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Tag Archives: Alberto Ponticelli

I&N Scott’s Bag (9/18)

29 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, Ales Kot, Barry Kitson, Battle of the Atom, Bloodshot, Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, Buzzkill, China Mieville, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Christos Gage, comic books, comics, Daniel Quinn, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Donny Cates, Dream Thief, Emanuela Lupacchino, Frazer Irving, Geoff Shaw, Greg Smallwood, Harbinger, Image, Ishmael, Jai Nitz, James Thurber, Javier Rodriguez, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Stokely, Jim McCann, Jordie Bellaire, Joshua Dysart, Juan Ferreyra, Justice League, Justice League: Dial E, Kiss Me Satan, Lee Garbett, Mark Reznicek, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mateus Santolouco, Michael Walsh, Mind the Gap, Moose Baumann, Numbercruncher, P.J. Holden, Robert Venditti, Simon Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Titan, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, Victor Gischler, zero

  • Mind the Gap #14 (The penultimate issue of Act I follows the same formula as #13: it’s another harmonious dual narrative visualized to perfection by artists Rodin Esquejo and Dan McDaid. The flashback is particularly fantastic: McDaid’s art is beautiful and emotionally effective–especially the wordless nine-panel page, which transitions terrifically on the turn from three cross-marked graves in the past to three cups of coffee in the present. No matter the time period, Jim McCann’s in complete control of the complex storyline; in fact, he’s given birth to the equivalent of a classy lady, this gorgeous Mind the Gap: it’s sexy, sure, enough to lure you in; but it doesn’t give away all its secrets; it knows it’s the mystery that brings ’em back for more.)
Mind the Gap #14

Mind the Gap #14

  • Six-Gun Gorilla #4 (We’re almost to the point where words are no longer enough to describe this soon-to-be classic from Simon Spurrier and Jeff Stokely. These guys are putting on an absolute clinic! Consider: we’ve swung from Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” in #3 to Quinn’s Ishmael here in #4, all while wearing a classic Western motif with an “unconventional twist”–and it’s all done so damn effortlessly.)
  • Numbercruncher #3 (Suddenly, Simon Spurrier’s vaulted to the top of the Must Read list. As good as Six-Gun Gorilla has been for four issues, this is as good a single issue as you’re gonna find; and Bastard Zane is as unique a voice as you’ll ever hear. Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. The artwork, too, is worth celebrating; it’s no accident: P.J. Holden and Jordie Bellaire amplify the conflict between the variables of life and the accounting for them in the after through the perfect balance of black & white and color. If you’ve missed this series, do yourself a favor: plan on picking up the trade.)
Numbercruncher #3

Numbercruncher #3

  • Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14 (Better than I expected it to be.)
  • Harbinger #16 (Harbinger meets The Matrix. Dysart’s playing mind games with the Renegades–and with us!)
  • Kiss Me Satan #1 (I’m not a big werewolf guy, but I liked this. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and Colder‘s Juan Ferreyra elevates Victor Gischler’s story enough to warrant a second issue.)
  • Uncanny X-Men #12 (The best issue of Battle of the Atom thus far. I know: that’s not saying much. A lot of the credit has to go to Chris Bachalo, who’s done his best work on the series here.)
Uncanny X-Men #12

Uncanny X-Men #12

  • Buzzkill #1 (Biggest surprise of the week. The promise of the premise is fulfilled over twenty-two intoxicating pages. Expectations have been raised like an upside-down college kid over a keg.)
  • Justice League: Dial E #23.3 (A brilliant way to say goodbye to a brilliant book: China Mieville dances with the dial and some seriously talented artists–including Mateus Santolouco, Jeff Lemire, Frazer Irving, and Alberto Ponticelli–for the last time? If so, what a dance, indeed.)
Justice League #23.3

Justice League #23.3

  • Zero #1 (This is the Ales Kot who drew me to Change, the one I was counting on to make something of Suicide Squad. Well, that certainly didn’t happen. Here, however, Kot shows some courage while going Gaza over the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and he makes great use of time and space. All told–or story-wise, some told , anyway–this book is good therapy: took just this one issue of Zero to get me to stop thinking about Suicide.)
  • Daredevil #31 (Ripped straight from the headlines and brought straight down upon our heads. Makes me long for the days of the Omega Drive.)
  • Dream Thief #5 (The series started off really well.  It was innovative in its design and was full of energy.  And then it just got, well, stupid.  Thank goodness it’s over.)
  • The Sixth Gun #34 (To the pile with ye!)
  • X-O Manowar #17 (Solid, as always. Aric, one of my favorite current comic characters, channels his father as he does his all-important king thing. But despite his super-powered armor, which he wears arrogantly and aggressively, he may prove powerless against Volo, the uppity upstart, who wields the power of–get this–a super market.)
X_O Manowar #17

X-O Manowar #17

Turning pages,

Scott

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I&N Scott’s Bag (8/7)

11 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Ben Templesmith, Brian Bolland, Brian Michael Bendis, Buck Rogers, China Mieville, Cullen Bunn, Dan Green, Daredevil: Dark Nights, David Lafuente, David Lapham, DC Comics, Dial H, Ed Brisson, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Helheim, HiFi, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, James Asmus, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, Johnnie Christmas, Jonathan Hickman, Jordie Bellaire, Justin Jordan, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Mateus Santoluoco, Matt Fraction, Neil Edwards, Nick Filardi, Nick Pitarra, Oni Press, Quantum and Woody, Roberto De La Torre, Satellite Sam, Sean Phillips, Sergio Cariello, Shadowman, Shari Chankhamma, Sheltered, Ten Grand, The Manhattan Projects, Tom Mandrake, Tome Fowler, Trillium, Valiant, Vertigo

Another Wednesday in NYC meant another trip to Midtown Comics–and another week of plucking top-shelf books from the middle of the Great Wall O’Comics.

  • Fatale #16 (Read it!  Solid, sure, but not as transcendent as it’s been.  No real missteps, just didn’t get the feeling I typically get during and after reading.  Hey: it’s bound to happen–especially with the titles that kill it from issue to issue.)
Fatale #16

Fatale #16

  • Dial H #15 (Read it!  A crazy, convoluted concoction–everything we’ve come to love about this misfit book!  Too bad it couldn’t really find its place in the DCU–or an audience.  We sure as heck did our best to promote it; but, alas, it wasn’t enough.  From the get-go, however, it was clear: Dial H wasn’t a terribly accessible title.  Thank you China Mieville, Alberto Ponticelli, Dan Green, Mateus Santolouco, Dave Lapham, and Brian Bolland for dialing me dizzy for fifteen fantastic issues.)
  • Buck Rogers #1 (Read it!  Howard Chaykin’s always worth a shot.  Here, though, probably just this one.  While it read well enough, it didn’t quite clear the bar, which is set pretty darned high–especially for outliers like this.  Hey: as much as I’d like to, I can’t read everything!)
  • Sheltered #2 (Read it!  A very strong follow up to a superb opening act.  Looks like Brisson might really have something here.)
Sheltered #2

Sheltered #2

  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (Read it!  Some impressive twists weighed down just a bit by some inevitable schmaltz, especially related to what’s been driving DD to complete his mission of mercy.)
  • Ten Grand #4 (Read it!  Glad I’ve stuck around.  I’ve found myself drawn to Joe and to how Joe’s been drawn–and colored–by the terrific Ben Templesmith.)
Ten Grand #4

Ten Grand #4

  • All-New X-Men #15 (Read it!  Once again, an issue that accomplishes very little.  Feels like we’re just killing time leading up to the big crossover event.  Has felt that way for a while, actually.)
  • Sidekick #1 (Read it!  I liked it more than I didn’t.  What kept me from loving it?  It’s the battle that rages amongst the pages: a battle for the ages between clever and cliche.  Kudos to DerekNerd for noticing that this reads like a Mark Millar book.  If you didn’t think of it before, I bet you’re noticing it now.)
  • The Manhattan Projects #13 (Read it!  Same old, same old.  And by that, I mean super good.  Hickman, Pitarra, and Bellaire never take a month off.  Oh, and how about that JFK?)
  • Helheim #6 (Read it!  Everything you’d expect from a Cullen Bunn book.  Pretty terrific final page, no?)
  • Shadowman #9 (Read it!  Another solid issue.)
Shadowman #9

Shadowman #9

  • Quantum and Woody #2 (Read it!  Really liked the beginning.  Asmus kicks off the second installment with a clever conversation–between Woody and me!–and some intelligent humor.  In fact, I was thinking top of the pile for the week.  However, it got a bit sophomoric–and jokingly homophobic–as the issue progressed.  I get it: it’s meant to amplify Woody’s immaturity; but I think, in the end, it detracted from the development of the story.)
  • Trillium #1 (Read it!  One word–for now anyway: finally.)
Trillium #1

Trillium #1

  • Satellite Sam #2 (Read it!  Issue #1 was one of my favorites for July, and there’s no let up here.  Fantastic follow up from Fraction and Chaykin.  So fabulously different from everything else.)

