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Tag Archives: Nick Dragotta

What’s I&N Store (3/11)

11 Wednesday Mar 2015

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

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Abstract Studio, Ales Kot, Ant-Man, Astro City, Avatar, Cullen Bunn, Dan Slott, Dynamite, East of West, Ed Brisson, Fred Van Lente, Garth Ennis, Hellbreak, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Jason Aaron, John Cassaday, Johnnie Christmas, Jonathan Hickman, Kurt Busiek, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Mike Allred, Nick Dragotta, Nick Spencer, Ninjak, Oni, Rachel Rising, Sheltered, Sidekick, Silver Surfer, Star Wars, Terry Moore, The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood, The Sixth Gun: Dust to Dust, The Surface, Thor, Vertigo, War Stories

A real conversation I overheard in my head:

What are you looking forward to most this week?

Me?  Without a doubt: Thaw.

Oh, wow, OK.  I was expecting you to say something else.  You know, with Kindt and Kot and Slott and whatnot.

Hmm?  I said thaw.  Right?  Thaw.  Especially after all of the ice and snow.

Yeah, no, I know.  Frost giants are bad-ass.  But whoever the hell it is under that helmet is all business.  Girl power, baby!

Thaw.  Not Thor.  Thaw.

That is the question, isn’t it?

No, it isn’t.  You’re just not getting it, are you?

Are you kidding me?  Of course, I am!  I mean, Aaron’s hammering home a relevant point about gender, about identity–it’s almost Shakespearean if you think about it!

Just did.  And, no, it isn’t.

I’m so confused right now.  Doesn’t really sound like you’re really all that interested in Thor.  I mean–I don’t know.

Third base.

 

  • Astro City #21 (DC/Vertigo): This Quarrel-centric arc’s been a drag.  Wondering if Astro City‘s suffering from Busiek’s attention to his excellent–and anthropomorphically-fresh–The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw.
  • East of West #18 (Image) I&N Demand I always look forward to getting lost in Hickman’s fatal vision, particularly now with the increasingly-intriguing boy with the A.I. balloon.  Alas, Babylon: I wish you well on your journey!
East of West #18

East of West #18

  • Sheltered #15 (Image): Wait a sec.  This is the end?  Oh, well.  I guess the volcano’s gonna blow after all.  Kinda glad it’s over.
  • Sidekick #10 (Image): I’ve liked Sidekick a lot.  Hard to imagine I almost quit after the first one!  Oh, and then there was the time I accused J.M.S. of plagiarizing–his own material, for goodness sake!  (In an odd twist, Straczynski employed a plot device in The Twilight Zone [our #10 book of 2014, by the way] that just so happened to be an integral part of fellow shelf-sitter Sidekick.)  All blood under the bridge.  Can’t wait to see how this wraps up.
  • The Surface #1 (Image) Just I&N Ales Kot–love him (Change, Zero) or hate him (Suicide Squad, Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier)–demands attention with his off-beat, oft-rhythmic writing style.  He definitely does “mind-bending” well, so I’m definitely down with discovering what lies beneath The Surface.
The Surface #1

The Surface #1

  • Ant-Man #3 (Marvel) I&N Demand Never in my life–or at least in the last couple of months–did I expect to find myself excited about Ant-Man.  Ant-Man for God’s sake!  It’s mostly promotional material, isn’t it?  And what about Secret Wars?  I mean, is this series gonna get stepped on after #5?  But Spencer’s having a good time and it shows!  (See Darth Vader and Princess Leia for very much the opposite feeling.)  And, then, of course, there’s the promise of the Taskmaster, one of my all-time faves.
Ant-Man #3

Ant-Man #3

  • Silver Surfer #10 (Marvel) I&N Demand Any regular reader–or occasional clicker–worth his power cosmic knows that we love Slott and Allred’s Silver Surfer, our #4 book of 2014.  What you don’t know–no matter your status–is that #8 was a Top 5 Pick of January and #9 was a Top Five Pick of February.  (Yeah, no links.  Sorry: we’re kind of behind.  It happens.  A lot.)  It’s been the perfect balance of humor and huge moments–none huger than the coming of Galactus.
Silver Surfer #10

Silver Surfer #10

  • Star Wars #3 (Marvel): Of the three newly relaunched Star Wars books, this one’s the only one that seems to care.  How much do I care?  Not as much as I had hoped.  We’ll see if this one helps.
  • Thor #6 (Marvel): OK, so I’m intrigued.  Sure, there have been some terrible moments (#5, for example: What is that nonsense between Thor and Titiana?  Is it The Sisterhood of the Traveling Spandex?); but they’ve been generally tempered by the well-developed mystery and the emergence of the Odinson as a superior supporting character.
  • The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood #5 (Dynamite): A decent Twilight Zone-ish story with some literary notes comes to close.
  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #12 (Dynamite): Yet another series comes to a close–a merciful, merciful close.
  • Ninjak #1 (Valiant) I&N Demand Matt Kindt’s proving that Valiant picked the right guy to power up their universe–especially with his latest wave of books (The Valiant, Divinity)  Ninjak promises to be further proof.
Ninjak #1

Ninjak #1

  • Rachel Rising #32 (Abstract Studio): I had this book written off for dead after #29.  #30 found Terry Moore resurrecting everything that made Rachel rise above the rest–and into our Top Ten Books of 2013.  Pretty glad I kept it on my pull list.  Thing is, I know that Moore can slip to less–and that knowledge is going to linger, maybe even spoil.  Rats.
  • The Sixth Gun: Dust to Dust #1 (Oni):  If it’s The Sixth Gun, it’s going to find its way into my bag.
  • War Stories #6 (Avatar): Garth Ennis and Tomas Aria are telling the harrowing story of the Children of Israel, and I’m on the edge of my seat to find out how it ends.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (2/4)

04 Wednesday Feb 2015

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

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Angela: Asgard's Assassin, Annihilator, Antonio Campo, Birthright, BOOM!, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Burnham, Cullen Bunn, Dark Horse, David Lapham, DC Comics, Detective Comics, East of West, Ed Brubaker, Feathers, Fiona Staples, Frazer Irving, G.I. Joe, Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Hawkeye, Hellboy and the B.P.R.D., IDW, Image, Imperium, James RIch, Jason Aaron, Joelle Jones, John Cassaday, John Romita Jr., Jonathan Hickman, Joshua Dysart, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Joshua Williamson, Kieron Gillen, Lady Killer, Marguerite Bennett, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Michael Avon Oeming, Miracleman, Nameless, Nick Dragotta, Robert Venditti, Saga, Sheltered, Star Wars, Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses, Superman, The Bunker, The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead, The United States of Murder Inc., Valiant, Velvet, X-O Manowar

Nothing beats a deep freeze like a bag of sizzling hot comics!  Right?

Right?

Of course not.  The deep freeze doesn’t give a sleet how hot the books are.

Still worth the risk, though, of jumping into the ol’ snowmobile and maybe–quite possibly–most assuredly–running off the road, ramming into another road warrior, and/or crashing right through the façade of your favorite comic shop.

Right?

Right.

Whoa, wait: I may have something here: a drive thru comic shop…

Somebody get on that.

  • Hellboy & The B.P.R.D. #3 (Dark Horse)
  • Lady Killer #2 (Dark Horse) I&N Demand I tweeted this out about a perfectly executed #1 because I had to:

@jarrodjones_ @Joelle_Jones @DarkHorseComics @jamieESrich Lady Killer #1 was pretty great. Familiar notes with a fresh face: “Avon calling!”

Very much looking forward to this one.

Lady Killer #2

Lady Killer #2

  • Detective Comics #39 (DC)
  • Superman #38 (DC) I&N Demand New costume?  Thank God.  New power?  Say what?  It’s as bright as day: Johns and JRJ have been like twin yellow suns re-energizing the Last Son of Krypton; so I’m down with whatever it is they want to do.
Superman #38

Superman #38

  • G.I. Joe #5 (IDW)
  • Birthright #5 (Image)
  • East of West #17 (Image) I&N Demand Everything about East of West has been great.  Hickman went bigger with this world of his, and he’s owned it–like a mad god suffering from significant stretches of lucidity.
East of West #17

East of West #17

  • Nameless #1 (Image) Just I&N Grant Morrison.  Chris Burnham.  See: not so nameless after all.
Nameless #1

Nameless #1

  • Saga #25 (Image)
  • Sheltered #14 (Image)
  • Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #1 (Image) I&N Demand The follow-up to the killer Killers arc.  Didn’t read Killers?  Haven’t been hit by any Stray Bullets at all?  Consider this a jumping on point–one that’ll inspire you to jump backward into the satisfyingly-uncomfortable line of fire; into a shotgun blast of expertly-wielded ambiguity.  Pull the trigger, you son of a gun!  Give Sunshine and Roses a shot!
Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #1

Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #1

  • Velvet #9 (Image)
  • Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #3 (Marvel)
  • Hawkeye #21 (Marvel)
  • Miracleman #15 (Marvel)
  • Star Wars #2 (Marvel)
  • The United States of Murder #6 (Marvel/Icon)
  • Annihilator #5 (Legendary) I&N Demand Lots of lovely layers here.  Meta magic courtesy of Mr. Morrison.  Looks great, too, thanks to the digitally dreamy artwork of Frazer Irving.
Annihilator #5

Annihilator #5

  • The Bunker #9 (Oni)
  • Feathers #2 (BOOM!)
  • Imperium #1 (Valiant)
  • The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead #5 (Oni)
  • X-O Manowar #33 (Valiant)

What?  No Wytches?  Risking stitches: didn’t care for it.  Tried.  Couldn’t.  I blame the tone problems rooted in #1.  Can’t unsee needless tirades, right?

Right?

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

 

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What’s I&N Store (7/30)

29 Tuesday Jul 2014

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

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2000 AD, Armor Hunters: Harbinger, Avatar, Bodies, BOOM!, Brass Sun, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Stelfreeze, Brian Wood, Caliban, Chris Bachalo, Chris Roberson, Dark Horse, David Aja, Day Men, DC, Dean Ormston, Doc Savage, Dynamite Entertainment, East of West, Ed Brubaker, Evil Empire, Facundo Percio, Fatale, Garry Brown, Garth Ennis, Greg Rucka, Hawkeye, Ian Edginton, Image, J.H. Williams III, Jonathan Hickman, Low, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Matt Gagnon, Matt Kindt, Max Bemis, Meghan Hetrick, Mind MGMT, Neil Gaiman, Nick Dragotta, Nick Pitarra, Outcast, Phil Winslade, Rick Remender, Robert Kirkman, Robert Venditti, Sandman: Overture, Scott Snyder, Sean Murphy, Sean Phillips, Si Spencer, Snowpiercer, Star Wars: Rebel Heist, The Manhattan Projects, The Massive, The Wake, Titan, Toni Fejzula, Tula Lotay, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, Veil, Vertigo, X-O Manowar

A big week, top-heavy with top books.

Also, lots of lasts.  Some creeping ever closer.

  • The Massive #25 (Dark Horse): Since February, The Massive has been an I&N monthly Top 5 Book.  That’s a record five months in a row!  On the strength of that, I think it’s safe to say that Brian Wood’s book is headed for the Top Ten of 2014.  For the most part, “Sahara” delivered its powerful feminist message in the understated manner–Women! Water!  Life!–we’ve come to expect from Wood.  (If I’m being fair, Part Three felt a bit preachy at times, but not to the detriment of the issue or of the arc.)  The final arc–with its promise of Massive answers–begins here.
The Massive #25

The Massive #25

  • Mind MGMT #24 (Dark Horse): The 2014 Innie Award-winning Mind MGMT has also had quite a run through the first half of the year and has probably reserved its spot in our Top Ten of 2014.  (Proof: Mind MGMT has already been a Top 5 Book four times and, in April, earned a Biggest Dis(appointment) for Kindt’s being too clever for his own good.)  Here, we get a look at “The Life and Times of Henry Lyme”–with a twist!  Sounds juicy.  And there’s also this cover:
Mind MGMT #24

Mind MGMT #24

  • Star Wars: Rebel Heist #4 (Dark Horse): The series has been fun and feels plenty authentic.  Now, it’s Luke’s turn!
  • Veil #4 (Dark Horse): Has been somewhat disappointing–the last issue, in particular.  I’m not caring too much about the femme ratale.  There’s something all too familiar about her.  Fejzula’s art’s been good, though.  I’m riding it out because it’s a fiver.
  • Bodies #1 (DC/Vertigo): Seems super ambitious: Writer Si Spencer employs four artists (Dean Ormston, Phil Winslade, Meghan Hetrick, and Tula Lotay) as he ties together four time-spanning storylines–in each issue!  I’m definitely going to try it out.
  • Sandman: Overture #3 (DC/Vertigo): Going to have to pull #2 to get reacclimated.  (I bet you’re going to do the same.)  Have missed me some J.H. Williams.
Sandman: Overture #3

Sandman: Overture #3

  • The Wake #10 (DC/Vertigo): Inexplicably, The Wake was nominated for and, yes, won the 2014 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series.  (Check out the 2014 Innie noms for Best Limited Series and the big winner to see where we’re coming from.)  It ends here.
  • East of West #14 (Image): Has been North of Excellent.  Hickman and Dragotta certainly took their time building a big world–which is Hickman’s bag, ain’t it?; oh, but they’ve been hitting big–no, really big notes of late.  (#12, in particular, was ridiculously good.)  A dark robot horse for my personal pick for the Top Ten of 2014.
  • Fatale #24 (Image): Lots of love for the poetic penultimate issue.  I thought it was spectacular, really–visually (different for Phillips on Fatale that’s for sure) and in terms of revelations.  Brubaker went Big Bang, man.  As I’m remembering, I’m still kinda affected by the whole thing with Josephine’s son.  Creepy as hell, but, in the end, necessary, no?  Speaking of the end: this is the femme finale–and I have no doubt: “It’s going to hurt.”  Yeah, it’s going to be tough to say goodbye to one of our favorite books.
Fatale #24

Fatale #24

  • Low #1 (Image): I couldn’t be any lower on a creator than I am on Remender.  Why would I do this to myself??
  • The Manhattan Projects #22 (Image): Re: #21: Space Dog ain’t no Pizza Dog–the Eisner-winning Pizza Dog, mind you; but Laika’s adventure nevertheless exceeded expectations.  Doggonit!  I always look forward to TMP.
  • Outcast #2 (Image): “Demons are the new zombies,” eh?  The first issue was a decent set up.  It’s no Thomas Alsop, that’s for sure; but I’ll give it a few, you know, to see where it goes.  (If you’re not reading Thomas Alsop from BOOM! yet, get on that.  You won’t be disappointed.)
  • Hawkeye #19 (Marvel): Listen up!  Apparently, it’s taken Aja a long time to master the art of sign language for this issue.  That’s right: try to remember–or I’ll remind: Clint’s gone deaf.  So…
Hawkeye #19

Hawkeye #19

  • Uncanny X-Men #24 (Marvel): I missed the last issue.  As a result, I have no idea what secrets Xavier’s will revealed.  Now that’s a sin!
  • Armor Hunters: Harbinger #1 (Valiant): Harbinger is dead.  Short live Armor Hunters: Harbinger!  Don’t you just love crossovers?
  • Brass Sun #3 (2000 AD): I have the first two.  Haven’t read ’em yet.
  • Caliban #5 (Avatar): Ennis is delivering dread at a measured pace that’s perfectly sci-fine.  Never before has an apology been so terrifying.
Caliban #5

Caliban #5

  • Day Men #4 (BOOM!): Hmm.  I’m pretty sure I told myself that #3 wasn’t worth the wait and that I should just let it go.  But that was so long ago.  Maybe I’m misremembering.  We’ll see.
  • Doc Savage #8 (Dynamite): Another final issue.  Kinda glad, if I’m being honest.
  • Evil Empire #3 (BOOM!): Another book that’s been a long time coming.  I vaguely remember that I liked #2 enough to continue.  No doubt about this, however: another great cover from Jay Shaw:
Evil Empire #3

Evil Empire #3

  • X-O Manowar #27 (Valiant): More with the Armor Hunters.  I’m diggin’ ’em, so that’s good news.
  • Snowpiercer GN (Titan): Watched the movie two weeks back.  Good stuff.  If I see it, I’ll definitely flip through it.

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 (5/21)

21 Wednesday May 2014

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

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

Yup: I’ll be walking out of Android’s Amazing Comics with two full bags of books.  This is the longest list yet and is a testament to my insatiable appetite, my unchecked addiction for comics.

 

  • American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3 (DC/Vertigo): The standout Snyder moment of #2: the creature with an imploring Peter inside of it.  Creepy as hell.  Speaking of: I wasn’t so tempted by the devil of an ending.  But even after two issues, it’s clear that this is where Snyder does his best work.
American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3

American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3

  • Batman and Frankenstein #31 (DC): My interest is on life support. It’s the promise of Frankenstein that’s keeping it alive. For now. See: Tomasi’s not as sharp as he’s been; and Gleason, in the last issue, disappointed with his wonky Wonder Woman.  I know they’re building toward the return of Robin and that that’s going to be epic, blah, blah, blah.  But shouldn’t each issue leading up to it be just as epic–and if not, at least be as tight as an Amazon?  I’m talking temper.  What’d you think I was talking about?
  • Wonder Woman #31 (DC): Speaking of tight Amazons: #30 was excellent.  Nearly made our Top 5 Books of April.  I mean, come on: how about that last page.  Make a wish, indeed! That’s high praise for a book that’s been solid, sure, but that has rarely hit a homerun. And even when it has, they’ve been softball homeruns. This last issue, however, would’ve been out of any Big League park–well, except for maybe Citi Field.
  • Monster and Madman #3 (IDW): Has been a fun ride thus far.  Niles doesn’t just hit the right notes–he slays them; and Worm’s art provides a perfectly horrific backdrop for this grotesque get-together.
  • A Voice in the Dark #7 (Image): I’m hoping that this arc ender screams bloody murder!  Just sayin’.
  • East of West #12 (Image): Hickman’s a world builder who works at his own pace: he takes his time laying a foundation and has certainly taken his time here, that’s for sure.  Of late, however, stories are thrusting skyward with such force so as to pierce our patient expectations.  Protect your eyes, friends, because East of West is finally fulfilling promises.
East of West #12

East of West #12

  • Mind the Gap #17 (Image): Jim McCann’s masterful mystery tour returns with Act II!  Finally.  Was one of my top 20 books of 2013.  It’s one Elle of a story–and it’s definitely worth jumping on.
Mind the Gap #17

Mind the Gap #17

  • MPH #1 (Image): Another Mark Millar product arrives fast on the heels of his terrific Starlight.  Of course I’m going to buy it.  And if subsequent issues come out on time, all the better!
  • Saga #19 (Image): “A very new direction”?  Hmm.  Normally, I’d be nervous; but not here: Vaughan and Staples are the best writer/artist pair in the business.  We celebrated Saga as our #4 book of 2013, and Vaughan and Staples have been nominated for the 2014 Innies for Best Writer and Best Artist, respectively.
Saga #19

Saga #19

  • Velvet #5 (Image): Brubaker and Epting are doin’ their thing, and it’s rubbing me the right way.  Reads a lot like–but isn’t quite as good as–Rucka and Lark’s Lazarus.  The first arc ends here.  Expecting a bang or two.
  • Zero #8 (Image): #7 was a well-crafted return to form after a very disappointing, near-nonsensical #6.
  • Daredevil #3 (Marvel): #2 was Daredevil in every sense–including sight: it’s dark, it’s funny–it’s fearless.  New York, San Fran: doesn’t matter; this hero’s the heart of any city he’s in.
Daredevil #3

Daredevil #3

  • Elektra #2 (Marvel): I may have to pass.  Sai.  W. Haden Blackman’s writing was enigmatic at times (as it could be in Batwoman)–and, I mean, come on: Bloody Lips?!  A villainous vagina dentata!  Ouch!  Doesn’t help that we’re headed to Monster Island.  Because when I think of Elektra, I think of Monster Island.
  • Magneto #4 (Marvel): Fatal attraction, indeed: Cullen Bunn’s Magneto’s proving to be a real bad ass.  On a less serious note, I’ve switched to binder clips.
  • Miracleman #6 (Marvel): Haven’t gotten around to #5 yet.  Doesn’t matter: I’d pile these up to heaven.
  • Original Sin #2 (Marvel): Jason Aaron’s earned my attention with a killer kickoff to Southern Bastards, which means I’m going to give in to Sin even though I wasn’t exactly thrilled by it.
  • Uncanny X-Men #21 (Marvel): This is weird for me; yeah, I’m not used to saying this: #20 was pretty good.  I dig me some Chris Bachalo, and Bendis kept him mighty busy.
  • The Bunker #4 (Oni Press): Continues to be a revelation: Fialkov’s showing complete mastery over time with his simultaneous storylines, and Infurnari’s sketchy style complements the shifts so very well.  There’s danger lurking around the corner, however: I can see a heavy hand hovering over future pages–one ready to abuse the abuse angle.  Oh, if that happens, I’m going to say, “No!”; then I’m going to go and tell someone I trust.
The Bunker #4

The Bunker #4

  • Magnus : Robot Fighter #3 (Dynamite): Van Lente’s made Magnus work for me.
  • Ordinary #1 (Titan): Sounds fun enough.  I’ve liked Royals: Masters of War enough to give Rob Williams another shot.  Plus, Titan’s offered up some pretty solid books–including Death Sentence and Numbercruncher, which has been nominated for the 2014 Innie for Best Limited Series and has, in part, earned Si Spurrier (also considered for his work on BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla) a nomination for Best Writer.
  • Solar: Man of the Atom #2 (Dynamite): Still haven’t read #1.  Not sure if I care enough, if I’m being fair.
  • Translucid #2 (BOOM!): Lots of good things going on in #1.  Lovely, lovely layers delivered by Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert (writers/creators), Daniel Bayliss (artist, who reminds of Jeff Stokely, who just so happens to be the cover artist!), and Adam Metcalfe (colorist).  Has got me thinking Six-Gun Gorilla, which is a good thing.
Translucid #2

Translucid #2

  • Unity #7 (Valiant): I was going to pull the plug after #5, but #6 ended up in my bag because I had forgotten to purge it from my pull list.  And then Kindt had to go all Mind MGMT with Dr. Silk’s virus.  So, yeah, seven.
  • X-O Manowar #25 (Valiant): It’s no secret: big events usually turn me off.  Preludes to big events usually piss me off.  In the case of #24, however, I was actually pleasantly surprised.  Who knew I’d be looking forward to Armor Hunters?

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (4/9)

09 Wednesday Apr 2014

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

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All Things Considered, All-New Ghost Rider, Astro City, Batman Eternal, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Claremont, Daredevil, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, East of West, Evan Shaner, Flash Gordon, Fred Van Lente, Guiu Vilanova, Image, Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, J. Michael Straczynski, Jason Fabok, Jeff Parker, Jonathan Hickman, Kaare Andrews, Kurt Busiek, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Manifest Destiny, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Nick Dragotta, Nightcrawler, Rob Williams, Royals: Masters of War, Scott Snyder, Shutter, Simon Coleby, Stuart Immonen, The Twilight Zone, Tradd Moore, Unity, Valiant, Vertigo

The lightest week in a long while swings around at the right time.

  • Astro City #11 (DC/Vertigo): On to something new after the Winged Victory arc.  Doesn’t matter what it is, really; it’s going to be a solid read.  Kurt Busiek’s good like that.
  • Royals: Masters of War #3 (DC/Vertigo): My problem with #2: the pacing. If Rob Williams were shooting for the fog of war, then he hit the target and caused plenty of collateral damage in the process. The art from Simin Colby, however, was just as strong.
Royals: Masters of War #3

Royals: Masters of War #3

  • Batman Eternal #1 (DC): I have no faith in the value of this series–for a couple of reasons, really: the words “weekly” (more so “weakly’?) and “various” wail like a siren warning me away; and I’ve found no use for Snyder’s Batman since the penultimate issue of the Court of Owls storyline. Hard to imagine things’ll be different this time around. I’ll thumb through it and make the call from there.
  • East of West #11 (Image): Still a slow death–even after an uncharacteristically busy #10–but still very good. Funny: Hickman’s plodding style plays well here but not so well on his hero books.
East of West #11

East of West #11

  • Manifest Destiny #6 (Image): I swore to Derek that #5 was my last issue.  Let’s see if I can stick to my muskets.
  • Shutter #1 (Image): A “female Indiana Jones”?  That promise doesn’t do much for me–mostly because I couldn’t care less about Indiana Jones. (Deep breath, Derek. It’ll be OK.) How about, maybe, a “classy Lara Croft”? Nah. Still nothin’. OK, how about an “Image #1”? Now we’re talkin’!
  • All-New X-Men #25 (Marvel): Anniversary issues–and why not celebrate an anniversary at #25!–generally suck.  My expectations?  Already in the vacuum bag, boys and girls.
  • All-New Ghost Rider #2 (Marvel): Will most assuredly pass.  #1 was a disaster–save for Tradd Moore’s art, of course. Terrible transitions, head-scratching moments, and stomach-curling schmaltz add up to a missed opportunity.
  • Daredevil #1.5 (Marvel): Leaning toward leaving it on the shelf.  Again: anniversary issues never satisfy.
  • Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1 (Marvel): I’ve always liked Iron Fist/Danny Rand.  And I also like the idea of a singular creator–in this case, Kaare Andrews–taking him on. I’ll give it a try.
Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1

Iron Fist: The Living Weapon #1

  • Nightcrawler #1 (Marvel): The name Chirs Claremont carries a lot of weight.  Unfortunately, Nightcrawler is my least favorite X-Man–ever.  May have to BAMF! its way into my bag.
  • Flash Gordon #1 (Dynamite): Not kidding: the main reason I’m leaning toward “yes” is because I’ve taken to Millar’s Starlight, a clear spin on the Flash Gordon story.  Doesn’t hurt that Jeff Parker and Evan Shaner are attached to it.
Flash Gordon #1

Flash Gordon #1

  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #2 (Dynamite): I enjoyed #1 enough.  You down with FVL?  Yeah, you know mehl.
  • The Twilight Zone #4 (Dynamite): #2 was one of our top books of February.  #3 didn’t quite reach that level, but it was still pretty good.  #4 brings J. Michael Straczynski’s first arc to its face-melting final act.  Will the real Trevor Richmond please stand up.  Please stand up.  Please stand up.
The Twilight Zone #4

The Twilight Zone #4

  • Unity #6 (Valiant):  I’m awfully close to passing on it.  It’s no secret: I’m a Matt Kindt junkie.  Thing is, #5 was pretty terrible.  Arrgh!  I don’t know what to do!

Which books are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (3/12)

11 Tuesday Mar 2014

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

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Ales Kot, All-New X-Men, Astro City, Avatar, Brian Michael Bendis, CAFU, Canaan White, comics, David Lapham, DC Comics, Death Sentence, Dynamite, East of West, Fantastic Four, Fred Van Lente, Garth Ennis, Hawkeye, IDW, Image, James Robinson, Jonathan Hickman, Kevin Eastman, Kieron Gillen, Kurt Busiek, Leonard Kirk, Magnus: Robot Fighter, Manifest Destiny, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Matt Kindt, Michael Walsh, mike Dowling, Monster & Madman, Montynero, Nick Dragotta, Red Team, Rob Williams, Ross Campbell, Royals: Masters of War, Secret Avengers, Si Spurrier, Simon Coleby, Steve Niles, Stray Bullets, Stuart Immonen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Titan, Tom Waltz, Uber, Unity, Valiant, Vertigo, X-Force

My work here is done.  Time to get to work.

  • Astro City #10 (DC/Vertigo): Busiek’s Winged Victory tour has been a revelation!  Hope it soars right to the end.
  • Royals: Masters of War #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a jolly good show!  Rob Williams’ characters were instantly engaging; and Simon Coleby’s art was terrific, like Jae Lee with more detail and without the reliance on silhouettes.  Together, they’ve delivered a well-rounded opening salvo filled with “awe,” “exhilaration,” “excitement,” and “fear.”  Has a depth that separates it from the very similar Uber, which just so happens to be on tap this week, as well.
  • Monster & Madman #1 (IDW): Frankenstein’s monster and Jack the Ripper together in the same book?  Oh, and Steve Niles as the facilitator?  Yes, please!
Monster & Madman #1

Monster & Madman #1

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #32 (IDW): Ross Campbell’s surprisingly strong run on the post-“City Fall” arc comes to an end.  Good news, though: one of our favorites, the terrific Mateus Santolouco, is back with #33!
  • East of West #10 (Image): A compelling read that has really started to take off.  It’s a solid showcase for Hickman’s serious side, which is a nice counterpoint to his maniacal The Manhattan Projects.
  • Manifest Destiny #5 (Image): I’m just about done.  It’s a shame, really: #1 promised so much–maybe too much.
  • Stray Bullets: Killers #1 (Image): Gonna have to stick this on the ol’ Catch Up pile because…
  • Stray Bullets Uber Alles Edition (Image): I recently read the first four issues of Stray Bullets on Dave Lapham’s website.  Have been waiting for this bad boy ever since.  Thanks to my man Derek for pointing me in this direction.
Stray Bullets

Stray Bullets

  • All-New X-Men #24 (Marvel): I’m a sucker for the Shi’ar Imperial guard, so…
  • Fantastic Four #2 (Marvel): I’m a fair fella. I put The All-New Invaders out of my mind–only after a bit of a purple purge–and jumped into James Robinson’s reboot of The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine with the optimism of an innocent.  As it turned out, it wasn’t bad.  It wasn’t fantastic, but it wasn’t bad.  Robinson–one of our favorite writers of 2012–set the terms of his take on the cosmic quartet–with fine art from Leonard Kirk–and did so well enough for me to follow along.  4 Now! anyway.
  • Hawkeye #17 (Marvel): Sure, we’re bee-bopping around a bit, but it doesn’t matter much: wherever Fraction fires his arrows on Hawkeye, they hit the mark emphatically.  This departure from the deafening events of #15 promises to be “a raucously adorable and hilarious animated adventure.”  Sock it to me!
  • Secret Avengers #1 (Marvel): The secret’s out: Ales Kot and Michael Walsh are teaming up again (see Zero #1 or the recently released Zero TP) for an Avengers title that I’m really looking forward to.  No, really.
Secret Avengers #1

Secret Avengers #1

  • X-Force #2 (Marvel): I didn’t really love #1.  Heck, I barely liked it.  But I’m going to give it another issue because Si Spurrier has earned my not-so-easily-earned loyalty.  (Yes, I’m still riding the high of the meticulously meta Six-Gun Gorilla, one of our favorite books of 2013.)
  • Death Sentence #6 (Titan): No hyperbole here: this is one issue away from cementing itself as the mini to beat for 2014.  Writer Montynero’s made himself a must-read–the result of his brilliant storytelling, his unforgettable characters and his insightful back matter.  Mike Dowling’s art–which calls to mind the fabulous Sean Phillips–is the perfect complement to Montynero’s wild, wild words.  If you foolishly missed out on this rocking good time, fret not: there’s always the trade.
Death Sentence #6

Death Sentence #6

  • Red Team #7 (Dynamite): Wow.  Forgot this was a thing.
  • Magnus: Robot Fighter #1 (Dynamite): Fred Van Lente’s bringing Magnus back, and, I’m like a groupie, so, yeah, I’m going to pick this up.  Don’t have any experience with the character, so, yeah: groupie.  Oh, c’mon: you know you’re down with FVL.
  • Uber #10 (Avatar): Still solid.  Wondering how long Gillen’s going to go with it.  Wonder how long he can go on with it.  Fair or not: I’m going to be holding it to Royals: Masters of War.  It’s the nature of the business, ain’t it?  Yeah, comics are hell.
  • Unity #5 (Valiant): Looking forward to the new arc, which has not been billed as Kindt, CAFU, and you.  Man, it should’ve been.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (1/29)

26 Sunday Jan 2014

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

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Avatar, Brian K. Vaughan, Bryan J. L. Glass, Clone, Dark Horse, David Schulner, DC Comics, Dead Boy Detectives, East of West, Fiona Staples, Furious, Gary Erskine, IDW, Image, Inhumanity, J. Bone, James Robinson, Jonathan Hickman, Juan Jose Ryp, Kevin Eastman, Kieron Gillen, Mark Buckingham, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Nick Bradshaw, Nick Dragotta, Saga, Savior, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Toby Litt, Uber, Vertigo, Victor Santos

A light week to round out the month.

  • Furious #1 (Dark Horse): The preview was interesting enough.
  • Dead Boy Detectives #2 (DC/Vertigo): #1 was a revelation.  The narrative–comprised of three distinct voices–was constructed with a breezy brilliance that amplified the complexity of the characters and their conflict yet remained eminently readable.  Equal parts engaging and enraging, this book looks like a real winner in the venerable Vertigo style.
Dead Boy Detectives #2

Dead Boy Detectives #2

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30 (IDW): Yup, it’s true: I’m still on board.  Seems I’ve been taken by the Turtles!  As it turns, while Mateus Sanotolouco gave me every reason to jump on board and, with the end of his run, an easy out, Ross Campbell is insisting that I stick around.  Perhaps the real credit should be given to Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz for their consistency, for their ability to elevate expertly an eternal novelty.
  • Clone #14 (Image): #13 was a bit of a backslide, a trip onto the ol’ backside.  Yeah, it didn’t kick my ass; but it all-sorts-of-other-thingsed Luke’s ass.  Yowza.  Too much?  Well, in terms of expectations, David Schulner and the gang sure as hell wrecked ’em.  Let’s hope they’re back on track this month: phallic stage, here we come!
Clone #14

Clone #14

  • East of West #9 (Image): Each issue is delivered in a decidedly deliberate manner, which is an unmistakable hallmark of Jonathan Hickman’s storytelling.  In that, the series has been solid–every issue’s been good; but it still plays like a side project compared to the atomic wedgie Hickman’s been giving to the atomic age in the expertly crafted and explosively funny The Manhattan Projects.
  • Saga #18 (Image): God, I hate Saga!  Lying.
Saga #18

Saga #18

  • Saviors #2 (Image): Not sure how “new” the story felt, but I’m going to give it another shot anyway.  What’s the draw: J. Bone, of course.
  • Inhumanity #2 (Marvel): I’ll flip through it.  The first one–eh, it was a bit of a slog.  The end, however, while predictable in one respect, hinting at cracks in Fraction’s foundation, did have a killer twist, which restored my faith in the writer, who clearly has a Karnak for keeping us on on our toes.
  • Miracleman #2 (Marvel): #1 was my first exposure to the character.  Loved hearing Alan Moore’s voice, that’s for sure.  Didn’t care so much for bonus material, though.  Despite the threat of even more bonus material, I’m up for #2.
  • Uber #9 (Avatar): Of late, has been overshadowed by Gillen’s Spartan effort on the thrilling Three.  Still, Uber‘s been mostly fascinating even with the frequent flow pas.
Uber #9

Uber #9

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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I&N Scott’s Bag (9/25)

14 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Aco, Brian Azzarello, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Michael Bendis, Chip Zdarsky, Craig Cermak, Dave Stewart, David Marquez, DC Comics, East of West, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Fiona Staples, Frank Quitely, Garth Ennis, IDW, Image, Jonathan Hickman, Jupiter's Legacy, Kevin Eastman, Kurtis J. Wiebe, Mark Millar, Mateus Santolouco, Matt Fraction, Matt Kindt, Mike Norton, Mind MGMT, Nick Dragotta, Rat Queens, Red Team, Revival, Roc Upchurch, Saga, Sean Phillips, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Tim Seeley, Ultimate Spider-Man, Wonder Woman

You may step off of both the pins and the needles.  Unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing.  Speaking of…

  • Sex Criminals #1 (Matt Fraction’s put himself on the Must Buy list with fantastically felonious performances on Hawkeye, FF, and Satellite Sam.  As a result, expectations were high here.  Didn’t expect a few things, however.  I found Suzie’s sexual awakening tough to turn through at times; and her voice is a little too over the top in spots–even for Fraction.  In the end, the nod to Nabokov–to Lolita–made it all work for me.  [That’s right: Suzie’s playing with her lit.  Oh, look at the cover and get over it.]  Even still, Fraction’s got some work to do to prove that this book is “not really about sex.”  I’m definitely sticking around to find out.)
Sex Criminals #1

Sex Criminals #1

  • Saga #14 (Another standout issue.  Something tells me it’s bound for our Top 5 list for the month.  Not lying.)
  • Ultimate Spider-Man #27 (I don’t care enough to blame anyone for the mess this has become.  Will I buy #28?  Of course.  Will I follow the next chapter of the Miles Morales story?  Nope.)
  • Revival #14 (Uninspired.  Tired, even.  It’s been a long time coming, but the day has finally come: I’m off.)
  • Fatale #17 (Very good–especially the end.  Not “gonna forget this” ending.  Not the way Phillips ramps up the intensity during the assault; not the way Brubaker has Josephine take care of Skip–the piece of $#!%.)
Fatale #17

Fatale #17

  • Red Team #5 (The weakest issue yet.  Predictable, and at times indecipherable.  One panel, however, may very well go down in comic book history: it gives new meaning to getting blown away.)
  • Jupiter’s Legacy #3 (Yeah, I know: I don’t know what got into me.  Thing is, it wasn’t terrible.  Damn you, Mark Millar!)
  • Mind MGMT #15 (For the fifteenth–and certainly not the last time: Matt Kindt’s a magician; he does things on the page that no one else can do.  Love how he guides us through Meru’s Lyme-cycle and how he punishes Lyme, who’s resigned to the fact that he deserves everything coming his way.  Both brutal and beautiful–it’s brutiful!)
Mind MGMT #15

Mind MGMT #15

  • Rat Queens #1 (A lot more fun–and funnier–than I expected it to be.  I mean, come on: “Blood loss…hampering wit”?  Yeah, right!  Without a doubt, I’ll be picking up #2.)
  • East of West #6 (Best issue yet.  Fantastic flashback and return.  Hickman’s finally brought this book to the level he’s always at with The Manhattan Projects.)
East of West #6

East of West #6

  • Wonder Woman: First Born #23.2 (The only villain book I bothered with.  It is what it is.)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26 (Another solid issue.  And wouldn’t you know: “this is only the beginning.”  Looks like a coups brewin’.  Just so happens I like coups.  [That reads right, but sounds dirty.])

Turning pages,

Scott

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