This looks to be another well balanced week with 14 books from DC, 7 independents and 6 books from Marvel. Also it includes two hard covers collections and one trade. Not included in my “official” count is the Sin City Hard Cover Collection Volume 1. I initially passed on this and then decided to pull the trigger on this as it is rather pricey. The next high dollar book I have passed on that I will have to get is the Absolute Sandman volumes.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #57 – I have really come to enjoy this series about the new Aquaman and have finally reached the point where I want him to be the main Aquaman running around in the DCU. Tad Williams and Shawn McManus’ version of the character was an acquired taste but I enjoy this series now.
52 Companion Trade Paperback – This type of eclectic collection is hard for me to pass up as many of these stories will not see the light of day any other way. Included here are stories from Mysterious Suspense #1, Gotham Central #40, Animal Man #16, Detective Comics #350, Metal Men #45, Strange Adventures #226,Rip Hunter: Time Master #97 and others.
Birds of Prey #111 – A showdown between Oracle and the Calculator. I enjoyed the natural evolution of the Calculator being turned into the villains’ version of Oracle, kudos to whomever came up with that idea.
Brave & Bold #7 – This book is hard to not look forward to this week, written by Mark Waid, art by George Perez and Bob Wiacek that features Wonder Woman and Power Girl, what’s not to love.
Catwoman #72 – Selina Kyle has managed to let the world think she is dead. The last issue implied she was also giving up her baby and that just leaves her as Catowman. This has been a terrific series and Catwoman continues to be one of DC’ s most consistent series.
Checkmate #19 – “The Fall of the Wall” storyline continues. This series has been a solid series and has really been leading up the confrontation with Amanda Waller since day one. She runs her own agenda no matter who she is supposed to be working for.
Countdown #28 – The book has actually read better and been a better comic recently. I wonder if Keith Giffen has been having an impact or is it that we are actually stating to get somewhere in this book.
Death of the New Gods #1 (of 8) – Hard to complain about another series with Jim Starlin at the helm. I really enjoy his work and a cosmic scope is his bread and butter. This series feels like it is one of the main cruxes of the entire build up to final crisis, so I’m anxious to see this book.
JSA All Starr Archives #1 – Looking forward to this book as it collects all of the Golden Age solo stories of Johnny Thunder, Hour-Man, Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Mr. Terrific, Wildcat and Red Tornado stories. I have a feeling some of this work may be last then fantastic, but as a curiosity it should be interesting.
Justice League of America #14 – I’m really enjoying Dwayne McDuffie’s first arc and this issue continues the Injustice League winning the battle against the JLA. Ed Benes is back this issue as the artist.
Shadowpact #18 – The official hype “Detective Chimp and the Enchantress go to the scene of a murder with magical overtones, the Warlock's Daughter continues her training, and the rest of the team fights foes on two fronts — versus the Protegé and the Unbound of the Nightshade Dimension!” Matt Sturges continues as writer and he did a great job last issue and this issue features Detective Chimp. Fun series.
Superman Confidential #7 – Wrapping up the two parter involving Lori Lemaris. Last issue ended with Luthor killing Lois to try and make Superman remember that Metropolis was not an undersea city. Entertaining story.
Fables #66 – Continuing the Flycatcher storyline. This series has been the most consistent series from Vertigo and really has not had any bad issues (I didn’t care for the issue where Willingham answered nitpicking questions because I don’t follow the series that closely.) Could challenge Sandman as Vertigo’s best all time series.
Highwaymen #5 (of 5) – One of the nicest surprise to come out of Wildstorm. I have really enjoyed this series and if you skipped it pick up the trade. A really well done action/adventure book about two black op types who are pulled out of retirement for one last job.
Suburban Glamour #1 (of 4) – Jamie McKelvie is the writer and artist. I really enjoy his artwork. It is a very distinct style that you have to see to understand as it is both realistic and has a simplicity in his line work that is deceptive. I have no clue about his writing, but the premise promises magic, mystery and underage drinking.
Lazarus #1 (of 3) – The official hype “James Lazarus suddenly finds himself on the run at the behest of his girlfriend, Dr. Emily Hoffman. Run off the road and left for dead, Lazarus rises and begins his urgent search to figure out who is responsible for attacking them and why. What he discovers is that like his namesake, Lazarus is immortal… only it's in the most painful way.” The premise got me to try this out as I’m unfamiliar with the artist and co-writer Juan Ferreyra.
Conan #45 – Another installment of “Born on the Battlefield”. Essentially Kurt Busiek's origin of Conan that has been spread out to serve as fill ins to give the regular artist time to stay on track. It has been a good story and hopefully will be collected as a separate trade.
Grimm Fairy Tales Return to Wonderland #3 (of 7) – This has been an interesting series so far as Alice’s daughter has to go to Wonderland and try and save herself and her Mom. The cover picture is an alternative cover by Billy Tucci. I never understand the alternative cover game, as if it is a great cover, that should be the one on your comic.
Killing Girl #3 (of 5) – This has been a really good series so far and last issue the “Killing Girl” had accidentally shot her sister and been shot herself. Curious to see how this story plays out.
Abyss #1 (of 4) – From Red 5 Comics. I thought the first issue was a little weak when we reviewed it before, but I’ll see what I think on a re-reading months later.
Inanna’s Tears #2 (of 5) – The first issue was interesting and I’m curious to see issue #2. The story is about an ancient civilization and the city is facing a crisis point.
Captain America #31 – I really get the feeling that Ed Brubaker came onto this book with a really long story to tell and it is ultimately about the Red Skull versus Captain America. I think it may be another year before we get Steve Rogers return, but this has been a great story to watch unfold. Last issue Bucky was taken captive by the Red Skull (via a stupid story device), and now he is being brainwashed by Dr. Faust.
Marvel Comics Presents #2 – Continuing the anthology series from Marvel. The first issue was okay, but I’m not sure how long I will be on this book. I’m not sure if the market really needs drawn out stories told in 8 page bites. My problem is remembering what is going on in all of these stories.
Marvel Masterworks The Avengers Volume #84 – Collecting Avengers #59-68. Written by Roy Thomas with art by John Buscema, Gene Colan and some very early Barry Windsor-Smith.
Mighty Avengers #5 – Let’s see Iron Man’s dead, Sentry’s wife has been killed and Ares is going toe to toe with Ultron. This book has been extremely late and I read that Bagley has already completed the entire second arc of the book. Nice cover. Why is Ms. Marvel being shown from the back? Oh, that's why.
Penance: Relentless #2 (of 5) – Why are all mini-series now going to five issues? Anyway, hate that Speedball has been made into this twisted character, but the first issue was interesting as he set-up everybody and I’m looking forward to part 2.
Terror Inc. #3 (of 5) – The official hype “Most of Mr. Terror’s parts are expendable and replaceable save one–and when the decaying detective is robbed of the mystical left arm of his long-dead love, the arm housing both his curse and the only good part left of his soul, Terror loses his grip on himself for the first time in a millennium and a half. Now this vicious, barbaric, brutal, merciless, heartless, relentless, cutthroat, blood-thirsty, inhuman killer…has nothing holding him back!” This series has been entertaining if over the top insane even within comic book terms.
And that wraps another week.
Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #57 – I have really come to enjoy this series about the new Aquaman and have finally reached the point where I want him to be the main Aquaman running around in the DCU. Tad Williams and Shawn McManus’ version of the character was an acquired taste but I enjoy this series now.52 Companion Trade Paperback – This type of eclectic collection is hard for me to pass up as many of these stories will not see the light of day any other way. Included here are stories from Mysterious Suspense #1, Gotham Central #40, Animal Man #16, Detective Comics #350, Metal Men #45, Strange Adventures #226,Rip Hunter: Time Master #97 and others.
Birds of Prey #111 – A showdown between Oracle and the Calculator. I enjoyed the natural evolution of the Calculator being turned into the villains’ version of Oracle, kudos to whomever came up with that idea.
Brave & Bold #7 – This book is hard to not look forward to this week, written by Mark Waid, art by George Perez and Bob Wiacek that features Wonder Woman and Power Girl, what’s not to love.
Catwoman #72 – Selina Kyle has managed to let the world think she is dead. The last issue implied she was also giving up her baby and that just leaves her as Catowman. This has been a terrific series and Catwoman continues to be one of DC’ s most consistent series.Checkmate #19 – “The Fall of the Wall” storyline continues. This series has been a solid series and has really been leading up the confrontation with Amanda Waller since day one. She runs her own agenda no matter who she is supposed to be working for.
Countdown #28 – The book has actually read better and been a better comic recently. I wonder if Keith Giffen has been having an impact or is it that we are actually stating to get somewhere in this book.
Death of the New Gods #1 (of 8) – Hard to complain about another series with Jim Starlin at the helm. I really enjoy his work and a cosmic scope is his bread and butter. This series feels like it is one of the main cruxes of the entire build up to final crisis, so I’m anxious to see this book.JSA All Starr Archives #1 – Looking forward to this book as it collects all of the Golden Age solo stories of Johnny Thunder, Hour-Man, Atom, Dr. Mid-Nite, Mr. Terrific, Wildcat and Red Tornado stories. I have a feeling some of this work may be last then fantastic, but as a curiosity it should be interesting.
Justice League of America #14 – I’m really enjoying Dwayne McDuffie’s first arc and this issue continues the Injustice League winning the battle against the JLA. Ed Benes is back this issue as the artist.
Shadowpact #18 – The official hype “Detective Chimp and the Enchantress go to the scene of a murder with magical overtones, the Warlock's Daughter continues her training, and the rest of the team fights foes on two fronts — versus the Protegé and the Unbound of the Nightshade Dimension!” Matt Sturges continues as writer and he did a great job last issue and this issue features Detective Chimp. Fun series.Superman Confidential #7 – Wrapping up the two parter involving Lori Lemaris. Last issue ended with Luthor killing Lois to try and make Superman remember that Metropolis was not an undersea city. Entertaining story.
Fables #66 – Continuing the Flycatcher storyline. This series has been the most consistent series from Vertigo and really has not had any bad issues (I didn’t care for the issue where Willingham answered nitpicking questions because I don’t follow the series that closely.) Could challenge Sandman as Vertigo’s best all time series.
Highwaymen #5 (of 5) – One of the nicest surprise to come out of Wildstorm. I have really enjoyed this series and if you skipped it pick up the trade. A really well done action/adventure book about two black op types who are pulled out of retirement for one last job.
Suburban Glamour #1 (of 4) – Jamie McKelvie is the writer and artist. I really enjoy his artwork. It is a very distinct style that you have to see to understand as it is both realistic and has a simplicity in his line work that is deceptive. I have no clue about his writing, but the premise promises magic, mystery and underage drinking.Lazarus #1 (of 3) – The official hype “James Lazarus suddenly finds himself on the run at the behest of his girlfriend, Dr. Emily Hoffman. Run off the road and left for dead, Lazarus rises and begins his urgent search to figure out who is responsible for attacking them and why. What he discovers is that like his namesake, Lazarus is immortal… only it's in the most painful way.” The premise got me to try this out as I’m unfamiliar with the artist and co-writer Juan Ferreyra.
Conan #45 – Another installment of “Born on the Battlefield”. Essentially Kurt Busiek's origin of Conan that has been spread out to serve as fill ins to give the regular artist time to stay on track. It has been a good story and hopefully will be collected as a separate trade.
Grimm Fairy Tales Return to Wonderland #3 (of 7) – This has been an interesting series so far as Alice’s daughter has to go to Wonderland and try and save herself and her Mom. The cover picture is an alternative cover by Billy Tucci. I never understand the alternative cover game, as if it is a great cover, that should be the one on your comic.Killing Girl #3 (of 5) – This has been a really good series so far and last issue the “Killing Girl” had accidentally shot her sister and been shot herself. Curious to see how this story plays out.
Abyss #1 (of 4) – From Red 5 Comics. I thought the first issue was a little weak when we reviewed it before, but I’ll see what I think on a re-reading months later.
Inanna’s Tears #2 (of 5) – The first issue was interesting and I’m curious to see issue #2. The story is about an ancient civilization and the city is facing a crisis point.
Captain America #31 – I really get the feeling that Ed Brubaker came onto this book with a really long story to tell and it is ultimately about the Red Skull versus Captain America. I think it may be another year before we get Steve Rogers return, but this has been a great story to watch unfold. Last issue Bucky was taken captive by the Red Skull (via a stupid story device), and now he is being brainwashed by Dr. Faust.Marvel Comics Presents #2 – Continuing the anthology series from Marvel. The first issue was okay, but I’m not sure how long I will be on this book. I’m not sure if the market really needs drawn out stories told in 8 page bites. My problem is remembering what is going on in all of these stories.
Marvel Masterworks The Avengers Volume #84 – Collecting Avengers #59-68. Written by Roy Thomas with art by John Buscema, Gene Colan and some very early Barry Windsor-Smith.
Mighty Avengers #5 – Let’s see Iron Man’s dead, Sentry’s wife has been killed and Ares is going toe to toe with Ultron. This book has been extremely late and I read that Bagley has already completed the entire second arc of the book. Nice cover. Why is Ms. Marvel being shown from the back? Oh, that's why.Penance: Relentless #2 (of 5) – Why are all mini-series now going to five issues? Anyway, hate that Speedball has been made into this twisted character, but the first issue was interesting as he set-up everybody and I’m looking forward to part 2.
Terror Inc. #3 (of 5) – The official hype “Most of Mr. Terror’s parts are expendable and replaceable save one–and when the decaying detective is robbed of the mystical left arm of his long-dead love, the arm housing both his curse and the only good part left of his soul, Terror loses his grip on himself for the first time in a millennium and a half. Now this vicious, barbaric, brutal, merciless, heartless, relentless, cutthroat, blood-thirsty, inhuman killer…has nothing holding him back!” This series has been entertaining if over the top insane even within comic book terms.
And that wraps another week.
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