MARVEL COMICS
APR210886 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #68 $3.99
APR210887 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #68 YU SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS VAR $3.99
MAR219360 BETA RAY BILL #2 (OF 5) 2ND PTG JOHNSON VAR $3.99
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APR210804 CHILDREN OF ATOM #4 $3.99
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APR210940 CONAN THE BARBARIAN #22 $3.99
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APR210764 EXCALIBUR #21 GALA $3.99
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MAR219363 HEROES REBORN #1 (OF 7) 2ND PTG MCGUINNESS PTG VAR $5.99
APR210700 HEROES REBORN #6 (OF 7) $4.99
APR210703 HEROES REBORN #6 (OF 7) BAGLEY CONNECTING TRADING CARD VAR $4.99
APR210704 HEROES REBORN #6 (OF 7) CHRISTOPHER ACTION FIGURE VAR $4.99
APR210705 HEROES REBORN #6 (OF 7) SILVA STORMBREAKERS VAR $4.99
APR210719 HEROES REBORN NIGHT-GWEN #1 $4.99
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MAR210705 IMMORTAL HULK TP VOL 09 WEAKEST ONE THERE IS $15.99
MAR210713 INCREDIBLE HULK EPIC COLLECTION TP MAN OR MONSTER NEW PTG $39.99
APR210907 IRON MAN #9 $3.99
APR210908 IRON MAN #9 PANOSIAN SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS VAR $3.99
OCT200694 MARVEL ART OF GEORGE PEREZ HC $50.00
MAR210720 MIGHTY MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN GREAT POWER GN TP CHO CVR $15.99
MAR210721 MIGHTY MMW AMAZING SPIDER-MAN GREAT POWER GN TP ORIGINAL DM $15.99
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APR210894 SPIDER-MAN SPIDERS SHADOW #3 (OF 5) $3.99
APR210962 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTERS #13 CAMAGNI PRIDE VAR $3.99
APR210963 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTERS #13 SPROUSE LUCASFILM 50TH VAR $3.99
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MAR210703 STAR WARS BOUNTY HUNTERS TP VOL 02 TARGET VALANCE $17.99
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APR210935 STRANGE ACADEMY #11 $3.99
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MAR219365 THE MARVELS #1 2ND PTG CINAR VAR $4.99
FEB210698 THOR EPIC COLLECTION TP FINAL GAUNTLET $39.99
MAR219367 VENOM #34 2ND PTG COELLO VAR KIB $3.99
APR200946 WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #1 (OF 5) $3.99
APR200948 WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #1 (OF 5) ATTRACTION VAR $3.99
APR210770 X-MEN #21 DAUTERMAN CONNECTING VAR $3.99
APR210768 X-MEN #21 GALA $3.99
APR210772 X-MEN #21 JIMENEZ PRIDE MONTH VAR $3.99
APR210774 X-MEN #21 LUPACCHINO SPIDER-MAN VILLAINS VAR $3.99
APR210771 X-MEN #21 WERNECK CHARACTER DESIGN VAR $3.99
Monday, June 7, 2021
Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 9, 2021
Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for June 9, 2021
APR211576 1956 GN BOOK 01 SWEET SWEET LITTLE RAMONA (MR) $9.95
APR211823 ADVENTURES OF TEAM POM GN VOL 01 SQUID HAPPENS $12.99
APR211535 ALICE IN LEATHERLAND #3 (MR) $3.99
APR211376 ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS GN $9.99
APR211377 ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS HC GN $13.99
APR211431 ARCHIE 80TH ANNIV EVERYTHING ARCHIE #1 CVR A DAN PARENT $3.99
APR211432 ARCHIE 80TH ANNIV EVERYTHING ARCHIE #1 CVR B BEN CALDWELL $3.99
APR211433 ARCHIE 80TH ANNIV EVERYTHING ARCHIE #1 CVR C RIAN GONZALES $3.99
APR211434 ARCHIE 80TH ANNIV EVERYTHING ARCHIE #1 CVR D AARON LOPRESTI $3.99
