June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | June 4, 2012 - 1:11 PM |June 4, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

We have had our look at DC Comics for August, now it is time to turn our attention to Marvel Comics.

Avengers Vs. X-Men is in its final act, and several other comics have returned to their own storylines. Allot of the tie ins did not feel fluid, or really seemed to have a purpose, it felt like the writers were not given much of an option about participation, and if some of them did, shame on them for putting out what they did. There have been rare glimmers of fun during the crossover so far, with my favorite tie-ins coming from the team out in space, in Secret Avengers. The rest of the tie-ins are usually around the bottom of my read pile.

New Avengers #29 does have me excited because of an appearance from the Illuminati. This concept of the power players of the Marvel Universe deserves more room to develop but has very few appearances. In New Avengers the Illuminati, knowing they have failed to stop the Phoenix before, group together one last time to try and do what they have never been able to before. Will they stop it? Doubtful. Will it be fun to read about this group of characters trying to get over grudges, resentments, and mistrusts? Absolutely!

Over in Wolverine & The X-Men #15 a classic team of sorts is assembled. Xavier, Rachel, Beast, Angel, and Iceman charge into battle, led by Wolverine charge into battle. Wolverine & The X-Men has done a good job of advancing bits and pieces of it’s own story while including the Avengers Vs. X-Men story beats and that gives me hope that this will be another fun issue. With a line up like Wolverine is leading it is sure to be nothing if not interesting.

Avengers Academy leaves the main Avengers Vs. X-Men storyline behind and deals with the fall-out, the closing of Avengers Academy. Issues #34 and 35 bring parts 1 and 2 of “Final Exam”. With the actual ending of the crossover unknown it is too soon to speculate if this is truly the final exam or if the Academy will be welcoming any new students in the near future. Either way this will be staying on my pull list.

Secret Avengers is also back to it’s previous story and we find out why the Shadow Council is doing what their doing. A new Masters of Evil makes their presence known, all this and Max Fury as well. So much happens in this book that it normally sits on top of the Avengers in my read pile.

Zeb Wells helps celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man over in Avenging Spider-Man #11 where he teams up with the most important person in his life, May Parker. For Spider-Man fans this will be a must purchase, but Zeb Wells has proven in the past that he can always bring something different to the table, and is more than capable of handling Spider-Man and the most important supporting member of his cast.

That 50th Anniversary is also going to brings us back to different moments of Spider-Mans past with Peter Parker, Spider-Man #156.1, Sensational Spider-Man #33.1 and 33.2, and Web of Spider-Man #129.1 and 129.2. It’s a busy month for Spider-Man fans, lucky for my wallet I prefer seeing him in a team because this is allot of Spidey.

Matt Fraction has proven that he can tackle the spy genre with amazing skill, and I hope he brings that kind of sensibility to help flesh out the Avengers resident bowman, Clint Barton (a.k.a. Hawkeye). David Aja brings an amazing eye for layouts to Hawkeye #1. Hawkeye is out to prove (again?) that he is one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, this time with a sidekick, ex-Young Avenger Kate Bishop. The only thing I question about this book is the fact that Hawkeye has proven time and again that he has every right to be an Avenger, and an A-Lister. He has proven himself, so lets hopefully get some good stories where he holds up his reputation because he shouldn’t have to fight for it at this point.

Punisher vs. a six armed space Hulk? Yes please. Space Punisher #2 (of 4) is one I am excited to read. I like to have a selection of fun comics where I can just read, and enjoy, without worrying about any kind of continuity or crossover. There should be more of these put out by the big two.

The ClanDestine continue their return to the Marvel Universe in Daredevil Annual #1 and Wolverine Annual #1. Marvel Tales by Alan Davis Parts 2 and 3 close off the story began in Fantastic Four Annual #33.

If the early pencilled pages preview of Gambit #1 are any indication, writer James Asmus, and artist Clay Mann, have a very nice looking book hitting the stands in August. I appreciate the fact that the solicitation stresses that Bella Donna is not in this issue. This means that James and Clay might actually be adding something new to Remy’s story instead of rehashing that which has come before. I am not entirely sure why Gambit is getting another solo book launch at this time but I will roll with it for the first arc, besides I am a sucker for a pretty face, and Remy has that in spades.

Another out of continuity mini-series makes its debut, Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe #1-4 (of 4) ships weekly in August. Cullen Bunn writes and Dalibor Talajic draws the Merc with a Mouth as he cuts a bloody swath through the Marvel Universe. I was a fan of the mini-series Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe and I hope this brings the same level of homicidal wackiness that that one provided. With the horror genre one that Cullen has proved he can handle with ease I would assume that he is the right man to illustrate just how far Deadpool can take his depraved lunacy and answer the question, when does Deadpool go from funny to disturbing? That question alone propels this book to Marvel Pick of the Month!

That’s it for Marvel in August, coming shortly will be a look at IDW, Dark Horse, Dynamite, and Image for August!

MARVEL PULL LIST

Astonishing X-Men
Avengers
Avengers Academy
Avengers Vs. X-Men
AVX vs
Captain Marvel
Dark Avengers
Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe
Fury Max
Gambit
Hawkeye
Hulk (Mayan Rule Storyline – up to and including #57)
New Avengers
Secret Avengers
Space Punisher
Uncanny X-Force
Uncanny X-Men
Wolverine & The X-Men
X-Factor
X-Treme X-Men

SPECIAL ORDER

Dr. Strange: Season One Premiere HC
Essential Warlock Vol. 1 TPB
Ultimate Comics Ultimates by Johathan Hickman Vol. 1 TPB

June 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | May 23, 2012 - 8:13 PM |May 23, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

Leave a comment

June 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

The August solicitations for DC Comics seem to have allot of finality to them, with several series closing major story lines. With September’s much reported Zero issues, and hints at a third wave of replacement titles, keeping the DC Universe at the promised 52 titles, I am curious if any of these books, with the exception of Justice League International, whose cancellation has been confirmed, are going to be cut after their August issues? Let the internet speculation begin. Back to the task at hand and see what DC has shipping to us in August.

Before Watchmen continues with Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach both launching the first issues of their respective Before Watchmen mini-series. I will be taking a look through the Rorschach series strictly for the art of Len Wein.

My favorite cover from DC for the month of August is for the second issue of the Ozymandias mini. It’s a little adult, but beautifully drawn, and I might pick up that book just for the cover. From a design angle I think it is gorgeous.

Justice League #12 promises to provide a shocking last page that will have everyone talking. Sadly I am not remotely curious. For too long comic books have been more concerned with cliff hangers and not necessarily good storytelling. I collect this book for now, so I guess I will see if the solicits can prove to be true or if it is another example of comic book puffery.

Justice League International #12 is the final regular issue for the series but the actual ending will be in the first, and apparently, only annual that comes out at the end of the month. I dropped this series around issue three and I really have no interest in seeing how this ends but for completionists, these two issues draw a close on this strange, and varied comic book. DC might lead us to believe this was all planned but the title itself just never seemed to be going anywhere, and a team that suffers that many defeats in its first year really needs to rethink its mission statement.

Earth 2 #4 continues and I am loving this series. The redesigns are incredible, the story is layered and it is just a fun title. This issue introduces us to the new Atom Smasher, and I cannot wait to see where this title goes next. For fans of the Justice Society, the multiverse, or just amazing world building, hope onto this book!

Aquaman #12 is the final chapter of “The Others” storyline, and the traitor will stand revealed. Even though a major storyline is ending, Aquaman has been a consistent top 20 seller and I am hoping it continues to stick around, I think it will survive, but stranger things have happened.

Teen Titans have reason to celebrate, DC Universe Presents brings a solo story to the pages, focusing on Kid Flash. Kid Flash and dinosaurs should make allot of Fanboys happy. I have not been a fan of the Teen Titans of the New 52, a little too 90’s for me, but I know a few people who might like to pick up this book.

The cover to Savage Hawkman #12 …. quit it Rob Liefeld, just quit it. That is all.

Batman #12 allows the recent “Stan Lee Award” winner, Scott Snyder, brings the Court of Owls to a close with an epilogue to the massive story and he also launches the next major storyline. I have never been a big Batman fan but what I have seen and heard of Scott Snyder, I might just have to delve into the Bat-verse, perhaps a TPB?

Batwoman #12 has me excited for two reasons, the main one is Wonder Woman will be guest starring, and I love the Wonder Woman of the New 52. The second reason is a little less important but it has me happy. J.H. Williams III is back on art duties for this story. Williams drawing Wonder Woman? Yes please! The solicitation for this issue does use the word “epic” and I think this might just live up to that word.

Justice League International is really giving a big final push, and appears in team members book, Batwing #12. They take the battle to Bloodstorm. If Batwing is canceled at any point it will be interesting to see if anything is done with the character, as he recently became a member of the International League, along with OMAC, and now that home is gone.

With the recent revelation that Poison Ivy is connected with the Green, this book, Birds of Prey becomes a companion piece for me, in a way, to Swamp Thing and Animal Man. I hope that this becomes a major storyline that adds to that darker side of the DC New 52. I will give it a few issues and see if it pays off in any way.

Catwoman #12 is another title that has the word, “Finale”, in it’s solicitations. Out of possible cancellations, I could see this one getting the ax, but being an extension of the Bat-family might just save it. I think the future of this title will be revealed before the September solicitations come out.

The Green Lantern Annual #1 promises to Change Everything! With the conclusion of the “Revenge of Black Hand” storyline. Another suspicious solicitation right before the zero issues.

Atrocitus has his “final” (there’s that f-word again) with Abysmus in Red Lanterns #12. Another title who’s future I might be a little concerned about.

Deathstroke and Grifter have received no favors from Liefelds involvement and I honestly expect these titles to be on a cancellation list at some point soon.

My DC Pick of the Month is a tie between two issues. The twelfth issues of both Animal Man and Swamp Thing are the preludes to the big crossover that these series have been heading towards from the beginning. These issues should be new reader friendly with recaps that will explain where they are now, and hints at what the crossover holds.

Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. is a title I fear is heading towards cancellation. This is by no means a slur against its quality as it is always a title that appears near the top of my read pile when I get the comic purchases home, but it is a fringe title that deals with a very specific part of the DC Universe, and because of that has a small, but dedicated, fan following. The twelfth issue will reveal the traitor within S.H.A.D.E.. I have my own suspicions but I am anxious to see if my beliefs are confirmed.

I, Vampire #12 brings us a special appearance from Stormwatch? I don’t get the connection, and am skeptical. This title has thrown twists I had not expected, and with Andrew Bennett having his power level boosted during the Justice League Dark crossover, my skepticism might be uncalled for. On the other hand this might be a desperate attempt to bring Stormwatch more into the DC Universe to try and broaden that titles floundering sales. I, Vampire is a title that struggles with sales so using them as a boost is a strange move. I collect this title already, not going to stop until it gets canceled so this one is coming home with me even though it leaves me going, “huh?”.

With The Ray having received a mini-series, I am thinking that the Freedom Fighters are coming back, slow burn style, with a new mini-series for Phantom Lady. Gray and Palmiotti provide the words with art coming from Cat Staggs, and Rich Perrotta, and a beautiful cover by Amanda Conner. I love Amanda’s pencils and the cover would be enough for me to pick up this series, if I didn’t believe this to be leading to a return of the Freedom Fighters! This is a must buy.

One of my favorite works of fantasy from the 1980’s is back. Showcase Presents: Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld Vol. 1 TP provides 648, black and white pages of fantasy. This Showcase collects Legion of Super-Heroes #298, Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld #1-12, Amethyst Annual #1, DC Comics Presents #63, and Amethyst #1-11. I am wondering if the success of this Showcase could lead to a New 52 introduction of this character. If it is it has my support. I cannot wait to spend an afternoon reading this and flashing back to a decade that encompassed my childhood.

I was just discussing Neil Gaiman the other day and the brilliant work he did with Sandman and Death and for August we have the 320 page Death: The Deluxe Edition HC coming to us. This is an amazing collection with some of Neil Gaiman’s best work and includes Death: The High Cost of Living, Death: The Time of Your Life, stories from Vertigo: Winter’s Edge #2, and Sandman: Endless Nights, the story “The Wheel” from the 9-11 tribute book, Sandman #8, and Sandman #20, art from the Death Gallery, and the “Death Talks About Life” AIDS Pamphlet. This is a must have!

Scalped #60 brings and end to Jason Aaron’s critically acclaimed series. The past five years have all led here.

And that is the list.

DC PULL LIST

Before Watchmen: Minutemen
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre
Birds of Prey
Dial H
Earth 2
Fairest
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
Justice League
Justice League Dark
National Comics
New Deadwardians
Phantom Lady
Punk Rock Jesus
The Shade
Swamp Thing
Wonder Woman

SPECIAL ORDERS

Batwoman #12
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #2
Death: Deluxe Edition HC
Showcase Presents: Amethyst Vol. 1 TPB

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

By Admin | May 13, 2012 - 7:01 PM |May 16, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

Leave a comment

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

Now for the fourth and final part of our look at the May 2012 Previews Catalog with most items scheduled to ship in June.

Zombies have an unfair advantage because of the addiction I have to that subgenre. Antarctic Press actually has two collections coming out in June that I will be ordering, and are sure to satisfy fans of the undead. Eater’s Digest #1 provides a variety of stories in an anthology style book. From President Evil to A Very Zombie Christmas, no brain is left uneaten in this macabre and entertaining collection. Brian Keene’s The Last Zombie: Neverland TPB provides 128 pages of zombie goodness, focusing on a group of children that have a dark secret, and the fear of one man to reveal that he is holding the zombie virus at bay…for now.

Archie Comics is releasing the first Kevin Keller hardcover collection in July. It includes his first to appearances in Veronica #202 and #205, as well as the initial 4 issue mini-series. Kevin Keller is a positive role model of a character and one that adds to the world of Riverdale. If they keep putting them out in hardcover, I will be there for each and every one.

One of the best superhero screenwriters, Zak Penn brings his style to the comic book world, on paper. Hero Worship, from Avatar Press, introduces us to a world where a superhero’s obsessed fan gains powers of their own. When a company like Avatar decides to dip their toe into the superhero pool I intend to take notice. It is not a genre they normally dabble in and if they are, I am sure they are going to introduce something incredibly different, that’s my hope anyway.

This next book is my Pick of the Month for the back of book publishers. Boom Studios unveils The Hypernaturals #1 by cosmic writer supremes, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning. If you had a chance to check out the Free Comic Book Day Preview than you know that this is a world, a universe of story potential. This book is going to be immense, with a wide, and varied, list of characters. The Hypernaturals are a superhero team made up of the best that the galaxy has to offer. They are the ones that are tasked with keeping peace, and have always done an amazing job, until they disappear. Retired Hypernaturals and their new recruits are the only ones who can save the galaxy from total destruction. Brad Walker, Andres Guinaldo, and Mark Irwin all provide art for this issue. If you were a fan of Guardians of the Galaxy, and Nova, this is a book you should put on your pull list immediately.

Oni Press has made me very happy by offering Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Vol. 1: Precious Little Life. The Scott Pilgrim movie made me fall in love with this property and I wanted to wait for a color addition, and my wishes have come true. With the vibrancy of the movie it is difficult to imagine it in black and white only. Keep them coming Oni, I want this all on my bookshelf.

Valiant Entertainment adds another title to their list of relaunches, this time with Bloodshot. Bloodshot is a man who is not what, or who you think. The one thing you can be sure of is if he is coming for you, start running now. What happens when he gets captured, well I would not want to be his captors. Also from Valiant is Harbinger #2. I am very excited for issue two and number one has yet to come out!

That’s it for Previews this month. See you for the June 2012 issue where we will look at products scheduled to ship in August of 2012.

Antarctic Press

Eater’s Digest #1
Last Zombie: Neverland TPB

Archie Comic Publications

Kevin Keller Volume 1 HC

Avatar Press

Hero Worship

Boom Studios

The Hypernaturals

Last Gasp

Tintin: The Complete Companion HC

Oni Press

Scott Pilgrim Color Hardcover Vol. 1: Precious Little Life

Valiant Entertainment

Bloodshot
Harbinger

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

By Admin | May 9, 2012 - 8:54 PM |May 9, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

Leave a comment

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Now that we have looked at the big 2 (DC, Marvel), we are going to turn our attention to Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, IDW Comics, and Dynamite Comics, for our third part of our May 2012 Previews.

Let’s begin with Dark Horse Comics, and the Dark Horse Comics Pick of the Month. They are releasing a title I am very excited about, Axe Cop: President of the World. The reason this is a must have because the creative team is a very uncommon one. This is a new chapter for what is a very popular web comic. The writer is eight year old Malachai Nicolle, and his words are brought to life by his 31 year old brother, Ethan Nicolle. It is only from the creative waterfall of a child’s mind. Axe Cop is now President of the World, and resides in the Gold House, in Axeville, the capital of the world. His first duty, defend the planet from an enemy that comes from the stars. With this kind of description there is no reason this should not be on your pull list.

Brian Wood’s and Kristian Donaldson’s epic sci-fi drama – The Massive continues with issue #2 which promises to show us more of this changed Earth. Specifically taking us to Hong Kong, and the city that has grown from the flooded ruins of the once great city. This is going to be a series for fans of apocalyptic fiction, science fiction, or those that enjoy a rich, and layered display of world building.

Star Wars fans rejoice because Darth Maul is back in the latest chapter in the epic space opera. Star Wars: Darth Maul – Death sentence #1 (of 4) promises a high body count as the Jedi go in search of the one who can get cut in half and survive.

Dark Horse Comics continues with their revival of Warren Magazines with Eerie #1. David Lapham contributes a new tale for this series that brings on scary twists for the beloved genres of fantasy and sci-fi. To keep the classic feel it is being published in black and white. This would be worth a look at the racks. With two new tales and a classic reprint this might make it home.

Rex Mundi Omnibus – Volume 1 collects the first three volumes of this series into one book. It has 584 pages of intrigue within the Catholic Church, where a man goes on a quest to uncover the deepest secrets of Christianity, and how they connect with the First Crusade. I have not read the original series because I was hoping for a large collection. While I don’t overly love the page size in the Omnibus collections it is still exciting to have all the stories in one volume.

IDW Comics is the next company we are going to take a look at. John Shirley, one of the co-screenwriters of the original Crow motion picture, is bringing us the latest Crow in comic book version. The Crow #1 introduces us to the next incarnation of the Crow as he is reborn in Tokyo. Fans of The Crow should grab this book. If you are lucky enough you might be able to find one of the incentive covers being done by James O’Barr, the original creator of the Crow.

Jericho, the ill fated television show that merged small town drama against an apocalyptic nuclear attack returns with Jericho: Season 4 #1 (of 5). Kalinda Vazquez is the writer but the original writing staff of the show supervises the entire production to make sure it stays true to the show, and the world they built.

Another revival of an 80’s franchise is happening with the arrival of Battle Beasts #1 (of 4). An army of anthropomorphized creatures, with advance weapons and technology, and a hunger for battle, come to Earth in search of an artifact. This might slide under allot of peoples radar considering the obscurity of the property compared to the Transformers, or G.I. Joe, but if some of you remember the little 2 inch figures fondly like I do, you might just check this out on the rack and decide that the nostalgia is difficult to resist and walk it to the register.

The IDW Comics Pick of the Month is one of the most successful eighties franchises ever, the Transformers. The original series at Marvel ran until issue #80, and IDW decided the story was not over. With Simon Furman, the original writer, at the reigns, the story is continuing in Transformers: Regeneration One #81. If your original comics are tucked in a box, or you haven’t had a chance to experience the Transformers in their prime (no pun intended) IDW has you covered with the Transformers: Regeneration One 100 Page Spectacular has you covered with the full reprint of issues 76-80. Both of these will be coming home with me.

The Image Comics Pick of the Month is an impressive comic that has helped in the amazing success of the zombie genre. Walking Dead hits the monumental 100th issue. Robert Kirkman has proven that nothing and no one in this world is safe, and he promises to bring more of the same with an event so shocking and violent that nothing like it has come before. This is going to be a game changer for Rick, and if you follow this book, like more and more people are, you know that change is really scary in the universe of the Walking Dead. Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn bring us the horror in page after page of stunning, and occasionally unnerving, black and white art.

A treasury sized one-shot, Enormous, hits shelves in July. It is a 64 page, full color story of an apocalyptic future where an ecological disaster has unleashed creatures that the human race has never known of, oh and their huge. Humans have become the hunted and must now figure out how to survive in a world where they are no longer at the top of the food chain. The rich, deep artwork is brought to the paper by famed Heavy Metal artist Mehdi Cheggour, and the words are crafted by writer Tim Daniel.

Dynamite’s massive crossover, Prophecy, continues with it’s second issue. Kulan Gath wants to turn the world into Ash, as all part of the 2012 Mayan Prophecy of global destruction. Luckily for us, standing in his way is a collection of the greatest heroes in the Dynamite library. With Ron Marz guiding this it is sure to become one of Dynamite’s best stories. By default this becomes the Dynamite Pick of the Month.

Within the next week we will finish looking at Previews with the smaller publishers, which sometimes have the best hidden gems.

Dark Horse Comics

Axe Cop: President of the World
Fatima: The Blood Spinners
The Massive

Special Order

Predator Omnibus – Volume 3
Rex Mundi Omnibus – Volume 1

IDW Comics

Mars Attacks
Transformers: Regeneration One

Special Order

Transformers: Regeneration One 100 Page Spectacular

Image Comics

Creator Owned Heroes
Enormous (One-Shot)
Saga

Dynamite Comics

Prophecy

May 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | May 3, 2012 - 9:01 PM |May 3, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

Leave a comment

May 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

DC Comics will be the second company we visit as we work our way through the May 2012 Previews Catalog, with product scheduled to ship in July 2012.

The big event at DC Comics this month continues to be the launch of an additional Before Watchmen mini-series, Ozymandias, with stunning artwork by Jae Lee. I limited myself to two of the mini-series, the Minutemen one and the Silk Spectre, but this might become an impulse buy, and warrants a quick perusal at the rack.

Justice League is a title I love, mainly for the back-up. Shazam is doing the same thing Wonder Woman did for me. A fresh take that has made me interested in them. These are two characters that I had tried multiple times before but each time I felt the characters to be tired. Not anymore. Even if Justice League isn’t your thing, the wonderfully rich tapestry of characters, and the slow boil to the big reveal makes this both a personal story worth reading but also the beginning of an epic.

Wonder Woman is a book I cannot heap enough praises on, very minor road bumps have interfered with the current arc at times but nothing they cannot recover from. The acceptance of the old history, and the complete reversal it receives in this series is amazing, placing it on a grander scale, while making you care about Wonder Woman and her compatriots. The artwork is perfect for the sometimes dark style of the writing and the world the characters inhabit. Issue #11 kicks off the next story in Azzarello and Chiang’s amazing story of the new Wonder Woman.

Up until the past couple of months there were books that I did not buy, but appreciated their style and thought that they were above typical superhero status, namely The Savage Hawkman, and Deathstroke. Rob Liefeld handles cover duties on both, and any attraction I had to these titles is shot. How can someone who has been obviously been knocked out still be clenching their teeth? These titles will hopefully soon be put out of their misery.

Batman fans should be intrigued to know that Matches Malone makes his first New 52 appearance. Grant Morrison is one of my favorite writers and he has a love of the Batman universe that is evident in his stories. It will be interesting to see what he does with Matches in Batman Incorporated #3.

Batman #11 is the closing chapter of the Bat Family crossover, “The Court of Owls”. This promises to change the status quo of the Dark Knight, with ramifications echoing throughout the Bat-verse.

The Swamp Thing and Animal Man are two titles that are loved by critics and fans alike. The knowledge that these two books are going to be coming together is exciting, the slow build, the tension, building to what is sure to become a classic. These titles would read well in trade or monthly, which is my favorite, I like a regular dose of both characters. The story is multi-layered, and is almost a mirror image of itself. The tapestry of the story is filled with mythology, magic, mystery, and a fair dose of scary. If you want something smart, beautifully drawn, and fun to read under the blanket, with a flashlight, these books are for you. Both titles have their 11th issues out in July.

If you missed Swamp Thing, July has the first trade paperback, Raise Them Bones. This collects issues #1-7, and is worth the read. If you are a fan of the original, or read Animal Man, or want a really great story with an amazing mythos, this will become one of your favorites.

DC PICK OF THE MONTH – DC Comics is releasing another anthology – “National Comics Eternity”, and this one is closer to my tastes. It is going to be done in one stories with characters who may not be appearing elsewhere. The first issue is devoted to Kid Eternity, and is written by Jeff Lemire. Consider Lemire’s resume, and his writing in the rest of the New 52, this is going to be an origin unlike any other.

Fans of the Hitman series have reason to rejoice, Vol.7: Closing Time, the final issues of the critical underdog is being released as a 384 page trade paperback. Hitman fans will probably already have ordered this one.

Vertigo continues to push the boundaries with their July released Punk Rock Jesus #1 (of 6). It combines reality television series, a clone of Jesus, and an American Idol way to select the mother of the new Messiah. The high concept of this series makes this a for sure on my pull list.

DC COMICS PULL LIST

Animal Man
Before Watchmen: Minutemen
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre
Dial H
Earth 2
Fairest
Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.
I, Vampire
Justice League
Justice League Dark
National Comics
Punk Rock Jesus
Swamp Thing
Wonder Woman

SPECIAL ORDERS (Not my regular pull list)

Batman: No Man’s Land Vol.1 TP
Jack Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 3 TP
Thundercats: Enemy’s Pride TP
World of Warcraft: Pearl of Pandaria HC

Flash and Parademon Action Figures

Category Archives: David’s Diamond Review

June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

MARVEL PULL LIST

SPECIAL ORDER

June 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

DC PULL LIST

SPECIAL ORDERS

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

Antarctic Press

Archie Comic Publications

Avatar Press

Boom Studios

Last Gasp

Oni Press

Valiant Entertainment

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

May 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Dark Horse Comics

Special Order

IDW Comics

Special Order

Image Comics

Dynamite Comics

May 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

May 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

DC COMICS PULL LIST

SPECIAL ORDERS (Not my regular pull list)

Categories

Recent Posts

Archives

Blogroll