Monday, February 27, 2017

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 1, 2017

IMAGE COMICS

JAN170796    COMPLETE TALES FROM THE CON TP    $9.99
JAN170650    EXTREMITY #1    $3.99
JAN170804    GLITTERBOMB TP VOL 01 RED CARPET (MR)    $9.99
DEC160830    IMAGE PLUS #11 (WALKING DEAD HERES NEGAN PT 11)  (MR)    $1.99
NOV160624    INVISIBLE REPUBLIC #15 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170746    NAILBITER #30 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170750    PAPER GIRLS #12    $2.99
JAN170658    RAT QUEENS #1 CVR A GIENI (MR)    $3.99
JAN170659    RAT QUEENS #1 CVR B GIENI (MR)    $3.99
DEC168662    RAT QUEENS #1 CVR C WOMENS HISTORY MONTH CHARITY VAR (MR)    $3.99
JAN170646    ROYAL CITY #1 (MR)    $4.99
DEC168665    ROYAL CITY #1 CVR B WOMENS HISTORY MONTH CHARITY VAR (MR)    $4.99
NOV160641    SAVAGE DRAGON #221 (MR)    $3.99
JAN170669    THINK TANK VOL 5 #1 CVR A EKEDAL    $3.99
JAN170670    THINK TANK VOL 5 #1 CVR B EKEDAL    $3.99
DEC168433    THINK TANK VOL 5 #1 DCD C2C VAR    $3.99
JAN170772    WALKING DEAD #165 (MR)    $2.99
JAN170887    WAYWARD TP VOL 04 THREADS & PORTENTS (MR)    $16.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for March 1, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JAN171158    ACTION LAB DOG OF WONDER #6 CVR A LEEDS    $3.99
JAN171486    ADVENTURE TIME #62    $3.99
JAN171487    ADVENTURE TIME #62 SUBSCRIPTION WOLTJEN CVR    $3.99
NOV161360    AGENTS OF PACT #1 CVR A ANWAR    $3.99
JAN171762    ALL TIME COMICS CRIME DESTROYER #1    $4.99
DEC168301    AMERICA #1 CHIN DCD C2C VAR (Net)    $3.99
JAN171186    AMERIKARATE #1 CVR A ROTH (MR)    $3.99
JAN171187    AMERIKARATE #1 CVR B MASSA KICKLOOSE (MR)    $4.99
JAN171188    AMERIKARATE #1 CVR C ELLIS DEATHSTARE (MR)    $4.99
JAN171189    AMERIKARATE #1 CVR D MCKAY EXPLOSIVE THREESOME (MR)    $4.99
JAN171190    AMERIKARATE #1 CVR E APRIL ONEIL PHOTO (MR)    $4.99
JAN171219    ANIMOSITY TP VOL 01 (MR)    $14.99
JAN171327    ARCHIE 75TH ANNIV DIGEST #7    $6.99
JAN172017    ASSIGNMENT #3 (OF 3) CVR A SHIBAO    $5.99
JAN172018    ASSIGNMENT #3 (OF 3) CVR B REIS    $5.99
JAN172019    ASSIGNMENT #3 (OF 3) CVR C SCOTT    $5.99
DEC161517    ATOLL #2 (MR)    $3.99
SEP161779    ATTACK ON TITAN LOST GIRLS GN VOL 02    $10.99
JAN171332    B & V FRIENDS COMICS ANNUAL DIGEST #253    $5.99
NOV161274    BACKSTAGERS #1 (OF 8) NYCC EXCLUSIVE    $9.99
JAN171460    BIG TROUBLE LITTLE CHINA ESCAPE NEW YORK #6 BAYLISS CVR    $3.99
JAN171461    BIG TROUBLE LITTLE CHINA ESCAPE NEW YORK #6 SUBSCRIPTION BRO    $3.99
JUL161498    BOBS BURGERS ONGOING #15 RARE HOPKINS VIRGIN ART ED    $50.00
JAN171399    BRAVE CHEF BRIANNA #1    $3.99
JAN171168    BRIGANDS #5 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
DEC162074    CARDFIGHT VANGUARD GN VOL 07 (RES)    $10.95
DEC161120    CEREBUS IN HELL #2    $4.00
NOV161698    CHIRO GN VOL 07 STAR PROJECT    $11.99
OCT161250    CINEMA PURGATORIO #8 (MR)    $6.99
OCT161251    CINEMA PURGATORIO #8 ANCIENT TOME PREMIUM CVR (MR)    $9.99
OCT161254    CINEMA PURGATORIO #8 CODE PRU CVR (MR)    $6.99
OCT161253    CINEMA PURGATORIO #8 MODDED CVR (MR)    $6.99
OCT161252    CINEMA PURGATORIO #8 PERFECT UNION CVR (MR)    $6.99
OCT161255    CINEMA PURGATORIO #8 VAST CVR (MR)    $6.99
JAN171560    COUNTER PARTS GN    $12.99
DEC161757    DISNEY PIXAR CARS COMICS TREASURY TP    $19.99
OCT161844    DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #3 CVR A IANNICIELLO    $3.99
OCT161845    DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #3 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
OCT161846    DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #3 CVR C ELLERBY CONNECTING    $3.99
OCT161847    DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #3 CVR D FRASER    $3.99
OCT161831    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #10 CVR A BOLSON    $3.99
OCT161832    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #10 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
OCT161833    DOCTOR WHO 9TH #10 CVR C ELLERBY    $3.99
JAN171206    DOLLFACE ST PATRICKS DAY SP CVR A MENDOZA (MR)    $3.99
JAN171207    DOLLFACE ST PATRICKS DAY SP CVR B TATTERED & TORN (MR)    $4.99
JAN171208    DOLLFACE ST PATRICKS DAY SP CVR C POT O GOLD (MR)    $4.99
JAN171209    DOLLFACE ST PATRICKS DAY SP CVR D POT TATTERED & TORN (MR)    $4.99
JAN171210    DOLLFACE ST PATRICKS DAY SP CVR E ST PADDYS DAY GIRL (MR)    $4.99
JAN171211    DOLLFACE ST PATRICKS DAY SP CVR F PADDYS TATTERED & TORN (MR    $4.99
JAN171226    DREAMING EAGLES HC NYCC ED VOL 01 (MR)    $75.00
DEC161342    DREGS #2 (MR)    $3.99
NOV161659    FAIRY TAIL GN VOL 58    $10.99
JAN172140    FAITH (ONGOING) #9 CVR A KANO    $3.99
JAN172141    FAITH (ONGOING) #9 CVR B ANWAR    $3.99
JAN172142    FAITH (ONGOING) #9 CVR C SMART    $3.99
JAN171644    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS #5 (OF 5) CVR A HAMM    $3.99
JAN171645    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS #5 (OF 5) CVR B PARKER    $3.99
JAN171646    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS #5 (OF 5) CVR C EXC SUBSCRIPTION    $3.99
NOV161364    FOURTH PLANET #4    $3.99
NOV161365    FREELANCE #1 CVR A PERKINS    $3.99
DEC162153    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #4 CVR A GOH (MR)    $3.99
DEC162154    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #4 CVR B SILVA (MR)    $3.99
DEC162155    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #4 CVR C CASAS (MR)    $3.99
DEC162156    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #4 CVR D MAHLE (MR)    $3.99
JAN171476    GIANT DAYS #24    $3.99
NOV161699    GIVE TO THE HEART MEMORIES GN VOL 01    $11.99
SEP161280    GOLD DIGGER #239    $3.99
JAN171471    GOLDIE VANCE #10    $3.99
JAN171650    GREEN HORNET REIGN OF DEMON #4 (OF 4) CVR A LASHLEY    $3.99
JAN171651    GREEN HORNET REIGN OF DEMON #4 (OF 4) CVR B MARQUES    $3.99
DEC168468    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #3 C2C EXC VAR    $3.99
DEC162131    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #3 CVR A SILVA    $3.99
DEC162132    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #3 CVR B OTERO    $3.99
DEC162133    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #3 CVR C RUIZ    $3.99
DEC162134    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #3 CVR D LEISTER    $3.99
DEC161768    HUNTERS OF SALAMANSTRA #2 CVR A MAIN    $3.99
DEC161769    HUNTERS OF SALAMANSTRA #2 CVR B JOSECO    $3.99
DEC161557    INTERTWINED #5 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
JAN171584    JAMES BOND #1 CVR A CASSADAY    $3.99
JAN171585    JAMES BOND #1 CVR B REARDON    $3.99
JAN171586    JAMES BOND #1 CVR C MASTERS    $3.99
JAN171587    JAMES BOND #1 CVR D MONTES    $3.99
JAN171588    JAMES BOND #1 CVR E MORITAT    $3.99
DEC168674    JAMES BOND #1 MONEYPENNY ARTBOARD FOC INCV    $PI
DEC161472    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 (MR)    $5.99
DEC161478    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 LUSCIOUS CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161483    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 LUSCIOUS NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161474    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 NATURAL BEAUTY CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161482    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 NATURAL BEAUTY NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161480    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161479    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 SULTRY CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161484    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 SULTRY NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161473    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 WRAP CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161481    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #7 WRAP NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161780    KISS HIM NOT ME GN VOL 09    $10.99
NOV161280    LUMBERJANES #29 NYCC EXCLUSIVE    $9.99
NOV161236    LUMBERJANES GOTHAM ACADEMY TP    $19.99
DEC161770    MARRY ME #3 CVR A MAIN    $3.99
DEC161771    MARRY ME #3 CVR B MOKHTAR    $3.99
DEC168392    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #12 C2C EXC CHU VAR    $3.99
NOV161267    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS 2016 ANNUAL #1 NYCC EXCLUSIVE    $19.99
JAN171155    MOTOR GIRL #4    $3.99
JAN171281    MUTTS SHELTER STORIES LOVE GUARANTEED SC    $16.99
NOV161725    NEIL GAIMANS MR HERO HC VOL 02    $24.99
NOV161724    NEIL GAIMANS MR HERO TP VOL 02    $14.99
NOV161670    PRINCE IN HIS DARK DAYS GN VOL 03 (MR)    $12.99
NOV161087    REICH #4 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.00
DEC162078    REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA DELUXE HC BOX SET (MR)    $49.99
DEC168589    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT C2C EXC VAR    $4.99
NOV161153    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR A REG ALITHA MARTINEZ    $4.99
NOV161154    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR B VAR DEREK CHARM    $4.99
NOV161155    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR C VAR ADAM GORHAM    $4.99
NOV161156    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR D VAR ROBERT HACK    $4.99
NOV161157    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR E SANDRA LANZ    $4.99
NOV161158    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR F VAR MORITAT    $4.99
NOV161159    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR G VAR DAN PARENT    $4.99
NOV161160    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR H VAR THOMAS PITILLI    $4.99
NOV161161    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR I VAR MATTHEW DOW SMITH    $4.99
NOV161162    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR J VAR CORY SMITH    $4.99
NOV161163    RIVERDALE ONE SHOT CVR K VAR BLANK SKETCH CVR    $4.99
NOV161001    ROCK & ROLL BIOGRAPHIES PANTERA    $3.50
JAN171225    ROUGH RIDERS NATION #1    $3.99
NOV161177    SANTERIA THE GODDESS KISS #3 (OF 5) CVR A CAFARO (RES)    $3.99
NOV161178    SANTERIA THE GODDESS KISS #3 (OF 5) CVR B LORENZANA (RES)    $3.99
DEC161695    SCIENCE COMICS BATS SC GN    $12.99
JAN171776    SIMPLY SAMUEL HC    $24.99
DEC161869    SMOKETOWN #1    $3.99
NOV161907    STUFF OF LEGEND CALL TO ARMS #1    $3.99
NOV161700    SWEET BLOOD GN VOL 07    $11.99
NOV161672    SWEETNESS & LIGHTNING GN VOL 04    $12.99
OCT161479    TREADWATER GN VOL 02 (OF 5)    $18.99
DEC161456    UNHOLY #2 (MR)    $5.99
DEC161466    UNHOLY #2 FEMME FATALE NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161458    UNHOLY #2 FEMME FATALES CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161464    UNHOLY #2 NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161463    UNHOLY #2 POV CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161469    UNHOLY #2 POV NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161462    UNHOLY #2 STUNNING CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161468    UNHOLY #2 STUNNING NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
DEC161457    UNHOLY #2 WRAP CVR (MR)    $5.99
DEC161465    UNHOLY #2 WRAP NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
JAN171562    VELDA GIRL DETECTIVE GN VOL 02    $14.99
JAN171465    WOODS #30    $3.99
NOV168518    YOUNG TERRORISTS #2 2ND PTG (MR)    $6.99

MAGAZINES
DEC162234    CINEFEX #151    $12.50
JAN172357    FILMFAX #147    $9.95
NOV162142    HOBBY JAPAN FEB 2017    $20.00
NOV162143    MEGAMI FEB 2017    $20.00
OCT162222    MEGAMI JAN 2017    $20.00
OCT162223    NEWTYPE JAN 2017    $20.00

BOOKS
SEP162251    BLACK BAT DOUBLE NOVEL #7 BLACK BATS JUSTICE & RED MENACE (C    $14.95
NOV162090    BRITISH INVASION MOORE GAIMAN MORRISON MODERN COMIC WRITER    $19.99
JAN172271    CARNIVAL OF ASTOUNDING ART BEAUTIES BEASTS SC (MR)    $25.00
DEC162215    DARTH VADER SITH LORD YR SC (RES)    $5.99
DEC162187    DOCTOR WHO PIRATE PLANET HC    $19.99
JAN171874    DRAWINGS OF LAURIE LIPTON HC    $39.95
DEC162204    LEGO BATMAN MOVIE MAKING OF MOVIE HC    $24.99
JAN171875    MARIJUANA MANDALAS COOL COLORING BOOK    $7.95
JAN172276    NEW FASHION NUDES HC (MR)    $49.99
JAN171876    OUTLAW BIBLE OF AMERICAN ART HC    $39.95
JAN171877    RON ENGLISH POPAGANDA COLORING BOOK    $12.95
DEC162213    SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 115 KEEPERS GOLD & FORGOTTEN GOLD    $14.95
JAN172299    SKETCHING FROM IMAGINATION CHARACTERS SC    $29.99
JAN173219    WARHAMMER 40K FORGES OF MARS OMNIBUS SC    $21.00

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Book Review: WIND IN THE WILLOWS Illustrated by David Petersen

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

AUTHOR: Kenneth Grahame
ILLUSTRATOR: David Petersen
COVER: David Petersen
ISBN: 978-1-63140-343-9; hardcover, 8” x 10” (December 2016)
192pp, Color, $24.99 U.S.

The Wind in the Willows is a children's novel by Kenneth Grahame.  It was first published in 1908 and is one of the most beloved novels in Great Britain, according to various surveys.  The novel has been adapted for the stage, film, radio, and television numerous times.

The Wind in the Willows was originally published as a plain text book without illustrations.  However, illustrated editions of the book began to appear less than a decade after it was first published, including editions featuring illustrations by Paul Branson (1913), E.H. Shepard (1931) and by Arthur Rackham (1940), among others.

The latest illustrated edition of The Wind in the Willows is published by IDW Publishing.  The illustrator is David Petersen, the award-winning creator of the comic book series, Mouse Guard.  Petersen reportedly worked on this project for over three years, and the book contains over 60 of his illustrations, including 20 full-color plates.

I read part of this novel a long, long time ago, and what I remember from it I probably got from the Walt Disney film, The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.  Half of this 1949 animated film was an adaption of The Wind in the Willows.  The other half of the film was based on the unrelated Washington Irving short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (first published in 1820).

The Wind of the Willows focuses on four anthropomorphic animals that live in a pastoral version of Edwardian England.  They are Badger, Mole, Rat, and Toad of Toad Hall.  Theirs is an entrancing, lyrical world of gurgling rivers and whispering reeds where the friends can enjoy the simplest pleasures and natural wonders that life offers.  Their adventurers will test the miracle of loyalty and friendship in a story that has likely set the standard for other animal-themed novels.

It is clear that David Petersen's illustrative work for The Wind in the Willows is a labor of love.  Heck, it is obvious as soon as you crack this book open and see Petersen's spot illustrations of Toad and Rat.  The gorgeous color plates of Mole and Rat's boating excursion make me want to stare at them all day.  The first look at “Toad Hall” as a black and white illustration is quite a treat.  The color plate of Rat and Mole (Chapter Three “The Wild Wood”) would sell someone on buying this book.

As strong as the illustrations are to start this book, the ones that illustrate the last chapters of the book don't let up.  Petersen offers some powerful art to conclude The Wind in the Willows, and that wraparound color illustration that is this book's front and back cover will wrap around your reading and buying lists.

I had not heard about this project until I saw it in a Diamond Distributors list.  I was shocked when IDW sent me a copy-for-review.  I was like, “Damn, I wish all the books I got from comic book publishers were as fine as this here The Wind in the Willows.”

There are three target audiences for IDW's new, illustrated edition of The Wind in the Willows.  They are fans of writer-artist David Petersen's Mouse Guard; fans of The Wind in the Willows; and collectors of IDW's spectacular line of art books, illustrated publications, and archival editions.

A+

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Thursday, February 23, 2017

Review: FUTURE QUEST #1

FUTURE QUEST No. 1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jeff Parker – @JeffParker
ARTISTS: Evan “Doc” Shaner – @DocShaner (p. 1-19, 28-30); Steve “The Dude” Rude (p. 20-27)
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire – @whoajordie
LETTERS: ALW Studios' Dave Lanphear
COVER: Evan “Doc” Shaner
VARIANT COVERS: Steve Rude with Steve Buccellato; Bill Sienkiewicz; Aaron Lopresti; Joe Quinnoes
40pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Part One: “Lights in the Sky”

A few months ago, DC Comics announced that it would publish a small line of comic books that would re-imagine and re-interpret classic Hanna-Barbera television series and characters.  Hanna-Barbera was an American animation studio that produced animated television series for American television networks, mostly for broadcast on Saturday mornings, but also for prime time.

Future Quest, the first of these comic books, debuted recently.  Future Quest brings the stars of Hanna-Barbera's action, sci-fi, and superhero TV series together.  That includes “Jonny Quest” (one of those prime time animated series), “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor.”

The cast of “Jonny Quest” seem to be the stars of Future Quest, and are referred to as “Team Quest.”  They are Jonny Quest; his adopted brother, Hadji; his father, Dr. Benton Quest; family bodyguard, Race Bannon; Race's love interest and spy-type, Jezebel Jade; and, of course, Jonny's dog, Bandit. Future Quest is written by Jeff Parker; drawn by Evan “Doc” Shaner; colored by Jordie Bellaire; and lettered by Dave Lanphear.  Artist Steve Rude contributes eight pages to this first issue.

Future Quest #1 (“Lights in the Sky”) finds Jonny and Hadji wearing classic Quest rocket packs and zipping around the Florida Everglades. Meanwhile, Dr. Quest receives two visitors from “Inter-Nation Security,” who have come to see him about strange anomalies popping up all over the Earth.  Meanwhile, Team Quest's arch-nemesis, Dr. Zin, suddenly appears in the Everglades and attacks Jonny, Hadji, and Race.  However, all of Earth is about to be drawn into an epic struggle that threatens the galaxy and perhaps, even the universe.

I was cynical about DC's Hanna-Barbera (sometimes known as “H-B”) announcement.  Quite a bit of the storytelling that entertained me in my early and formative years came from classic H-B series.  It is not often that comic book versions or even TV remakes of classic 1960s and 1970s H-B series have pleased me.  [I really like the Scooby-Doo straight-to-video movies that Warner Bros. has been producing since the late 1990s].

However, I'm all in on Future Quest.  Writer Jeff Parker has captured the sense of adventure, fun, and wonder that permeated classic action/superhero/sci-fi and fantasy H-B series like “Jonny Quest” and “Space Ghost.”  It does not matter that Future Quest will unite characters that have rarely appeared together, if at all.  If H-B had brought together “Jonny Quest,” “Space Ghost,” “The Herculoids,” “Birdman,” “Frankenstein Jr.,” “The Galaxy Trio,” “The Impossibles,” and “Mightor,”  I can't imagine that it would look too different from what at least this first issue of Future Quest suggests.  Also, my feeling is that Jeff Parker is doing this the right way.

I am a fan of artist Steve Rude.  He claims “Space Ghost” as a huge influence on his work as a comic book artist, especially on the comic book, Nexus, which he produces with writer Mike Baron.  It is good to see him work on Future Quest.  Rude on Future Quest is a no-brainer.

But series artist Evan “Doc” Shaner takes a backseat to no one on this comic book.  His clear line drawing style recalls classic H-B, but also captures the spirit of those wonderful European comic graphic albums that appeal to readers, young and old, such as Tintin and the Smurfs.  When Jordie Bellaire adds her magical colors, the comic art in Future Quest looks fantastic.  It evokes H-B while being something new, fresh, and vibrant.

In fact, this is what the classic, but old H-B action TV series need – a fresh take and a new beginning.  Part of me is still doubting.  Is this first issue a fluke?  Can Future Quest be as good – long term – as I think this first issue is.  I believe in Parker and Shaner.

A

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


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

DARK KNIGHT III: The Master Race #7

DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE No. 7
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Andy Kubert
INKS:  Klaus Janson
COLORS: Brad Anderson
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Andy Kubert with Brad Anderson
VARIANT COVERS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair; Klaus Janson with Dave McCaig; Howard Chaykin with Jesus Aburto; Chris Burnham with Nathan Fairbairn
32pp (plus 16-page insert), Color, $5.99 U.S. (February 2017)

Batman created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger

Dark Knight III: The Master Race (also known as DKIII) is the second sequel to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (also known simply as The Dark Knight Returns or DKR), the landmark, four-issue comic book miniseries.  Published by DC Comics in 1986, DKR was written by Frank Miller; drawn by Miller (pencils) and Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Lynn Varley; and lettered by John Costanza.  DKR focused on a 50-year-old Bruce Wayne who comes out of retirement and resumes his crime-fighting role as Batman.

DKIII is written by Brian Azzarello and DKR's Frank Miller; drawn by Andy Kubert (pencils) and DKR's Klaus Janson (inks); colored by Brad Anderson; and lettered by Clem Robins.  DKIII finds Batman united with Superman to stop a murderous group of people from Superman's home planet, Krypton, from taking over the Earth.

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #7 opens in the aftermath of the battle in and over Gotham City, pitting Batman, Superman, and their allies against the “master race” of Kryptonians from Kandor.  And Batman is dead... or is he?  Superman has an idea about reviving his old friend.  Meanwhile, Quar, the leader of the Kryptonians, moves to strengthen his hold on Lara, the daughter of Superman and Wonder Woman, who has sided with the Kryptonians.  He wants her to do something for him...

I have to say that I enjoyed reading DKIII #7 more than I did issue #6.  I have found DKIII to be wildly inconsistent.  It is sometimes intense and gripping; other times, it is contrived and ridiculous – often within the same issue.

What is the difference with #7?  I think that this issue consolidates subplots and relationships, as the narrative prepares to move into the final acts of the series.  This issue is the first one that clearly depicts Lara's ambivalence, but also emphasizes that much of this story is about Lara's side of the family, in particularly her father, Superman.  Going forward as a reader, an issue like this one makes me feel more confident about the eight and ninth issues of Dark Knight III: The Master Race, the final two issues.

Dark Knight Universe Presents: Strange Adventures #1 (Insert comic book)
STORY: Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello
PENCILS: Frank Miller
INKS: Klaus Janson
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Clem Robins
COVER: Frank Miller with Alex Sinclair

I have not really enjoyed these mini-comics inserted into the center of each issue of DKIII, but I like this issue's “Strange Adventures” that focuses on Green Lantern and two denizens of Thanagar.  The interplay of the items that give these heroes their power with the mounting danger of their adversaries makes this a gripping mini-thriller with a nice ending.

A-

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


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, February 20, 2017

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 22, 2017

DC COMICS

DEC160244    ACTION COMICS #974    $2.99
DEC160245    ACTION COMICS #974 VAR ED    $2.99
OCT160318    ASTRO CITY #41    $4.99
OCT160319    ASTRO CITY #41 VAR ED    $4.99
DEC160255    BATGIRL #8    $2.99
DEC160256    BATGIRL #8 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV160323    BATGIRL AN ADULT COLORING BOOK TP    $15.99
DEC160341    BATMAN 66 MEETS WONDER WOMAN 77 #2 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC160253    BATMAN BEYOND #5    $2.99
DEC160254    BATMAN BEYOND #5 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV160326    BATMAN BEYOND TP VOL 03 WIRED FOR DEATH    $14.99
NOV160321    BATMAN NIGHT OF THE MONSTER MEN HC    $24.99
NOV150319    BATMAN V SUPERMAN DOJ WONDER WOMAN STATUE    $150.00
DEC160263    BLUE BEETLE #6    $2.99
DEC160264    BLUE BEETLE #6 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160405    CLEAN ROOM #16 (MR)    $3.99
NOV160329    COSMIC ODYSSEY DELUXE EDITION HC    $34.99
AUG160371    DCTV THE FLASH ZOOM AF    $28.00
DEC160269    DEATHSTROKE #13    $2.99
DEC160270    DEATHSTROKE #13 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160273    DETECTIVE COMICS #951    $2.99
DEC160274    DETECTIVE COMICS #951 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160277    FLASH #17    $2.99
DEC160278    FLASH #17 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160409    FROSTBITE #6 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
DEC160359    FUTURE QUEST #10    $3.99
DEC160360    FUTURE QUEST #10 VAR ED    $3.99
OCT160303    GREEN LANTERN THE SILVER AGE OMNIBUS HC VOL 01    $99.99
DEC160289    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15    $2.99
DEC160290    HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #15 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160295    HELLBLAZER #7    $2.99
DEC160296    HELLBLAZER #7 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV160334    INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE HC VOL 02    $24.99
NOV160333    INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FIVE TP VOL 01    $16.99
DEC160235    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1    $2.99
DEC160237    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 BLANK VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160236    JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC168137    JUSTICE LEAGUE POWER RANGERS #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG    $3.99
DEC160339    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #2 (OF 12)    $3.99
DEC160340    KAMANDI CHALLENGE #2 (OF 12) VAR ED    $3.99
AUG160370    LEGENDS OF TOMORROW FIRESTORM AF    $28.00
DEC160366    SCOOBY DOO TEAM UP #23    $2.99
DEC160311    SUICIDE SQUAD #12    $2.99
DEC160312    SUICIDE SQUAD #12 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160354    SUPERGIRL BEING SUPER #2 (OF 4)    $5.99
NOV160339    SUPERMAN BATMAN TP VOL 05    $34.99
DEC160321    TEEN TITANS #5    $2.99
DEC160322    TEEN TITANS #5 VAR ED    $2.99
DEC160329    WONDER WOMAN #17    $2.99
DEC160330    WONDER WOMAN #17 VAR ED    $2.99
NOV160320    WONDER WOMAN TP VOL 01 THE LIES (REBIRTH)    $16.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 22, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

NOV160963    ALL NEW X-MEN TP VOL 03 INEVITABLE HELL HATH SO MUCH FURY    $15.99
DEC160966    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #24 CC    $3.99
DEC160927    AVENGERS #4.1    $3.99
DEC161010    BLACK PANTHER #11    $3.99
DEC161012    BLACK PANTHER #11 JUSKO CORNER BOX VAR    $3.99
DEC161011    BLACK PANTHER #11 RIVERA CONNECTING G VAR    $3.99
DEC160940    CAPTAIN AMERICA STEVE ROGERS #12    $3.99
DEC160900    CHAMPIONS #1.MU    $4.99
NOV160966    DAREDEVIL BACK IN BLACK TP VOL 03 DARK ART    $15.99
NOV160976    DAREDEVIL EPIC COLLECTION TP BROTHER TAKE MY HAND    $39.99
NOV160970    DEADPOOL BACK IN BLACK TP    $16.99
DEC161043    DEADPOOL THE DUCK #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC161044    DEADPOOL THE DUCK #4 (OF 5) CONNECTING D VAR    $3.99
NOV160958    DOCTOR STRANGE PREM HC VOL 03 BLOOD IN AETHER    $24.99
DEC160870    ELEKTRA #1    $3.99
NOV160979    ELEKTRA BY MILLIGAN HAMA AND DEODATO JR COMP COLLECT TP    $39.99
DEC161061    ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC161063    ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM #5 (OF 5) CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR    $3.99
DEC161062    ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM #5 (OF 5) GRANDT CONNCECING VAR    $3.99
DEC160917    EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #19 IVX    $3.99
DEC160992    GHOST RIDER #4    $3.99
DEC160934    GREAT LAKES AVENGERS #5    $3.99
DEC160951    HULK #3    $3.99
DEC160954    INFAMOUS IRON MAN #5    $3.99
DEC168158    IVX #2 (OF 6) 2ND PTG YU VAR    $3.99
DEC160912    IVX #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC160915    IVX #5 (OF 6) DODSON INHUMANS VAR    $3.99
DEC160913    IVX #5 (OF 6) MICHAEL CHO VAR    $3.99
DEC160916    IVX #5 (OF 6) SYAF X-MEN VAR    $3.99
DEC160959    MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL #2    $3.99
DEC160983    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #16    $3.99
DEC160982    MOSAIC #5    $3.99
DEC160935    OCCUPY AVENGERS #4    $3.99
DEC160970    PROWLER #5 CC    $3.99
NOV160978    PUNISHER AND BULLSEYE TP DEADLIEST HITS    $15.99
DEC161027    ROCKET RACCOON #3    $3.99
DEC161018    SCARLET WITCH #15    $3.99
DEC160991    SOLO #5    $3.99
DEC160974    SPIDER-GWEN #17    $3.99
DEC160979    SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL #14    $3.99
DEC160980    SPIDER-WOMAN #16    $3.99
DEC161030    THANOS #4    $3.99
DEC160996    THUNDERBOLTS #10    $4.99
DEC160997    THUNDERBOLTS #10 BAGLEY VAR    $4.99
DEC161055    TRUE BELIEVERS ALL NEW WOLVERINE #1    $1.00
DEC161054    TRUE BELIEVERS WOLVERINE OLD MAN LOGAN #1    $1.00
DEC161053    TRUE BELIEVERS WOLVERINE X-MEN #1    $1.00
DEC160932    UNCANNY AVENGERS #20    $3.99
DEC168159    UNSTOPPABLE WASP #1 2ND PTG CHARRETIER VAR NOW    $3.99
NOV160971    WOLVERINE VS DEADPOOL TP    $29.99