Showing posts with label Tom King. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tom King. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE: The Decision #1

ARCHIE: THE DECISION, NO. 1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Tom King
PENCILS: Dan Parent
INKS: Bob Smith
COLORS: Rosario “Tito” Peña
LETTERS: Jack Morelli
EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald
EiC: Mike Pellerito
COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Stephen Byrne
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2024); on sale in comic book shops August 28, 2024

Rating: All-Ages

“Everyone Flips Out!”

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.”

For decades, Archie's affections have been split between two girls:  nice girl, Betty Cooper, who debuted with Archie in Pep Comics #22, and spoiled rich girl, Veronica Lodge, who first appeared in Pep Comics #26 (cover dated: April 1942).  Now, in a new comic book, Archie finally chooses between the two.  It all happens in Archie: The Decision, No. 1.  The story is written by Tom King; drawn by Dan Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Rosario “Tito” Peña; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

As Archie: The Decision, No. 1 (“Everyone Flips Out!”) opens with the declaration, “I, Archie Andrews, am finally going to decide between Betty and Veronica!!”  How is Archie going to make this momentous decision?  He's going to flip a coin, but when the coin flip goes awry, Archie and best pal, Jughead, go on a mad chase.

And what of Betty and Veronica?  Well, each has mixed feelings, but neither is going to give up the chance of finally being “the one.”  Will Archie really be able to make “the Decision?”  This issue also features appearances by classic Archie Comics characters, including Reggie, Moose, Dilton, Midge, Ethel, Nancy, Chuck, Mr. Weatherbee, Miss Grundy, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and “Hot Dog” the dog, to name a few.

THE LOWDOWN:   For several years, Archie's marketing department has been sending me PDF copies of some of their titles for review.  One of the most recent is Archie: The Decision, No. 1.

Apparently, acclaimed comic book writer, Tom King, is a big Archie Comics fan, so he proposed writing a kind of ultimate story about Archie finally choosing between Betty and Veronica.  Archie Comics obviously jumped at the chance to have a big name like King's write a comic book for them.

The resulting book, Archie: The Decision, No. 1, is not on the level of other Tom King first issues, such as The Omega Men #1 (2015), The Sheriff of Babylon #1 (2016), and Mister Miracle #1 (2018), which were all published by DC Comics.  King offers a thin plot and executes it into a 21-page chase story that is filled with cameo appearances by a host of Archie Comics characters.  In fact, two of my childhood faves, Josie and the Pussycats and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, each get one page to themselves.  But this special one-shot comic book isn't among Tom King's best work.  It's his love letter to Archie Comics, seemingly mostly written to himself.

Even artist Dan Parent doesn't really offer a “Wow!” factor.  If there is such a thing as a modern superstar Archie Comics artist, it's Parent.  Archie: The Decision, No. 1 isn't his best work; it isn't even his best recent work.  It's pleasingly pleasant, which is probably the best thing I can say about King's script.  Colorist Rosario “Tito” Peña and letterer Jack Morelli do really good work.

So Archie: The Decision, No. 1 is a big deal in one way, and not so much in many other ways.  Still, it is a classic-style Archie Comics title, so I'll take it rather than leave it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie: The Decision, No. 1.

[In a bonus feature, Tom King and Dan Parent pick their favorite Archie Comics stories.]

B

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


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Thursday, August 31, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: August 2023 - Update #65

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

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

FANTAGRAPHICS - From TheNewYorker:  The great Francois Mouly and the great Daniel Clowes take a tour through Clowes' mind in conjunction with the impending release of Clowes' upcoming graphic novel, "Monica" (Oct. 3rd).

DARK HORSE - From ScreenRantMike Mignola's "Hellboy" takes on a giant robot version of himself in the three-issue miniseries, "Giant Robot Hellboy."  Written by Mignola with art by Duncan Fegredo, the series launches in October 2023.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer-artist Sina Grace talks about his upcoming Superman young adult graphic novel, "Superman: The Harvests of Youth." It's set to be released Oct. 3rd.

From DCBlog:  Writer Tom King talks about his new series, "The Penguin," focusing on the legendary Batman villain.  "The Penguin #1" is now in stores.

IDW - From ComicsBeatHeidi MacDonald looks at the implosion of IDW Publishing's line of creator-owned comic books, "IDW Originals."

DC CINEMA - From CNet: Warner Bros.'s recent superhero film, "The Flash," starts streaming on Max during the early hours of Fri., Aug. 25th, tomorrow.

EN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  American comic book artist, Dan Green, has died at the age of 70 after a long illness.  Green is best known as the long-running inker on John Romita, Jr.'s pencil art on "Uncanny X-Men," beginning in 1983. He continues inking the series when Marc Silvestri became the series artist.  He would also ink Silverstri's art during a run on the "Wolverine" ongoing, and would return to ink Romita, Jr. on "Uncanny X-Men #300."  Green also used watercolors to paint the well-remembered 1986 Doctor Strange graphic novel, "Doctor Strange: Into Shamballa," which was written by J.M. DeMatteis.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Variety:  Oscar-winner Taika Waititi directed "Thor: Ragnarok" (the third in the series) and "Thor: Love and Thunder" (the fourth), and he is letting fans know what he would do in a hypothetical "Thor 5."

BLUE BEETLE:

From Variety:  Warner Bros.'s DC Comics' film, "Blue Beetle" tops the 8/18 to 8/20/2023 weekend box office with an estimated take of 25.4 million dollars.

From Here:  A review of "Blue Beetle" by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You."

From DCBlog:  A look at the DC Comics' "Easter eggs" in "Blue Beetle."

From BleedingCool:  Which comic book creators were credited and which were not in the "Blue Beetle" end credits?

From GamesRadar:  The site has an interview with "Blue Beetle" director, Angel Manuel Soto, in which he says that DC Studios co-boss James Gunn did not have much say in the final cut of the film.

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DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  "The Flash" starts streaming on Max Fri., Aug. 25th.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Joshua Williamson talks about the origins of the "Knight Terrors" event.

COMICS - From BlackScifi:  Writer Greg Anderson Elysee and artist David Brame have announced their new comic book series, "Hammer," with a preview of interior art and developmental sketches.

DC STUDIOS - From Variety:  Despite what actress Gal Gadot has said about developing "Wonder Woman 3," there are apparently no plans for such a film ... according to sources.

COMICS - From ComicsBeat:  "Heavy Metal" magazine may be dead, but that hasn't been officially confirmed.

EN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Veteran comic book inker, John Floyd, died at the age of 61, Monday, July 10, 2023, after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  As a youngster, John published his own fanzine, and he would go on to graduate from The Kubert School.  He is best known for his working inking such comic book legends as artists, Barry Windsor-Smith and Denys Cowan.  He was the inker on "Batman: Gotham Knights" (2000-06) for its first 49 issues.  John was also a comic book artist, colorist, and letterer.  Floyd also worked in the film industry as a production and storyboard artist, contributing to such films as "Rambing Rose" (1991), "Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992), and Oscar-winning "Django Unchained" (2012).

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Tom Taylor and artist Nicola Scott talk about how DC's future is in the hands of the "Titans."

DC STUDIOS - From ComicBook:  Current cinematic "Wonder Woman," actress Gal Gadot, says she is developing "Wonder Woman 3" with DC Studios' co-bosses, James Gunn and Peter Safran.

SONY SPIDER-MAN U - From Newsarama:  "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse," the third film in in Sony Pictures animated Miles Morales/Spider-Man film series, has been delayed indefinitely.

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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:  Ablaze Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for August 2023
From BleedindCool:  CEX Publishing 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:  Frank Miller Presents for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios 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:  Opus Comics from August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for August 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for September 2023

OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairquare Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Massive for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Zenescape Entertainment for October 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Avengers" for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2023

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

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Thursday, December 31, 2020

I Reads You Juniors: December 2020 - Update #108

 "Support Leroy on Patreon.

Leroy's Amazon Comics and Graphic Novels Page:  

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Spider-Man gets a new costume for 2021, and it debuts in "The Amazing Spider-Man #63."

MANGA TO FILM - From AlJazeera:   "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie – Mugen Train," the film based on the manga, is now Japan's top-grossing film of all-time.

DC CINEMA - From IndieWire:   DC Films president, Walter Hamada, says that going forward, there will be six films per year based on DC Comics characters, with the releases of those films split between movie theaters and HBO Max.  The big surprise may be the reveal that there will be "two different film sagas involving Batman — played by two different actors — running at the same time."

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Kieron Gillen is talking about Eternals #1, which Marvel would have us believe will see the light of day (finally) the first week of 3021 ... I mean 2021.

COLORING BOOKS - From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press announces a Vice-President Kamala Harris-themed coloring book.

MATT BAKER - From BleedingCool:  This article about the vintage hero, "Phantom Lady," has some information about the first known African-American comic book artist, Matt Baker.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  Because of the success of "Wonder Woman 1984" ($16.7 million debut at the box office), Warner Bros. is fast-tracking "Wonder Woman 3" for development.

