David Grouix reviews – Page 6 – Book Fair Comics Blog

September 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | September 9, 2013 - 3:26 PM |September 9, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

September 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Marvel Now didn’t do much for me except shorten the list of must haves and make DC Comics my main go to publisher. They do have a couple of interesting titles coming out in November that are worth looking at while we wait for the latest crossover before another crossover to come to an end. Luckily in November, Infinity ends with it’s 6^th issue. If I had just one wish it would be for Marvel to quit with these crossovers for one year and just tell self contained stories in their books instead of hinging their success on artificially bloated crossover sales. At the end of the day the same people that complain about the crossovers are also the ones buying them. Until people close their wallets to these crossovers Marvel will continue to ignore storytelling in hopes of increasing sales. They are a business mind you, and profit is what matters most. Well time to get off my soapbox and talk about some of the more interesting books coming from Marvel.

Uncanny Avengers is still dragging on. This is one long storyline that I have already lost interest in. Rick Remember is a great writer, and his run on Secret Avengers shows why, but his writing on Uncanny Avengers has been ridiculously decompressed. I look forward to the next arc, just to see if it will reignite the excitement for Remembers work that Secret Avengers inspired.

Avengers Arena #17 & #18 bring that series to a close. This title has split fandom with people either disliking the series or loving the series. I belong in the dislike camp. Either way these issues bring an end to Arcade’s plan. More deaths are promised as well as this being the “launch pad for what comes next!” This isn’t really news as Marvel is constantly building and building on everything, with everything promising to change the Marvel Universe! Anyone who reads my Previews reviews knows my opinion on Marvel’s non stop crossovers, and seemingly lack of short form storytelling.

Cataclysm is the latest universe wide event in the Ultimate Universe. Anyone who read Age of Ultron knows that Wolverine pulled a Superboy and broke time. One of the affects of said time breaking was the appearance of Galactus in the Ultimate Universe. Some have been heralding this as the end of the Ultimate line and I for one would not see that as a bad idea. Since the wholesale snuff film like slaughter of several big name characters in Ultimatum the Ultimate line has not held my interest in the slightest.

I will be trying out the first issues of the mini-series involved as they replace the regular Ultimate titles for a three month period. Brian Michael Bendis orchestrates his portion of the crossover in the pages of Cataclysm: The Ultimates Last Stand #1 & 2, and Cataclysm: Ultimate Spider-Man #1. Joshua Hale Fialkov, the writer of the under appreciated I, Vampire over at DC Comics writes Cataclysm: Ultimates #1 and Cataclysm: Ultimate X-Men #1. While I am not expecting much I will try out the first issues and go from there.

September sees the television premiere of Marvel: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.. In November Marvel releases The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 giving us the premiere appearances of Agent Phil Coulson and Nick Fury Jr. as well as other stories that highlight S.H.I.E.L.D. including its first appearance as an organization from the comic books. I personally have most of these issues already but highly recommend it as a primer for anyone familiar with the spy organization through only the movies.

An interesting book is solicited for November featuring the lucky mutant known as Longshot. Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe by Christopher Hastings (W) and Jacopo Camagni (A) goes from bad to worse for our X-Factor Alum. The lucky are being killed and Longshot will soon be in the mysterious killers cross hairs. Dealing with that is difficult enough but when the entire Marvel Universe seems to target Longshot will he be able to save everyone when no one else can? The first two issues hit in November, and just the quirkiness and unexpected nature of this four issue series has me excited and more than willing to bring it home with me.

Even though the X-Men have far too many titles (just like the Avengers, Batman, Superman, etc) I am looking forward to Amazing X-Men #1 by Jason Aaron (W) and Ed McGuinness (A). While the solicit seems to indicate the return of Nightcrawler (again negating death in the Marvel Universe) they also indicate a strong team lineup including Firestar. After having been a founding member of the New Warriors, and even making it to the big time in the Avengers, Angelica joins Wolverine (hey Marvel, he doesn’t need to be in every book), Storm, Beast, Iceman, and Northstar as they seek to bring back the blue elf. I have always liked Firestar and felt that the X-Men is where she truly belonged, and now my dream is coming true. Issue #1 of this book will be coming home and maybe it can do what no other X-Book has been able to do and that is make me want a monthly dose of mutants.

That brings our look at Marvel to an end.

September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | September 9, 2013 - 2:23 PM |September 9, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

The most recent issue of Previews has been out for a couple of weeks and it is time to look at what is coming out, and what should be considered when you peruse the comic shop shelves in November.

Since Marvel has not been impressing me much I have chosen to look at DC Comics first. They will also be in the midst of two very exciting crossovers. First up is the amazingly written Zero Year in Batman. The powerhouse creative team of Scott Snyder (W) and Greg Capullo (A) are joined by Danny Miki (A) to begin a crossover that has its roots in Year Zero. Batman #25 brings us the Riddler with one of his earliest and most dangerous ploys as he plunges Gotham into total darkness. “Dark City” begins here and carries over in many titles.

Action Comics #25 by Greg Pak (W) and Aaron Kuder (A) brings us the reintroduction of a major character while also bringing us another tale of a young Superman while he races to save Gotham.

Green Arrow #25 continues the amazing run by Jeff Lemire (W) and Andrea Sorrentino (A) as Oliver becomes Green Arrow for the first time after his return from the island. Jeff Lemire has done a wonderful job of blending the mythos from the Arrow television show with the world of the New 52 and this Batman: Year Zero tie in is another example of Lemires writing talents With his overgrown beard, Oliver has a passing resemblance to his pre New 52 appearance, which is a nice little nod to what came before.

This storyline also crosses over into Batgirl #25, Batwing #25, Birds of Prey #25, Catwoman #25, Detective Comics #25, Nightwing #25, The Flash #25, Green Lantern Corps. #25, and Red Hood and the Outlaws #25. With so many titles, some more surprising than others, taking part in this crossover it is going to be tough to wait for the trade so this is one crossover that might be coming home with me in single issues.

While Batman’s Zero Year covers a chunk of the November solicits, Forever Evil invades several titles itself. Forever Evil #3 by Geoff Johns (W), David Finch (A), and Richard Friend (A) continues the first universe-wide event in the New 52, and if the cover art shown is any indication, it is clear that the society is going to start crumbling. I loved the first issue of Forever Evil, and while many have griped over the lack of onscreen answers as to the true events behind the disappearance of the Leagues and most of the heroes, I look forward to finding out more about what happened in between the pages. The number of times we have seen countless battles in these crossovers it is a nice change to focus more on the story and not just the fights. Plus I suspect we might find the Leagues hiding over on Earth 3, especially if that vision of Madame Xanadu’s is any indication. This story also brings a major status quo shift to Nightwing. I won’t spoil it but everything is about to change for Dick Grayson.

Forever Evil also graces the pages of Justice League #25, Justice League of America #9, Justice League Dark #25, Suicide Squad #25, and Teen Titans #25.

A crossover isn’t a crossover without a few axillary series and while most of the time they end up being unimportant, Forever Evil is delivering some interesting mini’s. In Forever Evil: Arkham War #2 Bane becomes the protector of Gotham, in Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #2, Captain Cold is nowhere to be found leaving the Rogues to battle the Parasite without a leader, and in Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #2 Steve Trevor brings the fight to Deathstroke.

Considering how wide sweeping Forever Evil appears to be DC is showing restraint in keeping the crossover tight and the stories that are happening seem to be key to the overall progress of this tale of evil conquering good. I rarely recommend crossovers but both Year Zero and Forever Evil are worth the investment with what has been revealed so far.

A couple of non-crossover books to take note of include the Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti written Harley Quinn #0. 22 different artists grace these pages including Darwyn Cooke, Sam Keith, Paul Pope, Walter Simonson, and so many more. With a whose who of artists this book is worth taking home. Here’s hoping that this book re-injects some fun into a character that hasn’t felt quite right since the launch of the New 52.

The “Lights Out” crossover in the Green Lantern family of titles has ended but it definitely had some interesting fallout. The Red Lanterns protect Earth’s sector now, with no Green Lantern in sight. Who leads the Red Lanterns in sector 2814? Guy Gardner. This is intriguing enough to make me want to check out this book. This would be the first time since issue #4 that I wanted to check out a Red Lantern book.

The last thing I am personally excited about from DC would be the addition of Ultraman, Superwoman, Power Ring, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Deadshot, to my growing action figure collection. I cannot express enough love for the line of New 52 figures and with these villains hitting shelves in February I look forward to putting together a proper hero vs. villain display.

Well that is our look at product shipping beginning in November. See you soon with our look at the Marvel offerings.

August 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | August 19, 2013 - 7:24 AM |August 19, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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August 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

With Marvel and DC taken care of let’s look at the rest of Previews. First is Dark Horse Comics. A book that promises to be a hit is Shaolin Cowboy #1. This is a character that Geof Darrow is closely tied to since he created him in 2004. I admit to not knowing this character, in 2004 I was still blind to anything non superhero related.

Without even seeing the first issue of Brain Boy #1, I am eager for #2. I am not sure why the concept of an egotistical mentally powered Matt Price strikes a chord but the book written by Fred Van Lente is a must read for me. I sense this to be the sleeper hit of the year.

Another concept that I know little of but know of its large fan following is Elfquest. Richard Pini (W) and Wendy Pini (W/A). Wendy and Richard created this property in 1978 and it has endeared itself to comic book and fantasy fans alike. This one shop is the prologue to the Elfquest: The Final Quest series, but I think it is a way to test the water for the property. Dark Horse seems to be playing a little bit of the old school genre game, and showing mad love for longtime fans, while opening things to a new generation of readers. While the art is not bad, it is the art that keeps me away from the property. The style pulls me out of the story, but the fan base for this will love it. It is nice to see a title maintain so much consistency in appearance throughout the years, without trying to bow down to a specific flavor of the month sensibility.

Fans of Locke & Key are both excited and sad as October brings us the closing of the last door and the last story of the Locke children. Joe Hill (W), and Gabriel Rodriguez (A) closes one of the best reviewed and loved books of this generation. Variants are big again and this issue is in on it, but with an incredibly robust range of variant artists including Simon Bisley, Glenn Fabry, Michael Kaluta, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave Sim, and the grand daddy of horror art, Bernie Wrightson. At $7.99 a pop I am going to limit my choice to one, and it would have to be the Dave Sim variant which is a tribute to old school Spider-Man.

IDW are also releasing an amazing Star Trek volume. Star Trek: The Stardate Collection, Vol. 1: The Early Voyages presents the stories of the Star Trek universe in chronological order based on stardate. This series will cover all series from all publishers and the first volumes second half features one of my favorite Marvel runs, Star Trek: Early Voyages, namely the first 7 issues. Star Trek: Crew Issues #1-5 opens the book.

Ed Brubaker (W), and Steve Epting (A), are creators who brought us character defining runs on Captain America. There ability to handle the shadier side of political warfare is strong and that is why Velvet #1 should be a good read. The solicitation is exciting yet vague, but the cover definitely has the air of a female Bond type character which makes me intrigued. There are not enough strong female leads in comicdom and Velvet looks like she may be able to attain those heights. The other thing to keep in mind is that this is an Image first issue, definitely good to get in on the ground floor for these first appearances.

Another fun item is the 10th Anniversary Edition of The Walking Dead #1. What makes this special? Color! Dave Stewart, a phenomenal colorist, brings the world of zombies and survival into a realm we have never seen before. I will be grabbing this for sure!

Savage Dragon, the indy that could, by Erik Larsen, transfers the job of being the lead from father to son, as Malcolm Dragon takes on the title role. Savage Dragon #193 opens a new chapter in one of the original players of Image comics.

The last publisher to look at is Valiant and they have a couple of releases of note. First up is another storyline that will change aspects of the Valiant Universe. Much like the wonderfully written, but hastily wrapped up, Harbinger Wars, Sect Civil War will change Archer & Armstrong beginning in the 14th issue of the series. This is all out war between the different factions of the Sect, with the title characters on opposite sides. Harbinger Wars really set a standard for the event comics in the Valiant Universe, and if Archer & Armstrong is handled the same way, this will be an event worth reading.

Quantum and Woody #4 introduces the Goat! Nuff said.

Valiant looks to be releasing collections that will truly show the amazing storytelling that has cemented Valiant Entertainment as a comic book company that believes in quality, and tight storytelling. X-O Manowar Deluxe Edition Vol. 1 HC is an oversized collection of X-O Manowar #1-14, plus 20 pages of extras. For $39.99 and 384 pages, oversized pages, this is a wonderful first book in this series of collections, and will be joining my growing library of collections.

That brings an end to our look at product shipping to comic book stores starting in October of 2013. See you soon for November.

August 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | August 18, 2013 - 7:57 PM |August 18, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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August 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Let us turn our attention to DC Comics this time, and DC related product starting to ship in October of 2013. In October we find that villains have won and that the line changing Forever Evil kicks into high gear when issue #2 of the Forever Evil mini-series by Geoff Jones (W), David Finch (A), and Richard Friend (A) hits the stands. With the “adults” of the Justice League out of commission, the Teen Titans try to do what the adults couldn’t. With Batman shown on the cover I am curious who is under the mask because it may or may not be Bruce Wayne.

We are treated to another Director’s Cut with Forever Evil Director’s Cut #1. These are amazing resources that allow you to see behind the scenes of a comic’s creation. With the original script by Geoff Jones and the amazing pencil work by David Finch on display, this is a way to see the story in its rawest form.

A cross-over always brings tie ins, and Forever Evil is no different. Steve Trevor rally’s what’s left of the troops and attempts to help the civilians caught in the wave of global sweeping evil. With ARGUS essentially wiped out, including their headquarters and most of their agents, Steve has an uphill battle in Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. #1 by Matt Kindt (W), and Manuel Garcia (A).

Arkham Asylum and Blackgate Prison hold the worst of the worst, and unfortunately for the people of Gotham there is no Dark Knight defender when the villainous population of both facilities is let loose in the city without a protector. Peter J. Tomasi (W), Scot Eaton (A), and Jaime Mendoza (A) shows us what happens when some of the scariest members of the New 52 rogues can roam unrestrained and unwatched, or are they? Forever Evil: Arkham War #1 brings the bad in October.

The third tie in by Brian Buccellato (W), and Patrick Zircher (A), focuses on perhaps the most well known rogues gallery, that of the Flash. With the status quo upset and the pecking order of the world’s villains drastically changed can the Rogues stick together or will they split apart when push comes to shove? Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion #1 hits in October.

For completists Forever Evil also invades Suicide Squad #24 by Matt Kindt (W), and Patrick Zircher (A), and may show us a new Suicide Squad team, one that Waller didn’t form. Teen Titans #24 by Scott Lobdell (W), Angel Unzueta (A) and Art Thibert (A) show us a splintered team, who, according to the solicits, are definitely not together.

I was going to talk about my excitement over Justice League 3000 #1 but that excitement is going to have to wait as Keith Giffen has been pulled from the title, and the job of creating a darker future for the Leaguers falls into the hands of Howard Porter. Look for a re-solicitation of this title in December, complete with a new solicitation blurb.

I can’t help but feel that Superman/Wonder Woman #1 is the start of the first soap opera comic of the New 52. With Superman in the title I am sure this will sell but I cannot see this title maintaining itself for very long without looking past the super relationship of the DC Universe, and there are a countless number of Superman titles where that occurs. I wish this would have been announced as a 12 issue maxi-series and Wonder Woman would have gotten a second solo series. If she does get a second series I will be on board, this title though, not so much.

The next cross-over for the Green Lantern family begins in Green Lantern #24 by Robert Venditti (W), and Billy Tan (A). With the lead villain being Relic, it is a safe bet that his villains month issue will be key, and thanks to the much publicized allotments, allot of people might be missing out unless they can grab the non 3D printing. As per the norm for any Green Lantern cross-over “Lanterns will die, others change allegiances, and nothing will be the same again”, do they just copy and paste that now for each GL storyline? The cross-over continues in Green Lantern Corps #24, Green Lantern: New Guardians #24, Red Lanterns #24, and comes to it’s status quo altering closing in Green Lantern Annual #2. The one thing that is nice about this cross-over is that it begins and ends in the same month, which is a refreshing change from their usual mega arcs.

I have been waffling on Stormwatch but issue #24 by Jim Starlin (W), Yvel Guichet (A), and LeBeau Underwood (A) introduces Storm Control. Since Jim Starlin came on board and erased the horrible start the relaunch had, he has infused the book with a sense of history, and a legacy feel, which was never built on before. This will be coming home with me.

I decided to skip on the single issues for villains month and I am happy I did. With recent allocation issues surrounding the titles shipping in September I look forward to getting DC Comics – The New 52 Villains Omnibus HC. This book totals 1,184 pages and features all 52 villain tie ins, with participation from the entire creative team from DC Comics. With an exclusive 3D Motion montage cover and so many stories, this is a far better value than purchasing the single issues separately.

The big news at DC in October takes place in their Vertigo line. The Sandman: Overture #1 by Neil Gaiman (W), and J.H. Williams (A) brings us back to the character that changed how the world viewed comics. This is the origin story that has never been told in the 25 years of this characters history. Get this book and be reminded where comics can take you besides the traditional and much loved superhero genre.

That brings us to the end of our look at the DC Comics Previews with items starting to ship in October of 2013.

August 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | August 18, 2013 - 6:58 PM |August 18, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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August 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time to look at the items coming to your local comic shop starting in October of 2013 and listed in the August 2013 issue of Previews. Marvel is once again aiming their marketing machine at the sadly lacking youth market with their new “Share Your Universe” initiative, and with the initiative comes the launch of the comic book adaption of the current Disney series Avengers Assemble. Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble adapts stories from the lackluster follow up to Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

Hulk: Agents of S.M.A.S.H. #1 is the first in a four issue mini-series adapting the next animated release from Marvel. These titles are sure to appeal to a younger audience but it’s a shame that Marvel has seen fit to alienate their adult fans that do enjoy animation.

Infinity is close to running it’s course and will undoubtedly change the Marvel Universe forever, as every cross-over claims to do. The Jonathan Hickman penned story brings the war front to Earth with the solicitation for issue #5 promising that “The War for Earth Begins.” I hope that the New Universe characters are involved, if the Infinity #5 Heroes Variant is any indication, because that would be the one possible aspect that would intrigue me.

Infinity also spills into the pages of Avengers #21, and #22, New Avengers #11, Secret Avengers #10, Mighty Avengers #2, Nova #9, Guardians of the Galaxy #8, The Fearless Defenders #10, Avengers Assemble #20, Thunderbolts #16, and #17, Infinity: Heist #2, and #3, Infinity: The Hunt #2, and #3. It is the constant building towards the next big event that finally turned me off of monthlies. The one thing I look forward to with these events are the titles that they sometimes spawn, and with the promise of a Marvel Now Phase 2 there should be some intriguing books released.

Avengers A.I. #4, and #5 continues to unfold and the first issue was very intriguing and sheds light on the robotic side of the Marvel Universe. This squad helps S.H.I.E.L.D. and Vision may not like dancing to their tune. Sam Humphries (W) is a capable writer and proved with issue one that even though it is a roster of robots, character development is still absolutely possible.

The Ultimate Universe seems to be heading towards another rough stretch of highway when Hunger #4, the last issue of the Galactus visit to their Earth, hits the stands. My prediction is the complete destruction of the Ultimate Universe or a New 52 style reset. Cataclysm #0.1, also arriving in October, will give us hints as to the goal of the story, or I hope it does. The Ultimate Universe lost me as a fan when they did the Ultimatum hack job. Let’s hope that Cataclysm is more than a wholesale murder of the remaining characters.

Matt Kindt (W) and Marco Rudy (A) help rejuvenate the Marvel Knights line with Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 (of 5). The premise sounds like fun, and a whole heap of danger for the webslinger as he has to face down 99 of the Marvel Universes toughest villains, ones that will have no problem killing innocents if he doesn’t.

The recent cross-over with Avengers Assemble, and the rapidly spreading good word of mouth seems to have helped Captain Marvel stave off cancellation for the time being. Kelly Sue DeConnick (W) and Filipe Andrade (A) bring us issue #17, billed as the Carol Corps Issue! This is one of the most under appreciated books put out by the House of Ideas, and deserves a stronger showing. There are very few titles that have managed to star a female lead and exhibit the quality and relatability of it’s lead.

The fanboy conversations online about Iron Man and the current running “The Secret Origin of Tony Stark” will no doubt reach a crescendo in October with the release of the concluding chapter in Iron Man #17 by Kieron Gillen (W) and Mahmud Asrar (A). Yet another promise that “Nothing Will Ever Be The Same!” I won’t lie, I am interested, and intend on reading the story as a whole in trade form. Iron Man has become such a stronger character over the years, in no small part to his movies, and a change in his history compels me to read it. With what looks like possible green blood on the broken picture of the Iron Man headed Stark family, it is sure to be a change that might very well break the internet in half…..again.

With a Thor movie out in November the product of the Thunder God starts to roll out. Both Thor: The Crown of Fools #1 by Bryan J.L. Glass (W), and Andrea Di Vito (A), and Thor & The Mighty Avengers by Roger Langridge (W) and Chris Samnee (A) bit shelves, presenting a chance to do a little catch up on the history of this son of Asgard.

Rarely does a Max series catch my attention but Fantomex Max by Andrew Hope (W) and Shawn Crystal (A) has done just that. Fantomex has been an interesting character from the start, and with the exception of the current arc in Uncanny X-Force, he has consistently made me want to know more. This four issue mini-series brings Fantomex back to his international super-thief routes. Some might argue that that role is handled quite capably by Gambit, but as I am not a fan of the Cajun thief, I am more than willing to give Fantomex a shot.

Once we hit the collected edition portion of Marvel’s Previews we see a couple of pages of Thor trades. One of the more interesting ones is Thor Vs. Thanos. At 256 pages and a creative roster including: Dan Jurgens (W), John Romita Jr. (A), Michael Ryan (A), Jerry Ordway (A), and Jose Ladronn (A) this is well worth the $24.99 price tag. With Thanos figuring quite prominently in the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe this is an exciting way to witness the God of Thunder facing off against a villain that wants nothing more than Death.

Another trade worth looking at is Journey Into Mystery featuring Sif Vol. 2: Seeds of Destruction. Journey Into Mystery by Kathryn Immonen (W), Matteo Scalera (A), and Valerio Schiti (A) made Sif a leading lady and it is a shame that this title was so drastically over looked. Get this trade and Volume 1 if you haven’t yet. You are in for a treat. Plus in Volume 2 you get Beta Ray Bill, and that can be nothing but entertaining.

That is our look at Marvel for product shipping starting in October of 2013.

Tag Archives: David Grouix reviews

September 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

September 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

September 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

August 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

August 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

August 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

August 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

August 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

August 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

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