september 2013 previews – Book Fair Comics Blog

October 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Now that we have visited Marvel and DC let’s take a look at what the rest of Previews has to offer us for product shipping as early as December 2013. The retro trend that took pop culture by storm continues to rule a large chunk of the comic book market and Dark Horse plans to encourage that with Terminator: Salvation – The Final Battle. The first issue of the 12 issue series brings the story that brings an end to the stories of John Connor and Skynet. Normally I wouldn’t pay much attention to these licensed properties but with J. Michael Straczynski (W), and Pete Woods (A) on board I am curious enough to check out the first issue.

Dark Horse launches another ongoing based on a hit video game franchise when Halo: Escalation #1 by Chris Schlerf (W), Sergio Arino (W), Juan Castro (I), and others, comes to the stands in December. Fans of the Halo game series take note, the writer, Christopher Schlerf, is the lead writer of Halo 4 which means this comic book will tie perfectly into the huge world that the franchise has created.

My new favourite series is Dark Horse’s Brain Boy. The first issue completely hooked me with both the writing by Fred Van Lente, and the art by Freddie Williams II (P), and Ego (C), with a five star shout out to the amazing covers by Ariel Olivetti. In December Dark Horse ships a zero issue which reprints the adventures of the egotistical title character from the pages of Dark Horse Presents. I missed out on those stories, and as a huge fan of the first issue this is coming home with me. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about this character.

There are two reasons I am recommending Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem HC; first of all, the creative team is worth the price alone with Steve Niles (W), Matt Santoro (W), and Dave Wachter (A) providing the art and story, secondly is the recent flooding that has done much damage to the home and possessions of Steve Niles. Purchasing this book will undoubtedly help a creator during his time of need. I had decided to bring this book home before the flooding happened but it makes me happy knowing I will enjoy the story and help a creator in the process. The story tells us of a Jewish village where the residents create a monster to help them fight back against the Nazis.

IDW is trying a format I am personally not a fan of but it is sure to draw in fans of the original Star Trek. Star Trek Annual 2013 is put together using screen shots from the original series, but it tells a new story with words provided by legendary creator John Byrne. The tale is a sequel to the classic episode that saw Kirk lose his dearest and oldest friend Pike, but is Pike actually gone? Byrne does not appeal to me, nor do photo based comics but classic Trek fans will no doubt want this for their collection.

IDW puts out the last of it’s Doctor Who titles as their licencing deal comes to a close. The final issue of the monthly series hits with issue #16, the trade vol 4 that collects issues #13-16 follows shortly after. Doctor Who Special 2013 brings the IDW chapter of Doctor Who to a close, with a story that has the Doctor Who coming face-to-face with the actor Matt Smith. For Matt Smith fans this may be the last chance to pick up his comic book appearances since his next regeneration is just around the corner.

The fourth issue of The Other Dead hits in December, and having read the first issue I will be picking up all 6 issues of this mini that tells the story of a zombie apocalypse with a twist, this time the animals are the ones that transmit the virus. What this means is that the cute puppy at your feet or the kitty that is snuggled on your lap could become the living dead, still want to cuddle them? As a self proclaimed cat lover I cannot imagine something so horrific as having to deal with my cute little bundle of fur if she ever turned into a blood thirsty zombie. For zombie fans this is a book worth getting, oh and Obama kicks ass in it, which is another reason this is a must read for me.

Invincible Universe #8 has a cover that brings to mind one word: Darkseid, which is unfortunate since that is a DC character. Sadly that is the only thing I noted in the Image solicitations.

Afterlife with Archie is going to be one of the sleeper hits of the year. The art by Francesco Francavilla brings a dark, mature edge to a still recognizable and iconic Riverdale and it’s characters. Bringing in Sabrina as the root cause of the zombies is an amazing idea in the first issue and I cannot wait to see how Roberto Aquirre Sacasa continues to blend the young reader friendly world into something dark, horrific, and decidedly mature. Issue #4 is out in December and is worth picking up site unseen.

Being the animal lover I am, there are a few comic book series that have captured my attention over the years including We3, The Other Dead, The Liberator, and a few others, because they have featured an animals perspective on well known comic book archetypes and story-lines. Avatar, a publisher that is moving up my must read list pretty fast, is bringing us the tale of the end of the world from the perspective of our furry friends. Garth Ennis is an interesting and intriguing choice for a storyteller of this nature but I am down and more than willing to give this mini series a go. Rover Red Charlie #1 hits in December and should be checked out!

Dynamite Comics brings us a pulp series featuring one of the most prominent and well known pulp fiction characters in the world, Doc Savage. Doc Savage #1 by Chris Roberson (W), Bilquis Everly (A), and obligatory cover by Alex Ross, looks to bring us back to his creation in 1933 and bridge yesterday with today throughout this series. Pulp fans will undoubtedly be checking out this series.

Tommy Yune returns to the world of Robotech when he writes the story that brings Robotech and Voltron together in Robotech/Voltron #1 (of 5). Tommy Yune also contributes the covers with interior art provided by Elmer Damaso. This series has it all; Roy Fokker, Zentraedi, Macross Island, the ten lions, all in one series. Anime/manga fans will be nabbing this, so will I.

The WWE is doing comics. That is about the only thing you will ever hear me say about that. I thought I would mention it for any wrestling fans out there. That being said WWE #1 by Mick Foley (W) and Alitha Martinez (A) is out in December.

A creator shift happens in Valiant’s Shadowman #13 as Peter Milligan takes over as writer with Roberto De La Torre covering art. Milligan has been hit and miss with his work but Shadowman, a story of a man possessed by dark magic, seems right up his alley. I will pick up this issue to see how it goes.

It was a short but sweet look at the rest of Previews and there are some definite gems in the pages. Good reading and see you next month.

September 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

With DC Comics and Marvel Comics out of the way we can now turn our attention to the rest of the publishers in Previews and what they have in store for us starting in November.

Dark Horse Comics is releasing the 3rd issue of Brain Boy by Fred Van Lente (W) hits the stands in November. While my excitement for this series is still intact I was a little surprised to see an interview on Newsarama where they talked about the series being a 4 issue mini. Previews has it listed as an ongoing. While I will pick this up either way Dark Horse really should clarify what type of series this is. Issue #3 gives us Brain Boy vs. mind-controlled New Yorkers while trying to defeat a mental giant that rivals Brain Boy. The covers by Ariel Olivetti is enough for me to want this but the story is what guarantees this comes home with me, whether it’s for four issues or more.

Comic book companies are really getting into the $1 comics as a way to introduce readers to titles they may not have tried. The next one coming out from Dark Horse is The Victories #1 by Michael Avon Oeming. I didn’t pick up the first issue the first time it was released, just because I was starting to feel buried under so many superhero titles, but I want to try it, and for a dollar I am more than happy to see if Mr. Oeming can bring something new to the world of super-heroics.

Another $1 first issue is Abe Sapien. I have long wanted to delve into the world of Hellboy and the other wonderful creations by Mike Mignola, and this is another perfect opportunity. For $1 I get to see a solo story featuring my favorite, so far, of Mignola’s creations, Abe Sapien.

Over at IDW they welcome two new licenses into the fold with Ben 10 #1 by Jason Henderson (W) and Gordon Purcell (A), and Mr. Peabody & Sherman #1 (of 4). The latter ties into the 2014 Dreamworks Animation movie that will be visiting the big screen.

The Sword by the Luna Brothers ended three years ago and in November Jonathan Luna returns to comics being joined by Sarah Vaughn as co-writer in Alex + Ada #1. While the solicits indicate a love story between a human and an android in the near future, the Luna’s always provide an interesting twist to whatever they right. Jonathan provides beautiful artwork that the Luna’s are known for. Luna combined with Image Comics makes this a must have.

J. Michael Straczynski (W), Gordon Purcell (A), and Mike Atiyeh (A) brings us an Image #1 that combines an old school retro flair with today’s superstar/reality television sensibilities. Protectors, Inc. #1 presents a world where the villains are gone, and all that there is are corporate sponsorships and “heroes” with egos that really need an adjustment. The story takes a turn when one of the “Protectors” is murdered, and it is clear that it was done by another with powers. J. Michael Straczynski is hit or miss with me but the genres that he visits in this first issue are intriguing and worth at least one look.

One of the best horror writers in the field today, Steve Niles, is the writer behind Ash and the Army of Darkness #1. Dennis Calero joins him as the artist as they reboot a true horror icon. Army of Darkness fans should snap this up. I could go into many reasons why but all you need to know is Ash plus Steve Niles equals one heck of a good time, horror-wise that is.

Valiant continues to be one of the best publishers on the market and they continue that trend with the release of Unity. This isn’t the epic crossover of Valiant past but a new team book, the first super-team book of the Valiant Universe. Matt Kindt (W) and Doug Braithwaite (A) shows us the how and why Toyo Harada forms a team to take down one man, X-O Manowar. I will definitely check this out, and for all those that have yet to pay a visit to the Valiant Universe, do take this opportunity to see how rich and layered this universe can be.