July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time for the third and final look at the Previews for July 2013, for product shipping beginning in September 2013. After having perused Marvel and DC we now turn our attention to the rest of the publishers.

 

The Star Wars Lucas Draft #1         First up is Dark Horse and a new Star Wars book. This one does not fit into any existing continuity and is the original vision that George Lucas had for his sci fi phenomenon. The Star Wars Lucas Draft is an eight issue adaption of the original rough draft screenplay. J. W. Rinzler (W) and Mike Mayhew (A) introduce us to a slightly different galaxy far, far away, where Annikin Starkiller is the hero, and characters you know and love are a little to allot different. Star Wars fans should be sure to pick up this book.

 

Brain Boy #1         An indy book I am excited about is another edition to their superhero line, Brain Boy #1 by Fred Van Lente (W), R. B. Silva (P), and Rob Lean (I). While the idea of going after a criminal before they commit the crime is very Minority Report, the idea that the psychic the Secret Service hires uncovers a powerful psychic network, leading Matt Price a.k.a. Brain Boy, to question what he knows, or thinks he knows, is an exciting twist on the entire future crime concept.

 

         Alex Ross fans should take note for a book shipping in November. The Terminator: The Burning Earth is the first work that was ever published by the fan favorite artist. This is a 136 page collection written by Ron Fortier, that gives us a tale of John Connor and a small team he is leading as they figure out a way to destroy Skynet before Skynet destroys the rest of the human race with a powerful nuclear strike.

 

Powerpuff Girls #1         IDW is proving itself to be a powerhouse when it comes to licensed properties and I am predicting another hit when Powerpuff Girls #1 (of 5) is released. While it does have it listed as a five issue series I am confident that this will turn into a monthly, or immediately launch a monthly upon the completion of this mini. Troy Little is both the writer and the artist for this book that brings us back to Townsville and the exploits of the scientifically created, super powered Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup.

 

Mars Attacks Judge Dredd #1 subMars Attacks Judge Dredd #1          Those pesky aliens that have attacked almost all comic book properties under the indie sun are attacking Judge Dredd this time in a four issue mini-series call, quite appropriately, Mars Attacks Judge Dredd. Al Ewing (W) and John McCrea (A) invite us into the Mega-City Mafia annual meeting and introduces us to some power players that want to make their mark. I am guessing that the mysterious benefactor is green, with exposed brains, and are not from around here.

 

Other Dead #1         While zombies is a genre that continues to hold sway over our collective interests, IDW is presenting a different take on the concept, The Other Dead. A horde of shambling zombies is scary enough but what if the cute puppy or kitten on your lap got infected? What about those little, harmless squirrels you pass by on your walk to work? What if they were infected? Creatures so small you may not notice them at your feet right now? Joshua Ortega (W), Digger T. Mesch (W), and Qing Ping Mui (A) brings us a horrifying new twist on the zombie apocalypse.

 

Zero #1         Image Comics is of course offering a few new series that are sure to be quality books, one in particular jumps off the page at me. I do love military, spy themes in some of my books and Zero #1 by Ales Kot (W), Michael Walsh (A), and Jordie Bellaire (A) take us into the life of Edward Zero who is apparently a perfect execution machine. The story seems fairly basic as Edward is sent to retrieve a weapon that happens to be in a bio modified terrorist. That terrorist is also being chased by an entire army. Basic though it may seem, there is something about the artwork, and the cover that is asking me in to try out the first issue. I think this will be a hit.

 

Afterlife With Archie #1 Francavilla           Afterlife With Archie #1Afterlife With Archie #1 SeeleyBesides Brain Boy at Dark Horse, Archie has a new comic being released that is almost as high on my excitement meter. Afterlife With Archie #1 by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa (W), Francesco Francavilla (A), and Jack Morelli (A) shows us what happens when Sabrina the Teenage Witch inadvertently unleashes a zombie apocalypse on an unsuspecting Riverdale. I applaud Archie Comics because out of any publisher they have shown that they are not afraid to go outside of their comfort zone and enter areas and deal with stories that you would not normally think of when mentioning Archie Comics.

 

God is Dead #1 God is Dead #1 Iconic         Another company putting out a high caliber of material is Avatar Press. Following spectacular launches for both Uber and Extinction Parade I think God is Dead #1 by Jonathan Hickman (W) and Di Amorim (A) will be another smash hit. I am excited for this release and to see what would happen if Gods from our past decided to reclaim the land of man and how the human race would react to the “Second Coming”. This will be going home with me.

 

Sons of Anarchy #1         Boom! Studios releases Sons of Anarchy #1 (of 6) by Christopher Golden (W) and Damian Couceiro (A) in September. While I will not be picking this up I am sure that fans of this hit show will no doubt be scouting this out. This is quite a license to pick up and it will be interesting to see if Boom keeps locking down these hits.

 

 The Mocking Dead #1        Fred Van Lente has a second book coming out that is interesting and definitely plays to his strengths. The Mocking Dead #1 with art by Max Dunbar presents a world where zombies meet comedy. While many fail to notice the horror developing around them, one man recognizes the situation for what it is, a zombie apocalypse. The stupidity of the living versus the horror of the zombies, that is something I can sink my teeth into (Bad pun totally intended).

 

Eternal Warrior #1         Valiant Comics is proving how to launch a line of comics right. They are taking their time and introducing titles when it makes sense. Eternal Warrior #1 by Greg Pak (W) and Trevor Hairsine (A) is a new series that brings us the story of Gillad Anni-Padda who has existed for ten millenia. With a lifespan that long you can bet that he has made some enemies.

 

Bloodshot & Hard Corps #14Bloodshot & Hard Corps #14 pullbox         A title change is coming to Bloodshot as it becomes Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps with its 14th issue. The new creative team of Christos Gage (W), Joshua Dysart (W) and Emanuela Lupacchino (A) bring a strong pedigree with them, and following the events of Harbinger Wars, this would be a book worth checking out.

 

That brings us to the end of Previews for items shipping starting in September 2013. Good reading.

June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Halo Initiation #1               The third and final part of our look at the August and beyond shipping product from the most recent issue of Previews. Starting over at Dark Horse, they have something that gamers will be interested in, a new Halo series. Halo: Initiation #1 is the first of three issues that detail the origin of not just Sarah Palmer but also the Spartan IV program. Brian Reed is a writer with a strong pedigree, having crafted Spider-Woman: Origin, one of the best stories about the female webslinger, New Avengers: Illuminati, and so many other notable comic book runs, not to mention he is one of the writer’s from Halo 4. This man knows his stuff so Halo fans take not.

 

The Last of Us American Dreams TP              The more I see of the PlayStation game The Last of Us, created by Naughty Dog Studios, the more I want to know of this world the game portrays, and one of those fixes may come in the form of the recently completed and now collected The Last of Us: American Dreams. This trade paperback contains the mini-series that shows the world while there were still a large number of survivors. The military takes control as the epidemic spreads and pretty soon Ellie feels the need to break free from the military boarding school herself, and other children, find themselves in. The writers involved Erin Hicks, and Neil Druckmann are both qualified in terms of quality such as Hicks, known for The Adventures of Superhero Girl, and Neil Druckmann coming from Naughty Dog itself. With the strength this creative team have, this trade may be worth checking out.

 

BTVS Season 9 Freefall #24 Noto BTVS Season 9 Freefall #24 JeantyAngel & Faith #25 Isaacs Angel & Faith #25 Morris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              Buffy fans take note, both Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9 and Angel & Faith are both in the midst of their season finales. The finale’s for both promise to be spectacular while Severin and Simone put a plan in motion that could very well turn back time in Buffy #24, and Angel & Faith may have to go further than they ever have in order to save millions of lives in peril in issue #25 of their series.

 

Itty Bitty Hellboy #1              Dark Horse hops onto the de-aging and kidifying of their characters with the first issue of Art Baltazar (W/A) and Franco’s (W) newest creation, Itty Bitty Hellboy. Is this an odd trend appearing in comics? And how much longer before we see all the top characters kidified? Will the trend be overdone, making everyone tired of it and end up considering it nothing more than a stunt? I actually don’t think so. The quality of the work is so much fun to look at and the writing is well paced, always packed with a fun story. This book is definitely worth a look.

 

 Thunder Agents #1 subThunder Agents #1              IDW is publishing a wonderful series when they release T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1 by Phil Hester (W), and Andrea Di Vito (A). This book has had a long and sordid history with IDW being the fifth publisher to take its shot, the last one being DC Comics. The story of the people who chose to take on great powers at the cost of their lives has always been a captivating plot point and I hope, with this being the fifth iteration, that it adds something new to the mix to make it a little more relevant, and even unexpected to a degree.

 

Locke & Key Alpha #1              The beginning of the end of Locke & Key: Alpha #1 is the first of two issues by Joe Hill (W) and Gabriel Rodriguez (A) where the last door is finally unlocked.

 

Kiss Kids #1 Kiss Kids #1 sub              Speaking of kidifying we have Kiss Kids #1 (of 4) where we see the children versions of the rock band having fun adventures around town. I wasn’t aware of the demand of this or that the title sounded like a good idea but IDW knows their licenses so I could very well be wrong.

 

Rachel Rising vol 03 Cemetery Songs              The third Rachel Rising trade comes out entitled Rachel Rising Volume 3: Cemetery Songs. I am a huge fan of volume 1 and volume 2 sits on my definite to read list. I hope that the same care that Terry Moore puts into this series is the same care that is applied to the television show. Either way the print edition is amazing and if you have the first two volumes there is no reason to miss on the third. If you don’t have any, get all three to get caught up on one of the best series launches in recent memory.

 

Uber #0 enhanced ed              Director’s Cuts visit Avatar with the Enhanced Edition of Uber #0 is released. This book is spectacular with some of the best stories I have seen from Kieron Gillen (W) and Caanan White (A), and the opportunity to see allot of the background work that went into the book is quite the opportunity. The issue is limited to 7500 copies and will be the last printing of the issue until the trade next year. Get this while you can, this book will only get hotter.

 

Frank Miller Robocop Last Stand #1              With a Frank Miller omnibus out from Marvel, Miller fans will find a second reason to celebrate in the pages of Previews when they scope out Robocop: Last Stand from Boom! Studios. This is truly the final story for Robocop as envisioned by Frank Miller, Steven Grant (adapting), and Korjut Oztekin (A). I am going to run the risk of trade waiting in hopes of a nice hardcover collection, but Frank Miller fans will undoubtedly pick up the singles of this book.

 

Harbinger #15 Harbinger #15 pullbox              By August Valiant will have wrapped up their first crossover, The Harbinger Wars, and the after effects begin to ripple through the Valiant universe in the pages of Harbinger #15. This is also the first issue for the new creative team of Joshua Dysart (W) and Barry Kitson (A). I wish them well and while I am nervous about a new creative team I can’t wait to see Peter Stanchek and his crew come together even more after having survived the Harbinger Wars.

 

Bloodshot #0 reg Bloodshot #0 pullbox              Matt Kindt (W) and Chris Cross (A) brings us the definite origin of Bloodshot before we dive into a retitled book in September. We have been given clues throughout the run of the series and it is time to see if we put them together correctly or if something was hidden up Valiant’s sleeve all along. This book has been a consistent good read and the origin better be as strong as the rest of the book has been throughout its run.

 

Well that completes my look at the August and beyond shipping product from the pages of Previews Magazine. Good reading everyone!

May 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

May 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Star Wars #7 Star Wars Dark Times Spark Remains #1 Star Wars Darth Vader & Ninth Assassin #4 Star Wars Legacy #5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Now that we have the big 2 out of the way we can look at the rest of Previews. First up is Dark Horse who is continuing with the push of it’s superhero franchises and re-establishing a shared universe amongst them. This is a smart move since I am sure that the Star Wars books will at some point switch to in-house. I don’t say this out of any negative emotions towards Dark Horse, it is just the reality of the situation, and in no way reflects the incredibly high level of quality they have set for their books.

 

Catalyst Comix #1            Catalyst Comix reintroduces us to Frank “Titan” Wells, Amazing Grace, and the Agents of Change. This is a nine issue mini and is no doubt a testing ground. If the response is good it would more than likely transition to ongoing, and nine issues will be easier to gain a bead on its sustainability after the initial sales drop off.

 

Captain Midnight #1            Captain Midnight #1 is the first issue of an ongoing by Joshua Williamson (W) and Fernando Dagnino (A), and is billed as a key title in this new superhero push. I know very little of this character and while it may not go home with me I will check it out on the stands and maybe it can convince me in person. The Paolo Rivera variant cover is very eye catching.

 

Massive #14            The New York arc continues in The Massive #14. Brian Wood is a writer who knows how to build a world and provide an amazing narrative on today’s society. The art team is stupendous and I question why this concept has not been put forward for consideration as a television series, it would be groundbreaking, much like it’s comic counterpart is now. Part DMZ but with a tighter link to today’s politics The Massive is a page turner without equal on the stands.

 

Strain the Fall #1            The Strain is a new series on FX but you can see the story unfold in comic book form when the second series is launched. The Strain: The Fall #1 by David Lapham (W), Mike Huddleston (A) picks up right where they left off in the first volume. The vampire virus is gaining a strong hold in Manhattan and it may be too late to stop them, or can Dr. Goodweather rally from his failure kill the Master in the first volume, and stop this plague? Get in on the ground floor in preparation for what is sure to be one of the most talked about television shows soon to hit the small screens.

 

Mass Effect Foundation #1            Mass Effect fans take note that they are getting a monthly, and it begins in the pages of Mass Effect: Foundation #1. The lead writer of both Mass Effect #2 and #3, Mac Walters, takes on the writing duties of this new monthly. The back story of Mass Effect is immense and it will be fun to see where they take this series, and if anything from the book will make it’s way into future game installments? This is worth keeping an eye on.

 

            I am not sure if they have been announced, but a Dragons Age 3, and Mass Effect 4, would be nice launch titles for the much rumored X-Box 720.

 

Judge Dredd Classics #1            Yet another Judge Dredd series launches with Judge Dredd Classics #1. The stories have been recolored and reprint classic Dredd tales. First up is “Block Mania” and after that should be the much loved Apocalypse War.

 

Satellite Sam #1            Image Comics brings another new launch by an outstanding creative team. Howard Chaykin has long been one of my favorite artist’s and Matt Fraction is an amazing writer, and together they bring us a noir story set in 1951 New York City involving murder and television back when it was glamorous! Satellite Sam #1

 

Molly Danger Book 1 HC            Jamal Ingle has been receiving allot of good press about his creation Molly Danger. She arrives in Molly Danger Book 1 HC. The concept of a young girl protecting New York for more than 20 years from non stop Supermechs is enough of a concept to grab me.

 

Cyborg 009 HC            Archaia is following up the #0 issue of Cyborg 009 with a new graphic novel hardcover. Archaia knows how to present hardcovers and I love the format and cover treatments of their books as well as the spine. This story brings the Cyborg 009 to our time and re-imagines them with a contemporary twist.

 

 All New Fathom #1 subAll New Fathom #1            Aspen is bringing us the next addition to their 10 for 10 celebration of their tenth anniversary in the form of Fathom #1. A new direction is hyped in the solicitation, although I am not familiar with any direction so I am wondering if this will be new reader friendly?

 

 

Uber #3  Uber #3 PropagandaUber #3 wrap

 

 

 

 

 

 

            I will predict Uber continues to be a hit for Avatar for a long time coming. The #0 issues was amazing and I cannot wait to see this dark world built in front of me. Gillen has proven time and again that he is a writer who is really making a name for himself and a talent worth following. Issue #3 of this series about Nazi developed super humans continues to show us what affect that would have had and how the world responds. If you can get your hands on the first couple of issues I strongly suggest you do.

 

Day Men #1            Boom Studios is launching a new title that could very well be a companion to the vampire world of True Blood. Day Men #1 by Matt Gagnon (W), Michael Alan Nelson (W), and art by superstar Brian Stelfreeze, tells the story of those that protect the vampires and their holdings during their dangerous daylight hours when they cannot risk exposure or they will die. While their masters sleep the Day Men fix and protect that which belongs to the vampires. The premise sounds exciting and helps bring us a different side of the much used vampire concept.

 

Red Sonja #1 main Red Sonja #1 A Red Sonja #1 B Red Sonja #1 C Red Sonja #1 D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           Over at Dynamite, one of their longest running female characters gets a relaunch and a new creative team. Fan loved creator Gail Simone writes the tales of Red Sonja, in Red Sonja #1 with art by Walter Geovani, and a slew of variant covers, which are all orderable, not just incentives, thank you Dynamite.

 

  Harbinger Wars #4 wrapHarbinger Wars #4 reg          The big news at Valiant is the ending of  the Harbinger Wars. The ending is very top secret at the moment, and the only thing announced about post war is that with the August shipping Bloodshot #14, it gets renamed Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps.

 

Bloodshot #13Harbinger #14            Issue #13 is the last with the team of Duane Swierczynski (W) and Barry Kitson (A) and the incoming team have pretty big shoes to fill. Issue #14 of Harbinger is the other closing chapter for this cross-over and I can’t wait to see how it ends. Bloodshot and Harbinger have intrigued me from the start and for them to cross over in such a way is a wonderful thing to behold. Everything works and nothing seems forced.

 

Quantum & Woody #1 reg Quantum & Woody #1 sub            Valiant is also bringing us the next new release in July with Quantum and Woody #1 by James Asmus (W) and Tom Fowler (A). The story of brothers who find themselves with abilities, and the seemingly endless ability to make more of a mess than help, comes out on July 10. I will be picking this up to see if I will want it on my trade list. I was a fan of the original Quantum and Woody so I have a strong connection to the characters but will try to reign in that bias when I read the relaunched comic.

 

Well that brings us to the end of Previews for July shipping product. See you soon for August.

March 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

March 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

In between work, prepping to move, and trying to channel my creative muse I have gotten behind on this article, but here it is, our look at the back of the Previews for comics coming out in May of 2013.

 

X #1         We begin our look at some of the publishers from the front of the book, beginning with Dark Horse. When Ghost was reintroduced in the pages of Dark Horse Presents and then a mini-series (which became an ongoing) I had no idea it was a precursor to the reappearance of a re-imagined superhero universe. X, another character recently brought back to the pages of Dark Horse Presents, and is now getting a 4 issue mini-series. Duane Swierczynski is writing and if his work on Bloodshot over at Valiant is any indication, this book will be one to jump on. I predict this series will graduate to an ongoing. Eric Nguyen is the artist on this relaunch, and his style fits well with the dark story of a man combating a corrupt police department teamed up with an extensive criminal establishment.

 

Michael Avon Oemings Victories #1 TranshumanDark Horse Presents #24         Michael Avon Oemings The Victories begins it ongoing series in May, and joins X and Ghost as part of the larger superhero universe they are re-launching. Also joining the superhero fray over at Dark Horse is Blackout, premiering in Dark Horse Presents # 24. This is a new character created by Frank Barbiere (W), and Micah Kaneshiro (A). This is another example of what makes Dark Horse Presents an amazing anthology. Not only do they bring us stories that matter about fan favorite characters, with an amazing creative team, but also introducing us to brand new creations. I am unsure why other anthologies don’t look at what works, but until then Dark Horse Presents has a niche all of its own.

 

Angel & Faith #22 Isaacs cover Angel & Faith #22 Morris coverBTVS Season #9 Freefall #21 Noto cover BTVS Season #9 Freefall #21 Jeanty cover         

 

 

 

 

 

 

         Angel & Faith #22, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer #21 are the first issues for each titles respective last story arcs. Over in Buffy we get a little bit of an old school feel when Xander, Willow, and Buffy are back as the beloved Scooby Gang, on a mission to protect something very special to them. The three of them back together makes me miss the television show even more. I think it’s almost time to re-watch the series from the beginning again.

 

Doomsday.1 #1         IDW brings a new series by John Byrne who handles not only the writing but the art as well. Byrne is hit or miss with me, and sadly, mostly a miss. I know that there are allot of Byrne fans out there and while his work isn’t bad, it never resonated with me. He has my attention with Doomsday.1 for two reasons. First it is a four issue mini-series, so the commitment isn’t that long (I hate dropping titles before a story has ran its length) and the subject matter intrigues me. I am a fan of stories involving the apocalypse and natural disasters. The premise of the series sees the crew of the International Space Station, including a Canadian (go home team), witness a massive solar flare ravage the Earth. They venture planet-side and see what is left of the civilization they once knew. As long as this is more captivating than Lab Rats or his Doom Patrol I can’t wait.

 

My Little Pony Friendship is Magic #7My Little Pony micro series #4 Fluttershy         Anyone who knows me knows I love My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and if you have been on the fence, then May is the time to try it, as the first trade paperback is released and collects the first four issues of this wonderfully delightful series. Bronies, and all Pony fans take note, the creative team of Katie Cook (W) and Andy Price (A) have done an amazing job of capturing the voices of the Mane 6 and this is one of the strongest licensed comics on the market.

 

Ten Grand #1         Image Comics is bringing Joe’s Comics back with a J. Michael Straczynski penned series called Ten Grand. I have never been a big fan of Straczynski but I know many that are. Ben Templesmith brings his gritty, beautifully rendered characters and settings to what is sure to be a dark and moody tale, that is also a little bit of a love story. Based on Ben Templesmith I may have to take a look at this on the stands.

 

All New Secret Skullkickers #1         Dear Skull-Kickers, your little comics in joke with the relaunches and the retitling isn’t all that funny anymore. At this point anyone wanting to pick up your books may be turned off. Numbers could tell me otherwise and that is fine, but my interest in this one, note joke is pretty done.

 

Archies 1000 pg Comics Digest TP         Archie fans are being given an amazing deal in May with the release of the Archies 1000-page Comics Digest TP. The kicker is the price, $14.99. For a whopping $15.00 you get an amazing collection that tells classic stories from Riverdale. Archie Comics may not deliver universe shattering battles with monsters, heroes, demons, or villains, but they tell solid stories that can bring a smile to your face, and take you to a place that is a nice break from the world around us today.

 

Uber #1 Propaganda poster cover Uber #1 wrap coverUber #1          Avatar Press is bringing out the first issue of a new ongoing I am extremely excited about, Uber. This is written by Kieron Gillen who has proven his mettle with Journey Into Mystery (Loki is now a favorite of mine thanks to Kieron), and drawn by Caanan White. This series shows us a World War II that went differently when the Nazi’s bring super soldiers onto the battlefield. This book has been automatically added to my pull list, and I highly recommend anyone else who has or has not experienced the writing of Kieron Gillen because he is a master at character building and the world that Kieron and Caanan builds will be compelling to say the least.

 

Occupy Comics #1         I want to take a quick moment, not to necessarily discuss books but actually a new publisher, Black Mask Studios. This is a new indie start-up and the brain child of Steve Niles, Brett Gurewitz, and Matt Pizzolo. With the talent involved this is going to be a publisher to watch. Well I think I may discuss books after all because they do have an impressive mini-series coming out that includes an astounding roster: Alan Moore, David Lloyd, Mike Allred, Ben Templesmith, Art Spiegelman, Charlie Adlard, JM DeMatteis. The book is Occupy Comics, and as you can easily tell from the title, it is directly related to the Occupy movement and will help raising funds for said movement. The series documents, and discusses what is behind the Occupy movement and why it is important. Three issues with over 50 comic book creators makes this worth looking at.

 

Suicide Risk #1         Boom Studios is releasing a new series that seems to have a new take on the superhero genre. Mike Carey creates and writes while Elena Casagrande provides the pictures for this story of a world where heroes don’t exist, well very few of them anyway. Some heroes don’t need powers and that is a good thing because on this planet only the villains have the numbers. Leo Winters is a cop who has seen several of his comrades fall to the villains and he decides that he needs to make more of a difference. Can he do so, and who will help them. With the world described and the storyline, how can anyone not at least try Suicide Risk #1?

 

Archer & Armstrong #1 one dollar debut edBloodshot #1 one dollar debut edHarbinger #1 one dollar debut ed         For those that have not jumped onto the Valiant bandwagon, as most comic fans SHOULD, May is providing all five of the first issues from there current monthlies for only a dollar each. For five dollars you can get the number one issues of Shadowman, Harbinger, Bloodshot, Archer & Armstrong, and X-O Manowar.

X-O Manowar #1 one dollar debut edShadowman #1 one dollar debut ed          Get addicted then pick up the trades to catch up because once you start reading any of these, depending on your genre tastes, you will become hooked. My personal favorites are Harbinger, and Bloodshot, which are both involved in the Harbinger Wars which enters it’s second month in May.

 

Well that is the back of the book for the May releases, see you soon when we look at June.

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

 

          Now for the fourth and final part of our look at the May 2012 Previews Catalog with most items scheduled to ship in June.

 Eater's Digest #1The Last Zombie: Neverland TPB         Zombies have an unfair advantage because of the addiction I have to that subgenre. Antarctic Press actually has two collections coming out in June that I will be ordering, and are sure to satisfy fans of the undead. Eater’s Digest #1 provides a variety of stories in an anthology style book. From President Evil to A Very Zombie Christmas, no brain is left uneaten in this macabre and entertaining collection. Brian Keene’s The Last Zombie: Neverland TPB provides 128 pages of zombie goodness, focusing on a group of children that have a dark secret, and the fear of one man to reveal that he is holding the zombie virus at bay…for now.

 

Kevin Keller HC          Archie Comics is releasing the first Kevin Keller hardcover collection in July. It includes his first to appearances in Veronica #202 and #205, as well as the initial 4 issue mini-series. Kevin Keller is a positive role model of a character and one that adds to the world of Riverdale. If they keep putting them out in hardcover, I will be there for each and every one.

 

Hero Worship #1          One of the best superhero screenwriters, Zak Penn brings his style to the comic book world, on paper. Hero Worship, from Avatar Press, introduces us to a world where a superhero’s obsessed fan gains powers of their own. When a company like Avatar decides to dip their toe into the superhero pool I intend to take notice. It is not a genre they normally dabble in and if they are, I am sure they are going to introduce something incredibly different, that’s my hope anyway.

 

The Hypernaturals #1          This next book is my Pick of the Month for the back of book publishers. Boom Studios unveils The Hypernaturals #1 by cosmic writer supremes, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. If you had a chance to check out the Free Comic Book Day Preview than you know that this is a world, a universe of story potential. This book is going to be immense, with a wide, and varied, list of characters. The Hypernaturals are a superhero team made up of the best that the galaxy has to offer. They are the ones that are tasked with keeping peace, and have always done an amazing job, until they disappear. Retired Hypernaturals and their new recruits are the only ones who can save the galaxy from total destruction. Brad Walker, Andres Guinaldo, and Mark Irwin all provide art for this issue. If you were a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy, and Nova, this is a book you should put on your pull list immediately.

 

Scott Pilgrim HC vol 1 - Precious Little Life          Oni Press has made me very happy by offering Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Vol. 1: Precious Little Life. The Scott Pilgrim movie made me fall in love with this property and I wanted to wait for a color addition, and my wishes have come true. With the vibrancy of the movie it is difficult to imagine it in black and white only. Keep them coming Oni, I want this all on my bookshelf.

 

 Bloodshot #1Harbinger #2         Valiant Entertainment adds another title to their list of relaunches, this time with Bloodshot. Bloodshot is a man who is not what, or who you think. The one thing you can be sure of is if he is coming for you, start running now. What happens when he gets captured, well I would not want to be his captors. Also from Valiant is Harbinger #2. I am very excited for issue two and number one has yet to come out!

 

That’s it for Previews this month. See you for the June 2012 issue where we will look at products scheduled to ship in August of 2012.

Antarctic Press

Eater’s Digest #1
Last Zombie: Neverland TPB

Archie Comic Publications

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