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Tag Archives: Tom Mandrake

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 (4/2)

02 Wednesday Apr 2014

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

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Al Ewing, Archer & Armstrong, Avatar, Batman, BOOM!, Brian Buccellato, Caliban, Charles Soule, Cullen Bunn, Damien Worm, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Dead Letters, Declan Shalvey, Detective Comics, Ed Brisson, Francis Manapul, Fred Van Lente, Gabriel Hernandez Walta, Garth Ennis, Goran Parlov, Greg Rucka, IDW, Image, Inhuman, J. Michael Straczynski, James Asmus, Jeff Lemire, Jordie Bellaire, Loki: Agent of Asgard, Magneto, Mark Millar, Marvel, Monster & Madman, Moon Knight, Oni Press, Quantum and Woody, Sidekick, Simon Roy, Starlight, Steve Niles, The Field, Tom Mandrake, Trillium, Valiant, Veil, Vertigo, Warren Ellis

I’ve been dropping books and passing on new books and have been buying more books than ever.  Sure ain’t adding up, but it sure as hell is piling up.

  • Veil #2 (Dark Horse): #1 was a bit underwhelming, somewhat annoying at times, especially as the mysterious young lady got all Seuss-ian while trying on language–like a veil between who she was and who she has become.  But it’s Rucka, sucka, mother——, so I’m trying on another.
  • Detective Comics #30 (DC): Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul take up the cowl after having pushed the pace on The Flash.  I’m interested.
Detective Comics #30

Detective Comics #30

  • Trillium #8 (DC/Vertigo): Lemire’s time-twisting, sci-fi, doppelganger-driven epic comes to a close.  Has flown by, really–so much so that I don’t feel that I’ve developed any sort of connection to the characters.  But has this series really been about the characters?  No: it’s been about the far-out layouts, which have been pretty outstanding.
  • Monster & Madman #2 (IDW): A very Steve Niles initial offering–with art from a fella with an appropriately creepy name: Damien Worm–made this one a must buy.  So did the clever strategy of making us wait for the madman.
  • The Field #1 (Image): Ed Brisson’s a must try thanks to his solid showing on Sheltered.  I haven’t read Prophet, so I don’t know much about Simon Roy.  Guess I will after this one.
  • Sidekick #6 (Image): J. Michael Straczynski has certainly been prolific of late.  How does he manage it all?  Well, for one, he’s using the same storyline for two of his current books: this one and The Twilight Zone.  Not kidding: while reading Sidekick #5, I felt like I had entered the Twilight Zone.
  • Starlight #2 (Image): #1 was really, really good.  Out of this bunch of books, I’m looking forward to this one the most.  Art-wise, it’s no surprise: Goran Parlov’s art brings me back to one of our favorites of 2012 and 2013: Fury: My War Gone By.   And it’s no secret: Mark Millar generates great ideas.  Those great ideas usually translate into great first issues–and, just as usually, not-so-great series.  Here’s hoping that this one goes all the way.
Starlight #2

Starlight #2

  • Inhuman #1 (Marvel): Will give it a flip through.  It’s got Soule, but I’m not a Souledier.
  • Loki: Agent of Asgard #3 (Marvel): Not sure how I feel about this book.  I like the voice Al Ewing is affecting; in that, it’s a fun read.  I’ve never been a fan of the Thor side of the Marvel Universe, but I could see myself sticking around because it seems Ewing smartly isn’t taking the Asgardian aspect too seriously.  But what is this, really?  Considering the page-bound Lorelei lob just prior to her appearance on Agents of Shield, it’s nothing more than a companion pamphlet–right?
  • Magneto #2 (Marvel): Credit to Bunn and Walta: in #1, they delivered three terrific page turns and developed some serious tension–between Magneto and the motel maid!  A few questionable choices plot-wise leave me wondering if mine is a fleeting attraction.
Magneto #2

Magneto #2

  • Moon Knight #2 (Marvel): The first phase of the new Moon Knight didn’t have me waxing nostalgic.  But it’s Warren Ellis.  No, yeah, that’s all I’ve got.
  • Archer & Armstrong #19 (Valiant): Best moment of #18: Armstrong doin’ a beer bong–all while Archer’s in the middle of a shoot-out with Bloodshot.  Other than that, a notch below what we’ve come to expect from one of our top books of 2013.  Some people say that there’s a crossover to blame…
  • Caliban #1 (Avatar): Garth Ennis goes sci-fi horror.  Well, OK, then.  Gonna be on the lookout for that patented Avatar–the publisher, not the movie–moment.  Come on: you know what I’m talking about: you have been reading Rover Red Charlie, right?
  • Dead Letters #1 (BOOM!): Some more noir from BOOM!  It’d be a crime not to try it!  The second #1 this week that promises a premise predicated upon some dude waking up somewhere without any clue as to who he is, where he is, etc.  Yup: that’s what The Field is offering, as well.  Every new series should start that way!
Dead Letters #1

