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May 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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May 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Time to check out the rest of Previews Issue # 308, dated May 2014, with product solicited to start shipping in July 2014.

Leaving Megalopolis HC          Dark Horse is bringing us a Kickstarter success by Gail Simone (W) and Jim Califiore (A). Leaving Megalopolis HC is 120 pages of hard hitting action when we witness the greatest heroes become the biggest threat and threaten to destroy the world’s safest city. What would make them turn on the citizens they protected for so long? I look forward to finding out because Jim and Gail have shown that they can handle teams and bad guys in the pages of DC Comics Secret Six. This is a great deal for $14.99 and an excellent chance to see 2 creators play in a sandbox of their creation.

 

Groo vs Conan #1          Groo Vs. Conan #1 (of 4) is a dream cross-over. Both characters will be drawn by specific artists with Sergio Aragones handling the art for Groo and Thomas Yeates handling the art for Conan. Mark Evanier writes the story that sees once and for all who truly is the greatest barbarian in the pages of a comic book.

 

Massive #25          The Massive #25 begins the last storyline for the book. “Ragnorak” will provide the answers that have plagued the cast of the book since the first issue. With the world tearing itself apart will the questions even have time to be answered. I dropped this book shortly after the first year but my need to know where The Massive is never went away. Brian Wood (W), and Garry Brown (A) will surely craft a wonderful, and hopefully happy (at least for some characters) ending that will leave The Massive as one of the best post apocalyptic series to hit the stands in recent memory.

 

Ragnarok #1 subRagnarok #1          Ragnarok describes the Twilight of the Gods, the destruction of the 9 realms, and is also the name of the new bi-monthly series from legendary creator Walter Simonson who is providing both writing and art. His take on Thor was epic but this looks to push past anything he has done before when he brings us the ultimate tale of vengeance in a time when hope is in short supply. Ragnarok #1 is brought to us by IDW.

 

Transformers vs GI Joe #1 Transformers vs GI Joe #1 sub          Also from IDW is the fun looking Transformers Vs. G.I. Joe #1. No longer a mini-series but instead an ongoing series set during a time when the Transformers have just arrived on Earth. This is not in continuity with the other books and for that reason, and the amazing art by Tom Scioli, I will be picking this book up. Tom Scioli brings an early 80’s indie vibe to the book and it is a look you wouldn’t normally associate with two of the larger franchises to infiltrate Saturday morning cartoons, the cinema, and comic books.

 

X-Files Year Zero #1 X-Files Year Zero #1 sub          IDW will also be showing us where and when the X-Files started in the pages of The X-Files: Year Zero #1, the first of a five issue mini-series by Karl Kesel (W), Vic Malhotra (A), and Greg Scott (A). Mr. Zero has provided many leads to the FBI, leads that are unusual to say the least and in the 40’s, through a suburban housewife, the seeds were planted for what would become the X-Files.

 

Supreme Blue Rose #1          Image brings back Supreme in Supreme Blue Rose #1. Warren Ellis writes and Tula Lotay provides beautiful art that is unlike anything we have seen in a Supreme book before. Warren Ellis is a writer who has shown a knack for re-envisioning characters and concepts in ways we have not seen before including the under-appreciated Counter X reboots at Marvel and the currently running and brilliantly written Moon Knight. This will be a hot book that will surely have buzz in the back issue market.

 

Life With Archie Comic #36 Adam Hughes cover Life With Archie Comic #36 Fiona Staples cover Life With Archie Comic #36 Francesco Francavilla cover Life With Archie Comic #36 Mike Allred cover Life With Archie Comic #36 Ramon Perez cover          Archie Comics does the unthinkable and kills their namesake, Archie, in the pages of Life With Archie #36 and two weeks later in issue #37 we see how Riverdale has moved on one year after the tragic death. Even though this title is not in continuity it will be an emotional story since few non super heroic characters have had the long and sustained readership that Archie and the gang has experienced.

Life With Archie Comic #37 Alex Ross cover Life With Archie Comic #37 Cliff Chiang cover Life With Archie Comic #37 Jill Thompson cover Life With Archie Comic #37 Tommy Lee Edwards cover Life With Archie Comic #37 Walt Simonson cover          Judy has the reservation list at Book Fair for Life With Archie. There will be 5 different covers each for #36 and #37, as well as a combined #36/#37 in the regular magazine format and in a comic Life With Archie GNLife With Archie #36 magazine format sized graphic novel. Come and see Judy before Wed. May 28 to pick out which covers you would like or if you would like them all.

 

Tuki Saves the Humans #1          Jeff Smith writes and draws a new series when Tuki: Save the Humans #1 premieres. A tale of the first human to leave Africa seems like an interesting premise and Jeff Smith on a regular series is always a welcome sight. This comes from Cartoon Books in July.

 

The Devilers #1          Joshua Hale Fialkov is writing a new series for Dynamite Entertainment called The Devilers #1. This is team book unlike any others. Fialkov collects seven exorcists, each one with a different belief system, who must battle Satan and protect humanity at all costs. Having done an amazing job of writing I, Vampire over at DC, I am more than ready to jump into anything supernatural that Joshua may pen. Matt Triano provides art.

 

          That’s really all that jumped out at me this month in Previews. See you again soon when we check out next months issue.

May 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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May 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Hello readers and welcome to our look at the Previews magazine dated May 2014 with solicitations for product shipping starting in July 2014. First up, as we review Issue 308 of Previews will be DC Comics.

 

By July, Forever Evil will be done and Future’s End will be the focus as we ramp up to the Earth 2 weekly that will undoubtedly tie into Future’s End. There were many changes wrought as a result of Forever Evil and because of those changes we are getting DC’s version of an All-New set of relaunches.

 

Grayson #1          Let’s look at those first and see if any of them are bringing anything new to the DC line up. The character that went through the wringer most was obviously Nightwing who we now find is Dick Grayson, super-spy. For me the draw is the artist, while the writer Tim Seeley is hit or miss with me, mostly miss, Mikel Janin on art has piqued my interest. He did some solid work on Justice League Dark that made me a fan. When I initially saw the cover I was worried that it was indicative of the art for Grayson inside the book. Not that the cover is a bad cover it is just too Howard Chaykin for me and I have a hard time connecting with his art unless it is his original creations he is illustrating. That being said I will be checking out at least the first issue. Here’s hoping it’s new reader friendly.

 

New Suicide Squad #1          New Suicide Squad #1 comes to us from the team of Sean Ryan (W), and Jeremy Roberts (A). This book has me excited. I never got into the initial run of Suicide Squad and after having read the first 15 issues that a friend had, I was hooked. Throwing in Joker’s Daughter will further strain the team dynamics and I look forward to the colorful exchanges that are sure to come up between Harley and Joker’s Daughter. Deathstroke and Black Manta will also add more edge to the team. I’m thinking this is going to be the most volatile team in comic books, since ever. I will be checking out the first issue of this book.

 

Teen Titans #1          A relaunch that I am staying away from because I have little to no faith in the property at this time, and I have taken a sit and wait approach is Teen Titans #1. Will Pfeifer writes with art provided by Kenneth Rocafort. While I am one of those that is not a fan of the cover, I will not open that can of worms, that is not the sole reason for me not wanting this book, nor is it the creative team, both of which I have enjoyed in the past. At this time I just feel like they are putting out a Teen Titans book because they feel they should have one, and not because they have a good story to tell. The idea of a team of young heroes who will almost police the other young heroes is intriguing but I will wait to hear feedback on the first arc before I test the waters. Once burned, twice shy as the saying goes.

 

Star Spangled War Stories GI Zombie #1          Even though DC has tried two different war series and neither succeeded with G.I. Combat not able to make it past issue #7 and the first wave title Men of War gone with issue #8, they are trying again, this time combining zombies and war in Star-Spangled War Stories featuring G.I. Zombie. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti write with art by Scott Hampton. Even though the saying is “Third time lucky” I have a hard time seeing this title lasting past the first year.

 

Out of the 4, I will be sampling New Suicide Squad and Grayson just because they are trying a totally new direction for the character (Grayson) and taking qualities I already liked and ratcheting up that tension even further (New Suicide Squad).

 

Robin Rises Omega #1          The march towards Damian’s return continues in the July shipping one shot Robin Rises: Omega #1 by Peter J. Tomasi (W), Andy Kubert (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A). The forces of Apokolips gets thrown into the mix which may raise some eyebrows considering Darkseid’s upcoming role in the Earth 2 weekly and the Future’s End event. This may be a book to watch.

 

Wonder Woman #33          Wonder Woman #33 is the first part of the final storyline by Brian Azzarello (W) and Cliff Chiang (A). I have raved about this title since the first issue and while it is sad that this teams run is coming to an end, it has been a consistent run where the creators have left their definitive mark on the character, and for the first time I cared about Wonder Woman. It is time to place the rightful ruler in charge of Olympus and with the possible candidates Wonder Woman has her work cut out for her.

 

Batman #33 Zero Year          Scott Snyder writes the final issue of his Zero Year origin story in Batman #33. Clocking in at 48 pages this will give us the big final battle between Batman and Riddler. I am looking forward to a possible Absolute collection for this story and have my fingers crossed that we will see that solicited within the coming year. Greg Capullo (A), Danny Miki (A) and Scott Snyder (W) bring the roller-coaster ride to an end and we will be left with the definitive Batman origin in the New 52.

 

After having learned from their mistake during the last 3-D cover debacle last September, DC is releasing basic solicitations for the upcoming event books. Unfortunately there are no creators listed so people are going to be ordering based on the characters or the story. Other than the Justice League titles I will be passing on most of them, but there are some interesting tidbits to be had.

 

          Grayson is the top super-spy in Russia. Black Canary takes her place at the head of the League of Assassins. The Suicide Squad attacks the White House. Batwoman is a vampire. Selina Kyle is Black Mask. Those are just some of the stories that will be told in Septembers event. There will be 3-D covers and 2-D covers available. I would love to recommend some of the books but honestly without a creative team it is hard for me to justify any recommendations. At this point I would say get the books you already collect and maybe check out other ones once we start learning the creative teams.

 

Judy has the reservation list of 41 DC Futures End Titles for September at Book Fair. She has to know by Wed. May 28th at the latest, which titles you may want to pre-order in either 3D or 2D. These are sure to sell out fast and will not be available to order after this date. DC said they may have pictures available online by May 27th. Stop by the store and reserve your copies This Week to avoid disappointment in September.

 

Infinite Crisis Fight for the Multiverse #1          Another video game tie in is heading our way, Infinite Crisis: Fight for the Multiverse #1 by Dan Abnett (W), Carl Potts (A), Szymon Kudranski (A), and others. This is fun partially because of the tie in (although I suck at the game, it is really pretty to watch), but mainly for all of the alternate takes we will see of our favorite DC heroes and villains. Being a fan of Elseworlds, What Ifs, and anything that smells like a multiverse I am so down with this book.

 

Well that is all for DC, up next, Marvel!

April 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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April 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Emily & the Strangers Breaking Record #1          Well DC and Marvel are done. That leaves us with the rest of the Previews. Let’s dig in. Dark Horse brings the return of Emily and the Strangers in June with the first issue in a three issue mini-series called Emily and the Strangers: Breaking the Record. With a feature film in the works (what comic book doesn’t have a movie deal these days) this would be a good jumping on point. Great for fans of the medium who want to see a book well written and done in a way that is a strong book for female readers but open to fans of any age, or gender.

 

Complete Elfquest TP vol 01 Original Quest          If you’re like me and missed the beginnings of the Elfquest saga 35 years ago Dark Horse has you and I covered with an impressive 720 page collection of the original Elfquest stories. The Complete Elfquest Volume 1: The Original Quest TP reprints the first twenty issues of the series, all in black and white, by the creative duo of Wendy Pini (W/A) and Richard Pini (W). For $24.99 you can’t go wrong and miss this exciting collection.

 

 

Angry Birds Comics #1 Angry Birds Comics #1 var            IDW has proven time and again that they can get all ages books into the hands of kids and in June one of the biggest franchises that appeals to young and old alike in the pages of Angry Bird Comics #1. The creative team will appeal to comic readers with the intriguing addition of fan favorite Jeff Parker as writer.   Rocky & Bullwinkle #4 Angry Birds varGhostbusters #17 Angry Birds varThe art looks terrific with David Baldeon bringing a translation of the characters and their world to the paper that is exactly as you would imagine. Be on the lookout for Angry Bird variants for several of their other titles including Ghostbusters, Rocky and Bullwinkle and more.

Cartoon Network Super Secret Crisis War #1 subCartoon Network Super Secret Crisis War #1  Samurai Jack #9 subSamurai Jack #9

Powerpuff Girls #10 subPowerpuff Girls #10

Normally the big crossovers are the domain of Marvel and DC but IDW has tipped their hat into the ring with many of their licensed properties but on that looks like more fun than it should be is the Cartoon Network: Super Secret Crisis War! #1 (of 6).  Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Samurai Jack, and more crossover when a demon gathers together the baddest of the bad from the Cartoon Networks rogues galleries, and attempts to stage an interdimensional takeover. Louise Simonson writes and Derek Charm provides the art for this not to miss crossover.

Outcast by Kirkman & Azaceta #1

          Image leads their solicitations with a new book by a writer who is worth taking notice of, Robert Kirkman. The man behind The Walking Dead, and Invincible, brings us a new book with art by Paul Azaceta and Elizabeth Breitweiser. Kirkman can bring new voices to the superhero community but it can’t be argued that horror is one of his strongest genres and Outcast #1 looks to a fine addition to his darker books. The lead character is plagued by demonic possession that could lead him to the end of all of our lives. The artwork looks suitably moody and disturbingly relatible. This should be another hit in the Image stable.

 

The Wicked & the Divine #1Phonogram TP vol 02 Singles ClubPhonogram TP vol 01 Rue Britanna         First Phonogram, then the recently wrapped run of Young Avengers, no Kieron Gillen (W), Jamie McKelvie (A), and Matt Wilson (A), bring us a whole new story in The Wicked + The Divine #1. The story details a new batch of gods that rise every 90 years and what they do with their abilities, whether it be good or bad. This book is sure to be one to follow.

 

Big Trouble in Little China #1          Boom Studios adds another licensed property to its repertoire and this one was one I never expected. Big Trouble in Little China #1 hits in June with story by John Carpenter and Eric Powell, with Eric also tackling the art. These are all new stories brought to you by the original creator of the story and one of the best talents in the industry. Jack Burton is sure to have some rough times ahead, and that can only be a good thing for the readers.

 

New Vampirella #1 A New Vampirella #1 B New Vampirella #1 C New Vampirella #1 D          Dynamite Entertainment adds another classic character to their library with New Vampirella #1 by Nancy A. Collins (W) and Patrick Berkenhotter (A). It has been 45 years since this scantily clad vampire first appeared and her iconic look has never looked better. Any story that involves the Vatican sending Vampirella out on a mission has got to be good.

 

Doctor Who 10th #1 Doctor Who 10th #1 sub Doctor Who 11th #1 Doctor Who 11th #1 sub

Even though IDW was putting out some of the best Doctor Who comics in a long time, the license went to Titan Comics at the end of last year. June sees the launch of not one but two Doctor Who comics. One for the tenth Doctor, Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor by Nick Abadzis (W), and Elena Casagrande (A), and Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #1 by Al Ewing (W), Rob Williams (W), and Simon Fraser (A). These promise to be all new stories with a whopping 15 issues each to be released per year. Doctor Who fans should be adding these to their pull lists.

 

Well that’s the look at some of the standouts for June. See you in a few weeks when we take a look at our July shipping products. Good reading everyone.

April 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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Hello comic book fans and welcome to the Previews Review for the magazine dated April 2014, showcasing product appearing in stores starting in June 2014. It has been a busy time for me with 2 moves happening within a very short span of time. Once this move is done I hope to get my life back onto a schedule which includes my writing, so with any luck and a major readjustment to my sleeping schedule this will be my last delayed article.

First up will be DC Comics. With delays plaguing many of the Forever Evil related titles these solicitations could be considered suggestions at this point but let’s jump in anyway and see what we have coming up, maybe in June, maybe not, we’ll see.

Infinity Man and the Forever People #1          For many months the New 52 has been an inaccurate description of the publishing line up with the title count not really coming close. DC looks to change that with the first of many new titles launching. We only get one new launch in June but it is an intriguing one. The legacy of Kirby’s Fourth World has been touched upon but the door is thrown open by the creative team of Dan Didio (W), Keith Giffen (W, A), and Scott Koblish (A) in the pages of Infinity Man and the Forever People #1. The premise seems simple enough, 4 students from New Genesis come to Earth to help with the advancement of humanity, that’s the simple part. Expect twists and turns as this is the creative team that brought us the incredibly under-appreciated OMAC launch at the start of the New 52. With Geoff Johns titles mostly playing it safe, Didio is known for taking a few more risks. This is a must buy for me.

New 52 Futures End #5          One thing I am picking up from the previews and solicitations for Futures End is that there have been apparently no new characters to appear in the five year leap forward. While it would have been nice to see the hint at future characters and concepts, the changes that the existing characters have gone through is quite drastic, primarily Frankenstein and Black Widow, never expected to see that. If you haven’t seen it, do look online or wait until the series starts rolling. June sees issues 5 through to 8 on the stands.

Justice League United #2          I am torn on Justice League United. On one hand the title was originally supposed to highlight the Canadian version of the team but instead we get the galactic adventures front and center. On the other hand it is written by Jeff Lemire who I have a large amount of faith in. Issue 2 transports us, and the team to Rann, plus we get a visit from fancy Lobo. While I am missing the Canadian content I am looking forward to reading the continued adventures of the country displaced team.

Worlds Finest #24          World’s Finest #24 by Paul Levitz (W), R.B. Silva (A), and Joe Weems (A) starts a storyline that will bring the two title characters back to Earth 2. Could this series be ending soon? Could it be the start of the road to the Earth 2 weekly that will possibly be joining Batman Eternal and Futures End on the shelves?

Superman #32            I mentioned earlier how Geoff Johns seems to favor the tried and true a little more than taking risks and that is clear in the solicitation for Superman #32 which sees the creative team change. Geoff Johns takes the writing reigns and legendary artist John Romita, Jr. lead the charge that sees Clark get an invitation to return to the Daily Planet. The solicitation promises new villains, and new heroes, and I hope that is true because Superman needs to change with the times, if the readers and DC allow it.

Batman and Ras Al Ghul #32          The question about Damian Wayne’s resurrection may be answered in June when Batman and Ra’s Al Ghul #32 comes to the comic shop. Peter J. Tomasi writes and art is provided by Patrick Gleason and Mick Gray for the concluding chapter of “The Hunt for Robin”. While I have not followed Damian’s exploits prior to his too soon death it is clear he had a following and he brought a human quality to the Dark Knight that you rarely saw in the character, and maybe that is something that will be back soon.

Batgirl #32          Could Oracle be returning in some form? That’s what I would get from the solicitation from Batgirl #32 from Gail Simone (W), Fernando Pasarin (A), and Jonathan Glapion (A) when Barbara has to deal with an enemy who is electronically her true identity. Instead of donning the cape of Batgirl she has to think of an alternative. I have missed Oracle so much since the New 52 rebooted and I feel that we lost something when Barbara left that identity behind in the old DC. Here’s hoping for Oracles return.

Larfleeze #12           Larfleeze is ending in June with issue 12. This may sound harsh but is anyone surprised? The only thing more surprising is the continued publication of Batwing.

Batman 66 Meets Green Hornet #1          Dynamite and DC are teaming up retro pulp style with the release of Batman ’66 Meets Green Hornet #1. This is a digital first series but June will see it in print. Written by Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman with art by Ty Templeton, this is sure to be a hit, as long as Smith respects the theory of a deadline with this one.

Tiny Titans Return to the Treehouse #1          All ages fans look alive. June sees the return of the fan favorite Tiny Titans in Tiny Titans: Return to the Treehouse #1 (of 6). Art Baltazar (A,W), and Franco (W) are back with their Eisner Award-winning series. What happened to the treehouse and why is it so small? This is what Superboy and Supergirl and the others need to find out. These books are fun and a wonderful way to introduce a younger generation to the fun of comic books.

Well that’s it for DC, up next is Marvel!

March 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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March 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Let’s pay a visit to DC Comics and what they will be shipping starting in May 2014.  With Forever Evil finally over the DC Universe heads into the next chapter of it’s editorially controlled story. Where Marvel seems to be allowing more creative freedom and very different takes on its characters DC seems to be going for the opposite. Most titles are serious and generic superhero titles.

 

Wonder Woman #31          The prime example for me is Wonder Woman, which is one of the rare titles that launched with the first wave and has maintained a strong independent voice on the comic stands, but that is even coming to an end when the creative team is changed and they bring the book more in line with her Justice League character. What this means to me is that DC is losing the one book that has truly shone a light on a character that has struggled in the past to find her own voice and identity, and turning it into another generic superhero book.

 

This limits my excitement for DC, who does not seem to want their characters to be different from each other, but instead they are all to be cut from the same dark and serious superhero mold. Not all of DC is like this and the creators are doing what they can with what little freedom they are allowed but as a fan I am just sharing my impressions. With that out of the way let’s look at some of the more interesting solicitsin Previews.

 

New 52 Futures End #1          A second weekly is joining the lineup in May. Futures End begins with a bang as a Justice League member dies. With that being said I am looking at this series as more of an Elseworlds as fans know DC would never make such drastic changes permanent. Grifter appears in the first issue and Stormwatch and their fate are discussed in the fourth issue. This is a relief as with the cancellation of Stormwatch (not surprising considering the title never found a voice through its entire run) there are no Wildstorm characters of prominence in the DCU in the regular line, and many of those characters have so much potential that has been thoroughly wasted since the launch.

 

One other exciting story point is the introduction of Batman Beyond into DC continuity. He is on a mission to stop whatever dark future will presumably envelop the DCU. As a self admitted geek I can’t help but wonder about the conundrum this will create. If Batman Beyond goes back in time to prevent a dark future, and ends up being successful then in the future Batman Beyond would not need to go back in time creating a paradox. I know this may not matter to most and that time travel is not a real thing (at the moment) but my logic cannot shake this point, hence the Elseworlds view I have of this title. It may sound like I am bad mouthing the title but it will be on my pull list because, logic aside, this book has a list of strong creators involved (Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Aaron Lopresti, Art Thibert, etc.) and should be a fun read. The first 4 issues drop in May.

 

Justice League United #1          Animal Man by Jeff Lemire may be cancelled but his adventures will continue in Justice League United #1 written by Lemire and drawn by Mike McKone. While Justice League of America seemed like nothing more than a really drawn out Forever Evil prelude where the characters were driven purely by the crossover, United will hopefully allow these characters to grow, plus they are in Canada, which has been ignored on a regular basis by DC Comics. It will be nice to see our country represented. Issue #1 follows up on the April shipping 0 issue and will be added to my pull list, for the time being.

 

Secret Origins #2          Secret Origins #2 is out in May and its lead story is Batman. A strange addition, and really a wasted edition as Batman’s origin is being played out in his main title written by Scott Snyder.  The other two origins could hold promise though as we will be treated to the beginnings of Aquaman and Starfire.

 

Batman Eternal #5          The other weekly continues in May with issues #5-8 of Batman Eternal hitting stands. I will pick this up for the entire run as long as Scott Snyder stays involved.

 

Batman and Frankenstein #31          Frankenstein: Agent of SHADE was one of my favorite books when the New 52 launched but since it did not feature Batman, or Superman it wasn’t supported by readers (readers who still claim to want something different, and still do) and the character is relegated to occasional appearances. He makes a surprising appearance when he joins Batman on his search for Robin in Batman and Frankenstein #31. Anytime Frank appears and mutters “Hurrrmmm” I am onboard.

 

Movement #12          The Movement comes to a close in May with its twelfth issue. This is a solid book that didn’t have a chance in a market where new DC concepts are rejected by readers in favor of more of the same. Here is hoping that the characters that Simone wrote will make appearances elsewhere.

 

Sadly that brings an end to our look at DC Previews for May. With the recent announcement of more launches in the coming months I look forward to potentially having more books to highlight.