DARK HORSE COMICS
CONAN THE AVENGER #24
Writer: FRED VAN LENTE
Art: BRIAN CHING
Colors: MICHAEL ATIYEH
Cover: PAUL RENAUD
FC, 32 pages, $3.50, Ongoing
As Conan lays siege to Khauran, inside the city the soldier Valerius desperately seeks evidence that a fiendish impostor has replaced his beloved queen. Even if he uncovers the proof he needs, can Valerius gather enough allies in time to save the true queen and restore her to the throne?
The final arc of Conan the Avenger continues!
“The writing and art are top shelf, and by God can Brian Ching draw a fight.”—Fandom Post
This issue reminds of what I found so off-putting about "A Witch Shall Be Born" when I first read it in junior high school. As I was busy plowing through the Conan canon, this story stood out because several times the main action happens "off camera" and is described by a secondary character, rather than happening within the story. In this issue, instead of reading the climactic battle between the forces of Constantius and Conan, we learn what happens as it is related to Salome by a flunky. The fate of Khumbanigash -- a giant we all knew would have some sort of epic battle with Conan -- was dismissed in a single sentence.
It's an oddity, and one wonders if REH was trying out a new style, or if he was in a hurry, or just having a bad day. 'Twas passing strange.
Still, Van Lente and Ching are still delivering top-shelf work, even with the limited material.
DC COMICS
RED HOOD/ARSENAL VOL. 1: OPEN FOR BUSINESS (TPB)
Written by SCOTT LOBDELL
Art by DENIS MEDRI and PAOLO PANTALENA
Cover by HOWARD PORTER
144 pg, FC, $14.99 US
After working for the mysterious Tara Battleworth as on-staff outlaws, Red Hood and Arsenal are branching out as freelance problem solvers, investigators, and butt-kicking specialists. But can they overcome the evil of the organization known as Underbelly? Collects RED HOOD/ARSENAL #1-6, plus the sneak peek story from CONVERGENCE: TITANS #2!
This isn't my cup of tea, but maybe it's yours.
When the original Red Hood and the Outlaws debuted, I had three problems with it: 1) I saw no reason for these three characters to hang out together; 2) it treated Starfire badly; 3) it was written by Scott Lobdell, whose style I had tired of when he was writing X-books for Marvel, and grew to loathe when he turned Starfire into a sex toy for men and a bimbo with no agency. I didn't expect the book to last, and it didn't.
So now we have the same book with the only character I cared about off doing her own book. What don't I like about the other two characters? So glad you asked:
* The New 52 Speedy was never Green Arrow's partner, so his Amazing Archer motif doesn't make any sense. DC also chickened out on Roy Harper's heroin addiction, instead making him a recovering alcoholic. That invalidates one of the most famous stories in the history of comics, "Snowbirds Can't Fly" -- which ticks me off. So this is a new character, but without the old one's history, but one that nevertheless leans on that non-existent history for our acceptance of his motivations and modus operandi. As written, Roy Harper is sui generis, and makes no sense.
* Jason Todd's one-time vendetta against Batman -- where, at one point, he sent eight decapitated heads to Batman in a duffel bag -- has been retained for his New 52 persona. So Red Hood is a mass murderer -- and Batman hasn't done anything about it. In fact, none of the superheroes or law enforcement types he meets do anything about it. That not only stretches my suspension of disbelief, but kinda makes me nauseous.
But OK. This book is played lightly, so I suppose we're not supposed to have heavy thoughts like that. The two principals engage in bro banter constantly, and the story occasional devolves into playful digressions. For example, the two begin to work for Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) of Scandal fame, unconvincingly renamed Tara Battleworth. And when video games are referenced, the next two pages are written and drawn as if you're in a video game. In a sense, this book has been -- dare I say it? -- "Batgirled," in which continuity isn't as important as just having fun. You might even say the book has been "Deadpooled," since at one point a character breaks the fourth wall and says "I feel a montage coming on," which is followed by, of course, a montage.
As I say, this isn't my cup of tea. I enjoy Batgirl, but it was the faux history of continuity that drew me to comics, and neither of these characters is as charming as Barbara Gordon. Also, as I mentioned above, I'm no fan of Lobdell's style or sensibility, so his attempts at humor generally fall flat with me.
But, while I contain multitudes, I do not encapsulate all the tastes of the human condition. Which is a good thing, because that would make for a very dull world, where everyone collects comics and no one likes coconut. So if the description above sounds interesting -- minus my kvetching, of course -- this book might make you smile.
SUICIDERS: KINGS OF HELL.A. #1
Written by LEE BERMEJO
Art by ALESSANDRO VITTI and LEE BERMEJO
Cover by LEE BERMEJO
1:25 Variant cover by JAMES HARREN
32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $3.99 US • MATURE READERS
Vertigo's SUICIDERS series makes its triumphant return with the release of a second chapter, SUICIDERS: KINGS OF HELL.A., due out in March. This six-issue miniseries will continue to be written by creator Lee Bermejo (SUICIDERS, WE ARE ROBIN) and joining him on art is Alessandro Vitti (RED LANTERNS) whose kinetic style perfectly fits SUICIDERS’ brutal landscape, colors by Jordan Boyd (INVISIBLE REPUBLIC).
A whole generation has grown up since the Great Quake, and people like Trix and her brother Johnny don’t know what life was like before New Angeles crumbled. Suffice to say, they’ve learned how to make the most of living inside the collapsed city, and particularly within their ’hood. Johnny is the leader of the Kings of HelL.A., a street gang ready to protect its turf against any and all comers—though Johnny may have taken things too far when he crossed Leonard, a former Suicider known as the Coyote. Things are about to get a whole lot more violent. Meanwhile, Trix is finding love in the arms of Johnny’s best friend, and their star-crossed romance is going to bring trouble of an entirely different kind.
"I couldn't be more excited to take people back into the world of SUICIDERS," says writer/creator Lee Bermejo. "The second arc takes place 15 years before the first storyline, closer towards the moment of the earthquake, and delves into the wall being built and how the people of an already broken city deal with the powers that be trying to split what's left into two. I'll also explore the post disaster generation of youth and how they try to live and secure a future in a place that tries to eat you ... sometimes quite literally. Expect cannibalism, gang warfare, revenge, and a love story all wrapped up in an L.A. noir with some fresh new characters and a few familiar faces."
Bermejo continues, "I am telling this story with my partner in crime (and neighbor) Alessandro Vitti. I needed an artist that could capture not only the grit and texture of the book but also someone who could mix great action with deft character work and I found that in Alessandro. He's delivering all of that and more, bringing his own sense of atmosphere and attention to detail that I can't wait for people to see."
KINGS OF HELL.A. #1 will also have a variant cover by James Harren.
I didn't read the first Suiciders, but Vertigo is excited enough about this second mini that it sent me the rare (for DC) press release above.
WORLD’S FUNNEST (TPB)
Written by EVAN DORKIN, ALAN GRANT, and others
Art by KEVIN O’NEILL, RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE, FRANK MILLER, DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI and others
Cover by BRIAN BOLLAND
296 pg, FC, $16.99 US
Bat-Mite stars in this collection of misadventures with appearances by Superman, the Justice League of America and Superman’s equally magical—and annoying—foe, Mr. Mxyzptlk. Collects SUPERMAN AND BATMAN: WORLD’S FUNNEST #1, BATMAN: MITEFALL #1, WORLD’S FINEST #6, DETECTIVE COMICS #267 and more!
Now this is funny stuff!
IDW PUBLISHING
GODZILLA: OBLIVION #1 (of 5)
Writer: JOSHUA FIALKOV
Art: BRIAN CHURILLA
Cover: GRAHAM NAKAMURA
Subscription Variant: JAMES STOKOE
Variant: BRIAN CHURILLA
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
A scientist has created a portal to another dimension—one where monsters rule supreme! A terrifying expedition begins into a world where hope has died and Godzilla is the unrivaled King of the Monsters. But what happens when a baby kaiju hitches a ride back to the original, monster-less dimension?
I enjoyed the last mini, Godzilla in Hell, for its simplicity and mindless fun. Unfortunately, the Legionnaires who commented on it seemed to feel that was what was wrong with it! Well, I'll probably enjoy this one, if for no other reason than it's written by Joshua Fialkov, whose work I usually enjoy. But maybe I should keep my opinions to myself!
RAGNARÖK #8
Writer/Art/Cover: WALTER SIMONSON
Subscription Variant: MIKE MIGNOLA
FC • 40 pages • $4.99
With his dead child behind him, and a thousand burning demons before, the Black Elf assassin, Regn, fights furiously alongside Thor, so that after the battle, he and he alone can kill the God of Thunder.
• Continuing Walter Simonson’s masterpiece!
• Featuring a variant cover from the one and only Mike Mignola!
This is an awesome book whose every issue is an event. And with a Mike Mignola variant, how could I NOT post it?
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES DEVIATIONS (ONE-SHOT)
Writer: TOM WALTZ
Art/Cover: ZACH HOWARD
Subscription Variant: NICK PITARRA
FC • 40 pages • $4.99
In a world where Shredder leads the Turtles, all hope seems lost! With the Turtles brainwashed to follow Shredder, Splinter forms a new group in a last ditch effort to save his sons… and New York City!
• Extra-length one-shot!
• Find out what happens in a world… where the Shredder leads the Turtles! A twist on the classic “City Fall” storyline!
• Part of IDW’s Deviations 5-week event!
If no one has any comment on these what-ifs -- The Baron started a thread on the first one -- I'll try to review them all when the embargoes are over. They sure look interesting, but I'm no expert on some of the franchises involved.
IMAGE COMICS
FASTER THAN LIGHT, VOL. 1 (TPB)
Writer: BRIAN HABERLIN
Art/Cover: BRIAN HABERLIN & GEIRROD VAN DYKE
152 PAGES / FC / T / $9.99
SPECIAL LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $9.99
Tomorrow we discover the key to faster than light travel and our world will never be the same. Captain William Forest and those under his storied command are in a race against time, and he’s one of the few on board who knows it. A lethal first contact and a planet-eating lifeform are just the tip of the celestial iceberg of Discovery’s quest: Save Earth and all her people from the mysterious forces coming to destroy her.
Features Anomaly's free cutting-edge Augmented Reality app, which makes it look like interactive holograms are coming out of the book!
Has anyone been reading this book? Image has produced so many interesting, high-quality new series lately, it's hard to keep up with them all!
PAPER GIRLS, VOL. 1 (TPB)
Writer: BRIAN K. VAUGHAN
Art: CLIFF CHIANG & MATT WILSON
Cover: CLIFF CHIANG
144 PAGES / FC / T+ / $9.99
SPECIAL LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $9.99
From Brian K. Vaughan, #1 New York Times bestselling writer of SAGA and THE PRIVATE EYE, and CLIFF CHIANG, legendary artist of Wonder Woman, comes the first volume of an all-new ongoing adventure.
In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and otherworldly mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs, and the last days of childhood.
Collects PAPER GIRLS #1-5.
The comments on this site about this series have been universally positive, so I've been eagerly trade-waiting it. Now it's here!
THE WALKING DEAD VOL. 25 (TPB)
Writer: ROBERT KIRKMAN
Art: CHARLIE ADLARD, STEFANO GAUDIANO, & CLIFF RATHBURN
Cover: CHARLIE ADLARD & DAVE STEWART
136 PAGES / FC / M / $14.99
Collects WALKING DEAD #145-150
Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment is pleased to announce that THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 25, created and written by Robert Kirkman with art by Charlie Adlard, will be shrink-wrapped with a free copy of OUTCAST #1 by Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta and will be in stores this March, while supplies last.
THE WALKING DEAD, VOL. 25: NO TURNING BACK is set after a devastating act of war by the Whisperers. Now Rick must chart a path for his community. But when his leadership is questioned, how will he respond?
Readers of THE WALKING DEAD will enjoy the same chilling psychological terrors in Kirkman’s new series, OUTCAST. In this complimentary double-sized first issue, readers meet Kyle Barnes—a man who has been plagued by demonic possession all his life and who is now in need of answers. Unfortunately, what he uncovers along the way could bring about the end of life on Earth as we know it.
The television adaption of OUTCAST will premiere on Cinemax this year and stars Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous, Gone Girl) as Kyle Barnes and Philip Glenister (Ashes to Ashes, Life on Mars) as Reverend Anderson.
I thought I should mention this collection due to the bonus story. I haven't read word one of Outcast yet -- the only Kirkman series I've enjoyed is Walking Dead, so he's beginning to seem like a one-hit wonder to me -- but I imagine I will before the show begins.
MARVEL COMICS
ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT MARVEL UNIVERSE
Written by VARIOUS
Cover by DAVID MARQUEZ
64 PGS / Rated T+ / $4.99
SECRET WARS has ended, and the Marvel Universe has been reborn — better and brighter than ever before! To celebrate, Marvel is proud to present this all-new, all-different guide to the Universe! This edition includes brand-new profiles on Phil Coulson’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Ms. Marvel (Khan), “Spider-Gwen” Stacy, Lash, Parker Industries, Singularity (A-Force), Ghost Rider (Reyes) and more! Plus updates on major characters starring in new titles: Iron Man (Stark), Ant-Man (Lang), Doctor Stephen Strange, the Inhumans, Thor (Foster) and Wolverine (Kinney)! Also featuring a global-sized entry for Doctor Doom’s SECRET WARS patchwork planet, Battleworld! Get in on the ground floor of the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe which starts now!
Well, this should come in handy!
ALL-NEW X-MEN #7
Writer: DENNIS HOPELESS
Art/Cover: MARK BAGLEY
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• In the wake of terrible acts committed by the adult Cyclops, mutantkind is hated and feared more than ever.
• And try as he might to divorce himself from his predecessor’s legacy, some believe that the young Scott Summers is destined to grow up and commit those sins.
• Now, there’s one mutant who believes that he can spare mutantkind if he prevents Scott from becoming that man.
• Will the young Cyclops’ story end here?
Do we know what the "terrible acts" are that adult Cyclops committed yet? I confess I'm not reading any of the X-books currently -- my enthusiasm for all things X has evaporated, which I assume is what Marvel wants. Good work, Marvel!
CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7
Written by NICK SPENCER, GREG RUCKA, TIM SALE and JOSS WHEDON
Art by DANIEL ACUNA, MIKE PERKINS, TIM SALE and JOHN CASSADAY
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Variant Covers by ALEX ROSS, JOHN CASSADAY and JIM STERANKO
Captain America of All Eras Variant by CHRIS SPROUSE
Women of Power Variant by NEN CHANG
ENORMOUS 75th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE! • A STANDOFF tie-in!
56 PGS / Rated T / $5.99
Since World War II, Steve Rogers has wielded his red-white-and-blue shield against unspeakable odds. When he fell, his brother in arms, Bucky Barnes, picked it up. When it was time to rest, he handed it to his good friend, Sam Wilson. But now Steve will be asked to wield it one last time, against a foe so deadly he knows it could very well be his final stand.
Exploding onto the scene in 1941 with a punch that would reverberate through history, Captain America would go on to become an icon and one of the most influential comic book characters ever created. This March, celebrate his 75th Anniversary and the legacy of what it means to be Captain America with the oversized CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7 – a giant 80-page issue commemorating the past, present and future of the Sentinel of Liberty!
First, blockbuster creators Nick Spencer and Daniel Acuna bring you a cataclysmic tie-in to AVENGERS: STANDOFF! Since World War II, someone has always been there to don the red, white and blue and wield the shield. When Steve Rogers fell, his brother in arms, Bucky Barnes picked it up and carried the weight. When it was his time to rest, Sam Wilson would take up the mantle. But now, amidst the chaos and the carnage, Steve will be asked to pick up the shield once more. Be there as this issue paves the way for Steve’s return and the upcoming Captain America: Steve Rogers #1!
But that’s just the beginning! CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7 also features some of the most celebrated creators in the industry paying homage to the history of the Sentinel of Liberty! First, Tim Sale (Captain America: White) takes you deep behind enemy lines as Captain America embarks on a dangerous infiltration mission into the heart of the enemy stronghold. Then Greg Rucka (The Punisher) and Mike Perkins (Captain America) bring you a team up in the Might Marvel Manner as Captain America and Black Widow join forces for a mission that requires the ultimate coordination. Finally, superstar creators Joss Whedon and John Cassaday unite for the first time since their celebrated Astonishing X-Men series to chronicle the origins of Captain America’s greatest weapon!
This issue also features a bevy of variant covers from the biggest names in comics – including Alex Ross, John Cassaday and Chris Sprouse! Plus, after decades away, legendary artist Jim Steranko returns to the Marvel Universe for the first in an exciting set of variant covers running throughout 2016!
Be there for a look back at 75 years of Captain America and a look forward to the next 75 years. No fan can afford to miss out on one of the biggest issues of the year when CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #7 comes to comic shops and digital devices this March!
Those are some pretty interesting covers, especially the Captain America Comics #1 homages. But I'm a bit irritated at the split between Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, just because it's so cliche.
CIVIL WAR CAVALCADE
Three more Civil War books this week, for a total of 15 in the month of March. I read all the Civil War stuff when it first came out, and I don't remember this much material!
CIVIL WAR: HOUSE OF M (TPB)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by ANDREA DI VITO
Cover by MIKE PERKINS
120 PGS / Rated T+ / $16.99
The biggest story in the HOUSE OF M universe is finally revealed: How did Magneto take over the world? He began life as a penniless refugee, but rose to conquer the entire planet — and now Christos N. Gage (THUNDERBOLTS, HOUSE OF M: AVENGERS) and Andrea Di Vito (ANNIHILATION) show you exactly how the Master of Magnetism did it! Witness Magneto’s first battle with the Sentinels…the tragic end of his marriage…and his fight against Apocalypse for leadership of all mutants! The secret history of the HOUSE OF M unfolds here! Collecting CIVIL WAR: HOUSE OF M #1-5.
CIVIL WAR: PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL (TPB)
Written by MATT FRACTION & FRANK TIERI
Penciled by ARIEL OLIVETTI, MIKE DEODATO JR. & STAZ JOHNSON
Cover by ARIEL OLIVETTI
184 PGS / Rated T+ / $24.99
The Punisher is back with a vengeance. And he’s taking no prisoners — literally! With CIVIL WAR in full throttle, Frank Castle is feeling the heat. His safe houses have been raided and his munitions seized, and he’s square in the crosshairs of a big gun who always gets his man. Until now, this wasn’t Frank’s war. But when spandex-clad baddies start carrying badges — well, that’s something the Punisher can’t abide. But Frank doesn’t play well with super heroes, and they don’t play well with him. Will Frank’s longtime respect for Captain America dilute this bad blood long enough to win the day, or will the Civil War claim one more victim: Frank himself? Plus: The Kingpin’s in prison, so he’s out of the picture — right? Nothing could be more wrong! Collecting PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL (2007) #1-4 and #1 B&W VARIANT, and CIVIL WAR: WAR CRIMES #1.
CIVIL WAR: PETER PARKER, SPIDER-MAN (TPB)
Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA
Penciled by CLAYTON CRAIN, ANGEL MEDINA & SEAN CHEN
Cover by CLAYTON CRAIN
168 PGS / Rated T / $24.99
The war has begun, sides have been chosen, and the die has been cast! With the repercussions of events in CIVIL WAR spreading across the Marvel Universe, see how every action can have enormous consequences — even in Peter Parker’s life. Now, one of Spider-Man’s oldest and most insidious foes — the Chameleon — decides to make his move against the wall-crawler! His first step: gathering a new super-team of Spider-Man’s deadliest foes and striking him where he’s most vulnerable! Plus: How has Peter Parker’s unmasking affected the three most important women in his life? A special triptych featuring Mary Jane, Aunt May and the Black Cat explores how they’ve dealt with the revelation that Peter is Spider-Man! Collecting SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN (2006) #28-34.
X-MEN ‘92 #1
Writers: CHRIS SIMS & CHAD BOWERS
Art: ALTI FIRMANSYAH
Cover by DAVID NAKAYAMA
Hip-Hop Variant by AFUA RICHARDSON
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
Variant Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
The X-Men of yesteryear are back this March! Spinning directly out of last year’s smash-hit Secret Wars series, they’re slashing and optic blasting their way into their very own ongoing series! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look inside X-MEN ’92 #1! Writers Chris Sims & Chad Bowers return and they’re bringing artist Alti Firmansyah (Star-Lord & Kitty Pryde) along for the ride. Get ready as Marvel’s merry mutants roll back the clock to a time when the pouches were big and the action was X-TREME! Cassandra Nova has been defeated, but she was just the beginning. Omega Red has resurfaced, and he’s bringing the Soviet Super Soldiers with him! Their mission? Destroy the recently re-opened Xavier’s School for Gifted Children! And that’s just the first issue True Believers! Don’t miss one minute of the action when X-MEN ’92 #1 comes to comic shops and digital devices this March!
