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February 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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February 2014 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Eve True Stories HC          Marvel and DC are complete so now we will look at the other publishers. Dark Horse has a couple of releases worth noting. First up is Eve: True Stories HC. Daniel Way is the writer and is joined by a plethora of artists, and the main story deals with the downfall of the Band of Brothers alliance on February 5, 2009. This in game event is one of the most amazing stories about one player who brought down one of the most aggressive alliances in the game.

 

Angel and Faith Season 10 #1 SamneeAngel and Faith Season 10 #1          Last month Buffy returned for Season 10, and in April we get Angel & Faith Season 10 #1. Victor Gischler, who has proven himself capable of writing vampires for Marvel, and Buffy’s own Spike, is chronicling the adventures of Angel in London and Faith battling alongside Buffy.

 

Conan the Avenger #1          Fred Van Lente is an extremely talented writer who has spent time with zombies, superheroes, and countless other characters but in April he is writing the adventures of Conan the Avenger in Conan the Avenger #1. A new series that brings Conan back to the world of high adventure and supernatural intrigue. Conan has not been a character that I have wanted to delve into but with a new series, a writer that is worth following, and impressive art displayed on the preview pages, I will at least check out the first arc.

 

Southern Bastards #1          Over at Image, Southern Bastards #1 hits stands in April. Jason Aaron is a writer who garnered accolades from critics and fans for his work on the DC Vertigo series Scalped, and a crime series set in Alabama seems to be up his alley. Throw in artwork by his Scalped artist Jason Latour and this one has hit written all over it.

 

Invincible #111          Invincible #111 promises big changes for the title character. There is a traitor in his midst and he doesn’t catch it in time, leading to a new status quo, and a brutal new turn for the book. Kirkman continues to bring twists to the superhero genre in ways that other publishers are afraid to do.

 

Afterlife With Archie #6 Pepoy Afterlife With Archie #6 FrancavillaAfterlife With Archie TP vol 01 Escape From Riverdale          Afterlife With Archie continues to be a top seller and the artwork and writing are the reasons why. Roberto Aguirre Sacasa (W), and Francesco Francavilla (A) continue to bring us the scary, and sometimes horrifying tale of a zombie apocalypse in Riverdale. Issue 6 of the series out in May brings us more on Sabrina, who unleashed the zombie plague unintentionally. Her Aunts banished her and now we get to see witches’ purgatory where she ended up. For those that missed the initial “Escape From Riverdale” arc can catch up before the sixth issue hits with the trade paperback collecting the first 5 issues. This book is hot, scary, fun, and should be on everyones reading list.

 

Calaban #1Calaban #1 wrap           Garth Ennis is spending a fair amount of time at Avatar and April sees the release of a new Ennis written monthly with Caliban #1. Spending some time playing Dead Space makes me curious about this title. They aren’t related but science fiction and horror is a sub-genre that I have spent very little time in but with Ennis as writer, and Facundo Percio as the artist I will try out the first issue and go from there. If Facundo Percio is not familiar to fans, he is the artist that delivered stunning work on the Fashion Beast mini-series that I raved about months ago.

 

Solar Man of the Atom #1 Solar Man of the Atom #1 sub          Dynamite continues to roll out their superhero universe, first there was Turok, now Solar: Man of the Atom joins them. Solar: Man of the Atom #1 by Frank Barbiere (W), and Joe Bennett (A) reintroduces us to the next Gold Key revival as a scientist attempts to understand the universe, and in these attempts he is transformed by an experimental radiation that gives him abilities far beyond that of normal man. I passed on Turok, but Solar has been a favourite of mine for years and even though I wish he was over at Valiant I will still pick this up.

 

Flash Gordon #1 A Flash Gordon #1 B Flash Gordon #1 C Flash Gordon #1 D Flash Gordon #1 sub          Jeff Parker is a writer who is known for respecting and building on the past and he is bringing that talent to Dynamite in April with Flash Gordon #1. Evan Shaner joins Jeff as the artist. Flash is a daredevil whose thirst for adventure can lead to over confidence, and that could possibly spell doom for the universe. Flash, Ming, Mongo, everything people loved about the original Flash is back. Another first issue worth checking out.

 

Battlestar Galactica Six #1 Bolson Battlestar Galactica Six #1 Frison Battlestar Galactica Six #1 sub          A third book from Dynamite and the one I am most excited about is Battlestar Galactica: Six by J.T. Krul (W) and Igor Vitorino (A). The re-imagined Battlestar universe is one of the best examples of character and story driven science fiction and it has been a long time since Dynamite visited that universe, and they are doing it while looking at Six and who she was and how she got to where we found her when the series started ten years ago. Six is one of the most dynamically written characters in science fiction and a chance to explore her past is too good to pass up.

 

Harbinger #22 Montoya Harbinger #22 Walsh          Valiant Entertainment is heading into an exciting third year of publishing and they are kicking off that excitement with a tragic end to one of the Renegades in Harbinger. I have passed on Harbinger monthly, instead opting for the hardcover route but with the life of a cast member in the balance and the stakes never having been higher I may have to hop back on for this arc. The first part of the three part “Death of a Renegade” kicks off in Harbinger #22.

 

          That’s it for April, see you in a few weeks when we start heading more into spring and seeing what else 2014 has to offer fanboys and girls.

 

If you would like any of these comics, tell Judy to bring them in.

Good reading.

February 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

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February 2014 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

          Marvel’s current wave of All-New titles have me even more excited than the first wave did. I cannot heap enough praise on certain key titles and I want to highlight those first.

 

Ms Marvel #3          Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson (W) and Adrian Alphona (A) grabbed me with the first issue. The large supporting cast was surprisingly fleshed out for a first issue intro, and Kamala has a big family so that is no small feat. The artwork is beautiful, and an example of the way Marvel is trusting the creators with their characters and allowing them to create superhero books that have a good chance of appealing to those that have stayed away from superheroes. Ms. Marvel needs to be left in its own corner of the Marvel Universe while it finds its audience and voice, which it seemed to already do with the sold out Ms. Marvel #1. The third issue is out in April it should be going home with you, yes you, the one reading this, get this book. If the first issue is sold out be on the lookout for a second printing scheduled to hit some time in March. I have a firm belief that this book will do well in collected form as well. With the female hero sadly under represented by the big two this book deserves the attention needed to make it a hit. I hope a year from now I am still talking about this title.

 

Black Widow #5          Speaking of female heroes, another title I cannot get enough of, especially after the unexpected twist involving Natasha’s handler, is Black Widow. Nathan Edmondson is a great writer when it comes to pacing and Phil Noto truly has made this book his own within the first couple of issues. His style adds to the big screen espionage feel of this book. It also clearly illustrates how Natasha should be handled on the big screen, tight action scenes, worldwide espionage, and a body count that would make the Punisher cringe. Natasha has never come across more bad ass, or deadly as she has in the hands of this creative team. I rarely mention colouring in this article but that is another fist bump I have to give Noto, he nails the colouring with aplomb. The transitions between scenes is often handled by a change of the colour palette, indicative of the action of the scene or perhaps the mood of the main heroine of the series. If you like spy action where one woman can make the difference between our survival or extinction, this is the book for you.

 

All-New X-Factor #6          All-New X-Factor is everything I hoped it would be and more. It seems to blend the best aspects of both iterations of X-Factor that have previously struck a chord with readers. On one hand we have a superhero team that is corporately sponsored, which really isn’t that far off from a government sanctioned team, and on the other hand we have the character interactions that Peter David had in spades in his previous Madrox led title. Issue #6 of the series brings us Warlock, but Serval Industries wants him taken down and sends in X-Factor, including Cypher, who was at one time a teammate of Warlocks. This is another book that is worth picking up. With the sixth issue in April, the first trade should be out soon. If you don’t mind a second printing of the first issue, which should be coming soon, go out and find the back issues. You will not be disappointed.

 

Loki Agent of Asgard #3          The fourth title I have quickly fallen in love with is Loki: Agent of Asgard. Al Ewing (W) and Lee Garbett (A) continue to tell the story of the trickster of the Marvel Universe who is now under the guidance of the All-Mother. Issue 1 had an amazing last page reveal that I was not expecting, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone but boy the story possibilities are endless! The third issue is out in April, so it is not too late to catch up. Note though that the first issue is sold out at the distributor level so keep an eye out for a second printing as it is going back to press.

 

Original Sin #0          The Marvel summer event kicks off in April with Original Sin #0. This issue looks at who the Watcher is and what is coming for the Marvel Universe, and ultimately what his life means, all through the eyes of one of the newest heroes, Nova. This will lead into the death of the Watcher which will be rocking the foundation of the Marvel Universe this summer. This tale is brought to you by Mark Waid (W) and artist extraordinaire, Jim Cheung.

 

Amazing Spider-Man #1          Amazing Spider-Man returns, as we all knew he would, in Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Dan Slott (W), and Humberto Ramos (A). I am not personally a fan of Peter Parker but understand his importance in the Marvel Universe. I am hoping that somehow we get more Doc Ock because his time as the web-slinger has been one of the most entertaining and risky moves that Marvel has made. Perhaps Marvel could treat us to an omnibus of the Superior Spider-Man’s reign?

 

Iron Fist Living Weapon #1          While I have not always warmed up to Kaare Andrews writing, I have loved his art and he handles all of the creative duties in Iron Fist: Living Weapon. The first issue is out in April and the story of his return to his roots as K’un-Lun beckons for help and Danny answers. This is worth checking out, and with Marvel’s recent success with their All-New initiative I have expectations that are high, and will undoubtedly be met.

 

Hulk #1          Sigh….Hulk is launching again with a new #1. Bruce Banner is shot, Hulk has to figure it out. No offence to Mark Waid (W) or Mark Bagley (A) who are coming onto this book but when is Hulk going to be allowed to just exist without being drawn into cross-overs and being relaunched again, and again. At least we aren’t getting a different colour Hulk with this relaunch.

 

X-Men Legacy #1          X-Men Legacy #1 by Chris Claremont (W) and Todd Nauck (A) hits in April and focuses on Nightcrawler. It is a smart move keeping this in the X-Men Legacy book since a Nightcrawler solo book would not attract too much attention, plus throw in Chris Claremont, and you have a questionable title at best. Before Claremont fans attack I will say that I have appreciated what he has done to help build the foundation of the X-Verse we have today but his modern day work from the past 10 years has done nothing but led to me dropping titles. I find his writing style is for such a niche audience that it will be tough to see this title survive. I expect a creator team switch within the first year.

 

All-New Doop #1          Peter Milligan gets to write a character that is so perfect for him, so perfect he co-created the character with Mike Allred, and a character that could, at least in my opinion, actually support a monthly. Doop. All-New Doop #1 is the first of a five issue mini-series that looks at the Avengers Vs. X-Men saga through the eyes of who may potentially be the most powerful X-Man ever.

 

Deadpool #27          Deadpool gets married in April. Deadpool #27 is a 100 page extravaganza with a hefty $9.99 price tag. I would list the writers and artists but it is easier to say that pretty well anyone who has written the Merc with a Mouth breaking the 4th wall will bring their words to Wade’s mouth in this issue. I will admit to a curiosity about who the bride is. I will be peeking at this one on the shelf, and depending on the bride I may pick this up.

 

What If Age of Ultron #1 What If Age of Ultron #2 What If Age of Ultron #3 What If Age of Ultron #4 What If Age of Ultron #5          The What If series is back with 5 issues in April. This one looks at Age of Ultron and what would have happened if a key Avenger was removed from the time-line. We see the Age of Ultron without Wasp in issue 1, Iron Man in issue 2, Thor in issue 3, Captain America in issue 4, and even one without Hank Pym in issue 5. The last What If focusing on Avengers Vs. X-Men seemed like a snuff film, reminiscent of the wholesale slaughter of the Ultimate Universe in Ultimatum, and seemed like an old What If tale where everyone dies. This What If needs to regain some of the loss of interest that the previous volume created but the premise is strong enough that it may just get back in my good books.

 

All-New Ultimates #1 Ultimate FF #1Ultimate Spider-Man #200 Bagley          Speaking of the Ultimate Universe, what I expect is the latest attempt to breathe life into that sagging line is about to hit in April as we get the monumental 200th issue of Ultimate Spider-Man, plus All-New Ultimates #1 by Michel Fiffe (W) and Amilcar Pinna (A), and Ultimate FF #1 by Joshua Hale Fialkov (W) and Mario Guevera (A). Judging from who made it onto the rosters of this team does not bode well for many of the existing characters that are fending off Galactus in the current Cataclysm cross-over. Lets hope this iteration of the Ultimate Universe does well because there are only a certain number of times that they can relaunch the line.

 

Avengers AI #11 Avengers AI #12 Mighty Avengers #9          While a lot of Marvel has been wowing my I do have to point out a disappointing read, Avengers A.I.. Sam Humphries is a writer I have enjoyed in previous books but the 8th issue of the series, which was one of Marvel’s .Now books, meant as a good jumping on point for readers, did nothing more than confuse me as to it’s true purpose. Marvel should revisit it’s Avengers line because this book and Mighty have both left me scratching my head wondering what their purpose is in the grander scheme.

 

          Possibly the last collaboration with Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning appears in the pages of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Prelude #1 (of 2) which introduces us to Nebula before her big screen debut. Fans of DnA should pick this up because who knows when, or even if ever, these two will work together again.

 

That is my look at Marvel for April 2014.

February 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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February 2014 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

It is time once again to turn our attention to Previews Magazine, issue 305, listing items to appear in comic shops starting in April of this year. With so many changes happening in my life the one I am excited about is re-establishing a pull list. I have purchased titles here and there but with my hold pile at my comic book store having grown to huge proportions I waited until now to get back into some books monthly. April is a great example of jumping on points for the big two. First up let’s take a look at DC.

 

Batman Eternal #1         April is the month where several titles catch up to the new post-Forever Evil status quo. It is also a month of endings and some very notable starts. One of the most exciting starts is the first of two weekly series (three if you count the rumoured Earth 2 weekly). Batman Eternal is heralded by some of the strongest writers in the DC stable and specifically one writer who will always be tied to Batman, Scott Snyder. It is interesting to note that issue 3 of the weekly lists the return of Stephanie Brown but Bat-fans are probably already aware that she has made her first New 52 debut on the last page of Detective Comics #28 released on February 12th. James Tynion IV, John Layman, Ray Fawkes, and Tim Seeley are inboard as writers with Mr. Scott Snyder and Jason Fabok has the art covered.

 

Justice League #30 Evil         Forever Evil affected many characters and teams but most affected was the Justice League family of titles. Justice League #30 written by Geoff Johns with the art tag team of Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, gives us a drastically changed lineup with a couple of notable additions and three missing members. Joining the team are Captain Cold, and new leader Lex Luthor. Shazam is on the team, taking the place of the missing Superman. Flash, and Green Lantern are also missing from the lineup, which leads me to wonder what team they will eventually end up on? Maybe a book with Titans in the title? With such a changed lineup the drama in this book will definitely be notched up and I look forward to reading about a Luthor led team, while also seeing shades of Norman Osborne and his post Secret Invasion status over at Marvel. Let’s hope DC can do something a little fresh with the idea of a villain being considered the world’s greatest hero.

 

Justice League of America #14 EvilJustice League United #0 Evil         Justice League of America #14 brings an end to that series with many of the characters transitioning to Justice League United and north of the border where a new Justice League Canada sets up shop. Simon Baz, Katana, and Catwoman seem to be moving on from their Justice League status while Hawkman, Stargirl, Martian Manhunter, and Green Arrow are joined by Animal Man, a Red Lanternless Supergirl, and the newly Canadianized Adam Strange all call Justice League Canada home. While Matt Kindt is a very capable writer he has never spoken to me on a level that makes his books must buys for me but Jeff Lemire on Justice League United is a writer I can get behind. He has guided Animal Man within the New 52 since the character appeared in the first wave of 52 titles, right up to his cancellation in March so it is appropriate that he appears on a Jeff Lemire written team book. I honestly expected him to move over to Justice League Dark but assume that they are going to be given him more of a superhero edge following his 2 and a half years in the “Dark” corner of the DC Universe. Justice League United #0 is out on April 23, 2 weeks following the ending of Justice League of America.

 

Justice League Dark #30 Evil         Speaking of Justice League, the Dark team, previously led by Constantine now has him taking a passenger seat while Zatanna takes the wheel. The solicitations point to a traitor on the team. I am going to point my finger at either Nightmare Nurse or Deadman. J.M. DeMatteis is not my favourite writer but the draw of the characters is pulling me along, plus I want to see if I’m right about the traitor.

 

Nightwing #30 Evil         Before we go any further let’s look at some of the ending series. Nightwing #30 marks the end of that series written by James Tynion IV. With James moving over to Batman Eternal we have more than likely seen only the beginning of the changes in Nightwing’s life and will more than likely see the true fallout from Forever Evil in the Bat-weekly.

 

Suicide Squad #30 Evil         Another series ending as a result of Forever Evil is Suicide Squad, which bows out of the New 52 with issue #30. Amanda Waller has failed to protect the United States and must now pay for that failure. While I have not followed this book I do hope that homes are found for many of the characters, namely Amanda Waller, maybe a solo book? That is probably what the March solicited one shot is for, a testing of the waters for the character.

 

Superman Unchained #9         Superman Unchained #9 is the final issue of that series. Even though Scott Snyder has proven himself I never believed for a moment that Jim Lee would remain on the series for very long and expected this at some point. With so many Superman books this one seemed a little redundant and the story arc could have appeared in any of the other core Superman books, or they should have solicited this as a mini-series which is what most fans surely expected this book to be anyway.

 

Stormwatch #30         Stormwatch has been a troubled book since the start, never able to find it’s footing or voice but DC gave it numerous chances but it appears that those chances have run out. Issue #30 of the series closes that out with the return of the original team from their New 52 launch. Retailers and fans should take note as this book is solicited as a “Futures End” prelude. I don’t think this will be the last we’ll see of Stormwatch, and expect they will figure prominently in Futures End.

 

Teen Titans #30         Another book with a weak standing in the New 52 was Teen Titans. It too comes to a close in April with their 30th issue. Fans of the Teen Titans will get an extra issue in April as the third annual for the title also ships one week after the final issue of the monthly. The Green Team finale had an interesting last page teaser and I wonder if we will see that story thread followed up on when the title undoubtedly relaunches.

 

Secret Origins #1         With endings we also get several new series. We have already touched on Justice League United but that is not all that DC has in store for us. Secret Origins #1 brings us an origin series which will hopefully clean up some of the more confusing points of the condensed New 52 history, instead of adding more points of contention for continuity buffs. We get three origin tales; Superman, Supergirl, and Dick Grayson. The second issue in May is going to include Batman, which seems an odd choice since his origin is being told quite successfully by Scott Snyder in the main Batman book, but we’ll see who else joins the Dark Knight in the second issue to judge whether it is worth picking up. For now I will try out the first issue because of the writing of Tony Bedard, and Greg Pak drawing me in.

 

Aquaman #30 Aquaman and the Others #1         Before the New 52 I don’t think anyone expected Aquaman to be a character that could successfully maintain his own monthly for an extended period, but he has, and now he gets a second book as Arthur is joined by his former teammates, the Others. Aquaman and the Others #1 by Dan Jurgens (W), Lan Medina (A), and Ed Tadeo (A) is, quite smartly, a “Futures End” prelude, which should help boost the sales of a book that will already have high fan interest.

 

Larfleeze #10Sinestro #1         It has not been confirmed but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the last issue of Larfleeze solicited soon, and the premiere of Sinestro #1 by Cullen Bunn (W) and Dale Eaglesham (A) confirms that hunch for me. The Green Lantern family of books is a robust line but something has to give and Larfleeze being shut out of the most recent Lantern cross-over does not bode well for that book. Sinestro has been a character with so many ups and downs that it is far past time that he got his own book. This looks like a rebuilding of Sinestro, in the vein of DC’s Rebirth books. Sinestro has lost everything, and now he has to face all of his failures in the past in order to build a stronger Sinestro.

 

Smallville Season 11 Lantern #1         Speaking of Green Lantern, the mythos of the ring bearers hits the Smallville universe in Smallville Season 11: Lantern #1, the first of a four issue mini-series that sees Clark Kent don the ring for space sector 2813.

 

Sandman Overture #3         Vertigo has a couple of books of note. First is The Sandman: Overture #3. I will believe it when I see it. Just a tip to DC, when you solicit a book so far in advance, maybe, just maybe, make sure it can be released on time. DC is lucky that the Sandman character is so loved or else the delays that this book has been suffering could drastically hurt it.

 

Vertigo Quarterly #1 Cyan         DC must be taking a page from the Dark Horse book and are putting out a Vertigo Quarterly. It’s not monthly but as long as they can maintain the impressive creators who take part I will be there every 3 months. The first issue, Vertigo Quarterly: Cyan #1 features Jock, Fabio Moon, James Tynion IV, Amy Cho, Javier Fernandez, and so many others providing story and art. I am hoping this book gets strong support because the Vertigo Universe is a perfect place for an anthology. $7.99 for 80 pages is worth it as long as the creators deliver. Here’s hoping they do.

 

Well that is DC for April 2014. Some interesting stuff coming out and a perfect jumping on point for readers who stayed away during the Forever Evil cross-over. Good reading to everyone.