Tag Archives: Brian Hurtt

What’s I&N Store (3/25)

24 Tuesday Mar 2015

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Last week had me Wow-ing more per book than any week in the recent past.  Here’s the near future:

  • Mister X: Razed #2 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand No surprise here: we loved #1.  It easily fell into our Top 5 Books of February, the result of the tasty termites and the hungry peregrine pigeons, which, of course, is Christmas come a bit late, you know, in the perfectly-wrapped gift of Dean Motter’s icicle-sharp storytelling.  (Deep breath.)  It’s everything we loved about Mr. X: Eviction, which was just as easily our #1 Book of 2013.  Don’t remember why?  Remind yourself.
Mister X: Razed #2

Mister X: Razed #2

  • PastAways #1 (Dark Horse) Just I&N With his nonpareil Mind MGMT in its stretch run, main man Matt Kindt takes aim–along with artist Scott Kolins–at a fresh future with PastAways, the latest–and most assuredly not the last–entry in the suddenly supersaturated–and not-so-fresh–time-traveling-team market.  Yeah, but it doesn’t matter if it’s good, right?
PastAways #1

PastAways #1

  • The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 (DC): Re: Mastermen: Morrison and Lee bowled me over with their opening “splash” page–light a match, Adolph!  I mean, c’mon: Hitler on the can, reading Superman?  Hey, why Nazi?  They played it for a laugh–and got it!–and forged a connection between the Führer and me.  I was like, that’s what I look like when I’m reading during “Daddy Time,” you know, just without the mustache and the swastika.  Yeah, otherwise, pretty spot on.  After that, the rest of the book played out well–despite Lee’s pin-up-per-panel approach, which robs the story–artistically, anyway–of any momentum.  Not the best single Multiversity issue, but still plenty metafun.  This month, Morrison and Mahnke promise to make me “an integral part of the resistance.”  Can’t resist that!
  • Suiciders #2 (DC/Vertigo): Figured it’d be a one-and-done.  Clearly wasn’t–especially thanks to the end.
  • The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5 (Image) I&N Demand Pretty great all around.  Sure, while Busiek’s been busy building this remarkably engaging world, Astro City‘s suffered a bit.  (The Quarrel arc is arguably the weakest multi-issue story since our return to the City.)  But that’s all right–especially now that the game is a(Good)foot.
The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5

The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5

  • They’re Not Like Us #4 (Image): They may not be like them, but concerns are rising: we’re three issues in and some of what’s going on is a lot like some of what’s already gone on.  Still love the design, though; love getting right to it!  And still hanging on the promise made at the end of #1.
  • The Wicked & The Divine #9 (Image) I&N Demand With #8, Gillen, McKelvie, and Wilson deliver a brand new Beat Generation of dance hall deities.  The rhythm–the rolling1-2-3-4, page after page–got me good, pulsing past simple gimmick right quick into pop magic, an hypnotizing rave that’s all about that base–YOLO, indeed!–no trouble.  OK.  Trouble.
The Wicked & The Divine #9

The Wicked & The Divine #9

  • Daredevil #14 (Marvel): Ooh, ooh!  A Shroud of secrecy!  Yeah, that pretty much made it all worth it.  As Waid and Samnee are making their way to the end of their run, I can’t help but think about Matt’s exes and wonder: what’s gonna happen to Kirsten?  I’m leaning toward this one breaking the mold.
  • Uncanny X-Men #32 (Marvel): Eva’s conversation with Scott left me feeling like I did after Snyder’s Harper Row lit into Batman (in the regrettable Batman #18).  That’s not a good thing.  Oh, and so, as it all works out, it’s like nothing ever happened, which is always gratifying.  Love that.  Oh, oh, and maybe the once and future leader of the X-Men isn’t so far from his grand return.  Ugh!  I hate all the secrets and the wars that rage as a result of them!
  • The Black Hood #2 (Archie): I was surprised by how much I liked the first one. What sold it: the last page.  As cheesy as it was, it felt authentic, heroic.  I needed that.  Great stuff from Gaydos.
  • The Bunker #10 (Oni): I’m feeling somewhat disconnected from The Bunker at this point.  If it were released on a more regular basis…
  • Hit: 1957 #1 (BOOM!): I was surprised that Hit earned a Harvey nomination because it wasn’t great.  Sure, it hit the right notes at the start–and at its soul was something to celebrate; but it didn’t come together well, as evidenced by the unremarkable end.  I’ll thumb through to see if Del Rey’s art is enough of a draw to warrant a try.  Otherwise, I’m going to pass.
  • Mono #4 (Titan): Through three now, I’m kinda feeling like I did after the summer after I graduated from high school–you know, after saying hi and goodbye to four different girls before leaving for college, and after learning that I had a case of mono, one bad enough to keep me home for what would’ve been my first semester at Penn State.  Just like that, actually.
  • Quantum and Woody Must Die #3 (Valiant): Funny, funny, funny!
  • The Sixth Gun #47 (Oni): The stack grows.
  • The Valiant #4 (Valiant): #3 didn’t hit me like #2 did.  Resulted in a bit of a letdown, especially as the entirety of the Valiant Universe gets further mired in Lemire’s return to Rotworld.
  • The Twilight Zone: Shadow and Substance #3 (Dynamite): The first two-issue arc didn’t live up to Straczynski’s standard–but how could it?  I’m probably going to pass.
  • We Can Never Go Home #1 (Black Mask): I haven’t like much of what I’ve tried from Black Mask.  This one sounds interesting enough.  I’ll thumb through to be fair.

Avery’s Picks of the Week

  • My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #29 (IDW): My wife just came home from Stop & Shop with eight more Pony blind bags.  Thanks a lot DCTC!  We’re drowning in Ponies over here–new ones and duplicates!  I think we have three Pursey Pinks, for crying out loud!
  • Abigail and The Snowman #4 (BOOM!): My daughter’s dug it plenty–even if the Snowman is more Bumble than Olaf.
Abigail and The Snowman #4

Abigail and The Snowman #4

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (8/27)

27 Wednesday Aug 2014

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This week isn’t defined so much by the number of books I’m getting as it’s defined by one particular book I’m getting.  You’ll know which one when you get to it.  So much for self control!

  • The Massive #26 (Dark Horse): Winding down to the end.  (I’m still in denial about it, mind you.)  #25 was OK–tough to be the first issue after an arc that truly slakes the thirst like “Sahara”–but had that “setting up the wind down” feel to it.  Silver lining: answers are on the horizon.
  • Mind MGMT #25 (Dark Horse): Can’t type about #24 without first mentioning the gorgeous wraparound cover–which, by the way, was won at auction by some lucky fan for a smidgen over $5000: I got Lyme disease just looking at it!  Inside, a bit of a retrospective, more a Rosetta Stone–all through the lens of Henry Lyme, who’s heart is so lovingly revealed–and it’s Merutiful!.  Loved it.  OK, so, the big question about this month’s issue: how much is this cover going to go for?
Mind MGMT #25

Mind MGMT #25

  • Pop #1 (Dark Horse):This poppy premise is definitely Top 40: a prefabbed pop princess goes off the reservation!  Will she auto-tune her way out of trouble?  Or will she go full Milli Vanilli?  Don’t know the creators, but when has that ever stopped me?  Here’s hoping that Curt Pires and Jason Copland deliver a hit–and that they’re not one-hit wonders.
Pop #1

Pop #1

  • Bodies #2 (DC/Vertigo): Loved, loved, loved the quilt that Si Spencer stitched together with his coterie of co-creators.  We liked it so much that we’ve made it one of our Top 5 Books of July!  (Write-up to come.)
Bodies #2

Bodies #2

  • Dead Boy Detectives #8 (DC/Vertigo): Continues to be an engaging read a la The Books of Magic ongoing.
  • Superman #34 (DC): Finally!  A Superman book worth reading!  It’s felt like forever since Morrison left and took his massive moments with him.  Two issues into their arc, Johns and Romita, Jr. have proven that they are worthy successors–even if they are a bit more straightforward in terms of storytelling.
  • The Last Fall #2 (IDW): Wasn’t knocked out by #1, but I’m going to try another.  Why?  Since you asked: I’m giving Tom Waltz my attention because of his terrific work on TMNT.  I’m loyal like that.
  • Low #2 (Image): Not high on this but not exactly low, either.  Yes, #1 read like a Remender book; but Greg Tocchini’s art, which is pretty excellent, made me think but not mind that I was basically reading The Wake Part II #1.  I’m going to go against my better judgement and buy this one.  I don’t know–maybe this’ll be the book that finally turns me toward Remender.  Then again, the writer’s own words from #1 haunt–and taunt–me; they are essentially telling me to lay off: “Being optimistic doesn’t mean you have to ignore the realities around you.”  Preach, Reverend Rick.  Preach.
Low #2

Low #2

  • The Manhattan Projects #23 (Image): In #22, Hickman refers to a “line between the mundane and the divine.”  Usually, TMP is firmly planted on the divine side; it’s as consistent a book as you’re going to find.  However, much of #22 toes that ironically referenced line; in fact, it does a much-too-talky tip-toe dance for a goodly part of the book.  But, in typical Hickman fashion, it ends elegantly on pointe.  And blade.  And spike.
  • Outcast #3 (Image): The story is compelling enough, with its layers and all.  Robert Kirkman and Paul Azaceta–whose art, as colored by Elizabeth Breitweiser, reminds of David Aja’s–have done a fine job of developing a sense of dread–you know, the seventh sense–and authentic sympathy for Kyle.
  • Saga #22 (Image): Honesty: #19 and #20 left me a bit wanting; yeah, hadn’t been feeling so gaga about Saga–until #21, that is.  Oof, what a comeback.  (Not so much for Mama Sun, though, eh?)  Five big splashes from Fiona Staples help hammer home the love, the hate, the hurt–the brilliance—of Saga.
Saga #22

Saga #22

  • Wayward #1 (Image): Marketed as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer for a new generation,” but gonna give it a try anyway.  God knows I love a me a good “supernatural spectacle,” you know, like the supernaturally terrific Thomas Alsop (BOOM!).
  • All-New X-Men #31 (Marvel): Still haven’t gotten a hold of #30.  Figures that just as I came around to what Bendis is doing I can’t find the damn book on the shelf.  My fault, I guess.  I should’ve put it on my pull list as soon as things turned toward the positive for me.
  • Original Sin #5.4 (Marvel): Once again, a crossover has come along and murdered momentum–in the case of Loki: Agent of Asgard, magical momentum.  It’s been nice to look at; otherwise, I can’t wait for this nonsense to fall away so we can get back on the alluringly loqucious Lokimotive.
  • Silver Surfer #5 (Marvel): We’ve celebrated each of the first three issues as a top book of the month.  (See: March, April, and June.)  #4 was great, too; but, because of all of the greater books that dropped in July, it missed being a Top 5 book.  It was easily a Top 10 title, though.  Despite a dignified drop in the I&N rankings, one thing’s been a constant: SS has been a perfect marriage of writer and artist: Slott’s writing the new adventures of Norrin Radd like it was his professional destiny, and Allred’s, well, Allred: he is the power cosmic complement who makes the book pop–for as long as they both shall live.  Or at least until their hang-tenure is over.
Silver Surfer #5