I'm confused: Is this out of continuity, or a retcon, or what? I guess it's one way to feature all the major X-characters that have been killed off in recent years (Prof. X, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Wolverine), but I'm fuzzy on the concept.
OTHER PUBLISHERS
CLEOPATRA IN SPACE VOL 1 (GN)
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Writer/Art/Cover: MIKE MAIHACK
$12.99
When 15-year-old Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the really far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian. She enrolls in Yasiro Academy, a high-tech school with classes like algebra, biology, and alien languages, and she learns what it takes to be a great leader and do everything else that comes with being the future queen of the universe!
Do they not have history books in the future? If I were Cleopatra, and transported to the future, the first thing I'd do is look up how I died -- and avoid it. Will Cleo learn to watch her asp? And if not, why not?
FAITH #3 (OF 4)
Publisher: VALIANT COMICS
Written by JODY HOUSER
Art by FRANCIS PORTELA and MARGUERITE SAUVAGE
Cover A by JELENA KEVIC DJURDJEVIC
Cover B by EMANUELA LUPACCHINO
Cover C by CLAYTON HENRY
1:20 Variant Cover by COLLEEN COOVER
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+
New job. New identity. New life … right? Will the sudden reappearance of a former Renegade bring Faith’s newfound heights crashing back down to Earth?
She’s an intrepid reporter by day and an alien conspiracy hunting superhero by night – so the last thing Faith Herbert needed was her ex-boyfriend and one-time teammate Torque back in the picture. But he is. Does life have a “dislike” button?
Rising star Jody Houser (Orphan Black) and sensational artists Francis Portela (Green Lantern) and Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells) continue Faith’s landmark solo series debut!
This is a cute series, and certainly a different one. Not only is Faith not the typical casually gorgeous superheroine, but she's an unapologetic nerd, with the genre references coming faster than a speeding bullet. She even tries the Clark Kent route, discovering that it's not as easy it looks in the comic books (nor is journalism what it used to be). If you're a major nerd -- and if you're reading this site, that's a good bet -- you may see yourself a little bit in Faith. You might even end up liking her!
GRIMM FAIRY TALE: RED AGENT #3 (of 5)
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Writers: JOE BRUSHA, RALPH TEDESCO
Cover B: CAIO CACAU
Mission Impossible meets Grimm Fairy Tales in this new intense spy mini-series from Zenescope!
Avril and Brit spend get to know one another as they search for Ditto and Alpha. Meanwhile, Ditto is on the run, using his contacts in the underground hacker world to hide. But Eve is more powerful than anyone anticipated as she virtually attacks Ditto's mind.
Don't miss this brand new Grimm Universe spy series from Zenescope!
I don't have anything to say about this book, but since I went to the trouble of finding the original image swiped for the cover above, I'm posting it!
GRIMM FAIRY TALES: SATAN'S HOLLOW #1 (of 5)
Publisher: ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT INC
Writers: JOE BRUSHA, RALPH TEDESCO
Art: ANTONIO BIFULCO
Cover A: CAIO CACAU
Cover B: ANTONIO BIFULCO
Cover C: ABHISHEK MALSUNI
Cover D: PASQUALE QUALANO
$3.99
A brand new horror series from the company that does it best explores the urban myth of Satan's Hollow. Urban legend tells of a satanic cult that performed rituals in the Ohio woods at the turn of the century. The rituals became more and more disturbing and eventually led to the ultimate evil ... a human sacrifice. Legend states the cultists were so successful that they opened a portal that
leads directly to hell. Now, twenty years later, the last surviving victim of the cult has returned, but something immensely evil has arrived with him ... an entity known only as the Shadowman.
Two thoughts!
First: I think Valiant may have something to say about a character named "Shadowman."
Second: Here's something I haven't seen before: A GFT book that doesn't have large breasts on every cover. How strange!
GHOST WOLF: BORN IN SNOW AND BLOOD (TPB)
Publisher: AMIGO COMICS
Writer: EL TORRES
Artists: ÁNGEL HERNÁNDEZ, LUIS CZERNIASWSKI, SIKU, LOREN LORENTE
Color: SANDRA MOLINA, ESTHER SANZ
Cover Artist: ANGEL HERNÁNDEZ
MATURE THEMES, 116pgs, Full Color, $19. 99
Listen to the trees. Listen to the rocks, the wind howling in the high peaks. They still whisper the tale of the Ghost Wolf. A story told one thousand times. A tale waiting for you to be enjoyed.
From the prolific mind of El Torres, with the art of awesome artists like Angel Hernández (The Westwood Witches, Star Trek/ Green Lantern, DC Infinity Crisis), we are proud to present the first volume of the Ghost Wolf: Born in Snow and Blood.
This volume reprints the acclaimed miniseries GHOST WOLF published by AMIGO COMICS, filled to the brim with barbaric violence that is sure to please fans of this genre!
One human, one wolf, the vessel for the spirit of vengeance – The Ghost Wolf! Can you get enough of brutal barbarian action?
Read here the full saga of the Ghost Wolf, the spirit of vengeance of the Northern Wastes. When the clan of the Sons of Corr lost their courage, they were swept by the wild tribes. But there was one man decided to fight … and paid with his life. He will become the vessel for the long, forsaken spirit of vengeance … The Ghost Wolf!
Centuries later, with the Ghost Wolf vanished, an ancient evil awakes. But a new Wolf avatar fights the old demons. A woman called Mara. Warrior. Mother. Impostor.
What critics think about Ghost Wolf!
“El Torres’ Ghost Wolf took me by surprise with a story that reads more thoughtful than your average comic about barbarians and wolves. Wrapped up in a wonderfully illustrated story about survival in more simple if brutal times, is something that takes mythology and traditional comic book narrative and places it under a microscope for scrutinization.” -- Zander Riggs, Destroy the Cyborg
“It succeeds in bringing Oral Tradition to the pages of a comic book, it is a tremendously action-packed experience, and it is filled to the brim with head-lobbing violence that is sure to please fans of this genre. If you were a fan of Conan growing up, Ghost Wolf could be the fix you’ve been looking for.” -- Mike Sains, Capeless Crusaders
“The story is an example of how an old plotline can still be engaging, given the right characters and world. The writing boasts an epic scale (...) This is a world that feels lived in, with the history of the world proving to be an especially captivating treat.” -- Dominic “Neil” Kelly, Geek Retreat
“This is a great story that brings alive a new mythological time.” -- Comic Bastards
I may have gotten a bad impression of El Torres' writing from Amigo's flagship title Rogues, in which junior high school locker-room humor predominates. The preview on this book looks like it's swimming in deeper waters, and as little interest as I have in werewolf stories, this one looks to have an interesting twist.
GOLEM
Illustrated & written by LRNZ
“It’s not the story, or the art, or the even the design that makes GOLEM a great book. It’s the union of those things – the whole. LRNZ has crafted a perfect package of pure entertainment.” -- Jonathan Hickman (East of West, Secret Wars, The Avengers)
“GOLEM is a truly breathtaking work of unrivaled imagination and dark beauty. LRNZ is the future of comics.” -- Brenden Fletcher (Batgirl, Black Canary, Gotham Academy)
“Lrnz on Golem is a revelation. It’s an incredibly crafted comic, drawing upon all the best comics has to offer, and Lrnz’s imagination makes it uniquely its own.” -- Nick Dragotta (East of West, X-Statix, Superman: American Alien)
Young Steno Critone doesn’t want to stop dreaming.
In a world where no one has the time to try something that isn’t already provided by the system, Steno fears that his dreams will one day die.
He has no idea that the fate of the world relies on his ability to dream.
Set in a future, post-Eurozone Italy that is entrenched in a culture of hyper-capitalism, GOLEM follows young Steno Critone as he is kidnapped during a political protest gone sour. Taken in by the band of labeled “terrorists,” he learns that things are not as they seem in society, and that he has the power to not only change the city, but reality itself.
This intensely imaginative political-sci-fi graphic novel is a visual tour de force, created by contemporary design icon Lorenzo Ceccotti, better known as LRNZ, whose design-influenced illustration provides a lush, fluid backdrop of manga-like dynamism with the cinematic scope of western comics, creating a style that is wholly unique and absolutely breathtaking.
Another interesting preview, and a book I've looked forward to reading and reviewing -- but just ran out of time. As a sort-of review, I will read it anyway when it's too late to review it, just because it looks so off-beat.
NINJAS VS ALIENS #1
Publisher: ANTARCTIC PRESS
Writers: BEN DUNN, JIM FELKER
Art: BEN DUNN
$3.99
Life isn't easy for young Orion. The conflict between his powerful home world of Salusia and its long-time enemy, the Zardon forces, is over, but now he has to adjust to ... high school on Earth! A pushy-but-affectionate ninja, a haughty Zardon beauty, and a lovely soul-sucking demon are only the start of his troubles!
Ben Dunn, the Godfather of American Manga, is ready to school you again!
I feel sorry for the aliens. I mean, ninjas!
Reminds me of a routine I heard a comedian tell on satellite radio. He was wondering why Americans love ninjas so much, when they're basically just burglars in pyjamas.
Homeowner: "Someone broke into my house! The bastard!"
Police "He was wearing Japanese PJs."
Homeowner: "Cool!"
NUTMEG #7
Writer: JAMES F. WRIGHT
Art/Cover: JACKIE CROFTS
Colors/Lettering: JOSH ECKERT
32 pgs / A / FC / $3.99
Winter, Part 1: “Spice Racketeers.”There's a chill in the air. Saffron is still queen bee, but her throne is unstable. Marjorie has some new friends. Ginger and Anise have nearly uncovered the mysterious “Patty” and “Patricia.” And things are less than peachy between our criminal bakers Poppy and Cassia. Seasons change, mad things rearrange.
I'm not following this series, but they sent a nice preview, so here ya go.
ONI PRESS STARTER PACK 2016
Publisher: ONI PRESS INC.
$5.99
The Oni Press Starter Pack 2016 collects seven complete first issues from Oni Press's acclaimed creator-owned series. Try out new titles or reconnect with your favorites in one giant-sized volume for one low price.
WHAT'S INSIDE:
• Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt's THE SIXTH GUN #1
• Charles Soule, Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque and Guy Major's LETTER 44 #1
• Joshua Hale Fialkov and Joe Infurnari's double-size THE BUNKER #1
• Zander Cannon's KAIJUMAX #1
• Greg Rucka, Justin Greenwood, and Ryan Hill's STUMPTOWN #1
• Cullen Bunn, Joëlle Jones, and Nick Filardi's HELHEIM #1
• Joshua Hale Fialkov and Gabo's EXODUS: THE LIFE AFTER #1
I've sampled most of these series, and haven't found a single one I don't like. You might have the same experience reading these first issues.
OPERATION NEMESIS (GN)
Publisher: DEVILS DUE /1FIRST COMICS, LLC
Writer: JOSH BLAYLOCK
Art/Cover: HOYT SILVA
Mature/$18.99
Based on the true story of a lone man who in 1921 killed the former leader of Turkey on the streets of Berlin and walked away a free man. Why? Because the German jury determined that the deceased was the architect of a nationwide massacre of over one million people. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
I love history!
PLANETS OF THE DAMNED & DEATH PLANET (TPB)
Publisher: REBELLION / 2000AD
$17.99
Two twisted classic strips from 2000 AD, never before collected! Beyond the Bermuda Triangle lies a world so hostile to human beings that those stranded there know it as "The Planet of the Damned!" When a jet crashes on this treacherous world, the survivors find themselves being relentlessly attacked by all forms native flora and fauna. Fortunately they are discovered by Flint, another human stranded on this world. With their axe-wielding guide in taking charge, some of the survivors may just find a way to return home alive! In "Death Planet," it's the 23rd century and the starship Eternity sets out from Earth carrying a cargo of colonists bound for new lives on distant worlds. When the ship is knocked off course, crashing on an unknown alien planet, Commander Lorna Varn and colonist leader Richard Cory must set aside their differences and work together to keep everyone alive!
That's a pretty Frazetta-ish cover! Could be interesting.
POPTROPICA BOOK 1: MYSTERY OF THE MAP
Publisher: AMULET BOOKS
Writer: JACK CHABERT
Art/Cover: KORY MERRITT
$9.95
Based on a concept by Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney comes Poptropica, a brand-new graphic novel adventure series by Jack Chabert and Kory Merritt. In Mystery of the Map, Oliver, Mya, and Jorge take a ride in a hot-air balloon, only to crash-land on an unknown island filled with extinct animals and a horde of angry Vikings. Welcome to Poptropica, an uncharted group of islands whose existence is hidden from the rest of the world. As the three friends embark on a perilous search for a way home, they quickly discover the shocking reason they were brought there-something that threatens the very existence of Poptropica and their ability to ever make it off the island!
First issue alert!
This looks a bit youngish, but I post it because it's by the Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The appeal of that series eludes me, but it's very popular, so if you like it, you might like this.
STRONTIUM DOG OUTLAW DIGEST (TPB)
Publisher: REBELLION / 2000AD
Writers: JOHN WAGNER, ALAN GRANT
Art/Cover: CARLOS EZQUERRA
$10.99
The inhabitants of Jock's Landing on the water world of Och-Eleven have been slaughtered and everyone thinks Johnny Alpha and his partner Wulf are the murderers! Framed by two sinister Stix brothers in retaliation for the murder of their brother, the hunters become the hunted and must evade a legion of Strontium Dogs while trying to clear their names.A
Another 2000AD series collected! I think your appreciation of this series is likely contingent on your appreciation for Carlos Ezquerra's eccentric art.
MANGA FIRST ISSUES
HOUR OF THE ZOMBIE VOL 1 (GN)
Publisher: SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Writer/Art/Cover: TSUKASA SAIMURA
$12.99
Students are suddenly turning into frenzied zombies, attacking and gorging themselves upon each other's flesh. The school is being torn apart until suddenly... they stop. With the zombies apparently back to normal, the school is now divided between the previously turned and the unbitten. But how long will this peace last? And what caused students to turn in the first place? When any of your classmates could suddenly decide to have you for lunch, a friendly face can become the scariest thing in the room.
It's like High School Zombies, a TV series within the TV series iZombie, brought to comics! It's art imitating life imitating art! Or art imitating un-life. Or un-death. Whatever.
MIDNIGHT STRANGER VOL 1 (GN)
Publisher: SUBLIME
Writer/Art/Cover: BOHRA NAONO
Mature/$12.99
Roy, a black goat spirit, is getting bullied when out of nowhere he's rescued by the beautiful fire god Siu. Siu gives Roy the ability to take human form, and a grateful Roy decides to serve Siu as his new master. Now by Siu's side every day, Roy wishes to become more than just his servant. Painfully aware of just how ugly he is, Roy believes Siu could never care about him, and one day something happens to bring Siu's wrath down on Roy. What must he do to curry the fire god's favor?
Like most yaoi, this one makes me go "Yow!" Given how homophobic America is, do these really sell?
MONSTER HUNTER FLASH HUNTER VOL 1 (GN)
Publisher: VIZ MEDIA LLC
Writer: KEIICHI HIKAMI
Art/Cover: SHIN YAMAMOTO
Teen/$10.99
Hunting giant man-eating beasts is no job for the weak-hearted, but along with courage, it takes skill and experience to be a good Hunter. It also takes good teamwork. Raiga and his comrades are experts now, but when they started down the path of the Monster Hunter, they lacked these qualities. When they head off to confront the dragon-like Queropeco, they quickly learn that this flaw could cost them dearly ...
