DARK HORSE COMICS
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 10 #18
Writer: CHRISTOS GAGE
Art/Variant Cover: REBEKAH ISAACS
Colors: DAN JACKSON
Cover: STEVE MORRIS
On sale Aug 19
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
ANGEL & BUFFY CROSSOVER EVENT!
The Slayer’s advantage against a powerful demon -- having super-awesome friends -- may be her undoing as Archaeus pits Spike and Angel against one another.
“Playing with deep, dark emotions, the creative team generate a thrilling sense of suspense, with the dramatic flow keeping this reader hooked to every page.” -- Unleash the Fanboy
Heads up, Buffy & Spike fans: a crossover!
DEATH HEAD #2 (OF 6)
Writers: ZACK KELLER, NICK KELLER
Art: JOANNA ESTEP
Colors: KELLY FITZPATRICK
Cover: E. M. GIST
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Surviving a close call in the woods, Niles Burton becomes haunted after he brings back a plague doctor mask. As Niles searches for answers to an ancient mystery, his son Bee makes his first friend -- a girl who happens to be a ghost! What might this spirit know about the cursed mask worn by the murderous Plague Doctor?
A supernatural-horror thriller about family and creeping, terrifying murder!
The first issue had me interested in where I thought the story was going to go. But in this issue a couple of storyines went in directions I didn't expect. That's good -- I like not knowing where a story is going. And I'm pretty sure that wherever this is going, it's gonna be scary!
EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS’ AT THE EARTH’S CORE (HC & LTD. HC)
Writer: BOBBY NASH
Art/Cover: JAMIE CHASE
FC, 104 pages, $14.99 (HC) / $49.99 (Ltd. HC)
HC & Ltd. HC, 7″ x 10″
EPIC PULP FANTASY!
Burroughs’ 1914 pulp-fantasy epic comes to life in a heart-pounding adventure! An heir and an inventor take their “Iron Mole” five hundred miles below the earth’s crust to the world of Pellucidar, crossing paths with the evil Mahars, the ape-like Sagoths, and all manner of prehistoric creatures ... as well as the lovely Dian the Beautiful!
• A work that helped inspire H. P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness!
• The limited edition hardcover with silver embossing is perfect for the family bookshelf.
This is one ERB property I remember very little about, despite having read the entire Burroughs library in junior high. So I'm looking forward to being reminded!
EMPOWERED VOLUME 9 (TPB)
Writer/Art: ADAM WARREN
B&W, 208 pages, $17.99
TP, 6 1/2″ x 9″
SUPERVILLAIN MAGNET!
Get ready to patch up your supersuit for a new challenge, because Adam Warren’s Empowered is back, and the stakes are higher than ever for Emp!
Already under official suspicion and suspended from her superteam, costumed crime fighter Empowered finds herself the bewildered target of every major supervillain in the capes-and-tights field for her supposed access to alien technology. With a trick or two up her tattered supersuit’s sleeve, can our tirelessly plucky but sadly underestimated heroine outwit her army of tormentors—and escape the long-simmering revenge of the sinister Fleshmaster?
Called “a fantastically rendered book on every conceivable level” by Comic Book Resources, Empowered Volume 9 takes Adam Warren’s long-running series to a whole new level. Garnering critical acclaim from fans and critics alike, Empowered is not only a fantastic story -- it’s one of the longest-running American graphic novel series currently in publication.
Over 100,000 copies of Empowered volumes in print!
“The short and skinny is that this is a book that is silly and fun on the surface, but has a lot more working for it underneath.” -- Florida Geek Scene
This always looked like soft-core porn to me, but I am a bear of very little imagination.
MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: THE BLACK LAKE #2 (of 4)
Writer/Art/Cover: DREW EDWARD JOHNSON
Colors: LIZZY JOHN
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Drew Edward Johnson’s genre-breaking creator-owned series continues!
The search for a missing research team leads Secret Agent Matilda Finn underneath Loch Ness with submarine driver Billy Wetherell. Things are not as they seem under the black lake, as Billy soon loses contact with the rest of the search-and-rescue crew and finds himself trapped with a horrifying creature!
This book was described as pulp fiction in a world where magical beings exist. This issue, like the first, belies that description. However, it is a well-written book with great art, solid characterization and an interesting premise, which is pretty much all you need. As for specifics, in this issue we find out more about Matilda Finn -- and it ain't what you think!
NANJING: THE BURNING CITY (HC)
Writer/Art/Cover: ETHAN YOUNG
B&W, 224 pages, $24.99
HC, 6″ x 9″
After the bombs fall, the Imperial Japanese Army seized the Chinese capital of Nanjing. Now screams echo off the rubble as two abandoned Chinese soldiers -- trapped and desperately outnumbered inside the walled city -- try to escape. What they’ll encounter will haunt them. But in the face of horror, they’ll learn that resistance and bravery cannot be destroyed.
• Ethan Young won a 2007 Independent Publisher Book Award for Best Graphic Novel for Tails.
• For fans of Maus, Persepolis and Boxers & Saints.
I'm reviewing this book in this week's column, which I'll post in a day or two. Short answer: Go read this immediately!
THE STRAIN: THE NIGHT ETERNAL #12
Writer: DAVID LAPHAM
Art: MIKE HUDDLESTON
Colors: DAN JACKSON
Cover: E. M. GIST
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
Dr. Ephraim Goodweather versus The master … The final showdown!
Final issue!
I won't spoil anything in this book -- it's the climax to the entire trilogy -- but isn't that image very similar to one that repeated throughout Watchmen?
DC COMICS
BIZARRO #3
Written by HEATH CORSON
Art and cover by GUSTAVO DUARTE
32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
It’s the Good, the Bad and the Stupid as Bizarro’s road trip leads to Ol’ Gold Gulch, an old West ghost town inhabited by hundreds of peaceful poltergeists. But when the long-dead outlaw El Papagayo and his band of ghostly banditos ride in to terrorize the town, it’s up to Bizarro, Jimmy and bounty hunter Chastity Hex to challenge them to a showdown at high midnight!
Alas, poor Yorick, me knew him, Jimmy. Him not fellow of infinite jest!
CONSTANTINE VOL. 4: THE APOCALYPSE ROAD (TPB)
Written by RAY FAWKES
Art by JEREMY HAUN
Cover by JUAN FERREYRA
144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
Trapped on a dying world, John will have to pull off the most daring escape of his life if he’s going to survive! And on Earth-2, he’s faced with the pressure of having something worth fighting for: his family! Plus: It’s hate at first sight when Constantine meets his Earth-2 counterpart. Collects issues #18-23.
I confess to being curious: How would the Earth-2 Constantine differ from the one we know? What would he have done in the war against Darkseid? And, as long as I'm asking questions, what in the world is Constantine doing with a/the Helmet of Fate?
GOTHAM BY MIDNIGHT VOL. 1: WE DO NOT SLEEP (TPB)
Written by RAY FAWKES
Art and cover by BEN TEMPLESMITH
128 pg, FC, $14.99 US
Spinning out of BATMAN ETERNAL, these stories from issues #1-5 of the new series star Jim Corrigan as he leads a group of very unlikely detectives against supernatural forces in Gotham City! But when an Internal Affairs officer starts looking into their work, it may take divine intervention to keep him alive! And how long can Corrigan keep The Spectre at bay?
I hope he doesn't keep The Spectre at bay for long -- me wanta see!
HARLEY QUINN & POWER GIRL #3
Written by AMANDA CONNER, JIMMY PALMIOTTI and JUSTIN GRAY
Art by STEPHANE ROUX
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $3.99 US • RATED T
Power Girl and Vartox are finally face-to-face … unfortunately, it’s the terrifying Dark Vartox, corrupted by an ancient cosmic evil! And good lord, what has it done to his nipples?!
Just love these Amanda Conner covers! She says more with one image than most artists do with a whole issue!
JUSTICE LEAGUE #43
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JASON FABOK
Bombshells Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
On sale AUGUST 19 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“The Darkseid War” event rages on as Batman takes a dark journey into the depths of Godhood and unlocks the forbidden knowledge of the DC universe! Meanwhile, arch-enemies Superman and Lex Luthor must stand together in order to survive, and Wonder Woman leads the Justice League in an offensive against the Anti-Monitor and Darkseid! But what is Grail’s true mission during this war- -- and what is the secret she holds over Wonder Woman?
I'm guessing that's Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Mera in the "Bombshells" cover.
THE NAMES (TPB)
Written by PETER MILLIGAN
Art by LEANDRO FERNANDEZ
Cover by CELIA CALLE
200 pg, FC, $16.99 US • MATURE READERS
The 9-issue Vertigo miniseries is collected! Kevin Walker is a successful New York trader. He has it all – until the mysterious man called the Surgeon walks into his office. It’s a visit that ends with Kevin Walker’s suicide – and now, Katya, Kevin’s beautiful and deadly wife, must find out who killed her husband, and why – No matter who she has to kill.
My review copy has an embargo of Aug. 25. So move along, Johnny, nothing to see here.
SECRET SIX #5
Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art and cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
Bombshells variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
After the initial attack on Big Shot’s home (and the shocking revelation of one member’s true identity), the team’s suburban retreat has been exposed. As the team starts to fracture, this highly dysfunctional band of outcasts prepares for the next strike from Mockingbird!
So "Bombshell" Harley Quinn is ... a circus roustabout? A clown? A hawker?
SUPERMAN VOL. 6: THE MEN OF TOMORROW (HC)
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JOHN ROMITA JR. and KLAUS JANSON
256 pg, FC, $24.99 US
A new era for SUPERMAN begins as writer Geoff Johns takes the reins – and he’s joined by legendary artist John Romita, Jr. in his first-ever work for DC Comics! These stories from issues #32-39 introduce Ulysses, the Man of Tomorrow, into the Man of Steel’s life. This strange visitor shares many of Kal-El’s experiences, including having been rocketed from a world with no future. New and exciting mysteries and adventures await.
I'm reviewing this one this week's column as well. Busy week!
SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #20
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by DOUG MAHNKE and JAIME MENDOZA
Cover by PAULO SIQUEIRA
Bombshells Variant cover by TERRY DODSON
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“Truth” continues -- and as Superman and Wonder Woman deal with the ramifications of his secret identity being blown, they dig deeper into the disappearance of Lana Lang and Steel, which force them to team up with an unexpected and dangerous nemesis.
I wouldn't mind if the "Bombshell" Wonder Woman outfit became her regular uniform.
WONDER WOMAN #43
Written by MEREDITH FINCH
Art and cover by DAVID FINCH and JONATHAN GLAPION
Bombshells variant cover by ANT LUCIA
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Donna Troy’s fate becomes more clear as she embarks on a journey that will either end her life or begin a new one, while Wonder Woman draws closer to the Amazon who tried to depose Diana as queen!
A-ha! So the big-game hunter "Bombshell" is Cheetah! I'm probably the last to catch on ...
WONDER WOMAN BY GEORGE PEREZ OMNIBUS VOL. 1 (HC)
Written by GEORGE PEREZ, GREG POTTER and LEN WEIN
Art by GEORGE PEREZ, BRUCE PATTERSON and others
Cover by GEORGE PEREZ
640 pg, FC, $75.00 US
This omnibus collects the first two years of George Pérez’s 1980s run on WONDER WOMAN, including issues #1-24 and WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1. These stories reestablished Wonder Woman’s heroic career with appearances by the gods of Olympus and villains including Cheetah and Silver Swan.
A lot of people consider Perez' run on Wonder Woman to be the character's best. If you're one of them, or just curious, here's an enormous head start on reading the whole thing.
IDW PUBLISHING
DONALD DUCK #4
Writer: RODOLFO CIMINO
Art: ROMANO SCARPA
Cover: DAVE ALVAREZ
Subscription Variant: DEREK CHARM
FC • 40 pages • $3.99
Sick of the mayhem that his temper wreaks, Donald seeks "The Perfect Calm" from a remote mountain guru. But duck-eating yetis may get in the way!
• Continues this beloved series' legacy numbering at #371.
• 40 action-packed pages for only $3.99!
• "Disney Legacy" Epcot cover by Amy Mebberson!
Posting for the preview.
STRANGE NATION (TPB)
Writer: PAUL ALLOR
Art/Cover: JUAN ROMERA
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 128 pages
• "If you're looking for a good dose of creativity, sci-fi and fun, then I strongly recommend checking out this series." -- ComicVine.com
• Another Monkeybrain original tale of mystery and conspiracy from Paul Allor (TMNT)!
Norma Park used to have a bright future in journalism. Then she uncovered the terrifying truth about a dangerous conspiracy involving aliens, Sasquatch and doomsday cults! Now Norma finds herself fired from her prestigious newspaper and working at the supermarket tabloid Strange Nation. But nothing will keep Norma from sharing her terrible knowledge with the world!
In Strange Nation, writer Paul Allor (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time) and artist Juan Romera unravel a tense, action-packed mystery in this Monkeybrain original tale that’s now coming to print.
“Strange Nation is a book about the search for truth, and how much you're willing to sacrifice for it. But, you know, in a fun way,” said Allor. “Juan and I were so proud to put Strange Nation out through Monkeybrain Comics, and are absolutely thrilled that the print edition has found a home at IDW, a publisher known for awesome and inventive comics that combine genre action with true heart.”
"Strange Nation is one of the best comics of the year,” says Ryan Ferrier (D4VE). “Paul and Juan have managed to weave the perfect blend of emotion, intrigue, and excitement into a tale of suspense; one that explores both true humanity, and the great unknown. Pulse-pounding on every page, and a true measure of storytelling within the comics medium."
I had no idea what this was when I began reading, and even after finishing it was hard to put it into a category. It was sort of a cross between the old Secret Invasion book and Kolchak, the Night Stalker, with maybe a little of The Invaders tossed in.
Whatever it was, I was entertained. Confused, sometimes, but entertained. It's the story of a disgraced journalist working for a supermarket tabloid, who really does stumble on a genuine conspiracy, full of hidden aliens, intelligent yeti, aging espionage agents and secret societies. The story progresses beyond the limitations of its original genre, and if there's a fault, it's that the story is continued. But is it really a fault if that means there's more fun to come?
IMAGE COMICS
OEMNIBUS (TPB)
Story/Art: MICHAEL AVON OEMING, NEIL VOKES, BRYAN J.L. GLASS, DANIEL BERMAN, & ETHAN BEAVERS
304 pages / Full Color / 12+ / $24.99
Collecting seven one-shots and short stories created with Image Comics over the past 15 years, this volume includes out of print and rarely seen stories by Powers co-creator MICHAEL AVON OEMING. Collects 86 VOLTZ, PARLIAMENT OF JUSTICE, GOD COMPLEX, SIX, & more.
I've become disenchanted with Oeming's work over the years -- just got tired of it, really -- but I'm sure there are a lot of you who will love this.
WOLF #2
Story: ALES KOT
Art/Cover: MATT TAYLOR & LEE LOUGHRIDGE
24 pages / Full Color / Mature Readers / $3.50
History comes alive. The investigation thickens.
I enjoyed the first book. I'll probably enjoy this one.
MARVEL COMICS
AGE OF ULTRON VS. MARVEL ZOMBIES #3
Writer: JAMES ROBINSON
Art/Cover: STEVE PUGH
Variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
BETWEEN GRIEF AND NOTHING … I’LL TAKE GRIEF!
• Our heroes hold off hordes of ULTRONS and ZOMBIES!
• HANK PYM must confront what his counterpart hath wrought!
• From the domain of PERFECTION, ULTRON is on the verge of a breakthrough that will shake the foundations of BATTLEWORLD!
*SECRET WARS SERIES
This preview gives me the answer I've had all along, which is why the robots and zombies would bother fighting each other. Turns out, they're not.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #4
Writer: DAN SLOTT
Art/Cover: ADAM KUBERT
Variant by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
Manga variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• To protect his family, Spider-Man takes the fight to the god-like REGENT!
• But that doesn’t mean his daughter will sit back and let her dad have all the “fun!”
*SECRET WARS
Bleeding Cool is rumoring (is that a word?) that this title may continue in some way after Secret Wars. That would please me no end!
HOUSE OF M #1
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art: MARCO FAILLA
Cover by KRIS ANKA
Blank Cover Available
Manga Variant by TBA
Promo Variant by JORGE MOLINA
Inhumans 50th Anniversary Variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
What happens when a mutant king achieves all his deepest desires? What happens when a warrior has no more war to fight? This August, return to the hallowed halls of the House of Magnus as writer Dennis Hopeless (Spider-Woman, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad) and artist Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Men, Guardians of the Galaxy & X-Men: The Black Vortex) bring you HOUSE OF M #1 – a new Secret Wars series!
The House of Magnus controls all – ruling Battleworld’s Monarchy of M with an iron-fist. His children and grandchildren live as royals, complete with the privileges and pit-falls of their station. The great war with humanity has been won, the future of his race assured. Yet the question remains – what happens to a conqueror when there is no one left to conquer?
“I think if asked our Magneto would tell you he’s living the dream,” says writer Dennis Hopeless in an interview with Marvel.com. “Mutants run the world and he’s their all-powerful king. Sitting alone with his thoughts in a big boring throne room, the man might let himself admit the truth. Magneto is a warrior. He was born to rage against the machine. However happy he may be with the result, Magneto misses the war.”
He may have his chance to war once again. Behind closed doors, both Quicksilver and Namor conspire over the kingdom’s future. Is the heir apparent to the House of M a traitor!? The answer to that question and more will be answered as Hopeless and Anka bring you HOUSE OF M #1 this August!
Here's a new Secret Wars series lifting off the Scarlet Witch's mutant-dominated world, which doesn't follow the exact same path -- as you can see from the accompanying press release and preview!
HOWARD THE HUMAN #1
Writer: SKOTTIE YOUNG
Art: JIM MAHFOOD
Cover by JIM MAHFOOD
Variant by TBA
32 PGS / ONE SHOT / Rated T+ / $3.99
Spend a day with Howard, a private investigator and the only human living in city full of animals. But not, like, criminals and lowlifes. We’re talking elephants, apes, ducks and kitty cats. Catching a case, grinding a few gears, dodging some bullets and almost getting killed by an anthropomorchic monstrosity. It’s just another Monday for Howard the Human brought to you by Skottie Young (ROCKET RACCOON) and Jim Mahfood (MIAMI VICE REMIX).
Aaaaand here's another new Secret Wars series. No wonder the main title and some of the ancilliary ones have been delayed -- looks like it's going to be a while before these all wrap up.
SECRET WARS: SECRET LOVE #1
Writers: MICHEL FIFFE, FELIPE SMITH, MARGUERITE BENNETT, JEREMY WHITLEY, KATIE COOK & MORE!
Art: MICHEL FIFFE, FELIPE SMITH, KRIS ANKA, GURIHIRU, KATIE COOK & MORE!
Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
Variant by TBA
40 PGS / ONE SHOT / Parental Guidance / $4.99
• WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE, CAN THEIR LOVE SURVIVE?
• ROBBIE REYES/KAMALA KHAN!
• TYPHOID MARY/KAREN PAGE/MATT MURDOCK!
• AND MANY MORE SECRET LOVE AFFAIRS...
*SECRET WARS SERIES
OK, this is just fun.
OTHER PUBLISHERS
ALICE COOPER (HC)
Publisher: DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Writer: JOE HARRIS, BRANDON JERWA
Art: EMAN CASALLOS, NACHO TENORIO
Cover: DAVID MACK
168 pages / Teen+ / $24.99
Rock n' roll legend Alice Cooper has never been a stranger to the mystic and the macabre. His stage shows were the stuff of legend, featuring snakes and pyrotechnics, the invocation of dark themes and darker forces. But while he was a legend in the waking world, few knew his service as "The Lord of Nightmares" beyond it, where he watched over us while we dreamed, and delivered horrors unto the deserving. Only someone took it all away from him, cast him out of his realm, and locked him away. No longer enslaved to the Clan Black, Alice Cooper will reclaim his dark throne at all costs. All hail the Godfather of Shock Rock! This mind-bending collection includes the complete six-issue Dynamite comic book series, plus Alice Cooper's first-ever comic book appearance from Marvel Premiere #50, featuring the creative talents of Alice Cooper, Jim Salicrup, Roger L. Stern, Ed J. Hannigan, and Tom F. Sutton, fully remastered!
"Do yourself a favor: don't miss this. Go out and sample the awesome, because this book comes highly recommended." -- Unleash the Fanboy
"This is a great new saga." -- Geeked Out Nation
I was never a Cooper fan -- I think I was a little too old for his schtick when he was big, and didn't think much of the music -- but I've wanted to read this book because it looks like a lot of fun. Alas, too many deadlines and not enough time this week to review. But, hey, we can all agree this is a pretty nice preview, right?
ANNIHILATOR VOL 1 (HC)
Publisher: LEGENDARY COMICS
Writer: GRANT MORRISION
Art/Cover: FRAZER IRVING
$24.99
Legendary Comics proudly presents Annihilator, an original graphic novel odyssey from the subversive mind of Grant Morrison. Washed-up Hollywood screenwriter Ray Spass is caught in a downward spiral of broken relationships, wild parties and self-destruction. Out of luck and out of chances, he's one failed script away from fading into obscurity. Little does he know he's about to write the story of his life. As his imagination runs rampant, Ray must join forces with his own fictional character Max Nomax on a reality-bending race to stop the entire universe from imploding -- without blowing his own mind in the process.
Morrison has said in interviews that the meta-text of this book is about his experiences in Hollywood. So it's sort of a Multiversity for movies.
ARCHIE #2
Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS
Script: MARK WAID
Art: FIONA STAPLES
Archie #2 CVR A Reg Cover: FIONA STAPLES
Archie #2 CVR B Variant: HOWARD CHAYKIN WITH JESUS ABURTO
Archie #2 CVR C Variant: ERICA HENDERSON
Archie #2 CVR D Variant: PAUL RENAUD
Archie #2 CVR E Variant: PAOLO RIVERA
Archie #2 CVR F Variant: CHRISSIE ZULLO
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.
COMIC SUPERSTARS MARK WAID AND FIONA STAPLES CONTINUE THEIR REIMAGINING OF AN ICON! The new school year continues to bring with it daunting new challenges and interesting changes for the teens of Riverdale High. But there’s one thing that remains constant: Archie’s car is still a piece of garbage! With car problems comes money problems, which means that Archie’s on the hunt for a new job. Fortunately, a mysterious new building in Riverdale is offering some career opportunities for Archie and his friends. Who’s behind this new conglomerate and what are their intentions for Riverdale? Find out in the second issue of this all-new Archie series!
I don't want to be sappy, but I got a blast out of this issue like I did the first. In addition to a charming story -- honest, "charming" is the word -- we get some cool bullet points:
- A new origin for Jughead!
- A new origin for Jughead's name!
- A new interpretation of Jughead's famous "S" sweatshirt!
- Veronica's debut!
Honest, they are really doing this right.
BIZARRE ADVENTURES OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN (GN)
Publisher: SOARING PENGUIN PRESS
Writer/Art/Cover: LAURA HOWELL
$9.99
Think you know comics? Think you know history? Think you know comic operas? Think again! The Bizarre Adventures of Gilbert & Sullivan mixes fact with fiction and the sublime with the ridiculous to outrageous effect. High-energy manga-style art collides head-on (then bows politely in apology) with historical facts and faces to produce topsy-turvy tales the like of which you've never before seen.
I'm just happy to live in a world where the above spontaneously appears. What do you think is the Venn diagram overlap of comics fans and comic-opera buffs?
BOOK OF DEATH #2 (of 4)
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by ROBERT GILL and DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover A by CARY NORD
Cover B by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover C by KANO
Valiant Icons Variant by PERE PEREZ
Artist Variant by PAOLO RIVERA
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+
Valiant is proud to present the first look inside BOOK OF DEATH #2 (of 4) – the second can't-miss chapter of Valiant's cataclysmic summer event from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR) and all-star artists Robert Gill (ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER) and Doug Braithwaite (UNITY)! On August 19th, the Valiant Universe's most powerful heroes join the hunt for the new Geomancer suspected of plunging the world into darkness... And, now, only the Eternal Warrior can protect her from his own former allies and prevent the events foretold in the Geomancer's BOOK OF DEATH from coming to pass!
Convinced the unnatural disasters tearing our world apart are a direct result of the new Geomancer’s arrival, the combined forces of Unity – including X-O Manowar, Ninjak, Livewire, and GIN-GR – are about to confront the Eternal Warrior about the true nature of his powerful new charge! They've sworn to take him in by any means necessary…but, to prevent civilization from falling into a new Dark Age, the Eternal Warrior won’t go down without a fight! Can history's most battle-hardened warrior convince his old comrades that peace can still be won? Or will war, blood, and fire consume the heroes of the Valiant Universe as they face the full fury of the Eternal Warrior unleashed for the very first time?
Be here on August 19th as Valiant superstars Robert Venditti, Robert Gill, and Doug Braithwaite detonate the next earth-shaking installment of Valiant's colossal summer event in BOOK OF DEATH #2 (of 4) – featuring covers by Cary Nord (X-O MANOWAR), Clayton Crain (RAI), Kano (THE DELINQUENTS), Pere Perez (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG), and Paolo Rivera (THE VALIANT)! Featuring the last stands of Valiant icons, the first appearances of all-new heroes, and tantalizing clues of future events, BOOK OF DEATH is the gateway to the next decade of the Valiant Universe and beyond!
Plus: in the wake of BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4) – in stores July 15th – the must-read comic milestone of the 2015 continues all summer with four visionary tales of present and future ripped directly from the pages of the Book of the Geomancer! Each month, join an all-star cast of creators as they come aboard the year’s monumental comics event to chronicle the ultimate fate of Valiant’s most indelible heroes. From the modern day to the far future, the destinies of Bloodshot, Ninjak, the Harbinger Renegades, X-O Manowar and more will stand revealed in four essential, standalone chapters at the epicenter of BOOK OF DEATH.
Another book I had insufficient time to review, but I enjoyed the first issue enough that my enthusiasm remains undimmed.
BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #2 (of 4)*
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
INCENTIVE | 24 pages | T+
Watch a legend be born before your eyes as the saga of the Earth’s first Geomancer continues!
New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and breakout artist Juan José Ryp (Clone) reveal the hidden story of the Valiant Universe’s beginnings as Earth’s protector enters a world of war, ruin and fire at the far end of pre-history!
ATTENTION FANS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER:
• SPECIAL ALL-NEW LIMITED SERIES!
• QUANTITIES WILL BE LIMITED!
• NOT FOR SALE DIGITALLY!
• WON’T BE COLLECTED FOR THE TRADE!
• ASK YOUR LOCAL RETAILER HOW TO ORDER!
*ATTENTION RETAILERS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER:
PLEASE SEE THE DIAMOND DAILY OR VALIANT RETAILER EMAIL TO FIND OUT HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THIS LIMITED RATIO INCENTIVE. QUANTITIES WILL BE BASED ON ORDERS OF BOOK OF DEATH #2 (of 4).
What I said about Book of Death #2 above? Ditto.
DEFINITIVE BETTY BOOP VOL 1 (TPB)
Publisher: TITAN COMICS
$39.95
Long before Marilyn, and Madonna, Betty "boop-boop-a-dooped" and wriggled her way into hearts worldwide with her unique mix of wide-eyed innocence and powerful cartoon sensuality. This collection lovely restores the Betty Boop comic strips back to their original glory, in Betty's original Sunday adventures as they appeared in the funny pages of daily newspapers in the 1930's, capturing all the cheeky fun embodied by the character.
Ooooh, me wantsa!
DISNEY BIG HERO 6 CINESTORY
Publisher: JOE BOOKS INC.
Writer: JEREMY BARLOW
Art: DISNEY
Cover: HEIDI WHITCOMB
$14.99
From Joe Books. With all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy adventure that introduces Baymax, a lovable, personal companion robot, who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to Baymax and his diverse group of friends - adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred -- who transform into a band of unlikely heroes. Bring home Disney's Big Hero 6 - in almost 400 comic pages of fun for the whole family!
Disney spent millions buying Marvel Comics, the largest comic book creator and publisher in North America. Yet they're farming out the book above to Joe Comics, the Disney ducks and mice are at IDW and Disney Fairies is at Papercutz. I've heard a lot of suggestions for why this might be, but I find none of them as convincing as the reported bad blood that developed between Marvel and Disney during the production of Big Hero 6. I'm thinking it's now a corporate decision to keep the kid-friendly books away from Marvel. I hope I'm wrong, but mostly, I'd love to find out!
DON ROSA DUCK LIBRARY VOL 3: TREASURE UNDER GLASS (HC)
Publisher: FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
Writer/Art/Cover: DON ROSA
$29.99
Fantagraphics' third complete book of Duck epics by Don Rosa includes "Treasure Under Glass" a tale of ships and scoundrels, "War of the Wendigo" which pits Scrooge and the Peeweegah Indians against a profiteer along with a quest for Kublai Khan's gold in "Return to Xanadu." Presented in brilliant color and behind-the-scenes factoids, these Duckburg epics are getting the royal treatment at a bargain price worthy of Scrooge himself.
I've mentioned before that I'm not a big fan of Don Rosa's work, but for those of you who are, Fantagraphics is doing a good job with these collections.
DOCTOR WHO: FOUR DOCTORS #2
Publisher: TITAN COMICS
Writer: PAUL CORNELL
Art/Cover: NEIL EDWARDS
32 pages / Teen+ / $3.99
The three Doctors meet in 1920s Paris -- impossible! Have the laws of time and space been broken? The Doctor Who event of 2015 continues!
No preview this week, cuss it.
DOROHEDORO VOL 16 (GN)
Publisher: VIZ MEDIA LLC
Writer/Art/Cover: Q. HAYASHIDA
Mature/$12.99
In a city so dismal it's known only as "the Hole," a clan of Sorcerers has been plucking people off the streets to use as guinea pigs for atrocious "experiments" in the black arts. In a dark alley, Nikaido found Caiman, a man with a reptile head and a bad case of amnesia. To undo the spell, they're hunting and killing the Sorcerers in the Hole, hoping that eventually they'll kill the right one. But when En, the head Sorcerer, gets word of a lizard-man slaughtering his people, he sends a crew of "cleaners" into the Hole, igniting a war between two worlds.
This ... actually sounds really cool!
EMMA VOL 2 (HC)
Publisher: YEN PRESS
Writer/Art/Cover: KAORU MORI
$35.00
Selected as one of YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens in 2008, Kaoru Mori's Emma, a modern manga classic, brings Victorian England to life in painstaking detail. Not wishing to cause a scandal within the Joneses' household, Emma chooses to make a clean break from her old life and takes a train to the sea. As chance would have it, Emma finds herself sharing a car with another maid, who serves at a large manor in the country. A big house bustling with servants seems an ideal place at which to move forward after losing her mistress and leaving her love back in London. Learning the precise dance of domestic service in her new environment is a welcome challenge, but how long can hard work divert Emma's mind from the longing of her heart?
I don't know what's spawned the manga-adapts-Western-literature fad, but I find it fascinating to see Western periods (like Victorian England above) through Eastern eyes.
Replies
EX-CON VOL 1 (TPB)
Writer: Duane Swierczynski
Art: Keith Burns
Cover: Tim Bradstreet
152 Pages / Teen+ / $19.99
Cody Pomeray had a gift for looking inside a person's soul with just a glance. This ability served him well, as the crook blew through the early 1980s, finding marks and picking them clean. But one fateful night, he targeted the wrong man... and was sentenced to the most savage prison in California. Pomeray would have been beaten to death on his first day if not for the intervention of Barnaby Creed, the most powerful crime lord in the Southland. Now five years later, Pomeray's out on parole, robbed of his special ability, and tasked with doing Creed "a little favor." He has no idea he's just stepped into a long con, and this time... he's the mark. Includes Duane Swierczynski's first issue script as a bonus feature!