APR211437 ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #320 $7.99
APR211343 BABYTEETH #18 (RES) (MR) $3.99
APR211438 BETTY & VERONICA JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #294 $7.99
APR211885 BLACK COTTON #3 (OF 6) $3.99
APR211968 BLADE RUNNER 2019 #9-12 SYD MEAD PACK (MR) $17.99
FEB211599 BLOODSHOT (2019) TP VOL 04 $14.99
MAR211430 BRINDILLE HC $29.99
APR211337 BUNNY MASK #1 CVR A MUTTI $4.99
APR211338 BUNNY MASK #1 CVR B MUTTI BUNNY MASK $4.99
FEB211512 BUNUEL IN THE LABYRINTH OF TURTLES GN $22.99
APR212123 CALL OF THE NIGHT GN VOL 02 $9.99
APR212091 CASTE HEAVEN GN VOL 06 (MR) $12.99
MAR218910 CHASING THE DRAGON #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG LINSNER $3.99
MAR211541 CHERRY BLACKBIRD #1 (MR) $3.99
APR211578 CLOVER PRESS MARVEL VARIANT COVER PACK $50.00
APR211668 CRASH SITE HC $24.99
JAN211380 DARK WING #5 (OF 10) $2.99
APR211573 DEADWORLD VOICES FROM DEADWORLD TP $16.99
JAN211102 DEATH BY LIFE #2 (OF 8) $3.99
FEB211267 DF ALIEN #1 BLANK HAESER SGN RMRK $79.00
JAN211299 DF GENERATIONS FORGED #1 JURGENS SGN $29.99
JAN211300 DF GENERATIONS FORGED #1 JURGENS SGN PLUS 1 $49.99
FEB211282 DF JOKER #1 BLANK HAESER SGN RMRK $69.99
MAR211261 DF XMEN LEGENDS #3 SIMONSON SGN $43.00
APR211689 DOPE RIDER A FISTFUL OF DELIRIUM GN (MR) $32.00
FEB211439 DRAGON RACER TP $12.99
OCT200995 DUEL IDENTITY #3 CVR A BERGOS (RES) $4.99
OCT200996 DUEL IDENTITY #3 CVR B BENNY POWELL HOLOFOIL ED $9.99
OCT200997 DUEL IDENTITY #3 CVR C GENZOMAN LENTICULAR ED $19.99
APR211513 E-RATIC TP $9.99
MAR211844 FOR THE KID I SAW IN MY DREAMS HC VOL 06 $17.00
MAR211143 FREAK SNOW #1 CVR A SANTOS (MR) $3.99
MAR211144 FREAK SNOW #1 CVR B MOSS (MR) $3.99
MAR211145 FREAK SNOW #1 CVR C PANTAZIS (MR) $3.99
FEB211703 GENTLE NOBLES VACATION RECOMMENDATION GN VOL 03 $12.99
MAR211216 GIFT GN $18.00
APR211721 GIRL FROM THE SEA GN $14.99
APR211722 GIRL FROM THE SEA HC GN $24.99
APR212067 GRIMM HERCULES PAYNE VS SCORPION QUEEN CVR A BARRIONUEVO $5.99
APR212068 GRIMM HERCULES PAYNE VS SCORPION QUEEN CVR B VITORINO $5.99
APR212069 GRIMM HERCULES PAYNE VS SCORPION QUEEN CVR C DIPASCALE $5.99
MAR211543 GUTT GHOST TP VOL 00 $14.99
APR211574 HARVEST OF HORROR TP $12.99
MAR211847 HINOWA GA CRUSH GN VOL 05 $13.00
JAN211101 HORROR COMICS #4 $3.99
APR212122 HOW DO WE RELATIONSHIP GN VOL 03 $9.99
AUG201325 IMMORTAL HULK #0 DAVID SGN $29.99
APR211521 JUNKY CABLE #2 $3.99
MAR211831 KAKEGURUI COMPULSIVE GAMBLER GN VOL 13 $15.00
APR212109 KIRBY MANGA MANIA GN VOL 01 $9.99
MAR211393 KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 63 (RES) $15.99
MAR211394 KODT BUNDLE OF TROUBLE TP VOL 64 (RES) $15.99
APR212125 KOMI CANT COMMUNICATE GN VOL 13 $9.99
MAR218334 LAST KIDS ON EARTH GN VOL 01 THRILLING TALES FROM TREE HOUSE $13.99
FEB211699 LIKE TWO PEAS IN A POD GN (MR) $12.99
APR211349 MANIAC OF NEW YORK #5 $3.99
APR211509 MARJORIE FINNEGAN TEMPORAL CRIMINAL #2 CVR A CLARKE (MR) $3.99
APR211510 MARJORIE FINNEGAN TEMPORAL CRIMINAL #2 CVR B PANOSIAN (MR) $3.99
APR211723 MILES MORALES SHOCK WAVES GN $12.99
APR211724 MILES MORALES SHOCK WAVES HC GN $24.99
MAR211588 MINAMATA STORY GN (RES) $14.95
JAN211418 MINERVAS MAP KEY TO A PERFECT APOCALYPSE #2 $8.99
FEB211400 MINERVAS MAP KEY TO A PERFECT APOCALYPSE #3 $8.99
MAR211410 MINERVAS MAP KEY TO A PERFECT APOCALYPSE #4 $8.99
APR211894 MURDER HOBO BIG FLOPPY ED (MR) $9.99
APR212261 MY DRESS UP DARLING GN VOL 04 (RES) $12.99
APR212129 ONE PIECE 3IN1 TP VOL 31 $14.99
MAR211298 ONLY THE GOOD STAY DEAD HC $20.00
APR212049 PEANUT BUTTER & CRACKERS YR GN VOL 02 FETCH $12.99
MAR211546 PHANTOM STARKILLER LEGENDARY EDITION $19.99
MAR211839 PHANTOM TALES OF THE NIGHT GN VOL 07 $15.00
APR212118 POKEMON ADV COLLECTORS ED TP VOL 08 $17.99
APR211506 RESISTANCE GN $17.00
SEP201201 RORSCHACH #1 KING SGN $49.99
MAR211846 SAGA OF TANYA EVIL GN VOL 14 (MR) $13.00
JAN211097 SCHOOL MEMORIES ONE SHOT $3.99
MAR211054 SECRET GARDEN GN $11.99
FEB211674 SHAMAN KING OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 $19.99
MAR211416 SHARK SUMMER GN $12.99
MAR211417 SHARK SUMMER HC GN $24.99
FEB211675 SHIKIMORIS NOT JUST A CUTIE GN VOL 04 $12.99
SEP201763 SHINO CANT SAY HER NAME GN $12.95
APR211696 SMILIN ED COMICS COMPLETE COLLECTION TP $29.95
APR211760 SPACE BASTARDS #6 (MR) $4.99
APR212106 SPY X FAMILY GN VOL 05 $9.99
JAN211757 STREET FIGHTER V HC VOL 01 CHAMPIONS RISING $49.99
MAR211854 SWORD ART ONLINE GIRLS OPS GN VOL 07 $13.00
MAR211855 TALES OF WEDDING RINGS GN VOL 09 $15.00
APR211807 TERMINAL PUNKS TP $14.99
FEB211751 UNCLE FROM ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 01 $15.00
MAR211384 WIZARDS OF MICKEY GN VOL 03 $16.00
APR212116 WORLD PIECE GN $16.99
APR211579 X-MEN LEGENDS #1 KEITH VAR $20.00
MAR211836 YOSHI NO ZUIKARA GN VOL 03 FROG WELL DOES NOT KNOW OCEAN $15.00
MAGAZINES
APR211859 CARTOONS MAGAZINE #33 $6.99
APR211588 COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1764 $PI
FEB219079 HI FRUCTOSE MAGAZINE QUARTERLY #59 $9.95
DEC201724 MEGAMI MARCH 2021 $20.00
DEC201725 NEWTYPE MARCH 2021 $20.00
BOOKS
MAR211871 DEVIL IS PART TIMER LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 19 $15.00
MAR211432 GAMORA & NEBULA YA HC NOVEL SISTERS IN ARMS $17.99
APR212179 MAKE YOUR OWN MANGA SC $15.99
FEB211420 MOONSTONE DOUBLE SHOT GREEN HORNET $5.99
DEC201868 ROBOTECH VISUAL ARCHIVE GENESIS CLIMBER MOSPEADA HC (RES) $49.99
MAR211313 SECOND WEDNESDAY DLX LTD SC NOVEL $36.95
MAR211312 SECOND WEDNESDAY SC NOVEL $16.95
MAR211324 STAR WARS EPISODES I-IX LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK COLLECTION $14.99
FEB219326 TRUE BELIEVER RISE AND FALL OF STAN LEE HC (RES) $28.00
DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for June 8, 2021
DC COMICS:
American Vampire 1976 #9 (Of 10)(Cover A Rafael Albuquerque), $3.99
American Vampire 1976 #9 (Of 10)(Cover B Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Aquaman Deep Dives TP, $16.99
Batman And Scooby-Doo Mysteries #3 (Of 12)(Cover A Dario Brizuela), $2.99
Batman Earth One Volume 3 HC, $24.99
Batman Fortnite Zero Point #1 (Of 6)(Mikel Janín 3rd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Batman Fortnite Zero Point #4 (Of 6)(Mikel Janín 2nd Printing Variant Cover), $4.99
Batman The Detective #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Andy Kubert), $3.99
Batman The Detective #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Andy Kubert Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman Urban Legends #4 (Cover A Jorge Molina), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #4 (Cover B Irvin Rodriguez), $7.99
Batman Urban Legends #4 (Cover C Dustin Nguyen), $7.99
Challenge Of The Super Sons #3 (Of 7)(Cover A Simone Di Meo), $3.99
Challenge Of The Super Sons #3 (Of 7)(Cover B Jamal Campbell Card Stock Variant), $4.99
DC Comics Generations HC, $29.99
DC Pride #1 (One Shot)(Cover A Jim Lee/Scott Williams/Tamra Bonvillain), $9.99
DC Pride #1 (One Shot)(Cover B Jen Bartel Pride Month Variant), $9.99
Detective Comics #1037 (Cover A Dan Mora), $4.99
Detective Comics #1037 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Far Sector #12 (Of 12)(Cover A Jamal Campbell), $3.99
Far Sector #12 (Of 12)(Cover B Jen Bartel Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Future State Gotham #2 (Cover A Ladronn), $3.99
Future State Gotham #2 (Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Future State Gotham #2 (Cover C Stanley Artgerm Lau Card Stock Variant), AR
Joker #4 (Cover A Guillem March), $5.99
Joker #4 (Cover B Lucio Parrillo), $5.99
Joker #4 (Cover C Ejikure), $5.99
Joker #4 (Cover D Riccardo Federici), AR
Justice League Last Ride #2 (Cover A Darick Robertson), $3.99
Justice League Last Ride #2 (Cover B InHyuk Lee Card Stock Variant), $4.99
MAD Magazine #20, $5.99
Rorschach #9 (Of 12)(Cover A Jorge Fornes), $4.99
Rorschach #9 (Of 12)(Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Superman #32 (Cover A John Timms), $4.99
Superman #32 (Cover B InHyuk Lee Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Superman #32 (Cover C David Talaski Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Sweet Tooth Compendium TP, $59.99
Tales From The DC Dark Multiverse II HC, $34.99
Wonder Woman #773 (Cover A Travis Moore), $4.99
Wonder Woman #773 (Cover B Joshua Middleton Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Wonder Woman #773 (Cover C Paulina Ganucheau Pride Month Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Friday, June 4, 2021
#IReadsYou Review: DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: Finals Crisis
DC COMICS/DC Zoom – @DCComics
[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]
STORY: Shea Fontana
ART: Yancey Labat
COLORS: Monica Kubina
LETTERS: Janice Chiang
EDITOR: Marie Javins
ISBN: 978-1-4012-6247-1; paperback; (June 29, 2016)
128pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $11.99 CAN
Age Range: 8 to 12
DC Super Hero Girls is an action figure franchise and animated web series that began in 2015. It features high school versions of classic and popular female DC Comics characters, as well as some male characters. The DC Super Hero Girls line has already been rebooted and re-branded, and now includes an animated television series, various consumer products, and both print and digital comics.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis is the debut entry in the DC Super Hero Girls original graphic novel series. It was first published in June 2016, and, as of this writing, the ninth graphic novel in the series is about to be published. Finals Crisis is written by Shea Fontana; drawn by Yancey Labat; colored by Monica Kubina; and lettered by Janice Chiang. Finals Crisis focuses on the core group of friends that includes Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Katana, and Bumblebee.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis opens at Super Hero High in the city of Metropolis. Principal Amanda Waller and vice-principal Gorilla Grodd are generally tough on the students, and especially now because of semester finals, which are just a day away. Supergirl, Bumblebee, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Katana, and Poison Ivy are all studying hard, but they are also breaking rules. That puts them in danger, making it easier for a mysterious villain to trap them. Will these super hero girls outsmart their captor in time to make it to school for finals?
I have been putting off reading DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis since I first heard about it a few years ago. I finally got a copy when I decided to cash in a gift certificate, and the verdict is that I like it. DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis is the kind of comic book that the seven-year-old me would have loved when I first starting reading books. I would have loved just looking at the pictures, as my nephew loved looking at the pictures in the Spider-Man comic books that I gave him when he was four or five-years old.
The art by Finals Crisis artist Yancey Labat is just fun to look at. He draws big, round faces and big, expressive eyes on the characters, which will pull in a young reader. The art is drawn in a big and open manner, but Labat depicts the backgrounds and environments in nice detail. Colorist Monica Kubina layers paint-like coloring over Labat's art, which makes it stand out. Janice Chiang letters the art with a variety of fonts that perfectly capture the moments, moods, and action of the story.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis may not be a great comic book for adult readers, but I bet elementary school and middle grade readers will think it's great. I can certainly see myself reading another volume... or two... or three. Why not? DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis captures the fun and sense of wonder that is inherent in DC Comics characters and in the comic books in which they star.
7.5 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.
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Thursday, June 3, 2021
#IReadsYou Review: JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: The Tornado's Path
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: THE TORNADO'S PATH
DC COMICS
STORY: Brad Meltzer
PENCILS: Ed Benes
INKS: Sandra Hope
COLORS: Alex Sinclair
LETTERS: Rob Leigh
EDITORS: Eddie Berganza (original); Bob Harras (collection)
COVER: Michael Turner with Peter Steigerwald
MISC. ART: Ed Benes with Alex Sinclair; Ed Benes and Maria Benes with Alex Sinclair; Michael Turner with Peter Steigerwald; Phil Jimenez and Andy Lanning with Jeremy Cox; Chris Sprouse and Karl Story with Alex Sinclair; J.G. Jones with Alex Sinclair; Art Adams with Alex Sinclair; Adam Hughes; Ed Benes; Gene Ha; Luke McDonnell; George Perez; Howard Porter & Drew Geraci; Eric Wright; Kevin Maguire with Alex Sinclair
ISBN: 978-1-4012-1580-4; paperback (August 2008)
144pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $21.99 CAN
Justice League of America created by Gardner Fox
Introduction by Damon Lindelof
The Justice League of America is a DC Comics team of superheroes. The team was conceived by writer Gardner Fox in the late 1950s as a then modern update of the 1940s superhero team, the Justice Society of America. The Justice League of America's original line-up of superheroes was comprised of Superman (Clark Kent), Batman (Bruce Wayne), Wonder Woman (Diana Prince), The Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Aquaman (Arthur Curry), and the Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz). This group first appeared together as the Justice League of America in the comic book, The Brave and the Bold #28 (cover dated: March 1960).
The team received its own comic book title entitled Justice League of America, beginning with a first issue cover dated November 1960. Justice League of America #261 (cover dated: April 1987) was the series' final issue, and a new series, simply titled Justice League, began with a first issue cover dated May 1987. The title, “Justice League of America,” would not be used for an ongoing comic book series for almost two decades.
After the events of the event miniseries, Infinite Crisis, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman reformed the Justice League of America as seen in Justice League #0 (cover dated: September 2006). The kickoff of a new Justice League of America ongoing comic book series was under the guidance of writer Brad Meltzer and pencil artist Ed Benes. The rest of the creative team was comprised of artist Sandra Hope (inks); colorist Alex Sinclair; and letterer Rob Leigh.
DC Comics reprinted Meltzer and Benes' Justice League of America issues #1 to #7 (cover dates: October 2006 to May 2007) in the collection, Justice League of America: The Tornado's Path. It was released first in a hardcover edition in June 2007, and was later released in its first paperback edition in August 2008.
Justice League of America: The Tornado's Path begins with a framing sequence. It depicts Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman's mission to build a new Justice League of America. Elsewhere, dark forces have gathered to take down a longtime member of the League.
John Smith, the robot superhero known as “Red Tornado,” is about to get a new lease on life. With the help of Deadman and Dr. Will Magnus (creator of the Metal Men), John is going to transfer his “soul” into a duplicate body of the recently deceased metahuman, Multiplex. The duplicate or clone is brain dead. By becoming a flesh and blood human, Red Tornado believes that he can become a real husband to his wife, Kathy Sutton, and to their adopted daughter, Traya. However, a conspiracy led by some of the Justice League's most powerful and evil adversaries has other plans for Red Tornado and for the new Justice League of America.
THE LOWDOWN: I remember, lo those many years ago, what big news it was that bestselling novelist, Brad Meltzer, would be the writer that would help launch (or relaunch) a new Justice League of America comic book series. Meltzer had already wowed fans and courted some controversy just a few years earlier with his DC Comics event comic book miniseries, Identity Crisis (2004-05).
Meltzer's opening Justice League of America story arc, “The Tornado's Path,” lived up to the anticipation. For one thing, the Red Tornado/John Smith's situation was just so tragic. Sure, the idea of his soul being transferred into the brain dead clone body of a dead man was (and is) super-gross. Still, Metltzer made me feel that Smith's journey was honest and genuine. Also, the villains were damn mean and evil. Meltzer wasn't trying to do something similar to what Marvel Comics writers have been trying to do with X-Men character, Magneto, for four decades – turn an evil, racist mass murderer into a tragic Holocaust survivor. No, the villains that appear in this story arc (and I don't want to spoil their identities for those of you who have not, but should read this story) are evil, lowdown, dirty-ass muthas, and they want to annihilate some JLA ass.
Speaking of the Justice League, I find that Meltzer did not so much give them personalities as he simply wrote an engaging character drama in which he made all the characters interesting. The characters were equal parts poignant, dramatic, and humorous, but the potential for superhero action-violence was always there.
Artist Ed Benes did some really good work here. His pencil art, especially under Sandra Hope's inks, was clearly inspired by some of the artists of the late 1980s and early 1990s who founded Image Comics. However, Benes' graphical storytelling was powerfully dramatic. He drew costumed characters with broad, muscular, meaty, and thick bodies that filled up the panels with power and the potential for power. Benes made every threat of or potential for violence feel real. The contents of each panel were designed and staged for maximum effect. He gave this story epic power, although “The Tornado's Path” did not feel so much like an epic as it did feel like a consequential moment in the history of Justice League of America comic books.
I don't have much to say about the coloring by Alex Sinclair; his work here is among his lesser achievements. On the other hand, Rob Leigh's lettering helps to sell the elements of drama, violence, and danger in this story. I had been putting off reading Brad Meltzer's Justice League of America comics for years, and fortune brought this trade collection into my hands. I'm glad it did.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Brad Meltzer and of the Justice League of America will want to treat themselves to Justice League of America: The Tornado's Path.
A
9 out of 10
[This volume includes additional commentary by Brad Meltzer, Ed Benes, Alex Sinclair, and Sandra Hope.]
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Wednesday, June 2, 2021
#IReadsYou Review: ARCHIE & FRIENDS: SUPERHERO #1
ARCHIE & FRIENDS: SUPERHEROES No. 1
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.
STORY: Ian Flynn
PENCILS: Pat & Tim Kennedy; Jeff Shultz
INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith
COLORS: Glenn Whitmore
LETTERS: Jack Morelli
EDITOR: Victor Gorelick
COVER: Pat & Tim Kennedy and Bob Smith with Rosario “Tito” Peña
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (July 2021)
Rating: All-Ages
M.L.J. Magazines, Inc. began in 1939 and primarily published superhero comics. Then, a character named “Archie Andrews” and his friends made their debut in M.L.J.'s Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”
Over time, Archie and his friends would become known as “Archie and the Gang.” In 1992, Archie Comics began publishing the title Archie & Friends, and it would run for 159 issues, ceasing publication in 2012. Since then, Archie has published a number of single-issue Archie & Friends titles built around a theme, such as Archie & Friends: Fall Festival, Archie & Friends: Beach Party, and Archie & Friends: Back to School.
Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1 is the newest Archie & Friends themed release. This single-issue comic book contains four five-page stories depicting the super heroics of Archie and the Gang. It also features some appearances by classic Archie superhero characters like Bob Phantom and Blackjack.
Bob Phantom was created by writer Harry Shorten and artist Irv Novick and is from the “Golden Age of Comics.” Bob Phantom debuted in Blue Ribbon Comics #2 (cover dated: December 1939) and was “the Scourge of the Underworld.” He disappeared from comics after 1942, and did not reappear again until 1964. The Blackjack that appears in Archie & Friends: Superheroes is a modern version of the M.L.J. Character, “Black Jack,” who first appeared in the publisher's Zip Comics #20 (cover dated: November 1941). After 1943, the character disappeared until a single appearance in the 1960s.
Bob Phantom and Blackjack are apparently among a group of MLJ/Archie Comics superhero characters that reappear from time to time. They each appear in two stories in Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1, which is actually a reprint title. The four stories that comprise Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1 were published or reprinted in one or two of the following titles: Archie (Jumbo Comics) Double Digest #297, Archie Giant Comics Gala 2019, Archie Giant Comics Hop 2019, World of Archie Double Digest May, and B&V Friend Jumbo Comics.
Two humorous Archie Comics superheroes also appear in this comic book. The first is an updated version of “Powerteen,” the superhero identity of classic Archie character, Veronica Lodge, who first appeared in 2001. The second is “Pureheart,” a modern take on Archie Andrews' superhero heroic identity, “Pureheart the Powerful,” who first appeared in 1965.
Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1 opens with “From Zero to Hero,” written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Pat & Tim Kennedy (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitemore; and lettered by Jack Morelli. Veronica has managed to snag an invitation to her father, Hiram Lodge's charity ball for Archie. But when the guest of honor, superhero Bob Phantom, appears, Archie makes a mess of the evening's plans.
The same creative team (except for Jim Amash replacing Bob Smith on inks) returns for “Secret Identities.” The story finds Archie and his pal, Jughead Jones, at the “Riverdale Comic Expo,” where Archie becomes confused about Bob Phantom's identity.
The third story is “Hidden Agenda!” It is written by Ian Flynn; drawn by Jeff Shultz (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glen Whitmore; and lettered by Jack Morelli. Veronica's Powerteen joins Blackjack in order to find out who is stealing from her father, Hiram's secret wall safe. But a hidden agenda may complicate solving this mystery.
The creative team returns (with Bob Smith replacing Jim Amash on inks) for this comic book's final story, “Pureheart Rescue!” Blackjack and Powerteen have to rescue Archie who has been kidnapped by “goons” working for Lucky Lavitto (an adversary of the original 1940s Black Jack). So Blackjack and Powerteen are wondering why Archie doesn't simply become his superhero identity, Pureheart” and save himself. Yeah, why is that?
THE LOWDOWN: Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1 is a classic-style Archie Comics titles. That means the cover and interior comic book art are drawn in a style that is similar to the classic Archie Comics house style. This style was based on the art of beloved Archie artist, the late Dan DeCarlo (1919-2001), who was fired from Archie Comics shortly before his death.
Over the last decade, Archie Comics has adopted new art styles and graphic presentations for its comics publications, as it has sought to attract, young adult, teen, and older readers with new publications and updated and modernized versions of its its characters. I have enjoyed what little of the modern Archie Comics that I have read, but I grew up on classic-style Archie Comics.
I am happy with Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1. These stories aren't great, but I enjoyed them anyway. In fact, I would like to see more stories of MLJ/Archie superheroes presented in this humorous fashion.
I also want to give a shout out to the creative teams, especially Jack Morelli, who is one of my favorite comic book letterers. I also have to acknowledge colorist Glenn Whitmore, whose colors make the art by the Kennedys and Jeff Shultz seem to pop off the page.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of MLJ/Archie Comics superheroes will want to find a copy of Archie & Friends: Superheroes #1.
B
6 out of 10
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
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Tuesday, June 1, 2021
#IReadsYou Review: SAMURAI 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Volume 2
SAMURAI 8: THE TALE OF HACHIMARU, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia
CREATOR/STORY: Masashi Kishimoto
ART: Akira Okubo
TRANSLATION: Stephen Paul
LETTERS: Snir Aharon
EDITOR: Alexis Kirsch
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1538-1; paperback (May 2020); Rated “T” for “Teen”
200pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru is a shonen manga series created and written by Masashi Kishimoto (of Naruto fame) and illustrated by Akira Okubo. Samurai 8 was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump, from May 2019 to March 2020. VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a five-volume graphic novel series from March 2020 to February 2021 under its “Shonen Jump” imprint.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru introduces Hachimaru, a boy who has always dreamed of becoming a samurai. Samurai carry special souls within themselves and can travel through space as easily as they walk the earth. Only the most powerful warriors are able to transcend their human bodies and become samurai! Hachimaru is weak and so sickly that he can’t even eat solid foods. But one day, his father's secrets and the arrival of a samurai cat named “Daruma” combine to give Hachimaru a chance to live his dream. With enough heart, could Hachimaru become a true samurai?
As Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru, Vol. 2 (entitled “Who and Why” – Chapters 7 to 15) opens, Hachimaru asks, “What is fate?” Now, he begins his samurai training under Master Daruma, but he is not a good student. However, this day will also bring new people into his life. One is the samurai, Sir Hagamichi; the other is Princess Ann, a “princess of fate.” Hachimaru finds a new source of confidence in Ann – his princess of fate, and he is delighted, although Ann is somewhat wary of him. Elsewhere, Ata the Peerless, a new enemy, approaches, and he is a threat to Hachimaru's existence.
THE LOWDOWN: The Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru manga is creator Masashi Kishimoto's follow-up to his legendary, smash hit manga, Naruto. [The Naruto sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is written and drawn by a new writer-artist team.] Kishimoto created Samurai 8 and writes the story and produces the storyboards, and newcomer artist Akira Okubo draws it.
Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Graphic Novel Volume 2 has a perfect title, “Who and Why.” The first volume was quite a read for all the wild and inventive characters and concepts it introduced. In Vol. 2, Kishimoto and Okubo give us the adversary, Ata, that will vex Hachimaru, and, as Master Daruma explains, the vast conspiracy that threatens the world of Samurai 8. Granted that it is not until this volume's last chapter (Chp. 15), but the narrative gets there: the conflict and the competing ideologies. We also get the origin story and back story of Hachimaru and his father, with plenty of shocking reveals.
I like Akira Okubo drawing style, although it can tend to create cluttered panels that are difficult to read. Okubo draws like the late Moebius, but the younger artist's compositions are not as streamlined as Moebius'. Still Okubo and Kishimoto seem like a perfect pairing, and translator Stephen Paul does a good job making the narrative clearer. Snir Aharon's lettering also goes a long way to creating a rhythm that captures the fun of this story.
I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Naruto will want to try the Shonen Jump title, Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru.
A
8 out of 10
Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"
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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.
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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).