Tag Archives: Chris Samnee

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 (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 (10/23)

28 Monday Oct 2013

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This is actually, kinda, sorta on time.

  • Mind MGMT #16 (Matt Kindt is the Thomas Edison of comics: he’s invented yet another way to make this book the most involved read on the rack.  As important as this story is to the world Kindt’s been building, it is a stand alone issue.  Do yourself a favor and pick it up, even if you’re not looking to add another title to your monthly haul; it’s a stunning example of what the medium can do.)
Mind MGMT #16

Mind MGMT #16

  • Velvet #1 (I like the bad-ass Miss Moneypenny angle from Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.  The other angles–all of them right–come together to take the shape of an exceptionally executed exposition.)
  • Pretty Deadly #1 (Pretty underwhelming.  Not entirely Kelly Sue DeConnick’s fault, really.  Sure, I wasn’t particularly taken by the–perhaps purposely–juvenile poetry that frames the issue, and Emma Rios’s art was often tough to translate; but I think the main problem is with me–with my bag.  Not only am I already invested in wonderfully wild westerns–including BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla, Image’s East of West, and Oni’s The Sixth Gun–I’m seeing similarities, which steal a bit from the experience.  Even if they’re complete coincidences, which I assume they are, they’re enough to affect my experience here.  To be fair, I’m going to meet #2 at high noon on or around Wednesday 11/27.  We’ll see who flinches first.)
  • Satellite Sam #4 (Had to spend extra time with it to suss out some of the dialogue.  Time well spent.  Who knew I’d be more interested in the early days of TV than I am in the recent exploits of Captain America and Superman?  It’s not what I came back to comics for, but it’s why I’ll be sticking around: an original voice affected effortlessly by Matt Fraction and ridiculously detailed black & white artwork from Howard Chaykin.)
Satellite Sam #4

Satellite Sam #4

  • Harbinger #17 (Wouldn’t have been so terrible if it were terrible, but it wasn’t.  Peter and friends live to see another What’s I&N Store post.)
  • Kiss Me, Satan #2 (Other things me, too, Satan.  And make it fast because, despite Juan Ferreya’s art, I’m not sticking around for #3.)
  • Rat Queens #2 (The joke ran the risk of getting stale–like a chunk of cheese on a ill-placed trap–but then came the end.  “[Fudge] buckets,” indeed.  At its best, like during the final two-page sequence, Kurtis J. Wiebe’s world spins not unlike something you’d see in Saga.  At its worst, it reads like Fraction’s cutting-room floor.  Here’s hoping for more of the best.)
  • Clone #11 (I wasn’t sure where we were headed after #10.  Now I know–and I’m stoked!  All the way around, a terrific issue.  The twriters [that’s tri-writers, to reflect the combined efforts of David Schulner, Aaron Ginsburg, and Wade McIntyre–did I just coin that?] continue to celebrate the unique experience that is the comic book page turn in this fast-paced effort; and the art from Juan Jose Ryp, with colors from Andy Troy, is at its detailed best.  Really, really good.)
Clone #11

Clone #11

  • Sex Criminals #2 (Even filthier than the first, which makes sense since we get the guy’s side here.  It goes without saying that I found it hard to relate to.  I have a friend, though, who found it remarkably resonant–especially the bit about the–umm–treasure in the woods.)
  • Daredevil #32 (Quite a ride.  Went from hard to diJester to frighteningly flavorful in a single course!  Who would’ve thunk it: Mark Waid twists the political slog from #31 into something fiendishly fun and then, just as quickly, into something D-D-deadly.  Two fantastic splashes from Chris Samnee, the best being the ironic “They’re not monsters!” monsterpiece.  Hard to believe we’re that much closer to the end of this glorious run.)
Daredevil #32

Daredevil #32

  • Ultimate Spider-Man #28 (Sad to say, I’m happy that this one’s done.)

Missed a few–The Massive, Numbercruncher, and Death Sentence–for one reason or another; but I won’t be without them for very long.

What did you think of this bag’s worth?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/23)

22 Tuesday Oct 2013

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

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

Mind MGMT #16

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

Pretty Deadly #1

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

Velvet #1

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

Numbercruncher #4

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

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

I&N Scott’s Bag (9/18)

29 Sunday Sep 2013

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

Mind the Gap #14

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

Numbercruncher #3

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

Uncanny X-Men #12

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

Justice League #23.3

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

X-O Manowar #17

Turning pages,

Scott

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

Derekommendations: 8/21

29 Thursday Aug 2013

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Brief highlights from last week:

Wonder Woman #23 (DC): Brian Azzarello wraps up his two-year epic with a bang. And with style – Cliff Chiang handles the art from start to finish. By expanding Diana’s family ties beyond her strictly Amazonian origin, Azzarello and Co. have given her truly mythic proportions.

Animal Man #23 (DC): Jeff Lemire continues to slowly get his mojo back on this book (the anthropomorphic pirates riding a giant narwhal through a sea of blood was particularly fun). The balancing act between the personal, fanciful, and horrific, along with the impending arrival of Rafael Albuquerque on art, are threatening to make this title relevant again.

Numbercruncher #2 (Titan): Along with the superlative Six-Gun Gorilla, this title offers further proof that Si Spurrier is one of the most wildly inventive writers around. Turns out God is nothing but a miserly accountant, keeping track of every tick of the adding machine in the great equation that is the Universe. Against such a soul-numbing backdrop, what chance does true love have? If you’re a genius mathematician, the answer is: pretty good. P.J. Holden provides the appropriately loopy visuals. As unlikely entertaining a confection as you’re likely to find.

Daredevil #30 (Marvel): As an endless array of crossovers (ugh) spill out from the big two (and beyond), Mark Waid and Einser-Award-Winner Chris Samnee show us how it’s done. An unlikely team-up, a self-contained story that nevertheless manages to raise the stakes sky-high, and a nice twist at the end that actually affects the main character – what more could a super hero fan want? Ok, how ’bout this: Samnee drawing DD rocking a surfboard through the streets of  Manhattan?

Top Pick – Adventure Time #19 (kaboom!): I’ve come to expect formal innovation from this title (it deserves the accolades it’s been getting); and indeed we get that in Andy Hirsch’s clever back-up  story. But what we get in the lead feature (by Ryan North, with art by Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb) is unexpected depth and heartbreak, as the Ice King further assumes his role as the central, tragic figure of the whole Adventure Time franchise (sort of like what Darth Vader was supposed to be in Star Wars). And all the while, as is often the case with AT, all the silliness and jokes practically dare you to take any of it seriously.

Give it a Miss – X-Men #4 (Marvel): The definition of a filler issue. Some nice (if uncharacteristic) scenes between Jubillee and Wolverine aside, nothing really happens in this book; disappointing, considering Brian Wood’s strong start on this title. And with the Battle of the Atom crossover (again I say, ugh) looming, I may be giving this book a miss for the foreseeable future. Wake me when it’s over!

Yours in Comics,

Derek

I&N Scott’s Bag (8/21)

28 Wednesday Aug 2013

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Sorry so late: my third wedding anniversary kinda got in the way.

Say what?  Wife over comics?

Hey, what’s one week out of the year?

  • Batwoman #23 (Read it!  A lot of running in place, but it does so stylishly:  McCarthy has brought his A-game again; I mean, how terrific is the transition from dream-Maggie, who is bleeding out, to a tripping Kate, who’s still stuck in a fear toxin-induced stupor?  Stunning.)
  • Wonder Woman #23 (Read it! Wonder Woman‘s been frustratingly good–yeah, just good–for over a year now.  We’ve endured some missteps–some that thoughtlessly pushed it from my pull-list and then some that have brought me to the brink of dropping it entirely; and, remarkably, there have never really been any remarkable moments.  The series, up until now, has just been good.  And then came #23: “Goddown.”  Halle-friggin’-lujah!  So many fantastic page turns and subtle touches from Azzarello and Chiang.  Finally!  Finally, I can put good down–because this issue is great.)
Wonder Woman #23

Wonder Woman #23

  • Batman ’66 #2 (Read it!  Some fun moments, sure, but not enough to keep me around.)
  • Dream Thief #4 (Read it!  Stuck in mediocrity, which is a shame after such a strong first issue–and even more so because only one issue remains.  The end, however, is promising.  We’ll see what happens.)
  • Chin Music #2 (Read it!  Niles’ story isn’t doing anything for me yet, but Harris’s art is ridiculously good.  The layouts, the line work, the attention to detail, the coloring: it’s all pretty amazing.  It’s a rare book that I’ll pick up for the art alone; going forward, this may be one of those books.)
Chin Music #2

Chin Music #2

  • Revival #13 (Read it!  A lot going on, but still hasn’t gotten anywhere significant.  I do like how Seeley and Norton worked out Joe’s taking Dr. Weimar’s story, however.)
Revival #13

Revival #13

  • X-O Manowar #16 (Read it!  Solid back and forth between the admirably arrogant Aric and the immortally wise Gilad.)
  • Bloodshot #0 (Read it!  Kindt does a nice enough job building Bloodshot’s backstory, even if it is a bit convoluted at times.  Playing to his strength, he tells the story through a first-person narrator, which gives the book the feel of a Mind MGMT sideshow.)
  • Superman Unchained #3 (Read it!  For the most part, I like what Snyder’s developing here with the Wraith.  Unfortunately, Jim Lee’s sucking the life out of the story with his soulless, static renderings.)
Superman Unchained #3

Superman Unchained #3

  • Indestructible Hulk #12 (Read it!  Actually kind of fun!  Waid handles the troika of Kids really well, and the Hulk–with the help of Scalera’s art–does his best Six-Gun Gorilla impression while cleaning up the more-than-one dinosaur town.  And once again, I’m not hating the dinosaurs.  I’ve really evolved over the past year, no?)
  • X-Men #4 (Read it!  Four books in–ugh!–we’re left to suffer through a one-and-done filler issue that accomplishes very little basically because The Battle of the Atom’s up next.  Would it’ve made more sense to start the series alongside the mini or even after?)
  • Animal Man #23 (Read it!  The Brother Blood side of the story isn’t as terrible as I thought it’d be.  The Maxine side reads a lot like something out of John Ney Rieber’s Books of Magic monthly series from back in the day.  It all comes together well enough with some blood red betrayal–like totemly!)
  • Batman and Nightwing #23 (Read it!  A terrific extension of Morrison’s vision that culminates in a touching moment that we might not have expected but that we–and Alfred–definitely deserved.  I love how Tomasi compassionately promotes Alfred to Bruce’s peer-in-grief with a simple omission: “Oh God, Bruce…”  Cements itself as the best Batman book goin’.)
  • Daredevil #30 (Read it!  Great opening with Kirsten McDuffie.  She and Matt have great chemistry, don’t they?  The rest of the story plays out well enough–that is until Daredevil takes control of the Surfer’s board and Samnee and Rodriguez paint the town red and silver.  They absolutely soar with Waid’s wit at their backs–all the way to the bitter bookend.)

What did you get in your bag?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (8/21)

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

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  • Dream Thief #4 (Dark Horse): We celebrated #1.  Not so much the next two.  I’m just going to grin and pick this one and then ride out the series.
  • Animal Man #23 (DC): I can’t seem to find solid ground with this title.  Ideas in a single issue can run the gamut from clever to terrible; and the dialogue–ugh!–is generally a disaster.  As I am with Batman, I’m hanging on to Animal Man because I respect the writer; and, like Snyder, Lemire deserves the longest of leashes.  (I mean, come on: he’s a home run hitter: his story in Adventures of Superman #1 was so, so good–so very reminiscent of the superior Essex County.)  Thing is, with Trillium #1, I’m finally getting what I want from Lemire, and that makes Animal Man expendable.  We’ll see what bubbles up with Brother Blood.  Hope it’s not hepatitis.
Animal Man #23

Animal Man #23

  • Batman ’66 #2 (DC): The first one was fun enough, though not quite funny enough.  Here’s hoping that Jeff Parker ramps up the camp.
  • Batman and Nightwing #23 (DC): With Batman Incorporated gone the way of the most recent Robin, this stands as the best Batman title on the shelf.
  • Batwoman #23 (DC): And, wouldn’t you know, this one’s the best Batbook goin’.
Batwoman #23

Batwoman #23

  • Superman Unchained #3 (DC): #2 was a vast improvement over #1.  Still feels a little too Lobdellian for my taste, however.
  • Wonder Woman #23 (DC): Azzarello’s plugging along, and I’m still reading along.
  • Chin Music #2 (Image): Geez.  I’m gonna hafta find #1 in order to get reacquainted with the Ness Niles and Harris left behind.
  • Revival #13 (Image): Has had its moments, sure, but is starting to feel the slog of a large cast of characters.
  • Daredevil #30 (Marvel): Not a big fan of the Silver Surfer.  Never have been, really.  Even the team-up with DD doesn’t do anything for me.  Ah, but add Chris Samnee to the mix: this could be a good time.
Daredevil #30

Daredevil #30

  • Indestructible Hulk #12 (Marvel): This one’s going to test my new-found tolerance for dinosaurs.
Indestructible Hulk #12

Indestructible Hulk #12

  • X-Men #4 (Marvel): I had a bunch of problems with #3.  Still, even in its infancy, X-Men is the cream of the mutant crop.  Hey, check it out: the best Batbook stars a woman, and the best X-book is based on women.  Hmm.  Hermm.
  • Bloodshot #0 (Valiant): Matt Kindt’s takeover of the industry continues here.  Hoping with all my might that he doesn’t suffer the same fate as Snyder and Lemire, who have stumbled some outside of their creator-owned work.
Bloodshot #1

Bloodshot #1

  • X-O Manowar #16 (Valiant): Not unlike Wonder Woman, really: always good but never quite great.
  • Numbercruncher #2 (Titan): I enjoyed the first one a lot.
  • The Sixth Gun #33 (Oni Press): Got a pretty impressive pile of post-Vol. 4 The Sixth Gun taunting me from the shelf to my left.  Not to worry, though: Vol. 5 is almost here!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

29 Monday Jul 2013

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Big on the big boys–and, as a result, a pretty big list reads rather small.

  • Adventures of Superman #3 (DC): Kindt on Supes?  Cool.
  • Animal Man Annual #2 (DC): Any time Lemire gets real, things get good.  A focus on the Baker family sounds pretty real–even if “massive, slavering spiders” are involved.
Animal Man Annual #2

Animal Man Annual #2

  • Batman Annual #2 (DC): Oh, yay!  A Zero Year tie-in.
  • Batman Incorporated #13 (DC): So, this is it, eh?  Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Batman Incorporated #13

Batman Incorporated #13

  • Collider #1 (DC/Vertigo): Sounds interesting enough.  By “interesting enough,” I obviously mean that it’s a Vertigo #1.
  • The Wake #3 (DC/Vertigo): Is this where the series finally wakes up?  I sure hope so.  As you know, I’m never in favor of dropping out in the middle of a mini.
The Wake #3

The Wake #3

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #24 (IDW): I fully expected to be off after #23.  Would’ve been, too, except for the fact that I got sucked into the whole Leonardo reprogramming thing.
  • Bedlam #8 (DC): Officially on the chopping block.
  • Daredevil #29 (Marvel): #28 was just grand–dare I say a new classic.  Looks like we’re not done with Matt’s past.  Sweet.
Daredevil #29

Daredevil #29

  • FF #10 (Marvel): Recently tweeted that FF’s my third favorite Marvel book.  No, I wasn’t drinking at the time.  My glass was totally on the desk.  Fresh fact: Matt Fraction is at the top of his game and should be on everyone’s pull list–be it in the form of FF, Hawkeye, or our Book of the Week (7/3) Satellite Sam.
  • Indestructible Hulk #11 (Marvel): Pains me to say it: also on the chopping block.  Unfortunately, the House connection hasn’t played out as I had hoped.
  • Uncanny X-Men #9 (Marvel): I wonder if this issue will go somewhere.
  • X-Men #3 (Marvel): Brian Wood’s brought some X-Men back to the X-Men.
X-Men #3

X-Men #3

  • 3 Guns #1 (BOOM!): Haven’t read 2 Guns.  Wonder if that will make a difference.  Guess I’ll find out soon enough.
  • Uber #4 (Avatar): As I mentioned last month: I’m glad I didn’t give up on it.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott