Showing posts with label Gene Colan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gene Colan. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE & FRIENDS Hot Summer Movies #1

ARCHIE & FRIENDS HOT SUMMER MOVIES #1 (#16)
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Adrian Ropp; Rich Margopoulos; George Gladir; Dan Parent
PENCILS: Bill Galvan; Gene Colan; Dan DeCarlo: Dan Parent
INKS: Ben Galvan; Rudy Lapick; Jim DeCarlo; Dan Parent
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Dan Parent
LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Bill and Ben Galvan
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2023); on sale in comic book shops June 7, 2023

Rating: All-Ages

“Riverdale Jones and the Burger of Density”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character.  In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics published the series, Archie & Friends, from 1992 to 2012 for 159 issues.  Since 2019, Archie has been publishing a new iteration of Archie & Friends as a series of themed one-shot comic books.  The latest is Archie & Friends Hot Summer Movies No.1, the sixteenth issue in the series.  It features one new five-page story, two reprint stories, and gallery of humorous illustrated cards.  Entitled “Riverdale Jones and the Burger of Density,” the new story is written by Adrian Ropp; drawn by Bill Galvan (pencils) and Ben Galvan (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Riverdale Jones and the Burger of Density”:
The story opens in Riverdale, specifically Pop's Diner.  Archie and Betty are concerned about the state of Jughead Jones, who has just devoured Pop's thickest and juiciest burger creation yet.  However, Jughead's mind is far away.  He is once again the hero burgerologist, Riverdale Jones, and he is deep in the heart of the rain forest, where he hopes to find the most delicious, exotic burger.  With his faithful pet, Hot Dog, by his side, can Riverdale find a legendary hamburger that may be every bit as formidable as the one Jughead already ate?

THE LOWDOWN:   Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review.  One of the most recent is Archie & Friends Hot Summer Movies No. 1, (which is titled Archie & Friends #1 (#16), in the indicia).

“Riverdale Jones and the Burger of Density” is a nice, short send-up and tribute to Indiana Jones.  With the impending arrival of the film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, this is the perfect time for Archie Comics to spoof the beloved movie adventurer and archaeologist.  If I understand correctly, Jughead has been “Riverdale Jones” in the past, but if that is the case, I have not been able to discover the specific issue or issues in which Riverdale appeared.

Anyway, writer Adrian Ropp and artists Bill Galvan and his son, Ben Galvan, have created a sweet comics confection that alone is worth the price of admission.  Plus, as a bonus, this comic book offers “E.T. Travesty,” a tale drawn by the classic Archie Comics artist, Dan DeCarlo.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends Hot Summer Movies No. 1.

B+

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


https://archiecomics.com/
https://twitter.com/archiecomics
https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/
https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn
https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics


The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Friday, June 30, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: June 2023 - Update #71

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

DC STUDIOS - From DeadlineDC Studios has its Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane, actors David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan, respectively.  They will be the leads in "Superman: Legacy," the first in a new series of films based on DC Comics characters.

From DCBlog:  Benjamin Wallfisch talks about scoring "The Flash."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller will draw "Ronin Book II #4" entirely by himself.  That issue may arrive in late September 2023.

MANGA TO TV - From CBR:  Netflix's live-action adaptation of "One Piece" costs 18 million dollars per episode, the most expensive per episode series ever for Netflix.  It surpasses the 15 million dollars per episode that "Game of Thrones" costs.

COMIC-CON - From Variety:  Apparently, Disney, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Netflix, Sony Pictures, HBO, and Universal are skipping San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

SONY MARVEL U - From VarietySony debuts its first trailer for its next Marvel-based film, "Kraven the Hunter," and it is a "red-band trailer."  The film is due in theaters Oct. 6th, 2023.

From Deadline:  Sony Pictures has pulled "El Muerto," it Marvel Comics character film starring recording artist, Bad Bunny, from its release schedule.

BOOKS - From NPR:  Author Rachel Swarns talks about her new book, "The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church," which details how the Catholic Church profited from the slave trade and the enslavements of Africans and their descendants in America.

JACK KIRBY/MARVEL - From Deadline:  Neal Kirby, the son of the legendary comic book writer-artist and creator, Jack Kirby, has publicly challenged the narrative of the new Disney+ documentary, "Stan Lee."

From TheBeat:  Journalist and comics historian, Heidi MacDonald, shares some thoughts about the recent documentary, "Stan Lee," and how it relates to the late artist and co-creator of much of the Marvel Universe, Jack Kirby.

DC CINEMA/THE FLASH:

From Variety:  A timeline of the arrests, controversies, and other legal entanglements of Ezra Miller, the star of "The Flash."

From DeadlineAndy Muschietti, the director of "The Flash," will also direct DC Studios' Batman film, "Batman: Brave and the Bold."  Meanwhile, Andy and his sister, producer Barbara Muschietti, have signed first-look deals with both the picture and television divisions of Warner Bros.

From Variety:  Actor Michael Shannon said his return to the role of "General Zod" in "The Flash" was not "quite satisfying" for him as an actor.  He first played the role in 2013's "Man of Steel."
-------------------------------------------

DC ANIMATION - From Variety:  Warner Bros. various animation divisions are showing at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market.  Among the highlights is a "sizzle reel" of the upcoming Bruce Timm "Batman: Caped Crusader," described as a darker version of Timm's beloved "Batman: The Animated Series."  Warner Bros. has licensed "Caped Crusader" to Amazon Prime.

MARVEL - From TheFHQ:  Former Marvel EiC, Joe Quesada, answers fans' questions in this Q&A with "Fan Expo HQ." The page also includes a video of a longer interview with Quesada

SONY MARVEL U - From Deadline:  Sony Pictures has reserved to future theatrical release dates: November 8, 2024 and June 27, 2025, for two of its movies based on Marvel Comics characters.

TOKYOPOP - From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP has announced its slate of panels, special guests, special booth activities and premiums for Anime Expo 2023.  The event will be held July 1-4 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA.

DC TV - From Deadline:  The CW did renew "Superman & Lois" for a fourth season, but seven cast members are not returning.  There is hope that some or all of them can appear in guests or recurring roles.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Legendary comic book artist, John Romita, Sr., has died at the age of 93, Monday, June 12, 2023.  Romita's career is too long and significant to summarize, but he may be best known for his run on Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, on and off, from the 1965 to 1977.  Replacing the artist who co-created and drew Spider-Man, Steve Ditko, Romita established an entirely new look for the series.  Romita also co-created or designed such the characters Mary Jane Watson, The Punisher, and Wolverine.  Romita was also the father of acclaimed comic book artist, John Romita, Jr.

#ComicsBrokeMe:

From BleedingCool:  More tales of abuse from #ComicsBrokeMe.

From BleedingCool:  #ComicsBrokeMe stories mostly about DC Comics, but also some Marvel... tales.

From BleedingCool:  The Twitter hastag, "#ComicsBrokeMe," is allowing comics creators to talk about the personal and financial hardships and professional pressures that they deal with in order to work in American comic books.

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IMAGE COMICS TO TV - From FilmUpdates:  Film director and Oscar-winning screenwriter Jordan Peele and actress Selena Gomez are adapting the Image Comics series, "Coyotes" "2017-18) for Amazon's Prime Video.

DC TV - From CBRThe CW has renewed "Superman & Lois" for a 10-episode fourth season.  It is the last DC Comics-inspired series on the broadcast network.

From CBR:  That means that The CW has cancelled "Gotham Knights" after one season.

SPIDER-VERSE - From Variety:  On Monday, at the Annecy International Film Festival, Sony Pictures Animation gave a world premiered its boundary-pushing short, "The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story," which tackles mental health.  Spinning off the world of "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "Spider-Man: Across The Spider Verse," the short shows its protagonist Miles Morales/Spider-Man suffering from an anxiety attack as he feels overwhelmed by school work, exams and relationships.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Comic book writer and artist, Ian McGinty, has died at the age of 38, Thursday, June 8, 2023.  He worked on such licensed comic books as "Adventure Time" and "Rick & Morty."  His original comics included "Welcome to Showside" and "Hello My Name is Poop."

MARVEL - From BleedingCoolMarvel Characters Inc. has settled lawsuits brought by Larry Lieber (the late Stan Lee's younger brother) and the estates of late creatres:  Don Heck, Gene Colan, and Don Rico. However, no settlement has been reached in the case of the estate of Steve Ditko, which seeks to reclaim his share of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man copyrights.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Legendary illustrator and comic book artist and creator, 73-year-old Barry Windsor-Smith, is now at home recovering from the Ischemic stroke he suffered on May 20th.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  A new "Ultimate Comics Universe" will spin out of Jonathan Hickman and Bryan Hitch's "Ultimate Invasion."

MANGA TO ANIME - From CBR:  Henry Thurlow, an American animator living in Japan, is the first American to direct an episode of the "One Piece" anime.  His episode of One Piece, "Episode 1066," will debut in Japan on June 25th.

DC PRIDE - From DCBlog:  Author Jadzia Axelrod talks about choosing the over fifty LGBTQIA+ characters that appear in "The DC Book of Pride."

DC ANIMATION - From YouTube:  Here is the trailer for the latest DC Comics animated film, "Justice League: War World." The film is due for release July 25, 2023.

MILLARWORLD - From CBR:  Image Comics reveals three variant covers, from Frank Quitely, Jae Lee, and Danny Earls, for the upcoming "Big Game #1," which arrives July 19, 2023.

DC STUDIOS - From DeadlineWarner Bros. and writer-director James Gunn are apparently closing in on choosing the actors to play Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane for the film, "Superman: Legacy."  They are reportedly about to begin a second round of screen tests.

DC STUDIOS - From EW:  In an interview to promote the documentary film, "Translators," actress Leslie Grace talks about the loss of "Batgirl," the film in which she starred and what it means for representation.

DC COMICS - From CBR:  A CBR roundtable of writers: Joshua Williamson, Mark Waid, G. Willow Wilson, and Matthew Rosenberg, talk about DC Comics' big summer event, "Knight Terrors."

COMICS - From IGN:  The editor/publisher of the most excellent "Kolchak the Night Stalker 50th Anniversary" anthology graphic novel, James Aquilone/Monstrous Books, has just launched a Kickstarter for another horror comics anthology, "Dead Detectives Society."

From ComicBook:  Launching on "Kickstarter" with the "Dead Detectives Society" anthology is a new magazine, "Monstrous."

SPIDER-VERSE - From Variety:  "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" tops the weekend box office with an estimated gross of 120.5 million dollars.

