Comics Guide for June 15, 2016

JUNE 15, 2016

A&A: THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #4

Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

Written by RAFER ROBERTS

Art by DAVID LAFUENTE

Cover A by DAVID LAFUENTE

Cover B by KANO

Cover C by MONICA GALLAGHER

Variant Cover by RAFER ROBERTS

Variant Cover by THONY SILAS

B&W Variant Cover by DAVID LAFUENTE

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+

We’re gonna need a bigger bag!

Archer and Armstrong – with the help of Mary-Maria and the Sisters of Perpetual Darkness – must stop Bacchus’ cavalcade of terror! Will our heroes be able to defeat this 40-foot foe before the party stops forever? Will Armstrong ever find that bottle of Lagavulin? Will we ever find out who or what Davey the Mackerel is?! The answers to two of these questions might possibly be found in this issue!

Be here as red-hot creators Rafer Roberts (Shutter) and David Lafuente (Ultimate Spider-Man) bring “IN THE BAG” to a close with a bang! Or a snap. However Armstrong’s satchel closes.

This issue brings to a close the first storyline in the new series, in which Bacchus escapes Archer's bag and faces off against not only A&A but also Mary-Maria and her Sisters of Perpetual Darkness. It's action/adventure, but there's also a bit of pathos and some character growth.

But what make A&A different is the undercurrent of humor that runs throughout. Roberts uses both situational humor and clever dialogue to bring the funny to this funnybook. If that sounds like (ahem) your bag, give A&A a try.

ALEXANDRO JODOROWSKY: SCREAMING PLANET (GN)

Publisher: HUMANOIDS INC

Writer: ALEJANDRO JODOROWSKY

Art: MARC RIOU & Various

Mature • $19.95

A collection of sci-fi short stories all written by Alexandro Jodorowsky ("The Incal," "The Metabarons") and illustrated by talent from various countries and different graphic traditions. The thematic thread of these tales: an asteroid spawned from the destruction of a planet produces sounds (a "howling shriek") which, when crossing an inhabited world, creates a change or imbalance within it.

Sight unseen, I have two predictions: 1) This will have stunningly good art, and 2) I will not understand it.

ARCHIE'S PAL JUGHEAD ARCHIVES VOL 2 (HC)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writers: Various

Art: BOB MONTANA, GEORGE FRESE, BILL VIGODA

FC • 240 pages • 7'' x 10'' • $49.99 • Age range: 8

Hungry for more? Jughead gets into more scrapes, rebuffs more cute girls, and eats more hamburgers than anyone! These classic stories feature artwork from Bob Montana and Bill Vigoda and highlight the weirder antics of Jughead, Archie, Betty, Veronica, and the rest of the gang. Collecting Archie’s Pal Jughead #9-16.

* Featuring art from classic Archie artists Bob Montana and Bill Vigoda!

* Includes vintage game pages and ads!

This series is worth the money just to watch the evolution of Samm Schwartz.

ASSASSIN'S CREED: ASSASSINS #9

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writers: ANTHONY DEL COL & CONOR MCCREERY

Artist: NEIL EDWARDS

Colorist: IVAN NUNES

Letterer: Comicraft

Cover A: MARGUERITE SAUVAGE

Cover B: NEIL EDWARDS

Cover C: VERITY GLASS

FC • 32pp • $3.99 • Mature

Escaping a surprise attack, the Assassins continue the hunt for Erudito, nursing their wounds as they do. Getting back into the Animus, Charlotte finds that the stakes are just as high for her ancestor Quila, who must find the strength, one more time, to do what she knows is right...

Variant covers, preview.

ASSASSIN'S CREED TEMPLARS #3

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writers: FRED VAN LENTE

Art/Colorist: DENNIS CALERO

Letterer: Comicraft

Cover A: DENNIS CALERO

Cover B: JAKE

COVER C: BLAIR SHEDD

FC • 32pp • $3.99 • Mature

In the infamous pleasure tower that dominates the Shanghai nightlife, the Great World, Black Cross battles with the triads that have pursued him through the city night. With time running out, Black Cross has to find the missing information that will reveal what is about to happen in China ...

More variant covers, another preview.

ASTRO CITY #36

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by KURT BUSIEK

Art by RON RANDALL

Cover by ALEX ROSS

32 pg • FC • $3.99 U.S. • RATED T

When the original Jack-in-the-Box died, it shattered two families and gave rise to new heroes…and new villains. Now, the true secrets of that day are revealed—and they may end the Jack-in-the-Box dynasty forever. Also featuring: The Drama Queen, Chekov’s Gun, the Weirdies, the Trouble Boys and more. Part 2 of a 2-part look into one of Astro City’s most popular heroes, illustrated by guest artist Ron Randall.

Astro City alert!

BEST OF BISHONEN (GN)

Publisher: LAST GASP

Art: SHISHUNNKI & Various

Cover: SHISHUNNKI

Mature • $29.95

A collection of "beautiful boy" art from Japan! Best of Bishonen is an indispensable book for anyone wishing to sample the visual pulse of this exciting trend. This is the most complete Yaoi art collection to date! Features 79 artists, with details in Japanese and English. Additionally, five artists have created new original works exclusively for this project.

Can you imagine anything remotely like this being sold in America? Comic shop owners would probably be arrested for pornography, and it wouldn't sell for beans anyway.

CIVIL WAR CAVALCADE

No less than four Civil War II books this week. And they all have previews!

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writer: BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS

Art: DAVID MARQUEZ

Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC

Variant cover by JIM STERANKO

Connecting Variant C: KIM JUNG GI

Variant: MICHAEL CHO

Character Variant: PHIL NOTO

40 PGS. • Rated T+ • $4.99

Two issues in one month? Hell yes! As the Marvel Universe reels from the events of the first issue, Tony Stark decides to take matters (and the law) into his own hands and declares war on the Inhumans. But not everyone agrees with Tony’s perspective and they are willing to die trying to stop him.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

CIVIL WAR II: X-MEN #1 (of 4)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by CULLEN BUNN

Art by ANDREA BROCCARDO

Cover by DAVID YARDIN

Variant Cover by GREG LAND

Character Variant by PHIL NOTO

Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

Young Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

As the heroes of the Marvel Universe stand against one another, the Mutants will face their own war. This June, the X-Men prepare for war in CIVIL WAR II: X-MEN #1 – a new Civil War II series from writer Cullen Bunn  (Uncanny X-Men) and artist Andrea Broccardo (Kanan: The Last Padawan)!

Terrigen Mists encircle the globe, igniting the Inhuman race while simultaneously crippling mutantkind. As conflict between the two nations simmers below the surface, a new Inhuman with the ability to profile the future has emerged. As heroes of the Marvel Universe battle over whether to use this Inhuman’s ability or not – one mutant will take matters into his own hands. Fearing this untapped power may tip the scales in the Inhumans’ favor – Magneto is willing to wage war with the Inhumans and even his own kind to prevent that from coming to pass!

 “I certainly hope this story divides the fans in terms of who is ‘right’,” says writer Cullen Bunn in an upcoming interview with Marvel.com. “One of the things I’m excited about with Civil War II is that there are so many questions, debates, and positions that are going to rise from it. In Civil War II: X-Men we’ll focus on the mutants and the specific positions they are taking.”

No longer sitting on the sidelines, Magneto will use his terrifying and awesome power to take mutantkind’s fate into his own hands! Though he may be surprised who stands with him … and who stands against him! The battle lines are drawn this June in CIVIL WAR II: X-MEN #1!

DEADPOOL #14

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by GERRY DUGGAN

Art by MIKE HAWTHORNE

Cover by RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE

Secret Comic Variant Cover by SCOTT KOBLISH

Civil War Reenactment Variant by PASQUAL FERRY

32 PGS • PARENTAL ADVISORY • $3.99

Deadpool and his Mercs for Money are clearly the best super team around. The get along like family, right? Wrong. So when Civil War II divides the Marvel Universe in two – does that spell the end for this motley crew? Find out as the Merc with a Mouth crashes headlong into the biggest comic event of the year in DEADPOOL #14 – courtesy of blockbuster creators Gerry Duggan and Mike Hawthorne! When there’s a cosmic level threat – the Mercs are there to answer the call. But the cracks are beginning to show. Deadpool can’t hold his crew together much longer. New Inhuman Ulysses and his powers of predictive justice may just be the stroke that broke the camel’s back. Is this the end of the Mercs for Money? But they just got their own ongoing series! Find out as Civil War II erupts this June in DEADPOOL #14!

NOVA #8

Writer: SEAN RYAN

Art: R.B. SILVA

Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS

32 PGS. • Rated T • $3.99

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT VARIANT COVER BY Jamal Campbell

CIVIL WAR II TIE-IN!

• As an Avenger, Nova is on the front lines of Civil War II, but he may not have the same ideas as his friend and mentor Iron Man.

• Come to think of it, he isn’t a big fan of Captain Marvel’s stance, either …

• Awkward.

DARK NIGHT: A TRUE BATMAN STORY (HC)

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by PAUL DINI

Art and cover by EDUARDO RISSO

128 pg • FC • $22.99 U.S. • MATURE READERS

Today, DC Entertainment’s creator-driven imprint, Vertigo, announced Dark Night: A True Batman Story, from legendary writer Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Lost) set to release in June 2016. The story is a harrowing and eloquent autobiographical tale of Dini’s courageous struggle to overcome a truly desperate situation, with brilliant illustrations by Eduardo Risso (100 Bullets).

An extremely personal story for Dini – and the first time he's told it to the world – the book focuses on a night that he was assaulted and brutally beaten by strangers and left on the sidewalk. In this surprising original graphic novel, Batman is seen in a new light – not as the grim avenger of the night, but as a savior who helps a discouraged man recover from a brutal attack that left him unable to face the world. But despite how bleak his circumstances were, or perhaps because of it, Dini always imagined the Batman at his side, urging him along during his darkest moments.

“Batman is a character truly universal in his ability to entertain and inspire fans of all ages and backgrounds. As a writer of Batman stories for comics, video games and animation, I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to contribute to that legacy. But there was a time some years ago when I found myself the victim of a violent attack and the last thing that made sense to me was to continue writing stories about a fantasy crime-fighter. Struggling to recover, I found myself trapped in a dark place of isolation and abuse, plagued by demons both real and imaginary, with my only choices being to remain a victim or to stand up and fight back. Not so easy as the enemy I was fighting was my own fear,” explained writer Paul Dini.

“I must admit that this is not the kind of story I typically draw; it was undoubtedly a new challenge in my career,” added artist Eduardo Risso. “This novel gave me the opportunity to do something different with the graphic narrative. I didn’t have any idea about what aesthetic to use, but I was sure that I didn't want to do the same thing I was used to doing. I hope you like it.”

Dini continued, “DC and Vertigo have given me the unique opportunity to tell this personal story, rendered better than I could have dreamed by the powerful artwork of Eduardo Risso. It is my hope  that Dark Night: A True Batman Story will both provide an interesting window into a writer's mind in a time of crisis, and perhaps inspire other victims of violence to search for the heroes inside themselves.”

Review embargoed until June 15.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS: THE LAST CRUSADE #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by FRANK MILLER and BRIAN AZZARELLO

Art by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and BILL SIENKIEWICZ

Cover by JOHN ROMITA, JR. and DANNY MIKI

1:10 Robin Variant cover by LEE BERMEJO

1:25 Variant cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZ

1:100 Variant cover by FRANK MILLER

1:500 Variant cover by JIM LEE

One-shot • Prestige Format • 64 pg • FC • $7.99 US

This issue will ship with five covers.

Before the Dark Knight returned …

The Joker. Poison Ivy. Selina Kyle. And the last Robin.

Wasn't The Joker catatonic in the original Dark Knight Returns?

DC REBIRTH RAZZMATAZZ

Last week's Rebirth books really raised the bar. But I won't care if everything else sucks, if all they do is bring back the Donna Troy I remember! (Reviews embargoed until June 15.)

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

BATMAN #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by TOM KING

Art and cover by DAVID FINCH and MATT BANNING

Variant cover by TIM SALE

32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

This issue will ship with two covers.

“I AM GOTHAM” Chapter One

No one has ever stopped the Caped Crusader. Not The Joker. Not Two-Face. Not even the entire Justice League. But how does Batman confront a new hero who wants to save the city from the Dark Knight?

CAN’T MISS: Superstar artist David Finch returns to the Dark Knight alongside writer Tom King for this five-part storyline.

NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

GREEN ARROW #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by BENJAMIN PERCY

Art by OTTO SCHMIDT

Cover by JUAN FERREYRA

Variant cover by NEAL ADAMS

32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

This issue will ship with two covers.

“THE DEATH AND LIFE OF OLIVER QUEEN” Chapter One

As Oliver struggles with how he can fight “the man” when his huge fortune makes him the man, he and Black Canary uncover a deadly new threat to Seattle that cuts the Archer to the bone.

THEY SAID IT: “My touchstones are [former GA writers] Dennis O’Neil and Mike Grell, while trying to make the series my own,” says writer Benjamin Percy. “Green Arrow will be a politically and culturally relevant series. Expect stories that aim a broadhead into the zeitgeist, that are ripped from the headlines.”

NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

GREEN LANTERNS #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by SAM HUMPHRIES

Art by ROBSON ROCHA

Cover by ROBSON ROCHA and JOE PRADO

Variant cover by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO

32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

This issue will ship with two covers.

“RED PLANET” Chapter One

New Lanterns Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz promised to protect others in brightest day or blackest night, but as “Red Planet” begins to rise, the partners find themselves confronted with an unimaginable threat from Bleez and the Red Lanterns!

THEY SAID IT: “I am psyched for GREEN LANTERNS!” says writer Sam Humphries. “Myself, Simon, and Jessica are all new to the DC Universe. We’re gonna have a blast exploring it—if we don’t destroy it first.”

NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

SUPERMAN #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by PETER J. TOMASI

Art and cover by PATRICK GLEASON and MICK GRAY

Variant cover by KENNETH ROCAFORT

32 pg • FC• $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

This issue will ship with two covers.

“THE SON OF SUPERMAN” Chapter One

The Last Son of Krypton must decide whether to help his young son use his new and rapidly increasing abilities, or hide them from the world.

THE CREATORS: The team supreme that brought fans the adventures of Damian Wayne in BATMAN AND ROBIN returns for the adventures of Superman and his offspring.

NOW SHIPPING TWICE MONTHLY!

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

TITANS: REBIRTH #1

Publisher: DC COMICS

Written by DAN ABNETT

Art and cover by BRETT BOOTH and NORM RAPMUND

Variant cover by MIKE CHOI

One-shot • 32 pg • FC • $2.99 U.S. • RATED T

This issue will ship with two covers.

Friends. Teammates. Titans. Donna Troy, Arsenal, Garth, Lilith and Nightwing were all that and more until a mysterious force erased their memories, forcing them to forget what they could accomplish together. Reunited with their memories returned, the Titans must destroy the interdimensional demon that broke them apart and threatens reality itself.

THEY SAID IT: “Grayson and Donna were a couple of the characters I first worked on at DC, so it feels like a homecoming for me,” explains penciller Brett Booth. “I’m beyond happy!”

WARNING: Do NOT read this issue until after you read DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1!

DOCTOR WHO 10TH YEAR TWO #11

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writer: NICK ABADZIS

Artist: ELEONORA CARLINI

Colorist: ARIANNA FLOREAN

Letterer: Comicraft

Cover A: CLAUDIA IANNICIELLO

Cover B: Photo Subscription – WILL BROOKS

Cover C: SIMON MYERS

FC • 32pp • $3.99

After near-deadly adventures in the Jazz Age, the Doctor, Gabby and Cindy have tracked the murderous Noctures to the Disco-era New York City, 1978. Quite aside from the fashions, how will Gabby and Cindy deal with being stalked through their hometown by terrifying creatures, decades before they were born?!

More variants, another preview.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

F1RST HERO: WEDNESDAY'S CHILD #1

Publisher: ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

Writer: ANTHONY RUTTGAIZER

Art: MARCO RENNA

Covers: MARCO RENNA & Various

$3.99

Jake Roth returns home after the events of ACTIONVERSE just in time to face a new extrahuman threat that's menacing the streets of Philadelphia.  And as dangerous as an eight year old girl who can control minds might be ... wait until you meet her mother!  Meanwhile, the ETF is working night and day to neutralize the growing extrahuman threat.  Could they be closing in on Jake?

Not bad.

This is my first F1rst Hero. The Actionverse crossover did what a crossover is supposed to do, in that it piqued my interest in characters I hadn't seen before, like F1rst Hero. So I don't know how this compares with previous F1rst Hero adventures, or even what is new here.

But it picks up right after the crossover, where Jake Roth (the titular character, although he doesn't use the name "F1rst Hero" in this issue) is eager to replicate a wrinkle in his powers he discovered during the crossover. He doesn't seem to be known to the populace at large, nor does he wear the superhero outfit he wore in the crossover. I also seem to recall that he called himself "F1rst hero" in that story.

Anyway, this is just set-up for the new adventure, and the exposition is relatively painless. I'm not crazy about the art, which still has some rough edges and is none too original, but it's serviceable.

FRITZ LEIBER'S FAFHRD & GRAY MOUSER: CLOUD OF HATE (TPB)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writer: DENNY O'NEIL

Art: HOWARD CHAYKIN, WALTER SIMONSON

Cover: WALTER SIMONSON  

FC • 136 pages• TPB • 7'' x 10'' • $17.99 • Age range: 12

In 1973, industry titan Denny O’Neil joined master artists Howard Chaykin and Walt Simonson to adapt stories starring Fritz Leiber’s timeless fantasy characters, the barbarian Fafhrd and the nimble rogue the Gray Mouser. Now, for the first time ever, Dark Horse Books is collecting all of those exciting tales of swords and devilry into one handsome collection!

* Drawn by Howard Chaykin and Walt Simonson!

* Bonus story penciled by Jim Starlin!

This is exactly the sort of book I was referencing a few Guides ago when I was talking about what I loosely call the "Crusty Bunkers Era."

Not only was comic book writing getting more experimental in the early 1970s, but the art was being taken over by a gang of newbies who were stretching beyond the traditional house styles at Marvel (Kirby) and DC (boring). A number, presumably, were taking their cues from Neal Adams and Dick Giordano, who ran a shop called Continuity Studios. Many, though not all, moved through that studio and the Adams/Giordano influence was profound -- art by any number of youngsters would show the Adams/Giordano rendering techniques, while still showcasing individualistic style.

And sometimes they ganged books out as "the Crusty Bunkers" or "D. (Diverse) Hands" -- like the first issue of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, included in this collection. While the art is officially attributed to Howard Chaykin, the Bunkers are credited with inks -- and likely did far more than that. I noticed as a middle schooler the strange shifts in art on that first issue, where several panels that were clearly drawn by Chaykin would be followed by a few that were so heavily inked by Adams or Giordano that they might as well have been drawn by them. (One thug is so clearly Adams' version of Conan that I wonder if he didn't stick that in as a joke.) Then, out of nowhere, there would be a pose or a facial expression or even a couple of panels that were clearly drawn by Alan Weiss or someone. It was very noticeable, even to the Li'l Capn, and if you haven't read these issues before, the art is pretty interesting for the "who's the artist" game you can play.

Aside from that, I have to say that I found as a youngster that the charm of the prose stories came out forced and unconvincing in the comics, where F&GM didn't seem like charming rogues -- they just seemed like jerks. DC was clearly hoping for a Conan-style hit with this book, and so was I, but we were both disappointed. "Fafhrd & Grey Mouser" -- the proper title, strangely, was Sword of Sorcery -- only lasted five issues.

HOT DOG TASTE TEST (HC)

Publisher: DRAWN & QUARTERLY

Writer/Art/Cover: LISA HANAWALT

Hardcover • 176 pages • 7" x 9" • full-color • $22.95 U.S. • $24.95 CAD

Hot Dog Taste Test serves up Lisa Hanawalt's devastatingly funny comics, saliva-stimulating art, and deliciously screwball lists as she skewers the pomposities of foodie subculture. From the James Beard Award-winning cartoonist and production designer/producer of Bojack Horseman, Hot Dog Taste Test dishes out five-star laughs as Hanawalt keenly muses on pop culture, relationships, and the animal in all of us.

"Hanawalt’s art balances the somber and the playful ... Whether she’s drawing horse-people inked with unnervingly detailed lines or a young moose fretting about her art practice ... Hanawalt’s hybrids make use of the estrangement between human and animal."—Chris Randle, profile and interview on The Guardian

"[Hanawalt's] irreverent illustrated musings ... depict things we all feel but rarely say out loud."—Sabrina Ford, Bust June/July Issue

Be sure to check out Lisa Hanawalt's interview on CBC radio's Q!

"... hilarious and at times breathtakingly inventive."—Wired

"In typically funny fashion, writer and cartoonist Lisa Hanawalt ... skewers foodie culture and offers up a buffet of personal stories."—Chicago Tribune lists Hot Dog Taste Test in 30 Books You Should Read This Summer

"... Insouciant [and] irreverent drawings ..."—Nicole Rudick, Hot Dog Taste Test preview and excerpt in The Paris Review

"Hot Dog Taste Test roasts food obsession in its many forms with a sometimes gross, sometimes charming collection of watercolors, sketches and comics."—Lucy Feldman, The Wall Street Journal

"Lisa Hanawalt is the 21st century’s voice of funny."—Hans Rollman, Pop Matters

"[Hot Dog Taste Test] gathers many of Hanawalt’s favourite things — anthropomorphized creatures with often gross human foibles and desires, food diaries and lists, interspersed with just the right amount of scatological humour."—Sue Carter, Metro News

"The cartoons evoke an idiosyncratic absurdity akin to Roz Chast’s work (“Baking tip: keep your sweet tooth away from your salt molar”)... Hanawalt’s self-aware humor (with a side order of deeply affecting personal stories) will whet anyone’s appetite."—Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Photo: Jean Ho

Lisa Hanawalt

Lisa Hanawalt is an artist living in Los Angeles, CA, and is the production designer/producer of the Netflix original series, Bojack Horseman. Lisa has worked on illustrations, book covers, animations, comics, murals, textile patterns and exhibits her work in galleries. She writes and draws a quarterly, James Beard Award-winning food column for Lucky Peach Magazine, and co-hosts the podcast Baby Geniuses with comedian Emily Heller. Her first collection with Drawn & Quarterly was 2013’s critically acclaimed My Dirty Dumb Eyes.

Clearly D&Q is proud of this book. I haven't seen it, though, so you'll just have to rely on all the press above to determine if it appeals to you.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

JOYNERS #1

Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS

Writer: R. J. RYAN

Art/Cover: DAVID MARQUEZ

Mature • $3.99

What's to Love:  The story Comic Book Resources called "a game changer" returns in an all-new, full-color serialized format! A landmark work by Invincible Iron Man & Civil War II artist David Marquez and longtime collaborator R.J. Ryan, featuring new color art by Bitch Planet's Kelly Fitzpatrick.

What It Is: In 2062 Northern California, technology mogul George Joyner stands on the brink of revolutionizing American life (again) with his latest high-flying creation. Unfortunately, his family life is a mess, and his wife Sonya has had enough. Can George pull it together before she decides to leave him for good?

A preview sure would help with a book like this. But I get neither previews nor DRCs from BOOM!, so you're on your own.

JUGHEAD #7

Script: CHIP ZDARSKY

Art: DEREK CHARM

Cover A: DEREK CHARM

Cover B: SANYA ANWAR

Cover C: CULLY HAMNER

Cover D: CORY SMITH, ANDRE SZYMANOWICZ

32-page • full color comic • $3.99 U.S.

SUMMERTIME IS HERE! Jughead convinces Archie to join him at a cottage, away from all the madness of Riverdale, but the madness of Riverdale cannot be escaped. The madness of Riverdale is everywhere.

I confess that, as much as I loved the Jughead reboot on the writing side, the artwork wasn't to my taste. Derek Charm, who has replaced the original artist, lives up to his name, and now I can recommend the book unreservedly. (Review embargoed until June 14.)

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

LIFE, DEATH AND SORCERY #1

Publisher: CHAPTERHOUSE COMICS

Writer/Art/Covers: DANNY ZABBAL

Blank Sketch Variant Available

$3.99

Chapterhouse is proud to present Life, Death and Sorcery, an ongoing fantasy monthly by Toronto-based Danny Zabbal (The First Hero).

Follow the story of Amelia, Coco and Winnie, three sisters that run away from home and embark on an amazing adventure. Drama, humor, and magic await in what Bleeding Cool calls "legitimately one of the best books of the year!"

These are the guys who do Captain Canuck and Northguard. Nice to see them expand beyond that, although that Comic Sans logo looks a little amateurish.

MERCURY HEAT #10

Publisher: AVATAR PRESS INC

Writer: KIERON GILLEN

Art/Cover: NAHUEL LOPEZ

Art Nouveau Variant: NAHUEL LOPEZ

Excessive Force Variant: NAHUEL LOPEZ

Wrap Variant: NAHUEL LOPEZ

Mature • $3.99

The infection on Mercury is revealed to be none other than the legendary Crossed disease, but how can that be?  That was a work of fiction, right?  Now Luiza finds herself in a position of having to eradicate this rapidly spreading horror before it can overtake the population of the mining town.  Luiza is earning her pay on this mission!  Available with Regular, Wraparound, Art Nouveau, and Excessive Force by series artist Nahuel Lopez.

Hey, look at that: They're connecting this book to Crossed. The cynic in me wants to say Mercury Heat needs a sales boost, but I have more confidence than that in Kieron Gillen.

SHOWMAN KILLER: THE GOLDEN CHILD (HC)

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writer: ALEJANDRO JODOROWSKY

Artist: NICOLAS FRUCTUS

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

56pp • Hardcover • $15.99 • Mature

Titan Comics presents The Golden Child, the second in the hit science fiction saga, Showman Killer.

By visionary writer and director Alejandro Jodorowsky with art from Nicolas Fructus, this second in the series will feature the trademark esoteric flair and uncompromising vision that made the first in the series such a hit.

"A prophet of creativity ... one of the most inspiring artists of our time." -- Kanye West on Alejandro Jodorowsky

In a moment of madness, the heartless Showman Killer has found himself responsible for a helpless infant, forced upon him by the mysterious Ibis. The Showman Killer must unravel the mystery of the forces at work in the cosmos, and find out exactly why this child is so important.

"The Golden Child is the second in the Showman Killer series and takes us even deeper into the mind of a man created with no ethics, no moral code or boundaries," says Titan Comics editor, Lizzie Kaye. "Jodorowsky's writing paired with Fructas' art makes this graphic novel a real treat for readers."

I found the first book mildly diverting, but somewhat familiar if you've ever read Marvel UK's Death's Head, or any number of other series starring space-based bounty hunters. It's by Jodorowsky, though, so it also features inexplicable diversions, over-the-top violence and just plain weirdness here and there.

SPIDEY: ALL-NEW TREASURY EDITION VOL. 1 (TPB)

Collecting SPIDEY #1-5

Written by ROBBIE THOMPSON

Art & Cover by NICK BRADSHAW

112 pgs • $15.99

Swing into action True Believer and witness the return of the famous Marvel Treasury Edition! Gone from comic shops for nearly 35 years, be there as this long-lost format makes its big comeback with SPIDEY: ALL-NEW TREASURY EDITION VOL. 1! Presented in an oversized tabloid size format, this can’t miss tome collects the first five issues of Robbie Thompson and Nick Bradshaw’s hit series SPIDEY! Prepare for a webslinging Spider-Man experience like no other when the oversized adventures of teenage Peter Parker are released this June!

 “Nick Bradshaw’s work on SPIDEY practically leaps off the page,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “We knew we had to do something special for fans of this series. And since Robbie Thompson does such a wonderful job of capturing the early days of Peter Parker’s super hero career, we though SPIDEY was the perfect title to bring back this classic comic format.”

Today, he’s the world’s greatest super hero. But before he was amazing, he was just Spidey. Class is in session as he faces off against Doctor Octopus, the Sandman, the Lizard, the Vulture and more iconic Spider-Man rogues! Strap in and suit up as Thompson and Bradshaw bring you an action-packed thrill ride through Peter Parkers early days. Don’t miss the SPIDEY: ALL-NEW TREASURY EDITION VOL. 1 when it comes to comic shops and wherever books are sold this June!

I don't know if we necessarily need the return of the Treasury format, but I find my nostalgic heart unexpectedly warmed by it anyway.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

STAR WARS: HAN SOLO #1 (of 5)

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by MARJORIE LIU

Art by MARK BROOKS

Cover by LEE BERMEJO

Variant Covers by JOHN CASSADAY and MIKE ALLRED

Millennium Falcon Variant by SCOTT KOBLISH

Movie Variant Available

Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER

Cassaday Sketch Variant Also Available

Blank Variant Also Available

32 PGS. • Rated T • $3.99

Everyone’s favorite scoundrel – now starring in his very own series! Today, Marvel is pleased to present HAN SOLO #1 – the highly anticipated Star Wars™ limited series coming to a galaxy far, far away and your local comic shops this June! A-list creators Marjorie Liu and Mark Brooks hop in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon to bring you a swashbuckling tale of high adventure in deep space!

Han Solo has finally entered his ship into the Dragon Void Run – an infamous high-stakes race across the stars. You know, the race Han has dreamt of winning. Only there’s a catch – his entry into this legendary race is a top-secret undercover mission for Princess Leia and the Rebellion! Will he keep his mind on the mission? More importantly – can he manage to pull it off while still maintaining his lead in the race?!

The race is on as Han, Chewie and the Falcon blast off this June for the highly anticipated HAN SOLO #1 – coming to comic shops and digital devices!

Someone who reads Marvel's Star Wars books needs to chime in and tell the rest of us what's good!

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

STEAM WARS: PRINCESS LEGENDS #1

Publisher: ANTARCTIC PRESS

$3.99

Long ago in ANOTHER galaxy farther away...Rod Espinosa, the creator of Courageous Princess, strikes back, bringing a new hope with a tale of stalwart steampunk sovereign!

The empire has sent its best assassins to kill the last of the warriors of light.  But they are in for a rude surprise when they take on one light warrior too many!

Why does this feel so familiar ...?

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE #1

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer: JOE HILL

Art/Cover: GABRIEL RODRIGUEZ

Subscription Variant: CHARLES PAUL WILSON III

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Joe Hill's nerve-shredding re-imagining of Tales from the Darkside never made it to your TV set ... but the dead are restless and refuse to stay buried! This summer, IDW releases DARKSIDE, a four-issue comic-book adaptation of the episodes written by Hill and illustrated here by Locke & Key co-creator Gabriel Rodriguez! Three stories of the macabre and malevolent! One coulda-been, shoulda-been TV epic on paper with pictures that don't move! Step out of the warm, sunlit world you think of as reality and get ready to take a chilling walk ... on the DARKSIDE.

The four-issue series will feature Hill’s re-imagining of Tales for a contemporary take on the cult classic. Structured to have the scope of Locke & Key while exploring a vast, underlying mythology, Tales aims to unfold a cohesive universe made up of each individual issue. According to the creative team, these stories will draw inspiration from the TV series that it has spawned from while also taking a meta approach to the material.

Hill elaborated further on what his vision for the series is and what fans can expect from the too-good-for-TV story structure:

“This is the show that could've been,” says Hill. “The original Tales from the Darkside was a fun, bleak little spin on the Twilight Zone-style anthology. My idea is to give readers a little more. Every story is meant to stand alone, but gradually, you will come to see how they all connect, to tell a single larger story.”

While Rodríguez will provide cover art for the series, joining the team will be Charles P. Wilson III (The Wraith) who will contribute variant covers.

“The universe that Joe is building here is wholly unique while still doing justice to the original show,” said Tales from the Darkside editor Michael Benedetto. “And having Gabriel collaborating with him again is the best we could have possibly hoped for. These guys have a proven track record, and this series will only serve to build on their reputations as excellent storytellers and masters of horror and suspense.”

Prepare to enter the ‘Darkside’ this June at your local comic shop – plenty of time to get caught up on Locke & Key before then!

• The creators of Locke & Key, back together again!

• An all-new imagining of a classic horror show!

• The Tales from the Darkside TV show has legions of fans!

• So do Hill & Rodriguez!

• Variant covers by Hill’s Wraith artist Charles Paul Wilson III!

• Up first … meet “The Sleepwalker!”

• Variant cover by Gabriel Rodriguez!

Review embargoed until June 14.

 

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

TANK GIRL: 2 GIRLS 1 TANK #2

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writer: ALAN MARTIN

Art: BRETT PARTSON

Cover A: BRETT PARSON

Cover B: MING DOYLE

Cover C: ROB DAVIS

FC • 32pp • $3.99

Perhaps it's too much booze that's got our swill-swigging hero seeing double, or maybe there really is a doppelganger on the scene? Whatever the case, it's time for Tank Girl to solve the case of her pilfered Panzer!

Possible review Tuesday or later.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

TRANSFORMERS: TILL ALL ARE ONE #1

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

Writer: MAIRGHREAD SCOTT

Art/Cover: SARA PITRE-DUROCHER

Subscription Variant: PRISCILLA TRAMONTANO

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

PEACE IN OUR TIME! STARSCREAM and WINDBLADE have given everything to bring together CYBERTRON’s Lost Colonies into a Council Of Worlds. But when the increasingly brutal tactics of STARSCREAM’s secret police increase tension among the former DECEPTICONS … how long can the Council maintain this fragile peace?

• As OPTIMUS PRIME conquers Earth and the Lost Light explores space, life on CYBERTRON heats up!

• Fan-favorite superstars Mairghread Scott (Windblade, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy television show) and Sara Pitre-Durocher (Combiner Hunters, Transformers) reunite!

• WINDBLADE variant cover by Sara Pitre-Durocher!

• WINDBLADE variant cover by Alex Milne!

Not my thing, but here's a heads up for those who are following Transformers.


VIKINGS #2

Publisher: TITAN COMICS

Writer: CAVAN SCOTT

Art/Cover: STAZ JOHNSON

Cover B: PHOTO

Cover C: PHOTO

FC • 32pp • $3.99 • Mature

The drama continues for Ragnar, Lagertha, Rollo and Floki as they find themselves caught up in a morass of betrayals, intrigue, and politics that could ultimately be their downfall. With their thoughts on the battles in front of them, events back home in Kattegut suggest the old world has more say in their fates than they thought!

Variant covers, previews. Review embargoed until June 14.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

VOTE LOKI #1

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Written by CHRISTOPHER HASTINGS

Art by LANGDON FOSS

Cover by TRADD MOORE

Variant Cover by VALERIO SCHITI

32 PGS. • Rated T+ • $3.99

God, trickster, brother, liar, son, villain, even hero. Loki wears many faces. But now he’s aiming to wear one more – President of the United States of America! Yes, True Believer, your eyes do not deceive you! Though Loki might! The Asgardian charlatan is hitting the campaign trail this June in the highly anticipated VOTE LOKI #1 – coming at you from critically acclaimed creators Christopher Hastings and Langdon Foss! The God of Lies has his sights set on becoming the leader of the free world. But is it just another scheme? Only time will tell. But with his silver tongue and his million dollar smile winning over the hearts of the Marvel Universe – he may end up laughing all the way to the White House! This election sure just got a whole lot more interesting. One thing is certain – a vote for Loki is a vote for truth. We promise. Don’t miss VOTE LOKI #1 – available in print and digitally this June!

#Loki2016

Boy, the Republicans are really getting desperate to dump Trump, aren't they?

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

WEIRD DETECTIVE #1 (of 5)

Publisher: DARK HORSE

Writer: FRED VAN LENTE

Art/Cover: GUIU VILANOVA

Colors: MAURICIO WALLACE

FC • 48 pages• $3.99 • Miniseries

True Monster Detectives!

The streets of New York have been plagued by a pattern of crimes too weird and bizarre for the average detective. Lurking in the evidence are shadows of loathsome horrors from beyond space and time, seeking to usher in the unimaginable evil of the Old Ones. And the only man capable of fighting against the unspeakable terrors isn’t a man at all. Detective Sebastian Greene is one of them—it takes a monster to catch a monster.

Fred Van Lente’s newest original comic series!

As you'd expect from Van Lente, this is a professionally written story. It's a darn entertaining one, as well.

The premise, as you can tell from the solicits, is that we are unknowingly threatened by Lovecraftian horrors of the Outer Dark from Beyond the Blah Blah Blah, but we have a secret ally: NYPD Det. Greene. Well, not really. It's whatever has replaced Greene, and that's just the beginning of the creepiness.

"Greene" has 17 senses, and Van Lente helpfully lets us know when he's using one of the extras, what it's called and how it works. (Make a scrapbook -- collect 'em all!) He uses those senses to track the monsters threatening our world, and being a detective is useful cover for that. Well, it would be, if Greene weren't so weird. He tries to excuse it with "I'm from Canada," which quickly becomes a running gag that, honestly, I didn't really tire of. Maybe later, but in this first issue, we are treated to a refreshing dip in the weird end of the pool.  And I enjoyed it start to finish -- a finish where there was an excellent surprise twist awaiting.

Weirdly, this book reminds me of the 1950s Martian Manhunter strip before he revealed himself to the world. Here's a weird alien who has replaced an Earth detective and demonstrates one bizarro super-power after another, while hiding what he is even from his commander and female partner. That description fits Det. John Jones of the Detective Comics era to a tee.

I'm not familiar with Vilanova, but the art is of professional caliber, and certainly better than Joe Certa! Vilanova attempts a sort of Alex Toth impression with his rendering, but I find that more distracting than illuminating. However, his command of faces and figures is impeccable, with each character sporting a distinct, recognizable look that is subtle and effective. It's a skill I've seen few artists master, although Curt Swan leaps to mind. As if I need to tell you, that's high praise.

FIRST ISSUE ALERT

WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR #8

Publisher: VALIANT COMICS

Written by ROBERT VENDITTI

Art by RAUL ALLEN

Cover A by RAUL ALLEN

Cover B by PERE PEREZ

Cover C by CLAYTON HENRY

Variant Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA

Variant Cover by BUTCH GUICE

$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+

"LABYRINTH" – PART 2

Earth’s immortal soldier thought he knew pain … and then he entered the depths of his enemy’s “LABYRINTH”…

The mysterious figure known only as the Dying One is on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Eternal Warrior’s immortality … and the only way he can accomplish it is to kill him over and over again! Trapped at the heart of a miles-long gauntlet of technologically inflicted cruelties and mechanical terrors designed to dissect, examine and analyze, Gilad has finally been cornered … and he’s about to realize that if he can’t escape, he’ll simply have to survive.

New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (X-O MANOWAR) and blistering artist Raúl Allén (NINJAK) engineer the next terrifying chapter of the definitive Eternal Warrior epic of the year as “LABYRINTH” draws blood!

This is an entertaining issue of an entertaining book. "The Dying Man" is what the last iteration of Valiant referred to as The Immoral Enemy, a character somehow created at the same time as the immortal brothers, but one who dies and is constantly reincarnated with knowledge of his previous lives. He could be recognized by his heterochromia iridum, or mismatched eye color. This guy sports the same eye colors, although how he differs from his predecessor I don't know just yet.

Anyhow, this book moves the story forward significantly and ends on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next.

A YEAR OF MARVELS: THE INCREDIBLE #1

Publisher: MARVEL COMICS

Writers: DENNIS CULVER & TBA

Art: LEONARDO ROMERO & TBA (A)

Cover by JAMAL CAMPBELL

40 PGS. • ONE-SHOT • Rated T+ • $4.99

• AT LAST! The Infinite Comic that had everyone talking makes it to print! Full of fun, heart, and pranks, this is one folks’ll be talking about for years!

• Presenting: a Mother’s Day story to curdle the blood!

• Meet the sinister Wendigo Sisters! Will the combined might of She-Hulk and Wolverine be enough to stop them from murdering their OWN MOTHER?

• Could there be more to this story than we’re telling you? Probably! Read and find out!

Evidently every issue of this web-to-print series based around holidays is going to be a #1. Quelle surprise.

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Replies

  • “Wasn't The Joker catatonic in the original Dark Knight Returns?”

    Yes. This prequel will explain how he got that way.

    Wow, I really like that Doctor Who “Beatles” cover!

    When the Spidey Treasury edition was first solicited, it was supposed to comprise the first five issues of the new series. Later, I read in Comic Shop News that it would have three issues of Spidey and two issue of the Miles Morales Spider-Man. [Frankly, I would have preferred two treasuries with five issues each.] Now this solicitation says Spidey #1-5 again. I might buy as many as four of these; one for myself, three as gifts.

  • Darn you, Captain!

    I'm stopping my DC embargo (for now) to get SUPERMAN, BATMAN, TITANS, FLASH, WONDER WOMAN and AQUAMAN. But I will have to drop some Marvels that I've lost interest in.

    But now I'm going to get WEIRD DETECTIVE, too!

    You are such a bad influence! (Ha!)

  • I'm a baaaaaaaad boy, Philip!

    Also, Jeff, thanks for pointing out the Beatles album cover homage, which I meant to do and forgot. For those who don't know every Beatles album cover at a glance, the third Doctor Who cover homages The Beatles' "Please Please Me" album cover:

    1936772603?profile=original

  • I've read Hot Dog Taste Test, and it's a blast. Especially fun for foodies, I think.

    As for Weird Detective, I liked the three installments that were in Dark Horse Presents. I have a feeling that the first issue is reprinting them (which is why it's double-sized). Dark Horse did the same thing with The King's Road a few months ago.  

  • images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4sYalPqmS3WBW-8uQ27QI8FpoS66Lvy3mywHIgo96Lxt9hdndBecause the Doctor Who cover is blue and says "2005-2016" I think it's more likely a nod to The Beatles / 1967-1970. It strikes me that they could do a whole series of these covers. For example, they could do one with a red border featuring the first four Doctors and label it "1963-1981."

    For those who don't know, the re-staging of their first album cover was originally intended to be the cover of what would be their last, Let It Be.

  • Good call, Jeff. The blue border made me think of that, too, but I'm not that deep into Beatle lore.

  • Someone who reads Marvel's Star Wars books needs to chime in and tell the rest of us what's good!

    Did I hear the Fluit siren? 

    The two main books, Star Wars and Darth Vader, have been incredible.  They are both well worth your time (though Darth Vader is coming to a conclusion with issue #25, possibly to be relaunched with a new creative team).  I didn't care for the other ongoing, Kanan: The Last Padawan, which is based on the current cartoon.  However, the new ongoing, Poe Dameron, is off to a pretty good start as a prequel to The Force Awakens.  They just finished the first arc so it's a bit early to give it an unequivocal recommendation.

    The mini-series have been mostly good.  My favorite so far is probably the Chewbacca mini.  However, the Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian and C-3PO stories were fun as well.  The only one I didn't enjoy was the Obi-Wan & Anakin story.  The two main characters spent the series apart when their main appeal is in their big brother/little brother/buddy cop repartee.  Plus, the story of a planet divided between two races was pretty trite.  Based on their track record so far, I have high hopes for the Han Solo mini-seriies

  • Ooh, I missed that! Good call!

    Jeff of Earth-J said:

    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4sYalPqmS3WBW-8uQ27QI8FpoS66Lvy3mywHIgo96Lxt9hdndBecause the Doctor Who cover is blue and says "2005-2016" I think it's more likely a nod to The Beatles / 1967-1970. It strikes me that they could do a whole series of these covers. For example, they could do one with a red border featuring the first four Doctors and label it "1963-1981."

    For those who don't know, the re-staging of their first album cover was originally intended to be the cover of what would be their last, Let It Be.

  • Was Kanan meant to be an ongoing? I wondered if it came to a natural end, or if poor sales killed it.

    Chris Fluit said:

    Someone who reads Marvel's Star Wars books needs to chime in and tell the rest of us what's good!

    Did I hear the Fluit siren? 

    The two main books, Star Wars and Darth Vader, have been incredible.  They are both well worth your time (though Darth Vader is coming to a conclusion with issue #25, possibly to be relaunched with a new creative team).  I didn't care for the other ongoing, Kanan: The Last Padawan, which is based on the current cartoon.  However, the new ongoing, Poe Dameron, is off to a pretty good start as a prequel to The Force Awakens.  They just finished the first arc so it's a bit early to give it an unequivocal recommendation.

    The mini-series have been mostly good.  My favorite so far is probably the Chewbacca mini.  However, the Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian and C-3PO stories were fun as well.  The only one I didn't enjoy was the Obi-Wan & Anakin story.  The two main characters spent the series apart when their main appeal is in their big brother/little brother/buddy cop repartee.  Plus, the story of a planet divided between two races was pretty trite.  Based on their track record so far, I have high hopes for the Han Solo mini-seriies

  • Was Kanan meant to be an ongoing? I wondered if it came to a natural end, or if poor sales killed it.

    Yup, it was solicited as an ongoing when it launched.  It had the lowest sales of the Star Wars series and was replaced on the schedule by Poe Dameron.

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