DC CINEMA - From IndieWire:   Pedro Pascal is impressing viewers with his performance as "Maxwell Lord" in "Wonder Woman 1984."  He was played an LAPD detective in TV super-producer Davie E. Kelley's 2011 "Wonder Woman" pilot for NBC.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  What was Wonder Woman really doing back in 1984 ... in the comic books.

MARVEL COMICS - From BleedingCool:  In August 2021, Marvel Comics will publish the "Marvel August 1961 Omnibus" which will collect every title published by Marvel Comics in August 1961.  That includes "The Fantastic Four #1.

CELEBRITY - From BleedingCool:  According to the site's owner, Rich Johnston, Warren Ellis is returning "to some form of digital media outlet" in 2021.  Over this past summer, a series of abuse allegations caused Ellis to withdraw from his social media accounts.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Here is an early look at art from writer Brian Michael Bendis and artist David Marquez's "Justice League," which is scheduled to begin March 16, 2021.

DC CINEMA - From THR:  Talking about the mid-credit scene in "Wonder Woman 1984." Warning: link leads to spoilers.

DC CINEMA - From YahooNews:  Former "The Price is Right" model, Gwendolyn Osborne, will show off her acting and stunt skills as an "Amazon" in "Wonder Woman 1984."

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   In March 2021, "Firefly" is returning, in a new comic book series with new characters with a long legacy. "Firefly: A Brand New Verse" is set twenty years after the original series and movie, with the daughter of Zo and Wash as the new captain of the Serenity, a new crew to captain. Firefly: A Brand New Verse will be created by Josh Lee Gordon and Fabiana Mascolo.

DC TV - From IGN:  Two classic animated Batman TV series are coming to HBO Max.  Starting Jan. 1st, 2021, fans can stream "Batman: The Animated Series" (1992-1995) and "Batman Beyond" (1999-2001) to their heart's delight.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Ablaze Publishing to publish Maria Llovet's "Eros/Psyche."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The notorious Richard Meyer vs. Mark Waid comic book lawsuit has been voluntarily dismissed by Meyer.

COMICS - From THR:   The site has a preview of Tyler Boss' upcoming comic book miniseries, "Dead Dog's Bite."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics will publish a line of variant covers featuring two-tone colors and classic interpretations of its characters.  Michael Cho will be the artist.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel will follow its "The Rise of Ultraman" miniseries with a second one, "The Trial of Ultraman," which begins March 2021.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Here is a six-page preview of "Superman #28," the final issue written by Brian Michael Bendis.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "Justice League" director Zack Snyder wants to write a comic book in which the Joker would kill Robin.  He wants Jim Lee to draw it.

DC CINEMA - From Insider:   "Wonder Woman 1984" director Patty Jenkins says that she was paid seven times less than male directors to direct the original film.  Even after getting a record setting raise for the sequel, she is still behind a male counterparts.

MANGA - From ComicBook:   "Boruto" manga reveals the "key visual art"for its "Vessel" story arc.

DC COMICS - From IGN:   Yoshitake Amano, the artist by "Final Fantasy," has produced a variant cover for "Harley Quinn #1," which is due March 23, 2020.

DC COMICS-MANGA - From ComicYears:   The studios behind the "Attack on Titan" manga is producing a "Joker" manga for DC Comics.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Here is a preview of this week's "X-Men #17."

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   James Tynion IV talks about Batman for February 2021 and beyond.

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:   "Wonder Woman 1984" leads the overseas box office with an estimated take of 38.5 million dollars.

MARVEL - From FlickeringMyth:   Here is a preview of Marvel's upcoming "King-Size Conan #1."

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   Here, is a first look at Ron Garney's art for Keanu Reeves' upcoming comic book, "BRZRKR."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Hot cover artist, Peach Momoko, will writer and draw a five-part X-Men comic book series, entitled "Demon Days: X-Men."

DC CINEMA - From LATimes:   "Wonder Woman" start Gal Gadot hopes that the new film, "Wonder Woman 1984," will end this rough year on a high note.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   Hot Marvel Comics character, America Chavez, will get a new ongoing series beginning March 2021.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   Nightwing returns with a new comic book series in March 2021.  Batgirl will be his partner when he returns to the city of Bludhaven.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Wonder Woman's debut, DC Comics has announced an all-new digital-first series, "Sensational Wonder Woman."  The first issue will be available January 6, 2021 on participating digital platforms.  The print debut is March 2, 2021.

COMICS - From SmashPages:   The Joker is getting his own ongoing monthly comic book via writer James Tynion IV and artist Guillem March.

COMICS - From SmashPages: Archie Comics has announced that "Deadpool" and "Youngblood" creator, Rob Liefeld, will produce a new version of its superhero team, "The Mighty Crusaders."  The four-issue miniseries will also "re-imagine" characters like "The Shield" and "The Comet."

DC COMICS - From THR:   DC Comics has announced a new anthology comic book series, "Batman: Urban Legends," which will debut sometime after the "Future State" event.

DC CINEMA - From THR: Actress Quintessa Swindell will play the character "Cyclone" in the Warner Bros.' DC Comics film, "Black Adam," which stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

DC CINEMA - From EW:  Zack Snyder is hoping to bring his four-hour director's cut of "Justice League" to theaters.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Hot gossip is that Random House will be publishing original DC Comics graphic novels.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  What if Edgar Rice Burroughs' "John Carter" was black?  Scott Fogg talks about his new project ("Prince of the Silent Planet") and his parents.

MANHUA - From CBR:  A Chinese boys' love (BL) comics, "Mo Dao Zu Shi," is hot on Tumblr.

MARVEL - From CommericalAppeal: The "Commercial Appeal" newspaper of Memphis, TN celebrates the fact that four authors born in Memphis or are Memphis-based have a story in a "Black Panther" short story anthology, "Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda."

MANGA - From HypeBeast:   The hit manga, "Chainsaw Man," is set to be adapted into an anime by MAPPA, the studio behind the "Attack on Titan" manga.

DISNEY - From BleedingCool:   David Levithan and Nick Bertozzi are adapting the Broadway musical, "Be More Chill," into a graphic novel that will be published by Disney-Hyperion.

NEWSPAPER COMICS - From YahooEntertainment:   Jean Schulz, the widow of Charles Schulz, the creator of the classic newspaper comic strip, "Peanuts," addresses the recent controversy concerning the depiction of African-American Peanuts character, "Franklin," in the animated holiday TV special, "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving."

MARVEL STUDIOS - From Marvel:  Here is a link to all of the Marvel Studios news coming out of The Walt Disney Company’s 2020 Investor Day Presentation

DISNEY+ - From BlackFilm:  Disney+ Teams Up With Kugali To Create Pan-African Comic Book Series “Iwájú”

EISNERS - From BleedingCool:  The "Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards" have named the six judges for the 2021 edition of the awards.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics has confirmed the "Tim Fox," brother of Luke Fox (Batwing) and son of Lucius Fox," is the new Batman.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  Richard Corben, a comic book artist who worked in everything from underground comics and "Heavy Metal" to small press and Marvel and DC Comics, has died at the age of 80, Thursday, December 2, 2020.

DC CINEMA - From YahooEntertainment: Patty Jenkins On ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ Move To HBO Max And Theatrical: “There Was No Good Option”

UK COMICS - From 2000AD: Rebellion has announced the full schedule of Treasury of British Comics graphic novel titles for 2021. The Treasury of British Comics is bringing classics from the world’s largest archive of English language comic books back into print.

MARVEL/MANGA - From ComicWatch:   Marvel is teaming up with Shonen Jump to release a brand new manga series centered around the one and only Merc with a Mouth. The new series will be titled DEADPOOL: SAMURAI and it will be written by Sanshira Kasama with art by Hikaru Uesugi. You will be able to find the manga series on the Shonen Jump+ app on December 10th!

MANGA - From UnreservedCulture:  Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka, will star in her own manga.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:  DC Comics announces new "Green Lantern" and "Justice League Dark" titles and also "Teen Titans Academy."

DC TV - From MurphysMultiverse:   Here is a first look at Tyler Hoechlin's "Superman" suit in The CW's "Superman and Lois."

MARVEL - From Newsarama:   Marvel releases a trailer for its upcoming miniseries, "Maestro: War and Pax."

COMICS - From Newsarama:   Freddie Williams II, a longtime exclusive comic book artist at DC Comics, is joining writer Tim Seeley at AfterShock Comics for the creator-owned title, "The Bequest."

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:   DC Comics announces a new "Harley Quinn" ongoing series by writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Riley Rossmo launches on March 24th. Gene Luen Yang and Ivan Reis take over the Batman/Superman ongoing series with issue #16, also on March 24th. 

MARVEL/MANGA - From BleedingCool:   The manga, "Deadpool: Samurai," the new Deadpool manga launching in Japan in collaboration with Shonen JUMP, will reportedly fit into Marvel Comics' continuity.

 MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics will release its first "Alien" comic book in March 2021.  "Alien #1" by writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson and artist Salvador Larroca will be based on the original 1979 film, "Alien."

MARVEL TO FILM - From MensHealth:   8 Marvel Comics movies you will never see.

SONY MARVEL U - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors suggest that Sony Pictures wants a big "Avengers: Endgame" type finale for Tobey Maguire, the first cinematic Peter Parker/Spider-Man, in an upcoming Spider-Man film.

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS - From PW:   Publishers Weekly talks to cartoonist Peter Bagge about "The Complete Hate," the three-volume, box set collection of his seminal alternative comic book, "Hate."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Also arriving in March 2021 is a new "Suicide Squad" comic book, entitled "The Suicide Squad," and it will be Harley Quinn free.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  One of the first series launching in March 2021 after "Future State" is a new "Swamp Thing" series from writer Ram V and artist Mike Perkins.

DC TV - From THR:   Ava DuVernay is teaming up with Jill Blankenship ("Arrow") to develop a TV series based on the DC Comics title, "Naomi," for The CW.

MARVEL - From TribLive:  The nurses of "Allegheny Health Network" in Pittsburgh, PA are featured in the new Marvel Comics' title, "The Vitals: True Nurse Stories."

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   At the CCXP World event in Brazil, DC Comics reveals that the "Future State" character, "Red X," will be a character from animation that is making the jump to comics.  Fan favorite, Harley Quinn, was originally a character in "Batman: The Animated Series."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   The site has provided an eight-page preview of the new "Batman: Black & White #1," which is due in comic book stores, Tuesday, Dec. 8th or Wednesday, Dec. 9th, 2020.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   Writer John Ridley talks about his hot new DC Comics' miniseries, "The Other History of the DC Universe."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Rob Liefeld apparently has stated that he is returning to Marvel Comics to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first appearance of the character, Deadpool.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Despite recent layoffs, DC Comics is looking to fill three senior level positions.

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS - From TCJ:   Publisher Gary Groth talks to Katie Skelly about creating her graphic novel, "Maids."

FANTAGRAPHICS - From OprahMag:  Two Fantagraphics Books' publications, "Red Rock Baby Candy" and "Stone Fruit," make "Oprah Magazine's" list, "LGBTQ Books That Will Change the Literary Landscape in 2021"

DIAMOND - From BleedingCool:  The 500 most ordered comics and graphic novels for October 2020 via Diamond Comic Distributors.

UK COMICS - From DreddEpicsRanked:  A new blog, "Judge Dredd Epics: Ranked" will rank "Judge Dredd" story arcs.

MARVEL STUDIOS - From CBR:  Is this video of actress Hailee Steinfeld as "Kate Bishop" film for the Disney+ series, "Hawkeye?"

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   DC Comics moves "Wonder Woman 1984" variant covers to January 2021.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:  Why a throwaway 2013 "Star Wars" OGN is now a eBay bidding jewel.

IMAGE COMICS - From GamesRadar:   Image Comics and Top Cow Productions are launching a new "Witchblade" series in 2021 with writer Marguerite Bennett and Ariel Kristantina.  The original wielder of the Witchblade, Sara Pezzini.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:  Legendary "Wolverine" writer Chris Claremont will join artist Steve McNiven to produce an exclusive "Wolverine" comic book.  How can you get it...

DIGITAL COMICS - From GamesRadar:   Here is a list of all the comics and manga coming to "comiXology Unlimited" (comiXology's flat-rate service) in December 2020.

 GRAPHIC NOVELS - From PublishersWeekly:  Simon & Shuster has announced two new graphic novel lines, "Little Simon Graphic Novels" and "Ready-to-Read Graphics," which will be focused on readers in ages 5 to 9.  "Ready-to-Read" will teach kids to read graphic novels.

CONVENTIONS - From PublishersWeekly:  ReedPop has announced that it is "retiring" two of its book publishing trade shows, "BookExpo" and "BookCon."  BookExpo is the largest book publishing trade show in the United States.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  "I got screwed" is what Alex Ross is saying about DC Comics.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Writer Tom King said that Batman and Catwoman will have sexual relations in the debut of their upcoming comic book, "Batman/Catwoman #1."

DC CINEMA - From ArsTechnica:   "Justice League: The Snyder Cut" black and white trailer - released Nov. 17th, 2020.

DC TV - From HBOMax:   See HBO Max's "Titans" Season 1-Episode 1 ("Titans," 2018) for free - for the time being.

From HBOMax:  See HBO Max's animated "Harley Quinn" Season1-Episode 1 ("Till Death Do Us Part," 2019) for free - for the time being.

DC FUTURE STATE

From BleedingCool:  DC "Future State" has a video teaser trailer.

From DCComics:  Here is the "Future State" page.

From DCBlog:  DC Future State Takes You Beyond Tomorrow

From GamesRadar:  What is DC saying about the post "Future State" Batman title?

From GamesRadar:  DC Future State "Flash" will be part of a gender-swapped "Teen Titans."

From TheBeat:   A first look at "Nubai," the classic Wonder Woman character as she will be in DC Future State's "Immortal Wonder Woman."

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics will make all their "Future State" comic books returnable for comic book stores.

From GamesRadar:  DC Future State Superman and Justice League January 2021 solicitations

From GamesRadar:   DC Future State Batman January 2021 solicitations

From GamesRadar:  "DC Future State" reveals the Next Batman, the fate of Bruce Wayne, and a whole new line of titles

From GamesRadar:  "DC Future State" details.

From THR:   DC Comics is starting 2021 by looking into the future of its superhero universe with "DC Future State," a two-month publishing event (January and February 2021) that offers glimpses at what might be coming for Batman, Wonder Woman and the rest of the Justice League.

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DECEMBER 2020 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for December 2020
From BleedingCool:  Albatross Funnybooks for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for December 2020 

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Chapterhouse for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2020
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2020
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for December 2020

From 2000AD:   Rebellion Comics for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for December 2020

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for December 2020 
From BleedingCool: VIZ Media for December 2020
 
JANUARY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  AWA for January 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2021 
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics - King in Black for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titans Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for January 2021
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for January 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2021
From TheBeat: DC Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for February 2021 
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "King in Black" for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2021
From 2000AD:   Rebellion Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2021
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for February 2021
From BleedingCool:   Zenescope Entertainment for February 2021
 
MARCH 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2021 
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for March 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2021 
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  March Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Second Sight for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2021
From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for March 2021


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Monday, November 16, 2020

DC Comics from Lunar/UCS Distributors for November 17, 2020

DC COMICS:

Aquaman #65 (Cover A Robson Rocha & Daniel Henriques), $3.99
Aquaman #65 (Cover B Joshua Middleton Team Variant), AR
Batman #103 (Cover A Jorge Jimenez), $3.99
Batman #103 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman #103 (Cover C Jorge Jimenez Bruce Wayne Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman By Tom King And Lee Weeks Deluxe Edition HC, $49.99
Batman The Road To No Man’s Land Omnibus HC, $125.00
Batman Three Jokers HC, $29.99
Blackest Night Brightest Day Box Set (12/17/20 per Lunar Distribution), $299.99
Catwoman #27 (Cover A Joelle Jones), $3.99
Catwoman #27 (Cover B Jenny Frison Card Stock Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #5 (Of 7)(Cover A Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion), $4.99
Dark Nights Death Metal #5 (Of 7)(Cover B David Finch Martian Manhunter Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #5 (Of 7)(Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Kull Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #5 (Of 7)(Cover D Kael Ngu Spectre Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #5 (Of 7)(Cover E Doug Mahnke), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #5 (Of 7)(Cover F Greg Capullo & Jonathan Glapion Black & White Variant), AR
Dollar Comics The Sandman #23 (Cover A Dave McKean), $1.00
Flash Volume 13 Rogues’ Reign TP, $17.99
Flash Year One TP, $17.99
JLA By Grant Omnibus Omnibus HC, $150.00
Joker Harley Criminal Sanity #6 (Of 8)(Cover A Francesco Mattina), $5.99
Joker Harley Criminal Sanity #6 (Of 8)(Cover B Jason Badower), AR
Justice League #57 (Cover A Liam Sharp), $3.99
Justice League #57 (Cover B Philip Tan), AR
Looney Tunes #257 (Cover A Scott Gross), $2.99
Nightwing #76 (Cover A Travis Moore), $3.99
Nightwing #76 (Cover B Alan Quah), AR
Plunge HC, $24.99
Rorschach #2 (Of 12)(Cover A Jorge Fornes), $4.99
Rorschach #2 (Of 12)(Cover B Peach Momoko), AR
Super Sons Omnibus Expanded Edition HC (11/24/20 per UCS Comic Distributors), $99.99
Superman Action Comics Volume 3 Leviathan Hunt TP, $16.99
Teen Titans #47 (Cover A Bernard Chang), $3.99
Teen Titans #47 (Cover B Babs Tarr Team Variant), AR
Underworld Unleashed The 25th Anniversary Edition TP, $29.99


