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
