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I&N’s Top Ten Books of 2014

15 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by dmainhart in I&N's Top Ten

≈ 9 Comments

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1984, Action Labs, Afterlife With Archie, Alan Moore, Ales Kot, Archie, BOOM!, Brian Wood, Dan Abnett, Dan Slott, Danger Zone, Dark Horse, Declan Shalvey, Dry Spell, Dynamite, Francesco Francavilla, Garry Brown, Greg Rucka, Greg Smallwood, Guiu Vilanova, I.N.J. Culbard, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Jamie S. Rich, Jordie Bellaire, Ken Krekeler, Lazarus, Madame Frankenstein, Marvel, Marvelman, Matt Kindt, Megan Levens, Michael Lark, Mike Allred, Mind MGMT, Miracleman, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, Silver Surfer, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Massive, The New Deadwardians, The Twilight Zone, The War of the Worlds, The Wind in the Willows, Warren Ellis, Warrior, Watchmen, Wild's End, zero

Welcome to the 34th edition of I&N’s Top Ten Comics of the Year! Why, it seems like just yesterday we were bestowing our top honor to a little known comic from across the pond titled Warrior #1 (1982), solely for its inclusion of the work of a budding, young upstart named Alan Moore (who subsequently sent us a scroll with a nigh-illegible incantation, which was either a note of thanks or a curse from the Necronomicon; we could never tell which). While we dug his nascent V for Vendetta, it was his writing on Marvelman that enthralled. Happily, after a long absence, the original stories are finally being reprinted by Marvel Comics of all places (now re-titled Miracleman, due to the book’s long and tortured publishing history in which Marvel itself played an ignominious part). Viewed through the lens of history, this groundbreaking work has often been seen as Moore’s warm-up to his seminal, ubiquitous Watchmen. Visiting these stories afresh, however, it quickly becomes apparent that Moore’s initial go at “realistic” superheroes is as poetic, disquieting and masterful as his better-known oeuvre. Indeed, it’s a good thing we already recognized Marvelman’s greatness. Otherwise, despite Marvel’s awkward presentation (half of each issue is filler? and polybagged for no discernible reason?) these brilliant, essential tales would likely top our list again.

Speaking of which!

10. The Twilight Zone (Dynamite):

This is the dimension of J. Michael Straczynski’s imagination.  It is an area which we call the #10 book of 2014.  Returning to a creative comfort zone, J.M.S. has penned a series of meticulously plotted arcs that could easily stand as episodes of the iconic television show, each issue filled with tight twists, palpable fear, and ethical dilemmas that try and crush the souls of men and women alike.  Complementing Straczynski’s script is the gorgeous work of artist Guiu Vilanova, who draws out the fateful schemes in a realistic manner, making the unreal scenarios that much more believable–that much more frightening.  So while Straczynski might be going through the motions with some of his other titles, here he’s most assuredly in the zone.  We, unlike his protagonists, are the luckier for it; and Rod Serling’s somewhere out there in the timeless fifth dimension smiling, smoking–and waiting for the next issue of The Twilight Zone to hit the shelves.  Sadly, Straczynski and Vilanova’s terrific turn on this moralistic monster of a comic has but one issue left!  Ah, yet another cruel twist…(SC)

The Twilight Zone #4

The Twilight Zone #4

9. Wild’s End (BOOM!):

At this point, the mash-up is a long accepted (if not well-worn) artistic trope throughout all types of media. Indeed the initial collaboration between creators Dan Abnett and I.N.J. Culbard yielded The New Deadwardians, a ripping Victorian detective story simply teeming with zombies and vampires wot, wot! Wild’s End’s mix of The Wind in the Willows and The War of the Worlds may seem an unlikely entry into the burgeoning genre at first (and ill-advised besides, given Alan Moore’s own memorable War of the Worlds mash-up in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen). But in the end, what matters, as it always has, is the telling. Abnett fully realizes the quaint comforts of his cozy anthropomorphized village, before threatening to tear it to shreds. Culbard’s rendering is uncluttered and timeless, effortlessly evoking both 19th century fairy tales and 1950’s sci-fi cinema. Most mash-ups hold their disparate elements in stark relief. The magic of this one is that it seems utterly seamless, as though these genres had been married from the start. The result is deceptively simple and completely enchanting. (DM)