Monday, May 18, 2020

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for May 20, 2020

DC COMICS

FEB200544    ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN BY GEORGE PEREZ HC    $49.99
JAN200634    BATMAN DETECTIVE COMICS HC VOL 03 GREETINGS FROM GOTHAM    $24.99
JAN200641    BATMAN SUPERMAN HC VOL 01 WHO ARE THE SECRET SIX    $24.99
JAN200647    DC FIRST ISSUE SPECIAL HC    $39.99
FEB200421    DCEASED UNKILLABLES #3 (OF 3)    $4.99
FEB200422    DCEASED UNKILLABLES #3 (OF 3) CARD STOCK F MATTINA VAR ED    $5.99
FEB200423    DCEASED UNKILLABLES #3 (OF 3) CARD STOCK HORROR  TASIA MS VA    $5.99
FEB200514    DOLLHOUSE FAMILY #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
FEB200515    DOLLHOUSE FAMILY #6 (OF 6) JAY ANACLETO VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
NOV190542    GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE DELUXE EDITION HC    $39.99
AUG190663    HELLBLAZER BY GARTH ENNIS OMNIBUS HC (MR)    $150.00
FEB200563    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK TP VOL 03 THE WITCHING WAR    $16.99
DEC190526    LOST CARNIVAL A DICK GRAYSON GRAPHIC NOVEL TP    $16.99
OCT190687    OMEGA MEN BY TOM KING DLX ED HC    $49.99
FEB200518    PLUNGE #3 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
FEB200519    PLUNGE #3 (OF 6) GARY FRANK VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
FEB200483    RED HOOD OUTLAW #45    $3.99
FEB200484    RED HOOD OUTLAW #45 PHILIP TAN VAR ED    $3.99
AUG190679    ROBIN THE BRONZE AGE OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
JAN200662    SHAZAM THE WORLDS MIGHTIEST MORTAL HC VOL 02    $49.99
FEB200576    SUPERMAN ACTION COMICS HC VOL 03 LEVIATHAN HUNT    $24.99
JAN200630    SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN TP    $16.99
JAN200664    SUPERMAN UP IN THE SKY HC    $24.99
FEB200495    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #10 (OF 12)    $3.99
FEB200496    SUPERMANS PAL JIMMY OLSEN #10 (OF 12) BEN OLIVER VAR ED    $3.99
MAY190513    SWAMP THING BY NANCY A COLLINS OMNIBUS HC (MR)    $125.00
JAN200659    TALES OF THE BATMAN STEVE ENGLEHART HC    $49.99
JAN200668    TEEN TITANS TP VOL 03 SEEK AND DESTROY    $19.99
NOV190566    WEIRD WESTERN TALES JONAH HEX HC VOL 01 (RES)    $75.00
FEB200582    WONDER WOMAN & JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK WITCHING HOUR TP    $16.99
OCT190698    WORLDS FINEST GUARDIANS OF THE EARTH HC    $59.99
JAN200678    YOUNG JUSTICE TP VOL 01 GEMWORLD    $17.99

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Review: HEROES IN CRISIS #1

HEROES IN CRISIS No. 1 (OF 9)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tom King
ART: Clay Mann
COLORS: Tomeu Morey
LETTERS: Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jamie S. Rich
COVER: Clay Mann with Tomeu Morey
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: J.G. Jones with Paul Mounts; Francesco Mattina; Mark Brooks; Ryan Sook
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2018)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

Part 1: “I'm Just Warming Up”

Heroes in Crisis is a recently launched nine-issue event miniseries from DC Comics.  It is written by Tom King and drawn by Clay Mann, and finds the heroes of the DC Universe facing a crisis in the one place that they can find healing.  Colorist Tomeu Morey and letterer Clayton Cowles complete the Heroes in Crisis creative team.

Heroes in Crisis #1 (“I'm Just Warming Up”) opens at a small diner in rural Gordon, Nebraska.  Here, Booster Gold and Harley Quinn will engage in a bloody fight.  Meanwhile, the Trinity:  Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are racing to Sanctuary, an ultra-secret hospital for superheroes who have been traumatized by crime-fighting and cosmic combat.  Patients are winding up dead, and Gold and Quinn could be the reason.

Classic DC Comics prestige miniseries like Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen had killer first issues that had most readers coming back for more, some of them even chomping at the bits for the second issue.  Heroes in Crisis #1 is not a killer first issue, but readers will come back for more because that is the thing to do.

Sometimes, it seems as if comic book readers must read event comic books simply because they will be something different, if not better, than the status quo of the monthly and regularly published comic book series.  After all this is an event miniseries, and that is what many comic book readers do – come back for the second issue of the event.  If Heroes in Crisis does not live up to the hype fewer readers will come back for each succeeding issue, but many will see the series through to the end.

I can say that the art team of illustrator Clay Mann and colorist Tomeu Morey are delivering some absolutely beautiful art.  It's like eye candy!  This may also be Clay Mann's best work to date; at least, I think so.

I will read the second issue, but if you choose to ignore Heroes in Crisis...  Well, it won't be like missing out on Batman: The Dark Knight Returns or Watchmen.

5.5 out of 10

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


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

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Sunday, March 17, 2019

Review: SWAMP THING Winter Special

SWAMP THING: WINTER SPECIAL #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tom King; Len Wein
ART: Jason Fabok; Kelley Jones
COLORS: Brad Anderson; Michelle Madsen
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
COVER: Jason Fabok
MISC. ART: José Luis García-López; José Luis García-López and Joe Prado; José Luis García-López and Joe Prado with Mark Chiarello
80pp, Color, $7.99 U.S. (March 2018)

Rated “T” for Teen

Swamp Thing created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson

Editor's Note by Rebecca Taylor

Swamp Thing is a horror comic book character from DC Comics.  While there have been different versions of the character, Swamp Thing is a plant elemental and a sentient, walking mass of plant matter.  Created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, Swamp Thing first appeared in House of Secrets #92 (cover dated July 1971).

In 2017, both Wein and Wrightson died.  In 2016, DC Comics published a six-issue Swamp Thing comic book miniseries written by Wein and collected in a trade paperback, Swamp Thing: The Dead Don't Sleep.  Before he died, Wein was working on a new Swamp Thing series with artist Kelley Jones, who drew The Dead Don't Sleep.  This new series would have also been a continuation of the miniseries, and the first issue would have been published as Swamp Thing #7.

Wein produced a detailed plot for the first issue/chapter (“Spring Awakening!”), but died before he could produce a “lettering script” for the first issue of this new Swamp Thing series.  The art for the new comic, drawn by Kelley Jones and colored by Michelle Madsen, is printed in a recently published square-bound, one-shot, comic book, Swamp Thing: Winter Special.  In a two-page editor's note, Rebecca Taylor explains the situation around this still-born project.  Swamp Thing: Winter Special also includes Wein's plot for Swamp Thing #7, which runs six pages (for a 20 page story).

“Spring Awakening” depicts long-time villain, Solomon Grundy, kidnapping an infant girl, and, later, Batman visiting Swamp Thing.  I don't know what to make of the story other than I would have loved to have read a finished version.  I am a longtime fan of Kelley Jones, and I love the way Michelle Madsen colors Jones' comic book art.  I am not a big fan of Swamp Thing unless the stories are produced by particular creators, and, of course, Wein was one of them, so...

The Wein tribute is the opening story of Swamp Thing: Winter Special.  Entitled “The Talk of the Saints,” it is written by Tom King; drawn by Jason Fabok; colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Deron Bennett.

“The Talk of the Saints” finds Swamp Thing shepherding a lost boy through a blinding snow storm.  As the two navigate a strange, frozen tundra, they face countless threats, especially an unseen bloodthirsty snow monster that is constantly stalking them.  Stripped of his powers and disconnected from “the Green,” Swamp Thing must uncover the true identity of the snow monster that hunts them.

Tom King's story does offers some genuinely scary and creepy moments, but, at the same time, it comes across as awkward poetry and metaphor.  The art by illustrator Jason Fabok and colorist Brad Anderson is gorgeous and, outside of Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen's work, is some of the most beautiful Swamp Thing comic book art that I have see in years, especially the last five pages of this story.

Letterer Deron Bennett presents lettering that really heightens the chills and thrills.  For me, Bennett unites what is good about Tom King's story and the prettiness of the art into a striking graphical package.

Swamp Thing: Winter Special is not great, but it is an essential publication for Swamp Thing fans, if only for the Len Wein tributes and story material. But a Swamp Thing comic book full of pretty art is a good reason to have this one-shot comic book.

7.5 out of 10

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


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

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