Tag Archives: july 2013 diamond comic previews

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time for the third and final look at the Previews for July 2013, for product shipping beginning in September 2013. After having perused Marvel and DC we now turn our attention to the rest of the publishers.

 

The Star Wars Lucas Draft #1         First up is Dark Horse and a new Star Wars book. This one does not fit into any existing continuity and is the original vision that George Lucas had for his sci fi phenomenon. The Star Wars Lucas Draft is an eight issue adaption of the original rough draft screenplay. J. W. Rinzler (W) and Mike Mayhew (A) introduce us to a slightly different galaxy far, far away, where Annikin Starkiller is the hero, and characters you know and love are a little to allot different. Star Wars fans should be sure to pick up this book.

 

Brain Boy #1         An indy book I am excited about is another edition to their superhero line, Brain Boy #1 by Fred Van Lente (W), R. B. Silva (P), and Rob Lean (I). While the idea of going after a criminal before they commit the crime is very Minority Report, the idea that the psychic the Secret Service hires uncovers a powerful psychic network, leading Matt Price a.k.a. Brain Boy, to question what he knows, or thinks he knows, is an exciting twist on the entire future crime concept.

 

         Alex Ross fans should take note for a book shipping in November. The Terminator: The Burning Earth is the first work that was ever published by the fan favorite artist. This is a 136 page collection written by Ron Fortier, that gives us a tale of John Connor and a small team he is leading as they figure out a way to destroy Skynet before Skynet destroys the rest of the human race with a powerful nuclear strike.

 

Powerpuff Girls #1         IDW is proving itself to be a powerhouse when it comes to licensed properties and I am predicting another hit when Powerpuff Girls #1 (of 5) is released. While it does have it listed as a five issue series I am confident that this will turn into a monthly, or immediately launch a monthly upon the completion of this mini. Troy Little is both the writer and the artist for this book that brings us back to Townsville and the exploits of the scientifically created, super powered Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup.

 

Mars Attacks Judge Dredd #1 subMars Attacks Judge Dredd #1          Those pesky aliens that have attacked almost all comic book properties under the indie sun are attacking Judge Dredd this time in a four issue mini-series call, quite appropriately, Mars Attacks Judge Dredd. Al Ewing (W) and John McCrea (A) invite us into the Mega-City Mafia annual meeting and introduces us to some power players that want to make their mark. I am guessing that the mysterious benefactor is green, with exposed brains, and are not from around here.

 

Other Dead #1         While zombies is a genre that continues to hold sway over our collective interests, IDW is presenting a different take on the concept, The Other Dead. A horde of shambling zombies is scary enough but what if the cute puppy or kitten on your lap got infected? What about those little, harmless squirrels you pass by on your walk to work? What if they were infected? Creatures so small you may not notice them at your feet right now? Joshua Ortega (W), Digger T. Mesch (W), and Qing Ping Mui (A) brings us a horrifying new twist on the zombie apocalypse.

 

Zero #1         Image Comics is of course offering a few new series that are sure to be quality books, one in particular jumps off the page at me. I do love military, spy themes in some of my books and Zero #1 by Ales Kot (W), Michael Walsh (A), and Jordie Bellaire (A) take us into the life of Edward Zero who is apparently a perfect execution machine. The story seems fairly basic as Edward is sent to retrieve a weapon that happens to be in a bio modified terrorist. That terrorist is also being chased by an entire army. Basic though it may seem, there is something about the artwork, and the cover that is asking me in to try out the first issue. I think this will be a hit.

 

Afterlife With Archie #1 Francavilla           Afterlife With Archie #1Afterlife With Archie #1 SeeleyBesides Brain Boy at Dark Horse, Archie has a new comic being released that is almost as high on my excitement meter. Afterlife With Archie #1 by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa (W), Francesco Francavilla (A), and Jack Morelli (A) shows us what happens when Sabrina the Teenage Witch inadvertently unleashes a zombie apocalypse on an unsuspecting Riverdale. I applaud Archie Comics because out of any publisher they have shown that they are not afraid to go outside of their comfort zone and enter areas and deal with stories that you would not normally think of when mentioning Archie Comics.

 

God is Dead #1 God is Dead #1 Iconic         Another company putting out a high caliber of material is Avatar Press. Following spectacular launches for both Uber and Extinction Parade I think God is Dead #1 by Jonathan Hickman (W) and Di Amorim (A) will be another smash hit. I am excited for this release and to see what would happen if Gods from our past decided to reclaim the land of man and how the human race would react to the “Second Coming”. This will be going home with me.

 

Sons of Anarchy #1         Boom! Studios releases Sons of Anarchy #1 (of 6) by Christopher Golden (W) and Damian Couceiro (A) in September. While I will not be picking this up I am sure that fans of this hit show will no doubt be scouting this out. This is quite a license to pick up and it will be interesting to see if Boom keeps locking down these hits.

 

 The Mocking Dead #1        Fred Van Lente has a second book coming out that is interesting and definitely plays to his strengths. The Mocking Dead #1 with art by Max Dunbar presents a world where zombies meet comedy. While many fail to notice the horror developing around them, one man recognizes the situation for what it is, a zombie apocalypse. The stupidity of the living versus the horror of the zombies, that is something I can sink my teeth into (Bad pun totally intended).

 

Eternal Warrior #1         Valiant Comics is proving how to launch a line of comics right. They are taking their time and introducing titles when it makes sense. Eternal Warrior #1 by Greg Pak (W) and Trevor Hairsine (A) is a new series that brings us the story of Gillad Anni-Padda who has existed for ten millenia. With a lifespan that long you can bet that he has made some enemies.

 

Bloodshot & Hard Corps #14Bloodshot & Hard Corps #14 pullbox         A title change is coming to Bloodshot as it becomes Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps with its 14th issue. The new creative team of Christos Gage (W), Joshua Dysart (W) and Emanuela Lupacchino (A) bring a strong pedigree with them, and following the events of Harbinger Wars, this would be a book worth checking out.

 

That brings us to the end of Previews for items shipping starting in September 2013. Good reading.

July 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By | | ,
Leave a comment

July 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Infinity #2           While DC has gone evil for September Marvel is trying to stop that from happening as Infinity crosses over with many of the Avengers, and Avengers related titles. If there was one group I would worry about in this crossover it would be the Inhumans as Jonathan Hickman (W) and Jerome Opena & Dustin Weaver (A) bring bad things to Attilan in issue #3 of the 6 issue main series.

 

 

 

New Avengers #10 InfAvengers #19 InfAvengers #20 InfThunderbolts #15 Inf Nova #8 InfSuperior Spider-Man Team-Up #3 InfCaptain Marvel #16 InfAvengers Assemble #19 Inf          This Thanos centric crossover also graces the pages of New Avengers #10, Avengers #19 & #20, Thunderbolts #15 (I smell an attempt to boost sales), Nova #8, Avengers Assemble #19, Captain Marvel #16, and oddly enough Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #3 & #4.

 

Infinity Hunt #1           Two mini series spinning out of Infinity are intriguing and uses the Thanos invasion as an interesting framing plot point. Infinity: The Hunt #1 (of 4) by Matt Kindt (W, and appearing everywhere now), and Steven Sanders (A) tells the story of a new Contest of Champions, arranged by Wolverine, Hank Pym, and She Hulk, and what happens when there contest is interrupted by Thanos and his invading forces. I wonder if the poor snuff victims in Avengers Academy will be referenced at all?

 

Infinity Heist #1           Over in Infinity: Heist #1 (of 4) it’s the time old tale of the cat being away and the mice being at play. Spymaster and a team of villains seize the opportunity to strike when all of the heroes are occupied with Thanos. While it is a story we have seen in many forms this one is being handled by Frank Tieri (W) and Ramon Bachs (A), a creative team that will introduce something new to the mix. It may be hard to resist picking these up in single issues, but trying the first issue wouldn’t hurt.

 

 

Mighty Avengers #1 Inf Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #27           The release that has been getting allot of attention in the comic book press is the relaunch of the Mighty Avengers. This time with Al Ewing (W) and Greg Land (A) behind the wheel. The critics, both professional and armchair, such as myself, have gone back and forth about this title. It is interesting to note that this is an entirely minority team of heroes, with the possible exception of Spider-Man. With Wolverine having broken time it would not be surprising to see Ultimate Spider-Man, Miles Morales, behind the mask and mingling with the heroes of the 616. Is this a possible ploy? It could be. Does it look like a possible origin story that makes sense? Yes and no. Will it be worth picking up? I think it will.

 

Superior Spider-Man #17 Superior Spider-Man #18           It looks like Dan Slott’s previous hints to an appearance by the future web-head proved true as Spider-Man 2099 appears in the pages of both Superior Spider-Man #17 & #18. If stories like this are the result of Wolverine breaking time then I am in! I will be getting these for sure.

 

 

 

Morbius Living Vampire #9           No surprise that Morbius: The Living Vampire #9 is the last of the series. Joe Keatinge (W) and Richard Elson (A) try to bring closure to a book that Marvel never really promoted or involved with the larger Marvel universe. While I tried the first few issues, it was good, but needed to find it’s footing and sadly it will not get to fulfill its potential. Hopefully the character gets put into a supporting role in another book because the only way Morbius can work is to have a proper reintroduction into the Marvel Universe, in the background. Cultivate him to the point he can headline his own book for at least a year.

 

Hawkeye #15           Hawkeye is easily one of the best books Marvel is putting out and their covers are some of the most creative on the market, and issue #15 is an example of a strong cover design from artist David Aja.

 

X-Men Battle of Atom #1           With time already broken, what would be the best thing to add to the mix? Another team of X-Men, and this time from the future. X-Men: Battle of the Atom begins in September and Brian Michael Bendis (W) and Frank Cho (A), in the first issue of the main mini series. This issue kicks off a ten issue crossover. I will be checking out the first issue seeing if it would be worth waiting for the inevitable collection.

 

All-New X-Men #16 X-Men #5 Now Uncanny X-Men #12 Now           Also part of this X-Men event are: All-New X-Men #16, X-Men #5, and Uncanny X-Men #12.

 

 

 

 

X-Factor #262           The long running fan favorite series X-Factor, comes to an end with issue #262. This is a sad ending for a book that has survived so many crossovers, so many changes to the Marvel universe, and yet succeeded in carving it’s own niche, setting it apart from the other mutant titles on the stands. I am hoping that the announced second wave of Marvel Now includes a relaunched X-Factor. It isn’t a book that will stay dead for very long. Not to mention where the characters may land? I hope Multiple Man finds a home somewhere.

 

Gambit #17           Gambit ends with its 17th issue. I am honestly surprised that the book lasted that long. Not to slight James Asmus (W) and Clay Mann (A), because they do great work. I just think Marvel did not support this book like they should have, much the same with the tragically under appreciated Journey Into Mystery which has been canceled.

 

Ultimate Comics Divided We Fall United We Stand TP           The Ultimate line has been hit or miss for me since the wholesale slaughter that was Ultimatum. Once in awhile a storyline will grab my attention and the write ups that appeared in the solicitations definitely grabbed my interest. I am happy to report that the entire story will be appearing in one 408 page collection. This is the way to change a comic book universe without killing off most of your characters. The USA is fragmented and while Captain America rallies the troops to help reform the crumbling country, Kitty Pryde leads to protect her kind from the deadly Sentinels. Miles Morales will do anything to prove he has what it takes to join the Ultimates to help when the country is at their darkest. With Brian Wood, Sam Humphries, and Brian Michael Bendis writing, I am sold.

 

And with that we complete our look at Marvel for September 2013. See you soon when we look at the rest of the book.


												
 
									
				

	

	
	

				
					
	

		
	
			

				
					July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review				
			

						

				  By   |  |  ,    							

				Leave a comment			

						

			
		
		

						
												

												
July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review


Time to visit the latest issue of Previews Magazine. The July 2013, 298th issue, for merchandise appearing in stores beginning in September 2013.


 


Forever Evil #1


Let’s take a look at the first line wide event and the latest attempt by DC Comics to maintain some sort of relevance, possibly to justify the continued use of the term “New 52”, namely “Forever Evil”. This will show us exactly what would happen if the villains did in fact win. With the villains only taking over for the one month it is interesting that the associated mini series is 7 issues. If it is shipping monthly it makes me curious how this story will play out. Geoff Johns is writing the main mini series, with art provided by David Finch and Richard Friend.


 


The villain take over doesn’t mess up the issue numbering, instead adding a decimal point to the pre crossover month issue number. While there are several of these villain issues I would love to take home I am going to tough it out until the Omnibus edition is released. Let’s take a peek though at some of the more interesting issues that will be showing up.


e league, may 2013 diamond comic previews, superman, trinity war, upcoming comics septemb


Justice League #23.2 Lobo         Each time I see a post Liefeld Lobo I breathe another sigh of relief that he did not create any type of new standard for that character. He takes over in Justice League #23.2: Lobo. It looks like they are crafting the bad ass Lobo that comic book fans know and love. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.


 


Justice League #23.3 Dial E         Justice League #23.3: Dial E by the Dial H writer China Mieville, and a roster of 20 artists including such favorites as Jeff Lemire, David Lapham and many, many others, brings us what appears to be the actual final Dial H story. I am happy that DC allowed this. I believe this shows allot of respect for what they were trying to do with the title. With the theme of the month being one that tells the story of when evil wins, four criminals find a lost E Dial and find themselves pursued by someone, or someones, in the shadows. 20 pages and 20 artists is a fitting way to bring this story to a close until it get’s dusted off again.


 


Justice League Dark #23.2 Eclipso         Dan Didio is writing Justice League Dark #23.2: Eclipso. That just does not sound like a good fit to me and I wonder why someone more familiar with the characters, like Lemire, or Fawkes, didn’t give it a go. Either way I will read it in the Omnibus but it would be one I would be on the shelf about as a single issue.


 


Earth 2 #15.2 Solomon Grundy         On the other hand, putting someone like Matt Kindt, who produces Mind MGMT, an amazing book, onto Earth 2 #15.2: Solomon Grundy, you cannot help but be intrigued. Matt Kindt crafting the origins of a classic DC character, even on an alternate Earth, is rife with possibilities. This book should be a must buy, and has sleeper hit written all over it.


 


Action Comics #23.1 Cyborg Superman         All I can say, looking at the dynamic cover for Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman, is that DC needs to produce Cyborg Superman as an action figure in their New 52 line. Michael Alan Nelson (W) and Mike Hawthorne (A) brings to light the connection between Krypton and Cyborg Superman.


 


Batman and Robin #23.2 The Court of Owls         Batman and Robin #23.2: The Court of Owls by James Tynion IV (W) and Jorge Lucas (A) is not only one of the creepiest covers and makes me think of the disturbing film, The Strangers, but a chance to see just how far they will go to maintain control once evil has won.


 


Detective Comics #23.1 Poison Ivy         My favorite DC villain, but one that I find has been handled wrong since the launch of the New 52, Poison Ivy, is taking over in Detective Comics #23.1: Poison Ivy. Derek Fridolfs, whose writing credits are mainly with the digital arm of DC, including: Batman: Li’l Gotham, Arkham Unhinged, Justice League Beyond, and Arkham City, is taking to the printed page as he and artist Javier Pina, and bringing us a story about her evolution in the absence of the Batman. I hope this brings the character to a place where she will truly shine and become an integral part to the New 52.


 


Batman Black and White #1         Batman fans have a reason to celebrate in September when the Eisner Award-winning series, Batman Black and White returns in the form of a six issue mini series. The roster of creators is massive and includes such luminaries, and fan favorites, such as: Chip Kidd, Neal Adams, John Arcudi, Sean Murphy, and many more. With the creators involved it doesn’t matter what the stories are, they are virtually guaranteed to give Batman fans what they want.


 


Superman a Celebration of 75 Years HC         The 75th anniversary of the Man of Steel is being celebrated by DC Comics with two different collections. First up is Superman: A Celebration of 75 Years HC. This is 384 pages of stories from all periods throughout his career. With a whose who of comic creators: Jerry Siegel, Joe Kelly, Alan Moore, Joe Shuster, Curt Swan, and many more, this is for fans of the stranger from Krypton.


 


Lois Lane a Celebration of 75 Years HC         Superman could not have reached this milestone without intrepid reporter Lois Lane. She gets her own celebration in Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years HC. Also 384 pages with Jerry Siegel, John Byrne, Gran Morrison, Greg Rucka, Phil Jimenez and several others contributing, this represents some of the best and most memorable moments with Lois Lane.


 


Injustice Gods Among Us vol 01 HC         Having read nothing but good things about Injustice I am excited to order Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 1 HC. This collects the first six issues of the digital series in one collection. The chance to go further in depth into the dark, and morally split DC Universe that Injustice takes place in is exciting. With Justice Lords being my favorite characters in the animated Justice League universe, I look forward to seeing another take on that story.


 


Astro City #4         Having read the first two issues of Astro City, I cannot heap enough praise on this series by Kurt Busiek (W), Brent Anderson (A) and Alex Ross (Cover) which brings us back to a city, and characters that hold a special place in our comic book hearts, and injects new life into something that was already perfect to begin with.


 


 


DC Comics Super Villains Deathstroke AFDC Comics New 52 Swamp Thing Deluxe AF         DC continues to roll out the amazing figures in the New 52 line. In December they bring the deluxe action figure Swamp Thing to comic shop shelves. This is going to be a wonderful edition to the line, with a height of 9.75” and a 15” wingspan, it will be one of the biggest released to date. Another villain joins the line up as we get the New 52 version of Deathstroke in action figure form. The only one I am missing to date is Darkseid and I regret not ordering him at the time. One day he will be mine.


 


That brings an end to our look at DC Comics. See you soon with Marvel!