHEM #2 CVR A ROMERO    $3.99
SEP200281    TRUE LIVES FABULOUS KILLJOYS NATIONAL ANTHEM #2 CVR B CLOONA    $3.99
SEP200282    TRUE LIVES FABULOUS KILLJOYS NATIONAL ANTHEM #2 CVR C MOTOHI    $3.99
JUL200296    WILL DESTROY GALAXY FOR CASH TP    $12.99

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Batman #99 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $3.99
Batman #99 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR
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Batman Curse Of The White Knight HC, $29.99
Batman The Golden Age Omnibus Volume 8 HC, $125.00
Batman’s Grave #10 (Of 12)(Cover A Bryan Hitch), $3.99
Batman’s Grave #10 (Of 12)(Cover B Arthur Adams Card Stock Variant), AR
Catwoman #25 (Cover A Joelle Jones), $5.99
Catwoman #25 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), AR
Dark Knight Returns The Golden Child Deluxe Edition HC, $17.99
DCeased Dead Planet #1 (Of 6)(Peach Momoko 4th Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
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Detective Comics #1027 (Cover A Andy Kubert Wraparound Variant), $9.99
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Detective Comics #1027 (Cover E Frank Quitely Batman & Robin Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover F Jim Lee Batman & Superman Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover G Jim Cheung Batman & Bane Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover H Olivier Coipel Batman & Harley Quinn Variant), AR
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Detective Comics #1027 (Cover J Adam Hughes Batman & Catwoman Variant), AR
Detective Comics #1027 (Cover K Marc Silvestri Batman & Joker Variant), AR
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Hawkman Volume 3 Darkness Within TP, $16.99
Joker Killer Smile HC, $29.99
Justice League #53 (Cover A Liam Sharp), $3.99
Justice League #53 (Cover B Ian MacDonald), AR
Metal Men #10 (Of 12)(Cover A Shane Davis), $3.99
Metal Men #10 (Of 12)(Cover B Kevin Nowlan), AR
Robin 80 Years Of The Boy Wonder HC, $29.99
Strange Adventures #1 (Of 12)(Evan Doc Shaner 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Strange Adventures #1 (Of 12)(Mitch Gerads 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Strange Adventures #3 (Of 12)(Mitch Gerads 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Strange Adventures #4 (Of 12)(Mitch Gerads 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Teen Titans #45 (Cover A Bernard Chang), $3.99
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DEC190247    ALIENS VS PREDATOR 30TH ANNIV ORIGINAL COMIC SERIES HC    $44.99
FEB200322    BERSERK DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 05 (MR)    $49.99
FEB200319    CUISINE CHINOISE TALES OF FOOD & LIFE HC    $19.99
FEB200299    DISNEY MOANA STORY OF THE MOVIE IN COMICS HC    $10.99
FEB200239    HELLBOY AND THE BPRD BEAST OF VARGU & OTHERS TP    $19.99
FEB200264    KABUKI OMNIBUS TP VOL 03    $29.99
FEB200285    RAIDERS TP    $19.99
FEB200288    STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL 07    $10.99
FEB200243    UMBRELLA ACADEMY DALLAS DLX LTD HC VOL 02    $79.99

Review: SUPERMAN #1

SUPERMAN No. 1 (2018)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
PENCILS: Ivan Reis
INKS: Joe Prado
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Josh Reed
COVER: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado with Alex Sinclair
VARIANT COVERS: Adam Hughes; David Mack
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2018)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

“The Unity Saga”

Superman the comic book series enters a new era with a new writer and a new #1 issue (the third in seven years).  Superman is the most famous DC Comics superhero character.  Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 (cover dated: June 1938).  Superman was first a baby named “Kal-El” from the doomed planet Krypton.  Brought to Earth on a rocket ship (or space craft), Baby Kal was adopted by Martha and Thomas Kent, who named him “Clark Kent.”

Clark would grow up to be the superhero, Superman, and his activities and adventures were first chronicled in Action Comics.  A year later, Superman would get his own eponymous title when the comic book entitled Superman #1 debuted.  Now, comes a new Superman series.  It is written by the new primary Superman comic book writer, Brian Michael Bendis.  It is drawn by artists Ivan Reis (pencils) and Joe Prado (inks); colored by Alex Sinclair; and lettered by Josh Reed.

Superman #1 (2018) finds The Man of Steel stopping an invasion of Earth by the “Dominators” dead in its tracks.  [The Dominators a.k.a. “Dominion” were first seen in Adventures Comics #361 (October 1967), but are probably best known for being the villains in the 1988-89 comic book miniseries and crossover event, Invasion!].  Then, it is time to build a new “Fortress of Solitude,” have two separate meetings with fellow Justice League teammates, save the day several times, and discover something shocking about our planet.

I really want to like Brian Michael Bendis' Superman comic books, and for the most part, I enjoyed his debut series, The Man of Steel, a six-issue miniseries.  It could never live up to my ridiculously high expectations, but I actually wanted more of The Man of Steel.  Well, Superman #1 starts the process of meeting my Bendis Superman needs and expectations.

Bendis fills this first issue with wonderful surprises and sub-plots.  Ivan Reis' pencil art and compositions are lushly illustrated, and have a sparkling quality thanks to Joe Prado's intricate and detailed inks.  Colorist supreme Alex Sinclair delivers hues that have an opulent quality.  Josh Reed does some heavy lifting finding the right spots in the art to place word balloons and boxes.  This is a very well put together graphics package

I get the feeling that Bendis is going to portray Superman/Clark Kent as having to confront, deal with, and manage all his persona and all aspects of his personal, private, secret, and super lives.  I really like Superman #1 (2018), and I think my ridiculously high expectations might be met.

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 or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: CAPTAIN AMERICA #1

CAPTAIN AMERICA No. 1 (Legacy #705)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review ws originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Ta-Nehisi Coates
PENCILS: Leinil Francis Yu
INKS: Gerry Alanguilan
COLORS: Sunny Gho
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Alex Ross
VARIANT COVERS: Adam Hughes; Joe Jusko; David Mack; Jim Sternako; Frank Miller with Edgar Delgado; Leinil Francis Yu; Paul Renaud; Joe Simon and Jack Kirby; Marko Djurdjevic; Ron Garney with Matt Milla; Mike Zeck with Richard Isanove; John Cassaday with Laura Martin
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2018)

Rated “T+”

Captain America created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

“Winter in America” Part 1

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.  Captain America was Steve Rogers, a frail young man who reached the peak of human perfection via the experimental “super soldier” serum.

He first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (cover dated:  March 1941), which was published by Timely Comics, a predecessor of Marvel Comics.  After Captain America Comics was canceled in 1949, there was a revival of the series from 1953 to 1954.  Captain America fully returned to modern comic books in The Avengers #4 (cover dated: March 1964).

Steve Rogers/Captain America embarks on a new beginning again with a relaunch of his title series.  The new Captain America comic book series is written by Ta-Nehisi Coates; drawn by Leinil Francis Yu (pencils) and Gerry Alanguilan (inks); colored by Sunny Gho; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  In the new series, Captain America faces an existential crises as he wrestles with how people view and perceive him in the wake of the Hydra Captain America impostor that briefly took over the world as an authoritarian dictator.

Captain America #1 opens in the Sayan Mountains of Russia months earlier.  There, something new is emerging from the ashes of Hydra.  In the present day, Captain America and the Winter Solider battle a small army of men who resemble Cap's old adversary, Nuke.  They are killing civilians in a mass shooting event in and around the National Mall in Washington D.C.  As Captain America battles to save lives and stop these killers, he will also have to face another harsh reality.  No one really trusts him anymore... even the people who should know him best.

I would not call Captain America #1 2018 a great comic book, but it is the best written Captain America comic book that I have read in ages.  Ta-Nehisi Coates cleverly uses the battle at the National Mall's aftermath to depict not so much Captain America in crisis, but the Sentinel of Liberty as man at odds with the people, places, and nation he has sworn to protect and to defend.  It makes for great reading, because we known this is the true Captain America, but the dramatic tension brought by the distrust of Cap from the other characters makes for some good reading.

Leinil Francis Yu has been a skilled graphical storyteller for over two decades, but his drawing style has taken an ugly turn the last several years – as far as I am concerned.  He is better here, and Sunny Gho's evocative colors strengthen how the narrative conveys its ideas and heightens the drama.  Letterer Joe Caramagna creates a steady sense of rhythm that paces the narrative flow for both the action scenes and for the character scenes that confront Captain America.

I think Ta-Nehisi Coates will make me a regular Captain America reader for the first time in ages.  I think this is the beginning of a good age for Captain America.

8 out of 10

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


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

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Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 12, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

JAN190397    BLACK MAGICK ROWANS SIGIL PIN    $9.99
FEB198894    EXCELLENCE #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
APR190144    GOGOR #2    $3.99
APR190145    GUNNING FOR HITS #6 (MR)    $3.99
APR190070    ICE CREAM MAN TP VOL 03 HOPSCOTCH MELANGE (MR)    $16.99
APR190153    INFINITE DARK #7    $3.99
MAR190264    MIDDLEWEST SCAR T/S LG    $24.99
MAR190263    MIDDLEWEST SCAR T/S MED    $24.99
MAR190262    MIDDLEWEST SCAR T/S SM    $24.99
MAR190265    MIDDLEWEST SCAR T/S XL    $24.99
MAR190266    MIDDLEWEST SCAR T/S XXL    $26.99
APR190163    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #16 (MR)    $3.99
APR190164    OUTER DARKNESS #7 (MR)    $3.99
APR190172    PRODIGY #6 (OF 6) CVR A ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
APR190173    PRODIGY #6 (OF 6) CVR B ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
APR190174    PRODIGY #6 (OF 6) CVR C WARD (MR)    $3.99
APR190014    RIDE BURNING DESIRE #1 (OF 5) CVR A HUGHES (MR)    $3.99
APR190015    RIDE BURNING DESIRE #1 (OF 5) CVR B HILLYARD (MR)    $3.99
APR190019    SONATA #1 CVR A HABERLIN & VAN DYKE (MR)    $3.99
APR190020    SONATA #1 CVR B HABERLIN & VAN DYKE (MR)    $3.99
APR190200    UNNATURAL #10 (OF 12) CVR A ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
APR190201    UNNATURAL #10 (OF 12) CVR B SCHMIDT (MR)    $3.99

Review: RED SONJA / TARZAN #1

RED SONJA / TARZAN No. 1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @dynamitecomics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Gail Simone – @GailSimone
ARTIST: Walter Geovani
COLORS: Adriano Augusto
LETTERS: Simon Bowland
COVER: Adam Hughes
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Aaron Lopresti; Walter Geovani with Dee Cunniffe; Sergio Davila with Dinei Ribeiro; Sergio Davila; Jae Lee; Jim Balent
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2, 2018)

Rated Teen+

In the Marvel Comics publication, Conan the Barbarian #23 (cover dated February 1973), writer Roy Thomas and artist Barry Windsor-Smith created a high fantasy sword and sorcery heroine.  She was named Red Sonja and was loosely based on “Red Sonya of Rogatino,” a female character that appeared in the 1934 short story, “The Shadow of the Vulture,” written by Conan the Cimmerian's creator, Robert E. Howard.

Tarzan is one of the most famous fictional characters in the world.  Tarzan was an orphan and the archetypal “feral child,” and in this instance, he was raised in the African jungle by great apes.  Tarzan was born a noble, John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, but he rejects civilization and lives in the wilds of Africa as a heroic adventurer.  Tarzan was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs and first appeared in the novel, Tarzan of the Apes, which began serialization in All-Story Magazines in 1912, before it was published in book form in 1914.  Tarzan would go onto to be a multimedia star, appearing in films, television, comic books, etc.

Red Sonja and Tarzan come together for the first time in the new crossover comic book miniseries, Red Sonja / Tarzan, from Dynamite Entertainment.  It is written by Gail Simone; drawn by Walter Geovani; colored by Adriano Augusto; and lettered by Simon Bowland.  The series finds Red Sonja (The She-Devil with a Sword) and Tarzan (Lord of the Jungle) caught in a deadly conflict with a man whose very name inspires fear in even the most powerful people.

Red Sonja / Tarzan #1 opens in Australia in 1921, revealing the exploits of the evil “great White hunter,” Eson Duul.  A year later, outside London, Tarzan clashes with Duul, a first step, which unbeknownst to Tarzan, begins a game of death between the two formidable men.  Meanwhile, in the “Hyborian Age,” Red Sonja has her own unpleasant encounter, one that will leave her broken and crossing the oceans of time in order to get revenge.

Pencil ink artist Walter Geovani and color artist Adriano Augusto deliver some nice illustrations and storytelling in Red Sonja / Tarzan #1, and they are quite good at conveying the multiple shifts in settings and time that this story requires.  Letter Simon Bowland uses his fonts and balloons to give this story a sense of hysteria that imparts the sense of many of the characters' state of desperation.

However, the star of this creative team is Gail Simone.  She may be a fan-favorite, but I consider her an underrated and under-appreciated comic book writer.  If she were not under-appreciated, she would have been writing flagship comic books like Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, X-Men, and Star Wars (for Marvel) and Superman, Batman, and Justice League (for DC Comics).

Simone is adept at quickly establishing the personalities of her characters and at defining their motivations for her readers.  Simone totally sells the idea of Red Sonja, that same She-Devil with a Sword, as a woman who has been soundly defeated, especially mentally.  Simone makes Duul so evil that I could order a drone attack on the bastard myself, and I am not a supporter of drone warfare.

Gail Simone is going to make Red Sonja / Tarzan a must-read, event crossover comic book.  It is worth fighting in your local comic book shop over a last copy.

9 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 syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: THE MAGIC ORDER #1

THE MAGIC ORDER No. 1
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Olivier Coipel
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Oliver Coipel with Dave Stewart
VARIANT COVER: Adam Hughes
36pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 13, 2018 – Diamond ID: APR180455)

Rated M / Mature

The Magic Order is a new comic book series created by writer Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Chrononauts) and artist Olivier Coipel (Thor).  It is also the first new and original comic book series created by Millar since he sold his organization, Millarworld, to Netflix in August of 2017.  The Magic Order focuses on the sorcerers, magicians, and wizards that protect humanity from darkness, a darkness that might end up destroying these protectors.

The Magic Order #1 introduces a world in which monsters do exist, but humanity does not see them.  Why?  “The Magic Order” is a group of five families of magicians that has protected humanity for generations, keeping people safe from monsters.  However, one of them, Edward “Big Eddie” Lisowski, has just been killed, and the killers may be other magic users.  Leonard Moonstone and his children:  Regan, Cordelia, and Gabriel will find themselves at the center of a mob war-like conflict against a force that is picking off wizards one by one.

There are Mark Millar written, creator-owned comic books that I really like (Kick-Ass, The Secret Service) and there are those that do not interest me enough to keep reading past a first issue (Huck).  The Magic Order is one of those that I like enough to keep reading past the first issue.  The best Millar comic books are crazy, sexy, cool, and The Magic Order is that.  It is really like a blend of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with a Martin Scorsese mob film – leaning more towards Fantastic Beasts.

The more Olivier Coipel draws comic books, the more his illustrations come to resemble the work of comic book artist, Kevin Nowlan.  Honestly, I do not think that Coipel is the best choice for this series or even if he is an appropriate choice for this subject matter.  I am not saying that Coipel is a poor illustrator, quite the contrary.  He is quite talented, and his graphic storytelling here is good.  Maybe... I am not quite feeling Coipel or colorist Dave Stewart, for that matter, in this series.  And I am a big fan of Stewart.

Still, I am excited by Millar's premise, and I really enjoyed reading The Magic Order #1.  I'm ready for the next issue.

8 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com

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


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

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

Review: Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica #1

HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics @ArchieComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko
ART: Laura Braga
COLORS: Tony Avina and Arif Prianto
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Kristy Quinn
COVER: Amanda Conner with Paul Mounts
VARIANT COVERS: Adam Hughes
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2017)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

“Costume Drama” Part One

DC Comics villain, Harley Quinn, originated as a character on the animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series” (FOX Network, 1992).  Created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Harley debuted in the episode “Joker’s Favor” (September 11, 1992), as a female sidekick of The Joker and his eventual accomplice.  Harley made her first comic book appearance in The Batman Adventures #12 (cover dated: September 1993), DC Comics’ comic book spin-off of the animated series.

Poison Ivy (whose real name is Pamela Lillian Isley) is a DC Comics supervillain and an adversary of Batman.  Created by Robert Kanigher and Sheldon Moldoff, Poison Ivy first appeared in Batman #181 (June 1966).  Beginning in “Batman The Animated Series,” Poison Ivy has been depicted as a close associate and girl pal of Harley Quinn's, probably beginning with the “Batman: The Animated Series” episode “Harley & Ivy” (1993).

Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge are better known as Archie's Girls Betty and Veronica in the world of Archie Comics.  Betty first appeared in Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941) and Veronica first appeared in Pep Comics #26 (cover dated: April 1942).  The duo are depicted as “best friends and worst enemies” (the original frenemies?) mainly because Veronica, the spoiled daughter of a wealthy man, has been Betty's rival for Archie Andrews affections since she debuted 75 years ago.

DC Comics' Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy and Archie Comics' Betty and Veronica come together in the new six-issue crossover comic book, Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica.  This comic book series is written by Paul Dini and Marc Andreyko; drawn by Laura Braga; colored by Tony Aviña and Arif Prianta; and lettered by Deron Bennett.

Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica #1 opens with Hiram Lodge, businessman and industrialist (and Veronica's father), announcing his intention to turn the Riverdale wetlands reserve, Sweetwater Swamp, into a new development.  That development will include the free college, “Lodge University,” and the “shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, “Lodge's Sweetwater Centre.”

Meanwhile, in Gotham City, Poison Ivy isn't taking the announcement of Lodge's plans with any happiness, because she says that Sweetwater Swamp is a unique ecosystem that is home to rare species of plants.  With Harley Quinn in tow, Poison Ivy heads to Riverdale to stop Hiram Lodge.  What these villainous anti-heroines don't realize is that the trip will reveal two rivals who may be more than a match for them, Betty & Veronica.

I am a longtime Archie Comics fan, so I like Betty & Veronica, of course, with a preference for Betty Cooper.  I have mixed feelings, however, for Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy; I can take them or leave them, depending upon the work in which they appear.  And I can leave this comic book.

Yes, Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica is written by two accomplished writers; one of them is the co-creator of Harley and is an Emmy-winning television writer-producer, Paul Dini.  On the other hand, I have found much of Paul Dini's comic book output to be mediocre work, as this seems to be.  I will admit that this comic book has potential, but this first issue is average comic book product.

The art is mediocre, too; artist Laura Braga seems to be doing some kind of unfortunate copy of the style of comic book artist, Adam Hughes, the creative force behind the current Betty & Veronica comic book.  The coloring here represents the bad side of comic book coloring software; the coloring looks like smudged pastels, spoiled milkshakes, and faded candy-coated paint.

I know there is an audience for this, but for two such venerable characters (Betty & Veronica) and two such popular modern characters (Harley & Ivy), a better effort than Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica #1 should have been made.

4.5 out of 10

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


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

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DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 27, 2018

DC COMICS

NOV170387    ABSOLUTE SANDMAN OVERTURE HC (MR)    $125.00
FEB180318    ASTRO CITY #52    $3.99
APR180180    BANE CONQUEST #12 (OF 12)    $3.99
APR180167    BATGIRL #24    $3.99
APR180168    BATGIRL #24 VAR ED    $3.99
APR180178    BATMAN BEYOND #21    $3.99
APR180179    BATMAN BEYOND #21 VAR ED    $3.99
APR180177    BATMAN PRELUDE TO THE WEDDING HARLEY VS JOKER #1    $3.99
MAR180340    BOMBSHELLS UNITED TP VOL 01    $16.99
JAN180381    DARK NIGHTS METAL THE RESISTANCE TP    $24.99
NOV170396    DC GALLERY JOKER CANE PROP    $125.00
APR180194    DETECTIVE COMICS #983    $2.99
APR180195    DETECTIVE COMICS #983 VAR ED    $2.99
APR180198    FLASH #49    $2.99
APR180199    FLASH #49 VAR ED    $2.99
MAR180346    GREEN LANTERNS TP VOL 06 A WORLD OF OUR OWN REBIRTH    $16.99
APR180208    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #47    $2.99
APR180209    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #47 VAR ED    $2.99
APR180214    HELLBLAZER #23    $3.99
APR180215    HELLBLAZER #23 VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170397    LEGION OF SUPER HEROES SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 02    $75.00
APR180149    MAN OF STEEL #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR180166    MERA QUEEN OF ATLANTIS #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR180251    MOTHER PANIC GOTHAM A D #4 (MR)    $3.99
APR180289    MOTHERLANDS #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
APR180290    MOTHERLANDS #6 (OF 6) VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
APR180224    RAVEN DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS #6 (OF 12)    $3.99
APR180246    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #39    $2.99
APR180228    SILENCER #6    $2.99
MAR180354    SUPER SONS OF TOMORROW TP REBIRTH    $14.99
JAN180409    TEEN TITANS GO BOX SET    $34.99
APR180153    TEEN TITANS SPECIAL #1    $4.99
APR180231    TERRIFICS #5    $2.99
APR180234    WONDER WOMAN #49    $2.99
APR180235    WONDER WOMAN #49 VAR ED    $2.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for May 2, 2018

D. E.

FEB181407    DYNAMITE 2017 COSPLAY COVER SPECIAL ASHLEY DU SGN ED    $29.99
JAN181501    RED SONJA #15 CVR A MCKONE    $3.99
JAN181502    RED SONJA #15 CVR B GOMEZ    $3.99
JAN181503    RED SONJA #15 CVR C DOE    $3.99
JAN181504    RED SONJA #15 CVR D COSPLAY    $3.99
JAN181505    RED SONJA #15 CVR E MARQUES EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR    $3.99
MAR181393    RED SONJA TARZAN #1 CVR A HUGHES    $3.99
MAR181394    RED SONJA TARZAN #1 CVR B LEE    $3.99
MAR181395    RED SONJA TARZAN #1 CVR C LOPRESTI    $3.99
MAR181396    RED SONJA TARZAN #1 CVR D GEOVANI    $3.99
MAR181397    RED SONJA TARZAN #1 CVR E SUBSCRIPTION DAVILA    $3.99
MAR181407    SHERLOCK HOLMES VANISHING MAN #1 CVR A CASSADAY    $3.99
MAR181527    SWASHBUCKLERS SAGA CONTINUES #2 CVR A GUICE    $3.99
MAR181528    SWASHBUCKLERS SAGA CONTINUES #2 CVR B MUTTI    $3.99
AUG171507    WALTER SIMONSON BATTLESTAR GALACTICA ART ED HC    $150.00

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 20, 2017

DARK HORSE COMICS

OCT170039    ANGEL SEASON 11 #12    $3.99
OCT170040    ANGEL SEASON 11 #12 VAR    $3.99
AUG170013    BLACK HAMMER TP VOL 02 THE EVENT    $19.99
OCT170019    EMPOWERED & SISTAH SPOOKYS HIGH SCHOOL HELL #1    $3.99
OCT170021    HELLBOY KRAMPUSNACHT #1    $3.99
OCT170023    HELLBOY KRAMPUSNACHT #1 HUGHES SKETCH VAR    $3.99
OCT170022    HELLBOY KRAMPUSNACHT #1 MIGNOLA VAR    $3.99
OCT170020    JOE GOLEM OCCULT DET FLESH & BLOOD #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
OCT170061    SHERLOCK FRANKENSTEIN & LEGION OF EVIL #3 (OF 4)    $3.99
OCT170062    SHERLOCK FRANKENSTEIN & LEGION OF EVIL #3 (OF 4) FEGREDO VAR    $3.99
OCT170080    TOMB RAIDER SURVIVORS CRUSADE #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
APR170127    WITCHER 3 WILD HUNT FIGURE GERALT URSINE GRANDMASTER    $39.99

I Reads You Juniors September 2017 - Update #50

Support Leroy on Patreon.

From Crunchyroll:  Seven Seas Entertainment continues to announced new manga licenses.

From ChristianPost:  In Japan, "scanners" of the manga "One Piece" have been arrested and charged with copyright infringement.

From SoraNews24:  There is a new manga trying to explain President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

From BleedingCool:  Why can't Marvel keep politics out of its comics... and that is not quite what it seems.

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics reveals more "Justice League" movie variant covers.

From BleedingCool:  The news and gossip site begins your "Marvel Legacy" spoilers.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #136 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #136 in French.

From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet episode #135 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  Johnny Bullet episode #135 in French.

From Crunchyroll:  For the 40th anniversary of the "Galaxy Express 999" manga, there will be a stage adaptation of the manga.

From TheNewPaper:  There is a new online course for budding anime and manga artists.

From THR:  IDW Publishing will publish a "Stretch Armstrong" related to a new Netflix animated series, "Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters."

From PreviewsWorld:  New Bernie Wrightson art book coming from Hermes Press.

From ComicBook:  Eiichiro Oda wants to end his "One Piece" manga as soon as possible.

From Newsarama:  The "Guardians of the Galaxy" manga makes its debut as digital comic on the "Manga Box" app.

From BleedingCool:  Mark Waid to attempt to have a "civil conversation" about diversity at Baltimore Comic Con 2017.

From BleedingCool:  Maybe Marvel's "Secret Empire" is not over.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics solicitations through Diamond Comics Distributors for December 2017.

From TheRiderNews:  "Superb" is a new superhero comic book in which the lead character has Down Syndrome.

From BleedingCool:  Adam Hughes will draw the main cover of the DC Comics/Archie Comics crossover, "Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica."

From BleedingCool:  "The Walking Dead #175" is a solo Negan issue.

From Forward:  This week sees the debut of an official comic book adaptation of "The Diary of Anne Frank."

From Forward:  Judith Jones, the editor who discovered Anne Franks' diary, died August 1, 2017.  She was 93.

From BleedingCool:  A surprise character from Deadpool's debut may return for Marvel Legacy.

From SoraNews24:  One Piece manga creator, Eiichiro Oda, claims that seven villains have forced him to extend the series far longer than he intended.

From Fansided:  Tony Moore, the original artist on "The Walking Dead" comic book, recreates an iconic Neegan scene that he was not around to draw.

From Crunchyroll:  Shuuichi Shigeno, the creator of the "Initial D" manga, launches a new manga, "MF Ghost."

From TheSignal:  The Santa Clarita Valley newspaper notices when a local guy creates his own comic book, "Zalaan Wars" by A.J. Wedding.

From BleedingCool:  Dennis O'Neil will return to writing Batman for the "DC Universe Holiday Special #1."

From ExpressUK:  Here is the new movie Hellboy.

From BleedingCool:  IDW is rebooting "30 Days of Night" with writer Steve Niles.  Ben Templesmith, the original series artist, will return as cover artist along with original series cover artist, Ashley Wood.

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Two-in-One with Chip Zdarsky as writer and Jim Cheung as artist.

From BleedingCool:  IDW's Hasbro (GI Joe, Transformers) event title, "First Strike," will yield a new series, "Scarlett's Strike Force."

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #134 in English.
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #134 in French.

From TheWrap:  The influential comic book writer and editor Len Wein has died.  He was 69.  He co-created the character Wolverine with artist John Romita.  He revived the X-Men for Marvel Comics in the mid-1970s, launching the version of the team that became a multi-billion dollar franchise.  He co-created the character Swamp Thing with artist Berni Wrightson (who also died this year).  Wein edited writer Alan Moore's run on Swamp Thing and Moore and Dave Gibbons comic book, "Watchmen."

From PasteMagazine:  Warren Ellis and Bryan Hill talk to Paste about the upcoming "Michael Cray," comic book from DC Comics that is part of "Wildstorm" reboot.  Includes preview art.

From SouthEssexCollege:  This college is giving Warren Ellis an honorary doctorate.

From BleedingCool:  New speculation over future "Young Animal" comics from DC Comics.

From Negromancer:  At Rose City Comic Con, Image Comics announces a new comic book, "Bitter Root," from David Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene

From BleedingCool:  "Guardians of the Galaxy" is now a manga, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Galaxy Rush."

From BleedingCool:  Arrests were made of people scanning and uploading pages of the "One Piece" manga.

From Slate:  Tom King would like to stay with Batman for 100 issues.  [If he maintains the quality of his writing, he can stay 300 issues. -Ed]

From BleacherReport:  A discussion of WWE comic books.

From BleedingCool:  Retailers will be able to sell the "Dark Knight III" hardcover early.

From WeGotThisCovered: Another article about Marvel Comics' woes, and "diversity characters" (meaning African-American characters) are blamed.

From BleedingCool:  The 2017 Joe Shuster Awards were announced on Friday, September 1, 2017.  First established is 2004, the Joe Shuster Awards serve to recognize the works of Canadians, published at home or abroad, for their outstanding achievements in the creation of comic books, graphic novels, and webcomics.  The awards are named after pioneering Canadian artist Joe Shuster, who created Superman with Jerry Siegel.

From StudyGroupComics:  Jim Rugg is on the "Process Party" podcast.

From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #133 - in English - the pantomime story arc begins!
From ComicBookBin:  New Johnny Bullet episode #133 - in French

From BleedingCool:  Kirby Genesis, the creation of "Captain Victory and the Galactic Rangers" and "Silver Star."

From MangaTokyo:  Comparing the "Kuroko's Basketball" manga and anime.

From ICv2:  Geoff Johns reveals DC Comics' "Doomsday Clock #1" covers.

From YahooNews:  What does the return of the real Captain America mean for the future of Marvel Comics?

From NewRepublic:  August 28th, 2017 would have been Jack Kirby's 100th birthday.  Jeet Heer offers this profile, "Jack Kirby, the Unknown King."

From ComicsBulletin:  Top 10 thoughts on Jack Kirby.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 26, 2017

DC COMICS

MAY170198    ACTION COMICS #984    $2.99
MAY170199    ACTION COMICS #984 VAR ED    $2.99
MAY170200    ALL STAR BATMAN #12    $4.99
MAY170201    ALL STAR BATMAN #12 ALBUQUERQUE VAR ED    $4.99
MAY170202    ALL STAR BATMAN #12 FIUMARA VAR ED    $4.99
APR170417    AQUAMAN KINGDOM LOST TP    $16.99
MAY170205    BATGIRL #13    $3.99
MAY170206    BATGIRL #13 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170209    BATMAN BEYOND #10    $3.99
MAY170210    BATMAN BEYOND #10 VAR ED    $3.99
APR170437    BATMAN SUPERMAN WONDER WOMAN TRINITY TP NEW EDITION    $19.99
MAY170290    BATMAN THE SHADOW #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
MAY170292    BATMAN THE SHADOW #4 (OF 6) EPTING VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170291    BATMAN THE SHADOW #4 (OF 6) SALE VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170217    BLUE BEETLE #11    $3.99
MAY170218    BLUE BEETLE #11 VAR ED    $3.99
JAN170426    DC DESIGNER SER WONDER WOMAN BY ADAM HUGHES STATUE (RES)    $130.00
MAY170225    DETECTIVE COMICS #961    $2.99
MAY170226    DETECTIVE COMICS #961 VAR ED    $2.99
MAY170314    DOOM PATROL #7 (RES) (MR)    $3.99
MAY170315    DOOM PATROL #7 VAR ED (RES) (MR)    $3.99
MAY170229    FLASH #27    $2.99
MAY170230    FLASH #27 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170414    FLASH REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 01    $34.99
APR170413    FLASH TP VOL 03 ROGUES RELOADED (REBIRTH)    $16.99
APR170452    FROSTBITE TP (MR)    $16.99
MAY170241    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #25    $3.99
MAY170242    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #25 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170247    HELLBLAZER #12    $3.99
MAY170248    HELLBLAZER #12 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170255    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #11    $2.99
MAY170256    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #11 VAR ED    $2.99
MAY170298    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #7 (OF 12)    $3.99
MAY170299    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #7 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170306    LOONEY TUNES #238    $2.99
MAY170316    MOTHER PANIC #9 (MR)    $3.99
MAY170317    MOTHER PANIC #9 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
MAY170308    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #28    $2.99
MAY170267    SUICIDE SQUAD #22    $2.99
MAY170268    SUICIDE SQUAD #22 VAR ED    $2.99
APR170438    SUPERMAN SAVAGE DAWN TP    $24.99
MAY170279    TEEN TITANS #10    $3.99
MAY170280    TEEN TITANS #10 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170287    WONDER WOMAN #27    $2.99
MAY170288    WONDER WOMAN #27 VAR ED    $2.99

Review: MICRONAUTS #1

MICRONAUTS No. 1 (2016)
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Cullen Bunn
ARTIST – Breakdowns: David Baldeón
ARTISTS – Finishes: Fico Ossio; Max Dunbar; Jack Lawrence; David Baldeón
COLORS: David Garcia Cruz; Joana Lafuente, Thomas Deer; John-Paul Bove
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
COVER: J.H. Williams III
VARIANT COVERS: David Baldeón with David Garcia Cruz; Gabriel Rodriguez with Nelson Daniel; Jack Rivera (photographer); Casey W. Coller with John-Paul Bove; Butch Guice with Joana Lafuente; Michael Golden; Darick Robertson with Joana Lafuente; Adam Hughes; Stuart Sayger; Rob Liefeld with Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (April 2016)

Micronauts was a toy line that now-defunct toy company Mego manufactured and marketed, beginning in the mid-1970s and ending in 1980.  This science fiction-themed line was based on Japanese toy company Takara's “Microman” toy line.  Mego licensed Microman and other similar toys to create the Micronauts, which were both repackaged Microman toys and also modified and reconfigured versions of both Microman and other Takara toys.

In 1979, Marvel Comics began publishing The Micronauts, a comic book featuring a group of characters based on Mego's Micronauts toy line and also a few original characters Marvel created to appear in The Micronauts.  Marvel ceased publishing comic books based on the Micronauts in 1986.  In the 21st century, Image Comics and Devil's Due Publishing each published its own Micronauts comics for a short period of time.

Last year, IDW Publishing, which seems to specialize in publishing comic books based on licensed properties, announced that it had obtained the license to publish Micronauts comic books.  IDW recently published the first issue of Micronauts.  This series is written (and apparently conceptualized) by Cullen Bunn.  Artist David Baldeón provides the character designs and conceptual art, and draws the breakdowns from which several illustrators provide the finished art.

Micronauts #1 opens on the planet Saqqura where five Biotrons face the wrath of the “entropy storm” that rages against the planet.  Later, on Micropolis-12, Oziron “Oz” Rael and the crew of the “Heliopolis” find themselves tempted by a local crime boss.  Soon, Oz is leading Phenolo-Phi (Space Glider), Acroyear, and their guest, an “orbital defender,” named Larissa into what is either a big score or a big trap.

From its snazzy J.H. Williams III cover to its colorful interiors, Micronauts #1 sure is a pretty comic book.  It was hard to miss it on the shelf of a local comic book shop; to me, it stood out like a pretty candle on Bay Street.  The spiffy new character designs by David Baldeón are eye-candy and are obviously influenced by animation and anime.  I like them; these designs would make cool toys.

This first issue gives the reader just a taste of the opening story line, but I'm betting that the cliffhanger ending will make a large percentage of people who bought this first issue come back for more.  [In fact, I have already obtained a copy of the recently released second issue.]  For the time being, I believe in Cullen Bunn.  I am also somewhat enamored with the art, from page layout and composition to color and graphic design, this looks to be an exciting read.

There are also “extras” and back matter in this first issue, which include a page from Bunn's notebook, 10 pages of character designs, and also a script to inked art comparison.  Yeah, the $4.99 cover price is on the expensive side, but this first issue goes far in giving readers their money's worth.

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


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

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