Tag Archives: Ming Doyle

What’s I&N Store (2/19)

18 Tuesday Feb 2014

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The only forecast worth a damn:

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

Batman and Two-Face #28

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

Alex + Ada #4

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

Daredevil #36

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

The Midas Flesh #3

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

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

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

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

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (1/8)

06 Monday Jan 2014

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Back to normal, which means a big ol’ bag o’ books for me!

  • Shaolin Cowboy #4 (Dark Horse): Geof Darrow’s taken us for a ride, all right–an insanely detailed carousel ride.
  • Hinterkind #4 (DC/Vertigo): I was all set to drop it after #2.  Picked up #3 anyway, mostly because I forgot to pay my willpower bill.  Anyway, you know what: it was worth it.  The game has been changed–and so too has my mind.  It’s official: I’m Hinterkindhearted!
Hinterkind #4

Hinterkind #4

  • Fatale #19 (Image): #18 had one of my favorite moments of 2013–and I can still feel the beat!  Overall, however, Fatale‘s suffering a bit from Brubaker and Phillips’s having hit such ridiculously high notes with their series of perfectly constructed one-shots.  Don’t get me wrong: it still rocks!  It’s one of the best books around and a highlight of any week.
  • Manifest Destiny #3 (Image): Destined for greatness–especially if Dingess and Roberts can maintain the momentum and the mystery they’ve manifested thus far.  Their terrific little twistory is both epic and intimate and I’m loving every minute.
Manifest Destiny #3

Manifest Destiny #3

  • Sex Criminals #4 (Image): Last issue was our Dis(appointment) of the Month–and for good reason: Fraction’s let his ego get in the way once more–and not to a particularly positive effect.  (To be fair, though, plenty of folks are high on his hijinks.  Hey, what ever gets you off, right?)  I’m back for another, however, because I’ve never been good at break ups; I need to make sure that there’s really nothing left worth hanging on to.
  • Sheltered #6 (Image): I’m really enjoying this series from Ed Brisson and John Christmas.  It’s vital and violent and reads with a velocity that leaves my head spinning with a dizzy I totally dig.  Not kidding: if you’re a fan of Clone–particularly because of how it’s paced–you’ll definitely like this book, too.
Sheltered #6

Sheltered #6

  • Three #4 (Image): Perhaps planned: #3 was pretty perfect.  Turned Gillen’s latest twistory from a Must Try to a Must Buy.
  • All-New X-Factor #1 (Marvel): One all-important factor to consider: Peter David’s back with his funky X-bunch.  It’d be foolish not to give it a few issues.
  • Avengers World #1 (Marvel): Hickman’s an I&N Must Buy–well, his independent work is, anyway.  I haven’t been sold on any of his Marvel stuff; but I’m willing to give this one at least one because I need to fill need: I need a version of Captain America that I can buy into and buy on a regular basis.  Yup, I’m hoping Hickman and Spencer–who’s still got me buying Bedlam for some sick reason–can capture the Captain I’ve been craving since Brubaker’s transcendent turn.
Avengers World #1

Avengers World #1

  • Black Widow #1 (Marvel): Oh, why the hell not?  What’s the worst it could do?  Suck?  It’s got a tough web to climb considering what Brubaker–the bastard!–weaved for the Widow in Winder Soldier.  I hope Nathan Edmondson is up to the task.  I hope his Widow has bite!
  • Inhumanity Awakening #2 (Marvel): Kindt built some layers–a la his brilliant Mind MGMT–into the first issue.  The effect was lost on me, however, because no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t care about anything or anyone.  If I end up with #2 in my bag, it’ll be because of my loyalty to the incomparable Kindt.
  • Afterlife with Archie #3 (Archie): One of the most exciting releases of 2013!  Spot-on Archie goodness from Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and gorygeous art from the incomparable Francesco Francavilla  Can’t wait to see where this goes!
Afterlife with Archie #3

Afterlife with Archie #3

  • Letter 44 #3 (Oni Press): So far, President Blades has been the highlight of the series.  He’s an admirable character–one I took to immediately.  This issue promises to shed some more light on the astronauts and on the aliens.  Sounds good.  Gosh, I wish I could say that this book reads like Clone or Saga.  I don’t know; maybe it will at some point.  My fear, however, is that it’s going to turn out like the infuriatingly slow Revival.  We’ll see, won’t we?  I mean, it’s why we buy the books, isn’t it?
  • Quantum and Woody #7 (Valiant): James Asmus is out of control–and we’re damn lucky for it.  So very funny.
Quantum and Woody #7

