Indies Preview Review for October Part 2 of 3

Continuing the Indies review. Remember to check Wednesday for Part 3!

Classic Comics Press Inc
Stan Drake Heart Juliet Jones Vol. 01 SC By Elliot Caplin & Stan Drake
Presenting the first volume in the reprinting of the complete run of Stan Drake's classic American comic strip The Heart of Juliet Jones, written by Elliot Caplan. Debuting on March 9, 1953, The Heart of Juliet Jones is the perfect companion to the Eisner-nominated series Leonard Starr's Mary Perkins On Stage. Volume 1 features dailies from March 9, 1953 to August 13, 1955, and is introduced by Leonard Starr. Pages: 272, 8x11, B&W, $24.95
More about Stan Drake here
Lee: There are so many people reprinting classic strips these days that it’s starting to get overwhelming. I’m interested in Juliet Jones because the art is supposed to be really good. But, I can’t get everything so I’ll have to pass.
Jim: Oh Lee says he is passing, but come on “The Heart of Juliet Jones”. How could that old romantic Lee really pass this up? I bet he gets it and reads it to his blow up girl, errr wife at night.


Desperado Publishing
Lonely Tombstone One Shot By Steve Niles, Nikki Niles & Ben Roman
Darla has a new friend - someone to listen to her, someone who understands. The only problem is that Darla's new buddy isn't human at all - or even alive! Darla's new friend is a tombstone. Join us on a quirky, nightmarish romp full of fun and scares in the style and tradition of Tim Burton's The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy in this all-new picture book from Steve Niles! Pages: 32, FC, $5.99
Lee: More Steve Niles. I think we pick at least one or two books from him every month because he writes a massive amount of material. I’m not sure what to make of this because the three words, quirky, nightmarish, humor don’t fit all that well together. Quirky nightmare? Yeah, ok. Quirky humor? Yeah ok. All three? Not so much. Maybe it’s an chainsaw murderer with Spiderman type quips?!
Jim: Steve Niles is everywhere. I don’t think the man sleeps at all. One thing about Niles is that I will try almost any book by him and the vast majority of the time I’m glad I did.


Monsterpocalypse #2 By Stephan Nilson, Karl Waller & Rick Bonilla
Monsters from outer space rampage across the globe, dinosaur-like creatures attack power plants, and monstrous creatures from beyond appear with no other purpose than to cause death and destruction! If all this wasn't bad enough for the men and women of G.U.A.R.D., a new and mysterious army of giant robots are appearing around the world - but whose side are they on and what is their agenda? LS #2 of 3, Pages: 32, FC, $3.99
Visit Karl Waller here previews here
Lee: So this is a series about giant robots vs. giant monster? Is that right? How did I miss this before. YAHOOO! Go go Godzilla because I’m getting this bad boy.
Jim: I’m guessing it is a generational thing as giant robots have never been my favorite thing. Fantastic cover.


D. D. P.
Echoes of the Damned #1 By Writer: James Pascoe and Roger Robinson Art & Cover: Roger Robinson
Detective Dante Cortez is a serial killer profiler for the FBI. After staring death in the face for years Dante is desperately ready to leave the bureau and re-build his life. However, one terrifying murder sets off a series of events that pulls Dante into a deadly conspiracy! LS #1 of 4, Pages: 32, FC, $3.50
Lee: As far as crime comics premises go, this is pretty good. Kinda generic in the book world but not so much in comic book space. Robinson has been in the industry for years so the art will be good. This looks like a safe bet if you like crime stuff.
Jim: This is a definite add to my list. I’m enjoying the slow rise of the crime genre in comics and while this is a little generic sounding, it is all in the execution.


Digital Webbing
E-Man: The Idol (One-Shot) By Nick Cuti, Joe Staton & Matt Webb
Archeology student Nova Kane is asked by her professor to safeguard a recently unearthed, ancient idol rumored to possess great power. Will absolute power corrupt Nova absolutely? Not if E-Man and private eye Mike Mauser have anything to say about it! Behind the scenes features include Joe Staton's preliminary designs and pencil art. Pages: 28, FC, $3.99
Lee: E-man has been a favorite of mine for years because of Staton’s amazing art. I really love the original Charlton series from the 70’s and wish they would reprint that one day. In the meantime, I will settle for this one shot.
Jim: I picked up E-Man years ago and I believe First comics did a revival of it. It never clicked for me and at that time Joe Staton’s art was a little too cartoon like for my taste. As my taste has broadened I wonder if I would enjoy this material more the second time around.

D. E./Dynamite Entertainment
Garth Ennis' Battlefields: Night Witches #1 By Garth Ennis (W) Russ Braun (A) Covers: John Cassday, Gary Leach
Late summer, 1942. As the German army smashes deep into Soviet Russia and the defenders of the Motherland retreat in disarray, a new bomber squadron arrives at a Russian forward airbase. Its crews will fly flimsy wooden biplanes on lethal night missions over German lines, risking fiery death as they fling themselves against the invader- but for these pilots, the consequences of capture will be even worse. For the pilots of the 599th Night Bomber Regiment are women. In the deadly skies of the Eastern front, they will become a legend- known, to friend and foe alike, as the Night Witches. Pages: 32, FC, $2.99
Lee: Ennis is certainly everywhere these days! Some of Ennis’s best is his war stories so I am eagerly awaiting this series.
Jim: Ennis + War Story = SOLD!


:01 First Second
Gus & His Gang GN By Chris Blain
Chris Blain's vibrant artwork and vivid storytelling combine in Gus & His Gang to put a whole new spin on the Wild West, from bank heists to the women, the train robberies to the women, and the gun-fights to the women of a rag-tag trio of Wild West bandits! Pages: 176, 6 x 8.5, SC, FC, $16.95
Lee: I wanted to put at least one link to a preview with this book but I couldn’t find anything. There’s something about this book that makes me want to get it so bad but I can’t find any reason to tell people it’s going to be great. It’s just a gut feel and the fact that First Second produces great books. You’re just going to have to chance it.
Jim: Well you have a strong premise and a good publisher and a decent price, that is a lot of points in favor or taking the chance.


There's a Wolf at the Door HC By Zoe B. Alley and R.W.Alley
The fairy-tale wolf comes out to play in this whimsical comic! Face to face with three little pigs, the boy who cried wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, sheep who see instantly through his sheep's clothing disguise, and seven canny goslings who would rather not be eaten, the dapper, top-hatted lupine protagonist's attempts to secure himself a tasty dinner are constantly thwarted. But the clever wolf always bounces back from these dinnerless evenings with a cunning new plan! Illustrated in ink and watercolor, There's A Wolf at the Door is a hilarious read for kids of all ages! Pages: 40, 11 x 14, FC, $19.95 Visit R.W. Alley here
Lee: Talk about a big book! This thing is huge. Alley is a veteran artist of many childrens’ books so this should be great to look at. And, it seems to have a great humorous tone to it too. Pricey but worth it for the kids.
Jim: Sure it is for the kids. Are you sure you aren’t running for political office. It for the children. Everything we do is for you and the children.

Fantagraphics Books
Book of Mr. Natural SC By Robert Crumb
Robert Crumb's The Book of Mr. Natural is probably the most famous underground comix character of all time, recognizable even to civilians. Don't miss this opportunity to snatch up this jam-packed collection of comics from one of the all-time masters! Pages: 128, 8x11, B&W, $12.95
Lee: Last month, Previews offer the Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, this month it offers Mr. Natural. It’s an Underground bonanza! I don’t have any Crumb in the collection so this is definitely coming home.
Jim: I know he is a classic. I know he is one of the “names” from that genre. I never cared for his work, let the stoning begin.


