Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

IMAGE COMICS

SEP190164    ASCENDER #7 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190176    CRIMINAL #10 (MR)    $3.99
JUL190121    CURSE WORDS #25 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
JUL190122    CURSE WORDS #25 CVR B BROWNE INTERCONNECTED (MR)    $3.99
SEP190089    DESCENDER DLX ED HC VOL 02 (MR)    $49.99
AUG190181    EAST OF WEST #44 (RES)    $3.99
SEP190231    EXCELLENCE SPENCER PIN    $10.00
SEP190229    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S 2XL    $33.00
SEP190230    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S 3XL    $33.00
SEP190227    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S LG    $30.00
SEP190225    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S SM    $30.00
SEP190228    EXCELLENCE SPENCER T/S XL    $30.00
SEP190042    KILLADELPHIA #1 CVR A ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
SEP190199    LAZARUS RISEN #3 (MR)    $7.99
SEP190232    OUTER DARKNESS CHARON PIN    $10.00
SEP190208    POSTAL DELIVERANCE #5 (MR)    $3.99
SEP190113    REALM TP VOL 03 (MR)    $16.99
SEP190116    REDNECK TP VOL 04 LONE STAR    $16.99
SEP190081    SECTION ZERO TP VOL 01 THERE IS NO SECTION ZERO    $19.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

SEP191018    ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN GN TP RADIOACTIVE    $12.99
SEP190899    AVENGERS #27    $3.99
SEP190900    AVENGERS #27 BRADSHAW 2099 VAR    $3.99
SEP190981    AVENGERS BY JASON AARON TP VOL 04 WAR OF REALMS    $15.99
SEP190931    BLACK PANTHER #18    $3.99
SEP198490    CAPTAIN MARVEL #11 2ND PTG CARNERO VAR    $3.99
SEP190825    CONAN 2099 #1    $4.99
SEP190827    CONAN 2099 #1 RON LIM VAR    $4.99
SEP190776    FALLEN ANGELS #2 DX    $3.99
SEP190884    FANTASTIC FOUR GRAND DESIGN #2 (OF 2)    $5.99
SEP190885    FANTASTIC FOUR GRAND DESIGN #2 (OF 2) RUGG VAR    $5.99
SEP190890    FANTASTIC FOUR NEGATIVE ZONE #1    $4.99
SEP190891    FANTASTIC FOUR NEGATIVE ZONE #1 SUAYAN VAR    $4.99
AUG191156    FEARLESS TP    $15.99
SEP190864    GHOST-SPIDER #4    $3.99
SEP190865    GHOST-SPIDER #4 BENGAL 2099 VAR    $3.99
SEP190887    INVISIBLE WOMAN #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP190942    IRONHEART #12    $3.99
SEP198491    MARAUDERS #1 2ND PTG CAMUNCOLI VAR DX    $4.99
OCT190002    MARVEL PREVIEWS VOL 04 #29 DECEMBER 2019 EXTRAS    $1.25
SEP190978    MARVEL VISIONARIES TP CHRIS CLAREMONT    $34.99
SEP191016    MODOK TP HEAD TRIPS    $39.99
SEP190995    MS MARVEL TEAM-UP TP    $17.99
SEP190758    NEW MUTANTS #2 DX    $3.99
SEP190828    PUNISHER 2099 #1    $4.99
SEP190830    PUNISHER 2099 #1 RON LIM VAR    $4.99
SEP190805    SCREAM CURSE OF CARNAGE #1    $4.99
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SEP190979    THANOS TP ZERO SANCTUARY    $19.99
JUN191030    TIMELYS GREATEST HUMAN TORCH BY BURGOS OMNIBUS HC    $150.00
JUN191031    TIMELYS GREATEST HUMAN TORCH BY BURGOS OMNIBUS HC DM VAR    $150.00
SEP190926    UNCANNY X-MEN #266 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
SEP190906    VALKYRIE JANE FOSTER #5    $3.99
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SEP190767    X-FORCE #2 DX    $3.99
SEP198492    X-MEN #1 2ND PTG CAMUNCOLI VAR DX    $4.99
SEP191004    X-MEN CLASSIC COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 02    $39.99
SEP191010    X-MEN EPIC COLLECTION TP CHILDREN OF ATOM NEW PTG    $39.99
SEP190999    X-MEN TP FALLEN ANGELS    $19.99
SEP190849    YONDU #2 (OF 5)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for November 27, 2019

