Tag Archives: Frank Barbiere

What’s I&N Store (8/20)

20 Wednesday Aug 2014

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Looking forward to a few HUGE number ones: DC’s Multiversity, Image’s The Fade Out, and Valiant’s The Delinquents.  Also have my eye on the repriced DHP.  Plenty of other good stuff, too–including an against-the-odds purchase that might bring down the walls of my LCS!

  • Dark Horse Presents 2014 #1 (Dark Horse): I would buy Geoff Darrow and Frank Miller’s anything.  I even would’ve paid $7.99!  But the fellas at Dark Horse have decided to knock down the price of DHP with the “reboot.”  So we’re talking $4.99 for Darrow and Miller and, among other anthological amuse-bouches, David Mack’s Kabuki!  Yes, please!
Dark Horse Presents 2014 #1

Dark Horse Presents 2014 #1

  • Batman and Robin #34 (DC): Robin is still rising.  I hope he does a better job of it this time around–especially considering how awful the awfully disappointing Robin Rises: Omega was.  That’s right: sad to say, my favorite Batman book earned the ignominious distinction of being the Biggest Dis(appointment) of July.
  • The Multiversity #1 (DC): Grant Morrison is back–finally.  He’s been missed–by us and, most assuredly, by the DC powers that be.  (Marvel’s been cleaning their clocks for a while now; so it’s about time.)  His name is synonymous with quality–even if it is an awkwardly incomprehensible quality.
The Multiversity #1

The Multiversity #1

  • Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland #1 (IDW): I don’t have any experience with Little Nemo, but this looks too good to pass up.
  • The Fade Out #1 (Image): Hot on the high heels of the Fatale finale comes this new series from Brubaker and Phillips.  The description reminds of Fraction and Chaykin’s Satellite Sam–which is not a bad thing.
The Fade Out #1

The Fade Out #1

  • Stray Bullets: Killers #6 (Image): The first new Amy Racecar issue brought a little horsepower back to Lapham’s Bullets, which has been grinding its gears a bit since a high-octane first issue–which Derek gushed over here.
  • Supreme: Blue Rose #2 (Image): Re: #1: I felt kinda lost.  Figure I’ll give it another issue, you know, ’cause it’s Ellis.
  • Trees #4 (Image): #2 earned our Biggest Dis(appointment) of June.  #3 didn’t necessarily wash the taste of #2 from our mouths, but, for the quality of the conversation, it certainly changed the flavor a bit.  Just when I thought I’d be free of Trees, Ellis sucks me right back in.
  • The Wicked & The Divine #3 (Image): I thought #2 was OK–certainly better than the first one.  It didn’t make me want to call it quits, nor did it leave me inconsolable over the fact that I’d have to wait a month for #3.  Damn thing reeks of arrogance–which suits the godly gang well.  I still think the premise is kinda cool, and I’ve come to have more faith in Gillen thanks to Über; so I’m sticking around.  We’ll see what happens.  (Side note: anyone else seeing similarities between this and Azzarello’s Wonder Woman?  A quick flip through just gave me that vibe.)
The Wicked & The Divine #3

The Wicked & The Divine #3

  • Daredevil #7 (Marvel): The Original Sin tie-in was actually pretty good and included one of the best DD double-page spreads I’ve ever heard.  On to another, more about Matt’s mother–and off to Wakanda.
  • Magneto #8 (Marvel): Re: #7: not my favorite issue.  More a carried note than a new one.  Translation: the pattern that Bunn’s been following stood out more than the story itself.  Hope that doesn’t carry forward.
  • Ms. Marvel #7 (Marvel): I can’t believe I’m saying this: I didn’t care very much for #6.  My secret crush–the marvelous Kamala Khan–was insufferable!  Ugh!  How did endearingly awkward twist to annoyingly annoying so darned quickly?  And my concerns about the change in artist–well, they were well founded.  Wyatt’s work may as well have been lined with metal, too.  I’m not ready to quit Kamala, but I am, quite suddenly, anxious about our next meeting.
  • Armor Hunters: Harbinger #2 (Valiant): The first one didn’t do much for me.  Probably going to ride it out anyway.
  • Black Market #2 (BOOM!): I’ve pretty much hated everything I’ve read from Frank Barbiere–until Black Market #1.  Everything about it worked–especially the end.  Definitely looking forward to my experience with #2–maybe more so than #2 itself.  Is it possible that I’ll like another issue of a Barbiere book?
  • The Delinquents #1 (Valiant): This has the potential of being the best thing ever, you know, with Van Lente and Asmus clinking their heads together like IPA-filled pint glasses.  I couldn’t be hoppier–er, happier about this collaboration.  Add to the toast the oft-amazing Kano, who blew us away with his work on Quantum and Woody #10, and, well, I’m willing to “Wow!” before I even read it!
The Delinquents #1

The Delinquents #1

  • The Last Broadcast #4 (BOOM!/Archaia): We’ve loved the series thus far–and we’ve broadcasted it to all who’d listen.  We made #2 one of our Top 5 Books of June and #3 just missed despite its being maybe even better than #2.  (Yeah, July was a pretty stacked month.  Top 5 to come.)  Very much looking forward to this.
The Last Broadcast #4

The Last Broadcast #4

  • The Life After #2 (Oni Press): Suicide certainly is a touchy subject–made even more so with the recent loss of Robin Williams.  For some, the wound might be too fresh.  For me, however, that wound calloused over a long time ago.  A high school classmate of mine took her life during our junior year; it’s something I’ve never gotten over but have learned to live with.  Fialkov is healing with the help of some famous figures.  I’m willing to follow along.

Avery’s Pick of the Week

  • Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination #8 (DC): Avery’s embrace of #7 went viral.  OK, so it wasn’t Ebola; but it certainly infected writer Josh Elder.  Odds are good she’s gonna hug this one, too!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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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 (3/19)

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

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

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

Dark Horse Presents #34

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

Animal Man #29

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

A Voice in the Dark #5

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

Zero #6

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

All-New Ghost Rider #1

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

Ms. Marvel #2

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

Harbinger #0.2014

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

The Sixth Gun #39

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

Avery’s Pick of the Week

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

That about does it I&Nmates!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (2/19)

18 Tuesday Feb 2014

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The only forecast worth a damn:

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

Batman and Two-Face #28

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

Alex + Ada #4

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

Daredevil #36

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

The Midas Flesh #3

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

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

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

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

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

16 Tuesday Apr 2013

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The evidence is overwhelming.  The Bloated Two are losing my interest–and, as result, my business.  But, as you can see by my list, I’m going to end up with a bloated bag anyway.

  • Batwoman #19 (DC): Pretty much ready to ditch it.  The selling point–Mr. Williams III’s images–has become a period, ending my run, too.
Batwoman #19

Batwoman #19

  • Wonder Woman #19 (DC): #18 was pretty terrible on the art front and on the writing front.  Not a good sign; but could be a hiccup.  We’ll see.
  • Five Ghosts #2 (Image): The first one wasn’t as engaging as I had hoped it’d be.  Willing to give it another shot, however.
  • Mara #4 (Image): I’ve made it this far.
  • Revival #9 (Image): #8 was a return to form.  Plenty of plot threads to tug at.
Revival #9

Revival #9

  • Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth #4 (Image): Thank goodness!
  • Daredevil #25 (Marvel): Still Marvel’s best
Daredevil #25

Daredevil #25

  • Bloodshot #10 (Valiant): Has been pretty darned good of late.  Now: Harbinger Wars.
  • X-O Manowar #12 (Valiant): Has come back to life with Planet Death!
  • The Shadow: Year One #2 (Dynamite): Wasn’t bad.  Liked #1 more than I liked Ennis’s turn with the same character.  Also liked it more than Waid’s Green Hornet. Wonder if I’m the only one.
  • The Sixth Gun #30 (Oni): I’ve read Vols. 1-4.  Waiting for Vol. 5, sure; but I’m going to start my monthly obsession now.  Odds are good, however, I’ll let it sit around until I’m caught up.
The Sixth Gun #30

The Sixth Gun #30

  • The Sixth Gun: Sons of the Gun #3 (Oni): A must for any serious fan of The Sixth Gun.  I may be late to the party, but Bunn and Hurtt have hooked me hard!

That oughta keep me from my responsibilities for a while.

Turning pages,

Scott

Microviews: Playing Catch Up

07 Sunday Apr 2013

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I’m up to date with my reading.  Writing-wise, as you’re about to discover, I’m a bit behind; but I couldn’t let these books slip by without a word or two.

Saga #11: Opened it up and said, “Hello”–not like “Hello, hi, howya doin’?” but more like “Hell-oh!” in response to yet another remarkable salutation–a tantalizing and titillating page one–from Vaughn and Staples, one in which we find Marko and Alana coming together in a coital splash, followed by a delightfully daring debate that glows like an after-sex cigarette.  That scene is cleverly coupled with The Will’s wordless yet startlingly intimate retrieval of Lying Cat, made possible only by the bounty hunter’s discharging of a decidedly phallic device.  That bit of brilliant storytelling from the book’s creators is humbled, however, by the burden taken on by Barr, Marko’s father.  Be honest: have you ever believed a character more than you believed Barr when he tells Alana, “I’ll hold us together”?  You know that rare rush you get from an unexpected brush with beauty?  Yeah, got that–and more: I mean, have you ever hurt as much as when Barr passes on while peering into Hazel’s “peepers”?  Have you ever tasted as bittersweet a morsel as when Marko manages a magical father-son memory, one cleverly conveyed in two languages, including one we all understand: the language of love?  And for good measure, older Hazel’s commentary ties it all together with a gentle tug or two on our heartstrings–with a final line for the ages.  Truly inspiring work.

Saga #11

Saga #11

My?tery Society Special 2013: Frivolous fun!  Steve Niles and Andrew Ritchie bring together mystery and monsters and, in doing so, deliver the goods and the chivalrous evil, particularly in the form of the gentlemanly Dracula, who steals the show even as he not so surprisingly fails to show up in the book’s final gag: a vampire-free group photo.  Niles’ immaculate timing sells the decidedly dessicated humor, which helps to keep the confidently-wielded familiar–which reminds us of our favorite stories, be they bound to page or screen–as fresh as an undead daisy.  I welcomed the whiff of Frankenstein, “however brief it was”; see, I’ve been in a wicked state of withdrawal since the demise of the fantastic Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and since I dropped the disappointing JLD–so I’ll take what I can get!

My?tery Society

My?tery Society Special 2013

Five Ghosts #1: Overreaching and underwhelming.  Frank Barbiere throws a lot at us in this first issue of a five-issue mini.  He kicks things off well enough by introducing us to Fabian Gray, an Indiana Jones-type–almost necessarily kicking Nazi ass–blessed and cursed with an assortment of skills derived from five literary archetypes, not entirely unlike Captain Marvel, who too derives his powers from a pantheon of legendary figures.  This one-man League of Extraordinary Gentlemen has some “unfinished business” of a personal nature that he harps on, and then he eventually–after some more harping and an evil-spirited interlude or two–hops on a plane to Africa, where things don’t turn out so well for him–or for us, if I’m being honest.  Africa?  Really?  Already?  Sebastian says it best: “I’m guessing that means something bad.”  What’s not so bad about the book?  Chris Mooneyham’s art is, in and of itself, fine; however, he’s hamstrung a bit by Barbiere’s ridiculously fast pace; and, as a result, too often he’s unable to bring the requisite energy to the page.  Overall, looks like Barbiere is shooting for novel-level complexity to suit the allusions at the center of his concept.  Unfortunately, the result is a few frayed narrative threads.  Will I pick up #2?  I’m thinkin’ it’ll be a comicday decision.  At the rate I’m shedding books, odds are good this’ll sneak its way back into my bag.  And then if I’m two-deep into the series, you know I’ll run it out till the end.  (That’s my blessing-slash-curse.)  Here’s to hoping these two fellas find their groove–because at the core of this story is something I might like to get into.

Five Ghosts #1

Five Ghosts #1

Ultimate Spider Man #21: We kept asking for it and darned if we didn’t get it: a costume-free issue!  And a damn good one, too.  Bendis spares the spandex and spoils us with angst and honesty; he–like a genie granting wishes–serves up a teenage boy’s dream team-up: Miles, Ganke, Mary Jane, and Gwen Stacy.  Gotta love it and the possibilities.  Also gotta love the way Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor bring the fantasy to life.  The art is terrific throughout and terrifying when it needs to be.  Yeah, at the start of this arc, I thought Venom would be narrative poison; but I put my faith in Bendis, and it turns out that my faith was put well.  This is an intense issue.  It’s an exemplary issue.  It cements this title as one of Marvel’s best, and it’s another reason why I feel comfortable buying All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men despite my lingering doubts about those titles.  Bendis can be this good at any time–and I’d hate to miss it when it happens.

Ultimate Spider-Man #21

Ultimate Spider-Man #21

Turning pages,

Scott