What a way to kick off the month!

What did you get in your bag?  Anything worth checking out?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (8/7)

06 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Ben Templesmith, Brian Michael Bendis, China Mieville, Christmas, Cullen Bunn, Daredevil: Dark Nights, DC Comics, Dial H, Ed Brisson, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Helheim, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, Jonathan, Justin Jordan, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Matt Fraction, Nick Pitarra, Oni Press, Quantum and Woody, Satellite Sam, Sean Phillips, Shadowman, Sheltered, Sidekick, Stuart Immonen, Ten Grand, The Manhattan Projects, Trillium, Valiant, Vertigo

The weekly feature that was once known as What’s Up? is now more shamelessly titled. The content, however, is as subjective as ever.

  • Dial H #15 (DC): Ladies and gentlemen, this is it: the finale of one of the finest series around. Just the thought of its missing from my monthly haul makes me want to curl up and dial.

    Dial H #15

    Dial H #15

  • Trillium #1 (DC/Vertigo): Jeff Lemire’s back where he belongs: doing double duty. Very excited for this. As much of a must buy as a book can be.
  • Fatale #16 (Image): Speaking of must buys: Brubaker and Phillips have been nothing short of brilliant.
  • The Manhattan Projects #13 (Image): Last issue didn’t close with a cliffhanger; nope: it ended with a chainsawer. So good, ever since, I’ve been imagining myself as a branch. Come get me, Einstein, you crazy motherphysicist!
  • Satellite Sam #2 (Image): #1 was a perfect opening act. I hope Fraction and Chaykin can keep it up here. And so does she…
Satellite Sam #2

Satellite Sam #2

  • Sheltered #2 (Image) Brisson did a heck of a job building up to the end of #1. Anything familiar about the premise was put to rest with a resounding “BANG” on the final page. And the snow was left stained with high expectations. Comeback didn’t carry on well after the first issue; I hope Brisson’s better here and going forward.
  • Ten Grand #4 (Image): JMS has won me over. Glad I stuck around.
  • Sidekick #1 (Image): It’s Ten Grand‘s sidekick, innit? Always willing to give JMS a shot.
Sidekick #1

Sidekick #1

  • All-New X-Men #15 (Marvel): Wow. Where have we really gotten after fourteen issues? This could be the longest leash I’ve ever allowed–and it’s all a matter of trust: trust in the characters and trust in Bendis. Something has to happen eventually, right?
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (Marvel): Loved #2. Lee Weeks is owning DD on both sides of the pen. Remarkable, really.
  • Helheim #6 (Oni Press): This is a book that has really come together after five issues. Cullen Bunn’s got a knack for this type of tale (see: The Sixth Gun); and, true to form, he’s unfolding this one well.
Helheim #6

Helheim #6

  • Quantum and Woody #2 (Valiant): The first issue was fun enough. Unfortunately, it’s up against an almost perfect in-house buddy book: Archer & Armstrong. How unfair is that?
  • Shadowman #9 (Valiant): Quietly, a really solid monthly.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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In Scott’s Bag (7/3)

05 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, Avatar, Batman Incorporated, Ben Templesmith, BOOM!, Canaan White, Carlos Magno, China Mieville, Chris Burnham, Dan Green, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Dark Horse, DC, Dean Motter, Deathmatch, Dial H, Emily and the Strangers, Grant Morrison, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Mister X: Eviction, Neil Edwards, Paul Jenkins, Roberto De La Torre, Satellite Sam, Shadowman, Ten Grand, Uber, Valiant

Stuck to the script: showed love to the list and said ciao to Green Arrow and Suicide Risk.

I’m getting better at good buys.

  • Deathmatch #7 (Read it!  As I mentioned: it’s no longer a guilty pleasure: it’s a solid book that borrows often–and well–to its own end.  Without being obnoxious about it, Jenkins reveals what he needs to and teases what he wants to.  Sounds easy, but it’s not.)
  • Dial H #14 (The end is closer and, as a result, much more real–especially now that we’re an issue away from hanging up on Mieville, Ponicelli, and Green for good.)
Dial H #14

Dial H #14

  • Shadowman#8 (Read it!  Pretty much an issue’s worth of set up.  Roberto De La Torre’s work–his deathly dark Deadside–is the highlight here.)
  • Ten Grand #3 (Hoping that this one’ll win me over.)
  • Satellite Sam #1 (Looks like a book that I should like, mostly because of Howard Chaykin’s terrific black and white work.  We’ll see.)
  • Emily and the Strangers #3 (Striking the final chord.)
Emily and the Strangers #3

Emily and the Strangers #3

  • Mister X: Eviction #3 (Quick flip: yeah, I think we have our book of the year.)
  • Batman Incorporated #12 (Read it!  No one can rush his way to the end like Grant Morrison.  He’s so damn good.)
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 (Read it!  Much better than I expected it to be.  Lee Weeks and Lee Loughridge push Daredevil to his limits and bring an certain elegance to his exertion–even on page 6, a snow-blind splash where DD is but a red speck on a bluish-white background.)
Daredevil: Dark Nights #2

Daredevil: Dark Nights #2

  • Uber #3 (Read it!  Glad I gave Gillen another chance.  For one, his Hitler is effing crazy!  I’m definitely sticking around for more.)

What did you get in your bag?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s Up?

02 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Alberto Ponticelli, Avatar, Batman Incorporated, Ben Templesmith, Canaan White, Carlos Magno, China Mieville, Chris Burnham, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Deathmatch, Dial H, Emily and the Strangers, Grant Morrison, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Lee Weeks, Matt Fraction, Mister X: Eviction, Neil Edwards, Paul Jenkins, Satellite Sam, Shadowman, Ten Grand, Uber, Valiant

A welcome break from the heatwave.

  • Emily and the Strangers #3 (Dark Horse): Finally, the finale!
  • Mister X: Eviction #3 (Dark Horse): I’m pretty confident that this series will make our Top Ten List for 2013.  Oh, and another stunning cover:
Mister X: Eviction #3

Mister X: Eviction #3

  • Batman Incorporated #12 (DC): #11 was a flipping disaster.  Good news: looks like we’re back to the all-important business of Bat vengeance.
Batman Incorporated #12

Batman Incorporated #12

  • Dial H #14 (DC): It pains me to say this: it’s the penultimate issue.
  • Satellite Sam #1 (Image): May as well give it a shot.  I’ve enjoyed FF and Hawkeye enough.  Oh, and, by the way, Howard Chaykin.  Hope it doesn’t prove as unfulfilling as Casey’s Sex.
Satellite Sam #1

Satellite Sam #1

  • Ten Grand #3 (Image): Yeah, sure: on the strength–a stronger word than I wanted to use, really–of #2, it’s earned another.  Why not, right?
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 (Marvel): #1 delivered some interesting moments with extra cheese.  I’m not entirely sold on it; but I’m willing to lease.
  • Deathmatch #7 (BOOM!): I dunno, man.  I still dig it.
Deathmatch #7

Deathmatch #7

  • Shadowman #8 (Valiant): Behind the first batch of Valiant books, sure; but, by golly, its darned good.  Strange: at the end of each issue, I’m still surprised by how much I like what I’ve read.
  • Uber #3 (Avatar): I figure, since I’m killing off Suicide Risk, I can suffer another one of these.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s Up?

03 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Avatar, Bedlam, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, China Mieville, comics, Craig Cermak, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Daredevil: End of Days, Dark Horse, David Mack, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Dial H, Dynamite, East of West, Elena Casagrande, Fred Van Lente, Garth Ennis, J. Michael Straczynski, Jason Latour, Jonathan Hickman, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Klaus Janson, Kurt Busiek, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Mike Carey, Mister X: Eviction, Nick Spencer, Patrick Zircher, Pere Perez, Rachel Rising, Red Team, Ryan Browne, Shadowman, Stuart Immonen, Suicide Risk, Ten Grand, Terry Moore, Uber, Valiant, Wednesday, Winter Soldier

I’ll take one of everything, please.

  • Mister X: Eviction #2 (Dark Horse): #1 was one of my favorite books of May.  Looking forward to this–and not just because of its gorgeous cover:
Mister X: Eviction #2

Mister X: Eviction #2

  • Astro City #1 (DC): I don’t have any history with this title, but I’m willing to give it–and Kurt Busiek–a shot.
  • Dial H #13 (DC): The funeral march has begun–for, arguably, DC’s best, certainly most consistently creative, monthly title.
Dial H #13

Dial H #13

  • Bedlam #7 (Image): With it comes a new artist: Ryan Browne.  And just like that, I may become a former reader of Bedlam.  Or I may love it more.  That’s why we read ’em, folks.
  • East of West #3 (Image): I’d really like this to knock my socks off the way Hickman’s own The Manhattan Projects does.  Chances are it won’t, but I’d still like to like it.  #2 was a decent step in that direction.
  • Ten Grand #2 (Image): Sure, JMS is a name, but this story seems like it could be just more of the same.  If #2 breaks away from the pack, even just a bit, I’ll stick with it.  If not, I’m off.
  • All-New X-Men #12 (Marvel): It is what it is–or even slightly less than that now that Brian Wood’s in X-Town.
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #1 (Marvel): Just what I need: another DD mini by a DD legend–in this case, Lee Weeks.  Oy.
Daredevil: Dark Nights #1

Daredevil: Dark Nights #1

  • Daredevil: End of Days #8 (Marvel): A real surprise.  With the names on it, shouldn’t’ve been; but I don’t think anyone expected it to be this good.
  • Winter Soldier #19 (Marvel): Last issue whispered, “Don’t leave yet.”
  • Archer & Armstrong #10 (Valiant): Consistently solid.
  • Red Team #3 (Dynamite): Damn thing’s gonna take off.  I can feel it.  Check out the cover, for God’s sake.  I have a joke about it that doesn’t really work, but I’m gonna throw it out there anyway: Jesus Christ!  Talk about having someone in your cross hairs!
Red Team #3

Red Team #3

  • Rachel Rising #17 (Abstract Studio): Terry Moore’s rising, too.  No one does panel-to-panel suspense better than this guy.
  • Shadowman #7 (Valiant): No longer in the shadow of the other Valiant books.  In fact, it’s starting to cast its own, thanks to Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher.
  • Suicide Risk #2 (BOOM!): #1 wasn’t remarkable–or if it was, it wasn’t for the right reasons.  To be fair, I’ll give it one more try.
  • Uber #2 (Avatar): Same here.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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In Scott’s Bag (5/1)

04 Saturday May 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Andrea Sorrentino, Animal Man, Ape Entertainment, Ben Templesmith, BOOM!, Brian Bolland, Brian Michael Bendis, Buddy Baker, Bush administration, China Mieville, Clayton Henry, Cyborg 009, Dan Green, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Dial H, Duane Swierczynski, Elena Casagrande, Freddie Williams II, Gail Simone, Green Arrow, Harbinger Wars, Image, Indestructible Hulk, J. Michael Strczynski, Jason Latour, Jeff Lemire, Joe's Comics, John Paul Leon, Joshua Dysart, Justin Jordan, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mico Suayan, Mister X: Eviction, Nic Klein, Roberto De La Torre, Sesame Street, Shadowman, Stuart Immonen, Suicide Risk, Ten Grand, The Movement, Wade Von Grawbadger, Walter Simonson, Winter Soldier

Ended up with 15 books.  Go figure.

  • The Movement #1 (Can’t imagine I’m going to like this.  Yet here it is.  In my bag.)
  • Winter Soldier #18 (That’s right: it survived the purge–at least for another month.  Thumb through cinched it.  Nic Klein’s artwork–especially his colors–was the draw here.)
Winter Soldier #17

Winter Soldier #18

  • Dial H #12 (Hope it comes back down to earth–not that the cover suggests it will.)
    Dial H #12

    Dial H #12

    • Snapshot #4 (Had forgotten all about this one.  Good thing I remembered while I was in the shop!  Best thing about it: it’s #4 of 4–which means it’s done and, going forward, I’m left with a lighter list.  Whoot!)
    • Cyborg 009 Preview (For a buck, why not?)
    • Mister X: Eviction #1 (Gorgeous cover.  Inside’s pretty damn gorgeous, too.)
    Mister X: Eviction #1

