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Nov. 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

Time to look at the product shipping from Dark Horse, IDW, Image, and Valiant in January of 2013.

          This may be a first for me but I am not only going to gush about the potential of a Star Wars comic but Star Wars #1 is also my Dark Horse Comic of the Month! The main draw for me is the writer, Brian Wood. I loved DMZ, and cannot get enough of The Massive. His ability to weave many plots, never forgetting any, and never cluttering the stories with more than needed, is perfect for the large cast and ever changing tapestry of the Star Wars landscape. Returning to the classic characters from the original trilogy and placing us after the destruction of the Death Star. The Empire will hunt down the rebels which means trouble for Skywalker, Solo, Leia, and all of the others we know and love. If that isn’t enough Alex Ross provides an amazing cover that would look great framed and on the wall, c’mon Dark Horse, poster-size this cover!

          Speaking of Brian Wood, January is a great jumping on point for those that missed out on the initial issues of The Massive with The Massive Vol. 1: Black Pacific TP. This book collects the initial 6 issue intro story, and 3 8-page stories from Dark Horse Presents that gave us glimpses of this Earth, changed forever by a yet unexplained event known only as the Crash. The world is very changed, as are the governments that try to hold onto any possible control they can. The Massive tells the story of a band of environmentalists who are trying to locate their comrades who vanished with the ship known as the Massive (hence the title). If you were a fan of DMZ, this book better be making it home with you. Issue #8 of the ongoing also hits shelves in January.

          Dark Horse brings one of the biggest hits on the web to an 80 page hardcover. Husbands tells the story of two young men who decide to stay married after a drunken Las Vegas ceremony. One is an athlete, and the other is an actor, and they went from dating to being married overnight. The writers of the web series; Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time) and Brad Bell, bring original comedic tales to the comic loving public.

          IDW is bringing us a Mars Attacks crossover in January with a new chapter hitting every week. The covers alone would fit in nicely with any of the Mars Attacks trading card sets that have come our way over the years, the characters involved leave me both scratching my head and incredibly intrigued.

          Mars Attacks Popeye, Kiss, The Real Ghostbusters, The Transformers, and Zombies Vs. Robots. Some of the incentive covers look interesting, mainly the incentive Mars Attacks Strangers in Paradise, as drawn by Terry Moore, and Mars Attacks Cerebus by Dave Sim. Those I may look for.

          IDW brings us a prequel to the much anticipated 2013 Star Trek movie with Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness, a four issue mini that leads directly into the next movie. Being written by Roberto Orci, Star Trek writer, and producer, and Mike Johnson, the ongoing series writer, this promises to please both fans of the ongoing series, and the first movie.

          The 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is being celebrated by my IDW Pick of the Month. Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time #1 kicks off a twelve issue series that features each of the 11 incarnations of our favorite Doctor. No matter which era you prefer this mini-series will visit them all.

          I am very happy to see the (of 4) removed from the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic solicitation for #3 because I am so excited about this series. It may have meant the storyline was four parts but for fans that can prove scary.

         Image Comics does not have allot of attention getting books in January (I mean my attention), the big one, and my Image Comics Pick of the Month is Invincible as it hits the illustrious #100. In this day and age of relaunches, reboots, and re-numberings, it truly is a feat for a book to hit this milestone. Robert Kirkman uses words with Ryan Ottley and John Rauch bringing the art for an issue that promises big changes for Kirkman’s superhero epic.

          Valiant Entertainment is putting out one of the most solid line ups on the stands right now. Each series has it’s own flavor and atmosphere while contributing to the amazing tapestry of this re-envisioned Valiant universe. My Valiant Pick of the Month goes to Bloodshot #7. This issue tells a story that will resonate through the next year of Valiant. While the story isn’t a crossover, it’s title should be enough to indicate the weight of it, “Bloodshot: Harbinger Hunter”. The mysteries surrounding our nanite infested lead character will be partially revealed when we see what his true purpose was.

          Archer & Armstrong #6 continues the exploits of this odd couple while further introducing us to the newest incarnation of the Eternal Warrior. Just for fun let’s throw in a Geomancer who has to protect our two leads and go up against the Eternal Warrior.

          Shadowman #3 continues the story of the new Shadowman, Jack Boniface, and what would seem to be a battle against the foe that was the cause of his father’s disappearance.

          Over in Harbinger #8 the Renegades continue to grow with the addition of Torque. So much happens in these pages that you definitely get your moneys worth. With the first year of Valiant coming to a close I am so excited for what the second year has in store.

          For those that missed the first round of issues Valiant is releasing Harbinger Vol. 1: Omega Rising TPB. Peter Stanchek is one of my favorite character debuts of 2012 as he deals with the realization of what he is capable of, and how others want to control those abilities for their gain. He decides to fight back and begins to assemble those what will be known as the Renegades. Will Toyo Harada and the Harbinger Foundation his allies or his enemies? I know because I have the issues but for high octane fun, solid storytelling, three dimensional characters that you will love, or love to hate, this 128 page collection of the first five issues will be sure to please. As a fan of team books, and conspiracy theories this book satisfies all my fiction related cravings.

See you soon when we finish of January with a look through the back of the book.