Category Archives: David’s Diamond Review

David Grouix reviews the upcoming new comics from the Diamond Previews catalogue.

December 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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December 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

While the new wave of Marvel Now is blowing me away, the February 2013 solicitations for DC looks to bring the same old. While that’s not a bad thing I am definitely hoping for more when the next chapter of the New 52 takes off following Forever Evil. Also I want to say that there is a glimmer of innovation coming from the Distinguished Competition, and that maybe we are starting to see hints about the direction they will take, and hopefully it does not mean more Batman, Superman, or Justice League titles.

 

Forever Evil #6         Let’s take a look at some the more interesting books coming out. Speaking of Forever Evil, the penultimate issue of the event mini-series, #6 (of 7) by Geoff Johns (W), David Finch (A), and Richard Friend (A) and gives us the final fate of Nightwing. While Dick Grayson is my favourite of the Bats‘ extended family I would like to see him be a fatality of this event. With hints that Damian is coming back, Dick would probably follow because dead does not mean dead at either of the big 2. In addition Nightwing is reported to have an appearance in the new Superman vs. Batman movie hitting in 2015 and they would want to keep his profile active for possible new readers.

 

Justice League #28 Evil         Also because of Forever Evil we get the introduction of the Metal Men into the New 52 in the pages of Justice League #28 by Geoff Johns (W), Ivan Reis (A), and Joe Prado (A). Leading them is Cyborg as they bring the fight to the Crime Syndicate.

 

Forever Evil Arkham War #5 Forever Evil Rogues Rebellion #5         A couple of stand out Forever Evil related mini-series include Forever Evil: Arkham War by Peter J. Tomasi (W), Scot Eaton (A), and Jaime Mendoza (A), and Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion written by Brian Buccalleto and drawn by Scott Hepburn. In Arkham War we get a deadly, and terrifying Bane up against Scarecrow and his legion of venom enhanced villains. This series is one of the rare times I really enjoy reading Bane, and fans of the dark pantheon of villains that normally plague the Dark Knight should be checking this book out. Issue five of six of this series is out in February. Rogues Rebellion gives us Flash’s rogues gallery versus a very Arrow looking Royal Flush Gang. The Rogues are my favourite part of the Flash and his history, which is odd since I am not a fan of the speedster on his own. Much like the Superior Foes of Spider-Man over at Marvel, a Rogues ongoing would definitely peak my interest.

 

Suicide Squad #28 Evil         A fun tie in to Forever Evil is over in Suicide Squad #28 by Matt Kindt (W) and Patrick Zircher (A). The Suicide Squad goes against one of my favourite redesigned characters in the New 52, Omac. Wherever Omac goes a crazy time is sure to follow. Heres hoping he has a similar personality and is written like he was in his own ongoing because I was not a fan of how he was handled in the short lived Justice League International.

 

Superman Lois Lane #1         Superman: Lois Lane #1 by Marguerite Bennett (W) and Emanuella Lupacchino (A) gives us a chance to see Lois as the star of the book. Brainiac and a sister involved in drugs would give anyone a moment of pause but Lois does not have that option. Lois Lane is truly one of the most under appreciated female characters and a solo series where we see her rescuing herself versus Superman saving the day would be refreshing, and hopefully the boys club of comics (really the big 2) will let that happen and maybe support this book so it can become a reality. She’ll get my vote.

 

Batman Jokers Daughter #1         Batman Jokers Daughter #1. Marguerite Bennett also writes a Batman related one shot with Meghan Hetrick providing art. This issue brings us some more background on one of the new villains in the New 52, and one of the most twisted looking in comics. This will be a strong contender because of the Bat affiliation and I wouldn’t blink twice if the twisted lady did get a monthly.

 

Supergirl #28Green Lantern Red Lanterns #28         Speaking of female characters, Supergirl #28 by Tony Bedard (W), Yildiray Cinar (A), and Ray McCarthy (A), starts the “Red Daughter of Krypton” when Kara joins the ranks of the Earth quadrants new guardians, the Red Lanterns. The storyline continues in the interestingly packaged flip book that includes Green Lantern #28 / Red Lanterns #28. Judging from the solicitation Kara’s transformation will last longer than a month and I hope it raises her profile. She has been a character that has struggled with identity and thematic issues since before Flashpoint, and this might give her the direction she needs.

 

Detective Comics #28 Gothtopia Batwing #28 Gothtopia  Catwoman #28 GothtopiaBirds of Prey #28 Gothtopia         Gothtopia, an Elseworlds but not an Elseworlds story that gives us a very different Gotham where everyone is living the life that they want. This is also a chance to boost sales on struggling books, I’m looking at you Batwing, although it has lasted longer than I expected. Gothtopia touches the pages of Detective Comics #28, Batwing #28, Birds of Prey #28, and Catwoman #28.

 

Movement #9         Another attempt to boost sales with a Bat family visit is in the pages of The Movement #9 by Gail Simone (W) and Freddie Williams II (A). Batgirl heads to Coral City as she tries to help this title stave off cancellation. No knock to the creative team, and it is great that DC is trying to make this book work but you can colour me surprised if this book lasts beyond issue #12.

 

Stormwatch #28         Speaking of cancellations, Stormwatch will end soon but the end is still a couple of issues away. When Jim Starlin hopped on-board as writer it did help the book initially but the only passing resemblance to the original Wildstorm Stormwatch is some of the characters names and appearances. Beyond those two things this book does not have anything that remotely feels like the original Stormwatch. When this title ends it will bring a close to the Wildstorm integration that one time included a Grifter and Voodoo series, as well as the Gen 13 like title The Redeemers. I am holding out hope that Wildcats will be making an appearance in an upcoming wave of new books. Wildcats struggled at times but under the DC banner proper and with the right creative team (Jim Lee should pencil this baby) it could become one of the hottest team books out there. Stormwatch will always be one of my favourite series, and most notably when Warren Ellis wrote the book. Change or Die, there is a great Stormwatch story. Plus, and this may be just me, Lobo does not fit in this book in the slightest.

 

Fables #138 Fairest #23 Royal Masters of War #1         Vertigo will be livening up and beefing up its line in the coming months as both Fables and Fairest come to a close and Vertigo’s current longest running series shuts its doors. Rob Williams writes, and Simon Coleby draws a new mini-series called The Royals: Masters of War. The first of six issues hits in February and takes us back to 1940. Instead of needing protectors, the Royal Family are the protectors because they are the only ones with special powers. With this concept alone I hope it comes back as either an ongoing, or a series of mini-series. I love revised history where the writer obviously did research and shows us a world that while it is fantastic, is still grounded in reality.

 

That brings us to the end of DC Comics for February of 2013. Last but not least we will look at the rest of Previews and see what all of the other publishers have for us in February.

December 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

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December 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Welcome to my look at the Previews Magazine dated December 2013 and for product set for store shelves beginning in February 2014. Marvel is really impressing me with this latest round of Marvel Now launches. The first round had some excitement, and a couple of curve balls that sadly did not make it to first base, but the launches this second round make me happy to be a Marvel fan, and not a second too soon. My enthusiasm for the Marvel Universe had definitely been waning. This is getting back to my pre New 52 levels of fandom, with DC Comics taking a back seat to Marvel.

 

Has everything Marvel’s released been a hit? No, Morbius was a failure, but that was due to a weak storyline, no offence to the writer. It should have been darker. Journey Into Mystery feat. Sif was beyond brilliant, and I saw a woman who could go toe to toe with Wonder Woman and more than likely come out on top. Sif showed why she needs to be featured more prominently, maybe have her join one of the multiple Avengers books, and we know at some point she will become a member, putting on spandex in the Marvel Universe almost guarantees inclusion in a team, whether it be the Avengers, or the different X-Men factions, or if your lucky maybe as a Superior Spider-Man supporting character! Well that was a bit of a sidetrack, what it all boils down to is that Marvel is releasing work that while they are progressive with it, they still feel traditional. With this second round of releases I see shades of Hawkeye with such a wide variety of writers and artists, with many books showing an art style that would put them nicely at home on a shelf next to other independent titles.

 

Captain America #17         First up are the notable issues, that are not number one issues. First one I want to spotlight is Captain America #17. This book by Rick Remenber (W) and Nic Klein (A) looks to bring back some of the zany fun that comics were occasionally known for in the seventies and the eighties with our introduction to another creation of the Weapon Minus program, Dr. Mindbubble. I lost interest quickly in the relaunched Captain America but this issue might be enough to at least get me to sample one more issue. It looks like fun, and not allot of comics embrace fun these days.

 

Nova #13 Now         The fun looks to be spreading to Nova #13.NOW. Gerry Duggan (W), and Paco Medina (A) bring the fun in the form of Beta Ray Bill, a character who may have started life as a clone like copy of Thor, but has since become a staple of the Marvel galactic publishing side, and here’s hoping that this leads to allot more of the character around the Marvel Universe. This issue is also an anniversary issue of sorts as Marvel celebrates the 100th appearance of the helmeted hero Nova.

 

Inhuman #2 ANMN         Just a quick note about Inhuman #2, it has been cancelled and will be solicited later. I’m not sure if new orders will be placed a second time or not, we will see when it gets re-solicited.

 

Avengers AI #9         Avengers A.I. #9 caught my interest not because of it’s storyline, which I honestly stopped following after the first couple of issues, but more because of a certain characters appearance on the cover. If you have read issue #14 of Uncanny Avengers, then you will know which character I am referring too. I won’t reveal anything here, I don’t want to ruin it for anyone, but it will be open for discussion next month.

 

Miracleman #3         Miracle Man #3 continues the reprints stories detailing the life of one of the most powerful and dangerous superheroes. Miracle Man #3 reprints the Miracleman stories from Warrior #6-8, and the Warpsmith stories from Warrior #9-10. I am so excited to actually read these stories. This is a real treat for fans of the medium who never got to experience one of the best stories ever created for our medium.

 

George Romeros Empire of Dead Act One #2         My excitement for George Romero Empire of the Dead has faded to mild interest once I found out that vampires were going to be involved. I have nothing against the mingling of vampires and zombies, and Max Brooks is handling it well in the Extinction Parade series over at Avatar. My issue lies more in this innovator, the grand-father of the zombie genre, a man who combined political commentary with a healthy dose of horror and (at the time) allot of gore, he now seems to be chasing what is popular. Now I will still be checking it out since it is Romero but my hopes are running low for this chapter of his zombie epic. I would be so happy for the first issue to prove me wrong.

Daredevil #36         A couple of notable endings happen in February, both of which have since been revealed as part of the current wave of Marvel Now launches/relaunches. First up is one of Marvel’s most critically acclaimed character, and one of the four heroes being utilized in the recently announced Netflix deal, namely Daredevil. Mark Waid (W) and Chris Samnee (A/C) bring the current volume of the adventures of the man without fear to an end in issue #36. While I enjoyed the first trade the title was not quite for me but I can understand why critics love it. It is a wonderful take on Murdoch’s character.

Wolverine and X-Men #41         Another series drawing to a close but relaunching, this time with a different creative team as opposed to Daredevils creative team remaining the same, is Wolverine and the X-Men. Issues #41 and 42 both hit shelves in February and bring the school year to a close at the Jean Grey school. The school will be radically different when it returns, not only in terms of the students but also the faculty. With the recent semi-pointless, but beautifully rendered Battle of the Atom causing additional rifts amongst the mutant community, we will see several faculty members leaving the school. The first 24 issues of this book are some of my favourite comic book issues released in recent memory, and really added another dimension to Logan’s character as well as bringing some notable students to the forefront like one of my personal favourites Quentin Quire. Jason Aaron (W), Nick Bradshaw (A), and Pepe Larraz (A) will undoubtedly make the end of this school year one you cannot forget.

Fantastic Four #1         While a couple of books are ending, there are several launches and relaunches that excite me that this may be my favourite month of Marvel Now to date. One such relaunch is one that has gotten allot of criticism online, and that is the James Robinson (W) and Leonard Kirk (A) Fantastic 4 relaunch. I may be in the minority but I love the costume redesigns and the new logo. It is nice to see Marvel continue to take chances on their established characters. Whether they are successful or not with this story that is forbiddingly titled “The Fall of the Fantastic Four” will be up to the readers. With James Robinson proven ability to respect what has come before while expanding characters in ways not done before, this title has already proven itself to have a pedigree. Plus Leonard Kirk is an extremely talented artist whose style has continued to increase over the years. This may very well be a career defining run, or be a dramatic failure. I am thinking success is in the cards. I rarely have been tempted to pick up a Fantastic Four book before but this is coming home. Fantastic Four #1 looks to be a book to watch in my opinion.

Ms Marvel         A relaunch that has been getting a large amount of attention from many media outlets, including Stephen Colbert is the G. Willow Wilson written and Adrian Alphona drawn Ms. Marvel series. This title no longer belongs to Carol Danvers whose own Captain Marvel series will be relaunching later in the year, but now it is the home of Kamala Khan, a Jersey City, Muslim, teen girl. With shape shifting powers, a strong creative team, and an indie feel, this book is sure to start strong, and hopefully with readers support and good stories this can become a benchmark for all other mainstream female centric titles from the big two.

She-Hulk #1         Speaking of female centric, a certain cousin, lawyer, and 7 foot tall muscled green beauty cracks open the law books at a new practice in She-Hulk #1. The creative team is Charles Soule on writing duties and Javier Pulido on art. While I secretly wished Peter David would be the one writing it, I will still check out what Charles Soule can bring to the character. Charles Soule became quite prolific at DC and while he has skills I did drop a couple of titles after sampling his writing. She Hulk is always worth a try and regardless of my opinion I do want to see Jennifer succeed and join the small group of successful leading ladies in comic books. She’s done it before, here’s hoping she does it again.

New Warriors #1         New Warriors returns to the stands in February thanks to Christopher Yost, who has proven time and again that he is perfect to craft stories about the younger heroes in the Marvel Universe. He is joined by artist Marcus To in bringing back together fan favourites Nova, Justice, and Speedball, while incorporating recently cancelled Scarlet Spider, Sun Girl, and as well bringing the High Evolutionary into the Marvel Now extravaganza. There will be new additions and while I appreciated the attempts at previous relaunches this really does strike me as having an old school New Warriors vibe, while tying into the next event, Inhumanity. I admit I do wish that Firestar would grace these pages but on the other hand it is nice to see her embrace her mutant side and finally get to wear an X on her costume over in the pages of the Amazing X-Men.

         Marvel should take advantage of the Marvel Now relaunch and bring in a new Alpha Flight series. How exciting would it be to have an Alpha Flight series when DC re-brands one of there League books into Justice League Canada? A Canadian centric title from each of the big 2? Yes please!. With Marvel Now announcements coming fast and furious one can hold out hope.

Loki Agent of Asgard #1         A new launch building on the continuously building popularity of the character is Loki: Agent of Asgard. The first issue of the series from Al Ewing (W) and Lee Garbett (A) brings us an older Loki who is slowly lining up more and more with his movie version while respecting the characters recent evolution in the pages of Journey Into Mystery and Young Avengers. While I am excited to read this series, the solicitation for the first issue mentions the death of Thor, and that seems like a boisterous and really unbelievable story point. Either way I cannot wait to check out the adventures of the sexiest god from Asgard (worry Thor).

Cataclysm Ultimates Last Stand #5         No one is sure what the future of the Ultimate line is but hopefully we will find out soon when the March solicits are posted online. If not we may have to wait until Cataclysm: The Ultimates Last Stand #5 (of 5) hits in February. My suspicions are that this is the end for that imprint. Let’s face it, since Ultimatum it hasn’t been the same, and if this is the last issue of this universe it is appropriate that Brian Michael Bendis (W) and Mark Bagley (A) are the ones to bring an end to the imprint. On the other hand they could relaunch the entire thing but it would be neat to see Miles Morales in the 616 Universe.

While this doesn’t cover everything happening at Marvel in February I believe these are the most notable releases and again applaud Marvel for stepping up there game and surpassing DC in terms of sheer relevance and lack of fear in trying new approaches to existing characters, or even returning characters to their old school roots, and realizing what made them work in the first place.

This truly is an exciting time to be rediscovering Marvel and their characters. See you soon with our look at DC.

November 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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November 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

In my opinion Marvel won January between the big two, so let us take a look at the other publishers and see what they have to offer and if Marvel has any competition to kick off 2014.

 

Hellboy First 20 Years HC       Dark Horse comics starts off the new year right with Hellboy: The First 20 Years HC by Mike Mignola. This includes 136 pages of Mignola’s best work, unseen images, and so much more. Sketches and scans fill this book, and allows us to get a peek into Mignola’s process.

 

The Star Wars #0 Lucas Draft          With the various publishers putting out the enhanced issues with different bonus features, Dark Horse is getting in on the game with The Star Wars #0. Acting as a creative themed companion to the eight issue miniseries we get to see behind the scenes and even get a look at the pitch process that Dark Horse did for George Lucas.

 

Serenity Leaves on the Wind #1          While we may not have the crew of the Serenity back on the big or small screens, yet, we get an in continuity follow up in Serenity: Firefly Class 03-K64 – Leaves on the Wind #1 (of 6) written by Joss’s brother Zack Whedon. For fans this will be given a chance to see what happened to Malcolm and his crew after the events of Serenity. This isn’t on my radar but Whedon or Firefly fans will snatch this up.

 

Elfquest Final Quest #1          Elfquest first appeared in 1978, and then the last original work appeared in 2006. Now in 2014 we return to the primitive Earth with 2 moons and the tale of those who try to survive in Elfquest: The Final Quest #1 written by Wendy and Richard Pini, with Wendy doing the art as well. Cutter is back and so are all of your favourites Obviously for an indy title (for most of its existence) to survive how long this one has shows that there is a fan base for this lush fantasy world that the Pini’s brought to us 36 years ago.

 

X-Files Conspiracy #1 X-Files Conspiracy #1 subX-Files Conspiracy Ghostbusters #1 sub X-Files Conspiracy Ghostbusters #1          IDW is getting to be known for their wacky crossovers with licenced properties and January brings more with the X-Files: Conspiracy #1. The Lone Gunmen, some of my favourite characters in the X-Files universe, begin with the Ghostbusters and whether they are legitimate, and if they are a part of or can help against the latest threat to humanity. I am looking forward to their run in with the Transformers personally.

 

My Little Pony Friends Forever #1 My Little Pony Friends Forever #1 sub          IDW also launches a new team up book, and it is not what you might think. Alex de Campi is writing and Carla Speed McNeil is on art duty for My Little Pony: Friends Forever #1, a new ongoing series that shows the adventures of two ponies, and how anything can happen. Applejack and Pinkie Pie team up in the first adventure. With how hot the Little Pony franchise is, and the fun that has permeated the pages of all their previous Pony books, this should be a sure thing for fans of the franchise.

 

Deadly Class #1            Rick Remember writes a new series for Image, being joined by Wesley Craig and Lee Loughride on art. Deadly Class #1 is set in the mid 80’s and is set in a school unlike any other, where our lead character, Marcus Lopez, is failing Dismemberment 101. Teachers are assassins, students are the children of world renowned killers, and you could be killed by your classes, or even schoolmates. I like Remember and look forward to him playing in a self created sandbox. Image is hot and Remember is a hot creator, and the artwork in the previews look slick. This will be coming home with me.

 

Egos #1          Another Image release that has me interested is EGOs #1. Stuart Moore writes a story that combines sci-fi and superheroes. The main character has to bring his old team back together and the solicitation indicates his main roadblock, his wife. Gus Storms provides the art and from the preview pages it is reminiscent of the style seen in the Prophet series which ends . The artwork has me sold and I look forward to checking out the first issue.

 

Afterlife With Archie #4 Francavilla Afterlife With Archie #4 Seeley          Afterlife with Archie is a stunning comic. I loved the first issue and Roberto Aguirre Sacasa writes, and Francesco Francavilla draws an amazing old school horror that reflects a pulp sensibility, all the while appreciating and incorporating all that has come before in Riverdale. This book is not for young readers as the horror is quite evident right from the first issue. Horror fans should pick this up, you will not be disappointed in the slightest. Issue 4 of the series is out in January.

 

God is Dead #5 God is Dead #5 End of Days         Avatar’s title, God is Dead, by Jonathan Hickman (W) and Di Amorim (A) has been announced as going monthly versus being a mini. The fifth issue of the series is out in January. While the Previews lists it as the fifth of six issues, it should be noted the announcement came after the Previews solicitations were released.

 

Lil Battlestar Galactica #1 Lil Bionic Kids #1 Lil Ernie #1 Lil Sonja #1 Lil Vampi #1          Fans of the Li’l version of characters will be happy when Dynamite releases the cutest 5 week event in January when we get five one shots; Li’l Battlestar Galactica, Li’l Vampi, Li’l Bionic Kids, Li’l Ernie, and Li’l Sonja. While I enjoy the occasional variant cover by Baltazar I myself am going to pass on this but there are those of you out there who will have trouble resisting the cuteness.

 

Well that is our look at the back of Previews, see you in a few weeks when we look at what is coming in February 2014.

Good reading to all.

November 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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November 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Forever Evil #5          While Marvel has allot up their sleeves it looks like DC Comics is delivering more of the same in January. Forever Evil continues along with the fifth of seven issues shipping in January. Lex Luther and his squad of villains, and Batman makes their move and apparently the consequences will be “devastating” for the DC Universe. The big two should stay away from such grandiose statements because when they are used on such a regular basis they begin to lose their impact.

 

Justice League #27 Evil Justice League of America #11 Evil Trinity of Sin the Phantom Stranger #15 Evil Constantine #10 Evil Trinity of Sin Pandora #7 Evil
Forever Evil continues in Justice League #27, Justice League of America #11, Trinity of Sin: The Phantom Stranger #15, Constantine #10, Trinity of Sin: Pandora #7, Justice League Dark #27, Forever Evil: ARGUS #4 (of 6), Forever Evil: Arkham War #4 (of 6), Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #4 (of 6), and Suicide Squad #27.
Justice League Dark #27 Evil Forever Evil Argus #4 Forever Evil Arkham War #4 Forever Evil Rogues Rebellion #4 Suicide Squad #27 Evil

 

Detective Comics #27 Gothtopia            Detective Comics #27 is a mega-sized anniversary issue that has a creative roster that is quite impressive. Writers include John Layman, Scott Snyder, Paul Dini, Brad Meltzer, and many more while the art side has Neal Adams, Dustin Nguyen, Frank Miller, and many more. This brings us stories of the past while also kicking off the next Batman crossover, Gothtopia. Judging from the solicitation this is all new material, and no reprints, which is a nice change. I find that the companies reprint stories partially to give back story but mainly to pad page counts so that a higher price tag doesn’t seem unreasonable. An oversized issue with all new material? Sign me up. I may not pick up allot of Bat related titles but with the abundance of talent in these pages I need to order this for my reading pile.

 

Batgirl #27 Gothtopia Batwing #27 Gothtopia Birds of Prey #27 Gothtopia Catwoman #27 Gothtopia          Speaking of Gothtopia, it crosses over into Batgirl #27, Batwing #27, Birds of Prey #27, and Catwoman #27. It’s an interesting twist having a crossover apparently affect the ancillary titles as opposed to the main books. Is this a way to boost numbers on lower selling titles or a genuine story meant to grow the characters? Time will tell.

 

Green Team Teen Trillionaires #8 Movement #8          Art Baltazar (W), Franco (W), and Ig Guara (A) bring an end to The Green Team: Teen Trillionaires with issue #8. It’s related title, The Movement is still continuing on but one has to question how long that title will last. My statements have little to do with the quality of the titles but more about the buying habits of the comic book readership. It seems that unless a title has Justice, Batman, or Superman in the title, fans do not feel willing to give it a shot. The same can be said of Marvel who is close to putting Avengers or an X in every title they publish.

 

Injustice Year Two #1          Injustice fans will have a reason to rejoice, Injustice Year Two #1 by Tom Taylor (W), and Bruno Redondo (A) kicks off. Superman still has his Kryptonian grip tightly on the Earth but will he be able to put aside his differences and help defend the Earth from approaching fear? Fear you say? I believe the Sinestro Corps might be paying a visit to the troubled and torn world of Injustice. I am looking forward to my first Injustice collection and will get this put aside for me so I can see how the story continues.

 

Vampire Diaries #1          Another digital first title hits print for the first time and that is the Vampire Diaries #1. The creative team is Colleen Doran (W) and Tony Shasteen (A). While I appreciate Colleen Doran as a writer, this book has no appeal for me. I do not believe that the fans of the television show are also comic book readers but sales will be the deciding factor.

 

Unwritten vol 2 Apocalypse #1          The Unwritten Vol. 2: Apocalypse #1 by Mike Carey (W) and Peter Gross (A) brings us back to the world of Tom Taylor. Tom Taylor is a character that has had everything taken from him, including his childhood. Volume 1 ended with Tom coming back to the real world but while living in the unwritten scenes of all of the world’s stories he may not be able to pay a toll that could lead to the destruction of everything and everyone, hence the Apocalypse tag-line.

 

Well that is the end of our look at DC Comics for merchandise shipping beginning in January of 2014. Not an overly exciting month for the distinguished competition but here’s hoping that they can get their groove back in the coming months.

November 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

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November 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

          November is a hectic month so let’s take a slightly delayed look at the Previews Issue 302 soliciting merchandise scheduled to arrive beginning in January 2014.

