Tag Archives: Shadowman

What’s I&N Store (2/5)

04 Tuesday Feb 2014

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My clever introduction has been postponed indefinitely due to snow.

  • Trillium #6 (DC/Vertigo): #5 was flippin’ fantastic.  The balance between the two realities was rendered in a ridiculously meticulous manner.  In many ways, even more impressive than #1 in execution.  Can’t wait to get into this one.
Trillium #6

Trillium #6

  • Lazarus #6 (Image): #5 ended on a naturally disastrous note, one that echoes still, boding a symphony of construction–of resurrection.  Lucky for us, reigning master builders Rucka and Lark are a pair of heavies who always deliver as promised.
  • Sidekick #5 (Image): Engaging enough, though not J. Michael Straczynski’s best monthly.  That distinction goes to…
  • Twilight Zone #2 (Dynamite): #1 was a bit of a revelation, wasn’t it?  Terrific tone–totally Twilight Zone!
Twilight Zone #2

Twilight Zone #2

  • All-New Invaders #2 (Marvel): I’m sure that you’re a lot like me in thinking that it’s got to get better–that James Robinson is a lot better than his cliched riddled initial offering.  Sure, I’m going to try this one; but I’m not going to suffer through growing pains just because I know in my heart it should be good; so, if it doesn’t do it for me here, I’m out.
  • X-Men #10.NOW (Marvel): Another one I’m down on.  The series started off really well.  Brian Wood affected a strong, recognizable voice; in fact, it actually sounded like an X-book, with hints of Claremont, especially in the high notes.  Unfortunately, the “Battle of the Atom” smashed the title’s early momentum, leaving us with scattered neutrons, electrons, and promises.
  • Archer & Armstrong #0.2014 (Valiant): I’m guessing the story of Wee Obie Archer is going to buck the trend of zero-issues having zero value–if only because I expect nothing less from Fred Van Lente and Pere Perez.  Yeah: no throwaway here.
Archer & Armstrong #0.2014

Archer & Armstrong #0.2014

  • Rover Red Charlie #3 (Avatar): #2–like #1–had some really affective moments and some really awful moments.  Not expecting anything different; it’s the nature of the beast, innit?
  • Shadowman #15 (Valiant): Of all the books I get on a monthly basis, this one confounds me the most.  I don’t care a lick about the characters, but for some reason I really like the series.  Doesn’t hurt that Milligan and De La Torre have come together like peanut butter and chocolate.  Dark, dark chocolate.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (1/8)

06 Monday Jan 2014

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

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

Hinterkind #4

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

Manifest Destiny #3

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

Sheltered #6

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

Avengers World #1

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

Afterlife with Archie #3

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

Quantum and Woody #7

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

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (12/4)

02 Monday Dec 2013

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A light week highlighted by a highly anticipated lights-out finale.

  • Trillium # 5 (DC/Vertigo): No doubt about it: Jeff Lemire is at his best when he’s in charge of it all.  So far, this series has lived up to–or, in terms of inventiveness in the first two issues, exceeded defied–expectations.   In #4, he weaves worlds together, creating a flower-like fragility, only to seemingly wipe the slate–more specifically, the final panel on the final page–clean.  Looking forward to another issue of haunting, wide-eyed gazes, which, in every instance, fill me to my eyeballs with well-deserved pity.  I swear, Lemire’s characters can see into my soul.  Come to think of it, perhaps what I see in their stares is pity–for me.
Trillium #5

Trillium #5

  • Velvet #2 (Image): If you like Brubaker’s storytelling style, why wouldn’t you like this?  His is a strong voice–one I happen to love–and it’s all over Velvet, which is a celebration of l’ esprit d’espionnage.  Throw in Epting’s photo-realistic artwork and, as a final note, toss a tricky Templeton out a window, and you’ve got a cinematic experience worth every Moneypenny.  Every bad-ass Moneypenny.
  • Inhumanity #1 (Marvel): I’ve always enjoyed the Inhumans, so I’ll give it a whirl.  Doesn’t hurt that Fraction’s in charge.  He’s been inhuman, himself, on Hawkeye and Satellite Sam.  He’s fallen from “must buy” to “must try,” however, because of a questionable–though unquestionably self-gratifying–turn on Sex Criminals.
Inhumanity #1

Inhumanity #1

  • God Is Dead #4 (Avatar): Not required reading–not by any stretch.  Yeah, there’s no need “to prepare for either ascension or damnation” with this Hickman side project; see, it is what it is: Deathmatch with supernaturals.  Who’ll come out on top?  God only knows.  But…he’s…dead…  Uh oh.
  • The Mocking Dead #4 (Dynamite): After the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead, we all could use a little lighthearted zombie action.  Trust Fred Van Lente to aim for the head as he kills off his biting satire.  That’s right: a cure is just an issue away.
  • Quantum and Woody #6 (Valiant): Each hilarious issue serves to send your BAC (Blood Asmus Content) well past the legal limit!  Have another!
  • Rover Red Charlie #1 (Avatar): Garth Ennis, the end of days, and three dogs.  What’s not to love?  Speaking of love: anyone looking at this and thinking Morrison and Quitely’s We3?
Rover Red Charlie #1

Rover Red Charlie #1

  • Shadowman #13 (Valiant): Peter Milligan brings a new direction to Shadowman, which was pretty good in the first place.  Looks like it’s gonna be a bit darker, which is perfectly fine with me.
  • Six-Gun Gorilla #6 (BOOM!): One issue away from immortality!  Oh, yeah: we’ve loved this series from its blistering get-go—so much so that I don’t want it to end!  OK, sure, I know it has to; every story has to.  Unfortunately, not every story does so well.  Simon Spurrier–who proves in #5 that he understands that “[a]ll good things must come to an end” and the “[o]nly thing a story needs […] is an end”–certainly hasn’t let me down yet; though, if I’m being fair, I did find the foray into Blue’s fictional reality a bit frantic–during a head-spinning first read, anyway.  Subsequent reads–yes, plural–spoke to me more clearly, and I’m damn glad they did; otherwise, I would’ve been riddled with doubt and undoubtedly inconsolable.  Ah, but with #6, I get to escape one final time into Spurrier and Jeff Stokely’s brilliant assault on escapism; and, you know what, I’m going to bet that they’re going to deliver the finale that this book deserves.  In fact, “I’m all-in!”
Six_gun Gorilla #6

Six-Gun Gorilla #6

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/2)

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

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Kickin’ off Comictober commodiously:

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

Hinterland #1

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

Lazarus #4

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

Captain America: Living Legend #1

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

The Mocking Dead #2

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

Uber #6

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

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (9/4)

03 Tuesday Sep 2013

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An odd week: I’ll be picking up more books from BOOM! and Avatar–two each–than I will be from DC–a lonely one.  If you’re keeping score: I’m avoiding the onslaught of villain books–because nothing good can come of that!

  • Trillium #2 (DC/Vertigo): Like a sweet bouquet bought and bestowed just because, #1 surprised and satisfied.  Felt like a labor of love and read that way, too.  Looking forward to this.
Trillium #2

Trillium #2

  • Satellite Sam #3 (Image): Easily one of my favorite new titles.  The team of Fraction and Chaykin is shakin’ and bakin’ a sinful delight in stunning black and white.  That’s the truth!
  • Sheltered #3 (Image): All the uneasiness of Lord of the Flies, Battle Royale, and similar adolescent survivalist fiction.  Sadly, smacks of reality, too.  How scary is that?  Seems Brisson’s making up for the disappointing collapse of Comeback.
  • All-New X-Men #16 (Marvel): Getting into the Battle of the Atom.  Gosh, I hope that’s good news.  In the Battle of the Bendis X-Books, however, this title’s taken a backseat–especially after the last issue of Uncanny X-Men.
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #4 (Marvel): I liked Lee Weeks’ arc a lot, but this is going to be a Comic Day decision.
  • X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1 (Marvel): I really, really hope this is good.  Maybe if enough of us hope together we can make it so.  Of late, however, Marvel crossovers, unfortunately, have been impervious to hope.
X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1

X-Men: Battle of the Atom #1

  • Codename Action #1 (Dynamite): Why not?
  • Uber #5 (Avatar): I never expected to be this far in, mainly because I didn’t expect much from Gillen; God, I hated his Uncanny X-Men.  But it’s undeniable: Uber‘s been very good.  If you haven’t been following along, keep an eye out for the upcoming trade.
Uber #5

Uber #5

  • Hit #1 (BOOM!): It just so happens I am a fan of Criminal.  So, if the pitch is to be believed, “Hit is the series for [me]!”  Hmm.  Seems like it may also be a Left Coast version of Red Team.
  • Quantum and Woody #3 (Valiant): If this one doesn’t do it for me, I’m off.  All the other Valiant books were must-buys after two issues; this one hasn’t followed suit.
  • Shadowman #10 (Valiant): One of those Valiant must-buys.
  • Deathmatch #9 (BOOM!): Jenkins is killing it–and plenty of heroes–on a monthly basis.  Another one of those books that you should be reading if you aren’t already.
  • God Is Dead #1 (Avatar): The name at the top–above God, even–is all the reason I need.
God Is Dead #1

God Is Dead #1

  • American Vampire Vol. 4 TPB (DC/Vertigo): Finally!!!!!!!!!!

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

I&N Scott’s Bag (8/7)

11 Sunday Aug 2013

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Another Wednesday in NYC meant another trip to Midtown Comics–and another week of plucking top-shelf books from the middle of the Great Wall O’Comics.

  • Fatale #16 (Read it!  Solid, sure, but not as transcendent as it’s been.  No real missteps, just didn’t get the feeling I typically get during and after reading.  Hey: it’s bound to happen–especially with the titles that kill it from issue to issue.)
Fatale #16

Fatale #16

  • Dial H #15 (Read it!  A crazy, convoluted concoction–everything we’ve come to love about this misfit book!  Too bad it couldn’t really find its place in the DCU–or an audience.  We sure as heck did our best to promote it; but, alas, it wasn’t enough.  From the get-go, however, it was clear: Dial H wasn’t a terribly accessible title.  Thank you China Mieville, Alberto Ponticelli, Dan Green, Mateus Santolouco, Dave Lapham, and Brian Bolland for dialing me dizzy for fifteen fantastic issues.)
  • Buck Rogers #1 (Read it!  Howard Chaykin’s always worth a shot.  Here, though, probably just this one.  While it read well enough, it didn’t quite clear the bar, which is set pretty darned high–especially for outliers like this.  Hey: as much as I’d like to, I can’t read everything!)
  • Sheltered #2 (Read it!  A very strong follow up to a superb opening act.  Looks like Brisson might really have something here.)
Sheltered #2

Sheltered #2

  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (Read it!  Some impressive twists weighed down just a bit by some inevitable schmaltz, especially related to what’s been driving DD to complete his mission of mercy.)
  • Ten Grand #4 (Read it!  Glad I’ve stuck around.  I’ve found myself drawn to Joe and to how Joe’s been drawn–and colored–by the terrific Ben Templesmith.)
Ten Grand #4

Ten Grand #4

  • All-New X-Men #15 (Read it!  Once again, an issue that accomplishes very little.  Feels like we’re just killing time leading up to the big crossover event.  Has felt that way for a while, actually.)
  • Sidekick #1 (Read it!  I liked it more than I didn’t.  What kept me from loving it?  It’s the battle that rages amongst the pages: a battle for the ages between clever and cliche.  Kudos to DerekNerd for noticing that this reads like a Mark Millar book.  If you didn’t think of it before, I bet you’re noticing it now.)
  • The Manhattan Projects #13 (Read it!  Same old, same old.  And by that, I mean super good.  Hickman, Pitarra, and Bellaire never take a month off.  Oh, and how about that JFK?)
  • Helheim #6 (Read it!  Everything you’d expect from a Cullen Bunn book.  Pretty terrific final page, no?)
  • Shadowman #9 (Read it!  Another solid issue.)
Shadowman #9

Shadowman #9

  • Quantum and Woody #2 (Read it!  Really liked the beginning.  Asmus kicks off the second installment with a clever conversation–between Woody and me!–and some intelligent humor.  In fact, I was thinking top of the pile for the week.  However, it got a bit sophomoric–and jokingly homophobic–as the issue progressed.  I get it: it’s meant to amplify Woody’s immaturity; but I think, in the end, it detracted from the development of the story.)
  • Trillium #1 (Read it!  One word–for now anyway: finally.)
Trillium #1

Trillium #1

  • Satellite Sam #2 (Read it!  Issue #1 was one of my favorites for July, and there’s no let up here.  Fantastic follow up from Fraction and Chaykin.  So fabulously different from everything else.)

What a way to kick off the month!

What did you get in your bag?  Anything worth checking out?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (8/7)

06 Tuesday Aug 2013

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The weekly feature that was once known as What’s Up? is now more shamelessly titled. The content, however, is as subjective as ever.

  • Dial H #15 (DC): Ladies and gentlemen, this is it: the finale of one of the finest series around. Just the thought of its missing from my monthly haul makes me want to curl up and dial.

    Dial H #15

    Dial H #15

  • Trillium #1 (DC/Vertigo): Jeff Lemire’s back where he belongs: doing double duty. Very excited for this. As much of a must buy as a book can be.
  • Fatale #16 (Image): Speaking of must buys: Brubaker and Phillips have been nothing short of brilliant.
  • The Manhattan Projects #13 (Image): Last issue didn’t close with a cliffhanger; nope: it ended with a chainsawer. So good, ever since, I’ve been imagining myself as a branch. Come get me, Einstein, you crazy motherphysicist!
  • Satellite Sam #2 (Image): #1 was a perfect opening act. I hope Fraction and Chaykin can keep it up here. And so does she…
Satellite Sam #2

Satellite Sam #2

  • Sheltered #2 (Image) Brisson did a heck of a job building up to the end of #1. Anything familiar about the premise was put to rest with a resounding “BANG” on the final page. And the snow was left stained with high expectations. Comeback didn’t carry on well after the first issue; I hope Brisson’s better here and going forward.
  • Ten Grand #4 (Image): JMS has won me over. Glad I stuck around.
  • Sidekick #1 (Image): It’s Ten Grand‘s sidekick, innit? Always willing to give JMS a shot.
Sidekick #1

Sidekick #1

  • All-New X-Men #15 (Marvel): Wow. Where have we really gotten after fourteen issues? This could be the longest leash I’ve ever allowed–and it’s all a matter of trust: trust in the characters and trust in Bendis. Something has to happen eventually, right?
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #3 (Marvel): Loved #2. Lee Weeks is owning DD on both sides of the pen. Remarkable, really.
  • Helheim #6 (Oni Press): This is a book that has really come together after five issues. Cullen Bunn’s got a knack for this type of tale (see: The Sixth Gun); and, true to form, he’s unfolding this one well.
Helheim #6

Helheim #6

  • Quantum and Woody #2 (Valiant): The first issue was fun enough. Unfortunately, it’s up against an almost perfect in-house buddy book: Archer & Armstrong. How unfair is that?
  • Shadowman #9 (Valiant): Quietly, a really solid monthly.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

In Scott’s Bag (7/3)

05 Friday Jul 2013

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Stuck to the script: showed love to the list and said ciao to Green Arrow and Suicide Risk.

I’m getting better at good buys.

  • Deathmatch #7 (Read it!  As I mentioned: it’s no longer a guilty pleasure: it’s a solid book that borrows often–and well–to its own end.  Without being obnoxious about it, Jenkins reveals what he needs to and teases what he wants to.  Sounds easy, but it’s not.)
  • Dial H #14 (The end is closer and, as a result, much more real–especially now that we’re an issue away from hanging up on Mieville, Ponicelli, and Green for good.)
Dial H #14

Dial H #14

  • Shadowman#8 (Read it!  Pretty much an issue’s worth of set up.  Roberto De La Torre’s work–his deathly dark Deadside–is the highlight here.)
  • Ten Grand #3 (Hoping that this one’ll win me over.)
  • Satellite Sam #1 (Looks like a book that I should like, mostly because of Howard Chaykin’s terrific black and white work.  We’ll see.)
  • Emily and the Strangers #3 (Striking the final chord.)
Emily and the Strangers #3

Emily and the Strangers #3

  • Mister X: Eviction #3 (Quick flip: yeah, I think we have our book of the year.)
  • Batman Incorporated #12 (Read it!  No one can rush his way to the end like Grant Morrison.  He’s so damn good.)
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 (Read it!  Much better than I expected it to be.  Lee Weeks and Lee Loughridge push Daredevil to his limits and bring an certain elegance to his exertion–even on page 6, a snow-blind splash where DD is but a red speck on a bluish-white background.)
Daredevil: Dark Nights #2

Daredevil: Dark Nights #2

  • Uber #3 (Read it!  Glad I gave Gillen another chance.  For one, his Hitler is effing crazy!  I’m definitely sticking around for more.)

What did you get in your bag?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

02 Tuesday Jul 2013

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A welcome break from the heatwave.

  • Emily and the Strangers #3 (Dark Horse): Finally, the finale!
  • Mister X: Eviction #3 (Dark Horse): I’m pretty confident that this series will make our Top Ten List for 2013.  Oh, and another stunning cover:
Mister X: Eviction #3

Mister X: Eviction #3

  • Batman Incorporated #12 (DC): #11 was a flipping disaster.  Good news: looks like we’re back to the all-important business of Bat vengeance.
Batman Incorporated #12

Batman Incorporated #12

  • Dial H #14 (DC): It pains me to say this: it’s the penultimate issue.
  • Satellite Sam #1 (Image): May as well give it a shot.  I’ve enjoyed FF and Hawkeye enough.  Oh, and, by the way, Howard Chaykin.  Hope it doesn’t prove as unfulfilling as Casey’s Sex.
Satellite Sam #1

Satellite Sam #1

  • Ten Grand #3 (Image): Yeah, sure: on the strength–a stronger word than I wanted to use, really–of #2, it’s earned another.  Why not, right?
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #2 (Marvel): #1 delivered some interesting moments with extra cheese.  I’m not entirely sold on it; but I’m willing to lease.
  • Deathmatch #7 (BOOM!): I dunno, man.  I still dig it.
Deathmatch #7

Deathmatch #7

  • Shadowman #8 (Valiant): Behind the first batch of Valiant books, sure; but, by golly, its darned good.  Strange: at the end of each issue, I’m still surprised by how much I like what I’ve read.
  • Uber #3 (Avatar): I figure, since I’m killing off Suicide Risk, I can suffer another one of these.

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s Up?

03 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by in What's I&N Store?

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I’ll take one of everything, please.

  • Mister X: Eviction #2 (Dark Horse): #1 was one of my favorite books of May.  Looking forward to this–and not just because of its gorgeous cover:
Mister X: Eviction #2

Mister X: Eviction #2

  • Astro City #1 (DC): I don’t have any history with this title, but I’m willing to give it–and Kurt Busiek–a shot.
  • Dial H #13 (DC): The funeral march has begun–for, arguably, DC’s best, certainly most consistently creative, monthly title.
Dial H #13

Dial H #13

  • Bedlam #7 (Image): With it comes a new artist: Ryan Browne.  And just like that, I may become a former reader of Bedlam.  Or I may love it more.  That’s why we read ’em, folks.
  • East of West #3 (Image): I’d really like this to knock my socks off the way Hickman’s own The Manhattan Projects does.  Chances are it won’t, but I’d still like to like it.  #2 was a decent step in that direction.
  • Ten Grand #2 (Image): Sure, JMS is a name, but this story seems like it could be just more of the same.  If #2 breaks away from the pack, even just a bit, I’ll stick with it.  If not, I’m off.
  • All-New X-Men #12 (Marvel): It is what it is–or even slightly less than that now that Brian Wood’s in X-Town.
  • Daredevil: Dark Nights #1 (Marvel): Just what I need: another DD mini by a DD legend–in this case, Lee Weeks.  Oy.
Daredevil: Dark Nights #1

Daredevil: Dark Nights #1

  • Daredevil: End of Days #8 (Marvel): A real surprise.  With the names on it, shouldn’t’ve been; but I don’t think anyone expected it to be this good.
  • Winter Soldier #19 (Marvel): Last issue whispered, “Don’t leave yet.”
  • Archer & Armstrong #10 (Valiant): Consistently solid.
  • Red Team #3 (Dynamite): Damn thing’s gonna take off.  I can feel it.  Check out the cover, for God’s sake.  I have a joke about it that doesn’t really work, but I’m gonna throw it out there anyway: Jesus Christ!  Talk about having someone in your cross hairs!
Red Team #3

Red Team #3

  • Rachel Rising #17 (Abstract Studio): Terry Moore’s rising, too.  No one does panel-to-panel suspense better than this guy.
  • Shadowman #7 (Valiant): No longer in the shadow of the other Valiant books.  In fact, it’s starting to cast its own, thanks to Justin Jordan and Patrick Zircher.
  • Suicide Risk #2 (BOOM!): #1 wasn’t remarkable–or if it was, it wasn’t for the right reasons.  To be fair, I’ll give it one more try.
  • Uber #2 (Avatar): Same here.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott