Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 6, 2024

MARVEL COMICS

JUL240648 ALIENS VS AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) $7.99

JUL240649 ALIENS VS AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) ANDREA SORRENTINO VAR $7.99

JUL240651 ALIENS VS AVENGERS #2 (OF 4) MATEUS MANHANINI VAR $7.99

JUL240894 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BLOOD HUNT TP $19.99

JUL240907 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EPIC COLLECT TP VOL 28 WEB LIFE WEB DEATH $44.99

SEP240868 AVENGERS #20 $3.99

SEP240869 AVENGERS #20 ELENA CASAGRANDE STORMBREAKERS VAR $3.99

AUG247623 AVENGERS #20 EPIC GAMES MARVEL FORTNITE CAPTAIN JONES VAR $3.99

SEP240870 AVENGERS #20 PACO MEDINA THE THING VAR $3.99

SEP240871 AVENGERS #20 SERGIO DAVILA VAR $3.99

SEP240907 BLOOD HUNTERS #4 (OF 5) $3.99

JUL240904 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY STRACZYNSKI TP VOL 02 TRYING TO COME HOME $17.99

JUL240912 CAPTAIN AMERICA EPIC COLLECT TP VOL 16 STREETS OF POISON $49.99

AUG240971 DOOM BY SANFORD GREENE POSTER $8.99

SEP240694 KAHHORI RESHAPER OF WORLDS #1 $4.99

SEP240695 KAHHORI RESHAPER OF WORLDS #1 MARIA WOLF VAR $4.99

SEP240696 KAHHORI RESHAPER OF WORLDS #1 MARVEL ANIMATION VAR $4.99

APR240739 KID VENOM #3 $3.99

APR240741 KID VENOM #3 LUCIANO VECCHIO VAR $3.99

APR240740 KID VENOM #3 PHILIP TAN HOMAGE VAR $3.99

AUG240974 MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOX DOOM (BUNDLES OF 5) $60.00

AUG240975 MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOX WEST COAST AVENGERS (BUNDLES OF 5) $60.00

JUL240915 MIGHTY MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 05 BECOME AVENGER $15.99

JUL240916 MIGHTY MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 05 BECOME AVENGER DM $15.99

JUL240899 MS MARVEL THE NEW MUTANT TP VOL 02 $15.99

AUG240844 MSH SECRET WARS #11 FACSIMILE ED $4.99

AUG240845 MSH SECRET WARS #11 FACSIMILE ED 25 COPY INCV GREG LAND VAR $4.99

AUG240846 MSH SECRET WARS #11 FACSIMILE ED FOIL VAR (NET) $PI

SEP240775 NEGASONIC TEENAGE WARHEAD #1 $6.99

SEP240776 NEGASONIC TEENAGE WARHEAD #1 AUDREY MOK VAR $6.99

AUG240970 PSYLOCKE #1 POSTER $8.99

APR240851 PUNISHER MAX BY AARON DILLON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG $100.00

APR240852 PUNISHER MAX BY AARON DILLON OMNIBUS HC NEW PTG DM VAR $100.00

APR240850 ROM ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS HC VOL 03 DM VAR $125.00

APR240849 ROM ORIGINAL MARVEL YEARS OMNIBUS HC VOL 03 RUSSELL CVR $125.00

SEP240857 SPIDER-MAN BLACK SUIT & BLOOD #4 (OF 4) $5.99

SEP240859 SPIDER-MAN BLACK SUIT & BLOOD #4 (OF 4) LEONARDO ROMERO VAR $5.99

SEP240838 SPIDER-MAN HOMEROOM HEROES #2 (BUNDLES OF 5) (Net) $PI

SEP240850 SPIDER-SOCIETY #4 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP240852 SPIDER-SOCIETY #4 (OF 4) DIKE RUAN SPIDER-PUNK VAR $3.99

SEP240851 SPIDER-SOCIETY #4 (OF 4) MIRKA ANDOLFO VAR $3.99

SEP240911 STAR WARS AHSOKA #5 $4.99

SEP240913 STAR WARS AHSOKA #5 PHIL NOTO VAR $4.99

SEP240915 STAR WARS BATTLE JAKKU INSURGENCY RISING #4 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP240916 STAR WARS BATTLE JAKKU INSURGENCY RISING #4 (OF 4) 25TH ANN $3.99

SEP240917 STAR WARS BATTLE JAKKU INSURGENCY RISING #4 (OF 4) QUAH VAR $3.99

JUL240898 ULTIMATE X-MEN BY PEACH MOMOKO TP VOL 01 FEARS AND HATES $19.99

SEP240817 ULTIMATES #6 $4.99

SEP240818 ULTIMATES #6 INHYUK LEE ULTIMATE SPECIAL VAR $4.99

SEP241014 ULTIMATES #6 JOSEMARIA CASANOVAS CONNECT VAR $4.99

SEP240820 ULTIMATES #6 LEINIL YU WRAPAROUND VAR $4.99

AUG247971 UNCANNY X-MEN #3 2ND PTG RYAN STEGMAN VAR $4.99

SEP240777 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) $4.99

SEP240779 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) ANDREI BRESSAN TEAM DYLAN VAR $4.99

SEP240780 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) ANDREI BRESSAN TEAM EDDIE VAR $4.99

SEP240778 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) CHRIS GIARRUSSO VAR $4.99

SEP240783 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) CLAYTON CRAIN VENOM HORSE VAR $4.99

SEP240781 VENOM WAR #4 (OF 5) PEACH MOMOKO VAR $4.99

SEP240800 VENOM WAR SPIDER-MAN #4 (OF 4) $3.99

SEP240801 VENOM WAR SPIDER-MAN #4 (OF 4) RAFAEL GRASSETTI VAR $3.99

AUG240972 WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #32 FACSIMILE EDITION POSTER $8.99

AUG240973 WEST COAST AVENGERS #1 POSTER $8.99

SEP240718 X-FACTOR #4 $3.99

SEP240721 X-FACTOR #4 ANAND RAMCHERON VAR $3.99

SEP240719 X-FACTOR #4 MARCUS TO CECILIA REYES VAR $3.99

SEP240739 X-FORCE #5 $3.99

SEP240742 X-FORCE #5 ADAM POLLINA VAR $3.99

SEP240740 X-FORCE #5 CLAYTON CRAIN BETSY BRADDOCK VAR $3.99

SEP240769 X-MEN #7 $4.99

AUG247626 X-MEN #7 AFU CHAN MARVEL FORTNITE MEOWTOOTH VAR $4.99

SEP240770 X-MEN #7 CORY SMITH VAR $4.99

SEP240772 X-MEN #7 JOELLE JONES PSYLOCKE VAR $4.99

SEP240774 X-MEN #7 ROGE ANTONIO MARVEL TWO IN ONE VAR $4.99

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#IReadsYou Revew: TRUTH & JUSTICE #4

TRUTH & JUSTICE #4 (OF 6)
DC COMICS

STORY: Jeff Trammell
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Jean-Francois Beaulieu
LETTERS: Becca Carey
EDITOR: Andrew Marino
COVER: Rob Guillory with Jean-Francois Beaulieu
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Sanford Greene
40pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2021)

Rated: Age 13+

Robin created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson; Jason Todd created by Gerry Conway and Don Newton

“Haunted by the Past”

Published by DC Comics, Truth & Justice is a six-issue comic book miniseries.  DC has said that “the ideals of truth and justice—concepts synonymous with DC’s superheroes from the Golden Age of Comics to the present day—are the foundation” of Truth & Justice, a anthology comic book series.  Each issue of the series features a different creative team, and is “...a platform for new, emerging storytellers to reveal their takes on popular DC characters,” according to DC.

The fourth issue of Truth & Justice focuses on Jason Todd.  Jason Peter Todd was introduced to comic book readers in Batman #357 (cover dated: March 1983).  Created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Don Newton, Todd became the second character to assume the role of Batman's sidekick, Robin.  Todd was killed off, but was eventually resurrected and became the antihero/superhero, Red Hood, in Batman #635 (cover dated: February 2005).  The creative team for Truth & Justice's fourth issue is writer Jeff Trammell; artist Rob Guillory, colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu; and letterer Becca Carey.

Truth & Justice #4 (“Haunted by the Past”) opens with Jason Todd recounting his past when he was a petty thief, beginning with the moment Batman first discovered him.  Todd recalls one of the best parts of his past, fellow thief, Max Dawkins, who looked out for young Jason.  Max eventually stopped being a thief and left the streets.  Max had plans to help his community – until he was killed in an alley.

Now, Jason, as Red Hood, is on the warpath for Max's killer.  In his pursuit, however, Jason finds himself facing down his own past and wondering about his place within Batman's “Bat-Family.”  After a violent confrontation with an old Batman villain, Jason must outrun his demons … before they drag him back to the grave.

THE LOWDOWN:  I have to be honest with you, dear readers.  Truth & Justice #4 is the only issue of the Truth & Justice series that I bought, and it is the only one I intend to read.  And I only became interested in it because I am a big fan of Rob Guillory, a local comic book artist and creator, best known for his work on the Image Comics titles, Chew, and Farmhand, which he created.

Writer Jeff Trammell offers what is basically a standalone story, although this issue's shock ending promises to show up in future Red Hood comics and likely some Batman titles.  “Haunted by the Past” is basically the kind of story readers would find in a comic book “Annual.”  This story gives readers a basic look at the conflicts and internal struggles with which Red Hood must face as he makes his way as a costumed vigilante, anti-hero, and quasi-superhero.  Trammell really hits on the things that define Jason Todd/Red Hood – his origin, his death, and his resurrection, and he reveals that being Red Hood is not the end of the character's evolution.

Artist Rob Guillory's art and graphical storytelling really gets at the edginess in Red Hood and conveys his uncertain place within the world of Batman and his allies.  Guillory makes Jason Todd's angst and his conflicts with his allies feel like a real thing.  Jean-Francois Beaulieu's colors over Guillory's pencils heighten and embellish the darkness in Guillory's strong illustrations and storytelling.  It would be good to see more of this art team in other DC Comics titles.

Letterer Becca Carey emphasizes the aggressive nature of Trammell's dialogue in this story, and she creates a fast-pace that makes readers believe that everything that Jason Todd faces in “Haunted by the Past” is real.  I won't recommend Truth & Justice as a series, but I will recommend Truth & Justice #4 as a strong one-off story that any readers familiar with the Red Hood can read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Jason Todd/Red Hood of “Bat-Family” titles will want to read Truth & Justice #4.

A
8 out of 10

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


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

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#IReadsYou Review: POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1

POWER MAN AND IRON FIST No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: David Walker
ARTIST: Sanford Greene
COLORS: Lee Loughridge
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Sanford Greene
VARIANT COVERS: Kalman Andrasofszky; John Tyler Christopher; Sanford Greene; Theotis Jones; Chris Visions; Trevor Von Eeden with Rachelle Rosenberg; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2016)

Rated T+

“The Boys are Back”

Luke Cage, also known as “Power Man,” is a Marvel Comics superhero.  He was created by writer Archie Goodwin and artist John Romita, Sr., and first appeared in Luke Cage, Hero for Hire #1 (cover dated: June 1972).  Cage was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, but he eventually gains superpowers in the form of durability, unbreakable skin, and superhuman strength.

Iron Fist/Daniel “Danny” Rand is a Marvel Comics superhero.  The character was created by writer Roy Thomas and artist Gil Kane, and first appeared in Marvel Premiere #15 (cover dated: May 1974).  An orphan and martial artist, Danny earned the power of a mystical force called the Iron Fist in the also mystical city of K'un Lun.

Both characters have starred in their own comic books series, but Luke Cage and Iron Fist have also been a duo and a team called Heroes for Hire.  There was also a long-running comic book series entitled Power Man and Iron Fist.  Thanks to the All-New, All-Different Marvel, Power Man and Iron Fist the comic book is back.  It is written by David Walker; drawn by Sanford Greene; colored by Lee Loughridge; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Power Man and Iron Fist #1 (“The Boys are Back”) opens with Luke and Danny on their way to meet Jennie Royce.  The former office manager of Heroes for Hire, Jennie has finished serving a prison sentence for murdering her abusive ex-boyfriend, Eugene Mason.  Jennie asks Luke and Danny to retrieve a family heirloom currently in the possession of a criminal, Lonnie Lincoln a.k.a. “Tombstone.”  Luke is adamant that he is not re-teaming with Danny Rand and that this mission to retrieve Jennie's heirloom is just a favor for a friend-who-is-like-family in need.  But, of course, it is not the easy.

One look at Sanford Greene's cover art for this new Power Man and Iron Fist #1, I knew that I would not like what was behind the cover.  I was wrong.  I really liked this first issue, and I am genuinely suspicious or ambivalent about first issues.

David Walker's story and script is off-beat in a way that makes this comic book stand out from the Marvel pack, in a way that Matt Fraction and David Aja's Hawkeye did.  Sanford Greene's visual language for this comic book balances superhero action against an edgy kind of street-comedy and gritty drama that pushes back on easy classification.

I like this comic book, and I look forward to future issues.  Besides, David Walker and Sanford Greene are the Black/African-American creative team I have been demanding, so I gots to keep it real and read this comic book for several issues, at least.  So far, it looks like their work will help to choke the Jim Crow out of the American comic book industry

A-
7.5 out of 10

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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Review: BITTER ROOT #1

BITTER ROOT No. 1 (OF 5)
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: David F. Walker and Chuck Brown
ART: Sanford Greene
COLORS: Rico Renzi and Sanford Greene
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Heather Antos
COVER: Sanford Greene with Jarreau Wimberly
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mike Mignola; Denys Cowan and Don Hudson with Rico Renzi; Brittney Williams; Sanford Greene with Jarreau Wimberly
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

Rated M/Mature

Bitter Root created by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene

Bitter Root is a new comic book miniseries from Image Comics.  It is created by writers David F. Walker and Chuck Brown and artist Sanford Greene.  It follows a family of monster fighters who are based in 1920s Harlem.  The rest of the creative team is composed of Rico Renzi who colors the book with Sanford Greene and Clayton Cowles who provides lettering.

Bitter Root #1 opens in New York City of the 1920s.  The Harlem Renaissance is in full swing, and at one of Harlem's hottest spots, “Sweet Pickin,” people are shaking their tail feathers.  But all is not well.  Supernatural forces are threatening humanity, and only the Sangerye Family can save New York and the world from the demon... the monster... the “Jinoo.”

Ma Etta does the root work to create the curing serum.  Blink assists her, but the young woman wants to be out in the field fighting monsters with the boys.  The burly and loquacious Berg puts young Cullen through his paces.  The family, however, is not as large in number as it used to be, worn down by tragedy and conflict.  They must heal and recover or watch the world be destroyed.

Black science fiction and fantasy – in film and television, in prose, and in comic books – is in full bloom.  Comic books like Black Panther, House of Whispers, and Jook Joint provide a regular and consistent view of black and brown faces in speculative and fantastic fiction.  Writer David F. Walker has been at the forefront of “Black Comics” thanks to his work on titles like Cyborg, Luke Cage, and Nighthawk, to name a few.

Walker and co-writer Chuck Brown, in Bitter Root, deliver a concept with quite a bit of potential.  Even after one issue, it seems that five issues will not be enough to contain what they have created.  I like the idea of hate being a thing that creates monsters, but Bitter Root seems to want to explore evil in ways that are layered if not complex.  Plus, there are the dynamics of the Sangerye Family.  They are four strong individuals, each one truly unique from the others, and all with glorious black and brown faces.

As an comic book artist and illustrator, Sanford Greene is bold and dynamic.  The influence and manga and anime on Greene's graphical storytelling is evident, even in Bitter Root.  Characters emote with kinetic ferocity and the suggestion of figures in motion here makes the characters move like a cat on a hot tin roof.  Green's storytelling is alive and hypnotic.  Is it okay to say that this is like crack for the comic book readers' eyes.  Greene's coloring, done with Rico Renzi, is equally heady and kinetic.

The ever reliable letterer, Clayton Cowles, also goes shaka zulu with his lettering.  A nervy story needs nervy lettering in order to be a nervy read, and Cowles work here is quite nervy.  Bitter Root keeps the black gold flowing in our “Golden Age” of “Black Comics.”  I recommend it and can't wait for the second issue.

9 out of 10

[This comic book includes text pieces by David F. Walker and Chuck Brown (“Bitter Truths: That ain't nothing but the Devil!”); Toni Morrison (excerpt from Beloved); and John Jennings (“Deep Roots / Rich Soil: Race, Horror and the Ethnogothic”).]

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 May 15, 2019

IMAGE COMICS
MAR190071    BITTER ROOT TP VOL 01 FAMILY BUSINESS    $16.99
MAR198112    FAIRLADY #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
MAR190204    FAIRLADY #2 CVR A BALBONI & LOUISE    $3.99
MAR190205    FAIRLADY #2 CVR B DEWEY    $3.99
MAR190206    FARMHAND #8 (MR)    $3.99
MAR190208    GIDEON FALLS #13 CVR A SORRENTINO (MR)    $3.99
MAR190209    GIDEON FALLS #13 CVR B WALTA (MR)    $3.99
MAR190217    KICK-ASS #14 CVR A FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
MAR190218    KICK-ASS #14 CVR B FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
MAR190219    KICK-ASS #14 CVR C BURNHAM (MR)    $3.99
MAR190220    LITTLE BIRD #3 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
NOV180161    LOW #22 CVR A TOCCHINI (MR)    $3.99
NOV180162    LOW #22 CVR B BRERETON (MR)    $3.99
MAR190085    MCMLXXV TP    $9.99
MAR190228    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #15 (MR)    $3.99
MAR190097    OUTER DARKNESS TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
MAR190112    OUTPOST ZERO TP VOL 02    $14.99
MAR190231    PORT OF EARTH #10    $3.99
MAR190119    RAT QUEENS TP VOL 06 INFERNAL PATH (MR)    $16.99
FEB190238    SAGA MARKO & ALANA #1 CVR T/S LG    $30.00
FEB190237    SAGA MARKO & ALANA #1 CVR T/S MED    $30.00
FEB190236    SAGA MARKO & ALANA #1 CVR T/S SM    $30.00
FEB190239    SAGA MARKO & ALANA #1 CVR T/S XL    $30.00
FEB190240    SAGA MARKO & ALANA #1 CVR T/S XXL    $32.00
DEC189224    SAGA MARKO & ALANA #1 CVR T/S XXXL    $32.00
FEB190243    SAGA PRINCE ROBOT T/S LG    $30.00
FEB190242    SAGA PRINCE ROBOT T/S MED    $30.00
FEB190241    SAGA PRINCE ROBOT T/S SM    $30.00
FEB190244    SAGA PRINCE ROBOT T/S XL    $30.00
FEB190245    SAGA PRINCE ROBOT T/S XXL    $32.00
DEC189223    SAGA PRINCE ROBOT T/S XXXL    $32.00
MAR190245    SKYWARD #13    $3.99
MAR190062    SPAWN KILLS EVERYONE COMP COLL TP VOL 01    $16.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 20, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

JAN190278    BITTER ROOT #5 CVR A GREENE (MR)    $3.99
JAN190279    BITTER ROOT #5 CVR B OLIVER (MR)    $3.99
JAN190280    BITTER ROOT #5 CVR C DEL MUNDO (MR)    $3.99
JAN190281    BITTER ROOT #5 CVR D RICHARDSON (MR)    $3.99
JAN190288    CRIMINAL #3 (MR)    $3.99
JAN190141    CROWDED TP VOL 01    $12.99
JAN198547    DIE #1 4TH PTG (MR)    $3.99
JAN190297    EVOLUTION #15 (MR)    $3.99
JAN190298    FARMHAND #6 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180038    JESUSFREAK HC    $17.99
JAN190126    LAZARUS RISEN #1 (MR)    $7.99
JAN190337    MIDDLEWEST #5 (MR)    $3.99
JAN190338    MONSTRESS #21 (MR)    $3.99
JAN190354    OUTPOST ZERO #8    $3.99
OCT180111    SEVEN TO ETERNITY TP VOL 03    $16.99
SEP180122    SUNSTONE OGN VOL 06 (MR)    $16.99
JAN190389    WARNING #5 (MR)    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 20, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

DEC180132    BEAUTY TP VOL 05 (MR)    $16.99
DEC180224    BITTER ROOT #4 CVR A GREENE (MR)    $3.99
DEC180225    BITTER ROOT #4 CVR B MACK (MR)    $3.99
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DEC180061    BULLY WARS TP VOL 01    $12.99
DEC180068    BURNOUTS TP (MR)    $16.99
DEC180157    DAYS OF HATE TP VOL 02 (MR)    $17.99
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OCT180190    EAST OF WEST #41    $3.99
DEC180242    ERRAND BOYS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC180243    EVOLUTION #14 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180244    EXORSISTERS #5 CVR A LAGACE & PANTAZIS    $3.99
DEC180245    EXORSISTERS #5 CVR B MORITAT    $3.99
DEC180082    HIGH CRIMES TP (MR)    $19.99
DEC180262    MIDDLEWEST #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180263    MONSTRESS #20 (MR)    $3.99
DEC180270    OUTPOST ZERO #7    $3.99
NOV180184    SAVAGE DRAGON #242 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180283    SEVEN TO ETERNITY #13 CVR A OPENA & HOLLINGSWORTH    $3.99
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DEC180055    SHARKEY BOUNTY HUNTER #1 (OF 6) CVR F BLANK VAR (MR)    $3.99
DEC180056    SHARKEY BOUNTY HUNTER #1 (OF 6) CVR G KERSCHL (MR)    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 9, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

NOV180099    AUNTIE AGATHAS HOME FOR WAYWARD RABBITS #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
NOV180100    BIRTHRIGHT #35    $3.99
NOV180101    BITTER ROOT #3 CVR A GREENE (MR)    $3.99
NOV180102    BITTER ROOT #3 CVR B YOUNG (MR)    $3.99
NOV180103    BITTER ROOT #3 CVR C STROMAN (MR)    $3.99
NOV180104    BITTER ROOT #3 CVR D SOTO (MR)    $3.99
NOV180105    BLACKBIRD #4 CVR A BARTEL    $3.99
NOV180106    BLACKBIRD #4 CVR B TAKEDA    $3.99
NOV180109    BULLY WARS #5 CVR A CONLEY    $3.99
NOV180110    BULLY WARS #5 CVR B YOUNG    $3.99
NOV180114    CEMETERY BEACH #5 (OF 7) CVR A HOWARD (MR)    $3.99
NOV180115    CEMETERY BEACH #5 (OF 7) CVR B IMPACT VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT180058    CREATURE TECH GN (NEW EDITION)    $14.99
NOV180021    CRIMINAL #1 (MR)    $3.99
OCT180172    CURSE WORDS #19 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
OCT180173    CURSE WORDS #19 CVR B LEVITATION BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
OCT180174    CURSE WORDS #19 CVR C HERO INITIATIVE VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT188783    DIE #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV180129    DIE #2 CVR A HANS (MR)    $3.99
NOV180130    DIE #2 CVR B SCHIRMER (MR)    $3.99
NOV180058    ECLIPSE TP VOL 03    $16.99
NOV180137    FREEZE #2    $3.99
NOV180031    GUNNING FOR HITS #1 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180142    HIT-GIRL #12 CVR A ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
NOV180143    HIT-GIRL #12 CVR B B&W ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
NOV180144    HIT-GIRL #12 CVR C ROE (MR)    $3.99
NOV180156    KICK-ASS #11 CVR A FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
NOV180157    KICK-ASS #11 CVR B B&W FRUSIN (MR)    $3.99
NOV180158    KICK-ASS #11 CVR C SHALVEY (MR)    $3.99
NOV180159    LAST SIEGE #8 (OF 8) CVR A GREENWOOD    $3.99
NOV180160    LAST SIEGE #8 (OF 8) CVR B NEELY    $3.99
NOV180169    MURDER FALCON #4    $3.99
SEP188095    MURDER FALCON #4 CVR B HEAVY METAL VAR    $3.99
NOV180170    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #11 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180172    OUTER DARKNESS #3 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180174    PRODIGY #2 (OF 6) CVR A ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
NOV180175    PRODIGY #2 (OF 6) CVR B ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
NOV180176    PRODIGY #2 (OF 6) CVR C CHAREST (MR)    $3.99
NOV180181    ROSE #16 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
NOV180182    ROSE #16 CVR B LAM    $3.99
NOV180183    ROSE #16 CVR C KROME    $3.99
NOV180185    SELF MADE #2 (MR)    $3.99
NOV180187    SLEEPLESS #11    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 12, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

OCT180139    AUNTIE AGATHAS HOME FOR WAYWARD RABBITS #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT180142    BIRTHRIGHT #34 CVR A BRESSAN & LUCAS    $3.99
OCT180143    BIRTHRIGHT #34 CVR B HERO INITIATIVE VAR    $3.99
OCT188242    BITTER ROOT #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
OCT180144    BITTER ROOT #2 CVR A GREENE (MR)    $3.99
OCT180145    BITTER ROOT #2 CVR B SIENKIEWICZ (MR)    $3.99
OCT180146    BITTER ROOT #2 CVR C CHO (MR)    $3.99
OCT180147    BITTER ROOT #2 CVR D WOODS (MR)    $3.99
OCT180167    CEMETERY BEACH #4 (OF 7) CVR A HOWARD (MR)    $3.99
OCT180168    CEMETERY BEACH #4 (OF 7) CVR B IMPACT VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT180078    FEAR AGENT FINAL ED TP VOL 04 (MR)    $19.99
OCT180199    HEAD LOPPER #10 CVR A MACLEAN (MR)    $5.99
OCT180200    HEAD LOPPER #10 CVR B D ANGELO (MR)    $5.99
OCT180203    HEY KIDS COMICS #5 (OF 5) CVR A CAMERON (MR)    $3.99
OCT180204    HEY KIDS COMICS #5 (OF 5) CVR B HERO INITIATIVE VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT180205    HIT-GIRL #11 CVR A ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
OCT180206    HIT-GIRL #11 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
OCT180207    HIT-GIRL #11 CVR C FRANCAVILLA (MR)    $3.99
OCT180089    ICE CREAM MAN TP VOL 02 STRANGE NEAPOLITAN (MR)    $16.99
OCT180208    INFINITE DARK #3    $3.99
OCT180220    MAGE HERO DENIED #14 (OF 15)    $3.99
AUG180250    MAGIC ORDER #5 (OF 6) CVR A COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
AUG180251    MAGIC ORDER #5 (OF 6) CVR B B&W COIPEL (MR)    $3.99
JUL189196    MAGIC ORDER #5 (OF 6) CVR C LARSEN (MR)    $3.99
SEP188044    MAGIC ORDER #5 (OF 6) CVR D BENGAL (MR)    $3.99
OCT180223    MURDER FALCON #3 CVR A    $3.99
SEP188094    MURDER FALCON #3 CVR B HEAVY METAL VAR    $3.99
OCT180224    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #10 (MR)    $3.99
SEP188838    OUTER DARKNESS #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
OCT180234    OUTER DARKNESS #2 (MR)    $3.99
OCT180239    REDLANDS #9 (MR)    $3.99
OCT180242    ROSE #15 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
OCT180243    ROSE #15 CVR B LAM    $3.99
OCT180244    ROSE #15 CVR C LANGE    $3.99
OCT180248    SKYWARD #9    $3.99
OCT180249    SLEEPLESS #10    $3.99
OCT180048    SPAWN KILLS EVERYONE TOO #1 (OF 4) CVR A CLEAN MCFARLANE    $3.99
OCT180049    SPAWN KILLS EVERYONE TOO #1 (OF 4) CVR B BLOODY MCFARLANE    $3.99
OCT180050    SPAWN KILLS EVERYONE TOO #1 (OF 4) CVR C SKETCH MCFARLANE    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 14, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

SEP180140    BEAUTY #25 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
SEP180141    BEAUTY #25 CVR B MACDONALD & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
AUG180109    BINGO LOVE HC VOL 01 JACKPOT EDITION    $19.99
SEP180142    BIRTHRIGHT #33    $3.99
SEP180020    BITTER ROOT #1 CVR A GREENE (MR)    $3.99
SEP180021    BITTER ROOT #1 CVR B MIGNOLA (MR)    $3.99
SEP180022    BITTER ROOT #1 CVR C COWAN (MR)    $3.99
SEP180023    BITTER ROOT #1 CVR D WILLIAMS (MR)    $3.99
AUG189218    BITTER ROOT #1 CVR E VIRGIN VAR (MR)    $3.99
SEP180148    CEMETERY BEACH #3 (OF 7) (MR)    $3.99
JUL188301    CEMETERY BEACH #3 (OF 7) CVR B IMPACT VAR (MR)    $3.99
SEP180150    COYOTES #8 (MR)    $3.99
AUG180219    CYBER FORCE #7 CVR A ROJO (MR)    $3.99
JUL189076    CYBER FORCE #7 CVR B VIRGIN (MR)    $3.99
SEP180044    ELISABETH DUMN AGAINST THE DEVILS IN SUITS (ONE-SHOT)    $5.99
AUG180136    FADE OUT TP (MR)    $24.99
SEP180166    GIDEON FALLS #8 CVR A SORRENTINO & STEWART (MR)    $3.99
SEP180167    GIDEON FALLS #8 CVR B LEMIRE (MR)    $3.99
SEP180168    HEY KIDS COMICS #4 (MR)    $3.99
SEP180169    HIT-GIRL #10 CVR A ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
SEP180170    HIT-GIRL #10 CVR B ALBUQUERQUE (MR)    $3.99
SEP180171    HIT-GIRL #10 CVR C BURNHAM (MR)    $3.99
SEP180172    INFINITE DARK #2    $3.99
SEP180173    JOOK JOINT #2 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
SEP180187    MAGE HERO DENIED #13 (OF 15)    $3.99
SEP180191    MCMLXXV #3    $3.99
AUG188892    MURDER FALCON #1 2ND PTG    $3.99
SEP180192    MURDER FALCON #2 CVR A JOHNSON & SPICER    $3.99
AUG188893    MURDER FALCON #2 CVR B HEAVY METAL VAR    $3.99
SEP180195    OBLIVION SONG BY KIRKMAN & DE FELICI #9 (MR)    $3.99
SEP180196    PROXIMA CENTAURI #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
SEP180107    RAT QUEENS DLX HC VOL 02 (MR)    $39.99
SEP180202    ROSE #14 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
SEP180203    ROSE #14 CVR B LAM    $3.99
SEP180204    ROSE #14 CVR C REIQ    $3.99
SEP180208    SKYWARD #8    $3.99
SEP180209    SLEEPLESS #9    $3.99
SEP180215    THIEF OF THIEVES #42 (MR)    $3.99
SEP180218    WEATHERMAN #6 CVR A FOX (MR)    $3.99
SEP180219    WEATHERMAN #6 CVR B MARTIN (MR)    $3.99