 

          The one we are going to start with is Marvel. Before we get into the Previews magazine I just want to talk about some exciting Marvel news that has been announced the past week and that is namely the Netflix deal. In 2015 Netflix will begin releasing the first of four planned series launching first with Daredevil. The man without fear will be followed up by Iron Fist, Luke Cage, and Jessica Jones. All of these will be followed up by the Defenders. Marvel also announced that another series would be appearing at ABC, probably in the 2014/2015 season. Even though reception to Agents of SHIELD has been lacklustre to say the least, with the most recent episodes they have been improving the show in baby steps. Hopefully it can rebuild itself so that a second season can happen. Marvel in the theatres, on cable, and on Netflix, not to forget the print and digital comics, it is a good time to be a comic book and Marvel fan. Onto our bread and butter, the comics.

 

All New Marvel Now Point One #1 AMNM          January is a big month for Marvel with their second wave of Marvel Now set to roll out. Let’s dig in shall we? As an introduction to some of the new titles coming out Marvel is releasing a primer in the form of All-New Marvel Now! Point One #1. This includes lead-in stories for several high profile launches coming up including Loki: Agent of Asgard, and of course the now Muslim Ms. Marvel, a character that has been in the media from Taiwan to the Colbert Report. The Point One issues haven’t really done anything for me but with some of the stories in this issue, I might be interested to take a peak, this may be the Point One issue that matters.

 

All New Invaders #1 ANMN          James Robinson, who recently left Earth 2 at DC finds his new home at Marvel, in a title that is rich with history that dates back to the beginnings of the 616. Namor, the original Human Torch, Captain America and Winter Soldier team up to end a Kree threat to Earth. Steve Pugh provides the art. I hope this series gets a chance to thrive, the last Invaders book didn’t make a dent in Marvel’s history. The Invaders is a title steeped in history and I hope that this book can. With James Robinson on board we can expect an appreciation of what has come before while bringing a new direction to this title, All New Invaders #1 ANMN.

 

All New X-Men #21 All New X-Men #22.Now ANMNGuardians of the Galaxy #11.Now ANMN          The Marvel Now initiative includes the odd .NOW numbering system. The Trial of Jean Grey prompts the numbering #22.Now for the January shipping All-New X-Men. This storyline will tie Guardians of the Galaxy into the the X-Men mythos while trying to protect Jean Grey who is now targeted by several alien races that don’t like the reappearance of the Phoenix vessel. The crossover also brings a .NOW to the January shipping Guardians of the Galaxy #11.Now. Brian Michael Bendis can weave some long form stories that continue to have repercussions throughout the Marvel Universe and this will no undoubtedly impact things to come. It should be noted that the 21st issue of All-New X-Men is solicited closer to the back of the Marvels Previews magazine.

 

Avengers World #1 ANMNAvengers World #2 ANMN          I am going to try Avengers World #1 and while the first issue will come home with me, I still question the constant influx of Avengers titles. At some point there can be just too many of them. Jonathan Hickman and Nick Spencer are co writers for this book, and with the huge influx of Avengers team members, I have a better idea of what Hickman has been building towards. Plus we have another claim of a change of the forever kind for the Marvel Universe. The first two issues of this globe spanning Avengers series hit in January.

 

Avengers AI #8.Now ANMN          Avengers A.I. #8 gets the .NOW treatment in January. The issue by Sam Humphries (W), and Andre Araujo (A) involves the Uncanny Avengers and a trip to the future where we witness the Avengers Empire in 12,000 AD. Marvel is throwing allot of time travel at the wall and waiting to see what sticks, as long as they keep it from getting to convoluted.

 

Black Widow #1 ANMN Black Widow #2 ANMN          Black Widow is getting another go with a new #1 issue in January from the creative team of Nathan Edmondson (W) and Phil Noto (A). I am a huge fan of Phil Noto and look forward to his take on Natasha. I look forward to seeing a darker insight into Natasha’s past as a KGB assassin, and maybe, just maybe, they can craft a small corner of the world just for Natasha, much as they have done with the life of Clint Barton over in Hawkeye. I will be bringing home issues #1 and 2 in January.

 

All New X-Factor #1 ANMN          X-Factor is back in the pages of All-New X-Factor #1 and 2. Peter David is still the writer for this new incarnation of the long running mutant team. Polaris is the leader this time and she is joined by Quicksilver and Gambit, among others. This time instead of being a detective agency, government sponsored team, or just an offshoot of the X-Men, they are a corporately sponsored team for Serval Industries. Out of curiosity, I will be bringing home these two issues to check them out.

 

Miracleman #1 Miracleman #2          There are two series premiering that I am ridiculously excited about. Miracleman is the one that has me so excited! Miracleman #1 and 2 come out in January and reprints the original work that was presented in Warrior #1-6, Miracleman #1, and Marvelman Primer. These are the groundbreaking stories that premiered in the eighties. The writing credit goes to the original writer, but we all know who wrote this. The curmudgeon but incredibly talented Alan Moore. Comic book fans both old and new should bring this home, not just for the amazing stories but partly education, education about how genre bending and deep this hobby can be.

 

George Romeros Empire of Dead Act One #1          The second series brings George Romero and his zombies to Marvel. This series is not set in the Marvel Universe, nor is it in anyway related to Marvel Zombies. Instead, this is a story that brings us right back to the world that Romero built in his Of The Dead series. For the first time we get to see what the New York of that world would be like years after the undead devastated humanity. George Romero Empire of the Dead: Act One #1 (of 5) is a must have for zombie fans!

 

Revolutionary War Alpha #1 Revolutionary War Dark Angel #1 Revolutionary War Knights of Pendragon #1          Since the end of MI-13 we haven’t had allot of chances to peek into the lives of the British Heroes, even longer for some of them, and the Revolutionary War is going to bring them back to the pages of Marvel Comics. Revolutionary War: Alpha #1 by Andy Lanning (W), Alan Cowsill (W), and Rich Elson (A) assembles Marvel UK’s heroes for the first time in 20 years. The story will crossover into other one shots that highlight specific characters. Watch for appearances from Captain Britain, Pete Wisdom (one of my favourites), Death’s Head II, Motormouth, Killpower, Knights of Pendragon, and more. Part 2 of Revolutionary War happens in the pages of Revolutionary War: Dark Angel #1, with part 3 taking place in the pages of Revolutionary War: Knights of Pendragon #1. I cannot wait to revisit some of these characters and watch them save the world again, for some of them they have been gone far too long from the pages.

 

   Cataclysm Ultimate X-Men #3Cataclysm Ultimate Spider-Man #3Cataclysm Ultimates #3Cataclysm Ultimates Last Stand #4Cataclysm continues in the Ultimate titles, and at this point are there enough fans to warrant the continuation of the Ultimate Universe? We will see when the February solicitations hit the internet.

 

FF #16Fantastic Four #16          Fantastic Four is ending again with issue #16, with a relaunch shortly in the future no doubt. FF also comes to an end with their 16th issue. I imagine that this will be relaunched at some point in the future as well. I am not a huge fan of all of the constant cancellations and relaunches that Marvel has been relying on and these cancellations do not stir any excitement within me but fans will no doubt pick this up.

 

Uncanny X-Force #17Uncanny X-Force #16Cable and X-Force #18          When the first wave of Marvel Now launched it brought two distinct X-Force titles to the table. I personally tried both but neither had enough points of interest to me, and I have not been a fan of the Psylocke love triangle that has been unfolding in the pages of Uncanny X-Force. In January the two teams crossover in the Vendetta storyline impacting Cable and X-Force #’s 18 (Part I) and 19 (Part III), and Uncanny X-Force #16 (Part II) and 17 (Part IV). Once this storyline comes to a close we will have one X-Force team, as announced in the past few days, by X-Men Legacy writer Si Spurrier, which is probably launching in February. Cable will be leading the new incarnation so we know he survives. I hope Puck survives and is brought into play in All-New X-Force or another X-title.

 

Night of the Living Deadpool #1          Zombies continue to capture the magic of pop culture zeitgeist when Deadpool wakes to a zombie apocalypse that has already ravaged the world…shades of Walking Dead? Cullen Bunn who has shown a deft hand at writing a darker Deadpool will be bringing it dead style in Night of the Living Deadpool #1 (of 4) and I will be bringing it home because I still love me some zombies!

 

Journey into Mystery by Dillen TP vol 00 Complete Coll          Trade waiters have no doubt been waiting for Journey into Mystery by Kieron Gillen: The Complete Collection Vol. 1 TPB which collects 392 pages of critically acclaimed and fan loved young Loki adventures. Journey Into Mystery #622-636 and 626.1 are all collected in this one book. I cannot wait to read this from beginning to end. This is scheduled to be on shelves in February of 2014.

 

          Well that is our look at Marvel for January. Allot of starts, a couple of endings, and some highly anticipated work. It looks like 2014 will be a good year for Marvel if the first solicitations of the year are any indication.