DARK HORSE COMICS
AGE OF REPTILES: ANCIENT EGYPTIANS #3 (OF 4)
RICARDO DELGADO (W/A/COVER) AND RYAN HILL (C)
On sale Aug 5
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Ricardo Delgado’s wordless tale of survival continues in this exciting new installment of the multiple Eisner Award–winning series! Has the lonely and lethal Spinosaurus aegyptiacus found a mate? And if so, will our tenacious hero’s romantic interlude even last long? Packs of hungry predators are circling!
• Ricardo Delgado returns to his award-winning series!
• Intricate artwork, lush colors, and Cretaceous thrills!
REVIEW
One thing I've learned about this book: You really have to pay attention. I'm in the 99 percentile in reading comprehension, and I often lose track of what's going on. I can't "read" this book -- there are no words so I put "read" in scare quotes -- when I'm tired or have had a couple of beers. I really have to be 100 percent to follow it, and I still have to jump back a time or two when I lose track of which vicious-looking reptile in the dark is which.
It is very rewarding when you snag the narrative and hang on for a bit -- the art is astounding. I'm just noting you have to work at it more than most comics.
CLICK HERE FOR AN 8-PAGE PREVIEW
THE ART OF SATOSHI KON (HC)
Looks nice, but I imagine The Baron could tell us more about this sight unseen than I could reading it twice!
SATOSHI KON (A/COVER)
On sale Aug 5
b&w, 136 pages, $29.99
HC, 8 1/4″ x 11 1/2″
This August, Dark Horse remembers an animation legend and his works with The Art of Satoshi Kon.
A director who blazed a brilliant animation career before his tragic passing in 2010, Kon is immortalized in this special hardcover volume that covers the whole of his incredible career. Encompassing everything from illustrations for his movies Perfect Blue, Tokyo Godfathers, Millennium Actress, and Paprika and his television series Paranoia Agent, to his manga, commercial art, and more, The Art of Satoshi Kon is an oversized, 136-page tribute to a master of anime filmmaking!
Including a special appreciation from Darren Aronofsky, The Art of Satoshi Kon celebrates a lifetime of Kon’s work, including several little-known and incomplete projects.
The Art of Satoshi Kon retails for $29.99 and can be preordered from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.
CLICK HERE FOR A 6-PAGE PREVIEW
DON’T @#$% WITH BARB WIRE!
BARB WIRE #2
Writer: CHRIS WARNER
Pencils: PATRICK OLLIFFE
Inks: TOM NGUYEN
Colors: GABE ELTAEB
Cover: ADAM HUGHES
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
To keep her struggling club off the auction block, Barb Wire hunts one Wyvern Stormblüd, a human wrecking ball with a serious bounty on his head. But Wyvern is a psychotic drunk, even more dangerous soused than sober, who plans to set loose every caged gangster in Steel Harbor!
• Covers by Adam Hughes.
• Written by series creator Chris Warner.
I am really trying to like this series. But it's not making it easy for me.
Let's look at the positives.
One, those AH! covers are just a joy to look at. I'd pay $3.99 for just page after page of Hughes splash pages. No story required!
Two, Barb is in good company these days being a woman of some agency, forging a life for herself by -- to borrow a phrase -- smarter than the smarties and tougher than the toughies. You go, girl, as they say.
Barb's milieu comes freshly baked from her old series -- no stirring required. It's already been fleshed out, so everything fits together really well. The first issue, for example, didn't really feel like a first issue so much as dropping in on somebody you already know.
Now the bad news: Barb is an idiot.
I don't mean that she's lacking in brains, because she really does outsmart her opponents as often as she outfights them. It's that what she's doing doesn't make any sense. One, she's a non-super-powered bounty hunter in a super-powered world, which is most likely going to get her killed, with no explanation for why she is one. (Given her skills, I imagine she could fine a more lucrative -- and safer -- career.) Two, she's committed to keeping her bar open, when it's pretty much a ratty place that no one could love, and even her brother points out that she hates. And three, Barb being the person with the least power in her own series is always being bullied and pushed around by other people. Despite her pretense to autonomy, she's really not in control of anything. Frankly, it feels a little humiliating, and I sometimes want to look away.
But, OK. Maybe that's plot and not bad writing. Perhaps we'll find out why Barb lives this peculiar and embarrassing life. I hope I can hold on until then!
CLICK HERE FOR A 4-PAGE PREVIEW
CREEPY COMICS #21
Writer: JEFF PARKER, VERA GREENTEA
Art: SANDY JARRELL
Cover: JULIÁN TOTINO TEDESCO
B&W, 40 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
Hot summer nights make for the very best frights, right here in good ol’ Creepy Comics! Featuring spooky sequential storytelling from such graphic greats as Jeff Parker, Vera Greentea and Sandy Jarrell -- plus another Creepy classic from the vile vault! You’ll be sweating with sickening satisfaction!
• Featuring a story from Batman ’66 team Jeff Parker and Sandy Jarrell!
• Beautiful and haunting cover by Julián Totino Tedesco!
• Winner of the Ghastly Award for Best Anthology!
I read this the other night, and enjoyed it, but don't remember much about it. In my defense, I've read a LOT of horror anthologies. This one was above par, including a reprint from the Warren books of yore that I do quite enjoy. So, without re-reading it, I'd say it's probably pretty good.
Man, that was a lame review, wasn't it?
CLICK HERE FOR A 10-PAGE PREVIEW
THIS DAMNED BAND #1 (of 6)
Writer: PAUL CORNELL
Art/Cover: TONY PARKER
Colors: LOVERN KINDZIERSKI
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Spinal Tap Meets Ghostbusters!
1972: the world’s most famous rock band thought they were “worshiping Satan,” only to find they were actually ... worshiping Satan.
From Paul Cornell (Wolverine, Action Comics) and Tony Parker (Mass Effect: Foundation) comes a darkly hilarious adventure of black magic and classic rock!
A hilarious documentary-style thrill ride of black magic and rock music!
“Paul Cornell’s ability to introduce us to a character at the beginning of an episode and have us crying for them at the end -- for whatever reason -- is, in my opinion, unmatched.” -- Doctor Who TV
New groundbreaking work from Bá and Moon!
I was not surprised by anything in this book. That's not necessarily a deal-breaker, but it's not necessarily good, either.
We know the plot going in: Here's a '70s band of the sort we oldsters are familiar, hip-deep in drugs and groupies and using devil schtick to thrill the rubes. Only it turns out that they really are indebted to Satan, which is kind of a rum go, wot?
What the first issue does is introduce us to the various band members and hangers-on via a sort-of day-in-the-life-while-on-tour. And here's the part I referred to above: We meet all these people, and they are just walking, talking cliches. None of them surprised me in the least, because I've seen them all before.
And that's it. Maybe the second issue will give me more to work with.
CLICK HERE FOR A 6-PAGE PREVIEW
DC COMICS
BAT-MITE #3
This has just GOT to be funny.
Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by CORIN HOWELL
32 pg, FC, 3 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
Bat-Mite and Robin! It had to happen … even if Damian fights it every step of the way! Does Bat-Mite really believe that Batman’s son will welcome his efforts to coach him? Sadly, yes. Say hello to crime fighting’s new Dysfunctional Duo.
DETECTIVE COMICS #43
I'm posting this one for the Bombshells variant. I'm not sure why Huntress is some kind of '50s musician -- I mean, I get Black Canary as a singer, that makes sense, but Huntress? Whatever, it's a nice retro image.
Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by FERNANDO BLANCO
Cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
Bombshells Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
Batman and his new team are after a band of thieves in Gotham City—but they’re about to develop a new weapon that will make them much harder to stop!
THE FLASH SEASON ZERO #11
This book and Arrow just have one great poster cover after another.
Written by BEN SOKOLOWSKI
Art by PHIL HESTER and ERIC GAPSTUR
Photo cover
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
What was Leonard Snart like before he acquired his cold gun and became one of The Flash’s most dangerous enemies? The origin of Captain Cold is revealed!
GREEN LANTERN #43
Oh, so the guys are getting into the "Bombshells" act? Well, I guess Hal Jordan is sort of a himbo, and what else would he be in the '40s but a fighter pilot?
Written by ROBERT VENDITTI
Art by BILLY TAN and MARK IRWIN
Cover by BILLY TAN
Bombshells Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
“Renegade” continues! Hal Jordan’s at the very edge of space confronting an old adversary who may be key in helping the former Green Lantern save the universe!
JUSTICE LEAGUE: GODS AND MONSTERS – WONDER WOMAN #1
DC is really going all out on Gods and Monsters. They must think it has legs.
Written by J.M. DeMATTEIS and BRUCE TIMM
Art by RICK LEONARDI and DAN GREEN
Cover by JAE LEE
1:10 Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE
40 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T • DIGITAL FIRST
This issue will ship with two covers.
Prequel to the DC Universe movie Justice League: Gods & Monsters!
Earth in the 1960s -- where a woman-warrior from a faraway world finds herself among a group of young idealists, seeking peace and love in a time of turbulence and upheaval. But Bekka of the New Gods finds her Aquarian dream abruptly shattered when she encounters the monstrous genius of Doctor Psycho and the Shock Exchange!
IDW PUBLISHING
BERKELEY BREATHED’S ACADEMIA WALTZ & OTHER PROFOUND TRANSGRESSIONS
Full disclosure: I met Berke Breathed a few times in college and it left an indelible negative impression on me. To this day I can't separate his personality from his work, and do not enjoy the latter any more than I did the former. But I understand some of you Legionnaires like his work, so here's some more ways you can give him some of your money.
Writer/Art/Cover: BERKELEY BREATHED
HC • BW • $39.99 • 304 pages • 11” x 8.5”
Oh, the college years. Remember them? Or are you in the midst of them? Either way, aren’t they great? It’s a time for youth, freedom, curiosity, experimentation, and political comics. Well, at least it was for the budding American cartoonist Berkeley Breathed. This May, fans will get a look into a treasure-trove of Breathed’s pre-Bloom County archives, artwork, strips, political cartoons, and much more with Berkeley Breathed’s Academia Waltz & Other Profound Transgressions.
“Honestly, I’d like to think that the early drafts of the U.S. constitution were wordy, infantile, tasteless, embarrassing but occasionally funny,” said Breathed. “And worthy mostly as a necessary step to get to the vital polished product coming after. I really desperately want to think this. Everyone please forgive me.”
Published from 1978 to 1979 in The Daily Texan at The University of Texas at Austin The Academia Waltz was Breathed's first foray into the world of cartoons and comic strips. Though focusing primarily on college life, Breathed’s work also made reference to the big news stories of the day and would prove to be the groundwork for the revered writer/artist’s renowned voice and style. Some of the characters from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Bloom County would appear here for the first time as well, including the legendary Steve Dallas.
“These are the earliest strips by Breathed,” said editor Scott Dunbier, “the ones that set the tone for all that was to follow. And unless he changes his mind about setting the dogs on me if I show up at his house again, the final book on Berkeley we can do.”
Berkeley Breathed’s Academia Waltz & Other Profound Transgressions will be released in the same 11” x 8.5” format as the Eisner Award-winning Bloom County Complete Library from IDW Publishing. Look for this beautiful 304-page hardcover wherever cool books are sold! BW • $39.99
FRANK MILLER’S DAREDEVIL: ARTIFACT EDITION (HC)
There are many artists whose work I'm sure I'd enjoy if I could see it bigger -- Wally Wood, Frank Frazetta, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, many more. But Frank Miller wouldn't be on that list. I always admired his work for his storytelling, not his linework. But, OK, these issues of Daredevil deserve whatever prestige formats there are, so I can't carp.
Writer/Art/Cover: FRANK MILLER
HC • BW • $75.00 net discount item • 144 Pages • 12” x 17”
Frank Miller, multiple Eisner Award-winner, is one of the finest and most influential comics creators of his generation. From Sin City to Dark Knight Returns, to Daredevil: Born Again and Batman: Year One (both of which he wrote and collaborated on with David Mazzucchelli), his contribution to the art form is nearly peerless. But before these incredible works came his groundbreaking turn on Daredevil!
This Artifact Editions will collect more than 20 Miller covers, and a staggering display of pages—all shot from the original art—including many from key issues such as the introduction of Elektra… and the death of Elektra! Additionally, a selection of pages from Wolverine and Spider-Man will also be showcased. If you are a fan of Frank Miller’s classic storytelling then this is the Artifact edition for you!
Advance solicited for a June release!
POWERPUFF GIRLS: SUPER SMASH UP, VOL. 1
I imagine this would go over big with little girls. But that's just a guess.
Writers: DEREK CHARM, JEREMY WHITLEY, SEAN E. WILLIAMS, RACHEL DEERING, IVAN COHEN, MARIAH HUEHNER
Art: DEREK CHARM, JORGE MONLONGO, PAULINA GANUCHEAU, CHRISTINE LARSEN, NNEKA MYERS, CAT FARRIS
Cover: DEREK CHARM
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages
After their victory in the Super Secret Crisis War, the Powerpuff Girls take it easy with a rare VIP tour of Dexter's Laboratory! But when tag-along Dee Dee accidentally activates Dexter's newest invention, the fate of the entire multiverse is suddenly at stake!
X-9: SECRET AGENT CORRIGAN, VOL. 6
Here's another series I'm not buying that I wish I was.
Writer/Art/Cover: GEORGE EVANS
HC • BW • $49.99 • 276 pages • 11" x 10"
The best-selling series continues! Famed EC artist George Evans had periodically ghosted for Al Williamson on Secret Agent Corrigan and in 1980 Williamson and writer Archie Goodwin passed the strip to Evans permanently. Evans wrote and drew the strip for sixteen years until he and Phil Corrigan retired together in 1996. Evans had a long and illustrious career, from Fiction House and Fawcett to EC, where he worked along his friends Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson. This volume reprints the first Secret Agent Corrigan strips by Evans — more than 750 rarely-seen dailies from February 1980 to August 1982! It's a must-have for all fans of adventure strips!
Advance solicited for August release!
DARK CORRIDOR #1
I really wanted to review this, but I got access to a review copy too late to do so. Sorry!
Story/Art/Cover: RICH TOMMASO
24 pages / Full Color / Mature Readers / $3.99
From the author of Clover Honey and 8½ Ghosts, RICH TOMMASO, comes an all-new ONGOING SERIES set in the fictional coastal city of RED CIRCLE -- a city totally controlled by mobsters -- who, after decades of wielding power, are silently being picked off one by one by unidentified female assassins. Like a Goodfellas script re-imagined by Quentin Tarantino, this sprawling crime-adventure will keep you guessing and tuning in for more month after month!
JUPITER’S CIRCLE #5
I'm really enjoying this. It's kind of like an elaborate "Imaginary Tale" from the Silver Age, only with lots of awful stuff that only Mark Millar could imagine when looking at Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen.
Story: MARK MILLAR
Art: DAVIDE GIANFELICE
Cover: FRANK QUITELY
32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
Skyfox’s drinking wreaks havoc on his relationships.
MARVEL COMICS
For some reason Marvel went ape on the previews this week, so I'll post them. GO HERE for a discussion of Secret Wars titles.
AGE OF APOCALYPSE #2
Writer: FABIAN NICIEZA
Art/Cover: GERARDO SANDOVAL
Connecting Cover 2 of 5 by GERARDO SANDOVAL
Variant Cover by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
The hunt for CYPHER brings MAGNETO’s X-MEN into confrontation with CYCLOPS & HAVOK’s ELITE MUTANT FORCE! Meanwhile, ANGEL has to protect a “flatscan” named JEAN GREY and DR. NEMESIS plans to sabotage DARK BEAST’s quest to become APOCALYPSE’s newest HORSEMAN.
*SECRET WARS SERIES
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: RENEW YOUR VOWS #3
Writer: DAN SLOTT
Art/Cover: ADAM KUBERT
VARIANT cover by SARA PICHELLI
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• The most controversial Spider-Man story of the year continues!
• There are some lines Spider-Man won’t cross. Right?
*SECRET WARS SERIES
BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RAILROAD #5 (of 5)
Writer: DENNIS HOPELESS
Art: TIGH WALKER
Cover by MARCIO TAKARA
BIG THUNDER … OFF THE RAILS!
32 PGS / All Ages / $3.99
• The spirit of Big Thunder Mountain takes our heroes on their wildest ride yet!
• But will they all survive it unscathed?
• Mysterious mountain spirits, runaway mine trains, and a fortune in gold at stake—it’s all been leading to this!
Elements based on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad © Disney.
BUCKY BARNES: THE WINTER SOLDIER #10
Writer: ALES KOT
Art: MARCO RUDY & LANGDON FOSS
Cover by MICHAEL DEL MUNDO
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
“INTO THE VOID”
• The climax reaches its climax!
• Planet Mer-Z-Bow under siege!
• Bucky Barnes times two: one too many??
CIVIL WAR #2
Writer: CHARLES SOULE
Art/Cover: LEINIL FRANCIS YU
Variant cover by OLIVIER COIPEL
Landscape Variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
Skirmishes between each side continue in the wake of a failed attempt at peace. General Rogers and his forces in the Blue continue development of Project Bellcurve, the top-secret effort to win the war in one epic stroke, while Iron President Stark discovers deeply troubling data about the course of the nation’s history since its division.
DARTH VADER #8
Writer: KIERON GILLEN
Art: SALVADOR LARROCA
Cover by ADI GRANOV
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• Bounty Hunters on the attack -- against the Empire!
• Darth Vader and Aphra continue their alliance – but how long will it last?
• Plus: Who is Tagge’s mysterious new agent?
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd.
DEADPOOL: PAWS (PROSE NOVEL HC)
This one doesn't have a preview, but I'm just amazed there's a market for prose novels about super-characters. Isn't a lot of the appeal the colorful action? Although I suppose of all characters, Deadpool would translate pretty well, given how much of the humor is dialogue-based. Still, if I was going to spend $25 on Deadpool, I'd probably buy a couple of TPBs instead of a single novel.
I should mention for completeness that the cover is an homage to the Jaws movie poster.
Written by STEFAN PETRUCHA
304 PGS / No Rating / $24.99
Sure, he’s got his own comic series. Sure, he’s one of the world’s most popular superheroes. But you know what he’s not? Fine literature. Well, let’s fix that! That’s right: In 2015, the Merc With a Mouth is conquering the world of prose fiction with DEADPOOL: PAWS, an all-new original story penned by novelist and comic-book writer Stefan Petrucha (Teen, Inc., X-Files).
Something is turning the city’s dogs into giant, bloodthirsty killing machines. And Deadpool is charged with taking care of business. Only thing is – Deadpool likes dogs. He doesn’t want to kill them. Now, people – that’s a different story. He can kill loads of people. At least the ones who deserve it. So what we’ve got here is a genuine character dilemma.
“Deadpool is such a fun character that transcends the comics themselves,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “When we were discussing which characters should get the prose treatment, Wade Wilson was always right near the top. From the first chapter, the book has everything you love about Deadpool, and I can’t wait for fans to get their hands on it.”
In 2015, be there when the Merc With a Mouth conquers the brave new world of prose. DEADPOOL: PAWS brings you a disturbing tale of mutated canines … and the regenerating, loudmouthed mercenaries who love them.
FUTURE IMPERFECT #4
Writer: PETER DAVID
Art/Cover: GREG LAND
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
OUT OF THE FRYING PAN, INTO THE DESTROYER!
• THE MAESTRO, the THING, and the rest of the crew go looking for the DESTROYER in Norseheim … and find way more than they bargained for!
• What’s a visit to Norseheim without an all-out battle against a guy named ULIK and an ARMY OF TROLLS?
• A face from the past returns -- could this spell trouble for THE BARON OF DYSTOPIA?
*SECRET WARS SERIES
GIANT-SIZE LITTLE MARVEL: AVX #3
Writer: SKOTTIE YOUNG
Art/Cover: SKOTTIE YOUNG
Variant Cover by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• Playtime is serious business in the land of Marville and our tiniest heroes are putting in work to prove to their new neighbors which crew is toughest.
• The smaller they are, the harder they brawl -- this is BATTLEWORD after all.
*SECRET WARS SERIES
GROOT #3
Writer: JEFF LOVENESS
Art: BRIAN KESINGER
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
Manga Variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• ALONE AND ADRIFT, Groot’s got nobody to turn to now that his best pal Rocket Raccoon has been kidnapped!
• What’s worse, cosmic calamity continues to strike, and when a cosmic storm threatens to destroy an entire world, it’s up to Groot to stop it – but he can’t do it alone!
• Featuring special guest stars DAWN GREENWOOD AND THE SILVER SURFER!
GUARDIANS OF KNOWHERE #2
Writer: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art/Cover: MIKE DEODATO
Connecting Cover Variant C by SKOTTIE YOUNG
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• In a colony of thugs and criminals, there’s plenty of work in maintaining the “peace” of Knowhere
• But a new power is rising, one that threatens to tear apart the threadbare fabric of the celestial head’s society.
• The mantle of a Guardian weighs heavily on its bearers shoulders.
• Will those destined to safeguard Battleworld’s moon accept that burden in time to save its citizens?
*SECRET WARS SERIES
GUARDIANS TEAM-UP #9
Writer/Art/Cover: JAVIER PULIDO
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• Far, far away, one of the most dangerous weapons in the Galaxy has been stolen...by Spider-Man?!
• Peter Quill is back on Earth, his mission: recover the weapon and bring the web-slinger responsible for its disappearance to justice!
• Stars clash when Star-Lord meets Spider-Man!
INFINITY GAUNTLET #3
Writers: DUSTIN WEAVER & GERRY DUGGAN
Art/Cover: DUSTIN WEAVER
Variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• The search for the Infinity Stones continues.
• The family finds themselves allied with Thanos.
• Don’t they know Thanos can’t be trusted? No. Someone please tell them!
*SECRET WARS SERIES
MS. MARVEL #17
Writer: G. WILLOW WILSON
Art: ADRIAN ALPHONA
Cover by KRIS ANKA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $2.99
The team-up to end all team-ups has finally arrived! Carol “Captain Marvel” Danvers and Kamala “Ms. Marvel” Khan face the end of the world HEAD ON in this epic issue!
POWER MAN & IRON FIST EPIC COLLECTION: HEROES FOR HIRE (TPB)
As far as I was able to tell back in the long-ago time, the only reason Power Man and Iron Fist were teamed up was because they were two of Marvel's lowest-selling books, and were about to be canceled. That somehow the writers made it work is still a bit amazing to me.
Volume #1 in the Power Man & Iron Fist Epic Collections
Written by MARY JO DUFFY with CHRIS CLAREMONT, ED HANNIGAN, BOB LAYTON & STEVEN GRANT
Penciled by KERRY GAMMILL with JOHN BYRNE, TREVOR VON EEDEN, MIKE ZECK, SAL BUSCEMA, LEE ELIAS, MARIE SEVERIN & ALAN WEISS
Cover by DAVE COCKRUM
448 PGS / Rated T / $39.99
Marvel’s stronger-than-steel man of the streets, Luke Cage, partners with the mystic kung-fu master Iron Fist in the beginning of one of the greatest teams in comic-book history! Together, Power Man and Iron Fist are heroes for hire, taking on any any job, any challenge — so long as their clients can meet the price. But both heroes have long pasts and old foes out to destroy them. Between those menaces and making ends meet, it’s a life short on downtime and long on action! This inaugural Epic Collection features the beginning of our heroes’ partnership; guest appearances by the X-Men, and Colleen Wing and Misty Knight — the Daughters of the Dragon; and classic villains including Nightshade, Bushmaster and Sabretooth! Collecting POWER MAN #48-49 and POWER MAN & IRON FIST (1978) #50-70.
RED SKULL #2 (of 3)
I always imagined that Magneto would not suffer the Red Skull to live, only he kinda has for decades. That was a mistake, bucket-head.
Writers: JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art: LUCA PIZZARI
Cover by RILEY ROSSMO
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• Under attack by the horrors of the Deadlands, the villains learn that only way to survive is to sell their souls to the Devil …
• Magneto has always hated everything about the Red Skull, but would he betray that to gain his freedom?
• Rising stars Joshua Williamson and Luca Pizzari continue their tale of bloody revenge across all of Battleworld!
SIEGE #2
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Writer: KIERON GILLEN
Art: FILIPE ANDRADE
Cover: W. SCOTT FORBES
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
THEY CAN'T EVER WIN. THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE.
• THE SHIELD is the only thing that protects the more civilized areas of Battleworld from the ZOMBIE HORDES, DEATH MACHINES AND ANNIHILATION WAVES.
• Anyone who annoys Doom gets sent to The Shield. Anyone who gets sent to the Shield deals with ABIGAIL BRAND.
• Miss America, Lady Katherine, Kang the Conqueror, Leah Shieldmen, the Endless Summers Company, Leonardo Da Vinci and a cast of thousands will fight to the death to keep Battleworld safe. But don't worry, Kieron Gillen is writing this book, so I'm sure everything will end happily for everyone.
• "Imagine NextWave as a tragedy," says Kieron, if anyone asks him about it.
SPIDER-ISLAND #2 (of 5)
Writers: CHRISTOS GAGE & TOM DEFALCO
Art: PACO DIAZ & RON FRENZ
Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Variant by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• The Spider-Queen has turned Manhattan into an island of Spider-Madness and Peter Parker has lost, thanks to Spider-Scribe CHRISTOS GAGE (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, SUPERIOR SPIDER-MAN) & rising star artist PACO DIAZ (WOLVERINE, SCARLET SPIDERS).
• With Spider-Man defeated and captive, does Flash Thompson, A.K.A. VENOM stand a chance?
• All this, plus visit the MC2 patch of BATTLEWORLD! Mayday Parker and her Spider-Family are back courtesy of classic Spider-Girl team TOM DEFALCO, RON FRENZ & SAL BUSCEMA!
ULTIMATE END #4 (OF 5)
Writer: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art/Cover: MARK BAGLEY
Manga Variant by TBA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?
• TONY VS TONY, CLINT VS CLINT, HULK VS HULK!
• The tear between domains deepens …
• How long can two territories occupy the same space?
• Here comes MILES ...
Replies
OTHER PUBLISHERS
BLOODSHOT REBORN #5
More lovely Valiant previews.
Art by RAUL ALLEN
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN
Cover B by MICO SUAYAN
QR Voice Variant by JAY FABARES
Variant Cover by DAVE JOHNSON
Variant Cover by KANO
$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+
EVIL-DOERS, BEWARE … BLOODSQUIRT IS TAKING CHARGE!
The memories of the thousands of people he killed as Bloodshot aren’t the only things that haunt Ray Garrison. For months now, the specter of the Geomancer and a nightmarish cartoon known as Bloodsquirt have tormented him at every turn. Are they real or a just figment of Bloodshot’s broken psyche? And just who are the other members of the Bloodsquirt’s squad … and what are they planning next? Follow New York Times best-selling writer Jeff Lemire (THE VALIANT) and special guest artist Raul Allen (Hawkeye) down the rabbit hole right here for an essential chapter of the “Colorado” epic!
I haven't been following The Bunker, an error I intend to correct when I have time. In the meantime, Oni sends out these nice previews. Enjoy!
Writer: JOSHUA HALE FIALKOV
Art/Cover: JOE INFURNARI
Mature/$3.99
What's the deal with Heidi? Between her visits to Billy and spilling her deepest secret to Natasha, there's something else going on. Where has she been the last three months? And who has she been with?
Writer: FABIEN NURY
Art: TIRSO, ZHANG XIAOYU, MARIO ALBERTI, ÉRIC HENNIOT
56 pages / $15.99
Across the centuries, and in all their incarnations, the vampiric brothers Radu and Vlad continue their bloody feud. But how long can the immortals remain completely immune to the humanity of their hosts before their emotions and feelings start to merge? Now the brothers feel their will and that of the humans they inhabit become combined, and their fate, which they once felt so certain they controlled, is changed forever.
The epic conclusion to this fantasy saga will see the brothers face a new and unexpected battle – a battle for their minds.
REVIEW
As I pointed out in the last Chronicles of Legion review, the art on this series is extraordinary. It's vaguely reminiscent of Barry Windsor-Smith in places, with Raphaelesque renderings on breathtaking landscapes and some figures in repose. (Not that I think this is a swipe. I think both artists are lifting from the same fine-art sources.) Where Legion goes for a modern or action feel, the art is flawless there, too, both beautifully rendered and clear.
That can't quite be said of the story. After two readings, I'm still not really sure what has happened here. I had that feeling with the last couple of books, but hey, there were more books coming, which I thought would explain things. Nope. This is the last book, and I'm left scratching my head.
Which is not a terrible thing, if it leaves the door open for more stories of the Dracul brothers. The way vampirism is conceptualized here is really quite interesting, and I'd love to see more of it. But, honest, I could use some Cliff Notes on this one.
Art: DEAN HASPIEL, JOHN WORKMAN AND ALLEN PASSALAQUA
Script: MARK WAID
The Fox #5 CVR A Reg: DEAN HASPIEL
The Fox #5 CVR B Variant: ROBERT HACK
The Fox #5 CVR C Variant: DAVID MACK
The Fox #5 CVR D Variant: ELI POWELL
The Fox #5 CVR E Variant: BILL SIENKIEWICZ
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.
The FOX HUNT reaches its cataclysmic conclusion with the biggest brawl in Dark Circle history! “Fox Hunt, Part 5”: The Fox and She-Fox have invaded Mr. Smile’s evil headquarters and are on the attack against the final five deadly villains that stand between them and their son! As parents do battle for the fate of their son, blood, sweat tears and money are on the line -- but the freak magnet and his super family are far from finished! This arc may be ending, but the Fox’s adventures continue on -- if he can survive the final showdown with the dreaded IRON FOX! Featuring story, art and covers from the biggest names in comics, including variant art from Robert Hack, David Mack, Eli Powell and Bill Sienkiewicz!
REVIEW
Another terrific issue, with more depth than you'd expect in a breezy book like this.
The plot so far is that Paul "The Fox" Patton doesn't want to do the superhero thing any more, because he's got a wonderful wife and a teenage son and he wants them to be safe from his "weirdness magnet."
Obviously that's not going to happen, and the mechanism Waid uses to force Patton back into uniform is an unknown foe putting a price on his head -- a challenge answered by the lamest supervillains in the history of comics which, yes, really were supposed to be taken sort-of seriously in the 1960s. So it's funny, but also quite dramatic, because Fox's wife and son BOTH throw on Fox outfits to help him out, which just increases the amount of danger they're in! Because they're pretty terrible at it!
Who is the mystery foe? Who stays a Fox? And what are the consequences of all this violence?
Read this book for all the answers, as well as a pretty amusing time with some pretty outrageous nonsense. Sure, the subtext is serious. But The Fox is just downright fun, and that's what comics ought to be.
More Valiant goodness.
Art by SCOT EATON
Cover A by KANO
Cover B by PERE PEREZ
Variant Cover by PHILIP TAN
$3.99 US | 32 pgs. | T+
Harada’s team of “BROKEN ANGELS” confront … DIVINITY!
The telepathic mastermind. The alien assassin. The mercenary super-soldier. The mad scientist. And the killer robot with a soul. Toyo Harada has collected the monsters that will make his vision of world peace a reality. Now he pursues the most difficult and desirable asset of all – the spaceman with all the powers of a god – the outcast who can rewrite reality with a thought – the man who is no longer a man – the all-powerful being who is simply called Divinity.
JAMES PATTERSON'S ZOO (TPB)
An interesting premise and a fantastic cover! If the execution follows suit, this could be really good.
Writer: JAMES PATTERSON
Art/Cover: ANDY MACDONALD
$17.00
The latest graphic novel by renowned author James Patterson leaps off the page and goes straight for the jugular! Animals the world over are setting their sights on fresh prey -- man. Only biologist Jackson Oz has recognized the patterns in an escalating chain of violent attacks by animals against mankind, and these incidents are just the prelude to something far, far more terrifying. Now Oz is in a race against nature to try to warn humanity about the coming catastrophe, but is it already too late?
JOHN FLOOD #1
Another interesting premise. I don't get BOOM! review books, so I don't know if it's any good, but the concept is really interesting.
Writer: JUSTIN JORDAN
Art: JORGE COEHLO
Cover: JORGE COELHO
$3.99
What's to Love: Justin Jordan exploded onto the comics scene just four short years ago with The Strange Talent of Luther Strode and caught everyone by surprise. Now he brings us John Flood, a series that combines the metaphysical with the procedural in a way we think is really fresh. Joining him is Jorge Coelho, whose fantastic work on Polarity and Sleepy Hollow made him a BOOM! favorite. Perfect for fans of Desolation Jones and Sherlock Holmes.
What It Is: As the result of a government experiment, John Flood no longer needs to sleep, but now he's in a constant dream state and sometimes can't tell what's real and what isn't. But a side effect is that he sees patterns and makes connections no one else can, which serve him well in his new "career" as a makeshift PI. Together with a burly ex-cop, Flood begins to investigate when he "sees" one man responsible for thousands of unsolved murders, but now he himself has caught the killer's attention.
LION OF RORA (GN)
Writers: CHRISTOS GAGE, RUTH FLETCHER GAGE
Artist: JACKIE LEWIS
$24.99
In the tradition of Braveheart and 300 comes The Lion of Rora -- the true story of Joshua Janavel, farmer turned freedom fighter, who will stop at nothing in his quest to save his people from tyranny and religious persecution. This painstakingly researched graphic novel, written by Christos Gage & Ruth Fletcher Gage and featuring evocative art from Jackie Lewis, chronicles the epic war over faith, freedom and family. Not to be missed.
What people are saying:
"The Lion of Rora Verdict: Recommended for large graphic novel collections serving teens and adults with room to spare on niche historical fiction. A potentially useful springboard for instructors in an academic setting." — Library Journal
"Oni Press has done a wonderful job presenting this piece of little known but fascinating history. One can only hope that Oni and other publishers will continue to branch out like this, delivering exciting stories that have the added benefit of being true. Those looking for something different in graphic storytelling will be well rewarded by reading this adventurous saga. Highly recommended." -- SFRevu
REVIEW
Being a sucker for all thing historical, I loved this book for all it taught me about a piece of European history I knew nothing about.
Chances are most people reading this don't know much about it either! In brief, there was a Christian sect that started in the 1100s or so that sort-of anticipated the Protestant Reformation, in that they thought the Bible should be translated into the common tongue, and that people didn't need a priest as an interlocutor between them and God.
This, of course, went over very poorly with the Medieval Roman Catholic Church, who branded them all heretics and tried to kill them all off in the 1600s. (This mostly took place more or less in or near the Duchy of Savoy, which is located in what is now parts of Eastern France and Northwestern Italy, and historically answered to the French crown.
Mother Church failed to wipe out these folks, called the Waldensens or Waldensians, largely through the remarkable military pluck, luck and cunning stragegy of a farmer named Joshua Janavel. He is the Lion of Rora of the title, and this is his story.
Despite my fascination with that story, I have to note I wasn't thrilled with the art, which seemed not only a bit cartoony but also a little amateurish, especially when foreshortening or perspective are needful.
But it's serviceable and clear, and if you're into history, you might not mind.
MICHAEL MIDAS CHAMPION BOOK ONE
I reviewed this one in my latest column.
Writer: JORDAN B. GORFINKEL
Art/Cover: SCOTT BENEFIEL
$19.95
Introducing a new kind of superhero from the DC Comics editor and writer who masterminded Batman's No Man's Land saga. With his super-strength and endurance, the costumed crusader known as Champion protects the city of Urbana Falls from supervillains and ordinary criminals. But being a super-hero doesn't pay the bills, and with a wife and child to support, Champion -- in his secret identity as Michael Midas -- makes ends meet as a garbage collector. Even with all his super-abilities, Michael finds being a husband and father more challenging than beating up bad guys. Torn between fulfilling his great responsibilities to his family and his city, he wishes Champion had the power to correct the mistakes of his past -- and fix his two lives once and for all.
THE PHANTOM: THE COMPLETE DAILIES VOL 8 1947-1948 (HC)
Writer: LEE FALK
Art/Cover: WILSON MCCOY
$50.00
The critically acclaimed, best selling complete reprint of The Phantom dailies continues! Referred to by comic strip historian Maurice Horn as the "granddaddy of all costumed superheroes," The Phantom was created in 1936 by Lee Falk with artwork by Ray Moore. The Phantom set the standard for action, adventure, intrigue, and romance in adventure comic strips and comic books. Included in this volume are three complete continuities, reprinted for the first time in their entirety, "The Devil Road," "The Girls (Lady Luck)," and "The Masked Marvel." Strips from this issue are taken directly from King Feature's proofs. A special color section with historical essay is included.
REVIEW (ISH)
As I've said before, these books are surprisingly good, despite being more than 60 years old and beginning years before the superhero boom that imbedded the concept in the entertainment landscape.
But it could be argued that a lot of what made the superhero concept both workable and fun started with "The Phantom" (and a few other comic strip adventurers), from the costume, to the secret identity (of a sort), to the infectious joy of using one's power and skills to defeat evil, such as in early Superman. Going with the Superman theme, Diana Palmer is no wilting flower, just as early Lois Lane showed courage and wits. (Someone should write a book about how the courageous career gals of the 1940s turned into incompetent and petty I Love Lucy clones in the 1950s, with Lois Lane the poster girl for this transformation.)
Anyway, these Phantom stories are still fresh after all these decades, perhaps because of the aforementioned joy the Ghost Who Walks brings to the table. It's easy to like this guy, and to engage in a little wish fulfillment. Also, the adventures are quite rousing, going to exotic parts of the map that were still largely unknown in the '40s -- an option no longer available to today's writers, alas.
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS: BLACKCROSS #5 (of 6)
I'm saving up this series to read a bunch of 'em together, because I got lost reading them 30 days apart. But here's a nice preview!
Art: COLTON WORLEY
Cover A Main: TULA LOTAY
Cover B Variant: DECLAN SHALVEY
Cover C Subscription: GABRIEL HARDEMAN
32 pages / Teen+ / $3.99
The American Spirit has Federal Agent Bart Hill's throat in his hand. Maggie Allen is bleeding from the eyes. Marietta Chesler and Rob Benton are burying a body. Gary Preston is still missing, presumed incinerated. All these people were part of an escape plan, but it's all gone wrong. In the penultimate episode of Blackcross, secrets are told, threats become real, and six haunted people are about to be murdered.
Don't know much about this, but I seem to recall enjoying Sniegoski's work in some other context.
Writer: TOM SNIEGOSKI
Art/Cover: TOM BROWN
$19.95
New York Times-bestselling author Thomas E. Sniegoski introduces readers to a mesmerizing dark world filled with monsters, where humanity's only hope lies in the bravery of one woman. When the Throng came, the human race never stood a chance. The monsters were simply too strong, too numerous. It only took a few months for them to take over and leave the few poor souls who survived cowering in terror for years to come. But even the monsters fear something: the dark goddess known as the Raven's Child. Legend says that she alone is destined to destroy the Throng and free those under their cruel power. And whoever wields her name and image could become the bane of the Throng and an inspiration to humankind - even if she were only a young woman, like Carissa Devin, who has vowed to reclaim the world for the human race!
RED SONJA/CONAN #1
Art: ROBERTO CASTRO
Cover A: ALEX ROSS
Cover B: ED BENES
32 pages / Teen+ / $3.99
Dynamite Entertainment and Dark Horse Comics are proud to announce that Red Sonja, the fearless She-Devil with a Sword, and the legendary adventurer Conan the Barbarian will team up once again in an all-new comic book miniseries, Red Sonja / Conan. Following upon the success of the Conan / Red Sonja crossover released in January 2015, the new launch welcomes celebrated author Victor Gischler as the series writer. Red Sonja / Conan will debut this summer with a #1 issue featuring cover artwork by Alex Ross, Ed Benes and Roberto Castro.
In Red Sonja / Conan, the crimson-tressed warrior and Hyborian berserker are reunited during an impromptu tournament of arms, a festive occasion that unexpectedly gives way to supernatural menace. The famous fantasy pair -- known for their camraderie in battle, the fiery tension of an unspoken passion and the occasional rivalry towards each other as respected peers -- must unite to face a horde of demons set loose upon the land. While the events of Red Sonja / Conan take place one year after the continuity established in the Conan / Red Sonja series of early 2015, the script has been carefully constructed to appeal to returning fans and newcomers alike.
"I'm very excited to be working with two amazing iconic characters like Red Sonja and Conan. It's also pretty awesome that two comic publishers like Dynamite and Dark Horse can come together to make something like this happen," said writer Victor Gischler "I think we're in for some top notch high adventure."
Victor Gischler, a bestselling novelist and comic book writer, has written adventures set within the swords-and-sorcery world of Robert E. Howard previously, in the form of a five-issue Dark Horse miniseries called Conan: The Phantoms of the Black Coast. Red Sonja / Conan marks the writer's first time writing the She-Devil with a Sword, although he has worked hand-in-hand with Dynamite Entertainment twice before, with an acclaimed run on The Shadow and its spin-off series, Noir. Gischler's extensive work in the comic book industry also includes two stories set with Joss Whedon's Buffyverse (Spike and Angel & Faith), as well as popular Marvel superhero titles The Punisher, Deadpool, and X-Men.
"Pairing up Red Sonja and Conan the first time was so much fun, we just had to do it again," says Dynamite Publisher and CEO Nick Barrucci. "The two have such an interesting history in comics between them, dating back to the late 1970s, and it seems that more than just sparks are destined to fly whenever this pair of star-crossed warriors meet. We at Dynamite are very proud to work alongside our friends at Dark Horse Comics to reunite these icons, and to deliver the best fantasy comic books ever made available on store shalves."
"We're extremely excited to see Dynamite complete this adventure fifteen years in the making between these two classic characters," says Dark Horse President Mike Richardson. "Dynamite has been a fantastic partner to work with on this critically acclaimed series and no doubt their story arc will be an excellent contribution to the Robert E. Howard legacy."
The new Red Sonja / Conan miniseries is slated for release beginning in Summer 2015. The current Conan / Red Sonja series, co-written by Gail Simone and Jim Zub, and featuring artwork by Dan Panosian, is available for purchase in stores now from Dark Horse Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. Fans are encouraged to look for new announcements on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram as the latest updates become available.
That's quite a press release, eh?
I wish I could be as enthusiastic, especially since I really enjoyed last week's Conan and Red Sonja issues, and Conan/Red Sonja HC. I mean, I really enjoyed those books! So maybe I set the bar too high, because this one is sort of a let-down.
I could go through this issue chapter and verse and show you where I found fault with clumsy dialogue or characters acting out of character, but hopefully it's enough that I'm telling you I could. Honest, I know all comics creators are doing their level best, and I don't enjoy saying rude things. About all you have to know is that in Conan/Red Sonja the villain was the powerful and terrifying Thoth-Amon, whereas in the first issue of Red Sonja/Conan it's a disgruntled botanist.
Art: GIOVANNI TIMPANO
Cover A: JACKSON GUICE
32 pages / Teen + / $1.00
A ruthless cabal of magicians is searching for the secret to the Last Illusion, and they'll stop at nothing to achieve their goals. But the person who knew the most about the mysterious rite is dead, and he shared his secret with one man -- the Shadow! Now, the Shadow faces some of his strangest foes as he engages in a deadly game where he might be the hunter ... or the hunted.
I honestly can't get enough of The Shadow just doing his thing -- you know, scaring the poop out of bad guys, tricking them with his many agents, and then blowing their brains out. I mean, what's not to love?
But, OK, I guess that doesn't sell or something, because now Shadow writers always seem to feel the need to up the ante. The shadow in Russia! The Shadow in China! The Shadow teamed up with a bunch of other guys in masks!
And here the ante that is upped is The Shadow fighting a league of magicians. This plays off the miniseries where The Shadow was mentored by Harry Houdini (which I didn't read) and the recent The Shadow #1 (which I also didn't read), but that's OK -- writer Cullen Bunn tells you everything you need to know to get into the story.
And it's also promises to be quite an adventure. I'll tag along, because Bunn rarely disappoints, and heck, it's The Shadow. Maybe he'll get around to blowing out someone's brains.
We can only hope.
My copy of this arrived from Amazon some time ago -- I've already read it and put it on the shelf! What's up with that?
By way of review I'll just point out the obvious: If you're a Ditko fan, you'll love this book. His pre-Marvel work is much more detailed and experimental, so you can see for yourself his development as an artist and a storyteller.
If you don't much care for Ditko, then move along, Johnny. Nothing to see here.
Art/Cover: STEVE DITKO
$39.99
In this fith volume of The Steve Ditko Archives, the legendary cocreator of Spider-Man and Doctor Strange sets his pen to sometimes disturbing flghts of fancy involving mermaids, mad scientists, alien invasions, exotic locales and much more. Fantagraphics' meticulous full-color restoration gives these chilling Cold War-era yarns -- many of which haven't seen print for more than half a century -- a startling clarity. Story titles in this 220-page volume include: "The Man Who Couldn't Die, " "Valley Of Eternity," "The Statues That Came To Life," "Inside The Crystal Globe," "Mystery From Mars" and "Doorway Into Tomorrow."
SWORDS OF SORROW: DEJAH THORIS & IRENE ADLER #3
Art: FRANCESCO MANNA
Cover: JAY ANACLETO
32 pages / Teen + / $3.99
The streets of London are no place for a woman all on her own. They are, however just fine for a woman wielding a Sword. Dejah Thoris is used to London's dirt, and its rain, but she is growing tired of its people. She and Irene Adler must surely band together to find the Banth and get Thoris back to Barsoom, but to do that, one of them would first have to back down ...
Here's the final issue of what I've been describing as one of the best Swords of Sorrow miniseries, and it still mostly is. If I have a complaint -- and I do -- it's that this mini expects me to be more familiar with the Holmes ouevre than I currently am (it's been decades since I've read the whole thing), so some of Adler's remarks go over my head, which is annoying. It's also a little annoying when they don't go over my head, and Iunderstand perfectly well that she -- or writer Leah Moore -- is putting Sherlock down. Hey, I can get behind "that woman" secretly being an operative of Mycroft Holmes and being just as capable as The Great Detective. But here's something your mother should have taught you, Ms. Moore: You can't build anyone up by tearing someone else down. It's rude and unconvincing.
Aside from those quibbles, it's been an enjoyable romp that's shifted back and forth between dreamlike Barsoom and grubby Victorian London, with the clever Irene and the stabby Dejah chasing thoats, emasculating men and generally having a good time.
Art: DAN SCHKADE, BRENNAN WAGNER
Cover A: ERIC POWELL
32 pages / Teen + / $3.99
With Central City feeling the vacuum left by The Spirit's long disappearance, Ebony and Sammy set out to find out what happened to their old friend. Their trail takes them to familiar surroundings and in pursuit of one of the masked vigilante's most nefarious foes. Meanwhile, both Commissioner Dolan and his daughter Ellen must face obstacles of their own. This all new series celebrates the 75th anniversary of Will Eisner's iconic character, scripted by Eisner Award-winner Matt Wagner with interior art by the team of Dan Schkade and colorist Brennan Wagner and a cover by Eric Powell.
It's issue #2, and we still haven't seen The Spirit. Methinks we won't any time soon.
As I expected from the first issue, the narrative engine for this story is Ebony and Sammy searching for The Spirit by going through his Rogues Gallery. This issue, for example, they pay a visit to Mr. Carrion and Julia. One assumes they'll deal one villain after another until they get to The Octopus, who will almost certainly have to be the Big Bad.
Meanwhile, life is proceeding apace for the rest of the cast, especially Dolan, Ellen and Officer (now Lieutenant) Klink. These developments aren't necessarily to the characters' liking or, presumably, to ours.
Is that enough to carry this series? Will Eisner built a strong and likeable supporting cast, but how long can the strip go on with a void at its center? I mean, so far, so good, but even a dedicated Spirit fan like myself will go only so long reading a book called The Spirit when it doesn't have The Spirit in it.
AGE OF REPTILES: I took a look at the previous issue after you pointed it out last month, but decided to tradewait. The scope reminds me a bit of Steve Bissette’s Tyrant (which was to have traced the life cycle of a T-Rex) which, sadly, ended prematurely due to the artist’s vision problems.
DITKO ARCHIVES 5: My copy came a couple of weeks ago, too. I must admit, I never before noticed the S&M and bondage imagery in early Doctor Strange. No un-seeing it now. Thanks a lot, Blake Bell.
SPIRIT #2: Bought and read issue #1 and decided to tradewait the series. That is, I decided to wait until it is released in trade, then make a decision. To be perfectly honest, there is still quite a bit of Will Eisner’s actual Spirit I have yet to read. The next time I read any Spirit at all, it’s going to be that.
CORTO MALTESE: Just curious if you read it yet and what you think. It, along with the recent release of Alex Toth’s Bravo are two of the best examples of “two-fisted he-man adventure” I can think of.