Tag Archives: DC Comics

What’s I&N Store (6/4)

03 Tuesday Jun 2014

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This’ll be my inaugural haul from the new and improved Android’s Amazing Comics.  Looks like it’ll be a grand opening, indeed!

  • The Wake #9 (DC/Vertigo): Scott Snyder’s overhyped submersible vehicle draws–drowns?–closer to its long awaited end.  By long awaited, I mean this thing could’ve been a sixer.  Am I wrong?  Of course I’m not wrong.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #34 (IDW): Any hype this one’s been getting has been well earned. The Turtles are serious business, boys and girls: Waltz and Eastman have managed the considerable cast remarkably well, all along allowing the child at the heart of the book to play innocently while the adults are getting work done–no easy task; and, speaking of getting work done, artist Mateus Santolouco lifts the lot to another level with his signature style–one that has quickly become the face of the titular freaky foursome.
  • Clone #17 (Image): Issue after issue David Schulner and co. unveil another perfectly engineered model of their fast-paced formula, taking hairpin page turns toward high-octane twists!  #16, an anxious affair, made more so by Juan Jose Ryp’s insanely detailed artwork and Andy Troy’s committed colors, delivers a real shot to the gut; and we’re left bleeding and pleading, “More, please.”
Clone #17

Clone #17

  • The Superannuated Man #1 (Image): Yeah, I don’t know.  I didn’t care for Miniature Jesus so much.  Ted McKeever’s worth a try, though, ain’t he?  No doubt the art’ll be really good.  My concern: the writing side.  I mean, you did read Miniature Jesus, right?  Rough.  Sound idea, noisy delivery.
The Superannuated Man #1

The Superannuated Man #1

  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #3 (Marvel): Kaare Andrews definitely deserves an iron fist bump or two for this randy reboot of K’Un Lun’s favorite son.  His images and words come together like yin and yang, balancing Danny’s heartbreaking backstory with the apocalyptic present.  It’s Kung Fu Theater in a comic!
  • Loki: Agent of Asgard #5 (Marvel): Loving Loki, Midgard’s most magical metrosexual!  The star of the show, though, is Al Ewing’s wit, which is sharper even than Sigurd’s Gram.  That’s right: I’m all about Asgard–and it only took four issues to bring me around!
  • Magneto #5 (Marvel): Magneto the Merciless.  Me likey.  Cullen Bunn’s already shown a knack for delivering magnetic moments, making a raging Magneto easy to root for–especially as he works in vane to cleanse a faux farm of Purifiers.  Did you notice: the death by windmill was literally–and cleverly–foreshadowed on the side of the barn over the course of three scene-shifting panels!
  • Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2 (Marvel): #1 brought us back to what made Ultimate Spider-Man work: Bendis’s surrendering super in favor of human.  There’s magic in Miles, after all.  And, damn, how about that last page?  One of those rare times when petering out is a good thing.
Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2

Miles Morales: Ultimate Spider-Man #2

  • Miracleman #7 (Marvel): Running a bit behind.  Still haven’t gotten around to #5.  But what I’ve read so far has been miraculous.
  • Moon Knight #4 (Marvel): Loved #3.  Just one reason: “You possess all kinds of armor and raiment for fighting the living: how can you not have garments for fighting the dead?”  I mean, duh!  Warren Ellis knows exactly how to exploit this medium: he wields his words efficiently and allows Declan Shalvey to once again spread his wings.  Together, they deliver a powerful punch and, with that narrative fist, continue to fill the cavernous Batvoid in my life.  Thanks, fellas!
Moon Knight #4

Moon Knight #4

  • Caliban #3 (Avatar): Solid sci-fi from Garth Ennis.  It’s a mash up–appropriately enough, considering–of his Red Team and Alien, ain’t it?  So, I’m still on board.
  • Doc Savage #6 (Dynamite): Starting to lose a little steam for me as it chugs its way to the present.  I bought the Annual but don’t really feel compelled to read it, you know, with the different creative team and all.  Just doesn’t inspire.  Helluva a price tag on that sucker, too.  We’re back to business–and back to Y2K–with this one.
  • Quantum and Woody #11 (Valiant): Crazy fun!  I cannot wait for the showdown with the E.R.A.  I’m telling you: if you like Rat Queens, you’ll definitely dig Q&W.  James Asmus has really found a groove–and his needle sharp wit is riding it at 78 rpm, delivering sweet, sweet music, man; and Kano, the Bono of comic book artists, has, with #10, delivered the most vocal visuals of the series to date.
Quantum and Woody #11

Quantum and Woody #11

  • Rai #2 (Valiant): I didn’t love #1, but I’m going to give it–Matt Kindt, more so, if I’m being honest–another issue.  Wasn’t going to, except for the fact that #1 read a lot like Star Wars: Rebel Heist #1, which I ended up enjoying more after I thought about it for a while.  Here’s hoping that Rai #2 will give me something to think about.  Clayton Crain’s painted art didn’t live up to expectations.  Don’t get me wrong it’s impressive for what it is; but in terms of the storytelling, it’s stiff and lifeless.  More hoping: that the images catch up to the words.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (5/28)

27 Tuesday May 2014

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Back to business–big business:

  • The Massive #23 (Dark Horse): Man, Brian Wood is at the top of his game.  Proof: The Massive has earned Top 5 honors three months running, with #22 claiming the top spot for April.
  • Mind MGMT #22 (Dark Horse): My love affair with Mind MGMT continues–despite the fact that #21 earned the most ignominious monthly distinction we have to offer: The Biggest Dis(appointment) of April.  Say it ain’t so, Scott!  Oh, I’ve said it and written it–right here.
Mind MGMT #22

Mind MGMT #22

  • Star Wars: Rebel Heist #2 (Dark Horse): I’m not a big Star Wars guy.  I was when I was a kid, though: had all the toys, put on plays based on Empire.  I was always Luke; my cousin, Han.  So, Star Wars-wise, this wasn’t a gimme; but it was–because of Kindt.  He certainly brought his writing style to the cause, relying heavily on first person narration to sell Solo.  I wasn’t particularly sold–again, ain’t my bag–until something struck me like a speeding yellow Rolls Royce!  Once I saw Nick Carraway in Jan and Gatsby in Han, the story took a different shape for me.  Turns out, this is the Star Wars series I’ve been looking for.
Star Wars: Rebel Heist #2

Star Wars: Rebel Heist #2

  • Dead Boy Detectives #6 (DC/Vertigo): #5 took us through a looking glass, now didn’t it?  I just keep falling for this series!
Dead Boy Detectives #6

Dead Boy Detectives #6

  • C.O.W.L. #1 (Image): Gates of Gotham was my first experience with Kyle Higgins.  I’m willing to try another–even if the Previews description does sound a bit like Watchmen.
  • Sheltered #9 (Image): Hasn’t been hitting the same notes that really drew me to the book initially.  And still I buy–because, I guess, I haven’t read Lord of the Flies in a while.
  • Southern Bastards #2 (Image): #1 was easily one of our Top Books of April.  Gosh!  There was so much I liked about it, and I wrote it all down just for you right here.
Southern Bastards #2

Southern Bastards #2

  • Trees #1 (Image): Warren Ellis is branching out all of a sudden, isn’t he?  Moon Knight‘s been very good through three issues, which has served to grow expectations for this very different story, with its roots in…  OK.  I’ll stop; don’t want to get too sappy.
Trees #1

Trees #1

  • Iron Patriot #3 (Image): Ales Kot hasn’t caught me yet, but Garry Brown’s been a sure bet.  Says a lot if I’m buying a book for the art.
  • Ms. Marvel #4 (Marvel): #3 was really, really good.  C. Willow Wilson shines when she highlights Kamala Khan and her family, much in the same way Bendis made–and may still be making–magic with Miles Morales.  If I had to guess, I’d say she’s following the Bendis formula, which is a pretty smart move.  Biggest fear: the Inhuman connection will suck the life out of this book; it’s been a concern ever since the mist came a-rollin’ in.
  • Brass Sun #1 (2000 AD): I lost interest in Hinterkind pretty quickly, so Ian Edginton isn’t a must buy or a must try; but the Previews description left me trying to picture “a clockwork solar system where planets whirl on vast metal arms and the sun of cogs is worshipped as a god”–and now I want to see what it looks like!  We’ll see if I.N.J. Culbard can live up to the images in my nerdy mind.
Brass Sun #1

Brass Sun #1

  • Doc Savage Anuual 2014 (Dynamite): Annuals rarely work out well–especially when a different creative team is in charge.  Speaking of charge: $5.99?  Really?  I can’t imagine that that much value will be added to the book to warrant a two buck bump.
  • Doctor Spektor #1 (Dynamite): I don’t know from Doctor Spektor; but, with faith as my friend, I’ll optimistically Waid into this one.
  • Harbinger #23 (Valiant): Getting closer to the end.  Sad, ain’t it?
  • The Midas Flesh #6 (BOOM!): Has gotten heavy fingered–and seriously so.  The damn heavy finger has flicked away all the fun!  Don’t get me wrong: I’ve enjoyed the ethical dilemma at the heart of the book; the situation surrounding it is pure gold, after all.  But the dialogue’s become a real drag, its being weighed down by wheel spinning and redundancies and all.  I mean, what is this?  The Republic?  No: The Republic actually goes somewhere.  Sad to say, Ryan North’s gone a bit south.  But there are only two issues left, so…
  • Rover Red Charlie #6 (Avatar): What a weird series, right?  So many affective moments offset by the inevitable Avatar moments.  You know the moments of which I speak.  Which will win the day here in the finale?  Hoping it’s the former.  Please let it be the former.
Rover Red Charlie #6

Rover Red Charlie #6

  • Shadowman: End Times #2 (Valiant): OK, so I’ve erased five blurbs.  Thing is, I still don’t know why I’ve followed Shadowman this far.  Yeah, that might explain why we’re in the End Times.
  • The Twilight Zone #5 (Dynamite): The first arc was pretty sharp.  Definitely Straczynski at his best.  Hoping to get more of the same going forward.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (5/21)

21 Wednesday May 2014

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Yup: I’ll be walking out of Android’s Amazing Comics with two full bags of books.  This is the longest list yet and is a testament to my insatiable appetite, my unchecked addiction for comics.

 

  • American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3 (DC/Vertigo): The standout Snyder moment of #2: the creature with an imploring Peter inside of it.  Creepy as hell.  Speaking of: I wasn’t so tempted by the devil of an ending.  But even after two issues, it’s clear that this is where Snyder does his best work.
American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3

American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3

  • Batman and Frankenstein #31 (DC): My interest is on life support. It’s the promise of Frankenstein that’s keeping it alive. For now. See: Tomasi’s not as sharp as he’s been; and Gleason, in the last issue, disappointed with his wonky Wonder Woman.  I know they’re building toward the return of Robin and that that’s going to be epic, blah, blah, blah.  But shouldn’t each issue leading up to it be just as epic–and if not, at least be as tight as an Amazon?  I’m talking temper.  What’d you think I was talking about?
  • Wonder Woman #31 (DC): Speaking of tight Amazons: #30 was excellent.  Nearly made our Top 5 Books of April.  I mean, come on: how about that last page.  Make a wish, indeed! That’s high praise for a book that’s been solid, sure, but that has rarely hit a homerun. And even when it has, they’ve been softball homeruns. This last issue, however, would’ve been out of any Big League park–well, except for maybe Citi Field.
  • Monster and Madman #3 (IDW): Has been a fun ride thus far.  Niles doesn’t just hit the right notes–he slays them; and Worm’s art provides a perfectly horrific backdrop for this grotesque get-together.
  • A Voice in the Dark #7 (Image): I’m hoping that this arc ender screams bloody murder!  Just sayin’.
  • East of West #12 (Image): Hickman’s a world builder who works at his own pace: he takes his time laying a foundation and has certainly taken his time here, that’s for sure.  Of late, however, stories are thrusting skyward with such force so as to pierce our patient expectations.  Protect your eyes, friends, because East of West is finally fulfilling promises.
East of West #12

East of West #12

  • Mind the Gap #17 (Image): Jim McCann’s masterful mystery tour returns with Act II!  Finally.  Was one of my top 20 books of 2013.  It’s one Elle of a story–and it’s definitely worth jumping on.
Mind the Gap #17

Mind the Gap #17

  • MPH #1 (Image): Another Mark Millar product arrives fast on the heels of his terrific Starlight.  Of course I’m going to buy it.  And if subsequent issues come out on time, all the better!
  • Saga #19 (Image): “A very new direction”?  Hmm.  Normally, I’d be nervous; but not here: Vaughan and Staples are the best writer/artist pair in the business.  We celebrated Saga as our #4 book of 2013, and Vaughan and Staples have been nominated for the 2014 Innies for Best Writer and Best Artist, respectively.
Saga #19

Saga #19

  • Velvet #5 (Image): Brubaker and Epting are doin’ their thing, and it’s rubbing me the right way.  Reads a lot like–but isn’t quite as good as–Rucka and Lark’s Lazarus.  The first arc ends here.  Expecting a bang or two.
  • Zero #8 (Image): #7 was a well-crafted return to form after a very disappointing, near-nonsensical #6.
  • Daredevil #3 (Marvel): #2 was Daredevil in every sense–including sight: it’s dark, it’s funny–it’s fearless.  New York, San Fran: doesn’t matter; this hero’s the heart of any city he’s in.
Daredevil #3

Daredevil #3

  • Elektra #2 (Marvel): I may have to pass.  Sai.  W. Haden Blackman’s writing was enigmatic at times (as it could be in Batwoman)–and, I mean, come on: Bloody Lips?!  A villainous vagina dentata!  Ouch!  Doesn’t help that we’re headed to Monster Island.  Because when I think of Elektra, I think of Monster Island.
  • Magneto #4 (Marvel): Fatal attraction, indeed: Cullen Bunn’s Magneto’s proving to be a real bad ass.  On a less serious note, I’ve switched to binder clips.
  • Miracleman #6 (Marvel): Haven’t gotten around to #5 yet.  Doesn’t matter: I’d pile these up to heaven.
  • Original Sin #2 (Marvel): Jason Aaron’s earned my attention with a killer kickoff to Southern Bastards, which means I’m going to give in to Sin even though I wasn’t exactly thrilled by it.
  • Uncanny X-Men #21 (Marvel): This is weird for me; yeah, I’m not used to saying this: #20 was pretty good.  I dig me some Chris Bachalo, and Bendis kept him mighty busy.
  • The Bunker #4 (Oni Press): Continues to be a revelation: Fialkov’s showing complete mastery over time with his simultaneous storylines, and Infurnari’s sketchy style complements the shifts so very well.  There’s danger lurking around the corner, however: I can see a heavy hand hovering over future pages–one ready to abuse the abuse angle.  Oh, if that happens, I’m going to say, “No!”; then I’m going to go and tell someone I trust.
The Bunker #4

The Bunker #4

  • Magnus : Robot Fighter #3 (Dynamite): Van Lente’s made Magnus work for me.
  • Ordinary #1 (Titan): Sounds fun enough.  I’ve liked Royals: Masters of War enough to give Rob Williams another shot.  Plus, Titan’s offered up some pretty solid books–including Death Sentence and Numbercruncher, which has been nominated for the 2014 Innie for Best Limited Series and has, in part, earned Si Spurrier (also considered for his work on BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla) a nomination for Best Writer.
  • Solar: Man of the Atom #2 (Dynamite): Still haven’t read #1.  Not sure if I care enough, if I’m being fair.
  • Translucid #2 (BOOM!): Lots of good things going on in #1.  Lovely, lovely layers delivered by Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert (writers/creators), Daniel Bayliss (artist, who reminds of Jeff Stokely, who just so happens to be the cover artist!), and Adam Metcalfe (colorist).  Has got me thinking Six-Gun Gorilla, which is a good thing.
Translucid #2

Translucid #2

  • Unity #7 (Valiant): I was going to pull the plug after #5, but #6 ended up in my bag because I had forgotten to purge it from my pull list.  And then Kindt had to go all Mind MGMT with Dr. Silk’s virus.  So, yeah, seven.
  • X-O Manowar #25 (Valiant): It’s no secret: big events usually turn me off.  Preludes to big events usually piss me off.  In the case of #24, however, I was actually pleasantly surprised.  Who knew I’d be looking forward to Armor Hunters?

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 (4/30)

29 Tuesday Apr 2014

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A seriously light week.  Thank God.

  • Batman Eternal #4 (DC): Your eyes are not deceiving you: I’m still on board!  #3 offered up enough to keep me interested.  I only wish I knew who is responsible for the parts I like…
  • Southern Bastards #1 (Image): I’m willing to give this a shot because I liked what Jason Aaron did on Wolverine and the X-Men–until the AvX crossover nonsense.  Haven’t read Scalped, but, like you, I’ve heard good things.
Southern Bastards #1

Southern Bastards #1

  • All-New X-Men #26 (Marvel): I skipped #25.  I’m pretty sure I didn’t miss anything.
  • Hulk #2 (Marvel): I actually passed on #1 the week it came out.  Picked it up last week, however, because Derek recommended it.  Good call.  Waid is always worth a shot; and in this case his new direction for Dr. Banner read a lot like Busiek’s Astro City, with the focus on the surgeon and his ethical dilemma.
  • Silver Surfer #2 (Marvel): We loved Silver Surfer #1!  In fact, we celebrated it as our #5 book of March!
Silver Surfer #2

Silver Surfer #2

  • Doc Savage #5 (Dynamite): I’ve finally caught up–meaning: I read the first four over the weekend.  I’m glad I piled them up without having read one; this is pretty good stuff!  Also reads a bit like Astro City.  And that ain’t a bad thing.
  • Rachel Rising #25 (Abstract Studio): One of our favorite series took quite a step back with #24.  It was such a significant step in the wrong direction that we called it our Biggest Dis(appointment) of March.  You know we’re hoping for a comeback–for Terry Moore to rise to the level we’ve come to love.
Rachel Rising #25

Rachel Rising #25

  • Rai #1 (Valiant): Matt Kindt kicks off another Valiant title: the return of Rai!  OK, so, I don’t know anything about Rai; but I know from Kindt, and I dig ‘im lots.  Not that Unity’s been great or anything.  Mind MGMT, however, has earned Kindt lifetime Must Try status.
  • Uber #12 (Avatar): Still waiting for #11, which, sadly, wasn’t in my bag last week.
  • Shadowman: End Times #1 (Valiant): The series ended abruptly, only to launch into this mini, which will end it…less…abruptly?
Shadowman: End TImes #1

Shadowman: End Times #1

Avery’s Pick:

  • Scribblenauts: Crisis of Imagination #4 (DC): Oh, boy!  Avery’s been waiting for this one, you know, to see how the series ends.  Or to have another comic that she can tear the cover off of.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (4/9)

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

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The lightest week in a long while swings around at the right time.

  • Astro City #11 (DC/Vertigo): On to something new after the Winged Victory arc.  Doesn’t matter what it is, really; it’s going to be a solid read.  Kurt Busiek’s good like that.
  • Royals: Masters of War #3 (DC/Vertigo): My problem with #2: the pacing. If Rob Williams were shooting for the fog of war, then he hit the target and caused plenty of collateral damage in the process. The art from Simin Colby, however, was just as strong.
Royals: Masters of War #3

Royals: Masters of War #3

  • Batman Eternal #1 (DC): I have no faith in the value of this series–for a couple of reasons, really: the words “weekly” (more so “weakly’?) and “various” wail like a siren warning me away; and I’ve found no use for Snyder’s Batman since the penultimate issue of the Court of Owls storyline. Hard to imagine things’ll be different this time around. I’ll thumb through it and make the call from there.
  • East of West #11 (Image): Still a slow death–even after an uncharacteristically busy #10–but still very good. Funny: Hickman’s plodding style plays well here but not so well on his hero books.
East of West #11

East of West #11

  • Manifest Destiny #6 (Image): I swore to Derek that #5 was my last issue.  Let’s see if I can stick to my muskets.
  • Shutter #1 (Image): A “female Indiana Jones”?  That promise doesn’t do much for me–mostly because I couldn’t care less about Indiana Jones. (Deep breath, Derek. It’ll be OK.) How about, maybe, a “classy Lara Croft”? Nah. Still nothin’. OK, how about an “Image #1”? Now we’re talkin’!
  • All-New X-Men #25 (Marvel): Anniversary issues–and why not celebrate an anniversary at #25!–generally suck.  My expectations?  Already in the vacuum bag, boys and girls.
  • All-New Ghost Rider #2 (Marvel): Will most assuredly pass.  #1 was a disaster–save for Tradd Moore’s art, of course. Terrible transitions, head-scratching moments, and stomach-curling schmaltz add up to a missed opportunity.
  • Daredevil #1.5 (Marvel): Leaning toward leaving it on the shelf.  Again: anniversary issues never satisfy.
  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1 (Marvel): I’ve always liked Iron Fist/Danny Rand.  And I also like the idea of a singular creator–in this case, Kaare Andrews–taking him on. I’ll give it a try.
Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1

  • Nightcrawler #1 (Marvel): The name Chirs Claremont carries a lot of weight.  Unfortunately, Nightcrawler is my least favorite X-Man–ever.  May have to BAMF! its way into my bag.
  • Flash Gordon #1 (Dynamite): Not kidding: the main reason I’m leaning toward “yes” is because I’ve taken to Millar’s Starlight, a clear spin on the Flash Gordon story.  Doesn’t hurt that Jeff Parker and Evan Shaner are attached to it.
Flash Gordon #1

Flash Gordon #1

  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #2 (Dynamite): I enjoyed #1 enough.  You down with FVL?  Yeah, you know mehl.
  • The Twilight Zone #4 (Dynamite): #2 was one of our top books of February.  #3 didn’t quite reach that level, but it was still pretty good.  #4 brings J. Michael Straczynski’s first arc to its face-melting final act.  Will the real Trevor Richmond please stand up.  Please stand up.  Please stand up.
The Twilight Zone #4

The Twilight Zone #4

  • Unity #6 (Valiant):  I’m awfully close to passing on it.  It’s no secret: I’m a Matt Kindt junkie.  Thing is, #5 was pretty terrible.  Arrgh!  I don’t know what to do!

Which books are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (4/2)

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

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I’ve been dropping books and passing on new books and have been buying more books than ever.  Sure ain’t adding up, but it sure as hell is piling up.

  • Veil #2 (Dark Horse): #1 was a bit underwhelming, somewhat annoying at times, especially as the mysterious young lady got all Seuss-ian while trying on language–like a veil between who she was and who she has become.  But it’s Rucka, sucka, mother——, so I’m trying on another.
  • Detective Comics #30 (DC): Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul take up the cowl after having pushed the pace on The Flash.  I’m interested.
Detective Comics #30

Detective Comics #30

  • Trillium #8 (DC/Vertigo): Lemire’s time-twisting, sci-fi, doppelganger-driven epic comes to a close.  Has flown by, really–so much so that I don’t feel that I’ve developed any sort of connection to the characters.  But has this series really been about the characters?  No: it’s been about the far-out layouts, which have been pretty outstanding.
  • Monster & Madman #2 (IDW): A very Steve Niles initial offering–with art from a fella with an appropriately creepy name: Damien Worm–made this one a must buy.  So did the clever strategy of making us wait for the madman.
  • The Field #1 (Image): Ed Brisson’s a must try thanks to his solid showing on Sheltered.  I haven’t read Prophet, so I don’t know much about Simon Roy.  Guess I will after this one.
  • Sidekick #6 (Image): J. Michael Straczynski has certainly been prolific of late.  How does he manage it all?  Well, for one, he’s using the same storyline for two of his current books: this one and The Twilight Zone.  Not kidding: while reading Sidekick #5, I felt like I had entered the Twilight Zone.
  • Starlight #2 (Image): #1 was really, really good.  Out of this bunch of books, I’m looking forward to this one the most.  Art-wise, it’s no surprise: Goran Parlov’s art brings me back to one of our favorites of 2012 and 2013: Fury: My War Gone By.   And it’s no secret: Mark Millar generates great ideas.  Those great ideas usually translate into great first issues–and, just as usually, not-so-great series.  Here’s hoping that this one goes all the way.
Starlight #2

Starlight #2

  • Inhuman #1 (Marvel): Will give it a flip through.  It’s got Soule, but I’m not a Souledier.
  • Loki: Agent of Asgard #3 (Marvel): Not sure how I feel about this book.  I like the voice Al Ewing is affecting; in that, it’s a fun read.  I’ve never been a fan of the Thor side of the Marvel Universe, but I could see myself sticking around because it seems Ewing smartly isn’t taking the Asgardian aspect too seriously.  But what is this, really?  Considering the page-bound Lorelei lob just prior to her appearance on Agents of Shield, it’s nothing more than a companion pamphlet–right?
  • Magneto #2 (Marvel): Credit to Bunn and Walta: in #1, they delivered three terrific page turns and developed some serious tension–between Magneto and the motel maid!  A few questionable choices plot-wise leave me wondering if mine is a fleeting attraction.
Magneto #2

Magneto #2

  • Moon Knight #2 (Marvel): The first phase of the new Moon Knight didn’t have me waxing nostalgic.  But it’s Warren Ellis.  No, yeah, that’s all I’ve got.
  • Archer & Armstrong #19 (Valiant): Best moment of #18: Armstrong doin’ a beer bong–all while Archer’s in the middle of a shoot-out with Bloodshot.  Other than that, a notch below what we’ve come to expect from one of our top books of 2013.  Some people say that there’s a crossover to blame…
  • Caliban #1 (Avatar): Garth Ennis goes sci-fi horror.  Well, OK, then.  Gonna be on the lookout for that patented Avatar–the publisher, not the movie–moment.  Come on: you know what I’m talking about: you have been reading Rover Red Charlie, right?
  • Dead Letters #1 (BOOM!): Some more noir from BOOM!  It’d be a crime not to try it!  The second #1 this week that promises a premise predicated upon some dude waking up somewhere without any clue as to who he is, where he is, etc.  Yup: that’s what The Field is offering, as well.  Every new series should start that way!
Dead Letters #1

Dead Letters #1

  • Quantum and Woody #9 (Valiant): Last issue got my goat.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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 (2/26)

24 Monday Feb 2014

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A nice list of books to round out the month.

  • The Massive #20 (Dark Horse): #19 struggled a bit to to rise to the level of “Longship.”  It was to be expected, I suppose, even as expectations were expectedly ramped up as a result of the exquisite study in tension that was the showdown between Cal Israel and Bors Bergson.  In general, there is something magical about how Brian Wood gets more out of simmering than most get out of boiling.
  • Mind MGMT #19 (Dark Horse): Matt Kindt is working at a completely different  level; and, in that, he’s competing against himself–and winning, wouldn’t you know!  Oh, you know–because you’re a regular reader of Mind MGMT, right?  If you’ve been a regular reader of our humble blog, then you know that #16 was our favorite issue until #17 came along and earned our coveted Best Single Issue of 2013 award.  #18–our #1 book of January 2014–has trumped #17 as our favorite issue of Mind MGMT to date; so you know what we’re expecting: #19 is going to be better still!  It’s going to be magic!
Mind MGMT #19

Mind MGMT #19

  • Pariah #1 (Dark Horse): Sounds interesting enough; has me thinking Gravity, obviously, but that’s OK.  The creators–Aaron Warner, Phillip Gelatt, and Brett Weldele–come with some impressive credits, so I’m going to give it a try.
  • Dead Boy Detectives #3 (DC/Vertigo): A unique narrative with a decidedly Vertigo vibe.
  • The Wake #6 (DC/Vertigo): According to Scott Snyder: “#5 [was] the big game changer.”  If that means that the series is suddenly going to get interesting, a bit more challenging, then terrific.  If it simply speaks to the leap forward in time that we’ve been hanging onto since #1, then I’m bored already.  Aside from some Snyder-esque horror in #3, the series has been an absolute snoozefest.  This is a rep-read–did I just coin that?–if there ever was one.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #31 (IDW): I’m still marveling over the fact that I’m reading a Turtles book.  Thing is, it’s good.  The writing’s solid, and Ross Campbell’s art is terrific; it suits the situation in which the Turtles find themselves perfectly.  And it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mateus Santolouco’a return to the title is just around the corner.  Sweet!
TMNT #31

TMNT #31

  • Deadly Class #2 (Image): I’ve about reached the end of my Remender rope.  But I have just enough left for this one.  I hope I get a bit more than recycled schemes, though.
  • The Manhattan Projects #18 (Image): Clinically insane, historically hilarious.  Engaging despite its evolving at a Darwin-esque clip.  #17 ends on a Hickman high note: a heavily armed General Westmoreland flips off Einstein–easily one of my favorite characters–and fires, “F&@% your science, Doctor…I’ve got a machine gun.”  Genius!
  • Rat Queens #5 (Image): It sure as hell ain’t high art, but who gives a rat’s ass?  Wiebe and Upchurch are spreading a plague of royal merriment!  Catch it as quickly as you can!
Rat Queens #5

Rat Queens #5

  • Satellite Sam #6 (Image): All I remember of #5: lots of below the belt lip service.  Now, with the oral stage set, what’s to come, Sigmund Fraction?  I hope we get back to business–before the afterglow turns totally to aftergloom.
  • Sheltered #7 (Image): #6 offered up an interesting angle: the adult as the innocent.  Derek and I talked about it here: I&N the Gutter with…Sheltered.  I’m hoping that this series stays tight and doesn’t get tedious–like Revival, for instance.
  • Three #5 (Image): #3 was great.  #4 didn’t quite have the same impact but was a damn fine follow up with an edge of your seat cliffhanger.  Can’t wait to see how it plays out here in #5. Kieron Gillen’s got something really good going with Three. Looks like when he’s doing his own thing, as with Uber, he’s much more effective and, ultimately, more engaging. He grabs his angle, does his research, and soars.
  • Fantastic Four #1 (Marvel): James Robinson’s The All-New Invaders has been a major disappointment.  In fact, we called out #1 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of January.  We all know that Robinson’s capable of so much more.  Well, I hope he brings that more to Fantastic Four–and I hope what he and Leonard Kirk bring together as a team to “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine” justifies the reboot.
  • Hawkeye #15 (Marvel): Wouldn’t you know: a filtered Fraction is a much better–and certainly sexier–Fraction. But Fraction’s only half of the team that’s serving up the second best hero book–after Daredevil , of course–in the Marvel Universe: David Aja has a hand–a very active hand, sexually actually–in the sexification of Clint Barton, as well. Hey Derek!  Smart move jumping onto Mind MGMT–finally. Now it’s time to set your sights on some super hero action. What are you waiting for?  I’ll even lend you my trades!
Hawkeye #15

Hawkeye #15

  • Miracleman #3 (Marvel): I’m hooked on Alan Moore’s Miracleman! Gosh, I wish I had read these stories back in the day, though. But thanks to Marvel for giving me an opportunity enjoy them now.  Could do without all of the ancillary material, however.
  • Doc Savage #3 (Dynamite): On the strength of Derek’s recommendation, I’ve picked up the first two, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them yet.
  • X-O Manowar #22 (Valiant): A reliable read, though rarely remarkable.  Aric, however, remains one of my favorite characters.  I wonder whether or not Aric’s involvement in Unity will bring a little something extra to this book.  We’ll see.

What are you looking forward to this week?

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