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.

Comics Scheduled to Ship Dec 17, 2009

TITLE
AIR #16
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #615 GNTLT
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN PRESENTS ANTI VENOM #3 (OF 3)
ANGEL #28
ASTONISHING X-MEN #33
AZRAEL #3
BATMAN #694
BATMAN 80 PAGE GIANT #1
BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM SPECIAL
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #39
BATMAN STREETS OF GOTHAM #7
BLACK PANTHER 2 #11
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #30
CABLE #21
CAPTAIN AMERICA REBORN #5 (OF 6)
COMIC SHOP NEWS #1174
COMPLETE ALICE IN WONDERLAND #1 (OF 4)
DAREDEVIL #503
DARK AVENGERS #12
DARK WOLVERINE #81
DEADPOOL MERC WITH A MOUTH #6
DEADPOOL TP VOL 02 DARK REIGN
DOCTOR VOODOO AVENGER OF SUPERNATURAL #3
ESCAPE FROM WONDERLAND #3 (OF 6) A CVR CHEN
FABLES #91
FARSCAPE ONGOING #2
GHOSTBUSTERS DISPLACED AGGRESSION #4
GI JOE #13
GI JOE MOVIE SNAKE EYES #3
GRAND JESTER JESSICA RABBIT MINI-BUST
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #43 (BLACKEST NIGHT)
HELLBLAZER #262
HULK #18
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #40 (BLACKEST NIGHT)
KOOKABURRA K #2 (OF 3)
LOCKE & KEY CROWN OF SHADOWS #2
MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #2 (OF 8)
MIGHTY AVENGERS #32
MS MARVEL #48
NOMAD GIRL WITHOUT A WORLD #4 (OF 4)
OFFICIAL INDEX TO MARVEL UNIVERSE #12
OUTSIDERS #25 (BLACKEST NIGHT)
POWER GIRL #7
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS CHAPTER TWO #5
PUNISHER FRANK CASTLE MAX TP WELCOME TO BAYOU
REALM OF KINGS INHUMANS #2 (OF 5)
ROBERT E HOWARD THULSA DOOM #4
SIMPSONS COMICS #161
SPIDER-MAN 1602 #3 (OF 5)
SPIDER-MAN CLONE SAGA #4 (OF 6)
STAR TREK DS9 FOOLS GOLD #1
STAR WARS INSIDER #114 PX ED
SUPERGIRL #48
SUPERMAN BATMAN #67 (BLACKEST NIGHT)
THOR TP AGES OF THUNDER
THUNDERBOLTS #139
TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE #1
TRANSFORMERS ONGOING #2
ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #3 (OF 4)
VENGEANCE OF MOON KNIGHT #4
WHAT IF DAREDEVIL VS ELEKTRA
WORLD OF WARCRAFT SPECIAL #1
X-FACTOR #200
X-FORCE #22 XN
X-INFERNUS TP
X-MEN LEGACY #230

Daniel

www.bookfaircomics.com

New and Collectors Comics

Comics Scheduled to Ship August 7, 2008

TITLE
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN FAMILY #1
AMORY WARS II #3 (OF 5)
ARMY @ LOVE THE ART OF WAR #1 (OF 6)
ARMY OF DARKNESS #11 LONG ROAD HOME
AUTHORITY #1
AVENGERS INVADERS #4 (OF 12)
BIG BIG OVERSTREET PRICE GD VOL 38
BOYS #21
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #17
CABLE #6 MD
COMIC SHOP NEWS #1103
CRIMINAL 2 #4
DETECTIVE COMICS #847 RIP
DMZ TP VOL 05 THE HIDDEN WAR
ETERNALS #3
FANGORIA #276 SEP 2008
FATHOM #1 CVR A GARZA
FATHOM #1 CVR B CAMPBELL
FATHOM #1 CVR C TURNER
FINAL CRISIS #3 (OF 7)
FX #6 (OF 6)
HALO 2009 16 MONTH WALL CALENDAR
HAWKMAN SPECIAL #1
HEAVY METAL SEPTEMBER 2008 #118
HELLBLAZER PRESENTS CHAS THE KNOWLEDGE #2 (OF 5)
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #4
HULK #5
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #4
IRON MAN VIVA LAS VEGAS #2 (OF 4)
JACK OF FABLES #24
JACK STAFF #18
JONAH HEX #34
KING SIZE SPIDER-MAN SUMMER SPECIAL
KITBUILDERS MAGAZINE #60
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED MOBY DICK #6 (OF 6)
NEW EXILES #9
NIGHTWING #147 RIP
NYX NO WAY HOME #1 (OF 6)
PATSY WALKER HELLCAT #2 (OF 5)
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #22
RED SONJA #36
ROBIN #176 RIP
SECRET INVASION #4 SI
SECRET INVASION FRONT LINE #2 (OF 5) SI
SHONEN JUMP SEPT 08
SPECIAL FORCES #3 (OF 6)
SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE SEASON 2 #1 (OF 5)
SPIKE AFTER THE FALL #2 (OF 4)
STAR TREK ASSIGNMENT EARTH #4
STAR WARS DARK TIMES TP VOL 02 PARALLELS
STORMING PARADISE #2 (OF 6)
SUPERGIRL #32
TERRY MOORES ECHO #5
TOR #4 (OF 6)
TRANSFORMERS MOVIE PREQUEL SAGA O/T ALLSPARK #2
TRINITY #10
TWELVE #7 (OF 12)
ULTIMATE ORIGINS #3 (OF 5)
VENOM DARK ORIGIN #1 (OF 5)
VINYL UNDERGROUND #11
WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #692
WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #4 (OF 12)
WOLVERINE KILLING MADE SIMPLE
WORLD OF WARCRAFT HC VOL 01

Daniel

www.bookfaircomics.com

New and Collectors Comics

New comics scheduled to ship July 17, 2008

TITLE
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #566
BATGIRL #1 (OF 6)
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS #9
BIRDS OF PREY #120
BROTHERS IN ARMS #2
CAPTAIN AMERICA #40
CASEY BLUE BEYOND TOMORROW #3 (OF 6)
CHECKMATE #28
COMIC SHOP NEWS #1100
CONAN THE CIMMERIAN #1
COUNTDOWN TO FINAL CRISIS TP VOL 02
DC WILDSTORM DREAMWAR #4 (OF 6)
FINAL CRISIS ROGUES REVENGE #1 (OF 3)
FLASH #242
FOOLKILLER WHITE ANGELS #1 (OF 5)
FRANK FRAZETTAS SWAMP DEMON (ONE SHOT)
GHOST RIDER #25
GHOST TALKERS DAYDREAM TP VOL 01
GRADED COMIC STORAGE BOX
HELLBLAZER #246
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #119 SI
IRON MAN DIRECTOR OF SHIELD #31
JOKERS ASYLUM POISON IVY #1
MARVEL 1985 #3 (OF 6)
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED ILIAD #8 (OF 8)
MICE TEMPLAR #5
MIGHTY AVENGERS #16 SI
MOON KNIGHT #20
OMEGA UNKNOWN #10 (OF 10)
PUNISHER #59 (MR)
SCALPED #19 (MR)
SERENITY ICONS GREEN XL T/S
SIMON DARK #10
SIMPSONS COMICS #144
SKY DOLL #3 (OF 3)
SPIKE AFTER THE FALL #1 (OF 4)
STAR WARS LEGACY TP VOL 02 SHARDS
STARLOG #368 AUG 2008
TANGENT SUPERMANS REIGN #5 (OF 12)
TANK GIRL VISIONS OF BOOGA #3
TRANSFORMERS MOVIE SEQUEL REIGN OF STARSCREAM #3
TRANSFORMERS SPOTLIGHT HARDHEAD
TRINITY #7
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #56
UNIVERSAL WAR ONE #1 (OF 3)
VOLTRON A LEGEND FORGED #1
WAR IS HELL FIRST FLIGHT PHANTOM EAGLE MAX #5
WORLD OF WARCRAFT #9
X-FACTOR #33 SI
X-FORCE #5 DWS
ZORRO #5

Daniel

www.bookfaircomics.com

New and Collectors Comics