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

SEP191978    ACHILLES INC TP VOL 01    $19.99
SEP191513    ARCHIE AND ME JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #23    $7.99
SEP192191    ARIA MANGA MASTERPIECE OMNIBUS GN VOL 04 (RES)    $24.99
SEP198555    BLOODSHOT (2019) #2 2ND PTG    $3.99
SEP191985    BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY #5    $3.99
SEP191991    CARPENTER TALES SCIFI REDHEAD #1 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191447    CASPER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS #1 CVR A MAIN    $3.99
SEP191448    CASPER CLASSIC CHRISTMAS #1 CVR B LTD ED RETRO ANIMATION    $9.99
SEP181579    COME INTO ME TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
JUL192238    CROMWELL STONE HC (MR)    $29.99
AUG191503    DARK RED #8    $3.99
SEP192163    DESTINY LOVERS GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.99
JAN191828    DF DETECTIVE COMICS #1000 SGN TOM KING    $49.99
OCT191867    DF MERRY MARVEL CHRISTMAS    $25.00
SEP191764    DITCH LIFE HC  (MR)    $PI
SEP191654    DOC FRANKENSTEIN POST MODERN PROMETHEUS HC    $34.99
AUG192248    DOCTOR WHO 13TH TP VOL 03 OLD FRIENDS    $16.99
OCT191929    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 04 DOG MAN & CAT KID    $16.99
OCT191930    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 05 LORD OF FLEAS    $16.99
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OCT191932    DOG MAN HC GN W DUST JACKET VOL 07 FOR WHOM BALL ROLLS    $24.99
SEP191800    EC COMICS FOUR HC SLIPCASE VOL 04    $99.99
SEP191792    EC WALLY WOOD ATOM BOMB HC    $35.00
SEP191509    EVERYTHINGS ARCHIE TP VOL 02    $10.99
AUG192000    FRANK THORNES RIBIT HC GN (MR)    $34.99
OCT191893    GEORGE HERRIMAN LIBRARY HC VOL 01 KRAZY & IGNATZ 1916-1918 (    $35.00
AUG192187    GIRRION TP VOL 01 CHRYSALIS & STONE    $24.99
OCT191594    GO FISH HC GN    $14.95
SEP191980    GOTH YOUNG LOVERS AT WAR ONE-SHOT (MR)    $3.99
SEP191984    GUTTER MAGIC #3    $3.99
SEP192283    HAPPY SUGAR LIFE GN VOL 03    $13.00
SEP192325    IF I COULD REACH YOU VOL 02 (MR)    $12.99
SEP191810    IS THIS RIGHT COLOR TO PROVE DONT HAVE SHITTY LIFE GN (MR) (    $15.00
AUG192001    JOHNNY HAZARD DAILIES HC VOL 07 1954-1956 (RES)    $50.00
SEP191941    JUDGE DREDD COMP CASE FILES TP VOL 34    $24.99
AUG191696    KILLTOPIA 2 GN    $13.95
SEP192289    KONOSUBA GOD BLESSING WONDERFUL WORLD GN VOL 09    $13.00
SEP191956    LAST STOP #1    $3.99
JUN191437    LEAVE ON THE LIGHT #2 (OF 3) CVR A    $3.99
JUN191438    LEAVE ON THE LIGHT #2 (OF 3) CVR B FOIL VAR    $9.99
SEP191688    LITTLE LULU HC VOL 01 WORKING GIRL (RES)    $29.95
AUG192037    LONESOME ERA GN (MR)    $30.00
SEP192328    MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH 25TH ANN BOX SET VOL 01    $129.99
SEP192099    MALL #4 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191655    MATRIX COMICS 20TH ANN DLX ED HC POD CVR    $39.99
SEP191656    MATRIX COMICS 20TH ANN DLX ED HC TRINITY CVR    $39.99
SEP191957    MIDNIGHT SKY #3 CVR A VAN DOMELEN    $3.99
SEP191958    MIDNIGHT SKY #3 CVR B VAN DOMELEN WAR OF WORLDS    $3.99
SEP191867    MILOS WORLD BOOK 02 BLACK QUEEN    $19.99
SEP191982    MISPLACED #1    $3.99
SEP198506    MONEY SHOT #1 (2ND PTG) (MR)    $3.99
SEP198507    MONEY SHOT #1 (2ND PTG) BLACK BAG BURNHAM VAR (MR)    $5.99
AUG191564    MONSTER MEN SOUL OF BEAST #1 CVR A MARTINEZ    $3.99
AUG191565    MONSTER MEN SOUL OF BEAST #1 CVR B CREEPING DOOM    $4.99
AUG191566    MONSTER MEN SOUL OF BEAST #1 CVR C LTD PULP HORROR    $9.99
SEP192153    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR A COCCOLO    $3.99
SEP192154    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR B TOLIBAO    $3.99
SEP192155    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
SEP192156    MONSTER PLANET #2 (OF 5) CVR D VITORINO    $3.99
AUG192069    OGRE GODS HC VOL 03 GREAT MAN (MR)    $24.99
SEP191977    OGRES #1    $3.99
SEP191868    ORPHANS GN VOL 04 WINNERS LOSERS    $19.99
SEP192373    PENGUINDRUM GN VOL 01    $12.99
FEB191796    PHANTOM COMP DAILIES HC VOL 17 1961-1962    $60.00
SEP192100    PLOT #3 (MR)    $3.99
JUL192130    PRE CODE CLASSICS ATOMIC WAR HC VOL 01    $51.99
JUL192131    PRE CODE CLASSICS ATOMIC WAR SLIPCASE ED HC VOL 01    $56.99
JUL192132    PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE SUSPENSE STORIES HC VOL 02    $45.99
JUL192133    PRE CODE CLASSICS STRANGE SUSPENSE STORIES SLIPCASE VOL 02 (    $55.99
SEP191574    PSYCHO LIST #4 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT191879    PUSSYCATS TP VOL 02 S&N BALTIMORE COMIC CON ED (MR)    $14.99
SEP192104    RELICS OF YOUTH #3    $3.99
SEP192105    RESONANT #5 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191894    RICK & MORTY #56 CVR A ELLERBY    $3.99
SEP191895    RICK & MORTY #56 CVR B ALLEN-MCDOWELL    $3.99
SEP191891    RICK & MORTY VS D&D II PAINSCAPE #3 CVR A ITO (MR)    $3.99
SEP191892    RICK & MORTY VS D&D II PAINSCAPE #3 CVR B ALLANT (MR)    $3.99
SEP191893    RICK & MORTY VS D&D II PAINSCAPE #3 CVR C CHARACTER SHEET (M    $3.99
SEP191415    SECOND COMING #5 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
AUG192098    SMURFS HC VOL 26 SMURF SALAD    $12.99
FEB191546    SNAP FLASH HUSTLE TP VOL 01 (MR)    $14.99
APR191498    SPACE RIDERS VORTEX OF DARKNESS #1 (MR)    $3.99
SEP192332    TALES OF BERSERIA GN VOL 01    $12.99
SEP191834    TAP DANCE KILLER TP VOL 01    $19.99
SEP191650    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #119 YULETIDE MASH (MR)    $2.95
JUL192376    TO LOVE RU GN VOL 17-18 (MR)    $19.99
SEP191981    TOUCHING EVIL #1    $3.99
SEP192150    UNBOUND #2 (OF 5) CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
SEP192151    UNBOUND #2 (OF 5) CVR B COLAPIETRO    $3.99
SEP192152    UNBOUND #2 (OF 5) CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
SEP192334    UQ HOLDER GN VOL 18 (MR)    $10.99
SEP192139    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
SEP192140    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR B RIVEIRO    $3.99
SEP192141    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR C ORTIZ    $3.99
SEP192142    VAN HELSING VS DRACULAS DAUGHTER #4 (OF 5) CVR D OTERO    $3.99
SEP191310    VARK WARS ONE SHOT    $4.00
AUG192529    WALKING MAN HC EXPANDED ED    $30.00
SEP192387    WITCHCRAFT WORKS GN VOL 13    $12.95
SEP191873    WOLVENHEART #2    $3.99

MAGAZINES
JUL191843    007 MAGAZINE 40TH ANN SPECIAL    $16.99
AUG192162    2000 AD PACK OCTOBER 2019    $30.00
SEP192053    ALTER EGO #162    $9.95
AUG192284    BACK ISSUE #117    $9.95
JUL192272    BRICKJOURNAL #60    $9.95
JUL192273    COMIC BOOK CREATOR #21    $9.95
SEP191677    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1693    $PI
SEP192052    RETROFAN MAGAZINE #7    $9.95
SEP191876    SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #115    $9.95
AUG192194    SCREAM MAGAZINE #57 (MR)    $9.99

BOOKS
AUG192220    MOVIES OF 1960S BIBLIOTHECA ED    $20.00
APR191776    PHANTOM COMP AVON NOVELS VOL 11 SWAMP RATS    $14.99
APR191777    PHANTOM COMP AVON NOVELS VOL 12 VAMPIRES & WITCH    $14.99
MAR192035    PHILOSOPHY OF DEADPOOL HC (MR)    $14.99
AUG192476    RE ZERO SLIAW LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 11    $14.00
SEP192270    SO IM SPIDER SO WHAT LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07    $14.00
SEP192111    STAN LEE MASTER CLASS SC    $24.99
AUG192259    STAR WARS ALIENS CREATURES & DROIDS SC COLL    $24.99
AUG192035    STAR WARS LUKE SKYWALKER & SECRETS OF THE JEDI HC    $24.99
SEP192272    WOLF & PARCHMENT LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 04 NEW THEORY    $14.00
SEP192264    YOU CALL THAT SERVICE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01    $15.00

Review: FARMHAND #6

FARMHAND No. 6
IMAGE COMICS – @ImageComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Rob Guillory – @Rob_guillory
ART: Rob Guillory
COLORS: Taylor Wells
LETTERS: Kody Chamberlain
32pp, Colors, 3.99 U.S.(March 2019)

Rated “M/ Mature”

Farmhand created by Rob Guillory

Chapter 6: “ReCreation”

Farmhand is a science fiction and dark fantasy comic book series from comic book creator, Rob Guillory.  Guillory is also known for his award-winning tenure on the long-running comic book, Chew (Image Comics), with writer John Layman.  Farmhand is written and illustrated by Guillory; colored by Taylor Wells; and lettered by Kody Chamberlain (who also designed the Farmhand logo).

Farmhand focuses on Ezekiel “Zeke” Jenkins, a husband, father, and graphic designer and illustrator.  He returns to the place where he grew up, Freetown, Louisiana, with his wife, Mae, and their children, Abigail and Riley.  The old family business, “Jenkins Family Farm,” grew crops, as in plants.  Now, Zeke's father, Jedidiah Jenkins, and “Jenkins Family Farmaceutical Institute” grow plant-based human organs and tissue.

Farmhand #6 (“ReCreation”) opens with a local minister, John Moore, feeling a sense of foreboding while he stands in a local graveyard.  There is trouble all around, but Zeke, Jedidiah, Riley, and Riley's strange pal, Mikhail, are gone fishing.  Meanwhile, at the institute, Andrea (Zeke's sister and Jed's daughter) is facing down mounting problems.  Even Zeke and company will find that a fishing trip is not an escape from the spreading curse of that “miracle seed.”

In my previous reviews of the excellent Farmhand, I have connected this comic book to the work of late television writer and producer, Rod Serling, and his legendary TV series, “The Twilight Zone.”  Farmhand also plants its roots in the rich, dark soil of that American master of speculative fiction and fantasy, Ray Bradbury.

Still, Farmhand is gradually a vine growing in its own directions, and I have started to wonder about the direction of this narrative.  Yes, the events depicted here are often a horror show for the characters within, characters main, supporting, guests, and cameos. But what of this miracle seed?  Is it in a state of distress as some of the characters in this series are?

One might interpret, as I did, a suggestion in this issue that the stem cell that has provided so many humans with new organs and body parts may also be some kind of A.I. – Artificial Intelligence.  Maybe, the “miracle seed” is an artificial intelligence or perhaps, “independent intelligence.”  Maybe, its actions are beyond the moral considerations of good and evil.  In Jurassic Park, Dr. Ian Malcolm says that life will find a way, and Farmhand's seed seems to be finding its own way, by design grand, random, or otherwise.

Farmhand #6 is the start of a new story arc.  Guillory's writing and art are still quite good.  Taylor Wells' colors remain a wonderland of hues.  Kody Chamberlain's lettering is like a steady drum beat telling a story to everyone in the valley who can hear it.  However, whereas many series attempt to solidify its world and worldview by the second story arc, Farmhand and Rob Guillory are not solidifying; rather, they are in a state of change, if not evolution.  When it comes to where the “Jedidiah seed” is going, there is no signpost up ahead.

10 out of 10

https://robguillory.com/
https://twitter.com/Rob_guillory
https://www.instagram.com/rob_guillory/

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: CATS OF THE LOUVRE

CATS OF THE LOUVRE
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Taiyo Matsumoto (with Saho Tono)
TRANSLATION/ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Michael Arias
LETTERS: Deron Bennett
EDITOR: Mike Montessa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0708-9; hardcover (September 2019)
432pp, B&W with some color, $29.99 US, $39.99 CAN, £20.00 UK

Located in Paris, the Louvre is the world's largest art museum (and perhaps it most famous).  Did you know, dear reader, that the Louvre also publishes comics?  Yes, the most famous art museum in the world has been commissioning various legendary comic artists to write their own original stories inspired by the Louvre and its collection for the last decade.  These comics are published via a joint venture between the Louvre and French publisher, Futuropolis.

Most of these artists are French, but increasingly the Louvre has been working with Japanese manga artists (mangaka).  One of those mangaka is Taiyo Matsumoto, who is best known for his manga, Tekkonkinkreet.  Matsumoto won one of American comics' most prestigious honors, an Eisner Award (“Best U.S. Edition of International Material,” 2008), for Tekkonkinkreet: Black and White, VIZ Media's English-language edition of Tekkonkinkreet.

Matsumoto's contribution to Louvre comics is Les Chats du Louvre (Cats of the Louvre), which Futuropolis published in two books, one in February 2017 and the second in August 2018.  VIZ Media recently published an English-language edition of both volumes of Les Chats du Louvre in a single, hardcover, omnibus book under the title, Cats of the Louvre.

Cats of the Louvre, Part One (Chapters 1 to 10) and Part Two (Chapters 11 to 17 to Final Chapter) focuses on a group of human characters that works at the Louvre and a small family of cats that lives in the museum's attic.  Cécile Gagnier, a recent hire, is a tour guide.  Through Marcel, an elderly nightwatchman, Cécile learns that the paintings speak.  Although Cécile and, Marcel's new assistant, Patrick Nasri, initially doubt the old nightwatchman stories, they gradually become believers, especially Cécile.

For the world-renowned Louvre museum contains more than just the most famous works of art in history.  At night, within the Louvre's darkened galleries, an unseen and surreal world comes alive.  It is a world witnessed only by the cats that live in the attic, until now…  The cats, who change appearance at night into anthropomorphic forms, will end up sharing that magic with the humans.  Long ago, Marcel's sister, Arrieta, disappeared in the Louvre when the two were children.  Now, Cécile and a precocious white kitten named “Snowbébé” will solve a mystery that unites the world of the humans that work at the Louvre, the world of the cats, and the magical world a mysterious painting.

It is difficult to describe Cats of the Louvre.  It is surreal and partly exists in the real world and in the world of magical realism; then, some of it is entirely magical and fantastical.

Taiyo Matsumoto fashions an interesting and endearing group of human characters.  Marcel is mysterious, but he is the kind of old man who has a lot to say.  I found that I could not get enough of him.  Patrick Nasri is a nice spin on the skeptical youth type.  Cécile Gagnier is our doorway into the entire world of the museum and its employees and the world of the family of cats in the attic.  Her curiosity and determination and her willingness to listen and to believe make her an excellent focus and doorway into the narrative for readers.

The cats are something else entirely.  Even as cats, they seem slightly supernatural, so when they become human-like at night, everything about them turns magical and exciting.  I could follow their lives and adventures forever.  Most of the cat characters are quite interesting, but the star is, of course, Snowbébé.  This little white cat is the one who crosses the barriers, visiting the galleries during the day when the tourists and museum visitors can plainly see him.  It is his adventure into the mystery painting that creates the most magical and surreal sections of Cats of the Louvre.

Matsumoto's art is as lyrical, as poetic, and as personal as his story.  His odd, eccentric drawing style is perfect for comics; in fact, Cats of the Louvre looks like Eurocomics, American comics, and manga.  The art and story are hypnotic and alluring.  I found myself being pulled into the comic by the irresistible force of Matsumoto's graphical storytelling.

Michael Arias, the noted visual effects artist who directed the anime adaptation of Tekkonkinkreet, provides the translation and English adaptation for VIZ Media's edition of Cats of the Louvre.  Arias captures the magic and brilliance of Matsumoto's tale of the Louvre and its cats, its humans, and its charmed works of art.  Letter Deron Bennett turns in the best work of his career, providing the English lettering and sound effects and also, with his lettering, matching the beautiful spirit of Matsumoto's art.

I highly recommend Cats of the Louvre.  No admirer of the medium of comics can ignore Matsumoto's stunning manga.

10 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: AN INCURABLE CASE OF LOVE Volume 1

AN INCURABLE CASE OF LOVE, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

MANGAKA: Maki Enjoji
TRANSLATION: JN Productions
LETTERS: Inori Fukuda Trant
EDITOR: Nancy Thislethwaite
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0931-1; paperback (October 2019); Rated “M” for “Mature”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 UK

Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Dokomade mo is a “josei” manga (comics for adult women) from Maki Enjoji, creator of the Happy Marriage?! manga.  “Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Dokomade mo” was serialized in the Japanese magazine, Petit Comic, from February 2016 to January 2019.  VIZ Media is publishing an English-language version of “Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Dokomade mo” in a graphic novel series, entitled An Incurable Case of Love.

An Incurable Case of Love, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 5) introduces Nanase Sakura.  Five years ago, she witnessed a handsome and charming doctor save a stranger’s life.  Inspired by this mystery physician, Nanase trains to become a nurse.  On her first day as a new nurse, Nanase meets the doctor again.

However, Dr. Kairi Tendo turns out to be nothing like the man she imagined or remembered him to be.  He is so harsh and blunt, especially with her, that Nanase nicknames him “Dark Lord.”  But, of course, there is more to him than she realizes.

The An Incurable Case of Love manga is not a typical “Shojo Beat” romance manga.  For one thing, it has a “mature” rating and is a “josei” manga, and secondly, the romantic lead characters are both adults with serious adult responsibilities.

An Incurable Case of Love Graphic Novel Volume 1 is also the first time that I have read a manga set largely in a hospital and focusing on a nurse and a doctor.  I have enjoyed romantic manga starring people who worked in the food industry, in the banking industry, and in the entertainment industry.  I have enjoyed love stories featuring aliens, magical girls, and vampires, to name a few supernatural types.  But no medical personnel, as far as I can remember.

An Incurable Case of Love also focuses on two characters badly at odds with one another.  Nurse Nanase and Dr. Tendo clash so much that them getting together might take some willing suspension of disbelief.  The hospital setting also presents sick and dying patients... yikes!  JN Productions translation ably mixes the drama and the couple's sparring, and Inori Fukuda Trant's lettering captures the frequent shifts in mood.  So this first volume is an interesting read.

I am curious about An Incurable Case of Love; this first volume is not great, but it does have potential.  I think this series is certainly worth two reads; by then, I'll have an idea how strong this series is going to be.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: DCEASED #1

DCEASED No. 1 (OF 6)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Tom Taylor
PENCILS: Trevor Hairsine; James Harren
INKS: Stefano Gaudiano; James Harren
COLORS: Rain Beredo
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte
EDITOR: Ben Abernathy
COVER: Greg Capullo with FCO Plascencia
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S./ U.S. (July 2019)

Rated “T+” for “Teen Plus”

“Going Viral”

DCeased is a new six-issue comic book series from DC Comics.  It chronicles the heroes of the DC Universe and their desperate struggle to end a techno-virus that is turning the people of earth into engines of destruction.  The first issue of the series is written by Tom Taylor.  It is drawn by Trevor Hairsine, (pencils), James Harren (pencils/inks); and Stefano Gaudiano (inks).  Colorist Rain Beredo; letterer Saida Temofonte; and editor Ben Abernathy complete the creative team.

DCeased #1 (“Going Viral”) opens with the Justice League ending their latest battle against evil New God, Darkseid, and his legion of Parademons.  The League:  Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Black Lightning, Aquaman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, and Nightwing have had enough of Darkseid's invasions of Earth, and Batman warns him against returning again.  Darkseid's parting words, uttered as he retreats, are ominous enough that they should be accompanied by an equally ominous musical arrangement.

It seems that during the battle, the Parademons have taken possession of Justice League member, Cyborg, for their boss.  Now, Darkseid and his master torturer, DeSaad, have a plan to merge the half of the anti-life equation in their possession with the half inside Cyborg.  And their plot requires the participation of the New Gods' avatar of Death, Black Racer.  But the best laid schemes o' DC mice and New Gods...  Darkseid is about to unleash something that is beyond monstrous.

I was cynical about DCeased.  I am no longer a fan of event comic book miniseries that feature large cast of superheroes and/or supervillains.  I started to hear whispers and grumblings, however, that DCeased was a good read, and guess what boys and girls?  It really is.

Unlike many first issues that tease so much that they barely introduce the plot or even all the main characters, DCeased #1 gets right to the point.  Writer Tom Taylor serves up the main course, handing out the meat for the beast.  I don't know if this entire miniseries will be good, but damn, we have quite the first issue – with a killer-ass last page, too, boo!  And it all reads well under letterer Saida Temofonte's fear-inducing fonts of the living dead.

I really like artist James Harren's eight-page New Gods' segment, which is pivotal to the story.  Colorist Rain Beredo covers Harren's illustrations with garish, acid-dropped, nightmarish colors.  Together, Taylor, Harren, and Beredo create comic book ickiness.  Meanwhile, Trevor Hairsine and Stefano Gaudiano focus on drawing the apocalypse with glee.

So, yeah, DCeased #1 is a real-deal good comic book, the anti-life antidote for the cynical comic book purchaser.  So let's hope this series stays good.

9 out of 10

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


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