Tag Archives: East of West

I&N Scott’s Bag (9/25)

14 Monday Oct 2013

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You may step off of both the pins and the needles.  Unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing.  Speaking of…

  • Sex Criminals #1 (Matt Fraction’s put himself on the Must Buy list with fantastically felonious performances on Hawkeye, FF, and Satellite Sam.  As a result, expectations were high here.  Didn’t expect a few things, however.  I found Suzie’s sexual awakening tough to turn through at times; and her voice is a little too over the top in spots–even for Fraction.  In the end, the nod to Nabokov–to Lolita–made it all work for me.  [That’s right: Suzie’s playing with her lit.  Oh, look at the cover and get over it.]  Even still, Fraction’s got some work to do to prove that this book is “not really about sex.”  I’m definitely sticking around to find out.)
Sex Criminals #1

Sex Criminals #1

  • Saga #14 (Another standout issue.  Something tells me it’s bound for our Top 5 list for the month.  Not lying.)
  • Ultimate Spider-Man #27 (I don’t care enough to blame anyone for the mess this has become.  Will I buy #28?  Of course.  Will I follow the next chapter of the Miles Morales story?  Nope.)
  • Revival #14 (Uninspired.  Tired, even.  It’s been a long time coming, but the day has finally come: I’m off.)
  • Fatale #17 (Very good–especially the end.  Not “gonna forget this” ending.  Not the way Phillips ramps up the intensity during the assault; not the way Brubaker has Josephine take care of Skip–the piece of $#!%.)
Fatale #17

Fatale #17

  • Red Team #5 (The weakest issue yet.  Predictable, and at times indecipherable.  One panel, however, may very well go down in comic book history: it gives new meaning to getting blown away.)
  • Jupiter’s Legacy #3 (Yeah, I know: I don’t know what got into me.  Thing is, it wasn’t terrible.  Damn you, Mark Millar!)
  • Mind MGMT #15 (For the fifteenth–and certainly not the last time: Matt Kindt’s a magician; he does things on the page that no one else can do.  Love how he guides us through Meru’s Lyme-cycle and how he punishes Lyme, who’s resigned to the fact that he deserves everything coming his way.  Both brutal and beautiful–it’s brutiful!)
Mind MGMT #15

Mind MGMT #15

  • Rat Queens #1 (A lot more fun–and funnier–than I expected it to be.  I mean, come on: “Blood loss…hampering wit”?  Yeah, right!  Without a doubt, I’ll be picking up #2.)
  • East of West #6 (Best issue yet.  Fantastic flashback and return.  Hickman’s finally brought this book to the level he’s always at with The Manhattan Projects.)
East of West #6

East of West #6

  • Wonder Woman: First Born #23.2 (The only villain book I bothered with.  It is what it is.)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26 (Another solid issue.  And wouldn’t you know: “this is only the beginning.”  Looks like a coups brewin’.  Just so happens I like coups.  [That reads right, but sounds dirty.])

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (9/25)

25 Wednesday Sep 2013

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What a way to end the month!

  • Mind MGMT #15 (Dark Horse): Kindt’s got his fingers in my brain!  He’s got his fingers in my brain!
Mind MGMT #15

Mind MGMT #15

  • The Wake #4 (DC/Vertigo): #3 was signature Snyder; so, yeah, I’m looking forward to this one.
  • Wonder Woman 23.2 (DC): I’ve avoided all of the villain nonsense–until now.  Hey, there’s a first–First Born, in this case–for everything.
Wonder Woman 23.2

Wonder Woman #23.2

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26 (IDW): “City Fall” has been one shell of a surprise!  Didn’t really expect it to be anything more than just a monthly Mateus Santolouco fix.  But it’s been more–a lot more.
  • East of West #6 (Image): Forging ahead…
  • Fatale #17 (Image): Last issue was very, very good.  No one does noirror--did I just coin that?—like Brubaker and Phillips.
Fatale #17

Fatale #17

  • Rat Queens #1(Image): I missed the Peter Panzerfaust bandwagon.  I’m not going to miss this one–Kurtis Wiebe’s latest–because that’d be stupid.
Rat Queens #1

Rat Queens #1

  • Revival #14 (Image): Hoping we get somewhere soon; otherwise, I’m off.
  • Saga #14 (Image): Everybody’s still going gaga over Saga–and for good reason.
  • Sex Criminals #1 (Image): Fraction is making some serious love over on Satellite Sam.  The orgy continues here…
Sex Criminals #1

Sex Criminals #1

  • Ultimate Spider-Man #27 (Marvel): Headed toward its ultimate end.  The way it’s been going, probably not such a terrible thing.
  • Red Team #5 (Dynamite): A strong #4 proves Ennis is in it to kill it–kinda like this:
Red Team #5

Red Team #5

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (8/14)

14 Wednesday Aug 2013

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Back to reality: no NYC this week.  One primo pro, though: no train tickets equals more cash for comics.

  • Breath of Bones #3 (Dark Horse): The end?  Already?  Sigh.  A tender first two issues–each burning ever so slowly–have led to this: Golem Time!
Breath of Bones #3

Breath of Bones #3

  • The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #3 (Dark Horse): Liked the last one more than I expected to.
  • Astro City #3 (DC): Here’s a city I will be returning to for a third time.  I love the fact that Busiek’s delivered two different yet equally as engaging narratives to kick off the relaunch.  As a new reader, I’m left to wonder what I’ve missed.  (Regret.)  More important, however, I’m wondering what’s next.  (Excitement!)
Astro City #3

Astro City #3

  • Batman #23 (DC): If you read my recent Scottlight On: Batman #22, you know how I’m feeling going into this one.  If you didn’t, you can read it here.
  • Suicide Squad #23 (DC): I had high hopes for Ales Kot–even after learning of his unexpected exit.  The last issue, though?  Wow.  It was a disaster.  May have also answered a pressing question.  Well, it is what it is–and what it will be soon: Matt Kindt’s book.
  • East of West #5 (Image): I’ll tell you how the East of West was won: with a couple of westerly wows in #4, that’s how.
  • Ghosted #2 (Image): Thought that #1 was fun enough to warrant a second look.  I actually liked the way the team was put together more than I liked the same in The Wake #1.
  • Lost Vegas #4 (Image): Another finale!  Sad, too, as I was just getting into it.
Lost Vegas #4

Lost Vegas #4

  • Mind the Gap #12 (Image): At least we get the marvelous Jim McCann on a monthly basis on this terrific title.
  • Saga #13 (Image): Yeah, I’m gonna read this one first.
Saga #13

Saga #13

  • Uncanny X-Men #10 (Marvel): I guess I’m all-in through the Battle of the Atom.  If the Bendis side of the X-Verse doesn’t explode its way through at that point, then I’m out of this one and All-New.  That’s right, Derek: O.U.T.
  • Archer & Armstrong #12 (Valiant): Maybe I don’t really hate dinosaurs as much as I thought I did.
Archer & Armstrong #12

Archer & Armstrong #12

  • Deathmatch #8 (BOOM!): Things are heating up!  No one is safe–and that includes us!
  • Harbinger #15 (Valiant): Out from under the Harbinger Wars only to be shackled by the underwhelming Barry Kitson, who didn’t do Bloodshot any favors.
  • Red Sonja #2 (Dynamite): Why not?
  • Six-Gun Gorilla #3 (BOOM!): Mega!  Monkey!  Wednesday!  A surprise no longer: Spurrier and Stokely are putting together something special here.  Check out our takes on bullets #1 and #2.  Heck, I’m already writing up my Book of the Month entry for #3–and I haven’t even read it yet!
Six-Gun Gorilla #3

Six-Gun Gorilla #3

Sure, Midtown Comics is as good as it gets; but there’s something charming about the haphazardly plunked down piles of new books at my local comic shop.  Hope they didn’t miss me–and my money–too much.

What books are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

09 Tuesday Jul 2013

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Have I lost all control? You be the judge.

  • Breath of Bones: Tales of the Golem # 2 (Dark Horse): Really excited to see where this is headed. It’s a three-issue mini, so I’m expecting something big here–definitely some Nazi-knockin’ Golem action!
Breath of Bones #2

Breath of Bones #2

  • X #3 (Dark Horse): Nothing like a little light vigilante fare. Duane Swierczynski hasn’t given me a reason not to–yet.
  • Astro City #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a lot of fun! Hope the narrator found me interesting/interested enough to continue the conversation.
Astro City #2

Astro City #2

  • Batman #22 (DC): At this point, I’m on fanboy autopilot. I haven’t been interested in anything Snyder’s done here since before the finale of The Court of Owls, for goodness sake. Oh, I’m just a fool living in the land of “just in case.”
  • Suicide Squad #22: Thank God for Ales Kot, who, in two issues, has made this title relevant again.
Suicide Squad #22

Suicide Squad #22

  • Superman Unchained #2 (DC): #1 was terrible, but I’m going to give it another issue before I give up on it. I mean, I did give Jupiter’s Legacy a second issue, didn’t I?
  • East of West #4 (Image): Yep, still on board–even if I’m not totally sold on it. That’s my giving Hickman–the mind behind the brilliant The Manhattan Projects–the time he deserves.
  • Ghosted #1 (Image): It’s an Image #1. Do I need another reason?
  • Sheltered #1 (Image): Sure, Comeback ultimately fizzled out. So what? Brisson’s got an interesting idea here–and it’s another Image #1, so…
Sheltered #1

Sheltered #1

  • Daredevil #28 (Marvel): Now that Waid’s worked his way through Bullseye, it looks like he and Samnee are going to play around a bit with a one-off that has “classic” written all over it.
Daredevil #28

Daredevil #28

  • Hawkeye #12 (Marvel): It’s going to rest right on top of #11 as I’m still waiting for Vol. 2.
  • Indestructible Hulk #10 (Marvel): #9 was a vast improvement over the unnecessary Thor arc. Let’s see where it goes.
  • Uncanny X-Men #8 (Marvel): Limbo’s in the rear-view mirror. Thank goodness! If I’m being fair, however, Bendis resolved the Majikal storyline well enough.
Uncanny X-Men #8

Uncanny X-Men #8

  • Ballistic #1 (Black Mask): If I see it, I’ll probably pick it up. Seeing Darick Robertson’s name attached to it doesn’t hurt.
Ballistic #1

Ballistic #1

  • Helheim #5 (Oni Press): It’s picking up–not that it needs to: I’m a fool for Cullen Bunn thanks to The Sixth Gun.
  • Quantum and Woody #1 (Valiant): Valiant has given me every reason to try everything it publishes–including this buddy book.
  • X-O Manowar #15 (Valiant): Planet Death resolved itself well. Now, it’s time to push the Eternal Warrior. That’s OK with me.
  • Rachel Rising #18 (Abstract Studios): We’ve celebrated Terry Moore’s horror masterpiece on a monthly basis. If you’re not reading this, you’re an idiot.
Rachel Rising #18

Rachel Rising #18

  • Six-Gun Gorilla #2 (BOOM!): #1 was GREAT. As a result, expectations are ridiculously high–especially considering the promise of the last page: “Howdy,” indeed!
Six-Gun Gorilla #2

Six-Gun Gorilla #2

That’s one serious list.

The irony? I came back to comics because I needed to reconnect with my favorite heroes–specifically Batman and Superman. Guess which books I’m least excited about.

Sad, innit?

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

03 Monday Jun 2013

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I’ll take one of everything, please.

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

Mister X: Eviction #2

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

Dial H #13

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

Daredevil: Dark Nights #1

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

Red Team #3

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

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

In Scott’s Bag (4/24)

28 Sunday Apr 2013

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Planned on picking up a ton of books.  Ended up with a ton minus one.  Left me with blood pressure rising.

Big Ol’ Bags Under My Eyes

  • Helheim #2 (Score!)
Helheim #2

Helheim #2

  • Deathmatch #5 (As much as I’d like to let this one fall by the wayside, I can’t.  I just can’t!  It’s all Paul Jenkins, who is doing a fine job of combining familiar flavors with fresh ingredients.)
  • Mind MGMT #10 (My prediction: back to form.  Looks beautiful.  Kindt’s artwork has such an amazing flow to it: it’s uncannily kinetic.)
Mind MGMT #10

Mind MGMT #10

  • Lost Vegas #2 (Read it.  Once again, the art’s the star here.  Lee’s work, amplified by Sotomayor’s stunning colors, still trumps McCann’s story, which, if I’m being fair, has laid more cards–better cards–on the table.)
Lost Vegas #2

Lost Vegas #2

  • East of West #2 (Read it.  Big plans and baby steps: Hickman’s M.O.  I’m willing to stick around, though I suspect that this might read better as a trade.)
  • FF #6 (Read it already: not Allred-y at all, now is it?  Joe Quinones?  Say it ain’t so!  It is so–and isn’t even a fraction as effective.  So, no.)
  • Uncanny X-Men #5 (Two minuses from the get-go: no Bachalo and a trip to Limbo.  Just when I was getting caught up in…)
  • Fury: My War Gone By #11 (Read it.  So, so good.  The spectre of the looming finale has me feeling melancholic.)
  • Clone #6 (Read it.  Not going to complain about it anymore.  Whatever the title’s weaknesses–and there are some glaring weaknesses–Clone has earned its place as a guilty pleasure.  Gotta see what’s next!)
Clone #6

Clone #6

  • Ultimate Spider-Man #22 (Quick flip through: Oops, probably shouldn’t have flipped through.  Some gorgeous work from Pichelli.)
  • Jupiter’s Legacy #1 (Promise officially broken.  We’ll see if it’s “Shame on me” soon enough.)
  • The Massive #11 (Saving.  Gotta catch up.)
  • The Manhattan Projects #11 (Saving this one, too, for the same reason.)
  • The Answer #4 (Read it.  Now I know the question: WTF?  No, really.  Would’ve fit right in with DC’s offerings for the month.)
  • Batman Incorporated #10 (Read it.  Really good.  The source of the gravity in the Batverse.  Speaking of gravity: how ’bout a little lead rain?  Kudos Mr. Burnham.)

Missed out on Rachel Rising #16.  Yeah, can’t let that happen again.

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

26 Tuesday Mar 2013

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Another sizable stack–with one remarkable difference.  Let’s see if you can pick up on it.

To All the Books I’ve Bought Before

  • The Answer #3 (Dark Horse): Unquestionably a good time.
  • Clone #5 (Image): The end of the first arc may be the perfect time to bid this underperformer adieu.
  • Fatale #13 (Image): Consistently terrific.  Impossibly defies expectations with each new offering.
Fatale #13

Fatale #13

  • FF# 5 (Marvel): Fraction and Allred are paired so well on this otherwise inconsequential title.  Off beat?  Right on!
  • Fury: My War Gone By #10 (Marvel): “The final arc begins.”  Don’t think I can express to you how those words make me feel.  OK, I’ll give it a shot: Ain’t good.  How’s that?
Fury: My War Gone By #10

Fury: My War Gone By #10

  • Deathmatch #4 (BOOM!): Frivolous?  Sure.  Worth reading?  You bet!
  • Battlefields #5: The Fall and Rise of Anna Kharkova Part 2 (Dynamite): Ennis at his very best.
  • Red Team #2 (Dynamite): Wow!  Three Ennis books in one week?  Happy Easter, indeed!
Red Team #2

Red Team #2

  • Rachel Rising #15 (Abstract Studio): I’m all caught up and wanting Moore!  No self-respecting comic nerd should be without this title on his or her list.
  • The Sixth Gun: Sons of the Gun #2 (Oni): I’m through the first two trades of The Sixth Gun, waiting on the next two.  (Go Amazon!)

You Always Remember Your First

  • East of West #1 (Image): Miss an Image #1?  Not a chance!  Seriously, though, while I missed out on Hickman’s The Manhattan Projects (I did order Volume 1 recently and am awaiting its arrival, however), I’ll not make the same mistake here.  Definitely worth a shot.
East of West #1

East of West #1

  • Green Hornet #1 (Dynamite): Mark Waid.  ‘Nuff said.
Green Hornet #1

Green Hornet #1

Did you pick up on it?  Of course you did.  It’s yet another first: no DC books this week.  That’s kinda huge.  A little light on the ol’ Marvel, too, now that I think of it.

Something’s afoot, friends.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott