David Grouix reviews – Page 11 – Book Fair Comics Blog

January 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | December 31, 2012 - 2:26 PM |December 31, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

January 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time to dive into the Previews for product shipping in March of 2013. First we are going to visit Marvel and see what they have to offer.

First up is the long promised Age of Ultron, the last Avengers story to be told by Bendis. This seems like a series that was originally meant to be released earlier but was obviously side tracked due to the sprawling and Marvel Now catalyst Avengers Vs. X-Men. March sees the first 3 issues of the 10 issue series come out. Bendis is writing and Bryan Hitch will be providing his last mainstream work for a little while giving him the chance to focus on creator owned work.

So far there are two tie ins announced for March and they are tie ins in a very unconventional way. While there is a Fantastic Four #5 and a Superior Spider-Man #6, there is also a Fantastic Four #5AU and a Superior Spider-Man #6AU. Neither of these will be coming home with me. The main series will, and that is primarily because of Bryan Hitch, but as much as Marvel states this story will have ramifications, I cannot imagine it will, just because of the amount of work and planning that has gone into Marvel Now. I may be wrong, but time will tell. Avengers fans will scoop up these tie ins, and I am sure that April will bring more.

Either way, with Hitch doing the art on the main 10 issue series, this is worth picking up and admiring what may be Hitch’s last work on the Avengers for the next while.

The road to the next Marvel big screen masterpiece, Guardians of the Galaxy kicks off with the official first issue of the Marvel Now relaunch of the title. I am excited for this as it brings back some of the more fun characters of the Marvel Universe, namely Rocket Raccoon and Groot. How can a tree and a raccoon in space not be fun? The only flaw that I can see so far is the inclusion of Iron Man. I am assuming that this is a way to bring in new readers who might be more attracted to the title with an A list character from the movie-verse. I will try this title but the second it looks like it is turning into another Avengers, this one being galactic, I will drop it. Before that I will enjoy the book for what it is, and what I hope it becomes, a sprawling space epic with consequences for the universe as a whole.

Wolverine gets his second Marvel Now relaunch in the form of the simply titled Wolverine #1. The creative team is strong, not one that necessarily appeals to me, but one that will appeal to many. Paul Cornell, who did a masterful job on Captain Britain and MI 13 (but a less than stellar job on Doctor Who) is writing, and legendary artist Alan Davis is providing the pictures, in the wonderful fluid way that he does. I’m not sure why, but this strikes me as an odd creative team but as long as they can show the Canadian mutant doing what he does best, I am sure that it will do well.

Uncanny Avengers #6 brings Daniel Acuna on board as the new regular artist (the phrase “regular artist” really does not mean much these days does it?) with Rick Remember writing. This issue had me as soon as I read Apocalypse Vs. Thor in the 11th century! Throw in a little Kang and a sprinkle of Rama Tut and this is a recipe for an amazing issue. And yet again those often spoke reverberations will affect the entire Marvel Universe (another claim that is starting to lose quite a bit of its meaning due to repetitiveness). Regardless, Daniel Acuna is a worthy artist, the characters are well portrayed (even if they act occasionally out of character), and the premise of this issue seems to be an exciting start to a new story arc.

I really wanted to like Avengers Arena but can safely say that after two issues, I will be kicking this off of my pull list. If it was an indy title or one that was considered out of continuity I might be digging it but I cannot buy Arcade (seriously, when and why did he gain godlike powers?), and the title seems like a chance to off a chunk of the younger characters in the Marvel Universe, characters that had potential but are now used as cannon fodder.

Jonathan Hickman (W) and Dustin Weaver (A) bring on issues #7 and #8 of the Avengers to us in March. I am torn on this title, as after two issues it feels like trade padding. The story in the first two issues could have probably been told in 1 issue. But these issues seem to be hinting at an integration of the New Universe. How could one not think that with the obvious cover homage to that universe? Issue #8 also promises to tie into New Avengers and show how the two titles are related. The story ideas behind the Avengers seem to be sound but the pace needs to pick up a little bit.

In the All-New X-Men issues #8 and #9 by Brian Michael Bendis (W) and David Marquez (A) (I am already missing Stuart Immonen, who is only providing covers for these issues) bring the Avengers face to face with the X-Men from the past, and they update their old school yellow and black uniforms with something a little more modern. This series has proven to be one of the best launches from Marvel Now, not always a home run, but there is a consistency to the series that keeps you hooked, and wanting to find out what happens next. The grasp that Bendis has of the old school X-Men seems to be stronger than the grasp he had of the Avengers at the beginning and I am excited about what that means for the future of the X-Verse!

Amadeus Cho surprisingly joins the cast of Savage Wolverine in issue 3. Amadeus is one of a number of intriguing characters that have been conspicuously absent from the Marvel Now relaunch, and this is a surprising title to see him pop up in.

Journey Into Mystery has turned into another one of my favorites with Lady Sif taking on the lead role. Issue #650 of the series by creators Kathryn Immonen (W) and Valerio Schiti (A) wrap up the first arc that shows us whether Lady Sif can handle her new found abilities in the name of Asgard. This book is tied for my favorite female led book with DC’s Wonder Woman, and even though it will not happen, I cannot help but imagine what a crossover featuring these two leading ladies would be like. If you like fantasy, action, and strong characterization which really showcases who Lady Sif is, and this is just the beginning, you should be picking this book up. It is a worthy follow up to the run featuring Loki.

They may not be the West Coast Avengers, but over in Ultimate Comics Ultimates #22 and #23 by Sam Humphries (W) and Joe Bennet (A) bring us the West Coast Ultimates, and they may not be friends of the Ultimates but instead, are their opposites and strike at the United States, and it’s President, Captain America. As a fan of the original run of the West Coast Avengers, I am looking forward to seeing who makes up this team.

Another smaller crossover begins in X-Treme X-Men #12 and Age of Apocalypse #13 with prologues to X-Termination. The AoA Nightcrawler wants to go home and he will do anything to reach that goal. The story kicks off properly in X-Termination #1 by David Lapham (W), Marjorie Liu (W), and David Lopez (A) where we see Wolverine battle a one time ally who betrayed him.

Part 2 of the crossover takes place in Astonishing X-Men #60 where we see Wolverine Vs. Wolverine. The one thing that worries me about this is that these titles are low selling titles for the most part, and have been completely disregarded as part of the Marvel Now event, which means that this could very well be a last ditch effort to save one, two, or all three titles from cancellation. With the uninspired writing in X-Treme X-Men, I would not be surprised if that one was going to end shortly after the crossover, the same with Age of Apocalypse could happen.

Over on the collections front I am excited to see a complete Warren Ellis collection of his run on Doom 2099. Warren Ellis started his re-imagining of the series with issue #24 and ran until issue #39 when most of the 2099 line ended. Also in this 432 page collection is material from the short lived 2099: World of Tomorrow. This series sees the Latverian ruler set his sites on a new office, the Oval Office. Being a long time fan of Warren Ellis, I will be bringing this home.

That’s Marvel for March 2013, next we will tackle DC, see you soon.

December 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | December 23, 2012 - 8:38 PM |December 23, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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December 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Let us return to the Previews for items shipping out in February. We look at the rest of the publishers in this article. Over at Dark Horse we see the return of Aliens with a deluxe graphic novella called Aliens: Inhuman Condition HC. The creative team of John Layman (W) and Sam Keith (A) brings us the stories which ran in DHP #12-#17. I personally am not a fan of the Aliens franchise, but if I was, this creative team would excite me.

The excitement over a third entry into the video game series Dragon Age and Dark Horse helps build the excitement with the most complete look of the world that Dragon Age exists in. The creative team includes the writers and artists of the games, which means we are going to see everything about the regions, religions, monsters, magic, and more. Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1 HC is a 224 page directory of all that exists in Dragon Age, and a perfect book for fans of the game, and intricate fantasy.

Fans of My Little Pony will be happy when the 4th issue of Friendship is Magic is released and is joined on the publishing schedule by My Little Pony Micro-Series “Twilight Sparkle” a six issue mini-series focusing on the ponies in solo style. The first issue of the regular series was one I instantly fell in love with, and I am hoping that the same magic will fill the pages of this mini-series.

IDW is relaunching two of their properties. First up is Ghostbusters. The original team is gone, but the supernatural isn’t. A new quartet steps up to fill the shoes of the missing ‘busters, and while dealing with the ghosts of New York, they also have to try to save their predecessors. Erik Burnham writes and provides some of the art with his co-artist Dan Schoening.

The second relaunch is G.I. Joe. Fred Van Lente of Marvel Zombies, and Hercules fame writes the adventures of a now publicly known, and blogged about Joe team. Steve Kurth, who has provided art for Green Arrow at DC and AvX Consequences at Marvel, brings his drawing talent to the Joes. The threats are public and on American soil. This is also the first of three new Joe series launching, one in February, one in March, and one in April.

Image Comics launches a four issue mini-series – Snapshot from the team who brought you DC Comics series Losers, Andy Diggle, and Jock. This book injects a comic store employee into a life or death situation where he discovers a lost phone, and on it, pictures of a murder victim, and the one who did the murdering wants the phone back.

Skullkickers returns with a new #1 and a new adjective when Jim Zub and Edwin Huang launch The Uncanny Skullkickers #1. Two mercenaries battling monsters? Sounds like a good time.

Bongo Comics is releasing a six issue mini-series that adapts a pop album. Mylo Xyloto has spawned four top ten hits and now the writing team of Coldplay and Mark Osborne working with artist Alejandro Fuentes will give us a glimpse of the world of Mylo.

Normally the creative team of Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos would excite me, but for the first time, I am feeling a little bit of burn out when it comes to fairy tales in the regular world genre. Fairy Quest had its very successful start on Kickstarter and is now coming out as a two issue mini-series from Boom Studios. If you are a fan of Fables you will more than likely pick up this series. Normally I would want to check this book out but I am taking a break from this genre for the time being.

Boom is releasing the first trade for the Hypernaturals, one of the best space operas out there, on the shelves today. The 8th issue of the series, by Dan Abnett (W), Andy Lanning (W), Tom Derenick (A), and Andres Guinaldo (A) brings an end to the second story arc. Which means if you haven’t got on board, get the first trade, and see why Abnett and Lanning have a reputation for handling large casts, and immense sci-fi storytelling.

Dynamite Entertainment is launching a crime comic line and who better to write the first book in the line than Garth Ennis. He teams with artist Craig Cermak to bring us the stories of the Red Team, an anti-narcotics unit that exists within the NYPD. It looks like it starts with a seduction of innocents type plot but if anyone can inject new blood (and violence) into that theme it is Ennis.

Dynamite also releases the first issue of a Shadow: Year One, an 8 issue mini-series by Matt Wagner (W) and Willfredo Torres (A). This is the story where we see the formation of the legend that would become the Shadow.

Valiant Entertainment brings us the back story of Tony Harada, CEO of Harada Global Conglomerate in Harbinger #0 by the regular writer Joshua Dysart, and artist Mico Suayan. With the upcoming inter company crossover this will lay the groundwork to show why Tony became who he has.

Valiant is continuing with reprints from the publishers back catalog with Valiant Masters: Ninjak Vol.1 – Black Water HC. This collection is a 184 page book that collects the first six issues of the 1994 Ninjak series, as well as #0, and #00. With his recent reintroduction to the newly relaunched Valiant, this is where the amazing dynamics of this character were first formed. Mark Moretti writes and provides some of the art, with Joe Quesada bringing the rest of the pictures.

