David’s Diamond Review – Page 15 – Book Fair Comics Blog

July 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

By Admin | July 24, 2012 - 4:36 PM |July 24, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

July 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Time to visit some of the other publishers for September. The very first book I want to spotlight is my Dark Horse Pick of the Month, Ghost #0. Kelly Sue DeConnick provides the story with art by one of my favorites, Phil Noto. DeConnick, also the writer of one of my most anticipated new releases this month, Captain Marvel, from Marvel, weaves a story that combines societies seeming dependance on supposed reality television with the paranormal and a dash of criminal intrigue. Phil Noto, who I am loving with his work in Creator Owned Heroes, provides the sharp, clean lines, that brings a level of sexiness to the character. This is a character that has faded from the shelves but can lay a true claim to being one of the most popular creations of the Dark Horse Universe.

Axe Cop: President of the World #3 (of 3) brings the series to an end, but with an animated series on the way from Fox’s Animation Domination programming block, he will be back. 8 year old Malachai Nicolle lets his imagination flow giving us a tale of a final stand as Axe Cop stands alone against evil robots, a Martian mad scientist, and a nemesis known as Every Man. Where are all of the other good guys? The have up and left. Can Axe Cop survive this battle alone? I hope so, just so we can have more from this amazing character!

I have started to pay notice to more of the collected editions that have been released, especially in the case of Nexus. This is a 416 page collection that includes the first 3 issue mini-series, and the first 11 issues of Volume 2. Mike Baron, Steve Rude, and the rest of the creative team helped create a character that has proven the test of time, and even though he has been around for years, I am looking forward to discovering this gem for myself! The Nexus Omnibus Volume 1 is a lesson on how to do galactic comics right.

Another mini-series drawing to an end is Gilbert Hernandez’s Fatima: The Blood Spinners. Fatima and her rag tag group of zombie hunters have to face the fact that they are possibly the last surviving humans. Giant mutants and an end of the world romance fill the pages of this last issue. Hernandez brings the weird, the strange, and the wonderful, all wrapped up in 24 glorious black and white pages.

Bryan Woods, and Garry Browns epic story, the Massive continues on with issue 4. The creative team is building a world where the rules have changed, and once moral men have to question their own beliefs and maybe cross the line that they dare not cross. This book had me with issue one, and with the story’s surface not even scratched this is a book to hop on now before it gets bigger, and more involved, as I am sure Bryan will make it!

IDW Publishing brings us a new ongoing of one of the most beloved pop culture characters from the British people, Doctor Who. This is my IDW Publishing Pick of the Month. Andy Diggle, who wrote the very under appreciated Losers for DC, brings us the stories of the current Doctor. Mark Buckingham is providing the art, and if the cover is any indication the art is going to work nicely in the world of the Doctor and the time traveling Tardis.

The Last Unicorn is one of my favorite stories of all time, and I am sure several others feel the same way too. Peter S. Beagle, the author of that classic work, has his story, A Fine & Private Place, adapted into a 5 issue mini series with artist Eduardo Francisco providing art. I have to admit not knowing much of Beagle beyond the Last Unicorn but with my love of that work I am more than willing to pick this series up. Besides give me a story involving a cemetery, a talking raven, and ghosts, and I am in!

IDW is bringing another omnibus, this time IDW answers the question, “Who’re you gonna call?” with a resounding Ghostbusters! This much anticipated (by my roommate) Ghostbusters Omnibus collection includes three separate tales: “Displaced Aggression”, “The Other Side”, and “Haunted Holidays”. These omnibus collections are some of my favorite ways to read, enjoy, and collect, all in one package, plus I think they look pretty nice on a bookshelf.

Image Comics have a couple of interesting titles coming out in September. Grant Morrison tries to regain a sense of relevancy with Happy!, a four issue miniseries with Darick Robertson of Boys fame, as the artist. Characters with barely any morals coupled with a tiny blue horse sounds interesting but I might wait on trade for this. Grant Morrison fans will no doubt grab this from issue one.

Guarding the Globe #1 brings the Invincible spin off team into a monthly title. Writer Phil Hester joins the art team of Todd Nauck, and John Rauch, and together they bring to life the adventures of the global spanning team, including fan favorite characters Brit, Outrun, Invincible, Yeti, and more.

A title that has been getting rave reviews begins a new story arc. Thief of Thieves #8 starts off a new storyline as Redmond has to deal with the unexpected, and possibly violent aftermath of his big heist. I will be trying out the title in the first trade paperback but it is impossible to ignore the critical and fan success of this title. Robert Kirkman (of Walking Dead fame, like you needed to be reminded), and James Asmus bring the words, with Shawn Martinbrough and Felix Serrano bringing the art.

Another book that has amazing word of mouth is Jonathan Hickmans Secret Service. I will be picking up Secret, Vol.1 TP to experience a world that bridges the world of governments with the shadowy world of private security firms. Hickman has proven that he is one of the best when it comes to conspiracies and the governments that are behind them.

As mentioned earlier Thief of Thieves, Vol. 1 TP hits in September and is my Image Comics Pick of the Month. This trade collects the first seven issues of the hit series from writing duo Robert Kirkman and Nick Spencer. The art is provided by Shawn Martinbrough and Felix Serrano. This series starts with Conrad Paulson, a.k.a. Master Thief Redmond, and his attempts to balance his life of crime with a son he knows little about, an ex-wife who still holds a place in his heart. Finding a balance in his life is further complicated by the FBI who are hot on his trail. I am excited to try this book and see what all the excitement is about.

Dynamite Entertainment have proven themselves as a company that resurrects characters and concepts that have seemingly disappeared, brushing them off, and giving them a new lease on life and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt #1 continues that tradition. Alex Ross and Steve Darnall write the adventures of Peter Cannon, who balances his life of international celebrity, writing world renowned books, with his life as the superhero known as Thunderbolt. Peter Cannon is a man who cares little for his own celebrity and even less about other people. This may lead to his downfall as new and old foes setup Peters downfall. For fans of Alex Ross, Dynamite, or heroes long forgotten, this book will be for you.

Alan Moores daughter Leah Moore, teams with John Reppion as writers on Damsels #1. This promises to take the idea of the Disney princesses and create something unseen before. The first issue introduces Rapa. Her day spirals into something unexpected with twists and turns developing faster than she can deal with. Memories flash into her mind, hazy, and those memories, and some odd tattoos are all she has to try and help her figure out the confusion that is her life.

Unfortunately Dynamite Entertainment is not releasing anything that warrants a pick of the month but they do have some strong books coming out, but nothing out of the ordinary for them.

Dark Horse Comics

Axe Cop: President of the World
Dragon Age: For Those Who Speak
Fatima: The Blood Spinners
Ghost
The Massive

Special Order

Nexus Omnibus Volume 1 TP
The Strain Volume 1 TP

Dynamite Comics

Prophecy

IDW Comics

Deadworld: War of the Dead
Doctor Who
A Fine & Private Place
Mars Attacks
Transformers: Regeneration One

Special Order

Ghostbusters Omnibus
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vol. 1 TPB

Image Comics

Creator Owned Heroes
Saga
Think Tank

Special Order

Secret, Vol. 1 TP
Thief of Thieves, Vol. 1 TP

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | July 17, 2012 - 12:30 AM |July 17, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Marvel in September brings the end to the event monster known as Avengers Vs. X-Men. While there have been some interesting moments sprinkled throughout this storyline, for the most part I am happy it is finally over. The only downside is I know that this will lead into the much hyped Marvel Now! Initiative. I am sure many of the books in this relaunch will be of exceptional quality, but I can’t help shake the feeling that Marvel has seemed to be in a state of constant flux, without any clear direction ever since the opening pages of House of M, and this Now stuff is not helping that perception. It seems like Marvel is throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks and what doesn’t. That being said, I will be dropping several Marvel titles but will be trying out some of the new or relaunched titles as their roll out starts later in the year.

Back to the business at hand, and that business is Marvel in September. The big issue of the month is the final issue of the Avengers Vs. X-Men saga. From the cover solicitation it looks like the entity settles on one of our merry mutants to be it’s host. I am hoping that they do not go with Hope nor Rachel and instead, the Phoenix bonds with someone completely unexpected. If Marvel wants to shake things up and make the Marvel Universe more interesting in their new landscape, go with something different, and let it stick for awhile.

Uncanny X-Men has long been a title I have been wanting to potentially drop, but with the series ending (again) in October I am going to stick it out, plus I have a feeling that the relationship between Scott and Emma is heading into rocky territory and I want to see where this particular soap opera lands.

New Avengers is one of titles I am dropping. With so many Avengers titles out there, this one seems like the most redundant – great characters, no direction. Plus in the solicitation it mentions that New York is burning. Just a note to Marvel, saying New York is burning in the Marvel Universe is like saying that the sky is blue, it happens all the time, I don’t know how people still live there at this point. There are only so many times that a city can be destroyed before I would want to move, seriously, quit destroying New York.

For my Avengers fix I turn to Secret Avengers. This is my Marvel Pick of the Month. This title provides me with an exciting dose of the unexpected each and every month, and has really made an interesting team dynamic that is like nothing out there. This is the hidden gem of the Avengers line and I enjoy this more than the main title. This is a title that highlights B-Listers, both heroes, and villains, and gives them a unique personality that you rarely see in other appearances, and handled by a different creative team. Top this title with an Arthur Adams cover and you have a winner.

I tried the first couple of issues of Dark Avengers, and while it is solid, I have to let it fall off my list. There are just too many books with the word Avengers in it, and as a fan of the franchise that actually makes me sad. In this day and age some people can’t afford to read all the titles, and they are not all that self contained. I think that’s what appeals to me about Secret Avengers, it is more into singular storytelling, on very much a shared stage, but can operate independently, without any other title. I do seem to have a lot of love for that title.

Avengers Academy is another title that I am sad to see go, but what could have been a great concept, has become almost directionless. Unfortunately, the seemingly shoehorning of Avengers Vs. X-Men did not help matters. The kids seem to have stayed in the roles of the defensive victims. If there is any title I might hop back onto, it would be this one, but time will tell if it starts telling stories that expands the characters lives instead of making them more and more emo.

Both Thanos and Jim Starlin fans will be happy with September. Two of the writers tales make their collected appearances. Thanos: The Final Threat, collecting Avengers Annual (1967) #7 and Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2. The added perk of this one is that Jim Starlin provided the artwork for the story.

The Thanos Quest brings us the two issues of the 1990 mini-series Thanos Quest. This paired Jim Starlin with artist Ron Lim. Both of these series brought to light the disturbing love that he had for death, and how that love backfired. If you are a Jim Starlin fan, or a Thanos fan, or both, get these books, you will not be disappointed.

After hearing about the animated feature that Disney is planning to make, I am not surprised to see this reprinted. Back in Volume 2 of Alpha Flight, a team of Japan’s superheroes made their appearance. They had enough of a positive response that they were granted two mini-series dedicated to them, including the first one, Big Hero 6 – Brave New Heroes, penned by Chris Claremont. This collects all 5 issues of that miniseries and if you haven’t read it, it is worth picking up.

Another Rick Remember book I love is Uncanny X-Force. This book does for the X Family, what Secret Avengers does for that book group. Provides us with singular storytelling while acknowledging all of the comic book continuity all around them. Issue #31 promises to be more of the same high octane, unpredictable action in the X books. The Final Execution storyline continues here and we meet the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. I look forward to whatever Rick is writing in the Marvel Now relaunch.

I was happy to hear that Peter David’s X-Factor is going to remain virtually untouched during the upcoming relaunch. One notable exception is Havoc. As the supposed leader of the upcoming Uncanny Avengers I can’t see him sharing time between the two. Besides Marvel needs to get out of the habit of everyone being on 2-3 teams at any given time. Why not bring some under-utilized characters together, just a sprinkling Marvel. Peter David makes this cast of characters sing. This looks like the story line that is going to be the wedge that drives him away from X-Factor, and possible Polaris.

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

Avengers Vs. X-Men
AVX Vs.
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Space Punisher

ONGOING

Avengers
Captain Marvel
Gambit
Hawkeye
Hulk (Mayan Rule Storyline – up to and including #57)
Secret Avengers
Uncanny X-Force
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine and the X-Men
X-Factor
X-Treme X-Men

SPECIAL ORDER

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Journey Begins TPB
Marvel Zombies Destroy HC
Zombies Christmas Carol TPB

DROPPED AS OF SEPTEMBER

Astonishing X-Men
Avengers Academy
Dark Avengers
Fury Max
New Avengers

July 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | July 7, 2012 - 12:58 PM |July 7, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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July 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

The long rumored Zero Month is upon us in September and DC Comics brings with it some final issues and a new wave. Justice League International was confirmed as canceled prior to the three revealed with these solicits, but that title is, in my opinion, only taking a break, and I fully believe it will be back after a facelift. This is also the month I review my pull list and make some pretty big decisions. DC Comics fared well, I have decided to drop Justice League, Fairest, and Earth 2 from my pull list. Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark are the only superhero titles I collect from DC Comics, and for anyone reading those, you know I use the term Superhero loosely as they have proven to walk quite well on the darker side of the DC Universe.

Let’s look at the three new series launching during Zero Month. Two of them will be making it onto my pull list, at least for the first arc, and longer I suspect.

The Batman family of titles, regardless of whether it needs to grow or not, brings us Talon #0. This is a direct spin off from the Court of Owls story line from the Bat books, and features Calvin Rose, an assassin who has managed to escape the grasp of the Court and is trying everything in his power to live a normal life. That life might just have to wait. The Court does not like when one of their own leave them, and in Calvin’s case, try to hunt him down, removing that loose end. I have never followed the Batman titles so this one will not be on my pull list, but a family of titles that can support Batwing will no doubt embrace Talon.

The first of two titles being added to my pull list is The Phantom Stranger #0. Dan Didio, who brought the wacky with the underrated OMAC is the writer for this title. Promising to follow up on the Free Comic Book Day story, we will see the who, how, and why for The Phantom Stranger, with more then enough mystery to keep us coming back for more. I hope. I love the darker side of the New 52 and I look forward to this adding to my favorite corner of the relaunch.

My DC Comics Pick of the Month goes to Sword of Sorcery #0. I now understand the Showcase for Amethyst coming out in August as this title introduces us to the New 52 Amethyst. She is a little bit older, and a little bit wiser, well maybe just a little bit older, and on the road with her mother. She is being hunted by an unknown, and powerful enemy, oh, and is the lost princess of Gemworld. Christy Marx, writer of Jem (Children of the 80’s will remember Jem) brings us a fantasy tale that will pay homage to what has come before but remix it for a modern day fan base. I am extremely looking forward to this title!

Even though I am dropping it from my pull list, I will be picking up Justice League #0. Captain Marvel highlights the lead story in this issue and even though I was loving the slow burn of his New 52 origin, I couldn’t wait anymore, and much like the lead story about the League in every issue, I got bored with it. The second story in this issue is what has me excited. Pandora. This issue we find out more about this woman who is responsible for the entire New 52 Universe.

DC Universe Presents #0 is an odd beast. Instead of presenting a story relating to a currently published character, or even telling a story set in the past, for a character that has yet to appear, they have focused on OMAC, Blackhawks’ Mother Machine, Hawk, Dove, and Mister Terrific. These stories also set the stage for some stories playing out in the DC Universe. This will need to be looked at at the store, still not sure if this will find its way home with me but it has piqued my curiosity.

Superman #0 brings another creative team change to the title. Scott Lobdell writes with Kenneth Rocafort providing the art. Scott Lobdell has never really appealed to me but Kenneth Rocafort has an iconic look to his characters and I will have to review this title on the stands to decide if it will come home with me. I am intrigued with the idea of seeing Krypton in the New 52.

I cannot rave about Dial H enough! This title is the best Vertigo book not under the Vertigo imprint. China Mieville is creating a rich tapestry, different then any incarnation of this story that has come before. The dialed up superheroes that he is creating within these pages is mind boggling, and giving a needed shot in the arm of mainstream super heroics. Riccardo Burchielli provides dark moody artwork that plays well with the mysterious, and sometimes spooky atmosphere that China sets the stories in. If you like strange, dark, mixed with super heroics, get this book! Dial H #0 shows us one of the earliest users of the dial and reveals a dangerous future.

Justice League Dark #0 brings us a young John Constantine in the early days of the New 52. Even if this was not on my pull list I would be picking this up out of sheer curiosity. The John Constantine in the New 52 is honestly not that far off from the slightly darker Vertigo Constantine. I was worried when I heard he would be in the New 52 but through his appearances it has been shown that he still retains his biting attitude and sharp sarcasm that made him a fan favorite in the Vertigoverse. With my current favorite writer, Jeff Lemire, guiding the story I urge any fan of his, or John Constantine to pick up this book.

Animal Man #0, another Jeff Lemire title, is the origin of Buddy Baker! This title has been a solid title, it could use a little more action and a little less exposition but I cannot imagine missing an issue. This issue also promises to also reveal further story bits that are related to the upcoming Swamp Thing crossover “Rotworld”. Zero issues are the perfect jumping on point, and this issue will be no exception.

Adding more layers to the past of the New 52 is Team 7 #0. The cast is made up of characters that originally appeared in both the DC Universe, and the Wildstorm Universe. Team 7 is the counter measure for the appearance of Superman, and others like him. If these newly emerging heroes cross the line, Team 7 will remind them where that line is. Justin Jordan crafts the words and Jesus Merino handles the artwork. I have to admit that the artwork looks impressive but in my attempt to trim down my monthly pull list I might wait for the trade on this one. It is an espionage tale, involving superheroes and a shadowy government organization, and that combination is always fun.

Captain Atom, Resurrection Man, and Voodoo each close off their runs with #0 issues. I have to say I am not surprised, each has lacked direction that made them relevant amongst the landscape of the New 52. That’s not to say that the characters aren’t interesting, because they are, but would be better suited in a team environment. With a possible Wildcats relaunch rumored we might see Voodoo appear soon.

Green Lantern #0 introduces us to an all new Green Lantern. If this was before the New 52 I might have been more excited for this but after trying out the New 52 Green Lantern titles I have to say I am not a fan of them in the New 52. My pull list does not include a single Green Lantern family title, the last one to survive was Red Lanterns and I think I dropped that with issue 3. Before the relaunch they had these sweeping, epic stories, but told in a singular way. They seemed to have more direction, and for me at least, they are missing that now. For fans though I am sure they will love the #0 issues for they act as a prologue to the “Third Army” storyline that is coming up.

National Comics: Rose and Thorn #1 brings a complete 360 degree turn for the character. A teenage girl is attempting to live life outside of an institution, where she was held. The problem is a dark secret, that won’t let her forget what got her to where she is now.

The Shade #12 brings this amazing series to an end. I am sad that this book isn’t monthly. It has had an incredibly written and beautifully drawn run. I don’t recommend picking up this issue unless you have read what has come before. If you want an amazing self contained story, told in a way that keeps it separate from all other titles and characters, that is dark, haunting, and full of intrigue I do recommend getting the previous 11 issues in the back issue bin, or wait for the eventual trade. This book needs some love so that DC will take notice and give us more of this character, and creative team. The Shade will be revealed as a hero or a villain at the end of this issue and as much as I want to know, I would have loved a bit of a longer road on the journey.

It’s another batch of trade paperbacks and hard covers presenting the first arcs for more of the New 52. The one I strongly recommend is I, Vampire Vol. 1: Tainted Love TP. I already have all the issues but it would read beautifully in trade. This is an amazing story that shows the world of the vampires in the New 52, and none of them sparkle. For true fans of the vampire genre, this is a book you should stop and take notice of.

All-Star Western Vol. 1: Guns and Gotham TP collects the first 6 issues of the All-Star Western series. This one fell off my pull list after issue 2, not because of quality but I wanted to have a whole story. The artwork and writing style lent themselves to long form, at least in my eyes. The quality of the words and pictures is top notch, with a haunting, grainy, yet still smooth style. I want to read this with a Whiskey and some country music playing in the background.

The third trade I want to mention is Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In The Dark TP. I started this series with #7, when the I, Vampire crossover hit, and I have been hooked ever since. Part of that love stems from the Jeff Lemire`s involvement, and while he is not involved in the original arc, I need to know the whys and hows of the founding of this team.

MY DC PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

Before Watchmen: Minutemen
Before Watchmen: Rorschach
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre
New Deadwardians
Phantom Lady
Shade

ONGOING

Animal Man
Birds of Prey
Dial H
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
I, Vampire
Justice League Dark
National Comics
The Phantom Stranger
Swamp Thing
Sword of Sorcery
Wonder Woman

SPECIAL ORDER

All-Star Western Vol. 1: Guns and Gotham TP
Justice League #0
Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In The Dark TP
Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Vol. 1 HC

June 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

By Admin | June 14, 2012 - 4:45 PM |June 14, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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June 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

Time to look at the rest of Previews, and discover some hidden gems. Abstract Studios has a critical and fan favorite in Rachel Rising, and the first trade collecting issues 1 through 6 will bring you in to the world of Rachel Beck who is on a mission to find out who killed her. The only problem is she keeps getting killed and coming back to life and while some may see that as a blessing, it starts turning into a bit of a curse.

After DC Comics failed attempt to revitalize the Red Circle characters, Archie Comics have brought them back in house and are presenting them under the new launched Red Circle Comics imprint with New Crusaders: Rise of the Heroes #1. While acknowledging the past the creators move the concept into the present day and introduce the legacies to the once great heroes of the Archie Universe. Will they live up to what has come before or will they face the same fate as those they now emulate?

My Book Pick of the Month belongs to Boom Studios and a return to characters I have loved for years, the original Avengers, Steed and Mrs. Peel. Mark Waid brings us into the world of super-spies and shows us where Marvel’s Hellfire Club got it’s inspiration from. This title is in continuity of the television series and is bringing on a craving to sit and get lost in some of the original episodes of this critically and fan loved world!

I have a love of cute kittens and because of that I am picking up Chote Meow GN from Campfire. The title character spends quality time with his best friends, a rat, and a crow. His father is a famous cat-burglar which does not impress Chote. He won’t resort to thievery like his father and goes through live with a love of adventure and his guitar. Did I mention that the cover is ridiculously cute?

The cute animal theme that has peppered Previews this month continues at Oni Press with Mike Norton’s The Curse. Mike Norton created each of the three tales that fill this book during the “24-Hour Comic” event in 2009, 2010, and 2011. The stories involves pugs (my favorite breed) and pirates. With a gun toting pug on the cover how can anyone resist this book that is sure to bring both laughs and action.

One of my favorite creators, Jeff Lemire, is bringing an original graphic novel into our collections in August. Top Shelf brings a story – Underwater Welder that is both thought provoking and “Twilight Zone” at the same time. Jeff Lemire has become a rare creator, one that I will pick up pretty well anything with his name on it, as, in my eyes, he has proven he is more than capable of injecting a new level of creativity in anything he touches. This book tells the story of a welder who has too deal with the stress of being away from his wife for weeks on time, as well as dealing with his self doubts about his own parenting skills for a yet unborn child. Away on work he has an experience at the bottom of the ocean, and that experience changes everything in his life, and forces him to rethink his childhood. This book will cement Jeff Lemire as a force to be reckoned with whether he is working for DC Comics, or creating his own worlds.

The Valiant Comic comeback continues with a new Archer + Armstrong. Written by Fred Van Lente and art by Clayton Henry, tell us the story of a trained killer who has to deal with the infamous Great Satan. What happens is a duo unlike the world has ever seen. They are about to bring to light an ancient conspiracy that promises to crash head first into the modern day Valiant Universe!

And that wraps up the back of the book for August. September is going to be a month when I evaluate my pull list and make some changes.

Abstract Publishing

Rachel Rising Volume 1: The Shadow of Death TP

Antarctic Press

Last Zombie: Dead New World TPB

Archaia Entertainment LLC

Mouse Guard Volume 1: Fall 1152 HC

Archie Comic Publications/Red Circle Comics

New Crusaders: Rise of the Heroes

Avatar Press

Hero Worship

Boom Studios

The Hypernaturals
Steed and Mrs. Peel

Campfire

Chote Meow GN

Oni Press

The Curse

Top Shelf

Underwater Welder

Valiant Entertainment

Archer + Armstrong
Bloodshot
Harbinger

Graphitti Designs

The Big Bang Theory: “The Penny Equation Green” T-Shirt

Lego

Lego Batman: The Visual Dictionary HC

June 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

By Admin | June 8, 2012 - 12:57 PM |June 8, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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June 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Time to look at Dark Horse Comics, IDW, Image, and Dynamite, and see what they are offering us in August. Dark Horse Comics is first on the slate.

Dark Horse pick of the month! Jill Thompson and Evan Dorkin bring us the three stories that they did for Dark Horse Presents – Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch! That tell the story of a gang of dogs and one cat who deal with the supernatural and the downright scary. These characters earned them the 2005 Eisner Award for Best Short Story. I love Jill Thompson and with her recent issue of Shade it has left me wanting more from her, and this will help with that Thompson fix. Plus I love animals so this is a must have, I kinda wish this would be a monthly.

Michael Avon Oeming‘s The Victories brings a book written and drawn by Oeming. I have been waiting for a book where he can showcase both writing and art. The Victories is a dark take on superheroes (my favorite) with fluid artwork that promises to enhance what is sure to be a dark story of a hero who has to decide if his past will destroy him or make him fight on.

One of my favorite video game franchises is launching a new three issue mini-series. Dragon Age: Those Who Speak #1 is out in August, and it is written by David Gaider, the lead writer of Dragon Age: Origins, and Dragon Age II, and is in Dragon Age continuity. It tells the story of a king who must go up against an army of evil mages to try and find out what happened to his lost father. If you are a fan of the mythos of Dragon Age this is a must buy!

IDW brings us more zombies and the IDW pick of the month! Deadworld is back with Deadworld: War of the Dead, a five part, weekly series. Gary Reed, the original co-creator of Deadworld brings us a horrific tale of zombies, survival, and experiments gone very, very wrong. Meet the Lepers, their skin is dead but they still live, and may be the secret weapon to bring down King Zombie and his army of the undead. Just when you think the zombie genre is dead (bad pun completely intended) along comes a little twist to bring new unlife to the genre.

I love the G.I. Joe cartoon from the 80’s and that love is about to be rekindled with the G.I. Joe: Field Manual. It is 208 pages of animation models for the characters and vehicles from the series. It includes several pages of never-before-published production artwork and behind-the-scenes production artwork that helped make G.I. Joe so memorable for anyone that grew up with, and loved the original television series.

Matt Hawkins, who has worked on almost everything at Image Comics brings a new story – Think Tank – that brings Tony Stark to mind. It tells the story of a genius inventor who works for a military think tank and decides he has had enough. Can he get away from the images of mass murder that his inventions have caused or will be manipulated by those who he wants to escape from? I intend to check this out!

These are tied for Image Comics Pick of the Month. Prophet, Vol.1: Remission and Glory, Vol. 1: The Once and Future Destroyer TPB’s are both going home with me in August. I decided that I wanted to start switching to a TPB collection and had to resist getting the separate issues of these series. From what I have read from both of these respective series they would seem to read better as a trade. Either way I am greatly looking forward to both of these highly regarded re-envisionings.

Kirby: Genesis was a Dynamite series I originally started to buy in single issues but found that it was quite dense and decided, even though I was jonesing for a monthly fix, that a trade would read better. In August the 220+ page TP Kirby: Genesis Vol. 1 will give me a solid afternoon of reading and enjoying the lush designs and the Kirby style that defined multiple generations of comic book fandom. This is my Dynamite Comics Pick of the Month.

The Gutters Absolute Complete Omnibus Vol. 2 HC A 136 page hardcover, Tim Sale graces the cover of this collection that pokes fun at comic books, the creators, the characters, the publishers, and fans. All are poked fun at, and I love funny. The book is mistakenly listed in the Previews at 3.99 – actual price is 39.95.

That covers part three of my Previews Review, part four, and the back of Previews are coming soon!

Dark Horse Comics

Axe Cop: President of the World
Dragon Age: For Those Who Speak
Fatima: The Blood Spinners
The Massive

Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch
Star Wars Omnibus: Clone Wars – Volumes 1 and 2

IDW Comics

Deadworld: War of the Dead
Mars Attacks
Transformers: Regeneration One

Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Sun: Ianto’s Tomb
G.I. Joe: Field Manual

Image Comics

Creator Owned Heroes
Saga
Think Tank

Glory, Vol. 1: The Once and Future Destroyer TPB
Prophet, Vol.1: Remission TPB

Dynamite Comics

Kirby: Genesis Vol. 1 TP

July 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Dark Horse Comics

Special Order

Dynamite Comics

IDW Comics

Special Order

Image Comics

Special Order

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

ONGOING

SPECIAL ORDER

DROPPED AS OF SEPTEMBER

July 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

MY DC PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

ONGOING

SPECIAL ORDER

June 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

Abstract Publishing

Antarctic Press

Archaia Entertainment LLC

Archie Comic Publications/Red Circle Comics

Avatar Press

Boom Studios

Campfire

Oni Press

Top Shelf

Valiant Entertainment

Graphitti Designs

Lego

June 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Dark Horse Comics

IDW Comics

Image Comics

Dynamite Comics

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