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Tag Archives: Justin Jordan

What’s I&N Store (1/22)

20 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Ales Kot, All-New Invaders, All-New X-Men, Annie Wu, Avengers World, Batman and Two-Face, Bedlam, Braden Lamb, Brian Azzarello, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Cary Nord, Cliff Chiang, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dead Body Road, Deadly Class, Eternal Warrior, Fred Van Lente, Garry Brown, Greg Pak, Hawkeye, Image, James Robinson, Jonathan Hickman, Justin Jordan, Matt Fraction, Matt Kindt, Matteo Scalera, Max Dunbar, Mind MGMT, Nick Spencer, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Rachel Dodson, Rick Remender, Robert Venditti, Ryan Browne, Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, Steve Pugh, Stuart Immonen, Terry Dodson, The Massive, The Midas Flesh, The Mocking Dead, Trevor Hairsine, Wesley Craig, Will Tempest, Wonder Woman, X-Men, X-O Manowar, zero

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

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

Mind MGMT #18

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

Zero #5

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

Hawkeye #16

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

The Mocking Dead #5

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

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (12/11)

09 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Tags

Alex + Ada, Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Avatar, BOOM!, Brandon M. Easton, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Canaan White, Carlos Magno, Cullen Bunn, Dave Stewart, DC Comics, Dead Body Road, Death Sentence, Deathmatch, Fred Van Lente, Geof Darrow, Greg Rucka, Harbinger, Howard Chaykin, Image, Indestructible, Inhumanity: Awakening, Joshua Dysart, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Kris Anka, Kurt Busiek, Larry Stroman, Lazarus, Manifest Destiny, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Matt Kindt, Matteo Scalera, Michael Dowling, Michael Lark, Montynero, New Paradigm, Olivier Coipel, Oni Press, Patrick Zircher, Paul Jenkins, RIck Leonardi, Satellite Sam, Shaolin Cowboy, Steven Harris, Suicide Squad, The Sixth Gun, Three, Titan, Uber, Uncanny X-Men, Unity, Valiant, Vertigo, Watson and Holmes

Oh, good: another small week.

  • Shaolin Cowboy #3 (Dark Horse): #2 was a wild ride, man, a dizzying display. I’ve never seen anything like it; in that, I really liked it. Geof Darrow’s attention to detail is ri-dic-u-lous. Wasn’t so thrilled with the end, however: seemed to run out of gas before the Cowboy did. I figured we were being set up for something–something more than a pin-up, you know what I mean? I guess we’ll find out what Darrow was hacking and slashing his way to here. Hold on to your head!
Shaolin Cowboy #3

Shaolin Cowboy #3

  • Astro City #7 (DC/Vertigo): One solid story after another from Kurt Busiek and Brent Eric Anderson. Now, it’s time for an extended arc.
  • Suicide Squad #26 (DC): After #24, I was this close from jumping off the bridge, but I decided to give it another issue; and with #25, the suicidally prolific Matt Kindt grabbed me by the collar and yanked me back into the safety of his storytelling.
  • Indestructible #1 (IDW): Sounds interesting enough. Premise has me thinking Thurber’s “The Greatest Man in the World.”
  • Alex + Ada #2 (Image): “Christmas, [girl] in a box. Chanukah, [girl] in a box. Kwanzaa, a [girl] in box. Every single holiday a [girl] in a box.”
Alex + Ada #2

Alex + Ada #2

  • Dead Body Road #1 (Image): I liked what Justin Jordan did on Shadowman. Doesn’t hurt that he’s working with Matteo Scalera, who’s done fine work on Indestructible Hulk and, more recently, Black Science. And, all together now: it’s an Image #1!
  • Lazarus #5 (Image): Love, love, love Lazarus! Can’t beat the creators of this one: Greg Rucka and Michael Lark flood every panel with intense action. So, if you’ve heard about the book but have held off because you missed the boat, now’s your time to jump on board because this issue kicks off a brand new arc. (See what I did there?)
  • Manifest Destiny #2 (Image): We thoroughly enjoyed the first leg of this re-imagined journey with Lewis, Clark, and friends. Picking up #2 is a no-brainer.
  • Satellite Sam #5 (Image): Matt Fraction and Howard Chaykin are bringing sexy back and are making black and white look as colorful as can be all while keeping the answers we want sequestered in the shadows. Teases. Speaking of:
Satellite Sam #5

Satellite Sam #5

  • Three #3 (Image): I think I’m being fair here: I’m giving this one from Kieron Gillen–who’s killing, well, just about everyone in the uber Uber–a third issue.
  • Inhumanity: Awakening #1 (Marvel): I picked up Inhumanity #1 by Fraction and Olivier Coipel. Despite its flaws–and you didn’t have to be Karnak to find them–it was a decent read. A drawn out, but decent read. Now it’s Kindt’s turn.
  • Uncanny X-Men #15 (Marvel): “Special issue”? Uh oh. Seeing “special issue” in a preview for a comic is a lot like seeing “delicious” on a package of gluten-free anything.
  • Archer & Armstrong #16 (Valiant): I’m still drunk on #15! I kinda hope Fred Van Lente writes this forever. Smart, funny, and beautiful… Hey! This book is the perfect woman!
Archer & Armstrong #16

Archer & Armstrong #16

  • Day Men #2 (BOOM!): Wow. Kinda got to thinking that the odds of vampires being real were better than the odds of #2 seeing the light of day. Gonna have to drag #1 out of the ol’ comic coffin and hammer out a new stake in the series.
  • Death Sentence #3 (Titan): I’ve been infected by MontyNero’s G+ premise and his A+ character development. That’s right: I’m invested in three characters–and a series–not long for this world. Damn it! I don’t want to be cured!
  • Deathmatch #12 (BOOM!): The finale to a darn good superhero saga from Paul Jenkins and Carlos Magno. Brilliantly ludicrous and delightfully derivative. If you missed it, make sure you grab a collected edition; it’s well worth your time.
Deathmatch #12

Deathmatch #12

  • Harbinger #19 (Valiant): Every time I think it’s about time to give it up, Joshua Dysart plays some seriously fun mindgames and convinces me to stick around.
  • The Sixth Gun #36 (Oni): I recently finished Vol. 5, which ended up as my favorite of the bunch. It showcases the fantastic storytelling that Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt have exhibited over the course of the series–a series that stands as one of the best around. I can’t wait to get into the monthlies, which I’ve been hoarding for a while now. If you haven’t tried The Sixth Gun yet, do yourself a favor and score yourself a copy of Vol. 1. Need more of an incentive? The end isn’t too far off now; so it’s a good investment.
The Sixth Gun #36

The Sixth Gun #36

  • Uber #8 (Avatar): Didn’t love most of #7. Left me seeing the book, at this point, as more flawed than fabulous. The end was good, though; it screamed: Don’t give up quite yet! OK, I won’t. Not gonna lie, though: my faith in Gillen’s being tested.
  • Unity #2 (Valiant): More Kindt in my bag! More money out of my pocket!
  • Watson and Holmes #6 (New Paradigm): It’s no longer a surprise: Watson and Holmes has been really, really good. Karl Bollers–along with his partners Rick Leonardi (#1-#4) and Larry Stroman (#5)–has set a high bar for the new creative team Brandon M. Easton and Steven Harris; but the foundation–built upon two solid characters–is a strong one, so expectations are pretty high. The only mystery, really, is why you aren’t reading this yet! (Good news: Vol. 1 is out this week, too!)
Watson and Holmes #6

Watson and Holmes #6

Yup. That just happened.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (9/4)

03 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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All-New X-Men, Avatar, Battle Royale, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, Bryce Carlson, Caanan White, Carlos Magno, Codename Action, Comeback, Daredevil: Dark Nights, David Lapham, DC, Deathmatch, Di Amorim, Dynamite, Ed Brisson, God Is Dead, Hit, Howard Chaykin, Image, James Asmus, Jeff Lemire, Johnnie Christmas, Jonathan Hickman, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Lord of the Flies, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Paul Jenkins, Quantum and Woody, Satellite Sam, Shadowman, Sheltered, Stuart Immonen, Tom Fowler, Trillium, Uber, Valiant, Vanesa Del, Vertigo, X-Men: Battle of the Atom

An odd week: I’ll be picking up more books from BOOM! and Avatar–two each–than I will be from DC–a lonely one.  If you’re keeping score: I’m avoiding the onslaught of villain books–because nothing good can come of that!

  • Trillium #2 (DC/Vertigo): Like a sweet bouquet bought and bestowed just because, #1 surprised and satisfied.  Felt like a labor of love and read that way, too.  Looking forward to this.
Trillium #2

Trillium #2

  • Satellite Sam #3 (Image): Easily one of my favorite new titles.  The team of Fraction and Chaykin is shakin’ and bakin’ a sinful delight in stunning black and white.  That’s the truth!
  • Sheltered #3 (Image): All the uneasiness of Lord of the Flies, Battle Royale, and similar adolescent survivalist fiction.  Sadly, smacks of reality, too.  How scary is that?  Seems Brisson’s making up for the disappointing collapse of Comeback.
  • All-New X-Men #16 (Marvel): Getting into the Battle of the Atom.  Gosh, I hope that’s good news.  In the Battle of the Bendis X-Books, however, this title’s taken a backseat–especially after the last issue of Uncanny X-Men.
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #4 (Marvel): I liked Lee Weeks’ arc a lot, but this is going to be a Comic Day decision.
  • X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1 (Marvel): I really, really hope this is good.  Maybe if enough of us hope together we can make it so.  Of late, however, Marvel crossovers, unfortunately, have been impervious to hope.
X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1

X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1

  • Codename Action #1 (Dynamite): Why not?
  • Uber #5 (Avatar): I never expected to be this far in, mainly because I didn’t expect much from Gillen; God, I hated his Uncanny X-Men.  But it’s undeniable: Uber‘s been very good.  If you haven’t been following along, keep an eye out for the upcoming trade.
Uber #5

Uber #5

  • Hit #1 (BOOM!): It just so happens I am a fan of Criminal.  So, if the pitch is to be believed, “Hit is the series for [me]!”  Hmm.  Seems like it may also be a Left Coast version of Red Team.
  • Quantum and Woody #3 (Valiant): If this one doesn’t do it for me, I’m off.  All the other Valiant books were must-buys after two issues; this one hasn’t followed suit.
  • Shadowman #10 (Valiant): One of those Valiant must-buys.
  • Deathmatch #9 (BOOM!): Jenkins is killing it–and plenty of heroes–on a monthly basis.  Another one of those books that you should be reading if you aren’t already.
  • God Is Dead #1 (Avatar): The name at the top–above God, even–is all the reason I need.
God Is Dead #1

God Is Dead #1

  • American Vampire Vol. 4 TPB (DC/Vertigo): Finally!!!!!!!!!!

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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I&N Scott’s Bag (8/7)

11 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Ben Templesmith, Brian Bolland, Brian Michael Bendis, Buck Rogers, China Mieville, Cullen Bunn, Dan Green, Daredevil: Dark Nights, David Lafuente, David Lapham, DC Comics, Dial H, Ed Brisson, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Helheim, HiFi, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, James Asmus, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, Johnnie Christmas, Jonathan Hickman, Jordie Bellaire, Justin Jordan, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Mateus Santoluoco, Matt Fraction, Neil Edwards, Nick Filardi, Nick Pitarra, Oni Press, Quantum and Woody, Roberto De La Torre, Satellite Sam, Sean Phillips, Sergio Cariello, Shadowman, Shari Chankhamma, Sheltered, Ten Grand, The Manhattan Projects, Tom Mandrake, Tome Fowler, Trillium, Valiant, Vertigo

Another Wednesday in NYC meant another trip to Midtown Comics–and another week of plucking top-shelf books from the middle of the Great Wall O’Comics.

  • Fatale #16 (Read it!  Solid, sure, but not as transcendent as it’s been.  No real missteps, just didn’t get the feeling I typically get during and after reading.  Hey: it’s bound to happen–especially with the titles that kill it from issue to issue.)
Fatale #16

Fatale #16

  • Dial H #15 (Read it!  A crazy, convoluted concoction–everything we’ve come to love about this misfit book!  Too bad it couldn’t really find its place in the DCU–or an audience.  We sure as heck did our best to promote it; but, alas, it wasn’t enough.  From the get-go, however, it was clear: Dial H wasn’t a terribly accessible title.  Thank you China Mieville, Alberto Ponticelli, Dan Green, Mateus Santolouco, Dave Lapham, and Brian Bolland for dialing me dizzy for fifteen fantastic issues.)
  • Buck Rogers #1 (Read it!  Howard Chaykin’s always worth a shot.  Here, though, probably just this one.  While it read well enough, it didn’t quite clear the bar, which is set pretty darned high–especially for outliers like this.  Hey: as much as I’d like to, I can’t read everything!)
  • Sheltered #2 (Read it!  A very strong follow up to a superb opening act.  Looks like Brisson might really have something here.)
Sheltered #2

Sheltered #2

  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (Read it!  Some impressive twists weighed down just a bit by some inevitable schmaltz, especially related to what’s been driving DD to complete his mission of mercy.)
  • Ten Grand #4 (Read it!  Glad I’ve stuck around.  I’ve found myself drawn to Joe and to how Joe’s been drawn–and colored–by the terrific Ben Templesmith.)
Ten Grand #4

Ten Grand #4

  • All-New X-Men #15 (Read it!  Once again, an issue that accomplishes very little.  Feels like we’re just killing time leading up to the big crossover event.  Has felt that way for a while, actually.)
  • Sidekick #1 (Read it!  I liked it more than I didn’t.  What kept me from loving it?  It’s the battle that rages amongst the pages: a battle for the ages between clever and cliche.  Kudos to DerekNerd for noticing that this reads like a Mark Millar book.  If you didn’t think of it before, I bet you’re noticing it now.)
  • The Manhattan Projects #13 (Read it!  Same old, same old.  And by that, I mean super good.  Hickman, Pitarra, and Bellaire never take a month off.  Oh, and how about that JFK?)
  • Helheim #6 (Read it!  Everything you’d expect from a Cullen Bunn book.  Pretty terrific final page, no?)
  • Shadowman #9 (Read it!  Another solid issue.)
Shadowman #9

Shadowman #9

  • Quantum and Woody #2 (Read it!  Really liked the beginning.  Asmus kicks off the second installment with a clever conversation–between Woody and me!–and some intelligent humor.  In fact, I was thinking top of the pile for the week.  However, it got a bit sophomoric–and jokingly homophobic–as the issue progressed.  I get it: it’s meant to amplify Woody’s immaturity; but I think, in the end, it detracted from the development of the story.)
  • Trillium #1 (Read it!  One word–for now anyway: finally.)
Trillium #1

Trillium #1

  • Satellite Sam #2 (Read it!  Issue #1 was one of my favorites for July, and there’s no let up here.  Fantastic follow up from Fraction and Chaykin.  So fabulously different from everything else.)

What a way to kick off the month!

What did you get in your bag?  Anything worth checking out?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (8/7)

06 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Tags

Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Ben Templesmith, Brian Michael Bendis, China Mieville, Christmas, Cullen Bunn, Daredevil: Dark Nights, DC Comics, Dial H, Ed Brisson, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Helheim, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, Jonathan, Justin Jordan, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Matt Fraction, Nick Pitarra, Oni Press, Quantum and Woody, Satellite Sam, Sean Phillips, Shadowman, Sheltered, Sidekick, Stuart Immonen, Ten Grand, The Manhattan Projects, Trillium, Valiant, Vertigo

The weekly feature that was once known as What’s Up? is now more shamelessly titled. The content, however, is as subjective as ever.

  • Dial H #15 (DC): Ladies and gentlemen, this is it: the finale of one of the finest series around. Just the thought of its missing from my monthly haul makes me want to curl up and dial.

    Dial H #15

    Dial H #15

  • Trillium #1 (DC/Vertigo): Jeff Lemire’s back where he belongs: doing double duty. Very excited for this. As much of a must buy as a book can be.
  • Fatale #16 (Image): Speaking of must buys: Brubaker and Phillips have been nothing short of brilliant.
  • The Manhattan Projects #13 (Image): Last issue didn’t close with a cliffhanger; nope: it ended with a chainsawer. So good, ever since, I’ve been imagining myself as a branch. Come get me, Einstein, you crazy motherphysicist!
  • Satellite Sam #2 (Image): #1 was a perfect opening act. I hope Fraction and Chaykin can keep it up here. And so does she…
Satellite Sam #2

Satellite Sam #2

  • Sheltered #2 (Image) Brisson did a heck of a job building up to the end of #1. Anything familiar about the premise was put to rest with a resounding “BANG” on the final page. And the snow was left stained with high expectations. Comeback didn’t carry on well after the first issue; I hope Brisson’s better here and going forward.
  • Ten Grand #4 (Image): JMS has won me over. Glad I stuck around.
  • Sidekick #1 (Image): It’s Ten Grand‘s sidekick, innit? Always willing to give JMS a shot.
Sidekick #1

Sidekick #1

  • All-New X-Men #15 (Marvel): Wow. Where have we really gotten after fourteen issues? This could be the longest leash I’ve ever allowed–and it’s all a matter of trust: trust in the characters and trust in Bendis. Something has to happen eventually, right?
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (Marvel): Loved #2. Lee Weeks is owning DD on both sides of the pen. Remarkable, really.
  • Helheim #6 (Oni Press): This is a book that has really come together after five issues. Cullen Bunn’s got a knack for this type of tale (see: The Sixth Gun); and, true to form, he’s unfolding this one well.
Helheim #6

Helheim #6

  • Quantum and Woody #2 (Valiant): The first issue was fun enough. Unfortunately, it’s up against an almost perfect in-house buddy book: Archer & Armstrong. How unfair is that?
  • Shadowman #9 (Valiant): Quietly, a really solid monthly.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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In Scott’s Bag (7/3)

05 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Tags

Alberto Ponticelli, Avatar, Batman Incorporated, Ben Templesmith, BOOM!, Canaan White, Carlos Magno, China Mieville, Chris Burnham, Dan Green, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Dark Horse, DC, Dean Motter, Deathmatch, Dial H, Emily and the Strangers, Grant Morrison, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Mister X: Eviction, Neil Edwards, Paul Jenkins, Roberto De La Torre, Satellite Sam, Shadowman, Ten Grand, Uber, Valiant

Stuck to the script: showed love to the list and said ciao to Green Arrow and Suicide Risk.

I’m getting better at good buys.

  • Deathmatch #7 (Read it!  As I mentioned: it’s no longer a guilty pleasure: it’s a solid book that borrows often–and well–to its own end.  Without being obnoxious about it, Jenkins reveals what he needs to and teases what he wants to.  Sounds easy, but it’s not.)
  • Dial H #14 (The end is closer and, as a result, much more real–especially now that we’re an issue away from hanging up on Mieville, Ponicelli, and Green for good.)
Dial H #14

Dial H #14

  • Shadowman#8 (Read it!  Pretty much an issue’s worth of set up.  Roberto De La Torre’s work–his deathly dark Deadside–is the highlight here.)
  • Ten Grand #3 (Hoping that this one’ll win me over.)
  • Satellite Sam #1 (Looks like a book that I should like, mostly because of Howard Chaykin’s terrific black and white work.  We’ll see.)
  • Emily and the Strangers #3 (Striking the final chord.)
Emily and the Strangers #3

Emily and the Strangers #3

  • Mister X: Eviction #3 (Quick flip: yeah, I think we have our book of the year.)
  • Batman Incorporated #12 (Read it!  No one can rush his way to the end like Grant Morrison.  He’s so damn good.)
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 (Read it!  Much better than I expected it to be.  Lee Weeks and Lee Loughridge push Daredevil to his limits and bring an certain elegance to his exertion–even on page 6, a snow-blind splash where DD is but a red speck on a bluish-white background.)
Daredevil: Dark Nights #2

Daredevil: Dark Nights #2

  • Uber #3 (Read it!  Glad I gave Gillen another chance.  For one, his Hitler is effing crazy!  I’m definitely sticking around for more.)

What did you get in your bag?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s Up?

02 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Alberto Ponticelli, Avatar, Batman Incorporated, Ben Templesmith, Canaan White, Carlos Magno, China Mieville, Chris Burnham, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Deathmatch, Dial H, Emily and the Strangers, Grant Morrison, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Lee Weeks, Matt Fraction, Mister X: Eviction, Neil Edwards, Paul Jenkins, Satellite Sam, Shadowman, Ten Grand, Uber, Valiant

A welcome break from the heatwave.

  • Emily and the Strangers #3 (Dark Horse): Finally, the finale!
  • Mister X: Eviction #3 (Dark Horse): I’m pretty confident that this series will make our Top Ten List for 2013.  Oh, and another stunning cover:
Mister X: Eviction #3

Mister X: Eviction #3

  • Batman Incorporated #12 (DC): #11 was a flipping disaster.  Good news: looks like we’re back to the all-important business of Bat vengeance.
Batman Incorporated #12

Batman Incorporated #12

  • Dial H #14 (DC): It pains me to say this: it’s the penultimate issue.
  • Satellite Sam #1 (Image): May as well give it a shot.  I’ve enjoyed FF and Hawkeye enough.  Oh, and, by the way, Howard Chaykin.  Hope it doesn’t prove as unfulfilling as Casey’s Sex.
Satellite Sam #1

Satellite Sam #1

  • Ten Grand #3 (Image): Yeah, sure: on the strength–a stronger word than I wanted to use, really–of #2, it’s earned another.  Why not, right?
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 (Marvel): #1 delivered some interesting moments with extra cheese.  I’m not entirely sold on it; but I’m willing to lease.
  • Deathmatch #7 (BOOM!): I dunno, man.  I still dig it.
Deathmatch #7

Deathmatch #7

  • Shadowman #8 (Valiant): Behind the first batch of Valiant books, sure; but, by golly, its darned good.  Strange: at the end of each issue, I’m still surprised by how much I like what I’ve read.
  • Uber #3 (Avatar): I figure, since I’m killing off Suicide Risk, I can suffer another one of these.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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Top 5 Books of May: Cities, Dreams & Red Underwear

09 Sunday Jun 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in 5 Comics You Should Be Reading

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Tags

Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake, Adventures of Superman, Battlefields, Battlefields: The Fall and Rise of Anna Kharkova, Brian Wood, Chris Samnee, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Dream Thief, Dynamite Entertainment, Fatale, Garth Ennis, Greg Smallwood, Image, Jai Nitz, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Parker, Justin Jordan, kaboom!, Man of Steel, Matt Kindt, Mind MGMT, Mister X: Eviction, Natasha Allegri, New 52, Nowhere Men, Riley Rossmo, Russ Braun, Saga, The Bounce, The Manhattan Projects, The Massive

This was the toughest Top 5 list we’ve had to put together yet: ol’ reliables like Saga and Manhattan Projects didn’t put out an issue in May. And other stalwarts like Fatale and Nowhere Men, while solid, weren’t quite their usual, exemplary selves (hmm, looking at the above titles it seems we’re really putting the Image in images and Nerds). All these open spots generated much discussion from your intrepid reviewers about who should fill them. Change, of course, can be a good thing. Shake things up! Diversify! In the end, we’re pleased by the inclusion of three brand new #1’s on the list below, with all the promise they imply, even as we bid a fond adieu to one excellent title that seems to be ending its run.

5. Dream Thief #1 (Dark Horse): An undeserving lowlife is possessed by a mystical power that places him in hairy situations, seemingly in the name of justice. Jai Nitz’s tightly-structured occult noir hums like clockwork thanks in large part to Greg Smallwood’s beautifully designed graphic fireworks. After one issue, both of these gentlemen feel like creators to watch. And Dark Horse, with titles like this, Brian Wood’s The Massive, and Matt Kindt’s Mind MGMT (not to mention our #1 title below) is positioning itself to give Image a run for its money as the most exciting publisher around. (DM)

4. Battlefields: The Fall and Rise of Anna Kharkova #6 (Dynamite): It’s a bird!  In a plane!  It’s Anna Kharkova!  Garth Ennis and Russ Braun set the irrepressible Night Witch free with a Yeatsian final stanza that celebrates the unconquerable human spirit. (SC)

3. Adventure Time with Fionna and Cake #5 (kaboom!): The only regular on this month’s list, Natasha Allegri’s gender-switching fairy tale pulls off the neat trick of subtly subverting story-time expectations while also thrillingly living up to them. Truly a comic for “all-ages”. (DM)

2. Adventures of Superman #1 (DC): So what if this trio of short stories first appeared digitally? We first read them the old fashioned way – holding them in our grubby little hands as an actual comic book! Whatever the format, this is the best Superman title we’ve read in a while. Jeff Parker pens a classic story about an early Luthor encounter, made even more so by Chris Samnee’s utterly gorgeous art. We’re convinced: Samnee should draw Superman regularly. And every other superhero title. Justin Jordan and Riley Rossmo close the book with a fun Bizarro tale. But the star here is Jeff Lemire. Set in the vast expanses of rural Kansas, Lemire’s story and art are given the room to breathe that has been sorely lacking in some of his other superhero books. That may seem an odd comment for a story that’s all of ten pages, but Lemire fills them with the sense of imagination and wonder that are the essence of Superman. In the process, Lemire also reminds us what we love about him. This wonderful book has the cumulative, perhaps unintended, effect of making us long for the pre-New 52 Man of Steel. Long live the Red Trunks! (DM)

1. Mister X: Eviction #1 (Dark Horse): Amongst the standout books for the month, Dean Motter’s urbane banquet of urban anxiety stands out the most; in fact, it towers above the rest!  Mr. Motter is in complete control of the pagescape: he wields images and words with an imaginative precision that makes a penthouse reality out of street-level dreams.  All hyperbole aside, this, folks, is why we make our weekly pilgrimage to the comic shop. (SC)

The Biggest Dis(appointment): The Bounce #1 (Image):  If Joe Casey’s Sex is a tired, syphilitic muse, then his latest, The Bounce, is an adopted crack baby.  From the opening toke–a decision more desperate than daring–Casey wields his great power irresponsibly: he lazily and preposterously offers up a seemingly incorrigible pothead, one agonizingly alliterative Jasper Jenkins–an obvious Peter Parker analog–and then oddly recalls an irrelevant hero, Speedball–no, really, Speedball!–who himself was misguidedly modeled after Spider-Man, for goodness sake, all the while sticking too closely to the all-too-familiar amazing spiderweb, you know, because why futz around with a tried and true formula that’s caught villains and readers alike for fifty-plus years.  Speaking of villains: in the grandiloquent antagonist The Darling, Casey conjures his inner Mark Millar yet again (see Sex for more evidence of Casey’s indisputable infatuation with the obnoxious Scotsman); and in the Grand Design, he shows that he’s embarrassingly “behind the curve”–certainly behind Jonathan Hickman, whose The Manhattan Projects sports a curiously similar device.  Yeah: surprise.  If I’m being fair, The Fog, injected into the end of the book, does bring a tablespoon of originality to the flame; but whatever taste I’ve gotten is a bizarre, almost indescribable feeling that smacks of questionable calls–including having The Crush inexplicably use “tenacious” to describe the “pigs” that he assumes one sentence later will be “pissed” once they find out what he’s done–and tone deaf pseudo-intellectualism.  Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?  Really?  So, while I did say yes to the first issue, going forward, I’m going to listen to the small voice in my head, that of the former first lady who famously said that, when facing a choice such as this, I should just say no. (SC)

Turning pages,

Derek & Scott

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What’s Up?

03 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in What's I&N Store?

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Tags

Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Avatar, Bedlam, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, China Mieville, comics, Craig Cermak, Daredevil: Dark Nights, Daredevil: End of Days, Dark Horse, David Mack, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Dial H, Dynamite, East of West, Elena Casagrande, Fred Van Lente, Garth Ennis, J. Michael Straczynski, Jason Latour, Jonathan Hickman, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Klaus Janson, Kurt Busiek, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Mike Carey, Mister X: Eviction, Nick Spencer, Patrick Zircher, Pere Perez, Rachel Rising, Red Team, Ryan Browne, Shadowman, Stuart Immonen, Suicide Risk, Ten Grand, Terry Moore, Uber, Valiant, Wednesday, Winter Soldier

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

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In Scott’s Bag (5/1)

04 Saturday May 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Andrea Sorrentino, Animal Man, Ape Entertainment, Ben Templesmith, BOOM!, Brian Bolland, Brian Michael Bendis, Buddy Baker, Bush administration, China Mieville, Clayton Henry, Cyborg 009, Dan Green, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Dial H, Duane Swierczynski, Elena Casagrande, Freddie Williams II, Gail Simone, Green Arrow, Harbinger Wars, Image, Indestructible Hulk, J. Michael Strczynski, Jason Latour, Jeff Lemire, Joe's Comics, John Paul Leon, Joshua Dysart, Justin Jordan, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mico Suayan, Mister X: Eviction, Nic Klein, Roberto De La Torre, Sesame Street, Shadowman, Stuart Immonen, Suicide Risk, Ten Grand, The Movement, Wade Von Grawbadger, Walter Simonson, Winter Soldier

Ended up with 15 books.  Go figure.

  • The Movement #1 (Can’t imagine I’m going to like this.  Yet here it is.  In my bag.)
  • Winter Soldier #18 (That’s right: it survived the purge–at least for another month.  Thumb through cinched it.  Nic Klein’s artwork–especially his colors–was the draw here.)
Winter Soldier #17

Winter Soldier #18

  • Dial H #12 (Hope it comes back down to earth–not that the cover suggests it will.)
    Dial H #12

    Dial H #12

    • Snapshot #4 (Had forgotten all about this one.  Good thing I remembered while I was in the shop!  Best thing about it: it’s #4 of 4–which means it’s done and, going forward, I’m left with a lighter list.  Whoot!)
    • Cyborg 009 Preview (For a buck, why not?)
    • Mister X: Eviction #1 (Gorgeous cover.  Inside’s pretty damn gorgeous, too.)
    Mister X: Eviction #1

    Mister X: Eviction #1

    • Shadowman #0 (Quick flip: lots of chefs, but the broth is still refreshingly aromatic.  Can’t wait to taste it.)
    • Harbinger Wars #2 (Headed into it with realistic expectations.)
    • Indestructible Hulk #7 (Read it.  Better than #6, sure; but I’m still left thinking, “What difference does any of this make?” and “Why do I care?”)
    • Sesame Street #1 (No way I could pass this up.  My daughter loves Cookie Monster and Elmo.  Can’t wait to read it to her.  Really can’t wait until she’s able to read it on her own!)
    • All-New X-Men #11 (Read it.  A bit stuck in the mud–in more ways than one.  Overall, however, not bad.)
    • Ten Grand #1 (Read it.  Have you heard the one about the hitman with a heart who sells his soul to the devil in order to be with his lost love just one more time?  Of course you have.  Will probably give it another issue.)
    • Green Arrow #20 (Read it.  Perhaps one of the worst books I’ve read since I’ve been back in the game.  I just don’t get it.  Why can’t this character catch a friggin’ break?  I’ll tell you what this is further proof of: looks like Lemire is not suited for superhero books.  [See our recent reviews of Rotworld-related Animal Man to see what I’m talking about.])
    • Animal Man #20 (Read it.  Finally free of the Rot and the Red; finally we’re back in Buddy’s head.  That’s the Lemire we know and love!  A bit nervous about the promise for the next issue: the Red and Totems, too?  Just what am I going to do?)
    Animal Man #20

    Animal Man #20

    • Suicide Risk #1 (Read it.  Not terribly exciting.  Not terrible, either.  A little too familiar throughout.)

What did you end up with in your bag?

Turning pages,

Scott

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