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December 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

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December 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review

 

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

 

Dragon Age World of Thedas HC vol 01          The excitement over a third entry into the video game series Dragon Age and Dark Horse helps build the excitement with the most complete look of the world that Dragon Age exists in. The creative team includes the writers and artists of the games, which means we are going to see everything about the regions, religions, monsters, magic, and more. Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 1 HC is a 224 page directory of all that exists in Dragon Age, and a perfect book for fans of the game, and intricate fantasy.

 

My Little Pony micro series #1 Twilight Circle          Fans of My Little Pony will be happy when the 4th issue of Friendship is Magic is released and is joined on the publishing schedule by My Little Pony Micro-Series “Twilight Sparkle” a six issue mini-series focusing on the ponies in solo style. The first issue of the regular series was one I instantly fell in love with, and I am hoping that the same magic will fill the pages of this mini-series.

 

Ghostbusters #1          IDW is relaunching two of their properties. First up is Ghostbusters. The original team is gone, but the supernatural isn’t. A new quartet steps up to fill the shoes of the missing ‘busters, and while dealing with the ghosts of New York, they also have to try to save their predecessors. Erik Burnham writes and provides some of the art with his co-artist Dan Schoening.

 

GI Joe #1          The second relaunch is G.I. Joe. Fred Van Lente of Marvel Zombies, and Hercules fame writes the adventures of a now publicly known, and blogged about Joe team. Steve Kurth, who has provided art for Green Arrow at DC and AvX Consequences at Marvel, brings his drawing talent to the Joes. The threats are public and on American soil. This is also the first of three new Joe series launching, one in February, one in March, and one in April.

 

Snapshot #1          Image Comics launches a four issue mini-series – Snapshot from the team who brought you DC Comics series Losers, Andy Diggle, and Jock. This book injects a comic store employee into a life or death situation where he discovers a lost phone, and on it, pictures of a murder victim, and the one who did the murdering wants the phone back.

 

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

 

Mylo Xyloto #1          Bongo Comics is releasing a six issue mini-series that adapts a pop album. Mylo Xyloto has spawned four top ten hits and now the writing team of Coldplay and Mark Osborne working with artist Alejandro Fuentes will give us a glimpse of the world of Mylo.

 

Fairy Quest #1          Normally the creative team of Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos would excite me, but for the first time, I am feeling a little bit of burn out when it comes to fairy tales in the regular world genre. Fairy Quest had its very successful start on Kickstarter and is now coming out as a two issue mini-series from Boom Studios. If you are a fan of Fables you will more than likely pick up this series. Normally I would want to check this book out but I am taking a break from this genre for the time being.

 

Hypernaturals TP vol 01          Boom is releasing the first trade for the Hypernaturals, one of the best space operas out there, on the shelves today. The 8th issue of the series, by Dan Abnett (W), Andy Lanning (W), Tom Derenick (A), and Andres Guinaldo (A) brings an end to the second story arc. Which means if you haven’t got on board, get the first trade, and see why Abnett and Lanning have a reputation for handling large casts, and immense sci-fi storytelling.

 

Garth Ennis Red Team #1          Dynamite Entertainment is launching a crime comic line and who better to write the first book in the line than Garth Ennis. He teams with artist Craig Cermak to bring us the stories of the Red Team, an anti-narcotics unit that exists within the NYPD. It looks like it starts with a seduction of innocents type plot but if anyone can inject new blood (and violence) into that theme it is Ennis.

 

Shadow Year One #1          Dynamite also releases the first issue of a Shadow: Year One, an 8 issue mini-series by Matt Wagner (W) and Willfredo Torres (A). This is the story where we see the formation of the legend that would become the Shadow.

 

 

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

 

 

Valiant Masters Ninjak HC vol 01 Black Water          Valiant is continuing with reprints from the publishers back catalog with Valiant Masters: Ninjak Vol.1 – Black Water HC. This collection is a 184 page book that collects the first six issues of the 1994 Ninjak series, as well as #0, and #00. With his recent reintroduction to the newly relaunched Valiant, this is where the amazing dynamics of this character were first formed. Mark Moretti writes and provides some of the art, with Joe Quesada bringing the rest of the pictures.

 

Bloodshot TP vol 01          Released in February is also the first Bloodshot collection from the most recent series. This 128 page trade collects the first 5 issues (I am assuming it is the first 5 with the page count) of one of the most intriguing action series on the shelves. Duane Swierczynski (W) and the artists Manuel Garcia, and Arturo Lozzi create a title where the stakes are high, and so is the body count. With the upcoming cross-over this is a good primer on what has already happened, in anticipation of what is to come.

 

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

 

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

 

Nov. 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

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Nov. 2012 Alternate Comics Diamond Previews Review part 2

BACK OF THE BOOK REVIEW

Jim Hensons Dark Crystal HC vol 01 Creation Myths          Let’s take a little trip through the back of Previews, this time checking out what arrives in January of the new year. Our first stop is Archaia Entertainment who is re-releasing Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 1. This book tells the the story of the origin of Skeksis, Mystics, Gelflings, the world of Thra, and the Dark Crystal itself. The best part of this book is the direct supervision of the Jim Henson Company and Brian Froud, the concept designer for the Dark Crystal.

 

Archie #641 meets Glee part 1          Glee has it’s first comic book cross-over and it’s with the Riverdale Gang, as Archie, Jughead, and the rest meet up when they meet their singing counter parts. Archie #641 is written by Glee writer/producer Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa which means that the Glee cast should be their old selves that we all know and love.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bionic Man vs Bionic Woman #1          Two of Dynamite’s licenses meet and it is about time. Keith Champagne is the writer for The Bionic Man Vs. The Bionic Woman, a five issue series that pits the two cyborg warriors against each other during the investigation into a seemingly bionic serial killer.

 

History of Mario TP vol 01 1981-1991          The history of Nintendo and it’s characters continues with The History of Mario: 1981-1991 TP. This 400 page book chronicles the history of everyone’s favorite red overall-ed plumber and his constant quest to save Princess Peach.

 

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

 

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

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.