JUNE 8, 2016
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
4001 A.D.: BLOODSHOT #1
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover A by RYAN LEE
Cover B by CAFU
Character Design Variant by RYAN LEE
Interlocking Mega-Cover Variant by RYAN LEE
$3.99 • 32 pgs. • T+
Valiant is proud to present an advance preview of 4001 A.D.: BLOODSHOT #1 – an explosive new adventure launching directly out of the pages of the summer's blockbuster crossover event and into an essential standalone one-shot from New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (BLOODSHOT REBORN, Descender) and Valiant-exclusive superstar Doug Braithwaite (NINJAK, Justice)! On June 8th, the future will be written in blood, bullets, and bombshells when Valiant’s unstoppable soldier wages war on the forces of 4001 A.D.! As Rai's insurrection against the tyrannical A.I. called Father and the kingdom of New Japan escalates, Project Rising Spirit’s most lethal creation will rise from the ashes of history to fight one final battle that will shake the 41st century to its core!
Centuries ago, Bloodshot was the man called Ray Garrison. Now, in the year 4001 A.D., Ray Garrison is no more … but the nanites that once thrived inside him endure still. With their master long since gone, the microscopic machines that once drove Bloodshot through every firefight, healed every wound, and calculated every outcome have one final directive left to execute … but what could it possibly be? And how will the forces of the future react when the infamous man-turned-machine called Bloodshot returns to fight another day?
This is essentially an origin story, but a painless one.
It's also something of a travelogue, as the new Bloodshot travels from Russia to Canada on a mysterious final mission, giving us a quick look at several 4001 societies. It's pretty interesting, although we must assume that the new Bloodshot will somehow find his way into the battle against Father (currently ongoing in the main 4001 A.D. series).
I hope it's not a spoiler to describe the new Bloodshot, who is essentially nothing but the nanites that once helped the human Bloodshot overcome any wound. This nanite collective (for lack of a better word) builds itself a body of sorts for its mission, left over from its previous incarnation/programming. This is definitely a new Bloodshot, which is a good idea -- without "Ray Garrison" inside, this Bloodshot is more formidable than its previous incarnation and even less predictable. There's no telling where this Bloodshot will go or what it will do, which is a wide-open premise. If there's any flaw it's that there are as yet no supporting characters, meaning Bloodshot must maintain an internal monolog so we know what he's doing.
Braithwaite's art is proficient and clear as ever. There's never any question what's going on, despite the high-tech hoo-ha that occurs, and it's attractive as well. His pacing on this issue is measured and deliberate, mirroring the monolog.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
ACTION COMICS #957
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER
Cover by MIKEL JANIN
Variant cover by RYAN SOOK
32 pg • FC • $2.99 US • RATED T
NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!
This issue will ship with two covers.
“PATH TO DOOM” Chapter One
Superman returns to Metropolis just in time to meet the city of tomorrow’s newest protector: Lex Luthor. But it’s not long before these dueling titans meet someone unexpected — the new Clark Kent!
DON’T MISS: ACTION COMICS returns to its original numbering with this issue!
REVIEW HELD UNTIL WEDNESDAY
ACTIONVERSE (TPB)
Publisher: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
Writers: ANTHONY RUTTGAIZER, JAMAL IGLE, SHAWN GABBORIN, RAY-ANTHONY HEIGHT, SEAN IZAAKSE AND VITO DELSANTE
Art: MARCO RENNA, JAMAL IGLE, CHAD CICCONI, RAY-ANTHONY HEIGHT, SEAN IZAAKSE, STEVE WALKER (ART), FRED S. STRESING, ROSS HUGHES, MEREDITH MORIARTY, NATE LOVETT, WILSON RAMOS JR. (COLORS)
Cover: SEAN IZAAKSE/MAT LOPES
224 pgs • A • FC • $19.99
The Most Action-Packed Crossover Event Ever!
ACTIONERVERSE Volume1 collects issue #0-6 of the crossover event that has been six years in the making. Several universes are under the threat of destructions and it’s up to the combined powers of Jake Roth (THE F1RST HERO), Molly Danger, Virtue (FRACTURE), Midnight Tiger and Stray. They are up against the deadly Cascade and their only hope is Molly’s arch-enemy, Medula. But will he prove to be friend or foe?
This event serves as a great introduction to Action Lab’s long line of superhero comics. There is a hero for everyone in this book, from the world’s oldest 10-year-old girl to a grown man. More characters are added with each issue of ACTIONVERSE. Character biographies also appear at the end of each issue, a great help for new readers.
Under the combined efforts of writers Anthony Ruttgaizer (THE F1RST HERO), Jamal Igle (MOLLY DANGER), Shawn Gabborin (FRACTURE), Ray-Anthony Height (MIDNIGHT TIGER), Sean Izaakse (STRAY) and Vito Delsante (STRAY), Actionverse is a creator-owned crossover lover’s dream!
The numerous characters play well off of each other, from the protagonists to the supporting cast. The friendship between Jake Roth and Molly Danger feels genuine. You can feel the tension between Virtue, Stray and the Doberman. Everyone’s personality shines and their banter will surely get some chuckles out of readers. The villainous Cascade has some especially funny moment—with more than just a touch of menace. Cascade, a former villain from FRACTURE, has great motivation—and a sense of humor to match! His power only grows as the series goes on and he serves as a real threat to multiple worlds.
The artwork is handled by several accomplished illustrators including Marco Renna (THE F1RST HERO), Jamal Igle, Chad Cicconi (FRACTURE), Ray-Anthony Height, Sean Izaakse, Steve Walker (VENTURE), topped off with colors by Fred S. Stresing (THE F1RST HERO), Ross Hughes (DEATHSTROKE), Meredith Moriarty (PRINCELESS), Nate Lovett (MIDNIGHT TIGER) and Wilson Ramos Jr. (VINCENT PRICE PRESENTS). The artwork is a fun foray into Action Lab, a world filled with colorful and expressive characters.
Stakes are high in this series and will impact the Action Lab universe as a whole. Find out what this means for the heroes and villains of Action Lab in the ACTIONVERSE TPB.
