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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Besides 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
