Monday, June 30, 2025

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 2, 2025

MARVEL COMICS

All-New Venom #8 (Cover A Adam Kubert), $4.99
All-New Venom #8 (Cover B Scott Koblish Retrovision Variant), $4.99
All-New Venom #8 (Cover C Fanyang Venom Variant), $4.99
All-New Venom #8 (Cover D Ivan Sharvin), AR
All-New Venom #8 (Cover E Fanyang Venom Full Art Variant), AR
Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Cover A John Romita Jr.), $4.99
Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Black Cat Variant), $4.99
Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Cover C Leo Romero Retrovision Variant), $4.99
Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Cover D Doaly), $4.99
Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Cover E Simone Bianchi), AR
Amazing Spider-Man #7 (Cover F John Romita Jr. Full Art Variant), AR
Avengers #28 (Cover A Valerio Schiti)(One World Under Doom), $3.99
Avengers #28 (Cover B Luciano Vecchio Black Panther Variant)(One World Under Doom), $3.99
Avengers #28 (Cover C Wesley Craig Retrovision Variant (One World Under Doom), $3.99
Avengers #28 (Cover D Rod Reis)(One World Under Doom), $3.99
Avengers #28 (Cover E Luciano Vecchio Black Panther Full Art Variant)(One World Under Doom), AR
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover A Lee Bermejo), $4.99
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover B Miguel Mercado), $4.99
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover C Derrick Chew Sister Sorrow Variant), $4.99
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover D Aaron Kuder), $4.99
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover E Todd Nauck Iconic Variant), $4.99
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover F Greg Land Nuff Said Variant), AR
Bring On The Bad Guys Green Goblin #1 (Cover G Derrick Chew Sister Sorrow Full Art Variant), AR
Captain America #1 (Cover A Ben Harvey), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover B Pablo Villalobos), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover C Frank Miller), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover D Blank Variant), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover E Luciano Vecchio 250th Homage Variant), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover F Chip Zdarsky), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover G NetEase Games Marvel Rivals Variant), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover H Nick Bradshaw Retrovision Variant), $5.99
Captain America #1 (Cover I Pablo Villalobos Full Art Variant), AR
Captain America #1 (Cover J Frank Miller Full Art Variant), AR
Captain America #1 (Cover K John Romita Sr. Bicentennial Calendar Hidden Gem Variant), AR
Captain America #1 (Cover L Valerio Schiti), AR
Captain America #1 (Cover M Valerio Schiti Design Variant), AR
Captain America #1 (Cover N John Romita Jr. Hidden Gem Variant), AR
Captain America Epic Collection Volume 7 The Swine TP, $49.99
Daredevil #23 (Cover A John Romita Jr.), $4.99
Daredevil #23 (Cover B Leo Romero Retrovision Variant), $4.99
Daredevil #23 (Cover C Rickie Yagawa), $4.99
Daredevil Cold Day In Hell #1 (Of 3)(3rd Printing Cover A Steve McNiven), $6.99
Daredevil Modern Era Epic Collection Volume 6 The Devil In Cell-Block D TP, $49.99
Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe One Last Time #4 (Of 5)(Cover A Davide Paratore), $3.99
Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe One Last Time #4 (Of 5)(Cover B Declan Shalvey), $3.99
Deadpool Kills The Marvel Universe One Last Time #4 (Of 5)(Cover C Philip Tan), AR
Doomed 2099 #1 Poster, AR
Fantastic Four #1 Poster, AR
Fantastic Four #50 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Jack Kirby), $4.99
Fantastic Four Omnibus Volume 1 HC (Cover A Alex Ross Book Market Variant)(New Printing 3), $125.00
Fantastic Four Omnibus Volume 1 HC (Cover B Jack Kirby Direct Market Variant)(New Printing 3), $125.00
Godzilla Destroys The Marvel Universe #1 Poster, AR
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover A Mark Brooks), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover B Mark Bagley Foil Variant), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover C Nick Bradshaw Monster Homage Variant), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover D Lee Garbett Versus Variant), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover E Mitsuhiro Arita), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover F Gavin Guidry Godzilla King Of The Monsters Homage Variant), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover G Walter Simonson), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover H E.M. Gist Marvel Universe Variant), $4.99
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover I Walter Simonson Full Art Variant), AR
Godzilla Vs. Thor #1 (Cover J Clayton Crain), AR
Hellverine #8 (Cover A Kendrick Kunkka Lim), $3.99
Hellverine #8 (Cover B Justin Mason), $3.99
Immortal Thor #25 (Cover A Alex Ross), $5.99
Immortal Thor #25 (Cover B Martin Coccolo Death Of The Immortal Thor 3-Part Connecting Variant), $5.99
Immortal Thor #25 (Cover C Dan Jurgens Retrovision Variant), $5.99
Immortal Thor #25 (Cover D Greg Land), AR
Immortal Thor Volume 4 The Son Of Thor TP, $15.99
Marvel Graphic Comic Box Dark Phoenix, AR
Marvel Graphic Comic Box Swimsuit Special, AR
Marvel Zero #1 (Cover A Luciano Vecchio), $6.99
Marvel Zero #1 (Cover B Humberto Ramos Full Art Variant), AR
Marvel Zero #1 (Cover C Pat Gleason Full Art Variant), AR
Miles Morales Spider-Man #33 (2nd Printing Cover A Marco Renna), $3.99
Miles Morales Spider-Man #33 (2nd Printing Cover B Taurin Clarke Full Art Variant), AR
Spider-Boy Volume 3 The Dragon's Challenge TP, $17.99
Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #15 (Cover A Mark Brooks), $4.99
Spider-Gwen The Ghost-Spider #15 (Cover B Kris Anka), $4.99
Spider-Man And Wolverine #1 (2nd Printing Cover A Dike Ruan), $4.99
Spider-Man And Wolverine #1 (2nd Printing Cover B David Marquez Full Art Variant), AR
Spider-Verse Vs. Venomverse #1 (Of 5)(2nd Printing Cover A Javier Garron), $4.99
Spider-Verse Vs. Venomverse #1 (Of 5)(2nd Printing Cover B Lesley Leirix Li Full Art Variant), AR
Star Wars Jedi Knights #5 (Cover A Rahzzah), $3.99
Star Wars Jedi Knights #5 (Cover B Taurin Clarke Lightsaber Variant), $3.99
Star Wars Jedi Knights #5 (Cover C Dan Jurgens Classic Homage Variant), $3.99
Star Wars Jedi Knights #5 (Cover D Ivan Tao), $3.99
Star Wars Jedi Knights #5 (Cover E Taurin Clarke Lightsaber Full Art Variant), AR
Star Wars Jedi Knights #5 (Cover F Mike McKone), AR
Strikeforce Morituri Omnibus HC (Cover A Brent Anderson Ultimate Sacrifice Book Market Variant), $125.00
Strikeforce Morituri Omnibus HC (Cover B Brent Anderson Paths Of Glory Direct Market Variant), $125.00
Ultimate Wolverine #7 (Cover A Alessandro Cappuccio), $4.99
Ultimate Wolverine #7 (Cover B Lucio Parrillo), $4.99
Ultimate Wolverine #7 (Cover C Fabrizio De Tommaso), AR
What If Galactus TP, $15.99
Wolverines And Deadpools #1 (Of 3)(Cover A Alessandro Cappuccio), $4.99
Wolverines And Deadpools #1 (Of 3)(Cover B Andrea Di Vito Retrovision Variant), $4.99
Wolverines And Deadpools #1 (Of 3)(Cover C Taurin Clarke), $4.99
X-Men #137 Facsimile Edition Poster, AR
X-Men #19 (Cover A Ryan Stegman), $4.99
X-Men #19 (Cover B Scott Koblish Retrovision Variant), $4.99
X-Men #19 (Cover C Godtail Warlock Variant), $4.99
X-Men #19 (Cover D Godtail Warlock Full Art Variant), AR
X-Men #19 (Cover E Mike McKone), AR
X-Men By Chris Claremont Prelude To A Future Past #1 (Cover A Edwin Galmon), $7.99
X-Men By Chris Claremont Prelude To A Future Past #1 (Cover A Salvador Larroca), $7.99
X-Men Hellfire Vigil #1 (Cover A Luciano Vecchio), $7.99
X-Men Hellfire Vigil #1 (Cover B Aka), $7.99
X-Men Hellfire Vigil #1 (Cover C Rose Besch), $7.99
X-Men Hellfire Vigil #1 (Cover D Mateus Manhanini), $7.99
X-Men Hellfire Vigil #1 (Cover E Aka Full Art Variant), AR
X-Men Hellfire Vigil #1 (Cover F Rose Besch Full Art Variant), AR

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Comics, Magazines and Books from Lunar and Diamond Distributors for July 2, 2025

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JAN257302 AMORY WARS TP VOL 02 GOOD APOLLO IM BURNING STAR IV (MR) (C: $17.99
MAY251070 ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #362 $9.99
APR251316 BLOWTORCH BURY THE PAST SPECIAL COLLECTORS ED CVR A (C: 0-1- $9.99
APR251499 CHAMBERLAINS #2 (OF 3) CVR A TODD SKULL (MR) $5.99
APR251500 CHAMBERLAINS #2 (OF 3) CVR B TODD SKULL (MR) $5.99
APR251501 CHAMBERLAINS #2 (OF 3) CVR C TODD SKULL (MR) $5.99
APR251502 CHAMBERLAINS #2 (OF 3) CVR D METAL COVER (MR) (C: 0-0-1) $99.99
APR251503 CHAMBERLAINS #2 (OF 3) CVR E HOLOFOIL (MR) $29.99
APR251192 DINO DRAGON SKETCHBOOK 2 PACK (C: 0-0-1) $9.99
APR251506 DREADMUTT #1 CVR A JUNIOR RADTKE $5.99
APR251507 DREADMUTT #1 CVR B ROB POTSY POTCHAK $5.99
APR251508 DREADMUTT #1 CVR C J HAMMOND $5.99
APR251509 DREADMUTT #1 CVR D DEE HAUSNER $5.99
APR251510 DREADMUTT #1 CVR E BLANK SKETCH $9.99
APR251511 DREADMUTT #1 CVR F HOLOFOIL FLIP $29.99
FEB251888 EC CRUEL UNIVERSE TP VOL 01 (MR) (C: 0-1-2) $19.99
MAR251167 EMPATH #1 (OF 5) DLX TAN (C: 0-1-0) $9.99
MAR251168 EMPATH #2 (OF 5) DLX CARITA (C: 0-1-0) $9.99
MAR251169 EMPATH #3 (OF 5) DLX CARITA (C: 0-1-0) $9.99
MAR251170 EMPATH #4 (OF 5) DLX CARITA (C: 0-1-0) $9.99
MAR251171 EMPATH #5 (OF 5) DLX CARITA (C: 0-1-0) $9.99
FEB251746 GLOPPLE #2 CVR A JOSE CHIRINOS $5.99
FEB251747 GLOPPLE #2 CVR B MATT CHAMBERS $5.99
FEB251748 GLOPPLE #2 CVR C MATT CHAMBERS COLORING BOOK $9.99
MAY251254 ILLUMINATI #1 (OF 5) (RES) (MR) $4.99
JAN251592 SHI HAIKYO ROUGH CUT ED #1 (MR) $7.99

IDW PUBLISHING
Godzilla Heist #5 (Cover A Bob Eggleton), $4.99
Godzilla Heist #5 (Cover B Pablo Tunica Movie Poster Variant), $4.99
Karmopolis Volume 1 The Land Of Cars TP, $14.99

KIM WESTON
Carl Barks Comics And Stories Original Art Edition MGM Volume 3 HC, $220.00

KODANSHA COMICS
Dashing Zaddy And His Icy Protégé Volume 2 GN (per Penguin Random House), $13.99
In The Clear Moonlit Dusk Volume 8 GN (per Penguin Random House), $12.99
Wind Breaker Volume 12 GN (per Penguin Random House), $12.99

TITAN COMICS
Heat Seeker Exposed A Gun Honey Series #1 (Of 4)(Cover C Brao Nude Bagged Variant)(Polybagged)(per Lunar Distribution), $10.00
Heat Seeker Exposed A Gun Honey Series #1 (Of 4)(Cover F Stanley Artgerm Lau Foil Variant)(per Lunar Distribution), $14.99
Heat Seeker Exposed A Gun Honey Series #1 (Of 4)(Cover G Lucio Parrillo Foil Variant)(per Lunar Distribution), $14.99
Heat Seeker Exposed A Gun Honey Series #1 (Of 4)(Cover H Unique Blind Bagged Variant)(Polybagged)(per Lunar Distribution), $10.00
Heat Seeker Exposed A Gun Honey Series #1 (Of 4)(Cover I Yasmine Nude Bagged Variant)(Polybagged)(per Lunar Distribution), $10.00
Heat Seeker Exposed A Gun Honey Series #1 (Of 4)(Cover M Brao Unique Outfit Variant)(per Lunar Distribution), $4.99

TOKYOPOP - LOVE X LOVE
Sanctify Lost Paradise GN (per Penguin Random House), $19.99

VIZ MEDIA
Blue Box Volume 16 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Blue Exorcist Volume 31 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Dark Gathering Volume 14 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Demon Prince Of Momochi House Succession Volume 1 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Fushigi Yugi Byakko Senki Volume 2 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
My Special One Volume 10 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Nue's Exorcist Volume 1 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
One Piece Volume 109 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Otaku Vampire's Love Bite Volume 4 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Pink Candy Kiss Volume 2 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $14.99
Tamon's B-Side Volume 8 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99
Wolf Girl And Black Prince Volume 14 GN (not verified by Diamond Distribution), $11.99

MAGAZINES

MAR251275 COMIC SHOP NEWS (100CT BUNDLE) #1976 (NET) $18.99

BOOKS

MAR251463 CARL BARKS COMIC & STORIES ORIG ART ED MGM VOL 03 (C: 0-1-2) $220.00
MAR257032 FRANK FRAZETTA FINE LINES ART BOOK (Net) (C: 0-0-1) $35.00

MERCHANDISE

APR251184 ANTARCTIC PRESS 40TH ANNIVERSARY T/S 2XL (C: 0-1-1) $30.00
APR251185 ANTARCTIC PRESS 40TH ANNIVERSARY T/S 3XL (C: 0-1-1) $30.00
APR251182 ANTARCTIC PRESS 40TH ANNIVERSARY T/S LG (C: 0-1-1) $25.00
APR251181 ANTARCTIC PRESS 40TH ANNIVERSARY T/S MED (C: 0-1-1) $25.00
APR251180 ANTARCTIC PRESS 40TH ANNIVERSARY T/S SM (C: 0-1-1) $25.00
APR251183 ANTARCTIC PRESS 40TH ANNIVERSARY T/S XL (C: 0-1-1) $25.00
JAN252841 CAVERNS OF THRACIA (5E) MINOTAUR HIDE CVR HC (C: 0-1-2) $79.99
JAN252842 CAVERNS OF THRACIA (DCC RPG) MINOTAUR HIDE CVR HC (C: 0-1-2) $79.99
JAN252843 CAVERNS OF THRACIA DCC RPG HC (C: 0-1-2) $59.99
JAN252848 DCC #109 BENEATH ISLE OF SERPENTS SC (C: 0-1-2) $10.99
NOV247852 DISNEY DOORABLES MUPPETS BLACKLIGHT FIG 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C $5.99
NOV248163 DISNEY DOORABLES NIGHTMARE BEFORE XMAS S2 FIG 24PC BMB DS (N $5.99
NOV248164 DISNEY SQUISHMALLOW STITCH D100 5IN PLUSH (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $14.99
NOV247888 DISNEY SQUOOSHEMS PLUSH 28PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
JAN252854 DUNGEON CRAWL CLASSICS #110 PYRE OF THRACIA SC (C: 0-1-2) $10.99
JAN252857 FIFTH ED FANTASY #27 SACRIFICIAL PYRE OF THRACIA SC (C: 0-1- $10.99
JAN252855 FIFTH ED FANTASY #28 BENEATH ISLE OF SERPANTS SC (C: 0-1-2) $10.99
NOV247831 GODZILLA DEFORMED BLUE 6IN PLUSH (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $15.99
NOV248165 GODZILLA MILLENNIUM 6IN PLUSH (Net) (C: 1-1-2) $15.99
NOV247659 GODZILLA MOTHRA ORANGE RED 6IN PLUSH (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $15.99
NOV248166 GODZILLA NEON BLUE BLACKLIGHT 6IN PLUSH (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $15.99
NOV248167 GODZILLA OLIVE GREEN 6IN PLUSH (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $15.99
FEB257091 MINECRAFT CHARMS BACKPACK HANGERS 16PC DIS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
NOV248169 MLP HOLOGRAPHIC TRADING STICKERS 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2 $5.99
JAN252859 MONSTERS & MAGIC OF THRACIA 5E + DCC SC (C: 0-1-2) $14.99
NOV247853 MY HERO ACADEMIA HOLOGRAPHIC STICKER PACK 24PC BMB DS (NET) $2.99
NOV247854 ONE PIECE FIGURE HANGERS 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
JAN252860 ORIGINAL ADV REINCARNATED #9 CAVERNS OF THRACIA 5E HC (C: 0- $59.99
NOV248042 PEANUTS SQUISHMALLOW 8IN PLUSH 24PC ASST (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $19.99
NOV248170 SANRIO AT HOME FIG 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
NOV247833 SANRIO HELLO KITTY FIG HANGER 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
NOV248172 SANRIO HELLO KITTY HOLOGRAPHIC TRADING STICKERS 24PC BMB DS $5.99
NOV247855 SANRIO HELLO KITTY LANYARD 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
NOV247834 SANRIO HIDE N SEEK FIG 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $7.99
NOV248173 SANRIO SQUISHMALLOW FOOD TRUCK 3.5IN PLUSH CLIP 24PC ASST (N $7.99
NOV247889 SANRIO SQUISHMALLOW POOL PARTY 8IN PLUSH 24PC ASST (NET) (C: $19.99
NOV247661 SKIBIDI HOLOGRAPHIC TRADING STICKERS 24PC BMB DS (NET) (C: 1 $5.99
DEC242218 SW GALLERY KOTOR DARTH NIHILUS PVC STATUE (C: 1-1-2) $80.00
MAR257523 TOUGH GUY KEYCHAINS MIXED ASST (12CT) (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $10.00
NOV247835 YUGIOH LANYARD CHARM CARD HOLDER 24PC ASST (NET) (C: 1-1-2) $9.99

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Thursday, June 26, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: GREEN ARROW #6

[This review of "Green Arrow #6" is one of the early comic book review that I ever wrote for my “Negromancer” blog (which began as a website) way back in the Summer of 2001.  For a few years, I wrote my comic book reviews under the column title, "Why I Love Saturn," which I took from Kyle Baker's 1990 graphic novel, "Why I Hate Saturn."

Recently, I was able to recover my files from two 2000s-era hard drives.  Beginning with this review, I am going to go back and re-edit all my original “Negromancer” comic book reviews and post these updated versions on here, my “I Reads You” blog.  I hope you enjoy the trip back in time.]

GREEN ARROW #6 (2001)
DC COMICs

"Why I Love Saturn" Episode Seven

PENCILS: Phil Hester
COLORS: Guy Major
LETTERS: Sean Konot
36pp, $2.50 U.S., $4.95 CAN (September 2001)

“Quiver, Chapter 6”: “The Hollow Man

Every time that I think that Kevin Smith and Phil Hester's current Green Arrow comic book series might slip in quality, it remains good, and often gets better.  This is a well-written comic book by a man who knows comic books, their history, their structure, and how to tell a good story.  Hester is a strong storyteller who dazzles with a unique graphical style. Clearly, this is an example of how to create a good, long serial – every chapter counts and every chapter engages. You go, boys!

I’ve only seen one of Smith’s movies, the brilliant and funny Clerks.  [At the time that I wrote this interview, I'd only seen one of Smith's films.]  On the surface, it seemed as if the characters in the movie talked too much.  While some writers can use very few words to convey volumes, some use lots of words to tell the whole damn story.  Smith is one of those writers; he uses every word to paint his mural. He pours forth the verbiage, to inform and illuminate.  If after all that talk, you still can’t get it, dear readers, you’re probably some version of slow.

So what Kevin does best, he does in Green Arrow #6 (“The Hollow Man”).  The Oliver Queen Green Arrow returns to the land of the living some years after his death in an aircraft explosion.  He remembers nothing of the life we saw him live the last 20 years, which was his life in the hands of writer/artist Mike Grell.  Smith weaves a complex, but not complicated, engaging mystery that carries Queen, his cohorts, including Batman, and us along on a whodunit that is the best I have seen in comics in a long time.  Here, the Dark Knight Detective is really a detective, and Queen is a simply a man at odds with the time he is in now.  The character has usually been at odds with the times in which he lives. Reading this fine magazine can give one the idea that Green Arrow has been around for decades waiting for a balladeer worthy of telling his story, and that is the Kevin Smith-Phil Hester team.

Hester, this series' pencil artist, is a capable draftsman. He seems to understand Smith and lays out panels that interprets the script and turns it into riveting storytelling.  Scriptwriter and artist work so well together that they almost seem to be one really good comics creating unit.

Smith undoubtedly is a man that could help revitalize comics if he did more work. His clear, straightforward stories, unadorned by intellectual pretensions, could entertain and enthrall comic book novice readers and aficionados alike.  However, we must respect his wishes to produce movies.  My greedy ass will content myself with what I can get, while hungering for much, much more.

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

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

Kevin Smith and Phil Hester's run on "Green Arrow" is collected in GREEN ARROW: ARCHER'S QUEST OMNIBUS, VOL. 1 with available at Amazon.


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


Wednesday, June 25, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: AKIRA VOLUME 1

AKIRA, VOL. 1
KODANSHA COMICS

TRANSLATION & ADAPTATION: Yoko Umezawa; Linda M. York; Jo Duffy
ISBN: 978-1-935-42900-5; paperback (October 13, 2009)
368pp, B&W with some color, $24.99 U.S., $29.99 CAN

Rating “OT Ages 16+”

First published in Japan in Young Magazine (December 1982 to June 1990), the manga Akira, created by Katsuhiro Otomo, is not unfamiliar to American audiences.  Many are probably familiar with the animated film adaptation of Akira, co-written and directed by Otomo.  After a short theatrical release beginning in 1988, the Akira anime has been available on VHS, DVD, and later Blu-ray.

Marvel Comics, under its Epic Comics imprint, first published the Akira manga in English as a 38-issue, full-color comic book series, and later reprinted those issues in 10 trade paperbacks and also in six hardback volumes.  Dark Horse Comics would later publish a new translation of Akira in six volumes (2000-2002), similar to the Japanese six-volume tankoubon (book collection of manga) series.

Kodansha Comics, the American subsidiary of Japanese publisher, Kodansha, the original Japanese publisher of Akira, is bringing the series back to North American readers.  Akira, Vol. 1 once again welcomes readers to Neo-Tokyo, the new city built upon the ashes of Tokyo, which was destroyed by the massive blast that would start World War III.

Akira Volume 1 opens 38 years after the blast (2030 A.D.).  The lives of two juvenile delinquents, friends Shotaro Kaneda and Tetsuo Shima, are about to change forever when paranormal abilities begin to awaken in Tetsuo following a motorcycle accident.  After a shadowy agency snatches Tetsuo, Kaneda is plunged into a shadowy world of terrorists and soldiers, and the young leader of a motorcycle gang is forced to go on the run from the law.  Kaneda meets a young terrorist resistance fighter named Kei, and he becomes the target of The Colonel, the head of a secret organization conducting research on psychic test subjects.  Kaneda’s fiercest battle may be his face off with Tetsuo and his monstrous new powers.

THE LOWDOWN:  Akira was not only one of the most important manga of the 1980s; it was also one of the most surprising comic books of that decade.  Although American readers had already been exposed to visionary science fiction comics in the form of Howard Chaykin’s American Flagg!, Akira was something so much larger, both in terms of the story and visuals.  Akira was a lengthy serial narrative, and the structure of the story line not only supported a large cast of characters and numerous sub-plots (which American Flagg! had), but also extended action sequences.

Katsuhiro Otomo was able to take battle, chase, and fight scenes and extend them over several pages and even shift the scenes in which they take place from one setting or environment to another.  For instance, there is a chase of Kaneda by The Colonel’s forces that begins on an above ground staging area and moves into a series of tunnels; then a cavernous area, before going back above ground.  This all takes place over nearly 30 pages.  Although manga is told through a series of connected static (or still) images, Akira’s decompressed, graphical storytelling mimics the sense of movement of film or animation.  Readers may also experience the heightened sense of emotions and excited feelings that film can evoke.

Akira’s art also suggests the intense emotions, sensations, and passions of the characters.  These can pass onto the reader, which makes reading Akira feel like a wild ride – the kind of ride advertisements for action movies promise audiences.  Welcome back, Akira.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Akira and of great manga will want to find Kodansha's 2009-2011, six-volume paperback editions of Akira

A+
10 of 10

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

AKIRA VOLUME 1 is currently available in a paperback edition and also can be preordered in a hardcover edition, which arrives August 2025, via Amazon.


The text is copyright © 2025 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).


Tuesday, June 24, 2025

#IReadsYou Review: NIGHT CLUB II #1

NIGHT CLUB II #1 (OF 6)

LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Juanan Ramírez with Fabiana Mascolo
EDITORIAL: Sarah Unwin
VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Jae Lee with June Chung
32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2024)

Rated M / Mature

Night Club created by Mark Millar at Netflix

Night Club II is a new six-issue miniseries written and created by Mark Millar and drawn by Juanan Ramírez.  A Dark Horse Comics publication and a Netflix production, Night Club II is a sequel to the 2023 miniseries, Night Club.  Both series focus on a teen boy who is bitten by a vampire and decides to make the best of his new condition.  Colorist Fabiana Mascolo and letterer Clem Robins complete Night Club II's creative team.

Night Club introduces 17-year-old Danny Garcia, who had ambitions to gain fame and fortune as a YouTube star.  After being turned into a vampire, he passed his new found powers unto his friends, DJ Sam Huxley and Amy Chen.  Now, they're the superheroes:  Starguard (Danny), Thundercloud (Sam), Yellowbird (Amy).  But jealousy has broken up this vampire-superhero trio...

Night Club II #1 opens with Danny and Amy, now a couple, still playing superheroes and filming it for their lucrative YouTube page.  They are actively attacking the drug empire of Rufus Tee, much to the chagrin of the police.  Meanwhile, former “band mate,” Sam is using his vampire powers to ball hard, and now, he's gotten an attractive offer from a man who should be his enemy.

THE LOWDOWN:  This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics.  The latest received is Night Club II #1.

Reading this first issue of Night Club II, I suddenly remembered how much I really liked the first series and how much I really missed it.  I'd love for Night Club to be an ongoing series, but I know that Millarworld doesn't really work that way.  Night Club will have a beginning, middle, and end, but I feel like, as far as a vampire-superhero hybrid goes, it could be like DC Comics' Teen Titans.

Instead of offering big surprises in this return, writer Mark Millar and artist Juanan Ramírez build on the narrative that began in Night Club #1 and came to a head in Night Club #6.  Millar provides the character drama, and Ramirez spreads it out in big panels and in widescreen storytelling.  I think this means that there will be a lot of force applied by various interested parties to other interested parties in this second installment, and I think we'll like it, dear readers.

If you have ever seen the 1987 vampire film, The Lost Boys, you might have wondered what it would be like if the vampire boys got to play to their own interests.  Maybe, Night Club II is that story.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Mark Millar and of vampire comic books will want to be bitten by Night Club II.

A
★★★★ out of 4 stars

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


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The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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This series is collected in the trade paperback, NIGHT CLUB VOLUME 2, which is available at Amazon.

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Monday, June 23, 2025

BOOM! Studios Comics Releases for June 25, 2025

BOOM! STUDIOS

Amory Wars Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV Volume 2 No World For Tomorrow #12 (Of 12)(Cover A Gianluca Gugliotta), $5.99
Amory Wars Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV Volume 2 No World For Tomorrow #12 (Of 12)(Cover B Jonathan Wayshak), $5.99
Amory Wars Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV Volume 2 No World For Tomorrow #12 (Of 12)(Cover C Jonathan Wayshak Full Art Variant), AR
Heavy Vinyl Complete Collection TP, $19.99
In Bloom #5 (Of 5)(Cover A John J. Pearson), $4.99
In Bloom #5 (Of 5)(Cover B Christian Ward), $4.99
In Bloom #5 (Of 5)(Cover C Christian Ward Full Art Variant), AR
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Death Ranger Volume 1 TP, $19.99
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover A Jeff Lemire), $4.99
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover B Afu Chan), $4.99
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover C Dan Panosian BOOM! 20th Anniversary Variant), $4.99
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover D Jeff Lemire Tarot Card Strength Full Art Variant), AR
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover E Dan Panosian BOOM! 20th Anniversary Full Art Variant), AR
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover F Yanick Paquette Full Art Variant), AR
Minor Arcana #8 (Cover G Afu Chan Full Art Variant), $4.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover A Taurin Clarke), $4.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover B Goni Montes), $4.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover C Dan Panosian BOOM! 20th Anniversary Variant), $4.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover E Taurin Clarke Foil Full Art Variant), $6.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover F Blank Variant), $4.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover G Taurin Clarke Full Art Variant), AR
VR Troopers #1 (Cover H Dan Panosian BOOM! 20th Anniversary Full Art Variant), AR
VR Troopers #1 (Cover I Jorge Corona Full Art Variant), AR
VR Troopers #1 (Cover J Karen S. Darboe Reveal Full Art Variant), AR
VR Troopers #1 (Cover K James Stokoe Full Art Variant), AR
VR Troopers #1 (Cover L Christian Ward Full Art Variant), AR
VR Troopers #1 (Cover M Karen S. Darboe Reveal Variant), $4.99
VR Troopers #1 (Cover N Goni Montes Full Art Variant), $4.99
When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee #5 (Of 5)(Cover A Jakub Rebelka), $4.99
When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee #5 (Of 5)(Cover B Jacob Phillips), $4.99
When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee #5 (Of 5)(Cover C Jacob Phillips Full Art Variant), AR
When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee #5 (Of 5)(Cover D Reiko Murakami Full Art Variant), AR

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DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for June 25, 2025

DC COMICS:

100 Bullets Volume 3 TP (2025 Edition), $39.99
Absolute Batman #1 (7th Printing Cover A Nick Dragotta), $4.99
Absolute Batman #1 (7th Printing Cover B Mark Spears Connecting Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Batman #1 (7th Printing Cover C Mark Spears Connecting Foil Variant), $7.99
Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (Of 6)(Cover A Javier Rodriguez), $4.99
Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (Of 6)(Cover B Tirso Cons Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (Of 6)(Cover C Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (Of 6)(Cover D Riley Rossmo Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Martian Manhunter #4 (Of 6)(Cover E Marguerite Sauvage Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Superman #1 (5th Printing Cover A Rafa Sandoval), $4.99
Absolute Superman #1 (5th Printing Cover B Mark Spears Connecting Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Superman #1 (5th Printing Cover C Mark Spears Connecting Foil Variant), $7.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (6th Printing Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (6th Printing Cover B Mark Spears Connecting Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (6th Printing Cover B Mark Spears Connecting Foil Variant), $7.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #9 (Cover A Hayden Sherman), $4.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #9 (Cover B InHyuk Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #9 (Cover C Reiko Murakami Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Absolute Wonder Woman #9 (Cover D Ivan Talavera Card Stock Variant), AR
Absolute Wonder Woman #9 (Cover E InHyuk Lee Full Art Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman Detective Comics The New 52 Omnibus Volume 1 HC, $125.00
Batman Ghosts A Legends Of The Dark Knight Halloween Special #1 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover A Tim Sale), $6.99
Batman Ghosts A Legends Of The Dark Knight Halloween Special #1 (Facsimile Edition)(Cover B Tim Sale Foil Variant), $8.99
Batman/Superman World's Finest Volume 6 Impossible HC, $24.99
Batman/Superman World's Finest Volume 6 Impossible TP, $17.99
DC Connect #62, AR
DC x Sonic The Hedgehog #4 (Of 5)(Cover A Pablo M. Collar), $3.99
DC x Sonic The Hedgehog #4 (Of 5)(Cover B Daniele Di Nicuolo Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Flash #22 (Cover A Davide Paratore), $3.99
Flash #22 (Cover B E.M. Gist Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Flash #22 (Cover C Yasmine Putri Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Flash #22 (Cover D George Perez Legacy Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Flash (2023) Volume 3 As Above TP, $19.99
Green Arrow #25 (Cover A Taurin Clarke), $3.99
Green Arrow #25 (Cover B David Aja Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Arrow #25 (Cover C Jacob Phillips Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Arrow #25 (Cover D George Perez Legacy Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Arrow #25 (Cover E Blank Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Green Lantern #24 (Cover A Xermanico), $4.99
Green Lantern #24 (Cover B Serg Acuna Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Green Lantern #24 (Cover C V. Ken Marion Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Green Lantern #24 (Cover D George Perez Legacy Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Green Lantern #24 (Cover E Chris Campana Card Stock Variant), AR
Green Lantern Dark #5 (Of 7)(Cover A Werther Dell Edera), $4.99
Green Lantern Dark #5 (Of 7)(Cover B Jessica Fong Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Green Lantern Dark #5 (Of 7)(Cover C W. Scott Forbes Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Harley Quinn #52 (Cover A Elizabeth Torque), $3.99
Harley Quinn #52 (Cover B David Nakayama Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #52 (Cover C Noobovich Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #52 (Cover D Betsy Cola DC Pride Connecting Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Harley Quinn #52 (Cover E Robin Higginbottom Card Stock Variant), AR
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover A Dan Mora Connecting Variant)(We Are Yesterday), $3.99
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover B Ejikure Card Stock Variant)(We Are Yesterday), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover C Tiago Da Silva Card Stock Variant)(We Are Yesterday), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover D Salvador Larroca Card Stock Variant)(We Are Yesterday), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover E Hayden Sherman DC Pride Card Stock Variant)(We Are Yesterday), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover F George Perez Legacy Card Stock Variant)(We Are Yesterday), $4.99
Justice League Unlimited #8 (Cover G Travis Moore Connecting Card Stock Variant)(We Are Yesterday), AR
Mr. Terrific Year One #2 (Of 6)(Cover A Mateus Manhanini), $3.99
Mr. Terrific Year One #2 (Of 6)(Cover B Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), $4.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover A Chris Samnee Wraparound Variant), $5.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover B Dan Mora Card Stock Variant), $6.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover C Ryan Sook Card Stock Variant), $6.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover D Scott Koblish Legacy Wraparound Card Stock Variant), $6.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover E Ryan Sook Wraparound Foil Variant), $9.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover F Stanley Artgerm Lau Foil Variant), $9.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover G Blank Card Stock Variant), $6.99
New History Of The DC Universe #1 (Of 4)(Cover H Michael Cho Card Stock Variant), AR
Peacemaker Presents The Vigilante Eagly Double Feature #4 (Of 5)(Cover A Mitch Gerads), $3.99
Peacemaker Presents The Vigilante Eagly Double Feature #4 (Of 5)(Cover B Jeff Spokes Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Peacemaker Presents The Vigilante Eagly Double Feature #4 (Of 5)(Cover C Rafael De Latorre Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Power Girl (2023) Volume 3 The Star TP, $19.99
Superman #27 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99
Superman #27 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #27 (Cover C Guillem March Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #27 (Cover D Marc Aspinall Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #27 (Cover E Rachel Stott DC Pride Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #27 (Cover F George Perez Legacy Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #27 (Cover G Jerry Ordway Superman Movie Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #27 (Cover H Ariel Colon Card Stock Variant), AR
Superman Birthright TP (DC Compact Comics Edition), $9.99
Superman The World HC, $24.99
Titans (2023) Volume 3 Hard Feelings TP, $17.99

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