Quantum and Woody #7

  • Shadowman #14 (Valiant): Milligan’s first issue showed a lot of promise–thanks, in part, to De La Torre’s art, which suits Shadowman so very well.  No doubt about it: I’m sticking around to see where this goes–and the darker, the better.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/2)

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

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Kickin’ off Comictober commodiously:

  • Occultist #1 (Dark Horse): Even though I’m off Revival as of #14, I don’t see why I shouldn’t give Seeley and Norton another shot.
  • Hinterland #1 (DC/Vertigo): Now this has the hook and the look of a Vertigo book.
Hinterland #1

Hinterland #1

  • Trillium #3 (DC/Vertigo): Lemire set a high bar for himself with a remarkable #1; and wouldn’t you know it took the slacker a whole month to clear it!  That’s right: I thought #2 was even better than the now-famous flip book!  So, if I’m doing the math correctly, this one’s going to blow my mind!  And earn a bunch more exclamation points, too!
  • Bedlam #9 (Image): Unless this one leaves me feeling the way I feel after reading a top-tier book, I’m done.  No sense in hanging on anymore.
  • Lazarus #4 (Image): #3 was our #1 book for August, so you know I’m looking forward to this.  As engaging a series as you’re going to find.
Lazarus #4

Lazarus #4

  • Mara #6 (Image): Been waiting for this one for what feels like forever.  Here’s what I thought of the brilliant #5.
  • Mind the Gap #15 (Image): For the last two issues, McCann, Esquejo, and McDaid have been the comic book equivalent of Crosby, Stills, and Nash.  Masterfully layered with a twist of sublime.
  • All-New X-Men #17 (Marvel): The real battle is between my OCD and my better judgment.
  • Captain America: Living Legend #1 (Marvel): Andy Diggle hasn’t impressed me very much, but I’m going to buy this darned thing anyway.  Aaaaargh!  I’m absolutely desperate for a good Cap story.  Give it to me, man!
Captain America: Living Legend #1

Captain America: Living Legend #1

  • Marvel Knights: Spider-Man #1 (Marvel): Yet another panel of the counterpane Matt Kindt has tossed over top the industry.  Maybe–just maybe–we’ll get a good Spidey story out of the deal.
  • Codename Action #2 (Dynamite): Oh, why not?  Guess that makes me Codename Sucker.
  • The Mocking Dead #2 (Dynamite): Flesh-eating fun!  Look out, folks: no one is safe from Fred Van Lente and his biting writing!  He’s more dangerous than the undead!
The Mocking Dead #2

The Mocking Dead #2

  • Quantum and Woody #4 (Valiant): Just when I thought I was going to drop my first Valiant title, Jason Asmus and Tom Fowler hit a high note with the E.R.A.  That’s right: stupid just got clever–and just in time!  It’s got my vote!
  • Shadowman #11 (Valiant): I’m always a bit wary of a holiday special–especially a Halloween special; screams “filler issue,” dunniit?  Now that‘s scary!
  • God Is Dead #2 (Avatar): Certainly can’t say this one’s on par with The Manhattan Projects or East of West–not after one issue, anyway; that wouldn’t be fair, would it?  Well, if I can’t say it after #2, then this book, I swear to God, is dead to me.
  • Uber #6 (Avatar): Kieron Gillen is killin’ it–and everything else!  Hey, it’s OK: it’s an Avatar book.  Seriously, though: this has been very good–much better than I expected it to be.
Uber #6

Uber #6

  • Hit #2 (BOOM!): Expected baseball analogy: after one at-bat, Bryce Carlson and crew are batting 1.000.  Recalling the end of #1: this time around, let’s see how they handle the curve ball.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

Microviews: Bombshells

07 Sunday Jul 2013

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OK, I know what you’re thinking: you’ve already got an image in your head: beautiful, busty–how about something…like…this:

The bombingest bombshell of ’em all!

Yeah, it’s certainly plain to see: Adam Hughes has a knack for giving a fanboy what he wants.  But let’s be honest: even in comics, there’s more to a woman–more to Power Girl, even–than spandex-stretching curves, right?

Umm…right?

Well, let’s consider, as exhibit A, Cola, the cloud-hopping heroine of the post-apocalyptic action-adventure Wild Blue Yonder #1 (IDW).

Wild Blue Yonder #1

Wild Blue Yonder #1

She’s a spitfire; she’s full of spunk: heck, she’s Maverick from Top Gun doing her own thing–because her boots are made for flying!  The minds behind this Waterworld-in-the-sky dogfight delight–story credit given, surprisingly, to three: Mike Raicht, Zack Howard, and Austin Harrison; let’s hope this doesn’t end up a case of too many pilots spoiling the flight plan–have crafted Cola as a neo-Night Witch (see Garth Ennis’s incorrigible Anna Kharkova for a WWII/Cold War counterpart) and have outfitted her in an androgynous get-up, allowing her femininity to flow from her character and not from some titillating cleavage-baring caricature.

Amongst men, whether in the “‘local’ bar” The Peak or in the pilot’s seat, she holds her own–in the latter, especially so: no, she doesn’t rely on womanly wiles in the midst of battle; her potency is proven as she uses her plane’s nose-mounted cannon to bring down an enemy aircraft.  And like Janet Jackson, Cola’s in control–that is until her mother lets her have it and leaves her meekly submitting, “Yes, ma’am.”

Yes, sir, this is fun stuff: thanks, in part, to Zack Howard and Nelson Daniel’s beautifully bombastic artwork, reminiscent of the uncanny Chris Bachalo, Wild Blue Yonder is the comic equivalent of a summer blockbuster–one that’s both gripping and grisly and good enough to warrant another date with the deliciously capable Cola.

Speaking of capable women: if you’ve been following Brian Wood and Ming Doyle’s Mara (Image), then you know the turn that the title character has taken in issue #5.

Mara #5

Mara #5

Once worshiped for her athletic prowess on the volleyball court, she’s now an angry god with a grudge; and she’s passing judgment on humanity for the demands it has placed on her; for its “[taking] almost everything from” her, including her brother–who is done away with in a decidedly understated manner, one that emphasizes the brutality of the act and the disheartening cruelty of man; and for its ultimately, and unnecessarily, treating her–a woman with awesome power–as a threat.  A threat!  Oh, she’s had enough, all right: she’s spiking the ball; she’s looking to record one final kill–or, more accurately, megadeath.

To amplify the shift in Mara’s perspective, Wood and Co. brilliantly bookend this issue with sparing splashes–the first depicting Mara’s open hands, perhaps indicating peace, against the vastness of the the starry heavens; and the final, a hailstorm of rapidly descending nuclear missiles.  See: she’s no longer “a member of the human race”; she is the vengeful God of the Old Testament who sends the rain to wash away the sins of man.

While similar to Wild Blue Yonder in some respects, Mara differs in that it’s no blockbuster: it’s more of a critically-acclaimed independent film, thanks to Wood’s distinctively deliberate–dare I say wonderfully wooden–delivery (to which I’ve grown more accustomed now that I’m all caught up with The Massive) and to Ming Doyle and Jordie Bellaire’s subtly volatile sets, which come together to allow Mara–and this terrific issue–to simply and dramatically stand alone.  Worship as you will.  Book of the Week (6/19).

Turning pages,

Scott

In Scott’s Bag (6/19)

22 Saturday Jun 2013

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It’s not a bag of comics as much as it’s a bag of evidence–evidence that I have a problem.

Exhibits A-Q

  • Batwoman #21 (Looks pretty.  Francavilla’s really a perfect choice here: he brings immediate credibility to this otherwise irrelevant Killer Croc interlude.)
Batwoman #21

Batwoman #21

  • Wonder Woman #21 (Chiang brings something to the page that Akins et al cannot.  So, I’m already looking forward to it.  My expectations remain tempered, however, because of the continued presence of the New Gods–even, if for the most part, it’s just Orion.  I’ve never cared for the New Gods.)
  • Mara #5 (I’ve come to appreciate Brian Wood’s style a bit more now that I’m caught up with The Massive.  I wonder if I should go back to the beginning with this one.)
Mara #5

Mara #5

  • Ultimate Spider-Man #24 (As I mentioned: I’ve always liked Cloak and Dagger.  Looks like this one focuses on the polar-opposite pair.  Wonder what that’s all about.)
  • Indestructible Hulk #9 (I’m kinda figuring that anything–N.E. thing–would be better than the ill-timed Thor diversion.  And this isn’t just anything: it’s a
  • Animal Man #21 (An unfortunate combination of something I want more of–Buddy the reluctant celebrity–and something I want less of: Maxine in the Red–with Shepherd, for crying out loud!  Ugh.)
Animal Man #21

Animal Man #21

  • Dream Thief #2 (Carries with it some high expectations.  Always a tough position to be in.)
  • Mind the Gap Vol. 2 TP (Looking to build a little more quality into your weekly haul?  I’ll tell you one way to do it: drop the crap and Mind the Gap!)
  • Mind the Gap #11 (Soooo excited that, once through this, I’ll be all caught up!  Mr. McCann, here I come!)
  • Revival #11 (Ended well–really well, in fact.  Checked out the first page of this one.  Love the way it ends and how it sets up the page turn.  Should be good!)
Revival #11

Revival #11

  • Batman and Batgirl #21 (As I mentioned: I’ve been finding Tomasi’s Batman considerably more interesting–and authentic, considering the trail blazed by Morrison on Batman Incorporated–than Snyder’s.  Please tell me I’m not the only one.)
  • Wild Blue Yonder #1 (Worth a shot, right?)
Wild Blue Yonder #1

Wild Blue Yonder #1

  • Bloodshot #12 (So far, the Harbinger Wars have left Bloodshot a little red faced.)
  • Harbinger #13 (Plenty to like about what Dysart’s been doing.)
  • The Sixth Gun #32 (Has me looking forward to September.  Sacrilege, I know; but I need to get through Vol. 5 first!
  • The Sixth Gun: Sons of the Gun #4 (Has helped ease the pain.)
Sons of the Gun #4

Sons of the Gun #4

  • Extinction Parade #1 (Have never been much of a vampire/zombie guy.  We’ll see.)

Now that I’ve got nothing but time–till September, of course–the pile doesn’t look so big.  Man, I’m my own enabler.

What did you get in your bag this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

16 Tuesday Apr 2013

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

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

Batwoman #19

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

Revival #9

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

Daredevil #25

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

The Sixth Gun #30

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

That oughta keep me from my responsibilities for a while.

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

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I like big bags and I cannot lie.

Feeling Pullish

  • Colder #5 (Dark Horse): Glad this little Ice Age is over.
  • Animal Man #18 (DC): Almost there.  Almost over the Rot.  Looks like with #19, Lemire’s headed back to what made the book a must-read in the first place.  Just have to survive this one.
  • Dial H #10 (DC): #9 was a return to form.  Looks like a ruff ride this time around.  See for yourself.
    Dial H #10

    Dial H #10

    • Swamp Thing #18 (DC): Another Snyder superhero finale.  Expectations set to nada.
    • Bedlam #5 (Image): Last issue yanked me from the brink.
    Bedlam #5

    Bedlam #5

    • Daredevil: End of Days #6 (Marvel): This has been really good.  Probably the best Bendis going right now–and there’s a lot of Bendis going right now.
    • Shadowman #5 (Valiant): Another comic in the news?  Wouldn’t have expected Shadowman.  Lot of things I didn’t expect from Shadowman–including that I’d still be reading it through #5.

     

Feeling Plucky

  • Mara #3 (Image): Not my favorite, but I’m sticking with it–especially since it’s a mini.
  • Sex #1 (Image): Joe Casey’s new one’s had its share of hype–so much, in fact,  it’s practically been buzzed bald.  Considering, that might not be such a bad thing.
  • Snapshot #2 (Image): Might as well.
  • Green Arrow #18 (DC): Can’t bow out after one issue.  Lemire deserves at least two, maybe even a few.
  • Winter Soldier #16 (Marvel): Jason LaTour’s first issue certainly didn’t make me forget Ed Brubaker.  Surprisingly, it didn’t make me want to forget Winter Soldier.  Not yet, anyway.
Winter Soldier #16

Winter Soldier #16

  • Helheim #1 (Oni): I’m a little late to the Sixth Gun party.  Not gonna let this one slip by without a shot.
Helheim #1

Helheim #1

  • Fairy Quest #2 (BOOM!): There was something about #1 that I kinda dug.
  • All-New X-Men #8 (Marvel): Ugh.

This one’s got Bunns, hun.  So, I guess I want some.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott