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Nov. 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

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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.

 

Star Wars #1          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!

 

Massive TP vol 01 Black PacificThe Massive #8          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.

 

Husbands HC          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.

 

 Mars Attacks Popeye one shot         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 Kiss one shotMars Attacks Real Ghostbusters one shotMars Attacks Transformers one shotMars Attacks Zombies vs Robots one shot         

 

 

 

 

 

          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.

 

Star Trek Countdown to Darkness #1          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.

 

Doctor Who Prisoners of Time #1          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.

 

My Little Pony Friendship is Magic #3          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.

 

 

Invincible #100 cover G Ottley wrapInvincible #100 cover D HitchInvincible #100 cover A Ottley         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.

 

Bloodshot #7          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          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          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.

 

Harbinger #8          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.

 

Harbinger TP vol 01 Omega Rising          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.

November 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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November 2012 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Let’s take a look and see what DC has in the pipeline to try and retain market share as Marvel rolls out new surprises in their Marvel Now initiative.

 

Justice League #16Aquaman #16           Justice League and Aquaman continue the cross-over “Throne of Atlantis”,  in each of their 16th issues. The internet breaking relationship of Superman and Wonder Woman is further explored, while we get to see what will be the beginning of the February launching Justice League of America title.

 

 

Superman #16Wonder Woman #16          I wish DC would release Shazam as a new standalone series. I have enjoyed reading the back ups but he has never been a character I gelled with and think it would be nice to see shorter back ups featuring reinterpretations of some of the more obscure or short lived Leaguers from the original DC Universe. I keep holding out hope that Aztek will appear somewhere in the New 52. If Shazam transitioned to his own series, it would sell. The creative team on the backup is providing solid work and would create what would be a top twenty book.

 

Threshold #1          Even with Justice League of America announced for a February launch, and the January launch of Threshold, they are going to fall short of the magical 52 in the New 52 as January brings about the cancellation of 4 more series, one of which has been a personal favorite since the relaunch.

 

 

 

 

Grifter #16Blue Beetle #16Legion Lost #16Frankenstein Agent of SHADE #16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Stormwatch #16          Cancelled are: Grifter (No surprise, but sadly it does leave Stormwatch as the only surviving Wildstorm title. C’mon Jim, we want the Wildcats!, Blue Beetle (but his story seems to heading into the new Threshold sci-fi anthology), Legion Lost (probably should have been a maxi-series similar to The Shade, only because the comic book market has never proven able to maintain two Legion books for an extended period of time, and the concept lends itself better to a shorter story), and the one I am sad to see go, Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E..

 

Justice League Dark #16          These books had a little room to breathe, having been able to reach #16, but I found that Frankenstein had something different at the center of it’s hook. It was the B.P.R.D. Of the DC Universe, and it is sad to see it go. Judging from the recent solicitations Frankenstein will be hanging with John Constantine over in the pages of Justice League Dark. This has me very happy because this is one character that should always have a spot in the DC Universe.

 

It seems that immediately before I was about to email this entry in there was an announcement of two new series to the DC roster to replace the above mentioned cancelled titles, and both of them have close ties to the Justice League of America launch.

 

The most surprising is Vibe. The character that runs a close second to Aquaman for jokes at his expense. As much as Aquaman was returned to relevance with the relaunch it is going to be an uphill battle for the creative team of writer Andrew Kreisberg and artist Pete Woods to take this longtime DC punchline of a character and build him into someone strong enough to carry a solo title. The David Finch drawn cover that has popped up over at MTV Geek sure seems promising though.

 

          Katana will be jumping onto the solo series train as well with writer Ann Nocenti (who has unfortunately underwhelmed me but that could change) and artist Alex Sanchez (whose black and white cover over at MTV Geek looks beautiful).

 

Probably the biggest announcement for me is Jeff Lemire taking over writing duties on Green Arrow. This is all February news but I couldn’t help but share this. I will gush over a Jeff Lemire written Green Arrow next month!

 

Batman #16Batman and Robin #16Detective #16Batgirl #16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bat Family titles are having a scary time of it as Joker continues his reign of terror against the Caped Crusader, and all those that are part of his life. ‘Death of the Family’ impacts the 16th issues of Batman (one of the creepiest covers of the year), Batman and Robin, Detective Comics, Batgirl (another cover high on the creepy scale),
Nightwing #16Red Hood and the Outlaws #16Teen Titans #16Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, and Teen Titans. I am going to hold off on this until I purchase the collected additions, and if it is going to have the power I think it will have, would make an amazing Absolute candidate.

 

 

Green Lantern Corps #16Green Lantern New Guardians #16Green Lantern #16Red Lanterns #16Green Lantern Corps Annual #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Green Lantern titles bring an end to the “Rise of the Third Army” cross-over in the 16th issues of Green Lantern Corps., Green Lantern: New Guardians, Green Lantern, and Red Lanterns, and has a grand finale in Green Lantern Corps Annual #1.

 

The synopsis says it all leads to the set up of the next great Green Lantern event. That is one of the reasons I have avoided the Green Lantern books, it is like an exclusive club and if you haven’t been following it for the past few years the emotional payoff won’t be as great, and everything is leading to another event. If they did a year of stories, that was not part of an intertwined labyrinth of story I may give the books a try. For followers of this franchise I am sure it will be well worth the wait.

 

Animal Man #16Swamp Thing #16           A smaller, and fun cross-over is close to wrapping up in Animal Man #16, and Swamp Thing #16 as Rotworld: The Red Kingdom, and Rotworld: The Green Kingdom head into their second to last issues of this storyline that shows a devastated Earth after the Rot takes over. This is a fun read with ramifications for the major players, and a look at the horrors subjected on the citizens of the New 52 under the scheming plans of Anton Arcane.

 

Batman Beyond Unlimited #12           After the disgraceful reintroduction of Lobo was wasted by Rob Liefeld we have what looks to be a more proper Lobo over in Batman Beyond Unlimited #12 where our favorite cigar smoking, foul mouthed character makes his Beyond debut! I did drop this title after the first few issues to slim down my monthly pull list but this issue will be coming home with me. I need a proper Lobo fix where he isn’t always grimacing with far too many teeth!

 

That is my look at DC for the month of January 2013 and there are some interesting stories afoot but Marvel may be stealing their thunder. We will have to wait and see if DC has any kind of counter attack in place to help maintain its market share.

 

See you shortly when we look at Dark Horse, IDW, Image, and Valiant for January.

Good reading to all!

November 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

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November 2012 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

Uncanny X-Force #1 NOW          I cannot lie, Marvel Comics may become my favorite publisher again, sorry Valiant, as they roll out even more Marvel Now releases, and they are an exciting batch! The second X-Force book is out in January, and this time it is the Pyslocke led Uncanny X-Force. The line up and hairstyles have me excited, as does the creative team of Sam Humphries (Fraggle Rock, Ultimates) writing and art provided by Ron Garney. First lets address the hairstyles, and one in particular, Storm’s. The mohawk is back and it is paired perfectly with a modern X-Force redesign of one of her trademark 80’s costumes. The mohawk was always one of my favorite hairstyles of the African goddess.

As for lineup we get a member, or former member of Alpha Flight, Puck! I am anxious to see how he is brought into the story as this was never the type of book I pictured him in. The strangest team member is Spiral. I may not be aware and have missed something, but I am not sure how she will come to be a member, considering her status as villain through most of her career. I will give props to the designer of her uniform, it works well beside the others, while appearing original and strong on it’s own design sensibilities. Overall the characters, and their redesigns would intrigue me enough to pick this up, but we also get the reintroduction of one of the best known, but missing for several months, former X-Men, Bishop.

I have a strong suspicion that Sam Humphries is going to knock this out of the park and, while moving ahead with his own stories of the X-Universe’s kill squad, respect all that Rick Remember built before. Sam definitely has allot more pressure on his hands compared to the team behind the adjective less X-Force because Sam’s team, while most of the members have changed, already has a history, and a fan loved back story. I think this is going to be one of the breakout hits of the Marvel Now initiative and it is my Marvel Pick of the Month for January, 2013. I should also add that it is nice to see Betsy taking on enemies in more than a one piece swimsuit.

 

New Avengers #1 NOW          For the past few months I have noticed that there are certain writers I will follow pretty well anywhere, Jeff Lemire, and Rick Remember for example. Well I think I can add Jonathan Hickman to that list. He is wonderfully suited for New Avengers #1 because of the potential in the cast. Black Panther is essentially the leader of, what some may consider, the largest collection of ego’s in the Marvel Universe, namely the Illuminati. The players are mostly the same: Iron Man, Doctor Strange, Black Bolt, Mr. Fantastic, Beast, Namor, and Black Panther.

New Avengers #2 NOW          Beast? You ask? Well I won’t spoil it, but if you check out the end of Avengers Vs. X-Men #11 you will see why Professor Xavier is missing. The big elephant in the room will be the slight grudge that team leader T’Challa will have against Namor, who, while possessed by the Phoenix, destroyed Wakanda. I am expecting that to be dealt with, or at least talked about in issue #1.

One thing that has me worried is that it seems to be another time travel/parallel universe type event that kicks off the inaugural storyline of this relaunch. Hickman proved that he can tell unpredictable stories with an amazing layering of plots, and sub-plots with Secret Warriors, and that he can make the cliche sounding idea into something more. Steve Epting provides the art and if the early preview art is anything to go by he is a good fit for this type of book. It looks to be dark, and moody, which works well in a series about the most powerful, banding together to try and fix the universe, in a possibly covert style. His facial expressions are strong and really pull you into the world, bringing emotion to couple with Hickman’s words. Doctor Strange? Has the former Sorcerer Supreme regained the title?

 

Superior Spider-Man #1 NOWSuperior Spider-Man #2 NOW          I have never been a huge fan of the Spider-Man comics since the Amazing Spider-Man 2099 series. I am in luck, or I will be, if the rumors are true about the identity of the man behind the mask in Superior Spider-Man #1. Miguel O’Hara has been bandied about as the one replacing the one and only Peter Parker. This will be interesting as Marvel will not have a Peter Parker web slinging in either the 616 universe or the Ultimate universe, in his own book. I could be wrong but I think that while Peter isn’t in his books, he may still don the red and blue in an Avengers book. With someone like Miguel as Spider-Man, he would probably not have the easiest time of just joining the Avengers.

 

Alpha #0.1          Even with an expanded roster I would hope that they pick and choose who fills their ranks carefully, and Spider-Man, while maybe not as powerful as Miguel, will remain as a main cast member. Again I could be wrong but it wouldn’t surprise me if that happened. Of course it could be Alpha. With a special printing of his appearances in a 0.1 issue being released in January, that could a clue. If that is the case then I will probably pass on this book as Alpha was one of the most disappointing new characters, which is totally my own opinion, he may have struck a chord with other readers, but not with me.

 

Savage Wolverine #1 NOW          I may not be picking up Savage Wolverine #1, but that does not stop me from admitting that having Frank Cho as both artist and writer, almost made me do it. I am not a fan of Wolverine solo, and generally I like team books more, where I find Wolverine really shines. However, Frank Cho illustrating a story that takes place in the Savage Land, and featuring Shanna, makes this a book that will be at the top of many fans must read lists. The only thing I find a bit disconcerting is the playing with Wolverine’s memory schtick. That poor mind of his must be so jumbled by this point. If the story quality matches that of the art this book that will save it and it will be one to watch.

 

Young Avengers #1 NOW          We are going to keep going on the Marvel Now tip with another high profile launch, that of much beloved, and missed Young Avengers #1. Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie are the new driving force for this new assemblage of young heroes to take on the Avengers moniker. Kieron Gillen, who was a fan favorite with his Journey Into Mystery run will be importing Loki from that series, into the role of, what seems to be, the driving force of this new team. The line up is a mixture of original members, and some new additions. Wiccan, Hulkling, and Hawkeye join up with Loki, Marvel Boy, and Ms. America in a tale that seems to worryingly start in an alternate dimension? It would seem to be the world where Ms. America resides, at least at the start of the story, is not the one we are familiar with. If it is another alternate Earth then I am curious as to why that seems to be an important story point in several Marvel comics? Either way I will be picking this book up, and I can already see more issues in my future.

 

Morbius Living Vampire #1 NOW          A book that I am hoping does well, and one I am looking forward to is the story of Morbius the Living Vampire, who has his own ongoing series ship with a #1 issue. Previously only having had written for Image, Joe Keatinge brings the words for this tale of a vampire trying to fit into a world that has left him behind. Richard Elson provides dark images that brings us into this deadly characters life. My fingers are crossed for a Blade appearance as he has been conspicuously absent from the Marvel Now information that has been coming out. I am also going to put my wish out there in the interwebs and imagine that we could eventually see a return of the Midnight Sons, but that may just be a pipe dream. This book will be near the top of my read pile.

 

Secret Avengers #36Secret Avengers #37          One of my favorite series releases the final two issues of its run before it is relaunched under the Marvel Now initiative. I am talking about the Rick Remember written Secret Avengers. Issues #36, and 37 bring an end to the long running Descendants storyline that has been brewing for a large portion of Remembers run. I am going to be sad to see this title go, even though I am quite intrigued in the new direction, but find this run to be one of my all time favorite runs. Rick Remember tightly paces this book with all of the characters getting some moments to shine, and chances to display their personalities with it all feeling natural. The cast is very large but Remember manages it perfectly which adds further to my excitement over his upcoming Avengers run.

 

Deadpool Killustrated #1          Deadpool comics sell well and for the second time I am going to give him a go. The recently completed Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe started off promising but kind of petered out at the end where it got too meta for me. The new series “Deadpool Killustrated” combines my love of superheroes with a fondness for literary classics. Deadpool takes on Moby Dick in this first issue written by Cullen Bunn, and drawn by Matteo Lolli. What caught my eye immediately is the cover by Michael Del Mundo. I want that as a poster.

 

Well it was nice to write an entry for Marvel Comics that was exciting. In recent months the Avengers Vs. X-Men cross-over felt a bit draining, even with my happiness over the end result, but now that the new landscape of the Marvel Universe is being explored I cannot wait to see how it functions as a cohesive universe.

 

On a side note, shortly after I wrote this, Disney purchased LucasArts granting them the rights to the Star Wars franchise, and it got me wondering, How long until Marvel is publishing the Star Wars comics or are they going to stay at Dark Horse? I would be thrilled if they moved over to Marvel. That is not a slam towards Dark Horse who puts out some amazing product, but a realistic possibility, especially when one looks at the publishing of Pixar/Disney titles originally through Boom, then Marvel.

 

See you soon with my look at DC Comics for the first month of the new year.

October 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

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October 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

Finally I present to you the last article for December’s Previews. This is where we look at what is lovingly referred to as the back of the book.

 

Deathmatch #1          The first book I happened upon that is one to watch, and one that will be coming home with me is from Boom Studios, Deathmatch #1. Paul Jenkins, who wrote one of Marvel’s best Inhuman stories ever writes a story that answers fan-boys prayers, indirectly. We have all thought of a story where the heroes we love are pitted, in a life or death battle with villains, and other heroes, a story where characters do die. Captain America simile, check, Thor simile, check, Hulk simile, check, are you seeing an Avengers like pattern here? I am sure that we will see a Superman like character, or even a Batman like character in these pages. While many may consider this fan-boy fan fiction, I trust Paul Jenkins to bring characters that we care about to these pages. The characters at the big two are tied into franchising and merchandising deals and rarely can they be played with in such a way. I know I am comparing heavily to the big two, and really focusing on Marvel similarities but that has to have been the original intent, or hook as it was, for this series, and I applaud it, and cannot wait to see who wins, and who loses. With the introductory issue of 32 pages for $1.00 there is no reason for this to not come home with you. This is my Back of the Book Pick of the Month.

 

The Red Ten #1          Publisher Comixtribe brings us an indie sensation that proved the little guys can bring it. The Red Ten debuted at the New York Comicon last year and went on to sell thousands of issues at only 50 retail locations. This caught Diamonds attention, and they signed a distribution deal that will now bring this new spin on Agatha Christie’s “Then There Were None” to the masses, and I intend to hop on. It is exciting when someone brings something different to the world of superheroes and I always enjoy the opportunity to visit these new worlds where the bigger publishers fear to tread.

 

Cannabis Fantasy Cool Coloring Book          Rarely will I write about a coloring book but I am looking forward to the Cannabis Fantasy Cool Coloring Book from Last Gasp. This will be a gift for a few of my friends, you know who you are.

 

 

 

 

 

History of Nintendo SC vol 01 1989-1980History of Nintendo SC vol 02 1980-1991          For video game aficionados a treat arrives for under the tree in the form of the first two books chronicling the history of Nintendo. The History of Nintendo Volume 1 covers the years 1889-1990 in 242 pages, and Volume 2 gives us the lowdown on years 1980-1991 in 200 pages. Did you know Nintendo started with playing cards, created the infamous “Love Tester” and even dabbled in Love Hotels? No? Well these books are for you, and an amazing way to see what came before Mario the plumber.

 

That actually brings to a close the Decembers Previews. As you can see this was a short entry but there wasn’t allot that really grabbed me in Previews for this month, but the items that did will be wonderful additions to my collection.

 

Next month we look at the offerings for January, as long as the Mayan’s weren’t right….just kidding. See you next month

 

 

October 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

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October 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 1

I must apologize to my readers again for the delay but I have completed reviewing the December shipping product and this is the second to last article to see what Previews has revealed to us for the last month of 2012. This article discusses Dark Horse, Image, Valiant and IDW.

 

Hellboy in Hell #1          First up is Dark Horse Comics and the first issue of a new ongoing that is sure to excite fans in comic world. Hellboy is back with Hellboy in Hell #1. Mike Mignola last penciled his supernatural, and tough as nails hero in the 2001 story Hellboy: Conqueror Worm, but he returns for this incredibly important chapter in Hellboy’s life. I for one am intrigued with the prospect of a Mignola inspired Hell.

 

Dark Horse Presents #19          First Dark Horse returned Ghost to the pages of a Dark Horse comic, and now they retool another of their superheroes in the pages of Dark Horse Presents # 19. Dark Horse’s version of Batman meets Punisher, X, returns to the streets of Dark Horse’s Gotham, Arcadia. Duane Swierczynski writes, and Eric Nguyen provides the art. After having read the X Omnibus I admit to an enjoyment of the character, and if the cover art is any indication he is retaining his edge and vigilante approach to crime control.

 

Star Wars Omnibus Infinities TP          Being a fan of DC’s Elseworlds, and Marvel’s Alterniverse I am looking forward to the collection of Star Wars mini’s that posited a changed universe where things, only slightly changed, created a very different story from what we know and love in the original trilogy. The Star Wars Infinities Omnibus collects Star Wars: Infinities – A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Having all 280 pages of these books under one cover for $24.99 is an amazing value for fans of alternate universes and Star Wars all rolled into one, and makes this book my Dark Horse Pick of the Month.

 

My Little Pony Friendship is Magic #2          I was excited when the original solicitation came out for My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic but apparently it is only a four issue mini-series, with #2 coming out in December. The anticipation for this title is high with the initial issue hitting orders of 90,000, and creating a demand for our four hooved friends. I am hoping, and I see it as inevitable, especially with the sales numbers for the first issue, that it will be turned into an ongoing. I may be speaking out of turn, but if a property like Popeye can get upgraded to an ongoing then there is no reason that My Little Pony cannot reach the same level. This is my IDW Pick of the Month.

 

Mara #1          Image Comics brings a new Brian Wood comic to the stands with Mara #1 (of 6). I love the series The Massive over at Dark Horse, and I am a fan of DMZ published under the Vertigo imprint over at DC, and I am assuming that that love will translate over to the story about a woman with abilities that impact a world that already values physical ability and war over all other things in civilization. Ming Doyle has an amazing art style that fits a futuristic world where muscle seems to have more stature over the mind.

 

Saga #8          If you are not reading Saga, that does not make sense. Issue #8 is out in December, and is the next chapter in a comic book that has presented something so new in a genre where innovation was no longer abundant. Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples are crafting a timeless masterpiece that takes typical science fiction cliches and turns them on their heads, building a world, that while familiar, presents us with concepts that are unlike anything we have seen. Spaceships made out of wood, that grow in a forest? Royalty with televisions for heads? A baby that is actually the storyteller of her own tale? This is a book for fans of comic books, and storytelling. Issue #8 is my Image Comics Pick of the Month.

 

X-O Manowar TP vol 01 By the Sword          I cannot rave about Valiant Comics enough. Each title comes home with me each month, with one exception, X-O Manowar. But that is resolved in December with my Valiant Comics Pick of the Month. X-O Manowar Vol.1: By The Sword TPB collects the first five issues of the series that heralded the return of the much missed publisher. The best part is they are releasing it for an introductory price of only $9.99.

 

Bloodshot #6          An issue to keep an eye on is Bloodshot #6 as it brings to light a connection between Bloodshot’s creators, Project Rising Spirit, and Tony Harada’s Harbinger Foundation, and chances are he didn’t act as their babysitter. Bloodshot always brings the body count, and the story to go along with it.

 

Buy Valiant!