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September 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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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.

 

Brain Boy #3         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.

 

1 for $1 Abe Sapien #1         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.

 

 

Mr Peabody & Sherman #1Ben 10 #1         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 TP vol 01 Fire The Sword TP vol 02 Water The Sword TP vol 03 Earth The Sword TP vol 04 Air Alex & Ada #1

 

          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.

 

Protectors Inc #1         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.

 

Ash & Army of Darkness #1 Ash & Army of Darkness #1 sub         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.

 


Unity #1 pullbox AUnity #1 pullbox DUnity #1 pullbox CUnity #1 pullbox EUnity #1 reg Braithwaite Unity #1 Team USAUnity #1 pullbox B Unity #1 - 8 bitUnity #1 blank             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.

 

That brings our look at Previews and the merchandise starting to ship in November. Good reading.

Let Judy know if you are interested in any of the titles asap, so she bring in a copy for you.

August 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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August 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Shaolin Cowboy #1          With Marvel and DC taken care of let’s look at the rest of Previews. First is Dark Horse Comics. A book that promises to be a hit is Shaolin Cowboy #1. This is a character that Geof Darrow is closely tied to since he created him in 2004. I admit to not knowing this character, in 2004 I was still blind to anything non superhero related.

 

Brain Boy #2         Without even seeing the first issue of Brain Boy #1, I am eager for #2. I am not sure why the concept of an egotistical mentally powered Matt Price strikes a chord but the book written by Fred Van Lente is a must read for me. I sense this to be the sleeper hit of the year.

 

Elfquest Special Final Quest one shot         Another concept that I know little of but know of its large fan following is Elfquest. Richard Pini (W) and Wendy Pini (W/A). Wendy and Richard created this property in 1978 and it has endeared itself to comic book and fantasy fans alike. This one shop is the prologue to the Elfquest: The Final Quest series, but I think it is a way to test the water for the property. Dark Horse seems to be playing a little bit of the old school genre game, and showing mad love for longtime fans, while opening things to a new generation of readers. While the art is not bad, it is the art that keeps me away from the property. The style pulls me out of the story, but the fan base for this will love it. It is nice to see a title maintain so much consistency in appearance throughout the years, without trying to bow down to a specific flavor of the month sensibility.

 

Locke & Key Alpha #2A Locke & Key Alpha #2B Locke & Key Alpha #2C Locke & Key Alpha #2D Locke & Key Alpha #2E Locke & Key Alpha #2F Locke & Key Alpha #2G         Fans of Locke & Key are both excited and sad as October brings us the closing of the last door and the last story of the Locke children. Joe Hill (W), and Gabriel Rodriguez (A) closes one of the best reviewed and loved books of this generation. Variants are big again and this issue is in on it, but with an incredibly robust range of variant artists including Simon Bisley, Glenn Fabry, Michael Kaluta, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave Sim, and the grand daddy of horror art, Bernie Wrightson. At $7.99 a pop I am going to limit my choice to one, and it would have to be the Dave Sim variant which is a tribute to old school Spider-Man.

 

Star Trek Stardate Coll HC vol 01         IDW are also releasing an amazing Star Trek volume. Star Trek: The Stardate Collection, Vol. 1: The Early Voyages presents the stories of the Star Trek universe in chronological order based on stardate. This series will cover all series from all publishers and the first volumes second half features one of my favorite Marvel runs, Star Trek: Early Voyages, namely the first 7 issues. Star Trek: Crew Issues #1-5 opens the book.

 

Velvet #1         Ed Brubaker (W), and Steve Epting (A), are creators who brought us character defining runs on Captain America. There ability to handle the shadier side of political warfare is strong and that is why Velvet #1 should be a good read. The solicitation is exciting yet vague, but the cover definitely has the air of a female Bond type character which makes me intrigued. There are not enough strong female leads in comicdom and Velvet looks like she may be able to attain those heights. The other thing to keep in mind is that this is an Image first issue, definitely good to get in on the ground floor for these first appearances.

 

Walking Dead #1 - 10th Anniversary Ed         Another fun item is the 10th Anniversary Edition of The Walking Dead #1. What makes this special? Color! Dave Stewart, a phenomenal colorist, brings the world of zombies and survival into a realm we have never seen before. I will be grabbing this for sure!

 

Savage Dragon #193         Savage Dragon, the indy that could, by Erik Larsen, transfers the job of being the lead from father to son, as Malcolm Dragon takes on the title role. Savage Dragon #193 opens a new chapter in one of the original players of Image comics.

 

Archer & Armstrong #14         The last publisher to look at is Valiant and they have a couple of releases of note. First up is another storyline that will change aspects of the Valiant Universe. Much like the wonderfully written, but hastily wrapped up, Harbinger Wars, Sect Civil War will change Archer & Armstrong beginning in the 14th issue of the series. This is all out war between the different factions of the Sect, with the title characters on opposite sides. Harbinger Wars really set a standard for the event comics in the Valiant Universe, and if Archer & Armstrong is handled the same way, this will be an event worth reading.

 

Quantum & Woody #4         Quantum and Woody #4 introduces the Goat! Nuff said.

 

X-O Manowar deluxe HC vol 01         Valiant looks to be releasing collections that will truly show the amazing storytelling that has cemented Valiant Entertainment as a comic book company that believes in quality, and tight storytelling. X-O Manowar Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 HC is an oversized collection of X-O Manowar #1-14, plus 20 pages of extras. For $39.99 and 384 pages, oversized pages, this is a wonderful first book in this series of collections, and will be joining my growing library of collections.

 

That brings an end to our look at product shipping to comic book stores starting in October of 2013. See you soon for November.

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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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.

June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Halo Initiation #1               The third and final part of our look at the August and beyond shipping product from the most recent issue of Previews. Starting over at Dark Horse, they have something that gamers will be interested in, a new Halo series. Halo: Initiation #1 is the first of three issues that detail the origin of not just Sarah Palmer but also the Spartan IV program. Brian Reed is a writer with a strong pedigree, having crafted Spider-Woman: Origin, one of the best stories about the female webslinger, New Avengers: Illuminati, and so many other notable comic book runs, not to mention he is one of the writer’s from Halo 4. This man knows his stuff so Halo fans take not.

 

The Last of Us American Dreams TP              The more I see of the PlayStation game The Last of Us, created by Naughty Dog Studios, the more I want to know of this world the game portrays, and one of those fixes may come in the form of the recently completed and now collected The Last of Us: American Dreams. This trade paperback contains the mini-series that shows the world while there were still a large number of survivors. The military takes control as the epidemic spreads and pretty soon Ellie feels the need to break free from the military boarding school herself, and other children, find themselves in. The writers involved Erin Hicks, and Neil Druckmann are both qualified in terms of quality such as Hicks, known for The Adventures of Superhero Girl, and Neil Druckmann coming from Naughty Dog itself. With the strength this creative team have, this trade may be worth checking out.

 

BTVS Season 9 Freefall #24 Noto BTVS Season 9 Freefall #24 JeantyAngel & Faith #25 Isaacs Angel & Faith #25 Morris

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              Buffy fans take note, both Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9 and Angel & Faith are both in the midst of their season finales. The finale’s for both promise to be spectacular while Severin and Simone put a plan in motion that could very well turn back time in Buffy #24, and Angel & Faith may have to go further than they ever have in order to save millions of lives in peril in issue #25 of their series.

 

Itty Bitty Hellboy #1              Dark Horse hops onto the de-aging and kidifying of their characters with the first issue of Art Baltazar (W/A) and Franco’s (W) newest creation, Itty Bitty Hellboy. Is this an odd trend appearing in comics? And how much longer before we see all the top characters kidified? Will the trend be overdone, making everyone tired of it and end up considering it nothing more than a stunt? I actually don’t think so. The quality of the work is so much fun to look at and the writing is well paced, always packed with a fun story. This book is definitely worth a look.

 

 Thunder Agents #1 subThunder Agents #1              IDW is publishing a wonderful series when they release T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1 by Phil Hester (W), and Andrea Di Vito (A). This book has had a long and sordid history with IDW being the fifth publisher to take its shot, the last one being DC Comics. The story of the people who chose to take on great powers at the cost of their lives has always been a captivating plot point and I hope, with this being the fifth iteration, that it adds something new to the mix to make it a little more relevant, and even unexpected to a degree.

 

Locke & Key Alpha #1              The beginning of the end of Locke & Key: Alpha #1 is the first of two issues by Joe Hill (W) and Gabriel Rodriguez (A) where the last door is finally unlocked.

 

Kiss Kids #1 Kiss Kids #1 sub              Speaking of kidifying we have Kiss Kids #1 (of 4) where we see the children versions of the rock band having fun adventures around town. I wasn’t aware of the demand of this or that the title sounded like a good idea but IDW knows their licenses so I could very well be wrong.

 

Rachel Rising vol 03 Cemetery Songs              The third Rachel Rising trade comes out entitled Rachel Rising Volume 3: Cemetery Songs. I am a huge fan of volume 1 and volume 2 sits on my definite to read list. I hope that the same care that Terry Moore puts into this series is the same care that is applied to the television show. Either way the print edition is amazing and if you have the first two volumes there is no reason to miss on the third. If you don’t have any, get all three to get caught up on one of the best series launches in recent memory.

 

Uber #0 enhanced ed              Director’s Cuts visit Avatar with the Enhanced Edition of Uber #0 is released. This book is spectacular with some of the best stories I have seen from Kieron Gillen (W) and Caanan White (A), and the opportunity to see allot of the background work that went into the book is quite the opportunity. The issue is limited to 7500 copies and will be the last printing of the issue until the trade next year. Get this while you can, this book will only get hotter.

 

Frank Miller Robocop Last Stand #1              With a Frank Miller omnibus out from Marvel, Miller fans will find a second reason to celebrate in the pages of Previews when they scope out Robocop: Last Stand from Boom! Studios. This is truly the final story for Robocop as envisioned by Frank Miller, Steven Grant (adapting), and Korjut Oztekin (A). I am going to run the risk of trade waiting in hopes of a nice hardcover collection, but Frank Miller fans will undoubtedly pick up the singles of this book.

 

Harbinger #15 Harbinger #15 pullbox              By August Valiant will have wrapped up their first crossover, The Harbinger Wars, and the after effects begin to ripple through the Valiant universe in the pages of Harbinger #15. This is also the first issue for the new creative team of Joshua Dysart (W) and Barry Kitson (A). I wish them well and while I am nervous about a new creative team I can’t wait to see Peter Stanchek and his crew come together even more after having survived the Harbinger Wars.

 

Bloodshot #0 reg Bloodshot #0 pullbox              Matt Kindt (W) and Chris Cross (A) brings us the definite origin of Bloodshot before we dive into a retitled book in September. We have been given clues throughout the run of the series and it is time to see if we put them together correctly or if something was hidden up Valiant’s sleeve all along. This book has been a consistent good read and the origin better be as strong as the rest of the book has been throughout its run.

 

Well that completes my look at the August and beyond shipping product from the pages of Previews Magazine. Good reading everyone!

May 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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May 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Star Wars #7 Star Wars Dark Times Spark Remains #1 Star Wars Darth Vader & Ninth Assassin #4 Star Wars Legacy #5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            Now that we have the big 2 out of the way we can look at the rest of Previews. First up is Dark Horse who is continuing with the push of it’s superhero franchises and re-establishing a shared universe amongst them. This is a smart move since I am sure that the Star Wars books will at some point switch to in-house. I don’t say this out of any negative emotions towards Dark Horse, it is just the reality of the situation, and in no way reflects the incredibly high level of quality they have set for their books.

 

Catalyst Comix #1            Catalyst Comix reintroduces us to Frank “Titan” Wells, Amazing Grace, and the Agents of Change. This is a nine issue mini and is no doubt a testing ground. If the response is good it would more than likely transition to ongoing, and nine issues will be easier to gain a bead on its sustainability after the initial sales drop off.

 

Captain Midnight #1            Captain Midnight #1 is the first issue of an ongoing by Joshua Williamson (W) and Fernando Dagnino (A), and is billed as a key title in this new superhero push. I know very little of this character and while it may not go home with me I will check it out on the stands and maybe it can convince me in person. The Paolo Rivera variant cover is very eye catching.

 

Massive #14            The New York arc continues in The Massive #14. Brian Wood is a writer who knows how to build a world and provide an amazing narrative on today’s society. The art team is stupendous and I question why this concept has not been put forward for consideration as a television series, it would be groundbreaking, much like it’s comic counterpart is now. Part DMZ but with a tighter link to today’s politics The Massive is a page turner without equal on the stands.

 

Strain the Fall #1            The Strain is a new series on FX but you can see the story unfold in comic book form when the second series is launched. The Strain: The Fall #1 by David Lapham (W), Mike Huddleston (A) picks up right where they left off in the first volume. The vampire virus is gaining a strong hold in Manhattan and it may be too late to stop them, or can Dr. Goodweather rally from his failure kill the Master in the first volume, and stop this plague? Get in on the ground floor in preparation for what is sure to be one of the most talked about television shows soon to hit the small screens.

 

Mass Effect Foundation #1            Mass Effect fans take note that they are getting a monthly, and it begins in the pages of Mass Effect: Foundation #1. The lead writer of both Mass Effect #2 and #3, Mac Walters, takes on the writing duties of this new monthly. The back story of Mass Effect is immense and it will be fun to see where they take this series, and if anything from the book will make it’s way into future game installments? This is worth keeping an eye on.

 

            I am not sure if they have been announced, but a Dragons Age 3, and Mass Effect 4, would be nice launch titles for the much rumored X-Box 720.

 

Judge Dredd Classics #1            Yet another Judge Dredd series launches with Judge Dredd Classics #1. The stories have been recolored and reprint classic Dredd tales. First up is “Block Mania” and after that should be the much loved Apocalypse War.

 

Satellite Sam #1            Image Comics brings another new launch by an outstanding creative team. Howard Chaykin has long been one of my favorite artist’s and Matt Fraction is an amazing writer, and together they bring us a noir story set in 1951 New York City involving murder and television back when it was glamorous! Satellite Sam #1

 

Molly Danger Book 1 HC            Jamal Ingle has been receiving allot of good press about his creation Molly Danger. She arrives in Molly Danger Book 1 HC. The concept of a young girl protecting New York for more than 20 years from non stop Supermechs is enough of a concept to grab me.

 

Cyborg 009 HC            Archaia is following up the #0 issue of Cyborg 009 with a new graphic novel hardcover. Archaia knows how to present hardcovers and I love the format and cover treatments of their books as well as the spine. This story brings the Cyborg 009 to our time and re-imagines them with a contemporary twist.

 

 All New Fathom #1 subAll New Fathom #1            Aspen is bringing us the next addition to their 10 for 10 celebration of their tenth anniversary in the form of Fathom #1. A new direction is hyped in the solicitation, although I am not familiar with any direction so I am wondering if this will be new reader friendly?

 

 

Uber #3  Uber #3 PropagandaUber #3 wrap

 

 

 

 

 

 

            I will predict Uber continues to be a hit for Avatar for a long time coming. The #0 issues was amazing and I cannot wait to see this dark world built in front of me. Gillen has proven time and again that he is a writer who is really making a name for himself and a talent worth following. Issue #3 of this series about Nazi developed super humans continues to show us what affect that would have had and how the world responds. If you can get your hands on the first couple of issues I strongly suggest you do.

 

Day Men #1            Boom Studios is launching a new title that could very well be a companion to the vampire world of True Blood. Day Men #1 by Matt Gagnon (W), Michael Alan Nelson (W), and art by superstar Brian Stelfreeze, tells the story of those that protect the vampires and their holdings during their dangerous daylight hours when they cannot risk exposure or they will die. While their masters sleep the Day Men fix and protect that which belongs to the vampires. The premise sounds exciting and helps bring us a different side of the much used vampire concept.

 

Red Sonja #1 main Red Sonja #1 A Red Sonja #1 B Red Sonja #1 C Red Sonja #1 D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           Over at Dynamite, one of their longest running female characters gets a relaunch and a new creative team. Fan loved creator Gail Simone writes the tales of Red Sonja, in Red Sonja #1 with art by Walter Geovani, and a slew of variant covers, which are all orderable, not just incentives, thank you Dynamite.

 

  Harbinger Wars #4 wrapHarbinger Wars #4 reg          The big news at Valiant is the ending of  the Harbinger Wars. The ending is very top secret at the moment, and the only thing announced about post war is that with the August shipping Bloodshot #14, it gets renamed Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps.

 

Bloodshot #13Harbinger #14            Issue #13 is the last with the team of Duane Swierczynski (W) and Barry Kitson (A) and the incoming team have pretty big shoes to fill. Issue #14 of Harbinger is the other closing chapter for this cross-over and I can’t wait to see how it ends. Bloodshot and Harbinger have intrigued me from the start and for them to cross over in such a way is a wonderful thing to behold. Everything works and nothing seems forced.

 

Quantum & Woody #1 reg Quantum & Woody #1 sub            Valiant is also bringing us the next new release in July with Quantum and Woody #1 by James Asmus (W) and Tom Fowler (A). The story of brothers who find themselves with abilities, and the seemingly endless ability to make more of a mess than help, comes out on July 10. I will be picking this up to see if I will want it on my trade list. I was a fan of the original Quantum and Woody so I have a strong connection to the characters but will try to reign in that bias when I read the relaunched comic.

 

Well that brings us to the end of Previews for July shipping product. See you soon for August.