Dead Letters #1

  • Quantum and Woody #9 (Valiant): Last issue got my goat.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (11/27)

26 Tuesday Nov 2013

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

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Alberto Alburquerque, All-New X-Men, Bedlam, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Charles Soule, Dark Horse, David Aja, Emma Rios, Fiona Staples, Garry Brown, Hawkeye, IDW, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Joe's Comics, Jordie Bellaire, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Kevin Eastman, Kurtis J. Wiebe, Letter 44, Marvel, Mateus Santolouco, Matt Fraction, Matt Hollingsworth, Matt Kindt, Mind MGMT, Nick Spencer, Oni Press, Pretty Deadly, Rat Queens, Roc Upchurch, Ryan Browne, Saga, Sidekick, Stuart Immonen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Massive, Tom Mandrake

The calm before the store…

  • The Massive #17 (Dark Horse): Continues to be one of my favorites.  In #11, Callum Israel, the unyielding–and anachronistic–idealist, stares down an agent of the new reality: whaler, Bors Borgsen.  “Tomorrow [they] do go to war,” and I can’t wait.
  • Mind MGMT #17 (Dark Horse): How much did I love #16?  Let me count the ways: it was our #3 book of October.
Mind MGMT #17

Mind MGMT #17

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #28 (IDW): “City Fall” comes to an end–and so too, sadly, does Mateus Santolouco’s run as the artist.  Admission: I’ve enjoyed the arc a lot, more so than I expected to.  Not much of a Turtles fan, I jumped on board because of Santolouco’s art; thing is, I just may stick around even after this one.  Never would’ve guessed that in a million years.
TMNT #28

TMNT #28

  • Bedlam #10 (Image): I’ve gone a long while with this one without feeling a connection to a single character.  I should just drop the damn thing and be done with it once and for all.  (Instead, I kinda feel like I’m the one being dropped–not unlike the fella falling to the pavement on the cover of #9.)   Big words from someone who’s not standing in a comic shop filled with shiny new books–books that seem to know that I have the constitution of an secondhand accordion.
  • Black Science #1 (Image): I’m not too sure if I’m going to bother with this.  I know, I know: it’s an Image #1, and that usually means it’s gonna end up in my bag.  But I’m carrying a pretty significant grudge: I’m not going to mince words: I hate what Rick Remender did with Captain America in the NOW!  I couldn’t read past #3.  I came back, mind you, once Remender pulled Cap out of Dimension Z.  Still, everything was wrong–so terribly wrong.  Traitorously wrong.  The only reason I might even try this one is because sometimes writers I haven’t liked very much on established characters shine while developing their own.  Yeah, that’s my science.
  • Pretty Deadly #2 (Image):  Expectations are pretty darned low after a muddled and all-too-familiar first issue.  I’m going to be fair, though, and give it a flip through.  Sometimes a series needs that second or third issue to take off and find its own space.  I usually extend that courtesy to creators I like or characters I like; that’s not the case here, however.  Maybe it’s because I’ve developed a weak spot for westerns of late.  We’ll see.
  • Rat Queens #3 (Image): The book’s got a bit of a Saga vibe, doesn’t it?  Didn’t notice it so much in #1; but in #2, it’s pretty obvious–especially in the strong final note. “Buckets” of fun!  I mean, it’s not nearly as refined, as deliberate; it’s exuberant prose, where Saga‘s poetry.  Here we go: it’s as if Wiebe’s throwing all at the wall and is keeping everything that sticks and–aw, why the hell not?–everything that doesn’t.  Despite its checkered execution, there’s plenty to like.  Queen me!
Rat Queens #3

Rat Queens #3

  • Saga #16 (Image): “Perfect, gumdrop.”  And that’s all ye need to know.
Saga #16

Saga #16

  • Sidekick #4 (Image): All that work–and for what?  Talk about the St. Louis blues!  Flyboy’s gotta be sidekicking himself!  Heh.  Mostly a solid issue.  Certainly worth another shot.
  • All-New X-Men #19 (Marvel): #18 was better than I expected it to be.  Could do without the new unis, though.  Brought me back–appropriately, I suspect–to my initial reaction to the awful uniforms donned by the very same bunch upon their “dramatic return” in X-Factor #1 (1986).
  • Hawkeye #14 (Marvel): I loved #13.  In fact, it was this close to making our Top 5 for October.  It’s Matt Fraction at his heroic best.  Doesn’t hurt that he’s got David Aja and Matt Hollingsworth affirming it all with their artistic version of the truth.  Fraction may be hitting the haystack with Sex Criminals; here, however, he’s center bull.
  • Letter 44 #2 (Oni Press): I said my peace–fighting words for some–about #1 over on our Top 5 for October.  Thing is, it wasn’t a part of the Top 5–it was our Biggest Dis.  Despite the dis–a pretty friendly one, if I’m being honest–I’m hoping that something significant happens here.  If Soule drags out the reveal of the aliens, I’m off–unless President Blades shines again.  Then I may stick around for another.  Accordion, indeed.
Letter 44 #2

Letter 44 #2

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (10/9)

08 Tuesday Oct 2013

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

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Abstract Studios, Afterlife With Archie, Alex Maleev, Archer & Armstrong, Archie, Astro City, Batman, Battle of the Atom, BOOM!, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Wood, Captain America, Carlos Magno, Carlos Pacheco, Coffin Hill, comic books, comics, David Lopez, DC Comics, Death Sentence, Deathmatch, Eternal Warrior, Francesco Francavilla, Ghosted, Greg Capullo, Greg Pak, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, Jonathan Hickman, Jordie Bellaire, Joshua Williamson, Karl Bollers, Kieron Gillen, Klaus Janson, Kurt Busiek, Matt Kindt, Michael Dowling, monty Nero, New Paradigm, Nick Pitarra, Patrick Zircher, Paul Jenkins, Pere Perez, Rachel Rising, RIck Leonardi, Rick Remender, Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, Scott Snyder, Sidekick, Suicide Squad, Terry Moore, The Manhattan Projects, Three, Titan, Tom Mandrake, Trevor Hairsine, Valiant, Vertigo, Watson and Holmes, X-Men

Looks like I’m going to go hungry this week.  Yowza!

  • Astro City #5 (DC/Vertigo): A city I would visit over and over again.  On faith–on belief in Busiek: I know, on each trip, I’ll see something fresh and ultimately fulfilling.
Astro City #5

Astro City #5

  • Batman #24 (DC): $6.99?  Really?  Oh, I’m gonna buy it all right.  Doesn’t mean I have to like it: the experience of buying the book–or the book itself.  OK, you got me: you know I’m going to bring it to Comic Con and I’m going to ask Scott Snyder to sign it.  See that, Mr. Snyder?  Keep an eye out for me–the guy in the I&N t-shirt!
  • Coffin Hill #1(DC/Vertigo): I’m gonna Vertigo for it!  Might prove to be a bit too teenybopper for me in the end, but I won’t know unless I try it, right?  Looks pretty enough.
Coffin Hill #1

Coffin Hill #1

  • Suicide Squad #24 (DC): Let’s hope that Matt Kindt’s not committing career suicide by spreading himself too thin.  While Kot flopped hard here, I do not expect the same fate for the latest Suicide scribe.  Can’t wait to see how his signature narrative style fits this motley crew.
  • Ghosted #4 (Image): I’ve got to start cleaving away some titles.  This one’s on the cleaving block.  If I’m not genuinely jolted by Ghosted this go-round, I’m gone.
  • The Manhattan Projects #15 (Image): A crazed Oppenheimer makes me Oppenhappy!
  • Sidekick #3 (Image): #2 offered up some nice development of Flashbackboy–I mean, Flyboy.  I’m hoping to see this thing take off.  Honestly.
  • Three #1 (Image): Only need one reason to pick this up: Kieron Gillen, who’s doing an Axisellent job over on Uber.
Three #1

Three #1

  • Captain America #12 (Marvel): Gonna nuke it if it ain’t any good.  Remender doesn’t deserve a leash of any length–especially after the all-too-recent Captain America disZola.
  • X-Men #6 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom may never end.  Sure, there’s a checklist, which promises an end to the awful, awful nonsense; but I’m willing to bet it’s a lie.  Feels that way, anyway.  Ugh.
  • Archer & Armstrong #14 (Valiant): Mind the Gap has its Fifth.  Archer & Armstrong is our Sixth.  Every friggin’ month, this terrific title falls one slot out of our Top Five.  It’s almost unexplainable!
  • Eternal Warrior #2 (Valiant): A solid first issue from Greg Pak and Trevor Hairsine made this an easy choice.
  • Rachel Rising #20 (Abstract Studios): Gov. Christie-inspired plainspeak: If you’re not reading Terry Moore’s Rachel Rising, you’re an idiot.
Rachel Rising #20

Rachel Rising #20

  • Death Sentence #1 (Titan): Looks interesting enough.  I’m sold mostly by the fact that Titan has delivered one of our favorites: the mathematically impossible Numbercruncher.
  • Deathmatch #10 (BOOM!): #9 was yet another high point for Paul Jenkins and Carlos Magno.  Wondering where this is going to go–if it’s going to go–once the final battler is fought.
  • Watson and Holmes #4 (New Paradigm): A Derekommendation worth running with!
  • Afterlife With Archie #1 (Archie): Got some press and my attention–mostly because of the artist attached to it: Francesco Francavilla.
Afterlife With Archie #1

Afterlife With Archie #1

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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I&N Scott’s Bag (9/11)

24 Tuesday Sep 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Aaron Ginsburg, Abstract Studio, Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Becky Cloonan, Brain Boy, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Wood, Captain America, Carlos Pacheco, Clone, Dark Horse, David Lopez, David Schulner, DC Comics, Eternal Warrior, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, Fred Van Lente, Gerard Way, Ghosted, Goran Sudzuka, Greg Pak, Image, Indestructible Hulk, J. Michael Straczynski, Jonathan Hickman, Jordie Bellaire, Joshua Williamson, Juan Jose Ryp, Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, Matteo Scalera, Miroslav Mrva, Nick Pitarra, Pere Perez, R.B. Silva, Rachel Rising, Rick Remender, Robbi Rodriguez, Shaun Simon, Sidekick, Simon Oliver, Terry Moore, The Manhattan Projects, Tom Mandrake, Trevor Hairsine, Valiant, Vertigo, Wade McIntyre, X-Men

So far behind, but certainly not out of mind…

  • Sidekick #2 (An improvement over #1 built primarily on Flyboy’s backstory. Still burdened by a few “too far” moments, but certainly good enough to warrant another issue.)
Sidekicks #2

Sidekicks #2

  • Eternal Warrior #1 (Pak and Hairsine’s opening salvo is savagely smart and beautifully brutal. A welcome addition to an already outstanding Valiant lineup.)
Eternal Warrior #1

Eternal Warrior #1

  • FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #3 (“The collapse has begun,” indeed. I’m out.)
  • Clone #10 (Goshdarn it! I really thought we were going to escape the issue with a happy ending!)
  • Indestructible Hulk #13 (If I could go back in time, I’d pass not only on this issue but on the entire series. I can’t, so I’ll just jump off now. Unfortunately, the House I was promised never quite opened its doors to the exciting interpersonal possibilities.)
  • Rachel Rising #19 (The best issue yet? You bet! And that’s saying a lot.)
Rachel Rising #19

Rachel Rising #19

  • Captain America #11 (I figured I’d try it now that Cap’s back in the real world and all. Didn’t really care for it. Too many “See what I just did?” moments from Remender. But I’ll cut it a break for what it is: a transition. What it’ll transition to…? Well, that’s the question, isn’t it? If the next one doesn’t answer the question, though, I’m out until a new writer comes on.)
  • Brain Boy #1 (Wildly uneven effort from the architect of Archer & Armstrong. The art from R.B. Silva, Rob Lean, and Ego is terrific, however. All together, I’ll probably see this three-issue arc through ’til the end.)
  • Astro City #4 (Another terrific story from Kurt Busiek.)
  • The Manhattan Projects #14 (Hickman and Pitarra don’t disappoint. They don’t know how to disappoint. Love the final splash, which sells a crazy-eyed, wrench-wielding Oppenheimer much in the same way #12 sold a chainsaw-of-relativity-sporting Einstein.)
The Manhattan Projects #14

The Manhattan Projects #14

  • The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #4 (Just as crazy as we’ve come to expect! Hey, it’s the Gerard Way.)
  • X-Men #4 (Certainly met expectations–my low, low expectations. Thanks Battle of the Atom!)
  • Ghosted #3 (Still keeping my interest. Reads not unlike Revival, really. Further, seems to do some things that Dream Thief should’ve done. Sticking around.)
Ghosted #3

Ghosted #3

  • Archer & Armstrong #13 (This is why I’ll buy anything Fred Van Lente. Just keeps getting better and better. Something tells me we’ll be writing more about this when we wrap up the month.)

Turning pages,

Scott

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What’s I&N Store (9/11)

10 Tuesday Sep 2013

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

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Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Battle of the Atom, Becky Cloonan, Brian Wood, Captain America, Carlos Pacheco, Clone, Dark Horse, David Lopez, David Schulner, DC Comics, Eternal Warrior, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, Fred Van Lente, Gerard Way, Ghosted, Goran Sudzuka, Greg Pak, Image, Indestructible Hulk, J. Michael Straczynski, Jonathan Hickman, Joshua Williamson, Juan Jose Ryp, Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matteo Scalera, Nick Pitarra, Pere Perez, Rachel Rising, Rick Remender, Robbi Rodriguez, Sidekicks, Simon Oliver, Terry Moore, The Manhattan Projects, The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, Tom Mandrake, Trevor Hairsine, Valiant, Vertigo, X-Men

Vacation’s history.  Good thing I’ve got an escape plan:

  • Brain Boy #1 (Dark Horse): Anything with Fred Van Lente at the helm is a no-brainer.
Brain Boy #1

Brain Boy #1

  • The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #4 (Dark Horse): So far, the series hasn’t read like a particularly engaging book; yet, strangely enough, it is–and quite.
  • Astro City #4 (DC/Vertigo): Busiek is in complete control of his universe, and we’re all the better for it.
Astro City #4

Astro City #4

  • FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #3 (DC/Vertigo): I didn’t care for most of #2, and then came the end–an end that very well may have staved off the end of this brief affair.
  • Clone #10 (Image): #8 waned.  #9 waxed.  Wonder if I’ll be whining about waning again this time around.  Or maybe I’ll be woohoo-ing about waxing.  Either way, I’ve got to know: what’s the splatter with these guys?
Clone #10

Clone #10

  • Ghosted #3 (Image): May be the last go-round for Ghosted and this guy.
  • The Manhattan Projects #14 (Image): Always a potential Book of the Month.
  • Sidekicks #2 (Image): The real villain of #1 was a tragically transparent twist.   I’m going to pick this one up, though; after all, it took JMS more than two issues to sell me on Ten Grand.
  • Captain America #11 (Marvel): Could this be the Captain America I’ve been waiting for?  After the complete diZola that was Remender’s NOW! reboot, I sure hope so.  Hey, maybe he’s seen the light.  Color me red, white, and cautiously optimistic.
Captain America #11

Captain America #11

  • Indestructible Hulk #13 (Marvel): This trip through time hasn’t been as terrible as I thought it’d be.  Waid captured the Kids of the Wild West pretty well; now it’s on to Camelot.
  • X-Men #5 (Marvel): So far, Battle of the Atom been an underwhelming exercise in making this time-travel mess count for something.  Suppose this one’s going to fall in line.
  • Archer & Armstrong #13 (Valiant): Wow!  A year in already?  Hard to believe.  But what a year it’s been, no?  Without question, A&A‘s a Top Ten monthly.  Why should this month be any different?  Aliens?  Dinosaurs?  Bring ’em on!
Archer & Armstrong #13

Archer & Armstrong #13

  • Eternal Warrior #13 (Valiant): Worth a try.  The Eternal Warrior’s gotten a lot of good exposure across the Valiant Universe, and he looks like a compelling enough character.  Plus, Greg Pak’s doing some heady work over on Batman/Superman.  Wonder what he’s going to do here; I mean, this doesn’t seem like a forum for heady fare–or does it?
  • Rachel Rising #19 (Abstract Studio): Re: #18: Now that’s how you craft a cliffhanger.  This’ll be my first read.
Rachel Rising #19

Rachel Rising #19

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

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I&N Scott’s Bag (8/7)

11 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Tags

Alberto Ponticelli, All-New X-Men, Ben Templesmith, Brian Bolland, Brian Michael Bendis, Buck Rogers, China Mieville, Cullen Bunn, Dan Green, Daredevil: Dark Nights, David Lafuente, David Lapham, DC Comics, Dial H, Ed Brisson, Ed Brubaker, Fatale, Helheim, HiFi, Howard Chaykin, Image, J. Michael Straczynski, James Asmus, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, Johnnie Christmas, Jonathan Hickman, Jordie Bellaire, Justin Jordan, Lee Loughridge, Lee Weeks, Marvel, Mateus Santoluoco, Matt Fraction, Neil Edwards, Nick Filardi, Nick Pitarra, Oni Press, Quantum and Woody, Roberto De La Torre, Satellite Sam, Sean Phillips, Sergio Cariello, Shadowman, Shari Chankhamma, Sheltered, Ten Grand, The Manhattan Projects, Tom Mandrake, Tome Fowler, Trillium, Valiant, Vertigo

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

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