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Tag Archives: Max Brooks

What’s I&N Store (8/6)

06 Wednesday Aug 2014

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

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Aaron Ginsburg, Abstract Studio, Al Ewing, Alan Moore, Alex + Ada, Avatar, Ben Templesmith, Brian Hurtt, Brian Wood, Clone, Cullen Bunn, Daniel Gete, Declan Shalvey, Dry Spell, God Is Dead: The Book of Acts, Greg Rucka, Greg Smallwood, Harbinger: Omegas, IDW, Image, Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, Joe Infunari, Jonathan Luna, Joshua Dysart, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Juan Jose Ryp, Kaare Andrews, Ken Krekeler, Kieron Gillen, Lazarus, Loki, Marvel, Max Brooks, Michael Avon Oeming, Mike Costa, Mike Norton, Miracleman, Moon Knight, Oni Press, Original Sin, Peter Milligan, Piotr Kowalski, Raulo Caceres, Rocket Raccoon, Sarah Vaughn, Si Spurrier, SIP Kids, Skottie Young, Stangers in Paradise, Terminal Hero, Terry Moore, The Bunker, The Extinction Parade, The Sixth Gun, The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead, The Squidder, Uber, Valiant, Warren Ellis

Lots to look forward to this week.

  • The Squidder #2 (IDW): Squids are in the air, and I’d definitely like to draw another breath of ’em as drawn by Ben Templesmith.  The story is familiar, sure, but it’s delivered well enough.
  • Alex + Ada #8 (Image): The series has been a solid read with clean images and fluid artistic transitions that speak as loudly as the words.  It’s an against the odds love story with a dark cloud hanging over it.  Waiting on the storm and worrying about Alex and Ada all along.
Alex + Ada #7

Alex + Ada #7

  • Clone #19 (Image): Continues to be one of the most kinetic comics on the shelf.  Yeah, this book cooks!  #18 offered a couple of Chubby twists that promise a checkered future for all involved.  (Sorry about that.)
  • Lazarus #10 (Image): Re: #15: Circumstances conspire and both Michael and Casey end up in the employ of the Carlyles.  Was there ever any other end?  Nah.  But Innie Award nominee (Best Writer) Greg Rucka and Michael Lark get there so well.  Yet another exercise in excellent storytelling.  Our #7 book of 2013 is well on its way to claiming a spot in the Top Ten of 2014.
Lazarus #10

Lazarus #10

  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #5 (Marvel): Re: #5: Some of the best bedroom action I’ve seen in some time.  Talk about getting laid…out.  Yeah, Kaare Andrews pricks up the pace with some passionate paneling–and one of my favorite splash pages, like, ever!  Never has a bottom lip been bitten so beautifully–in a comic book, anyway.  Go Brenda!  Love her line, “Show me some Kung-Fu.”  Throw in an iron fist-full of father-son issues and you’ve got yourself one hell of a book.  If you’re not reading this yet, you should punch yourself in the face.
  • Miracleman #9 (Marvel): Been stockpiling my Miracleman.  Gonna hafta get on that soon–or it might take a miracle to catch up.
  • Moon Knight #6 (Marvel): Warren Ellis may have earned our Biggest Dis(appointment) of June, but it certainly wasn’t for Moon Knight.  He and Declan Shalvey have been producing some excellent vignettes with the multifaceted Marc Spector.  This, sadly, is their last go ’round before giving up creative control to the talented team of Brian Wood (The Massive) and Greg Smallwood (Dream Thief).
Moon Knight #6

Moon Knight #6

  • Original Sin #5.3 (Marvel): Ack!  I missed #5.2.  Forgot I was buying an Original Sin book, you know, because of Loki.  I mean, why else would I be buying an Original Sin book?
  • Rocket Raccoon #2 (Marvel): Ain’t gonna lie: #1 was fun.  Will probably pass, though, despite what Skottie Young is bringing to the prickly procyonid–unless, of course, I don’t pass, which is far more likely.  Ugh!  I have no self control!
  • The Bunker #5 (Oni Press): I liked #4 a lot.  Thought the dialogue and the emotions were very real.  Overall, Fialkov and Infurnari are telling a terrific story with perfect timing.
The Bunker #5

The Bunker #5

  • Dry Spell #2 (Action Labs): It’s been a Dry Spell dry spell since #1 came out in May.  Oh, and, by the way, we loved, loved, loved #1–enough to make it our top book of May.
Dry Spell #2

Dry Spell #2

  • The Extinction Parade: War #2 (Avatar): I’ve enjoyed The Extinction Parade saga a lot more than I thought I would.  (It’s true: I originally started picking it up for my wife–who hasn’t touched it.)  Yes, it’s been “bottomless slaughter,” but it hasn’t been mindless slaughter.  Max Brooks is offering an elevated apocalyptic experience, amplified by undeadly detailed artwork from Raulo Caceres.
  • God Is Dead: The Book of Acts Alpha (Avatar): Si Spurrier–the 2014 Innie Award Winner for Best Writer (Six-Gun Gorilla, Numbercruncher)–brings a little life to God Is Dead with the immortal Alan Moore.  You read that right: Spurrier and Moore.  Safe to say it’s a must buy.
God Is Dead: The Book of Acts Alpha

God Is Dead: The Book of Acts Alpha

  • Harbinger: Omegas #1 (Valiant): Not too sure why this couldn’t have just been Harbinger #26.  Is it rebootalism?  Guess it really doesn’t matter.  Dysart’s been telling a good story with these characters.  They certainly deserve to live on–whatever the title.
  • SIP (Strangers in Paradise) Kids #1 (Abstract Studio): Oh, why not?  Yeah, Rachel Rising has lost a lot of its shine.  But here’s Terry Moore having fun with the characters for whom he’s best known–by turning them into six-year-olds.
  • The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead #1 (Oni Press): Anything The Sixth Gun is going to find its way into my bag.
  • Terminal Hero #1 (Dynamite): Peter Milligan had a nice run on Valiant’s Shadowman.  I’ll try him out here, where he’s teamed up with Sex‘s Piotr Kowalski.
  • Über #16 (Avatar): Über‘s riding quite a high.  Heck, I was close to dropping it around the time the Special came out.  Since then, however, it’s been terrific.  I’d go as far to say it’s Gillen’s best current work–including the wildly hyped The Wicked & The Divine.
Über #16

Über #16

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (7/2)

30 Monday Jun 2014

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

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Alan Moore, Avatar, Caliban, Clone, Cullen Bunn, David Schulner, Declan Shalvey, East of West, Ed Brisson, Extinction Parade War, Garth Ennis, Goran Parlov, Greg Rucka, Howard Chaykin, Image, Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, J. Michael Straczynski, James Asmus, Jason Aaron, Jonathan Hickman, Juan Jose Ryp, Kaare Andrews, Kieron Gillen, Lazarus, Magneto, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Max Brooks, Michael Lark, Miracleman, Moon Knight, Nick Dragotta, Quantum and Woody, Rocket Raccoon, Satellite Sam, Scottie Young, Sheltered, Sidekick, Southern Bastards, The Twilight Zone, Tom Mandrake, Uber, Valiant, Wade McIntyre, Warren Ellis, Wilfredo Torres

As you know, our sign off is “Turning pages.” As of today, for the foreseeable future, I’ll also be “turning Paige’s” whatever it is she wants me to turn or needs me to turn. That’s right: my second daughter was born this afternoon–and still I’m making sure to get this list out on time! So here it is: What’s I&N Store: The Hospital Edition:

  • Clone #18 (Image): Clone is humming along, as solid as ever, with ethical dilemmas driving the plot–toward a collision between the clones and the coalition.  Will Luke kill the father and son?  Will Laura kidnap Luke’s son?  Gosh, I hope so.
  • East of West #13 (Image): Re: #12: the entire issue is a meeting amongst the nations.  Just a meeting, you ask?  Oh, no, not just a meeting: it’s the best damned meeting, like, ever!  Xiaolian Mao makes the case for war; and Hickman and Dragotta use some superior panel work to take us around a very tense table, giving all in attendance the opportunity to explode with rage–or with something else, you know, like, in the case of Mr. Graves, a bomb.  East of West has been very good of late, with this issue standing as one of the strongest of the series thus far.
  • Lazarus #9 (Image): #8 was one of our top books of April.  Check out why here.
Lazarus #9

