DARK HORSE COMICS
DEATH HEAD #1 (of 6)
Writers: ZACK KELLER, NICK KELLER
Art: JOANNA ESTEP
Colors: KELLY FITZPATRICK
Cover: E. M. GIST
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Miniseries
Who is the Plague Doctor? What does he want? And how will the family survive?
Zack Keller (co-creator of Dick Figures, the Streamy, IAWTV, and Annie Award–nominated web series with 650 million+ YouTube views) and Nick Keller (Turner of the Century) deliver a supernatural-horror thriller about family and creeping, terrifying murder!
When Niles and Justine Burton go camping to get a break from their stressful lives, they expect to find peace ... not an abandoned village hiding an ancient evil. In a turn of events ripped straight from a horror movie, a brutal killer wearing a plague doctor’s mask begins hunting Niles, Justine and their two kids.
Review:
This book reads a bit like a Scott Snyder or Steve Niles horror book, and that's not a bad thing.
As a first issue, the writers have to cover a lot of ground, and they do so pretty successfully. We meet the Burton family, and we brush up against the central mystery/horror in two different aspects. It's all pretty clear, without any ham-handed exposition, which makes for an easy read.
Here's the set-up: We meet Niles and Justine Burton on vacation in search of death's-head moths in some unspecified woods, where they stumble onto the Plague Doctor's crematorium (and the moths), where he has been incinerating people for what looks like a very long time. (For the record, the P.D. is as yet unnamed in the story.) That plays into some local horror legends, which we hear about from some kids who are bullying the Burtons' young son Bee. We also meet the older daughter, Maggie, who is apparently a problem child who is at her last-resort school, a religious academy.
It's all very horror movie-ish -- I wouldn't be surprised if this story began life as a screenplay -- which is good and bad. Good because the horror-movie tropes are so familiar it's easy to ease into the story; bad because the horror-movie tropes are a bit too familiar. It's not real difficult to see where most of the scenarios are going. I hope to be surprised, but I won't be if, say, Maggie's young priest turns out to be the man in the plague mask, or at least affiliated.
As to the art, it's excellent. E.M. Gist's cover above is exceptionally well done, and a bit spooky also. The interior art leans toward the Sketchy School more than I care for, but it's clear and the storytelling briskly paced.
Death Head isn't scaring me yet, but I like the Burton family and I'll be back to see how they fare.
GROO: FRIENDS AND FOES #7
Writer: MARK EVANIER
Art/Cover: SERGIO ARAGONÉS
Colors: TOM LUTH
Letters: STAN SAKAI
FC, 32 pages, $3.99
Ongoing
For the swordswoman Chakaal there are only two rules for survival: first, be more able with your sword, and second, avoid Groo! From the award-winning team of Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier.
Lettered by the Eisner Award–winning Stan Sakai!
“A beautifully-cartooned, smartly-written, lighthearted and enjoyable adventure book that also happens to be very, very hilarious.” -- Rhymes with Geek
Review:
I confess that it's been years since I've read a Groo title, for which I am truly ashamed. It really doesn't get any better than Evanier and Aragones.
In this particular issue, Groo is hired to fray against Chakaal, with whom he is in love. Of course, Chakaal wants nothing to do with Groo, and Groo's jealous dog would rather he have nothing to do with Chakaal. Anyway, there is much fraying, clever dialogue, references to mendicants and cheese dip and something of an Afterschool Special learning moment. Just another terrific outing by Evanier and Aragones.
DC COMICS
ASTRO CITY #25
Hey, look! Astro City has its own A-Force!
Written by KURT BUSIEK
Art by JESUS MERINO
Cover by ALEX ROSS
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
It’s an Honor Guard spotlight with guest artist Jesus Merino: Blessed from birth by powerful forces, Hummingbird’s young life has practically been a fairy tale. But charmed lives come with hidden curses – and her curse may just prove fatal. Luckily, she’s not fighting it alone. Guest-starring Cleopatra, Starwoman, Mermaid, Greymalkin and the other women of Honor Guard.
BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN (TPB)
Didn't Luke Blanchard figure out what the original art was that this cover is homage-ing? I've forgotten.
Written by PAUL DINI and others
Art by YVEL GUICHET, AARON SOWD, JOE QUINONES, DON KRAMER and others
Cover by ALEX ROSS
200 pg, FC, $19.99 US
Don’t miss Harley’s greatest hits from the pages of BATMAN: HARLEY QUINN #1, JOKER’S ASYLUM II: HARLEY QUINN #1, BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #14, #30, BATMAN BLACK & WHITE #1, #3, DETECTIVE COMICS #831, #837, DETECTIVE COMICS: HARLEY QUINN #23.2 and LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT 100-PAGE SUPER SPECTACULAR #1!
BLACK CANARY #2
This is certainly a different take on Black Canary, which may upset some traditionalists. But not me. To tell you the truth, I'd rather grown tired of the endless cycle of break-ups and make-ups with Green Arrow.
Written by BRENDEN FLETCHER
Art and cover by ANNIE WU
1:25 Variant cover by BABS TARR
32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
In the wake of their first major fight, Dinah’s realized that her new bandmates are completely unprepared to keep themselves alive in a scrap … so it’s time for a training montage! (Cue the squealing guitars!) Plus: Who is Bo Maeve, and why does she hate Black Canary so much?
HARLEY QUINN #18
The main cover is a cute take on the cover to Action Comics #421, (below right) with the Popeye-lookalike Captain Strong.
Written by AMANDA CONNER and JIMMY PALMIOTTI
Art by CHAD HARDIN
Cover by AMANDA CONNER
TEEN TITANS GO! Variant cover by BEN CALDWELL
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
This issue will ship with two covers.
The Gang of Harleys rocks on with a super fun appearance by Captain Strong! Yes, that is a real character, we promise!
THE INVISIBLES DELUXE EDITION BOOK FOUR (HC)
People reading this Guide are probably pretty familiar with the Ingmar Bergman film The Seventh Seal. In case you're not, I'll point out that this cover combines two famous images from that movie, one of the protagonist playing chess with Death (top), and another of various figures who have died in the movie dancing behind Death as he leads them to the afterlife (second image).Written by GRANT MORRISON
Art by PHIL JIMENEZ and others
Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
512 pg, FC, 7.0625” x 10.875”,$39.99 US • MATURE READERS
In this INVISIBLES collection, the team launches an assault on an underground New Mexico lab to free the cure for the AIDS virus, and the final fate of mankind is decided in the apocalyptic transdimensional showdown! Collects THE INVISIBLES VOL. 2 #14-22 and VOL. 3 #12-1.
THE NEW 52: FUTURES END VOL. 2 (TPB)
How is that Green Arrow always makes it to the end of the world?
Written by BRIAN AZZARELLO, JEFF LEMIRE, DAN JURGENS and KEITH GIFFEN
Art by GEORGES JEANTY, SCOT EATON, AARON LOPRESTI, CULLY HAMNER and others
Cover by RYAN SOOK
304 pg, FC, $29.99 US
It’s all-out war on Cadmus Island! Plus, the strange new Superman is unmasked, Brother Eye plots the destiny of The Joker, Batman battles Batman Beyond, and the meaning of heroism is redefined for Firestorm. Collects issues #18-30 of the smash-hit weekly series.
SUPERGIRL VOL. 6: CRUCIBLE (TPB)
I can only imagine the pitch for this story, which I didn't much enjoy. "So what do teenage kids love the most? School! So let's send Supergirl, the most powerful teen in our universe, a wish-fulfillment figure, to school, where she has to follow rules and do what she's told! And, of course, she'll need friends at school, so let's invent a whole bunch of them at once, whose characterization will consist of no more than a single, specific character trait, because that's always real popular -- I'm sure they'll be permanent additions to the Supergirl mythos!"
Bleah.
Written by TONY BEDARD, K. PERKINS and MIKE JOHNSON
Art by KARL MOLINE, JONBOY MEYERS, EMANUELA LUPACCHINO and others
Cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
192 pg, FC, $16.99 US
Kara must deal with the fallout of the green Kryptonite skies over a dead Earth, and the horrors still to come! This volume features a SUPERMAN: DOOMED tie-in from the pages of SUPERGIRL #34-40, and SUPERGIRL: FUTURES END #1.
IDW PUBLISHING
GODZILLA IN HELL #1 (of 5)
Writer/Art/Cover: JAMES STOKOE
EC Comics Subscription Variant: JEFF ZORNOW
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
In over six decades of battles and triumphs, Godzilla has never faced a challenge as great as what’s coming his way this July, when Godzilla goes to hell! In Godzilla in Hell, a five-issue miniseries launching in July, Godzilla will storm through the gates of hell itself, proving that the towering behemoth is King Of The Monsters both above and below.
With no warning and no sign of salvation, Godzilla is plummeted to the deepest, darkest bowels of the infernal kingdom. The mystery of what led to Godzilla’s damnation, and what it will face, will take readers on a dark and twisted journey unlike any Godzilla story before!
A rotating creative team will each take Godzilla through a new and more dangerous layer of Hell, beginning with none other than writer and artist James Stokoe, who is returning to the character for the first time since his haunting stunner of a miniseries, Godzilla: The Half Century War.
“Drawing Godzilla must be my comfort food, because it feels really great to come back and work on pages with IDW again,” said Stokoe, writer and artist on issue 1. “Also, the list of amazing creators they've tapped for this series beyond my issue feels equally great as a fan, especially with the theme everyone gets to play with. You can't get much bigger than Godzilla versus Hell!“
Successive issues in this five-part series will feature talents familiar to the Godzilla franchise, including the multi-talented writer/artists Bob Eggleton; and Dave Wachter; Wachter most recently wrapped up the apocalyptic take on Godzilla in Godzilla: Cataclysm.
New to the world of Godzilla will be writers Ulises Farinas, and Erick Freitas, together on issue #3 and Brandon Seifert, tackling issue #4; artists will be announced on these issues at a later time.
"I'm very proud with the level of quality we've brought to all of our Godzilla mini-series,” said editor Bobby Curnow. "Godzilla in Hell will prove no exception. It's been incredibly fun seeing the creator's imagination stretch to fully utilize this otherworldly premise."
This explosive new series will join a number of other major debuts in July as part of the Five Featured Firsts program, which launches a brand new title each and every week in July. Additionally, the debut issue will feature an EC Comics homage variant cover by Godzilla: Rulers of Earth artist Jeff Zornow as part of EC Cover Month!
Review:
It's a pretty simple concept: Godzilla fights nasty creatures, and we root for him to win. Simple, and effective.
This story gets right to it: Godzilla is dropped into a hole in the ground on page one. Why, we don't know. And he appears to be in hell. Why, we don't know.
But who cares? Being in hell means lots of nasty creatures to engage Godzilla in nonstop kaiju action. You know, sometimes the reader's feelings can get a little conflicted about the Big G, especially when his endless combats threaten to injure innocents. But not here. I mean: Creatures from hell! No moral conflict, just turn the big guy loose.
There is no dialogue, so the art has to carry everything, and it does. Stokoe leans toward a depiction of Godzilla's face as he looked in his man-in-a-rubber-suit days, which is a little more cartoony than I'd like. But it feels churlish to say so when Stokoe renders everything else in such gratifyingly kinetic fashion. He seems to be having a good time, and it's infectious.
I suppose at some point we'll find out what's going on. But in the meantime, we get lots of Skree-onk!
SUPERMAN: THE ATOMIC AGE SUNDAYS, VOL. 1: 1949–1953
This is such a monster that my attempts to download the review copy keep failing. Doesn't matter: I intend to read this book, which I know from previous volumes will be a blast, and have a permanent print version on my shelf.
For the record, this series is not only historically important -- it reveals what the mundanes were seeing/reading about Superman in the '40s, '50s and '60s -- but these are genuine Golden and Silver Age stories that we haven't read before.
Writer: ALVIN SCHWARTZ
Art: WAYNE BORING
Cover: PETER POPLASKI
HC • FC • $49.99 • 180 pages • 9.25” x 12”
These never-before-reprinted 1950s Sundays are a special treat for Superman fans and comics historians worldwide. This first book of the Atomic Age Sundays features more than 175 full-color strips, from October 23, 1949 through March 15, 1953. In these tales, the impish Mr. Mxyztplk has returned to drive Superman crazy and the Man of Steel returns to Smallville for “Superboy Week” celebrations and ends up solving a case he never had a chance to as Superboy!
“It’s a chance to read a large, mostly forgotten chunk of Superman in his glory days, when the concept was fresh and the energy was pure.” –The Comics Journal
IMAGE COMICS
INVINCIBLE #121
This book really is just injury porn, isn't it?
STORY: ROBERT KIRKMAN
ART: RYAN OTTLEY, CLIFF RATHBURN, & JEAN-FRANCOIS BEAULIEU
COVER: RYAN OTTLEY & JEAN-FRANCOIS BEAULIEU
JULY 15 / 24 PAGES / FC / T+ / $2.99
Things have gotten worse on Earth.
ISLAND #1
I intended to review this book, but Image didn't release the review copy until Tuesday night, when I was at work. I'd have done it afterward, but it's a monster -- 112 pages -- with literary ambitions, so it's not something I could do quickly. Alas!
STORY / ART: BRANDON GRAHAM, EMMA RIOS, & LUDROE
COVER: BRANDON GRAHAM
112 PAGES / FC / M / $7.99 / OVERSIZED
PRETTY DEADLY artist EMMA RIOS and KING CITY, PROPHET & MULTIPLE WARHEADS writer/artist BRANDON GRAHAM bring you a new ONGOING & OVERSIZED COMICS MAGAZINE. Each issue holds three 20- to 30-page, ad-free, issue-length chapters of new work from around the globe. #1 features a text piece by KELLY SUE DeCONNICK, writer of BITCH PLANET and PRETTY DEADLY.
PENNY DORA & THE WISHING BOX, VOL 1 (TPB)
This isn't really aimed at me, but I'm guessing if you have daughters it would be perfect.
Story: MICHAEL STOCK
Art / cover: SINA GRACE
144 PAGES / FC / E / $12.99
Once upon a time (on the day before Christmas) a young girl named Penny Dora found a mysterious box on her front doorstep. A magic box with the power to grant wishes. Which sounded great...until Penny Dora found herself face-to-face with a horde of fire-breathing dragons, oodles of monsters and at least seven dwarves...all thanks to the girl she used to call best friend, now known as Princess Elizabeth. An all-ages fantasy/adventure book for fans of Coraline and Courtney Crumrin!
Collects PENNY DORA & THE WISHING BOX #1-5.
RED ONE: WELCOME TO AMERICA (HC)
No time to review this one either, but I'll use any excuse to run Dodson covers.
STORY: XAVIER DORISON
ART / COVER: TERRY DODSON & RACHEL DODSON
JULY 8 / 80 PAGES / FC / M / $14.99
OVERSIZED (9.5” x 12.5”)
What happens when America's Greatest Hero...is actually a Russian Spy?
Collects RED ONE #1-2 & bonus material in an oversized European-style hardcover.
MARVEL COMICS
ANT-MAN ANNUAL #1
Well, this was inevitable. Say, what do you suppose the age difference in the comics is between Hank Pym and Scott Lang? Not as much as the movie of course, but it must be along the lines of 10 years, don't you think?
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by RAMON ROSANAS & BRENT SCHOONOVER
Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
40 PGS / ONE SHOT / Rated T+ / $4.99
• Just in time for the ANT-MAN movie (funny, that), it’s the team-up you’ve been waiting for: Scott Lang and Hank Pym, together again! Ant-bros!
• A classic villain makes his dreaded return!
• And a new hero is born! Well, not born, really -- he’s already an adult. Nobody wants to read about a super-baby. (Or do they?)
Blockbuster Ant-Man creative team Nick Spencer & Ramon Rosanas along with guest artist Brett Schoonover bring you an oversized Ant-Man tale that is ANYTHING but small!
Following the shocking climax of the Avengers: Rage of Ultron OGN, Scott Lang has a new mission. Hank Pym left something behind, something so microscopic only another Ant-Man would be able find it! Now Scott must relive a past adventure he had with the original Ant-Man in San Francisco in order to piece together the puzzle of the secret Hank left for him!
“This is a story that manages to be not only perfectly welcoming to new readers who just saw Marvel’s Ant-Man on the big screen (it’ll be on sale two days before the movie’s release!), but it’s also integral to the larger Scott Lang story that Nick and Ramon have been telling in the ANT-MAN comic series,” says series editor Wil Moss. “With Ramon on the present day story and the great Brent Schoonover on the flashback to the San Francisco team-up, Nick tells a story that explores the importance of the Ant-Man legacy -- both by looking into the past AND into the future!
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND THE MIGHTY DEFENDERS #1 (of 2)
Is that a ... Spider-Prowler?!?? Weird. Anyway, this book has two things going for it for me: I've always been curious how they'd play the Muslim pacifist doctor with Excalibur in a regular series, and this is drawn by Alan Davis. I'm a sucker for anything drawn by Alan Davis.
Writer: AL EWING
Art/Cover: ALAN DAVIS
Variant cover by FRAZIER IRVING
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• Welcome to Battleworld -- where, in what’s left of Mondo-City One, Boss Cage is the law!
• When the fascist futuropolis annexes neighboring Yinsen City, who’ll stand up for Ho Yinsen’s dream of universal peace?
• If you liked the Mighty Avengers -- you’ll love the Mighty Defenders!
GUARDIANS OF KNOWHERE #1
I guess this is where the Guardians of the Galaxy will hang out until Secret Wars is over.
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art & Cover by MIKE DEODATO
MAOS Variant: TBA
Gwenom Variant: ROB GUILLORY
Connecting Variant A: SKOTTIE YOUNG
Connecting Variant B: SKOTTIE YOUNG
The Marvel Universe may have been destroyed. The galaxy may be gone. But there are still places that need heroes. Places that need GUARDIANS. This June, prepare for WARZONES! unlike any other as the action heads to the “moon” of Battleworld in GUARDIANS OF KNOWHERE #1 – a brand new Secret Wars series from Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato coming this June!
High above Battleworld floats the head of a dead Celestial, miraculously saved in the collapse of a universe. Now orbiting Battleworld as its solitary moon, Knowhere survives as a colony brimming with convicts and criminals. Yet amid this wretched hive of killers, thieves and thugs – there is hope. People who will stand and defend those within who cannot defend themselves – the Guardians of Knowhere!
But mysteries abound in this head of a dead God. Suspended thousands of miles above Battleworld, a dangerous new foe stalks the alleys and corridors of this floating fortress. One who has set his crosshairs directly on the Guardians of Knowhere! Who is this new foe and what are they after? You’ll have to wait until June to find out. One thing is for certain – not everyone will walk out of Knowhere alive. Don’t miss one moment of the pulse-pounding action when GUARDIANS OF KNOWHERE #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this June!
HAIL HYDRA #1
This actually looks kind of interesting. I wasn't thrilled with the whole "Dimension Z" business, but this is as good a use for Ian Rogers as I can imagine. One question, though: Why/how is he an adult? I'm sure that's been addressed somewhere, but last I saw he was a pre-adolescent.
Written by RICK REMENDER
Art by ROLAND BOSCHI
Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
Variant Cover by JUAN DOE
Ant-Sized Variant by PASQUAL FERRY
Design Variant by ROLAND BOSCHI
MAOS Variant by JAKE WYATT
Blank Variant Also Available
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
Peace through strength! Honor through obedience! Continuance through conformity! Rick Remender & Roland Boschi bring you the new Hydra – better, stronger, greater. Witness its untold glory this July in the pages of HAIL HYDRA #1! It is a beautiful utopia Hydra has created on this new planet of Battleworld. But it is imperfect. Tarnished. One from outside the regime walks among us, sullying her beautiful landscape. He is Ian Rogers, son of Captain America, and the man called Nomad. Could his presence be enough to bring this perfect society to utter ruin? We serve none but the Master – and the world will soon serve us. But first – we must eradicate Ian Rogers!
Can one man survive the onslaught of an entire nation dominated by Hydra? Can he survive the rage of Eddie Brock and the rest of Hydra’s top assassins? He is a man without a world. No hope, no backup and no escape! Hydra will prevail. Hydra will preserve. Glory to the regime this July in HAIL HYDRA #1!
HAWKEYE #22
OK, this is pathetic. I'm not usually a stickler for comics being right on time, but when was this book first solicited? A year ago? I think this is the final issue of the series -- God, I hope so! -- but the next Hawkeye series has already started, and reached its second or third issue. And it's been delayed as well! And yet a third Hawkeye series will start in October! Let's hope they've caught up by then.
Publisher: MARVEL COMICS
Writer: MATT FRACTION
Art/Cover: DAVID AJA
Rated T+ / FC / $4.99
Hawkeyes vs. Tracksuits. Final Round!
MARVEL’S ANT-MAN: THE ART OF THE MOVIE SLIPCASE (HC)
I can't afford this, but maybe you can.
Written by JACOB JOHNSTON
240 PGS / All Ages / $49.99
Trim size: landscape
Experience the true scale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the latest entry in Marvel’s ART OF series. Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in size but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Stars Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas take up the mantles of Scott Lang and Hank Pym as Marvel’s Ant-Man brings the founding Avengers member to the big screen for the first time. In this keepsake volume, explore script secrets and production designs that showcase the creativity of Marvel’s talented filmmakers. With intricate concept art, full-color photography from the set and finished film, and commentary from the filmmakers, including Director Peyton Reed, this collectible will delight new and old fans alike!
SECRET WARS: BATTLEWORLD #3 (of 4)
Cute.
Writers: IVAN BRANDON and RYAN FERRIER
Art: AARON CONLEY, LOGAN FAERBER and PAUL POPE
Cover by SCOTT HEPBURN
Variant Cover by JAMES STOKOE
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• One versus many! What happens when a Wolverine who’s found peace is confronted with wave after wave of feral Wolverines? Bring a poncho!
• The Deadpool of 1872 is looking for a new ride! Say, Devil Dinosaur looks like a mighty fine steed…
• See the tremendously tiny tussle of the Ant-Men of Battleworld!
• If you only read one Secret Wars anthology, MAKE IT THIS ONE! If you read two … BUY TWO COPIES! Secret Wars Journal won’t love you like we do.
SEIGE #1
Methinks someone's been watching too much Game of Thrones. Doesn't this sound a bit like the Night's Watch at The Wall?
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by FELIPE ANDRADE & JAMES STOKOE
Cover by W. SCOTT FORBES
Variant Cover by ANDREW ROBINSON
Ant-Sized Variant cover by TBA
MAOS Variant cover by TBA
32 PGS. / Rated T+ / $3.99
They are few against many. They are the last line of defense. They can’t ever win. They can’t afford to lose. This July, enter one of the most dangerous areas on Battleworld as Kieron Gillen and Felipe Andrade bring you SEIGE #1 – a brand new Secret Wars story of deadly proportions!
Welcome to the Shield, the last line of defense against the hordes to the south of Battleworld. Zombie armies, Ultron robots primed only for death, and the Annihilation Wave. The Shield is the only thing that keeps them out. To patrol the Shield is to know fear, for your end could come at any moment. To man the Shield is to put your trust in the men and women standing beside you at the edge of the world. And to trust your leader. Because if you patrol the Shield – you answer to Abigail Brand.
“The Shield’s purpose is to stop everything that’s south of that point going north of that point,” explains Gillen in an interview with Marvel.com. “It’s because everything south of the Shield is entirely ungovernable. They want to eat you. Being deposited on the Shield is a punishment for a mixture of people who are entirely too battle-hungry or entirely too heroic.”
“Like Kieron’s iconic take on Loki, we’re looking to cause a bit of mischief with this book,” says series Editor Jake Thomas. “We’re putting all the wildest things we can think of into a canon, we’re firing that canon at a canvas, and we’re calling what hits that canvas ‘SIEGE’. And we’re giggling the whole time.
“Part of that,” continues Thomas, “is bringing in a rogues gallery of some of the more idiosyncratic comic artists we can get our hands on to do these wild, singular double-page spread battles (and we’ve already got the one-of-a-kind Felipe Andrade on the main interiors, so that should tell you something!). It’s taking a typical, fun exciting comic and rejiggering it to make it a bit unpredictable, a bit unstable. You never know what will be on the other side of a page turn.”
Now Brand and her team – Lady Katherine Bishop, Leah of Hel, Magik, Leonardo Da Vinci, Miss America Chaves, the Endless Summers and Grimm – must stand alone against unstoppable darkness. Because if they fail – everything is lost. The valiant last stand of the unsung heroes of Battleworld begins this July in SEIGE #1!
*SECRET WARS SERIES
WHERE MONSTERS DWELL #3 (OF 5)
I get a kick out of these Frank Cho covers. He does period well, doesn't he?
Writer: GARTH ENNIS
Art: RUSSELL BRAUN
Cover by FRANK CHO
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• Karl Kaufmann, the Phantom Eagle, finds himself prisoner of a tribe of beautiful Amazon warriors.
• His dreams of such a situation always involved less pain and solitude. Live and learn…
YEARS OF FUTURE PAST #3
At first I thought that was Fin Fang Foom fighting a Sentinel, but on second thought it's probably Lockheed at full size. Cool image.
That being said, am I the only one who thought the Kitty-Lockheed relationship was a bit "off"? It's one thing to have a pet, but when it turned out Lockheed was sentient, that changed the ball game. For one thing, that changed Lockheed's affection for Kitty from the love of a pet to something I found a bit disturbing. Also, if Lockheed is a "person," then why is he still treated like a pet? That's like Mickey Mouse deciding to treat Goofy like Pluto -- it wouldn't be slavery, exactly, but it wouldn't be a healthy relationship.
It probably wouldn't strike me this way, except that I found a lot of X-relationships established by Chris Claremont to be a bit "off." For example, why was Storm always getting gooey over powerful men who were clearly evil, like Dr. Doom and Vargas? Why did Lifeguard and Slipstream come across as ex-lovers more than siblings? How come everyone kept forgetting that Magneto was a mass murderer? So the strange Kitty-Lockheed relationship was part of a piece for me, where there were often no recognizably healthy relationships anywhere in the book.
Oh, well. I'm probably the only one thinking along these lines.
Writer: MARGUERITE BENNETT
Art: MIKE NORTON
Cover by ART ADAMS
Variant Cover by MIKE NORTON
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• Gouged up from its sanctuary, the mutants’ last defender clashes with Sentinels above the ruins of New York City!
• Kate Pryde and her family take refuge in a Coney Island madhouse ...and find dark revelations at last!
*SECRET WARS SERIES
Replies
OTHER PUBLISHERS
THE 6 VOYAGES OF LONE SLOANE
72pp, HC, FC, 9” x 12”
Price: $17.99 U.S. / $20.95 CAN / £13.50 UK
BRAND NEW MASTERPIECE LIBRARY SERIES!
BACK IN PRINT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS!
OVERSIZED EDITION!
THE PSYCHEDELIC MASTERWORK OF LEGENDARY HEAVY METAL ALUMNUS PHILIPPE DRUILLET!
THE ULYSSES OF SPACE! THE COSMIC REBEL!
A cosmic game has begun. And Lone Sloane is the pawn they all want to play.
Traveling alone in the cosmos, Sloane, a solitary interstellar explorer has become imbued with mystical powers. He finds himself escaping one power-seeking madman only to be captured by another. Follow Sloane through six unpredictable Lovecraftian journeys from space pirates, dragons, to ancient Gods.
800 years after a catastrophic event, a troubled space traveler wanders the universe encountering space pirates, gigantic robots, dark gods and other-dimensional entities!
This July, Titan Comics brings you psychedelic science fiction The 6 Voyages Of Lone Sloane by legendary Heavy Metal artist Philippe Druillet, which is the first in a Lone Sloane masterpiece library series.
PERFECT FOR FANS OF H.P. LOVECRAFT, BARBARELLA AND DUNE!
“MIND-EXPANDING ... SOME OF THE MOST GORGEOUS DESIGN WORK IN THE HISTORY OF COMICS!” -- PAUL CORNELL
“SENSATIONAL!” – HERGÉ (TINTIN)
REVIEW
I read random parts of "Lone Sloane" when it came out (gulp!) 43 years ago. It was one of the reasons the young Captain began regarding Heavy Metal as Euro-drivel with pretty pictures.
Four decades later, I have all of "Lone Sloane" in one place, and I have to admit it makes a bit more sense now. But there's a lot of pompous, sci-fi gibberish, and the story's primary purpose seems to be to allow Druillet to indulge his unquestioned imagination and baroque design sense. In other words, Euro-drivel with pretty pictures.
And they are pretty pictures. Druillet really is one of kind, as the preview below indicates. Strangely, his people are a bit derivative (of early Conan the Barbarian Barry Smith, later to be Barry Windsor-Smith) and some of his effects, like Kirby Krackle, are pretty familiar. Also, a lot of Druillet's signature design extravaganzas have lost some of their ability to stun, given four decades of other artists lifting the best bits.
For some, like the Captain, that adds rather than detracts. Because now "Lone Sloane" has historical importance, as we creaky oldsters scan pages looking for "inspiration" for swipes in later works. And even after four decades, "Lone Sloane" is an amazing work by a gifted designer.
If I've got me a ray gun, I ain't afraid of no zombies.
Writers: RALPH TEDESCO, JOE BRUSHA
$3.99
When a meteor carrying the Zombie virus hits Earth it triggers the potential end of mankind. The last chance for humanity is the spacecraft full of Alien scientists tasked with tracking the interstellar virus. One that has wiped out many other planets.
What will happen when humans must team with aliens to survive the zombie apocalypse? Find out in Aliens Versus Zombies!
BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4)
Art by ROBERT GILL & DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover A by ROBERT GILL
Cover B by CARY NORD
Cover C by CLAYTON CRAIN
Cover D by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
Character Design Variant by PAOLO RIVERA
Valiant Icons Variant by PERE PEREZ
Artist Variant by PAOLO RIVERA
Blank Cover also available
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+
“A coward dies a thousand times before his death, but the valiant taste of death but once.”
Valiant is proud to announce BOOK OF DEATH – the epic new Valiant event of 2015! Beginning with in July with BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4) from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR, Green Lantern), superstar-in-the-making Robert Gill (ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER, Batgirl) and visionary artist Doug Braithwaite (ARMOR HUNTERS, Justice), BOOK OF DEATH continues throughout the summer with four standalone one-shots from an all-star cast of Valiant's top talents! Colliding the next two thousand years of history against the most powerful heroes of today, the summer's must-read comics event starts here in July as a new Geomancer emerges to build a bridge to the future of the Valiant Universe!
The Valiant heroes. X-O Manowar. Bloodshot. Ninjak. The Harbinger Renegades. Unity. This is how they lived. This is how they died.
Now we know. The Book of the Geomancer has recorded it all. But only a young girl – the last in a line of the enigmatic mystics who protect the Earth known as Geomancers – has seen this future come to pass, from the coming cataclysm to the dawn of the 41st century. Alone with her sworn protector, the Eternal Warrior – a soldier battle-forged across five thousand years of combat – the duo must defy their allies to stop the Dark Age that now threatens to eclipse our world.
Together, they are the number one target of every hero and villain on Earth. Either the Eternal Warrior hands her over … or they take him down. But can even he single-handedly protect one child when the entire Valiant Universe wages war against him?
"[The Valiant heroes have] all fought together in the past, but now circumstances have lead them to oppose each other," writer Robert Venditti told USA Today. "Friendship is one thing, but when the fate of the world hangs in the balance, every hero has to adhere to their own code."
"In the tradition of Valiant's original RAI #0, BOOK OF DEATH is going to reveal glimpses of the future of the Valiant Universe and, with it, many of the monumental events and occurrences that our heroes will face," said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. "Major characters will die, while others will be introduced for the very first time. The loves, the losses, and the betrayals that await our biggest characters … it all starts here. For the Geomancer, this future has already happened and, in each issue, we will see more of the events that shaped her life revealed. BOOK OF DEATH will have an immediate impact on not only the stories that follow it in 2015, but on the next decade of the Valiant Universe as well."
"In just a short time, I think Valiant has built a reputation for creating some of the most well-received comic book events in the industry today. HARBINGER WARS … UNITY … ARMOR HUNTERS … THE VALIANT … These are all stories have been huge hits with fans, retailers and critics alike, but BOOK OF DEATH might just be the biggest, most game-changing event we've attempted to date," said Valiant Editor-in-Chief Warren Simons. "Much of the conversation at the Valiant creative retreats helped formalize the ideas behind BOOK OF DEATH and hammer out the colossal impact that the Eternal Warrior and new Geomancer will soon have on the landscape of the Valiant Universe. BOOK OF DEATH will be the ultimate peek at the future of the Valiant Universe and it's only fitting that we bring as many major Valiant creators into the mix as possible."
"BOOK OF DEATH is a story that's been in the works for a long time, and I'm looking forward to showing readers what we have in store for them," said writer Robert Venditti. "Last summer's ARMOR HUNTERS event was so much fun to write, and, while this story will have a much different focus and tone, our goal is to deliver the same level of action, character, and universe building. The Eternal Warrior and the Geomancer are such great high concepts to work with. We're going to reveal exactly what it means to be the Fist and Steel of Earth and provide an epic showcase for not only the Eternal Warrior, but all of Valiant's heroes present and future."
The blockbuster Valiant event of 2015 begins in BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4) – featuring covers by Robert Gill (ETERNAL WARRIOR), Cary Nord (X-O MANOWAR, Conan), Clayton Crain (RAI, X-Force), Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic (Thor), Pere Perez (ARCHER & ARMSTRONG), and Paolo Rivera (THE VALIANT, Daredevil)! This July, join Valiant superstars Robert Venditti, Robert Gill, and Doug Braithwaite as they begin a thousand-year journey into the future of the Valiant Universe … and rain, fire, blood and war on the heroes of today, only in BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4)!
Plus: BOOK OF DEATH continues all summer with four visionary tales of present and future ripped directly from the pages of the Book of the Geomancer! Each month, join an all-star cast of creators as they come aboard the year's monumental comics event to chronicle the ultimate fate of Valiant’s most indelible heroes. From the modern day to the far future, the destinies of Bloodshot, Ninjak, the Harbinger Renegades, X-O Manowar, and more will stand revealed in four essential, standalone chapters at the epicenter of BOOK OF DEATH.
REVIEW
This is a rousing first issue, but also a deflating one -- the title kinda gives away how it's all going to end.
The premise is that in the near future a young Geomancer has been snatched up by someone or something pretty bad, who very likely means to wipe out humanity. Meanwhile, Gilad Anni-Padda, the Eternal Warrior, is guarding a second Geomancer, quite likely from the future (but that hasn't been established yet). She is reading from the Book of the Geomancer, which describes how the bad Geomancer is going to destroy everything, including all the Valiant heroes. Gilad is, naturally, trying to stop this. But Earth's intelligence agencies don't know about Bad Geomancer, and think Good Geomancer is at the root of various atrocities, with her powers out of control. They want her in a cell or in the ground. And Bad Geomancer is also trying to kill Good Geomancer. Things are looking kinda bleak for Gilad.
That's drama, and it's spiced by seeing what geomancy is capable of when its purpose is destruction. Frankly, it's pretty scary: Entire towns' populations impaled on trees, scorpion armies, etc. The Bad Geomancer is pretty imaginative, and what he does isn't pretty!
I'm definitely on board, hoping that Gilad can alter the events in the Book of the Geomancer, although I'm not terribly hopeful. Perhaps in the end there'll be a big Reset Button, or it's going to be really depressing!
The art, by Robert Gill and Doug Braithwaite, is grittier than most superhero fare. Given the subject matter, that's to be expected. It's also clear and competent.
BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4)*
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover by MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
INCENTIVE | 24 pages | T+
On the heels of BOOK OF DEATH – Valiant's epic, four-part event revealing the future fates of X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Ninjak and more in July – Valiant is proud to announce an all-new, first-of-its kind, retailer-incentive companion series, BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER, from New York Times best-selling writer Fred Van Lente (IVAR, TIMEWALKER, ARCHER & ARMSTRONG) and fan-favorite artist Juan Jose Ryp ( Clone, Ghosted)! As the secrets within the Book of the Geomancer wreak havoc on the present and future of the Valiant Universe, discover the true history and lineage of the very first speaker for the Earth with an all-new series of never-before-seen stories that won't be collected in trade paperback!
Created specifically to promote Valiant's upcoming BOOK OF DEATH event, BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER will expand the mythology of BOOK OF DEATH's central character – a newly appointed Geomancer, the latest in a long line of mystics that speak for the Earth and shape the course of history – and chronicle the first appearance of the founder of her kind…Anni, the very first Geomancer!
Out of the pages of BOOK OF DEATH, the origin of the first Geomancer and the sacred pact that swore her to the service of the Earth can finally be told … but, with it too, the source of the divine mysteries that have haunted her line for centuries. Has Anni's mission redeemed or corrupted the world that followed in their wake … and will the ultimate secrets of the Geomancers’ book doom us all in the end?
"With LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER, Fred and Juan are crafting a dazzlingly beautiful, action-packed corollary to BOOK OF THE DEATH. This is the story of a character that is not only new to the Valiant Universe, but is also vitally important to its history – Anni, the very first Geomancer," said Valiant Editor-in-Chief Warren Simons.
" LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER is designed to be something special and something distinct from your typical 'event' tie-in story," added Valiant Publisher Fred Pierce. "This is a little known story, the history of which is only known to a select few of the most important players in the Valiant Universe, and it's telling will mirror its method of distribution. This will be a rare series that we hope fans will seek, much as they did decades ago for tales like the original HARBINGER #0."
A special, retailer-incentive limited series, all four issues of BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER will be printed in limited quantities and will only be made available to retailers who qualify based on their orders of BOOK OF DEATH #1-4. Fans interested in obtaining this special incentive limited series should contact their local comics retailer to pre-order their copy before the May 28th initial order date for BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4).
Spanning eight issues total, the BOOK OF DEATH event begins in July with BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4) – the FIRST ISSUE of Valiant's blockbuster comics event from New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR, Green Lantern), superstar-in-the-making Robert Gill (ARMOR HUNTERS: HARBINGER, Batgirl) and visionary artist Doug Braithwaite (ARMOR HUNTERS, Justice)! Colliding the next two thousand years of history against the most powerful heroes of today, the summer’s must-read comics event starts here as a new Geomancer emerges to build a bridge to the future of the Valiant Universe!
Then, the story continues throughout the summer with four standalone one-shots from an all-star cast of Valiant’s top talents -- Jeff Lemire & Doug Braithwaite in BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF BLOODSHOT #1; Matt Kindt & Trevor Hairsine in BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF NINJAK #1; Joshua Dysart & Kano in BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF HARBINGER #1; and Robert Venditti & Clayton Henry in BOOK OF DEATH: THE FALL OF X-O MANOWAR #1!
The Valiant heroes. X-O Manowar. Bloodshot. Ninjak. The Harbinger Renegades. Unity. This is how they lived. This is how they died
Now we know. The Book of the Geomancer has recorded it all. But only a young girl – the last in a line of the enigmatic mystics who protect the Earth known as Geomancers – has seen this future come to pass, from the coming cataclysm to the dawn of the 41st century. Alone with her sworn protector, the Eternal Warrior – a soldier battle-forged across five thousand years of combat – the duo must defy their allies to stop the Dark Age that now threatens to eclipse our world
Together, they are the number one target of every hero and villain on Earth. Either the Eternal Warrior hands her over…or they take him down. But can even he single-handedly protect one child when the entire Valiant Universe wages war against him?
This July, join Valiant superstars Robert Venditti, Robert Gill, and Doug Braithwaite as they begin a thousand-year journey into the future of the Valiant Universe…and rain, fire, blood and war on the heroes of today in BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4)!
Then, Fred Van Lente and Juan Jose Ryp journey into the annals of prehistory to reveal the untold story of the Earth's sacred guardians in BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4) – in stores the same day as BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4)! Contact your local comics retailer today to find out how to reserve your copy!
ATTENTION FANS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4):
• SPECIAL ALL-NEW LIMITED SERIES!
• QUANTITIES WILL BE LIMITED!
• NOT AVAILABLE DIGITALLY!
• WON’T BE COLLECTED FOR THE TRADE!
• ASK YOUR LOCAL RETAILER HOW TO ORDER!
*ATTENTION RETAILERS – BOOK OF DEATH: LEGENDS OF THE GEOMANCER #1 (of 4):
PLEASE SEE THE DIAMOND DAILY OR VALIANT RETAILER EMAIL TO FIND OUT HOW TO QUALIFY FOR THIS LIMITED RATIO INCENTIVE. QUANTITIES WILL BE BASED ON ORDERS OF BOOK OF DEATH #1 (of 4).
REVIEW
This story is set in the beginning of the human race (one presumes), where the first Geomancer, named Anni, meets a primitive man named Padda. Something tells me that's not a chance meeting!
Anni is regarded as a witch, and things are not going well for her. That's really all I can say, without giving too much away.
The art, as seen below, gets the job done in rendering the grimy, dirty world of Australopithecus (or perhaps Neanderthal). I'll be back next month to see how things go for Anni, and perhaps some answers as to how this Geomancer business got started, and how it's related to three immortal Anni-Padda brothers.
I haven't heard anything about this, but anybody putting out a new print magazine in today's world is either rich, brave or crazy. Maybe all three, for all I know.
Writer/Art/Cover: Various
$5.95
Each quarterly issue contains feature articles about comics history, interviews, a 5-part in-depth examination of Two Decades of Comic Book Movies, and Fanzine Corner with market news and detailed indexes of selected fanzine titles. Issue #1 features a revealing interview with Bill Sienkiewicz!
DEAD DROP #3 (of 4)
Art by ADAM GORHAM
Cover A by RAUL ALLEN
Cover B by ADAM GORHAM
$3.99 | 32 pages | T+
Ales Kot (Secret Avengers) and Adam Gorham (Zero) continue the sleeper hit of 2015 with a whirlwind race against time to save the Valiant Universe!
Neville Alcott and Beta-Max become partners in dealing with crime. The problem is: Neville Alcott doesn't like cyborgs. The bigger problem is: Neville Alcott swallowed the virus they were chasing after -- and Beta-Max is his only shot at convincing the virus to surrender peacefully.
When we discover the true purpose of the virus, everything changes.
REVIEW
Again, the words above do not match the ones in my head. I read both issues 2 and 3 together, and the story they tell has nothing to do with Alcott swallowing a virus, or anybody fighting crime. In fact, I really don't know where this story is going.
That's usually good. But did the copy writer get a different book?
Art by TREVOR HAIRSINE
Cover by JELENA KEVIC-DJURDJEVIC
$9.99 | 112 pages | T+
From New York Times best-selling writer Matt Kindt (THE VALIANT, Mind MGMT) and blockbuster artist Trevor Hairsine (X-Men: Deadly Genesis) comes a shocking new vision of 21st century science fiction!
At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union – determined to win the Space Race at any cost – green lit a dangerously advanced mission. They sent a man farther into the cosmos than anyone has gone before or since. Lost in the stars, he encountered something unknown. Something that ... changed him.
Long thought lost and erased from the history books, he has suddenly returned, crash-landing in the Australian Outback. The few that have been able to reach him believe him to be a deity – one who turned the scorched desert into a lush oasis. They say he can bend matter, space and even time to his will. Now the rest of the world’s powers must decide for themselves – will the enigmatic Divinity offer his hand in friendship, or will Earth’s heroes fi nd themselves helpless against the wrath of the divine?
Collecting DIVINITY #1–4.
REVIEW
I read the first four issues, not the collection, but I presume the content is the same. And I'm a bit puzzled.
The above description isn't what I read. Instead -- and I hope this isn't a spoiler -- the world's powers are alarmed by a being they know nothing about who is capable of terraforming, and bending time and space, and reading minds, and so forth. And they send in The Avengers Unity to bring him to heel -- despite his being overtly benevolent.
I won't spoil the rest, but that's the "A" story, while the "B" story is finding out more about Divinity himself, as he views different parts of his life. (It's implied he's actually there, although he doesn't change anything.)
For the most part those two storylines are entertaining, but Divinity isn't nearly as engaging as I'd hoped.
For one thing, I cannot swallow the idea of a black Cosmonaut in 1960. Would. Not. Happen. The Soviets were just as racist as we were, and their early space program was as lily white as ours was.
Secondly, the ending felt a bit flat.
I just have to live with the first complaint (and it may seem trivial to some, but whitewashing history isn't trivial to me). However, since the book is continuing after issue #4, perhaps that ending isn't an ending at all.
GRAVEDIGGER #1
Holy cow! I didn't know Lee Marvin was still alive, and starring in comic books!
Art/Cover: RICK BURCHETT
Variant: DARIO CARRASCO, IAN SOKOLIWSKI
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC / $3.99 / $4.99 Variant
The popular noir web series returns to print! Framed for the murder of a mob boss’s daughter, “Gravedigger” McCrae is on the run in a South Florida paradise, pursued by a relentless crew of killers. His pursuers think tracking him down will be easy, but Digger McCrae is particularly dangerous prey. Gravedigger is a master class in hard-boiled comic action!
Featuring artwork from multiple Eisner award-winning artist Rick Burchett (Batman Adventures, Lady Sabre and the Pirates of the Ineffable Aether) and includes a limited variant cover by Dario Carrasco.
MEGA MAN #51
More "Worlds Unite" alternate covers.
Art: EDWIN HUANG, GARY MARTIN, JOHN WORKMAN AND GABRIEL CASSATA
Mega Man #51 CVR A Reg: PATRICK "SPAZ" SPAZIANTE
Mega Man #51 CVR B Variant: DIANA SKELLY, RICK BRYANT AND GABRIEL CASSATA
Epic Poster Variant (pt 8 of 12): BEN BATES
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S
IS ALL LOST?! The evil Sigma unleashes an unstoppable army in "Worlds Unite" Part Eight: Sonic, Mega Man and X lead the unified army against Sigma’s horde of resurrected Mavericks! Sigma has now taken command of the Genesis Portals, threatening to fuse together even MORE worlds! With our heroes’ time and strength running out, Sticks returns with reinforcements -- and you’ll never believe who she recruited! Featuring cover art from the legendary Patrick "SPAZ" Spaziante, and variant cover art from Sonic rising star Diana Skelly and part 8 of the epic 12-part connecting variant cover series by artist Ben Bates!
MERCURY HEAT #1
With a Free Comic Book Day push, an A-list writer and four variant covers, Archaia seems pretty ambitious with this one. I have to say, though, that at first blush it seems a bit derivative, like a cross between Divergent and Outland. Gillen isn't known for coloring within the lines, though, so that may change.
Writer: KIERON GILLEN
Art/Cover: OMAR FRANCIA
Mature/ FC / $3.99
Blasting out of the incredible Free Comic Book Day Mercury Heat Debut comes Kieron Gillen's World-building space epic! This ongoing monthly is pure Gillen, Mercury Heat introduces the sci-fi world of the future where individuals are identified by genetic markers and personality types to fill roles in society, the troublemakers end up on Mercury. Luiza wanted to help people, she wanted with all her heart to be a police officer. But the automated Grapevine system had other plans for her. There are only a few legal options for someone branded with her neuroprofile. As an adult Luiza's dream came true - just on Mercury where she enforces laws with extreme prejudice as a bounty agent in a world of hard-as-nails miners and cyborgs. Available with Regular, Wraparound, Art Nouveau, Excessive Force, and a special Designs Incentive Cover by series artist Omar Francia. This first issue also has a Black Leather cover, limited to just 750 copies!
MISTRY PI #1
New book alert!
Writer: ASHWIN PANDE
Art/Cover: ARJUNA SUSINI
$2.99
There are things that exist in the shadows that ordinary people know nothing of. Another world that lies underneath our very own; a world of demons, monsters, djinns, mummies, werewolves, vampires and demi-gods. It's in this world that Darius Mistry and his friend, Amos Golem, operate as Paranormal Investigators for hire. Whether it's being hired by ghosts to solve their own murders, breaking up rings of soul-smugglers or saving the city from an outbreak of lycanthropy, these detectives are always on the case!
THE NOCTURNALS BLACK PLANET (TPB)
I guess the larger publishers are passing on this title. That's too bad, because I'm always in the mood for a little Brereton.
Writer/Art/Cover: DANIEL BRERETON
$24.95
In anticipation of the winter release of Dan Brereton's brand new Nocturnals graphic novel, The Sinister Path, this new compilation revisits the long out of print Nocturnals' first adventure. The Eisner nominated mini-series, Nocturnals: Black Planet, reintroduces Doc Horror, Polychrome, Starfish, and the Gunwitch to a new generation of the reading public. This 208 page collection, featuring a new cover, includes the entire Black Planet graphic novel along with the bonus 32-page story, "Witching Hour."
THE PHANTOM COMPLETE SERIES: THE CHARLTON YEARS VOL 4 (HC)
Finally! I was getting worried they wouldn't finish this series!
Writers: JOE GILL, GIOVANNI FIORENTINI
Art: PAT BOYETTE & VARIOUS
Cover: FRANK BOLLE
$60.00
The mid-1970s comic book adventures of The Phantom return in full, glorious color! The Charlton comic book version of the grand-daddy of costumed heroes, The Ghost Who Walks, is available again, digitally remastered to look better than the original books. This volume presents the last efforts of stalwart Pat Boyette together story artwork by Mario Pedrazzi, Sante D'Amico, and Frank Bolle. Also featured is an exhaustive essay on the artists who created these books and other special features. Reprints issues #57 through #65; cover artwork by Frank Bolle, stories by Joe Gill and Giovanni Fiorentini; artwork by Pat Boyette, Mario Pedrazzi; Sante D'Amico, and Frank Bolle.
POETRY IS USELESS (HC)
This sort of thing isn't my cup of tea, but I'm glad books like this exist. They're the kind of books that end up in English lit classes and justify our hobby to the highbrow.
Writer/Art/Cover: ANDERS NILSEN
Mature/$24.95
In Poetry is Useless, Anders Nilsen redefines the sketchbook format, intermingling elegant, densely detailed renderings of mythical animals, short comics drawn in ink, meditations on religion, and abstract shapes and patterns. Stick people debate the dubious merits of economics. Immaculately stippled circles become looser and looser, as craters appear on their surface. A trip to Colombia for a comics festival is recounted in carefully drawn city streets and sketches made in cafes. This expansive sketchbook-as-graphic-novel is exquisitely packaged with appendices and a foreword from Nilsen himself.
RED SONJA #1973 (ONE-SHOT)
Art: IVAN RODRIGUEZ, RICH BUCKLER, ROD RODOLFO, KEWBAR BAAL, BILQUIS EVELY, JONATHAN LAU, IVAN NUNES, MARCIO MENYZ, ARISON AGUIAR
Cover: ED BENES
FC • 48 pages • $7.99 • Teen+
Since her fearless debut in 1973, the She-Devil with a Sword has redefined the fantasy genre thanks to the efforts of acclaimed writers including Gail Simone, Roy Thomas, Luke Lieberman, and Eric Trautmann! Joined by first-time Sonja writer Cullen Bunn and a handful of amazing artists, these titanic talents each contribute tales of derring-do to this supersized, action-packed anthology. Everyone's favorite red-tressed heroine battles monsters, rivals, and ne'er-do-wells in Hyborian adventures retro-tinted to capture the flavor of her classic comics era!
Roy Thomas, the first writer to ever script the adventures and spoken words of Red Sonja, reflects on the long legacy of the character, "It's been very gratifying to me to witness the popularity of Red Sonja over the past four decades. It was a lucky day when I read a fan-article about Robert E. Howard that mentioned a story in which one of his historical heroes fought alongside a "Russian hell-cat" or whatever precisely the phrase was (her name wasn't mentioned in the article), so that I obtained a copy of the long out-of-print story from the estate's literary agent, Glenn Lord, and read it: 'The Shadow of the Vulture.' Red Sonya of Rogatine clearly had possibilities as a sometime companion/opponent for Conan in Marvel's Conan the Barbarian comic, so I changed her name to the (to me) slightly more exotic Red Sonja, thereby making her a somewhat new character and adapted 'Shadow' as an issue of Conan. From that time on, she had a life of her own. Barry Windsor-Smith was inspired to do great things with her in the two Conan issues we did together in which she co-starred. Esteban Maroto, over in Spain, couldn't resist giving her a different look, which came to be called 'the iron bikini' after I decided that should be what she wore from then on. John Buscema and Howard Chaykin did a handful of nice stories with her. Frank Thorne came aboard to virtually make her his own. And that was just in the 1970s! I suspect Red Sonja will be around for a long, long time!"
The She-Devil with a Sword known as Red Sonja is fantasy fiction's most prominent female character, formerly a swashbuckling ally of the Robert E. Howard character, Conan. Her early adventures in the Marvel Feature comic book series led to a successful ongoing Red Sonja solo series, a celebrated run of comics from 1976 through 1979. Dynamite Entertainment acquired the Red Sonja license in 2005 as their second-ever published title, arriving on newsstands to critical acclaim and a very receptive audience. Dynamite has since published over one hundred Red Sonja comic books, including crossovers with popular characters including Conan, Dejah Thoris (of Warlord of Mars), Vampirella, Spider-Man, and more.
REVIEW
As is typical of any anthology, this one has its ups and downs. But it mostly has ups, so it's worth a read.
First you have to get past the cover, and for me that was difficult. I appreciate the female form as much as the next heterosexual male, but I don't enjoy at all preposterous "fan service" of this nature. Those aren't breasts; they're bowling balls somehow glued to Sonja's chest, and not very attractive bowling bowls at that. Has artist Ed Benes never seen an actual girl naked? Are there no porn sites on his Interwebs for research? Is gravity inactive where he lives? I used to roll my eyes at this sort of thing, but as I get older I find it myself more and more intolerant of it. It's insulting to men and women both.
Fortunately, the issue kicks off with a story where not only are Sonja's breasts a reasonable size (and covered with chain mail) but it's a rouser with every element we love about the Hyrkianian She-Devil. She's wicked in a fight, both with blade and tongue; she fights not just for gold but for those in need; and, while amazingly competent in battle, she's not invincible. The art (by Juan Rodriguez) is probably the best of the issue as well, making "The Raiding Party" good enough to forget the cover.
The art in the next story (by Rich Buckler) is also top-notch, as you'd expect from this veteran. And the story, "For Whom the Bell Trolls," is a cute one by Roy Thomas that reminds me why I read everything he wrote back in the day.
And the final story, "Silent Running," is also a fine "read," although there is no dialogue. It's by Cullen Bunn and Jonathan Lau, and it's as decent as the credits would suggest.
Two other stories are marred by mediocre art. "Simple Life" is a good story, though, about the things we take for granted, Hyborian style. And "The Hanging Tree," written by Gail Simone, demonstrates that Sonja has a brain beneath all that red hair.
The least of the stories is "The Arena of Dread." My wife read it over my shoulder when she heard me laughing and joined me in hooting aloud.
First we began figuring out where the "Arena of Dread" would fall on the list of unpleasant things. Obviously, it's no Arena of Death, but surely it would like to be someday. In the meantime, we decided that it was a bit harsher than the Arena of Inconvenience, but not as awful as the Arena of the DMV.
The title page also listed our stars as "Red Sonja and the Nubile Barbarians," which is only possible to take seriously as the name of a band. That, in essence, was the problem with the story, in that potentially dramatic or dangerous scenes were undermined by some of the most unintentionally hilarious dialogue I've ever read in a barbarian story, and that's saying something.
The art in "Arena" was actually rather interesting, in that artist Bilqis Evely was clearly modeling Sonja on a specific actress or model, but I couldn't put my finger on which one. My wife guessed Julieanne Moore and I thought maybe Greta Garbo, but we just weren't sure.
I don't know much about this, but Titan sent me a preview, so here you go:
Writer: DAS PETROU
Art: JOHN WATKISS
144 PGS / HC / FC
$22.99 U.S. / $25.95 CAN / £16.99 UK
THE DA VINCI CODE MEETS THE X-FILES!
PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN COLOR!
“FRESH AND INVIGORATING ... ARRESTING AND VIVID!” -- DAVE GIBBONS (WATCHMEN, SECRET SERVICE)
London, 1991. But not the London you may be familiar with. Imagine an England under Catholic rule -- a rule so iron-fisted that science and technology have been set back decades.
Lawyer Samuel Waterhouse investigates a ghoulish murder mystery set in alternate history London of religious mania, secret societies and the plague.
Titan will be releasing a 5-part comic series penned by Aaronovitch (Remembrance of the Daleks) and Doctor Who showrunner Andrew Cartmel with art from Lee Sullivan (Doctor Who Comics).
The novels follow the adventures of Peter Grant, a young officer in the London Metropolitan Police who is recruited into a special branch of the Met that deals with magic and the supernatural.
The brand-new Rivers of London comic adventure titled ‘Body Work’, will be set between Book 4, Broken Homes and Book 5, Foxglove Summer, in continuity with the novel universe.
Peter Grant has come a long way since first entering the special branch of London's Metropolitan Police. With his hard-earned powers and a flair for the supernatural, it's his job to investigate those shadowy crimes that involve urban vampires, weird folk in the Underground and, in this case, why cars are suddenly taking on lives of their own and killing innocent people!
The Rivers of London novels have sold over 1 million copies worldwide to date, and with the recent news that a TV show has been optioned, the new comic is set to be a huge smash hit!
"I've been a massive fan of the series for a long time and it's always a dream to bring something you revere to life as a comic, especially when you're working with such an incredible team of creators!" says Steve White, Titan Comics Senior Editor.
Rivers of London: Body Work #1 hits comic stores on July 15 and will also be available to read on your digital device.
To keep up-to-date with news about Rivers of London comics visit the Titan Comics website at Titan-Comics.com or connect with Titan Comics on Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr.
ABOUT RIVERS OF LONDON
Rivers of London (Midnight Riot in the US) is the first novel in the series of the same name by English author Ben Aaronovitch. The novel was released on 10 January 2011 through Gollancz and was well received by critics, earning a Galaxy National Book Awards nomination for Aaronovitch in the New Writer of the Yearaward.
The novel centres around the adventures of Peter Grant, a young officer in the Metropolitan Police; who, following an unexpected encounter with a ghost, is recruited into the small branch of the Met that deals with magic and the supernatural.
Peter Grant, having become the first English apprentice wizard in over seventy years, must immediately deal with two different but ultimately inter-related cases. In one he must find what is possessing ordinary people and turning them into vicious killers, and in the second he must broker a peace between the two warring gods of the River Thames.
For more information visit: http://www.the-folly.com/
ABOUT BEN AARONOVITCH
Ben Aaronovitch was born in 1964. He had parents, some brothers, some sisters and a dog named after a Russian cosmonaut. He also had the kind of dull childhood that drives a person to drink, radical politics or science fiction.
Discovering in his early twenties that he had precisely one talent, he took up screenwriting at which he was an overnight success. He wrote for Doctor Who, Casualty and the world’s cheapest ever SF soap opera Jupiter Moon. He then wrote for Virgin’s New Adventures until they pulped all his books.
Then Ben entered a dark time illuminated only by an episode of Dark Knight, a book for Big Finish and the highly acclaimed but not-very-well-paying Blake’s 7 Audio dramas. Trapped in a cycle of disappointment and despair ,Ben was eventually forced to support his expensive book habit by working for Waterstones as a bookseller.
Ironically it was while shelving the works of others that Ben finally saw the light. He would write his own books, he would let prose into his heart and rejoice in the word. Henceforth, subsisting on nothing more than instant coffee and Japanese takeaway, Ben embarked on the epic personal journey that was to lead to Rivers of London (or Midnight Riot as it is known in the Americas).
At some point during the above, the most important thing in his life happened and he became a father to a son, Karifa, whom he affectionately refers to as ‘The Evil Monster Boy’. The Evil Monster Boy has reached university age, so all donations will be gratefully received.
Ben Aaronovitch currently resides in London and says that he will leave when they pry his city from his cold dead fingers.
REVIEW
This is a strong story launch, as I supposed you'd expect from a novel adaptation. It's clear there's a whole world built here, one where magic exists, although the general public isn't aware of it. Our protagonist is a cop who works the magic beat, although it's buried under a cloud of euphemisms. Relationships are forming naturally, and the story is being on a strong foundation, brick by brick. I'm looking forward to issue two.
I do have a few reservations about the art. It's a tad on the cartoony side, and the full rendering occasionally makes everyone and everything look like a puppet or a plastic toy or maybe candy. I can live with that, though, if the story holds up.
Is there some reason this poor girl has different-sized loaves of bread where her breasts are supposed to be?
Writer: MASSACRE
Art: MASSACRE, DANI SEIJAS
Cover: DANI SEIJAS
Mature/ FC / $5.99
The city of Salemscraft Wells was stalked by a serial killer years ago. When the case seemed forgotten, the intrepid and sexy journalist Sidney is called by a group of eccentric rockstars to resume the investigation -- and to smash some zombie heads! An old-school mystery filled to the brim with pulp action, gore-ish comedy, and curves!
SONIC: WORLDS UNITE BATTLES #1
More "Worlds Unite" covers. This thing is threatening to last longer than Secret Wars!
ART: TRACY YARDLEY, RYAN JAMPOLE, DIANA SKELLY, RICK BRYANT, TERRY AUSTIN, RACHEL DEERING AND ELAINA UNGER
SONIC: WORLDS UNITE BATTLES #1 CVR A Reg: EVAN STANLEY, JAMAL PEPPERS, PHYLLIS NOVIN AND BEN HUNZEKER
SONIC: WORLDS UNITE BATTLES #1 CVR B Sketch Variant Cover: EVAN STANLEY AND JAMAL PEPPERS
SONIC: WORLDS UNITE BATTLES #1 CVR C Variant Cover: ROGER AND IDALIA ROBINSON
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S
ALL-NEW DIRECT MARKET-EXCLUSIVE special! There are so many epic battles in the SONIC/MEGA MAN crossover event that the biggest brawls of the bunch have exploded into their very own book! Twelve issues just isn’t enough to contain all the frantic action of “Worlds Unite!” The action spills over into this second special stand-alone issue where an all-star cast of creators bring you an extraordinary all-action issue! Watch as Sonic battles the Deadly Six, Knuckles throws down with Break Man, and Sticks… goes after Roll?! LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE! Also featuring variant cover art from Roger and Idalia Robinson, and a special wrap-around sketch variant by Sonic and Mega Man superstars Evan Stanley & Jamal Peppers!
SWORDS OF SORROW: VAMPIRELLA & JENNIFER BLOOD #3
Art: DAVE ACOSTA
Cover: BILLY TAN
FC • 32 pages • $3.99 • Teen+
Jennifer Blood is determined to avenge herself on the woman she believes is trying to frame her for murder – Vampirella! But the sudden arrival of Los Muertos leader Calavera and his heavily armed narcos force the vigilante and the vampire to team-up in a deadly "Cemetery Dance". An official tie-in to the epic Swords of Sorrow crossover event, written by renowned author Nancy A. Collins (Swamp Thing, Vampirella).
REVIEW
Perhaps the best of the Swords of Sorrow tie-ins, this one has teamed Vampirella with Jennifer Blood for a four-issue adventure that could almost stand alone.
Sometimes in a team-up like this, the author will assume we know more than we do about both participants, and try to split time between them evenly. In this case, Collins spends most of her establishing scenes with Jennifer Blood, wisely assuming most readers aren't familiar with her, and provides little to no exposition about Vampirella, who has not only been around for 40 years but is pretty self-explanatory.
The first three issues are essentially a meet-and-team-up between the titular heroines, whom the book establishes as existing in two different universes. That explains why they never met before, and why Blood would initially assume that Vampirella was a cosplayer or Goth poseur -- because on her world, the likes of Vampi do not exist.
Given that, you'd expect the typical Marvel meeting, but no -- the women never come to blows. There is initial suspicion, as you'd expect, but Blood has to accept the evidence of her eyes when Vampirella demonstrates genuine supernatural powers. It is a well executed, sensible first contact, and much appreciated by this reader.
For three issues the duo have been battling -- first separately, then together -- a lethal L.A. drug cartel. As noted above, that could stand alone. But this issue ends with a cliff-hanger involving the bad guys from the SoS crossover, so presumably the fourth issue will deal with the larger conflict before folding into it altogether. That's to be expected, but again, I appreciate that we had a fun standalone story first.
The art is adequate, albeit a bit too static and unimaginative for my taste. The quiet scenes are fine, but panels that should explode with action instead seem posed and lifeless. Still, the story moves smoothly, and so far Vampirella & Jennifer Blood has been an enjoyable, off-kilter team-up.
I read the Image reprint of Ring of Roses a few years ago (it was in B&W, as was the Dark Horse original series). I don't remember much about it, but I liked it pretty well. It reminded me of the series Rex Mundi, which I was reading at the time. Don't know if that comparison will help much!
Today's Purchase:
Godzilla in Hell #1
Too bad Jim Steranko doesn't own the Octopus/Skull Hydra logo he created. The Marvel books and movies really love it.
”Finally! I was getting worried they wouldn't finish this series!”
Regarding THE PHANTOM COMPLETE SERIES: THE CHARLTON YEARS VOL 4, I’ve got some news for you, pal: there’s still one volume left to go!
The cover of the Harley Quinn collection is after a J.C. Leyendecker advertisement. It's from Batman: Harley Quinn (1999), which the GCD says was her introduction into the mainstream DCU. The same painting was homaged by Howard Chaykin on Blackhawk #3 (1988) and the Unofficial Blackhawk Comics Website notes this. Ross positioned the Joker differently.
James Stokoe's art on the Godzilla in Hell covers is impressive. They remind me of Art Adams (who I see drew that Years of Future Past cover).
I've not read The Nocturnals. The first mini was from 1995, before the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV show.
I hope it doesn't take as long as this one!
Jeff of Earth-J said:
Wow, has it seriously been 20 years? Also, the last I remember seeing Dan Brereton's work was on The Punisher from about five years ago, during the 'Frankencastle' arc. What has he done since?
Luke Blanchard said:
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