Wild's End #3

Wild’s End #3

8. Moon Knight (Marvel):

It’s an I&N first!  That’s right: we’re celebrating a book that has had two different creative teams–over the course of the title’s first ten issues, no less!  Yeah, that’s usually a bad sign.  Not here, though: the launch team of Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey rocketed this latest incarnation of the second-string, schizophrenic servant of Khonshu into lunar orbit.  In a series of connected one-offs, Ellis finds his–and Marc Spector’s–voice while favoring frugality: displaying his mastery of the craft–and enough confidence to cast a long shadow over some of his long-winded contemporaries–he wisely withdraws his words from the massive moments, not because they are unnecessary, but to allow Shalvey to shine like the fullest of moons–and shine he does, showcasing loudly his silent storytelling through striking sequences issue after issue.  Now, the news that this team was only on board for a sixer didn’t come as a surprise, but it was disappointing, especially considering what the pair had accomplished in so short a time.  The disappointment wouldn’t last long, however: the new team–Brian Wood and Greg Smallwood–came in with a clear plan and executed it with a vengeance.  They were clearly not intimidated by the work before them, and their fearlessness helped them to hit the Marc–changing the titular character to suit this new phase–one that so far reads not unlike an episode–or an arc–of The Twilight Zone.  Man, I only wish they’d gibbous more than one more issue!  (See: sticking to the motif: it’s on to a newer phase–and on to creative team number three–with #13.)  What they–both teams–have given us, however, has been superior–and vital–superhero fare; what they’ve given us is a white knight to lead us out of the dark. (SC)

Moon Knight #1

Moon Knight #1

7. Zero (Image):

Certainly the most frustrating title on our list, Ales Kot’s nihilistic super-spy thriller could range from the poetically sublime one issue to incoherent violence the next. At different points this year we named it both Book of the Month and Biggest Dis(appointment) – one thing you could never call this book was ‘predictable’. But at its best, this title (drawn by an impressive roster of rotating artists) was at once lyrically beautiful and viscerally harrowing, loosely tethered, as it was, to real life arenas of violence. This was never more true than in issue #9, a tale (an origin story it turns out) set in the Bosnian War that encompassed deceit and innocence, hope and despair, and a tragic ultimatum that yielded new life in the face of brutal murder. Told in a spare 22 pages, it was possibly the best single comic we read all year. Holding up a mirror to the darkness of recent history, and shining a light upon it, however frail, not only to remember, but also to try to render something beautiful out of it, may well be a fruitless exercise. It may also be art. (DM)

Zero #10

Zero #10

6. Afterlife with Archie (Archie):

A no-brainer, really–well, only because said brains have been exuberantly consumed by the Jughead-led undead of Riverdale.  Maestro Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and the perfectly frightening Franceso Francavilla have continued their brazen exploration into the heart of nostalgia by wearing the mask of familiarity while delivering something wholly unexpected–something undeniably challenging and zombeautiful.  And, of course, there’s issue #4–our #2 book of March and one of the best single issues of the year–which, doggone it, made me cry.  Real tears.  See: as it turns, what happens to Vegas stays with you for a long, long time–like that heartbreaking song that’s so perfectly composed that you get lost in the shadow of every sorrowful note–and hope to never be found again.  Sure, this isn’t the afterlife that they pitched in Sunday school, but if I’m being honest–and maybe a little bit blasphemous–I like this one a hell of a lot more.  (SC)

Afterlife With Archie #4

Afterlife With Archie #4

5. The Massive (Dark Horse):

Environmental degradation and societal collapse have always been the subtext in Brian Wood’s magisterial, globe-trotting mystery. Well, in its unsparing final act, (with appropriately stark visuals by Garry Brown and Jordie Bellaire) subtext became text as the Ahab-like search for a missing vessel, which previously drove the narrative, was transformed into Judgement Day, with all the biblical proportion that implies. One always suspected that Wood would get around to driving his point home; that he did so with such force contrasted sharply with earlier issues, which were told with a subtlety that sometimes veered toward the opaque. The apocalyptic ending, with its uneasy mix of hope and misanthropy, served as a case study for a failed species: humanity. The series, in the end, is an impassioned, ecological cri de guerre, but one that is packed in a masterpiece of storytelling. (DM)

The Massive #24

The Massive #24

4. Silver Surfer (Marvel):

Of the so-called “Big Two” in 2014, Marvel seemed to have the more cohesive game plan. Certainly, they thrived on the expected, event-driven, media-tie-in franchise titles. But they balanced the relentless grinding of the hype machine with some surprisingly refreshing takes on some of their lesser known characters; those B and C – listers who exist at a remove from the shenanigans of the their bread-and-butter superstars. That remove and relative obscurity allowed for a certain amount of freedom. Marvel, to their credit, brought in some top-tier talent and gave them a free hand with these characters (see Moon Knight, above). Call them the Outliers, for their success seems to be in inverse proportion to their proximity to the main goings on of the Marvel U. (Even everyone’s darling, Ms. Marvel, began to flag once she was saddled with Wolverine guest-appearances and increasing ties to Marvel’s ongoing Inhumanity storyline). What better place then for Silver Surfer to be, than on the fringes of the known universe? Dan Slott’s inspired choice of setting not only wisely removed him from the chess board, so to speak, it gives wunderkind artist Mike Allred the largest possible canvas in which to unleash imagination. Aliens, other dimensions, planet casinos; Allred brings the F-U-N to any project he’s involved in. As I’ve said before, he seems to inspire his collaborators to elevate their game, and Slott has proven up to the challenge. Together they’ve concocted the kind of absurdly sublime cosmic romp one would be hard-pressed to find anywhere this side of Terry Pratchett. And in Dawn Greenwood, small-town girl from Anchor Bay, Mass., they created the most winning new Marvel character of the year (the aforementioned Ms. Marvel notwithstanding). Finally, in pairing the Man from Beyond the Stars with the Girl Next Door, they also have the makings of the most adorable budding romance in comics. Truly they’ve producing the best monthly super-hero book on the stands. Let’s hope it survives Marvel’s Next Big Thing. (DM)

Silver Surfer #7

Silver Surfer #7

3. Dry Spell (Action Labs/Danger Zone):

Ken Krekeler’s Dry Spell is a book that kicks off with a bold promise–one in the form an artfully chosen quotation from the incomparable Alan Moore.  In fact, I bought the book because I figured anyone ballsy enough to borrow so brazenly from the best must have something to say.  Turns out that Krekeler didn’t have something to say after all–he had something to shout!  Hey, Ken: I hear you.  Loud and clear.  OK, so, it took re-releasing your book (originally published through Krekeler’s own Kinetic Press in 2011) through a more established outfit like Action Labs to finally reach me; but thank goodness for that–for the person who knew this book needed to reach me and that it could only reach me this way; otherwise, I would’ve been deprived of this superb take on the superhero genre–a canvas filled with small voices and big moments, crazy twists and smart page-turns–in total, a “Howl” for the villain in us all.  Krekeler–a previously unknown quantity–delivers on his book’s bold promise by taking advantage of the medium, particularly with his inventive dialogue and his sympathetic color palette; and he serves up a finale–the definitive finale–a perfect final issue that hits massive notes–the biggest struck by the tsunami of splash pages, the last–reminiscent of Rocky and Apollo (coincidence?) throwing punches that never quite connect at the end of Rocky III–declaring the Black Baron’s personal dry spell officially over.  Good to know that this superior series–and best mini of 2014–isn’t over: the inside back cover of #4 makes another bold promise–one that Krekeler better keep, if he knows what’s good for him–and for us: Dry Spell 2 is coming soon.  Yeah, not soon enough. (SC)

Dry Spell #4

Dry Spell #4

2. Lazarus (Image):

What would you get if 1984 was directed by Francis Ford Coppola from a screenplay written by Noam Chomsky? The answer might look a lot like Lazarus. Alternating between a macro view of a near-future worldwide economic catastrophe and a microcosm of the inner-workings of one of the powerful Families who rose to power because of it, Lazarus, like most great socially-minded science fiction, feels at once expansive and suffocating. Creators Greg Rucka and Michael Lark have hit that sweet spot of dystopian dread, where the reader is exhilarated by the sheer breadth of this brave new world, even as its does its best to debase, dehumanize and stamp out any sign of resistance from its inhabitants. No mere escapism this; its true power comes from the realization that the seeds of the future nightmare it describes are currently being planted all around us, if only we would notice. Lazarus is a visionary sci-fi masterpiece for the early 21st century. (DM)

Lazarus #9

Lazarus #9

1. Mind MGMT (Dark Horse):

There was no denying Matt Kindt’s kinetic masterpiece this time around.  Its ascension to the top spot of our annual Top Ten was as inevitable as truth and death: #3 (2012), #2 (2013), and now #1, the spot it so richly deserves for its clever cover homages (re: Rousseau [#18] and Magritte [#22]) and its ebullient barrages of images and words, which create a reading-cum-sensory experience even more unique than unique to the comic book genre.  The year flew by in a fury of frantic page turns: from Meru’s failed recruitment of Ella the Animal Kid, an inventive and intense story inspired by Kindt’s own daughter and one of our favorite single issues of the year; to the illusory introduction of the Magician; to the frustratingly thoughtful silent issue, which actually earned the ignominious title of Biggest Dis(appointment) for the month of April; to Kindt’s pushing the petal-to-the-metal to reach the speed of heartbreak, the result of the death of a major character; to the father of clichéd revelations that manages to be fresh and affecting; and ultimately, to a showdown that’s all show up, leaving us to wait a little while longer for the final throw down between Meru and the Eraser.  Kindt drives the narrative as only he can with his unexpected layouts and whitewater watercolors.  His Field Guide/Voice of God–voice of Meru!–marginalia continue to draw more into the story, allowing us to draw more out–more out of the relative reality of the universe he’s created; more out of the fiction that empowers Meru in climactic moments; more out of the memories that are either reality or fiction–or both.  There’s unquestionably more here in Mind MGMT than in any book on the shelf, which makes this our easy pick for the #1 book of 2014. (SC)

Mind MGMT #24

Mind MGMT #24

Derek’s Honorable Mentions: 20. Multiversity (DC) 19. Archer and Armstrong (Valiant) 18. Cap’n Dinosaur (Image) 17. Satellite Sam (Image) 16. The Fade Out (Image) 15. Punks: The Comic (Image) 14. Copperhead (Image) 13. Ordinary (Titan) 12. Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland (IDW) 11. Adventure Time (kaboom! – so long Ryan North & co.!)

Scott’s Honorable Mentions: 20. BPRD (Dark Horse) 19. Saga (Image) 18. Evil Empire (BOOM!) 17. Satellite Sam (Image) 16. Iron Fist: The Living Weapon (Marvel) 15. Stray Bullets: Killers (Image) 14. Southern Bastards (Image) 13. Brass Sun (2000 AD) 12. East of West (Image) 11. The Wicked & The Divine (Image)

Publisher of the Year:
This was the year that Image Comics doubled-down on its core strategy: attracting top-tier talent from throughout the industry and parlaying their success to create a space where lesser-known creators can play as well. The result was an avalanche of diversity that exemplified the boundless range of the medium (just check out how many Image titles made our Honorable Mentions, not to mention the two on our Top Ten). Were they all winners? Of course not. But each title was allowed to be its own idiosyncratic, little thing. To wit: Madame Frankenstein. Perhaps not one of the year’s best, Jamie S. Rich’s odd melange of Shelly’s classic horror story, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s milieu, Pygmalion‘s mores (stretched to their logical conclusion) and even Kafka-esque fatalism at the end, was unlike anything else on the stands, possibly ever. Furthermore, Megan Levens tackled such complex, macabre subject matter with an art style that was a cartoony blend of Jeff Smith and Ted Naifeh; in other words something one is more accustomed to seeing in a YA book. As a visual approach, it stretched the overall reading experience almost to the point of incongruity. Was Madame Frankenstein a complete success? I’m still not sure. But it sure was fascinating watching the creators try. And for giving such singular titles like this one a place to exist, I’m grateful to Image Comics. (DM)

Turning pages,

Derek & 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 (8/13)

12 Tuesday Aug 2014

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

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Abel Garcia, Action Labs, Ales Kot, All-New X-Men, Archer & Armstrong, Armor Hunters, Astro City, BOOM!, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Michael Bendis, Chip Zdarsky, Chris Miskiewicz, Corey Smith, Dan Abnett, Dark Ages, Dark Horse, DC Comics, DeWayne Feenstra, Doodle Jump, Dynamite, Fred Van Lente, Goran Parlov, I.N.J. Culbard, IDW, Image, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Kevin Eastman, Kurt Busiek, Littlest Pet Shop, Mark Millar, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Matt Triano, Michael Avon Oeming, Midnight Tiger, Ms. Marvel, ninja, Palle Schmidt, Pere Perez, Ray-Anthony Height, Robert Venditti, Sex Criminals, Southern Bastards, Southern Dog, Starlight, Stuart Immonen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Devilers, The F1rst Hero, The United States of Murder Inc., Thomas Alsop, Tom Waltz, Vertigo, Wade Von Grawbadger, zero

This is not a drill: I will be buying no fewer than three Action Labs books this week.  To make room for them–and a sexy hardcover that I can’t possibly pass up–in the ol’ bag, I’m considering a couple of high-profile drops (Sex Criminals, Starlight).  Also looking forward to some reinvigorated interest (Zero) and an awkwardly-named under-the-radar book–the terrific Thomas Alsop–that’ll make your bag go BOOM!

  • Dark Ages #1 (Dark Horse): New series from prolific Brit writer Dan Abnett and artist I.N.J. Culbard.  They’re offering a take on the Dark Ages that’s a bit alien to us.  Dark Horse is offering a preview here.  I’m enjoying Culbard’s work on 2000 AD’s Brass Sun, so I figure I’ll give this one a try.
  • Astro City #14 (DC/Vertigo): With #13, Busiek and Anderson showed us a real good time: 24 hours’ worth of finely fractured Astro City action–a puzzle with the final piece placed oh so perfectly.
Astro City #14

Astro City #14

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #37 (IDW): Shredder and Krang?  How’s that going to work out?  This “stand alone” promises to provide the answer.  Standing in for Mateus Santolouco is Corey Smith, who’s been doing some solid work on Dynamite’s Magnus: Robot Fighter.
  • Sex Criminals #7 (Image): Congrats to Fraction, Zdarsky, and Image on the Eisner for Best New Series.  OK.  Enough of that.  I wasn’t overly–or underly–impressed with #6.  It felt like a conversation I could’ve had with my buddies, which is fine, you know, its playing nostalgic notes and all; but is that what I want out of a comic book?  Well, that’s pretty much what the series has been from the get-go, and, if I’m being honest, what caught my interest initially.  That interest, however, has waned, again, because, in the end, this isn’t a comic book as much as it’s, as the narrative knowingly reveals by disintegrating the fourth wall, an occasionally clever conversation that would be better suited as a blog or a podcast.  The “criminal” contrivance has been the comic book bait; but in the end, it’s the sex talk that sells, and I’m not buying it anymore.  Probably not.
  • Starlight #5 (Image): #4 was so far from the promise of #1 that I’m figuring Millar’ll never get back to it.  He’s fallen to formula, as usual, and, as a result, I’m leaning toward passing–as usual.  Sucks, too.  #1 was so damn good.
  • Zero #10 (Image): Speaking of living up to promise: Ales Kot’s back on track after delivering a very affecting #9, which worked its way to a Sophie’s Choice moment played out with a painfully pregnant page turn.  And now as I’m warming back up to Zero, it’s off to Iceland.
Zero #10

Zero #10

  • All-New X-Men #30 (Marvel): #29 was non-stop action rendered mostly in shades of Cyclops’s signature ruby red, which helped to sell a still suffering Scott Summers.  Happy to say, I’m still high on how Bendis is handling the X-ceptionally large cast of characters.  With all the time travel stuff going on, the most significant journey is the one I’m taking: Bendis and crew are reminding of what made the X-Men so good for so long–and what I, as a Claremont-reared X-reader loved about ’em.
  • The United States of Murder Inc. #4 (Marvel): A killer series all around.  I had my doubts after the first issue; but #2 and #3 have been a double tap to the head.
  • Archer & Armstrong #23 (Valiant): Fred Van Lente is doing it his way all the way to the end, my beautiful friend, the end–of “American Wasteland.”  I wrote about #21 here, and #22 was a mighty fine follow-up that is in the running for our Top 5 of July.  Can’t wait to see how the arc plays out.  I just know I’m gonna love it madly!
Archer & Armstrong #24

Archer & Armstrong #24

  • Armor Hunters #3 (Valiant): So far, so good.  Doesn’t claim to be anything more than what it is.
  • The F1rst Hero #1 (Action Labs): On the strength of the deific Dry Spell, I’m trying any and all Action Labs books that I can find.  I don’t know the creators, but when has that ever stopped me?
  • Midnight Tiger #1 (Action Labs): Ditto.  Brings to mind Danny Fingeroth and Mike Manley’s stab at an all-new teen hero back in the early ’90s: Darkhawk.  That book ran for fifty issues.  How many will DeWayne Feenstra and Ray-Anthony Height end up with?
  • Southern Dog #1 (Action Labs/Danger Zone): Double ditto.  Expected: immediately calls to mind Southern Bastards and, of all things, Ms. Marvel.  Comparisons are inevitable.  Most interesting of the three Action Labs titles–even if, in the end, it’s a werewolf book.  The last werebook I read–which just so happened to have Riley Rossmo on it–was the underwhelming Cursed (BOOM!).
Southern Dog #1

Southern Dog #1

  • The Devilers #2 (Dynamite): #1 wasn’t bad.  I’m willing to go another round.
  • Thomas Alsop #3 (BOOM!): Thomas Alsop.  The name doesn’t really ring, but don’t let that fool you: this book is friggin’ great.  In fact, we’re calling #2 one of our Top 5 Books of July.  One of these days, we’ll get around to the write up.  Until then, be sure to pick this up–if only to see how well Chris Miskiewicz and Palle Schmidt balance the present and the past.
Thomas Alsop #3

Thomas Alsop #3

  • The Heart of the Beast HC (Dynamite): The team of Judith Dupré (author of Skyscrapers, an award-winning book about, well, skyscrapers, don’t ya know!), Dean Motter (creator of the Innie Award-winning Mister X: Eviction), and Sean Phillips (artist of Brubaker-ian proportions; see: Fatale, Criminal, Incognito, and the soon-to-be-released The Fade Out.) make this book–celebrating its 20th Anniversary–a Must Buy.

Avery’s Picks of the Week:

  • Littlest Pet Shop #4 (IDW): The littlest pets are big on fun!
  • Doodle Jump #3 (Dynamite): My daughter’s been known to drop everything only to exclaim, “I’m a ninja!”  She’s also kind of obsessed with American Ninja Warrior.  She creates her own obstacles and attacks them, only to jump off into the “water,” which, of course, is a win.  I love my little ninja!
Doodle Jump #3

Doodle Jump #3

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (7/16)

14 Monday Jul 2014

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

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Adam Archer, Alph, Andre Sirangelo, Antonio Campo, Archaia, Ben Templesmith, Brian Michael Bendis, C. Willow Wilson, Casey Maloney, Cullen Bunn, Dan Slott, David Lapham, DC Comics, Dicks, Doodle Jump, Dynamite Entertainment, Gabriel Iumazark, Garth Ennis, Georgia Ball, Harbinger, IDW, Image, Jake Wyatt, Jamie McKelvie, John McCrea, Josh Elder, Joshua Dysart, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Kamala, Kevin Eastman, Kieron Gillen, Kris Anka, Kurtis J. Wiebe, Littlest Pet Shop, Magneto, Mario Udzenija, Marvel, Mateus Santolouco, Meredith Gran, Mike Allred, Ms. Marvel, Nico Pena, Patrick Gleason, Peter Tomasi, Q-bert, Rat Queens, Robin Rises: Omega, Roc Upchurch, Scribblenauts Unmasked, Silver Surfer, Stray Bullets: Killers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Devilers, The Last Broadcast, The Last Fall, The Squidder, The Wicked & The Divine, Tom Waltz, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant

A big week with some stand-out books and a few make-or-breakers, too.  Toss in a bunch of #1’s and you’ve got yourself a pretty full bag.

Oh, and a picture of a wrestler.

  • Robin Rises: Omega #1 (DC): It’s all led to this.  By it, I mean: early on, Tomasi did a terrific job of toeing the Bat-line that Morrison drew in Batman Inc.; but for the most part the post-Two Face team-ups were terribly tedious.  Stitching Batman to Frankenstein worked well, however, because of its acting as a natural segue into Robin’s resurrection–or whatever’s going to go down.  Who knows?  Maybe Robin’ll come back less human than human; maybe he’ll forevermore be known as–wait for it–Robzombie.
Robin Rises: Omega #1

Robin Rises: Omega #1

  • The Squidder #1 (IDW): Trying out some new Ben Templesmith, who’s trying out some words along with his usually stunning images.
  • The Last Fall #1 (IDW): Writer Tom Waltz has had a hand in making TMNT a must buy.  I’m willing to give him a shot here.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #36 (IDW): That’s right: TMNT is a must buy.  The story’s been solid, and Mateus Santolouco’s art has been instrumental in redefining the Turtles.
TMNT #36

TMNT #36

  • Rat Queens #7 (Image): The Unreal Queens of Comedy are back to offend our sensibilities–and, as #6 proved, to make us like ’em all a little bit more.  (Yeah, the four-panel first page snagged me but good.)  One thing that keeps me coming back for more: it reminds me of the late Drew Hayes’s Poison Elves.  (God, I loved Poison Elves!)
  • Stray Bullets: Killers #5 (Image): I agreed completely with Derek’s assessment–his very positive assessment–of SB:K #1.  Since then, however, Lapham hasn’t quite killed it.  Rooting hard for Amy Racecar.
Stray Bullets: Killers #5

Stray Bullets: Killers #5

  • The Wicked & The Divine #2 (Image): The title’s got me thinking less about the book itself and more about Kieron Gillen.  I love Uber and really liked Three (Divine!); his post-Schism Uncanny X-Men was unreadable, and Young Avengers was wildly over-hyped (Wicked!).  After #1, I’m leaning toward the latter.  One thing going for it: it read not unlike a Johnathan Hickman book–just with characters who are annoying as hell.
  • Magneto #7 (Marvel): While #5 fell a bit flat, #6 reestablished Magneto’s mojo–with a vengeance!  It’s all about vengeance, ain’t it?  Good for us.  Kudos to Cullen Bunn, who has gone a long way toward establishing himself as the master of the Master of Magnetism.
  • Ms. Marvel #6 (Marvel): #5 was the weakest issue thus far.  Not saying it wasn’t good; there was just something…inconsistent about it.  Wondering how the new artist–Jake Wyatt–will affect the book, especially considering how instrumental Adrian Alphona has been in making this book so magical from the get-go .  I’m still very high on Kamala, though.
Not this one...

Not this one…

This one.  Duh.

This one. Duh.

  • Silver Surfer #4 (Marvel): We’ve celebrated #1 and #2 as Top 5 books–of March and April, respectively.  And, not surprisingly, you’ll soon find that we liked #3 a whole lot, too.  No doubt: this last wave of Marvel books has been damn good; and of the bunch riding it–including the aforementioned Ms. Marvel and Magneto, plus the knockout Iron Fist–Slott and Allred’s Silver Surfer is the Big Kahuna.
Silver Surfer #4

Silver Surfer #4

  • Uncanny X-Men #23 (Marvel): I’ve admitted it already, but I’ll do so again; see, it needs to be emphasized–especially since I was such a tough customer: I like what Bendis is doing on both X-books.  That’s right: I’m a believer!  And not simply on the strength of one or two issues of each; no, I’d still be cautious–maybe even rude–with such a small sampling.  After several issues of each–of All-New and Uncanny–I haven’t had a single thing to complain about!  Well, it’s more than just not having something to complain about: Bendis has found the all-important balance between the serious and the silly that must be struck in order for the X-Men to work.  Works for me.
  • Black Market #1 (BOOM!): I haven’t really liked anything I’ve read from Frank Barbiere (Five Ghosts, White Suits); but, as I tried those, I’ll probably try this one.
  • Dicks: End of Time #2: I hope I score the offensive cover!  Honesty: I felt like a jerk buying it, more so while reading it, and totally after.  Yup, I’m Super Wanker!
  • Harbinger #25 (Valiant): Here comes Harada!  Doesn’t look like he’s gonna Toyo with Peter any longer.  Ouch.  Sorry for that.  Speaking of ouch: plenty of ouch potential here, right?  I mean, anniversary issues usually suck.  A gaggle of special guests usually results in an overpriced mess, doesn’t it?  Hoping for more.
  • The Last Broadcast #3 (Archaia): Thus far, The Last Broadcast has been a magical experience!  In fact, we’re going to be celebrating #2 as a top book of June, you know, when we finally get around to it.  Seriously, though, Andre Sirangelo and Gabriel Iumazark have pieced together an engrossing mystery that plays like a Polanski film (Frantic, The Ninth Gate).  (Hey, I might use that in my Top 5 review…)
The Last Broadcast #3

The Last Broadcast #3

  • The Devilers #1 (Dynamite): If I see Joshua Hale Fialkov’s name on a book, I’m going to buy the book.  Where he’s at now (The Bunker, The Life After), odds are good this’ll be hella good.

Avery’s Picks of the Week:

  • Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination #7 (DC): She’s got the first six, so there’s no stopping now–even if she has no idea what’s going on.  After all, we’re a family of completists.  Unless a book really sucks, of course.
Sribblenauts #7

Scribblenauts #7

  • Littlest Pet Shop #3 (IDW): The first two were cute enough.
  • Doodle Jump #2 (Dynamite): Oh, Avery’s going to totally jump for Doodle!  What is Doodle Jump, you ask?  It’s Q-bert on drugs.  Well, Q-bert on more drugs.
Doodle Jump #2

Doodle Jump #2

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (6/25)

24 Tuesday Jun 2014

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

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Abstract Studio, Adrian Alphona, Armor Hunters, BOOM!, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Wood, C.O.W.L., D'Israeli, Danijel Zezelj, Dark Horse, David Lapham, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fiona Staples, G. Willow Wilson, Geoff Johns, Image, Innie Awards, John Romita Jr., Kyle Higgins, La Femme Nikita, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Mind MGMT, Ms. Marvel, Ordinary, Outcast, Peanuts, Peter Milligan, Rachel Rising, Rob Williams, Robert Kirkman, Robert Venditti, Ryan North, Saga, Shadowman: End Times, Star Wars: Rebel Heist, Stray Bullets: Killers, Superman, Terry Moore, The Massive, The Midas Flesh, Titan, Trees, Valiant, Warren Ellis, X-O Manowar

On paper–where else, really–this is easily the best week of books of the year.  (Not hyperbolic.)  Maybe ever.  (Still not.)

We’re looking at three–count ’em: three–Top 5 books from last month.  Seven titles that have been recognized as Top 5 books at some point.  Three titles that earned Top Ten honors for 2013.  Two 2014 Innie Award nominees for Best Ongoing Series, two for Best Writer, and three for Best Artist.  (Totally not!)

Maybe I’ll buy this bunch and then call it quits–you know, quit comics on the highest of notes and start saving some money.  (Duh.)

  • The Massive #24 (Dark Horse): The Massive is on quite a roll!  It’s an epic of biblical proportions, and since February we’ve celebrated it religiously as a Top 5 book!  Here’s why we loved #23.
  • Mind MGMT #23 (Dark Horse): Another book worth celebrating!  Sure, it earned our Biggest Dis(appointment) of April; but Matt Kindt rebounded with a terrific #22, which, you guessed it, bounced back into our Top 5 for May.
Mind MGMT #23

Mind MGMT #23

  • Star Wars: Rebel Heist #3 (Dark Horse): Leia’s turn wasn’t as strong as Han’s, but who expected it to be?  Han’s the man, and Kindt got Carraway-ed as he covered F. Scott Fitzgerald to tell his story.  Leia’s chapter was a bit more La Femme Nikita.  Next up: Chewbacca.  I’m sure Kindt will put him in some sort of hairy position.
  • Superman #32 (DC): Could this be the Superman we’ve been waiting for?  With heavies like Geoff Johns and John Romita, Jr. on board, I’m thinking yes–hoping yes.  I mean, come on: they’ve only got the weight of the DC Universe on their shoulders.
Superman #32

Superman #32

  • C.O.W.L. #2 (Image): #1 was O.K.  If this one isn’t significantly better, I’m O.F.F.
  • Outcast #1 (Image): An ironic title–only because it’ll probably be included in just about every buyer’s bag.  Wondering: will we the buyers be buying this because we’re zombies–keyed on Kirkman and slaves to shiny number ones?
  • Saga #20 (Image): #19 didn’t excite in the way we’ve come to expect from Saga.  Taint a big deal.  Or should that be: A big taint deal.  Or: A big deal taint.  Ah, it’s one of those.  Previews’ preview promises: “Something terrible happens.”  Not to the taint, I hope.
  • Stray Bullets: Killers #4 (Image): #1 set the world on notice: David Lapham and his Bullets are back!  Since, his bullets have strayed a bit, reminding me why I loved #1 so much.  I’d love to love this one:
Stray Bullets: Killers #4

Stray Bullets: Killers #4

  • Trees #2 (Image): Warren Ellis is growing something with Trees.  I want to be there when it blooms–whatever the hell it is.
  • Ms. Marvel #5 (Marvel): #4 ended on a terrific note.  I mean, who wears an “Ima Bad Guy” tank top?  The bad guy, of course!  Can’t wait to see how things play out.  And, yes, I’m willing to admit it: I love Kamala Khan! (Don’t tell my wife.)
  • The Midas Flesh #7 (BOOM!): The series started off with such promise, didn’t it. Ryan North seemed to lose his way with the ethical dilemmas at the heart of the book. The narrative ground to a near halt with redundant, drawn out dialogue that read less like gold and more like lead.
  • Ordinary #2 (Titan): Wouldn’t you know: Ordinary #1 proved to be extraordinary–and earned a spot in our Top 5 for May.  Hoping with all my heart that #2 doesn’t choke on the promise that Rob Williams made with his initial offering. If you enjoyed Montynero’s Death Sentence, also from Titan, you’ll definitely dig this.
Ordinary #2

Ordinary #2

  • Rachel Rising #26 (Abstract Studio): Terry Moore cast a spell on us last year–one that influenced us to include his American horror story in our Top Ten of 2013. Since then, however, the spell has worn off, specifically after the last two issues, which have been, well, not good.
  • Shadowman: End Times #3 (Valiant): The end. The end.
  • X-O Manowar #26 (Valiant): Armor Hunters is in full effect!

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

  • Peanuts #19 (BOOM!): Avery loves her some Snoopy!  Don’t we all?
Peanuts #19

Peanuts #19

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

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 (3/19)

18 Tuesday Mar 2014

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

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DC, Marvel, Valiant, Image, Daredevil, Animal Man, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, Harbinger, X-O Manowar, X-Men, zero, Matt Kindt, Chris Bachalo, Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Greg Rucka, Mark Waid, Chris Samnee, Brian Michael Bendis, Dark Horse, Robert Venditti, Oni Press, Cliff Chiang, Scott Snyder, Travel Foreman, Vertigo, BOOM!, Rick Remender, Paul Tobin, Nick Spencer, Riley Rossmo, Joshua Dysart, Matt Fraction, Jonathan Hickman, Brian Wood, Ales Kot, American Vampire, Uncanny X-Men, The Sixth Gun, Cullen Bunn, Brian Hurtt, Frank Barbiere, Dean Motter, Khari Evans, Rafael Albuquerque, Lazarus, Michael Lark, Sex Criminals, Chip Zdarsky, Letter 44, Alberto Alburquerque, Vanesa Del Rey, A Voice in the Dark, Larime Taylor, Charles Soule, Tradd Moore, Dark Horse Presents, Avengers World, Skyman, Curse, Michael Moreci, Top Cow, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Tim Daniel, Colin Lorimer, Mister X, White Suits, Toby Cypress, The Witcher, Scribblenauts Unmasked, Fuse, All-New Ghost Rider, Ms. Marvel, G. Willow Wilson, Adrian Alphona, Winter Soldier: The Bitter March, Diego Bernard, American Vampire: Second Cycle

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

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

Dark Horse Presents #34

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

Animal Man #29

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

A Voice in the Dark #5

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

Zero #6

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

All-New Ghost Rider #1

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

Ms. Marvel #2

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

Harbinger #0.2014

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

The Sixth Gun #39

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

Avery’s Pick of the Week

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

That about does it I&Nmates!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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