THE BIG STUFF
Heroes Reborn #4 (of 7)Marvel Comics | 40 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Jason Aaron | Art: James Stokoe, Ed McGuinness | Cover: Leinil Francis Yu | Trading Card variant: Mark Bagley | Variant: Jeffrey Veregge | Action Figure variant: John Tyler Christopher | Stormbreakers variant: Carmen Carnero | Squadron Supreme variant: Paco Medina
With the cosmic might of his Power Prism, Doctor Spectrum has become the most feared lawman in the heavens. But now the dark forces of deep space have sent the galaxy’s most notorious bounty hunter to end Spectrum once and for all. That’s right, here comes Rocket Raccoon! Plus: In a backup tale, the all-new Starbrand finds herself alone in a strange new universe.
The Captain's comments:
We've already seen that in a world with the Squadron Supreme, neither the Hulk nor Galactus is much of a threat. Now we see that even Thanos has no chance. The Squadron is starting to make the Avengers look pretty bad.
Heroes Reborn: Magneto and the Mutant Force #1 one-shot
Marvel Comics | 40 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Steve Orlando | Art: Bernard Chang | Cover: Nick Bradshaw | Variant: Ryan Benjamin | Spoiler variant: Bernard Chang
Can Magneto resurrect hope for mutantkind before it’s too late?
Years ago, Magneto and Professor X led Earth’s mutants in a final push for independence against the Squadron Supreme of America. What followed was the Squadron’s Mutant Massacre, a violent rebuttal that left Mutantkind forever wounded, and Xavier dead ... or so Magneto thought. Years later, Magneto discovers Xavier clinging to life in the astral plane and gathers his allies for a first-of-its-kind rescue mission. Too bad the same mission puts the Mutant Force back on the Squadron’s radar!.Failure means the last gasp of mutantkind, but success means the first breaths of something even more elusive to the mutants of Heroes Reborn: HOPE.
The Captain's comments:
I don't have to read the book to guess that Magneto is crippled, making him a Xavier/Magneto fusion. The thing is, Magneto can basically fly, so what's he need the wheelchair/bathtub for? So he can park in handicapped zones?
Heroes Reborn: Siege Society #1 one-shot
Marvel Comics | 40 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Cody Zigler | Art: Paco Medina | Cover: Ken Lashley | Variant: Marcelo Ferriera
Black Widow & Hawkeye lead an assault on the Squadron!
After the Civil War that split the Squadron Supreme in half, Nighthawk formed his own Squadron in Europe. But not all of Europe is okay with it. Baron Zemo has put together his own team to take them down. Who’s on this team? Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Scott Lang and Victor Creed. The Squadron doesn’t stand a chance.
The Captain's comments:
So, three Avengers without super-powers, two powerful mutants and Zemo, who ... has a pointy sword. Not exactly the Masters of Evil, are they? Or even the Thunderbolts. They wouldn't last five seconds against Hyperion or Dr. Spectrum. Good thing they're instead going up against Nighthawk and The Blur (plus some also-rans, no doubt), where they have a chance.
Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1 one-shot
Marvel Comics | 40 pages | $4.99
Writer: Jim Zub | Art: Steven Cummings | Cover: Karl Kerschl | Variant: Takashi Okazaki
The Squadron Supreme of America have taken root in the hearts and minds of all, but none more so than a trio of youthful champions who call themselves the Young Squadron!
Kid Spectrum (Sam Alexander), Girl Power (Kamala Khan) and the all-new Falcon (Miles Morales) are here to fight for truth, justice and the American flag ... or are they?
Beneath the flashy facade of colorful adventure, something grim is stirring and Deadpool is determined to bring it to light.
The Captain's comments:
So this world's Teen Titans are ... the Champions? Or maybe I have it backwards. Anyway, I'm curious how this group came about, without the Avengers connections. Which is the point of something like this, right? To see the weird takes on familiar characters? Because, obviously, the Reset Button is inevitable.
Milestone Returns: Infinite Edition #0 one-shot
DC Comics | 48 pages | $4.99 | $5.99 Card Stock variants
Writer: Reginald Hudlin | Art: Denys Cown, Bill Sienkiewicz, others | Cover: Denys Cowan | Card Stock variant: John Romita Jr., Klaus Janson
At last, it’s the return of the legendary Milestone Comics! This one shot features twenty-four all-new pages chronicling the events of the Big Bang: the police-brutality protest gone wrong that changed the face of the city of Dakota forever by unleashing a wave of superpowers across its population! As the world watches, a bullied teenager will become the hero known as Static … a framed scientist will go on the run as the superweapon Hardware … and a stranded alien will meet an ambitious young woman who will transform his life, and remake the pair as the all-powerful Icon and Rocket!
Also included is the 17-page primer story originally released online during the world-famous DC Fandome event, further expanding on our heroes’ origins and where they’re going next … and setting up an entire world of allies, enemies, and surprises!
The original Milestone changed the face of superhero comics forever, introducing the industry to a wave of Black talent who still shape the conversation …and the new Milestone intends to raise the bar! This is the perfect jumping-on point — don’t miss out!
“The response from fans after the (2020) DC FanDome panel was overwhelming, and that makes this news even more exciting for Denys and me,” said Hudlin. “Introducing these ‘seasons’ of Static, Icon, Rocket, and Hardware is just the beginning. There will be more stories with these favorite characters to come, and fans will see appearances from the legendary Blood Syndicate, setting the stage for an explosive Milestone event later in the year.”
In addition, DC’s future plans include the long-awaited launch of Earth M, a new line of comics conceived by Cowan and Hudlin, which will include the return of Duo, introduced to readers in Milestone Returns #0, and other characters who will also appear in Milestone comics.
The Captain's comments:
It's about time! Some of Milestone left me cold, but it wasn't aimed at me, was it? There are fans out there who'd love to see more Blood Syndicate, and they deserve to have it. I'll be happy with my Static and Icon, maybe a little Hardware. Oh, and lots of Denys Cowan art for everyone, please!
Milestone was probably a little ahead of its time when it first debuted. Now, it needs to remind the new kids who embraced diversity when diversity wasn't cool.
Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom #1 (of 6)
DC Comics | 32 pages | $3.99 | Card Stock variants $4.99
Writer: Brandon Easton | Art: Fico Ossio | Cover: Yanick Paquette | Card Stock variant: Valentine de Landro
Spinning out of DC Future State, the story of how Shilo Norman became the Mister Miracle of tomorrow starts here.
The Mister Miracle show used to be the hottest ticket in town, whether you caught him onstage escaping from perilous traps or spotted him on the streets of Metropolis taking out bad guys. What Shilo Norman forgot is the first rule of both showbiz and super-heroing: Always leave them wanting more. Now it’s time to start showing the world what a miracle man can do. Showbiz/superhero rule #2: Timing is everything. There’s a new performer in town who wants to knock Mister Miracle off his pedestal and stake a claim to his famous moniker! Can Shilo break free of this trap? (Why yes, that is a clue.)
Writer Brandon Easton and artist Valentine De Landro guided Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman) through the terrors of Warworld in Future State: Superman: Worlds at War. Easton and artist Fico Ossio return Shilo to the present DC universe, revealing his journey to becoming the “Super Escape Artist” of tomorrow, in Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom, a six-issue monthly miniseries from DC.
“This series functions as a de facto origin story and a reintroduction of Shilo Norman,” said Easton. “Fico and I have a fantastic opportunity to establish him as a major hero in the DC pantheon, while making him a more complex character.
“The series will explore Shilo’s dealings with the trappings of celebrity, his understanding of the ‘Mister Miracle’ identity and his possible connection to the New Gods,” Easton continued. “We’ll also dive into what it means to be a Black superhero in a world where his heroism is in conflict with a society full of distrust and suspicion.”
The Captain's comments:
Of all the "Future State" stuff, the Mister Miracle strip was probably my second favorite. (Wonder Girl was my first.) I've never been a huge fan of the original Mister Miracle, who relied entirely on gimmicks, and always had exactly the gimmick he needed for any given plot. (Or Mother Box gave him one.) So there was no suspense, nor could I even enjoy Scott Free's clever escapes, since ... well, Mister Miracle didn't have to be clever. Or smart. Or strong. Or even above average for a New God. He would be in some death trap, and it would look like he died, but *awp* there he is over there! He escaped thanks to [insert technobabble here]. Yawn.
But the Shilo Norman story in "Future State" gave us a Mister Miracle of limited gimmicks, who did have to be clever, who did have to be resourceful, who was above average ... or he'd be dead.
I'm still no fan of the basic premise. But this is an improvement.
Stargirl Spring Break Special #1
DC Comics | 48 pages | $5.99 | Card Stock variant $6.99
Writer: Geoff Johns | Art/Cover: Todd Nauck | Card Stock variant: Mike McKone
Legendary comics writer Geoff Johns returns to his breakthrough hero, Stargirl, in this special one-shot illustrated by Todd Nauck!
Courtney Whitmore’s spring break plans aren’t like your average high schooler’s. Instead of hanging out with friends, she’s heading out on an adventure with her stepfather, Pat Dugan, a.k.a. S.T.R.I.P.E., and teaming up with his former team, the Seven Soldiers of Victory! The soldiers are forced to reunite again to unearth the secret eighth soldier of victory, but what other secrets lay buried, and what does it all mean for Courtney’s future as Stargirl?
The Captain's comments:
Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. wasn't in my top 25 when it existed, what with it being a story set in high school. I mean, haven't we all read enough high school superhero stories? Besides, high school was pretty boring when I was actually in it, so I'm never thrilled to re-experience that ennui second-hand.
Stargirl's saga was a cut above most such fare, so I liked it more than most — which actually isn't saying a lot. But the JSA connection really helped, and Geoff Johns' personal connection made it more poignant.
Still, I wasn't particularly exercised when it got canceled. It's not like Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. was such a radical departure from other high school superhero stories that it would leave a hole of any kind.
But you know what sold me on Stargirl? The TV show. The lead actress' enthusiasm was infectious, plus the JSA connection was front and center.
So I'm looking forward to this special, which is apparently going to revive the Seven Soldiers of Victory. That's ... weird and unexpected, as the Law's Legionnaires were very clearly second class and redundant, even in the Golden Age.
But they're updating with the new supernatural Crimson Avenger, instead of costumed acrobat Crimson Avenger; the big mecha S.T.R.I.P.E. instead of costumed acrobat Stripesy; and, of course, cosmic-powered Stargirl instead of costumed acrobat Star-Spangled Kid. Vigilante is still a waste of space, but this is definitely a much stronger group.
And they're promising an eighth Legionnaire, which I hope will be an Asian character with some connection to Wing. I mean, honestly, isn't it long past time that Wing got his due?
PRE-READ FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
Crossover Vol 1: Kids Love Chains TPB
Image Comics | Teen+ | $19.99
Writer: Donny Cates | Art: Dee Cunniffe, Geoff Shaw, John J. Hill | Cover: Dee Cunniffe, Geoff Shaw, John
Imagine everything you thought was fantasy ... was real. And now join us, in a world where reality is dead ... and anything is possible. ... The powerhouse creative team of DONNY CATES (Venom, Thor), GEOFF SHAW (GOD COUNTRY, Thanos Wins), DEE CUNNIFFE (REDNECK), and JOHN J. HILL (NAILBITER) have reunited after a string of breakout hits for an all-new, genre-defying series.Collects CROSSOVER #1–6.
The Captain's comments:
I didn't actually read all of this — I got about halfway through and switched to something else. That's probably a review in itself.
I'm not sure what I expected, but when you promise a crossover between all existing characters, I expect quite a lot. I know Image can't use characters it doesn't own, but pastiches of Batman, Spider-Man, etc., seems reasonable. After all, Marvel is doing a whole crossover using the Justice League right now, only they're calling them "Squadron Supreme."
But no, we don't see much of any superheroes beyond The Paybacks, a short-run superhero team published by Dark Horse in 2015. I thought that odd, especially since the other characters made snarky comments about them. But then I looked up The Paybacks, and found it was written by ... Donny Cates, who writes Crossover. I guess it was creator-owned.
Anyway, they're the only superheroes outside "The Dome," which the sorcerer on The Paybacks set up over Boulder to contain a breach in walls between worlds that allowed a huge Crisis on Infinite Earths final battle kind of thing to fall onto Boulder, Colorado. (Where almost everybody died right away.) Since our heroes hadn't gotten into The Dome by the time I got bored, I didn't get to see many other capes.
So who are the stars of our story? One is a comic shop employee who constantly cosplays (mask and trenchcoat) despite this being a world that despises superheroes (since they are obviously real, and pretty much destroyed Colorado). That hasn't been explained yet, and I've lost interest in finding out more. (Her name is Ellipsis, by the way, because her parents thought those three dots offered an infinity of possibility. OH-kay.) Another is the spineless son of an evil, right-wing preacher who thinks comic books are an affront to God, and the preacher made the son firebomb the comic shop where our heroine works. Ellie takes pity on him and he joins the group, which is rounded out by the old hippie-ish owner of the comic shop. Former comic shop. Not sure why he's there.
But they run across a refugee from The Dome, a regular person without super-powers who fell onto Earth with all the supervillains and superheroes. (Evidently, there are quite a few of these, and they are recognizable because they look like a Roy Lichtenstein painting brought to life.) So the four go on a road trip to The Dome to get the child back into it, where her family might still be alive. They run into The Paybacks, and I didn't get much farther than that.
I felt like I didn't sign up for Ellie's so-far-mundane story, and I kept waiting for her or the story to get more interesting. When they didn't, I tuned out. Maybe I just didn't go far enough, and maybe I will someday.
But not today.
Little Victories: Autism Through a Father's Eyes TPB
Titan Comics | B&W | 152 pages | $19.99, £17.99
Creator: Yvon Roy
Yvon Roy's autobiographical graphic novel expresses his family's challenges following his son's diagnosis of autism. Roy does not shy away from depicting how difficult this period was — his struggles to connect with his son, his grief when he realised that all the visions for his son's future would have to radically change — but ends on an ultimately positive and inspirational note. LITTLE VICTORIES has won multiple awards, including the Best Biography Award from the Disability Fund and Society, the INSPIREO High School Students Award for the most inspiring youth book, and the Literary Award for Citizenship from the Maine Teachers' League.
The Captain's comments:
Just as the blurb says, the book is hard going in the early pages, when the parents have to downshift their expectations and the burden they have to accept is daunting. But after the father does so, he becomes almost too heroically consumed in engaging with his child and mitigating the autism as much as possible. It feels a bit like auto-hagiography at some points, but given the circumstance — and the likelihood that most of it is true — I can abide.
And it's awfully convenient that the father is a cartoonist. Not only for the boy, since dad's schedule is pretty flexible, but also for the reader, because Roy can show what he's feeling instead of just telling us, with witty art asides of anthropomorphic crows (see below) and sand castles and whatnot. It is inspirational, and I quite enjoyed it.
As to the art itself, as you can see below Roy has a sleek, light-hearted style that's very easy on the eyes and conveys a lot of information. He also depicts virtually everyone as trim and attractive, which isn't true in the U.S. for sure, but maybe is truer in Canada.
Made in Korea #1 (of 6)
Image Comics | $3.99
Writer: Jeremy Holt | Art/Cover: George Schall
Fan favorite writer Jeremy Holt (Virtually Yours, Before Houdini) joins breakout artist George Schall (Planet of the Apes, Chasing Echoes) for a new science fiction story titled Made In Korea. The six issue miniseries will launch from Image Comics this May.
"As an identical triplet and Korean adoptee, I wanted to explore my own self-exploration of identity through the lens of science-fiction,” said Holt. “I think anyone that is looking for a new take on an Artificial Intelligence story will thoroughly enjoy what George and I have crafted."
Made In Korea is Alex Garland's Ex Machina meets Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen's Descender and perfect for fans of Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn's Alex + Ada.
In Made In Korea, readers will follow Jesse, the world’s first true A.I. system, on an exciting exploration of what it means to be a family in an age when biological parenthood is no longer a reality.
Schall added: “In a genre that often feels old because of how fast our world evolves, Jeremy has managed to write a story that feels both very personal and relevant to this day. Doesn't matter if you're a sci-fi fan or not, there's something everyone will be able to relate to in this comic."
The Captain's comments:
I thought we were going for an exploration of A.I. from the advance material, but I was wrong. According to author Jeremy Holt, himself an adoptee from Korea, the story explores adoption into another culture.
The story is set in a near future, where it is implied there's been a huge dropoff in fertility. Rich families can afford to buy realistic androids as "children," which are made in Korea. There's a programmer there who, for reasons not yet explained, steals one such android from his workplace, marks it down considerably on the Internet, and induces an American family to buy it. This puts him in hot water, so he must have a pretty powerful reason for doing it.
Our story mainly follows the middle class family who buys the android, which , of course, looks Korean. I suppose that's where Holt will bring his personal experience to bear. But that's the end of the first issue, so we don't learn much more.
The art, as you can see below, is polished and easy to follow. I don't know if I'll continue reading or not — I'll probably give it at least one more issue to hook me — but if I don't, it won't be because of the art.
Star Wars Adventures: Weapon of a Jedi #1 (of 2)
IDW Publishing | $5.99
Writers: Jason Fry, Alec Worley | Art/Cover: Ruairi Coleman
The Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Empire's dreaded Death Star, but the Imperial starfleet continues hunting the rebels throughout the galaxy. Luke Skywalker now seeks to support the Rebellion as an X-wing fighter. But as he flies with the pilots of the Red Squadron, Luke feels stirrings of the Force. And this farm boy turned fighter pilot begins to suspect that his destiny lies along a different path.
The Captain's comments:
I read this one a lark, given that Marvel publishes the "grown-up" Star Wars comics, and IDW's SW comics are aimed at a younger audience. Turns out it's rather nice.
Set shortly after A New Hope, Luke is still with the X-Wing fighter group when he's sent on a milk run in a different ship. (A Y-Wing, I think.) His ship is damaged by an Imperial blockade, which is fine with him, since he's getting Force messages which draw him to Devaron (where he goes to get his ship repaired). Complications ensue, but we're led to believe that he's found an old Jedi temple where a new lightsaber awaits. But Luke doesn't really know, so neither do we.
The art is decent — not cartoony, but uncomplicated. If I were to compare this to anything, it would be the old Star Wars comics Marvel published in the 1980s.
The Witcher: Witch’s Lament #1 (of 4)
Dark Horse | 32 pages | $3.99
Art/Cover A: Vanesa del Rey | Cover B: Anato Finnstark | Cover C: Stefan Koidl | Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Flames rise as a witch is burned at the stake. As Geralt searches for his next job, disturbing images of the fatal persecution appear before him, bringing an ominous warning.
The Witcher: Witch’s Lament follows famed witcher Geralt after a routine hunt. But when the captured witch is burned at the stake, Geralt is haunted by images of her death, and a harrowing warning begins to take shape. Soon, Geralt finds himself drawn into the mystery surrounding this heinous persecution.
The Captain's comment:
I'm rather interested in the story, which gives me enough to intrigue me without telling me too much. As far as I can tell, we're looking at an older Geralt, one who actually kills/captures witches instead of sleeping with them (sorry, Yennefer), for very little pay. And feels guilty about it, if his nightmares are any indication. Then he gets hired to find a rich man's runaway daughter, and wouldn't you know it, runs into a whole bunch of witches.
I guess this could be a video game scenario, but since I don't play video games, I just have to decide if I like the story or not. And I do. But I do have to say I'm not very impressed with the art, which you can judge for yourself by the preview below.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Black Panther #25
Marvel Comics | Teen | $5.99
Writer: Ta-Nehisi Coates | Art: Daniel Acuña, Brian Stelfreeze | Cover: Daniel Acuña | Stormbreakers variant: Natacha Bustos (Brut-African) | Stormbreakers variant: Juann Cabal (Flemish Renaissance) | Stormbreakers variant: Carmen Carnero (Art Nouveau) | Stormbreakers variant: Joshua Cassara (Byzantine) | Stormbreakers variant: Iban Coello (Art Deco) | Stormbreakers variant: Patrick Gleason (Minimalism) | Stormbreakers variant: Peach Momoko (Nihonga) | Stormbreakers variant: R.B. Silva (pop art) | Heroes Reborn variant: Carlos Pacheco | Final Issue variant: Brian Stelfreeze | Variant: Sam Spratt
April’s BLACK PANTHER #25 will mark the end of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ redefining work on Black Panther. Featuring art by Daniel Acuña and an epilogue drawn by Brian Stelfreeze, the previously announced issue will bring fans the triumphant end to the acclaimed “Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda” storyline. Since taking over the title in 2016, the National Book Award winner and New York Times Best-Selling author has transformed the Black Panther mythos. Now five years later, he departs, leaving the world of Wakanda forever changed and laying the groundwork for the next bold era of this iconic Marvel hero.
“Ta-Nehisi has come up with a truly special finale here, one that not only wraps up the current story of T’Challa’s attempt to stop Emperor N’Jadaka’s conquest of Wakanda, but also deals with elements that reach all the way back to the beginning of Ta-Nehisi’s run. And to that end, we’re so thrilled to have Brian Stelfreeze, the artist who helped launch this run, return to draw this issue’s epilogue,” said editor Wil Moss. “BLACK PANTHER #25 is an immensely satisfying conclusion, with twists you won’t see coming and repercussions that will be felt for years to come.”
Throughout his run, Coates has taken the Black Panther to hell and back and expanded Wakanda into the distant stars. In his final issue, he’ll bring T’Challa full circle, back to the home he left behind … and the crown he has never fully accepted. The journey will conclude, but the legend remains.
The Captain's comments:
I've been omnibus-waiting this particular run of Black Panther, and eagerly so. That being true, I can't really comment on what Coates has done so far. But I do find it interesting that each of the variant cover artists chose a different art movement to emulate. That's weird, but also kinda awesome.
The Blue Flame #1
Vault Comics | $3.99
Writer: Christopher Cantwell | Art: Kurt Michael Russell | Art/Cover: Adam Gorham | Variant: Yoshi Yoshitani | Variant: Tim Daniel, Nathan Gooden | Variant: Richard Pace | Variant: Christian Ward
Vault Comics is thrilled to announce The Blue Flame, an utterly unique and thought-provoking cosmic superhero maxi-series from writer Christopher Cantwell, (Iron Man, Doctor Doom, Halt and Catch Fire), star artist Adam Gorham (Punk Mambo, New Mutants, The Violent), colorist Kurt Michael Russell (Money Shot, The Plot, Brandon Sanderson’s Dark One), letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Black Stars Above, Engineward), and designer Tim Daniel.
The Blue Flame is a cosmic hero. The Blue Flame is a DIY vigilante that fights crime on the streets of Milwaukee. The Blue Flame is a blue collar HVAC repairman named SAM BRAUSAM. In the wake of a horrific tragedy, the boundaries of the Blue Flame’s identity blur even further. Now, before a universal trial, the Blue Flame must prove that humanity is worth saving. But in order to do that, Sam Brausam has to save himself. Can he?
“Contrary to what Adam’s incredible cosmic art might suggest, the concept of Blue Flame was actually born out of a real feeling of helplessness,” said Cantwell. “So far the 21st century has provided some truly intense and infinitely complex tragedy that I believe challenges the very idea of what it means to be human, let alone superhuman. Personally — in the face of so much compounding unprecedented anxiety and strife — I’ve recently been in full retreat mode culturally as an adult. I have found myself dreaming of farther and farther away places, and escaping into the more and more fantastical, if just for some way to stay sane. That’s because the truth remains that we are all struggling in a very difficult contemporary reality with all sorts of seemingly insurmountable problems that don’t seem to be easily solved by anything.”
“So as someone who has found solace in super hero books since a young age, I thought, what if we took that very solace away, even from the super hero who is supposed to provide it? Our story is bifurcated into two “worlds”: one is a high stakes cosmic quest that is so daunting it threatens to overwhelm even this idealized noble hero, and the other is the daily survival of a real man in a real world beset by all kinds of real problems. It feels at times that we are all constantly living in the wake of tragedy or on the crest of impending doom. Has the weight of that become so heavy that the idea of an ever-reliable hero is now irrelevant?”
Vault’s Editor-in-Chief, Adrian Wassel, added, “The Blue Flame is either the truest superhero story I’ve read, or it’s not a superhero story at all. Maybe that sounds ridiculous, but it’s that dichotomy that drew me to The Blue Flame in the first place, and made it fit so well within Vault’s catalogue. The series is, really, the life of a man split between three realities played out in triptych. It is also a trial story. A trial for all of humanity, where flying around and shooting flames won’t do our hero (or us!) much good; and instead, we’d all rather have a seasoned litigator ready to defend us. No matter which way you slice it, The Blue Flame is science fiction of the most ambitious variety. Most days, I don’t think of it as a superhero story at all. Other days, if you asked me what story most carefully handles the question—What does it mean to save humanity? — I’d say The Blue Flame. And isn’t that the whole point of a superhero?”
The Captain's comments:
Well, OK then. I'm not quite sure what any of that means.
(Yes, the second cover below is an homage to Rocketeer Adventure Magazine #1, and the third is an homage to Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #10. If the other two are homages, I don't recognize them.)
The Down River People OGN
BOOM! Studios | $19.99
Writer: Adam Smith | Art/Cover: Matt Fox
For fans of Stillwater and Essex County comes a new graphic novel reuniting writer Adam Smith and artist Matt Fox, the duo behind the Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated Long Walk to Valhalla, for a riveting story about a man attempting to survive the complicated and dangerous web of his family's criminal ties with his soul intact.
Myers Carpenter is a bootlegger who just inherited his family's bar and must turn to his estranged mother - who he hasn't seen since he was a boy — for help.
Myers learns the secrets of his new family's lodge, but he may not escape the dark cult thriving just under the surface of opulence.
The Captain's comments:
I posted this one just because I found the art below charming. I don't get any more information from BOOM! than anyone else, so this is all we got.
Gung Ho: Anger #1
Writer: Benjamin Von Eckartsberg | Thomas von Kummant | Cover: Stephen Segovia | Variant: Daniel Clarke | Variant: Kim Jung Gi | Variant: Thomas von Kummant
ABLAZE announced today plans to publish the next story arc in Benjamin von Eckartsberg and Thomas von Kummant’s epic series set in the near future where the “White Plague,” a violent and hyper-aggressive species of deadly, white-furred creatures, has completely decimated humanity and civilization is only a bittersweet memory, titled GUNG-HO: ANGER, coming May 2021.
In the newest part of the acclaimed series, Archer has been banished from the colony, falsely condemned for the rape of Celine. But Zack doesn't believe in his brother's guilt, so a secret expedition is launched into the danger zone. The expedition will not be without risks though, nor without unpleasant surprises. ... Meanwhile, back at Fort Apache, confusion reigns and tensions are at an all-time high, as the adults look to safeguard the young and keep the colony intact. But with a "white wave" approaching — a big attack from the rippers — is it already too late?
Rich Young, ABLAZE VP Creative/Business Development said: “GUNG-HO is a title that I really cannot recommend highly enough. Visually it’s breathtaking, and story-wise the book keeps getting more interesting and more intense with each issue. So I’m looking forward to publishing more GUNG-HO at ABLAZE, and seeing more people discover this amazing series!”
The Captain's comments:
So, yeah, here's another publisher I don't get much from and, in fact, I missed the first story in this series of miniseries altogether.
It appears to be another post-apocalypse story, but instead of the gloom and doom of The Walking Dead, it embraces wacky, joyful ultra-violence.
Would I like it? I don't know, and probably won't know, since my LCS doesn't carry it. Again, all we've got to judge by is the below:
Nightwing #79 2nd Ptg
Cover: Bruno Redondo
The Captain's comments:
Cute. Love how Alfred is holding up first Robin's cape. What's he standing on? Also, Batgirl in the window is better than any of the fading stars that appeared on the original show.
Reptil #1 (of 4)
Marvel Comics | 32 pages | Teen | $3.99
Writer: Terry Blas | Art: Enid Balám | Cover: Paco Medina | Variant: Mike Del Mundo | Variant: Ernanda Souza
Reptil on the brink of Extinction!
In the wake of Kamala’s Law and his Grandfather’s worsening health, Humberto Lopez, A.K.A. Reptil, has taken a step back from crime-fighting to refocus on his family. Perhaps its a sign that he should give up on becoming a hero and finally come to terms with his parents’ mysterious disappearance … or perhaps not! When a mysterious figure ambushes Humberto, what unravels will shake the core of everything Humberto thought he knew about his past and will either change the course of his future — or end it forever! Don’t miss out on this breakout series from rising stars Terry Blas (HOTEL DARE, DEAD WEIGHT: MURDER AT CAMP BLOOM) and Enid Balám (OMNI)!
The Captain's comments:
How excited am I about Reptil? On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm probably coming in at ... a negative number. Dull character, stupid super-power, pedestrian art, goofy haircut, teen drama, deliberately bad spelling (Reptil? What, there's an "e" shortage?). ... Who's the audience? What's the hook? Is he gay or something? I cannot imagine ever reading this book now, nor when I was 12.
But it's a Marvel Comics #1, so here's a heads up.
RWBY/Justice League #2 (of 7)
DC Comics | 32 pages | $3.99 (Card Stock variant $4.99)
Writer: Marguerite Bennett | Art: Stephanie Peppe | Cover: Mirka Andolfo | Card Stock variant: Simone di Meo
Weiss comes face to face with a brooding boy accused of theft at the Schnee Dust Company dinner, and in an act of defiance, teams up with him to prove his innocence, combining their shrewd detective skills! And then, the girls reunite at Beacon Academy with their mysterious new friends. Greeted by Professor Ozpin, Team RWBY learns the horrible truth: hunters all over Remnant are disappearing without a trace, and the four girls are all that’s left!
The Captain's comments:
Just a reminder this crossover is happening. Doesn't do anything for me, but the first issue was a sellout and Bleeding Cool says it's selling for inflated prices on eBay.
Star Wars: Darth Vader #12Marvel Comics | 32 pages | Teen | $3.99
Writer: Greg Pak | Art: Guiu Vilanova | Cover: Aaron Kuder | Empire Strikes Back variant: Chris Sprouse | Crimson variant: Aaron Kuder
Prelude to War of the Bounty Hunters: “Restoration”
- Returned to the fold after his rebellion against the EMPEROR, DARTH VADER faces the horrors of reconstruction in the secret laboratories of CORUSCANT.
- As he blacks out under the knife, does he still dream of revenge against his master? Or do his thoughts drift towards his son – and the friends who make LUKE SKYWALKER so vulnerable?
- Don’t miss this next critical new chapter in Vader’s ongoing evolution - featuring the revelation of the first time the Dark Lord learned the name HAN SOLO!
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd.
The Captain's comments:
It's your weekly reminder about "War of the Bounty Hunters." Week 4 brings two new titles in the Star Wars-titles crossover.
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #10Marvel Comics | 32 pages | Teen | $3.99
Writer: Alyssa Wong | Art: Ray-Anthony Height | Cover: Sway | Variant: Ray-Anthony Height | Crimson variant: Sway
Prelude To War Of The Bounty Hunters: “The Invitation”
- DOCTOR APHRA and SANA STARROS find themselves cornered by VUKORAH and the UNBROKEN CLAN!
- Can they pull off a daring escape--even if that means surrendering the NIHIL HYPERDRIVE?
- And what sets them on a collision course with one of the most deadly BOUNTY HUNTERS in the galaxy?
Star Wars © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All rights reserved. Used under authorization. Text and illustrations for Star Wars are © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd.
THE FULL LIST
BOOM! STUDIOS
Abbott 1973 #5 (of 5)
Down River People OGN
Dune: House Atreides #7 (of 12)
Firefly #29
Many Deaths of Laila Starr #1 (of 5) 3rd Ptg
Something Is Killing the Children #16
Specter Inspectors #4 (of 5)
DARK HORSE COMICS
BPRD: Plague of Frogs Vol 1 New Ptg TPB
Dragon Age: Dark Fortress #3 (of 3)
Finder: Chase the Lady TPB
Goblin TPB
He-Man & She-Ra Complete Guide to the Classic Animated Adventures HC New PTG
Lady Baltimore: The Witch Queens #3 (of 5)
Minecraft: Wither Without You Vol 2 TPB
The Witcher: Witch’s Lament #1 (of 4)
DC COMICS
Action Comics #1031
Authority Book 2 TPB
Batman Black & White #6
Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #2 2nd Ptg
Batman/Superman #18
Batman the Dark Knight Detective #5 TPB
Detective Comics #1036
Flash/Impulse: Runs in the Family TPB
Harley Quinn #3
Milestone Returns #0 one-shot
Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom #1
Nightwing #79 2nd Ptg
The Other History of the DC Universe #5
Robin #2
RWBY/Justice League #2 (of 7)
Stargirl Spring Break Special #1
Strange Adventures #10
Superman by Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason Omnibus HC
Superman Vol. 4: Mythological TPB
Teen Titans Academy #3
DYNAMITE
George R.R. Martin’s A Clash of Kings #13
Red Sonja #27
IDW PUBLISHING
Birds Smithsonian Coloring Book
Marvel Action Captain Marvel #3
Marvel Action Classics Spider-Man #3
MLP/Transformers II #2 (of 4)
Onion Skin GN
Star Trek: Year Five Vol 3: Weaker Than Man TPB
Star Wars Adventures: Weapon of a Jedi #1 (of 2)
TMNT: The Last Ronin #3 (of 5)
IMAGE COMICS
Ascender #15
Bitter Root #13
Crossover Vol 1 TPB
Death or Glory Prestige Edition HC
Department of Truth #9
Goddamned Virgin Brides #5 (of 5)
Haha #5 (of 6)
Helm Greycastle #2 (of 4)
Killadelphia #13
Made in Korea #1 (of 6)
Manifest Destiny #43
Monstress #34
The Old Guard: Tales Through Time #2 (of 6
Outcast by Kirkman & Azaceta Vol 8 TPB
Shadecraft #3
Spawn #318
Stray Dogs #3 2nd Ptg
Summoner’s War Legacy #2
Two Moons #4
MARVEL COMICS
Alien #3
Amazing Spider-Man by Nick Spencer Vol 12 Shattered Web TPB
Beta Ray Bill #3 (of 5)
Black Panther #25
Black Widow #7
Champions Vol 1: Outlawed TPB
Dawn of X Vol 16 TPB
Demon Days: X-Men #1 3rd Ptg
Heroes Reborn #4 (of 7)
Heroes Reborn: Magneto and the Mutant Force #1
Heroes Reborn: Siege Society #1
Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1
Incredible Hulk by Peter David Omnibus Vol 03 HC
Iron Man by Grell Complete Collection TPB
Loki: Agent of Asgard Complete Collection TPB New Ptg
Maestro: War and Pax #5 (of 5)
Man-Thing Omnibus HC
The Marvels #2
Marvel Treasury Edition TPB
Marvel-Verse Shang-Chi TPB
Miles Morales: Spider-Man #26
New Mutants #18
Reptil #1 (of 4)
Spider-Man: Spider’s Shadow #1 (of 5) 2nd Ptg
Star Wars: Darth Vader #12
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #10
X-Men #20
OTHER COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
20 Fists #2 (of 3)
Alice in Leatherland #2
Archie Giant Comics Thrill TPB
Baby Yoda Cerebus one-shot
Black Friday #2 (of 3)
Blake & Mortimer Vol 27 Call of the Moloch GN
Blue Flame #1
Boys Run the Riot Vol 1 GN
Broken Gargoyles TPB
Carpenter Tales Sci-fi Hell #2 (of 8)
Casual Fling #4
Chariot #3
Chartwell Manaor HC
Cherry Magic Vol 3 GN
City Vol 11 GN
Classic Pulp Ghosts one-shot
Cult of Dracula #3 (of 6)
Damned: Cursed Children #5 (of 5)
Destiny Ny #3
Edgar Rice Burroughs Sketchbook 2021 #1
Eniale & Dewiela Vol 3 (of 3)
Era of Great Wonders #6 (of 6)
Fox & Rabbit Vol 3: Fox & Rabbit Celebrate Young Readers HC
Girls of Dimension 13 #2
Gold Digger: Gold Brick X TPB
Goon: Bunch of Old Crap Vol 5 TPB
Gung Ho: Anger #1
Hard-Boiled Stories from the Cat Bar GN
Hold Up Graphic Novel Adventures HC
How Realist Hero Rebuilt Kingdom Omnibus Vol 2 GN
HSE: Human Stock Exchange Vol 1 GN
I Breathed A Body #5
In a Graphic Novel
Just Pretend GN
Kaijumax Vol 5: Season 5 TPB
Kent Menace Director’s Cut #0
Knights of the Dinner Table #283
Lady Death: Malevolent Decimation #2 (of 2)
Little Victorie:s Autism Through a Father’s Eyes TPB
Love of Kill Vol 2 GN
Magical History Tour Vol 3: Hidden Oil GN
Man Goat & Bunny Man #2 (of 3)
Manga Classics: Count Of Monte Cristo TPB New Ptg
Manga Classics: Othello HC
Manga Classics: Stories of Edgar Allan Poe New Ptg TPB
Marginal Operation Vol 6 GN
Mark Schultz: Xenozoic (2021) New Ptg TPB
Miranda in the Maelstrom Vol 1 TPB
Misadventurers #1
Modern Frankenstein #2
Money Shot #11
Monstrous: Heartbreak Blood Loss #1 (of 3)
Moon Maid: Three Keys #3
My Begging Chart TPB
Neverland Annual 2021
Ninjas & Robots #7
Nuclear Family #4
Oliver Tree vs Little Ricky Alien Boys TPB
Pirates: Cursed Isle Graphic Novel Adventures HC
Pup Detectives Vol 3: Soccer Mystery GN
Rafael Garcia Henchman #1
Ragna Crimson Vol 2 GN
Redshift #1 (of 6)
Rick and Morty Presents Vol 3 TPB
The Rise #1 (of 6) 2nd Ptg
Seis Cuerdas: Defender of Mexico #1 (of 3)
- This Latin superhero fights crime with a guitar, hence his nom du combat, "Six Strings." That's all I know.
Shadow Doctor #4
Shadow Service #8
Shadowman (2020) #2
Shapes TPB
Sherlock Holmes: Beginning Graphic Novel Adventures HC
- This and the following GN are "write your own adventures" books involving Sherlock Holmes, which I would have involved at around age 12.
Sherlock Holmes: Shadow of Jack Ripper Graphic Novel Adventures HC
Sprite & Gardener HC
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Annual Special HC
Sweet Downfall TPB
Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose #127
Tarot: Witch of the Black Rose: Krampus Khronicles TPB
They Fell from the Sky #4
Tongues #4
Touching Evil Vol 2 TPB
Trogs #1
Turtlenecks GN
Wake: Hidden History Women Led Slave Revolts GN
- I might have talked about this one if I could have gotten a preview or review copy, but I'm not going to tout it sight unseen. Still, the blurb promises the hidden history of Black women who led slave revolts, which is interesting.
What Did You Eat Yesterday Vol 15 GN
White Lily #4
Witchblood #3
World of Betty & Veronica Jumbo Comics Digest #5
Your Theme Park Adventures HC
Yuki vs Panda #1
Zig Zag one-shot
Zorro: New World #1
- Reprints of Marvel's 12-issue Zorro series from the early '90s!
Replies
I'm skipping the version of Heroes Reborn just like I did the last one. To me, Marvel has made the Squadron Supreme so powerful, they aren't interesting any more.
I enjoyed some of the original Milestone comics, but I don't know if I want to go back there. I think part of it, is that it was cheaper to buy in the first time around...
Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom #1 (of 6) - I can't remember the last time I read a Mister Miracle comic. The owner of my LCS called me today going over my pull-box (long story). I'm at least in for the first issue. Of course I probably won't pick my comics up until next weekend.
Crossover - I've been enjoying this series, Cap. I would say you did pull the ripcord too soon on this one. The last two issues of the first arc really pull it together, and it lives up to its name a lot more so.
The Witcher: Witch’s Lament #1 (of 4) - I've read a few of these mini-series, and they have been alright (the last one being my favorite so far). I hate to be that guy, but the books are so much better.
Black Panther - I read the first two trades of Coates' run, but I think that was a different series? I dunno, I wasn't impressed at all.
Nightwing #79 - It has also been a while since I collected Nightwing, and so far I think it has been great. I love, love Bruno Redondo's art. I would buy it just for that alone.