Released in February is also the first Bloodshot collection from the most recent series. This 128 page trade collects the first 5 issues (I am assuming it is the first 5 with the page count) of one of the most intriguing action series on the shelves. Duane Swierczynski (W) and the artists Manuel Garcia, and Arturo Lozzi create a title where the stakes are high, and so is the body count. With the upcoming cross-over this is a good primer on what has already happened, in anticipation of what is to come.

The Valiant titles have not displayed any fluff of any kind and everything that they publish is important, or will be. This is just a hunch on my part, but everything about Valiant strikes me as planned out. Either way, pick up these trades as a reminder of why Valiant was groundbreaking with their storytelling in the past, and how they have turned it up a notch in the present.

Well that’s it for Previews for February. See you soon when we look at March.

December 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | December 15, 2012 - 9:29 AM |December 15, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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December 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

The New 52 has recently lost it’s sizable market share that it had as a result of the relaunch, and it is no surprise with Marvel unleashing Marvel Now! Hopefully the upcoming Trinity War will give DC back the spark. Time will only tell.

Even with the buzz surrounding Before Watchmen cooling, they are releasing another title under the umbrella, this time Dollar Bill is getting his own one shot. Solid enough creative team of Len Wein and Steve Rude. Worth picking up if your a completest but not sure what purpose this book would fill for anyone else.

The mini-series for Ozymandias, Rorschach, the Comedian, and Dr. Manhattan all come to a close in February.

Justice League #17 brings the “Throne of Atlantis” crossover to a close, and also sets up the League for some pretty big changes. I bet this will have some seeds for the “Trinity War” sprinkled throughout.

As odd as it seems I am adding Green Arrow to my pull list. This is for one reason, well two really, the art team. Green Arrow has never been a character that held much interest for me, but that is changing in February when Jeff Lemire starts writing and Andrea Sorrentino starts drawing. Jeff Lemire is one of very few creators that I would follow onto any book. There is a nuance to how he develops his characters that presents them with flaws, and strengths, with the ability to showcase those traits in ways that strip the character bare, adding a layer of emotional realism that is lacking in so many superhero titles. He goes beyond the powers and abilities and really looks at the person behind the hero persona.

Justice League of America launches in February with one of the oddest variant cover programs I have seen. 52 variants, each with a different state flag, being held up by several members, are being offered in addition to the regular cover, and no doubt incentive covers that will be pouring over the shelves. Geoff Johns writing, and David Finch on art means this is a must buy and is automatically going on my pull list. I am a fan of the Justice League but many of my favorite periods of the team involve less involvement from the big 7 and more involvement from those considered B-list, those were the interesting stories for me, and this new series looks to carry on that tradition.

DC adds another 2 solo series to it’s roster, it is to note that DC returns to the magic 52 number in March with the already announced Constantine series, replacing the ending Vertigo title Hellblazer. Katana is first out in February and is brought to us by Ann Nocenti (W) (also notable for her still amazing Daredevil run), and Alex Sanchez (A) who is someone I am vaguely familiar but his previous work looks solid. I will at least be giving this one a sampling.

Next up is the oddly titled Justice League of America’s Vibe, rolls right off the tongue doesn’t it? I wish there was a font called sarcastica. Horrible title aside, I am excited by this series. Like I said earlier some of my favorite moments of the JLA was because of characters like this. Characters that would get sidelined by the big guns, but easily have enough power to handle most situations. These characters were meant to be on the side, even off the radar in some cases, allowing them a little more freedom in terms of their character development. I always appreciated Vibe, looking back I understand the complaint about stereotyping but he was a solid character. I am hoping that even with a monthly that he still retains what made B list characters great, fluidity. Geoff Jones is co-writing with Andrew Kreisberg, and Pete Woods is doing the art. Solid creative team and with Geoff Jones co-writing it makes me wonder if there are really big plans in store for Vibe? I am hoping that DC lets these characters have their solo adventures and not tie every issue into the Justice League of America title. I am looking forward to seeing Vibe shine on his own.

Quick question, if you aren’t reading Wonder Woman, why aren’t you? This book is one of the most solid and consistent books being published by DC and I love the fact that they have really kept her story separate from the DC Universe as a whole. This is the perfect book for someone who wants fantasy, without the cumbersome continuity bogging everything down, it is perfect for fans of strong female characters who know who they are in their heart and act on their convictions, it is perfect for the fans of beautifully drawn, wonderfully written comic books. Azzarello, Akins, and Green provide us more intrigue in February’s 17th issue where characters are choosing sides, betrayals abound, and bad news is shared with the world. Get the trades, get the back issues, get this book!

I hate Power Girl’s costume. This is in no way a reflection of the book, or it’s creative team, just something I have wanted to say since she got the horrible redesign.

Grant Morrison’s run on Action Comics ends with #17. From the solicits it would appear this is to be an important book. I tried the first few issues when this came out because of my love of Morrison, but I quickly realized that for superheroes nothing was going to top his JLA run for me, and quickly dropped the book.

Over in the other Super books we see “H’El on Earth!” end in Superman #17, Superboy #17, and Supergirl #17. I am sure it will only be another couple of months until we see the next Super family crossover. DC is learning that these insulated crossovers are working for readers, and hopefully they will use that knowledge instead of doing huge sweeping crossovers every year. Sadly Trinity War will more than likely affect most titles, but we will see.

Speaking of successful insulated crossovers, the much hyped and sales juggernaut of “Death of the Family” concludes in Batman #17 and apparently to a death. Right now I would wager between Damian or Alfred with my money on Damian taking the dirt nap. This may sound like crazy talk but maybe the Joker is going to off himself?.

Repercussions are felt in Detective Comics #17, Batgirl #17 (Hey, Marvel, give Gail Simone a call!), Nightwing #17, Teen Titans #17, and the much hyped Red Hood and the Outlaws #17.

The “Wrath of the First Lantern” begins in Green Lantern #17, and engulfs Green Lantern Corps #17, Green Lantern: New Guardians #17, and Red Lanterns #17. This family of titles is a little heavy on the crossovers. It would be far tempting to have some done in ones for new readers. It is allot harder to jump onto a series when it is a small part of a multi issue storyline.

Swamp Thing, Animal Man, and Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. (R.I.P.) have demonstrated a perfect way to do a crossover. Each title worked well on their own prior to the crossover and they will carry on afterward, separately, yet an ongoing connection. Sadly January’s Frankenstein #16 is to be the last of that series. As the months go on it is going to be harder to see some of these series go. I have been lucky, out of all the titles I started with haven’t been canceled with Frankie being the first.

I am very worried about I, Vampire. That book is how vampires should be done and is very genre bending and defining at the same time. The sales of the first trade were apparently impressive for one of the Dark Family books. But with the artist going elsewhere it would be hard to imagine the book drawn any other way, it has a distinctive look and a voice all its own.

“Rotworld” has been gripping both story and art-wise. The creepy factor is cranked up to ten on all titles involved and you truly feel the horror that would swallow the Earth if there was a Rot. “Rotworld” as a story ends in issues Animal Man #17 with the epic ending happening in Swamp Thing #17. I will be sad to see the Swamp Thing team move on and only hope that who ever becomes the new creative team will maintain the quality of the title.

One of my guilty pleasures, Team 7 releases their 5th issue in February and it makes me crave a Wildcats title even more. Spartan and the Majestic Program make their first appearance. Quit teasing us Jim Lee and bring us some Wildcats!

Legion of Super-Heroes #17 sees a creative team shift bringing Keith Giffen on board as artist while Paul Levitz writes. Having been a fan of their previous collaborations I know that I will be giving this a go, and I think allot of others will, well here’s hoping, this book could use a little sales bump.

February sees another big month for trades and hardcovers with the first volume of Batman: The Court of Owls TP is released, I, Vampire Vol. 2: Rise of the Vampires TP hits the stands, seriously buy this one. Don’t let DC end this series.

There are a couple of interesting TP’s being released. Day of Judgment, typical heroes vs. hell story, an early Geoff Jones story, is out, and so is Marshal Law: The Deluxe Edition HC, by Pat Mills (W) and Kevin O’Neill (A), clocks in at 480 pages and is a book that I can’t wait to read. Those last two seem like odd releases, but diversity is amazing, and the Marshal Law has me excited.

As I mentioned earlier, Hellblazer is coming to an end and it is February’s #300 issue that draws a close to Constantine’s time in the Vertigo Universe before transplanting him permanently to the New 52, where he will be the one and only Constantine.

Creepy cover of the month goes to The Phantom Stranger #5. Jae Lee is amazing and this cover is further proof why. I am getting this on the strength of the cover alone.

Well that is it for DC in February. See you soon with the rest of Previews.

December 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | December 14, 2012 - 9:40 PM |December 14, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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December 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Marvel Now! I applaud you, nay, I give you a standing ovation! You are truly showcasing yourself as the House of Ideas. After trying the bulk of your offerings to date, I have been nothing but impressed. All gushing aside, let’s see what Marvel has coming in February of 2013!

Guardians of the Galaxy is getting it’s first issue of a new ongoing, and it’s a #0.1 issue. Brian Michael Bendis is writing and one of my favorites, Steve McNiven is providing the art. Near the end of his Avengers run it became a little drawn out and I was anxious for him to leave the books, but he is the reason I have the interest I do now, and he is also the reason I am finding a new love of the X-Men (no offense to previous creative teams) and I cannot wait to see what he does to kick start the soon to be movie stars, The Guardians of the Galaxy.

A misfire in my eyes, was the Gillen penned, Land drawn Iron Man. The first issue did not gel on any level for me and there is something creepy about all the strange smiles Land draws that I find way to distracting. It looks like a world populated by mannequins, in odd, smiling poses. In issue #6 however, he appears to be donning space armor, perhaps the armor he is going to wear on his upcoming stint as a Guardian of the Galaxy?

Nova #1 fills me with a combination of excitement, and nervousness. Excitement because the creative team is amazing! Jeph Loeb is a writer, whose career is full of amazing stories, with so many more to come, and Ed McGuinness is an artist who has a strong fluid style, that is easily recognizable as his. He is what makes me nervous. When I heard about a Nova relaunch I imagined it a little less kid friendly. When I say kid friendly I mean the style of art. It has a cartoony feel to it. I am going to give the first arc a go but I make no promises.

For the first time ever I think Cyclops is an interesting character. For years I have wanted to reach through the comic book page and smack Scott. He has been boring, whiny, and missing any semblance of a back bone. That is different now. Following Avengers Vs. X-Men and Scott’s life changing encounter with the Phoenix he is a changed man. He has become much more aggressive then we are used to seeing him. He still has his emotional moments, but now instead of showing weakness, those moments seem to be building his resolve, making him stronger, finally Scott Summers is complicated, and interesting. His attitude, and look get remakes in the Brian Michael Bendis written Uncanny X-Men, which launches with a whole new #1 in February.

With a brief introduction to the team playing out in All-New X-Men, we see that Magik, Magneto, Emma, and Scott take up residence in the original Weapon X lab that Wolverine was created in, we see Scott creating the new Xavier’s. Seems like an interesting concept and puts Scott and his team somewhere between the Xavier’s original idea for the X-Men and the Brotherhood that Eric once ran. Having Chris Bachalo as artist will definitely add to the book as Bachalo demonstrates an amazing ability to really use emotions in panels in one of the most effective ways I have ever seen. The most important part is Emma, starting with Generation X, we have been treated to a character evolution that took a character who most people did not really care about, to a character that is essential to the X-Men Mythos. With her recent intergalactic jilting at the hands of her lover, she is sure to be pissed, and that is when Emma is at her most fun.

The Defenders were not gone long as a new series, titled The Fearless Defenders, fills their void. This is a different take on the property and starts with Valkyrie and Misty Knight beginning to assemble the team, while staying alive. I like books that have strong female leads and hope that they catch on. The creative team is not one I have read allot of but Cullen Bunn (writer) is a mainstay at Marvel, and the art, provided by Will Sliney, looks nice in the previews.

Uncanny Avengers #5 by Rick Remember (writer) and Olivier Coipel (artist) unveil further additions to the lineup with Sunfire, Wonder Man, and Wasp join the team. It is a given that Havok would have leadership issues, with a lineup like this one it should be expected, and I honestly think that Havok may have been the wrong choice for the team leader. Before anyone accuses me of hating Havok, I don’t. He is and always will be my favorite of the Summer’s brothers.

This is a team of big egos, and big abilities, and the purpose of the team carries a big amount of responsibility, all of which Havok may not be ready for. The solicit promises a death of a major character, and by an Avenger nonetheless. I hope it’s not a mutant who did it, they have been through more than enough. Either way Rick Remember is a talent unlike any other and if anyone can juggle, and make work, this diverse cast, he is the man. Olivier Coipel is an artist I hold in high regard and find he draws my eye into the page with his layouts and backgrounds.

My current favorite Marvel title, Secret Avengers, is launching with new #1 issue and a new creative team of Nick Spencer writing, and Luke Ross drawing. Good creative team? Check. The lineup includes Nick Fury Jr., Hawkeye, Hulk, Black Widow, Winter Soldier, Maria Hill and Phil Coulson. Intriguing lineup? Check. The best part? They won’t remember these missions ever happened. This sounds like a wonderfully logical direction for the book. They are creating something new out of a concept that was only starting to find its footing under Remember’s guiding hand. This is my Marvel Pick of the Month.

Marvel Now has successfully increased the amount of Marvel on my pull list with Indestructible Hulk, Captain America, Journey Into Mystery, and All-New X-Men becoming mainstays.

So far the only mis-steps in my eyes are Red She-Hulk (was it even needed?), Iron Man (Extremis…again?) and X-Men: Legacy (again….needed?).

I haven’t tried Deadpool (never liked the character), Fantastic Four (interesting hook to the first arc though), FF (have not heard good things about it, sadly), and Thor. My budget can only go so far.

And because no one demanded it, the first issue in a five issue Alpha mini-series. And that is all I have to say about that.

Dexter fans will be pleased. The previously solicited Dexter five issue mini-series is back and February will bring us #1. Jeff Lindsay, who created the character, is the writer, which means that these characters should bring to the page what you see in the show in terms of tone and character. This is one of the best ways to do media tie ins, with the involvement of the shows creative team. This is a smart way to entice fans of one medium to pay a visit to another.

Going out with a whimper is a book I fear had fallen by the wayside months ago. X-Men #41 is the last for the series. This is something that should have happened sooner. Sure, the creative teams have at times been solid enough, but this book has rarely had any idea what to do with itself. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this relaunch soon though, perhaps another Bendis written book. Now if only they could bring Astonishing X-Men to an end.

Retitled and re-solicited, Powers: Bureau #1 by Brian Michael Bendis (writer), and Michael Avon Oeming (artist) comes our way in February. This time Deena is playing in a larger pond, power crimes still, but this time they are Federal. Her former partner, Walker, joins her as the crimes are bigger and so are the stakes.

Well I told myself that I would not order any more large ticket items until I am caught up on my current orders. After 1 month I am allot closer and because of that I could not resist ordering the New Warriors Omnibus Vol. 1 HC. Clocking in at 1,064 pages and featuring the first twenty-six issues plus various other comics, detailing the earliest phase of the New Warriors career. This is one title that I was surprised didn’t come out of the Marvel Now! Initiative. $99.99 is an excellent value for this much story, about some of the most interesting characters in the Marvel Universe. I could list all of the artists involved but between the writers and the artists, it is the cream of the crop of the comic book professionals that worked during the 80’s and 90’s.

The final book to talk about is the Avengers: Season One book. Allot of fans wondered where this book would land in the House of Idea’s publishing schedule, and some even thinking that it would not appear. Well I was thrilled when it was announced that Peter David was writing the book. I am not overly familiar with the art team but if they are consistent with the dynamic art that has appeared in some of the Season One books than I am sure it will look amazing. Peter David is the draw for me, and the reason why I am picking it up.

That is it for Marvel in February, see you shortly with DC.

Nov. 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

By Admin | November 23, 2012 - 10:45 AM |November 23, 2012 David's Diamond Review, Main

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Nov. 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

BACK OF THE BOOK REVIEW

Let’s take a little trip through the back of Previews, this time checking out what arrives in January of the new year. Our first stop is Archaia Entertainment who is re-releasing Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 1. This book tells the the story of the origin of Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, the world of Thra, and the Dark Crystal itself. The best part of this book is the direct supervision of the Jim Henson Company and Brian Froud, the concept designer for the Dark Crystal.

Glee has it’s first comic book cross-over and it’s with the Riverdale Gang, as Archie, Jughead, and the rest meet up when they meet their singing counter parts. Archie #641 is written by Glee writer/producer Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa which means that the Glee cast should be their old selves that we all know and love.

Boom Studios is putting out one of my favorite space operas in the form of the Hypernaturals. It is exciting to see the characters grow and adapt, but mainly kick butt. The duo of Dan Abnett, and Andy Lanning should be given free reign over all space epics, and watching the betrayal and layered plot threads I can’t help but miss the duo on Guardians of the Galaxy or think of what the Legion could have been. Issue 7 is out in January and the team is forced to confront the Hypernaturals greatest enemy, one linked to the disappearance of the last Hypernatural line up.

Boundless puts out a landmark issue. The latest incarnation of Lady Death hits her 25th issue. Not to be mean but I honestly forgot that she was still being published. I don’t know if it could happen but I would rather enjoy seeing Lady Death and Evil Ernie grace the pages of a cross-over. With Evil Ernie over at Dynamite that just may happen.

Fans of the Dresden Files have a reason to visit their local comic book store in January when Dresden creator Jim Butcher teams up with Mark Powers, and artist Joseph Cooper to bring comic book fans Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files: Ghoul Goblin #1, a new series set after the events of Fool Moon, and at a point in Harry’s life where he is still alienated from his dearest friend, Karrin Murphy. Even with his personal life in disarray the creatures of Nevernever don’t take a break and insist on making Harry’s life very uncomfortable.

Two of Dynamite’s licenses meet and it is about time. Keith Champagne is the writer for The Bionic Man Vs. The Bionic Woman, a five issue series that pits the two cyborg warriors against each other during the investigation into a seemingly bionic serial killer.

The history of Nintendo and it’s characters continues with The History of Mario: 1981-1991 TP. This 400 page book chronicles the history of everyone’s favorite red overall-ed plumber and his constant quest to save Princess Peach.

Gunpei Yokoi: The Life and Philosophy of Nintendo’s “God of Toys” is the book that shares the story of the inventor of the Gameboy and the producer of the Donkey Kong and the Mario Bros. Franchise. Video games owe allot to Nintendo and what they did. This is pop culture history during one of it’s most exciting and innovating times, and Gunpei Yokoi is one of the brightest innovators from those days of electric dreams.

Well the back of the book was a short article this month, we will see what February has for us next month.

Tag Archives: David Grouix reviews

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