"Ex-Con is the kind of crime story that comic fans need, with the unique concept making it all the more intriguing. Highly recommended." -- Unleash The Fanboy
"This is a crime story for people who love crime stories." -- ComicsWow
Another book I'd hoped to read for review but ran out of time. Alas, all I have to offer is the preview.
Writer: PATRICK SHAND
Art: ANDREA MELONI
Cover A: RICHARD ORTIZ
Cover B: JARREAU WIMBERLY
Cover C: BILLY TUCCI
Cover D: PAOLO PANTALENA
Mature/$3.99
LAUNCH POINT
Last year, Liesel Van Helsing was attacked by an evil from her father's past ... but she survived, and has moved on with her life. Besides becoming the name that vampires in the tri-state area fear, she's also found love -- in, admittedly, the strangest places. However, when old friends come calling on her for help, she will find herself pulled into a final conflict with the deadliest vampire of all time ...
I don't follow GFT, but here's a first issue for those who do. One comment on Cover A ... wouldn't those stakes be all stabby on her upper thigh when she sits or runs? Looks painful!
HELLBREAK #6
Writer: CULLEN BUNN
Artist: BRIAN CHURILLA with DAVE STEWART
In their most recent jaunt into Hell, Orpheus Team lost one of their own. Now, Jenner struggles with reconciling the death of a good man for the life of someone cold and cruel. He strikes out on a mission of his own, not to invade Hell, but to bring Hell down on someone who doesn't deserve to live!
Another nice preview:
$3.99
The New York Times bestselling book series debuts as a monthly comic book (!) with new covers, artwork, a "director's commentary" section that describes the motivation, process, and research involved in making this masterpiece, plus other surprises! This first issue highlights the breakdancers, graffiti artists, DJs and MCs who formed hip hop culture beginning in the tenement rec rooms of the south Bronx in the 1970s. You'll discover who invented the term "Hip Hop". You'll see names you recognize like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa and you'll discover where they fit into the culture as pioneers ... every month!
I confess this doesn't really interest me, but I'm glad it exists and I mention it for those will find it fascinating.
INVADER ZIM #2
Artist: CJ CANNON, MARC ELLERBY with RYAN HILL
$3.99
Dib knows ZIM's sudden disappearance from Earth can only mean bad news for the human race. Can Dib stop him before Earth is just another alien-infested spaceside attraction like the universe’s biggest doughnut?
We have any Invader Zim fans here? Oni is really cranking up the PR machine.
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN
Cover B by STEVE LIEBER
Platinum Age Variant by ROBERT GILL
$3.99 | 32 pages | T+
“BREAKING HISTORY” IS ALL OVER!
It all comes down to this! Ivar and his brothers – Gilad, the Eternal Warrior, and Armstrong – have led a suicide mission to rescue Neela Sethi and time itself. Now, as Oblivi-1 grows in power and threatens to destroy the very universe, they’ll make their last, dire, final move to save history. Will they do it? Well, the arc ain’t called “Saving History” now is it?! New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and rising star Francis Portela (The Flash) team up to tear down the walls of time!
Another nice-looking book from Valiant.
MIGHTY TITAN (TPB)
Writer/Art/Cover: JOE MARTINO
$14.99
Collects the 5 issue arc of The Mighty Titan which wraps Joe Martino's cancer experiences in a Superhero shell.
Does that cover look familiar? It's an homage to Jim Steranko's famous cover to Incredible Hulk Annual #1 (left)!
PRINCELESS: RAVEN, THE PIRATE PRINCESS #2
Writer: JEREMY WHITLEY
Art/Cover: ROSY HIGGINS, TED BRANDT
Variant Cover by: RICHARD CASE
32 pgs / All Ages / FC / $3.99 (reg.) / $4.99 (Var.)
The events of issue 1 have left our fearless heroine worse for wear, but Raven is ready to put together a crew and with the help of her old friend Cookie, she’s looking to interview every rogue, cad, and scoundrel that ever sailed the seven seas. But when you put that many pirates in one place, there’s only one possible outcome: FIGHT! Variant Cover by Richard Case, limited to 2,000 copies!
Does that second cover look familiar? It's an homage to the Rosie the Riveter propaganda poster from World War II (left)!
Artist: TED NAIFEH with WARREN WUCINICH
$15.99
Despite having improved in her studies, princess Ülga still doesn’t feel any closer to being a true princess like the others, and she still hasn’t gotten a handle on diplomacy. But when the other princesses are targeted -- first by bandits, and then by political figures -- Ülga will have to shed her princess skin and become the “bonny wee berserker” of her people, or else the princesses are doomed!
What people are saying:
"A beautifully written, drawn, and colored tale about friendship and self-discovery." -- Geek Sushi
" It has that special take that really makes a reader love the characters. " -- Fantasy Book Critic
Is this the end of the series? I don't recall seeing an issue in some time.
Art by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover A by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover B by RYAN SOOK
Cover C by RILEY ROSSMO
Cover D by RYAN LEE
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
$3.99 | 32 pgs. T+
ALL NEW ARC! "THE ORPHAN" – PART 1
This August, superstar creators Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain return to their critically acclaimed vision of the future!
As revealed this weekend at C2E2 2015, Valiant is proud to announce the return of New Japan's fallen guardian this August in RAI #9 – the FIRST ISSUE of THE ORPHAN, an all-new story arc from New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (THE VALIANT, DIVINITY) and superstar artist Clayton Crain (Carnage)! This summer, discover Kindt & Crain's smash-hit series with a brand new jumping-on point as Rai finds himself exiled from the land he was once sworn to protect … and thrust into the never-before-seen corners of the Valiant Universe of 4001 A.D.!
For more than a year, Clayton Crain's fully-painted interior art has beautifully captured the astonishing world of New Japan. ... Now, find out what has befallen the planet below nearly 2,000 years in the future! For the very first time, Rai will finally discover the true fate of the world New Japan left behind...and the Earth of 4001 will be revealed! Featuring all-new enemies, surprise guest stars, and first appearances, start reading here with THE ORPHAN to find out why there is nothing else in comics like RAI!
Broken, beaten, and cast down to Earth, Rai and his allies now find themselves hunted, persecuted, and imprisoned for their failed rebellion against Father. Stranded thousands of miles from his former home, Rai is now more determined than ever to save his friends and bring down New Japan's malevolent ruler once and for all…but how can he do that from Earth? And just what secrets will New Japan's rising son discover as he journeys across the face of a planet scarred by his his nation's ascent to the stars?
"I can safely say that this arc will change everything forever – in regards to how Rai works and the series is structured and everything we've grown accustomed to," writer Matt Kindt told Newsarama. "All the pieces and things we've been laying the ground work for over the last eight issues are going to really start paying off… This year's story is really going to pack an emotional punch and I don't think anyone's really got an idea how far we're going to push things yet. I think readers are going to be pretty shocked with where we're taking this thing."
BATTLE FOR NEW JAPAN was only the beginning! This summer, the war for the future has yet to be won... In order to defeat Father, Rai must marshal the forces of Earth and begin the long journey back toward home in THE ORPHAN – an all-new story arc beginning in RAI #9! Jump on board here this August as Valiant superstars Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain return to the year 4001 with an all-new volume of the acclaimed series chronicling the future of the Valiant Universe!
On August 19th, superstar creators Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain return to their one-of-a-kind vision of the future for “ THE ORPHAN” – an all-new jumping-on point, beginning in RAI #9! Featuring covers by Clayton Crain (X-Force), Ryan Sook (Futures End), Riley Rossmo (Constantine: The Hellblazer), Ryan Lee (Uncanny Inhumans), and Clayton Henry (IVAR, TIMEWALKER), jump two millennia into the future of the Valiant Universe right here as the Earth of 4001 A.D. stands revealed!
Yes, another pretty book from Valiant. If I launched my own comics line, these are the sorts of artists I'd try to hire.
Artist: CJ CANNON, MARC ELLERBY with RYAN HILL
$3.99
Rick and Morty team up to save a summer camp from an evil real estate developer in this cameo-packed homage to cheesy 1980's camp comedies, "Mortballs!" Unfortunately for Morty, his idyllic summertime adventure begins to unravel when reality itself starts coming apart at the seams!
Not my thing, but here's a preview:
Writer/Art/Cover: HOWARD CHAYKIN
160 pages / Teen+ / $19.99
It's New Year's, 1950 ... the end of a tumultuous decade. Lamont Cranston, the man that the world and the underworld know all too well as The Shadow, has had enough. It's time for the mysterious nemesis of crime to hang up his cloak, his slouch hat, and his twin .45s, and retire from public life. But despite this momentous decision, Margo Lane and the rest of The Shadow's agents fear that mankind, teetering on the brink of nuclear Armageddon, may not be quite ready to be bereft of the dark avenger. Howard Chaykin, whose 1980s revival of The Shadow at DC Comics reinvigorated the character for comic lovers everywhere, returns to tell a mind-blowing tale of the Master of Men! Who know what evil lurks in the heart of men? Howard Chaykin knows!
I read this a few weeks ago, and it wasn't at all what I was expecting. It's by Howard Chaykin, so I expected lots of snark, sex and gratuitous violence. Instead, it's a rather somber and restrained book that left me kinda ... depressed.
SWORDS OF SORROW: VAMPIRELLA & JENNIFER BLOOD #4
Writer: NANCY COLLINS
Art: DAVE ACOSTA
Cover: BILLY TAN
32 pages / Teen+ / $3.99
In the final issue of this ground-breaking mini-series, "The Vampire and the Vigilante", two of the Dynamite Universe's most dangerous female characters must put aside their differences in order to combat a common enemy determined to destroy them. While Jennifer Blood must figure out how to kill legions of the Prince's un-killable Shard Men, Vampirella throws down against fellow-bloodsucker Chastity to decide, once and for all, who is the greatest female vampire-turned-vampire hunter of all time!
This book could have ended with the previous issue and I'd have been fine. But, OK, it's part of a crossover, so at some point it has to cross over. It does here.
Writer: MATT WAGNER
Art/Cover: SIMON BISLEY
$14.99
Supernatural bounty hunter John Tower has long been a man shrouded in mystery. Now, discover what set him on this path of horror as his origins are finally uncovered, revealing just what Tower is risking his life to find! As Tower confesses his true nature, one dark secret at a time, Alicia learns just what condemned him to an eternity of torment and ignited his endless quest. But the revelations are cut short when the Brotherhood of the Rose springs a trap on our vulnerable heroes, and a deadly game of cat and mouse begins!
I haven't seen any issues of this, but it's certainly got a nice pedigree!
ULTRAMAN VOL 1 (GN)
Writer/Art/Cover: TOMOHIRO SHIMOGUCHI
$12.99
Shinjiro is an ordinary teenager, but his father is the legendary Shin Hayata. When he learns that his father passed on the "Ultraman Factor" to him, and that he possesses incredible powers, nothing will ever be the same again.
Hokey smokes, Bullwinkle -- has Ultraman become a legacy character? If so, what happened to the original? Or is this not canon? (Assuming there is an Ultraman canon.) Paging the Baron!
VAMPIRELLA #13
Writer: NANCY A. COLLINS
Art: PATRICK BERKENKOTTER
Cover A Main: MIKE MAYHEW
Cover B Variant: JENNY FRISON
Cover C Subscription: STEPHANIE BUSCEMA
40 pages / Teen+ / $4.99
Vampirella must deal with a palace coup in the conclusion of the "God Save the Queen" story arc in this special Unlucky 13 issue. When her lover, Tristan, is kidnapped and tortured by her enemies, Vampirella must decide whether or not to abdicate the throne in favor of the evil Count Savanovic or fight to remain Queen of the Nosferatu with the aid of a former ally-one that also happens to be more than a little dead.
What a beautiful cover by Mike Mayhew!
Writer: NANCY A. COLLINS, GAIL SIMONE, DEVIN GRAYSON, JOHN SHIRLEY, STEVE BISSETTE, ELAINE LEE, DENIS ST. JOHN, JOE R. LANSDALE, ERIC TRAUTMANN, STUART MOORE
Art: JACK JADSON, RONILSON FREIRE, ELMO EKLABUZ, BILQUIS EVELY, EMAN CASALLOS, MIRKA ANDOLFO, CHAD SHEPHERD
Cover: JAY ANACLETO
160 Pages / Teen+ / $19.99
Nancy A. Collins (Swamp Thing, Sunglasses After Dark) has called upon some of today's finest creative talents -- including Gail Simone, Steve Niles, Joe R. Lansdale, Devin Grayson, Stephen R. Bissette, and many more -- to celebrate Vampirella's 45th Anniversary by crafting an anthology of twisted tales, bizarre bedtime stories, and fearsome fables in the tradition of the original Warren magazines, each featuring everyone's favorite sexy, kick-ass vampire-turned-monster hunter.
While exploring the Transylvanian castle she's recently inherited, Vampirella discovers a strange old book of "Feary Tales" that seems oddly familiar. Upon opening it, she is sucked inside its pages and lands in a weird alternate reality, where she is compelled by a disembodied voice calling itself 'The Storyteller' to live out each of the 'feary tales' if she ever hopes to return to reality.
This is a nice story on the surface, about Vampirella being pulled into a book of fairy tales with horror twists, where she must survive each tale to eventually get to the end and escape. So, you know, Hansel & Gretel try to eat her, and she has to battle Cinderella's evil step-sisters, and so forth. But what makes this book stand out a bit from that is the metatextual joke running throughout.
And what is that? Well, if you'll recall, Vampirella got her start as a host of a horror magazine, making corny jokes as she introduced one terror tale after another. In this book, Vampirella is trapped in a collection of horror stories, each introduced by a mysterious host who cracks corny jokes and ... oh, you've got it figured out? I thought that you would.
Writer: MATT PIZZOLO
Art: AMANCAY NAHUELPAN
Cover: AMANCAY NAHUELPAN, MATT PIZZOLO
Mature/$6.99
What if "The Smoking Man" from The X-Files were a real person, and his daughter found out what he did for a living? The daughter of an assassinated globalist kingpin breaks out of an internment camp and leads her fellow escaped prisoners in a battle against an elitist conspiracy of shadow governments, megabanks, and military juntas in this edgy and subversive sci-fi thriller. Incendiary writer Matt Pizzolo and striking newcomer Amancay Nahuelpan unleash this tour-de-force that fearlessly assaults politics-as-usual. Young Terrorists continues the legacy of DMZ and The Invisibles as it manically rips the scab off life under the new world order and revels in the pus underneath.
I was about to ask if there are any old terrorists, but then I remembered that the most successful terrorists are the ones that live lives of luxury in places like Pakistan while bamboozling idealistic youngsters to do the dying for them.
Anyway, it's an interesting-looking book. I have a review copy, and I'll report on it as soon as I can.
ZAGOR: TERROR FROM THE SEA (GN)
Writer: MAURO BOSELLI
Art: STEFANO ANDREUCCI
Cover: MICHELE RUBINI
$15/99
Epicenter Comics proudly brings you legendary hero Zagor for the very first time in English language! Responding to a friend's desperate call for help, Zagor comes face to face with a threat of colossal proportions: Dagon, an ancient God of Abyss and his army of transformed followers have taken over the coast! In this epic battle and race against time, help will have to come from unexpected places!
Zagor was first published in the early 1960s in Italy, and is about a virtually (but not actually) supernatural defender of Native Americans in early 1800s Pennsylvania. What th-? Of course, had he really existed, they'd probably be speaking Shawnee these days.
I've picked up the Ultraman manga, but haven't read it yet. When I do, I'll let you know what I think of it
BIZARRE ADVENTURES OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN (GN)
Laura Howell has a website here. She's a British creator who's worked in British children's comics. The items in her gallery are very well-drawn in cartoony styles and have an anarchic slapstick element. There are two sample Gilbert and Sullivan pages in her gallery in row 5. Row 9 column 3 is an unrelated spoof of The Mikado with walking dead. I liked the row 9 column 1 page the most.
I've got an old Zagor volume somewhere. If I can figure out where I'll write a review. Not that I can understand a word of it. I think it's from Eastern Europe.
Disney spent millions buying Marvel Comics, the largest comic book creator and publisher in North America. Yet they're farming out the book above to Joe Comics, the Disney ducks and mice are at IDW and Disney Fairies is at Papercutz. I've heard a lot of suggestions for why this might be, but I find none of them as convincing as the reported bad blood that developed between Marvel and Disney during the production of Big Hero 6. I'm thinking it's now a corporate decision to keep the kid-friendly books away from Marvel. I hope I'm wrong, but mostly, I'd love to find out!
The Ducks were my introduction to comics back when dinosaurs walked the earth, before I discovered Weisinger's Superman/Superboy books. I'm currently snapping up the deluxe editions of the Carl Barks Ducks being published by Fantagraphics.
Didn't Marvel drop the ball trying to do kid-friendly comics a few years ago? Were they only available in comic shops? Are the IDW books only available in comic shops? If this is true how do they ever expect kids to become readers of comics they never see?
...The iDW Disnies have , I have noticed , " a UPC can go here "-type spaces on their covers with a Disney logo over them
so , whether they are at newsstand accounts right this moment or not in the first few months , I assume that they plant to do so . However , how many nesstand accounts for funnybooks are there now anyhow ? A question for another day .
By " drop the ball...kid-freindly comics " from Marvel do you mean Adventures super-hero comic books ? I believe they still publish titles in that vein to this day , I have pointed out that most fans pay little attention to them and that , when they are noticed by people our age , the fact that they do tend to be put together with kids of today in mind get them a bit not cared for much by " us " , tending more to pine for what were" kids' comics " for the kids of fifty years ago . I've bought at least one issue each of the present IDW revivals of the Disney " Big Four "...Perhaps my commentin' could wait til' its acertained whether any other regular here has bought any/as much ???
Richard Willis said:
If Marvel is basically funded out of the money it makes its resources are limited. The people there might simply think allocating resources to the production of Disney comics wouldn't be worthwhile compared with the other ways the money might be spent.
Marvel might also not have staff able to handle such comics (although it does put out some little kids' comics). In that case it would have to hire an editor, which brings me back to the first point.
Disney could say "Here's money to do it", but perhaps they haven't been able to reach a deal, or Disney doesn't have a reason for thinking Marvel would do a better job than its licensees. There's no reason to think Marvel would be better at creating Disney stories for the Italian market (say) than the licensee who currently does it. Likewise it mightn't be better at creating stories for the US market than IDW or Papercutz, which actually want to do it.
We take it for granted that Marvel and DC license the production of lunchboxes etc. with their characters. Licensing the production of comics isn't that different. Most Disney comics have been licensed products.
IDW and Papercutz might also be better at getting such products to their potential customers, and more likely to put a major effort into it than Marvel.
...All the IDWs I've seen t date focus on Euroe=pean material (translated and rediaogued , of course , with credit given for both) , with the back of the book (always?) having reprinted brief gag material all by Dell??-era artists or Sunday newspaper strips or even British annual material ~ and no Carl Barks in any issues I've seen !!!!!!!!!
That's interesting. Thanks, E.D.
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