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What’s I&N Store (3/25)

24 Tuesday Mar 2015

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

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Abigail and the Snowman, Archie Comics, Black Mask, BOOM!, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Cullen Bunn, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC, Dean Motter, Doug Mahnke, Duane Swierczynski, Eric Stephenson, Grant Morrison, Hit: 1957, Image, James Asmus, Jamie McKelvie, Jeff Lemire, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Kieron Gillen, Kurt Busiek, Lee Bermejo, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Michael Gaydos, Mister X: Razed, Mono, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Oni Press, Paolo Rivera, PastAways, Quantum and Woody Must Die, Roger Langridge, Suiciders, The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw, The Black Hood, The Bunker, The Multiversity, The Sixth Gun, The Twilight Zone: Shadow & Substance, The Valiant, The Wicked & The Divine, They're Not Like Us, Titan, Uncanny X-Men, Vanesa Del Rey, Vertigo, We Can Never Go Home

Last week had me Wow-ing more per book than any week in the recent past.  Here’s the near future:

  • Mister X: Razed #2 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand No surprise here: we loved #1.  It easily fell into our Top 5 Books of February, the result of the tasty termites and the hungry peregrine pigeons, which, of course, is Christmas come a bit late, you know, in the perfectly-wrapped gift of Dean Motter’s icicle-sharp storytelling.  (Deep breath.)  It’s everything we loved about Mr. X: Eviction, which was just as easily our #1 Book of 2013.  Don’t remember why?  Remind yourself.
Mister X: Razed #2

Mister X: Razed #2

  • PastAways #1 (Dark Horse) Just I&N With his nonpareil Mind MGMT in its stretch run, main man Matt Kindt takes aim–along with artist Scott Kolins–at a fresh future with PastAways, the latest–and most assuredly not the last–entry in the suddenly supersaturated–and not-so-fresh–time-traveling-team market.  Yeah, but it doesn’t matter if it’s good, right?
PastAways #1

PastAways #1

  • The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1 (DC): Re: Mastermen: Morrison and Lee bowled me over with their opening “splash” page–light a match, Adolph!  I mean, c’mon: Hitler on the can, reading Superman?  Hey, why Nazi?  They played it for a laugh–and got it!–and forged a connection between the Führer and me.  I was like, that’s what I look like when I’m reading during “Daddy Time,” you know, just without the mustache and the swastika.  Yeah, otherwise, pretty spot on.  After that, the rest of the book played out well–despite Lee’s pin-up-per-panel approach, which robs the story–artistically, anyway–of any momentum.  Not the best single Multiversity issue, but still plenty metafun.  This month, Morrison and Mahnke promise to make me “an integral part of the resistance.”  Can’t resist that!
  • Suiciders #2 (DC/Vertigo): Figured it’d be a one-and-done.  Clearly wasn’t–especially thanks to the end.
  • The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5 (Image) I&N Demand Pretty great all around.  Sure, while Busiek’s been busy building this remarkably engaging world, Astro City‘s suffered a bit.  (The Quarrel arc is arguably the weakest multi-issue story since our return to the City.)  But that’s all right–especially now that the game is a(Good)foot.
The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5

The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5

  • They’re Not Like Us #4 (Image): They may not be like them, but concerns are rising: we’re three issues in and some of what’s going on is a lot like some of what’s already gone on.  Still love the design, though; love getting right to it!  And still hanging on the promise made at the end of #1.
  • The Wicked & The Divine #9 (Image) I&N Demand With #8, Gillen, McKelvie, and Wilson deliver a brand new Beat Generation of dance hall deities.  The rhythm–the rolling1-2-3-4, page after page–got me good, pulsing past simple gimmick right quick into pop magic, an hypnotizing rave that’s all about that base–YOLO, indeed!–no trouble.  OK.  Trouble.
The Wicked & The Divine #9

The Wicked & The Divine #9

  • Daredevil #14 (Marvel): Ooh, ooh!  A Shroud of secrecy!  Yeah, that pretty much made it all worth it.  As Waid and Samnee are making their way to the end of their run, I can’t help but think about Matt’s exes and wonder: what’s gonna happen to Kirsten?  I’m leaning toward this one breaking the mold.
  • Uncanny X-Men #32 (Marvel): Eva’s conversation with Scott left me feeling like I did after Snyder’s Harper Row lit into Batman (in the regrettable Batman #18).  That’s not a good thing.  Oh, and so, as it all works out, it’s like nothing ever happened, which is always gratifying.  Love that.  Oh, oh, and maybe the once and future leader of the X-Men isn’t so far from his grand return.  Ugh!  I hate all the secrets and the wars that rage as a result of them!
  • The Black Hood #2 (Archie): I was surprised by how much I liked the first one. What sold it: the last page.  As cheesy as it was, it felt authentic, heroic.  I needed that.  Great stuff from Gaydos.
  • The Bunker #10 (Oni): I’m feeling somewhat disconnected from The Bunker at this point.  If it were released on a more regular basis…
  • Hit: 1957 #1 (BOOM!): I was surprised that Hit earned a Harvey nomination because it wasn’t great.  Sure, it hit the right notes at the start–and at its soul was something to celebrate; but it didn’t come together well, as evidenced by the unremarkable end.  I’ll thumb through to see if Del Rey’s art is enough of a draw to warrant a try.  Otherwise, I’m going to pass.
  • Mono #4 (Titan): Through three now, I’m kinda feeling like I did after the summer after I graduated from high school–you know, after saying hi and goodbye to four different girls before leaving for college, and after learning that I had a case of mono, one bad enough to keep me home for what would’ve been my first semester at Penn State.  Just like that, actually.
  • Quantum and Woody Must Die #3 (Valiant): Funny, funny, funny!
  • The Sixth Gun #47 (Oni): The stack grows.
  • The Valiant #4 (Valiant): #3 didn’t hit me like #2 did.  Resulted in a bit of a letdown, especially as the entirety of the Valiant Universe gets further mired in Lemire’s return to Rotworld.
  • The Twilight Zone: Shadow and Substance #3 (Dynamite): The first two-issue arc didn’t live up to Straczynski’s standard–but how could it?  I’m probably going to pass.
  • We Can Never Go Home #1 (Black Mask): I haven’t like much of what I’ve tried from Black Mask.  This one sounds interesting enough.  I’ll thumb through to be fair.

Avery’s Picks of the Week

  • My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #29 (IDW): My wife just came home from Stop & Shop with eight more Pony blind bags.  Thanks a lot DCTC!  We’re drowning in Ponies over here–new ones and duplicates!  I think we have three Pursey Pinks, for crying out loud!
  • Abigail and The Snowman #4 (BOOM!): My daughter’s dug it plenty–even if the Snowman is more Bumble than Olaf.
Abigail and The Snowman #4

Abigail and The Snowman #4

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (3/4)

03 Tuesday Mar 2015

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

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Action Labs, Alan Moore, All-New Hawkeye, Avatar, Blackcross, BOOM!, Brian Buccellato, Brian K. Vaughan, Chris Burnham, Crossed +100, Danger Zone, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Descender, Detective Comics, Dry Spell, Dustin Nguyen, Dynamite, Feathers, Fiona Staples, Francis Manapul, G.I. Joe, Grant Morrison, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D., IDW, Image, Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, Jamie S. Rich, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, John Arcudi, Kaare Andrews, Karen Traviss, Ken Krekeler, Kieron Gillen, Lady Killer, Larry Hama, Laura Allred, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mike Mignola, Miracleman, Nameless, Neverboy, Princess Leia, Ramon Perez, Robert Venditti, Saga, Shaun Simon, Terry Dodson, Tyler Jenkins, Uber, Valiant, Warren Ellis, X-O Manowar

(Sing along.  Go on.  You know how it goes.)

There’s a hole in my heart that can only be filled by comics.

No, really.  I’ve got a hole in my heart.  As of right now, however, my cardiologist is pretty firm in his opinion that comics are not the best option with which to fill it.

I’m in the market for a second opinion.

  • Hellboy & The B.P.R.D. #4 (Dark Horse): Hellish back-grenading, murderous monkey monsters, “insane Frankenstein crap,” and an ominous mound of bones–if that’s not enough to bring a reader back for more, I don’t know what is!
  • Lady Killer #3 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand #1 was one of our Top 5 books of January.  It announced its arrival: “Killer comic calling!” and left quite an impression.  #2 didn’t have the same effect–mostly because there was no surprise this time, and expectations were high going into it–but it certainly didn’t disappoint.  Joëlle Jones’ artwork is the big draw here–it’s elegantly aggressive and sells Josie’s separate spheres very well.  (Doesn’t hurt that it’s polished off to murderous–and motherly–perfection by Laura Allred’s color palette time machine.)  Story-wise: despite Josie’s denial, there’s definitely trouble on the horizon–yeah, Jones and Jamie S. Rich aren’t kidding around with the dilemma that’s driving the plot into #3.
Lady Killer #3

Lady Killer #3

  • Neverboy #1 (Dark Horse): Shaun Simon and Tyler Jenkins are blurring the lines “between the real and the imaginary.”  That’s right up my alley, gents!  (Consider how blown away I was–still am–by the lengths Matt Kindt went to tearing down the aforementioned lines in Mind MGMT #30, our favorite book of January.  Now, that’s how you do it!)  Oh, I’ll bite all right.  Professional prognostication: I’m thinking that this particular pick’ll be positively Pan-ed!
  • Detective Comics #40 (DC): All of a sudden, my Bat-book of choice is Manapul and Buccellato’s Detective.  How the heck did that happen?  The world’s gone mad!  It’s–it’s–Anarky!
  • G.I. Joe #6 (IDW): Through #4, I was all in.  I was like, “Yo Joe!”  I was 13 again–except for the fact that this wasn’t your grandHama‘s G.I. Joe; this was an elevated–and engrossing–approach from novelist Karen Traviss.  Again, through #4.  #5?  A rather muddled mess.  Damn thing’s literally all over the place!   Suddenly, I’m left wondering how much more I can take.
  • Descender #1 (Image) Just I&N and I&N Demand Lemire’s Descender is only the second title to earn both designations!  (The first: last week’s Mister X: Razed from master builder Dean Motter.)  The blurb on previewsworld.com has me thinking Blade Runner meets Essex County.  Yes, please.  Is there any doubt that this’ll ascend to the top of our list for the month of March?  Yeah.  Didn’t think so.
Descender #1

Descender #1

  • Nameless #2 (Image): If it weren’t Morrison, I’d be off after one.  I mean, I’m totally occulted out at this point.  If this issue isn’t particularly tight, I’m going to review it this way: Morrison’s occult/sci-fi mash up is Thomas Alsloppy.
  • Saga #26 (Image): Revolution calling!
  • All-New Hawkeye #1 (Marvel) I&N Demand Hoping that Lemire is fully invested–that he’s not going to be working at a fraction of his capabilities, especially now that he’s spreading himself as thin as a bowstring.  Boy, does he have a huge quiver to fill!  Also hoping that he doesn’t miss the mark as he did with Green Arrow.
All-New Hawkeye #1

All-New Hawkeye #1

  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #10 (Marvel): I&N Demand #9 was another explosion of kinetic cartooning from Kaare Andrews.  Great splashes, great layouts–the art as a whole elevates an already solid story, solid writing.  Reads with an energy similar to Kindt’s Mind MGMT.  “Ha-ha-hee!”  That’s high praise around these parts!
Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #10

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #10

  • Miracleman #16 (Marvel) I&N Demand Classic isn’t strong enough a word to describe #15.  There are moments–impossible moments amplified by impossible choices–still gnawing at me.  It’s angels hurling mountains at each other; it’s George pulling the trigger.  It’s Alan Moore firing a canon at the superhero and building him anew. 
Miracleman #16

Miracleman #16

  • Princess Leia #1 (Marvel):  I don’t know.  I don’t really need it.  I don’t even want it.  But it is Waid and the Dodsons.  Ugh.  I haven’t loved Star Wars.  I’m even kinda cool on Darth Vader.  But it’s Waid and the Dodsons.  Damn it.  Go ahead Mr. Comic Shop Owner Guy: please ring it up.  Grumble, grumble.  Rebel scum.
  • Blackcross #1 (Dynamite): This is an Ellis buy. Recent résumé: Moon Knight was one of our Top Ten Books of 2014.  Trees, however, has been freakishly frustrating.  (He’s got to know that–he’s got to!  So there’s got to be a reason for his frustrating the hell out of us, right?  Am I too trusting?)  Even though I don’t have any experience with Project Superpowers, I’m going to give it a try.
  • Crossed +100 #3 (Avatar): I’m skulling Moore crossed with Burgess, which feels equal parts awkward and elevated. Pony me, malchicks?
  • Über #23 (Avatar): Gillen Hitlered a bunch of high notes in the most recent act of his Wagnerian war story.  “Capitulation or immolation,” indeed!
  • X-O Manowar #34 (Valiant): Remains one of the most consistent monthlies.  Never reaches rarefied air, but doesn’t need to to be effective.  The book’s biggest strength remains Aric, who has remained true to himself–and to us–thanks to Venditti’s thoughtful approach to his plight and his power.

I&Ntelligent Pick

  • Dry Spell TP (Action Labs/Danger Zone): Ken Krekeler and his brilliantly broken down Black Baron demand your attention.  Why?  Read our write up: the #3 Book of 2014.  Buy it, read it, and come back and thank us.
Dry Spell TP

Dry Spell TP

Avery’s Pick of the Week

  • Feathers #3 (BOOM!): My daughter is definitely down with Feathers!  Luckily, she’s not quite old enough to be down on puns.
Feathers #3

Feathers #3

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (2/25)

24 Tuesday Feb 2015

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

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Abigail and the Snowman, All-New X-Men, Archie Comics, Bodies, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Samnee, Colder: The Bad Seed, comics, Daredevil, Dark Horse, Darth Vader, DC Comics, Dean Motter, Duane Swierczynski, Dynamite, Edu Menna, Eric Stephenson, Evil Empire, Greg Tocchini, IDW, Image, Jamie McKelvie, Jason Aaron, Jay Shaw, Juan Ferreyra, Kevin Eastman, Kieron Gillen, Lee Bermejo, Low, Mark Rahner, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Max Bemis, Men of Wrath, Michael Gaydos, Mister X: Razed, NCBD, ODY-C, Paul Tobin, Quantum and Woody Must Die, Rasputin, Rick Remender, Riley Rossmo, Roger Langridge, Salvatore Larocca, Simon Gane, Spider-Gwen, Suiciders, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Black Hood, The Odyssey, The Twilight Zone, The Twilight Zone: Shadow & Substance, The Wicked & The Divine, They're Not Like Us, Thor, Tom Waltz, Valiant, Vertigo, Victor Santos

This week offers up some big books–none bigger than Dean Motter’s Mister X: Razed.