Lazarus #9

  • Satellite Sam #9 (Image): Did you get your Tijuana Bible straight away?  Or did you have to ask for the insert?  Did you kinda cringe after opening it and then shove it inside Sam and place it all together on your finished pile?  Dirty distraction aside, #8 was very good.  Almost earned Top Five honors for May.  Sure, Fraction’s earning raves for the wildly overrated Sex Criminals, which I’ve dumped as of #6 after having realized that I could have this conversation with my friends for free; but his best work is right here.
  • Sheltered #10 (Image): A fist-pumping “Yes!” moment was enough to sell me on another issue.  Yeah, I’m talking about Curt’s gettin’ his comeuppance and about taking Sheltered one issue at a time.
  • Sidekick #7 (Image): I ended up liking the first arc a lot. Definitely my favorite of the Joe’s Comics offerings. Clearly my favorite, considering the fact that it’s the only one I’ve stuck with. Oh, and I haven’t been turned off by Straczynski’s borrowing from himself (see the first arc of The Twilight Zone); after the initial surprise, it was just something worth remarking.
  • Southern Bastards #3 (Image): We loved #1 and celebrated it as a Top 5 book of April. #2, while a decent single issue, suffered in comparison to such a strong opening statement. Here’s another strong statement: I’m hoping that Aaron and Latour rebound here; otherwise, I may consider pulling the Bastards from my pull list.
  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #4 (Marvel): #3 was a particularly strong issue. Hasn’t taken long for writer/artist Kaare Andrews to assume complete control over Danny Rand/Iron Fist. He’s balanced the past and present like yin and yang, and, artistically, has injected just the right amount of fantasy into this kick-ass Kung-fu tragedy.
Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #4

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #4

  • Magneto #6 (Marvel): Bunn’s Magneto–and his approach to piecing the vengeful mutant’s story together–has been attractive on a very singular level. Who needs layers, right? Not Bunn; not here. And his decision to keep it simple–employing steely page turns to great effect along the way–has been the key to his making Magneto a must read. #5, however, crashed into a cliche. Hope things return to normal here.
  • Miracleman #8 (Marvel): Still sitting on 5-7. Derek’s been raving about them. I’ll get around to ’em eventually.
  • Moon Knight #5 (Marvel): Thanks to Warren Ellis’s vision, Moon Knight‘s been weird and fun, smart and exciting. It’s also been a showcase for Declan Shalvey, as Ellis has allowed him to do some top-notch visual storytelling. #4 was particularly weird, and in its weirdness offered up some terrific transitions in the mindscape and ended emphatically on an abrupt note, one that reminds of Terry Moore’s sudden endings on Rachel Rising. Moon Knight is so much better than anything Dark Knight right now. I hope that the coming change in creative team doesn’t change that.
  • Rocket Raccoon #1 (Marvel): I’m gonna give it a shot because Derek said he’s giving it a shot on the strength of Skottie Young.
Rocket Raccoon #1

Rocket Raccoon #1

  • Caliban #4 (Avatar): I’ve enjoyed it enough for what it is: a Sci-Fi horror story with some grisly moments–see the end of #3–a la Avatar. Ennis’s writing keeps the story moving, even if it doesn’t necessarily help one differentiate among the characters; in that, his ensemble cast, so far, anyway, lacks star power. Not typical of Ennis.
  • Extinction Parade: War #1 (Avatar): It’s been a while since the first arc ended. Might have to freshen up before going to war.
  • Quantum and Woody #12 (Valiant): #10 earned a spot in our Top 5 for May because it came together on so many levels to create a terrific character study of the wild and wonderful Woody. #11 was a strong follow up with some real hot dogging by James Asmus, who has established himself as one of the best funny businessmen in comics. Hard to believe this book–at least this iteration–is coming to a close. Reason to be excited: the team-up with Archer and Armstrong. Van Lente and Asmus together on the same book? Readers may literally die from laughing so hard.
Quantum and Woody #12

Quantum and Woody #12

  • The Twilight Zone #6 (Dynamite): #5 drew us into another part of the world Straczynski created during the first arc. A much less interesting part of the world. Look out for the heavy hand!
  • Uber #15 (Avatar): I always look forward to reading Gillen’s Uber because it’s never a difficult read and because something remarkable always happens to force the story forward. What more can one ask for? Also of note: it’s very different stylistically from The Wicked & The Divine. That one read like a Hickman book. I know his latest offering is only one issue in, but as of now, I prefer what he’s doing with Uber.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (2/19)

18 Tuesday Feb 2014

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

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A Voice in the Dark, Alex + Ada, Alex Maleev, Avatar, Avengers World, Batman and Two-Face, BOOM!, Braden Lamb, Brian Azzarello, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Cliff Chiang, Colin Lorimer, Curse, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Doug Braithwaite, Extinction Parade, Frank Barbiere, Image, James Asmus, Jonathan Hickman, Jonathan Luna, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Kris Anka, Larime Taylor, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Max Brooks, Michael Moreci, Ming Doyle, Minotaur, Nick Spencer, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Quantum and Woody, Raulo Caceres, Riley Rossmo, Ryan North, Sarah Vaughn, Shelli Paroline, Skyman, The Bunker, The Midas Flesh, The White Suits, Tim Daniel, Uncanny X-Men, Unity, Wonder Woman, X-Men

The only forecast worth a damn:

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

Batman and Two-Face #28

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

Alex + Ada #4

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

Daredevil #36

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

The Midas Flesh #3

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

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

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

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

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (12/18)

18 Wednesday Dec 2013

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

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A Voice in the Dark, Ales Kot, All-New X-Men, Avatar, Batman and Two-Face, Black Science, BOOM!, Brian Azzarello, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Bryce Carlson, Buzzkill, C.P. Smith, Cary Nord, Daredevil, Dark Horse, Dark Horse Presents, DC Comics, Department of Monsterology, Donny Cates, East of West, Eternal Warrior, Fiona Staples, Garry Brown, Greg Pak, Hit, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Javier Rodriguez, Jim McCann, Jonathan Hickman, Kevin Eastman, Larime Taylor, Mark Reznicek, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Matteo Scalera, Max Brooks, Mind MGMT, Mind the Gap, Nick Dragotta, P.J. Holden, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Renegade Arts, Rick Remender, Robert Venditti, Rodin Esquejo, Ross Campbell, Ryan North, Saga, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ten Grand, Terry Dodson, The Extinction Parade, The Massive, The Midas Flesh, Trevor Hairsine, Vanesa Del Rey, Wonder Woman, X-Men, X-O Manowar, zero

Haven’t had back-to-back weeks like this.  Yowza.

  • Buzzkill #4 (Dark Horse): One of the best minis of the year comes to a close.  No need to crack open a cold one to enjoy what Donny Cates and the crew have brewed up–but it certainly can’t hurt.  In fact, let’s drink to what they’ve accomplished thus far and to the promise of a perfectly choreographed booze-fueled father-son throwdown.
Buzzkill #4

Buzzkill #4

  • Dark Horse Presents #31 (Dark Horse): A hefty price to pay for a sliver of of the sublime Mind MGMT.  Oh, I’ll be paying it, all right!  Just like I paid…for…this…
Mind MGMT #17 pp. 22-23

Mind MGMT #17 pp. 22-23

  • The Massive #18 (Dark Horse): Over the life of The Massive, Brian Wood has put on a clinic in understatement and tension–no single issue more successful than the revealing #17, which put Callum Israel’s hatred for Bors Bergsen in context.  Brilliant.
  • Batman and Two-Face #26 (DC): I’ve said it before; I’ll say it again: despite what you’ve been led to believe, this is the best Batman book going.  Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit for what they’ve been doing with Batman, particularly post-Robin.
  • Wonder Woman #26 (DC): Still worth my $2.99.  One of the few DC books worth my time.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #29 (IDW): I don’t know, maybe.  I really enjoyed “City Fall”–and not only because of Mateus Santolouco’s artwork, surprisingly enough; so, I’m actually leaning toward yes.  At least a flip-through, right?
TMNT #29

TMNT #29

  • A Voice in the Dark #2 (Image): #1 was mostly tedious, but Taylor has twisted my arm with a pretty terrific plot twist.  I want to–I have to!–see it play out.  Man, it’s the same problem I have when it comes to watching any cop show: if I watch the first two minutes, I’m stuck for the full sixty–even if I’ve never seen an episode of that particular show before.  Such a sucker!
  • Black Science #2 (Image): Surprise!  Remender’s playing with dimensions.  Oh, sorry: Yay!  If I end up buying it, it’ll be definitive proof that I have no self control.
  • East of West #8 (Image): Hickman’s been east of efficient in his storytelling.  That’s not a fault; in fact, I appreciate his frugality–especially considering how much reading I have to do!
  • Mind the Gap #16 (Image): One of my favorites is back with Act II.  I can’t wait to see how McCann and crew outdo themselves.  It’ll be tough, though, especially after the brilliant dueling-artist dual-narrative that closed out Act I.  Highest of expectations.
Mind the Gap #16

Mind the Gap #16

  • Saga #17 (Image): Guaranteed goodness.
  • Ten Grand #6 (Image): Dragged down–waaaaaaay down–by Templesmith’s departure.  More than likely, I’ll pass on it.  Sad, too, because I had finally gotten into it.
  • Zero #4 (Image): An amazing three-issue run to kick off the series.  Yeah, there’s a 0% chance of my missing this one; in fact, I’d give up my left arm for a copy!  Can’t wait to drink up another 24 pages of Ales Kot’s creative juices.
  • All-New X-Men #20 (Marvel): Hey, it is what it is.
  • Daredevil #34 (Marvel): I’m looking forward to the end of the run–just not sure if it’s for the right reasons.
  • X-Men #8 (Marvel): Bringing on the Dodsons was as genius a move as can be.  They’re perfect for this book.  It’s keeping me around, that’s for sure.
X-Men #8

X-Men #8

  • Department of Monsterology #3 (Renegade Arts): I loved #2.  Looking forward to seeing what they’ve got in store for us this time around.
Department of Monsterology #3

Department of Monsterology #3

  • Eternal Warrior #4 (Valiant): So far, so good.
  • The Extinction Parade #4 (Avatar): I’ve been picking it up for my wife.  Yeah, well, she hasn’t read #2 yet.  I’m caught up, though.  Nothing special.
  • Hit #4 (BOOM!): The solid hard-boiled crime drama from Bryce Carlson and Vanesa Del Rey comes to a close.
Hit #4

Hit #4

  • The Midas Flesh #1 (BOOM!): Time for another adventure from Ryan North!  Sounds fun!  I mean, everything he’s touched so far has turned to gold, right?
  • X-O Manowar #20 (Valiant): I was really surprised by–and really liked–Cary Nord’s artwork on #19.  Hoping to get more of the same here.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (10/16)

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

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

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Alberto Alburquerque, Ales Kot, Animal Man, Avatar, Batman and Two-Face, Batman/Superman, Batwoman, Bloodshot, BOOM!, Brain Boy, Brian Azzarello, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Buzzkill, Charles Dickens, Chris Bachalo, Christos Gage, Cullen Bunn, Dark Horse, David Aja, DC Comics, Dynamite, Ed Brisson, Eric Stephenson, Extinction Parade, Fred Van Lente, Greg Pak, Hawkeye, Image, J.H. Williams III, Jae Lee, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Stokely, Johnnie Christmas, Joshua Dysart, Letter 44, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Max Brooks, Nate Bellegarde, Nowhere Men, Oni Press, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, R.B. Silva, Rafael Albuquerque, Robert Venditti, Sheltered, Simon Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, The Sixth Gun, Trevor McCarthy, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, W. Haden Blackman, Wonder Woman, X-O Manowar, zero

Still riding a post-Comic Con high.  You know what that means: I’ll be looking to buy, buy, buy!

  • Brain Boy #2 (Dark Horse): Underwhelming initial effort on Fred Van Lente’s part.  Hard to live up to the standard he’s set for himself with the Grade A Archer & Armstrong and the hilarious The Mocking Dead.  R.B. Silva’s art, however, is stunning.
  • Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse): Liked #1 more than I expected to.  Surprised me not unlike the way BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla #1 did.  No, I’m not saying I expect it to be as good on as many levels as SGG; it’s clearly not that kind of book.  But expectations have been raised.  Let’s hope it doesn’t fizzle out like Dark Horse’s Colder and Dream Thief.
Buzzkill #2

Buzzkill #2

  • Animal Man #24 (DC): OK, now they’re getting serious: American Vampire‘s Rafael Albuquerque has taken over art duties.  Let’s see if this is the change Jeff Lemire needed to set this ship aright.
  • Batman and Two-Face #24 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit than they’ve received for the work they’ve been doing over here.  Anyone not under a spell should be able to tell: this is the best Batman book going.  Don’t take my word for it; pick it up and find out for yourself.  This issue kicks off a new arc, so jump on board now and find out what all of the buzz should be about.
Batman and Two-Face #24

Batman and Two-Face #24

  • Batman/Superman #4 (DC): So far, so good.  Greg Pak’s making sense despite treading in Morrison-like territory, and Jae Lee’s work is beautiful, as always.
  • Batwoman #24 (DC): Battle of the Bat-Sexes.  Sad to know we’re coming up on the end of what’s been a tremendous run with this character.
  • Wonder Woman #24 (DC): “Strange new era of Wonder Woman“?  OK.  Why not?
  • Nowhere Men #6 (Image): From out of nowhere comes the sixth issue of one of our favorite series.  I may have to break into the box and ground myself before taking off with this.
Nowhere Men #6

Nowhere Men #6

  • Sheltered #4 (Image): #3 showed some cracks.  I’m concerned that Brisson’s going to break down like he did during his Comeback.
  • Zero #2 (Image): Ales Kot proved he’s still got it with his opening salvo.  Easily wiped the terrible stain of his awkward run on Suicide Squad from my brain.
Zero #2

Zero #2

  • Hawkeye #13 (Marvel): Fraction’s back on his home turf.  He’s shown, however, that he’s comfortable just about anywhere nowadays, as evidenced by the sensational Satellite Sam and the arresting Sex Criminals.
  • Uncanny X-Men #13 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom will undoubtedly end with a considerable amount of collateral damage–including all of the X-books that have been tied to the debacle that has been Battle of the Atom.  Yes, this may very well be the push I need to get off of the X-[insert conveyance here].
  • Bloodshot #15 (Valiant): Definitely on the chopping block. See: I haven’t cared too much for Bloodshot since we said goodbye to Gamma.  I’ll give it this one to grab me good.  If it doesn’t, then it’s goodbye.
  • X-O Manowar #18 (Valiant): Not long ago, I almost quit on X-O.  Glad I didn’t.
  • Extinction Parade #3 (Avatar): My wife likes it more than I do.
  • Letter 44 #1 (Oni Press): If you haven’t read the ubiquitous raves for Charles Soule’s latest offering, then you haven’t…well…read the…ubiquitous…raves for Charles Soule’s latest offering.
Letter 44 #1

Letter 44 #1

  • The Sixth Gun #35 (Oni Press): As fun an ongoing as your bound to find.
  • Six-Gun Gorilla #5 (BOOM!): Ah, the best for last.  So far, we’re talking contender for Book of the Year.  Met Jeff Stokely at the NYCC, and–I don’t think he’d mind my saying–he promised that this one’s a wild ride.  I believe him.
Six-Gun Gorilla #5

Six-Gun Gorilla #5

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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I&N Scott’s Bag (8/28)

07 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aaron Campbell, Andy Diggle, Avatar, Batman/Superman, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Dan McDaid, Dark Horse, David Marquez, DC, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, Frazer Irving, Garry Brown, Greg Pak, IDW, Image, Jae Lee, Jason Ciaramella, Jim McCann, Joe Hill, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Max Brooks, Mind MGMT, Mind the Gap, Raulo Caceres, Robbi Rodriguez, Rodin Esquejo, Simon Oliver, The Extinction Parade, The Massive, Thumbprint, Ultimate Spider-Man, Uncanny, Uncanny X-Men, Vertigo, Vic Malhotra, Yildiray Cinar

Wow. A rough week. My go-to joint didn’t have all of the books I expected it to have. As a result, my bag’s a little lighter than I hoped it’d be.

  • Uncanny X-Men #11 (This is what I’ve been waiting for!  It’s Bendis’s best turn on an X-book: stuff actually happens, which is remarkable on its own, sure, but it happens to happen with an uncanny urgency, which is actually kind of all-new for Uncanny; and Irving’s art is stunning–sometimes impossibly so–and exciting, upping the urgency ante page after page.  OK, so, this either sets up really well the Battle of the Atom crossover to come, or, more likely, it has set the bar too high.  Who knows what the future holds?)
Uncanny X-Men #11

Uncanny X-Men #11

  • The Massive #15 (The opening sequence, which establishes a tipping point in the relationship between Mag and Georg, is like walking the plank and falling into a sea of tension.  Amazingly, Wood and Brown are able to keep the sea roiling even as they rush awkwardly toward the end of the arc; yeah, they certainly haven’t heeded Callum’s wise yet naive call for a more tempered pace: “This isn’t a race”; but, thanks to some shrewd moves, the tension is still very much in-your-face.  Oh, and suddenly Mary’s The Massive‘s Mara?  Can’t wait to see how that works out.)
The Massive #15

The Massive #15

  • Mind the Gap #13 (An excellent issue.  The stingy Jim McCann answers some important questions and does so using two terrific narratives.  The juxtaposition of the past and the present is played up superbly, in part, thanks to the very different styles of artists Rodin Esquejo and Dan McDaid.  Elle may be dying, but Mind the Gap is very much alive!)
  • Mind MGMT #14 (If you’re the kind of person who can’t help but judge a book by its cover, then this is the book for you.  So wonderful–inside and out.  Kindt unearths more about Meru–herself a novel nymph–and does so beautifully, inundating each page with his signature watercolors, proving once and for all that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.)
Mind MGMT #14

Mind MGMT #14

  • Batman/Superman #3 (Similar to Mind the Gap, the past and the present are tackled by two artists with decidedly different styles–here, it’s Jae Lee on “now” and Yildiray Cinar on “then.”  Interesting idea, having Clark and Bruce meet as children.  Outside of that, Greg Pak continues to serve up a potentially clumsy story with a deft hand.  Yup: he’s still monkeying about in Morrisonville, but it’s all good: see, he’s making good on the majesty we all crave when it comes to Superman–Supermen, in this case–and the mystery we want from any and all Batmen.)
  • Thumbprint #3 (The challenge was pretty great: live up to or surpass somehow the first two issues–each an I&N Book of the Month, by the way.  Unfortunately, in the end, like Mal’s necklace, the creative team–adapting Joe Hill’s original story–proved to be all thumbs as they twiddled together this finale.  Thumbprint–last month, one issue away from glory–is left to join the ranks of the many mediocre minis that misfired the final round.)
  • Uncanny #3 (Ended up better than I expected it’d be after last issue.  I guess I’ll stick around for another.)
  • Ultimate Spider-Man #26 (Here I was, after #25, all excited that Miles was back in the suit; heck, I even gave Bendis credit for manipulating me–a staunch maskless Miles supporter–toward that excitement.  And what do I get for my trouble?  An homage to Where’s Waldo?  I guess they weren’t kidding with the “Spider-Man No More” banner on the cover.  Sheesh.)
  • FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #2 (Umm…what was wrong with Collider?  “A rose by any other name,” right?  Whatever the title, not particularly interesting–not until the end, anyway.  Don’t think it’ll be enough to inspire me to grab #3, though.  There’s got to be a formula…  Where’s Mr. McKlinsky when I need him?)
  • The Extinction Parade #2 (Not bad.  Despite globetrotting at a bite-neck pace, a bit leaden at times.  No surprise here: my wife, again, enjoyed it more than I did.)
  • American Vampire Anthology #1 (Herein lies the brilliance of Scott Snyder: teams of renowned writers and artists rip and tear their ways through the AV mythology, leaving a blood trail of vignettes, one better than the next.  Like the vamps in Ba and Moon’s “Last Night,” I’m “hungry for more.  Very hungry”–and I can’t wait to see what happens next!)
American Vampire Anthology #1

American Vampire Anthology #1

So, yeah, my local shops, for some reason, were not well-stocked this week.  They didn’t have Lazarus #3, TMNT #25, or FF #11.  Crazy, right?  Luckily, I have a friend in DerekNerd, who just so happens to call Midtown Comics his regular Wednesday haunt.  He was able to score them for me; just have to wait until Monday to get my hands on ’em.

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (8/28)

28 Wednesday Aug 2013

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Aaron Campbell, American Vampire, Andy Diggle, Batman/Superman, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Collider, Dark Horse, David Marquez, DC Comics, Dynamite, Extinction Parade, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, FF, Frazer Irving, Garry Brown, Greg Pak, Greg Rucka, IDW, Image, Jae Lee, Jason Ciaramella, Jim McCann, Joe Hill, Kevin Eastman, Lazarus, Marvel, Mat Kindt, Mateus Santolouco, Matt Fraction, Max Brooks, Michael Lark, Mike Allred, Mind MGMT, Mind the Gap, Raulo Caceres, Rodin Esquejo, Scott Snyder, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Massive, Thumbprint, Ultimate Spider-Man, Uncanny, Uncanny X-Men, Vertigo, Vic Malhotra

Gonna bang this one out.

  • The Massive #15 (Dark Horse): A monthly highlight.  This time around, looks like the plan is to light up a submerged NYC.
  • Mind MGMT #14 (Dark Horse): Another gorgeous cover for an issue covering Meru.
Mind MGMT #14

Mind MGMT #14

  • American Vampire Anthology #1 (DC/Vertigo): A buncha big names takin’ a bite outta Snyder’s AV?  Sounds good to me!  However, it looks like they’ll be takin’ a bite outta my wallet, too.  $7.99?  Ack!
  • Batman/Superman #3 (DC): So far, so good.  Jae Lee’s killing it.
  • FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #2 (DC/Vertigo): Or is it Collider #2?  Color me a bit confused about the title.  Still gonna buy it, though.
  • Thumbprint #3 (IDW): A terrific first two issues–both I&N Books of the Month–have led to this.  The highest of expectations.
Thumbprint #3

Thumbprint #3

  • Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles #25 (IDW): Speaking of expectations: I didn’t expect to be here this long.  Thing is, it’s really good.  And to think I jumped on board simply to support artist Mateus Santolouco.
  • Lazarus #3 (Image): Rucka’s rocking it out, and Lark’s leaving it all on the page.
Lazarus #3

Lazarus #3

  • Mind the Gap #13 (Image): Surprise!  Doublin’ up in August, eh?  Works for me: a quicker turnaround for a title with a complex storyline is definitely appreciated.
  • FF #11 (Marvel): Sure, #10 was a tad self-indulgent.  It was also friggin’ fun.  F-ing Fraction.
  • Ultimate Spider-Man #26 (Marvel): Can’t believe how Bendis was able to manipulate me into wanting Miles to suit up.  And then he was kind enough to give me what I wanted.  Son of a gun.
Ultimate Spider-Man #26

Ultimate Spider-Man #26

  • Uncanny X-Men #11 (Marvel): This is going to sound really strange: I’m looking forward to this.  Felt weird to type it, even.  But it’s true: #10 was darn good, after all–especially with Frazer Irving’s finally coming into his own.
  • Extinction Parade #2 (Avatar): Oddly enough, my wife is looking forward to this more than I am.  Still can’t get her to read Saga, though.
Extinction Parade #2

Extinction Parade #2

  • Uncanny #3 (Dynamite): #2 wasn’t particularly good.  This may be it for me.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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