Review: ASSASSINISTAS #1

ASSASSINISTAS No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING/Black Crown – @IDWPublishing @blackcrownhq

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tini Howard – @TiniHoward
ART: Gilbert Hernandez – @BetomessGilbert
COLORS: Rob Davis
LETTERS: Aditya Bidikar
COVER: Gilbert Hernandez
VARIANT COVERS: Sanford Greene (Cover B and Retailer Incentive)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 20, 2017)
DIAMOND CODE: OCT170405

Dominic Price and the Semester Abroad – Part 1 of 6

Assassinistas is a new comic book from writer Tini Howard (The Skeptics; Power Rangers: Pink) and artist Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets).  The series focuses on a gay college student, his mother who is a mercenary, and his boyfriend who joins them on a mission.

Assassinistas #1 introduces Octavia “Red October” Price, Charlotte “Scarlet” La Costa, and Rosalyn “Blood” Diamond.  Once upon a time, they were assassins who were like three badass action movie chicks.  Now, Octavia has a college-age son, Dominic Price, and she needs to pay his tuition.  A reunion with one of her former colleagues, however, messes up her plans.  Now, she needs Dominic to help her, but she does not know that his boyfriend, Taylor, wants in on the action-movie fun.

Anyone who has read enough of my reviews or have read them long enough knows that I am a huge fan of the long-running alternative comic book series, Love and Rockets, and that I frequently praise its  creators, brothers Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez, as if they were my own children.  So I have to be honest and let you know, dear readers, that I rarely dislike comics produced by the the brothers, also known as Los Bros.

Well, I was not that crazy about the four-issue miniseries, The Twilight Children (DC Comics/Vertigo), that Gilbert wrote and the late Darwyn Cooke drew .  I am more excited about Assassinistas after reading the first issue than I was about The Twilight Children after reading its first issue.  The Twilight Children seemed like the work of two great comic book creators whose separate visions do not quite meld into a singular artistic vision.

Assassinistas #1 seems like the work of a singular vision.  Hernandez has produced droll and bizarre takes on violent sub-genres (monster movies, crime fiction, lurid romances) that are unique, but that are also infectious reads.  Whereas Darwyn Cooke produced highly-polished comics that were neo-classical takes on venerable genres and styles, Tini Howard seems to have an off-beat sensibility, engaging storytelling genres in observance of modern dilemmas.  Gilbert also has an off-beat sensibility, and his approach to storytelling often feels timeless, regardless of genre.

That is close enough.  Howard and Hernandez seem like a perfect team, and Assassinistas, over its run, may prove that its first issue was indeed a hint of good things to come.

8 out of 10

https://www.patreon.com/tinihoward
http://gilbertbetohernandez.blogspot.com/

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


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

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

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.

Review: DOOM PATROL #1

DOOM PATROL No. 1 (2016)
DC COMICS/Young Animal – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Gerard Way
ART: Nick Derington
COLORS: Tamra Bonvillain
LETTERS: Todd Klein
COVER: Nick Derington
VARIANT COVERS: Brian Bolland; Sanford Greene; Jaime Hernandez; Babs Tarr; Brian Chippendale
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (NOVEMBER 2016)

Mature Readers

Doom Patrol created by Arnold Drake

“Happy Birthday, Casey Brinke” Part One: “Brick by Brick”

The Doom Patrol is a DC Comics superhero team.  The original version of the Doom Patrol first appeared in the comic book, My Greatest Adventure #80 (cover dated:  June 1963).  DC Comics apparently officially credits writer Arnold Drake as the creator of the Doom Patrol, but writer Bob Haney, artist Bruno Premiani, and editor Murray Boltinoff also contributed to the creation of the original concept and team.

The first Doom Patrol consisted of super-powered misfits who had abilities (or “gifts”) that caused them alienation and trauma.  However, there have been many incarnations of the Doom Patrol since the first group that more or less work along the same lines or share the spirit of the original  The most famous iteration of the Doom Patrol since the original would probably be the one created and written by Grant Morrison that first appeared in Doom Patrol (Vol. 2) #19 (cover dated:  February 1989).

There is a new version of the Doom Patrol.  It is part of the new DC Comics imprint, “Young Animal,” which is “curated” and overseen by Gerard Way.  Way is the creator of the comic book series, The Umbrella Academy (Dark Horse Comics), and is also a lead vocalist and co-founder of the rock band, My Chemical Romance.  The new Doom Patrol is written by Way, drawn by Nick Derington, colored by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettered by Todd Klein.

Doom Patrol #1 (“Brick by Brick”) introduces Casey Brinke.  Maybe, she's a “space case,” but, for sure, she is a hot-shot ambulance driver.  However, goings-on in other dimensions will make her weird even weirder, including meeting a new roommate.

This first issue of Young Animal's Doom Patrol is certainly intriguing, but there is nothing here that will make me, dear reader, convince you to buy the first issue.  This is not a bad story, but Gerard Way spends so much time teasing that he only has enough space to do one other thing, make Casey Brinke likable.  That is something.  I am a longtime fan of the Doom Patrol, so I was going to try this comic book for at least a few issues.  Casey Brinke makes me think a few issues are a decent investment.

I do really like the art by Nick Derington.  His simple, clean style recalls small press and indie comics released by publishers like Drawn & Quarterly, Oni Press, SLP, etc.  The popularity of artists like Bruce Timm and the late Darwyn Cooke, whose slick styles recall comic books from an earlier era, made it possible for the rise of artists like Babs Tarr and Chris Samnee in superhero comic books.  In fact, Derington reminds me of Chris Samnee.

The fact that this is Doom Patrol and that I like the style and design of Nick Derington's graphical storytelling and art means I will be back for more.  Perhaps, I can highly recommend the Young Animal Doom Patrol to you at a later date.

[This comic book contains a “special sneak preview” of Shade the Change Girl #1 by Cecil Castellucci, Marley Zarcone, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Saida Temofonte.]

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.

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

Review: Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze's BLACK PANTHER #1

BLACK PANTHER #1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Ta-Nehisi Coates
ART: Brian Stelfreeze
COLORS: Laura Martin
LETTERS: VC's Joe Sabino
COVER: Brian Stelfreeze
VARIANT COVER: Brian Stelfreeze; Olivier Coipel; Felipe Smith; Alex Ross; Skottie Young; Sanford Greene; Ryan Sook; Disney Interactive
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2016)

Black Panther created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Rated “T”

“A Nation Under Our Feet” Part 1

Ta-Nehisi Coates is an American writer and journalist.  This African-American commentator is also a national correspondent for The Atlantic, where he writes about cultural, political, and social issues, particularly as they regard to Black people in America.  Coates' second book, Between the World and Me (released in July 2015), won the 2015 National Book Award for Nonfiction.  In 2015, he was the recipient of a “Genius Grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Brian Stelfreeze is an African-American comic book creator who has been writing, penciling, inking, coloring, and/or painting comic books for over three decades..  In the 1980s, he first gained notice for his stylized covers, particularly for his unique graphic interpretation of Batman.  Stelfreeze was the initial series artist on the DC Comics' Batman title, Batman: Shadow of the Bat, and also produced over 50 covers for that series.  Stelfreeze is one of the original members of Atlanta's Gaijin Studios.

Ta-Nehisi Coates is the writer and Brian Stelfreeze is the artist of the new Black Panther comic book series from Marvel Comics.  The other creative talent on the series include Laura Martin as color artist and Joe Sabino as letterer.

In the world of Black Panther, T'Challa is the warrior-priest-king of Wakanda, and he bears the ceremonial title of that position, Black Panther.  To the world outside Wakanda, Black Panther is a superhero, specifically an Avenger, and of late, a member of the Ultimates.  However, Wakanda has fallen on hard times during Black Panther's time away being a superhero.

Black Panther #1 (“A Nation Under Our Feet” Part 1) opens at “The Great Mound.”  Here, Black Panther is in the heat of a pitched battle with vibranium miners.  In “The Golden City,” capital of Wakanda, harsh justice is handed out.  At the Nigandan border region, an army gathers.  Sure, Wakanda has undergone a flood that killed thousands, a supervillain-led coup, and an invasion from beyond the stars, but there is more bad to come.

I have been an admirer of Ta-Nehisi Coates for the past few years, ever since I first saw him during an television appearance (on MSNBC, I think).  Since then, I have seen him speak on independent news series, “Democracy Now,” and I have read some of his work at The Atlantic's website.  Upon hearing that he was going to write a 12-issue run of Black Panther for Marvel Comics, I was excited, but I did not know what I could really expect; after all, Coates had no previous comic book writing experience.

That turns out to be a good thing.  His clean storytelling builds on the work of previous Black Panther writers, Christopher Priest and Reginald Hudlin.  He mines what for me has always been an obvious source of conflict-laden storytelling – how does a man be both a superhero and the king of a country with resources highly coveted by dangerous interests.  And, you know, I have to give Coates credit for writing a script that insists on giving readers the names of every important character with a speaking role in the first issue.  I am tired of reading vague, introductory first chapters and first issues in which the only characters that are recognizable are the ones wearing familiar costumes.

I have not followed Brian Stelfreeze very much, but I have admired some of his work.  One could make an argument that he is the star here.  His stylish art and vivid, energetic graphical storytelling are a delight.  His character, costume, and graphic design for this series is surprising, simply because I did not expect such a fresh approach that also retains classical Black Panther tropes.  Laura Martin's colors over Stelfreeze's stellar art create some of the most striking visuals that can be found in comic books at this moment.  Letter Joe Sabino and designer Manny Mederos also deserve a shout-out for making this Black Panther one of the best Marvel first issues that I have read in the last few years.

I cannot wait for the second issue of this new Black Panther.  It is more than I expected, although now I expect a lot.

A+

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.

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

Review: EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #1

EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Jeff Lemire
PENCILS: Humberto Ramos
INKS: Victor Olazaba
COLORS: Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Humberto Ramos with Edgard Delgado
VARIANT COVERS: J. Scott Campbell with Nei Ruffino; Pascal Campion; Todd Nauck with Andy Troy; Sanford Greene (Hip Hop Variant); Amanda Lynne Shafter photographed by Judy Stephens (cosplay variant)
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2016)

Rated T+

X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

Uncanny X-Men has been the flagship X-Men comic book for most of the past five decades, but it recently came to an end (for now?) with the publication of Uncanny X-Men #600.  The status changes as a result of the All-New, All-Different Marvel re-branding of Marvel Comics.  Now, the flagship X-Men title is Extraordinary X-Men.

This new series is written by Jeff Lemire; drawn by Humberto Ramos (pencils) and Victor Olazaba (inks); colored by Edgar Delgado; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  The series finds the X-Men fighting to escape the threat of the Terrigen Mists which gives Inhumans their powers, but harms mutants.

Extraordinary X-Men #1 opens with Storm struggling with the weight of the task she finds before her.  She must fight to save mutantkind, which may be facing extinction because of the mass release of the Terrigen Mists.  Now, with her lieutenants, Iceman and Magik, at her side, Storm must gather a new team of X-Men to help the mutants now living in a place called “X-Haven.”  Not everyone, however, wants to join Storm's mission, even if they believe in it.

Upon first seeing a teaser about Extraordinary X-Men, I was dismissive of it.  Now, I cannot wait to read the second issue.  Marvel has found a way to make the X-Men interesting – by marking them destruction.  Their numbers are shrinking, and they may not be able to reproduce, which means extinction.  Having a streamlined X-team will give writer Jeff Lemire a chance to build the characters into this new paradigm of peril.  Lemire will also be able to tell fresh stories using classic or familiar personalities, but from a different point of setting or perspective.  Lemire's take on Storm reminds me of the boss-lady of Chris Claremont's run on Uncanny X-Men, and for me, that is a good thing.

In the meantime, Humberto Ramos' run as penciller on the 2014 relaunch of The Amazing Spider-Man reinvigorated my interest in Ramos (and Spider-Man, for that matter).  For a few years in the 1990s, Ramos was one of my favorite comic book artists.  Hey, in a way, these are the same old X-Men, but Ramos, both in terms of drawing style and graphical storytelling, makes everything seem fresh and new.  I think the possibilities are endless for Extraordinary X-Men, even if corporate demands mean the X-Men comic books won't stray too far from the familiar.

Still, I am excited, so I will recommend Extraordinary X-Men #1.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 17, 2016

MARVEL COMICS

DEC158239     AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1.2 BIANCHI 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150811     AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #8     $3.99
DEC150728     AVENGERS STANDOFF WELCOME PLEASANT HILL #1 ASO     $4.99
NOV150947     AVENGERS TIME RUNS OUT TP VOL 04     $19.99
NOV150924     CAPTAIN AMERICA HC WHITE     $29.99
DEC150812     CARNAGE #5     $3.99
NOV150938     CIVIL WAR WARZONES TP     $16.99
DEC158240     CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS #4 IBANEZ 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC158104     DARTH VADER #13 BROOKS 2ND PTG VAR VDWN     $3.99
DEC158105     DARTH VADER #14 BROOKS 2ND PTG VAR VDWN     $3.99
DEC158106     DARTH VADER #15 BROOKS 2ND PTG VAR VDWN     $3.99
DEC158241     DEADPOOL #5 MOORE 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150859     DEADPOOL AND CABLE SPLIT SECOND #3     $4.99
DEC158242     DOCTOR STRANGE #4 NOWLAN 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
NOV150943     E IS FOR EXTINCTION WARZONES TP     $15.99
DEC158243     EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #5 RAMOS 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150858     EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #7     $3.99
DEC150862     MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS ASSEMBLE SEASON TWO #16     $2.99
DEC150864     MAX RIDE #4 ULTIMATE FLIGHT     $3.99
DEC150774     MIGHTY THOR #4     $3.99
DEC150732     POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1     $3.99
NOV150952     PUNISHER VS MARVEL UNIVERSE TP     $34.99
DEC150795     SILVER SURFER #2     $3.99
DEC158244     SPIDER-GWEN #4 RODRIGUEZ 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150816     SPIDER-WOMAN #4     $3.99
DEC158245     SQUADRON SUPREME #3 ALEX ROSS 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150761     SQUADRON SUPREME #4     $3.99
DEC158107     STAR WARS #14 BROOKS 2ND PTG VAR VDWN     $3.99
DEC150866     STAR WARS #16     $3.99
DEC150838     STARBRAND AND NIGHTMASK #3     $3.99
DEC150788     STAR-LORD #4     $3.99
DEC158108     TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #2 FRANK CHO 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC158246     ULTIMATES #3 ROCAFORT 2ND PTG VAR     $3.99
DEC150797     UNCANNY INHUMANS #5     $3.99
AUG150897     UNCANNY X-MEN OMNIBUS HC VOL 03 OPENA CVR     $125.00
DEC150815     WEB WARRIORS #4     $3.99
NOV150955     X-MEN GAMBIT TP COMPLETE COLLECTION VOL 01     $34.99
NOV150942     X-TINCTION AGENDA WARZONES TP     $15.99

Comic-Con International Dark Horse Panel Friday, July 22

DARK HORSE PRESENTS: THE SDCC 2011 PANEL

THE ONLY PANEL YOU NEED TO SEE!

July 13, MILWAUKIE, OR—At 2 p.m., Friday, July 22, stop by room 25ABC for a powerhouse panel featuring the creative minds behind Dark Horse Presents!

As Dark Horse celebrates its twenty-fifth year of publishing, we are proud to reintroduce the title that started it all: the game-changing anthology Dark Horse Presents. Known for featuring the industry’s top talent and launching some of the most successful titles in comics history, Dark Horse Presents was, is, and will continue to be a highly fertile breeding ground for new characters, concepts, and more!

Join us for a look at what makes this book so important to the comics medium with Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, as well as a cast of top talent past and present, including . . .

Jim Steranko (Red Tide)

Eric Powell (The Goon)

Carla Speed McNeil (Finder)

Sanford Greene (Deadpool)

And more!

Attendees can expect a fun and interactive experience, as well as live drawing, Q&A teasers, and more! Also, panel attendees will receive a Dave Gibbons minicomic exclusive to San Diego Comic-Con!

Friday, July 22, at 2 p.m. Room 25ABC. Be there.


About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, Serenity, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of licensed comics material.

Celebrity Zombie Killers Arrives in March

Press release from Invisible Hand/APE Entertainment:

CELEBRITY ZOMBIE KILLERS (CZK) – March 31st 2010 (DCD Item # JAN100715)

The clueless young celebrities that rule Hollywood have a new adversary in town—ravenous cannibal zombies!!! Can our self-absorbed, dumbass celebutants dig down deep enough to emerge as heroes or will the zombies win out?!?! Acclaimed Film & TV writer Rick Copp (TV’s TEEN TITANS and THE BRADY BUNCH MOVIE) has created a twisted and hilarious mash-up of genres that will have readers scared and laughing at the same time. This is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies for today’s young adults.

A mysterious virus has turned everyone in Los Angeles into ravenous zombies, except one group of young celebrities who barely stop partying long enough to notice. Baby Love, a washed-up pop princess and Julio, a disgruntled bodyguard to nefarious playboy Leather Bear, must join together to lead a motley group of celebutants to safety. Not only will this hot twosome battle the undead, but they’ll also battle their feelings for each other.

You might think celebutants are brainless, but the brain loving zombies in Celebrity Zombie Killers don’t! Rounding out the team are reality show frenemies Petite and Paprika, twin phenoms Merlot and Chablis, R & B crooner, Jivin’ and tween mega star Gavin. Can our glamorous rich and famous crew get it together or will the zombies win out? Everyone knows Hollywood’s a dog-eat-dog town, but this ridiculous.

Fanboy fave, artist Sanford Green (WONDER GIRL, MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDERMAN), brings these hip contemporary characters to life with his fluid style. [END]

Sanford Greene Talks at Dragon Con (I Reads You Juniors Extra)

Over at Bleeding Cool, Rich Johnston posted a short interview of comic book artist Sanford Greene conducted by Cheryl Lynn Eaton. Greene is an African-American comic book artist that I want to start following. Greene has provided the pencil art for Marvel Adventures Spider-Man 49-52, for a story in issue #44 of the current Legion of Superheroes comic book.