From Marvel:  The directors of the new film, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," talk about the cultural important of Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From Deadline: Current Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Tom Holland, says that his favorite Spider-Man film is the Oscar-winning "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" (2018).  The social media and media landscape seems obsessed with the fact that he says that he also thinks that it is the best Spider-Man movie.

MANGA TO LIVE-ACTION - From CBR:  The site is investigating a possible cast list for Netflix's live-action movie adaptation of the wildly popular manga, "My Hero Academia."

MARVEL - From CBR:  Frank Castle/The Punisher is no more... or at least has become something different.

DC ANIMATION - From CBR:  Actor Mark Hamill reflects on his time on "Batman: The Animated Series," and how he was sure his role as "Luke Skywalker" in the "Star Wars" films would keep him from getting the role he eventually won, providing the voice of "The Joker."

SONY SPIDER U - From CBR:  Actor Andy Samberg provided the voice of "Scarlet Spider" in the upcoming "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."

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MAY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Aardvark-Vanaheim for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dead Good Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fantagraphics Books for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment Inc. for May 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for May 2023

JUNE 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Captain America" for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Star Wars" for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for June 2023
From BleedingCool:  Uncivilized Books for June 2023

JULY 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairsquare Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Extreme Venomverse" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "X-Men" for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  T-Pub for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Comics for July 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for July 2023

AUGUST 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvard-Vanaheim for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics X-Men's "Fall of X" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Fall of X" checklist and solicitations for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for August 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2023

OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023

DECEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "G.I. Joe" comics for December 2023

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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

#IReadsYou Review: BLAZING COMBAT

BLAZING COMBAT
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

WRITERS: Archie Goodwin, Michael Catron
ARTISTS: Various
LETTERS: Ben Oda, Various
COVER: John Severin
ISBN: 978-1-60699-366-8; paperback (February 2010)
212pp, B&W with some color, $19.99 U.S.

Comic book history tells us that Warren Publishing was an independent magazine publisher owned by maverick, James Warren.  By 1965, Warren was best known for publishing Famous Monsters of Filmland, its flagship title, and Creepy, a horror comics anthology that would go on to become a legend.  James Warren had even published Harvey Kurtzman’s black-and-white comic book series, Help!

Inspired by Harvey Kurtzman’s Two-Fisted Tales and Frontline Combat, two famous war titles from EC Comics, Warren launched his on war comic book, entitled Blazing Combat.  The stories were largely written by Archie Goodwin and drawn by an absolute murderers’ row of comic book and illustration luminaries, including Wallace “Wally” Wood, Gene Colan, Frank Frazetta (cover artist), Joe Orlando, John Severin, Alex Toth, and Al Williamson, among others.

Blazing Combat looked like it would be a hit, but in 1965, the United States was escalating its involvement in Vietnam.  Apparently, Blazing Combat’s realistic depiction of soldiers in combat, of the death, violence, and destruction of war, and even of the affects of war on civilians angered some.  Blazing Combat was banned from sale on military bases, and the American Legion’s objections to the title led some magazine wholesalers to stop carrying it.  In 1966, after only four issues, James Warren cancelled Blazing Combat.

The reader can learn all this in Michael Catron’s excellent introduction to a book entitled Blazing Combat.  Published last year by Fantagraphics Books, the hardcover Blazing Combat collected all four issues of the original Blazing Combat and also included two interviews Catron conducted with James Warren and Archie Goodwin.  Fantagraphics recently released a less expensive softcover edition of this 2010 Eisner Award nominated book (Best Archival Collection/Project-Comic Books).

So what you might ask?  Who cares about a reprint of an old comic book published by James Warren over 40 years ago?

Well, Blazing Combat is probably the best war comic book ever published in the United States.  Speaking in terms of anthology books, the art in Blazing Combat is every bit as good as the art found in EC Comics’ titles – the gold standard in anthology comics and arguably the best line of comic books ever published in the U.S.

As for the stories, Blazing Combat was probably the best writing of Archie Goodwin’s long and distinguished career as a writer and beloved editor.  Screenwriters and directors have received Oscar nominations and wins for directing and writing some excellent war movies, such as The Hurt Locker recently.  Goodwin’s work in Blazing Combat is every bit as powerful and high-quality.

In such stories as “Holding Action,” about a scared boy in Korea, “The Trench,” set in the trenches of World War I (both drawn by the incomparable John Severin), and “Face to Face” (drawn by Joe Orlando) set during the Spanish American war, Goodwin delivers poignant and powerful work about the damage of war on the mind and the spirit.  The physical degradation of war on the land and on a people is revealed in the sublime “Landscape” (drawn by Joe Orlando), about a Vietnamese farmer.

For all the controversy his stories apparently generated, Goodwin gives love to the veteran combatant in the lovely “The Edge.”  Drawn by Alex Toth, the story is more proof of why Toth is the master when it comes to drawing aerial combat in comic books.  However, Wally Wood does show his own chops in two stories of aerial combat, “The Battle for Britain!” which he wrote and “ME-262!

Blazing Combat, in spite of its short run, could be called special because of the list of luminaries that drew the comic book art – the visual storytelling.  At a time, however, when comic book publishers were turning themselves solely into superhero comic book publishers, James Warren, Archie Goodwin, and their collaborators were tackling bigger ideas and substantive subject matter by taking on war and the military culture.  And they did great work, to boot.  Now, thanks to this collection, Blazing Combat leaves the memory hole and at long last takes its place of prominence in American comic book history.

A+
10 out of 10

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



https://www.fantagraphics.com/
https://twitter.com/fantagraphics
https://www.instagram.com/fantagraphics/
https://www.facebook.com/fantagraphics/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtLxEaspctVar287DtdsMww


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

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Monday, January 27, 2020

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 29, 2020

DC COMICS

NOV190425    ACTION COMICS #1019    $3.99
NOV190426    ACTION COMICS #1019 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
OCT190623    ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN JOSE LUIS GARCIA LOPEZ HC VOL 02    $49.99
OCT190624    AQUAMAN DEATH OF A PRINCE DLX ED HC    $39.99
OCT190627    BAT AND THE CAT 80 YEARS OF ROMANCE HC    $39.99
OCT190631    BATMAN BEYOND TP VOL 06 DIVIDE CONQUER AND KILL    $16.99
JUN190629    BATMAN BLACK & WHITE BATMAN BY GENE COLAN STATUE    $90.00
OCT190653    BIRDS OF PREY MURDER AND MYSTERY TP    $29.99
JUN190625    DC ESSENTIALS HAL JORDAN AF    $28.00
JUN190627    DC ESSENTIALS KNIGHTFALL BATMAN AF    $28.00
JUN190628    DC ESSENTIALS KNIGHTFALL CATWOMAN AF    $28.00
JUN190626    DC ESSENTIALS SINESTRO AF    $28.00
DEC190003    DC PREVIEWS #22 FEBRUARY 2020 EXTRAS (NET)    $PI
NOV190422    DC SUPER HERO GIRLS GIANT #2 (RES)    $4.99
NOV190446    DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #3    $4.99
NOV190513    DIAL H FOR HERO #11 (OF 12)    $3.99
NOV190520    DOLLAR COMICS DETECTIVE COMICS #554    $1.00
NOV198792    FAR SECTOR #1 (OF 12) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV190451    FLASH #87    $3.99
NOV190452    FLASH #87 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190456    GREEN LANTERN BLACKSTARS #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
NOV190457    GREEN LANTERN BLACKSTARS #3 (OF 3) VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190464    JUSTICE LEAGUE #39    $3.99
NOV190465    JUSTICE LEAGUE #39 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190466    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19    $3.99
NOV190467    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #19 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV198791    LAST GOD #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $4.99
NOV190509    LAST GOD #4 (MR)    $4.99
OCT190493    SHADOW OF THE BATGIRL TP    $16.99
NOV190484    SUICIDE SQUAD #2    $3.99
NOV190485    SUICIDE SQUAD #2 CARD STOCK VAR ED    $4.99
NOV190494    TERRIFICS #24    $3.99
NOV190495    TERRIFICS #24 VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190496    TITANS BURNING RAGE #6 (OF 7)    $4.99

Monday, July 15, 2019

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 17, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

MAY190893    AGE OF X-MAN OMEGA #1    $4.99
MAY190894    AGE OF X-MAN OMEGA #1 PORTACIO VAR    $4.99
MAY198160    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #22 2ND PTG RAMOS VAR    $3.99
MAY198161    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #23 2ND PTG OTTLEY VAR    $3.99
APR190966    BLACK WIDOW TP NO RESTRAINTS PLAY    $15.99
MAY198162    CAPTAIN MARVEL #6 2ND PTG MARTELLO VAR    $3.99
MAY190855    CAPTAIN MARVEL #8    $3.99
MAY190857    CAPTAIN MARVEL #8 INHYUK LEE CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $3.99
MAY190864    DAREDEVIL #8    $3.99
MAY190865    DAREDEVIL #8 GARBETT CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $3.99
MAY190902    DEADPOOL #15    $4.99
MAY190903    DEADPOOL #15 YOUNG CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $4.99
MAY190896    DOMINO HOTSHOTS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAY190761    GIANT SIZED X-MEN #1 FACSIMILE EDITION    $4.99
MAY198163    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY ANNUAL #1 2ND PTG CINAR VAR    $4.99
APR190973    HAVOK AND WOLVERINE TP MELTDOWN NEW PTG    $24.99
APR198595    HOUSE OF X POWERS OF X PREVIEWS (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
MAY198193    IMMORTAL HULK #19 2ND PTG BENNETT VAR    $3.99
MAY190777    IMMORTAL HULK #21    $3.99
MAY198164    INCREDIBLE HULK LAST CALL #1 2ND PTG KEOWN VAR    $4.99
MAY190811    INVADERS #7    $3.99
MAY190720    LOKI #1    $3.99
MAY190722    LOKI #1 SLINEY CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $3.99
APR190978    MARVELS EYE OF CAMERA TP NEW PTG    $19.99
MAY198166    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #4 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
MAY198167    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #5 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
MAY198168    MILES MORALES SPIDER-MAN #6 2ND PTG GARRON VAR    $3.99
APR190958    MILES MORALES TP VOL 01 STRAIGHT OUT OF BROOKLYN    $17.99
MAY190879    PUNISHER ANNUAL #1    $4.99
MAY190880    PUNISHER ANNUAL #1 CHRISTOPHER CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
MAY190788    SECRET WARPS GHOST PANTHER ANNUAL #1    $4.99
MAY190789    SECRET WARPS GHOST PANTHER ANNUAL #1 PACHECO CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
MAY198159    SILVER SURFER BLACK #1 (OF 5) 3RD PTG MOORE VAR    $3.99
MAY190858    SILVER SURFER BLACK #2 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAY190860    SILVER SURFER BLACK #2 (OF 5) LIM VAR    $3.99
MAY190846    SPIDER-MAN CITY AT WAR #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
MAY190848    SPIDER-MAN CITY AT WAR #5 (OF 6) WAITE 8-BIT VAR    $3.99
MAY198194    SPIDER-MAN LIFE STORY #4 (OF 6) 2ND PTG BAGLEY VAR    $4.99
MAY190813    SPIDER-MAN LIFE STORY #5 (OF 6)    $4.99
MAY190936    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #34    $3.99
MAY190937    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #34 WIJNGAARD GREATEST MOMENTS VAR    $3.99
MAY190934    STAR WARS TIE FIGHTER #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
MAY190845    SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN #9    $3.99
MAY198169    SYMBIOTE SPIDER-MAN #3 (OF 5) 2ND PTG LAND VAR    $3.99
JAN191088    THANOS BY DONNY CATES HC    $34.99
APR190979    TOMB OF DRACULA TP DAY OF BLOOD NIGHT OF REDEMPTION    $24.99
MAY190770    TRUE BELIEVERS ABSOLUTE CARNAGE MAXIMUM CARNAGE #1    $1.00
MAY190769    TRUE BELIEVERS ABSOLUTE CARNAGE SAVAGE REBIRTH #1    $1.00
MAY190899    UNCANNY X-MEN #22    $4.99
MAY190900    UNCANNY X-MEN #22 ANACLETO CARNAGE-IZED VAR    $4.99
MAY190888    UNSTOPPABLE WASP #10    $3.99
MAY198170    VENOM #14 2ND PTG COELLO VAR    $3.99
MAY198171    VENOM #15 2ND PTG COELLO VAR    $3.99
MAY198172    WAR OF REALMS #4 (OF 6) 2ND PTG DAUTERMAN VAR    $4.99
MAY198173    WAR OF REALMS #5 (OF 6) 2ND PTG DAUTERMAN VAR    $4.99
APR190965    WOLVERINE TP LONG NIGHT    $15.99
MAY190901    X-FORCE #10    $3.99
APR190970    X-MEN EPIC COLLECTION TP ALWAYS DARKEST BEFORE DAWN    $39.99
APR190971    X-MEN MILESTONES TP FALL OF MUTANTS    $34.99

Monday, October 1, 2018

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 3, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

JUL188892    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #2 3RD PTG OTTLEY VAR    $3.99
APR180851    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY MICHELINIE & MCFARLANE OMNIBUS HC    $100.00
AUG181005    ASGARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #2    $3.99
JUL188893    AVENGERS #6 2ND PTG MCGUINNESS VAR    $3.99
JUL181176    AVENGERS BY JASON AARON TP VOL 01 FINAL HOST    $17.99
JUL181177    AVENGERS BY JASON AARON TP VOL 01 FINAL HOST MCGUINNESS DM V    $17.99
JUL181197    AVENGERS DOCTOR STRANGE TP RISE OF DARKHOLD    $39.99
JUL188894    CAPTAIN AMERICA #3 2ND PTG YU VAR    $3.99
AUG180943    CHAMPIONS #25    $4.99
AUG180944    CHAMPIONS #25 JONG JU KIM MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $4.99
AUG180993    COSMIC GHOST RIDER #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
AUG180995    COSMIC GHOST RIDER #4 (OF 5) MAXX LIM MARVEL BATTLE LINES VA    $3.99
AUG181040    DEADPOOL #5    $3.99
AUG181041    DEADPOOL #5 SUJIN JO MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
AUG181029    DEATH OF INHUMANS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
AUG181030    DEATH OF INHUMANS #4 (OF 5) LARRAZ YOUNG GUNS CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
JUL188895    DOCTOR STRANGE #4 2ND PTG SAIZ VAR    $3.99
AUG181012    DOCTOR STRANGE #6    $3.99
AUG181013    DOCTOR STRANGE #6 KEUNWOO LEE MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
JUL181187    DOCTOR STRANGE BY DONNY CATES TP VOL 02 CITY OF SIN    $15.99
APR180843    HELLSTORM BY WARREN ELLIS OMNIBUS HC (MR)    $75.00
AUG180879    INFINITY WARS SLEEPWALKER #1 (OF 4)    $3.99
APR180844    MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE HC MARVEL COMICS OMNIBUS    $125.00
JUL188716    MARVEL UNIVERSE MAGAZINE #1 FALL (SOLD AS EACHES) (Net)    $PI
JUL188814    PUNISHER #1 2ND PTG KUDRANSKI VAR    $4.99
AUG180898    SHATTERSTAR #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR180849    SPIDER-GWEN HC VOL 03    $34.99
AUG181061    STAR WARS #55    $3.99
AUG180863    SUPERIOR OCTOPUS #1 SG    $4.99
AUG180865    SUPERIOR OCTOPUS #1 YOON LEE MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $4.99
JUL188935    THANOS LEGACY #1 2ND PTG LEVEL VAR    $4.99
APR180845    THOR HEROES RETURN OMNIBUS HC VOL 02    $125.00
JUL181198    TOMB OF DRACULA COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 02    $39.99
APR180852    TOMB OF DRACULA OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG VOL 01    $100.00
JUL181029    TONY STARK IRON MAN #4    $3.99
JUL181031    TONY STARK IRON MAN #4 NAKAYAMA COSMIC GHOST RIDER VAR    $3.99
AUG180929    TRUE BELIEVERS WHAT IF AVENGERS FOUGHT EVIL DURING 1950S #1    $1.00
AUG180930    TRUE BELIEVERS WHAT IF JANE FOSTER FOUND HAMMER OF THOR #1    $1.00
AUG180967    TYPHOID FEVER SPIDER-MAN #1    $4.99
AUG180970    TYPHOID FEVER SPIDER-MAN #1 HEEJIN JOEN MARVEL BATTLE LINES    $4.99
AUG180969    TYPHOID FEVER SPIDER-MAN #1 SANDOVAL CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
JUL188896    VENOM #4 3RD PTG STEGMAN VAR    $3.99
AUG181046    WEAPON H #8    $3.99
AUG181047    WEAPON H #8 SUJIN JO MARVEL BATTLE LINES VAR    $3.99
AUG181056    WEAPON X #24    $3.99
JUL188897    WEB OF VENOM VE NAM #1 2ND PTG RAMIREZ VAR    $4.99
JUL188905    WEST COAST AVENGERS #1 2ND PTG CASELLI VAR    $4.99
AUG180923    WHAT IF? SPIDER-MAN #1    $3.99
AUG180924    WHAT IF? SPIDER-MAN #1 CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR    $3.99
AUG180917    WHAT IF? X-MEN #1    $3.99
AUG180918    WHAT IF? X-MEN #1 CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR    $3.99
AUG180905    X-MEN BLACK MAGNETO #1    $4.99
JUL189101    X-MEN BLACK MAGNETO #1 JSC VIRGIN VAR    $4.99
AUG180906    X-MEN BLACK MAGNETO #1 LARROCA MUGSHOT VAR    $4.99
JUL181195    X-MEN PHOENIX IN DARKNESS BY GRANT MORRISON TP    $24.99

Monday, March 5, 2018

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 7, 2018

DC COMICS

JUL170485    ABSOLUTE WILDCATS BY JIM LEE HC    $125.00
JAN180270    BANE CONQUEST #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
JAN180260    BATMAN #42    $2.99
JAN180261    BATMAN #42 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170385    BATMAN & HARLEY QUINN HC    $24.99
DEC170386    BATMAN & SUPERMAN IN WORLDS FINEST THE SILVER AGE VOL 02    $24.99
DEC170387    BATMAN BY NEAL ADAMS TP BOOK 01    $24.99
JAN180268    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #6 (OF 8)    $3.99
JAN180269    BATMAN WHITE KNIGHT #6 (OF 8) VAR ED    $3.99
JAN180275    BLACK LIGHTNING COLD DEAD HANDS #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN180276    BOMBSHELLS UNITED #13    $2.99
SEP170450    DC GALLERY SUPERMAN VS FLASH RACING STATUE    $295.00
JAN180281    DEATHSTROKE #29    $3.99
JAN180282    DEATHSTROKE #29 VAR ED    $3.99
JAN180361    EXIT STAGE LEFT THE SNAGGLEPUSS CHRONICLES #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN180362    EXIT STAGE LEFT THE SNAGGLEPUSS CHRONICLES #3 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
JAN180293    GREEN ARROW #38    $3.99
JAN180294    GREEN ARROW #38 VAR ED    $3.99
JAN180295    GREEN LANTERNS #42    $2.99
JAN180296    GREEN LANTERNS #42 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN180307    HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN180308    HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #6 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
JAN180303    HARLEY QUINN #39    $2.99
JAN180304    HARLEY QUINN #39 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170379    HELLBLAZER TP VOL 03 THE INSPIRATION GAME REBIRTH    $16.99
JAN180311    INJUSTICE 2 #21    $2.99
JAN180365    JETSONS #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
JAN180366    JETSONS #5 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
JAN180313    JUSTICE LEAGUE #40    $2.99
JAN180314    JUSTICE LEAGUE #40 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC170380    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA TP VOL 03 PANIC MICROVERSE REBIRTH    $16.99
DEC170395    JUSTICE LEAGUE POWER & GLORY TP    $19.99
SEP170419    KAMANDI BY JACK KIRBY OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
DEC178837    MISTER MIRACLE #5 (OF 12) 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
JAN180326    NIGHTWING #40    $2.99
JAN180327    NIGHTWING #40 VAR ED    $2.99
JAN180249    SHADE THE CHANGING WOMAN #1 (MR)    $3.99
JAN180250    SHADE THE CHANGING WOMAN #1 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
DEC170381    SUPER SONS TP VOL 02 PLANET OF THE CAPES REBIRTH    $14.99
JAN180340    SUPERMAN #42    $2.99
JAN180341    SUPERMAN #42 VAR ED    $2.99
OCT170381    TALES OF THE BATMAN GENE COLAN HC VOL 02    $39.99
DEC170354    WILD STORM #12    $3.99
DEC170356    WILD STORM #12 HITCH VAR ED    $3.99
DEC170355    WILD STORM #12 LEE VAR ED    $3.99

Monday, January 15, 2018

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for January 17, 2018

IDW PUBLISHING

NOV170530    ASSASSINISTAS #2 CVR A HERNANDEZ (MR)    $3.99
NOV170531    ASSASSINISTAS #2 CVR B MCGEE (MR)    $3.99
AUG170508    DIABLO HOUSE #3 CVR A SANTIPEREZ    $3.99
AUG170509    DIABLO HOUSE #3 CVR B DICKINSON    $3.99
AUG170533    DIRK GENTLY EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED GAME    $29.99
OCT170530    FOUR WOMEN TP    $17.99
AUG170497    GENE COLAN TOMB OF DRACULA ARTIST ED HC    $125.00
SEP170598    JUNGLE JOUST GAME    $29.99
SEP170482    LIGHTS OF THE AMALOU TP    $39.99
DEC150527    MAXX MAXXIMIZED LTD ED HC VOL 02    $PI
NOV170502    OPTIMUS PRIME #15 CVR A ZAMA    $3.99
NOV170503    OPTIMUS PRIME #15 CVR B COLLER    $3.99
OCT170504    SKYLANDERS SPYRO & FRIENDS HC    $12.99
NOV170413    STAR WARS ADV FORCES OF DESTINY HERA CVR A    $3.99
NOV170414    STAR WARS ADV FORCES OF DESTINY HERA CVR B    $3.99
NOV170422    STAR WARS ADVENTURES #6 CVR A CHARM    $3.99
NOV170423    STAR WARS ADVENTURES #6 CVR B LEVINS    $3.99
OCT170524    TALES FROM THE AGE OF COBRA TP    $24.99
SEP170483    THREE ROOMS IN VALERIES HEAD TP    $19.99
NOV170511    TRANSFORMERS WINDBLADE LAST CITY TP    $24.99
NOV170568    WEIRD LOVE #22    $4.99

Monday, October 23, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 25, 2017

DC COMICS

AUG170186    ACTION COMICS #990 (OZ EFFECT)    $2.99
AUG170185    ACTION COMICS #990 LENTICULAR ED (OZ EFFECT)    $3.99
AUG170187    ACTION COMICS #990 VAR ED (OZ EFFECT)    $2.99
AUG170193    BATGIRL #16    $3.99
AUG170194    BATGIRL #16 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170201    BATMAN BEYOND #13    $3.99
AUG170202    BATMAN BEYOND #13 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170456    BATMAN NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN TP (REBIRTH)    $16.99
AUG178712    BATMAN THE DAWNBREAKER #1 METAL 2ND PTG    $3.99
AUG178713    BATMAN THE DROWNED #1 METAL 2ND PTG    $3.99
JUL170312    BATMAN THE MERCILESS #1 (METAL)    $3.99
AUG178714    BATMAN THE MERCILESS #1 METAL 2ND PTG    $3.99
AUG178665    BATMAN THE MURDER MACHINE #1 2ND PTG METAL    $3.99
AUG170205    BLUE BEETLE #14    $3.99
AUG170206    BLUE BEETLE #14 VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170272    DC HOUSE OF HORROR #1    $9.99
AUG170213    DETECTIVE COMICS #967    $2.99
AUG170214    DETECTIVE COMICS #967 VAR ED    $2.99
AUG170180    FLASH #33 METAL    $2.99
AUG170181    FLASH #33 VAR ED METAL    $2.99
AUG170277    GOTHAM CITY GARAGE #2    $2.99
AUG170221    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #31    $2.99
AUG170222    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #31 VAR ED    $2.99
AUG170227    HELLBLAZER #15    $3.99
AUG170228    HELLBLAZER #15 VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170459    HELLBLAZER TP VOL 02 THE SMOKELESS FIRE (REBIRTH)    $16.99
JUL170474    INJUSTICE 2 HC VOL 01    $24.99
MAY170369    JUSTICE LEAGUE MOVIE CYBORG STATUE    $150.00
AUG170235    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #17    $2.99
AUG170236    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #17 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170480    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA MIDSUMMERS NIGHMARE DLX HC    $24.99
AUG170291    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
AUG170292    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #10 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
JUL170491    LUCIFER TP VOL 03 BLOOD IN THE STREETS (MR)    $16.99
AUG170311    MOTHER PANIC #12 (MR)    $3.99
AUG170312    MOTHER PANIC #12 VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
JUN170406    NIGHT FORCE BY WOLFMAN & COLAN COMPLETE SERIES HC    $39.99
JUL170461    NIGHTWING REBIRTH DLX COLL HC BOOK 01    $34.99
AUG170297    NIGHTWING THE NEW ORDER #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
AUG170299    RUFF & REDDY SHOW #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
AUG170300    RUFF & REDDY SHOW #1 (OF 6) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG170313    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #31    $2.99
AUG170247    SUICIDE SQUAD #28    $2.99
AUG170248    SUICIDE SQUAD #28 VAR ED    $2.99
JUL170464    SUPERGIRL TP VOL 02 ESCAPE FROM THE PHANTOM ZONE (REBIRTH)    $16.99
AUG170259    TEEN TITANS #13    $3.99
AUG170260    TEEN TITANS #13 VAR ED    $3.99
MAY170352    WILDSTORM A CELEBRATION OF 25 YEARS HC    $29.99
AUG170267    WONDER WOMAN #33    $2.99
AUG170268    WONDER WOMAN #33 VAR ED    $2.99

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 4, 2015

MARVEL COMICS

AUG150882     AGE OF APOCALYPSE TP WARZONES     $16.99
SEP150737     AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #3     $3.99
MAY150812     AVENGERS BY BUSIEK AND PEREZ OMNIBUS HC VOL 02     $125.00
SEP150730     AVENGERS VS INFINITY #1     $5.99
SEP150845     BLADE UNDEAD BY DAYLIGHT TP     $7.99
SEP150803     CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS #2     $3.99
SEP150699     DEADPOOL #1     $4.99
SEP150811     DOCTOR STRANGE #2     $3.99
SEP150691     DRAX #1     $3.99
AUG150752     EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #1     $4.99
JUL150839     GEORGE ROMEROS EMPIRE OF DEAD TP ACT THREE     $19.99
MAY150817     GUARDIANS OF GALAXY SOLO CLASSIC OMNIBUS HC     $125.00
AUG150905     HAWKEYE TP VOL 05 ALL NEW HAWKEYE     $15.99
SEP150711     HERCULES #1     $3.99
SEP150773     HOWARD THE DUCK #1     $4.99
SEP150649     INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #3     $3.99
SEP150842     MARVEL UNIVERSE GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #2     $2.99
SEP150822     MAX RIDE #1 ULTIMATE FLIGHT     $3.99
SEP150848     MIRACLEMAN BY GAIMAN AND BUCKINGHAM #4 (MR)     $4.99
MAY150813     NEW AVENGERS BY JONATHAN HICKMAN HC VOL 02     $34.99
SEP150662     NOVA #1     $3.99
SEP150800     SPIDER-GWEN #0     $4.99
AUG158711     STAR WARS #1 CASSADAY 7TH PTG VAR     $4.99
AUG150870     STAR WARS #11     $3.99
AUG158712     STAR WARS #2 CASSADAY 6TH PTG VAR     $3.99
AUG158713     STAR WARS #3 CASSADAY 4TH PTG VAR     $3.99
AUG158714     STAR WARS #5 CASSADAY 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
AUG158715     STAR WARS #6 CASSADAY 3RD PTG VAR     $3.99
AUG150916     STAR WARS KANAN TP VOL 01 LAST PADAWAN     $19.99
AUG158722     STAR WARS LANDO #3 MALEEV 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
JUN150822     STAR WARS PRINCESS LEIA TP     $16.99
MAR150760     UNCANNY X-MEN #600     $5.99
SEP150758     VISION #1     $3.99

Sunday, June 12, 2011

I Reads You Review: BLADE #12

BLADE (2006) #12
MARVEL COMICS

WRITER: Marc Guggenheim
ARTIST: Howard Chaykin with Gene Colan
COLORIST: Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC’s Rus Wooton
COVER: Marko Djurdjevic
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S., $3.75 CAN

“A Stake Through the Heart”

Back in 2006, Marvel Comics launched a new comic book series starring Blade, their vampire hunter who first appeared in the 1970s horror comic book series, The Tomb of Dracula (#10, July 1973). The character would go on to be the star in a trio of films, beginning with Blade (1998) and starring Wesley Snipes as Blade.

This Blade comic book series, which ran for 12 issues, was written by screenwriter and television writer-producer, Marc Guggenheim. It was drawn by Howard Chaykin, an industry legend and veteran writer/artist best known for the highly influential 1980s comic book, American Flagg! Guggenheim’s take on Blade was closer to the character in the comic books than the one in the movies, and much of this series focused on the early years of Blade’s mission as a vampire hunter extraordinaire.

Blade #12 finds Blade at Castle Dracula in a face off with his biological father, Lucas Cross, a vampire. Lucas, the head of the mysterious Order of Tyrana, intends to force Blade to fulfill a prophecy that would restore the souls of all living vampires. Blade knows, however, that not having a soul is the only weakness that vampires have. Blade’s colleague and friend, vampire detective Hannibal King, is desperate to have his soul back and has sided with Lucas. Everything is against Blade, and it gets worse. His greatest adversary has returned. Also, the story goes back in time to the most crucial mission of Blade’s young career, the one that made him the vamp-killing man he is today.

This Blade series ended by seemingly giving Blade a new future. Since its publication, Blade would go on to be a supporting character and team member in the short-lived Captain Britain and MI: 13 (a series that I absolutely did not like). He’s even a black sheep-like character in the recently launched Ultimate Avengers.

I do miss this series, primarily because I am a huge fan of the character. I also liked the fact that each issue offered a self-contained story, except for the final two issues, which are apparently connected in order to close out the series. As much I liked this series, however, I think that it barely scratched the surface of Blade’s potential. Comic book publishers are currently quite impressed with the idea of hiring television scribes to write comic books, and have been for most of this past decade – especially those who have worked on serial dramas or on genre series (particularly crime or weird/fantasy series).

There are probably advantages to hiring screenwriters (mastery of story structure? reputation? name recognition?), but I wonder if imagination is one of those advantages. Do Hollywood types bring the kind of creativity and unique vision to comics that dedicated comic book writers do? Once again, as much as I enjoyed this Blade series, Guggenheim’s work was not nearly as imaginative and as fun to read as the work Chris Claremont and Marv Wolfman did on this series four decades ago.

It is too bad that Claremont and Wolfman are not now writing a Blade comic book. Speaking of classic Blade creators: Blade #12 has art by Blade’s co-creator, artist Gene Colan.