DARK HORSE COMICS
ALABASTER THE GOOD THE BAD & THE BIRD #4
Writer: CAITLÍN R. KIERNAN
Art: DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON
Colors: CARLOS BADILLA
Cover: GREG RUTH
FC, 32 pages, $3.99, Miniseries
No sooner has Dancy been reunited with Maisie than she finds her lover violently wrested from her embrace! Now, as Maisie is held captive by a psychotic pair of gun-toting sisters, Dancy risks everything to save the woman she loves—even if it means dying ... again.
Winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Graphic Novel!
“Kiernan’s richly evocative prose vividly portrays her twisted characters as well as it illustrates their eerie, kudzu-infested, Deep South surroundings.”—Booklist
As I say every issue, I can't decide whether I like this book or not. The thing is, I'm still waiting to see what it's about.
Here's the deal: Alabaster -- Dancy in the solicit above -- was evidently some sort of demon hunter in a previous miniseries (which I didn't read) and died. She's been resurrected by evil incestuous sisters who will achieve power from her in some as-yet-unspecified way. (They seem to know a lot more about Dancy than I do.) So they've kidnapped Dancy's lesbian lover and this issue ends (spoiler) with Dancy confronting the kidnappers. Oh yeah: There's also a talking bird who is, of course, snarky.
It's vaguely interesting, and the art's appropriately gritty (albeit leaning toward the cartoony side). But I don't know what's at stake, unless I'm just supposed to be so invested in these characters that I really care if Dancy and Maisie and that cliched bird live happily ever after.
I don't know them well enough for that to happen, so I'm waiting to see if this demon-hunter business will pay off. So far, I'm still waiting. But so far, I'm still reading.
Make of that what you will.
HARROW COUNTY #10
Writer: CULLEN BUNN
Art/Cover: TYLER CROOK
FC, 32 pages, $3.99, Ongoing
A malevolent serpent sows madness and malice into the town’s residents, and there’s only one way to stop it. But the shadowy Lovey Belfont’s motivations are far from pure, and an alliance could spell doom for Bernice and the entirety of the town.
The first issue of a terrifying two-parter!
“Genuinely creepy and engaging, plus delicious art.”—Mark Millar (Huck)
Snakes, a '40s-style Southern black community, a few bad decisions, rural horror. This is just a fascinating book that never takes a misstep. It's a book that could easily take place in a small Arkansas or Mississippi town 60 years ago -- well, except for witches and forest monsters. That makes it feel very familiar to me -- I can almost hear the cicadas.
KING TIGER SON OF THE DRAGON (TPB)
Writer: RANDY STRADLEY
Art/Cover: DOUG WHEATLEY
Colors: RAIN BEREDO
FC, 120 pages, $14.99, TPB, 7" x 10"
Blood, death, and fire—the darkest magic. A monstrous secret from King Tiger’s past hunts the warrior mystic, but can Tiger’s skills and sorcery overcome a supernatural obscenity linked to his own destiny? If Tiger falls, the Dragon rises! Collects the King Tiger miniseries and stories from Blackout #1–#4.
“That detailed, almost photo-realistic cover is pretty much what Wheatley delivers in his interior pages.”—IGN
“Combining the world of the West and the mythology of the East in a beautiful tapestry.”—Graphic Policy
As I mentioned after the first issue, King Tiger is a sort of combination of Dr. Strange and Iron Fist. He's even got a manservant and supportive girlfriend, Wong and Clea-fashion, (except that the former is an Afghan vet and the latter is an heiress). If that appeals to you, then this book will.
KINGS ROAD #2 (of 3)
Writer: PETER HOGAN
Art/Cover: PHIL WINSLADE, STAZ JOHNSON
Colors: DOUGLAS A. SIROIS
FC, 32 pages, $3.99, Miniseries
Still reeling from the revelation that their family’s from another dimension, Ashley and Tyler get a history lesson on Avalon and the mythical forces there. Stocking up at a local mall for their journey to this strange realm, the family is attacked by a batch of bizarre creatures sent by the evil queen Malicia!
Fantasy and action from writer Peter Hogan (Resident Alien).
As I mentioned after the first issue, this is a cliche set-up -- it's Amethyst with a family of four -- so it's up to the execution to set it apart. This issue moved the story forward only incrementally, so I'm still on the fence.
LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS SURVIVING MEGALOPOLIS #3 (of 6)
Writer: GAIL SIMONE
Art/Cover: J. CALAFIORE
FC, 32 pages, $3.99, Miniseries
One of the great mysteries of the event that destroyed America’s greatest city and turned its greatest heroes into savage hunters of humanity has been “Where are the supervillains?” Where did they go, and what have they been up to? This issue, we find out where all the bad guys went before the good guys made them obsolete! The intense horror/hero story continues as the tension escalates!
Gail Simone and J. Calafiore put their demented imaginations to the test in this gritty new reality!
Dystopian superhero stories have been in vogue since at least 1986 (Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen, followed shortly by Kingdom Come) so this one stands out only in its depiction of over-the-top cruelty and torture porn. I hate to say it -- I usually love Gail Simone's work -- but it's kinda turning me off.
DC COMICS
BATMAN V. SUPERMAN VARIANT COVERS
Move aside, Harley Quinn! The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel are taking over! Batman and Superman are gearing up to dominate DC Comics this March!
DC Entertainment is excited to announce their next variant cover theme month, BATMAN/SUPERMAN, with a second round of opaque black polybags concealing stunning cover artwork by the comic industry’s most talented artists!
DC Entertainment’s ongoing monthly themed variant cover program will showcase variants for 10 of DC Comics’ most popular Batman and Superman titles. All ten comics will have three black polybagged variants of equal quantity of pencils, inks and colored covers.
These BATMAN/SUPERMAN variants are the latest in a variety of monthly themes.
Evidently DC will only have 10 variants his month: four Super-books and six Bat-books. Here are this week's:
ACTION COMICS #50
Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
Polybagged variant cover by MARTIN ANSIN
48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Clark battles his way through Vandal Savage’s hordes to reclaim what is rightfully his—the Fortress of Solitude and his birthright! This epic anniversary issue leads to the finale of “Savage Dawn” in this month’s SUPERMAN/WONDER WOMAN #27 and SUPERMAN #50!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.BATMAN/SUPERMAN #30
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by ROBSON ROCHA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
Polybagged variant cover by TONY MOORE
Blank variant cover
32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The mystery of why Batman and Superman were brought into a cosmic murder case is revealed—and the ramifications for Superman are huge!
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.
DETECTIVE COMICS #50
Written by PETER J. TOMASI
Art by FERNANDO PASARIN and MATT RYAN
Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
Polybagged variant cover by RAFAEL GRAMPA
48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Jim Gordon faces his past in this extra-sized conclusion to his most shocking cold case yet. With history itself forcing him to reflect on the last year as Batman, Gordon must make a decision about what his future holds in Gotham City.
This issue features open-to-order variant covers that will ship in opaque polybags.DVD/BLU-RAY
If I were younger I'd doubtless be collecting these. They're sort of the modern version of those Marvel record-and-comic book sets from the 1960s.
JUSTICE LEAGUE: THRONE OF ATLANTIS HC BOOK AND DVD/BLU-RAY SET
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by IVAN REIS, TONY S. DANIEL and others
Cover by IVAN REIS and JOE PRADO
192 pg, FC, $34.99 US
While Earth’s super heroes are distracted elsewhere, a mysterious force is pushing Atlantis and the surface world to the brink of war! As casualties rise and a full-scale invasion seems increasingly likely, can the Justice League prevent a bloody confrontation that would doom half of civilization to a watery grave? Comes with the JUSTICE LEAGUE: THRONE OF ATLANTIS animated movie on Blu-Ray and DVD discs! Read the book, watch the movie!
SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES HC BOOK AND DVD/BLU-RAY SET
Written by JEPH LOEB
Art and cover by ED McGUINNESS and DEXTER VINES
On sale FEBRUARY 24 • 160 pg, FC, $34.99 US
Superman and Batman unite when President Lex Luthor accuses the Man of Steel of terrible crimes against humanity and assembles a top-secret team of powerhouse heroes to bring Superman in. Comes with the SUPERMAN/BATMAN: PUBLIC ENEMIES animated movie on Blu-Ray and DVD discs! Read the book, watch the movie!
BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL VOL. 1 (TPB)
Written by JAMES TYNION IV, SCOTT SNYDER and others
Art by various
Cover by TONY S. DANIEL and SANDU FLOREA
288 pg, FC, $29.99 US
Not many years ago, Batman and Robin worked the most disturbing case of their crimefighting careers: bringing down the organization of the human trafficker known only as Mother. At the time, Dick Grayson did not understand the scope of that case, but now its darkest secrets are coming back to haunt him and everyone else who ever worked with Batman! Collects BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL #1-12, plus the eight-page story from BATMAN: ENDGAME SPECIAL EDITION #1.
I fell asleep three times reading this collection, which is a review in itself.
The thrust is that somehow there's been a supervillain working in the background throughout the history of the Robins, which somehow the world's greatest detectives have failed to detect. (Joining the Court of Owls and Tommy Elliott as long-running bad guys that Batman failed to notice for decades.) As Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Jason Todd and Harper Row (Bluebird) track down the bad guy (actually, bad woman) at the heart of the conspiracy and rotten doings, we get The New 52 origins of Cain, Cassandra Cain and Azrael. Also, Grayson & Co. are shocked to find out Batman might have done something really bad at some point (which raises the issue of how stupid these kids are, that they are continually shocked to discover that Batman has been an unstable sociopath for roughly the last 20 years).
(This takes place in current continuity, so Batman's not around to defend himself -- he's currently a clone or an amnesiac or something -- and Damian Wayne is MIA without explanation.)
So, eh. We've seen most of this before, and it's not going to mean anything after Rebirth anyway.
BATMAN ILLUSTRATED BY NEAL ADAMS OMNIBUS (HC)
Written by BOB HANEY, DENNIS O’NEIL, NEAL ADAMS and others
Art by NEAL ADAMS, DICK GIORDANO and others
Cover by NEAL ADAMS
640 pg, FC, $75.00 US
At last, Neal Adams’ entire run on Batman is collected in one massive volume, with stories from the pages of BATMAN, THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD, DETECTIVE COMICS, WORLD’S FINEST, BATMAN: ODYSSEY, BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE, and more, along with innumerable covers!
As I've mentioned before, Neal Adams was the first guy to make me realize Batman could be cool. Adams was such a departure in quality from what had come before, that he even made Bob Haney stories look sophisticated. If you're in my age range, you know what I mean, and if you're younger get this book and compare it to, say, the work of Sheldon Moldoff, Joe Giella and other artists on the Bat-books in the 1950s and early 1960s. Those worthies weren't bad by any means, and they were doing what they were told to do (copy Bob Kane). But Adams was just a quantum leap forward.
Incidentally, that cover was initially a full-page inside page, I think in the second Ra's al Ghul story, and there was some controversy over the presence of the utility belt, but I don't recall what that was. I had a jigsaw puzzle that I think didn't have it. Anyone recall?
BATMAN AND SUPERMAN IN WORLD’S FINEST SILVER AGE OMNIBUS VOL. 1 (HC)
Written by EDMOND HAMILTON and others
Art by CURT SWAN, DICK SPRANG and others
Cover by DARWYN COOKE
640 pg, FC, $75.00 US
Superman and Batman team up in these stories that guest-star Robin, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor and The Joker! Collects stories from SUPERMAN #76 and WORLD’S FINEST COMICS #71-96.
I assume these stories have been re-collected to cash on Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, but that's OK, because they're both historically important and joyful. Reading these stories, you can almost imagine how much fun they'd have been for a 10-year-old kid in the '50s.
Speaking of which, though, the title implies these are all Silver Age stories -- with the first one coming from 1952! That shows just how amorphous and flexible these retroactive "ages" are.
DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE #3 COLLECTOR’S EDITION
Written by FRANK MILLER and BRIAN AZZARELLO
Art by ANDY KUBERT and KLAUS JANSON
Cover by JIM LEE
40 pg, FC, 3 of 8, 7.0625” x 10.875”, $12.99 US • RATED T+
This oversized paper-over-boards COLLECTOR’S EDITION features both stories from DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE #3 at the same size!
DARK KNIGHT UNIVERSE PRESENTS: GREEN LANTERN
Mini-Comic for Book 3 of DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE Spotlights Hal Jordan
With the next chapter of DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE, readers will learn more about the plans of the newly-freed Kandorians in the main story, but this 12-page supplemental tale sees an alien-looking (for details, check out Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Strikes Again) Hal Jordan’s otherwise idyllic life interrupted by a distress call from Earth. On his arrival, Hal is greeted by three strangers, looking for a God to worship …
This third mini-comic is co-written by Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello, with art breakdowns by John Romita Jr. and finishes by Frank Miller. In addition to the Book 3 periodical version (scheduled for late February), the Collector’s Edition hardcover publishes both the main story and the mini-comic in a same-size “prestige” format approximately 2 weeks after the periodical hits retailer shelves.
For more information on DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE, visit the website at www.dccomics.com.
I'm trade-waiting this series, so I didn't know until I got the above preview that the collector's edition contains a bonus story, apparently starring Green Lantern.
JUSTICE LEAGUE VOL. 7: DARKSEID WAR PART 1 (HC)
Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art by JASON FABOK, JIM LEE, PHIL JIMENEZ, JERRY ORDWAY, KEVIN MAGUIRE, SCOTT KOLINS and SCOTT WILLIAMS
Cover by JASON FABOK
176 pg, FC, $24.99 US
The Justice League came together to stop the forces of Darkseid from destroying Earth five years ago. Now the ruler of Apokolips returns, but this time he’s set his sights on the world-shattering Anti-Monitor. Will the combined might of the Justice League be enough to protect Earth from becoming collateral damage as gods fight? This new JUSTICE LEAGUE hardcover collects JUSTICE LEAGUE #40-44 and a story from DC COMICS DIVERGENCE #1.
This was kind of interesting.
For one thing, let's fact it, anything less than Darkseid isn't really a challenge for a Justice League which has Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash and Green Lantern -- each of whom are (or should be) virtually unbeatable on their own. So when a Darkseid or an Anti-Monitor is the bad guy, it's a Justice League story you can sink your teeth into.
Not content with that, Johns also retcons Kirby's "The Pact" from the first issue of New Gods, not so much re-writing as fleshing it out with a tweak or two. I loved New Gods, but Johns' patches do make Kirby's sketchy plotting a bit more plausible, and makes Mister Miracle more sympathetic than he ever has been before.
And further, he "infects" a couple of Leaguers with New God-ism: Batman becomes the new Metron and Flash is taken over by the Black Racer. I have no idea where that's going, but it's making for some interesting dialogue.
My only complaint is that the basic plot is Darkseid vs. Anti-Monitor, so for much of the book the League stands around watching. When those two guys go at it, there's not much mere mortals can do to interfere, even if they're from Krypton or Themyscira. Still, it's not terribly heroic.
Incidentally, I haven't been following Johns' Justice League, so I don't know where Aquaman is, I don't know why Hal Jordan is back and I don't know the circumstances under which Lex Luthor, Power Ring and Captain Cold joined. But I have accepted the roll call as presented, as you must in these types of titles. Interesting that 56 years after "The Old Order Changeth," DC has finally decided to redeem a few super-villains in their main superhero team.
The art is pretty good, maybe a 6 or 7 out of 10 on a superhero scale. I'm unfamiliar with this Fabok fellow, but his style seems heavily influenced by Jim Lee and (especially) George Perez.
If you're a superhero fan, you'll probably get a big bang out of this, as I did.
IDW PUBLISHING
DONALD DUCK: TYCOONRAKER
Writers: LARS JENSEN, DAVID GERSTEIN, MASSIMO MARCONI, JAN KRUSE, LUCIANO BOTTARO, JOE TORCIVIA
Art: FLEMMING ANDERSEN, TONY STROBL, ROMANO SCARPA, BAS HEYMANS, LUCIANO BOTTARO
Cover: STEFANO TURCONI
TPB • FC • $12.99 • 120 pages • 6” x 9”
From saddling a super-powered bucking bronco with the Tamers of Nonhuman Threats to battling a mad scientist for Uncle Scrooge’s McDuck Intelligence Agency, Donald is right where the secret action is... and right where Donald secretly wishes he wasn’t! We’ve got pages and pages of feather-raising thrills–and legendary tales by top Disney Comics talents, including Romano Scarpa, Lars Jensen, Flemming Andersen, and Giovan Battista Carpi. Collects issues #7–9.
Contains stories never available in the U.S. before!
As the solicit says, "contains stories never available in the U.S. before." Also, one story appears to be a Moonraker parody. That ought to be enough for duck, mice and James Bond fans!
HAUNTED LOVE #2
Writer: VARIOUS
ArtL ALEX TOTH, BILL SAVAGE, BUD THOMPSON, KEN LANDAU, more
Cover: KEN BALD
FC • 48 pages • $4.99
Just when you thought it was safe to crawl back in your corroded coffins, #2 worms its way into your hearts with more awful affairs and creeped-out courtships direct from the crumbling crypt of golden age Pre-Code comics! SEE! Monsters get married! HEAR! The haunting howl of love even AFTER death! SMELL! The eternal stench of a long rotted romance! TASTE! (ummm, do NOT put this comic book in your mouth!) FEEL! The worst case of crabs EVER! HAUNTED LOVE!
Haunted Horror and Weird Love present … Haunted Love!!
I read the first issue of this, and it's exactly what you'd expect: Pre-Code horror stories with a romance twist. The thing is, regular romance stories from the late 1940s and '50s are already pretty bizarre to modern readers, at least this modern reader, with their emphasis on female submission, social conformity and unquestioned white, male dominance. So toss in a rotting corpse or two and it's pretty chilling!
The art varies from mediocre to awful, even when the credits read "Nick Cardy" or somebody. If you can bear that, then you might chuckle over these head-shaking yarns.
MARS ATTACKS: OCCUPATION #1 (of 5)
Writer: JOHN LAYMAN
Art: ANDY KUHN
Cover: JOHN MCCREA
Ryan Brown Throwback Card Variant: RYAN BROWN
Blank Sketch Special Order Variant
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
The Martians came. The Martians saw. The Martians conquered. Now the space invaders cruelly rule over humanity, which has no hope for liberation... until Ruby Johnson decides that she has had enough.
• Mars Attacks is back, along with that pesky human writer, John Layman, too!
• Each issue will have a throwback card cover with all-new art by Ryan Brown, highlighting the glory days of the Martian Empire®!
• Ask your retailer about the EC homage cover by Andy Kuhn!
First issue alert!
PARACUELLOS, VOL. 1
Writer/Art/Cover: CARLOS GIMÉNEZ
TPB • B&W • $24.99 • 136 pages • 8.5” x 11”
Paracuellos is a work of great courage, created at a time when telling the truth about Spain's political past could get one killed. It is arguably the most important graphic memoir ever created in comics. Carlos Giménez’s autobiographical account of the plight of children in post-World War II Fascist Spain has won virtually every comics award in Europe, including “Best Album” at the 1981 Angoulême Festival, and the “Heritage Award” at Angoulême in 2010.
In the late 1930s when Spanish fascists led by Franco, and aided by Hitler and Mussolini, overthrew the elected government, almost 200,000 men and women fell in battle, were executed, or died in prison. Their orphaned children—and others ripped from the homes of the defeated—were shuttled from Church-run “home” to “home” and fed a steady diet of torture and disinformation by a totalitarian state bent on making them “productive” citizens. Carlos Giménez was one of those children. In 1975, after Franco’s death, Carlos began to tell his story. Breaking the code of silence proved to be a milestone, both for the comics medium and for a country coming to terms with its past.
An illustrated essay by Carmen Moreno-Nuño, Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies at the University of Kentucky, places the comics in historical perspective.
“The stories transcend just being about a historical moment in Spain. Their humanity will speak to everyone. The stories are heartbreakers, but Carlos never loses his sense of humor.” —William Stout
I had hoped to read this before posting this Guide, but ran out of time. It looks interesting, though, especially if you like your GNs a bit high-minded.
SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE SEVEN-PER-CENT SOLUTION (TPB)
Writers: DAVID TIPTON, SCOTT TIPTON
Art: RON JOSEPH
Cover: KELLEY JONES
TPB • FC • $19.99 • 120 pages
The best-selling Sherlock Holmes novel by writer/director Nicholas Meyer comes to comics! The real story behind Sherlock Holmes’ final confrontation with Professor Moriarty is at long last revealed! Who is the real Moriarty? Why did Holmes disappear for so long? The game is afoot!
“This series has become a must-read for any fans of Sherlock Holmes.” –Comicsverse.com
I read a couple of individual issues of this, enough to confirm that it was well-done enough for me to get over how it's not really a Sherlock Holmes story if Holmes is shown to have a big human weakness, as this one does. If you can stand a Sherlock Holmes story where the great detective actually mouths the words "help me" -- and that's a pretty big lift -- you might enjoy it, too.
X-FILES DEVIATIONS (ONE-SHOT)
Writer: AMY CHU
Art: ELENA CASAGRANDE & SILVIA CALIFANO
Cover: CAT STAGGS
Subscription Variant: GORDON PURCELL
FC • 40 pages • $4.99
In a world where young Fox Mulder was abducted by aliens and never returned, another Mulder takes up the crusade against deception! Meet Samantha Mulder, a believer who won’t stop until she finds out the truth about her brother!
• Find out what happens in a world … where young Fox Mulder was abducted by aliens!
• A gender-bending twist on The X-Files team!
• Featuring a variant cover by classic The X-Files artist Gordon Purcell!
• Part of IDW’s Deviations five-week event!
Wondering what the heck "Deviations" is? Well, that's because it was supposed to start last week, with Ghostbusters Deviations, the first of five "what if" issues featuring five IDW licenses that were planned to come out one a week in the five Wednesdays in March. As is typical of IDW, though, deadlines are mere suggestions and the first book, originally scheduled for March 2, is now scheduled for March 16. So now X-Files Deviations is the first book, with Ghostbusters Deviations now scheduled for next week, along with Transformers Deviations (but I wouldn't count on it). Here's the press release that explains it all:
In a world where the Ghostbusters never crossed streams to save New York. … In a world where Shredder was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ sensei. … In a world where all your expectations are turned upside down. ... Welcome to the world of Deviations, a weekly event series featuring alternate takes on some of IDW’s most popular books!
Starting with the Ghostbusters, readers will be taken to alternate realities of some of the most iconic heroes in comics with weekly one-shots that each highlight a different series. G.I. JOE will follow in the second week, exploring what would happen if COBRA finally won. The TRANSFORMERS comes next, looking at what the implications would be if OPTIMUS PRIME never died! Then, in X-Files Deviations, having been abducted by aliens, Fox Mulder never returned … and finally, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles one-shot will round out the event.
“When one moment changes,” said Chris Ryall, IDW Editor in Chief, “whole universes alter forever. We’re asking the questions fans have been pondering for years—and now we’ll see some answers."
Both new and familiar faces will make their mark on this warped series as newcomers to the titles join fan-favorite creators!
In Ghostbusters Deviations, Kelly Thompson(Jem and the Holograms) teams up with artist Nelson Daniel (Judge Dredd).
Paul Allor returns to G.I. Joe, with artwork by Corey Lewis (Sharknife).
TRANSFORMERS Deviations welcomes Brandon Easton (Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven) alongside Transformers: Robots in Disguise artist Priscilla Tramontano.
Amy Chu (Sensation Comics: Wonder Woman) explores The X-Files alongside Elena Casagrande (Doctor Who) and Silvia Califano (The X-Files: Season 10) on art.
Finally Tom Waltz (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) leads Zach Howard (Wild Blue Yonder) into the sewers for the TMNT Deviations.
Look for all five Deviations in your comic shop and online every week in March!
IMAGE COMICS
BLOODY MARY (TPB)
Writer: GARTH ENNIS
Art/Cover: CARLOS EZQUERRA
192 PAGES / FC / M / $16.99
IN 1999, WE ALL WENT BACK TO WAR.
In a world only slightly worse than our own, a third great European conflict has dragged the major powers into a lethal war of attrition. Now, Mary Malone, the most dangerous assassin in a land of killers, must face both a man who cannot die and a crazed cult leader whose flock are all too ready to die for him.
Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, War Story) and Carlos Ezquerra (Judge Dredd, Strontium Dog, Adventures in the Rifle Brigade) present an action-packed tale of future warfare and a heroine whose faith lies firmly in firepower.
“It's fantastic to see Bloody Mary back in print in this new edition from Image, said Ennis. “About time, really, Mary's been missing in action for far too long.”
Ezquerra added: "Mary Malone is one of my best loved comic characters."
I remember Bloody Mary from her four-issue series at Helix in the 1990s, and to tell you the truth, the image of a nun with a gun never gets old.
CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH #5
Writer: ANTONY JOHNSTON
Art/Cover A: SHARI CHANKHAMMA
Cover B: KATE LETH
32 PAGES / FC / T+ / $3.99
END OF STORY ARC
Writer Antony Johnston (THE FUSE, The Coldest City, Daredevil) and artist Shari Chankhamma (SHELTERED, The Sisters' Luck) will conclude the first story arc in their ongoing modern pulp spy thriller series CODENAME BABOUSHKA.
Previously in CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH, the enigmatic Contessa, the last heiress to a noble Russian line (and secret deadly assassin!), was blackmailed by the U.S. government to carry out dirty jobs even the C.I.A. can't sanction—like “persuading” a retiring crime lord to sell her his secrets.
In CODENAME BABOUSHKA: THE CONCLAVE OF DEATH #5, the gauntlet is thrown down! Everything explodes …or at least, it will if Baboushka can’t stop it. Don’t get in her way!
"The Conclave of Death ends with a bang—and, unsurprisingly, several deaths!” said Johnston. “But long after the smoke clears, Baboushka will be forever changed. The future is full of guns, high-kicks, and yet more secrets to be revealed ..."
MAJOR PLOT POINT
Climax of Baboushka's first mission; several characters die.
Image thought enough of this climactic issue to send out a press release. I'll review the whole story when the TPB comes out, but at you can get a taste here.
JUPITER’S CIRCLE VOLUME 2 #5
STORY: MARK MILLAR
ART: WILFREDO TORRES
COVER A: BILL SIENKIEWICZ
COVER B: FRANK QUITELY
MARCH 23 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50
The team tries to heal old wounds, only to discover a betrayal far worse than they imagined.
That archer kind looks like "Renassiance Faire Hawkeye" from Avengers #100, doesn't he?
TOKYO GHOST VOL 1: ATOMIC GARDEN
PUBLISHER: IMAGE COMICS
Writer: RICK REMENDER
Art/Cover: SEAN MURPHY
SPECIAL LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $9.99
The Isles of Los Angeles 2089: humanity is addicted to technology. Getting a virtual buzz is the only thing left to live for, and gangsters run it all. Who do these gangsters turn to when they need their rule enforced? Constables Led Dent and Debbie Decay are about to be given a job that will force them out of the familiar squalor of LA and into the last tech-less country on Earth: The Garden Nation of Tokyo.
Collects TOKYO GHOST #1-5.
Here are another five issues I meant to have read in time to review the TPB, but simply ran out of time. (I'm simply going to have to quit my job, I guess.) Anyway, I'm such a Sean Murphy fan that I'm going to read it as soon as I can even if it's too late for review.
MARVEL COMICS
AVENGERS: STANDOFF TIE-INS
AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. #3
Writer: MARC GUGGENHEIM; Art: GERMAN PERALTA; Cover: MIKE NORTON; Variant: OTTO SCHMIDT; 32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
What is the secret of CLASSIFIED and how will it change the Marvel Universe as we know it? Find out in this tie-in to Standoff. Plus: Fitz falls out of a plane without a parachute and the world’s most unexpected Wolverine cameo!
UNCANNY AVENGERS #7
Writer: GERRY DUGGAN; Art/Cover: RYAN STEGMAN; Women of Power Variant: JÖELLE JONES; 32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
• The Uncanny Avengers come to the aid of S.H.I.E.L.D. during a manhunt.
• The team makes a shocking discovery about an ally.
• What does it all have to do with the mystery unfolding in Pleasant Hill?
I don't know if any of this is required reading for Avengers Standoff, as I haven't read the first issue of the miniseries yet (trade-waiting, naturally). But if you're going to read every jot and tittle of the latest summer event, here ya go.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9
Written by DAN SLOTT
Art by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Women of Power Variant by TULA LOTAY
Story Thus Far Variant by GIUSEPPE CAMUNCOLI
Artist Variant by BOB MCLEOD
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
“SCORPIO RISING” STARTS NOW!
Strap in, webheads, because the web-swinging wallcrawler is in for yet another action-packed story arc! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9 – the first chapter of “Scorpio Rising”! You thought Mr. Negative and Cloak & Dagger were tough? You ain’t seen nothing yet! Writer Dan Slott and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli put Peter Parker through the wringer as he faces down the remains of the international terrorist organization known as THE ZODIAC! Scorpio has put his master plan into action. It’s all been leading to this! If he succeeds, there’s no way Spider-Man or ANYONE for that matter will be able to stop him. It’s a race against time across Europe as Spider-Man and his allied hunt down Scorpio before it’s too late. Jump on board the series everyone is talking about when “Scorpio Rising” kicks off this March in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #9!
Marvel sent out a press release AND a preview, so I'd be remiss in not posting them, even if I'm not very interested in this iteration of Peter Parker.
CIVIL WAR CAVALCADE
CIVIL WAR: BLACK PANTHER TPB (NEW PRINTING)
Written by REGINALD HUDLIN; Penciled by SCOT EATON, MANUEL GARCIA, KOI TURNBULL & MARCUS TO; Cover by MICHAEL TURNER; 168 PGS / Rated T+ / $19.99
The royal couple, King T’Challa and Queen Ororo, embark on a diplomatic tour that will have them spanning the globe — and beyond! Stops include Latveria (Dr. Doom), the Moon (Black Bolt and the Inhumans), Atlantis (Namor the Sub-Mariner) and the Civil War-ravaged United States, for a meeting with none other than the point man for the U.S. government’s implementation of the Super Human Registration Act: Tony Stark, T’Challa’s former Avengers teammate! Will the Black Panther and Storm decide to get off the sidelines of the superhuman Civil War and get involved?
Collecting BLACK PANTHER (2005) #19-25.
CIVIL WAR: CAPTAIN AMERICA/IRON MAN (TPB)
Written by ED BRUBAKER, CHARLES KNAUF, DANIEL KNAUF, CHRISTOS GAGE & BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS; Penciled by MIKE PERKINS, LEE WEEKS, PATRICK ZIRCHER, JEREMY HAUN & ALEX MALEEV; Cover by ALEX MALEEV; 224 PGS / Rated T+ / $24.99
Captain America has fallen into a conflict with his government and his friends, and the people close to him are paying the price. Sharon Carter’s life is torn apart as her superiors use her divided loyalties against her. The Winter Soldier comes face-to-face with Cap, but which side will he choose? Then, get inside Tony Stark’s mind and learn why he feels that only he can lead the charge for superhuman registration! In the midst of the war, Captain America and Iron Man meet secretly. Is there any hope of working out their issues before further tragedy occurs? And in the war’s aftermath, the two heroes meet again in a heart-wrenching epilogue that cannot be missed.
Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA (2005) #22-24, WINTER SOLDIER: WINTER KILLS #1, IRON MAN (2005) #13-14, IRON MAN/CAPTAIN AMERICA: CASUALTIES OF WAR #1 and CIVIL WAR: THE CONFESSION #1.
CIVIL WAR: WOLVERINE TPB (NEW PRINTING)
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM; Penciled by HUMBERTO RAMOS; Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS; 168 PGS / Parental Advisory / $24.99
Whose side are you on? In the aftermath of the Stamford tragedy, Wolverine makes it his personal mission to take down the man responsible: the explosive Nitro! But as soon as he begins his hunt, Logan discovers that someone else is stalking the same prey: a mysterious trio whose identity, and disturbing mission, will come as a shock! If Logan’s unsettled by who these guys are, then just wait until he confronts the man they answer to! And when Wolverine discovers that Nitro’s actions are tied to a much larger conspiracy, he won’t rest until he’s exposed the true culprit. To avenge the Stamford victims, this is one mystery that Wolverine is dying — and killing — to get to the bottom of …
Collecting WOLVERINE (2003) #42-48.
That's six Civil War collections so far this month, with more to come.
DOCTOR STRANGE #6
Written by JASON AARON
Art & Cover by CHRIS BACHALO
Story Thus Far Variant by KRIS ANKA
Classic Variant by BUTCH GUICE
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth, the second arc of Doctor Strange starts here! Today, Marvel is pleased to present DOCTOR STRANGE #6 – the first chapter of “The Last Days of Magic,” coming at you from blockbuster creators Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo!
He is the Sorcerer Supreme. The best defense against magical threats from this and any universe. But what happens when his foe’s mission is to eradicate magic forever? The Emperikul have arrived, leaving universes cleansed of magic in their wake. Their next target? The Marvel Universe! Even at full strength he may not be able to stop them. But with Doctor Strange weakened beyond measure? We don’t stand a chance! Now is your chance to jump on board this hit series as the war for magic heats up in March’s DOCTOR STRANGE #6!
Another press release, but this time of a book I'm reading! This is my favorite take on the Metaphysical Physician, and I've literally read them all.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #6
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by VALERIO SCHITI
Cover by ART ADAMS
Variant Cover by JAMAL CAMPBELL
Story Thus Far Variant by VALERIO SCHITI
Classic Artist Variant by GREG HILDEBRANT
Women of Power Variant by SIYA OUM
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
“NEW GALACTIC ORDER” STARTS NOW!
Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, is back with the Guardians, but what does that mean to Star-Lord, a.k.a. Kitty Pryde? Who made it out of the horrifying first arc?
Today, Marvel is pleased to present GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #6 – the first chapter of “New Galactic Order”! Blockbuster creators Brian Michael Bendis and Valerio Schiti take you on the next chapter of this interstellar rollercoaster! Removed from power as the emperor of Spartax, can Peter Quill readjust to life among the stars? Which nefarious alien race will step up to fill the power vacuum left in his absence? More importantly – Peter Quill and Kitty Pryde come face-to-face for the first time in nearly eight months! Are the Guardians of the Galaxy big enough for two Star-Lords? Those answers and more this March as “New Galactic Order” kicks off in GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #6!
Yet another press release! Marvel must have a new intern. Anyway, I have yet to read a single issue about the romance between Kitty Pryde and Peter Quill, and it appears it's already over! It's like the Ben Affleck-Jennifer Garner marriage: It was over before I even knew there was trouble in paradise!
THE HAUNTED MANSION #1
Written by JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
Art by JORGE COELHO
Cover by E.M. GIST
Variant Covers by BRIAN CROSBY and SKOTTIE YOUNG
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
32 PGS / Rated T / $3.99
WELCOME, FOOLISH MORTALS, TO THE HAUNTED MANSION!
The world famous attraction haunts Marvel Comics in 2016! And its residents are just dying to meet you! Today, Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering are proud to announce THE HAUNTED MANSION #1, the newest blockbuster limited series! Step inside foolish mortals, as rising comic stars Joshua Williamson (Illuminati, Ghosted) and Jorge Coelho (Loki: Agent of Asgard, Polarity) throw open the doors of the mansion for a delightfully chilling thrill ride!
Launching under the Disney Kingdoms banner, THE HAUNTED MANSION has been created in close partnership with the designers, producers and creative directors at Walt Disney Imagineering. Joining other critically-acclaimed Disney Kingdoms titles such as Figment, Figment 2, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Seekers of the Weird – Disney Kingdoms titles present exciting new adventures that expand upon the beloved, lands, attractions, characters and world of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Williamson says, “There are running themes throughout the whole series that we’re going to be doing, but I think when people read all five issues, I want them to have that same feeling they have when they get off the ride. If I can accomplish that, then I really feel like I’ve done something with it. Whether you’re a Marvel fan, a Haunted Mansion fan, a Disney fan, or even a comics fan, if you can get that feeling – that rush of fear and happiness — I think that would be great.”
It seems that no one lives in the elegant mansion on the hill … but where then is that eerie organ music come from? Are its iron gates meant to keep people out … or keep some things in? Filled with wall-to-wall creeps and hot and cold running chills, the happy haunts of the Haunted Mansion come to (after) life like never before! Get ready to meet the 999 spooks lingering within. But be warned, they’re looking for the 1000th!
“The Haunted Mansion is one of the most iconic and beloved attractions at Disney Parks the world over,” says Marvel SVP, Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “And the Disney Kingdoms line is the perfect way for fans of comics and fans of the attraction to explore the mansion’s hidden secrets and meet some of its many memorable characters.”
Crypt doors will creak, and tombstones will quake. And the next spine-tingling Disney Kingdoms adventure is about to begin. What terrifying secrets lie deep within the mansion? Hop in your Doom Buggy and find out when THE HAUNTED MANSION #1 materializes in your local comic shop and on digital devices!
Additionally, Disney Publishing Worldwide will release multiple book titles in July 2016 based on the Haunted Mansion attractions from the Disney Parks including: Disney Parks Presents: The Haunted Mansion, a beautifully illustrated picture book that uses narration from the ride, all-new art, and comes with the song "Grim Grinning Ghosts" on a CD; and Tales from the Haunted Mansion Volume I: The Fearsome Foursome, the first book in an all-new chapter book series that features chilling tales about the ghosts who haunt the notorious Mansion, with eerie illustrations throughout and a beautiful three-piece cloth cover, the books are designed to look like they came straight from the library in the Haunted Mansion.
Elements based on Haunted Mansion © Disney
If you're looking for snark about Marvel turning an amusement park ride into a comic book, you won't find it here. After Disney turned the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride into a series of popular movies starring Johnny Depp, I will never underestimate them again.
I will say that I'd love to see this cross over with DC's old Forbidden Tales of Dark Mansion, because it couldn't possibly be anything but awesome.
THE INFINITY ENTITY #1 (of 4)
Written by JIM STARLIN
Art & Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Variant Covers by RON LIM & MARCO RUDY
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
He will travel to the ends of the universe and even back in time in an effort to regain his memories. He is Adam Warlock, and his story will be told in THE INFINITY ENTITY #1! – a brand-new limited series from comic legends Jim Starlin and Alan Davis! Spinning directly out of the New York Times Bestselling Thanos: The Infinity Revelation and Thanos: The Infinity Relativity – follow Adam Warlock on a desperate quest that leads directly into the final chapter of Starlin’s epic trilogy, Thanos: The Infinity Finale! A quest that will cross paths with the original Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and cosmic beings with the power to unmake entire universes! Can he reclaim his memories and become the hero he once was? Find out as Starlin and Davis bring you a cosmic thrill ride this March in THE INFINITY ENTITY #1!
I honestly think I've read all the Warlock-Thanos-Infinity mumbo-jumbo I need to for one lifetime. I'm sorry to say that, because I used to enjoy them.
MOCKINGBIRD #1!
Written by CHELSEA CAIN
Art by KATE NIEMCZYK
Cover by JOELLE JONES
Variant Cover by AFU CHAN
Hip-Hop Variant by JEFF DEKAL
Young Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER
Women of Power Variant by KIRBI FAGAN
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
Because you demanded it! That’s right, spinning out of her smash-hit, sold out S.H.I.E.L.D. 50th Anniversary Special comes her very first ongoing series! Today, Marvel is pleased to announce MOCKINGBIRD #1 – the new series from New York Times best-selling author Chelsea Cain and Marvel newcomer Kate Niemczyk!
Bobbi Morse. Codename: Mockingbird. Former Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most versatile, deadly and in-demand agent. But a string of missions gone wrong point to something strange going on inside S.H.I.E.L.D.’s own medical and recovery network. The more she digs, the more widespread the conspiracy becomes. Who’s behind it, and how deep does it go? More importantly – how far will Bobbi have to go in order to uncover the truth?
“Truly, the plot of the first five issues is rooted very much in Bobbi’s medial history,” says Cain, in an interview with Marvel.com. “[Nick] Fury saved her life with a dose of Super Soldier Serum and Infinity Formula and I wanted to explore the fallout from that.”
Action, espionage, twists and turns await, True Believer. Be there as Bobbi Morse brings the truth to light this March in the explosive debut of MOCKINGBIRD #1!
For more information, visit Marvel.com for a full interview with writer Chelsea Cain!
I was never a Mockingbird fan until the TV show. The comics version has a contradictory and implausible backstory, and never seemed to bring very much to the table. I was there every step of the way as she started out as a tormented psychic who turned into an untrained S.H.I.E.L.D. biologist who turned into a highly trained superhero, all without explanation, and none of which endeared me to her. Then there was all that Avengers West Coast awfulness, where she was redundant in combat, and had a terrible rape story attached. (Terrible because rape, bleah, and because she killed her rapist, yay, but Hawkeye couldn't accept a trained S.H.I.E.L.D. agent killing a bad guy. Geez, Clint, do you think S.H.I.E.L.D. has been giving Hydra agents a time-out all these years?) The statuesque actress who plays Bobbie Morse on screen, though, is not only eminently watchable but is a straightforward butt-kicking secret agent. I hope this incarnation borrows a little of that TV magic.
THOR THTUFF
THE MIGHTY THOR #5
Writer: JASON AARON
Art/Cover: RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
Women of Variant: TBA
32 PGS / Rated T+ / $3.99
• Thor vs Odin. The biggest, meanest, bloodiest Thor/Odin showdown ever. And in the war for Asgard ... there will be casualties.
THOR CORPS (TPB)
Written by TOM DEFALCO, RON FRENZ & WALTER SIMONSON
Penciled by RON FRENZ, PAT OLLIFFE & WALTER SIMONSON
Cover by PAT OLLIFFE
248 PGS / Rated T / $29.99
Like Thor? Want more? You’ll adore the Thor Corps for sure! After all, they fought a Thor War. Hammers clash when Mjolnir-wielder of the future Dargo Ktor is tricked into fighting Eric Masterson, the replacement Thor, in the modern day. As they bring the thunder, Beta Ray Bill joins the party with his mighty mallet Stormbreaker! But will the titanic trio put their differences aside in time to knock Zarrko the Tomorrow Man into next week? After Eric takes on the mantle of Thunderstrike, the one true Thor makes the Corps four on a multi-dimensional quest to rescue the wife of Dargo’s arch-foe, Demonstaff! Plus: Revisit the debuts of Dargo and Bill, and the day Eric first proved himself worthy! It’s Hammer Brothers Time! Collecting THOR CORPS #1-4 — plus THOR (1966) #337, #384, #433 and material from #438-441.
THOR VOL. 2: WHO HOLDS THE HAMMER? (TPB)
Written by JASON AARON, CM PUNK, NOELLE STEVENSON & DON GLUT
Penciled by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN, ROB GUILLORY, MARGUERITE SAUVAGE & RICK HOBERG
Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
136 PGS / Rated T+ / $19.99
Who is the new Thor? The Odinson wants Mjolnir back — and that means uncovering the identity of the new heroine holding the hammer! As he narrows down the list of suspects, tensions continue to flare between the All-Mother and All-Father. As Malekith the Dark Elf forges his most dangerous pact yet, the new Thor prepares to face her greatest challenge: the unstoppable machine of death and destruction that is…the Destroyer! While the battle for Mjolnir rages on, an unexpected character makes a shocking return — and the new Thor’s identity is revealed at last! Plus: Young Thor enters a drinking competition! The new Thor takes on a surprising foe! In the future, King Thor’s granddaughters quest to find him the perfect birthday gift! And more! Collecting THOR (2014) #6-8 and ANNUAL #1, and WHAT IF? (1977) #10.
THORS (TPB)
Written by JASON AARON & WALTER SIMONSON
Penciled by CHRIS SPROUSE, GORAN SUDZUKA & WALTER SIMONSON
Cover by CHRIS SPROUSE
136 PGS / Rated T+ / $15.99
The Thors of every Battleworld domain, united as one! Whenever there’s trouble anywhere on Battleworld, the Thors bring the thunder as Doom’s lightning-wielding cosmic cops. But a string of mysterious murders leaves some of them asking questions that may unravel all of reality! Thors you know (including Ultimate Thor, Beta Ray Bill and the Odinson himself) team with Thors you don’t (say hello to Groot Thor) and place their lives on the line to hunt the killer. But will a surprising suspect help uncover the truth, or offer only lies? It’s a hard-hitting Marvel Comics police drama…with hammers. If it were a TV show, it would be called Thor and Order. Plus: In an all-time classic, relive the green-skinned glory of the original Frog of Thunder! Collecting THORS (2015) #1-4 and THOR (1966) #364-365.
That's a lot of Thor all at once! I have to say that Mighty Thor #5 is the first time the Thunder God and the All-Father have had a disagreement that I can recall where the outcome is actually in doubt.
OTHER PUBLISHERS
BAKER STREET PECULIARS #1
Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS; Writer: ROGER LANGRIDGE; Art/Cover: ANDY HIRSCH; $3.99
What's to Love: Roger Langridge (Abigail and the Snowman, The Musical Monsters of Turkey Hollow), who has delighted us with his imaginative all-ages work for years, is teaming up with Andy Hirsch (Adventure Time) to bring us a new twist within the world of Sherlock Holmes. What if the world's greatest detective wasn't quite what he-or she-seemed?
What It Is: It's a lovely day in 1930s London, right up until a giant stone lion comes to life and starts wrecking the city! It seems like the perfect case for the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Of course, Sherlock Holmes doesn't actually exist; he is a fictional character created by housekeeper Mrs. Hudson, who has been the real detective all along, writing Holmes' adventures under the pen name of John Watson and running around the city in disguise. With an overwhelmed case load she'll need the help of a precocious bunch of young detectives-in-training to solve the mystery of the living statues. Baker Street will never be the same!
First issue alert! Doesn't look like my cup of Earl Grey, but I thought you should know.
Replies
PUBLISHER: CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED
Writer: H. G. WELLS; Art/Cover: LOU CAMERON' $9.95
Wells' science-fiction of the Martian invasion of Britain, told through the eyes of an ordinary man. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
Writer: JULES VERNE; Art: HENRY C. KIEFER; $19.95
The adventures of Captain Nemo and his captives and crew on his submarine, the Nautilus. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE
Writer: ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON; Art: LOU CAMERON; $19.95
Stevenson's tale of horror featuring Dr. Jekyll, and the potion that transforms him into the brutal and terrifying Mr Hyde! Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
FRANKENSTEIN
Writer: MARY SHELLEY; Art: ROBERT WEBB; Cover: NORMAN SAUNDERS; $19.95
Mary Shelley's gothic horror of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his Monster. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
LAST OF THE MOHICANS
Writer: JAMES F. COOPER; Art: JOHN SEVERIN, STEVE ADDEO; $19.95
Fenimore Cooper's tale of Hawkeye and Chingachgook. Part of his "Leatherstocking Tales" of the frontier. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
MOBY DICK
Writer: HERMAN MELVILLE; Art: NORMAN NODEL; Cover: LOUIS ZANSKY; $9.95
Melville's tale of the whaling industry, and one captain's obsession with revenge against the Great White Whale that took his leg. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
OLIVER TWIST
Writer: CHARLES DICKENS; Art: REED CRANDALL, GEORGE EVANS; $19.95
Dickens's tale of the young orphan, Oliver Twist, and his experiences in London. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
ROBINSON CRUSOE
Writer: DANIEL DEFOE; Art: SAM CITRON; $19.95
Daniel Defoe's story of the shipwrecked hero and his lonely adventure. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
ROMEO & JULIET
Writer: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE; Art: GEORGE EVANS; $19.95
Shakespeare's tragedy of the star-crossed lovers. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
SHERLOCK HOLMES: A STUDY IN SCARLET
Writer: SIR ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE; Art: SEYMOUR MOSKOWITZ; Cover: MORT KUNSTLER; $19.95
Conan Doyle's first Sherlock Holmes mystery. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
THE THREE MUSKETEERS
Writer: ALEXANDRE DUMAS; Art: GEORGE EVANS; $19.95
Dumas's classic adventure tale of D'Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
THE TIME MACHINE
Writer: H. G. WELLS Art/Cover: LOU CAMERON; $19.95
Well's science fiction of time travel, and his protagonist's adventures in the future. Classics Illustrated tells this wonderful tale in colorful comic strip form, providing an excellent introduction for younger readers. Also includes theme discussions and study questions.
Good lord, that's a lot of books!
DISNEY PRINCESS #1
Disney's beloved heroines have returned in this hilarious collection of Disney Princess comic strips! Featuring laugh-out-loud stories from the worlds of Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella, Aurora, and more, this charming new ongoing series will make all your royal dreams come true!
First issue alert!
Also, another-Disney-book-not-published-by-Marvel alert.
DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR TWO #3
Writer: ROBBIE MORRISON
Art: RACHAEL STOTT
Cover A: ALEX RONALD
Cover B: Photo, WILL BROOKS
Cover C (Album Variant): SIMON MYERS
32 pages / $3.99
Chaos descends on the private Scottish school of Ravenscaur, as secrets sunk at the bottom of the bay are dragged into the light! As the Doctor investigates reports of a Tunguska-style event that shook the heavens decades previous, Clara unravels an establishment conspiracy that cuts to the country’s heart!
Variant cover inspired by David Bowie's "Heroes".
For more information visit:
http://titancomics.tumblr.com/post/133805676932/sneak-peek-doctor-w...
Thought you guys would enjoy this, given Bowie's recent passing.
THE HANGMAN #3
Art: FELIX RUIZ
Cover A: TIM BRADSTREET
Cover B: PETER G. KRAUSE
32-page, full color comic, $3.99 U.S.
“Damned, Part 3” From the very depths of Hell ... a new Hangman arises! Can this newest incarnation of the urban legend do what it takes to save his soul—or will be walk the Earth forever unredeemed? He will if the demon Azmodeus has anything to say about it!
I don't even remember when the last issue came out. I used to think it was just the Archie books that Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa was involved in that were routinely late, because of his focus on the upcoming Archie TV show. But the chronic lateness appears to be line-wide, or at least the horror and Black Circle lines. I have no explanation for it, and think it's a shame, because these are the best iterations of the old MLJ characters yet. For one thing, after this I will no longer get Black Hood and The Hangman mixed up!
HEROES: GODSEND
Writer: JOEY FALCO
Art/Cover A: ROY ALLAN MARTINEZ
Cover B: Photo
Cover C: Blank Sketch
32pp / FC / $3.99
This 5-part story arc focuses on Farah from Heroes Reborn, delving into her past as we find out how she became the woman she is today.
The story begins while Farah is a student in New York City in 2001 and terrorists destroy the World Trade Center ... life for the world and Farah will never be the same again ... and how will she cope with discovering her camouflage powers?
This third chapter is co-written by Frank Miller and Brian Azzarello, with pencils by Andy Kubert and inks by Klaus Janson. In addition to the Book 3 periodical on sale in February, the Collector’s Edition hardcover which publishes both the main story and the mini-comic (DARK KNIGHT UNIVERSE PRESENTS: GREEN LANTERN) in a same-size “prestige” format goes on sale March 9.
I'm not watching the show or reading the comics -- it's all an X-Men swipe, as far as I can see -- but Titan sent me multiple covers, a press release and a preview. How could I withhold all that from you loyal Legionnaires!?
I, MAGE #2
Art: MEL BONTRAGER
Colors: EDDY-SWAN
Cover: JOMARO KINDRED
Variant: DAWID STRAUSS & EDDY-SWAN
32 pgs./ A / FC / $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)
Into a realm of magic and savagery comes a mysterious boy washed ashore. His is a lone survivor. Befriended by an apprentice magi, her quirky mentor, and a metal golem, together they are Kai’s only hope to stay alive long enough for rescue. Prepare yourself for a d20 RPG adventure with an all new twist. Variant cover limited to 1,500 copies!
I didn't find time to read the first issue, for which I humbly apologize. Here's a preview to make up for the lack of a review.
MULP: SCEPTRE OF THE SUN #1
MULP is an anthropomorphic comic book, a pulp adventure set in a world of mice. Sceptre of the Sun follows the exploits of Jack Redpath and Vicky Jones as they attempt to unravel a mystery surrounding an ancient stone tablet unearthed during an archaeological excavation in Egypt.
First issue alert! I don't know why those animals are driving by those ancient grain silos (
), and I'm not inclined to find out, but maybe you are.
NINJAK #13
Art by DOUG BRAITHWAITE with JUAN JOSE RYP
Cover A by DOUG BRAITHWAITE
Cover B by MATT HALEY
Cover C by CLAYTON HENRY
Character Design Variant by MATT KINDT
Variant Cover by RYAN LEE
$3.99 | 40 pgs. | T+
“OPERATION: DEADSIDE” – PART 4
SHADOWMAN VS. NINJAK! Who will live … and what will be left of them?
As Ninjak and Punk Mambo uncover the truth about the land of the dead, Shadowman makes his final move to finally wrest control of the uncanny parallel dimension called Deadside! The terrifying, intense, and heartbreaking return of a Valiant icon comes full circle as master storytellers Matt Kindt and Doug Braithwaite deliver OPERATION: DEADSIDE’s riveting finale!
Plus: another chapter of THE LOST FILES chronicling Jack Boniface’s missing days, featuring art by Juan Jose Ryp!
Here's this week's Valiant goodness.
THE ONLY LIVING BOY VOL 1: PRISONER OF THE PATCHWORK PLANET (GN)
As Children’s Book Week 2015 kicks off its celebration of beloved children’s characters, young readers can look forward to a new hero hitting their shelves early next year. David Gallaher and Steve Ellis, the award-winning creative team behind digital hits HIGH MOON and BOX 13 are teaming up with industry-leading kids graphic novel publisher Papercutz to bring their webcomic sensation THE ONLY LIVING BOY to bookstores and libraries everywhere.
The publisher has announced a multi-volume deal with Gallaher and Ellis’ Bottled Lightning Studio, brokered by Dara Hyde at the Hill Nadell Literary Agency, that will see the webcomic collected into a series of paperback and hardcover volumes beginning in March 2016. Publishing of the print collections will begin with a 72-page first volume entitled “Prisoners of the Patchwork Planet” set to arrive in March 2016. Plans call for subsequent books to be released on a regular schedule with the entire story eventually collected in six volumes.
THE ONLY LIVING BOY tells the story of 12-year old Erik Farrell, who runs away from home only to find himself without his memory, stranded on a patchwork planet with danger lurking around every corner. Every day is a struggle to survive. Erik quickly allies himself with Morgan, a mermaid warrior and Thea, a teenage princess from a mysterious insect race. He'll need their help to escape the Dreaded Lord Baalikar and the evil Doctor Once and maybe, one day, find his way back home.
“Our story has dragons, an insect princess, a mermaid warrior, dangerous and exotic creatures and a boy who just might be the last human alive,” said Ellis. “It was important for me, as a father, and for David, who’s been a teacher, to create a story that will capture the imagination of young readers today, while channeling the excitement of the adventure novels, old-time radio broadcasts and epic storytelling we loved as kids.”
The brainchild of Harvey award-winning creators Gallaher and Ellis, the series has received both critical and fan acclaim since its launch. Mark Waid (DAREDEVIL, KINGDOM COME) said “Paul Pope and Jack Kirby never had a chance to work together, but if they had, it would be only slightly less awesome than this.” Mental Floss called it “an all-ages adventure book inspired by pulp serials, Saturday morning cartoons, Jack Kirby, and even the music of Paul Simon.”
“THE ONLY LIVING BOY is a timeless tale that combines all the best elements of classic adventure fiction with a modern sensibility,” said Papercutz Editor-in Chief Jim Salicrup. “Erik and his predicament are something any kid can identify with. Everyone has felt like ‘the different one.’ Erik’s struggle to figure out the strange world he’s found himself in, and his friendships with characters like Morgan and Thea are perfect analogs for kids’ everyday lives. But the fantastic settings, incredible creatures and perilous situations transport the reader into an utterly unique world where those experiences become something truly special. This is the kind of comic I loved when I was a kid.”
“We wanted a print partner with a deep appreciation of children’s publishing,” said Gallaher. “When we looked at Papercutz’s range of titles, with everything from graphic novel adaptations of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to contemporary characters like Geronimo Stilton, we knew we had found a home for THE ONLY LIVING BOY.”
“We’ve got a terrific mix of great characters, great content and great creators here,” notes Papercutz publisher Terry Nantier. “We’re looking forward to introducing Papercutz readers and kids graphic novel fans to their new favorite series!”
Haven't seen this, so I don't know how it varies from Kamandi, which it strongly resembles. If any of you get a copy, let us know!
Writers/Art: Various
SLIPCASE EDITION: 125 copies in full colour slipcase, £44.99/$69.99
BOOKSHOP EDITION: 1,875 bookshop copies available, £36.99/$59.99
Collected together for the very first time, these classic anthologies will thrill you today as much as when they were first published.
Hey kids, come on! What’re ya waitin’ for! Moe Marcus, Fred Kida, Wally Wood, Louis Ravielli, Henry C. Kiefer and Joe Kubert? Avon’s rightly revered Eerie run kicking off in 1951, and you want me to say something that’s gonna make you wanna buy this volume? Gimme a break, will ya! Just get your money out and save us all a lot of time.
Now for the first time we have collected together all the stories its own hardback collection.
Due to be published for March 2016, Volume one features all the original Comic Stories digitally enhanced and faithfully reproduced. Featuring stories from issues #1–7 from May/June 1951-June/July 1952.
This looks genuinely terrible. Can't wait!
Publisher: HUMANOIDS INC
Writer: PATRICK GALLIANO
Art: CEDRIC PEYRAVERNAY, BAZAL \Cover: CEDRIC PEYRAVERNAY
Mature/$19.95
The Earthlings have been occupying the known universe for such a long time that some worlds have forgotten their true origins. The planets which have kept a memory of the "Formers" have come together to form a Galactic Federation, whereas the "Retroes" are worlds that have returned to an archaic way of life. The Federation entrusts a delicate mission to its best agent to help a retro world called Almagiel evolve. Retroworld is a rich sci-fi saga adapted from the work of Julia Verlanger, one of the most celebrated authors of the French science fiction movement.
Humanoids books always looks so sophisticated and intriguing, but when I read them, they're almost gibberish. I'm not saying this one is, just that I'm always cautious about picking one up.
Writers/Art: Various
SLIPCASE EDITION: 125 copies in full colour slipcase, £44.99/$69.99
BOOKSHOP EDITION: 1, 875 bookshop copies available, £36.99/$59.99
Long before Star Wars, there was Planet Comics, home to a veritable parade of steely-jawed interstellar adventures and some of the most gorgeous damsels in distress you could ever with to find. More than fifty years since Planet closed up shop. We are making the whole run available again from the original groundbreaking awe-filled Planet Comics that appeared from Fiction House over a thirteen-year period ending in 1953. They’re all here . . . Flint Baker, Reef Ryan, The Space Rangers, Gale Allen, Star Pirate, Mysta of the Moon, Norge Benson plus many more AND a bevy of the most scantily-clad females you’re likely to see outside of Silvio Dante’s Bada Bing strip joint in The Sopranos.