Wait.  What?

You did a double-take, didn’t you?  You were expecting to read Spider-Gwen at the end of that superlative statement, weren’t you?

Ugh.

  • Colder: Bad Seed #5 (Dark Horse): Nimble Jack is back, baby!  Maybe that’ll add a little oomph to an otherwise lethargic exercise.  Tobin and Ferreyra cultivated a creepy tone early on but kind of got stuck in one place.  Man, I’d give the finger to this series, but I’d be worried about getting it back.
  • Mister X: Razed #1 (Dark Horse) Just I&N and I&N Demand It’s the first time a book has earned both enviable distinctions!  Oh, yeah, baby!  Mister X is back, and we couldn’t be any more excited!  One reason–and it’s a good one: back in 2013, Dean Motter delivered the brilliant Mr. X: Eviction, which earned the coveted #1 spot on our highly respected Top Ten list, beating out the likes of Mind MGMT, Six-Gun Gorilla, and Saga.  Now that’s gotta tell you something.  Can’t wait to see what Mr. Motter has to tell us this time around.
Mister X: Raze #1

Mister X: Razed #1

  • Bodies #8 (DC/Vertigo): Gosh.  #1 hit the shelves with such promise.  Unfortunately, the damn thing collapsed under its own weight and, as a result, has been a four-pronged slog ever since.  Glad it’s over.
  • Suiciders #1 (DC/Vertigo): Lee Bermejo’s doing his own thing.  Would be silly not to try it.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #43 (IDW): Reptilicious fun!  All sorts of backstabbing going on.  Good thing our favorite turtles have shells–and madd ninja skills.
  • Low #6 (Image): I’m still pretty high on Low.  Remender’s not ringing my bell anywhere else; but this diving bell of a book is tintinnabulous!
  • ODY-C #3 (Image): This gender-bending blitz on Homer’s epic is a damn siren’s song; it’s a party with the local lotophagi.  Didn’t dig it so much after the first issue.  Good thing I stuck around.
  • Rasputin #5 (Image): I’m riding it out ’til the end of the arc.  There isn’t much here that’s keeping my interest.
  • They’re Not Like Us #3 (Image) I&N Demand Deadly Class only wishes it was this good.  How would you act if you had superpowers?  Eric Stephenson’s got the answer.  Heck, it’s like a team full of feisty and rather petty Ozymandiases.  What’s going to happen when the stakes get raised?  Can’t wait to find out.
They're Not Like Us #3

They’re Not Like Us #3

  • The Wicked & The Divine #8 (Image) I&N Demand The book’s got attitude.  Yeah, this book’s a real bitch–a beautiful, effing bitch–one you’ve just desperate to have.  But even when you have it, you don’t really have it; it has you.
The Wicked & The Divine #8

The Wicked & The Divine #8

  • All-New X-Men #38 (Marvel): Chapter 4 of “The Black Vortex” crossover.  Yeah, I’m out of that loop.  Probably going to leave it on the shelf.  Hindsight is 22/22: should’ve done the same with the Ultimate waste of an arc.
  • Daredevil #13 (Marvel): Despite some strong work from Chris Samnee, the Stunt-Master arc wasn’t particularly exciting.  Reminds that Waid’s missed the mark some since making the move to the Left Coast.  This issue kicks off the final chapter of Waid and Samnee’s run.  I say perfect timing.  Speaking of perfect: how about Samnee’s cover:
Daredevil #13

Daredevil #13

  • Darth Vader #2 (Marvel): #1 was fine.  Was the Force with it?  Not so sure about that.  Got to give Gillen another go-round to see just how dark his helmet gets.
  • Men Of Wrath #5 (Marvel/Icon): I’ve enjoyed it enough.  Father-son stories always hit me where it hurts.  It’s like “Cat’s in the Cradle” but the cat’s been blown to furry bits by a blast of buckshot.  “When you comin’ home son, I don’t know when, but I’ll fill you full of lead, dad, you know I’ll shoot you in the head…”
  • Spider-Gwen #1: Ha!  Made you look!
  • Thor Annual #1 (Marvel): I’m leaning toward passing.  Annuals rarely offer anything of worth–and are rarely worth the inflated price.
  • The Black Hood #1 (Archie): Duane Swierczynski and Michael Gaydos (who took a great turn on Zero) go all X-rated for Archie Comics?  That’s right: the images, the synopsis–I’m thinking X, Swierczynski’s violent vigilante haunt over at Dark Horse.  I mean, right?
  • Evil Empire #11 (BOOM!) I&N Demand I love Evil Empire!  This month’s not-so-sheepish cover from Jay Shaw:
Evil Empire #11

Evil Empire #11

  • Quantum & Woody Must Die #2 (Valiant): As much as I wanted to not want to want to play this game of life and death with the Valiant brain trust, #1 wasn’t bad.
  • The Twilight Zone: Shadow & Substance #2 (Dynamite): Mark Rahner and Edu Menna have huge shoes to fill, mostly because the recently–and brilliantly–wrapped-up The Twilight Zone‘s Straczynski and Vilanova have big-ass feet.

 Avery’s Pick of the Week

  • Abigail and the Snowman #3 (BOOM!): My daughter’s kind of scared of the Snowman.  She has to convince herself that it’s just a cartoon–the same way she talks herself down when Marshmallow shows up in Frozen.  Still she’s made it her pick of the week.
Abigail and the Snowman #3

Abigail and the Snowman #3

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (8/20)

20 Wednesday Aug 2014

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

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Adam Archer, Andre Sirangelo, Archaia, Archer & Armstrong, Armor Hunters: Harbinger, Batman and Robin, Black Market, BOOM!, Cullen Bunn, Daredevil, Dark Horse, Dark Horse Presents, David Lapham, David Mack, DC Comics, Ed Brubaker, Frank Barbiere, Frank Miller, Fred Van Lente, G. Willow Wilson, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Gabriel Iumazark, Geof Darrow, Grant Morrison, IDW, Image, Ivan Reis, James Asmus, Jamie McKelvie, Javier Rodriguez, Josh Elder, Joshua Dysart, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Kabuki, Kano, Kieron Gillen, Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland, Magneto, Mark Waid, Marvel, Ms. Marvel, Oni Press, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Quantum and Woody, Scribblenauts Unmasked, Sean Phillips, Stray Bullets: Killers, The Delinquents, The Fade Out, The Last Broadcast, The Life After, The Multiversity, The Wicked & The Divine, Valiant

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 (7/23)

22 Tuesday Jul 2014

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

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Afterlife With Archie, Archer & Armstrong, Archie, Austin Harrison, Batman and Robin, Brian Azzarello, Brian K. Vaughan, Chris Samnee, Cliff Chiang, Daredevil, DC Comics, Dead Boy Detectives, Dynamite Entertainment, Fiona Staples, Francesco Francavilla, Fred Van Lente, Geoff Johns, Guiu Vilanova, IDW, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, John Romita Jr., Life With Archie, Mark Buckingham, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mike Raicht, Nelson Daniel, Ordinary, Patrick Gleason, Paul Kupperberg, Pere Perez, Peter J. Tomasi, Rob Williams, Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, Ryan North, Saga, Superman, Supreme: Blue Rose, The Midas Flesh, The Twilight Zone, Through the Looking Glass, Titan, Toby Litt, Trees, Valiant, Vertigo, Warren Ellis, Wild Blue Yonder, Wonder Woman, Zach Howard

Another big week of big books, highlighted by four titles from our Top Ten of 2013 (Wild Blue Yonder, Saga, Zero, and Archer & Armstrong) and an Archie two-fer!

  • Batman and Robin #33 (DC): Robin Rises: Omega #1–a nonsensical, never-ending fight scene–was a huge disappointment.  You know what?  I’m going to pretend it never happened.  Will be tough, though: I’m not too excited about the inevitable change of scenery; Lord Darkseid knows I’ve never been a fan of Apokolips.
  • Dead Boy Detectives #7 (DC/Vertigo): DBD has been very good–especially the previous Through the Looking Glass-inspired two-parter.  New story starts here.
  • Superman #33 (DC): Re: #32: The new Men of Today: Geoff Johns and John Romita, Jr. have started their reign well with Men of Tomorrow.  Liked how the former twisted Supes’ origin and came up with the well-named Ulysses.  The latter proved that his style suits Superman just fine.
  • Wonder Woman #33 (DC): Azzarello and Chiang are on their way out.  It’s been a helluva run–and gods know I will loyally follow them to the finish line.

 

Wonder Woman #33

Wonder Woman #33

  • Wild Blue Yonder #5 (IDW): Prepare to be jealous: I’ve already read it.  Liked it a lot.  (Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: we’ve celebrated this series from the guys at Noble Transmission since take off.)  It lives up to the standard set by issues before: it’s summer-blockbuster big with some massive art moments from Zach Howard and Nelson Daniel.  (Nobody does double-page spreads like these guys.)  I particularly like how in a relativist sense the Judge is pretty much a good guy, as he is trying to do right by his people.  Just so happens other folks–those who call The Dawn home–would have to suffer in order for his people to survive.  If I’m finding myself rooting for the Judge, it’s because Mike Raicht is selling him well–kind of like how Patricia Highsmith convinces you root for the immoral Thomas Ripley; that’s high praise, indeed!  Also sold well is the big “final” moment, which is drawn out just long enough to sell one character’s sacrifice and another’s loss.  Can’t wait to see how everything plays out.  If you can’t wait to find out more about this issue, check out Derek’s review here.
Wild Blue Yonder #5

Wild Blue Yonder #5

 

  • Saga #21 (Image): This arc hasn’t really lived up to the Saga standard.  That being said, it’s still better than most.  #20 ended on a robot strong note–even if it were a bit too robotic, too thick with politic.
  • Trees #3 (Image): Hasn’t grown on me.  In fact, Derek and I agree: there’s been too much junk in the trunk; and, as a result, Trees #2 is our Biggest Dis(appointment) of June.  May have to chop this one down.  Might have trouble seeing the forest for the cover, though.
Tress #3

Tress #3

  • Velvet #6 (Image): New arc time.  The first one rubbed me the right way.  Something very modest about it.
  • Zero #9 (Image): The series started with so much promise.  That promise, however, has been broken.  Into pieces.  Tiny, tiny pieces.  We denounced #8 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of May.  It’ll take an act of God or my typical lack of willpower to get this one into my bag,
  • Supreme: Blue Rose #1 (Image): Ellis is lighting it up on Moon Knight yet is growing Trees at an pine’s pace.  Wonder what we’ll get here.
Supreme: Blue Rose #1

Supreme: Blue Rose #1

  • Daredevil #6 (Marvel): #5 offered up my favorite line of the year: “Kudos to cancer.”  Man, I laughed; and then I was like “Ugh”; and then I laughed some more.  It’s quite clear: Mark ain’t afraid to Waid into some daring dialogue–especially if it’s meant to develop Matt further as the very best of friends and as the perfect Daredevil.
  • Afterlife With Archie #6 (Archie): Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla’s first arc was as close to perfect as can be.  Expectations are very high for the next.
  • Archer & Armstrong #22 (Valiant): “American Wasteland” has been a blast!  Re: #21: I mean, ho-Lee crap: Fred Van Lente is fearless–he’s the Lone Funman!  It was so much fun, in fact, that we’ll be celebrating it as one of our Top 5 Books of June.  You know, when we get around to it.
Archer & Armstrong #22

Archer & Armstrong #22

  • Life With Archie #37 (Archie): Honesty: #36 was my first issue of LWA.  (I know I’m not alone in that one.)  It won’t be my last.  It was really, really good.  Love the choices Paul Kupperberg–who wrote one of my far- from-Archie faves: Vigilante–made while walking his way through Archie’s life.  Just took one issue to make me care a whole lot about the aftermath.
  • The Midas Flesh #8 (BOOM!): Mercifully comes the end.  After a strong #2, the series quickly went south and has unfortunately stayed that course–not plot-wise, per se; it’s been an execution issue, including too much in the way of leaden redundancies.  Maybe–just maybe–the end’ll be the true North we’ve been searching for.
  • Ordinary #3 (Titan): Mercilessly comes to an end.  An end?  Already?  Noooooooooooooooo!  Damn, man, the first two issues have been so very good.  We celebrated #1 as one of our Top 5 Books of May, and #2 will be recognized as one of our Top Books of June, you know, eventually.  Have every expectation that this’ll be just as good–if not better!  A strong finale will bump Rob Williams from a laudable Must Try to a rare Must Buy.
Ordinary #3

Ordinary #3

  • The Twilight Zone #7 (Dynamite): This second arc hasn’t been as nearly as compelling as the first.  That being said, #6 was definitely a step up from #5.  I’ll probably ride this one out, return to my home dimension and leave the key to imagination under the mat for the next guy.

Paige’s Pick of the Week

  • Popeye #24 (IDW): Big Sister’s still working on her pile from last week, so Baby Sister gets her second book in three weeks–of life!  I’ve keyed in on Popeye for her because she looks like the spinach-chompin’ sailor man when she eats.  And the cover’s an appropriate hoot, too, ’cause toot toot, my baby girl is goshdarn gassy!
Popeye #24

Popeye #24

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

 

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Superhero Friday!

18 Friday Jul 2014

Tags

Chris Samnee, Daredevil, Mark Waid, Marvel, The Harvey Awards

The 2014 Harvey Awards final ballot has been set!

Congrats to nominees Mark Waid (Best Writer) and Chris Samnee (Best Artist & Best Cover Artist), the daring duo behind Marvel’s Daredevil (Best Continuing or Limited Series)!

I've been Double Dogged!

I’ve been Double Dogged!

Who are you wearing today?

Turning pages,

Scott

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Posted by ScottNerd | Filed under Superhero Friday!

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What’s I&N Store (7/9)

09 Wednesday Jul 2014

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

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Al Ewing, Armor Hunters, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Miskiewicz, Chris Roberson, Chris Samnee, Daredevil, DC Comics, Doc Savage, Dynamite Entertainment, Fred Van Lente, Gabo, Grayson, Jason Aaron, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Loki, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mikel Janin, Oni Press, Original Sin, Palle Schmidt, Rob Williams, Robert Venditti, Royals: Masters of War, Simon Coleby, The Life After, Thomas Alsop, Valiant, Vertigo

A very welcome wee week:

  • American Vampire: Second Cycle #4 (DC/Vertigo): I’ve been disappointed by the Second Cycle thus far.  It pales in comparison to the first go-round; it’s as if the life has been sucked out of the story by some supernatural force–because there’s no way Snyder’d stumble so badly on his signature series without there being a unreasonable explanation, right?  Damn thing’s gone from blockbuster to B-movie.  At the end of #3, I was like “What the devil?” and “What?  The devil?” at the very same time!  Followed with an “Ugh.”  I’m only considering it because it’s a light week.  Smart move’ll be to pass.  Honest self-assessment: on Wednesdays, my IQ drops more than a few points.
  • Grayson #1 (DC): I’ve always preferred Dick over all of the other Robins.  Sure, his transition to Nightwing was tough to swallow at first; but in the end it made terrific sense; and the character has played an rock solid role in the DCU and in the Bat-family ever since.  This move–to super-spy–seems more like engineered evolution, meekly bending toward what’s trending; see: it has me thinking Winter Soldier–which means I won’t be able to help myself from comparing Seely’s work to Brubaker’s.  Yeah, yeah, I know: but all’s fair in love, war–and comics.
Grayson #1

Grayson #1

  • Royals: Masters of War #6 (DC/Vertigo): The penultimate issue ended with a kingly twist–a perfect set up for the finale.  Rob Williams and Simon Coleby have packed five issues of Royals with high energy and explosive moments.  Should probably wear a bomb-disposal get-up while reading this one.
  • All-New X-Men #29 (Marvel): Still waiting on #28.  Wonder if I should take it as a sign and pass.  Followers will note that for 24 issues–I skipped #25–I begged for the strength to leave Bendis’s mutant massacre on the shelf and that #26 stripped me of all complaints and left me believing in Bendis anew–all the way through #27.  That’s right: still waiting on #28.
  • Daredevil #5 (Marvel): Time to find out about Foggy.  A quick note on #.1: Surprisingly good.  I’m generally wary of .this and .that issues; but this one’s got a clear purpose: filling in some of the blanks between New York and San Francisco.
Daredevil #5

Daredevil #5

  • Original Sin #5.1 (Marvel): As much as I’d like to avoid the Original Sin trap, I can’t here: Al Ewing and Jason Aaron are serving up a little Loki.  Oh, and Thor, too.  Can’t forget Thor.
  • The United States of Murder #3 (Marvel): Bendis is in his criminal element here.  If there were any question after a lackluster #1, then #2 is all the proof you’ll ever need.
  • Armor Hunters #2 (Valiant): #1 was a solid opening salvo and was supported very well by a strong X-O Manowar #26.  Super-high praise: kudos to Venditti for making me feel like I did when I read comics as a kid.
Armor Hunters #2

Armor Hunters #2

  • Doc Savage #7 (Dynamite): Has lost some of its shine.  As time has gone on, The Man of Bronze has become The Man of Boredom.  Can’t imagine I’ll be sticking around much longer without a real knockout of an issue.
  • The Life After #1 (Oni Press): Joshua Hale Fialkov is a must try considering the tremendous job he’s doing with time travel on The Bunker.  The guy can flat-out tell a story.
The Life After #1

The Life After #1

  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #5 (Dynamite): #4 ended on a pair of strong notes.  The series, in general, has been my favorite of the Gold Key books.  Could it be–I don’t know–because Van Lente’s at the top of his game right now?  You just nodded in the affirmative, didn’t you?
Magnus: Robot Fighter #5

Magnus: Robot Fighter #5

  • Thomas Alsop #2 (BOOM!): #1 was a BIG surprise!  Chris Miskiewicz and Palle Schmidt delivered an excellent set-up issue that balances well the spirited situation in the present and the foundation that was laid in the past.  Can’t wait to get into this one.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (6/18)

17 Tuesday Jun 2014

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

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Alex + Ada, Andre Sirangelo, Archaia, Batman and Ra's al Ghul, BOOM!, Brian Azzarello, Brian Michael Bendis, Butch Guice, Chondra Echert, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Chuck Dixon, Claudio Sanchez, Corey Smith, Dan Slott, Daniel Bayless, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Ed Brubaker, Eye of Newt, Fatale, Fred Van Lente, Goran Sudzuka, Harbinger, IDW, Image, Jamie McKelvie, Jonathan Hickman, Jonathan Luna, Joshua Dysart, Kevin Eastman, Kieron Gillen, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mateus Santolouco, Michael Hague, Mike Allred, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Rebecca Guay, Ryan Browne, Sarah Vaughn, Sean Phillips, Silver Surfer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Last Broadcast, The Manhattan Projects, The Wicked & The Divine, Tom Waltz, Translucid, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, Winterworld, Wonder Woman

Stirring up a pretty potent brew in my bag this week.  Naturally, I’m going to start with…

  • Eye of Newt #1 (Dark Horse): I ain’t a fan of The Hobbit and I ain’t looking to make a habit outta buying books that tease Tolkienesque quests.  But this new release from Michael Hague looks awfully pretty.  Reminds of Rebecca Guay.
Eye of Newt #1

Eye of Newt #1

  • Batman and Ra’s al Ghul #32 (DC): OK, so, I’ve been touting this title for over a year now, mostly because of how well Tomasi dealt with the aftermath of Morrison’s fatal calculus.  Since the Two-Face arc, however, it just hasn’t added up–that is until #31, which offered the return of Frankenstein and a breath of fresh art from guest artist Doug Mahnke.
  • Wonder Woman #32 (DC): Wanna talk about women in comics?  The conversation begins and ends with Wonder Woman.  In the Battle of the Bulging Bag, the new God of War is the clear winner.
Wonder Woman #32

Wonder Woman #32

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #35 (IDW): No longer gets a bump from being a surprise–and doesn’t need it!  I think we can all agree: Mateus Santolouco owns the Turtles.  If we’re lucky, he’ll never leave.
  • Winterworld #1 (IDW): Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice?  Yes, please!
  • Alex + Ada #7 (Image): Sure, Ada only recently gained sentience; but let’s face it: this book’s been full of life from the get-go.
Alex + Ada #7

Alex + Ada #7

  • Fatale #23 (Image): #22 worked for what it was.  This one promises to be “the strangest issue […] yet.”  Guess that means a helluva lot of strange.  Aw, hell, Brubaker and Phillips may as well wring out the strange sponge on their way out.
  • The Manhattan Projects #21 (Image): Gee whiz!  An issue featuring a dog!  Haven’t read one of those in while.
  • The Wicked & The Divine #1 (Image): Kieron Gillen’s a must try.  Jamie McKelvie’s clean style will go a long way toward letting Gillen tell his story about young gods living the life–until they die.
  • Daredevil #4 (Marvel): Who?
Daredevil #4

Daredevil #4

  • Silver Surfer #3 (Marvel): #2 earned its place in our Top 5 for April.  Read about it here and discover why Silver Surfer belongs in your bag, too.
  • Uncanny X-Men #22 (Marvel): No longer fretting about my getting.  Suddenly, instead, just this: satisfied with Bendis.
  • Harbinger #24 (Valiant): Almost done.  Shame, really.  Has been one of the better superhero team books around.
  • The Last Broadcast #2 (Archaia): #1 was terrific!  Can’t wait to discover what’s next!  Hoping pretty hard that Andre Sirangelo can keep the same pace here in #2.
  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #4 (Dynamite): Fred Van Lente’s a busy man, but he’s not letting it show in his work; he writes each book as if it’s his only one.  Absolutely loved #3–especially when the Robot Fighter’s fist met a flying car’s front end in a spectacular spread by Corey Smith.  Speaking of fists:
Magnus: Robot Fighter #4

Magnus: Robot Fighter #4

  • Translucid #3 (BOOM!): #2 was the runner-up for Biggest Dis(appointment) of May.  There’s a fine line between a juvenile affect and juvenilia.  Hoping for more than a month’s worth of maturity here with #3.

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

  • Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #6 (DC): Avery likes herself some little heroes.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (5/28)

27 Tuesday May 2014

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

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2000 AD, Adrian Alphona, Ales Kot, BOOM!, Brass Sun, Brian Wood, C. Willow Wilson, C.O.W.L., Chris Roberson, Danijel Zezelj, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dead Boy Detect, Doc Savage, Doctor Spektor, Dynamite, Ed Brisson, Garry Brown, Garth Ennis, Gary Erskine, Guiu Vilanova, Harbinger, I.N.J. Culbard, Ian Edginton, Image, Iron Patriot, J. Michael Straczynski, Jason Aaron, Jason Howard, Jason Latour, John Christmas, Joshua Dysart, Kyle Higgins, Mark Buckingham, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Michael DiPascale, Mind MGMT, Ms. Marvel, Neil Edwards, Peter Milligan, Prince Valiant, Rod Reis, Rover Red Charlie, Ryan North, Shadowman: End Times, Sheltered, Southern Bastards, Star Wars: Rebel Heist, The Massive, The Midas Fesh, The Twilight Zone, Toby Litt, Trees, Vertigo, Warren Ellis

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

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What’s I&N Store (5/21)

21 Wednesday May 2014

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

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A Voice in the Dark, Adam Metcalfe, Alan Davis, Ales Kot, American Vampire: The Second Cycle, Batman and Frankenstein, BOOM!, Brian Azzarello, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Michael Bendis, CAFU, Chondra Echert, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Claudio Sanchez, Cullen Bunn, Damien Worm, Daniel Bayless, Daredevil, DC Comics, Diego Bernard, Dynamite, East of West, Ed Brubaker, Elektra, Fiona Staples, Frank Barbiere, Fred Van Lente, IDW, Image, Jason Aaron, Jeff Stokely, Jim McCann, Joe Infunari, Jonathan Hickman, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Larime Taylor, Magneto, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Mark Millar, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Mike Deodato, Mind the Gap, Miracleman, Monster & Madman, MPH, Nick Dragotta, Numbercruncher, Oni Press, Ordinary, Original Sin, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Rob Williams, Robert Venditti, Rodin Esquejo, Saga, Scott Snyder, Si Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, Solar: Man of the Atom, Steve Epting, Steve Niles, The Bunker, Titan, Translucid, Uncanny X-Men, Unity, Valiant, Velvet, Vertigo, W. Haden Blackman, Wonder Woman, X-O Manowar, zero

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

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