Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 28, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

APR190299    ART OF BRAVEST WARRIORS HC    $39.99
JUN190338    FIGHT CLUB 3 #8 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
JUN190339    FIGHT CLUB 3 #8 CVR B FEGREDO (MR)    $3.99
APR190278    GIRL IN THE BAY TP (MR)    $17.99
MAR190381    GOT IRON THRONE BUSINESS CARD HOLDER    $19.99
JUN190371    MANOR BLACK #2 (OF 4) CVR A CROOK    $3.99
JUN190372    MANOR BLACK #2 (OF 4) CVR B THOMPSON    $3.99
JUN190285    STRANGER THINGS SIX #4 (OF 4) CVR A BRICLOT    $3.99
JUN190286    STRANGER THINGS SIX #4 (OF 4) CVR B WARD    $3.99
JUN190287    STRANGER THINGS SIX #4 (OF 4) CVR C RAVENNA    $3.99
JUN190288    STRANGER THINGS SIX #4 (OF 4) CVR D SATTERFIELD PHOTO    $3.99
JUN190307    TOMMY GUN WIZARDS #1 (OF 4) CVR A CUNNIFE    $3.99
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APR190332    VAMPIRE HUNTER D TP VOL 28 TIGER IN WINTER    $11.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 31, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR190325    DISNEY FRANKENSTEIN STARRING DONALD DUCK TP    $10.99
MAY190264    DISNEY FROZEN HERO WITHIN #2 KAWAII CREATIVE STUDIO    $3.99
MAY190233    FIGHT CLUB 3 #7 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
MAY190234    FIGHT CLUB 3 #7 CVR B MORRIS (MR)    $3.99
MAY190215    MANOR BLACK #1 (OF 4) CVR A CROOK    $3.99
MAY190216    MANOR BLACK #1 (OF 4) CVR B BRERETON    $3.99
MAY190225    STRANGER THINGS SIX #3 (OF 4) CVR A BRICLOT    $3.99
MAY190226    STRANGER THINGS SIX #3 (OF 4) CVR B WIJNGAARD    $3.99
MAY190227    STRANGER THINGS SIX #3 (OF 4) CVR C CROOK    $3.99
MAY190228    STRANGER THINGS SIX #3 (OF 4) CVR D SATTERFIELD PHOTO    $3.99

Review: UNITED STATES VS. MURDER, INC. #1

UNITED STATES VS. MURDER, INC. No. 1
DC COMICS/Jinxworld – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Brian Michael Bendis
ART: Michael Avon Oeming
COLORS: Taki Soma
LETTERS: Carlos Mangual
EDITOR: Michael McCalister
COVER: Michael Avon Oeming
VARIANT COVERS: David Mack
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

Rated “M” for “Mature”

United States vs. Murder, Inc. created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming

United States vs. Murder, Inc. is a new comic book series from writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist Michael Avon Oeming.  It is a follow-up to their 2014-15, six-issue miniseries, United States of Murder Inc., which was published by Marvel Comics' Icon imprint.  Colorist Taki Soma and letterer Carlos Mangual complete the new series' creative team.

The United States of Murder Inc. imagines an alternate history for the United States in which the American Mafia did not lose its war with the Federal Bureau Investigation (FBI).  Instead, the “Five Families” forced the government of the United States to concede most of the Eastern Seaboard of the U.S., the city of Chicago, and parts of Nevada to them.  This area controlled by the families is euphemistically called “the territories.”  The series focuses on two members of the Bonavese crime family, Valentine Gallo, who recently became a “made man,” and Jagger Rose, a hit-woman for the family, who must uncover a conspiracy for which they have been blamed and marked for death.

United States vs. Murder, Inc. #1 opens in a world in which “the five families” of organized crime still maintain a stranglehold over part of the United States of America.  Decades ago, the U.S. government found itself forced to give up part of the country or lose all of it.  Now, the unrest between the rest of America and the families has come to a boil.  A war between the forces of the American government and the American mafia is about to begin.  No one is really ready for that, and newly made man Valentine Gallo and mob hit-woman Jagger Rose must choose sides.

The drama begins with the origin story of Jagger Rose, the first female to become a hit man for the Bonavese crime family.

United States vs. Murder, Inc. #1 has the misfortune of following the six pulse-pounding issues of The Unites States of Murder Inc.  The second series, however, turns misfortune into pure gold.  I do not want to spoil anything, but I can say that Bendis' story and script are killers.  He does not miss a beat, making United States vs. Murder, Inc. #1 seem like the seventh issue of the original series.

Michael Avon Oeming's art is more stylish than ever.  Elastic and expressionistic, it moves the story forward, while being intimately connected to the prior work.  Taki Soma's two-fisted coloring, especially the reds and blues recreate the sexiness and eroticism of classic Film-Noir cinematography.  Letterer Carlos Mangual uses fonts and word balloons to give even the most mundane stories at least a little of that magic that comic books should have.  Here, Mangual does not have to rescue the Bendis-Oeming team; he just make the work even more magical.

As you can see, I am all in on this continuation of one of the truly great recent crime comics.  Please, give United States vs. Murder, Inc. #1 a try.

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 reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for June 5, 2019

DYNAMITE

MAR191085    ARMY OF DARKNESS BUBBA HOTEP #4 CVR A GALINDO    $3.99
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FEB191027    XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #1 ATLAS SGN ED    $49.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 29, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

MAR190353    BAD LUCK CHUCK #3 (OF 4)    $3.99
JAN190470    DEATH ORB TP VOL 01    $19.99
JAN190459    DEPT H OMNIBUS TP VOL 01    $24.99
MAR190285    FIGHT CLUB 3 #5 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
MAR190286    FIGHT CLUB 3 #5 CVR B FEGREDO (MR)    $3.99
JAN190446    GOD OF WAR TP    $17.99
JAN190469    GRUNT HC ART AND UNPUBLISHED COMICS OF JAMES STOKOE    $39.99
MAR190344    HELLBOY VS LOBSTER JOHNSON RING OF DEATH    $3.99
DEC180370    MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 #6 CVR A NAUCK    $3.99
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JAN190472    PROS AND (COMIC) CONS TP    $19.99
MAR190270    STRANGER THINGS SIX #1 CVR A BRICLOT    $3.99
MAR190271    STRANGER THINGS SIX #1 CVR B LAMBERT    $3.99
MAR190272    STRANGER THINGS SIX #1 CVR C MACK    $3.99
MAR190273    STRANGER THINGS SIX #1 CVR D SATTERFIELD PHOTO    $3.99
AUG180391    WITCHER III WILD HUNT GERALT IN BATH STATUETTE    $79.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for May 15, 2019

DYNAMITE

DEC181134    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #4 CVR A RUDY    $3.99
DEC181135    BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #4 CVR B HDR    $3.99
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MAR191172    XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #2 CVR B LUPACCHINO    $3.99
MAR191173    XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #2 CVR C GANUCHEAU    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors April 24, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

DEC180378    ALIENS HC DEAD ORBIT    $34.99
FEB190353    BAD LUCK CHUCK #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
FEB190272    FIGHT CLUB 3 #4 CVR A  MACK (MR)    $3.99
FEB190273    FIGHT CLUB 3 #4 CVR B FEGREDO (MR)    $3.99
JAN190488    GOT PLAYING CARDS    $4.99
JAN190490    HELLBOY PLAYING CARDS    $4.99
FEB190267    INVISIBLE KINGDOM #2    $3.99
JAN190485    MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER MAGNET 4-PACK    $9.99
DEC180366    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS HC VOL 02 MY AINSEL    $29.99
FEB190367    STARCRAFT SOLDIERS #4 (OF 4)    $3.99
DEC180427    UMBRELLA ACADEMY PLAYING CARDS    $4.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors from April 17, 2019

DYNAMITE

FEB191113    JAMES BOND 007 #6 CVR A JOHNSON    $3.99
FEB191114    JAMES BOND 007 #6 CVR B SHALVEY    $3.99
FEB191115    JAMES BOND 007 #6 CVR C IENCO    $3.99
FEB191116    JAMES BOND 007 #6 CVR D MOONEY    $3.99
AUG181297    KISS DELUXE TRADING CARD FOIL PACK (Net)    $PI
FEB191151    PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #4 CVR A ANKA    $3.99
FEB191152    PETER CANNON THUNDERBOLT #4 CVR B GANUCHEAU    $3.99
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FEB191016    XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #1 CVR A MACK    $3.99
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FEB191019    XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #1 CVR D GANUCHEAU    $3.99
FEB191020    XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #1 CVR E ALLEN & MARTIN    $3.99

Review: AMERICAN GODS: My Ainsel #1

AMERICAN GODS: MY AINSEL No. 1
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Neil Gaiman
SCRIPT: P. Craig Russell
LAYOUTS: P. Craig Russell
ART: Scott Hampton
COLORS: Scott Hampton
LETTERS: Rick Parker
COVER: Glenn Fabry with Adam Brown
VARIANT COVER: David Mack
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (March 2018)

American Gods, written by Neil Gaiman, is a fantasy novel first published in 2001.  The novel won several fantasy-literary awards and has been developed into the current hit television series for the cable network, Starz Media.  American Gods blends Americana and also ancient and modern mythology to tell the story of a man caught in a war between the gods of the Old World and the new American gods.

American Gods is currently being adapted into a comic book by frequent Gaiman collaborator, P. Craig Russell, and publisher, Dark Horse Comics.  Russell is the guiding hand behind the American Gods comic book.  Russell writes the script adaptation of Gaiman's novel and provides the layouts for the art.  American Gods the comic book is drawn and colored by Scott Hampton and lettered by Rick Parker.

This comic book adaptation will yield 27 issues of three nine-issue arcs.  The first arc ended late in 2017, and the first issue of the second arc, American Gods: My Ainsel, recently debuted.

American Gods: My Ainsel #1 finds the protagonist, Shadow Moon, and his mysterious employer, Mr. Wednesday reunited after Shadow's time in Cairo, Illinois with Jacquel and Ibis.  Once again, Shadow is playing driver for Mr. Wednesday, and on Christmas Day, the duo stops in a small town for holiday meal at “Gus's Family Restaurant.”  Wednesday gives Shadow a new name, Mike Ainsel, but a new name is not the only new thing Shadow... er... Mike will experience.

In my review of previous issues of this series, I always inform you, dear reader that I am a big fan of American Gods, although I did not read it upon its original release in 2001.  I read the tenth anniversary edition which featured a longer text – the author's preferred edition.  I also feel that I must admit that I loved that book, and that “love” is not a strong enough word in this case.  American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition is one of my favorite books, and I consider the reading of that edition of American Gods to be a life-changing event for me in terms of my life as a writer.

With that out of the way, I can say that I continue to enjoy this series.  I admire the patient way in which P. Craig Russell adapts the novel.  He captures both the details and spirit of this narrative through balance, knowing what text to retain and what to translate into illustrations.  Scott Hampton drawings and colors are eccentric and ethereal, but also quite solid in storytelling.  Letterer Rick Parker  hums along, capturing the magic with his stylish fonts and with the deftness in where he places exposition and word balloons.

So again, I implore you readers to set aside your four dollars each month so that you can buy this lovely comic book, dear reader.  I still think that American Gods may end up being on the short list of great comic book adaptations of a prose novel.

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 for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 27, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

JAN190458    BAD LUCK CHUCK #1    $3.99
JAN190415    BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #9 CVR A ORMSTON    $3.99
JAN190416    BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #9 CVR B GREENE    $3.99
JAN190456    CRIMSON LOTUS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV180271    DRAGON AGE DECEPTION HC    $14.99
JAN190419    FIGHT CLUB 3 #3 CVR A  MACK (MR)    $3.99
JAN190420    FIGHT CLUB 3 #3 CVR B COOVER (MR)    $3.99
JAN190421    FIGHT CLUB 3 #3 CVR C WILKERSON (MR)    $3.99
JAN190453    HELLBOY AND BPRD 1956 #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV180227    HOUSE OF PENANCE LIBRARY EDITION HC    $34.99
NOV180226    MASK OMNIBUS TP VOL 01    $24.99
SEP180284    MIDDLE-EARTH HC JOURNEYS IN MYTH AND LEGEND    $39.99
OCT180312    MIND MGMT OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 MANAGER AND FUTURIST PART 1    $24.99
JAN190422    UMBRELLA ACADEMY HOTEL OBLIVION #6 CVR A BA    $3.99
JAN190423    UMBRELLA ACADEMY HOTEL OBLIVION #6 CVR B BA    $3.99
OCT180319    WAR BEARS HC    $19.99
JAN190428    WILLIAM GIBSON ALIEN 3 #5 CVR A CHRISTMAS    $3.99
JAN190429    WILLIAM GIBSON ALIEN 3 #5 CVR B WARD    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 19, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

DEC180383    ALIENS RESISTANCE #2 CVR A LA TORRE    $3.99
DEC180384    ALIENS RESISTANCE #2 CVR B JONES    $3.99
OCT180363    BERSERK DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 01 (MR)    $49.99
DEC180396    BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #8 CVR A ORMSTON    $3.99
DEC180397    BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #8 CVR B SIENKIEWICZ    $3.99
OCT180277    BPRD VAMPIRE SECOND EDITION TP    $19.99
DEC180359    CRIMSON LOTUS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP180310    FATE ZERO TP VOL 08    $11.99
DEC180361    FIGHT CLUB 3 #2 CVR A MACK (MR)    $3.99
DEC180362    FIGHT CLUB 3 #2 CVR B STEWART (MR)    $3.99
DEC180363    FIGHT CLUB 3 #2 CVR C FRANCAVILLA (MR)    $3.99
DEC180357    HELLBOY AND BPRD 1956 #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT180366    I AM A HERO OMNIBUS TP VOL 09    $19.99
OCT180335    STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL 03    $10.99
NOV180279    UMBRELLA ACADEMY 4 PACK MAGNET SET    $9.99
DEC180374    WYRD #2 CVR A FUSO    $3.99
DEC180375    WYRD #2 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 30, 2019

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV188640    CALL OF DUTY ZOMBIES 2 #4    $3.99
NOV180229    CRIMSON LOTUS #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
NOV180205    FIGHT CLUB 3 #1 CVR A  MACK (MR)    $3.99
NOV180208    FIGHT CLUB 3 #1 CVR B FEGREDO (MR)    $3.99
NOV180206    FIGHT CLUB 3 #1 CVR C FAGAN (MR)    $3.99
NOV180207    FIGHT CLUB 3 #1 CVR D MACK (MR)    $3.99
SEP180300    GREEN RIVER KILLER HC TRUE DETECTIVE STORY 2ND EDITION    $24.99
SEP180286    NANJING TP THE BURNING CITY    $14.99
NOV180217    QUANTUM AGE FROM THE WORLD OF BLACK HAMMER #6 CVR A TORRES    $3.99
NOV180218    QUANTUM AGE FROM THE WORLD OF BLACK HAMMER #6 CVR B LEMIRE    $3.99
APR170103    WISH TP    $24.99
NOV180247    WYRD #1 CVR A FUSO    $3.99
NOV180248    WYRD #1 CVR B LEMIRE    $3.99

Review: AMERICAN GODS #5

AMERICAN GODS No. 5
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Neil Gaiman
SCRIPT: P. Craig Russell
LAYOUTS: P. Craig Russell
ART: Scott Hampton
COLORS: Scott Hampton
LETTERS: Rick Parker
COVER: Glenn Fabry with Adam Brown
VARIANT COVER: David Mack
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2017)

American Gods, written by Neil Gaiman, is an award-winning, fantasy novel first published in 2001.  The novel won several fantasy-literary awards, and there is currently a hit television series adapted from the novel and televised on the cable network, Starz Media.  American Gods blends Americana and also ancient and modern mythology to tell the story of a man caught in a war between the gods of the Old World and the new American gods.

