DC Comics from Lunar Distributors for February 1, 2022

DC COMICS:

Arkham City The Order Of The World #5 (Of 6)(Cover A Sam Wolfe Connelly), $3.99
Arkham City The Order Of The World #5 (Of 6)(Cover B Derrick Chew Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Batman #120 (Cover A Jorge Molina), $4.99
Batman #120 (Cover B Francesco Mattina Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Batman #120 (Cover C Dan Hipp Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman #120 (Cover D Jock Card Stock Variant), AR
Batman White Knight Presents Harley Quinn TP, $17.99
Dark Knights Of Steel #4 (Of 12)(Cover A Yasmine Putri), $3.99
Dark Knights Of Steel #4 (Of 12)(Cover B Joshua Middleton Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Dark Knights Of Steel #4 (Of 12)(Cover C Bengal Character Sheet Card Stock Variant), AR
Dark Nights Death Metal #1 (Of 7)(Soundtrack Special Edition Rise Against With Flexi Single Broken Dreams Inc.)(2nd Printing), $24.99
Dark Nights Death Metal #2 (Of 7)(Soundtrack Special Edition Grey Daze With Flexi Single Featuring Anything Anything)(2nd Printing), $24.99
Dark Nights Death Metal #3 (Of 7)(Soundtrack Special Edition Denzel Curry With Flexi Single Featuring Bad Luck)(2nd Printing), $24.99
Detective Comics #1051 (Cover A Irvin Rodriguez), $4.99
Detective Comics #1051 (Cover B Lee Bermejo Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Detective Comics #1051 (Cover C Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), AR
Joker Presents A Puzzlebox #7 (Of 7)(Cover A Chip Zdarsky), $4.99
Joker Presents A Puzzlebox #7 (Of 7)(Cover B Reilly Brown Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Justice League Incarnate #4 (Of 5)(Cover A Gary Frank), $4.99
Justice League Incarnate #4 (Of 5)(Cover B Jorge Fornes Card Stock Variant), $5.99
Justice League Incarnate #4 (Of 5)(Cover C Chris Burnham Card Stock Variant), AR
Milestone Compendium Volume 1 TP, $59.99
Monkey Prince #1 (Of 12)(Cover A Bernard Chang), $3.99
Monkey Prince #1 (Of 12)(Cover B Stanley Artgerm Lau Card Stock Variant), $4.99
Monkey Prince #1 (Of 12)(Cover C Team Zao Dao Card Stock Variant), AR
Monkey Prince #1 (Of 12)(Cover D Habchi Hicham Card Stock Variant), AR
Monkey Prince #1 (Of 12)(Cover E Dustin Nguyen Card Stock Variant), AR
One-Star Squadron #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Steve Lieber), $3.99
Represent HC, $24.99
Sandman The Deluxe Edition Volume 5 HC, $49.99
Suicide Squad #12 (Cover A Eduardo Pansica Julio Ferreira & Marcelo Maiolo), $3.99
Suicide Squad #12 (Cover B Jonboy Meyers Card Stock Variant), $4.99
World Of Krypton #3 (Of 6)(Cover A Mico Suayan), $3.99
World Of Krypton #3 (Of 6)(Cover B Dave Johnson Card Stock Variant), $4.99

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#IReadsYou Review: MAO: Volume 2

MAO, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Rumiko Takahashi
TRANSLATION: Junko Goda
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Shaenon Garrity
LETTERS: Susan Daigle-Leach
EDITOR: Annette Roman
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2058-3; paperback (November 2021); Rated “T+” for “Older Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 UK

Mao is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi.  It has been serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Sunday, since May 2019.  In September 2021, VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of Mao as a series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Sunday” imprint.

Mao focuses on 15-year-old Nanoka Kiba.  Eight years ago, she was in a mysterious car accident in which she and her parents died, but Nanoka continues to live on.  One day, while visiting the shopping alley on Fifth Street, Nanoka inadvertently enters a portal that transports her back to Japan's Taisho era.  There, Nanoka meets a young-looking exorcist named Mao and his helper, Otoya, a shikigami that resembles a small boy.  As they try to discover what thread of fate connects them, they'll kick demon butt along the way.