Greystone Inn Comics
Evil, Inc. Annual Report Vol. 03 GN By Brad J. Guigar
Eisner-nominee Brad Guigar takes the individual panels of his daily comic strip about a super-villain corporation (You can do more evil if you do it legal) and uses them to design a continuously narrative graphic novel. In this volume, Evil Atom's origin is revealed as he's presented with a Nemesis (Nemmy) Award! Pages: 84, 8x11, SC, B&W, $15.00
Visit the comic here
Lee: I like that more and more web comics are making the jump to the printed page. I don’t have time to weed through all the bad web comics to find the good ones. This is an easy way for me to see the latest-greatest material so I’m in.
Jim: Oh Lee, there are tons of web comics that don’t get printed that are good. I let Gwen find them and tell me about them. Except for PDF files of preview books I just don’t like reading comics on my computer screen. As things advance I reserve the right to change my mind.


Heavy Metal Magazine
Roninbebop SC By Various
Roninbebop is 224 page of madness, with six different tales of insanity brought to you from the twisted minds of Kevin Eastman, Simon Bisley, Eric Talbot, and Tom Skulan! It's got it all - nasty flesh eating aliens and monsters in Zombie War, body swapping serial killers in the lust drenched Infectious, over-the-top superheroes fight the evil Mental Head for the sake of planet Earth in Thump's Guts, convicted murders are transported into the middle of an off world war as their penance is No Guts No Glory, tiny mutant animals fight for their life and turf in The Very Angry Seven, and Kevin Eastman and Simon Bisley's comic character alter egos come to line in the mad cap adventures of Biz and Buzz!" Pages: 224, 7x10, SC, FC, $19.95
Lee: Heavy Metal is certainly cashing in on their names these days. How many Bisley books have they reprinted recently? Lots in case you have forgotten. The problem is that they’re all pretty good. This material is Bisley completely unrestrained and that makes for some very entertaining reading.
Jim: I agree, but I also believe that once you have a couple of Bisley books in your collection that is enough.


Hill & Wang
United States Constitution: Graphic Adaptation HC By Jonathan Hennessey & Aaron McConnell
Our leaders swear to uphold it, our military to defend it. It is the blueprint for the shape and function of government itself and what defines Americans as Americans. But how many of us truly know our Constitution? The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation uses the art of illustrated storytelling to breathe life into our nation's cornerstone principles. Spirited and visually witty, it roves article by article, amendment by amendment, to get at the meaning, background, and enduring relevance of the law of the land. What revolutionary ideas made the Constitution's authors dare to cast off centuries of rule by kings and queens? Why do we have an electoral college rather than a popular vote for president and vice president? How did a document that once sanctioned slavery and denied voting rights to women transform into a bulwark of protection for all? The United States Constitution answers all of these questions. Sure to surprise, challenge, and provoke, it is hands down the most memorable introduction to America's founding document. Available in hardcover and softcover editions. Pages: 160, 6x9, FC, $35.00
Lee: I pick this for Jim, who has posted the entire Constitution on the blog.
Jim: Thanks Lee. It is important and our recent presidents all trying to run this through a shredder really has ticked me off.


IDW Publishing
American Freakshow GN By Steve Niles (W) Chee (A & C)
Just in time for Halloween, American Freakshow tells the story of the bizarre and cruel life of a carnival freak as he seeks redemption (maybe) and murder (definitely) in a Florida trailer park. Never appearing in comic book form, this is the first original graphic novel written Steve Niles.
Pages: 104, 6.625 x10.187, SC, FC, $17.99
Lee: I like Niles. I really like Chee’s art and the chance to get 104 pages of it is too good for me to pass up.
Jim: Steve Niles, I’ve heard that name somewhere else before. Let’s try and guess if he has not written for a publisher, has he done a Marvel book? Chee and Niles is a good combo.


Black Heart Billy SC (color ed.) By Rick Remender (W) Kieron Dwyer, Harper Jaten (A) Dwyer (C)
Meet Billy Black, an '80s hardcore scene refugee who's having a bit of trouble acclimating to modern life. While bludgeoning a band of Burning Man refugees with the skull of Jerry Garcia, Billy inadvertently becomes immersed in an evil Nazi conspiracy to turn the world into mindless hippie zombies in order to usher in the 4th Reich. "Hitler in Jerry Garcia's corpse-how can you say no?" - Warren Ellis. Pages: 120, 6.625 x 10.187, FC, $19.99
Lee: Believe it or not I actually have some of the original BHB comics. This has been around for a very long time and keeps getting reprinted in various forms. I know the art is very very good which is why I bought it. I seem to remember the story being somewhat uneven. I’ll have to dig the issues up for committing to this. Although I think the line "Hitler in Jerry Garcia's corpse-how can you say no?" tells you everything you need to know about the series.
Jim: This does sound amusing and I think it is something I would pick up on a lark, but I will not order it.


Legion of the Supernatural #1 By Rick Remender (W) Bret Blevins (A & C)
When our heroes fail us... we will turn to our monsters! The Legion of the Supernatural follows the last of the famous monsters in a world where superheroes have hunted their brethren to near extinction. When an army of starving inter-dimensional vampires returns to consume our world, only the Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, The Bog Creature, The Wolf-Man, Dracula, and Sister Arcane have the power to contest the coming darkness. Critically acclaimed scribe Rick Remender (Punisher War Journal) is joined by legendary illustrator Bret Blevins (X-Men, New Mutants) for the fully painted, ongoing adventures of this pulpy monster-mash starring the most unlikely team of superheroes. Pages: 32, FC, $3.99
Lee: When I was younger I didn’t appreciate Blevins art. Now that I am older I realize just how good it is. It’s wasted on Superheroes but it’s perfect for Monsters. Great art and Remender is a good writer so this is an easy winner.
Jim: This book is on my list. Rick (Fear Agent) Remender and Bret Blevins and an outlandish and fun premise.


Tune in Wednesday for the final segment of the October Indies Review.

Indies Preview Review for October Part 1 of 3

Lee: The indies preview became my favorite part of the month long ago. And, because of that this has become a three day posting. Oh well, I love looking at everything.
Jim: Plus by breaking it up it is not so overwhelming a post and gives us and readers a chance to look at the different selections. If you can’t find something different to read here you aren’t looking.

Absolute Tyrant
Nearly Infamous Zango #4
By Rob Osborne
Metrotown's greatest hero is dying! Lord Zango is to blame! And the Iron Ox wants revenge! He wanted to kill Atomic Pilgrim himself! But Zango is in no condition for a brawl! He's facing an intervention! The family wants him to confront his greatest fear! Don't miss this epic tale of the laziest super-villain alive! Pages: 32, B&W, $3.50
Previews of all issues here and Rob Osborne here
Lee: I always like starting the Indies Review with a humor title. It seems to set the tone. The story is already in progress but I don’t think you’ll have too much trouble catching up. From the previews, the art suits the material well.
Jim: Check out the previews, this is certainly an amusing read.

Adhouse Books
Notes Over Yonder HC By Scott Morse
The busy hum of the big city envelopes a lonely jazz musician as he deals with loss on the night of a big gig, and a world away a desolate beach bum pines for his lost lover as a call from beyond washes up at his feet. A mischievous cat and a haunted ukulele tie their worlds together as Notes Over Yonder presents a surreal, magical, visual sort of music. Award-winning author Scott Morse of Pixar Animation Studios combines these two quiet short stories into a uniquely woven tapestry of painted sequential images. Pages: 64, 5x7, FC, $12.95
Visit Scott Morse here
Lee: Scott Morse’s books tend to be slightly more expensive but they are a guaranteed good read. They are always well done and enjoyable. If you haven’t tried one you really should. And this is finally a nice hc so it’ll look great on your shelf.
Jim: I think you have to be a fan of his art and he has a unique style, that borders on cartoonish paintings for lack of a better description.


Amaze Ink/Slave Labor Graphics
Space Raoul Vol. 01 GN By Jamie Smart
From the creator of Bear and Ubu Bubu comes Space Raoul! Part adventurer, part explorer, part space captain, and all-around chap, Raoul is the upholder of all that is good in the universe! Serialized in the pages of The Dandy, Space Raoul is the reddest space hero of all time. Equipped with just a small spaceship and his trusty green lump of a sidekick, Quibble, Space Raoul's adventures take him from one crazed situation to the next, as he struggles to keep evil in a headlock. Scampering about in his unique condescending manner, Raoul inevitably makes matters far worse before they get better. And if they don't get better, he can always run away! Pages: 64, SC, FC, $8.95 Visit Raoul here and sample pages here
Lee: File this book under general silliness, bad puns, and humor. I’m sold. I really like the simple style and the jokes are good too. This is definitely coming home.
Jim: Lee loves this stuff to death.


Tales to Suffice #1 By Kenny Kiel
Hey you! Yes, you - with the nice teeth and discriminating taste in graphic literature. Do you crave action? Suspense? Romance? Introducing Tales To Suffice, an all-new, all-thrilling anthology series guaranteed to knock your socks off! Damsels in distress! Men in tights! Zombies in neckties! This book takes everything you love about comics and mercilessly skewers it for your entertainment! Five senses-shattering stories for the paltry price of one, and sure to be a collector's item - so stock up on copies while they're cheap! Pages: 32, FC, $3.95
Visit the official site here and it has a 19 page preview
Lee: I won’t lie, I picked this book purely based upon the cover. I’m sick of Marvel/DC having giant pin-ups of their characters (Iron Man covers come to mind) that have nothing to do with the inside story. This sounds good and the art looks good for an anthology.
Jim: Props to these guys for putting out almost half of this book for free. Download the PDF file and you get a great idea of what you are buying. The comedy ads on the inside front cover was a great touch.


Antarctic Press
Fire & Brimstone #3 By Richard Moore
Angel Brimstone and demon Fire are still trying to make good on their little mistake from 5,000 years ago, rounding up all the devils and fallen angels they set free! Someone's about had enough of their antics, though, because they're about to go out of the frying pan and into the Forge! The former blacksmith to the gods, The Forge is now an invincible freelance assassin, and he's been hired to take out the delectable duo! Can they stand the heat? LS #3 of 5, Pages: 32, FC, $3.95
Lee: I’ve been enjoying Moore’s other series Boneyard for years now so I don’t know how I missed this the first time around. Anyway, it’s never too late to jump on a bandwagon. Moore is a great artist and an underrated storyteller. I am sure this is good stuff.
Jim: I tried to read a little of Boneyard and found it unreadable. PASS!


Weapons File Extreme Arsenal Supersized Vol. 01 SC By Guru-Efx
The industry's premiere weapon photo-reference title is taking another shot - hundreds of 'em! Hundreds of reference photos of the most popular and visually interesting firearms, photographed from 360 degrees and at three different points of view: worm's-eye, eye level, and bird's-eye. This book will enhance any artist's work, providing an easy-to-use guide for creating realistic depictions of widely used firearms. Pages: 144, 8x11, B&W, $24.95
Lee: I was thinking of buying this and sending it to Rob Liefeld for reference. What do you think?
Jim: I think the money would be better spent sending him an anatomy book.


Ape Entertainment
Attack of the Monstrology GN By Jungbluth, Tamlyn, Cruz, Schoening, Kelly & Various
Horrors rise from the deep, aliens descend upon humanity, and the cities of civilization are ravaged by maleficent monsters! Featuring nine stories from artists at DC Online, Udon, and more, Attack of the Monstrology is an action-packed thrill ride full of creatures inspired by classic B-monster movies! Pages: 128, 7x10, SC, FC, $19.99
8 page preview here
Lee: Since I grew up on the B-monster movies this is right up my alley. I always like anthologies because of the variety of art styles. In this case, based upon the preview, the art looks really good so I’ll be taking a chance on this.
Jim: This looks like fun.

Arcana Studios
Velvet Rope One-Shot
Admit one to a new collection of horrifying tales! Grab your popcorn and candy, as Velvet, the beautiful usher from beyond the grave introduces Arcana's brand of spine tingling horror in this annual anthology which includes deadly glimpses of upcoming Arcana titles Baker's Dozen, Club Vampire, and Daddy's Little Girl as well as an all-new Eve: Vampire Diva short. Featuring stories from some of the top up and coming creators around like Mark Poulton, Bruce A Brown, and Frank LaPerch, Velvet Rope is sure to make a killing at the box office! $5.95
Jim: The idea of doing anthologies seems almost like a death wish, but I love seeing small press guys doing this as it is a chance to give a lot or people a chance.
Lee: Lots of anthology titles this month. Unlike some of the others this is more for the horror fans. Something for everyone this month.

Blackhalo Productions
Almighty GN By Edward Laroche
A girl has been abducted, and a killer has been hired to find her and bring her home! It's a post-apocalyptic journey through the bleached landscape of a United States reduced to a Third World country, an America where militas and roving packs of motorcycle gangs rule without mercy. How will they survive the future? SC, B&W, $10.00
The official site with 8 page preview here
Lee: Another weakness of mine, the old post- apocalyptic world story. It’s not quite as overdone as zombies but it will get there. Until then sign me up.
Jim: Post apocalyptic stories are almost always a favorite of mine from Mad Max to Omega Man and back again. If done right it is a great way to frame a story without having to interact in the real world.


Bloomsbury
Twilight Zone: After Hours SC By Mark Kneece & Rebekah Isaacs
One of most ground-breaking shows in the history of television, The Twilight Zone has become a permanent fixture in pop culture. This new graphic novel series re-imagines the show's most enduring episodes, in all their original uncut glory, originally written by Rod Serling himself, and now adapted for a new generation. Submitted for your approval: Marsha White, a dissatisfied shopper with an unusual problem. This is one shopping trip that is marked Final Sale - Return Only to the Customer Service Desk in... The Twilight Zone! Available in softcover and hardcover editions. Pages: 72, 7x10, FC, $9.99
Twilight Zone: Walking Distance HC By Mark Kneece & Dove Mchargue
The Twilight Zone's most enduring episodes, in all their original uncut glory, are adapted for a new generation - a generation that has experienced Disney's Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror attraction, studied old episodes in school, watched the annual marathons, and paid homage to the show through the many random take-offs that show up in movies and TV shows everywhere. Destination: Homewood. Step off the beaten path as Martin Sloan takes the journey of a lifetime. Somewhere up the road he's looking for redemption - but he'll find something entirely different... in The Twilight Zone! Available in softcover and hardcover editions. Pages: 72, 7x10, FC, $16.99
Lee: This is great! I love the old Twilight Zone series and I look forward to seeing the comics adaptation too. I just wonder how many of the younger generation know about this series.
Jim: Nice idea, but I think Space Doubles from Th3rd World did a good job of being inspired by this type of show without just adapting.


Boom! Studios
Blood Bowl Killer Contract Vol. 01 HC By Matt Forbeck & Lads Helloven
Welcome to the hyper-violent hilarity of Blood Bowl, the graphic novel that puts the fantasy (as in elves, dwarfs, orcs, and ogres) back into football! Blood Bowl novelist Matt Forbeck brings his trademark twisted blend of humor and action to the first-ever Blood Bowl graphic novel, featuring the now-legendary Bad Bay Hackers in a grudge match against the ever-evil Orcland Raders! Join the Hackers as they begin their brutal march to their next championship game, filled with spiked balls, corrupt refs, and giant-sized barrels of Bugman's XXXXXX! Available in softcover and limited hardcover editions! Pages: 128, 6x9, FC, $49.99
Lee: WOW! $50 for 128 pages is pricey. Especially when the softcover is only $17. If you didn’t get the single issues I still recommend buying the trade but get the softcover.
Jim: Ouch! I love BOOM but that is too high a price for 128 pages.

Last Reign: Kings of War #1 By Walt Becker, Michael Alan Nelson & Lui Antonio
The world has been twisted into a rusting and forgotten dystopia - and a new type of knight rises from the ashes to make order out of chaos! Scripted by Michael Alan Nelson, the fan-favorite writer of Fall of Cthulhu.
LS #1 of 5, Pages: 24, FC, $3.99
Lee: Boom! enters the world of barbarians. I really like that Boom is going with different style books. I was worried they would start a superhero line to soon but this is far more interesting.
Jim: BOOM will only do a super hero book if it is interesting and a well done concept. I do not think BOOM has any self imposed limitations.



Candlewick Press
Tales of Despereaux Movie GN By Matt Smith & David Tilton
Kate DiCamillo's literary classic about Despereaux Tilling - a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea - has enchanted children and adults around the world! Published in 23 languages, with more than 2 million copies in print, and winner of the Newbery Medal, The Tale of Despereaux has now become a much-anticipated animated feature film, with voices from Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Kevin Kline, and Sigourney Weaver. This fresh new format, with all new artwork inspired by the film, is destined to bring the award-winning classic, to an even wider audience and will attract older readers to this popular tale! Pages: 128, 6x9, SC, FC, $9.99
Lee: What the world needs is more mouse tales! Isn’t this the third or fourth title to do with rodents? Apparently all childrens books these days have mice in them. But, it appears to have sold really well and has some A list talent lined up for the movie. I might try it. The worst that happens is I give it to the kids.
Jim: Hey, Mickey Mouse did well enough and I hear rodents are all the rage. Did you catch the guest starring appearance of the hamster in The Boys?


Checker Book Publishing Group
Sojourn Omnibus Vol. 01 By Ian Edginton, Greg Land & Juston Ponsor
The fantasy comics genre is reborn in this collection of the first 24 issues of Sojourn! The dread tyrant Mordath has returned from the grave and conquered the Five Lands, crushing all opposition under his heel. But one woman, the archer Arwyn, has vowed to put an end to his terrible reign. Swearing vengeance after the deaths of her husband and daughter, Arwyn undertakes a quest that will lead her across the Five Lands in pursuit of the legendary Five Fragments. Aided by a charming rogue named Gareth and a mysterious and powerful woman named Neven, Arwyn is the lone hope of ending Mordath's evil. Sojourn is epic fantasy as you've never seen it!
Pages: 584, SC, FC, $ 34.95
Lee: WOW! I wonder if this isn’t a typo. 500+ pages in color for $35! That’s a bargin no matter how you slice it. Much of the CrossGen material was pretty good and I’m glad to see it getting back into print. I remember this was good if not glacially slow in development. But, at that price it’s worth taking a chance on.
Jim: Greg Land has become an artist that I no longer enjoy. I think it was during Sojourn when he started to trace everything and his art became more and more static. Still this is a good price as long as the reproduction is well done.


Cinebook
Aldebaran Vol. 02: Group SC By Leo
Return to Aldebaran, the planet where the first human colony in the solar system was founded. Mark and Kim, teenagers whose village was annihilated, met a woman named Alexia during their escape. A biologist, she is a friend to Driss, the man who knows a lot about the catastrophe, and shares his secrets. The government has taken notice of her, and they have sent soldiers to pursue her. While trying to help her, Mark is arrested and languishes in prison for 3 years. It's the mysterious Mr. Pad, an odd character Mark has already met, who helps him escape from prison!
Pages: 96, FC, $19.95
The official site, in French, here
Lee: Euro science fiction. I am so sold on this already. It will be very interesting to see how the French approach science fiction. Cinebook hasn’t sold me a bad book yet so I’m taking a chance.
Jim: I have to agree that a lot of the European comics we are seeing translated are good, but that makes sense as they are picking and choosing what to translate.


Melusine Vampires Ball SC By Gilson & Clark
Take out your nicest shrouds, dust off your coffins, and slick your spider webs - Melusine invites you to the great vampire ball! The little witch is back in a new series of gags, dreadfully funny as always. All her family is there: the witches Adrazelle and Cancrelune, of course, but also Mister and Madam, the owners of the haunted castle. Pages: 48, FC, $11.95
Two page preview here
Lee: And French humor is outstanding. It was hard to find any art previews anywhere but I did find the two pager. It looks great and I’m sure it’s funny so another easy sell for me.
Jim: Lee is bigger on humor books then I am, so this one is one to borrow from Lee.

As has become the norm for this post it will be in three parts. Look for part 2 on Saturday and part three on Wednesday with Gwen's post moving to Sunday and Lee’s post moving to Saturday.

Marvel Preview Review for October Part 2 of 2

Continuing our first two part Marvel Preview Review. Let’s look in and see if Lee is any happier.

SQUADRON SUPREME #4 Written by HOWARD CHAYKINPenciled by MARCO TURINICover by GREG LANDDistant rumblings in the Mojave Desert signal a new age is at hand, as more and more superhumans emerge…and begin to do battle. As Ultimate Nick Fury assembles his new Squadron Supreme, the four mutated Icarus One astronauts go to…Las Vegas? Meanwhile, even as the mystery of the disappearance of the original team deepens, teen misfit Arachnophilia comes face-to-face with one of the missing Squadron members… 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

Lee: Since I don’t really review floppies, I’ll use this forum to ask a question… why call it Squadron Supreme if you aren’t going to use the SS characters? This has nothing to do with SS and may as well be an elseworlds story. That would be more interesting.

Jim: I have yet to read issue #2, but I’m guessing that I will be dropping this title as it appears it has nothing to do with the group I wanted to read about.

THOR: THE TRUTH OF HISTORY #1 Script, Pencils and Cover by ALAN DAVISLegendary writer-artist Alan Davis sends Thor on one of his most epic adventures in history! The God of Thunder and his fellow Asgardians visit Midgard’s ancient Egypt…and leave behind a startling legacy that will change our world forever in this one-shot!48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Lee: Alan Davis does Thor. ‘Nuff said. I’m in.

Jim: Why is Alan Davis just doing almost random projects with Marvel, did he sign an exclusive or something. Alan Davis is a great artist and has the fluid style that I love, this guy should be on some high profile job like Secret Invasions instead of some Thor one-shot.

X-MEN: ORIGINAL SIN #1 Written by MIKE CAREY & DANIEL WAYPenciled by MIKE DEODATO & SCOT EATON Cover by MIKE DEODATO & RICHARD ISANOVE"ORIGINAL SIN" PART 1WHAT IS THE SECRET REASON WOLVERINE JOINED THE X-MEN?The X-Men event of the fall begins in this one-shot! For years, Logan has been a man without a past, whose memories existed only as conflicting fragments. And Charles Xavier has been a master of his own mind and others. Now the tables are turned, and as WOLVERINE struggles to rescue his son, DAKEN, from the evil and darkness that have consumed him, PROFESSOR X comes face-to-face with the most terrifying secret of all! 48 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

X-MEN: LEGACY #217 Written by MIKE CAREYPenciled by SCOT EATONCover by MIKE DEODATO & RICHARD ISANOVE "ORIGINAL SIN" PART 2After his bruising encounter with Cyclops and Emma Frost, Professor X is forced to revisit the biggest challenge and the biggest failure of his career: Logan. But the layers of lies hide one last, deadly secret which goes back to the days of the X-Men's founding, and the Professor's timing couldn't possibly be worse... 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #29 Written by DANIEL WAY, Pencils by MIKE DEODATOCover by MIKE DEODATO & RICHARD ISANOVEZombie Variant by MIKE DEODATO“ORIGINAL SIN” PART 3Continued from X-MEN LEGACY 217! It’s WOLVERINE versus the HELLFIRE CLUB as he seeks his missing son, DAKEN! The bodies will fly and the blood will run as PROFESSOR X learns the secret of Wolverine’s early days with the original new X-MEN! Things were not as they seemed--but who was deceiving whom? And is there time to save Daken’s soul?32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

Lee: Question, what’s the best way to screw the fanboy? If you guessed run a three part crossover in three different books then you guessed correctly. I can’t wait to see how they collect this into a trade. Actually, I can wait because I won’t be buying it. So, on top of the ridiculous cross over aspect they add yet another ret-con “why Wolverine joined the X-men”. Can anyone explain ALL of Wolverine’s back story anymore? Anyone?

Jim: Thank god Wolverine has his memories back because the rest of us don’t. What ticks me off is that I have actually been enjoying X-Men Legacy and I’m now pissed that I have to buy Wolverine Origins which I tried for about 10 issues and could not take it anymore.

WOLVERINE: MANIFEST DESTINY #1 (of 4) Written by Jason Aaron, Penciled by Stephen Segovia, Cover by DAVE WILKINSThe X-Men have arrived in San Francisco--but Wolverine finds he’s left more than his heart there! Something happened in Chinatown more than 50 years ago…something that the people there still have not forgotten. And now Logan finds himself a marked man, pursued by fighters from every dojo in town--not to mention the mystical warriors of the criminal Triad and their merciless leader…who just happens to be Logan's ex-girlfriend. Guess you shoulda stayed in New York, huh bub? 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
Lee: What a can of worms Wolverines memory has become. Seriously, they have made the character a joke. In the past 6 months we learned about Wolverine in WWII, with Mystique during Prohibition, and now in the 1950’s. I’m waiting for Wolverine vs. Julius Ceaser with the fate of the Roman Empire at stake. DUM DUM DUM. That’s supposed to be the drum beat and not my feelings about the story. Although dumb dumb dumb sorta sums it all up.
Jim: That Wolverine in Rome story sounds great, where did you hear about that one Lee? Seriously a long time ago someone should have written a bible on his back story. The one plus this mini-series has going for it is Jason Aaron is writing it.

X-FORCE #8 Written by CHRISTOPHER YOST & CRAIG KYLE Pencils & Cover by MIKE CHOI “OLD GHOSTS” The Vanisher now possesses the one thing that can kill every mutant on the planet. Guess who just made X-Force’s hit list? The hunt begins in Japan, but Wolverine and his team aren't the only ones after him. And in an attempt to make peace with the blood on his hands, Warpath goes to visit his brother’s grave...but what he finds when he arrives means the killing has just begun. Part 2 (OF 4) 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99
Lee: Can someone explain why the Vanisher suddenly has tattoos all over him? I agree his original green fan head costume was bad but someone explain to me how covering him in tattoos is supposed to make it better! I understand that comics just reflect society’s current style trends but I missed when people started getting tattoos all over their face.
Jim: It’s not a tattoo its face paint! He’s just got home from the Kiss Revival tour. Tattoos are silly. Face paint is cool. (Odd I must have blacked out as I do not remember making this comment.)

X-MEN: MANIFEST DESTINY #2 (of 4) Written by MIKE CAREY & CHRIS YOST Penciled by MICHAEL RYAN & VARIOUSCover by HUMBERTO RAMOS Mike Carey’s Iceman saga continues as things take a dark turn for Bobby Drake with the emergence of an old, deadly foe of the X-Men. Will this spell disaster for our hero or a new chapter in the history of this original X-Man? Also, Emma Frost as you’ve never seen her before. And find out what Boom Boom has been up to since NEXTWAVE!48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99
Lee: OOOHHHH does Mike Carey have his work cut out for him here! Boom Boom was awesome in Nextwave but Ellis did a number on her character. I don’t understand why they want to bring her back. I really don’t know what personality they are going to use, the Ellis Nextwave one or her standard X-men one.
Jim: How many X-books can they crank out? I think it was last year when DC was churning out more books then god and now Marvel seems to have the swamp the market mentality kicked into high gear.

SECRET WARS OMNIBUS HC Written by JIM SHOOTER, TOM DEFALCO, DAN SLOTT, DANNY FINGEROTH & JAY FAERBERPenciled by MIKE ZECK, BOB LAYTON, RON FRENZ, PAUL PELLETIER, MARK BAGLEY & GREGG SCHIGIEL “SECRET WARS is one of only a handful of books that truly distil the essence of Marvel comics.” -- Comicsbulletin.com Collecting SECRET WARS #1-12 -- plus THOR #383, SHE-HULK (2004) #10, and WHAT IF? (1989) #4 and #114.384 PGS./All Ages …$99.99Trim size: oversized
Lee: Did you read the quote from ComicsBulletin???? Did the reviewer read the series???? Is he/she kidding me? Secret Wars distills the essence of Marvel Comics? OMG, this explains why Marvel is so messed up. Let’s not even discuss how ridiculous $100 for a Secret Wars HC is!
Jim: So you aren’t getting this! $100 for this series, I don’t think so.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY VOL. 1 HC Written by STAN LEE & VARIOUSPenciled by GENE COLAN, RUSS HEATH, JOHN ROMITA, JERRY ROBINSON, DICK AYERS, JOE MANEELY, TONY DiPRETA, ED WINIARSKI, JACK ABEL, PAUL REINMAN, JOHN FORTE, MORT LAWRENCE, SAM KWESKIN, CAL MASSEY, MAC PAKULA, VICCARRABOTTA, JAY SCOTT PIKE, HOWARD POST, CARL HUBBELL, DICK BRIEFER, ED GOLDFARB, BILL BENULIS, AL LUSTER, C.A. WINTER & VARIOUSCover by RUSS HEATHCollecting JOURNEY INTO MYSTERY #1-10.272 PGS./All Ages …$59.99
Lee: The artists in this collection are fantastic. I’m getting it for Maneely’s art alone. The rest are just gravy for me.
Jim: I’m getting it because Journey Into Mystery abbreviated spells JIM, awesome. I’m such a sucker for this stuff. I will have to quit collecting in a few years just so I can read everything I have in trade and hard cover.

MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 7 HC Written by STEVE ENGLEHART, GERRY CONWAY,STAN LEE & ARCHIE GOODWINPenciled by TOM SUTTON, GIL KANE, HERB TRIMPE,BOB BROWN, MARIE SEVERIN & JIM STARLINCover by GIL KANEAMAZING ADVENTURES #11-17, INCREDIBLE HULK #150 and 161, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #92, MARVEL TEAM-UP #4, and the rare X-MEN #67-80 and ANNUAL covers, this volume is a must-have for every mutant madman.240 PGS./All Ages …$54.99
Lee: If you’re going to get picky about which Masterworks you’re getting this is probably a good one to skip. But, if you’re a die hard Marvel bronze fan like me then there’s no way you can skip this. I am very happy that Marvel is into the bronze age material because I love it all.
Jim: I was iffy on this one, but the Beast series had its moments. I’m still worried as we are getting into the timeframe when Marvel books did not all age well.

CIVIL WAR HC Written by MARK MILLARPenciled by STEVE MCNIVENCovers by STEVE MCNIVEN & MICHAEL TURNER The landscape of the Marvel Universe is changing, and it's time to choose: Whose side are you on? A conflict has been brewing from more than a year, threatening to pit friend against friend, brother against brother -- and all it will take is a single misstep to cost thousands their lives and ignite the fuse! As the war claims its first victims, no one is safe as teams, friendships and families begin to fall apart. The crossover that rewrites the rules, Civil War stars Spider-Man, the New Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men and the entirety of the Marvel pantheon! Collecting CIVIL WAR #1-7, MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: CIVIL WAR and CIVIL WAR SCRIPT BOOK.512 PGS./Rated T+ …$39.99, Trim size: oversized
Lee: I didn’t read Civil War but if I remember correctly this wasn’t even close to being self contained. Which means… an omnibus (which this is) of just the main title really won’t tell you the whole story. Am I wrong on this?
Jim: This is the main title and it really does not hold together as a story in and of itself.


SKY DOLL PREMIERE HC Written by BARBARA CANEPA & ALESSANDRO BARBUCCIStory by BARBARA CANEPA & ALESSANDRO BARBUCCIArt and Cover by ALESSANDRO BARBUCCI & BARBARA CANEPA English Adaptation by C.B. CEBULSKI The internationally acclaimed best-seller, collected in hardcover for the first time in English! Meet Noa, a so-called Sky Doll; a life-like female android without rights, who exists only to serve the State's needs and desires. But when Noa meets two so-called "missionaries" who aid in her escape from her tyrannical master, all hell breaks loose for our cyborg siren as she uncovers clues that she may be much more than just a robotic toy. The first release in a new partnership between Marvel and cutting-edge French publisher Soleil! Collecting SKY DOLL #1-3.152 PGS./Mature …$24.99
Lee: I love that this is getting the HC treatment. I was worried that Marvel might skip doing hc’s for their Euro books. I’m sold!
Jim: I’m happy about it also, but I’m skipping Sky Doll, but Universe War One is great so far.

DAREDEVIL: CRUEL AND UNUSUAL TPB Written by ED BRUBAKER & GREG RUCKAPenciled by PAUL AZACETA & MICHAEL LARKCover by MARKO DJURDJEVICMATT MURDOCK TAKES A NEW CASE! Still reeling from the conclusion of his battle with Mr. Fear, an old friend dragsMatt Murdock back into the light of day by bringing him the last-minute appeal of a Marvel villain now sitting on death row. What will Matt do when confronted with a bad guy who is completely innocent of the crime of which he was convicted? Collecting DAREDEVIL #106-110.120 PGS./Rated T+ …$14.99
Lee: Someone explain why they put the Bendis run in those big fancy HC’s but they didn’t do the same for Brubakers run. Brubaker’s run has been very good and would look great in HC. I think Marvel is missing the boat on this one.
Jim: Why are you assuming we won’t see a hardcover down the road? I’m sure it will happen.

SPIDER-MAN: A NEW GOBLIN TPB Written by LEN WEIN Penciled by ROSS ANDRUCover by ROSS ANDRU Peter Parker's proven time and again that you can't keep a good man down, but keeping a BAD one down is even harder! Norman Osborn's supposed to be dead, so who's going bats in the green-and-purple togs now? Whether the latest Green Goblin is an old friend or a new enemy, he's out to conquer the underworld -- so Silvermane wants him dead, whether he kills Spider-Man first or not! Spidey fights both sides of a mob war, but the war's end may come in the form of another Goblin -- if he doesn't take down everyone else! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #176-180.96 PGS./All Ages …$12.99
Lee: I’ll show my age and say that I like this trade. It’s a good storyline from back in the day. It’s got great art. It’s something I will enjoy and something I can share with my kids. Consider me sold.
Jim: Blechh. I’ll show my age and say I started with Steve Ditko Spider-Man and by this time frame Spider-Man was a pale copy of what he had been.

WEAPON OMEGA TPB Written by RICH KOSLOWSKI, Penciled by ANDREAD DI VITO, Cover by MIKE CHOIOmega Flight's Michael Pointer (a.k.a. Guardian) faces down demons both internal and external. What is happening to him -- and who is responsible? Featuring U.S.Agent! Collecting MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #1-12 ("Weapon Omega"). Plus the Omega Flight prequel from the CIVIL WAR: THE INITIATIVE One-Shot.112 PGS./Rated T+ …$12.99
Lee: Isn’t that interesting. They are breaking out the stories from Marvel Comics Presents. Which means if I don’t buy the series they will only collect the stories which are good. OR better yet, put in trade the ones I want so I don’t have to wade through all the filler. I understand why they did it but I don’t think it’s good for the sales of the floppie.
Jim: OMG, we finally got to your last selection. Yipee! Yahoo!

Lee: This was an absolutely brutal month full of drivel and trash. I really need to do these reviews after I’ve been drinking for an extended period because I can’t take much more of this.
Jim: Wow not only was Lee tough on Marvel this month (and usually that is my job), but this thing went on forever. Which is why it had to be 2 posts!

Marvel Preview Review For October Part 1 of 2

Lee: I’ll warn ya now I was in a bad mood when I was picking. I was in a worse mood when I was attempting to say nice things. It didn’t work so well. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

Jim: Sometimes it is more fun to do this review when at least one of us is wound up.

ENDER'S GAME: FIRST SERIES #1 (of 5) Written by CHRISTOPHER YOSTPencils & Cover by PASQUAL FERRYThere’s a war coming. The same aliens who almost destroyed Earth once are coming back to get the whole job done this time. But we aren’t going to just sit and die. The international military is taking our best and brightest to mold them into the finest military minds ever--and they’re taking them young. 8-year-old Ender Wiggin is the best they’ve ever found. Can he save the Earth? Can he survive Battle School and the game that they will force him to play? The legendary sci-fi epic by New York Times Bestseller Orson Scott Card comes to comics! 32 PGS./Cardstock Cover/Parental Advisory …$3.99

Lee: Starting on a positive note, Marvel really is expanding it’s offerings. Ender’s is supposed to be a really good series and based on Marvel’s success with King’s Dark Tower, I have high hopes for this. Not to mention I love Ferry’s art.

Jim: I enjoy Pascul Ferry’s art also and I never read Ender’s Game, so it looks to be a good book to try out.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #127 Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDISPencils & Cover by STUART IMMONENCarnage versus Venom for all the marbles! It's the big conclusion to the War of the Symbiotes as Eddie Brock returns to Midtown High after months away. He seeks out Peter Parker and demands that Peter either help him find the Venom symbiote that once was grafted to him or Peter's secret identity will be revealed. Who should show up at his doorstep but a very much alive blast from Peter's past! 32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

Lee: Talk about repeating the sins of the past. Way back in the day, Marvel introduced Venom and then flooded the market with him. Then along came Carnage which is a waste of a character. Now, the same silliness has invaded the Ultimate Spidey universe. Doesn’t anyone learn from the mistakes of the past?

Jim: Of course not, Bendis is going to redo every Spider-Man story he can. This is my only Spider-Man book, but bit by bit, I’m starting to fall off this title.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #3 Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDISPenciled by DAVID LAFUENTE Cover by MARK BROOKS & RICHARD ISANOVE The relationship between Peter Parker and Mary Jane is one of the most iconic and popular romances in all of comics -- and in this very special issue that relationship delves into an area never before seen in any Spider-Man comic! Destined to be one of the most controversial issues of the year! 48 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

Lee: According to the hype, “in this very special issue that relationship (PP/MJ) delves into an area never before seen in any Spider-Man comic.” And, what exact area of the PP/MJ relationship hasn’t been discussed before? Seriously, they’ve been around for 35+ years. The hype reads like a bad after school special. I can see it now, Petey’s gonna take a toke, Jimmy Hendrix is going to start playing in the background while the camera turns upside down until MJ comes in to save him. BLUCK!

Jim: Oh yeah, we get to see Peter and Mary Jane doing it with webbing all over the place. Not sure this was a good idea. The execution on this will be a tough one to pull off.

ULTIMATE CAPTAIN AMERICA ANNUAL #1 Written by JEPH LOEB Penciled by JOHN ROMITA, JR.Cover by BRANDON PETERSONWho is the Black Panther? If you think you know, you haven't spent enough time in the Ultimate U! What secrets from his past cross into Captain America's origin? What deal did they make that will throw Cap's loyalty to the Ultimates into question? 48 PGS./Rated A …$3.99

Lee: We so need to have a discussion someday about art. When I look at this cover I see 2 pencil/ ink figures and a whole lot of special effects. And to make it worse, it looks like bad special effects that were cut/pasted onto the cover. In fact I think I recognize one of the Boston 4th of July fireworks explosions on Cap’s shield.

Jim: Add to that it is based on an old Mike Zeck cover and what did the artist really do here.

CIVIL WAR: HOUSE OF M #2 (of 5) Written by CHRISTOS N. GAGEPenciled by ANDREA DI VITOCover by MIKE PERKINSThe untold story of Magneto's rise to power continues! The mutant army grows with the additions of Quicksilver, the Scarlet Witch, Polaris...and Charles Xavier?! Together, this amazingly powerful team sets their sights on the liberation of Genosha. But Magneto and Xavier have very different philosophies on human/mutant relations. Will they become enemies, as they did in our world...or will their alliance make them unstoppable? Perhaps the most important " but never before seen " chapter in the House of M saga!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Lee: This is how I envision the meeting that originated this series… in Nameless Editors’ basement, puff puff.. “Dude. How about we cross Civil War AND House of M.” Puff puff “Dude, that’s the mostest aweseomest idea ever” puff puff. How else can you explain this series.

Jim: This is all about trade sales. The book stores are generating decent sales off trades with Civil War and House of M in the titles, so they commission these mini-series and sell it to waiting Marvel Zombies in comic stores to underwrite the project and then make the money on the back end with trade sales.

ULTIMATE HULK ANNUAL #1 Written by JEPH LOEBPencils by MARKO DJURDJEVIC & ED MCGUINNESSCover by BRANDON PETERSONIt's the Ultimate Road Trip of the Year! The HULK and Zarda " a.k.a. Power Princess from the Squadron Supreme " team-up for the most wild cross-country smash-and-grab you can imagine! Guest-starring Captain America! 48 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

Lee: And, Power princess left the Supreme Powers universe why? So she could go to the Ultimates universe which is going to be canceled? Maybe she can join Earth-616 and with the Sentry to be direct rip offs of Superman & Wonder Woman.

Jim: I’m just happy that I have sworn off any Jeph Loeb written project. I may borrow these from the comic store so I can comment on them during a Cosmic Conversation, but otherwise all this looks like crap.

MARVEL SPOTLIGHT: ULTIMATUM Written by JOHN RHETT THOMASSpingboarding from the pages of ULTIMATES 3 and ULTIMATE POWER, Jeph Loeb and David Finch's ULTIMATUM is a six-part series that will change the Ultimate Universe in ways as definitively as the Marvel Universe's CIVIL WAR or the X-Men's MESSIAH COMPLEX. MARVEL SPOTLIGHT checks in with the series' principal creators and takes readers inside the universe that changed the rules for comics in the 21st century -- and figures out how those rules are going to be rewritten! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Lee: This is just a preemptive complaint. Jeph Loeb who’s written that wonderful book Ultimates 3 is going to write a mega crossover in the Ultimates Universe. Here’s a question, where do old creators go to die? The Ulimtate Universe! Except for Claremont who gets every single alternate universe as his playground (Exiles!)

Jim: Well my complaint is who wants to spend $3 for the back matter that will be in the inevitable trade.

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #574 Written by MARC GUGGENHEIMPencils & Cover by BARRY KITSONWHATEVER HAPPENED TO FLASH THOMPSON? A powerful story taking Peter Parker’s former nemesis and Spider-Man’s biggest fan from the avenues of New York to the war torn Middle East along with his fellow brothers in the US Army.32 PGS./Rated A …$2.99

Lee: I’ve been very critical so far so how about a compliment. I think this is a good idea. Flash Thompson went to Vietnam. In terms of Marvel time line that doesn’t work anymore so they’re updating it to Iraq. And, in actuality, this is a good idea. I hope they do a good story with it.

Jim: This just sucks in my opinion. This all comes from the sliding time line theory Marvel has, that all there characters started ten years ago and then they make up continuity as they go along. This only works if you readership constantly turns over. Oh wait, that’s why Joe did that horrible One More Day crap to clean out all the older readers of ASM. Good job Joe.

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #1 Written by DAN SLOTTPencils & Cover by STEVE MCNIVENGet on the BRAND NEW DAY bandwagon with the new ongoing series, reprinting the thrice-monthly AMAZING SPIDER-MAN in chronological order! Prepare for what promises to be the most pulse-pounding piece of four-color fiction to be delivered unto the Mighty Marvel Minions in decades! You asked for more Spidey! You demanded it! And, by Buckley, you're gonna get it! After the devastatingly heartwarming events of ONE MORE DAY, Peter Parker puts the past behind him and sets forth on a BRAND NEW DAY! Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #546-547.56 PGS./Rated A …$4.99

Lee: I don’t understand the flood-the-market mentality. This collects two issues of Spiderman that were printed less than a year ago? Marvel couldn’t think of anything better to publish? AND it’s a new on going series so there won’t be a week without Spiderman on the shelf.

Jim: Wow this is amazing (pun intended). One issue at $3, combine 2 issues at a time at $5 and then do what six issue trades for $15 and six issue hardcover at $20. I’m sure some idiots will by all the formats, but who is this format targeted for? As for flodding the market it is an old tactic used by many companies. Look how many different types of orange juices Tropicana has in the super market.

ETERNALS #5 Zombie Variant by ERIC NGUYEN

DAREDEVIL #112 Zombie Variant by TRAVEL FOREMAN

INCREDIBLE HERCULES #122 Zombie Variant by TBA

SKAAR: SON OF HULK #4 Zombie Variant by CARLO PAGULAYAN

WOLVERINE: ORIGINS #29 Zombie Variant by MIKE DEODATO

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #18 Zombie Variant by TBA

Lee: Because we don’t have enough skrull variant covers Marvel has decided to publish a couple more zombie covers. GREAT IDEA!

Jim: Don’t forget about all the Ape variants. I have never understood how the variant cover market got going again and it seems to be doing well. To me it is just more of draining the last dollar out of the same market. If you collect variant covers are you hoping for big bucks on the resale market or are you just hiding them in a long white cardboard box? Note no images of the variants were found at the time of this publishing.

MARVEL 1985 #6 (of 6) Written by MARK MILLARPencils & Cover by TOMMY LEE EDWARDSAt last--the heroes are here! The biggest, most powerful Marvel Super Heroes throw down in final conflict against the cruelest, most evil Marvel Super-Villains, with the fate of the real world in their hands. For young Toby Goodman, will this be a chance to see his comic book dreams come true? Or will he arrive too late to save his father? And--who is Clyde Wyncham…and more importantly, who does he become, and what role will he come to play in the Marvel Universe of today? 32 PGS./Cardstock Cover/Rated T+ …$3.99

Lee: So, if I read this correctly, this miniseries, which is really an elseworld is going to introduce Clyde Wyncham. Who may or may not have an impact upon the main Marvel U. I think my head is going to explode from all the incredible stupid ideas from Marvel this month.

Jim: Well that’s what you get when you let Mark Millar run amok in your house. Let me tell you about the time he house sat for us.....

MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #41 Written by PAUL TOBINArt by DAVID HAHNCover by CLAYTON HENRYVolunteering for some heavy-duty landscaping at the city zoo, the Thing and the Human Torch run across the zoo's top secret new exhibit: Devil Dinosaur! But the Fantastic Four soon find out that it isn't all fun and games to find a dinosaur at a zoo, and between the mystery of the zoo's recent plague of nighttime break-ins, and having the cosmically powered Collector show up to claim the dinosaur he won on an interstellar auction website, the price of admission to THIS particular zoo is a world of hurt. 32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

Lee: Well, time for another positive comment. I love Devil Dinosaur. I am so getting this and reading it with the kids. It’s got a giant fire engine red dinosaur in it. What’s not to like.

Jim: I’m glad to see the Marvel Adventure and Johnny DC lines seem to be doing okay. Glad to know the entry point for younger readers exists. Johnny DC seems to be for the youngest, Marvel Adventures is the next rung up the ladder.

MARVEL ZOMBIES 3 #1 (of 4) Written by FRED VAN LENTE Penciled by KEV WALKERCover by GREG LANDBoard up Avengers Tower! Lock down the Baxter Building! The ravenous hordes of Marvel Zombies are invading ... the Marvel Universe! That's right, the next chapter of the MZ saga is a non-stop in-continuity gorefest with major implications for at least one Marvel hero! When the super-undead stumble into the MU from the Man-Thing's Nexus of All Realities, all of Florida is quarantined against the zombie plague. Time is quickly running out for a cure, so the Initiative sends a most unlikely group of heroes into the Zombieverse on a desperate mission to find the one item they need before the whole MU is consumed! 32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

Lee: So Kirkman is at Image but Marvel Zombies continues on. I wish this would go away. I really, really do. But it won’t and now the Zombieverse is crossing into the main Marvel U. Just a fantastic idea. Really it is.

Jim: I agree. This is the type of thinking that has made my Marvel list shrink and shrink. I have quite a few weeks where I will only get 3 or 4 Marvel titles.

MOON KNIGHT #23 Written by MIKE BENSON Penciled by MARK TEXEIRA Cover by ARTHUR SUYDAM “THE DEATH OF MARC SPECTOR,” PART 3Norman Osborn and the Thunderbolts have been tapped to bring in the fugitive Moon Knight -- by all means necessary -- and so far they’ve been left empty-handed. But Norman’s got a foolproof plan to flush out his prey. He’s got the numbers and the element of surprise, but what he doesn’t know is that Moon Knight is not alone.32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$2.99

Lee: Worst cover of the month! Does Suydam know how to draw a head AND a mouth? The editor that accepted this should take a vacation because this is bad.

Jim: It’s called artistic license. It is actually pretty funny.

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #18 Written by DAN SLOTT & CHRISTOS N. GAGEPenciled by STEFANO CASELLICover by MARK BROOKSZombie Variant by TBA Now that the KILL KREW knows Skrullowjacket's master plan, can they stop the TRUE purpose of the Fifty State Initiative? Plus: It's THOR GIRL vs. ULTRA GIRL! 32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Lee: OOOHHH, an early contestant for the “Embarrassed to be a Fanboy’ cover. A human Thor Girl with “floaters” and a skrull Thor Girl with even bigger “floaters”. It’s two-fer-one in this short lived series.

Jim: My problem is that I could care less about these characters. I don’t know what it is with Marvel, but I really don’t care about their characters anymore. Plus why would I want to spend $3 on this instead of Sparks, Proof, Echo or some other really well done indie book.

SHE-HULK #34 Written by PETER DAVIDPenciled by GG STUDIO’SVINCENZO CUCCACover by MIKE DEODATO JR.From the pages of HULK, the Lady Liberators arrive to launch a new story arc! She-Hulk has been capturing the bad-guys as a bounty hunter…but is that enough for our conflicted hero? Time to kick things up a notch" and that means calling in Valkyrie, Thundra and the Invisible Woman to dispense some hard justice as the Lady Liberators! The red-hot team of Peter David and GG Studio’s Vincenzo Cucca continue to shake things up in a major way for everyone’s favorite green glamazon " and her next big journey starts here!32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Lee: It started out as such a good cover and then you notice that Invisible Woman is pointing her toe like a super model. So all the other ladies can stand their, flexing, looking like the powerful women they are while IW gets to “tee-hee” strike a pose. Deodato is so much better than this.

Jim: I just like that Peter David and an artist I never heard off are a “red hot” team.

UNCANNY X-MEN #503 Written by MATT FRACTION Pencils & Cover by GREG LANDWho will save the X-Men from the Hellfire Cult? It’s not Wolverine. It’s not Cyclops. But it better be someone because they’re a minute from death. And who is that mysterious red-head?32 PGS./Rated T+ …$2.99

Lee: And our final contest for EtbF award is the X-men STACKED deck cover. The others are bad but this I think wins.

Jim: My problem is that Greg Land is almost a parody of an artist. I used to enjoy his work years ago, but now that I realize he apparently just traces half of everything and strikes the same poses all over the place he bores me. Plus I know many readers like Fraction, but I have not really enjoyed his work. It is pretty incredible that he is writing Uncanny on his own already.

SKRULLS VS. POWER PACK #4 (of 4) Written by FRED VAN LENTE Penciled by CORY HAMSCHERCover by GURIHIRU Power Pack is after it! Franklin Richards, H.E.R.B.I.E., and Smartship Friday are after it! The Skrull agents impersonating the Power kids are after it! Intergalactic bounty hunters Ambercombie and Finch are after it! And no one wants it worse than the fierce Skrull Warpriest Kho'ja, who possesses all the Pack's powers! What is it? Well, we're not going to tell you. This is just a solicitation. But it's the prize that lies at the heart of the PUZZLE PLANET!32 PGS./All Ages …$2.99

Lee: And, this is a great cover. A skrull tied to the hood of a pink Cadillac is just awesome. This cover tells me everything I need to know about this book. It tells me that skrulls are involved and that I will have fun while reading it. I like it.

Jim: Wow Lee liked something, there is a shocker.

The fun continues in Part 2. Yes this month it is a 2 part post as Lee continues to pick apart as well as just continue to pick and pick more books!