It is currently being adapted into a comic book by frequent Gaiman collaborator, P. Craig Russell, and publisher, Dark Horse Comics.  Russell is the guiding hand behind the American Gods comic book.  Russell writes the script adaptation of Gaiman's novel and provides the layouts for the art.  American Gods the comic book is drawn and colored by Scott Hampton and lettered by Rick Parker.

American Gods #5 finds the protagonist, Shadow Moon, and his mysterious employer, Mr. Wednesday departing Chicago, leaving behind Czernobog and his eccentric family (with whom they stayed as guests).  Shadow still has the gift, a silver dollar, given to him by Zorya Polunochnaya.  They need money for traveling, and Wednesday comes up with a rather novel plan to get it.  Then, it is on to Wisconsin and “The House on the Rock.”

I will inform you again, dear reader:  I am a big fan of American Gods, although I did not read it upon its original release in 2001.  I read the tenth anniversary edition which featured a longer text – the author's preferred edition.  I also feel that I must admit that I loved that book, and that “love” is not a strong enough word in this case.  American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition is one of my favorite books, and I consider the reading that edition of American Gods to be life-changing event for me in terms of my life as a writer.

This adaptation begins its move into the central plot of the overall narrative.  That is good, because the longer it takes to get to the central action, more of the story starts to look like padding.  A reader can take American Gods the novel and read the entire story at his or her own pace.  American Gods the comic book is a monthly release, so readers have to take the narrative in small chucks and cannot tackle its entirety at once the way they could with a novel.  It's about time; as good as this comic book has been, it is also time to get to the “nitty gritty.”

So for the fifth time, I implore you to set aside your four dollars each month so that you can buy this lovely comic book, dear reader.  American Gods may end up being on the short list of great comic book adaptations of a prose novel.

9 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.

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

Review: AMERICAN GODS #4

AMERICAN GODS No. 4
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Neil Gaiman
SCRIPT: P. Craig Russell
LAYOUTS: P. Craig Russell
ART: Scott Hampton; Colleen Doran
COLORS: Scott Hampton
LETTERS: Rick Parker
COVER: Glenn Fabry with Adam Brown
VARIANT COVER: David Mack
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Written by Neil Gaiman and first published in 2001, American Gods is an award-winning, fantasy novel.  It is currently being adapted into a comic book series, published by Dark Horse Comics.  The novel won several fantasy-literary awards, and there is currently a hit television series adapted from the novel and televised on the cable network, Starz Media.  American Gods blends Americana and also ancient and modern mythology to tell the story of a man caught in a war between the gods of the Old World and the new American gods.

Frequent Gaiman collaborator, P. Craig Russell, is the guiding hand behind the American Gods comic book.  Russell wrote the script adaptation of Gaiman's novel and provided the layouts for the art.  American Gods the comic book is drawn and colored by Scott Hampton and lettered by Rick Parker.

American Gods #4 finds the protagonist, Shadow Moon, and his mysterious employer, Mr. Wednesday in Chicago.  There, they meet an eccentric family tied to Wednesday's plans.  One of them, an elderly man named Czernobog, wants to play chess with Shadow, although the consequences for a loss by Shadow are dire.  There are also three sisters in the apartment, and one of them, Zorya Polunochnaya, has a gift for Shadow.  Plus, Mr. Ibis tells the “coming-to-America” story of Essie Tregowan – from the shores of Cornwall and the streets of London to early 18th century colonial Virginia.

Once again, dear reader, a reminder:  I am a big fan of American Gods, although I did not read it upon its original release in 2001.  I read the tenth anniversary edition which featured a longer text – the author's preferred edition.  I also feel that I must admit that I loved that book, and that “love” is not a strong enough word in this case.  American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition is one of my favorite books, and I consider the reading that edition of American Gods to be life-changing event for me in terms of my life as a writer.  True stuff, swear to an American god.

The main story by Russell and Hampton is, as usual, quite good, capturing the magic of Gaiman's book.  This time, however, the main feature is outshone by the back-up feature, the story of Essie Tregowan.  Drawn and colored by the incomparable Colleen Doran (who has previously collaborated with Neil Gaiman), the story reads like a fairy tale, the kind with the melancholy ending.

Doran is a respected comic book artist, but is perhaps under-appreciated as a comic book creator and publisher.  This story reminds us of her skills as a storyteller and perhaps, reveals to some and reminds others of the remarkable beauty of her comic book art and illustrations.  In the world of American comic books, Colleen Doran should be an American god.

So for the fourth time, I implore you to set aside your four dollars each month so that you can buy this lovely comic book, dear reader.  American Gods may end up being on the short list of great comic book adaptations of a prose novel.

10 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.

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

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for August 8, 2018

DC COMICS

MAY180564    AQUAMAN TP BY PETER DAVID BOOK 02    $29.99
MAY180568    BATMAN BEYOND TP VOL 03 THE LONG PAYBACK REBIRTH    $16.99
MAY180573    BATMAN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II HC    $24.99
JUN180471    CATWOMAN #2    $3.99
JUN180472    CATWOMAN #2 VAR ED    $3.99
FEB180333    DC CORE THE JOKER PVC STATUE    $50.00
MAY180575    DEADMAN TP    $16.99
JUN180480    DETECTIVE COMICS #986    $2.99
JUN180481    DETECTIVE COMICS #986 VAR ED    $2.99
JUN180484    ETERNITY GIRL #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JUN180485    FLASH #52    $3.99
JUN180486    FLASH #52 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180495    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50    $3.99
JUN180496    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180501    HAWKMAN #3    $3.99
JUN180502    HAWKMAN #3 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180503    IMMORTAL MEN #5    $2.99
MAY189836    JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 2ND PTG    $3.99
JUN180523    PLASTIC MAN #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
JUN180525    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #25    $4.99
JUN180526    RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #25 VAR ED    $4.99
JUN180422    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 (MR)    $4.99
JUN180429    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 BLANK VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180423    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 KIETH VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180424    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 LEE VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180425    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 MACK VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180426    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 MCKEAN VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180427    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 RUSSELL VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180428    SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 THOMPSON VAR ED (MR)    $4.99
JUN180528    SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #28    $3.99
JUN180529    SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #28 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180533    SIDEWAYS #7    $2.99
JUN180456    SUICIDE SQUAD #45 SINK ATLANTIS    $3.99
JUN180457    SUICIDE SQUAD #45 VAR ED SINK ATLANTIS    $3.99
JUN180441    SUPERGIRL #21    $3.99
JUN180443    SUPERGIRL #21 BLANK VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180442    SUPERGIRL #21 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180537    SUPERMAN #2    $3.99
JUN180538    SUPERMAN #2 HUGHES VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180539    SUPERMAN #2 MACK VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180544    TITANS #24    $3.99
JUN180545    TITANS #24 VAR ED    $3.99
JUN180549    WILDSTORM MICHAEL CRAY #10    $3.99
JUN180550    WONDER WOMAN #52    $3.99
JUN180551    WONDER WOMAN #52 VAR ED    $3.99

Review: AMERICAN GODS #3

AMERICAN GODS No. 3
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Neil Gaiman
SCRIPT: P. Craig Russell
LAYOUTS: P. Craig Russell
ART: Scott Hampton; Walter Simonson
COLORS: Scott Hampton; Laura Martin
LETTERS: Rick Parker
COVER: Glenn Fabry with Adam Brown
VARIANT COVER: David Mack
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2017)

American Gods is the award-winning, 2001 novel from author Neil Gaiman.  It is now being adapted into a comic book series, published by Dark Horse Comics.  The novel won several fantasy-literary awards, and there is currently a hit television series adapted from the novel and televised on the cable network, Starz Media.  American Gods blends Americana and also ancient and modern mythology to tell the story of a man caught in a war between the gods of the Old World and the new American gods.

The guiding hand behind the American Gods comic book is frequent Gaiman collaborator, P. Craig Russell.  Russell wrote the script adaptation of Gaiman's novel and provided the layouts for the art.  American Gods the comic book is drawn and colored by Scott Hampton and lettered by Rick Parker.

American Gods #3 finds the protagonist, Shadow Moon, and his mysterious employer, Mr. Wednesday, still in Indiana where Shadow attended the funeral of his wife, Laura.  The duo prepares to leave for Chicago the following day, but that night, Shadow has strange, troubling dreams.  Then, he gets a visit from Laura.  Plus, meet the strange fortune tellers of Chicago.

I always feel or think that I have to let you know, dear reader, that I am a big fan of American Gods, although I did not read it upon its original release in 2001.  I read the tenth anniversary edition which featured a longer text – the author's preferred edition.  I also feel that I must admit that I loved that book, and that “love” is not a strong enough word in this case.  American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition is one of my favorite books, and I consider the reading that edition of American Gods to be life-changing event for me in terms of my life as a writer.  True, swear to an American god.

Dark Horse Comics, over their three decades-plus of publishing comic books adapted from other media, has produced countless high-quality “media-tie” comic book and adaptations, and American Gods is one of their best.  Even into this third issue, P. Craig Russell and Scott Hampton's American Gods feels true to Neil Gaiman's storytelling and text.

Russell is patient and allows his script adaptation of Gaiman's expansive novel to breath, rather than forcing the pace to squeeze the narrative into a miniseries.  Hampton's naturalistic art captures the supernatural aura surrounding American Gods' narrative, while fashioning a world that is both natural and supernatural.  I wondered how they could pull off Laura's return, which is one of the more troubling sequences in the novel.  They got it right; the comics vision of that event is also quite eerie.

So for a third time, I implore you to set aside your four dollars each month so that you can buy this lovely comic book, dear reader.  American Gods may end up being on the short list of great comic book adaptations of a prose novel.

A

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


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

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

Review: ROCKET #1

ROCKET No. 1 (2017)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Al Ewing
ARTIST: Adam Gorham
COLORS: Michael Garland
LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry
COVER: Mike Mayhew
VARIANT COVERS: Tim Bradstreet; Joe Jusko; David Mack
28pp, Color, $3.99 (July 2017)

Rocket Raccoon created by Bill Mantlo and Keith Giffen

Rated T+

“The Blue River Score” Part 1: “The Damsel”

Rocket Raccoon is a Marvel Comics space-based character created by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Keith Giffen.  The character first appeared in Marvel Preview #7 (cover dated:  Summer 1976), and received a snazzy makeover in 2008, courtesy of writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.  Rocket Raccoon, or simply “Rocket” is verbose, proactive, and doesn't mind zapping a ray blast in sentient ass.

Rocket Raccoon is the star of his third comic book series, entitled Rocket.  It is written by Al Ewing; drawn by Adam Gorham; colored by Michael Garland; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

Rocket #1 (“The Damsel”) finds Rocket drowning his sorrows at a bar on Digriz.  Suddenly, in walks Otta Spice, the former female-in-his-life.  She left him, but now, she is back because she needs him.  He does not want to help her, but he will – even if it is mission impossible.

Back in 2014, when I read Rocket Raccoon #1 by Skottie Young, I did not like the first 11 pages.  However, the second half of that comic book was a blast.  I was hoping for something like that with Rocket #1, but it didn't happen.  Rocket #1 is a poor comic book.

Marvel Comics currently has a #1 issue problem, and has for the last few years.  There are too many of them, especially when it comes to Guardians of the Galaxy.  I know that Marvel is merely trying to tap into the sales potential of a hot media property, following the success of the 2014 film, Guardians of the Galaxy, but the number of new titles related to this property seems like early 1990s Marvel overkill.  Rocket #1 is an example of a comic book that is either not ready for release or simply should not be published.  Rocket #1 is only a little better than recent Marvel #1 issues for Kingpin and Bullseye, which were crummy comics.

I like Mike Mayhew's cover art, and Adam Gorham's interior art is just right... for a better humor comic book than Rocket.

C-

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


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

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

Review: AMERICAN GODS #2

AMERICAN GODS No. 2
DARK HORSE COMICS – @DarkHorseComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Neil Gaiman
SCRIPT: P. Craig Russell
LAYOUTS: P. Craig Russell
ART: Scott Hampton
COLORS: Scott Hampton
LETTERS: Rick Parker
COVER: Glenn Fabry with Adam Brown
VARIANT COVER: David Mack; Bill Sienkiewicz
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2017)

American Gods, the award-winning, 2001 novel from author Neil Gaiman, is now being adapted into a comic book series, published by Dark Horse Comics.  The novel won several fantasy-literary awards and is currently the subject of a television adaptation by Starz Media.  This fantasy novel blends ancient and modern mythology with Americana to tell the tale a man caught in a war between the gods of the Old World and the new American gods.

The guiding hand behind the American Gods comic book is frequent Gaiman collaborator, P. Craig Russell.  Russell wrote the script adaptation of Gaiman's novel and provided the layouts for the art.  American Gods the comic book is drawn and colored by Scott Hampton and lettered by Rick Parker.

American Gods #2 finds the protagonist, Shadow Moon, in a predicament.  Shadow was recently paroled after serving three years of his six-year prison sentence.  As his day of release approached, Shadow was anxious, strongly believing that something bad was coming towards him.  He planned on returning to Eagle Point, Indiana and his wife, Laura, but he discovered that she had only recently been killed in a car crash.  What to do, now?

Now, Shadow is deciding if he should take a job offer from the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, and he is also about to meet the first of his potential employer's weird friends.  Bigger shocks are to come when Shadow learns more details about his wife's untimely death and also about the people who don't want him to take that job.

I am a big fan of American Gods, although I did not read it upon its original release in 2001.  I read the tenth anniversary edition which featured a longer text – the author's preferred edition.  I loved it, but “love” is not a strong enough word in this case.  American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition is one of my favorite books, and I consider the reading that edition of American Gods to be life-changing event for me in terms of my life as a writer.

Dark Horse Comics, over their three decades-plus of publishing comic books adapted from other media, has produced countless high-quality “media-tie” comic book and adaptations.  Why stop now?  Well, I am not disappointed.

So far, I like P. Craig Russell and Scott Hampton's American Gods because it feels true to Neil Gaiman's storytelling and text.  Russell is patient and allows his script adaptation of Gaiman's expansive novel to breath, rather than forcing the pace to squeeze the narrative into a miniseries.  Hampton's naturalistic art captures the supernatural aura surrounding American Gods' narrative, while fashioning a world that is both natural and supernatural.

Once again, I implore you to set aside your four bucks for each issue.  We have in American Gods a comics adaptation of a novel that may end up being on the short list of great comic book adaptations of a prose novel.

A

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


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

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

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for April 18, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

FEB180013    BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #1 MAIN CVR    $3.99
FEB180014    BLACK HAMMER AGE OF DOOM #1 VAR YOUNG CVR    $3.99
DEC170090    BPRD HELL ON EARTH HC VOL 02    $34.99
JAN180132    EMPOWERED & SISTAH SPOOKYS HIGH SCHOOL HELL #4    $3.99
DEC170052    FIGHT CLUB 2 TP (MR)    $19.99
FEB180044    GIANTS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
FEB180042    MATA HARI #3 (MR)    $3.99
FEB180058    USAGI YOJIMBO #2 (OF 7) THE HIDDEN    $3.99
FEB180073    VINEGAR TEETH #4 (OF 4)    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 14, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV170030    BADLANDS TP 2ND ED    $17.99
NOV170053    BLADE OF IMMORTAL OMNIBUS TP VOL 05 (MR)    $21.99
JAN180114    GIANTS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN180097    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MY AINSEL #1    $3.99
JAN180098    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MY AINSEL #1 VAR CVR    $3.99