Praise for Actionverse # 0: “Overall, it was a strong, fun and exciting experience, setting up for wanting more while being an exquisite one shot.” -- The Broken Infinite (Frank Rodriguez)
This collection of seven comics is a bit uneven in quality, as you'd expect from the many different writers and artists involved. It's a nice introduction to the various heroes of the Actionverse, even if it all feels a bit familiar.
For example, the "Actionverse" moniker isn't just an affectation -- the various heroes and villains involved come from parallel Earths. Where have I heard that before? And the various characters, with one exception, are variations of various super-characters we've seen before: The inflexible Superman analog, the eager kid, the feral-ish tough guy.
That one exception though, doesn't feel like anything I've read before: Molly Danger is an alien that's super-strong, possibly immortal, virtually indestructible -- and looks like a 10-year-old girl! That last bit offers a lot of unique humor and dialogue, which offsets the banality of her personality, which is little different than your average Silver Age DC superhero.
All in all, the Actionverse isn't terribly original in either content or execution. But it's competently done, and worth your time if you're willing to invest in a new superhero universe.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
AQUAMAN: REBIRTH #1
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by DAN ABNETT
Art by OSCAR JIMENEZ
Cover by BRAD WALKER and DREW HENNESSEY
Variant cover by RYAN BENJAMIN
One-shot • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Born to both the surface and the sea, Arthur Curry walks in two worlds but can find a home in neither. The King of Atlantis looks to reconcile his split heritage as he embarks on a new mission that may finally make him choose between his two paths.
POLITICAL PLAYER: “As the leader of a world power,” writer Dan Abnett says, “Arthur believes it’s time Atlantis became part of the global community. Atlantis has been on the outside for too long: feared, mysterious and misunderstood. But that means getting the world used to Atlantis … and vice versa.
REVIEW HELD UNTIL WEDNESDAY
THE ART OF DOOM (HC)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer/Art/Cover: id Software
FC • 184 pages • HC • 9'' x 12'' • $39.99 • 16+
Dark Horse Books and Bethesda Softworks® announced that The Art of DOOM will be available in stores on June 8, 2016. The Art of DOOM is a massive art tome from id Software®’s highly anticipated first-person shooter DOOM®. The iconic game that defined a genre, DOOM is considered one of the most influential games ever made and returns as a brutally fun and challenging modern-day shooter experience on May 13, 2016.
From the massive UAC facilities on Mars to the depths of Hell, uncover never-before-seen sketches and concept art from DOOM. The book also features an exclusive look at the development of the relentless demons of Hell, devastating, over-the-top weapons, and the iconic DOOM marine. The Art of DOOM also includes commentary from the developers at id Software, the studio that pioneered the first-person-shooter genre and invented multiplayer Deathmatch.
The Art of DOOM is indispensable for fans of incredible art, video games, visceral first-person shooter combat, and pulse-pounding action!
Press release.
THE ART OF MIRROR’S EDGE: CATALYST (HC)
Publisher: DARK HORSE COMICS
Writer/Art: DICE
FC • 184 pages • $39.99 • HC • 9" x 12" • Limited Edition HC $79.99
Take a behind-the-scenes journey into the richly detailed yet minimalist futuristic, totalitarian universe of Mirror’s Edge with this oversized hardcover art book! Each glossy page is jam packed with never-before-seen art, commentary, and insight from the creators of the game! Fans and newcomers alike won’t want to miss this beautiful art-book experience!
• Features commentary from the game’s creators and never-before-seen art!
• Dive into the universe of the game that won the Game Chronicles award for Biggest Surprise of E3 2013!
Hot on the heels of an incredible E3 2015, DICE and Dark Horse are set to give Mirror’s Edge™ Catalyst fans the inside track on the artistry and skill on display in the game.
Set for release on February 23, 2016—the same release day as Mirror’s Edge Catalyst—The Art of Mirror’s Edge will take fans on a behind-the-scenes journey into the richly detailed yet minimalist totalitarian futuristic universe of Mirror’s Edge Catalyst with this oversized hardcover art book. Each glossy page includes some never before seen art, commentary, and insight from the creators of the game. See the concepts behind Faith and her world take shape.
From free running up the tallest skyscrapers to delving into the secrets of the city of Glass, both fans and newcomers alike won’t want to miss this beautiful art book experience.
Never-before-seen art from the hit video game!
Another press release.
BLACK DAHLIA (HC)
Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Writers: MATZ & Various
Art/Cover: MILES HYMAN
$29.99
What's to Love: This gripping graphic novel adaptation of the highly acclaimed book by James Ellroy, The Black Dahlia, delves deeply into one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in American history. Award-winning filmmaker David Fincher (Gone Girl, Zodiac) and acclaimed storyteller Matz (The Killer) worked at length to preserve much of Ellroy's original dialogue while bringing the stark images of 1940s L.A. to full, living color with illustrator Miles Hyman.
What It Is: LAPD investigators Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard find themselves enthralled with the mysterious and brutal murder of a beautiful young woman, Elizabeth Short. Their obsession takes a dark turn as they delve into the underbelly of Hollywood and the heart of the dead woman's tortured and twisted past. It is a case that will test their mettle and their sanity.
I feel guilty about being interested in this story. Elizabeth Short's sad, short life was nothing exceptional, nor was she a Hollywood beauty or a high-price escort or any of the other things fiction writers cast her as. (She had no connection to Hollywood at all, and wasn't really a beauty.) It is only because of her lurid death, and our unhealthy fascination with such things, that we remember her at all, when there are innumerable unsolved murders of women in this country.
And boy, was her death lurid. The poor woman was tortured, and her corpse was abused in shocking and sickening ways. Even her family was tricked and abused by the newspapers of the time. Hers was an ordinary story whose only notable feature was its end, which we insist on making into a Hollywood thriller.
It's not. it's just really, really sad.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
CHAPTERHOUSE ARCHIVES: NORTHGUARD #1
Publisher: CHAPTERHOUSE COMICS
Writer: MARK SHAINBLUM
Art/Cover: GABRIEL MORRISETTE
Blank Sketch Variant available
$3.99
Chapterhouse Archives presents the reprints of Northguard, written by Mark Shainblum and illustrated by Gabriel Morrissette in never-before seen full color! Originally printed in 1984 to 1991 under its own label - New Triumph -- Northguard became an immediate hit and this premiere issue features a brand-new Northguard story and cover by the originals themselves, Mark Shainblum and Gabriel Morrissette.
I actually have Northguard #1 somewhere in the Comics Cave. Since I don't have #2, I can only assume it didn't wow me. Don't ask me for details -- it was 32 years ago!
CIVIL WAR CAVALCADE
Here's this week's Civil War II offerings. Marvel isn't skimping on the marketing, with PR, variant covers and previews.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
CIVIL WAR II: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Art by TRAVEL FOREMAN
Cover by KHARY RANDOLPH
Variant Cover by GREG LAND
Character Variant by PHIL NOTO
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99
The drums of war beat in the Marvel Universe, and its heroes must choose a side. Caught between two friends, who will Peter Parker stand with? The battle lines are drawn for the wall-crawler this June in CIVIL WAR II: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 – a new series from writer Christos Gage and artist Travel Foreman!
There’s a new Inhuman with the ability to predict the future. Though the heroes of the Marvel Universe continue to grapple with their feelings about his very existence, one thing is certain – he bears a tremendous amount of responsibility to use his powers safely. Thankfully there’s one hero in the Marvel Universe who knows a thing or two about power and responsibility – the Amazing Spider-Man!
“[Peter] isn’t about to pick a side until he can figure out what the Inhuman at the center of this is all about,” says Christos Gage in an interview with Marvel.com. “So he insists upon some one-on-one time. And given his friendship with Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, who now lives with the Inhumans, he gets it.”
As Peter uncovers more about Ulysses and his powers – will he ultimately stand with Captain Marvel? Or will he side with Iron Man? Find out as he swings his way into the comic event of the year when CIVIL WAR II: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices everywhere this June!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
CIVIL WAR II: GODS OF WAR #1 (of 4)
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Written by DAN ABNETT
Art by EMILIO LAISO
Cover by JAY ANACLETO
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
Variant Cover by JAY ANACLETO
Thor Character Variant by PHIL NOTO
32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99
The world stands upon the brink of chaos. As friend stands against friend … which side with the world’s very first superhero land? Find out as Hercules storms the front lines in CIVIL WAR II: GODS OF WAR #1, coming to comic shops and digital devices this June! Writer Dan Abnett and artist Emilio Laiso bring Hercules directly into the conflict of the biggest comic event of the year. Could a God tip the scales in Captain Marvel or Iron Man’s favor?
“Herc is loyal," says writer Dan Abnett in an interview with Marvel.com. “Picking a side for him is a simple thing. But when the sides aren’t good and evil, that troubles him. To him, a [Civil War II] kind of rift where heroes are in conflict with other heroes – he’s got friends on both sides, and friends or not, he recognizes them all as fellow heroes – is just plain wrong.”
As war grips the Marvel Universe, Hercules will ask himself – what role should a god play in the conflict of mortals? Is he responsible for a larger role in the potential destruction of the Marvel Universe? Or should he intervene and change history? Joined by fellow gods Gilgamesh, Sigurd, Lorelei, Beowulf and Theseus – Hercules and his pantheon of ancient comrades charge headlong into battle. With the heart and soul of the Marvel Universe at stake – these immortal warriors could turn the tide for either team. But which side are they on?
The Gods march to war this June. Be there as the battle kicks off in CIVIL WAR II: GODS OF WAR #1!
NEW AVENGERS #12
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Written by AL EWING
Art by PACO MEDINA
Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
Black Panther 50th Anniversary Variant Cover by DENYS COWAN
Civil War Reenactment Variant by GREG LAND
32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99
Super spies take on super science this June as Civil War II comes to Sunspot and his team! Only some wars are less civil than others. Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at NEW AVENGERS #12 – a tie-in to Civil War II! Writer Al Ewing and artist Paco Medina are here to unleash the sky-hi spy-fi on the Marvel Universe. But as Civil War II rages, who’s paying attention to W.H.I.S.P.E.R. and their sinister leader, the Maker? He and his New Revengers are out to put down the New Avengers once and for all – unless S.H.I.E.L.D. does it first! The all-out action kicks off this June in NEW AVENGERS #12!
• CIVIL WAR II is raging through the Marvel U -- but SOME wars are less civil than others!
• Roberto Da Costa’s mission -- should he choose to accept it -- is to play the ultimate secret agents at their own game... with the free world as the stakes!
• This is sky-high spy-fi the way you crave it, true believer! This is ... A.I.M. VERSUS S.H.I.E.L.D.!
CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED
Publisher: CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED
Writers/Art: Various; $9.95 each
Everybody's so well-groomed in Classics Illustrated.
Take a look at Kidnapped -- the pirate is not only clean-shaven, but he has a freshly laundered, poofy shirt that matches his head scarf! How many pirates were that into accessories?
Ivanhoe is also pretty well-dressed, despite living in an era when his clothes were probably washed by banging them with rocks in a river. Also, who does his hair? He must use conditioner.
Even the Knights of the Round Table don't have a smudge on them, despite being in combat. I get dirtier than that fetching the mail.
A CORNUCOPIA OF DEADPOOL
It's been months since the movie, but there's still a crap ton of Deadpool material in the pipeline. This week has two collections and the last issue of a miniseries.
DEADPOOL CLASSIC VOL. 16: KILLOGY (TPB)
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Penciled by DALIBOR TALAJIC, MATTEO LOLLI & SALVA ESPIN
Cover by MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
280 PGS. • Parental Advisory • $34.99
Wade Wilson stars in a killogy of chaos! It begins when (spoilers!) Deadpool kills the Marvel Universe! But what could drive another dimension’s DP to murderize every other costumed hero and villain on his world? And his bloodlust doesn’t stop there. Not when the Ideaverse is full of the fabled icons of classic literature — you know, the ones your parents read about in books. And not when there are multiple realities, harboring infinite Mercs with infinite Mouths. Before this Wade’s work is done, every one of them must be silenced — permanently! Only one man can avert regenerating de-genocide. To catch a Deadpool, you need a Deadpool. And it just so happens the Wade Wilson you know and love is the Deadpooliest of them all! Collecting DEADPOOL KILLS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #1-4, DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED #1-4 and DEADPOOL KILLS DEADPOOL #1-4.
DEADPOOL & THE MERCS FOR MONEY #5 (of 5)
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Writer: CULLEN BUNN
Art: SALVADOR ESPIN
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
DESIGN VARIANT COVER BY MIKE HAWTHORNE
VARIANT COVER BY RON LIM
32 PGS. • Parental Advisory • $3.99
• The final fate of the future Recorder is revealed!
• Will the forces of good prevail?
• More importantly--will the Mercs get their Money?
DEADPOOL: WORLD'S GREATEST VOL 2: END OF ERROR (TPB)
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Writers/Art: Various
Cover: TONY MOORE
136 PGS • Parental Advisory • $15.99
The regenerating degenerate is now one of the most popular heroes in the world - a freaking Avenger, for crying out loud! But enough about Wade: If you like Deadpool, you'll go crazy for yet more Deadpools! Like the Mercs for Money he's recruited, in their own madcap adventures! And how about Deadpool 2099? You're about to jump decades into the future to meet an all-new Merc with an all-different Mouth! But who is...she?! Plus: Say "hola" to Masacre - the Deadpool of Mexico! He'll slaughter his way into your hearts in an entirely Spanish-language tale written, drawn and edited by folks who don't speak it! It doesn't get any Deadpoolier than this! Collecting DEADPOOL (2015) #6-7 and #3.1: TRES PUNTO UNO.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
DETECTIVE COMICS #934
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
Variant cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
32 pg • FC • $2.99 US • RATED T
NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!
This issue will ship with two covers.
“RISE OF THE BATMEN” Chapter One
An unknown predator begins outdoing Batman, taking down dangerous threats with military precision. It’s up to the Dark Knight and series co-star Batwoman to rally and train the young heroes of Gotham City to end this mysterious threat!
WHAT NOW: Batman and Batwoman begin training Spoiler, Red Robin and Cassandra Cain, but is the villainous Clayface ready for redemption?
REVIEW HELD UNTIL WEDNESDAYDOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR TWO #10
Publisher: TITAN COMICS
Writer: ROB WILLIAMS
Art: SIMON FRASER
Cover A: DAN BOULTWOOD
Cover B: WILL BROOKS
Cover C: ANDREW PEPOY
$3.99
Badly wounded by The Then and The Now, the Squire must deal with the fallout of Alice's deadly decision, as Abslom Daak's fury rounds on the Doctor in full force. Death, devastation, and the aftermath of the Time War - this one has it all! Can the Doctor still find the truth and save his friends?
Preview.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
DREAMWORKS SHREK #1
Publisher: JOE BOOKS INC.
Writer: PATRICK STORCK
Art/Cover: GLAUCO SILVA
$2.99
"The Charming Job." It's a nice, relaxing day at the local fair for Shrek and his friends, with nothing dangerous around except for the food. But when Shrek spots Prince Charming up to no good, Shrek stumbles onto a much bigger scheme. Chaos breaks out, and Shrek aims to stop it!
I've never even seen a Shrek movie, but if you have kids who are into it, here's a new title.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
DREDD DUST #1
Publisher: REBELLION / 2000AD
Writer: ARTHUR WYATT
Art: BEN WILLSHER
RYAN BROWN
$3.99
The Dredd movie sequel comic is back in a two-part special! When Judge Dredd is called to a ruthless gang slaying, it seems a vigilante is at work, but a residue of dust left behind indicate that this is no ordinary perp and Dredd's quest for answers leads beyond the walls of Mega-City One and into the inhospitable irradiated wasteland called The Cursed Earth! "Dust" is the latest comic-book sequel to the critically-acclaimed cult movie DREDD!
I did see the Dredd movie, and really enjoyed it. (Cersei and Dr. McCoy were in it!) Too bad it didn't do better at the box office. Anyway, 2000 AD isn't letting it go!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
THE FLASH: REBIRTH #1
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by CARMINE DI GIANDOMENICO
Cover by KARL KERSCHL
Variant cover by JASON PEARSON
One-shot • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Spinning directly out of the epic events of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1, the Fastest Man Alive finds himself at the center of a DC Universe at a crossroads.
WARNING: Do NOT read this issue until after you read DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1!
REVIEW HELD UNTIL WEDNESDAY
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
GHOUL SCOUTS: NIGHT OF THE UNLIVING UNDEAD #1
Publisher: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
Writer: STEVE BRYANT
Art: MARK STEGBAUER, JASON MILLET
Cover A: MARK STEGBAUER
Cover B: MIKE NORTON
Cover C: SEAN IZAAKSE
Something stranger than usual haunts Full Moon Hollow, Paranormal Capital of the World. Adults either can't see it, can't remember it, or go crazy from it. So when zombies attack during the Hemlock County Scouting Jamboree, only a group of misfits can save the Hollow. Be prepared. Be very prepared.
Ghoul Scouts development began back in 2007, in an email exchange with a friend discussing our weekends. She did normal things like spending time with friends and playing video games. For me, any time that wasn’t devoted to having fun with my son, Chance, was focused solely on making comics. As many comics folk will tell you, making comics can be an all-consuming pastime that leaves little room for other interests.
Her: I LOVE that you related being able to play “Dead Rising” to being more "well-rounded."
Me: Zombie killing is a skill that creates well-rounded people. Everyone knows that. It's in Chance's Cub Scout manual, page 147. He can earn a zombie-killing badge and everything.
And it snowballed from there.
I was most excited about having a comic I made that I could share with my son. He was 7 years old when the above discussion took place. This would be the perfect book to read with him!
The original title of the series was Zomboy Scouts, and it featured a group of boys trying to get home from a scouting campout during a zombie outbreak. At the conclusion of the adventure, the boys would realize that there was something strange about their town and that they were the only line of defense against the weirdness. The second volume would introduce an all-girls rival group called the Ghoul Scouts, and we’d have two companion series: one starring four boys and one starring four girls.
I had so much worked out in my head: a series, a spin-off, a couple of cool titles and a number of plots, but I didn’t have an artist. I write and draw comics, but, as an artist, it’s important to understand when your style is appropriate, and when it is not. I can occasionally work in a cartoony style, but there’s a lot of struggle to get the artwork looking consistent and polished. I needed to find someone who could breathe life into these characters. Finding the right artist for a project can be a time-consuming process. Believe me, I know.
Enter Mark Stegbauer. Mark has spent years inking superhero and adventure comics, and he does it well. However, Mark is a crazy-talented cartoonist, as well. After seeing his creator-owned title Doctor Goyle, which he writes and draws, I knew his style was perfect for Ghoul Scouts.
In 2014—seven years after starting to play with the idea of scouts versus zombies—Mark and I started work together on the Zomboy Scouts pitch. Early in the process, I started sharing pitch text and story beats with Chris Murrin, whose editorial insights have been invaluable to my Athena Voltaire work. Chris loved the premise and characters, but wasn’t crazy about the title.
After living with it for years, I wasn’t about to change the title, just because Chris couldn’t see the brilliance of it. Nope. I was digging my heels in on this one.
Heh. Sounds like Gotham Academy meets The Walking Dead by way of Scooby Doo. Could be fun.
GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #12
Publisher: GRAPHIC INDIA PTE. LTD
Writers: GRANT MORRISON, SARWAT CHADDA
Main Cover ($2.99): JEEVAN KANG
Cover A (DEMON BRIDE LTD ED, $9.99): SAUMIN PATEL
Cover B (BHIMA SUPER DESTROYER LTD, $9.99): MUKESH SINGH
Duryodhana grows impatient as Bhima continues to decimate his Kaurava forces. Determined to stop Bhima, Duryodhana summons one of his greatest weapons -- the Unstoppable War Elephants! Bhima faces his greatest challenge yet in the first part of this epic two-parter!
Variant covers.
GRIMM FAIRY TALES #123
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Writer: PATRICK SHAND
Art: CHRIS JOHNSON
Cover A: PRYZEMSLAW KLOSIN
Cover B: HARVEY TALBAO
Cover C: SABINE RICH
$3.99
EIGHTEEN FOREVER, PART TWO
When an old foe returns offering friendship, the survivors of the assault on Arcane Acre search for a night of peace of the eve before their final conflict with Bloody Bones. With their lives on the line, and nothing left to lose, the kids put everything on the table and offer their final goodbyes.
Also, Bloody Bones unleashes the Kraken. No, really.
More variant covers.
GRIMM FAIRY TALES: TALES OF TERROR VOL 2 #9
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Writers: RALPH TEDESCO, JOE BRUSHA
Cover A: ERIC J
Cover B: RIVEIRO
Cover C:
Mature/$3.99
The legend of the Bogeyman has been passed down for generations . Parents tell the tale of an evil entity who comes for children who are naughty, using the myth to scare children into behaving. But what of the Bogeyman exists? And what if he wants something else from his victims?
And yes, still more variant covers. Is cover B an homage to The Shining? Looks familiar somehow.
HEROES: VENGEANCE (TPB)
Publisher: TITAN COMICS
Writers: SEAMUS KEVIN FAHEY & ZACH CRALEY
Artist: RUBINE
Cover: PAUL POPE
28 pages • FC • $14.99
The five-part Vengeance story arc focuses on Oscar Gutierrez’s origins and time as the second El Vengador … before the mantle was passed to his brother Carlos in Heroes Reborn … Guest-starring Father Mauricio, Captain Dearing and other characters from the Heroes Reborn show.
I don't watch the show, so I don't read the book. But if you are a Heroes fan, here's a collection of the first series spinning off from the new series.
INCREDIBLE HULK EPIC COLLECTION: MAN OR MONSTER? (TPB)
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Volume #1 in the Incredible Hulk Epic Collections
Written by STAN LEE
Penciled by JACK KIRBY with STEVE DITKO & DICK AYERS
Cover by JACK KIRBY
392 PGS. • All Ages • $34.99
Dr. Robert Bruce Banner may look like a mild-mannered scientist, but after being caught in a gamma-bomb explosion, he became the unstoppable engine of destruction known as the Hulk! Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s atomic update on the Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde paradigm mixed the might of giant monsters with Cold War intrigue and psychological drama. Decades later, it’s a formula that still has readers clamoring for more! For the first time, this Epic Collection follows Hulk’s every adventure: his original series, his time fighting alongside — and against — the Avengers, his first confrontation with the Thing, encounters with Spider-Man and Ant-Man, and a mythic battle with Thor! Collecting INCREDIBLE HULK (1962) #1-6, FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #12 and #25-26, AVENGERS (1963) #1-3 and #5, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (1963) #14, and material from TALES TO ASTONISH (1959) #59 and JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY (1952) #112.
I have all these stories in various forms, so I'm not likely to buy this. But I really want to, because it does something I've always wanted to see: It collects all the Hulk appearances between the end of Incredible Hulk and the beginning of the Emerald Behemoth's next series, in Tales to Astonish. It would be cool to read all those in a row, to see what changes the character went through as Stan & Jack retooled him for greater success.
LOVE: THE LION (HC)
Publisher: MAGNETIC PRESS
Illustrated by FEDERICO BERTOLUCCI
Written by FRÉDÉRIC BRRÉMAUD
80 pages • FC • $17.99
A young lion wanders the Serengeti in search of a pride to call his own. But being alone, he is watched with cautious eyes by those families he encounters along the way, including a coalition of rival males in search of their own pride to conquer.
So the nomad searches patiently, waiting for the opportunity to claim his territory and find a new family. But loneliness can breed ferocity …
The third volume in the lavishly illustrated, award-winning series of wildlife graphic novels, each depicting a day in the life of different wild animals, told through the dramatic lens of Disney-esque storytelling, like a nature documentary in illustration. Love: The Lion, written by Frederic Brremaud, is told without narration or dialogue, conveyed entirely through the beautiful illustrations of Federico Bertolucci.
This book comes hot on the heels of the announcement that LOVE: THE FOX won a Gold Medal at the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
"Lavish, gorgeously rendered. ... A monument to modern sequential narrative." -- COMIC BOOK RESOURCES
"... Breathtaking beauty. ... Gorgeous full page illustrations that recall Disney's animated classics." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
"... A stunning visual delight that paints the natural world with a lush sense of wonder and graceful wit. You will joyfully lose yourself in its abundance." -- J.H. WILLIAMS III (Eisner Award Winning Artist of SANDMAN & PROMETHEA)
"Expertly controlled. ... A beautiful slice-of-life graphic novel ..." -- SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"... If you are someone who loves comics for its ability to grant narrative meaning to still images, this book was made for you." -- THE COMICS BEAT
"... The book is gorgeous and the panels, breathlessly paced. ... Visually lavish and unforgettable" -- KIRKUS REVIEWS
Magnetic Press offered a review copy from Net Galley, which is usually pretty reliable, but it was damaged and wouldn't open. Which is a shame, because I was really looking forward to reading it, and telling you guys about it. All I can say is that I got a hard copy of the previous issue, Love: The Fox, and my wife and I loved it.
Update: The fault was mine on the review, because I didn't read it before it expired on May 31.
Now I have, and I am simply stunned. My God, this is beautiful work.
It's an entirely silent comic, largely following a lion who has no pack. It's not a happy life, as he is chased from recent kills by other predators and fails to take a pack from another lion. We also follow that pack for a while, seeing how things work in the natural world. It's brutal, but the art is so incredibly beautiful and lush it's like watching a documentary. You can't help but be sucked into the harsh beauty of this world.
And there is an ending that will rip your heart out. I kid thee not.
Just beautiful work. Without a single word, Love: The Lion tells a story you will never forget.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
LUMBERJANES/GOTHAM ACADEMY #1
Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS
Writer: CHYNNA CLUGSTON-FLORES
Art: ROSEMARY VALERO-O'CONNELL
Cover: MINGJUE HELEN CHEN
$3.99
What's to Love: We adore DC's Gotham Academy and it's been on our wish list to have them somehow meet the Lumberjanes. From the great characters to the fun stories, we saw a world in which these two groups could coexist. Fast forward and here we are -- the crossover event we've dreamed about and can't wait to bring to you!
What It Is: Something sinister is happening at a mysterious building deep in the woods, drawing the Lumberjanes and the Gotham Academy kids separately to investigate. Is it a weird cabin? An abandoned asylum? The two groups band together to find out what exactly is going on. Featuring a connecting subscription cover by Brooke Allen!
I hope this is such a success that both groups team up with the Ghoul Scouts!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
MASAMUNE-KUN'S REVENGE VOL 1 (GN)
Publisher: SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Writer: TAKEOKA HAZUKI
Art/Cover: TIV
$12.99
As an overweight child, Makabe Masamune was mercilessly teased and bullied by one particular girl, Adagaki Aki. Determined to one day exact his revenge upon her, Makabe begins a rigorous regimen of self-improvement and personal transformation. Years later, Masamune reemmerges as a new man. Handsome, popular, with perfect grades and good at sports, Masamune-kun transfers to Aki's school, and is unrecognizable to her. Now, Masamune-kun is ready to confront the girl who bullied him so many years ago and humiliate her at last. Revenge is sweet!
As if every single one of us can't guess how this is going to play out. You are doomed to fall in love with your tormenter, Masamune-kun! Run away! Run away!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
MERRY MEN #1
Publisher: ONI PRESS INC.
Writer: ROBERT RODI
Art/Cover: JACKIE LEWIS
Mature/$3.99
13th century England. Robert Godwinson, former lover of King Richard, lives with his band of Merry Men in Sherwood Forest, away from the watchful eye of Prince John, who has outlawed homosexuality. Though isolated, the men live in peace -- that is, until a stranger approaches their camp asking for aid to a nearby town under siege by the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robert -- nicknamed Robin -- is reluctant to help, but equally eager to get rid of this perplexing stranger ... and to put his formidable bow-and-arrow to use. It's Robin Hood like you've never seen him before, based on scholarly speculation about what's really behind the outlaw's legend.
Robert Rodi might be a relatively familiar name to those in my age bracket, as he used to be a regular letterhack back when that was a thing. He grew up, though, as we all do, and became a writer. The first work of his I saw was What They Did to Princess Paragon, a humor novel that followed the ramifications of DC Comics a comics publisher changing Wonder Woman Princess Paragon into a lesbian to boost sales. Zany antics ensue.
I enjoyed that, and have enjoyed some of Rodi's other work, like Four Horsemen for Vertigo. Unfortunately for me, Rodi -- who is openly gay -- tends to write mostly about gay themes, which don't interest me much. That appears to be the case here, which looks like a Robin Hood story where everyone's gay. Talk about Frederic Wertham's "wish dream of ... homosexuals living together"! I hope he at least provides Maid Marian with something -- or someone -- to do. Could get boring for her otherwise.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
MIDNIGHT OF THE SOUL #1 (of 5)
Publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Writer/Art/Cover: HOWARD CHAYKIN
32 PAGES • FC • M • $3.50
Begin an all-new miniseries from the artist of SATELLITE SAM!
Fan-favorite and cult cartoonist Howard Chaykin (AMERICAN FLAGG!, SATELLITE SAM) launches an all-new, full-color, noir-infused, miniseries.
Set in 1950, MIDNIGHT OF THE SOUL follows Joel Breakstone, a former G.I., one of the liberators of Auschwitz, and a walking pile of seriously damaged goods. He hasn't exhaled a sober breath in five years—until the sheltered life he's created for himself unravels and he begins the long night that will change his life forever.
"Midnight of the Soul is a labor of love," said Chaykin. "A dream project I've been working on for nearly 20 years—and I'm thrilled to finally get the chance to put it on paper."
I enjoy most of Howard Chaykin's work, but I do tire of seeing the same lead character in every one of them.
NINJAK #16
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by DIEGO BERNARD and ANDRES GUINALDO
Cover A by MIKE CHOI
Cover B by KHOI PHAM
Variant Cover by JEFFREY VEREGGE
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+
“THE SIEGE OF KING’S CASTLE” spirals out of control!
Roku continues to tear down Ninjak’s world brick by brick … and, now, the world’s most dangerous MI-6 operative has just found himself disavowed, out in the cold, and on the run. With no allies left to turn to, can Colin King get his bearings before Roku takes everything – including his life?
New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (DIVINITY II) and rising star Diego Bernard (X-O MANOWAR) pull back the layers of Roku’s plan to destroy her bitterest enemy … and reveal a shocking secret at the heart of Ninjak’s identity here as the walls fall around “THE SIEGE OF KING’S CASTLE”!
Preview, press release AND variant covers!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
NORMAN #1
Publisher: TITAN COMICS
Writer/Art/Cover A: STAN SILAS
Cover B: ROMAN DIRGE
32PGS / Mature / $3.99
Norman is a blue-eyed, blond-haired psychopath. He's also a little kid. And he really likes to kill people. Queen Bee of the Schoolyard, Grace, seems to have a knack for it, too. But she's nothing like Norman! He's a sicko. Grace is just ... enacting a little
Beginning this June 2016, Titan Comics will expand the gloomy world of the award-winning graphic novel series when they launch Stan Silas' Norman as a monthly series!
From visionary writer/artist Stan Silas' creation is perfect for fans of Emily The Strange, Lenore and the grand tradition of horror comedies Gremlins, Shaun Of The Dead and Chucky!
Announced at ComicsPRO retailer summit in Portland, Oregon, the debut issue of the new series features an exclusive cover by series creator Stan Silas and macabre superstar of the Lenore series, Roman Dirge!
The brand-new series follows directly from the critically-acclaimed collected editions, which went onto become a cult hit, described as "Dexter: The Early Years" and "Charles Schultz meets Tim Burton set in South Park."
This felt like a lot more than 32 pages, and it more or less filled you in on what you missed in the first two Norman GNs (if, indeed, you missed them). I have to adjust my brain to find the black humor here, because we are talking about elementary school kids being murdered. I think if I was younger and more rebellious I would have enjoyed it more. As it is I do enjoy the art quite a bit -- it's like South Park done professionally -- but occasionally slip a gear when a child gets (gleefully) murdered and I have to remind myself that it's meant to be humor.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
PINK PANTHER #1
Publisher: AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY PRODUCTIONS
Writers: S.A. CHECK, ADRIAN ROPP
Art: BILL GALVAN, ADRIAN ROPP
Main Cover: BILL GALLANT
Classic Pink Variant: S.L. GALLANT
Pink Pals Variant: S.L. GALLANT
Blank Sketch Variant available
$3.99
The cool cat is back! Generations of kids grew up loving the Pink Panther's unique style and wit on Saturday morning cartoons. And now today's best writers and artists are delivering original comic book stories that bring the trademark Pink Panther flair for confounding The Inspector and The Little Man to legions of new fans! Each issue is packed full-a pink with several new stories, original shorts, and even a few classic comic tales! We're cramming in 28 pages of comic goodness here so you get more pink for your green with American Mythology's new Pink Panther series! Join the Pink Panther, The Ant and the Aardvark, The Inspector, and a host of other favorite cartoons for the all-ages comic book event of the year!
I dunno how well this concept can work in comics, where the titular character never speaks.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
PROMETHEUS: LIFE & DEATH #1
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer: DAN ABNETT
Art: ANDREA MUTTI
Cover: DAVE PALUMBO
Variant: SACHIN TENG
30th Anniversary Variant: DAVE DORMAN
FC • 32 pages • Miniseries • $3.99
Ridley Scott’s monster gods!
Colonial Marines have commandeered a mysterious alien ship—wresting it from the savage Predators who also wanted it. But now the owner of the vessel has awakened, and the marines find themselves trapped in space with an angry god!
Chapter two of the Life and Death story cycle!
Despite the first-issue tag, this is really more like issue #5 of the previous Aliens miniseries, Predators: Life and Death. But (Spoiler!) the Colonial Marines wiped out the Predators in that series, albeit with tremendous losses. Now the remainder must face a Promethean giant on his purloined ship. I enjoyed it, but it's a straightforward survival story with little in the way of narrative twists, so if this is a universe you enjoy, you will enjoy this. If you don't, you won't.
RUSS HEATH’S YELLOW HEAT: ARTIST’S EDITION PORTFOLIO
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
Writer: BRUCE JONES
Art/Cover: RUSS HEATH
BW • $40.00 • 8 prints • 12” x 17”
Russ Heath is one to the finest artists in comic book history. In a career that began more than 70 years ago, he has worked for nearly every publisher. This Artist’s Edition Portfolio prints one of Heath’s most beautiful and notorious stories, “Yellow Heat!” Originally published in Vampirella #58 in 1977, “Yellow Heat” has been called Heath’s greatest work. It is reproduced here meticulously scanned from the original art, and collected in a hardcover portfolio case.
All pages scanned directly from the original art!
Weird that there's no cover art available for this book, whose whole purpose is to showcase Russ Heath's art.
Replies
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
SHERLOCK: A STUDY IN PINK #1
Concept: STEVEN MOFFAT, MARK GATISS
Written by: STEVEN MOFFAT
Art: JAY
Cover A: JAY
Cover B: PHOTO
Cover C: ALEX RONALD
Cover D: ROD REIS
Cover E: QUESTION NO. 6
52 pages / $4.99
The Japanese SHERLOCK Manga comes to the USA and UK for the first time ever! Adapting the episodes of the smash-hit BBC America/Hartswood Films TV show that sees Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) tackling brain-teasing crimes in modern-day London, this stunning manga is presented in its original right-to-left reading order, and in the full chapters as originally serialised. Each oversized issue comes with a selection of BRAND-NEW covers by some of the best Sherlock artists around! #1 kicks things off with a 52pp special. Meet Sherlock and Watson for the first time ... all over again!
The debut issue comes with five covers to collect: art covers by series artist Jay, Alex Ronald, Rod Reis, and Question No. 6, along with a photo cover.
Interestingly, this is an origin story of sorts, with our intrepid pair meeting each other for the first time, and deciding to room together. Was this ever shown on TV? Given that this is set in the present day, it doesn't shed any light on how the same arrangement was arrived at in the original stories, but it's nice to see the story start at the beginning of the team, rather than in media res, as Arthur Conan Doyle did.
As for the story, there's a mystery set up for Holmes to solve, which I assume he will do in subsequent issues. There's not enough in this issue for me to pass judgment, so I won't.
The art is manga-ish, with "Jay" capturing Benedict Cumberbatch's likeness remarkably well at almost every angle. Which makes it a mystery why he can't do the same with Watson, who only looks a tiny bit like Martin Freeman occasionally.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
SOULS ETERNAL VOL 1: IZANAMI CHILDREN (GN)
Writer: BOHDAN NESWIACHENY
Art/Cover: ROB TORRES
$9.99
Strange things are happening in the Japanese city of Izanami. Monstrous creatures are haunting the woods and countryside. But four extraordinary friends have risen up to face the darkness. Kelly, David, Emma and Jade fight to discover the truth behind the evil that stands ready to destroy their world.
First issue.
TRUE PATRIOT VOL 1 (TPB)
Writer: J. TORRES
Art/Cover: JAY STEPHENS
$19.95
True Patriot is a Canadian super-hero anthology written and drawn by your favourite Canadian comic book creators! Featuring the debut of Red Ensign by Scott Chantler, Arrowhead by Jay Stephens, and Particle Man by Ramon Perez, plus a new Superhero Girl story by Faith Hicks and the return of J. Torres and Tim Levins' Family Dynamic. Other contributors include Adrian Alphona, Andy Belanger, J. Bone, Jack Briglio, Ed Brisson, Arthur Dela Cruz, Brian Evinou, Tom Fowler, Agnes Garbowska, Adam Gorham, Fred Kennedy, Ron Salas and Howard Wong.
I'm curious to see who and what Canada's superheroes are!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
THE UNIQUES VOL 1: COME TOGETHER (GN)
Publisher: COMFORT AND ADAM
Writer/Art: COMFORT LOVE, ADAM WITHERS
$14.99
The year is 1996, and Uniques -- people born with incredible powers -- have changed the world. In the wake of a horrible disaster, seven teenagers step forward to take up the torch carried by generations past and try to find their own voices and chart their own path in a world where the super is common but heroes are not. From the minds of 6-time Harvey Award nominated husband-and-wife creators Comfort Love and Adam Withers, The Uniques is a superhero story about growth and becoming, following the course of seven characters' lives as they change the world and the world changes them.
First issue.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
WACKY RACELAND #1
Written by KEN PONTAC
Art and cover by LEONARDO MANCO
PENELOPE PITSTOP Variant cover by TOMMY LEE EDWARDS
PETER PERFECT Variant cover by JOE PRADO
DICK DASTARDLY Variant cover by DAVE JOHNSON
Coloring book cover by LEONARDO MANCO
32 pg • FC • $3.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with five covers.
The world has ended, but the race has just begun! Penelope Pitstop, Peter Perfect and the rest of the Wacky Racers vie for the finish line in a contest where the winner takes all and second place is death. Today’s trial: the shattered maze of freeways known as the Überpass, where they’re beset by giant sand beasts, mutated insects and worst of all, Dick Dastardly’s murderously poor sportsmanship. The last thing they need after surviving the race is a brutal bar fight in a local dive, but that’s just what they get!
I enjoyed the new Jonny Quest and Scooby Doo books (the former more than the latter), but I have some connection to those concepts, having loved the cartoons in my youth. Wacky Races, though, came along after I was no longer watching cartoons on Saturday morning and I know nothing about the show. So I suspect I'll enjoy this less than those who have an emotional investment in the original, and can compare and contrast with the original.
WARCRAFT: BONDS OF BROTHERHOOD (OGN)
Writer: PAUL CORNELL
Art/Cover: MAT BROOME
$24.99
Setting the stage for the highly-anticipated new film Warcraft, Legendary Comics is proud to present the official graphic novel prequel Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood. Based on the fantasy phenomenon from Blizzard Entertainment, this thrilling adventure of bravery, bloodshed and brotherhood is an original story conceived by Blizzard's Chris Metzen, written by the award-winning Paul Cornell (Doctor Who) and featuring art from Mat Broome (Batman: No Man's Land, WildC.A.T.S., Witchblade).
If you're planning on seeing Warcraft,* here's a prequel to the movie.
*I don't plan to, and I suspect I'm not alone. I smell box office bomb.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
WONDER WOMAN: REBIRTH #1
Written by GREG RUCKA
Art by PAULO SIQUEIRA and LIAM SHARP
Cover by LIAM SHARP
Variant cover by STANLEY “ARTGERM” LAU
One-shot • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
After suffering an unimaginable loss, Wonder Woman must rebuild her mission as Earth’s ultimate protector and champion.
DON’T MISS: New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka returns to Wonder Woman with a tale that will forever alter the DC icon.
REVIEW HELD UNTIL WEDNESDAY
I loved The Wacky Races when I was little. I suspect that this will either be amusing or a car wreck. We shall see.
It sounds like an adaptation of part of the first episode, which Moffat wrote and which has the same title. Doyle did cover the first meeting ground, in A Study in Scarlet.
The Last Days of Pompeii was drawn by Jack Kirby. The novel is by Edward Bulwer-Lytton.
HULK EPIC COLLECTION: I feel much the same about this collection as you, except I fell on the other side of the fence. I will be getting this, for the exact same reason you put forth: I want the entire series of pre-TTA Hulk under a single cover.
CHAYKIN: I see Chaykin’s main characters as idealized versions of himself. I pretend his comics are movies, with the same actor cast in the lead role.
Everything you said Captain - is exactly why I pre-ordered this one months ago!
Love this sequence.
INCREDIBLE HULK EPIC COLLECTION: MAN OR MONSTER? (TPB)
I have all these stories in various forms, so I'm not likely to buy this. But I really want to, because it does something I've always wanted to see: It collects all the Hulk appearances between the end of Incredible Hulk and the beginning of the Emerald Behemoth's next series, in Tales to Astonish. It would be cool to read all those in a row, to see what changes the character went through as Stan & Jack retooled him for greater success.
I preordered the Hulk Epic too. I also like the idea of the early Hulk stories being collected in chronological order. All the changes in the character should be a roller coaster ride.
Add those changes to the ones that happened in Incredible Hulk proper, and you have to pretend the character was in a continual state of mutation until he settled down in Tales to Astonish. Heck, even his name changed in Fantastic Four #25!
That one exception though, doesn't feel like anything I've read before: Molly Danger is an alien that's super-strong, possibly immortal, virtually indestructible -- and looks like a 10-year-old girl! That last bit offers a lot of unique humor and dialogue, which offsets the banality of her personality, which is little different than your average Silver Age DC superhero.
That sounds a bit like Molly Hayes, the preteen hero from Marvel's Runaways. Well, except that she also has the personality of a 10-year old girl and not that of the cardboard cutout Silver Age hero.