About Planet Comics - Volume Twelve...
Due to be published for January 2016, this twelfth volume brings together May 1948 to March 1949 issues 54-59. Presented by our very own Roy Thomas this title features a brand new introduction by Mike Benton, specially written for this publication
In for eleven, in for a dozen!
SAMURAI #1
Writer: JEAN-FRANÇOIS DI GIORGIO
Art/Cover A: FRÉDÉRIC GENÊT
COVER B: DAVID MACK
32PP / FC / $3.99
The terrible battle against the treacherous Akuma has been won, and the empire is safe once more. But Takeo has set out for the mysterious Unnamed Island to continue his quest to finally discover the truth about his brother and his family … and the symbolic tattoo that saved his life.
The artwork on this book is terrifically detailed and gorgeous. We're building up to a samurai battle a la Lone Wolf and Cub, which isn't a bad thing, but not terribly original. Still, mesmerizing in its detail and beauty.
WHAT TH-? STAR WARS
Publisher: DISNEY LUCASFILM PRESS; $19.99
Experience the original Star Wars trilogy is a way you've never seen it before in this action-packed original graphic novel that retells the greatest space saga of all time! From a lonely moisture farmer on Tatooine to a Jedi Knight on Endor, follow the journey of Luke Skywalker and his friends - Han Solo, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, R2-D2, and C-3P0 - as they seek to free the galaxy from the tyranny of the Galactic Empire and its greatest warrior, Darth Vader!
STEAM WARS STRIKE LEADER #1
There is blood in the sky. Blood and fire. Nothing can stand against the ironclad airships of the Crimson Empire. They are the mightiest sky dreadnoughts ever devised, and the Free Realms crumble before them. A brave young band of pilots must rise to meet a storm of steel, but courage is not enough. The fate of the world rests in the hands of the STRIKE LEADER.
I don't read the regular Marvel Star Wars books, much less these weirdo offshoots. The steampunk book looks pretty, but isn't limiting Star Wars to 18th century technology and just one planet kinda counter to the concept's appeal? Well, I'll never know, because I won't be reading it. But they sent a nice preview, so here you go.
Publisher: DOVER PUBLICATIONS; Writer/Art/Cover: JEFF NICHOLSON; $14.95
This collection of darkly humorous tales chronicles a nameless protagonist's struggle with a stultifying routine of office drudgery. The stories' Kafkaesque vignettes, portrayed in striking black-and-white drawings, offer eerie perspectives on the rigors of everyday life. Through the Habitrails features semi-autobiographical vignettes that include "Futile Love," "The Doomed One," "The Infiltrator," "The Dark Spiral," "The Gerbil King," and the "Escape" trilogy, one part of which was a 1993 Eisner Award nominee. Exclusive Bonus Material contains a new ten page Epilogue, written and illustrated by the author, and a new Foreword by multiple Eisner Award-winner Matt Fraction.
Speaking as a cubicle-dweller, this book isn't going to tell me anything about the soul-destroying, nihilistic life in a modern office that I don't already know. But this might be fun to read for bias confirmation.
TOMMY #1
What can you do when you find out your imaginary friend, who happens to also to be your pet rabbit, is a serial killer, and you're the only one who knows? Oh, and you're seven years-old and nobody believes you? That's Tommy's reality, but now he means to change it!
First issue alert! And what's with all the anthropomorphic animals this week?
THE UNMENTIONABLES (ONE-SHOT)
Writer/Art/Cover: JACK TEAGLE
Lizard Woman and Vulturella are natural foes in the wrestling ring, but outside of it, Lizard Woman is just Lizz, a struggling single mom. Until one night when Vulturella starts going all out against Lizard Woman! Why is Vulturella trying to tire out Lizard Woman? Wrestling action and superheroics from Jack Teagle, creator of Fight! from Nobrow Press.
I've said this before and I'll say it again: There are books out there on subjects I don't care about, like wrestling, that I will never read. But I'm thrilled that they're out there for people who aren't me.
VORACIOUS #2
Art: JASON MUHR
32 pgs./ T+ / FC / $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)
GOING BACK IN TIME TO MAKE THE PERFECT SANDWICH! Nate and Starlee open their restaurant and the secret dinosaur dishes make it an instant success. But Starlee’s Sheriff brother isn’t all that happy about her choice of business partner. Meanwhile, Maribel and Captain Jim have a heart-to-heart in the desert. With tomahawks. Featuring a “Meat Chart” variant cover by series artist Jason Muhr limited to 1500 copies!
So far, this is the only food-based entertainment I have even the slightest interest in, and that's because there are dinosaurs. (When does the yelling and screaming start?)
WAR STORIES #17
Writer: GARTH ENNIS
Writer/Art: TOMAS ARIA
Cover A: TOMAS ARIA
Cover B (Good Girl Nose Art): MATT MARTIN
Cover C (Wrap): TOMAS ARIA
Mature/$3.99
The speed of Max's whirlwind romance shocks everyone, Jonah most of all, but the young gunboat skipper takes life at his usual piratical pace. But out in the fog of the English Channel lurks the real pirate, the German E-Boat commander nicknamed Hans the Bastard- and soon the crew of MGB 969 find themselves charging into a deadly trap. Part two of Send A Gunboat, by Garth Ennis and Tomas Aira. Available with Regular, Wraparound Covers by Thomas Aria, Good Girl Nose Art, Battle Damage Retailer Incentive Covers by Matt Martin.
Since I recently reviewed the latest War Stories TPB, I'm excited about this title again, which is reason enough to show you the multiple covers.
One thing, though: I think I've discovered why the "Good Girl Nose Art" covers have always looked "off" to me. It isn't that the content that is an anachronism -- those illoes got pretty raunchy sometimes -- it's the technique. Nose art was painted with the resources of the time -- oil, I'm guessing -- but the nose art covers like the one above look airbrushed, a technique which didn't exist at the time, or at least didn't exist on air bases. I realize that the art above was no doubt colored in Illustrator or Photoshop, but it apes the way highlights and blends are done in airbrush, which oils can't mimic. The real nose art of the time would probably have been a lot flatter.
I still like it, though.
The original image is from "The Joker's Five Way Revenge", when he chases the Joker near the end. This follows a sequence where the Joker handcuffs him and puts him in a tank with a shark. I don't know whether in the original issue he was deprived of his belt. There's a thread discussing the point on Byrne's message board here.
One of my favourite EVER comics - I was lucky enough to just pick it up off spinner racks back in the day!!
I'd have to breach several layers of filing to find the actual printed page now as it's boxed away in my attic...so I'm not sure about the belt point.
I do remember this was just an internal panel/page which I found really impressive!
Loved the cover - it has Bats on a large playing card etc - got a tee-shirt of it.
Luke Blanchard said:
Luke Blanchard said:
Yes, in the original issue Batman didn't have his belt at that point in the story.
I've read the first two Avengers Standoff and there are certain things that make me....uneasy? Uncomfortable? Wary? Angry?
I have to see how it progresses.
Oh now we're intrigued......!
Go on sir....please spill..?
Philip Portelli said:
Cap said:
It isn't a bonus storyreally. Each issue of the regular comic has a mini comic inside. The collector's edition has the mini comic at full size.
Cap said about Tokyo Ghost:
I read the first 3 issues while working at my LCS and then missed the next 2. I liked it enough that I will pick up this trade even though I've already read most of it. I liked the art and story that much. Some of those Murphy spreads were just amazing.
Preview pages for some of the adaptations can be seen at the website of the UK publisher, Classic Comic Store. (Make sure you have the right adaptation; it also sells adaptations from other sources.) Frankenstein is from Gilberton's earlier, cruder phase. But I notice the presence on other issues of John Severin, Reed Crandall, and George Evans.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA: I got caught up on “Darkseid War” this past weekend. Not my cuppa.
HAUNTED LOVE: I’m a few issues behind reading Haunted Horror and Weird Love. Consequently, I haven’t read Haunted Love #1 yet, but I’ve got a pretty good idea of what to expect. I can hardly wait!
INFINITY ENTITY: I can understand “Infinity Burnout,” but I’m not going to pass up Jim Starlin and Alan Davis. I’m surprised you didn’t point out the first cover as an homage to Marvel Premiere #1 while you were at it, though.
CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED: I don’t think my LCS is carrying these, but I think the price point is $9.95. I don’t know why some would be 10 bucks and others 20, but I suspect an error in the solicitation.
DARK KNIGHT III: As Travis already pointed out, both formats contain the bonus story: the regular edition as a mini-comic, the up-sell at full size.
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next