I googled Queropeco, but it's apparently invented for this series, and not a "real" mythological beast, which would have been cooler.
NICHIJOU VOL 1
Publisher: VERTICAL COMICS
Writer/Art/Cover: KEIICHI ARAWI
$10.99
A witty surreal all-ages manga which revolves around the day-to-day lives of the young inhabitants of Tokisadame-city. Funny and heartwarming, Nichijou is a humorous look at modern day Japanese life in comic form. Set in a strange school where you may see the principal wrestle a deer or a robot's arm hide a rollcake the days that transpire through the course of Nichijou are curious and hilarious, if not downright bizzare. However admist all the chaos and comedy Arawi still takes time to share everyday slice of life stories giving readers an insight to modern Japanese youth culture.
How bizarre that the copy writer above can't spell bizarre, nor use the Internet to look it up. Strange disabilities for a copy writer!
Replies
Kirkman's OUTCAST is amazing!
I have the first 2 collections and am waiting desperately for the third.
Highly recommended and the artwork is vastly superior to the Walking Dead.
There's been a couple of "High School Zombie" manga about lately. The one I'm currently following is School-Live!, which takes characters right out of a gentle, high school slice-of-life manga (Azumanga Daioh springs to mind) and sets then down in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
You've sold me, RIchard -- I'll start reading Outcast ASAP.
Is School-Live! a horror book, Baron? I'm not sure what category Hour of the Zombie is shooting for. If it's straight suspense or horror, why set it in a high school? I'm guessing there's adolescent angst and romance mixed in with the flesh-eating and brain-biting.
School-Live! is definitely not a comedy. It's more of an emotional drama. The main characters in the volumes I've read so far are three high school girls who are holed up in their high school, which happens to be a special experimental high school designed to be self-reliant and independent of the local power grid and food supply, thus making it an ideal place to survive. (I gather that there will be hints in later volumes that this was not a coincidence.) The zombies are more a of background threat here than a foreground presence. While there is a certain amount of zombie-fighting, the story is more about the emotional strain the girls undergo and the practical problems they face in the course of trying to survive. I find it to be more realistic than something like High School of the Dead, where the kids somehow get ahold of automatic weapons and pick up how yo use them far too quickly.
"X-Men" '92 is following the lead of "Batman '66", in that it is emulating the style and continuity of an off-media product. In this case, the 1992 X-Men cartoon that put the group into the radar of many people back in the day.
-2000 AD's original publisher launched a second SF title in 1978 called Starlord, but had folded it into 2000 AD before the end of the year. It was mostly B&W with some colour pages.
-"Planet of the Damned" was one of the original features in Starlord. In the opening instalment a plane passed through an anomaly in the Bermuda Triangle and crashed in another dimension of strange horrors. The survivors accepted the leadership of a 19th century sailor called Flint who looked like Ka-Zar because he had learned one had to revert to the ways of primitive man to survive. The net tells me the feature didn’t run very long and had three artists during its run. Marvel's Skull the Slayer, which predates it, had a similar premise and one-must-to-fight-to-survive theme. I've only read the first instalment of "Planet of the Damned", but it had more horror content.
-I’m not familiar with “Death Planet”. Apparently it’s a short-lived 2000 AD feature from the same period which had a female lead and was about future space colonists trying to survive on a world on which they’d crash landed.
-“Strontium Dog” was another Starlord feature, about a mutant bounty hunter of the future called Johnny Alpha. It continued in 2000 AD. Wikipedia tells me the story in the digest, “Outlaw”, dates from 1984. Wagner is one of the creators of Judge Dredd; Ezquerra designed him, but didn’t become one of his feature’s artistic mainstays until the 80s; Grant was Wagner’s longtime writing partner and is known to US comics fans for his Batman stories with Norm Breyfogle and Anarky.
-This British comic wikia has entries on the features and creators, and is the source from which I drew my description of "Death Planet".
-Johnny Alpha is the central figure on Starlord #1's cover. The bearded guy next to him is his partner. The woman is a Time Control agent from another of its features, Timequake. And that's Flint in the background killing a monster. "Planet of the Damned" was solo cover-featured on the seventh issue and "Strontium Dog" on the fourth and thirteenth.
-If anyone knows how Wagner's, Grant's and Ezquerra's work on "Strontium Dog" matches chronologically to their work on "Judge Dredd", there's a timeline of "Judge Dredd"'s creators down to 2008 here and a list of "Strontium Dog" stories in that feature's article at Wikipedia.
ALL NEW X-MEN #7: IIRC, the adult Cyclops was responsible for Professor X's death (this time) and basically became Magneto.
There was something else that happened and was left unsaid at the aftermath of the latest event. It was very serious, apparently... but readers have been kept on the dark for quite a while.
Yeah, that's what I was asking about. Since I don't read any X-books, I didn't know how he went from being cheered at a Capitol rally (as seen in the last issue of the previous iteration of Uncanny X-Men) and becoming so vilified. What scenes I've seen where it's discussed, they never use specifics.
Maybe they can't think of anything bad enough, so they're letting it roll until it's so established as a turning point that no one really cares what the specifics are. Sorta like Storm's mohawk, which happened without explanation, until years later Claremont explained it in a throwaway word balloon. By then it was just a thing that happened, and the why of it was something no one really asked any more.
Luis Olavo de Moura Dantas said: