July 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

July 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Ghost #0          Time to visit some of the other publishers for September. The very first book I want to spotlight is my Dark Horse Pick of the Month, Ghost #0. Kelly Sue DeConnick provides the story with art by one of my favorites, Phil Noto. DeConnick, also the writer of one of my most anticipated new releases this month, Captain Marvel, from Marvel, weaves a story that combines societies seeming dependance on supposed reality television with the paranormal and a dash of criminal intrigue. Phil Noto, who I am loving with his work in Creator Owned Heroes, provides the sharp, clean lines, that brings a level of sexiness to the character. This is a character that has faded from the shelves but can lay a true claim to being one of the most popular creations of the Dark Horse Universe.

 

Axe Cop: President of the World #3          Axe Cop: President of the World #3 (of 3) brings the series to an end, but with an animated series on the way from Fox’s Animation Domination programming block, he will be back. 8 year old Malachai Nicolle lets his imagination flow giving us a tale of a final stand as Axe Cop stands alone against evil robots, a Martian mad scientist, and a nemesis known as Every Man. Where are all of the other good guys? The have up and left. Can Axe Cop survive this battle alone? I hope so, just so we can have more from this amazing character!

 

Nexus Omnibus vol 1          I have started to pay notice to more of the collected editions that have been released, especially in the case of Nexus. This is a 416 page collection that includes the first 3 issue mini-series, and the first 11 issues of Volume 2. Mike Baron, Steve Rude, and the rest of the creative team helped create a character that has proven the test of time, and even though he has been around for years, I am looking forward to discovering this gem for myself! The Nexus Omnibus Volume 1 is a lesson on how to do galactic comics right.

 

Fatima: The Blood Spinners #4          Another mini-series drawing to an end is Gilbert Hernandez’s Fatima: The Blood Spinners. Fatima and her rag tag group of zombie hunters have to face the fact that they are possibly the last surviving humans. Giant mutants and an end of the world romance fill the pages of this last issue. Hernandez brings the weird, the strange, and the wonderful, all wrapped up in 24 glorious black and white pages.

 

 Massive #4         Bryan Woods, and Garry Browns epic story, the Massive continues on with issue 4. The creative team is building a world where the rules have changed, and once moral men have to question their own beliefs and maybe cross the line that they dare not cross. This book had me with issue one, and with the story’s surface not even scratched this is a book to hop on now before it gets bigger, and more involved, as I am sure Bryan will make it!

 

Doctor Who volume 3 #1          IDW Publishing brings us a new ongoing of one of the most beloved pop culture characters from the British people, Doctor Who. This is my IDW Publishing Pick of the Month. Andy Diggle, who wrote the very under appreciated Losers for DC, brings us the stories of the current Doctor. Mark Buckingham is providing the art, and if the cover is any indication the art is going to work nicely in the world of the Doctor and the time traveling Tardis.

 

 

The Last Unicorn HCA Fine & Private Place #1          The Last Unicorn is one of my favorite stories of all time, and I am sure several others feel the same way too. Peter S. Beagle, the author of that classic work, has his story, A Fine & Private Place, adapted into a 5 issue mini series with artist Eduardo Francisco providing art. I have to admit not knowing much of Beagle beyond the Last Unicorn but with my love of that work I am more than willing to pick this series up. Besides give me a story involving a cemetery, a talking raven, and ghosts, and I am in!

 

Ghostbusters Omnibus Vol 1          IDW is bringing another omnibus, this time IDW answers the question, “Who’re you gonna call?” with a resounding Ghostbusters! This much anticipated (by my roommate) Ghostbusters Omnibus collection includes three separate tales: “Displaced Aggression”, “The Other Side”, and “Haunted Holidays”. These omnibus collections are some of my favorite ways to read, enjoy, and collect, all in one package, plus I think they look pretty nice on a bookshelf.

 

Happy! #1          Image Comics have a couple of interesting titles coming out in September. Grant Morrison tries to regain a sense of relevancy with Happy!, a four issue miniseries with Darick Robertson of Boys fame, as the artist. Characters with barely any morals coupled with a tiny blue horse sounds interesting but I might wait on trade for this. Grant Morrison fans will no doubt grab this from issue one.

 

Guarding the Globe #1          Guarding the Globe #1 brings the Invincible spin off team into a monthly title. Writer Phil Hester joins the art team of Todd Nauck, and John Rauch, and together they bring to life the adventures of the global spanning team, including fan favorite characters Brit, Outrun, Invincible, Yeti, and more.

 

Thief of Thieves #8          A title that has been getting rave reviews begins a new story arc. Thief of Thieves #8 starts off a new storyline as Redmond has to deal with the unexpected, and possibly violent aftermath of his big heist. I will be trying out the title in the first trade paperback but it is impossible to ignore the critical and fan success of this title. Robert Kirkman (of Walking Dead fame, like you needed to be reminded), and James Asmus bring the words, with Shawn Martinbrough and Felix Serrano bringing the art.

 

Secret Vol 1          Another book that has amazing word of mouth is Jonathan Hickmans Secret Service. I will be picking up Secret, Vol.1 TP to experience a world that bridges the world of governments with the shadowy world of private security firms. Hickman has proven that he is one of the best when it comes to conspiracies and the governments that are behind them.

 

Thief of Thieves Vol 1          As mentioned earlier Thief of Thieves, Vol. 1 TP hits in September and is my Image Comics Pick of the Month. This trade collects the first seven issues of the hit series from writing duo Robert Kirkman and Nick Spencer. The art is provided by Shawn Martinbrough and Felix Serrano. This series starts with Conrad Paulson, a.k.a. Master Thief Redmond, and his attempts to balance his life of crime with a son he knows little about, an ex-wife who still holds a place in his heart. Finding a balance in his life is further complicated by the FBI who are hot on his trail. I am excited to try this book and see what all the excitement is about.

 

          Dynamite Entertainment have proven themselves as a company that resurrects characters and concepts that have seemingly disappeared, brushing them off, and giving them a new lease on life and Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt #1 continues that tradition. Alex Ross and Steve Darnall write the adventures of Peter Cannon, who balances his life of international celebrity, writing world renowned books, with his life as the superhero known as Thunderbolt. Peter Cannon is a man who cares little for his own celebrity and even less about other people. This may lead to his downfall as new and old foes setup Peters downfall. For fans of Alex Ross, Dynamite, or heroes long forgotten, this book will be for you.

 

Damsels #1          Alan Moores daughter Leah Moore, teams with John Reppion as writers on Damsels #1. This promises to take the idea of the Disney princesses and create something unseen before. The first issue introduces Rapa. Her day spirals into something unexpected with twists and turns developing faster than she can deal with. Memories flash into her mind, hazy, and those memories, and some odd tattoos are all she has to try and help her figure out the confusion that is her life.

 

Unfortunately Dynamite Entertainment is not releasing anything that warrants a pick of the month but they do have some strong books coming out, but nothing out of the ordinary for them.

Dark Horse Comics

Axe Cop: President of the World
Dragon Age: For Those Who Speak
Fatima: The Blood Spinners
Ghost
The Massive

Special Order

Nexus Omnibus Volume 1 TP
The Strain Volume 1 TP 

Dynamite Comics

Prophecy

IDW Comics

Deadworld: War of the Dead
Doctor Who
A Fine & Private Place
Mars Attacks
Transformers: Regeneration One

Special Order

Ghostbusters Omnibus
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Vol. 1 TPB

Image Comics

Creator Owned Heroes
Saga
Think Tank

Special Order

Secret, Vol. 1 TP
Thief of Thieves, Vol. 1 TP

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Avengers vs X-Men logo

          Marvel in September brings the end to the event monster known as Avengers Vs. X-Men. While there have been some interesting moments sprinkled throughout this storyline, for the most part I am happy it is finally over. The only downside is I know that this will lead into the much hyped Marvel Now! Initiative. I am sure many of the books in this relaunch will be of exceptional quality, but I can’t help shake the feeling that Marvel has seemed to be in a state of constant flux, without any clear direction ever since the opening pages of House of M, and this Now stuff is not helping that perception. It seems like Marvel is throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks and what doesn’t. That being said, I will be dropping several Marvel titles but will be trying out some of the new or relaunched titles as their roll out starts later in the year.

 

Avengers vs X-Men #11Avengers vs X-Men #12          Back to the business at hand, and that business is Marvel in September. The big issue of the month is the final issue of the Avengers Vs. X-Men saga. From the cover solicitation it looks like the entity settles on one of our merry mutants to be it’s host. I am hoping that they do not go with Hope nor Rachel and instead, the Phoenix bonds with someone completely unexpected. If Marvel wants to shake things up and make the Marvel Universe more interesting in their new landscape, go with something different, and let it stick for awhile.

 

Uncanny X-Men #18          Uncanny X-Men has long been a title I have been wanting to potentially drop, but with the series ending (again) in October I am going to stick it out, plus I have a feeling that the relationship between Scott and Emma is heading into rocky territory and I want to see where this particular soap opera lands.

 

New Avengers #30          New Avengers is one of titles I am dropping. With so many Avengers titles out there, this one seems like the most redundant – great characters, no direction. Plus in the solicitation it mentions that New York is burning. Just a note to Marvel, saying New York is burning in the Marvel Universe is like saying that the sky is blue, it happens all the time, I don’t know how people still live there at this point. There are only so many times that a city can be destroyed before I would want to move, seriously, quit destroying New York.

 

Secret Avengers #31          For my Avengers fix I turn to Secret Avengers. This is my Marvel Pick of the Month. This title provides me with an exciting dose of the unexpected each and every month, and has really made an interesting team dynamic that is like nothing out there. This is the hidden gem of the Avengers line and I enjoy this more than the main title. This is a title that highlights B-Listers, both heroes, and villains, and gives them a unique personality that you rarely see in other appearances, and handled by a different creative team. Top this title with an Arthur Adams cover and you have a winner.

 

Dark Avengers #180          I tried the first couple of issues of Dark Avengers, and while it is solid, I have to let it fall off my list. There are just too many books with the word Avengers in it, and as a fan of the franchise that actually makes me sad. In this day and age some people can’t afford to read all the titles, and they are not all that self contained. I think that’s what appeals to me about Secret Avengers, it is more into singular storytelling, on very much a shared stage, but can operate independently, without any other title. I do seem to have a lot of love for that title.

 

 

Avengers Academy #37Avengers Academy #36          Avengers Academy is another title that I am sad to see go, but what could have been a great concept, has become almost directionless. Unfortunately, the seemingly shoehorning of Avengers Vs. X-Men did not help matters. The kids seem to have stayed in the roles of the defensive victims. If there is any title I might hop back onto, it would be this one, but time will tell if it starts telling stories that expands the characters lives instead of making them more and more emo.

 

Thanos: The Final Threat #1          Both Thanos and Jim Starlin fans will be happy with September. Two of the writers tales make their collected appearances. Thanos: The Final Threat, collecting Avengers Annual (1967) #7 and Marvel Two-In-One Annual #2. The added perk of this one is that Jim Starlin provided the artwork for the story.

 

Thanos Quest #1          The Thanos Quest brings us the two issues of the 1990 mini-series Thanos Quest. This paired Jim Starlin with artist Ron Lim. Both of these series brought to light the disturbing love that he had for death, and how that love backfired. If you are a Jim Starlin fan, or a Thanos fan, or both, get these books, you will not be disappointed.

 

 

Big Hero 6 - Brave New Heroes #1          After hearing about the animated feature that Disney is planning to make, I am not surprised to see this reprinted. Back in Volume 2 of Alpha Flight, a team of Japan’s superheroes made their appearance. They had enough of a positive response that they were granted two mini-series dedicated to them, including the first one, Big Hero 6 – Brave New Heroes, penned by Chris Claremont. This collects all 5 issues of that miniseries and if you haven’t read it, it is worth picking up.

 

Uncanny X-Force #31          Another Rick Remember book I love is Uncanny X-Force. This book does for the X Family, what Secret Avengers does for that book group. Provides us with singular storytelling while acknowledging all of the comic book continuity all around them. Issue #31 promises to be more of the same high octane, unpredictable action in the X books. The Final Execution storyline continues here and we meet the new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. I look forward to whatever Rick is writing in the Marvel Now relaunch.

 

X-Factor #243          I was happy to hear that Peter David’s X-Factor is going to remain virtually untouched during the upcoming relaunch. One notable exception is Havoc. As the supposed leader of the upcoming Uncanny Avengers I can’t see him sharing time between the two. Besides Marvel needs to get out of the habit of everyone being on 2-3 teams at any given time. Why not bring some under-utilized characters together, just a sprinkling Marvel. Peter David makes this cast of characters sing. This looks like the story line that is going to be the wedge that drives him away from X-Factor, and possible Polaris.

MY MARVEL PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

Avengers Vs. X-Men
AVX Vs.
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Space Punisher

ONGOING

Avengers
Captain Marvel
Gambit
Hawkeye
Hulk (Mayan Rule Storylineup to and including #57)
Secret Avengers
Uncanny X-Force
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine and the X-Men
X-Factor
X-Treme X-Men

SPECIAL ORDER

Dark Tower: The Gunslinger – The Journey Begins TPB
Marvel Zombies Destroy HC
Zombies Christmas Carol TPB

DROPPED AS OF SEPTEMBER

Astonishing X-Men
Avengers Academy
Dark Avengers
Fury Max
New Avengers

July 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

The long rumored Zero Month is upon us in September and DC Comics brings with it some final issues and a new wave. Justice League International was confirmed as canceled prior to the three revealed with these solicits, but that title is, in my opinion, only taking a break, and I fully believe it will be back after a facelift. This is also the month I review my pull list and make some pretty big decisions. DC Comics fared well, I have decided to drop Justice League, Fairest, and Earth 2 from my pull list. Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark are the only superhero titles I collect from DC Comics, and for anyone reading those, you know I use the term Superhero loosely as they have proven to walk quite well on the darker side of the DC Universe.

 

Let’s look at the three new series launching during Zero Month. Two of them will be making it onto my pull list, at least for the first arc, and longer I suspect.

 

Talon #0          The Batman family of titles, regardless of whether it needs to grow or not, brings us Talon #0. This is a direct spin off from the Court of Owls story line from the Bat books, and features Calvin Rose, an assassin who has managed to escape the grasp of the Court and is trying everything in his power to live a normal life. That life might just have to wait. The Court does not like when one of their own leave them, and in Calvin’s case, try to hunt him down, removing that loose end. I have never followed the Batman titles so this one will not be on my pull list, but a family of titles that can support Batwing will no doubt embrace Talon.

 

The Phantom Stranger #0           The first of two titles being added to my pull list is The Phantom Stranger #0. Dan Didio, who brought the wacky with the underrated OMAC is the writer for this title. Promising to follow up on the Free Comic Book Day story, we will see the who, how, and why for The Phantom Stranger, with more then enough mystery to keep us coming back for more. I hope. I love the darker side of the New 52 and I look forward to this adding to my favorite corner of the relaunch.

 

Sword of Sorcery #0           My DC Comics Pick of the Month goes to Sword of Sorcery #0. I now understand the Showcase for Amethyst coming out in August as this title introduces us to the New 52 Amethyst. She is a little bit older, and a little bit wiser, well maybe just a little bit older, and on the road with her mother. She is being hunted by an unknown, and powerful enemy, oh, and is the lost princess of Gemworld. Christy Marx, writer of Jem (Children of the 80’s will remember Jem) brings us a fantasy tale that will pay homage to what has come before but remix it for a modern day fan base. I am extremely looking forward to this title!

 

Justice League #0           Even though I am dropping it from my pull list, I will be picking up Justice League #0. Captain Marvel highlights the lead story in this issue and even though I was loving the slow burn of his New 52 origin, I couldn’t wait anymore, and much like the lead story about the League in every issue, I got bored with it. The second story in this issue is what has me excited. Pandora. This issue we find out more about this woman who is responsible for the entire New 52 Universe.

 

DC Universe Presents #0           DC Universe Presents #0 is an odd beast. Instead of presenting a story relating to a currently published character, or even telling a story set in the past, for a character that has yet to appear, they have focused on OMAC, Blackhawks’ Mother Machine, Hawk, Dove, and Mister Terrific. These stories also set the stage for some stories playing out in the DC Universe. This will need to be looked at at the store, still not sure if this will find its way home with me but it has piqued my curiosity.

 

Superman #0           Superman #0 brings another creative team change to the title. Scott Lobdell writes with Kenneth Rocafort providing the art. Scott Lobdell has never really appealed to me but Kenneth Rocafort has an iconic look to his characters and I will have to review this title on the stands to decide if it will come home with me. I am intrigued with the idea of seeing Krypton in the New 52.

 

Dial H #0           I cannot rave about Dial H enough! This title is the best Vertigo book not under the Vertigo imprint. China Mieville is creating a rich tapestry, different then any incarnation of this story that has come before. The dialed up superheroes that he is creating within these pages is mind boggling, and giving a needed shot in the arm of mainstream super heroics. Riccardo Burchielli provides dark moody artwork that plays well with the mysterious, and sometimes spooky atmosphere that China sets the stories in. If you like strange, dark, mixed with super heroics, get this book! Dial H #0 shows us one of the earliest users of the dial and reveals a dangerous future.

 

Justice League Dark #0           Justice League Dark #0  brings us a young John Constantine in the early days of the New 52. Even if this was not on my pull list I would be picking this up out of sheer curiosity. The John Constantine in the New 52 is honestly not that far off from the slightly darker Vertigo Constantine. I was worried when I heard he would be in the New 52 but through his appearances it has been shown that he still retains his biting attitude and sharp sarcasm that made him a fan favorite in the Vertigoverse. With my current favorite writer, Jeff Lemire, guiding the story I urge any fan of his, or John Constantine to pick up this book.

 

Animal Man #0          Animal Man #0, another Jeff Lemire title, is the origin of Buddy Baker! This title has been a solid title, it could use a little more action and a little less exposition but I cannot imagine missing an issue. This issue also promises to also reveal further story bits that are related to the upcoming Swamp Thing crossover “Rotworld”. Zero issues are the perfect jumping on point, and this issue will be no exception.

 

Team 7 #0           Adding more layers to the past of the New 52 is Team 7 #0. The cast is made up of characters that originally appeared in both the DC Universe, and the Wildstorm Universe. Team 7 is the counter measure for the appearance of Superman, and others like him. If these newly emerging heroes cross the line, Team 7 will remind them where that line is. Justin Jordan crafts the words and Jesus Merino handles the artwork. I have to admit that the artwork looks impressive but in my attempt to trim down my monthly pull list I might wait for the trade on this one. It is an espionage tale, involving superheroes and a shadowy government organization, and that combination is always fun.

 

Captain Atom #0Resurrection Man #0Voodoo #0          Captain Atom, Resurrection Man, and Voodoo each close off their runs with #0 issues. I have to say I am not surprised, each has lacked direction that made them relevant amongst the landscape of the New 52. That’s not to say that the characters aren’t interesting, because they are, but would be better suited in a team environment. With a possible Wildcats relaunch rumored we might see Voodoo appear soon.

 

Green Lantern #0          Green Lantern #0 introduces us to an all new Green Lantern. If this was before the New 52 I might have been more excited for this but after trying out the New 52 Green Lantern titles I have to say I am not a fan of them in the New 52. My pull list does not include a single Green Lantern family title, the last one to survive was Red Lanterns and I think I dropped that with issue 3. Before the relaunch they had these sweeping, epic stories, but told in a singular way. They seemed to have more direction, and for me at least, they are missing that now. For fans though I am sure they will love the #0 issues for they act as a prologue to the “Third Army” storyline that is coming up.

 

National Comics: Rose and Thorn #1           National Comics: Rose and Thorn #1 brings a complete 360 degree turn for the character. A teenage girl is attempting to live life outside of an institution, where she was held. The problem is a dark secret, that won’t let her forget what got her to where she is now.

 

The Shade #12          The Shade #12 brings this amazing series to an end. I am sad that this book isn’t monthly. It has had an incredibly written and beautifully drawn run. I don’t recommend picking up this issue unless you have read what has come before. If you want an amazing self contained story, told in a way that keeps it separate from all other titles and characters, that is dark, haunting, and full of intrigue I do recommend getting the previous 11 issues in the back issue bin, or wait for the eventual trade. This book needs some love so that DC will take notice and give us more of this character, and creative team. The Shade will be revealed as a hero or a villain at the end of this issue and as much as I want to know, I would have loved a bit of a longer road on the journey.

 

I, Vampire Vol. 1: Tainted Love TP          It’s another batch of trade paperbacks and hard covers presenting the first arcs for more of the New 52. The one I strongly recommend is I, Vampire Vol. 1: Tainted Love TP. I already have all the issues but it would read beautifully in trade. This is an amazing story that shows the world of the vampires in the New 52, and none of them sparkle. For true fans of the vampire genre, this is a book you should stop and take notice of.

 

All-Star Western Vol. 1: Guns and Gotham TP           All-Star Western Vol. 1: Guns and Gotham TP collects the first 6 issues of the All-Star Western series. This one fell off my pull list after issue 2, not because of quality but I wanted to have a whole story. The artwork and writing style lent themselves to long form, at least in my eyes. The quality of the words and pictures is top notch, with a haunting, grainy, yet still smooth style. I want to read this with a Whiskey and some country music playing in the background.

 

Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In The Dark TP          The third trade I want to mention is Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In The Dark TP. I started this series with #7, when the I, Vampire crossover hit, and I have been hooked ever since. Part of that love stems from the Jeff Lemire`s involvement, and while he is not involved in the original arc, I need to know the whys and hows of the founding of this team.

MY DC PULL LIST

MINI-SERIES

Before Watchmen: Minutemen
Before Watchmen: Rorschach
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre
New Deadwardians
Phantom Lady
Shade

ONGOING

Animal Man
Birds of Prey
Dial H
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
I, Vampire
Justice League Dark
National Comics
The Phantom Stranger
Swamp Thing
Sword of Sorcery
Wonder Woman

SPECIAL ORDER

All-Star Western Vol. 1: Guns and Gotham TP
Justice League #0
Justice League Dark Vol. 1: In The Dark TP
Stieg Larsson’s The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Vol. 1 HC

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo vol 1