CIVIL WAR II TIE-INS (Marvel Comics)
Five more Civil War II books this week, all with previews. I'm thankful for those, and The Baron's CW2 thread, so we can all keep up without going to the poorhouse!
CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #4
Writer: NICK SPENCER
Art: JAVIER PINA
Cover: AARON KUDER
32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99
With war on the horizon, Steve attempts to broker a truce between Iron Man and Captain Marvel.
Yep, Cap is still secretly a Hydra true believer. This is not going to go well.
CAPTAIN MARVEL #8
Writers: RUTH GAGE, CHRIS GAGE
Art/Cover: KRIS ANKA
32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99
• No time for second-guessing, Captain Marvel is determined to change the future to protect the present.
• With wins on her side, Carol knows her mission is the right thing to do, but does everyone else?
• Sensational writing team Ruth and Chris Gage (Marvel’s Daredevil on Netflix) bring you a Civil War II story that will change everything for Captain Marvel.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
CIVIL WAR II: ULYSSES #1 (of 3)
Written by AL EWING
Art by JEFTE PAOLO & KARL KESEL
Cover by FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA
Variant bySTEFANO CASSELLI
40 PGS. • Rated T+ • $4.99
This summer, the world’s greatest super-heroes will wage war over a single young man. He is Ulysses, a new Inhuman with the power to profile the future. Before the epic clash of heroes, learn his story in CIVIL WAR II: ULYSSES #1 – a brand-new Infinite Comic series debuting digitally this June! Writer Al Ewing along with artists Karl Kesel and Jefte Paolo harness the power of the Infinite Comics format to bring you a prequel to the can’t miss comic event of the year – Civil War II!
How did Ulysses come to join the Inhumans? What journeys did he go through to master his powers? From high atop the Tower of Wisdom, the young man trains his new abilities with Karnak. But will Karnak’s training methods prove to be too much for Ulysses? Long before Captain Marvel and Iron Man can ask what to do about Ulysses and his powers – he looked in the mirror and asked himself first.
Specifically designed and optimized for digital devices, CIVIL WAR II: ULYSSES #1 joins the ranks of other Marvel Infinite Comics such as X-Men ’92, Deadpool & Cable: Split Second and many more. Marvel Infinite Comics push the boundaries of what’s possible with digital comics – utilizing the latest technology to create dynamic new storytelling possibilities while staying true to the medium’s greatest strengths.
Can Ulysses learn to wield his powers properly? The prequel to the biggest comic event of the year begins this June when CIVIL WAR II: ULYSSES #1 comes to digital devices this June!
June? Evidently this book is two months late.
DEADPOOL #17
Writer: GERRY DUGGAN
Art: MIKE HAWTHORNE
Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Marvel Tsum Tsum Takeover Variant: JAVIER RODRIGUEZ
Secret Comic Variant: SCOTT KOBLISH
32 PGS. • Parental Advisory • $3.99
• Remember when Deadpool’s inner monologues were at war?
• Now, one of those voices is out and about … revealed as MADCAP!
• And he’s got a mad-on for REVENGE!
NEW AVENGERS #15
Writer: AL EWING
Art: PACO MEDINA
Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO
32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99
• Jailbreak at 20,000 feet! A.I.M.’s science team swings into action to free a New Avenger from S.H.I.E.L.D.!
• But are they being played? And will their mistake cost Roberto Da Costa his life?
• Meanwhile, as CIVIL WAR II kicks into high gear, the Maker goes to Plan B — total conquest of the USA!
I don't care about most of these characters. I didn't care about most of 'em when they were New Mutants or Young Avengers, and I don't care about 'em now. Most of them are fine as supporting characters, but as leads they just don't hold my interest.
That's not to say I'm just an old crank who doesn't care for any character created after 1964. I'm interested in Ms. America, and the female Hawkeye, and Monet, and some other youngsters. I just don't care much for this bunch. I like Songbird -- and what's she doing here, anyway? -- but that's not enough to get me to buy the book.
REBIRTH (DC Comics)
ACTION COMICS #962
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art by STEPHEN SEGOVIA and ART THIBERT
Covers by CLAY MANN
Variant cover by GARY FRANK
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
“Path to Doom” part six!
In the epic conclusion, the mystery of Black Zero deepens just as the Man of Steel makes a fateful decision that may stop Doomsday, but also risks the lives of those he loves most.
DC is no longer sending me digital review copies for this book, so I guess I'll pick up the trade down the line. So you're on your own now, Action fans!
BATGIRL #2
Written by HOPE LARSON
Art and cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
Variant cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
“Beyond Burnside” part two.
Batgirl is off to Singapore! Following the mysterious advice of the ancient superhero known as Fruit Bat, Babs dives into the dangerous world of MMA fighting. But her first opponent may be more than just an adversary in the ring.
Could she be connected to Babs’ new travel-companion-slash-maybe-crush?
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
BLUE BEETLE: REBIRTH #1
Written by KEITH GIFFEN
Art and cover by SCOTT KOLINS
Variant cover by CULLY HAMNER
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
Lost in the desert with no memory of the past few years, teenager Jaime Reyes must find his way home again -- but when he reaches his town, he’s shocked to find it abandoned and in the hands of government officials … officials who are very interested in the Blue Beetle and the scarab that gives him his power! How can Jaime find his family and uncover the secret behind the town’s seizure -- and why Kord Industries is helping keep the world from learning the truth?
I was never a big Jaime Reyes fan, but if they bring back Ted Kord, Reyes can keep the suit and nom du combat.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
DEATHSTROKE #1
Written by CHRISTOPHER PRIEST
Art and cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN and JASON PAZ
Variant cover by SHANE DAVIS
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T+
“The Professional” part one! Deathstroke’s latest contract takes him to a war-torn African country, where he finds himself caught in the middle of a disintegrating alliance between a ruthless dictator and a deadly super-villain. With an entire nation at stake, Slade Wilson must choose between fulfilling his contract and saving an old friend.
It appears Slade's family is alive again as of Rebirth ... so he can get them all killed again, I suppose. If Grant and Joseph die again, will that be the third time for each? How about Rose and Mrs. Deathstroke? Wintergreen? How many times have they died so far? And will Joseph still have that big perm?
Also, Terra is now listed as Slade's other daughter -- how long has that been true? I don't recall her being his actual daughter in "The Judas Contract," but I might be misremembering.
DETECTIVE COMICS #939
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art and cover by EDDY BARROWS and EBER FERREIRA
Variant covers by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE
32 pg • FC • $2.99 US • RATED T
“Rise of the Batmen” part six!
The full scope of the Colony’s plans, and their mysterious leader, have all been revealed … so what’s it going to take to stop them?
Believe us, you are not prepared for the last scene!
I'm off the list for this one, too, dang it!
THE FLASH #5
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by NEIL GOOGE
Covers by Carmine Di Giandomenico
Variant covers by DAVE JOHNSON
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
“Lightning Strikes Twice” part five!
With Central City now protected by dozens of freshly trained Flashes, Barry Allen takes time out to explore a new relationship. Meanwhile, a serial killer targets citizen speedsters as Wally West takes his first steps toward becoming the new Kid Flash…
I'm not getting a DRC of this one, either, but I find I don't mind. I really thought this would be the title I'd be most interested in. Evidently not.
HAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #3
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art and covers by RAFA SANDOVAL and JORDI TARRAGONA
Variant covers by KEVIN NOWLAN
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
“Sinestro’s Law” part three!
Pushed to his limits, Hal Jordan must fight his way through a squad of Sinestro Corps members -- but he risks losing himself to the power he now wields as his battle with Sinestro nears.
As of last issue, Hal and the Corps had yet to re-unite. How deconstructed is a book when the title doesn't even apply until -- counting HJatGLC: Rebirth -- the fourth issue?
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
THE HELLBLAZER #1
Written by SIMON OLIVER
Art and cover by MORITAT
Variant cover by JOHN CASSADAY
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T+
“The Poison Truth” part one! London may have recovered from Constantine’s return, but he hasn’t. Mercury hasn’t forgiven him, but she won’t leave him alone, and Swamp Thing is calling in a favor. And all the while, bigger things are brewing ...
This book is already better than the last iteration, and it's only the second issue! It helps that someone finally figured out that Constantine works best in London, instead of the U.S., with sidekick Chaz back in the book.
TITANS #2
Written by DAN ABNETT
Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND
Variant cover by MIKE CHOI
32 pg • FC, • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
“Remember the Titans” part two!
As the Titans prepare to do the unthinkable in order to defeat the intergalactic demon that stole time itself from the DC Universe, enter the Fearsome Five!
But are the sinister quintet acting of their own accord … or are greater forces at work?
Still not crazy about the new outfit for Wally. At least it doesn't have pouches!
WONDER WOMAN #5
Written by GREG RUCKA
Art and cover by LIAM SHARP
Variant covers by FRANK CHO
32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T
“The Lies” part three! Steve Trevor finds himself trapped in the heart of Urzkartaga’s darkness, with Wonder Woman and Cheetah the only hope of rescue for him and his men. But how far can Cheetah be trusted?
Missing this DRC bigly!
I'll probably end up buying this title in trade as long as Liam Sharp and Nicola Scott are on pencils.
MORE BOOKS OF NOTE
ABC WARRIORS: RETURN TO RO-BUSTERS (HC)
Publisher: REBELLION / 2000AD
ABC WARRIORS: RETURN TO RO-BUSTERS (HC)
Writer: PAT MILLS
Art/Cover: CLINT LANGLEY
$18.99
Mars, the far future. War droids created for a conflict that ended centuries ago, the ABC Warriors are resistant to Atomic, Bacterial and Chemical warfare. Charged with bringing peace to the civil war-ravaged frontier colonies on the Red Planet, the Warriors have finally recruited ex-member Happy Shrapnel. Realising that their maker, Ro-Busters CEO Howard Quartz, is the figurehead behind most of the devastation on Mars, the Warriors decide to terminate him. The problem is that due to their programming, they can't. And yet, there was one robot who defied Quartz on a regular basis. An ex-sewer droid with a bad attitude, an ally of the A.B.C. Warriors called Ro-Jaws!
I remember buying this book back in the Eagle Comics days, and being unpleasantly surprised that such an ingenious premise was burdened by such pedestrian stories and characterization. That was a long time ago, but if these are the same stories, my opinion probably hasn't changed.
ALENA (TPB)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer/Art/Cover: KIM W. ANDERSSON
FC • 136 pages • TPB • 7'' x 10'' • $17.99 • Age range: 16
Kim W. Andersson is making waves in the international comics and film community. His original Swedish graphic novel Alena was adapted into a feature-length film in Sweden that just received a critically acclaimed U.S. debut at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2016. Now the graphic novel will see full U.S. distribution through Dark Horse Comics.
Alena’s life is a living hell. Since she arrived at a snobbish boarding school, she’s been harassed every day by Philippa and the girls on the lacrosse team. But Alena’s best friend Josephine is not going to accept that anymore.
Not from the counselor or the principal, not from Philippa, and not from anyone else at that horrid school. If Alena does not fight back, then Josephine will take matters into her own hands.
There’s just one problem ... Josephine has been dead for a year.
Author and artist Kim W. Andersson (The Complete Love Hurts) is the winner of the Swedish Comics Academy’s Adamson statue -- Sweden’s most prestigious comics award -- and a creator to watch.
Praise for Kim W. Andersson:
“Kim W. Andersson’s graphic novel Alena has unsurprisingly been described as Let the Right One In meets Show Me Love set in a boarding school. Count on vengeance, violence and broken teenage hearts.” -- Stockholm Film Festival
“Not for the faint of heart, but wicked fun for the right audience.” -- Booklist
“Kim Andersson is able to play around with many different styles, and it works. He does a good job bringing a different side of love to life.” -- San Francisco Book Review
Whoa!* This looks cool!
But it raises the question: Where was my lethal dead protector in high school? I have a list of people who shouldn't have made it out alive!
(*Not "woah," as the Internet tries to spell it. Philistines.)
AMAZING FOREST (TPB)
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
Writers: ERICK FREITAS & ULISES FARINAS
Art: JULIEN DUFOUR, MATT ROTA, MELODY OFTEN, YUMI SAKUGAWA, CAITLIN ROSE BOYLE, ANGELICA BLEVINS, SEAN PRYOR, BUSTER MOODY, JOB YAMEN, SKUDS MCKINLEY, AUSTIN BREED, ZOE CROCKETT, JELENA DJORDJEVIC, VICTOR PUCHALSKI, ADRIAN BAGO GONZALEZ, HYENDO PARK, JACK FORBES, TEYLOR SMIRL, ALISON WIGHT, EDWIN VAZQUEZ, MIKE PREZZATO, MARCUS MULLER, JON SPERRY, A. SHAY HAHN
Cover: ULISES FARINAS
TPB • FC • $24.99 • 208 pages
Tales for the bold. Ideas for the strange. Wicked concepts that stir the minds of those with darkness in their hearts. A modern anthology that lends itself to a time when stories were short and ugly. Written by Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas, each comic is drawn by a different, amazingly talented artist each lending their unique talents to bring horrible happiness to the readers’ skulls!
“This is where talent develops, and all of these artists and writers are using this as an opportunity to take risks.” –Comic Wow!
I kept meaning to try out an issue of this as it was coming out. Did any Legionnaires try it? I'll probably read the whole thing now.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
AM DARK: WEREWOLVES VS. DINOSAURS #1
Publisher: AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY PRODUCTIONS
Writer: ERIC DOBSON
Art/Covers: CHRIS SCALF
$10.00
Claw vs Talon! Fur vs Scales! Supernatural vs Prehistoric! Werewolves vs. Dinosaurs kicks off an incredible one of a kind creature feature that will slap you in the face with a heaping dose of awesome! Cade can't catch a break. Instead of a sleepy little deserted town, he finds himself in the middle of a supernatural smack down orchestrated by mysterious men in black. Werewolves vs. Dinosaurs is a runaway train full of over-the-top carnage and conspiracies that will remind you of the wildest grindhouse film ever made.
Didn't this come out already? I seem to remember wanting to bet on the dinosaurs.
ANGORA NAPKIN CUDDLE CORE COLLECTED EDITION (TPB)
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
Writer/Art/Cover: TROY LITTLE
TPB • FC • $29.99 • 320 pages • 7” x 9”
It’s cute! It’s obscure! It was almost a cartoon in Canada! It’s the exciting return of… Angora Napkin!
Troy Little (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) takes his turn at cuddle core-punk rock-girl band-chic with this collection of both the Eisner Award-nominated Angora Napkin and Angora Napkin: Harvest of Revenge! Horrors, zombies, power chords drawn on paper—and the cartoon's pilot episode on DVD—what more could you ask for?
• Nominated for the 2010 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens!
• Includes Angora Napkin pilot episode on DVD!
OK, this sounds weird enough that I'd probably like it.
ARCHIE #11
Publisher: ARCHIE COMICS
Script: MARK WAID
Art: VERONICA FISH, ANDRE SZYMANOWICZ, JEN VAUGHN, JACK MORELLI
Cover A: VERONICA FISH
Cover B: SANYA ANWAR
Cover C: THOMAS PITILLI
32-page • full color comic • $3.99 U.S.
Archie and Jughead have been playing their instruments in Archie’s garage for a while, but now it’s finally time for them to take their talents elsewhere. Veronica suggests that the two form a band -- assuming, of course, that she gets to be their lead singer. This bothers Betty, since music was a deep connection that she had always shared with Archie -- so she’ll just have to form her own rival band. Now it’s #TeamArchie vs. #TeamBetty in a battle of the bands that has the whole school picking sides!
It's weird that I consider every "New Riverdale" issue to be an event. I mean, it's Archie! But I kinda do.
ASSASSIN'S CREED #11
Publisher: TITAN COMICS
Writers: ANTHONY DEL COL, CONOR MCCREERY
Art: NEIL EDWARDS
Cover: STAZ JOHNSON
32-page • full color comic • $3.99 U.S.
Brand new arc! Assassin’s Creed #11 makes a return to 15th Century Florence (originally appearing in Assassin's Creed II and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood games) and, for fans of the series, sees a welcome return of some familiar faces including; Giovanni Borgia, the charismatic Assassin of the Borgia family who featured in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy games!
Written by Anthony Del Col & Conor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare), and illustrated by Neil Edwards (Adventures of Superman, Justice League United), this new issue delves even deeper into the lore of Assassin’s Creed. Assassin's Creed #11 sees Charlotte reeling from her meeting with the cartel. It’s time for the Assassin cell headed by Brotherhood stalwart Galina Voronina to pull together … but will Galina be able to do it alone, or is it time for reinforcements?
Featuring covers by Staz Johnson, Blair Shedd and Paul Duffeld, this issue kick starts a brand new arc and a bold new direction for the series’ heroine Charlotte de la Cruz!
Here's a nice press release for something I don't read.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
ATOMIC ROBO AND THE TEMPLE OF OD #1 (of 5)
Writer: BRIAN CLEVINGER
Art/Cover: SCOTT WEGENER
Subscription Variant: GIANNIS MILOGIANNIS
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The year is 1938 and a viral weapon is being developed that will rival even Tesla’s lightning weapon designs! Cue Atomic Robo, Jack Tarot, secret government agencies, moon men, magical arctic circle elves, jetlagged aliens, elderly rights activists, youngling laborers, and the manifestation of human hope to help save the day!
• Atomic Robo blows things up in a blast-from-the-past adventure!
• Part of IDW’s five-week Creator Visions event! Five creator-driven books, launched in five straight weeks!
Here's a new Atomic Robo series for them what wants it.
CROSSED BADLANDS #100
Publisher: AVATAR PRESS INC
Writer: CHRISTOS N. GAGE
Art: EMILIANO URDINOLA
Covers: CHRISTIAN ZANIER
Mature • Costume Change Set, $39.99 • Fairy Tale Century Set, $129.99
This is the way the world ends in the final issue of Crossed: Badlands! Celebrate eight years and hundreds of stories from Garth Ennis' unrivaled horror series with this tremendous 64 page, ad-free issue! Join Crossed scribe Christos Gage as he delivers the final installment of the Smokey trilogy, and this may be the end of life as we know it! To help celebrate this amazing milestone we pack this issue with incredible extras celebrating the original series artist Jacen Burrows! We start with including the rare original Jacen Burrows sketchbook and an enormous cover gallery of the rarest and previously uncollected Jacen Burrows Crossed covers. There is no help. There is no hope. There is only the Crossed. Available with Regular cover by German Nobile, Wraparound & Good Eating by Daniel Gete, Torture & Summer Fun by Nahuel Lopez. Also available are the ultimate collector limited editions - a Fairy Tale Century Set of three sexy covers by Emilio Laiso which are limited to 100 each, and a Costume Change Set of six covers by Christian Zanier limited to 250 sets!
Congratulations to Crossed for making it to 100 issues! (I still haven't read one, though.)
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
DUCK AVENGER #0
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
Writers: ALESSANDRO SISTI, EZIO SISTO, JONATHAN GRAY
Art: ALBERTO LAVORADORI
Cover: MARCO GHIGLIONE
Subscription Variant: ANDREA FRECCERO
FC • 72 pages • $4.99
“Evronians!” It’s the start of a most-wanted Disney superhero epic! When Scrooge McDuck buys mysterious, ultra-hi-tech Ducklair Tower, Donald sneaks onto a forgotten floor -- and as Duck Avenger, finds an amazing AI sending him into a breathless space alien battle!
• At last! IDW brings you the new-to-USA Disney thrillride that fans have requested most -- the legendary “Duck Avenger New Adventures”!
• Adapted for our readers by fan favorite Jonathan Gray (Sonic the Hedgehog)!
• 72 action-packed pages for only $4.99!
• Variant cover concept by Max Monteduro art by Alberto Lavoradori!
I didn't know there was a "most-wanted Disney superhero epic," but evidently there is, and this is it.
FAITH #2
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by JODY HOUSER
Art by PERE PEREZ and MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
Cover A by KEVIN WADA
Cover B by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Cover C by JERRY ORDWAY
Cover D by MEGHAN HETRICK
Variant Cover by JOE EISMA
Variant Cover by TULA LOTAY
$3.99 • 32 pgs. • T+
Valiant is proud to present FAITH #2 – the stratospheric second chapter of THE FUTURE OF VALIANT'S smash-hit ongoing series from rising star Jody Houser (Orphan Black, Mother Panic) and sensational artists Pere Perez (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells)! From international headlines to multiple sold-out copies and universal critical praise, Faith Herbert has conquered it all. Now, she faces her greatest challenge yet in the form of an up-and-coming super-villain with a serious axe to grind! Imprisoned in the grand design of her arch-nemesis' deceit, Faith’s superhero headaches are about to begin in full force … as her secret identity is put on the line!
Trapped with no aid in sight, Faith is coming face to face with her very-first super-villain! L.A.’s own sky-soaring hero always wanted to be like the comic book characters that inspired her ... but is she ready to deal with the consequences of being a bona-fide superhero? And, as if one new challenger weren’t enough, a shadowy figure is closing in on Faith’s private life and the truth about Summer Smith, her secret alter ego! How’s that for a cliffhanger?!
Jump on board here to find out why fans and critics everywhere are championing Faith...and why the year’s best-selling independent superhero series is also the best reviewed!
"✮✮✮✮✮ … FAITH will restore your faith in comics again. It's like reading Spider-Man or Superman for the first time." – Spartantown
"✮✮✮✮✮ … A hero that will appeal to fangirls and fanboys everywhere." -- Nerds on the Rocks
"✮✮✮✮✮ … Marvelous… [FAITH] is an entertaining read from start to [finish]…" – The Broken Infinite
"✮✮✮✮½ … If you haven’t jumped on [FAITH] yet, now is the perfect time… Packed to the brim with humour, drama and excitement, FAITH is all but guaranteed to become your new favorite superhero." – Big Comic Page
"✮✮✮✮½ … An excellent start… [FAITH] is back and better than ever." – Hulking Reviewer
"✮✮✮✮½ … A book full of heart and hope…[and] a worthy addition to the Valiant pantheon…" – Bounding into Comics
"✮✮✮✮½ … Houser creates a great all-ages story while crafting one of the best female characters in all of comics." – Outright Geekery
"✮✮✮✮½ … FAITH will be a gateway to a new generation of comic readers." – The Fandom Post
"✮✮✮✮½ … A must-read book…[and] an excellent new story from Jody Houser …" – AiPT!