Silver Surfer #5

  • Brass Sun #4 (2000 A.D.): I’m digging Brass Sun.  I like the possibilities offered up by the universe that Ian Edginton’s created, and I’ve really taken to artist I.N.J. Culbard’s approach and how carries the story without ever distracting from it.  #3, with its twists and spurns, has kicked things up a notch.  On to the next!
  • Evil Empire #4 (BOOM!): Speaking of a #3 that delivered some twists!  Glad I didn’t ditch after #2!  Can’t look past the great covers by Jay Shaw, either.  Then again, you have to, you know, if you want to read the book.  Rest assured: it’s OK if you want to judge Evil Empire by this cover:
Evil Empire #4

Evil Empire #4

  • The Sixth Gun #42 (Oni Press): Still a bit behind.  This’ll sit on a short stack, which I will–i must–read before I go back to work.
  • X-O Manowar #28 (Valiant): Generally, I don’t care for crossovers, but the Armor Hunters diversion works well here, for obvious reasons.  Sure, Archer & Armstrong and Quantum and Woody deserve the accolades they’ve received.  (Harvey noms are nothing to sneeze at.)  Robert Venditti, however, deserves a lot of credit for playing a one-note character into a symphony of sympathy, which has lasted, now, for twenty-eight issues.

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

  • Bee and Puppycat #3 (BOOM!): Avery just thinks that Bee and Puppycat is the dog’s meow.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (8/6)

06 Wednesday Aug 2014

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Lots to look forward to this week.

  • The Squidder #2 (IDW): Squids are in the air, and I’d definitely like to draw another breath of ’em as drawn by Ben Templesmith.  The story is familiar, sure, but it’s delivered well enough.
  • Alex + Ada #8 (Image): The series has been a solid read with clean images and fluid artistic transitions that speak as loudly as the words.  It’s an against the odds love story with a dark cloud hanging over it.  Waiting on the storm and worrying about Alex and Ada all along.
Alex + Ada #7

Alex + Ada #7

  • Clone #19 (Image): Continues to be one of the most kinetic comics on the shelf.  Yeah, this book cooks!  #18 offered a couple of Chubby twists that promise a checkered future for all involved.  (Sorry about that.)
  • Lazarus #10 (Image): Re: #15: Circumstances conspire and both Michael and Casey end up in the employ of the Carlyles.  Was there ever any other end?  Nah.  But Innie Award nominee (Best Writer) Greg Rucka and Michael Lark get there so well.  Yet another exercise in excellent storytelling.  Our #7 book of 2013 is well on its way to claiming a spot in the Top Ten of 2014.
Lazarus #10

Lazarus #10

  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #5 (Marvel): Re: #5: Some of the best bedroom action I’ve seen in some time.  Talk about getting laid…out.  Yeah, Kaare Andrews pricks up the pace with some passionate paneling–and one of my favorite splash pages, like, ever!  Never has a bottom lip been bitten so beautifully–in a comic book, anyway.  Go Brenda!  Love her line, “Show me some Kung-Fu.”  Throw in an iron fist-full of father-son issues and you’ve got yourself one hell of a book.  If you’re not reading this yet, you should punch yourself in the face.
  • Miracleman #9 (Marvel): Been stockpiling my Miracleman.  Gonna hafta get on that soon–or it might take a miracle to catch up.
  • Moon Knight #6 (Marvel): Warren Ellis may have earned our Biggest Dis(appointment) of June, but it certainly wasn’t for Moon Knight.  He and Declan Shalvey have been producing some excellent vignettes with the multifaceted Marc Spector.  This, sadly, is their last go ’round before giving up creative control to the talented team of Brian Wood (The Massive) and Greg Smallwood (Dream Thief).
Moon Knight #6

Moon Knight #6

  • Original Sin #5.3 (Marvel): Ack!  I missed #5.2.  Forgot I was buying an Original Sin book, you know, because of Loki.  I mean, why else would I be buying an Original Sin book?
  • Rocket Raccoon #2 (Marvel): Ain’t gonna lie: #1 was fun.  Will probably pass, though, despite what Skottie Young is bringing to the prickly procyonid–unless, of course, I don’t pass, which is far more likely.  Ugh!  I have no self control!
  • The Bunker #5 (Oni Press): I liked #4 a lot.  Thought the dialogue and the emotions were very real.  Overall, Fialkov and Infurnari are telling a terrific story with perfect timing.
The Bunker #5

The Bunker #5

Dry Spell #2

Dry Spell #2

  • The Extinction Parade: War #2 (Avatar): I’ve enjoyed The Extinction Parade saga a lot more than I thought I would.  (It’s true: I originally started picking it up for my wife–who hasn’t touched it.)  Yes, it’s been “bottomless slaughter,” but it hasn’t been mindless slaughter.  Max Brooks is offering an elevated apocalyptic experience, amplified by undeadly detailed artwork from Raulo Caceres.
  • God Is Dead: The Book of Acts Alpha (Avatar): Si Spurrier–the 2014 Innie Award Winner for Best Writer (Six-Gun Gorilla, Numbercruncher)–brings a little life to God Is Dead with the immortal Alan Moore.  You read that right: Spurrier and Moore.  Safe to say it’s a must buy.
God Is Dead: The Book of Acts Alpha

God Is Dead: The Book of Acts Alpha

  • Harbinger: Omegas #1 (Valiant): Not too sure why this couldn’t have just been Harbinger #26.  Is it rebootalism?  Guess it really doesn’t matter.  Dysart’s been telling a good story with these characters.  They certainly deserve to live on–whatever the title.
  • SIP (Strangers in Paradise) Kids #1 (Abstract Studio): Oh, why not?  Yeah, Rachel Rising has lost a lot of its shine.  But here’s Terry Moore having fun with the characters for whom he’s best known–by turning them into six-year-olds.
  • The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead #1 (Oni Press): Anything The Sixth Gun is going to find its way into my bag.
  • Terminal Hero #1 (Dynamite): Peter Milligan had a nice run on Valiant’s Shadowman.  I’ll try him out here, where he’s teamed up with Sex‘s Piotr Kowalski.
  • Über #16 (Avatar): Über‘s riding quite a high.  Heck, I was close to dropping it around the time the Special came out.  Since then, however, it’s been terrific.  I’d go as far to say it’s Gillen’s best current work–including the wildly hyped The Wicked & The Divine.
Über #16

Über #16

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (6/11)

10 Tuesday Jun 2014

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  • Astro City #13 (DC/Vertigo): While #11 earned Top 5 honors for April, #12 left us wanting.  We’re still wanting–wanting #13 to make us want for nothing.  I’m betting on Busiek and Anderson and their single-issue, Astro City version of a season of 24.
Astro City #13

Astro City #13

  • Royals: Masters of War #5 (DC/Vertigo): Rob Williams had himself a helluva month of May.  Ordinary #1 was extraordinary, and Royals #4 was a crowning achievement!  A little inside info: you just may see Mr. Williams’ name on our next Top 5 list. For which book? You’ll just have to wait and see!  Until then, bombs away!
Royals: Masters of War #5

Royals: Masters of War #5

  • Starlight #4 (Image): A stellar first issue has fallen a bit to formula.  Typical of Millar, no?  Sell that concept!  Sell, sell, sell!  Worthy of praise: it’s been on time.  That’s something!  Aw, heck: of course I want to see how Flash–I mean, Duke–gets out of this scrape!
  • All-New X-Men #28 (Marvel): I’ve finally come ’round–or is it that Bendis has finally come ’round?  Hmm. Probably a bit of both.  Just like any good–or evil–mutant, it takes time for their powers to manifest; this mutant manifesto just so happened to reach puberty at #26.  Phew.  This has been–by far–the longest leash I’ve ever let out.
  • The United States of Murder #2 (Marvel): Speaking of Bendis: #1 wasn’t a game changer by any means, but I found the twist at the end enough of a lure to go at least one more.
  • Archer & Armstrong #21 (Valiant): Yo, man, #20 was a trippy return to form, man.  Blew my damn doors off, man! Lucky for us, my beautiful friend, this uniquely American dream of an arc has only just begun.
Archer & Armstrong #21

Archer & Armstrong #21

  • Armor Hunters #1 (Valiant): Of course I’m gonna try it!  Venditti has sold it well enough in X-O.
  • Dicks #1 (Avatar): Ennis, McCrea, and Avatar?  Seems like a menage a trois made in a seedy apartment.  Fast forward to next month, assuming the best, of course: Well, wouldn’t you know: turns out I do like Dicks!  I know at least one ex-girlfriend, who, short on context, would say, “Mm-hmm.”
  • The Empty Man #1 (BOOM!): Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun, Magneto)–a fella who’s full of ideas–teams up with Vanesa Del Rey (Hit)–a striking stylist, who’s in need of a strong showing after a disappointing turn on Zero–to infect our bags with a viral mini.
The Empty Man #1

The Empty Man #1

  • The Sixth Gun #41 (Oni Press): Double your Bunn, double your fun!  Oh, yeah, this book Hurtts so good. This is their .44 Magnum opus.
  • Uber #14 (Avatar): #13 was a very different Uber story.  Sure, it was a big ol’ cliche; but that’s OK: Katyusha is a character that just tugs at your heartstrings–and rips your heart through your ribs and blows the rest of you to bits.  Gotta love her and what Gillen’s been doing with Uber.

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

  • Bee and Puppycat #2 (BOOM!): #1 was a winner–though Grammy was a bit concerned about Puppycat: “It’s just…unnatural!”  Get over it, Grandma!  Avery likes it!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (5/7)

07 Wednesday May 2014

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Busy?  Bah!  I’ve got a list to compile!

  • Veil #3 (Dark Horse): The ante has been upped–and so has my interest in the book. It ain’t Lazarus, folks, but it ain’t bad: Greg Rucka’s going full Fatale, and Toni Fejzula’s art is pretty striking.
Veil #3

Veil #3

  • Astro City #12 (DC/Vertigo): The follow-up to a terrific #11, which you’ll see highlighted in a celebratory post in the not-so-distant future.
  • Batman Eternal #5 (DC): Into my second month of Gotham-centered gobbledygook. #4 offered up plenty of reasons to jump off–including an awful conversation between Batman and Batgirl. I mean, who talks like that?
  • The Wake #8 (DC/Vertigo): Ah, a rare double dose of Scott Snyder.  I was disappointed with #7: it didn’t quite sell what #6 so emphatically offered.  By and by, I buy.
  • Alex + Ada #6 (Image): Nothing artificial about this intelligent little tale from Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn.  Ada’s awake–let the nightmare begin!
Alex + Ada #6

Alex + Ada #6

  • Clone #16 (Image): #15 is a bit lost on me, but that’s OK; Clone‘s been a fun ride.
  • Fatale #22 (Image): No surprise here: Fatale has been nominated for an Innie in the Best Ongoing Series category!  #21 didn’t quite capture the same magic as #20–our #2 book of February–but is was still pretty darned good.  Hey: Brubaker and Phillips are competing against themselves–the ridiculously high standard they’ve set for themselves over the life of this brilliant book.  Hmm…  Would that be a fatal strength?
Fatale #22

Fatale #22

  • Nailbiter #1 (Image): I haven’t been taken by anything I’ve read from Joshua Williamson.  But I’ll take this one home, thank you very much.  It’s a #1 thing.
  • Rat Queens #6 (Image): Violently vivacious vermin with a bit o’ the ol’ va-va-voom.  Queen me!
  • Satellite Sam #8 (Image): Hawkeye is very good.  Sex Criminals is more overrated than x-rated.  Satellite Sam, however, is proving to be Fraction’s flagship.  Doesn’t hurt that Howard Chaykin’s black and white art is out of this world.
  • Cyclops #1 (Marvel): Greg Rucka–nominated for an Innie in the Best Writer category for his work on Lazarus–returns to the hot half of the Big Two and takes on one of my all-time favorite characters.  Even though we’re going to be spinning ’round in space, I’m still pretty psyched.
Cyclops #1

Cyclops #1

  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #2 (Marvel): Writer/artist Kaare Andrews impressed with an engaging #1.  Highlight: his building of Danny’s backstory.  Let’s see what he does with Danny’s frontstory.
  • Loki: Agent of Asgard #4 (Marvel): Al Ewing’s having fun and so am I; so I’m still buying.
  • Magneto #3 (Marvel): I really liked what Cullen Bunn did in #2: he crafted a tight, emotionally affecting story from the past and cradled it expertly with a tense present.
Magneto #3

Magneto #3

  • Miracleman #5 (Marvel): So, so good.  What have we learned after four issues?  Alan Moore’s the real Miracleman.
  • Moon Knight #3 (Marvel): Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey delivered a kill-shot–one after another–with #2.  If you–yeah, you–didn’t pick it up, do yourself a favor and grab it and #3 while you’re at it.
  • Archer & Armstrong #20 (Valiant): Two words: new arc.  Thank Van Lente.
Archer & Armstrong #20

Archer & Armstrong #20

  • Caliban #2 (Avatar): The first one was good enough to give this one a go.  Liked it more than I liked Pariah and the space side of Letter 44, if that tells you anything.  I’m not too sure that tells me anything.
  • The Sixth Gun #40 (Oni Press): As solid–and consistent–an ongoing as you’re bound to find.  That’s right: no peaks and valleys here: Bunn and Hurtt are brilliant from one issue to the next.
  • The Woods #1 (BOOM!): James Tynion IV goes original with some otherworldly horror.  Talk about field trips!
The Woods #1

The Woods #1

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (3/19)

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

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Can’t buy ’em all.  That’s why I narrow it down to a select many every week.

  • Dark Horse Presents #34 (Dark Horse): A pricey pick, that’s for sure; but a gotta grab because Dean Motter’s magnificent Mister X is making his much anticipated return to the DHU.  And we love us some Mister X: if you didn’t already know–and you’d be in rare company–Mister X: Eviction was our #1 book of 2013.
Dark Horse Presents #37

Dark Horse Presents #34

  • Skyman #3 (Dark Horse): Has been OK.  My interest level in this book increased exponentially after reading Joshua Hale Fialkov’s The Bunker.  Makes this a bit of a potential pick.  Thing is, as a four-issue mini, Skyman might not have the time to realize that potential.  On a positive note, I’m willing to go the distance because it’s a mini.  Wouldn’t have been so willing if it had been an ongoing.
  • White Suits #2 (Dark Horse): Toby Cypress’s art was certainly remarkable.  The story, not so much.  I’m leaning toward passing on it.
  • The Witcher #1 (Dark Horse): Capable horror scribe Paul Tobin (Colder) makes it a maybe.  The fact that it’s based on a video game makes it a maybe not.  May also pass on this one.
  • American Vampire: Second Cycle #1 (DC/Vertigo): I’ve been looking forward to this!  Oh, sure, I bashed Batman a time or two and have been mostly put to sleep by The Wake (that is until #6, which was, pretty much, in The Wake world, anyhow, the equivalent of a cold shower!).  But that doesn’t mean I’m a Snyder hater; in fact, I happen to love American Vampire.  Consumed ’em all in trade form and am ready for the next course!
  • Animal Man #29 (DC): Jumped off a while ago.  Wondering if it’s worth picking up seeing as it’s the last issue and all.  Love Lemire’s cover:
Animal Man #29

Animal Man #29

  • Batman and Aquaman #29 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason continue to deliver the darkest of the Dark Knight books–and now, apparently, the wettest.
  • Suicide Squad #29 (DC): Hasn’t been as good as I had hoped it’d be with Kindt in command.  Riding out his run, anyway.
  • Wonder Woman #29 (DC): It’s no surprise that this is the only New 52 book I’ve stuck with–without missing an issue–from #1.  It’s no myth: Brian Azzarello has made a monthly living of being good.  Of drawing out the story, sure, but of being good, nevertheless.
  • A Voice in the Dark #5 (Image): Well, I certainly didn’t celebrate #4.  (Check out my review here.)  What I have celebrated, however, is the potential that Larime Taylor has shown–especially in a terrific #2.  Here, I’m hoping to see more than a return to form: I’m hoping to see improved pacing.  This book desperately needs to cut to the chase–and draw some blood in the process.
A Voice in the Dark #5

A Voice in the Dark #5

  • Fuse #2 (Image): #1 was an offer I could easily refuse–not re-Fuse, mind you.  Leaning toward leaving it on the shelf.
  • Lazarus #7 (Image): #6 was terrific–as always.  In it, Rucka and Lark build some serious tension, which neither slacks nor snaps.  It’s no wonder that Lazarus was our #7 book of 2013.
  • Sex Criminals #5 (Image): #4 was a bit of a rebound from a not-so-good #3, which was our Biggest Dis(appointment) of November 2013.  I’m going to go one more round and see what happens.  Let’s call this my having faith in Fraction.  Sure, he’s a mad god; he’s an effing oversexed overlord!  But when he’s good, he’s damn good.  If Fraction’s big three books were a menage a trois–ain’t they, though?–Sex Criminals would be on the bottom–and loving it, no doubt.
  • Zero #6 (image): With an arc in the books, er, trades, Zero—our #8 book of 2013–gets back to business with Vanesa Del Rey (artist on BOOM!’s quick Hit) bringing Ales Kot’s vision to life.  OK, not going to lie: still not too sure how I feel about how #5 ended.  I mean, aliens?  Really?  Going to have to trust my man Kot on this one.
Zero #6

Zero #6

  • All-New Ghost Rider #1 (Marvel): My only real exposure to Tradd Moore has been Zero #2, which is my favorite issue of the series thus far.  Honesty: I don’t give a boo about Ghost Rider; I’m grabbing this to get a little Moore.  We’ll see if the little’ll turn into a lot soon enough.
All-New Ghost Rider #1

All-New Ghost Rider #1

  • Avengers World #4 (Marvel): The series has been mostly blah.  Started off well enough, but it seems to have fallen into its “bigger” trap, leaving me asking, “What in the world?”  Consider how much bigger my bag promises to be this week, this one might find itself displaced.
  • Daredevil #1 (Marvel): Speaking of being displaced: time to see what Waid and Samnee have in store for comidom’s newest San Franciscan.
  • Ms. Marvel #2 (Marvel): I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed #1.  Reminded me of my initial experience with Miles Morales and how well Brian Michael Bendis handled–and sold–the character in the face of controversy.  In this case, I’m hoping that Wilson and Alphona can keep Kamala out of the editorial web that ultimately ensnared Miles.
Ms. Marvel #2

Ms. Marvel #2

  • Uncanny X-Men #19 (Marvel): Don’t judge me.
  • Winter Soldier: The Bitter March #2 (Marvel): Probably not.  I didn’t really care for the first one.  And after Remender’s Deadly Class #2, I’ve pretty well given up hope that he can deliver something that interests me.
  • X-Men #12 (Marvel): OK.  Now you may judge me.  You know, the series started off on such a nostalgic note, and I bought right into it.  Felt like the X-book I had been waiting for since coming back to comics.  Then came the momentum busting Battle of the Atom.  Since then, the damn thing’s been a bit of a mess.  I’ll ride out this storyline and decide from there.
  • Curse #3 (BOOM!): My curse: being unable to quit on a mini if I’m at least two issues in–even if I really don’t care very much about it. That pretty well describes this series for me.
  • Harbinger #0.2014 (Valiant): Everything you’ve wanted to know about the Bleeding Monk but were afraid to ask.
Harbinger #0.2014

Harbinger #0.2014

  • Letter 44 #5 (Oni Press): Still loving President Blades, and right now that’s all that matters to me.
  • Shadowman #16 (Valiant): A monthly mystery: I don’t care a lick about any of the characters and I’m often vexed by all the voodoo; but I still like it.  A major selling point: Roberto De La Torre’s art.  It really suits Peter Milligan’s turn on the book.
  • The Sixth Gun #39 (Oni Press): I’m almost caught up!  I’ve got three more issues to rock out.  Know what?  There’s no reason why I shouldn’t read through them tonight.  There you go: I’m going to read them tonight; and I will read this one first.  How’s that?  Oh, and, umm, just in case you didn’t know already: it’s good.  Really good.  As I’ve mentioned in recent posts: the team of Bunn and Hurtt will go down as one of the greats of the modern era–maybe even of all time–because of the terrific work they’ve done on The Sixth Gun.
The Sixth Gun #39

The Sixth Gun #39

  • X-O Manowar #23 (Valiant): Has been a solid read from the get-go.  Aric’s another one of my favorite characters, and Venditti’s shown a great command of his character in and out of the armor.

Avery’s Pick of the Week

  • Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #3 (DC): My daughter has enjoyed the first two issues well enough.  By “enjoyed” I mean “not torn the covers off yet.”

That about does it I&Nmates!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (1/15)

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

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And by “narrowing down,” I clearly mean this:

  • Skyman #1 (Dark Horse): It’s on my radar.  Don’t know the character; don’t know the creators–but I do know Dark Horse, our 2013 Publisher of the Year.
  • Astro City #8 (DC/Vertigo): #7 was no small Victory.  It was very, very good.  Bold statement of the week: Kurt Busiek’s the best storyteller in the DC stable.  Is anyone even close?
Astro City #8

Astro City #8

  • Suicide Squad #27 (DC): Kindt has revealed that nothing lasts Forever–including his time on Suicide Squad.  I appreciate what he’s done; but when he’s done, so am I.
  • Indestructible #2 (IDW): There was something interesting–though not nearly indestructible–about the first one.  Leaning toward passing on it.  I mean, look at this list, for goodness sake!  I can’t buy everything, folks!
  • A Voice in the Dark #3 (Image): From Larime Taylor’s mouth to our eyes.  Truly remarkable.  #2 was a compelling ask-questions-first-shoot-later follow-up to a dangerously drawn-out, extra-sized first issue.  Expectations have crept up a notch.
  • Alex + Ada #3 (Image): Most of all, I love the tone of the book.  There’s a sincere tension that’s undeniable–and beautiful.
Alex + Ada #3

Alex + Ada #3

  • Egos #1 (Image): Worth a shot, I suppose.
  • Rat Queens #4 (Image): Every page is infested with rattitude!  Wiebe and Upchurch gleefully give us a mischief of grrls, a swarm of snarky sword swingers doing their very best to make it in a man’s world!  It’s not much more than that, really; but it doesn’t need to be, does it?  Everyone needs a book like this in his or her bag.
  • Velvet #3 (Image): Bit of a slow build, sure, but Brubaker can take all the time he needs; I’ll be right here with him, Steve Epting, and their gorgeously cinematic and super smooth Velvet.
  • All-New X-Men #21 (Marvel): Well, it certainly seems like all of my complaining about the unevenness of Bendis’s writing has finally caught up to me.  OK.  No, it hasn’t.
  • Daredevil #35 (Marvel): Loved #34.  It’s a “best of,” if you think about it: everything that Waid’s done well over the course of the series is played up to some effect in the issue.  I know major changes are on the way; I just hope that Waid’s approach to handling Daredevil’s duality and crafting relationships–through lively dialogue, especially (something Bendis has struggled with on the X-titles)–is not one of them.
Daredevil #35

Daredevil #35

  • Miracleman #1 (Marvel): I have no idea what to expect with this.  I’ve never read any Miracleman–or Marvelman for that matter–but I’m certainly willing to give it a try.  Might take a miracle to keep me around, though.  Seriously: have you seen this list?!
  • Uncanny X-Men #16 (Marvel): As a whole, it’s been more engaging than All-New X-Men.  Yeah, that’s not saying much.
  • Archer & Armstrong #17 (Valiant): One of our Top Ten titles of 2013!  Can’t wait to see what Van Lente and co. have in store for us this year!  If it’s more of the same, all the better!
Archer & Armstrong #17

Archer & Armstrong #17

  • Harbinger #20 (Valiant):  Dysart’s doing with Harbinger what I wish Bendis was doing with his X-books: writing an effin’ solid team book.
  • Unity #3 (Valiant): If I’m being honest, I’m keeping on ’cause of Kindt.  I see more potential here than in any of his Marvel and DC work, which, as a whole, has been pretty blah even as he’s brought his unique narrative style into the mainstream mix.
  • Curse #1 (BOOM!): Another werewolf story?  I hope not.  I mean, Six-Gun Gorilla wasn’t just another gorilla story, was it?  No, not even close.  Time to go BOOM!
Curse #1

Curse #1

  • Imagine Agents #4 (BOOM!): This rounds out the series–which I haven’t started reading yet.  Oops.
  • God Is Dead #5 (Avatar): Definitely on the dropping block.  My interest is mostly dead–especially as Hickman’s participation in the creative process comes to its inevitable end.
  • Rover Red Charlie #2 (Avatar): As I mentioned in a prompt post-read tweet concerning an apocalyptic #1: “some really ruff moments I [couldn’t] seem to shake.”  Poor doggies.  It’s a real man-beat-man world, innit?
  • The Sixth Gun #37 (Oni Press): One of the best monthlies around.  Writing and art of the highest caliber from Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt, respectively.
  • Department of Monsterology #4 (Renegade): A monstrous surprise!  I’ve really enjoyed this series so far.  Sad to see it come to a close.  Gosh, I hope Gordon Rennie and P.J. Holden have something else in store for us!
Department of Monsterology #4

Department of Monsterology #4

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (12/11)

09 Monday Dec 2013

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Oh, good: another small week.

  • Shaolin Cowboy #3 (Dark Horse): #2 was a wild ride, man, a dizzying display. I’ve never seen anything like it; in that, I really liked it. Geof Darrow’s attention to detail is ri-dic-u-lous. Wasn’t so thrilled with the end, however: seemed to run out of gas before the Cowboy did. I figured we were being set up for something–something more than a pin-up, you know what I mean? I guess we’ll find out what Darrow was hacking and slashing his way to here. Hold on to your head!
Shaolin Cowboy #3

Shaolin Cowboy #3

  • Astro City #7 (DC/Vertigo): One solid story after another from Kurt Busiek and Brent Eric Anderson. Now, it’s time for an extended arc.
  • Suicide Squad #26 (DC): After #24, I was this close from jumping off the bridge, but I decided to give it another issue; and with #25, the suicidally prolific Matt Kindt grabbed me by the collar and yanked me back into the safety of his storytelling.
  • Indestructible #1 (IDW): Sounds interesting enough. Premise has me thinking Thurber’s “The Greatest Man in the World.”
  • Alex + Ada #2 (Image): “Christmas, [girl] in a box. Chanukah, [girl] in a box. Kwanzaa, a [girl] in box. Every single holiday a [girl] in a box.”
Alex + Ada #2

Alex + Ada #2

  • Dead Body Road #1 (Image): I liked what Justin Jordan did on Shadowman. Doesn’t hurt that he’s working with Matteo Scalera, who’s done fine work on Indestructible Hulk and, more recently, Black Science. And, all together now: it’s an Image #1!
  • Lazarus #5 (Image): Love, love, love Lazarus! Can’t beat the creators of this one: Greg Rucka and Michael Lark flood every panel with intense action. So, if you’ve heard about the book but have held off because you missed the boat, now’s your time to jump on board because this issue kicks off a brand new arc. (See what I did there?)
  • Manifest Destiny #2 (Image): We thoroughly enjoyed the first leg of this re-imagined journey with Lewis, Clark, and friends. Picking up #2 is a no-brainer.
  • Satellite Sam #5 (Image): Matt Fraction and Howard Chaykin are bringing sexy back and are making black and white look as colorful as can be all while keeping the answers we want sequestered in the shadows. Teases. Speaking of:
Satellite Sam #5

Satellite Sam #5

  • Three #3 (Image): I think I’m being fair here: I’m giving this one from Kieron Gillen–who’s killing, well, just about everyone in the uber Uber–a third issue.
  • Inhumanity: Awakening #1 (Marvel): I picked up Inhumanity #1 by Fraction and Olivier Coipel. Despite its flaws–and you didn’t have to be Karnak to find them–it was a decent read. A drawn out, but decent read. Now it’s Kindt’s turn.
  • Uncanny X-Men #15 (Marvel): “Special issue”? Uh oh. Seeing “special issue” in a preview for a comic is a lot like seeing “delicious” on a package of gluten-free anything.
  • Archer & Armstrong #16 (Valiant): I’m still drunk on #15! I kinda hope Fred Van Lente writes this forever. Smart, funny, and beautiful… Hey! This book is the perfect woman!
Archer & Armstrong #16

Archer & Armstrong #16

  • Day Men #2 (BOOM!): Wow. Kinda got to thinking that the odds of vampires being real were better than the odds of #2 seeing the light of day. Gonna have to drag #1 out of the ol’ comic coffin and hammer out a new stake in the series.
  • Death Sentence #3 (Titan): I’ve been infected by MontyNero’s G+ premise and his A+ character development. That’s right: I’m invested in three characters–and a series–not long for this world. Damn it! I don’t want to be cured!
  • Deathmatch #12 (BOOM!): The finale to a darn good superhero saga from Paul Jenkins and Carlos Magno. Brilliantly ludicrous and delightfully derivative. If you missed it, make sure you grab a collected edition; it’s well worth your time.
Deathmatch #12

Deathmatch #12

  • Harbinger #19 (Valiant): Every time I think it’s about time to give it up, Joshua Dysart plays some seriously fun mindgames and convinces me to stick around.
  • The Sixth Gun #36 (Oni): I recently finished Vol. 5, which ended up as my favorite of the bunch. It showcases the fantastic storytelling that Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt have exhibited over the course of the series–a series that stands as one of the best around. I can’t wait to get into the monthlies, which I’ve been hoarding for a while now. If you haven’t tried The Sixth Gun yet, do yourself a favor and score yourself a copy of Vol. 1. Need more of an incentive? The end isn’t too far off now; so it’s a good investment.
The Sixth Gun #36

The Sixth Gun #36

  • Uber #8 (Avatar): Didn’t love most of #7. Left me seeing the book, at this point, as more flawed than fabulous. The end was good, though; it screamed: Don’t give up quite yet! OK, I won’t. Not gonna lie, though: my faith in Gillen’s being tested.
  • Unity #2 (Valiant): More Kindt in my bag! More money out of my pocket!
  • Watson and Holmes #6 (New Paradigm): It’s no longer a surprise: Watson and Holmes has been really, really good. Karl Bollers–along with his partners Rick Leonardi (#1-#4) and Larry Stroman (#5)–has set a high bar for the new creative team Brandon M. Easton and Steven Harris; but the foundation–built upon two solid characters–is a strong one, so expectations are pretty high. The only mystery, really, is why you aren’t reading this yet! (Good news: Vol. 1 is out this week, too!)
Watson and Holmes #6

Watson and Holmes #6

Yup. That just happened.

What are you looking forward to this week?

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 (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