    Mister X: Eviction #1

    • Shadowman #0 (Quick flip: lots of chefs, but the broth is still refreshingly aromatic.  Can’t wait to taste it.)
    • Harbinger Wars #2 (Headed into it with realistic expectations.)
    • Indestructible Hulk #7 (Read it.  Better than #6, sure; but I’m still left thinking, “What difference does any of this make?” and “Why do I care?”)
    • Sesame Street #1 (No way I could pass this up.  My daughter loves Cookie Monster and Elmo.  Can’t wait to read it to her.  Really can’t wait until she’s able to read it on her own!)
    • All-New X-Men #11 (Read it.  A bit stuck in the mud–in more ways than one.  Overall, however, not bad.)
    • Ten Grand #1 (Read it.  Have you heard the one about the hitman with a heart who sells his soul to the devil in order to be with his lost love just one more time?  Of course you have.  Will probably give it another issue.)
    • Green Arrow #20 (Read it.  Perhaps one of the worst books I’ve read since I’ve been back in the game.  I just don’t get it.  Why can’t this character catch a friggin’ break?  I’ll tell you what this is further proof of: looks like Lemire is not suited for superhero books.  [See our recent reviews of Rotworld-related Animal Man to see what I’m talking about.])
    • Animal Man #20 (Read it.  Finally free of the Rot and the Red; finally we’re back in Buddy’s head.  That’s the Lemire we know and love!  A bit nervous about the promise for the next issue: the Red and Totems, too?  Just what am I going to do?)
    Animal Man #20

    Animal Man #20

    • Suicide Risk #1 (Read it.  Not terribly exciting.  Not terrible, either.  A little too familiar throughout.)

What did you end up with in your bag?

Turning pages,

Scott

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Top 5 Comics of Feb 2013 – Wtf Certifiable!

11 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in 5 Comics You Should Be Reading

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Alberto Ponticelli, Batman, Batman Incorporated, Brian K. Vaughan, China Mieville, Chris Burnham, Chris Samnee, Dan Green, Daredevil, DC Comics, Death of the Family, Dial H, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Fiona Staples, Grant Morrison, Image, Jason Masters, MacGuffin, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mateus Santoluoco, New 52, Pop Art, Requiem, Saga, Sean Phillips, Wtf Certified

So DC Comics has reconsidered its rather, um, innovative marketing strategy of appealing to the youth demographic by adorning the covers of its iconic heroes with a texting-based expletive acronym. Well BS I say! Stick to your ill-conceived guns! However, despite backing away from the edgy, DC did provide us with a true Wtf moment this month (here meaning “Why the fuss,” of course). To wit:

5. Batman Incorporated #8 (DC): In one brilliant stroke, Grant Morrison delivers on the promise that was left utterly unfulfilled by the much ballyhooed Death of the Family event (see below). With little fanfare (initially), Morrsion provides a satisfying climax to his long run on Batman. The death of a major character like Robin (um, spoiler alert?) is usually an overblown, portentous affair (as the follow-up story, Requiem, promises to be). But the irrepressible Mr. Morrison refuses to be such a downer (he may, to his credit, be genetically incapable of it). This issue is nearly non-stop, thrillingly orchestrated action. (Artist Chris Burnham – with an assist by Jason Masters – really outdoes himself here.) And yet, in typical Morrsion fashion, despite the breakneck speed, the story is packed, packed, with references, riffs and homages to Batman’s illustrious history. From the title (“The Boy Wonder Returns”), to the not-so-throwaway background details, even down to the goofy Pop Art sound effects, we are treated to an expansive embrace of the Batman mythos that has been the hallmark of Morrison’s run (one that, by its very nature, was undercut by the ill-timed exigencies of the New 52 relaunch). His approach is perfectly encapsulated on page 19, the climax of the issue, and perhaps, the series – the battle between Robin and his Adversary (in the truest sense of the word). A sequence that could have taken up the entire book is instead presented in a stunning, 20-panel kaleidoscope (again kudos to Mr. Burnham) of action, tribute and, finally, pathos. When the moment of truth does arrive, Morrison and Co. don’t skimp on the emotion of the event as the book closes with a poignant image that recalls the birth of Batman himself. (DM)

Batman Incorporated #8

Batman Incorporated #8

4. Daredevil #23 (Marvel): An opening sequence for the ages–one that twists the title character’s origin story (often a cliche issue-starter) into something radioactively sinister–would’ve been enough on its own to land this book in our esteemed Top Five for the month.  This comic is so much more, however: Mark Waid–with stunning assistance from Chris Samnee–brings a certain clarity to Matt and Foggy’s relationship that becomes even more profound and pitiable with the painful revelation at issue’s end.  Remarkable work from Marvel’s best. (SC)

Daredevil #23

Daredevil #23

3. Dial H #9 (DC): After a down month, our #1 book of 2012 is back with a glimpse of what makes this book great: China Mieville’s seemingly boundless imagination–especially as it relates to his effortlessly sussing out superhero after glorious superhero.  Also worth celebrating is the fact that Alberto Ponticelli (with inks by Dan Green) has without a doubt found his groove; he’s taken ownership of Nelson and Roxie and the rest with his signature style–one reminiscent enough of Mateus Santolouco to make the series feel whole again. (SC)

Dial H #9

Dial H #9

2. Fatale #12 (Image): Our only carryover from last month, January’s best book takes a tiny step back on the list despite taking a giant step forward while taking its own giant leap back in time.  This second Fatale one-shot is yet another taut tale, one  that plays with our expectations–expectations expertly manufactured for us by a clever Ed Brubaker (with evocative art by Sean Phillips) during our torrid affair with Josephine Baker.  As consistent as this book is, it never fails to surprise–and that is the mark of a creative team at the very top of its game. (SC)

Fatale #12

Fatale #12

1. Saga #10 (Image): Claiming the top spot for the month is our #2 book of 2012.  Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples continue to intoxicate with their heady brew of space opera, screwball comedy and  familial intrigue. The sheer verve of the storytelling, filled to the brim with imagination and heart, makes this issue such a joy to read that (as with the aforementioned Batman Inc.) when tragedy does occur (and it does), the effect is not depressing. No, the effect of reading this wonder of a book is exultant. (DM)


The Biggest Dis(appointment): Batman #17 (DC) – We’ve already expressed our dismay of the story itself – this Joker tale to end all Joker tales was instead all sound and fury, signifying nothing. But given the events and the excellence of the aforementioned Batman Inc. #8, the existence of the whole “Death of the Family” story line is even more baffling.  Someone up the chain of command at DC must have known that this “epic” would conclude just before the publication of Morrison’s completely unrelated masterstroke (y’know, the one where someone actually dies.) Was “Death of the Family” then, spanning as many titles as it did, one giant MacGuffin (and a rather expensive one at that)? Was the relevance of Batman Inc. #8 toned down so as not to overshadow the Big Event (and possibly hurt sales)? Then, when Batman Inc. did come out, accompanied by a flurry of news coverage (‘natch!) who got left holding the bag? Sorry retailers who didn’t order nearly enough copies to satisfy the sudden demand! Sorry regular readers who couldn’t get their hands on the immediately-sold-out issue (unless they wanted to pony up $20 for a brand new comic). This whole farce had the neat effect of rendering Batman #17 even more irrelevant than it already was. It seems that, in the end (as Scott so eloquently put it in his initial review), the joke of “Death of the Family” was not on Batman, but on us. (DM)

Turning pages,

Scott & Derek

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In Scott’s Bag (3/6)

07 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, Alex Maleev, All-New X-Men, Andrea Sorrentino, Andy Diggle, Animal Man, Bedlam, Bill Sienkiewicz, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, China Mieville, Colder, Daredevil: End of Days, Dark Horse, David Mack, David Marquez, DC Comics, Dial H, Fairy Quest, Green Arrow, Humberto Ramos, Image, Janet Lee, Jason Latour, Jeff Lemire, Jim McCann, Jock, Joe Casey, Juan Ferreyra, Justin Jordan, Klaus Janson, Lost Vegas, Nic Klein, Nick Spencer, Patrick Zircher, Paul Jenkins, Paul Tobin, Piotr Kowalski, Riley Rossmo, Scott Snyder, Sex, Shadowman, Snapshot, Steve Pugh, Swamp Thing, Winter Soldier, Yanick Paquette

A formidable fascicle, indeed.  As yanked:

  • Fairy Quest #2 (I want Humberto Ramos tested for PEDs.  A simple flip through is all the evidence I need: this dude’s on fairy dust!  Pretty, pretty.)
  • Snapshot #2 (Cool cover and sweet b/w interior work by Jock.)
  • Lost Vegas #1 (Recommended by the shop guy.  Pass up an Image #1?  Never!)
Lost Vegas #1

Lost Vegas #1

  • All-New X-Men #8 (Ugh.  This may be the last nail I was hoping for.)
  • Green Arrow #18 (I see what’s happening here: Daredevil and Bullseye.  Works for me.)
  • Sex #1 (If you were expecting something else, you didn’t get it.  A more honest title you’re not likely to find.)
  • Swamp Thing #18 (Going in with an open mind–opened further by Paquette’s capable hands.)
  • Winter Soldier #16 (Love the cover.  That aside: this is the make-or-break issue.  Actually hoping for make.)
  • Daredevil: End of Days #6 (Will be one of the best books of the week.  At this point, it can’t help it.)
  • Shadowman #5 (It’s not every day that a comic makes the mainstream news.  No, wait.)
  • Bedlam #5 (I described it to my wife as “an ultra-violent book about the psychology of a serial killer.”  She seemed OK with it.  Full disclosure: she was pretty well locked into the final Wheel puzzle, so…)
  • Animal Man #18 (Well, speaking of expectations: this one comes with–right on the cover!  That, or a tragic how-to: how to effectively undermine a an otherwise suburb Jae Lee cover.)
Animal Man #18--Before

Animal Man #18 (Expectation-Free Edition!)

  • Colder #5 (This is it!)
  • Dial H #10 (I’m totally ready.)

Does my list look like your list?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s Up?

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Tags

Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Andrea Sorrentino, Andy Diggle, Animal Man, Bedlam, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, China Mieville, Colder, Cullen Bunn, Daredevil: End of Days, Dark Horse, David Mack, David Marquez, DC Comics, Dial H, Fairy Quest, Green Arrow, Helheim, Humberto Ramos, Image, Jason Latour, Jeff Lemire, Jock, Joe Casey, Juan Ferreyra, Justin Jordan, Mara, Marvel, Ming Doyle, Nick Spencer, Oni Press, Patrick Zircher, Paul Jenkins, Paul Tobin, Riley Rossmo, Scott Snyder, Sex, Shadowman, Snapshot, Steve Pugh, Swamp Thing, Winter Soldier, Yanick Paquette

I like big bags and I cannot lie.

Feeling Pullish

  • Colder #5 (Dark Horse): Glad this little Ice Age is over.
  • Animal Man #18 (DC): Almost there.  Almost over the Rot.  Looks like with #19, Lemire’s headed back to what made the book a must-read in the first place.  Just have to survive this one.
  • Dial H #10 (DC): #9 was a return to form.  Looks like a ruff ride this time around.  See for yourself.
    Dial H #10

    Dial H #10

    • Swamp Thing #18 (DC): Another Snyder superhero finale.  Expectations set to nada.
    • Bedlam #5 (Image): Last issue yanked me from the brink.
    Bedlam #5

    Bedlam #5

    • Daredevil: End of Days #6 (Marvel): This has been really good.  Probably the best Bendis going right now–and there’s a lot of Bendis going right now.
    • Shadowman #5 (Valiant): Another comic in the news?  Wouldn’t have expected Shadowman.  Lot of things I didn’t expect from Shadowman–including that I’d still be reading it through #5.

     

Feeling Plucky

  • Mara #3 (Image): Not my favorite, but I’m sticking with it–especially since it’s a mini.
  • Sex #1 (Image): Joe Casey’s new one’s had its share of hype–so much, in fact,  it’s practically been buzzed bald.  Considering, that might not be such a bad thing.
  • Snapshot #2 (Image): Might as well.
  • Green Arrow #18 (DC): Can’t bow out after one issue.  Lemire deserves at least two, maybe even a few.
  • Winter Soldier #16 (Marvel): Jason LaTour’s first issue certainly didn’t make me forget Ed Brubaker.  Surprisingly, it didn’t make me want to forget Winter Soldier.  Not yet, anyway.
Winter Soldier #16

Winter Soldier #16

  • Helheim #1 (Oni): I’m a little late to the Sixth Gun party.  Not gonna let this one slip by without a shot.
Helheim #1

Helheim #1

  • Fairy Quest #2 (BOOM!): There was something about #1 that I kinda dug.
  • All-New X-Men #8 (Marvel): Ugh.

This one’s got Bunns, hun.  So, I guess I want some.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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