Tag Archives: Brian Michael Bendis

What’s I&N Store (3/12)

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

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My work here is done.  Time to get to work.

  • Astro City #10 (DC/Vertigo): Busiek’s Winged Victory tour has been a revelation!  Hope it soars right to the end.
  • Royals: Masters of War #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a jolly good show!  Rob Williams’ characters were instantly engaging; and Simon Coleby’s art was terrific, like Jae Lee with more detail and without the reliance on silhouettes.  Together, they’ve delivered a well-rounded opening salvo filled with “awe,” “exhilaration,” “excitement,” and “fear.”  Has a depth that separates it from the very similar Uber, which just so happens to be on tap this week, as well.
  • Monster & Madman #1 (IDW): Frankenstein’s monster and Jack the Ripper together in the same book?  Oh, and Steve Niles as the facilitator?  Yes, please!
Monster & Madman #1

Monster & Madman #1

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #32 (IDW): Ross Campbell’s surprisingly strong run on the post-“City Fall” arc comes to an end.  Good news, though: one of our favorites, the terrific Mateus Santolouco, is back with #33!
  • East of West #10 (Image): A compelling read that has really started to take off.  It’s a solid showcase for Hickman’s serious side, which is a nice counterpoint to his maniacal The Manhattan Projects.
  • Manifest Destiny #5 (Image): I’m just about done.  It’s a shame, really: #1 promised so much–maybe too much.
  • Stray Bullets: Killers #1 (Image): Gonna have to stick this on the ol’ Catch Up pile because…
  • Stray Bullets Uber Alles Edition (Image): I recently read the first four issues of Stray Bullets on Dave Lapham’s website.  Have been waiting for this bad boy ever since.  Thanks to my man Derek for pointing me in this direction.
Stray Bullets

Stray Bullets

  • All-New X-Men #24 (Marvel): I’m a sucker for the Shi’ar Imperial guard, so…
  • Fantastic Four #2 (Marvel): I’m a fair fella. I put The All-New Invaders out of my mind–only after a bit of a purple purge–and jumped into James Robinson’s reboot of The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine with the optimism of an innocent.  As it turned out, it wasn’t bad.  It wasn’t fantastic, but it wasn’t bad.  Robinson–one of our favorite writers of 2012–set the terms of his take on the cosmic quartet–with fine art from Leonard Kirk–and did so well enough for me to follow along.  4 Now! anyway.
  • Hawkeye #17 (Marvel): Sure, we’re bee-bopping around a bit, but it doesn’t matter much: wherever Fraction fires his arrows on Hawkeye, they hit the mark emphatically.  This departure from the deafening events of #15 promises to be “a raucously adorable and hilarious animated adventure.”  Sock it to me!
  • Secret Avengers #1 (Marvel): The secret’s out: Ales Kot and Michael Walsh are teaming up again (see Zero #1 or the recently released Zero TP) for an Avengers title that I’m really looking forward to.  No, really.
Secret Avengers #1

Secret Avengers #1

  • X-Force #2 (Marvel): I didn’t really love #1.  Heck, I barely liked it.  But I’m going to give it another issue because Si Spurrier has earned my not-so-easily-earned loyalty.  (Yes, I’m still riding the high of the meticulously meta Six-Gun Gorilla, one of our favorite books of 2013.)
  • Death Sentence #6 (Titan): No hyperbole here: this is one issue away from cementing itself as the mini to beat for 2014.  Writer Montynero’s made himself a must-read–the result of his brilliant storytelling, his unforgettable characters and his insightful back matter.  Mike Dowling’s art–which calls to mind the fabulous Sean Phillips–is the perfect complement to Montynero’s wild, wild words.  If you foolishly missed out on this rocking good time, fret not: there’s always the trade.
Death Sentence #6

Death Sentence #6

  • Red Team #7 (Dynamite): Wow.  Forgot this was a thing.
  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #1 (Dynamite): Fred Van Lente’s bringing Magnus back, and, I’m like a groupie, so, yeah, I’m going to pick this up.  Don’t have any experience with the character, so, yeah: groupie.  Oh, c’mon: you know you’re down with FVL.
  • Uber #10 (Avatar): Still solid.  Wondering how long Gillen’s going to go with it.  Wonder how long he can go on with it.  Fair or not: I’m going to be holding it to Royals: Masters of War.  It’s the nature of the business, ain’t it?  Yeah, comics are hell.
  • Unity #5 (Valiant): Looking forward to the new arc, which has not been billed as Kindt, CAFU, and you.  Man, it should’ve been.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (3/5)

05 Wednesday Mar 2014

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Huge week.  And, yes, this counts as narrowing it down.

  • Veil #1 (Dark Horse): Greg Rucka’s killing it with Lazarus and has Cyclops in his sights.  On the strength of the former and in anticipation of the latter, I’m thinking that this one’s a no-brainer.
  • Trillium #7 (DC/Vertigo): Through six issues, Jeff Lemire has insisted that we turn the page on our own expectations.  As excited as I am sad, knowing that–including this one–only two issues of Lemire’s head-spinning layouts are left!
Trillium #7

Trillium #7

Wild Blue Yonder #4

Wild Blue Yonder #4

  • Clone #15 (Image): Clonetopia?  Yeah, probably not.  David Schulner and Co. have made it clear: happy endings end rather quickly in Clone–often after a single page turn.  And what terrific page turns they are: artist Juan Jose Ryp’s attention to detail is astounding–not unlike the great Geof Darrow, no?
  • Jupiter’s Legacy #4 (Image): If I’m remembering correctly, I thought #3 was all right–certainly enough for me to ignore my oath to pass over any Millar material no matter how shiny.  We all know by now that Mark Millar’s not concerned with our experiences as readers of his fine material; he’s too busy generating new ideas like…
  • Starlight #1 (Image): Of course I’m going to give Mr. Millar another opportunity to frustrate the hell out of me.
  • Velvet #4 (Image): Brubaker and Epting are taking their time, doing their thing, which is near-perfect cinematic slow-burn espionage.
Velvet #4

Velvet #4

  • Loki: Agent of Asgard #2 (Marvel): I’ve never been a fan of Thor’s corner of the Marvel Universe.  Al Ewing, however, has convinced me to extend my visit to a tidy right angle.
  • Magneto #1 (Marvel): Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun) writing one of my favorite characters?  Yes, please.
  • Moon Knight #1 (Marvel): I was crushed after the most recent–and mostly crazy–run of Moon Knight–by Bendis and Maleev–came to a close.  Now, Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey are in charge of the lunatic in white.  Can’t wait.
Moon Knight #1

Moon Knight #1

  • Uncanny X-Men #18 (Marvel): Maybe–just maybe–#17 was a hint; maybe it was the nudge I need.  See: at the end of the issue, Cyclops kicks David Bond off the team because the new mutant fails to live up to expectations.  Maybe–just maybe–I should finally cast this book aside because it hasn’t lived up to my expectations.  Then again, Marco Rudy’s art looks ridiculously good.  So, another possibility: Fate has kept me around long enough for this!
  • Afterlife With Archie #4 (Archie): The series has been so good for so many reasons.  In fact, #3 was our #5 book of January–and deservedly so: Roberto Aguirre Sacasa’s storytelling–a brilliant balance of Archie and Afterlife–is top-notch, and Francesco Francavilla’s art is a perfect fit.
Afterlife With Archie #4

Afterlife With Archie #4

  • Archer & Armstrong #18 (Valiant): #17 was a rare sideways step for Fred Van Lente.  It certainly wasn’t what we were hoping for from one of our favorite books of 2013.  Wouldn’t you know: I liked #0.2014 a lot; in fact, it turned out to be one of my favorite origin issues, like, ever.
  • The Auteur #1 (Oni): Game-time decision.  Yeah, not too sure I need another “deranged” book.
  • Day Men #3 (BOOM!): A Millaresque release schedule without–so far, anyway–the Millaresque payoff that, generally, makes it worth the wait.  I’m going to have to pull #2 to bring myself up to speed.  Yeah, that’s always a bummer.
  • Evil Empire #1 (BOOM!): Another game-time decision.  I’m not familiar with Max Bemis or Ransom Getty, so I’ll give it an earnest flip and see what happens.
  • Quantum and Woody: Goat #0 (Valiant): Maa.
Quantum and Woody: Goat #0

Quantum and Woody: Goat #0

  • Rover Red Charlie #4 (Avatar): #3 was…  Oh, I’m going to save it for a future post.
  • The Twilight Zone #3 (Dynamite): Has been surprisingly good.  Certainly Straczynski’s best work–of the current batch, anyway.  The shine, however, was taken off a bit after I read Sidekick #5.  Seems Straczynski’s borrowing from himself–and he sure as heck isn’t being subtle about it!  Sure, I’ve seen creators who have borrowed from themselves, usually from past work, but this is just silly: Sidekick and Twilight Zone are concurrent titles, for goodness sake!  OK.  OK.  Wait a sec.  Is this the Twilight Zone?  Oh, well.  Still want to see how this plays out.
Twilight Zone #3

The Twilight Zone #3

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (2/19)

18 Tuesday Feb 2014

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The only forecast worth a damn:

  • Skyman #2 (Dark Horse): My interest in the book has been ramped up not by #1 so much as learning more about Joshua Hale Fialkov as a writer through his book The Bunker from Oni Press, which came out in print last week.  Yeah, so, suddenly I’m like “Sky’s the limit!” for this one.
  • The White Suits #1 (Dark Horse): The new one from Frank J. Barbiere–writer of the underwhelming Five Ghosts, which I dropped after #2–is described as “violent noir,” which is right up my alley; so I’ll pick it up.
  • Batman and Two-Face #28 (DC): Best Batman of the bunch?  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s Batman, biatch!  OK, so, it’s not Mind MGMT; very few books are.  But it is Batman: it sounds like, looks like, and feels like Batman–and that’s what’s important, isn’t it?  The turn with Two-Face has been a fun one, and it ends here.
Batman and Two-Face #28

Batman and Two-Face #28

  • Wonder Woman #28 (DC): The only New 52 book I’ve been on from the get-go.  Remarkably consistent, drawing more from myth as we go along.  Bring on the Minotaur!
  • A Voice in the Dark #4 (Image): We were lucky enough to receive a preview copy from Larime Taylor a couple of weeks back.  My review–and assessment of the series–can be found here.
  • Alex + Ada #4 (Image): If I had more time, I would’ve written up a Scottlight On post for #3–a very positive Scottlight On post.  I loved it: the dialogue, the absence of dialogue; the composition of balance, the language of juxtaposition; the slow simmer, the tempered tone; the spirit of Asimov, the sword of Damocles.  Very much looking forward to what Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn have programmed for us this time around.
Alex + Ada #4

Alex + Ada #4

  • Avengers World #3 (Marvel): Certainly isn’t a must read, but hasn’t been bad.  Certainly worth another issue.
  • Daredevil #36 (Marvel): The end–for now.  We know where it’s going from here, yet I wonder where it’s going from here.  From Hell’s Kitchen to Hells Angels?  Is DD gonna chill on Devil’s Peak?  Or drink from the Devil’s Punchbowl?
Daredevil #36

Daredevil #36

  • Uncanny X-Men #17 (Marvel): This isn’t a good sign: I don’t really remember what happened in #16.  Then again, maybe it’s the sign I’ve been waiting for all along. Maybe I should just be done with this book once and for all and put my four bucks toward something I won’t whine about every damn month.  Hmm.  Maybe save up for Rucka’s Cyclops book out in May.
  • X-Men #11 (Marvel): I swore after #10 that I was done.  That’s three times after only ten issues!  Sounds about right.
  • Curse #2 (BOOM!): I wasn’t overly impressed with #1.  Figure I’ll give it another shot.
  • Extinction Parade #5 (Avatar): I have an idea: let’s marry Max Brooks’s writing with Alex Maleev’s artwork.  That’d be something!  As it is, this is a tolerable exploration of the relationship between otherwise intolerable vampires and zombies brought to the page in the typical Avatar style.
  • The Midas Flesh #3 (BOOM!): #2 was one of our Top 5 Books of January!  Our needle’s pointing due Ryan North!
The Midas Flesh #3

The Midas Flesh #3

  • Quantum and Woody #8 (Valiant): James Asmus is keeping it crazy in his little corner of the Valiant Universe.  Always good for a laugh.
  • Unity #4 (Valiant): Outside of Mind MGMT, this is where Matt Kindt’s clearly most comfortable.  And with Kindt’s Rai reboot on the way, we’ll see just how comfortable.  Makes all the sense in the world that Valiant would be the best fit for him: he gets to remodel the house instead of simply moving the furniture around.

My daughter now expects a “present” every time I come home from the comic store.  Instead of just grabbing something off the shelf willy-nilly, I’m going in with a plan.  I’m calling it…

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

  • Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2 (DC): There’s no doubt about it: Avery loves her superheroes.  While flipping through #1, however, she seemed to like the little villains the most.  I’m in trouble.
Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (1/22)

20 Monday Jan 2014

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A nice balance of books–comic books, yes; checkbook, not so much.

  • The Massive #19 (Dark Horse): Brian Wood and Garry Brown have a long way to go to outdo what they did with “Longship,” the finest arc of the series thus far.  Could cut the tension with a harpoon–and just barely!  But they’ve got plenty of wind in their sails and Arkady–an even bigger threat than the great white whaler, Bors Bergsen–on deck, so I’m betting on better.
  • Mind MGMT #18 (Dark Horse): We celebrated Mind MGMT as our #2 book of 2013 and issue #17 as the Best Single Issue of 2013.  Well, wouldn’t you know, the Year of the Snake comes to a close in the jungle, the mighty jungle, where an agent sleeps tonight…
Mind MGMT #18

Mind MGMT #18

  • Batman and Two-Face #27 (DC): One of Scott Snyder’s (Batman, The Wake) favorite books of 2013!  So if you’ve discounted my opinion before, maybe you’ll believe me now: Tomasi and Gleason’s Batman is the best of bunch!  If a potent dose of the Dark Knight is what you crave, cave in and buy this book!
  • Wonder Woman #27 (DC): We’re through twenty-seven mostly solid issues and where have we gotten?  No, really: someone please tell me why I should keep buying this!  It was good just ain’t good enough anymore.  Something to consider: if I drop this and Suicide Squad–once Kindt’s run is over–I’ll be down to one New 52 book.  One.  Sad–especially with Marvel’s All-New effort to inject excitement back into their brand with big names and tempting titles.  Umm, I guess, in a way, I’m kind of calling for a Newer 52.
  • Bedlam #11 (Image): It’s taken me this long to suss Spencer out.  But now that I have, I feel fully invested in Fillmore’s story and have no good reason to ditch.
  • Dead Body Road #2 (Image): While I wasn’t blown away by #1, I like Justin Jordan enough to give it another shot.  If it doesn’t live up to expectations, I’ll bag it and tag it, put it in a box, and say good-bye.
  • Deadly Class #1 (Image): Thing is, I really don’t like Rick Remender enough to give any of his books any kind of shot.  Captain America‘s a disaster in any dimension, Uncanny Avengers was unreadable from the get-go, and Black Science gave me every reason to disbelieve in Remender and in his ability to create a world of worth.  To sharpen my point: the premise of this book sounds a lot like Five Weapons–also from Image–doesn’t it?  Ugh.  And after all that, I’ll probably still buy it.
  • Zero #5 (Image): #4 was brilliant.  In fact, it solidified Zero as one of our Top Ten Books of 2013.  Ales Kot and his coterie of artists have so far delivered four fantastic stanzas of versified violence!  And to think the epic has just begun!
Zero #5

Zero #5

  • All-New Invaders #1 (Marvel): James Robinson gave us one of our favorite books of 2012.  Steve Pugh worked on another one of our favorites from 2012.  Hope they come together to give us something to shout about in 2014.
  • All-New X-Men #22.Now (Marvel): Trial of Jean Grey?  Should I yawn.now?  We’re stuck in the All-New past!  And so am I, apparently.  There’s no other reason for my holding on.
  • Avengers World #2 (Marvel): One more try.  (If you’re humming a little Timmy T, I’ve done my job.)
  • Hawkeye #16 (Marvel): My second favorite superhero book behind Daredevil.  And easily Fraction’s sexiest offering.  Yes, I know what else he’s writing.
Hawkeye #16

Hawkeye #16

  • X-Men #9 (Marvel): The addition of the Dodsons has been a Godsend.  They’ve double-handedly drawn me back in.
  • Eternal Warrior #5 (Valiant): I’m leaning toward dropping it.  Hasn’t been bad.  Just don’t think I’m into it enough.  Feel like I’m buying it out of loyalty for Valiant.  Not a good enough reason to part with $4–not anymore.
  • The Midas Flesh #2 (BOOM!): The first issue was pure gold!  Sorry.  But, no, really: Ryan North’s clearly headed in the right direction.  Yuk, yuk.
  • The Mocking Dead #5 (Dynamite): Here it is: the final chapter of a series that can only be described as A Modest Proposal for our time!
STK629819

The Mocking Dead #5

  • X-O Manowar #21 (Valiant): I still like Aric a lot–whether he’s in the armor or not.

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 (12/18)

18 Wednesday Dec 2013

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Haven’t had back-to-back weeks like this.  Yowza.

  • Buzzkill #4 (Dark Horse): One of the best minis of the year comes to a close.  No need to crack open a cold one to enjoy what Donny Cates and the crew have brewed up–but it certainly can’t hurt.  In fact, let’s drink to what they’ve accomplished thus far and to the promise of a perfectly choreographed booze-fueled father-son throwdown.
Buzzkill #4

Buzzkill #4

  • Dark Horse Presents #31 (Dark Horse): A hefty price to pay for a sliver of of the sublime Mind MGMT.  Oh, I’ll be paying it, all right!  Just like I paid…for…this…
Mind MGMT #17 pp. 22-23

Mind MGMT #17 pp. 22-23

  • The Massive #18 (Dark Horse): Over the life of The Massive, Brian Wood has put on a clinic in understatement and tension–no single issue more successful than the revealing #17, which put Callum Israel’s hatred for Bors Bergsen in context.  Brilliant.
  • Batman and Two-Face #26 (DC): I’ve said it before; I’ll say it again: despite what you’ve been led to believe, this is the best Batman book going.  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit for what they’ve been doing with Batman, particularly post-Robin.
  • Wonder Woman #26 (DC): Still worth my $2.99.  One of the few DC books worth my time.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #29 (IDW): I don’t know, maybe.  I really enjoyed “City Fall”–and not only because of Mateus Santolouco’s artwork, surprisingly enough; so, I’m actually leaning toward yes.  At least a flip-through, right?
TMNT #29

TMNT #29

  • A Voice in the Dark #2 (Image): #1 was mostly tedious, but Taylor has twisted my arm with a pretty terrific plot twist.  I want to–I have to!–see it play out.  Man, it’s the same problem I have when it comes to watching any cop show: if I watch the first two minutes, I’m stuck for the full sixty–even if I’ve never seen an episode of that particular show before.  Such a sucker!
  • Black Science #2 (Image): Surprise!  Remender’s playing with dimensions.  Oh, sorry: Yay!  If I end up buying it, it’ll be definitive proof that I have no self control.
  • East of West #8 (Image): Hickman’s been east of efficient in his storytelling.  That’s not a fault; in fact, I appreciate his frugality–especially considering how much reading I have to do!
  • Mind the Gap #16 (Image): One of my favorites is back with Act II.  I can’t wait to see how McCann and crew outdo themselves.  It’ll be tough, though, especially after the brilliant dueling-artist dual-narrative that closed out Act I.  Highest of expectations.
Mind the Gap #16

Mind the Gap #16

  • Saga #17 (Image): Guaranteed goodness.
  • Ten Grand #6 (Image): Dragged down–waaaaaaay down–by Templesmith’s departure.  More than likely, I’ll pass on it.  Sad, too, because I had finally gotten into it.
  • Zero #4 (Image): An amazing three-issue run to kick off the series.  Yeah, there’s a 0% chance of my missing this one; in fact, I’d give up my left arm for a copy!  Can’t wait to drink up another 24 pages of Ales Kot’s creative juices.
  • All-New X-Men #20 (Marvel): Hey, it is what it is.
  • Daredevil #34 (Marvel): I’m looking forward to the end of the run–just not sure if it’s for the right reasons.
  • X-Men #8 (Marvel): Bringing on the Dodsons was as genius a move as can be.  They’re perfect for this book.  It’s keeping me around, that’s for sure.
X-Men #8

X-Men #8

  • Department of Monsterology #3 (Renegade Arts): I loved #2.  Looking forward to seeing what they’ve got in store for us this time around.
Department of Monsterology #3

Department of Monsterology #3

  • Eternal Warrior #4 (Valiant): So far, so good.
  • The Extinction Parade #4 (Avatar): I’ve been picking it up for my wife.  Yeah, well, she hasn’t read #2 yet.  I’m caught up, though.  Nothing special.
  • Hit #4 (BOOM!): The solid hard-boiled crime drama from Bryce Carlson and Vanesa Del Rey comes to a close.
Hit #4

Hit #4

  • The Midas Flesh #1 (BOOM!): Time for another adventure from Ryan North!  Sounds fun!  I mean, everything he’s touched so far has turned to gold, right?
  • X-O Manowar #20 (Valiant): I was really surprised by–and really liked–Cary Nord’s artwork on #19.  Hoping to get more of the same here.

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 (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

I&N Scott’s Bag (10/30)

18 Monday Nov 2013

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Couldn’t let this little lot slip though my finicky fingers.

  • The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #5 (The cozy weirdness has gotten uncomfortably familiar.  And, wait: is that Maxine and Socks at the end?)
  • Sandman: Overture #1 (Elegant, mysterious, and impossibly beautiful.  Neil Gaiman’s got us reading out of the palm of his handsome mythology once again; and the peerless J.H. Williams makes his end of the Endless look so easy–so easy, in fact, that the experience demands one’s going back to admire his complex layouts and otherworldly attention to detail.)
Sandman: Overture #1

Sandman: Overture #1

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #27 (Another good bit of Turtle fun!  Probably won’t be enough to keep me around past “City Fall,” but certainly worth the run.)
  • Wild Blue Yonder #3 (Another high-energy installment of the year’s biggest blockbuster, this one sporting a spectacular–and perfectly peaceful–double-page spread smack dab in the middle.  I suspect we’ll have more to say about this one.)
Wild Blue Yonder #3

Wild Blue Yonder #3

  • Saga #15 (Once again, Vaughan and Staples skewer expectations!  And how about that final sequence?  A willful assault, indeed!)
  • X-Men: Battle of the Atom #2 (In the end, one epilogue shy of epic brilliance.  “[R]idiculous schism,” indeed!  The most significant aftermath of this event: figuring out which of the X-books I’ll end up subtracting from my monthly haul as a result of this pointless glossover.)
  • The Fox #1 (A bit of a disappointment, considering the names attached to it.  Had to give it a shot, right?  I’m sure you did, too.  Well, after this unwieldy, unfunny offering, I’m out.  You?)

Turning pages,

Scott