Image Preview Review for June

Jim: Wow, the Image selection is really off this month. I’m not sure what is going on with Image, but their new projects seem to be fewer and further between and less and less interesting. So this month I’m picking a lot of ongoing books.
Lee: You see an off month and I see a month better than last. That’s why there are two of us. And, since you picked all the on going series. I will pick all the trades/one shots and we should be able to talk about EVERY SINGLE IMAGE RELEASE. I wonder how many readers will fall asleep in the middle. Oh well.

DAWN: NOT TO TOUCH THE EARTH (ONE-SHOT) story JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER art JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER & EVA HOPKINScover JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNERJUNE 17 48 PAGES / FC $5.99
Dawn, JOSEPH MICHAEL LINSNER's take on classic Goddess mythology is back, for this ALL-NEW feature length one-shot. Dawn has many faces and wears many masks: this time she is a Faerie Queen, and Darrian Ashoka, LINSNER's hero character, is a Knight who saves her from a demon. After her rescue, Dawn takes Darrian to the faerie realm, where he discovers unearthly delights and heavenly secrets.
2009 marks Dawn's 20th anniversary in print. This book celebratesthat with pin-ups by such greats as MICHAEL GOLDEN, ADAM HUGHES and MICHAEL TURNER.

Jim: Just to illustrate a point, Lisner’s stuff has always left me cold and I can’t imagine this is selling in big numbers. Yeah it is has been around for 20 years, but not in a true way like Superman and Spider-Man have been around.
Lee: Credit where credits due though, it’s been around 20 years. That’s quite the achievement. I still don’t own a single issue. I still haven’t read a single story. But, it’s survived without me this long, I’m sure it will continue to survive without me.

Jim: Being around 20 years, versus being published continuously for 20 years is a big difference.

CHEW #1 story JOHN LAYMANart & cover ROB GUILLORY JUNE 3 32 PAGES / FC$2.99
Tony Chu is a cop with a secret. A weird secret. Tony Chu is Cibopathic, which means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. It also means he's a hell of a detective, as long as he doesn't mind nibbling on the corpse of a murder victim to figure out whodunit, and why. It's a dirty job, and Tony has to eat terrible things in the name of justice. And if that wasn't bad enough, the government has figured out Tony Chu's secret. They have plans for him... whether he likes it or not.
Presenting a twisted new series about cops, crooks, cooks, cannibals and clairvoyants, written by JOHN LAYMAN (Marvel Zombies vs. Army of Darkness, House of M: Fantastic Four and PUFFED) with mind-blowing art by astonishing comics newcomer ROB GUILLORY. Visit the artist here
RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Jim: Oddly enough the only series from Image that is new and I may order. The not suitable for all ages seems redundant, once you said the main character is a cannibal.
Lee: I’ve liked lots of what Layman has written and I’m curious how he’s going to pull this off. There’s a fine line between just gross and entertaining gross. I like the art too!

PUG OGN story DEREK McCULLOCHart & cover GREG ESPINOZA JUNE 17 104 PAGES / BW$14.99
Six years ago, the Darlinger fight ended Jake's career, cost him his family, and put him in a downward spiral that looked like it had no end. Now he's doing collections for a small-time loan shark and thinking maybe it's time he set a few things straight in the world.
From award-winning writer DEREK McCULLOCH (DISPLACED PERSONS and the Eisner-nominated STAGGER LEE) and artist GREG ESPINOSA, PUG is an unsparing tale of a good man trapped in a life of brutality - 15 rounds of blood and bad memories.

Lee: I really like many of Image’s original graphic novels. This sounds like one of the better ones. I wish I could find some art samples from Espinosa but I’m sure they’ll turn up soon enough. Surprisingly, Espinosa doesn’t have much of a web presence.

Jim: I have not actually seen many of the OGNs actually get printed yet, but I like the aggressive nature of doing OGNs. Between this and Vertigo’s graphic crime novels we may see the beginnings of American comics really getting into the graphic novel business, which I think is a good business model.

TASTY BULLET OGN story JONATHAN VANKIN & ARNOLD PANDERart ARNOLD PANDER cover THE PANDER BROS.JUNE 24 176 PAGES / BW$14.99Tamar had her childhood stolen so she could become the physical embodiment of a wildly-popular energy drink that's behind a deadly adrenaline addiction that is sweeping the globe. The property of BULLET CORP, she must now discover the difference between her true self and the consumer icon known as the Tasty Bullet Girl, and then take on Bullet Corp...or die trying!
An all-new, high-octane adventure from fan-favorite, cutting-edge creator, ARNOLD PANDER!

Lee: I still love the Pander Bros because they did the first major installment of Grendel. But, since that (in 1986 or so) they really have done anything. It’s true they did Accelerate from Vertigo in the 90’s but that was a complete mess. I’m such an art nerd that I’ll get it, but I have no expectations. How’s that for a recommendation?

Jim: A pretty poor one, in fact I was going to skip this and now I will avoid it.

KABOOM, VOL. 1 TP story JEPH LOEB art & cover JEFF MATSUDAJUNE 10 128 PAGES / FC$14.99 $24.99 LTD ED HC COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! The ground-breaking adventures of Geof Sunrise and his amazing transformation into inter-dimensional defender Kaboom! Witness the birth of an amazing new hero as he struggles aginst the forces of Scarlet! The Nine! And his first date! Can Geoff save the world and make it back in time for his own birthday party? Written by JEPH LOEB (Hulk, Ultimates 3) and illustrated by JEFF MATSUDA (X-Men, Batman Strikes!) KABOOM! introduces an amazing world of magic and monsters that has not been experienced before or since this series exploded onto the scene 10 years ago!
Collecting KABOOM! 1-3, KABOOM! 1/2, KABOOM PRELUDE and the KABOOM CHRISTMAS SPECIAL.

Lee: I remember this being published when Image was very, very young and having little to no editorial direction/control. I’ve never read it but it doesn’t strike me as very strong material. Actually, I’m wondering why they are reprinting it.

Jim: Sounds like shite. PASS! I’m a big Loeb avoider now.

THE ABSURD ADVENTURES OF ARCHIBALD AARDVARK, VOL. 1 TP story GRANT BOND, DWIGHT MacPHERSON and DARA NARAGHI art & cover GRANT BONDJUNE 10 112 PAGES $14.99 "BULLETS, BOOZE AND BEELZEBUB"Once the toast of Tinsel Town, faded movie star Archibald Aardvark has been slowly going insane trying to solve the brutal murder of his brother. But despite the hard drinking, womanizing and hallucinations, he's managed to follow the trail from the dangerous streets of Little China, all the way to the boardroom of Neptune Studios...and finally reveal the TRUE identity of the killer!
FEATURING A BRAND NEW 22-PAGE STORY COMPLETING THE ARCHIBALD SAGA! NOT FOR KIDS!!

Jim: I have really enjoyed this character and now I’m sucked into buying the trade to get the last issue of the overall arc that has been a continuing plot in these specials. Looney Tunes on crack.
Lee: All these stories have been great. Great art, great writers, great everything. If you missed them the first time then don’t make the same mistake and hop on board now!

BACK TO BROOKLYN TP story GARTH ENNIS & JIMMY PALMIOTTI art & cover MIHAILO VUKELIC bookstore variant cover JIMMY PALMIOTTIJUNE 3 128 PAGES / FC$14.99
The controversial over the top crime thriller is finally collected! Big Bob Saetta made the biggest mistake of his life by pissing off his brother, one of the biggest and most brutal crime bosses in New York City. This is the story of two brothers at war, wrapped in a special package of extreme language and hardcore violence. Join award winning writer GARTH ENNIS (Preacher, The Punisher), JIMMY PALMIOTTI (Jonah Hex, Painkiller Jane) and artist MIHAILO VUKELIC on an adrenaline ride that rips the roof off Brooklyn's criminal underworld!

Lee: Controversial? Really? Something written by Garth Ennis is controversial? I am soooo surprised. Did anyone read this? Was it any good? I’m curious but I might go with Pug first.

Jim: It has been good, but it has not been completed yet. Surprisingly some of the best stuff are Jimmy Palmiotti’s stories about going to Catholic school as the back material.

BODY BAGS, VOL. 1 TP: FATHER'S DAY TP story & art JASON PEARSON cover MICHAEL GOLDEN JUNE 17 128 PAGES / FC$14.99The sold-out origin story is back, with an all new printing and never-before-seen extras! The action begins when a rival 'body bagger' goes after Mack (a.k.a. Clown Face) the best 'bagger' in the business. Fuel is quickly added to the fire with the sudden arrival of Panda, Mack's estranged daughter. How will the baddest man in Terminus, GA handle a teenage girl determined to follow in her daddy's footsteps? Can this 'Daddy/Daughter' team stop fighting each other long enough to survive the trouble headed their way? Find out for yourself in this all-new collection!

Lee: This is one of those cult series that’s been around forever. I’m not sure if the story is any good but I know Jason Pearson’s art is going to be gorgeous. I’ll probably get this for the art and hopefully be pleasantly surprised by the story.

Jim: I got the recent one shot and was happy to see this collection being offered. Art is of course outstanding, but the story was a lot of fun.

THE ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #17 story ROBERT KIRKMANart & cover JASON HOWARD variant cover IAN CHURCHILL JUNE 24 32 PAGES / FC $2.99
"LOCKDOWN," Part ThreeStronghold prison is under attack! Wolf-Man must now face his most deadly adversary yet! Everything changes as we enter the next stage in Wolf-Man's life - leading up to the monumental issue 25! That is, if Wolf-Man survives the battle.

Jim: This is the other Kirkman series, that seems to get less press then Invincible and Walking Dead, but every issue Kirkman does a twist that just keeps you guessing where this book will go and has all made sense for his characters.
Lee: Kirkman always seems to do well with all his own characters. I skipped this originally, but I keep hearing good things about it. I need to get the trades and catch up.

DYNAMO 5 #23 story JAY FAERBERart & cover MAHMUD A. ASRAR & RON RILEYJUNE 24 32 PAGES / FC$3.50
The last time Dynamo 5 encountered Whiptail, they barely survived. Now they're faced with a Whiptail epidemic! Meanwhile, Father Gideon's sinister plan kicks into high gear.

