Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 18, 2019

MARVEL COMICS

OCT190942    2099 OMEGA #1    $4.99
OCT191044    AGENTS OF ATLAS #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT190929    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #36 2099    $3.99
OCT190930    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #36 PANOSIAN 2020 VAR 2099    $3.99
OCT190877    ANNIHILATION SCOURGE OMEGA #1    $4.99
OCT190878    ANNIHILATION SCOURGE OMEGA #1 ART ADAMS VAR    $4.99
OCT191022    AVENGERS #28    $3.99
OCT191023    AVENGERS #28 LUPACCHINO 2020 VAR    $3.99
SEP190998    AVENGERS DEFENDERS WAR TP NEW PTG    $19.99
OCT191039    BLACK PANTHER #19    $3.99
OCT191040    BLACK PANTHER #19 WEAVER VAR    $3.99
OCT190898    CONAN SERPENT WAR #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
OCT190901    CONAN SERPENT WAR #2 (OF 4) CAMUNCOLI VIRGIN CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
OCT191060    DAREDEVIL #15    $3.99
OCT191061    DAREDEVIL #15 BROWN 2020 VAR    $3.99
SEP190985    DEAD MAN LOGAN TP VOL 02 WELCOME BACK LOGAN    $17.99
SEP191000    DEATHS HEAD TP CLONE DRIVE    $15.99
SEP191012    DEFENDERS EPIC COLLECTION TP END OF ALL SONGS    $39.99
OCT190922    ETERNALS #1 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
OCT190921    ETERNALS SECRETS FROM MARVEL UNIVERSE #1    $4.99
OCT190916    EXCALIBUR #4 DX    $3.99
OCT190911    FALLEN ANGELS #4 DX    $3.99
OCT191043    FUTURE FOUNDATION #5    $3.99
OCT190986    GHOST-SPIDER #5    $3.99
OCT190987    GHOST-SPIDER #5 ASRAR 2020 VAR    $3.99
OCT191051    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12    $4.99
OCT191052    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12 RANEY 2020 VAR    $4.99
OCT191053    GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #12 SHALVEY VAR    $4.99
OCT191031    GWENPOOL STRIKES BACK #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT191033    HISTORY OF MARVEL UNIVERSE #6 (OF 6)    $4.99
OCT191034    HISTORY OF MARVEL UNIVERSE #6 (OF 6) RODRIGUEZ VAR    $4.99
OCT191032    INVADERS #12    $3.99
SEP191002    IRON MAN INVINCIBLE ORIGINS TP    $15.99
OCT191014    KING THOR #4 (OF 4)    $5.99
OCT191015    KING THOR #4 (OF 4) DEL MUNDO VAR    $5.99
SEP191001    LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $39.99
OCT190920    MARAUDERS #4 DX    $3.99
MAR191006    MARVEL STRIKE FORCE HC ART OF GAME    $50.00
OCT190880    MARVEL TALES ANNIHILATION #1    $7.99
SEP190977    MARVEL VISIONARIES TP JOHN ROMITA JR    $34.99
SEP190989    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR TP VOL 08 YANCY STREET LEGENDS    $17.99
OCT190909    NEW MUTANTS #4 DX    $3.99
OCT190950    REVENGE OF COSMIC GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 5)    $4.99
OCT190953    REVENGE OF COSMIC GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 5) LUBERA VAR    $4.99
OCT190952    REVENGE OF COSMIC GHOST RIDER #1 (OF 5) RON LIM VAR    $4.99
OCT191057    RUNAWAYS #28    $3.99
OCT190959    SCREAM CURSE OF CARNAGE #2    $3.99
SEP190856    SPIDER-MAN #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP190858    SPIDER-MAN #3 (OF 5) CAMUNCOLI 2099 VAR    $3.99
OCT191006    SPIDER-MAN VELOCITY #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT191072    STAR WARS EMPIRE ASCENDANT #1    $5.99
OCT191074    STAR WARS EMPIRE ASCENDANT #1 CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR    $5.99
OCT191073    STAR WARS EMPIRE ASCENDANT #1 GOLDEN GREATEST MOMENTS VAR    $5.99
OCT191067    STAR WARS RISE KYLO REN #1 (OF 4)    $4.99
OCT191069    STAR WARS RISE KYLO REN #1 (OF 4) CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE    $4.99
SEP190996    SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN TP VOL 02 OTTO-MATIC    $17.99
OCT191036    TONY STARK IRON MAN #19    $3.99
OCT191037    TONY STARK IRON MAN #19 STROMAN 2020 VAR    $3.99
OCT191038    TONY STARK IRON MAN #19 WOODS VAR    $3.99
OCT190889    TRUE BELIEVERS ANNIHILATION MANTIS #1    $1.00
OCT190888    TRUE BELIEVERS ANNIHILATION MOONDRAGON #1    $1.00
OCT190887    TRUE BELIEVERS ANNIHILATION ODINPOWER #1    $1.00
OCT190891    TRUE BELIEVERS ANNIHILATION SUPER-ADAPTOID #1    $1.00
OCT190890    TRUE BELIEVERS ANNIHILATION SUPER-SKRULL #1    $1.00
SEP191020    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL GN TP POWERS OF A SQUIRREL    $12.99
SEP191019    UNCANNY ORIGINS GN TP MYTH & MAGIC    $12.99
OCT190913    X-FORCE #4 DX    $3.99
SEP191006    X-MEN MILESTONES TP PHALANX COVENANT    $39.99
SEP191003    X-MEN SUMMERS AND WINTER TP    $14.99

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for December 18, 2019

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

OCT192380    AGAIN GN VOL 12 (MR)    $12.99
OCT192037    ANGELA DELLA MORTE #2    $3.95
OCT191610    ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #305    $7.99
OCT192336    AS MISS BEELZEBUB LIKES GN VOL 08    $13.00
SEP191976    BAD BAD PLACE HC GN    $19.99
OCT191919    BAD GIRLS SC GN    $19.99
AUG191747    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191750    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 BONDAGE (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191751    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 BONDAGE NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191754    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 KILLER BODY (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191755    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 KILLER BODY NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191756    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 LUSCIOUS (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191757    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 LUSCIOUS NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191748    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191767    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 SHIELD MAIDEN (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191769    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 SHIELD MAIDEN NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191768    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 SHIELD MAIDEN TOPLESS (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191770    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 SHIELD MAIDEN WETWORKS NUDE (RES) (    $7.99
AUG191752    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 STUNNING (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191753    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 STUNNING NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191771    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 SULTRY (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191772    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 SULTRY NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191762    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 VICIOUS (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191763    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 VICIOUS NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191759    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 VIKING VIXEN (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191760    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 VIKING VIXEN NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
AUG191765    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 WRAP (RES) (MR)    $5.99
AUG191766    BELLADONNA FIRE FURY #13 WRAP NUDE (RES) (MR)    $7.99
OCT192066    BIG PUNK ONE SHOT (MR)    $5.00
OCT192190    BLACK STARS ABOVE #2 (MR)    $3.99
OCT192112    BLADE RUNNER 2019 #5 CVR A POPE (MR)    $3.99
OCT192113    BLADE RUNNER 2019 #5 CVR B MEAD (MR)    $3.99
OCT192114    BLADE RUNNER 2019 #5 CVR C GUINALDO (MR)    $3.99
OCT192115    BLADE RUNNER 2019 #5 CVR D POP VIRGIN SKETCH (MR)    $3.99
OCT192116    BLADE RUNNER 2019 #5 CVR E BLANK SKETCH (MR)    $3.99
OCT192185    BLOODSHOT (2019) #4 CVR A SHALVEY    $3.99
OCT192186    BLOODSHOT (2019) #4 CVR B MCKONE    $3.99
OCT192187    BLOODSHOT (2019) #4 CVR C LAMING    $3.99
OCT198012    BLOODSHOT (2019) #4 CVR D PRE-ORDER BUNDLE ED    $3.99
OCT192200    BROTHER STORY OF AUTISUM    $12.99
OCT192337    BUNGO STRAY DOGS GN VOL 13    $13.00
OCT192034    BUTCHER QUEEN #4 (OF 4)    $3.95
OCT192086    CARPENTER TALES SCIFI REDHEAD #2 (MR)    $3.99
OCT192338    CASE STUDY OF VANITAS GN VOL 06    $13.00
OCT191603    COSMO MIGHTY MARTIAN #2 (OF 5) CVR A YARDLEY    $3.99
OCT191604    COSMO MIGHTY MARTIAN #2 (OF 5) CVR B FONSECA    $3.99
OCT191605    COSMO MIGHTY MARTIAN #2 (OF 5) CVR C SKELLY    $3.99
OCT192192    CULT CLASSIC CREATURE FEATURE #3    $3.99
OCT192340    DEAD MOUNT DEATH PLAY GN VOL 03 (MR)    $13.00
OCT191917    DEADLY TEN PRESENTS SORORITY BABES CVR A PASCUAL (MR)    $3.99
OCT191918    DEADLY TEN PRESENTS SORORITY BABES CVR B DAN FOWLER (MR)    $3.99
SEP192357    DIRTY PAIR OMNIBUS GN (MR)    $18.99
OCT192117    DOCTOR WHO 13TH HOLIDAY SPECIAL #2 CVR A CARANFA    $5.99
OCT192118    DOCTOR WHO 13TH HOLIDAY SPECIAL #2 CVR B PHOTO    $5.99
OCT192119    DOCTOR WHO 13TH HOLIDAY SPECIAL #2 CVR C ACTION FIGURE    $5.99
OCT192385    DRIFTING DRAGONS GN VOL 01    $12.99
OCT191510    EDGAR ALLAN POES SNIFTER OF TERROR SEASON 2 #3 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
OCT192054    ESKIMO KISSES ONE SHOT    $5.99
OCT191778    FANTOMAH TP VOL 01 UP FROM THE DEEP (RES)    $12.99
OCT192324    GENIUS PRINCE RAISING NATION DEBT TREASON NOVEL SC VOL 02 (C    $15.00
OCT192424    GO WITH CLOUDS NORTH BY NORTHWEST GN VOL 03    $12.95
OCT192342    GOBLIN SLAYER SIDE STORY YEAR ONE GN VOL 03 (MR)    $13.00
MAR191841    GOD MODE #2 (RES)    $4.99
OCT191440    GUNG HO #1 CVR A PAREL (MR)    $3.99
OCT191441    GUNG HO #1 CVR B RUAN (MR)    $3.99
OCT191442    GUNG HO #1 CVR C NGU (MR)    $3.99
OCT191443    GUNG HO #1 CVR D KUMMANT (MR)    $3.99
AUG192510    HEAVENLY DELUSION GN VOL 01 (RES)    $12.95
OCT191969    INFINITY 8 #17 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191955    ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS GN    $9.99
SEP191857    JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS #8 CVR A FRIGHT NIGHT PARODY    $4.99
SEP191858    JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS #8 CVR B NBX PARODY    $4.99
SEP191859    JUNIOR HIGH HORRORS #8 CVR C BUY HARD    $4.99
OCT192348    KONOSUBA EXPLOSION WONDERFUL WORLD GN VOL 03    $13.00
JUL191721    LADY DEATH APOCALYPSE #0 CENTURY B    $15.99
OCT191964    LOST IN SPACE COUNTDOWN TO DANGER HC GN VOL 03    $17.99
SEP191908    LOUD HOUSE GN VOL 08 LIVIN LA CASA LOUD    $7.99
SEP191909    LOUD HOUSE HC VOL 08 LIVIN LA CASA LOUD    $12.99
OCT191977    LYTTLE LIES STINKY TRUTH SC    $7.99
OCT192038    MACHINE GIRL #2    $3.95
OCT191445    MIRKA ANDOLFOS UNSACRED #2 CVR A MIRKA ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
OCT191446    MIRKA ANDOLFOS UNSACRED #2 CVR B LINDA SEJIC (MR)    $3.99
OCT191447    MIRKA ANDOLFOS UNSACRED #2 CVR C SABINE RICH (MR)    $3.99
OCT191448    MIRKA ANDOLFOS UNSACRED #2 CVR D ANDOLFO LINGERIE ANGELINA V    $3.99
OCT192196    MONEY SHOT #3 (MR)    $3.99
SEP191460    MONSTER WORLD GOLDEN AGE #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT191576    NATHAN HALES HAZARDOUS TALES HC VOL 09 MAJOR IMPOSSIBLE    $13.99
OCT192393    O MAIDENS IN YOUR SAVAGE SEASON GN VOL 05    $12.99
OCT191965    PACIFIC RIM AMARA GN    $9.99
OCT192349    PLUNDERER GN VOL 03    $22.00
DEC170993    PRINCELESS DLX HC VOL 03    $19.99
OCT191727    PSYCHO LIST #5 (OF 6)    $3.99
OCT191995    RICK & MORTY #57 CVR A ELLERBY    $3.99
OCT191996    RICK & MORTY #57 CVR B SPANO    $3.99
AUG192227    ROBOTECH TP VOL 06 EVENT HORIZON    $16.99
OCT192175    ROKU #3 (OF 4) CVR A KALVACHEV    $3.99
OCT192176    ROKU #3 (OF 4) CVR B JOHNSON    $3.99
OCT192177    ROKU #3 (OF 4) CVR C CRYSTAL    $3.99
OCT198016    ROKU #3 (OF 4) CVR D PRE-ORDER BUNDLE ED    $3.99
OCT192395    SAINT YOUNG MEN HC GN VOL 01 (MR)    $23.99
OCT192100    SEEKER GN    $10.00
SEP191983    SEERESS RECKLESS ONE-SHOT (MR)    $3.99
AUG192242    SHADES OF MAGIC REBEL ARMY #2    $3.99
OCT192334    SHADOW STUDENT COUNCIL VP GIVES HER ALL GN VOL 01 (MR)    $15.00
OCT191775    SHAPES #2    $3.99
OCT192351    SHIBUYA GOLDFISH GN VOL 06    $15.00
OCT191974    SHOWS END #5 (OF 5)    $3.99
OCT192352    SILVER SPOON GN VOL 12    $15.00
OCT191897    SLEEP GAS GN  (MR)    $PI
OCT192353    SWORD ART ONLINE HOLLOW REALIZATION GN VOL 05    $13.00
OCT192071    TALES NIGHT WATCHMAN RED HOOK UNTOLD LEGEND LUNA LTD FRASER    $7.99
SEP192147    TALES OF TERROR BRIDGEWATER TRIANGLE #3 (OF 3) CVR A VITORIN    $5.99
SEP192148    TALES OF TERROR BRIDGEWATER TRIANGLE #3 (OF 3) CVR B ERIC J    $5.99
SEP192149    TALES OF TERROR BRIDGEWATER TRIANGLE #3 (OF 3) CVR C VIGONTE    $5.99
OCT192394    TO YOUR ETERNITY GN VOL 11    $12.99
OCT192356    UBEL BLATT GN VOL 11 (MR)    $20.00
OCT192357    VAL X LOVE GN VOL 07 (MR)    $13.00
SEP191323    VAMPIRE STATE BUILDING #3 CVR A ADLARD (MR)    $3.99
SEP191324    VAMPIRE STATE BUILDING #3 CVR B ADLARD HOWLING VAMPIRE HORDE    $3.99
SEP191325    VAMPIRE STATE BUILDING #3 CVR C OHTA (MR)    $3.99
SEP191326    VAMPIRE STATE BUILDING #3 CVR D ADLARD VAMPIRE GOD CVR (MR)    $3.99
OCT191438    VARK THING ONE SHOT    $4.00
SEP192335    VINLAND SAGA GN VOL 11 (MR)    $22.99
OCT192170    VISITOR #1 (OF 6) CVR A PINNA    $3.99
OCT192171    VISITOR #1 (OF 6) CVR B ALLEN    $3.99
OCT192172    VISITOR #1 (OF 6) CVR C WALSH    $3.99
OCT192173    VISITOR #1 (OF 6) CVR D BLANK SKETCH    $3.99
OCT192174    VISITOR #1 (OF 6) CVR E #1-6 PRE-ORDER BUNDLE ED    $3.99
AUG192482    WITCHS PRINTING OFFICE GN VOL 01    $15.00
OCT191975    WOLVENHEART #3    $3.99
SEP198844    X-MEN #1 EASTMAN VAR    $20.00
SEP198845    X-MEN #1 EASTMAN VAR SGN    $40.00
SEP192300    YOUR NAME ANOTHER SIDE EARTHBOUND GN VOL 02    $13.00

MAGAZINES
OCT191796    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1696    $PI
OCT191797    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1697    $PI
SEP191907    DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE #545    $11.99
SEP191835    HORRORHOUND #80    $6.99
SEP191937    JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #414    $13.00
OCT192137    MARVEL STUDIOS COMPLETE AVENGERS NEWSTAND ED    $14.99
OCT192138    MARVEL STUDIOS COMPLETE AVENGERS PX ED    $14.99

BOOKS
SEP192319    ARCHDEMONS DILEMMA HOW LOVE ELF BRIDE LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 02    $14.99
OCT192320    BACCANO LIGHT NOVEL HC VOL 12    $20.00
OCT193165    HARRY POTTER CROCHET SET    $24.99
OCT192326    IVE BEEN KILLING SLIMES 300 YEARS NOVEL SC VOL 06    $14.00
OCT192316    KINGDOM HEARTS X LIGHT NOVEL SC    $14.00
SEP192263    KONOSUBA EXPLOSION ON WORLD LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 01    $14.00
OCT193256    OVERWATCH OFFICIAL COOKBOOK HC    $35.00
SEP191475    SHATNER HC    $32.95
OCT191819    STAR WARS RISE OF SKYWALKER GALAXY NEEDS YOU HC    $17.99
OCT193237    STAR WARS STICKER ART PUZZLES    $15.99
SEP191995    STERANKOS HISTORY OF COMICS NEW PTG VOL 02    $19.95
OCT191772    TAROT & MORE 20 YEARS BROADSWORD COMICS COLORING BOOK    $19.99
OCT191882    TARZAN AND THE VALLEY OF GOLD HC    $34.95
OCT192331    THAT TIME I REINCARNATED SLIME LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 07    $14.00

Review: LOVE AND ROCKETS IV #3

LOVE AND ROCKETS VOL. IV No. 3
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS – @fantagraphics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez – @BetomessGilbert @xaimeh
ARTISTS: Gilbert Hernandez; Jaime Hernandez
EDITOR: Eric Reynolds – @earinc
COVER: Jaime Hernandez
BACK COVER: Gilbert Hernandez
VARIANT COVER: Gilbert Hernandez
36pp, B&W, $4.99 U.S. (July 2017)

Love and Rockets is the seminal alternative comic book series produced by brothers, Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez.  It has been published since 1982 by Fantagraphics Books, where it started out as a magazine-sized comic book that ran for 50 issues (1983 to 1996).  It later returned for a 20-issue run as a standard-sized comic book, (Vol II, 2001-2007), and then, it became an annual graphic novel series which ran for eight volumes, Love and Rockets: New Stories (Vol. III, 2008-2016).  [It is important to note that Gilbert and Jaime do not collaborate, and that each brother has his own characters and stories.]

In late 2016, Love and Rockets Vol. IV returned the series to its comic magazine format that fans of the original series fell in love with and probably still love and prefer.  I prefer the original format, but I understand that for various reasons the creators and publishers felt the need to initiate format changes at different times.

Under a front cover by Jaime, Love and Rockets Vol. IV #3 offers nine stories and vignettes, five by Gilbert (Beto) and four by Jaime.  On the Jaime side of things, the “Locas” girls' punk reunion has come to an end, but Maggie and Hopey still have the evening to chew the fat and also some hard questions about the past, the present, and the future.  What is “punk”?  What did it all mean?  What does it mean now?  What will it mean in the end?  Plus, a trip back to 1979 returns us to the days of young punk Locas.  And in the classic, sci-fi, Xaime section, sisters Lumina and Isla reunite as the Anima situation turns more intense.

Gilbert reveals episodes of the Doctor Who ripoff, “Professor Enigma.”  Fritz starred as “Missy,” the Prof.'s assistant, but will soon see her 10-year-old daughter take over the roll.  Also, Fritz's newly reunited twin daughters, Baby (Remedios) and Rosario, meet their grandmother, who is a classic Palomar character!

Love and Rockets Vol. IV #3 is the weakest issue of the new series, thus far.  The return to 1979 is a killer section, and I could feel it and the power of young Locas characters dominate my imagination even as I read the rest of this issue.  The segment featuring modern day Maggie and Hopey feels like it is in a holding pattern, waiting for something big to happen.

The “Professor Enigma” segments lack the classic weirdness of Gilbert's best B.E.M. and sci-fi/B-movie stories, although the back cover crackles with weird energy.  Once again, it takes a classic, old-school L&R character to electrify this issue and Gilbert's contributions.

Even if Love and Rockets Vol. IV #3 is the least of the lot early in this new Love and Rockets run, this is still mostly good stuff.  Jaime's “Anima” art is glorious and beautiful, and the storytelling is invigorating.  I certainly wanted more.  And once again, I must emphasize that Gilbert's back cover art is imaginative and cool.

7.5 out of 10

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


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

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

Review: GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 #5

GEEK-GIRL, VOL. 2 No. 5
MARKOSIA ENTERPRISES, LTD. – @Markosia @daSamJohnson

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Sam Johnson with Mark Darden
ART: Carlos Granda
COLORS: Chunlin Zhao
LETTERS: Paul McLaren
COVER ARTISTS: Sun Khamunaki; Carlos Granda with Chunlin Zhao; Lady Larkin
28pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 23, 2019) – print and digital edition

Rated T+ / 12+ only

Geek-Girl created by Sam Johnson

“School's Out”

Geek-Girl is a comic book character created by Sam Johnson (The Almighties).  Geek-Girl debuted in a 2016 miniseries and returned in a second miniseries, Geek-Girl Vol. 2, which became an ongoing series.  Geek-Girl Vol. 2 is written by Sam Johnson; drawn by Carlos Granda; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Geek-Girl focuses on Ruby Kaye, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero.  Ruby dons a pair of super-tech eye glasses that gives her super-powers.  Ruby's BFF, Summer James, then talks her into trying to be a superhero, even providing her with a moniker.  Now, Ruby is Maine's newest superhero, “Geek-Girl.”

Geek-Girl Vol. 2 #5 (“School's Out”) opens in Acorn Ridge, Maine in the aftermath of the attack by the hyper-destructive super-villainess, Lightning Storm.  Now, former super-tech weapons dealer, Johnny Carlyle, who has apparently turned philanthropist, is making Ruby a surprising offer.  Before a public gathering at the reopening of a police station destroyed by Lightning Storm,  Carlyle announces the formation of the Kaye Foundation, which he has named after Ruby.  The re-opening of the Acorn Ridge Main Street Police Station is only the Kaye Foundation's first move.

Its next move is to form a brand new superhero team, this one headed by Geek-Girl!  Shocked as she is, Ruby has to get down to business and start gathering team members like “The Minger,” “The Whupper,” “Guano Guy,” and “Mr. Marvelous Man.”  Meanwhile, there is a lot going on for everyone – personally, professionally, and supernaturally...

Creator-writer Sam Johnson sent me a PDF review copy of Geek-Girl, Vol. 2 #5, as he has sent me PDF review copies of his other comic books over the past few years.  He thought that this latest issue of Geek-Girl would be of interest to readers because (1) it is a longer than usual issue and (2) it can be a “jumping-on point” for new readers.

Actually, just about any issue of Geek-Girl is a good jumping on point because Johnson provides a detailed summary of the previous issue and of the series in general inside the front cover of each issue of Geek-Girl.  Hell, I will credit Johnson as at least a good comic book scribe simply on the basis of his skills at summarizing his narrative.  [Marvel Comics titles include a summary of the previous issue and the story arc in general; DC Comics (stupidly) does not, likely just because Marvel does.]

I saw a lot of potential in the first Geek-Girl miniseries, and, although I only read the first issue of the second miniseries, I did see the potential being reached.  Now, I want to go back and read issues #2 to 4, but, I don't really need to do so.  The summary works; issue #5 is indeed a good jumping on point, and it is a good read.

I like Sam Johnson's quirky stories, and what I like most about the Geek-Girl series overall is its sense of humor and positive attitude.  Ruby and her friend, Summer James (who took on the Geek-Girl role for a bit), are “always game.”  Geek-Girl is never grim and gritty even when the villainous situation is actually kinda grim and gritty.  Issue #5 teases interesting characters and plants some seeds of darkness, not to mention that Johnny Carlyle seems kinda shady.

Artist Carlos Granda's clear-line drawing style is still a little shaky on the line, but his compositions reveal his ability to draw just about any kind of edifice, object, item, vehicle, etc. found in the real world.  Granda's graphical storytelling is also as vibrant and as vivacious as this series' lead character.

Chunlin Zhao's rich colors make Granda's illustrations look pretty and pop off the page.  Paul McLaren's clean lettering is the graphical element that grounds the narrative in a balance of humor and a sense of mystery.

Readers looking for female superheroes will find a winner in this Geek-Girl comic book.  Both the character and the comic book are ready for readers looking from something fresh.  You know, those are the readers who don't go to the overgrown, vacant lot of traditional superhero comics... where you can smell decaying small animals... for their superhero fun.

8 out of 10

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

www.geekgirlcomics.com

You can buy Geek Girl Vol. 2 #5 at comiXology.


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

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

Review: POWERS OF X #1

POWERS OF X No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jonathan Hickman
PENCILS: R.B. Silva
INKS: R.B. Silva and Adriana Di Benedetto
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
EiC: Akria Yoshida a.k.a. “C.B. Cebuski”
COVER: R.B. Silva with Marte Gracia
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Brooks; Joshua Cassara with Rachelle Rosenberg; John Tyler Christopher; Stephanie Hans; Jack Kirby with Edgar Delgado; Mike Huddleston; George Perez with Jason Keith; Dustin Weaver; Skottie Young
56pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T+

The X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“The Last Dream of Professor X”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team.  Created by editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the X-Men debuted in the comic book The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963).  The focus of that comic book was Professor Charles Xavier a/k/a “Professor X” and his small circle of students.  Each student had a unique power or ability granted to them because each student was a mutant, and each had a code name.  The students were Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey (Marvel Girl), Warren Worthington III (Angel), Henry “Hank” McCoy (Beast), and Bobby Drake (Iceman).

From time to time the X-Men concept is changed in some way via a relaunch or revamp.  The most famous revamp was and still is the “new X-Men,” which debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).  Once consistently among the bestselling comic books in the United States (and often the bestselling comic book), the X-Men have fallen on hard times.  The editorial powers that be at Marvel Comics have spent much of the last two decades revamping, relaunching, and remaking the X-Men.

The latest remodeling comes via a pair of six-issue miniseries written by Jonathan Hickman.  The first is House of X, and the second and the subject of this review is Powers of X; they are being published biweekly on an alternating schedule.  Powers of X is written by written Jonathan Hickman; drawn by R.B. Silva (pencils) and Silva and Adriana Di Benedetto (inks); colored by Marte Gracia; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Powers of X #1 (“The Last Dream of Professor X”) takes place in four time periods.  The title, “Powers of X,” means “Powers of Ten” – 1; 10 x 1 is 10; 10 x 10 is 100; 10 x 100 is 1000.

X0 is The X-Men, Year One, “The Dream.” X1 is The X-Men, Year Ten, “The World.”  X2 is The X-Men, Year One Hundred, “The War.”  X3 is The X-Men, Year One Thousand, “Ascension.”

In X0, Charles Xavier meets Moira MacTaggert, who has a history to share with Xavier.  In X1, on the mutant sanctuary homeland of Krakoa, Professor X obtains the data Mystique and Sabertooth stole (as seen in House of X #1).  In X2, Rasputin and Cardinal find their teammate, Cylobel, in trouble, so Rasputin launches a one-woman rescue operation to keep her friend from falling into the clutches of Nimrod.  In X3, humanity, mutant-kind, who is left?

That Powers of X #1 takes place in four time periods is not confusing.  That each time period can only tease the story to come is irritating.  I found writer Jonathan Hickman's work in House of X #1 quite intriguing, and I find his offerings in Powers of X #1 intriguing, but a less satisfying read than House of X #1.

The work of colorist Marte Gracia and letterer Clayton Cowles turns out to be just as stellar in Powers of X #1 as it was in the first issue of House of X.  The art of R.B. Silva and Adriano Di Benedetto, with its clear storytelling, is pretty, especially the illustrations for the last two chapters.  When combined with Gracia colors, Silva and Di Benedetto's Powers of X art is flat-out gorgeous.

So I assume the second issue will justify Hickman's approach to Powers of X #1.  I know, however, that good ideas for stories can lose their luster because of poor execution in the storytelling.  We'll see.

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: SHARKEY THE BOUNTY HUNTER #1

SHARKEY THE BOUNTY HUNTER No. 1 (OF 6)
IMAGE COMICS/Netflix – @ImageComics @netflix

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Millar – @mrmarkmillar
ARTIST: Simone Bianchi
COLORS: Simone Bianchi
LETTERS: Peter Doherty
EDITOR: Rachel Fulton
COVER: Simone Bianchi
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Frank Quitely; Matteo Scalera with Moreno Dinisio; Ozgur Ildirim; Karl Kerschl
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (February 2019)

Rated M / Mature

Sharkey The Bounty Hunter is a new comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar and artist-colorist Simone Bianchi.  Peter Doherty completes the series' creative team.  Sharkey The Bounty Hunter focuses on a blue-collar bounty hunter who tracks wanted criminals across the galaxy in his converted, rocket-powered, ice-cream truck .  This is third comic book series produced by Mark Millar since he sold his company, Millarworld, to Netflix.

Sharkey The Bounty Hunter #1 opens on the planet “Tefi-8,” where galactic bounty hunter, Sharkey, is bagging his latest quarry, “Multiple Jax.”  It is, however, hard out there for a bounty hunter pimp, as the bounty on Jax does not yield enough cash for the debt-ridden Sharkey.  Now, the amount on a new bounty, Edra Deering, the most dangerous woman in the galaxy, might alleviate Sharkey of his money woes... if he can capture her.  Sharkey, however, isn't the only hunter chasing this hot bounty, and Sharkey is also, suddenly saddled with a child.

While reading Sharkey The Bounty Hunter #1, I kept thinking about the 1990-91 Lobo miniseries by Keith Giffen, Alan Grant, and Simon Bisley with Lovern Kindzierski and Todd Klein (for DC Comics).  Everything about this first issue summons the spirit of that first wild and woolly Lobo miniseries.  To me, Sharkey is a leaner, down-on-his-luck version of Lobo, and because of his fidelity to integrity, he is less violent and more approachable than Lobo, whose popularity first exploded about 30 years ago.

Artist Simone Bianchi's graphical storytelling is at once familiar and then, foreign.  I have seen similar in Heavy Metal and in a number of full-color science fiction comic books series published by Marvel/Epic Comics and DC Comics, back when each publisher was pretending to care about creator-owned comic books.  Then, when I look at Bianchi's work here again... and again, it looks as if Bianchi seems to be striving to find something new.  Here and there, in this first issue, he does.

Sharkey The Bounty Hunter #1 does not blow me away like last year's The Magic Order #1 did.  Still, there is much about this first issue that is alluring, calling me back to the spaceways for a second issue of Sharkey the Bounty Hunter.  I won't resist.

7.5 out of 10

http://www.millarworld.tv/
www.imagecomics.com

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: HOUSE OF X #1

HOUSE OF X No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Jonathan Hickman
ART: Pepe Larraz
COLORS: Marte Gracia
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Jordan D. White
EiC: Akria Yoshida a.k.a. “C.B. Cebuski”
COVER: Pepe Larraz with Marte Gracia
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Mark Brooks; Marco Checchetto; John Tyler Christopher; Dave Cockrum with Jesus Aburtov; Mike Huddleston; Joe Madureira with Peter Steigerwald; Phil Noto; Sara Pichelli with Dean White; Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado; Skottie Young
56pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T+

The X-Men created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

“The House That Xavier Built”

The X-Men are a Marvel Comics superhero team created by editor Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby.  The X-Men debuted in the comic book, The X-Men #1 (cover dated: September 1963), and the focus of that comic book was Professor Charles Xavier a/k/a “Professor X” and his small circle of students.  Each student had a unique power or ability granted to them because each student was a mutant, and each had a code name.  The students were Scott Summers (Cyclops), Jean Grey (Marvel Girl), Warren Worthington III (Angel), Henry “Hank” McCoy (Beast), and Bobby Drake (Iceman).

From time to time, the X-Men concept is changed in some way via a relaunch or revamp.  The most famous was the debut of the “new X-Men” in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).  Once consistently among the bestselling comic books in the United States (and often the bestselling comic book), the X-Men have fallen on hard times, especially over the last decade.  Part of the problem is that the editorial powers that be at Marvel Comics have spent much of the last two decades revamping, relaunching, remaking the X-Men, and especially involving the X-Men line of comic books in ultimately pointless title crossover events.

However, fans and readers have hope for this new X-Men thing.  The latest remodeling comes via a pair of six-issue miniseries, House of X and Powers of X, published biweekly on an alternating schedule.  The first to debut is House of X.  It is written by written Jonathan Hickman; drawn by Pepe Larraz; colored by Marte Gracia; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

House of X #1 (“The House That Xavier Built”) opens on a world that has changed.  In the last half year, Professor Charles Xavier (a.k.a. “Professor X”) has been rolling out his master plan for mutant-kind.  Xavier wants to bring mutants out of the shadow of mankind and into the light once more.  On the island of Krakoa is a home for mutants only, a place where they can be safe.

As a gift to the ever-suspicious humanity, Xavier is offering miracle pharmaceuticals.  However, seeing Armageddon in this new world order, a secret organization of humans has activated the “Orchis protocols.”  Plus, the activities of Sabertooth and Mystique earn the attention of the Fantastic Four, and this issue story also stars Magneto, Cyclops, and Jean Grey to name a few.

“Did you honestly think we were going to sit around and take it forever?” is what Cyclops asks the Invisible Woman during a standoff between the X-Man and the Fantastic Four.  Fight the power, indeed, but this first chapter of House of X is as much about evolution as it is about self-defense.  In Jonathan Hickman's radical revamp of Marvel's X-Men franchise, the mutants of the Marvel Universe have more than a sanctuary; they have a home.  Apparently, they are going to spend their time in their new home being great and striving for greater – socially and scientifically, and that is making humans, especially certain human interests, suspicious and preparing for war.

I don't know where Hickman is taking Marvel's X-Men line, but, in House of X #1, he has created the kind of first issue that makes readers so curious that they just have to come back for more.  At the local comic shop I visit, all issues of House of X and Powers of X have been sellouts.

In this first issue, the art by Pepe Larraz is pretty, but the graphical storytelling does not come across as being as striking and as radical as Hickman's script is.  However, Marte Gracia's coloring is a glorious display, and Clayton Cowles' lettering keeps the shifting ground of House of X #1's story and book design coherent.

Will House of X #1 be a seminal moment in the history of X-Men comic books?  We will see, but it is a must-read for anyone who has ever been a fan of X-Men comic books.

8.5 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 reprint and  syndication rights and fees.


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