Faith's headline-grabbing adventures continue as Jody Houser, Pere Perez and Marguerite Sauvage deliver the next high-flying chapter to the year's most talked-about new series in FAITH #2 – featuring covers by Kevin Wada (She-Hulk), Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic (Thor), Jerry Ordway (Adventures of Superman), Meghan Hetrick (Red Thorn), Joe Eisma (Morning Glories) and Tula Lotay (The Wicked + The Divine)!
I like Faith. She could be angry and unhappy, but instead she's hopeful, optimistic, cheerful, impervious to "fat chick" insults and a four-star geek. What's not to like?
FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY: THE HARD GOODBYE CURATOR'S COLLECTION (HC)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer/Art: FRANK MILLER
FC • 224 pages • HC •15'' x 21 1/2'' • $175.00
In 2016 -- 25 years after its first publication in the pages of Dark Horse Presents -- get ready to experience one of the most groundbreaking graphic novels of all time as few have ever experienced it!
Produced and assembled under the Kitchen Sink Books imprint, Frank Miller’s Sin City: The Hard Goodbye Curator’s Collection will be published by Dark Horse Comics in 2016, showcasing the entire graphic novel scanned from the original artwork in Frank Miller’s personal archives and reproduced unaltered and at full size.
“The Hard Goodbye was my first crack at writing and drawing a comic book with total freedom,” said Frank Miller. “I am grateful to Mike Richardson and Dark Horse for helping make it such a big success. You can now see my work warts and all. You can see just how many mistakes I actually made!”
“We’re very excited to release this new ‘Curator’s Collection’ for The Hard Goodbye that brings a unique insight into one of the comic industry’s historic treasures,” said Dark Horse President and Publisher Mike Richardson. “Frank Miller has proved time and again that he’s a titan when it comes to artistic talent, and this deluxe, oversized edition is a celebration of his most influential work.”
“Almost 25 years later it has become clearer just how truly groundbreaking Frank Miller’s work on Sin City was ... aside from the drastic evolution of his artistic style toward stark and energetic black and white, Frank’s spearheading the belief that creators should actually own their creations and Mike Richardson’s willingness as a publisher to support that initiative helped shift the industry toward creator-owned work being the standard it is today,” said collection editor and designer John Lind. “The ability to show this original work in raw form and put it into context for a future generation is something we’re conscious of going in.”
“Frank has been a good friend for many years and was always one of the most ardent and vocal supporters of the CBLDF during my tenure as president.” said Kitchen Sink Books co-founder Denis Kitchen. “At my former publishing company, Frank and I never found the right big project to work on together, so it was fortuitous that decades later, through our Kitchen Sink imprint at Dark Horse, we have the chance to finally team up and produce this deluxe edition.”
Curator’s Collection is the Kitchen Sink Books term for oversized, archival deluxe collections accompanied by essays, interviews and unpublished work. Frank Miller’s Sin City: The Hard Goodbye Curator’s Collection is the first volume in the planned Curator’s Collection series from the Kitchen Sink Books imprint at Dark Horse Comics.
Retailing for $175, Frank Miller’s Sin City: The Hard Goodbye Curator’s Collection will be an impressive book to own -- a deluxe hardcover with a HUGE trim size of 15 x 21.5 inches, 224 page, and smyth-sewn binding under a cloth spine. Featuring an introduction from Sin City co-director Robert Rodriguez, an epilogue by publisher Mike Richardson, and a new interview with Frank Miller about his artistic technique to accompany the interior artwork -- this edition is not to be missed!
I've got this material in several different formats. But I'm tempted to get it in another!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
GENERATION ZERO #1
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by FRED VAN LENTE
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA
Cover A by STEPHEN MOONEY
Cover B by TOM MULLER
Valiant x CGC Replica Variant by PERE PEREZ
Character Design Variant by ANDRES GUINALDO
Variant Cover by KANO
Variant Cover by CLAYTON HENRY
Blank Cover Also Available
$3.99 • 32 pgs. • T+
They’ve infiltrated, assassinated, and overthrown. … Now this reformed covert strike team of teenage walking warheads have set their sights on a dangerous new mission: high school!
Valiant is proud to present GENERATION ZERO #1 – the second must-read title from "THE FUTURE OF VALIANT" initiative! First announced at Valiant Summit 2016 live from New York's renowned Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Valiant's most volatile team of teenage superhumans explodes out of the pages of HARBINGER WARS and into their first ongoing series with New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG, Amazing Spider-Man) and blockbuster artist Francis Portela (FAITH) calling the shots!
If you have a problem … If your parents won’t help … And if your cause is worthy … Log onto network #ZERO … because Generation Zero is listening.
Years ago, the children of the experimental strike team known as Generation Zero were taken from their families by Project Rising Spirit, a private weapons contractor, and raised to be psychic soldiers. After years of taking orders, they have fought for and won their freedom. Now, the world’s most wanted teenagers have pledged to protect each other tooth and claw, while using their extraordinary abilities to right wrongs for a generation without a future … To fight for kids, just like them.
One of those kids is Keisha Sherman, whose boyfriend just turned up dead after a suspicious car crash in Rook, Michigan – a newly booming tech town that sprang from rags to super-riches seemingly overnight. When Keisha makes a desperate plea into her webcam, the local high school suddenly finds itself with several unusual new students … But as word of Generation Zero’s presence spreads rapidly through the halls, this tempestuous band of teenage upstarts is about to discover that they’re far from the most extraordinary thing lurking behind Rook’s stainless-steel facade …
"I like to describe this book as ARCHIE meets THE AUTHORITY," writer Fred Van Lente told Comic Book Resources. "The kids have all the emotional volatility of teenagers with the destructive power of several silos' worth of nuclear missiles. They don't adhere to any morality or social norm we recognize. When they see evil or bad stuff going down, their attitude is to destroy it as swiftly and mercilessly as possible. They're basically juvenile delinquent superheroes with a completely black-and-white view of the universe -- if you're not on their side, get the hell out of their way if you know what's good for you."
"THE FUTURE OF VALIANT" takes a dangerous new turn when Fred Van Lente and Francis Portela throw GENERATION ZERO #1 into overdrive – featuring covers by Stephen Mooney (Half-Past Danger), Tom Muller (DIVINITY), Pere Perez (FAITH), Andres Guinaldo (Justice League Dark), Kano (Swamp Thing), and Clayton Henry (HARBINGER WARS)!
Teenagers: Same as it ever was. Well, except for the super-powers.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
GODZILLA: RAGE ACROSS TIME #1 (of 5)
Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING
Writers: JEREMY ROBINSON & MATT FRANK
Art: MATT FRANK
Cover: BOB EGGLETON
Subscription Variant: MATT FRANK
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Move over dinosaurs ... monsters used to rule the planet! Travel to different time periods to examine the origin of myths that fueled nightmares! In this first installment, Godzilla brings his terror to feudal Japan!
• From creators who brought you the smash-hit Godzilla in Hell!
• Every issue will see a new creative team of monstrous talent!
• Variant cover by Ulises Fariñas!
I find these books mildly entertaining by not taking them at all seriously. I understand that is not a universal opinion.
HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE CLASSIC ANIMATED ADVENTURES (HC)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer: JAMES EATOCK
FC • 592 pages • HC • 9'' x 12'' • $39.99 • Age range: 8
Following the critically acclaimed release of The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomic Collection, Dark Horse and Mattel are set to deliver another must-have book in 2016: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures!
From 1983 to 1987, He-Man and his twin sister She-Ra entranced a generation of boys and girls all around the word with their animated adventures, offering not only cartoon excitement but also important moral guidance.
Now, Dark Horse Books is proud to present the first-ever official companion to the classic series, featuring nearly 600 pages of fascinating story synopses, behind-the-scenes artwork, and trivia for every single episode of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power.
Written by He-Man and She-Ra expert James Eatock, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: A Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures also features never-before-seen Bruce Timm artwork and reveals Orko’s face for the first time!
Praise for He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Minicomics Collection:
“From the kid who used to pretend the arm of the couch was his Battle Cat, to the adult who’s showing this to his own child, this was a fantastic trip down Nostalgia Ave. May the Power of Grayskull be with you all.” -- AiPT!
“Simply put, this volume -- along with The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe -- is absolutely essential reading for any and all He-Man fans out there.”—Big Comic Page
“This book has it all. There is so much to cover here that we simply don’t want to ruin any surprises for you! So make sure to buy one today!” -- Toy Hype USA
He-Man came along after my Saturday morning cartoon days, so I have no nostalgic attachment. In fact, when I first heard of it, I found the name hilarious, and never stopped snickering about it. But there are fans, and who am I to judge? Have at it, He-Fans!
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
KINGSWAY WEST #1
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer: GREG PAK
Art/Cover: MIRKO COLAK
Cover: WIL QUINTANA
Letters: SIMON BOWLAND
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Miniseries
Award-winning writer Greg Pak makes his Dark Horse debut with Kingsway West, his first creator-driven original series!
After 13 years in prison, a Chinese gunslinger named Kingsway Law just wants to find his wife. But in a fantastical American Old West crackling with magic, monsters and racist vigilantes, trouble just won’t leave him be. And in this case, trouble is a woman with a magic sword who needs his help.
“The Old West of Kingsway West reflects all of the social, economic and racial conflicts and tensions of the actual Old West -- but it's also a world in which magic rather than technology drives much of the upheaval,” Pak told Comic Book Resources. “The whole scenario gives us a chance to think about the actual West in a new way -- and maybe imagine entirely new ways for America to be born. And, of course, it's about heroes following their hearts as they make their way through a vast and dangerous frontier.”
A four-issue miniseries, Kingsway West features the illustrations of Mirko Colak (Red Skull: Incarnate, Turok) and a revolutionary pre-order system built from the ground up by Pak. Readers can easily pre-order the entire series by heading to KingswayWest.com or contact their local comic shop directly.
Old West, new magic.
Another new weird Western, which is not a bad thing.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
LAKE OF FIRE #1
Publisher: IMAGE COMICS
Writer: NATHAN FAIRBAIRN
Art/Cover A: MATT SMITH & NATHAN FAIRBAIRN
Cover B: CHRIS BURNHAM & NATHAN FAIRBAIRN
48 PAGES • FC • M • $3.99
SERIES PREMIERE
Co-creators Nathan Fairbairn (Scott Pilgrim, Batman Incorporated) and Matt Smith (Barbarian Lord) come together for an all-new series titled LAKE OF FIRE.
In LAKE OF FIRE it is 1220 AD, and the gears of the Albigensian Crusade grind on. When an alien mining craft infested with legions of bloodthirsty predators crash-lands in the remote wilderness of the French Pyrenees, a small band of crusaders and a Cathar heretic are all that stands between God's Kingdom and Hell on Earth.
DOUBLE-SIZED FIRST ISSUE featuring FORTY-FOUR PAGES of story with no ads for just $3.99.
If nothing else, this might be educational.
MARCH TRILOGY SLIPCASE SET
Publisher: IDW - TOP SHELF
Writers: CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS & ANDREW AYDIN
Art/Cover: NATE POWELL
TPB w/slipcase • BW • $49.99 • 560 pages • 6.5” x 9.5” x 2”
The #1 New York Times bestselling trilogy is complete! Celebrate with this commemorative set containing all three volumes of March in a stunning new slipcase!
Slipcase cover illustrated by Nate Powell, colored by Jose Villarubia, and designed by Chris Ross!
All of your non-comics-reading friends are going to ask if you have this, so you might as well get it.
MONSTER (TPB)
REBELLION / 2000AD
Writers: ALAN MOORE, JOHN WAGNER
Art/Cover: JESUS REDONDO
$25.99
Twelve-year old Kenneth Corman buried his abusive father outside his creaky old family home. The thing that had killed him was inside, lurking in the darkness of the locked attic. For all of his young life, Kenneth had been plagued by a feeling that there was something horrific dwelling in his house of secrets. But he had to know what was up there. He had to know what had killed his dad. And now he would face the horrors behind the attic door.
That cover is one heckuva George Tuska swipe.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
NORTHGUARD #1
Publisher: CHAPTERHOUSE COMICS
Writer: ANTHONY FALCONE
Art/Cover A: RON SALAS
Cover B: IAN HERRING
Blank Cover Available
$3.99
Leaping from the pages of Captain Canuck comes Northguard, Canada's newest super-hero! His first mission: Track down The Aurora Dawn, a mysterious cult hoping to bring about the end of the world! Chapterhouse Comics' Captain Canuck reboot has garnered praise and critical acclaim, now see our take on another clas-sic Canadian superhero, Marc Shainblum and Gabriel Morrisette's Northguard!
Take that, Alpha Flight!
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: JOURNEY INTO FEAR VOL 2
Publisher: PS ARTBOOKS
Slipcase Edition: 125 copies in full colour slipcase • 252 Pages • £44.99 / $69.99
Bookshop Edition: 1,875 • 252 Pages • £36.99 / $59.99
Hey, it’s all here, culture-lovers: walking dead folks (loads of ‘em)--some of them even still sporting their heads—witches, ghosts, werewolves and enough vampires to go into the second-hand dentures business. Every now and again you come across a bevy of four color frights that seem to have been created just for you. Well, they were created just for us folks here at PS Towers . . . and, because we loves ya so much, we’re sharing ‘em wit youse. Sheesh, ya never had it so good, ya big lunks.
About Journey Into Fear - Volume Two ...
This second volume brings together July 1952 to July 1953, issues 8-14.
PRE-CODE CLASSICS: THIS MAGAZINE IS HAUNTED VOL 2
Publisher: PS ARTBOOKS
Slipcase Edition: 125 copies in full colour slipcase • 256 Pages • £44.99 / $69.99
Bookshop Edition: 1,875 copies hardback book • 256 Pages • £36.99 / $59.99
Another volume of far-out funky fodder from some of the best writers and artists ever to pick up a brush or pound on a typewriter. More stuff in the great tradition of the likes of EC Comics and the PS multiple-volume library of Harvey’s horror line-up, featuring a dizzying bevy of gnarled and twisted tales of post-death revenge and retribution. Don’t miss out!
Features the artwork of Sheldon Moldoff, George Evans, Bernard Baily, Bob Powell and Leonard Frank.
About This Magazine Is Haunted - Volume Two ...
This second volume brings together December 1952 to December 1953, issues 8-14.
I'm still getting all these books. Starting to get expensive!
RAI #16
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by MATT KINDT
Art by CAFU
Cover A by DAVID MACK
Cover B by ANDRES GUINALDO
Character Design Variant by CLAYTON CRAIN
Interlocking Mega-Cover Variant by RYAN LEE
$3.99 • 32 pgs. • T+
4001 A.D. TIE-IN! Rai locked in fatal combat against … the true protector of New Japan?
As New Japan’s current protector, Aboto, slips beyond Father’s control, nothing can stop the unhinged warrior from destroying the orbiting nation from the inside out. To defeat this monster of his own making, Father must create his last and greatest Rai! But when Father’s fallen son and newest champion clash in the the streets of their sovereign nation, what dark information will Aboto bring into the light of day… and how will it fuel the flames of rebellion that await in the year 4001 A.D.?
The future as we know it takes its final horrifying shape here as 4001 A.D. mastermind Matt Kindt and fan-favorite artist CAFU reveal the final puzzle piece behind Valiant’s summer blockbuster event!
Another nice press release and preview.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
RG VEDA BOOK ONE (TPB)
Publisher: DARK HORSE
Writer/Art/Cover: CLAMP
B&W • 640 pages • TPB • 5 3/4'' x 8 1/4'' • $24.99 • Age range: 14
RG Veda (pronounced “Rig Veda”) is based on a classic Indian saga. The lush, sprawling epic follows Yasha, once a mighty warrior king but now the lord of a slaughtered people he could not save. Yasha journeys the land as the companion and protector of the genderless Ashura, even knowing Ashura’s fate is wound with doom for many. Together they seek the other four of the “Six Stars,” whose prophesied gathering will at last defeat Taishakuten, the evil usurper of Heaven’s throne. But all prophecies are open to interpretation ...
• CLAMP’s first professional work.
• Three-volume omnibus collects the entire story with color pages, high-quality paper and larger size!
CLAMP seems to be pretty successful, so his (its?) early work is probably of interest to manga fans.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
SIXPACK AND DOGWELDER: HARD-TRAVELING HEROZ #1 (of 6)
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by GARTH ENNIS
Art by RUSS BRAUN
Cover by STEVE DILLON
Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS
32 pg • FC • 1 of 6 • $3.99 U.S. • RATED T+
In the tradition of the original Hard-Traveling Heroes, Green Lantern and Green Arrow, Sixpack and Dogwelder are ready to bring their allegedly socially aware brand of justice to the lands beyond Gotham City!
After the events of ALL-STAR SECTION EIGHT, Sixpack is fighting to keep what’s left of his team together. Dogwelder has gone in search of his past, while newlyweds Bueno Excellente and Guts are dealing with some fidelity issues. Could Section Eight be done for good?
But everything changes when a mysterious trenchcoat-wearing chain smoker offers our favorite dog enthusiast some clues about his true nature. Is Dogwelder everything he seems? Or is he meant for something greater?
Not only is the second cover an homage to the 1972 Green Lantern #76 (by the original artist, no less) but the logo for this book -- not shown above -- is also an homage to the Green Lantern/Green Arrow logo that debuted on that historic book.
FIRST ISSUE ALERT
VALIANT UNIVERSE HANDBOOK: 2016 EDITION #1
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Cover by DIEGO BERNARD
$2.99 • 40 pgs. • T+
From ARCHER & ARMSTRONG to X-O MANOWAR, explore the classified origins and heart-stopping histories of Valiant’s greatest heroes and villains right here with an all-new 40-page handbook – intro-priced at just $2.99!
Jump on board here to discover the staggering scope and epic scale of the largest independent universe in comics! Featuring complete dossiers on Valiant powerhouses like BLOODSHOT, THE ETERNAL WARRIOR, FAITH, NINJAK and RAI alongside newcomers like DIVINITY, IMPERIUM, PUNK MAMBO, and THE SHADOW SEVEN – plus never-before-seen explorations of far-flung locales like 4001 A.D. and THE DEADSIDE – this essential, oversized handbook is your one-stop introduction to the most acclaimed publishing line in comics! Featuring artwork from a blockbuster cast of superstar artists including Doug Braithwaite, Clayton Crain, David Lafuente, Lewis LaRosa, Trevor Hairsine, Mico Suayan and many more!
Is this the same book that came out on FCBD?
WACKY RACELAND #3
Publisher: DC COMICS
Written by KEN PONTAC
Art and cover by LEONARDO MANCO
Variant cover by JONBOY MEYERS
32 pg • FC • $3.99 U.S. • RATED T
The Racers are skirting the crumbling coastline of the Pacific Ocean when an earthquake threatens to dump them into the toxic waters! And when Penelope and Dick are caught in a tsunami that sweeps them to a barren island without their vehicles or weapons, how will they battle the island’s horde of mutant crabs? And back on the mainland, the other Racers must fend off a tangle of carnivorous vines!
I don't know if any Legionnaires are reading this title, but if so, let us know how it's going! The other Hanna-Barbera update titles are doing so well, this one feels like the runt of the litter.
Replies
The GCD tells me Scream! was a short-lived British weekly from IPC. It ran for 15 issues in 1984 before being incorporated into IPC's Eagle. IPC also published Scream Holiday Specials.
"Monster" was one of the weekly's features. Moore wrote the first instalment. Wikipedia says the feature was one of two that continued in Eagle.
"Ro-Busters" was one of the features in Starlord that continued in 2000 AD. It concerned a rescue operation staffed by second-hand robots. Some of the robot characters were incorporated into "ABC Warriors", with which I'm not familiar. Wikipedia's page on the feature says this story appeared recently.
Thanks for the info, Luke! If this is new ABC Warriors, I might give it a try.
And hearing that Monster is from years back is interesting, too -- that means the Tuska swipe might have occurred when he was still active (explaining why anyone would do that) -- or perhaps Tuska himself had an uncredited hand in it.
The ABC Warriors collection is written by the feature's co-creator and longtime scribe, Pat Mills, who's worked in British comics since the 70s. Wikipedia has a bibliography of his work (partial, I think). You've quite likely seen much more of it than I have, as a fair amount was reprinted by Quality and he's also worked for US publishers, and I've only seen stray instalments (except for whatever he wrote for Tammy while my sister was getting it). He's worked as an editor as well as a writer and is one of the people who gave 2000 AD its sensibility.
There's a preview of Monster here. Heinzl, the first artist, apparently left after the first instalment, like Moore. Jesús Redondo, who took over, is one of the Spanish artists who worked in British comics. He's still alive, so it might be a new cover. On the other hand he was born in 1934: perhaps it done for a European comic or collection. If you'll pardon the quibble, what you see as a Tuska look may be rather a British/Spanish look.
My first thought when hearing the name Jesus Redondo was to wonder if he was related to Nestor, who did a lot of work for Marvel and DC back in the day. But Wiki* says Jesus is Spanish, and Nestor is Filipino, so probably not.
* Wikipedia: The information source for when you don't care if the information is true or not.
Until I looked him up I had him confused with Jesús Blasco, who is the artist most associated with "The Steel Claw".
I’m going to agree with you that I’m not liking Flash as much as I had hoped.
I’m going to disagree with you about Wally West’s new costume. I see it as an amalgam of his yellow Kid Flash costume and his mentor’s. It’s the one he should have donned post-Crisis/Legends rather than wearing Barry’s.