David Grouix reviews – Page 7 – Book Fair Comics Blog

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | July 12, 2013 - 7:47 PM |July 12, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time for the third and final look at the Previews for July 2013, for product shipping beginning in September 2013. After having perused Marvel and DC we now turn our attention to the rest of the publishers.

First up is Dark Horse and a new Star Wars book. This one does not fit into any existing continuity and is the original vision that George Lucas had for his sci fi phenomenon. The Star Wars Lucas Draft is an eight issue adaption of the original rough draft screenplay. J. W. Rinzler (W) and Mike Mayhew (A) introduce us to a slightly different galaxy far, far away, where Annikin Starkiller is the hero, and characters you know and love are a little to allot different. Star Wars fans should be sure to pick up this book.

An indy book I am excited about is another edition to their superhero line, Brain Boy #1 by Fred Van Lente (W), R. B. Silva (P), and Rob Lean (I). While the idea of going after a criminal before they commit the crime is very Minority Report, the idea that the psychic the Secret Service hires uncovers a powerful psychic network, leading Matt Price a.k.a. Brain Boy, to question what he knows, or thinks he knows, is an exciting twist on the entire future crime concept.

Alex Ross fans should take note for a book shipping in November. The Terminator: The Burning Earth is the first work that was ever published by the fan favorite artist. This is a 136 page collection written by Ron Fortier, that gives us a tale of John Connor and a small team he is leading as they figure out a way to destroy Skynet before Skynet destroys the rest of the human race with a powerful nuclear strike.

IDW is proving itself to be a powerhouse when it comes to licensed properties and I am predicting another hit when Powerpuff Girls #1 (of 5) is released. While it does have it listed as a five issue series I am confident that this will turn into a monthly, or immediately launch a monthly upon the completion of this mini. Troy Little is both the writer and the artist for this book that brings us back to Townsville and the exploits of the scientifically created, super powered Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup.

Those pesky aliens that have attacked almost all comic book properties under the indie sun are attacking Judge Dredd this time in a four issue mini-series call, quite appropriately, Mars Attacks Judge Dredd. Al Ewing (W) and John McCrea (A) invite us into the Mega-City Mafia annual meeting and introduces us to some power players that want to make their mark. I am guessing that the mysterious benefactor is green, with exposed brains, and are not from around here.

While zombies is a genre that continues to hold sway over our collective interests, IDW is presenting a different take on the concept, The Other Dead. A horde of shambling zombies is scary enough but what if the cute puppy or kitten on your lap got infected? What about those little, harmless squirrels you pass by on your walk to work? What if they were infected? Creatures so small you may not notice them at your feet right now? Joshua Ortega (W), Digger T. Mesch (W), and Qing Ping Mui (A) brings us a horrifying new twist on the zombie apocalypse.

Image Comics is of course offering a few new series that are sure to be quality books, one in particular jumps off the page at me. I do love military, spy themes in some of my books and Zero #1 by Ales Kot (W), Michael Walsh (A), and Jordie Bellaire (A) take us into the life of Edward Zero who is apparently a perfect execution machine. The story seems fairly basic as Edward is sent to retrieve a weapon that happens to be in a bio modified terrorist. That terrorist is also being chased by an entire army. Basic though it may seem, there is something about the artwork, and the cover that is asking me in to try out the first issue. I think this will be a hit.

Besides Brain Boy at Dark Horse, Archie has a new comic being released that is almost as high on my excitement meter. Afterlife With Archie #1 by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa (W), Francesco Francavilla (A), and Jack Morelli (A) shows us what happens when Sabrina the Teenage Witch inadvertently unleashes a zombie apocalypse on an unsuspecting Riverdale. I applaud Archie Comics because out of any publisher they have shown that they are not afraid to go outside of their comfort zone and enter areas and deal with stories that you would not normally think of when mentioning Archie Comics.

Another company putting out a high caliber of material is Avatar Press. Following spectacular launches for both Uber and Extinction Parade I think God is Dead #1 by Jonathan Hickman (W) and Di Amorim (A) will be another smash hit. I am excited for this release and to see what would happen if Gods from our past decided to reclaim the land of man and how the human race would react to the “Second Coming”. This will be going home with me.

Boom! Studios releases Sons of Anarchy #1 (of 6) by Christopher Golden (W) and Damian Couceiro (A) in September. While I will not be picking this up I am sure that fans of this hit show will no doubt be scouting this out. This is quite a license to pick up and it will be interesting to see if Boom keeps locking down these hits.

Fred Van Lente has a second book coming out that is interesting and definitely plays to his strengths. The Mocking Dead #1 with art by Max Dunbar presents a world where zombies meet comedy. While many fail to notice the horror developing around them, one man recognizes the situation for what it is, a zombie apocalypse. The stupidity of the living versus the horror of the zombies, that is something I can sink my teeth into (Bad pun totally intended).

Valiant Comics is proving how to launch a line of comics right. They are taking their time and introducing titles when it makes sense. Eternal Warrior #1 by Greg Pak (W) and Trevor Hairsine (A) is a new series that brings us the story of Gillad Anni-Padda who has existed for ten millenia. With a lifespan that long you can bet that he has made some enemies.

A title change is coming to Bloodshot as it becomes Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps with its 14th issue. The new creative team of Christos Gage (W), Joshua Dysart (W) and Emanuela Lupacchino (A) bring a strong pedigree with them, and following the events of Harbinger Wars, this would be a book worth checking out.

That brings us to the end of Previews for items shipping starting in September 2013. Good reading.

July 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | July 9, 2013 - 10:18 AM |July 9, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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July 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

While DC has gone evil for September Marvel is trying to stop that from happening as Infinity crosses over with many of the Avengers, and Avengers related titles. If there was one group I would worry about in this crossover it would be the Inhumans as Jonathan Hickman (W) and Jerome Opena & Dustin Weaver (A) bring bad things to Attilan in issue #3 of the 6 issue main series.

This Thanos centric crossover also graces the pages of New Avengers #10, Avengers #19 & #20, Thunderbolts #15 (I smell an attempt to boost sales), Nova #8, Avengers Assemble #19, Captain Marvel #16, and oddly enough Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #3 & #4.

Two mini series spinning out of Infinity are intriguing and uses the Thanos invasion as an interesting framing plot point. Infinity: The Hunt #1 (of 4) by Matt Kindt (W, and appearing everywhere now), and Steven Sanders (A) tells the story of a new Contest of Champions, arranged by Wolverine, Hank Pym, and She Hulk, and what happens when there contest is interrupted by Thanos and his invading forces. I wonder if the poor snuff victims in Avengers Academy will be referenced at all?

Over in Infinity: Heist #1 (of 4) it’s the time old tale of the cat being away and the mice being at play. Spymaster and a team of villains seize the opportunity to strike when all of the heroes are occupied with Thanos. While it is a story we have seen in many forms this one is being handled by Frank Tieri (W) and Ramon Bachs (A), a creative team that will introduce something new to the mix. It may be hard to resist picking these up in single issues, but trying the first issue wouldn’t hurt.

The release that has been getting allot of attention in the comic book press is the relaunch of the Mighty Avengers. This time with Al Ewing (W) and Greg Land (A) behind the wheel. The critics, both professional and armchair, such as myself, have gone back and forth about this title. It is interesting to note that this is an entirely minority team of heroes, with the possible exception of Spider-Man. With Wolverine having broken time it would not be surprising to see Ultimate Spider-Man, Miles Morales, behind the mask and mingling with the heroes of the 616. Is this a possible ploy? It could be. Does it look like a possible origin story that makes sense? Yes and no. Will it be worth picking up? I think it will.

It looks like Dan Slott’s previous hints to an appearance by the future web-head proved true as Spider-Man 2099 appears in the pages of both Superior Spider-Man #17 & #18. If stories like this are the result of Wolverine breaking time then I am in! I will be getting these for sure.

No surprise that Morbius: The Living Vampire #9 is the last of the series. Joe Keatinge (W) and Richard Elson (A) try to bring closure to a book that Marvel never really promoted or involved with the larger Marvel universe. While I tried the first few issues, it was good, but needed to find it’s footing and sadly it will not get to fulfill its potential. Hopefully the character gets put into a supporting role in another book because the only way Morbius can work is to have a proper reintroduction into the Marvel Universe, in the background. Cultivate him to the point he can headline his own book for at least a year.

Hawkeye is easily one of the best books Marvel is putting out and their covers are some of the most creative on the market, and issue #15 is an example of a strong cover design from artist David Aja.

With time already broken, what would be the best thing to add to the mix? Another team of X-Men, and this time from the future. X-Men: Battle of the Atom begins in September and Brian Michael Bendis (W) and Frank Cho (A), in the first issue of the main mini series. This issue kicks off a ten issue crossover. I will be checking out the first issue seeing if it would be worth waiting for the inevitable collection.

Also part of this X-Men event are: All-New X-Men #16, X-Men #5, and Uncanny X-Men #12.

The long running fan favorite series X-Factor, comes to an end with issue #262. This is a sad ending for a book that has survived so many crossovers, so many changes to the Marvel universe, and yet succeeded in carving it’s own niche, setting it apart from the other mutant titles on the stands. I am hoping that the announced second wave of Marvel Now includes a relaunched X-Factor. It isn’t a book that will stay dead for very long. Not to mention where the characters may land? I hope Multiple Man finds a home somewhere.

Gambit ends with its 17th issue. I am honestly surprised that the book lasted that long. Not to slight James Asmus (W) and Clay Mann (A), because they do great work. I just think Marvel did not support this book like they should have, much the same with the tragically under appreciated Journey Into Mystery which has been canceled.

The Ultimate line has been hit or miss for me since the wholesale slaughter that was Ultimatum. Once in awhile a storyline will grab my attention and the write ups that appeared in the solicitations definitely grabbed my interest. I am happy to report that the entire story will be appearing in one 408 page collection. This is the way to change a comic book universe without killing off most of your characters. The USA is fragmented and while Captain America rallies the troops to help reform the crumbling country, Kitty Pryde leads to protect her kind from the deadly Sentinels. Miles Morales will do anything to prove he has what it takes to join the Ultimates to help when the country is at their darkest. With Brian Wood, Sam Humphries, and Brian Michael Bendis writing, I am sold.

And with that we complete our look at Marvel for September 2013. See you soon when we look at the rest of the book.

July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | July 8, 2013 - 8:08 PM |July 8, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

Time to visit the latest issue of Previews Magazine. The July 2013, 298th issue, for merchandise appearing in stores beginning in September 2013.

Let’s take a look at the first line wide event and the latest attempt by DC Comics to maintain some sort of relevance, possibly to justify the continued use of the term “New 52”, namely “Forever Evil”. This will show us exactly what would happen if the villains did in fact win. With the villains only taking over for the one month it is interesting that the associated mini series is 7 issues. If it is shipping monthly it makes me curious how this story will play out. Geoff Johns is writing the main mini series, with art provided by David Finch and Richard Friend.

The villain take over doesn’t mess up the issue numbering, instead adding a decimal point to the pre crossover month issue number. While there are several of these villain issues I would love to take home I am going to tough it out until the Omnibus edition is released. Let’s take a peek though at some of the more interesting issues that will be showing up.

e league, may 2013 diamond comic previews, superman, trinity war, upcoming comics septemb

Each time I see a post Liefeld Lobo I breathe another sigh of relief that he did not create any type of new standard for that character. He takes over in Justice League #23.2: Lobo. It looks like they are crafting the bad ass Lobo that comic book fans know and love. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Justice League #23.3: Dial E by the Dial H writer China Mieville, and a roster of 20 artists including such favorites as Jeff Lemire, David Lapham and many, many others, brings us what appears to be the actual final Dial H story. I am happy that DC allowed this. I believe this shows allot of respect for what they were trying to do with the title. With the theme of the month being one that tells the story of when evil wins, four criminals find a lost E Dial and find themselves pursued by someone, or someones, in the shadows. 20 pages and 20 artists is a fitting way to bring this story to a close until it get’s dusted off again.

Dan Didio is writing Justice League Dark #23.2: Eclipso. That just does not sound like a good fit to me and I wonder why someone more familiar with the characters, like Lemire, or Fawkes, didn’t give it a go. Either way I will read it in the Omnibus but it would be one I would be on the shelf about as a single issue.

On the other hand, putting someone like Matt Kindt, who produces Mind MGMT, an amazing book, onto Earth 2 #15.2: Solomon Grundy, you cannot help but be intrigued. Matt Kindt crafting the origins of a classic DC character, even on an alternate Earth, is rife with possibilities. This book should be a must buy, and has sleeper hit written all over it.

All I can say, looking at the dynamic cover for Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman, is that DC needs to produce Cyborg Superman as an action figure in their New 52 line. Michael Alan Nelson (W) and Mike Hawthorne (A) brings to light the connection between Krypton and Cyborg Superman.

Batman and Robin #23.2: The Court of Owls by James Tynion IV (W) and Jorge Lucas (A) is not only one of the creepiest covers and makes me think of the disturbing film, The Strangers, but a chance to see just how far they will go to maintain control once evil has won.

My favorite DC villain, but one that I find has been handled wrong since the launch of the New 52, Poison Ivy, is taking over in Detective Comics #23.1: Poison Ivy. Derek Fridolfs, whose writing credits are mainly with the digital arm of DC, including: Batman: Li’l Gotham, Arkham Unhinged, Justice League Beyond, and Arkham City, is taking to the printed page as he and artist Javier Pina, and bringing us a story about her evolution in the absence of the Batman. I hope this brings the character to a place where she will truly shine and become an integral part to the New 52.

Batman fans have a reason to celebrate in September when the Eisner Award-winning series, Batman Black and White returns in the form of a six issue mini series. The roster of creators is massive and includes such luminaries, and fan favorites, such as: Chip Kidd, Neal Adams, John Arcudi, Sean Murphy, and many more. With the creators involved it doesn’t matter what the stories are, they are virtually guaranteed to give Batman fans what they want.

The 75th anniversary of the Man of Steel is being celebrated by DC Comics with two different collections. First up is Superman: A Celebration of 75 Years HC. This is 384 pages of stories from all periods throughout his career. With a whose who of comic creators: Jerry Siegel, Joe Kelly, Alan Moore, Joe Shuster, Curt Swan, and many more, this is for fans of the stranger from Krypton.

Superman could not have reached this milestone without intrepid reporter Lois Lane. She gets her own celebration in Lois Lane: A Celebration of 75 Years HC. Also 384 pages with Jerry Siegel, John Byrne, Gran Morrison, Greg Rucka, Phil Jimenez and several others contributing, this represents some of the best and most memorable moments with Lois Lane.

Having read nothing but good things about Injustice I am excited to order Injustice: Gods Among Us Vol. 1 HC. This collects the first six issues of the digital series in one collection. The chance to go further in depth into the dark, and morally split DC Universe that Injustice takes place in is exciting. With Justice Lords being my favorite characters in the animated Justice League universe, I look forward to seeing another take on that story.

Having read the first two issues of Astro City, I cannot heap enough praise on this series by Kurt Busiek (W), Brent Anderson (A) and Alex Ross (Cover) which brings us back to a city, and characters that hold a special place in our comic book hearts, and injects new life into something that was already perfect to begin with.

DC continues to roll out the amazing figures in the New 52 line. In December they bring the deluxe action figure Swamp Thing to comic shop shelves. This is going to be a wonderful edition to the line, with a height of 9.75” and a 15” wingspan, it will be one of the biggest released to date. Another villain joins the line up as we get the New 52 version of Deathstroke in action figure form. The only one I am missing to date is Darkseid and I regret not ordering him at the time. One day he will be mine.

That brings an end to our look at DC Comics. See you soon with Marvel!

June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | June 23, 2013 - 9:38 AM |June 23, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

The third and final part of our look at the August and beyond shipping product from the most recent issue of Previews. Starting over at Dark Horse, they have something that gamers will be interested in, a new Halo series. Halo: Initiation #1 is the first of three issues that detail the origin of not just Sarah Palmer but also the Spartan IV program. Brian Reed is a writer with a strong pedigree, having crafted Spider-Woman: Origin, one of the best stories about the female webslinger, New Avengers: Illuminati, and so many other notable comic book runs, not to mention he is one of the writer’s from Halo 4. This man knows his stuff so Halo fans take not.

The more I see of the PlayStation game The Last of Us, created by Naughty Dog Studios, the more I want to know of this world the game portrays, and one of those fixes may come in the form of the recently completed and now collected The Last of Us: American Dreams. This trade paperback contains the mini-series that shows the world while there were still a large number of survivors. The military takes control as the epidemic spreads and pretty soon Ellie feels the need to break free from the military boarding school herself, and other children, find themselves in. The writers involved Erin Hicks, and Neil Druckmann are both qualified in terms of quality such as Hicks, known for The Adventures of Superhero Girl, and Neil Druckmann coming from Naughty Dog itself. With the strength this creative team have, this trade may be worth checking out.

Buffy fans take note, both Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9 and Angel & Faith are both in the midst of their season finales. The finale’s for both promise to be spectacular while Severin and Simone put a plan in motion that could very well turn back time in Buffy #24, and Angel & Faith may have to go further than they ever have in order to save millions of lives in peril in issue #25 of their series.

Dark Horse hops onto the de-aging and kidifying of their characters with the first issue of Art Baltazar (W/A) and Franco’s (W) newest creation, Itty Bitty Hellboy. Is this an odd trend appearing in comics? And how much longer before we see all the top characters kidified? Will the trend be overdone, making everyone tired of it and end up considering it nothing more than a stunt? I actually don’t think so. The quality of the work is so much fun to look at and the writing is well paced, always packed with a fun story. This book is definitely worth a look.

IDW is publishing a wonderful series when they release T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1 by Phil Hester (W), and Andrea Di Vito (A). This book has had a long and sordid history with IDW being the fifth publisher to take its shot, the last one being DC Comics. The story of the people who chose to take on great powers at the cost of their lives has always been a captivating plot point and I hope, with this being the fifth iteration, that it adds something new to the mix to make it a little more relevant, and even unexpected to a degree.

The beginning of the end of Locke & Key: Alpha #1 is the first of two issues by Joe Hill (W) and Gabriel Rodriguez (A) where the last door is finally unlocked.

Speaking of kidifying we have Kiss Kids #1 (of 4) where we see the children versions of the rock band having fun adventures around town. I wasn’t aware of the demand of this or that the title sounded like a good idea but IDW knows their licenses so I could very well be wrong.

The third Rachel Rising trade comes out entitled Rachel Rising Volume 3: Cemetery Songs. I am a huge fan of volume 1 and volume 2 sits on my definite to read list. I hope that the same care that Terry Moore puts into this series is the same care that is applied to the television show. Either way the print edition is amazing and if you have the first two volumes there is no reason to miss on the third. If you don’t have any, get all three to get caught up on one of the best series launches in recent memory.

Director’s Cuts visit Avatar with the Enhanced Edition of Uber #0 is released. This book is spectacular with some of the best stories I have seen from Kieron Gillen (W) and Caanan White (A), and the opportunity to see allot of the background work that went into the book is quite the opportunity. The issue is limited to 7500 copies and will be the last printing of the issue until the trade next year. Get this while you can, this book will only get hotter.

With a Frank Miller omnibus out from Marvel, Miller fans will find a second reason to celebrate in the pages of Previews when they scope out Robocop: Last Stand from Boom! Studios. This is truly the final story for Robocop as envisioned by Frank Miller, Steven Grant (adapting), and Korjut Oztekin (A). I am going to run the risk of trade waiting in hopes of a nice hardcover collection, but Frank Miller fans will undoubtedly pick up the singles of this book.

By August Valiant will have wrapped up their first crossover, The Harbinger Wars, and the after effects begin to ripple through the Valiant universe in the pages of Harbinger #15. This is also the first issue for the new creative team of Joshua Dysart (W) and Barry Kitson (A). I wish them well and while I am nervous about a new creative team I can’t wait to see Peter Stanchek and his crew come together even more after having survived the Harbinger Wars.

Matt Kindt (W) and Chris Cross (A) brings us the definite origin of Bloodshot before we dive into a retitled book in September. We have been given clues throughout the run of the series and it is time to see if we put them together correctly or if something was hidden up Valiant’s sleeve all along. This book has been a consistent good read and the origin better be as strong as the rest of the book has been throughout its run.

Well that completes my look at the August and beyond shipping product from the pages of Previews Magazine. Good reading everyone!

June 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

By Admin | June 17, 2013 - 10:31 AM |June 21, 2013 David's Diamond Review, Main

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June 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

While Marvel Comics heads into Infinity, DC Comics takes August to wrap up Trinity War which is the catalyst for their first company wide crossover in September. Justice League of America #7 brings us chapter 4 of this war of the Leagues. And chapters 5, and the finale, #6 happens in Justice League Dark #23, and Justice League #23 respectively. The finale promises to bring to light the secret that Pandora has been guarding about Pandora’s Box. Somehow the ending of this brings a change about that leads into the premise of the villains winning, and the League being dead. I am beginning to think the death of the League might be more metaphorical.

There is only 1 tie-in in August, unless you count the Director’s Cut of Justice League #22 which kicked off the actual storyline. Trinity of Sin: Pandora #3 by Ray Fawkes (W), Daniel Sampere (A), and Vicente Cifuentes (A) tells a tale involving Pandora and the Seven Deadly Sins. DC, like Marvel, has lost allot of luster for me, and I am hoping the September event can help rejuvenate a line that is primarily Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern at this point.

Both Katana and Justice League of America’s Vibe hit their 7th issues in August and I can’t help but wonder if they will make it past the September event and if they do, for how much longer. This is not a knock to their quality, just the way the series were launched. We never had an opportunity to get to know these characters before the #1 issues came out.

Sure Katana was in Birds of Prey but she was never portrayed as anything more than a 1 dimensional character, and even in her solo series they are still trying to find her voice. Next time don’t spring the characters off into their own books, let them be cultivated in the pages of an existing title, give the readers time to fall for the characters. While I did enjoy the first issue of Vibe’s series and even wanted it on my pull list, at the end of the day I did not have enough of a bond, nor interest in the character for him to survive my pull list cull.

Superman Unchained is proving to be the Superman I never knew I wanted but so happy to have found. Scott Snyder is my favorite writer at the moment, and with the level of quality he consistently points out he is one I will gladly follow. I know Jim Lee won’t be on this book for long, because let’s face it, he normally doesn’t stick around, but while he is on-board, the creative energy apparent between Lee and Snyder is obvious on every page.

Speaking of Snyder, he continues the telling of Bruce Wayne’s Zero Year as Batman, and in issue #23 of the hero’s title, we see the moment that millionaire Wayne becomes the caped crusader.

Normally I would be all over the creative team of Batwing but I suspect that issue #23 of the series will be another example as to why this book should be canceled. If it wasn’t part of the Bat-family it would have been gone by now.

Rumors are swirling that Nightwing is deeply affected by the Forever Evil arc, with some suggesting his death, as the end result, or possibly the catalyst. Based on the cover for issue #23 it doesn’t look like Nightwing is having an easy time of it in Chicago. If it ends up being true this would be one of the roughest years for Batman, and would lead to a very Dark Knight indeed.

August brings us a cancellation extravaganza with the recent anthology series Threshold coming to a close with issue #8, which is no surprise. I tried this book but three tries to read the first issue alone meant this was not a nut I wanted to crack. One word, boring. Which is odd since Keith Giffen usually entertains as a writer.

Other series finales include the should have been Vertigo book, Dial H. This book survived allot longer than I expected and closes out at issue #15. The two other casualties are original launch books, Demon Knights, and Legion of Super-Heroes. These two books draw to a close with issues #23.

Cast members of Demon Knights could easily be blended into other titles, such as The Demon over in Justice League Dark. There are too many great characters whose stories still need to be explored.

With the Legion you know that they will be back, and I predict it will basically be a future Justice League since the success of Man of Steel in theaters virtually guarantees a Justice League movie, they will want to dilute the market with the name, just like Marvel and the countless Avengers titles. Either way they will be back.

Stormwatch #23 is out in August and I hope that the creative shot in the arm that Jim Starlin has given this book is enough to save it from cancellation. Jim has been able to make this title enjoyable again, and I will admit that the logo change is appreciated. While it doesn’t have the same edge as the original series, it is far closer than the relaunch of the title.

There are a couple of collections of note, the first being The Joker: Death of the Family HC. Clocking in at 456 pages and containing the stories that marked the Jokers return to the New 52, this is the perfect way to experiencing this chilling crossover that brought change to the entire Bat-family, all courtesy of the clown prince of crime. The stories are from the entire Bat line of books, and for $29.99 is a great deal when it comes to the creative output from some of the best working in the industry.

I am hooked on the Omnibus format and solicited for October is the collection of one of my favorite story-lines, DC: One Million. This omnibus collects all 1,080 pages of the story and each of #1,000,000 episodes that were released. With a creative roster that includes Grant Morison, Mark Millar, Garth Ennis, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Phil Jimenez, J. H. Williams III, Bryan Hitch, Sean Phillips, and more, this 1999 story about a sentient super-computer known as Solaris was a benchmark in crossovers and should how truly epic in scope that they could be.

The final items that caught my interest is another round of New 52 action figures. This time around we get an additional villain in the form of Black Adam, and the possible cause for the Flashpoint herself, Pandora.

The exciting addition is the new 7 pack which features a new Aquaman head sculpt, metallic paint redecos for both Flash, and Batman, and redecos for Captain Cold, and the Joker. The only duplicate I will have to deal with is Black Manta, but I think that will go to my friend Norm. Oh and also in the set is probably the most amazing Catwoman figure I have ever seen. I love the New 52 line and these additions will look great on display with the others.

Well that’s my look at DC. I know I didn’t really touch on Vertigo but other than The Wake by Sean Murphy and Scott Snyder, and Trillium by Jeff Lemire, there wasn’t allot that grabbed my attention. Just in a bit more of a superhero mood lately it would seem. Good reading and see you soon with the rest of my look at Previews.

Tag Archives: David Grouix reviews

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2013 Marvel Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

July 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2013 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

June 2013 DC Comics Diamond Previews Review

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