Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 14, 2018

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV170030    BADLANDS TP 2ND ED    $17.99
NOV170053    BLADE OF IMMORTAL OMNIBUS TP VOL 05 (MR)    $21.99
JAN180114    GIANTS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN180097    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MY AINSEL #1    $3.99
JAN180098    NEIL GAIMAN AMERICAN GODS MY AINSEL #1 VAR CVR    $3.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 14, 2018

IMAGE COMICS

DEC170672    BEAUTY #20 CVR A HAUN & FILARDI (MR)    $3.99
DEC170673    BEAUTY #20 CVR B FAWKES (MR)    $3.99
JAN188176    BEAUTY #20 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99
DEC170682    BONEHEAD #3    $3.99
JAN180720    CURSE WORDS #12 CVR A BROWNE (MR)    $3.99
JAN180721    CURSE WORDS #12 CVR B MOODY (MR)    $3.99
JAN180722    CURSE WORDS #12 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99
JAN180622    DEADLY CLASS #32 CVR A CRAIG (MR)    $3.99
JAN180623    DEADLY CLASS #32 CVR B ALEXANDER (MR)    $3.99
JAN180624    DEADLY CLASS #32 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99
JAN180605    DRY COUNTY #1 (MR)    $3.99
JAN180609    INFIDEL #1 (OF 5) CVR A CAMPBELL & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
JAN180610    INFIDEL #1 (OF 5) CVR B LEE & VILLARRUBIA (MR)    $3.99
JAN188079    INFIDEL #1 (OF 5) CVR C VIRGIN CVR (MR)    $3.99
JAN188194    KICK-ASS #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
JAN180798    MAGE HERO DENIED #7 (OF 15)    $3.99
JAN180806    NAILBITER HC VOL 02 THE MURDER ED (MR)    $34.99
JAN180808    NO 1 WITH A BULLET #5    $3.99
JAN180810    PARADISO #4 CVR A PRAMANIK & KELLY (MR)    $4.99
JAN180811    PARADISO #4 CVR B KLEIN (MR)    $4.99
JAN180689    PORT OF EARTH TP VOL 01    $9.99
DEC170736    POSTAL LAURA (ONE-SHOT) (MR)    $3.99
JAN180814    ROSE #9 CVR A GUARA    $3.99
JAN180815    ROSE #9 CVR B LOOPYDAVE    $3.99
JAN180816    ROSE #9 CVR C REIQ    $3.99
JAN180817    ROSE #9 CVR D ANGELL    $3.99
JAN180825    SLEEPLESS #4 CVR A DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
JAN180826    SLEEPLESS #4 CVR B DEL DUCA & SALLAH    $3.99
JAN180827    SLOTS #6 (MR)    $3.99
JAN180840    VS #2 CVR A RIBIC (MR)    $3.99
JAN180841    VS #2 CVR B RIBIC & MULLER (MR)    $3.99
JAN180842    VS #2 CVR C VIRGIN WRAPAROUND (MR)    $3.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for March 14, 2018

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

JAN181442    ABOVE & BEYOND GN    $9.99
NOV171380    ADVENTURE TIME COMICS TP VOL 04    $14.99
JAN181242    ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #287    $6.99
JUL178161    ARCHIVAL QUALITY GN    $19.99
JAN181093    ATHENA VOLTAIRE 2018 ONGOING #2    $3.99
JAN181941    ATLAS AND AXIS #3 (OF 4) (MR)    $5.99
JAN181100    BABY BADASS #2 CVR A LARSEN (MR)    $3.99
JAN181101    BABY BADASS #2 CVR B GOLDBERG (MR)    $3.99
JAN181102    BABY BADASS #2 CVR C GOLDBERG (MR)    $3.99
JAN181749    BAKER STREET FOUR GN VOL 04    $16.99
JAN181525    BARBARELLA #4 CVR A ROUX (MR)    $3.99
JAN181526    BARBARELLA #4 CVR B ASEO (MR)    $3.99
JAN181527    BARBARELLA #4 CVR C HANS (MR)    $3.99
JAN181528    BARBARELLA #4 CVR D SUDZUKA (MR)    $3.99
JAN181529    BARBARELLA #4 CVR E YARAR EXC SUBSCRIPTION VAR (MR)    $3.99
OCT171317    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 BLOOD RED LEATHER (MR)    $24.99
OCT171318    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #1 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (MR)    $89.99
NOV171393    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #2 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (MR)    $89.99
DEC171267    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #3 FIFTY SHADES NUDE (MR)    $89.99
JAN181140    BETROTHED #1 CVR A STEVE UY    $3.99
JAN181141    BETROTHED #1 CVR B JUAN DOE    $3.99
JAN181192    BIG NATE SILENT BUT DEADLY TP    $9.99
JAN181152    BLACK EYED KIDS TP VOL 03 (MR)    $14.99
JAN182033    BLOODSHOT SALVATION TP VOL 01 THE BOOK OF REVENGE    $9.99
NOV171477    CAPTAIN CANUCK TP VOL 01 ALEPH (NEW ED) (RES)    $9.99
NOV171941    CAPTAIN KRONOS VAMPIRE HUNTER TP    $16.99
JAN181784    CATALYST PRIME ACCELL VOL 2 #5    $3.99
JAN181789    CATALYST PRIME ASTONISHER #5    $3.99
JAN181788    CATALYST PRIME ASTONISHER TP VOL 01 ENEMY WITHIN    $14.99
JAN181466    CBLDF DEFENDER VOL 3 #1 (BUNDLE OF 50)    $PI
JAN181249    CHARISMAGIC VOL 03 #2 (OF 6) CVR A TOLIBAO    $3.99
JAN181250    CHARISMAGIC VOL 03 #2 (OF 6) CVR B RANDOLPH    $3.99
JAN181142    COLD WAR #2    $3.99
DEC171182    COME INTO ME #1 CVR A KOWALSKI (MR)    $3.99
DEC171183    COME INTO ME #1 CVR B PRAMANIK (MR)    $3.99
JAN181226    COSMO #3 CVR A YARDLEY    $3.99
JAN181227    COSMO #3 CVR B HERNANDEZ    $3.99
JAN181228    COSMO #3 CVR C SCHOENING    $3.99
MAR171750    DF ACTION COMICS #974 ULTRA LTD SILVER JURGENS SGN    $69.99
MAR171752    DF ACTION COMICS #975 JURGENS SGN    $29.99
MAR171754    DF ACTION COMICS #976 JURGENS SGN    $29.99
DEC171549    DF AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #789 HAESER SKETCH LEE ROMITA SGN    $999.99
OCT171554    DF DEADPOOL #287 NICIEZA SGN    $49.99
DEC171550    DF DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #287 RED NICIEZA SGN    $69.99
DEC171553    DF WALKING DEAD #175 HAESER SKETCH REMARK    $69.99
JAN181750    DISNEY PRINCESS AND THE FROG ONE SHOT    $4.99
JAN181754    DISNEY PRINCESS COMICS COLL DREAM BIG PRINCESS ED TP    $19.99
DEC171775    DNA DOESNT TELL US GN VOL 01    $12.99
DEC171838    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #13 CVR A SHEDD    $3.99
DEC171839    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #13 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
DEC171840    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #13 CVR C MYERS    $3.99
DEC171167    DREADFUL BEAUTY ART OF PROVIDENCE HC (MR)    $27.99
OCT171376    EMBER #0 BEAUTIFIED SELFIE (MR)    $9.99
OCT171377    EMBER #0 BEAUTIFIED SELFIE NUDE (MR)    $9.99
DEC171334    EMBER #0 BEAUTIFIED SHOOTING STAR (MR)    $9.99
DEC171335    EMBER #0 BEAUTIFIED SHOOTING STAR NUDE (MR)    $9.99
JAN181777    ENCOUNTER #1    $3.99
DEC171844    FIGHTING AMERICAN TP VOL 01 (MR)    $16.99
JAN181763    GENSHIKEN SECOND SEASON GN VOL 12    $10.99
SEP172135    GFT TAROT #5 CVR A VITORINO    $3.99
SEP172136    GFT TAROT #5 CVR B ROSETE    $3.99
SEP172137    GFT TAROT #5 CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
SEP172138    GFT TAROT #5 CVR D MELONI    $3.99
JAN181783    GHOST MONEY #8 (OF 10)    $3.99
DEC171776    GIRL FROM OTHER SIDE SIUIL RUN GN VOL 04    $12.99
JAN181344    GRASS KINGS #13 MAIN & MIX    $3.99
OCT172017    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #13 CVR A CHEN    $3.99
OCT172018    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #13 CVR B WHITE    $3.99
OCT172019    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #13 CVR C SANTACRUZ    $3.99
OCT172020    GRIMM FAIRY TALES #13 CVR D SPAY    $3.99
JAN181193    HEAVENLY NOSTRILS CHRONICLE GN VOL 07 UNICORN MANY HATS    $9.99
OCT171388    HELLINA SCYTHE #1-4 BAG SET (MR)    $17.99
OCT171632    HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD ORIGINS (ONE SHOT)    $4.99
DEC171653    HUNTERS OF SALAMANSTRA #9 (MR)    $4.99
JAN181824    INVADER ZIM #29 CVR A    $3.99
JAN181825    INVADER ZIM #29 CVR B MEGAN ANN BOYD CVR    $3.99
NOV171316    IRREDEEMABLE PREMIER EDITION HC VOL 05    $34.99
DEC171178    IT SECRET WORLD OF MODERN BANKING 2 #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
JAN181744    IZUNA OVERSIZE DLX HC BOOK 01 (MR)    $24.95
NOV171346    JIM HENSON FRAGGLE ROCK OMNIBUS TP    $19.99
JAN181337    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #12 (OF 12)    $3.99
JAN181338    JIM HENSON POWER OF DARK CRYSTAL #12 (OF 12) SUBSCRIPTION TA    $3.99
JAN181345    JUDAS #4 (OF 4)    $3.99
JAN188003    JUDAS #4 (OF 4) FOC INCV BASTIAN VAR    $3.99
OCT171382    JUNGLE FANTASY ANNUAL 2017 FAUNA NUDE POINTED (MR)    $9.99
OCT171383    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #1 GOLD LEATHER NUDE (MR)    $39.99
NOV171457    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #1 RIO BONDAGE NUDE (MR)    $9.99
OCT171384    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 VIXENS NUDE CUTE (MR)    $9.99
OCT171385    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 VIXENS NUDE DEMURE (MR)    $9.99
NOV171458    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 VIXENS NUDE EROTIC (MR)    $9.99
NOV171459    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 VIXENS NUDE FIERY (MR)    $9.99
DEC171337    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 VIXENS NUDE GLEEFUL (MR)    $9.99
DEC171338    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #2 VIXENS NUDE HOT (MR)    $9.99
OCT171386    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #4 FAUNA BARELY THERE (MR)    $9.99
NOV171463    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #4 FAUNA FELINE (MR)    $9.99
OCT171387    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #4 FAUNA NUDE (MR)    $9.99
DEC171331    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #4 FAUNA SNAKESKIN (MR)    $9.99
AUG171411    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #6 CENTURY NUDE (MR)    $39.99
NOV171460    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #6 FLORA (MR)    $9.99
NOV171461    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #6 FLORA NUDE (MR)    $9.99
SEP171388    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #7 CENTURY NUDE (MR)    $39.99
OCT171364    JUNGLE FANTASY SURVIVORS #8 CENTURY NUDE (MR)    $39.99
JAN181095    JUPITER JET #4    $3.99
JAN181354    KONG ON PLANET OF APES #5    $3.99
JAN181355    KONG ON PLANET OF APES #5 CONNECTING MAGNO VAR    $3.99
JAN181356    KONG ON PLANET OF APES #5 PULP HACK VAR    $3.99
JAN181766    LAND OF THE LUSTROUS GN VOL 05    $12.99
JAN181498    LEGENDERRY RED SONJA #2 (OF 5) CVR A BENITEZ    $3.99
OCT171381    LOOKERS EMBER #1 BIKINI ADULT EXTREME (MR)    $9.99
OCT171379    LOOKERS EMBER #1 BIKINI SUNKISSED (MR)    $9.99
OCT171380    LOOKERS EMBER #1 BIKINI TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
NOV171451    LOOKERS EMBER #1 HONEY TRAP (MR)    $9.99
NOV171452    LOOKERS EMBER #1 HONEY TRAP NUDE (MR)    $9.99
DEC171328    LOOKERS EMBER #1 HONEY TRAP SKIMPY (MR)    $9.99
DEC171329    LOOKERS EMBER #1 HONEY TRAP TOPLESS (MR)    $9.99
NOV171454    LOOKERS EMBER #1 POV (MR)    $9.99
NOV171455    LOOKERS EMBER #1 POV NUDE (MR)    $9.99
OCT171331    LOOKERS EMBER #5 FIFTY SHADES HOMAGE NUDE (MR)    $89.99
NOV171497    LORD OF GORE #4 (OF 8) CVR A LEISTER (RES)    $3.99
NOV171498    LORD OF GORE #4 (OF 8) CVR B SAYGER (RES)    $3.99
NOV171499    MALEFIC #5 (OF 8)    $4.99
JAN182040    MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM WING GN VOL 05 GLORY OF THE LOSERS    $12.95
JAN182034    NINJAK DLX ED HC BOOK 02    $49.99
JAN182028    NINJAK VS VU #3 (OF 4) CVR A SMALLWOOD    $3.99
JAN182029    NINJAK VS VU #3 (OF 4) CVR B CAFU    $3.99
JAN182030    NINJAK VS VU #3 (OF 4) CVR C PHOTO    $3.99
DEC171781    NIRVANA GN VOL 02    $12.99
JAN181194    PEANUTS TP IM NOT YOUR SWEET BABBOO    $9.99
JAN181202    PEARLS BEFORE SWINE TP FLOUNDERING FATHERS    $14.99
JAN181254    PSYCHO BONKERS TP VOL 01    $9.99
JAN181776    PUERTO RICO STRONG SC    $12.99
JAN181564    PUMPKINHEAD #2 (OF 5) CVR A STRAHM    $3.99
JAN181565    PUMPKINHEAD #2 (OF 5) CVR B SHEPHERD    $3.99
DEC171848    QUARRYS WAR #4 (OF 4) CVR A CHATER    $3.99
DEC171849    QUARRYS WAR #4 (OF 4) CVR B MENNA    $3.99
JAN181753    RIFTWORLD LEGENDS #2    $3.99
JAN181221    RIVERDALE (ONGOING) #11 CVR A CW PHOTO    $3.99
JAN181222    RIVERDALE (ONGOING) #11 CVR B CW PHOTO    $3.99
OCT171034    ROCK & ROLL BIOGRAPHIES SYSTEM OF A DOWN    $3.50
JAN181330    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #4    $3.99
JAN188002    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #4 FOC INCV BACHAN VAR    $3.99
JAN181331    ROCKOS MODERN LIFE #4 SUBSCRIPTION MERCADO VAR    $3.99
JAN182169    SAMURAI RISING EPIC LIFE OF MINAMOTO YOSHITSUNE SC    $9.99
JAN181908    SEA OF THIEVES #1 CVR A MARCELLIUS    $3.99
JAN181909    SEA OF THIEVES #1 CVR B GAME ART    $3.99
JAN181910    SEA OF THIEVES #1 CVR C    $3.99
JAN182016    SECRET WEAPONS OWENS STORY #0 CVR A ALLEN (ONE-SHOT)    $3.99
JAN182017    SECRET WEAPONS OWENS STORY #0 CVR B MEYNET (ONE-SHOT)    $3.99
JAN181769    SEVEN DEADLY SINS GN VOL 25    $10.99
DEC171784    SORRY FOR MY FAMILIAR GN VOL 01    $12.99
JAN181311    SPONGEBOB COMICS #78    $3.99
NOV171189    STARGATE ATLANTIS SINGULARITY #1 CVR A LAROCQUE    $3.99
NOV171190    STARGATE ATLANTIS SINGULARITY #1 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
NOV171191    STARGATE ATLANTIS SINGULARITY #1 CVR C HILINSKI LTD ED    $9.99
JAN181117    SUBSPECIES #1 CVR A LOGAN (MR)    $3.99
JAN181118    SUBSPECIES #1 CVR B PHOTO (MR)    $3.99
DEC171187    TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE #102 STUDIO DELUXE ED (MR)    $19.99
DEC171787    TESTAMENT OF SISTER NEW DEVIL GN VOL 08 (MR)    $12.99
DEC171789    TO LOVE RU GN VOL 05-06 (MR)    $19.99
DEC171670    TO YOUR ETERNITY GN VOL 03    $12.99
DEC172006    TWINKLE STARS GN VOL 05    $20.00
DEC171333    UNHOLY #1 GOLD LEATHER (MR)    $39.99
OCT171389    UNHOLY #1-5 BAG SET (MR)    $23.99
JAN181770    UQ HOLDER GN VOL 13    $10.99
DEC171188    VAMPFIRE FIRE & BLOOD BUNDLE (MR)    $21.99
JAN181214    VAMPIRONICA #1 CVR A REG    $3.99
JAN181215    VAMPIRONICA #1 CVR B FRANCAVILLA    $3.99
JAN181216    VAMPIRONICA #1 CVR C MOK    $3.99
JAN181217    VAMPIRONICA #1 CVR D MORRISETTE-PHAN    $3.99
JAN181218    VAMPIRONICA #1 CVR E SAUVAGE    $3.99
NOV171336    WOODS TP VOL 09    $14.99
JAN181585    XENA #2 (OF 5) CVR A FINCH    $3.99
JAN181586    XENA #2 (OF 5) CVR B CIFUENTES    $3.99
JAN181129    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #45 CVR A CELOR (MR)    $4.99
JAN181130    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #45 CVR B CELOR RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
JAN181131    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #45 CVR C GARCIA (MR)    $4.99
JAN181132    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #45 CVR D GARCIA RISQUE (MR)    $4.99
JAN181133    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #45 CVR E MENDOZA (MR)    $4.99
JAN181134    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #45 CVR F MENDOZA RISQUE (MR)    $4.99

MAGAZINES
JAN182193    LOCUS #686    $7.50

BOOKS
JAN181087    BIZARRE ROMANCE HC    $24.99
JAN181752    DISNEY PRINCESS AND FROG STORY OF MOVIE IN COMICS YA GN    $5.99
JAN181957    DRAGONS LEGACY SC BK 01    $14.95
JAN181959    HOLLOW TREE SC    $14.95
DEC178273    NEIL GAIMAN NORSE MYTHOLOGY SC    $15.95
JAN181697    NEW SHOES HC    $17.99
DEC171871    PACIFIC RIM UPRISING MMPB ASCENSION    $7.99
JAN182136    POSTERSPY ALTERNATIVE MOVIE POSTER COLLECTION HC    $34.99
JAN181702    STAR SCOUTS GN VOL 02 LEAGUE OF LASERS    $14.99
JAN182174    STAR WARS FORCES OF DESTINY REY CHRONICLES CHAPTERBOOK    $5.99
JAN182175    STAR WARS LAST JEDI STORYBOOK HC    $16.99
JAN182154    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL 2 FUZZY 2 FURIOUS HC    $13.99
JAN182839    WARHAMMER 40K DANTE PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00
JAN182840    WARHAMMER 40K KHARN RED PATH PROSE NOVEL SC    $16.00

Review: NISEKOI: False Love Volume 25

NISEKOI: FALSE LOVE, VOL. 25
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Naoshi Komi
TRANSLATION: Camellia Nieh
LETTERS: Stephen Dutro
EDITORS: John Bae; Amy Yu
ISBN: 978-1-4215-9515-3; paperback (January 2018), Rated “T” for “Teen”
264pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S. $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Nisekoi is a shonen manga from creator Naoshi Komi (Double Arts).  The manga was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, from 2011 to 2016.  VIZ Media published an English-language adaptation of the manga as a graphic novel series, Nisekoi: False Love, beginning in January 2014.  VIZ released the twenty-fifth and final volume of the series this past January.

Nisekoi: False Love focuses on high school students, Raku Ichijo and Chitoge Kirisaki.  Not only are the two enemies, but their fathers are also the heads of rival yakuza syndicates.  In order to keep a gang war from starting, Raku (Shuei-Gumi) and Kirisaki (Beehive) act as if they are a teen couple in love.  In fact, Raku is also searching for his childhood sweetheart, and wears a pendant lock around his neck, a memento of the promise he made to a mystery girl 10 years ago.  Chitoge is one of four young ladies who could be the mystery girl.

As Nisekoi: False Love, Vol. 25 (subtitled False Love – Chapters 218 to 228 to “final story”) opens, the search for the missing Chitoge stops at Tenku Highland.  Through a series of flashbacks and recovered memories, the girl to whom Raku Ichijo pledged marriage will be revealed.

The Nisekoi: False Love manga has come to a conclusion.  Some characters had already been forced to deal with the fact that they were part of a love triangle.  Now, some will have to accept that they are not the chosen one.

Nisekoi: False Love Graphic Novel Volume 25 is a bit melancholy.  A fun manga has come to an end.  After all, this series could have run on for a long time, simply spotlighting supporting characters and both romantic and non-romantic story lines.

The fact that the hero, Raku, has finally had to choose one of two excellent heroines is testament to the wonderful characters created by series creator, Naoshi Komi.  I will not offer spoilers, but while the finale promises wedding bells, and the story has a couple ready for marriage...  So Nisekoi: False Love is worthy of being read by new manga readers for years to come.

9 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.

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

Review: ELEKTRA #1

ELEKTRA No. 1 (2017)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Matt Owens
ART: Juann Cabal
COLORS: Antonio Fabela and Marcio Menyz
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Elizabeth Torque
VARIANT COVERS: Marco Checchetto; Pasqual Ferry with Chris Sotomayor; Bill Sienkiewicz; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2017)

Rated T+

Elektra created by Frank Miller

“Always Bet on Red: Part 1”

Elektra (full name Elektra Natchios) is a Marvel Comics character.  Created by Frank Miller, Elektra first appeared in Daredevil #168 (cover dated:  January 1981).  She is a highly trained assassin and anti-hero who wields a pair of bladed sai, which are her trademark weapons.

The best Elektra stories are those written by Miller, which culminated in the death of Elektra in Daredevil #181 (cover dated:  April 1982).  Miller resurrected his most famous original character-creation in Daredevil #190 (cover dated:  January 1983) and also used the character in the long-in-gestation original graphic novel, Elektra Lives Again, which was finally published in 1990.

Frank Miller has long claimed that Marvel Comics promised not to use the character without his permission.  Beginning in 1994, however, Elektra began to make appearances in comic books not written by Miller, including starring in her own miniseries and ongoing series.  The latest is the ongoing comic book, Elektra.  It is written Matt Owens; drawn by Juann Cabal, colored by Antonio Febela and Marcio Menyz; and lettered by Cory Petit.

Elektra #1 finds the titular assassin in Las Vegas, staying at the Midway Casino.  This casino and hotel is secretly a place of debauchery and violence, if you can pay for it.  Elektra is ready to shed some blood of her own, but even she does not know the secret at the heart of this evil.

The art – compositions by Juann Cabal and colors by Antonio Fabela and Marcio Menyz – is quite pretty.  Cabal's precision pencil work – with its Frank Quitely quality – turns out to be perfect, at least for Matt Owen's take on Elektra.  Speaking of Owens, well, I can't hate on him.  I am actually intrigued by this first issue.  I hope the second issue hasn't sold out already.  I want to give this another try.

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 or syndication rights and fees.

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

I Reads You Review: SCOOBY-DOO, Where Are You? #90

SCOOBY-DOO, WHERE ARE YOU? No. 90
DC COMICS – @DCComics

STORY: Sholly Fisch; John Rozum
PENCILS: Walter Carzon; Don Perlin
INKS: Horacio Ottolini; Scott McRea
COLORS: Silvana Brys; Paul Becton
LETTERS: Saida Temofonte; John Costanza
COVER: Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini with Silvana Brys
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (April 2018)

Rated “E” for “Everyone”

Let's keep enjoying the fruits of the renewal of my subscription to the Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? comic book series.  I recently received the fifth issue of that renewed subscription.

Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #90 opens with “Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble” (written by Sholly Fisch and drawn by Walter Carzon and Horacio Ottolini).  Mystery Inc.:  Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma have stopped by “Scrub 'n' Rub Laundromat” to do their laundry.  It is quite a contentious place, as the manager is arguing with a customer and customers are arguing with each other.  Everything comes to a halt, however, when a purple-garbed phantom appears out of the soap and suds and demands that everyone “Get Out!”

The second story is “The Creeping Horror” (written by John Rozum and drawn by Don Perlin and Scott McRea).  [The story was originally published in Scooby-Doo #33 (cover dated: April 2000).]  Once again, the Mystery Machine has had a breakdown in a remote and creepy location.  The Mystery Inc. gang has a flat tire and a spare tire in even worse condition.  Luckily, the “Thingamajig Technologies Inc.” factory is nearby, but instead of finding sanctuary, they a place that is besieged by “The Creeping Horror.”

Some of my favorite Scooby-Doo “ghosts” are the shroud-covered phantoms, creepy ghoulies that are like sheet-cover ghosts on steroids.  You may remember them as the “Giggling Green Ghosts” from the Season One episode, “A Night of Fright is No Delight”.  “Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble” brings that type of phantom back and has him haunting a laundromat.  I thought the story was kinda cute, but the resolution was classic “Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?”

“The Creeping Horror” has a classic start, but the body of the story is kind of modern Scooby-Doo movie.  I was not enjoying it at first, but I liked it by the end.  I liked the art team of Don Perlin (pencils) and Scott McRea (inks), whose graphic approach is a bit different.  Of course, John Costanza, who should be a legend of comic book lettering if he is not already, brings his A-game.  His spry fonts and electric word balloons give this story the charge it needs.

And it happens again, as always.  Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? #90 makes me excited about the next issue.  I recommend this title to Scooby-Doo fans that want to read Scooby comic books.

A-
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 for syndication rights and fees.

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

Review: SIMPSONS COMICS Game On

SIMPSONS COMICS GAME ON! (TPB)
HARPERCOLLINS/Harper Design – @HarperCollins @harperdesignbks @TheSimpsons

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Ian Boothby; Jesse Leon McCann; Tony Digerolamo; Tom Peyer; Mary Trainor; Chuck Dixon
PENCILS: Phil Ortiz; John Costanza; Jason Ho; Carlos Valenti
INKS: Mike DeCarlo; Phyllis Novin; Jason Ho; Andrew Pepoy
COLORS: Art Villanueva; Terry Delegeane
LETTERS: Karen Bates
COVER: Matt Groening
ISBN: 978-0-06-269251-1; paperback (February 6, 2018)
128pp, Color, $16.99 U.S., $21.00 CAN

“The Simpsons” is an American animated television sitcom, produced first run for the Fox Broadcasting Company.  Created by cartoonist Matt Groening, “The Simpsons” began in 1987 as a series of animated shorts that were eventually developed into a half-hour animated TV series.  “The Simpson” debuted on Fox in December of the 1989-90 television season and continues today with new episodes, with Fox having renewed the series through 2019.

“The Simpsons” present a satirical depiction of a working class family which consists of Homer Simpson (the father), Marge Simpson (the mother), Bart (the oldest child and only son), Lisa (the precocious and brilliant elder daughter), and Maggie (a baby girl).  “The Simpsons” also parodies American culture, pop culture, society, politics, media, etc. via the denizens of The Simpsons home town, Springfield.

In 1993, Matt Groening, Bill Morrison, and Steve and Cindy Vance founded Bongo Comics Group (or simply Bongo Comics).  Over the course of a quarter-century, Bongo Comics has published numerous comic book series and single-issue publications based on “The Simpsons.”  The comic books have starred and featured all the characters that are part of this franchise, from the Simpsons clan to the various supporting characters, including Ralph Wiggum and his father, Chief Wiggum; Ned Flanders; Krusty the Clown, Sideshow Bob, and Mr. Burns and Smithers, to name a few.

Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins, has been publishing a line of full-color, original trade paperbacks that reprint select stories from Bongo Comics' Simpsons comic books.  The new trade paperback original is Simpsons Comics Game On!, which reprints Simpsons Comics, issues #121 to 125.  Simpsons Comics is Bongo Comics' long-running flagship Simpsons comic book series.

Simpsons Comics Game On! opens with “The Town That Time Forgot.”  Lazy Homer Simpson seems incapable of being on time for anything, so rather than learn to be punctual, Homer has a better idea.  Why not let people set their own time... with disastrous results.  And Sideshow Bob is back... or maybe not in”Bobbing for Vengeance.”

In “'Till Ned Do Us Part,” Marge Simpson invites a lonely Ned Flanders into the Simpsons home for a stay while Ned's son, Rod and Todd, are away at “Old Testament Survival Camp.”  In “two shakes of a lamb's tail,” the Simpsons find themselves facing an onslaught of hackneyed expressions, cliché sayings, and a guest who does not want to leave because he is “casting pearls before swine.”

Finally, return to yesteryear with “Springfield's Typical Teen-Ager,” Homie in “One Plus Two Equals Zero.”  Springfield High School student Homie Simpson has two tickets to not-paradise and dates with two girls, each one to a different campus event that will take place at the same time.  Can Homie pull off the ultimate high school double date?!

Harper Design has been sending me review copies of its recent Simpsons trade paperback originals, and while I have enjoyed them, I am shocked by how much more I like Simpsons Comics Game On!  For me, this comic book captures the essence of “The Simpsons'” rowdy first decade on television:  the razor sharp satire, blunt spoofs, dead-on parodies, and delightful pop culture references.  Speaking of references, “One Plus Two Equals Zero” is a winning Simpsons spin on Archie Comics' classic Archie-Betty-Veronica love triangle, with a few guest cameos sprinkled throughout the story.

“'Til Ned Do Us Part” is one of the best humorous comic book stories that I have ever read, and it is also a surprisingly effective little morality tale.  Plus, according to an editor's note, the story contains over 150 clichés – in their original form or mangled – and there are several mixed metaphors.  The delightful and dream-like “Maggie's Little Helper” recalls the vintage newspaper comic, Little Nemo.  “Bake Love, Not War” perfectly captures the dynamic between Marge Simpson and her well-meaning, but dumb and patience-testing husband, Homer.

You don't have to be a fan of “The Simpsons” to like Simpsons Comics Game On!, but it helps.  This volume has so many stories that are inventive and well-executed in their storytelling that fans of humor comics can find at least one story to like.

9 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 for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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