Jim: Noble Causes maybe over, buy Jay has one of the best super hero group books on the stands and Dynamo 5 looks like it should have a nice long life.
Lee: One of the few Image bright spots.

THE GREAT UNKNOWN #3 (of 5) story DUNCAN ROULEAUart & cover DUNCAN ROULEAU JUNE 24 32 PAGES / FC $3.50
Zach Feld is hot on the heels of the people who have robbed him of his future. He wants his ideas back and the only thing that stands in his way is that those he's hunting know what he'll do before he does! From the critically acclaimed artist DUNCAN ROULEAU and winner of an ASSIE award for best cover of 2008 comes the all-action slacker comic with 10% more flip'n the bird and some sweet blue art.

Jim: The first issue of this book was great and you really need to jump into Zack’s life. A unique book that is just flat out fun.
Lee: I’m not getting it so I’ll take your word. I’m waiting for the trade on this one.

JERSEY GODS #5 story GLEN BRUNSWICK art DAN McDAID cover ERIK LARSEN variant cover DAN McDAIDJUNE 3 32 PAGES / FC $3.50
Barock and the gods of Neboron have been caught in the aftermath of a cataclysmic explosion that has left them floating lifeless in space. Meanwhile, on Earth, the Chinese Mafia have kidnapped Zoe - and are threatening to end her life! Is there no one in the Universe who can save her? This is the stunning conclusion to the first arc of JERSEY GODS - a story so HUGE that we had to push MARK WAID and JOE INFURNARI's continuing back up tale to the next issue. You don't want to miss this!

Jim: I do not know anyone who has read this book that did not like it, so you need to be reading it too. The New Gods/Young Romance genre mash that is full of life and energy. A series that is on my short list already for best new series of 2009.
Lee: There is so much hype around this one I can’t wait for the trade. I AM waiting but I’m eagerly looking forward to it, to be more accurate.

PROOF #21 story ALEX GRECIAN art & cover RILEY ROSSMO JUNE 24 32 PAGES / FC $3.50
"JULIA," Part Four On the eve of Julia's wedding to another man, Proof has to choose between stopping the wedding and stopping Springheel Jack's murderous rampage across London.

Jim: another series that I will sing the praises of off. What I love about this and Jersey Gods is you can feel the energy, passion and joy the creators have for their books as you reading them and it is infectious.
Lee: I’m reading the trades. Jim’s right. This is good.

THE WALKING DEAD #62 story ROBERT KIRKMANart & cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN JUNE 10 32 PAGES / BW $2.99
THE HUNT BEGINS!It all starts here, the most explosive story-arc in WALKING DEAD history. Who lives? Who dies? Watch as our characters discover just how dangerous the Road To Washington actually is.
RETAILER WARNING: MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES

Jim: The King of the Undead books, all hail the King. Love this series.
Lee: Did we really need to mention this one?

OVERLOOK #3 (of 3) story JOSHUA WILLIAMSON art & cover ALEJANDRO ARAGON JUNE 10 32 PAGES / BW$3.50

Lee: Is it me or is this a blatant rip off of a Kick A- cover? Come on people, I know it’s hard but let’s TRY to be original.

Jim: I overlooked this book – ha, ha, ha – it was just too easy of a bad pun.

YOUNGBLOOD #10 story ROB LIEFELD art & cover ROB LIEFELD variant cover ROB LIEFELD JUNE 24 32 PAGES / FC$3.99
FIRST STRIKE BEGINS! Youngblood scrambles against the Siege of Masada as the President of the United States is trapped deep inside the White House. Familiar faces abound in this action-packed thrill ride that finds the new Youngblood squadron facing off against former teammates whose deadly agenda's seek to weaken the United States to its very core. Guest-starring President Obama! Chapel! Masada! Written and drawn by YOUNGBLOOD creator ROB LIEFELD.
Special BONUS flip book: CAPESHOOTERS! They go where no one else dares, into the heart of the most heat-searing, earth-scorching superhero battles and all they risk is their very lives. CAPESHOOTERS debuts by ROB LIEFELD and MARAT MYCHAELS. Capeshooters has been optioned by BRYAN SINGER (X-Men, Superman, Valkyrie) for a major motion picture! Get your first look here!

Lee: YAHOO! Kick that slacker Joe Casey off the writing chores. That Casey dude’s a hack anyway. Now we’re getting back to the core of Youngblood. Liefeld, a real writer returns! Liefeld a real artist, is back! Dude I can’t wait until this gets published, after the many delays I’m sure will come, in 2012! CAN’T WAIT BABY!

Jim: 2012? Boy are you an optimist. Does this clown have any money and why is anyone publishing this bozo. Also he is doing the regular and variant cover himself.

Jim: So while I may be slamming Image for a lack of new product, you can see they have a bunch of great products that are ongoing books.
Lee: Good news. I added all the product (good & bad) that you forgot to mention. It’s hard to believe but Jim and I actually don’t pick every book Image releases.
Jim: There were at least 5 more books and Top Cow stuff left.