As Mao, Vol. 2 (Chapters 1 to 10) opens, Nanoka, Mao, and Otoya investigate the strange cult of Priestess Shoko in hopes of bringing her to justice.  However, diabolical forces surround her, and they will kill anyone who stand in their way.  Meanwhile, Shoko reveals a shocking doomsday prophecy.  Later, Nanoka and her friend, the boy who wants to date her, Shiraha, do some historical research and discover a cataclysmic event that is yet to occur in Mao's timeline.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Mao manga is the latest multi-genre manga from Rumiko
Takahashi.  As usual, this title pairs a young female touched by the supernatural with a youngish male whose trade is in the supernatural.

Mao Graphic Novel Volume 2 finds Nanoka hopping back and forth between timelines.  She and Mao investigate all manner of demons.  Meanwhile, a historical disaster connects the two different worlds in which they live, but history may not be entirely correct about the details of event.  The Princess Shoko story arc reveals that while both their personalities and their methods sometimes clash, Nanoka and Mao are actually a rather nice match.

As she did in the first volume, Shaenon Garrity once again offers an English-language adaptation that is a delightful read, capturing the magic that infuses this volume and also the curious and inquisitive nature of Nanoka.  I couldn't stop reading Mao Vol. 1, and by the time I finished Vol. 2, I really wanted to read more.  I heartily recommend this series to any fans of supernatural fantasy comics and graphic novels even if they have never previously read Rumiko Takahashi.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Readers who love Rumiko Takahashi’s manga will want the Shonen Sunday title, Mao.

A

9 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: KAIJU No. 8: Volume 1

KAIJU NO. 8, VOL. 1
VIZ MEDIA

MANGAKA: Naoya Matsumoto
TRANSLATION: David Evelyn
LETTERS: Brandon Bovia
EDITOR: Karla Clark
ISBN: 978-1-9747-2598-4; paperback (December 2021); Rated “T” for “Teen”
212pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £7.99 U.K.

Kaiju No. 8 is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto.  It has been serialized for free on Shueisha's Shōnen Jump+ application and website since July 2020.  VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of the manga as series of paperback graphic novels under its “Shonen Jump” imprint in December 2021

Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 7) opens up in a world where Japan is plagued by the giant monsters known as “kaiju.”  Thirty-two-year-old Kafka Hibino is a kaiju corpse cleanup man.  Kafka works for Monster Sweeper, Inc., a professional kaiju cleaning company, but he wishes that he was a member of the Japanese Defense Force, which is tasked with neutralizing kaiju.

Kafka and childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, both wanted to be members of the Defense Force.  Mina is now captain of the JDF's “Third Division” and has neutralized hundreds of kaiju.  Kafka is training a new part time worker, 18-year-old Reno Ichikawa, who is determined to take the JDF's exam to join the force as a kaiju fighter.  That inspires Kafka to revive his dream to join Mina in the Defense Force, but there is one serious complication.  Kafka has recently made the Defense Force's neutralization list as the kaiju code named Kaiju No. 8!

THE LOWDOWN:  The Kaiju No. 8 manga made its North American debut this month (Dec. 2021).  With its striking cover art, the first volume may tempt fans of kaiju comics to try it.

Kaiju No. 8 Graphic Novel Volume 1 offers a familiar scenario.  A hero is forced into becoming the very kind of monster that he fights, or, in the case of Kafka Hibino, the very monsters which he cleans-up after.  Rather than treating his lead character as tragic, creator Naoya Matsumoto creates a comedy in which the hero makes the best of the situation.  That will probably lead to enough imaginative comic scenarios to keep Kaiju No. 8 running for several volumes, at least.

The translation by David Evelyn captures the moods, styles, and elements in which the manga plies its narrative trade.  Right now, the story focuses on the nastiness of Kafka's job, his growing friendship with Reno, the rigors of training, and how he faces becoming a kaiju.  So far, I like that Kafka is making the best of it.  Maybe, this manga will ultimately be about a hero who overcomes obstacles.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of kaiju manga will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Kaiju No. 8.

A

8 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for syndication rights and fees.

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

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).

#IReadsYou Review: SAGA #1

SAGA #1

IMAGE COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Brian K. Vaughan

ART/COLORS: Fiona Staples

LETTERS: Fonografiks

44pp, Color, $2.99 U.S. (March 2012)

Rated M / Mature

Chapter One

Saga is an award-winning comic book series created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples.  Vaughan is best known for the comic book series, Y: The Last Man.  Saga follows a husband and wife, each a member of two long-warring extraterrestrial races, fleeing authorities from both sides as they struggle to care for their new-born daughter.

Saga #1 is set against the the backdrop of a ceaseless war between “Landfall,” the largest planet in the galaxy, and its satellite moon, “Wreath,” that has spread across the galaxy.  On Cleave, an ancient planet caught in the war, two people from each side of the war meet.  Private First Class Alana of Landfall and Marko, a foot solider from Wreath who is also known as Prisoner #9763572, are deserters and a married couple.  Alana has just given birth to their first child, a daughter, and now, the forces of their home worlds are arrayed against them.

THE LOWDOWN:  Saga is not the first tale of “star-crossed lovers,” nor is it the most famous.  That would be William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.  Still, Saga may prove to be the most imaginative take on the story of lovers who come from opposite sides in a bloody, endless, and seemingly pointless conflict.  The more people that read it, the more fans Saga will likely gain.

Writer Brian K. Vaughn offers two delightful characters who make up our-lovers-on-the-run; witty and charming, they make their flight seem a romantic romp as much as it is a race for survival.  There are wicked and charming supporting characters like Special Agent Gale (of Secret Intelligence), Prince Robot IV, and The Will and his lying cat.  Also for a narrative that mixes science fiction and low fantasy, Vaughn's dialogue is refreshingly modern and vulgar.

Probably the most striking thing about Saga, the thing that makes it so fresh, snappy, and mesmerizing is Fiona Staples illustrations and graphical storytelling.  It is like Ralph Bakshi meets Eddie Campbell, a screwy blend of trippy animation style and matter of fact comic book design.  Each panel has its own interior graphic design that is ordinary and elegant at the same time.

I originally received a PDF review copy of Saga #1 that Image Comics provided to media outlets, which I never got around to reading.  I found a nice-looking copy of the fifth printing of the first issue on eBay that I could not pass up, so now it is time for me to catch up.  And after one issue, I see why this series has won so many awards.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Brian K. Vaughn will want to read Saga.

A

9 out of 10

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

https://twitter.com/ImageComics

https://imagecomics.com/

The text is copyright © 2022 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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

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).

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for January 26, 2022

BOOM! STUDIOS

SEP210763 BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER TP VOL 08 $14.99

OCT210733 DARK BLOOD #6 (OF 6) CVR A DE LANDRO $3.99

OCT210734 DARK BLOOD #6 (OF 6) CVR B BA $3.99

NOV210709 FIREFLY #36 CVR A BENGAL $3.99

NOV210710 FIREFLY #36 CVR B CARPENTER $3.99

NOV210779 GETTING DIZZY #3 (OF 4) CVR A MOSCOTE $4.99

NOV210780 GETTING DIZZY #3 (OF 4) CVR B MCGEE $4.99

NOV210744 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #4 CVR A SHEHAN $3.99

NOV210745 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #4 CVR B DELL EDERA $3.99

NOV210746 HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER #4 CVR C BLANK SKETCH VAR $3.99

NOV210764 ONCE & FUTURE #24 CVR A MORA $3.99

NOV210720 POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #2 (OF 6) CVR A MORA $4.99

NOV210725 POWER RANGERS UNIVERSE #2 (OF 6) CVR F FOC REVEAL VAR $4.99

NOV210743 SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN SLAUGHTER PACK (BUNDLE) #1 $39.99

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Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for January 26, 2022

DARK HORSE COMICS

NOV210295 BLACK HAMMER REBORN #8 (OF 12) CVR A YARSKY $3.99

NOV210296 BLACK HAMMER REBORN #8 (OF 12) CVR B WARD & SHEEAN $3.99

JUN210375 CYBERPUNK 2077 YOU HAVE MY WORD #3 (OF 4) CVR A HERVAS $3.99

JUN210376 CYBERPUNK 2077 YOU HAVE MY WORD #3 (OF 4) CVR B DE LATORRE $3.99

NOV210287 HELLBOY SILVER LANTERN CLUB #4 (OF 5) $3.99

NOV210290 JOY OPERATIONS #3 (OF 5) CVR A BYRNE $3.99

NOV210291 JOY OPERATIONS #3 (OF 5) CVR B SHALVEY $3.99

JAN210339 KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF EIZOUKEN TP VOL 03 $12.99

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Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for January 26, 2022

DYNAMITE

NOV210561 ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 CVR A MATTINA $3.99

NOV210562 ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 CVR B SUYDAM $3.99

NOV210563 ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 CVR C YOON $3.99

NOV210564 ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 CVR D SAYGER $3.99

NOV218550 ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 CVR L FOC TMNT HOMAGE HAESER ORIGIN $3.99

OCT210480 EVIL ERNIE #1 CVR H BOOTH METAL PREMIUM $100.00

OCT210546 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR A CONNER $3.99

OCT210547 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR B LINSNER $3.99

OCT210548 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR C CELINA $3.99

OCT210549 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR D CHO $3.99

OCT210550 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR E COSPLAY $3.99

OCT218218 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR N FOC MCFARLANE HOMAGE BIGGS ORI $3.99

OCT218219 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR O FOC CHATZOUDIS ORIGINAL $3.99

NOV218847 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR S FOC BONUS COHEN ULTRAVIOLET $3.99

NOV218848 INVINCIBLE RED SONJA #7 CVR T 11 COPY FOC INCV COHEN UV VIRG $3.99

NOV210596 JAMES BOND HIMEROS #4 CVR D FRANCAVILLA LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV210597 JAMES BOND HIMEROS #4 CVR E GUICE LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV210607 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR J SAYGER LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV210608 KISS PHANTOM OBSESSION #5 CVR K LEE LTD VIRGIN $50.00

SEP210539 NYX #1 CVR N BESCH PREMIUM METAL $100.00

NOV210514 PANTHA #1 CVR M JONG METAL PREMIUM $100.00

NOV210658 PURGATORI #4 CVR I FUSO LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV210648 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR I LI LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV210649 RED SONJA BLACK WHITE RED #6 CVR J LEE LTD VIRGIN $50.00

NOV210659 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR A PARRILLO $3.99

NOV210660 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR B BESCH $3.99

NOV210661 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR C SUYDAM $3.99

NOV210662 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR D LINSNER $3.99

NOV210663 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR E COSPLAY $3.99

NOV218555 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR N FOC TMNT HOMAGE HAESER ORIGINAL $3.99

NOV218845 SHEENA QUEEN JUNGLE #3 CVR R FOC BONUS PARRILLO UV $3.99

OCT210442 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #1 CVR P HUGHES METAL PREMIUM $100.00

NOV210517 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR A PARRILLO $3.99

NOV210518 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR B BESCH $3.99

NOV210519 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR C MAER $3.99

NOV210520 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR D ARTGERM $3.99

NOV210521 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR E COSPLAY $3.99

NOV218081 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR M FOC TMNT HOMAGE HAESER OR $3.99

NOV218082 VAMPIRELLA DRACULA UNHOLY #2 CVR N FOC BONUS LACCHEI $3.99

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