Category Archives: What’s I&N Store?

Here’s what we’re looking forward to this week.

What’s I&N Store (11/27)

26 Tuesday Nov 2013

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The calm before the store…

  • The Massive #17 (Dark Horse): Continues to be one of my favorites.  In #11, Callum Israel, the unyielding–and anachronistic–idealist, stares down an agent of the new reality: whaler, Bors Borgsen.  “Tomorrow [they] do go to war,” and I can’t wait.
  • Mind MGMT #17 (Dark Horse): How much did I love #16?  Let me count the ways: it was our #3 book of October.
Mind MGMT #17

Mind MGMT #17

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #28 (IDW): “City Fall” comes to an end–and so too, sadly, does Mateus Santolouco’s run as the artist.  Admission: I’ve enjoyed the arc a lot, more so than I expected to.  Not much of a Turtles fan, I jumped on board because of Santolouco’s art; thing is, I just may stick around even after this one.  Never would’ve guessed that in a million years.
TMNT #28

TMNT #28

  • Bedlam #10 (Image): I’ve gone a long while with this one without feeling a connection to a single character.  I should just drop the damn thing and be done with it once and for all.  (Instead, I kinda feel like I’m the one being dropped–not unlike the fella falling to the pavement on the cover of #9.)   Big words from someone who’s not standing in a comic shop filled with shiny new books–books that seem to know that I have the constitution of an secondhand accordion.
  • Black Science #1 (Image): I’m not too sure if I’m going to bother with this.  I know, I know: it’s an Image #1, and that usually means it’s gonna end up in my bag.  But I’m carrying a pretty significant grudge: I’m not going to mince words: I hate what Rick Remender did with Captain America in the NOW!  I couldn’t read past #3.  I came back, mind you, once Remender pulled Cap out of Dimension Z.  Still, everything was wrong–so terribly wrong.  Traitorously wrong.  The only reason I might even try this one is because sometimes writers I haven’t liked very much on established characters shine while developing their own.  Yeah, that’s my science.
  • Pretty Deadly #2 (Image):  Expectations are pretty darned low after a muddled and all-too-familiar first issue.  I’m going to be fair, though, and give it a flip through.  Sometimes a series needs that second or third issue to take off and find its own space.  I usually extend that courtesy to creators I like or characters I like; that’s not the case here, however.  Maybe it’s because I’ve developed a weak spot for westerns of late.  We’ll see.
  • Rat Queens #3 (Image): The book’s got a bit of a Saga vibe, doesn’t it?  Didn’t notice it so much in #1; but in #2, it’s pretty obvious–especially in the strong final note. “Buckets” of fun!  I mean, it’s not nearly as refined, as deliberate; it’s exuberant prose, where Saga‘s poetry.  Here we go: it’s as if Wiebe’s throwing all at the wall and is keeping everything that sticks and–aw, why the hell not?–everything that doesn’t.  Despite its checkered execution, there’s plenty to like.  Queen me!
Rat Queens #3

Rat Queens #3

  • Saga #16 (Image): “Perfect, gumdrop.”  And that’s all ye need to know.
Saga #16

Saga #16

  • Sidekick #4 (Image): All that work–and for what?  Talk about the St. Louis blues!  Flyboy’s gotta be sidekicking himself!  Heh.  Mostly a solid issue.  Certainly worth another shot.
  • All-New X-Men #19 (Marvel): #18 was better than I expected it to be.  Could do without the new unis, though.  Brought me back–appropriately, I suspect–to my initial reaction to the awful uniforms donned by the very same bunch upon their “dramatic return” in X-Factor #1 (1986).
  • Hawkeye #14 (Marvel): I loved #13.  In fact, it was this close to making our Top 5 for October.  It’s Matt Fraction at his heroic best.  Doesn’t hurt that he’s got David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth affirming it all with their artistic version of the truth.  Fraction may be hitting the haystack with Sex Criminals; here, however, he’s center bull.
  • Letter 44 #2 (Oni Press): I said my peace–fighting words for some–about #1 over on our Top 5 for October.  Thing is, it wasn’t a part of the Top 5–it was our Biggest Dis.  Despite the dis–a pretty friendly one, if I’m being honest–I’m hoping that something significant happens here.  If Soule drags out the reveal of the aliens, I’m off–unless President Blades shines again.  Then I may stick around for another.  Accordion, indeed.
Letter 44 #2

Letter 44 #2

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (11/20)

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

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Something for everyone!

  • Brain Boy #3 (Dark Horse): Kind of glad it’s over.  Of late, I’ve been high on anything Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong, The Mocking Dead), but this has been rather underwhelming.  The art from R.B. Silva, however, has been brain blowing!
  • Buzzkill #3 (Dark Horse): A sniper of a first issue, followed up by an even sharper second shot.  Here’s to hopin’ Cates et al don’t kill the buzz–cuz we know what happens all too often to minis that rely on clever premises: Can you say Colder?  How ’bout Dream Thief?
  • Batman and Two-Face #25 (DC): #24 started off a little rough for me.  Then came the moment Dent became Two-Face.  Wow.  Peter J. Tomasi’s got a knack–a Knight knack not seen in the big Batbook.  He and his book deserve more credit and attention for what he and it are accomplishing here in the rather unforgiving confines of the New 52.
Batman and Two-Face #25

Batman and Two-Face #25

  • Harley Quinn #0 (DC): I love Harley.  Not so sure I’m going to love this.  Will too many artists spoil the birth of this series?  We’ll see.  Heh.
  • The Wake #5 (DC/Vertigo): Wake me when it’s over.
  • A Voice in the Dark #1 (Image): I’m not familiar with Larime Taylor, but I am intrigued by the premise.  Oh, and it’s an Image #1, so…  Not that that’s any sort of guarantee: see Umbral.  Ugh.
  • Clone #12 (Image): #11 was, perhaps, the best issue yet.  It’s a high energy read that’s expertly crafted: from the ridiculously detailed art to the danger drummed up in the dialogue.  An absolute clinic in the power of the page turn.
Clone #11

Clone #12

  • Sex Criminals #3 (Image): Expect another Fraction-packed issue!  Fantasizing: in the end, will this series prove to be no more than an experiment in creative masturbation, or will it all come together into something far more satisfying?  Either way, I’m open for to another session.
  • Sheltered #5 (Image): Doggone it!  Now, that’s the way to end a comic book!  With #4, Ed Brisson bared his teeth and the series’ soul.  Sure, there’s long-term concern; but in the short term, this hard-hitter comes with high expectations.
  • Zero #3 (Image): Ales Kot has found his playground.  #2 was brilliant.  There is a 0% chance of my missing this one.
Zero #3

Zero #3

  • Daredevil #33 (Marvel): A monster #32 was overshadowed by the horrifying news of the imminent demise of this remarkable run of Daredevil.  I’m not sure that I’m down with the daring jump to digital only.  Makes me super sad, especially since it’s this run–starting with #1–that brought me back to comics after too many years away.  Who knew they’d be wrapping it up so soon?
Daredevil #33

Daredevil #33

  • Uncanny X-Men #14 (Marvel): I long to be an ex-X-reader.  Seriously.  In fact, I really thought Battle of the Atom would be enough to drive me away for good.  Thing is, I’m buying into Bendis’s Cyclops.  And Bachalo’s awesome.  Oh, and…
  • X-Men #7 (Marvel): After a terrible #6 (a BotA tie-in, of course), I swore up and down that I was out.  But Brian Wood’s so good–well, at writing comics, anyway.
  • Eternal Warrior #3 (Valiant): So far, so good.  Greg Pak is keeping my interest by keeping things above sword.
  • Imagine Agents #2 (BOOM!): I haven’t read #1 yet.  Gonna grab this, you know, just in case.  Heck: Derek liked it!  Usually, that’s good enough for me!
  • Rachel Rising #21 (Abstract Studio): #20 was filled with Moore amazing moments–a masterful mix of horror and humor.  Loved the first two pages with the serpentine smoke, snaking from panel to panel.  Speaking of snakes…
Rachel Rising #20

Rachel Rising #21

  • X-O Manowar #19 (Valiant): Has really taken off of late.  Ironic, eh?  You know, because they’ve finally returned to Earth and…  Oh, you know.
  • Afterlife with Archie #2 (Archie): You know you loved #1.  And if you didn’t, it’s only because you didn’t read it.  Great storytelling from Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla.  That’s right: get you some Archie!

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (11/6)

05 Tuesday Nov 2013

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  • Hinterkind #2 (DC/Vertigo): I’ve heard most of the notes before.  Hoping the composition’s more complex–starting with this measure.  If it ain’t, I’m out.
  • Superman Unchained #4 (DC): No longer sure what this is supposed to be, especially since it’s been established that this maxi-hyped title is now a mini-series.  No.  You know what?  I know what this was supposed to be–what it is: it’s a marketing scheme gone awry.  Scott Snyder has offered enough premise-wise to nudge me toward good buy; but Jim Lee’s typical pin-up-per-panel letdown has led me to good-bye.
  • Trillium #4 (DC/Vertigo): Jeff Lemire made some interesting–and by interesting, I mean questionable–choices in #3.  No matter: the first two were masterful.
Trillium #4

Trillium #4

  • Alex + Ada #1 (Image): I’m not familiar with the creators, but it is an Image #1, so…
  • Fatale #18 (Image): Still one of the best books around.  I wonder, however, if the book will be affected negatively now that Ed Brubaker’s doing double duty with Velvet.
Fatale #18

Fatale #18

  • East of West #7 (Image): As of #6, I’m completely sold on this.
  • Ten Grand #5 (Image): J. Michael Straczynski and Ben Templesmith have put together a book worth every penny.  I hope it doesn’t lose value now that there’s a new artist on board.  C.P. Smith’s got some big panels to fill.
Ten Grand #5

Ten Grand #5

  • Department of Monsterology #2 (Renegade): P.J. Holden, the artist on the recently wrapped up Numbercruncher, is the draw here.  I missed #1, but I’ve been given some assurances that I won’t be without it for too long.
  • God Is Dead #3 (Avatar): This is as much Hickman’s playground as the Earth is the gods’. It’s not as polished–nor as engaging–as TMP or East of West, but there’s something about it–maybe a hint of Jenkins’ Deathmatch, but with sadistic supernaturals–that’s keeping me around.
  • Uber #7 (Avatar): Gillen’s shining on this series.  He hasn’t missed a beat even as he’s gotten more Pacific.
  • Hit #3 (BOOM!): Retro done right.  The voice is authentic and gritty thanks to Bryce Carlson and Vanesa Del Rey.
Hit #3

Hit #3

  • Quantum and Woody #5 (Valiant): Fun!  In fact, survived the Valiant purge because of its rollicking irreverence.  (Can’t say the same about Bloodshot, which got cut because of its very sudden irrelevance.)
  • Shadowman #12 (Valiant): How’s this for a change: Ales Kot’s casting an issue’s worth of shadow, keeping the writer’s seat warm for the new Shadow man, Peter Milligan, who’s on board with #13.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/30)

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

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Your eyes are not deceiving you.

  • The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #5 (Dark Horse): I’ve enjoyed the series so far.  I’m not exactly sure why.  Hey!  Maybe that’s why!
  • Sandman: Overture #1 (DC/Vertigo): Neil Gaiman on words and J.H. Williams on images: a dream match-up.  If you’re not excited about this, there’s something wrong with you.  Or maybe you’re too young to have a clue.
Sandman: Overture #1

Sandman: Overture #1

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #27 (IDW): Took me ’til my forties to take to the Turtles.  A big reason: Mateus Santolouco’s martial art.  Not sure, however, if I’ll keep on after “City Fall,” however.
  • Wild Blue Yonder #3 (IDW): We loved #1 and #2!  Seems a pretty safe bet we’ll love this one, too.  Zach Howard’s art alone is worth the price of admission.
Wild Blue Yonder #3

Wild Blue Yonder #3

  • Saga #15 (Image): So many smart touches in #14.  So many, in fact, that we celebrated it as our #2 book of September.  One thing we know about this issue: it’s kicking off with a full tank of gas.
  • X-Men: Battle of the Atom #2 (Marvel): Somewhere, my future self is shaking my future head.  Sorry–in advance.
  • The Fox #1 (Archie/Red Circle): If you’re keeping track, then you know that this’ll be my second–that’s right: second–Archie Comics purchase in the past month.  With names like Mark Waid and Dean Haspiel attached to this one, I’d be a fool to pass it up.
The Fox #1

The Fox #1

 

Yup, that’s it!  And, you know what?  Thank God.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/23)

22 Tuesday Oct 2013

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A list notable for what’s not on it as much as for what is on it.

  • Kiss Me Satan #2 (Dark Horse): Highlight of #1: Juan Ferreyra’s gorgeous art.  Made me not care so much that I was reading a werewolf book.
  • The Massive #16 (Dark Horse): A new arc for Brian Wood’s understated masterpiece.  Now is as good a time as any to jump on board.
  • Mind MGMT #16 (Dark Horse): Met Matt Kindt at NYCC.  I didn’t bring much to my side of the conversation; I was too starstruck.  Acted pretty much the same way I did when I met Bret Easton Ellis.  Stupid me!  Not very different from the poetic voice from Lawrence’s “Snake”: “I missed my chance with one of the lords of [comics].”  I ain’t missing this, though: Mind MGMT is a top-of-the-pile book.  These self-contained issues have been really, really good.
Mind MGMT #16

Mind MGMT #16

  • Clone #11 (Image): All right, let’s get on with it!  A frivolous book, sure, but satisfying on the most basic of levels.
  • Pretty Deadly #1 (Image): Girls!  Girls!  Girls!  Love the punny title; but, come on: another western?  You’re killin’ me, ladies!  The others–including The Sixth Gun, Six-Gun Gorilla, East of West–are darned good; so there’s no reason to think that this one won’t be, as well–is there?
Pretty Deadly #1

Pretty Deadly #1

  • Rat Queens #2 (Image): I was pleasantly surprised by #1.  What does that mean for #2?  Expectations.
  • Satellite Sam #4 (Image): Fraction and Chaykin are hella heavenly over here.  If I’m being nit-picky, in #3, the former climbed the latter a little too high at times.  There’s power in implication, fellas!  Even still, I’m high on this.
  • Sex Criminals #2 (Image): More Fraction!  He promised quite a bit in the first issue, including a certain literary lineage.  Question: How Lo can he go?
  • Velvet #1 (Image): Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting are back in one of the industry’s most highly anticipated new titles.  I know I’m excited about it!  Interesting note: I’m going to have a book in mind before jumping in, but it’s not Brubaker’s own Fatale; it’s not even this team’s work on Captain America; it’s Rucka and Lark’s Lazarus.
Velvet #1

Velvet #1

  • Daredevil #32 (Marvel): #31 was a serious wipeout–especially after a gnarly #30.  Went from ripping in the green room with the Silver Surfer to getting caught in a political rip current.  Gosh, I hope I don’t get accused of a hate crime.
  • Death Sentence #2 (Titan): Montynero’s got a snarky, rock ‘n roll style that reminds of Californication.  Like Mike Dowling’s art a lot, too.
  • Numbercruncher #4 (Titan): Doesn’t matter what kind of math you use: this mini’s been a monster!  Loving every aspect of it.  In fact, we loved #3 so much that it made our Top 5 for September!  Sad to see it go–and not just because the series has been so good.  We’re losing part of our monthly communion with Simon Spurrier.  Oh my!  What are we going to do after Six-Gun Gorilla fires its last shot?
Numbercruncher #4

Numbercruncher #4

  • Harbinger #17 (Valiant): The last one ended well enough.  I suppose I’m looking forward to seeing how things turn out.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/16)

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

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Still riding a post-Comic Con high.  You know what that means: I’ll be looking to buy, buy, buy!

  • Brain Boy #2 (Dark Horse): Underwhelming initial effort on Fred Van Lente’s part.  Hard to live up to the standard he’s set for himself with the Grade A Archer & Armstrong and the hilarious The Mocking Dead.  R.B. Silva’s art, however, is stunning.
  • Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse): Liked #1 more than I expected to.  Surprised me not unlike the way BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla #1 did.  No, I’m not saying I expect it to be as good on as many levels as SGG; it’s clearly not that kind of book.  But expectations have been raised.  Let’s hope it doesn’t fizzle out like Dark Horse’s Colder and Dream Thief.
Buzzkill #2

Buzzkill #2

  • Animal Man #24 (DC): OK, now they’re getting serious: American Vampire‘s Rafael Albuquerque has taken over art duties.  Let’s see if this is the change Jeff Lemire needed to set this ship aright.
  • Batman and Two-Face #24 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit than they’ve received for the work they’ve been doing over here.  Anyone not under a spell should be able to tell: this is the best Batman book going.  Don’t take my word for it; pick it up and find out for yourself.  This issue kicks off a new arc, so jump on board now and find out what all of the buzz should be about.
Batman and Two-Face #24

Batman and Two-Face #24

  • Batman/Superman #4 (DC): So far, so good.  Greg Pak’s making sense despite treading in Morrison-like territory, and Jae Lee’s work is beautiful, as always.
  • Batwoman #24 (DC): Battle of the Bat-Sexes.  Sad to know we’re coming up on the end of what’s been a tremendous run with this character.
  • Wonder Woman #24 (DC): “Strange new era of Wonder Woman“?  OK.  Why not?
  • Nowhere Men #6 (Image): From out of nowhere comes the sixth issue of one of our favorite series.  I may have to break into the box and ground myself before taking off with this.
Nowhere Men #6

Nowhere Men #6

  • Sheltered #4 (Image): #3 showed some cracks.  I’m concerned that Brisson’s going to break down like he did during his Comeback.
  • Zero #2 (Image): Ales Kot proved he’s still got it with his opening salvo.  Easily wiped the terrible stain of his awkward run on Suicide Squad from my brain.
Zero #2

Zero #2

  • Hawkeye #13 (Marvel): Fraction’s back on his home turf.  He’s shown, however, that he’s comfortable just about anywhere nowadays, as evidenced by the sensational Satellite Sam and the arresting Sex Criminals.
  • Uncanny X-Men #13 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom will undoubtedly end with a considerable amount of collateral damage–including all of the X-books that have been tied to the debacle that has been Battle of the Atom.  Yes, this may very well be the push I need to get off of the X-[insert conveyance here].
  • Bloodshot #15 (Valiant): Definitely on the chopping block. See: I haven’t cared too much for Bloodshot since we said goodbye to Gamma.  I’ll give it this one to grab me good.  If it doesn’t, then it’s goodbye.
  • X-O Manowar #18 (Valiant): Not long ago, I almost quit on X-O.  Glad I didn’t.
  • Extinction Parade #3 (Avatar): My wife likes it more than I do.
  • Letter 44 #1 (Oni Press): If you haven’t read the ubiquitous raves for Charles Soule’s latest offering, then you haven’t…well…read the…ubiquitous…raves for Charles Soule’s latest offering.
Letter 44 #1

Letter 44 #1

  • The Sixth Gun #35 (Oni Press): As fun an ongoing as your bound to find.
  • Six-Gun Gorilla #5 (BOOM!): Ah, the best for last.  So far, we’re talking contender for Book of the Year.  Met Jeff Stokely at the NYCC, and–I don’t think he’d mind my saying–he promised that this one’s a wild ride.  I believe him.
Six-Gun Gorilla #5

Six-Gun Gorilla #5

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/9)

08 Tuesday Oct 2013

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Looks like I’m going to go hungry this week.  Yowza!

  • Astro City #5 (DC/Vertigo): A city I would visit over and over again.  On faith–on belief in Busiek: I know, on each trip, I’ll see something fresh and ultimately fulfilling.
Astro City #5

Astro City #5

  • Batman #24 (DC): $6.99?  Really?  Oh, I’m gonna buy it all right.  Doesn’t mean I have to like it: the experience of buying the book–or the book itself.  OK, you got me: you know I’m going to bring it to Comic Con and I’m going to ask Scott Snyder to sign it.  See that, Mr. Snyder?  Keep an eye out for me–the guy in the I&N t-shirt!
  • Coffin Hill #1(DC/Vertigo): I’m gonna Vertigo for it!  Might prove to be a bit too teenybopper for me in the end, but I won’t know unless I try it, right?  Looks pretty enough.
Coffin Hill #1

Coffin Hill #1

  • Suicide Squad #24 (DC): Let’s hope that Matt Kindt’s not committing career suicide by spreading himself too thin.  While Kot flopped hard here, I do not expect the same fate for the latest Suicide scribe.  Can’t wait to see how his signature narrative style fits this motley crew.
  • Ghosted #4 (Image): I’ve got to start cleaving away some titles.  This one’s on the cleaving block.  If I’m not genuinely jolted by Ghosted this go-round, I’m gone.
  • The Manhattan Projects #15 (Image): A crazed Oppenheimer makes me Oppenhappy!
  • Sidekick #3 (Image): #2 offered up some nice development of Flashbackboy–I mean, Flyboy.  I’m hoping to see this thing take off.  Honestly.
  • Three #1 (Image): Only need one reason to pick this up: Kieron Gillen, who’s doing an Axisellent job over on Uber.
Three #1

Three #1

  • Captain America #12 (Marvel): Gonna nuke it if it ain’t any good.  Remender doesn’t deserve a leash of any length–especially after the all-too-recent Captain America disZola.
  • X-Men #6 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom may never end.  Sure, there’s a checklist, which promises an end to the awful, awful nonsense; but I’m willing to bet it’s a lie.  Feels that way, anyway.  Ugh.
  • Archer & Armstrong #14 (Valiant): Mind the Gap has its Fifth.  Archer & Armstrong is our Sixth.  Every friggin’ month, this terrific title falls one slot out of our Top Five.  It’s almost unexplainable!
  • Eternal Warrior #2 (Valiant): A solid first issue from Greg Pak and Trevor Hairsine made this an easy choice.
  • Rachel Rising #20 (Abstract Studios): Gov. Christie-inspired plainspeak: If you’re not reading Terry Moore’s Rachel Rising, you’re an idiot.
Rachel Rising #20

Rachel Rising #20

  • Death Sentence #1 (Titan): Looks interesting enough.  I’m sold mostly by the fact that Titan has delivered one of our favorites: the mathematically impossible Numbercruncher.
  • Deathmatch #10 (BOOM!): #9 was yet another high point for Paul Jenkins and Carlos Magno.  Wondering where this is going to go–if it’s going to go–once the final battler is fought.
  • Watson and Holmes #4 (New Paradigm): A Derekommendation worth running with!
  • Afterlife With Archie #1 (Archie): Got some press and my attention–mostly because of the artist attached to it: Francesco Francavilla.
Afterlife With Archie #1

Afterlife With Archie #1

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/2)

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

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Kickin’ off Comictober commodiously:

  • Occultist #1 (Dark Horse): Even though I’m off Revival as of #14, I don’t see why I shouldn’t give Seeley and Norton another shot.
  • Hinterland #1 (DC/Vertigo): Now this has the hook and the look of a Vertigo book.
Hinterland #1

Hinterland #1

  • Trillium #3 (DC/Vertigo): Lemire set a high bar for himself with a remarkable #1; and wouldn’t you know it took the slacker a whole month to clear it!  That’s right: I thought #2 was even better than the now-famous flip book!  So, if I’m doing the math correctly, this one’s going to blow my mind!  And earn a bunch more exclamation points, too!
  • Bedlam #9 (Image): Unless this one leaves me feeling the way I feel after reading a top-tier book, I’m done.  No sense in hanging on anymore.
  • Lazarus #4 (Image): #3 was our #1 book for August, so you know I’m looking forward to this.  As engaging a series as you’re going to find.
Lazarus #4

Lazarus #4

  • Mara #6 (Image): Been waiting for this one for what feels like forever.  Here’s what I thought of the brilliant #5.
  • Mind the Gap #15 (Image): For the last two issues, McCann, Esquejo, and McDaid have been the comic book equivalent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash.  Masterfully layered with a twist of sublime.
  • All-New X-Men #17 (Marvel): The real battle is between my OCD and my better judgment.
  • Captain America: Living Legend #1 (Marvel): Andy Diggle hasn’t impressed me very much, but I’m going to buy this darned thing anyway.  Aaaaargh!  I’m absolutely desperate for a good Cap story.  Give it to me, man!
Captain America: Living Legend #1

Captain America: Living Legend #1

  • Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 (Marvel): Yet another panel of the counterpane Matt Kindt has tossed over top the industry.  Maybe–just maybe–we’ll get a good Spidey story out of the deal.
  • Codename Action #2 (Dynamite): Oh, why not?  Guess that makes me Codename Sucker.
  • The Mocking Dead #2 (Dynamite): Flesh-eating fun!  Look out, folks: no one is safe from Fred Van Lente and his biting writing!  He’s more dangerous than the undead!
The Mocking Dead #2

The Mocking Dead #2

  • Quantum and Woody #4 (Valiant): Just when I thought I was going to drop my first Valiant title, Jason Asmus and Tom Fowler hit a high note with the E.R.A.  That’s right: stupid just got clever–and just in time!  It’s got my vote!
  • Shadowman #11 (Valiant): I’m always a bit wary of a holiday special–especially a Halloween special; screams “filler issue,” dunniit?  Now that‘s scary!
  • God Is Dead #2 (Avatar): Certainly can’t say this one’s on par with The Manhattan Projects or East of West–not after one issue, anyway; that wouldn’t be fair, would it?  Well, if I can’t say it after #2, then this book, I swear to God, is dead to me.
  • Uber #6 (Avatar): Kieron Gillen is killin’ it–and everything else!  Hey, it’s OK: it’s an Avatar book.  Seriously, though: this has been very good–much better than I expected it to be.
Uber #6

Uber #6

  • Hit #2 (BOOM!): Expected baseball analogy: after one at-bat, Bryce Carlson and crew are batting 1.000.  Recalling the end of #1: this time around, let’s see how they handle the curve ball.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (9/25)

25 Wednesday Sep 2013

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What a way to end the month!

  • Mind MGMT #15 (Dark Horse): Kindt’s got his fingers in my brain!  He’s got his fingers in my brain!
Mind MGMT #15

Mind MGMT #15

  • The Wake #4 (DC/Vertigo): #3 was signature Snyder; so, yeah, I’m looking forward to this one.
  • Wonder Woman 23.2 (DC): I’ve avoided all of the villain nonsense–until now.  Hey, there’s a first–First Born, in this case–for everything.
Wonder Woman 23.2

Wonder Woman #23.2

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26 (IDW): “City Fall” has been one shell of a surprise!  Didn’t really expect it to be anything more than just a monthly Mateus Santolouco fix.  But it’s been more–a lot more.
  • East of West #6 (Image): Forging ahead…
  • Fatale #17 (Image): Last issue was very, very good.  No one does noirror--did I just coin that?—like Brubaker and Phillips.
Fatale #17

Fatale #17

  • Rat Queens #1(Image): I missed the Peter Panzerfaust bandwagon.  I’m not going to miss this one–Kurtis Wiebe’s latest–because that’d be stupid.
Rat Queens #1

Rat Queens #1

  • Revival #14 (Image): Hoping we get somewhere soon; otherwise, I’m off.
  • Saga #14 (Image): Everybody’s still going gaga over Saga–and for good reason.
  • Sex Criminals #1 (Image): Fraction is making some serious love over on Satellite Sam.  The orgy continues here…
Sex Criminals #1

Sex Criminals #1

  • Ultimate Spider-Man #27 (Marvel): Headed toward its ultimate end.  The way it’s been going, probably not such a terrible thing.
  • Red Team #5 (Dynamite): A strong #4 proves Ennis is in it to kill it–kinda like this:
Red Team #5

Red Team #5

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (9/18)

18 Wednesday Sep 2013

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Here’s the game plan for this week:

  • Buzzkill #1 (Dark Horse): Looks like it could be a guilty pleasure: an booze-fueled hero looks to sober up–much to the delight of the local baddies.  Drink up!
Buzzkill #1

Buzzkill #1

  • Dream Thief #5 (Dark Horse): The series started off really well but fell apart pretty quickly.  Not really sad to see it go.
  • Justice League 23.3 (DC): Haven’t touched any of villain-oriented books, but this one’s special.  China Mieville and page after page of top-notch artists–including one of our favorites, Mateus Santolouco–turn back the dial, no, not to H, but to E.
Justice League #23.3

Justice League #23.3

  • Mind the Gap #14 (Image): Last issue was pretty great.  I gushed about it here.
  • Zero #1 (Image): I’m rooting for Ales Kot.  Big time. 
Zero #1

Zero #1

  • Daredevil #31 (Marvel): Waid and Samnee made me like the Silver Surfer, if only for an issue.  Now, it’s Jester time.  Yeah, there’s a court joke in there somewhere.
  • Uncanny X-Men #12 (Marvel): #11 was an unexpected treat!  Irving’s art was stunning and Bendis finally hit the right notes with Cyclops.  Unfortunately, it’s Battle of the Atom time.
  • Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14 (Valiant): Two new teams for Bloodshot!  H.A.R.D. Corps, sure; but there’s also a new writing team: Christos Gage and Joshua Dysart.  Are you ready for this?
  • Harbinger #16 (Valiant): How are they going top that killer ending?
  • Numbercruncher #3 (Titan): Crunch this!
Numbercruncher #3

Numbercruncher #3

  • X-O Manowar #17 (Valiant): Good enough to forge ahead.
  • Six-Gun Gorilla #4 (BOOM!): Through three, this may be the second best mini of the year, behind only the brilliant Mr. X: Eviction. Boy, I really hope Spurrier’s got three more in him.  The countdown to classic begins here.
Six-Gun Gorilla #4

Six-Gun Gorilla #4

  • The Sixth Gun #34 (Oni Press): Yet another issue to place atop The Sixth Stack.  That’s right: I’m still waiting on Vol. 5, which, apparently is available.  Gotta get on that.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott