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August 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

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August 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

          Last but certainly not least is the fourth and final look at the Previews with solicitations for October. There are so many reasons to be excited about comic books at the moment and the back of the book has several reasons.

 

Elmer GN          The first one comes from Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics with a book that is my Back of the Book – Pick of the Month. Elmer GN tells the story about a world quite like ours with one exception, the chickens of this world have gained intelligence and consciousness similar to the human population. This story tells the tale of a segment of the population that has to fight for rights for themselves, and be considered equal in a world that at one time viewed them as nothing more than a food source. This reflects allot of the fights that people around the world are fighting in an attempt to gain basic human rights. Can human rights be shared with chickens or will they be relegated to the role of second class citizen? This is a must buy and part of me is wishing that it was a monthly, the story possibilities are endless. Gerry Alonguilan is the creative team as he provides the writing, art, and covers.

 

Space: 1999 - Aftershock and Awe          Archaia is bringing back one of the best sci-fi creations (in my opinion) with the hardcover book Space: 1999 – Aftershock and Awe. Combining classic material from the 1970’s with new material included to make it a tale for a modern audience. The moon is hurled out of orbit and now the world must deal with the scientific, environmental and social repercussions of the disaster.

 

The Hypernaturals #4          Boom Studios have a hit on their hands with The Hypernaturals and once you read the latest sci-fi epic from writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with art by Tom Derenick, and Andres Guinaldo you will understand how a science fiction epic should be put together. The mysteries are coming fast and there are wonderful moments of character development that really allow the reader to embrace the world, the characters, and the stories.

 

Harbinger #5          Valiant Entertainment is quickly becoming one of my favorite publishers and if you check out some of their offerings I am confident you will feel the same. The stories are layered, and you just know that the world was well thought out and the characters feel real. The art for the line is consistent and of highest quality. Harbinger, written by Joshua Dysart, with art by Khari Evans brings us the story of the world’s most powerful psionic and his struggle against both his master, and the Alpha to his Omega, Toya Harada, a man that seemingly has everything.

 

Bloodshot #4          Bloodshot’s first issue intrigued me beyond belief and I cannot wait to find out if the title characters life is all fake or what, if any, of it is real. Duane Swierczynski is weaving an intricate tale that shows a promise of amazing things to come. Manuel Garcia on art is a wonderful pairing with Duane. Manuel’s layouts and character designs bring a believable edge to a world of superhero’s and espionage.

 

Valiant Masters: Bloodshot Vol. 1 HC – Blood of the Machine          Valiant is going to be rolling out hardcover collections of some of its original series and Valiant Masters: Bloodshot Vol. 1 HC – Blood of the Machine is the first. This 200 page collection includes the original 8 issue Bloodshot series from 1994, and a brand new story from the original creative team of Kevin VanHook and Don Perlin. Another bonus of this volume is a cover from Barry Windsor-Smith. This is an excellent opportunity to relive the original days of Valiant.

 

That’s it for the Previews soliciting October product. I am in the process of paring down my monthlies in an attempt to make room for some of the Marvel Now! Series and a bit more of a focus on the collections. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks when we turn our attention to the product for November is reviewed, including allot more of the Marvel Now! Launch.

My Alternate Pull List part 2

Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics

Elmer GN

Archaia Entertainment

Space: 1999 – Aftershock and Awe HC

Archie Comic Publications

Kevin Keller Volume 1: Welcome to Riverdale TP

Avatar

Fashion Beast
Hero Worship

Boom! Studios

The Hypernaturals
Steed and Mrs. Peel

Valiant

Archer & Armstrong
Bloodshot
Harbinger
Valiant Masters: Bloodshot Vol. 1 HC: Blood of the Machine

July 2012 Alternate Comics Preview Review Part 2

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July 2012 Alternate Comics Preview Review Part 2

Terry Moore's How to Draw Comics #5          Abstract Studios closes out Terry Moore’s How to Draw series, with the fifth issue, tackling comics in general. Everything from paper to photoshop is looked at by Terry Moore who brings tips for both the beginners and the pros.

 

Heroes of the North: Missions one shot          Ardden Entertainment publishes my Back of the Book – Pick of the Month in September. And they get that honor by providing me with my favorite story, Canadian superheroes! As a Canadian I have to admit that I feel slighted by the lack of Canadian heroes on the stand. Sure we get Northstar, who just had that big splashy wedding in New York, but where are the other Canadians? Nordik, The Canadian, Fleur-de-Lys, Arcadia and more arrive in Heroes of the North: Missions One Shot!

 

Fashion Beast #1          Regardless of my thoughts on Alan Moore as a person, as a creator I am still awed by his creativity and Avatar Press is bringing to paper one of his long lost screenplays in the form of a comic book. Fashion Beast #1 brings us a dystopian future where fashion is the control! The dialogue in this comic is the dialogue from the script, and the art is being provided by Facundo Percio (Anna Mercury) This title is a must purchase on sight!

 

Steed and Mrs Peel #1          Last month we had the #0 issue which featured the return of the original Hellfire Club, this month in Steed and Mrs. Peel #1 the title characters realize that every aspect of British society has been infiltrated by Hellfire, and the only people that they can trust is each other. Mark Waid, Caleb Monroe, and artist Steve Bryant truly begin the first story of this new take on two of the most iconic characters in spy fiction.

 

Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #1          Boom Studios is giving science fiction fans reason to cheer. Planet of the Apes: Cataclysm #1 tells the story of the Apes, 8 years prior to the arrival of astronaut George Taylor, and how one mad monk wishes to unleash destruction, and how Doctor Zaius attempts to stop the madness that has surrounded him on all sides.

 

Steve Jobs: Genius by Design Campfire GN          I may find Apple owners sometimes display cult like personalities but there is no denying Steve Jobs genius. This man knew what everyone wanted before they even knew themselves. This is a 104 page graphic biography, for all ages, that attempts to show us some of the life of a genius who helped make Apple the juggernaut today, and the creator of the I Pod, I Touch, I Phone, I Pad, and countless other products that we are exposed to every day. Steve Jobs: Genius by Design Campfire GN is an example of comics thinking outside the box, with it’s subject matter, and art style. If the interiors resemble the cover I will be happy. The art is clean, simple, and the artist delivers a simple drawing of Steve Jobs while really capturing his deep in thought look that he always seemed to have.

 

Harbinger #4         I cannot rave about the return of Valiant enough! Harbinger 1 and 2 really pulled me in. The story is paced beautifully, with enough action so it never gets dull, but never enough to answer any of the mysteries piling up. You get a distinct feeling that the creative team has a destination in mind, and that the journey is well planned.

 

Bloodshot #3          Bloodshot #1 also felt the same way, with a multi layered story of deception, always leaving you to wonder who to trust and what’s real. The art on both books is outstanding. I cannot wait to see what else Valiant has up their sleeve!

 

And that is it for the September Previews. My October articles will be released earlier in the month. Life got a little distracting this month. Good Reading to everyone!

My Pull List Continued

Aardvark Vanaheim

Cerebus vol 1Cerebus vol 2

Cerebus TP Volume 1
Cerebus TP Volume 2: High Society

Abstract Studios

Terry Moore’s How to Draw #5: Comics

Ardden Entertainment

Heroes of the North: Dark Origins
Heroes of the North: Missions One-Shot

Avatar

Fashion Beast
Hero Worship

Boom! Studios

The Hypernaturals
Steed and Mrs. Peel

Campfire

Steve Jobs: Genius by Design Campfire GN

Del Rey

The Hobbit TP

The Hobbit (Revised Edition) TP
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Graphic Novel

Valiant

Archer & Armstrong
Bloodshot
Harbinger

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

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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

Kevin Keller Volume 1 HC

Avatar Press

Hero Worship

Boom Studios

The Hypernaturals

Last Gasp

Tintin: The Complete Companion HC

Oni Press

Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Vol. 1: Precious Little Life

Valiant Entertainment

Bloodshot
Harbinger