What’s I&N Store (2/19)

18 Tuesday Feb 2014

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

Tags

A Voice in the Dark, Alex + Ada, Alex Maleev, Avatar, Avengers World, Batman and Two-Face, BOOM!, Braden Lamb, Brian Azzarello, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Cliff Chiang, Colin Lorimer, Curse, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Doug Braithwaite, Extinction Parade, Frank Barbiere, Image, James Asmus, Jonathan Hickman, Jonathan Luna, Joshua Hale Fialkov, Kris Anka, Larime Taylor, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Max Brooks, Michael Moreci, Ming Doyle, Minotaur, Nick Spencer, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, Quantum and Woody, Raulo Caceres, Riley Rossmo, Ryan North, Sarah Vaughn, Shelli Paroline, Skyman, The Bunker, The Midas Flesh, The White Suits, Tim Daniel, Uncanny X-Men, Unity, Wonder Woman, X-Men

The only forecast worth a damn:

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

Batman and Two-Face #28

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

Alex + Ada #4

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

Daredevil #36

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

The Midas Flesh #3

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

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

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

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

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (1/15)

14 Tuesday Jan 2014

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

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

A Voice in the Dark, Alex + Ada, All-New X-Men, Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Avatar, BOOM!, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Clayton Henry, Cullen Bunn, Curse, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Department of Monsterology, Di Amorim, Ed Brubaker, Egos, Fred Van Lente, Garth Ennis, God Is Dead, Gordon Rennie, Gus Storms, Harbinger, Image, Imagine Agents, Indestructible, Jeff Kline, Jonathan Hickman, Jonathan Luna, Joshua Dysart, Kurt Busiek, Kurtis J. Wiebe, Larime Taylor, Mark Waid, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Michael DiPascale, Michael Moreci, Mike Costa, Miracleman, Oni Press, P.J. Holden, Patrick Zircher, Rat Queens, Renegade Arts, Roc Upchurch, Rover Red Charlie, Sarah Vaughn, Skyman, Steve Epting, Stuart Immonen, Stuart Moore, Suicide Squad, The Sixth Gun, Uncanny X-Men, Unity, Valiant, Velvet, Vertigo

And by “narrowing down,” I clearly mean this:

Skyman #1 (Dark Horse): It’s on my radar. Don’t know the character; don’t know the creators–but I do know Dark Horse, our 2013 Publisher of the Year.
Astro City #8 (DC/Vertigo): #7 was no small Victory. It was very, very good. Bold statement of the week: Kurt Busiek’s the best storyteller in the DC stable. Is anyone even close?

Astro City #8

Suicide Squad #27 (DC): Kindt has revealed that nothing lasts Forever–including his time on Suicide Squad. I appreciate what he’s done; but when he’s done, so am I.
Indestructible #2 (IDW): There was something interesting–though not nearly indestructible–about the first one. Leaning toward passing on it. I mean, look at this list, for goodness sake! I can’t buy everything, folks!
A Voice in the Dark #3 (Image): From Larime Taylor’s mouth to our eyes. Truly remarkable. #2 was a compelling ask-questions-first-shoot-later follow-up to a dangerously drawn-out, extra-sized first issue. Expectations have crept up a notch.
Alex + Ada #3 (Image): Most of all, I love the tone of the book. There’s a sincere tension that’s undeniable–and beautiful.

Alex + Ada #3

Egos #1 (Image): Worth a shot, I suppose.
Rat Queens #4 (Image): Every page is infested with rattitude! Wiebe and Upchurch gleefully give us a mischief of grrls, a swarm of snarky sword swingers doing their very best to make it in a man’s world! It’s not much more than that, really; but it doesn’t need to be, does it? Everyone needs a book like this in his or her bag.
Velvet #3 (Image): Bit of a slow build, sure, but Brubaker can take all the time he needs; I’ll be right here with him, Steve Epting, and their gorgeously cinematic and super smooth Velvet.
All-New X-Men #21 (Marvel): Well, it certainly seems like all of my complaining about the unevenness of Bendis’s writing has finally caught up to me. OK. No, it hasn’t.
Daredevil #35 (Marvel): Loved #34. It’s a “best of,” if you think about it: everything that Waid’s done well over the course of the series is played up to some effect in the issue. I know major changes are on the way; I just hope that Waid’s approach to handling Daredevil’s duality and crafting relationships–through lively dialogue, especially (something Bendis has struggled with on the X-titles)–is not one of them.

Daredevil #35

Miracleman #1 (Marvel): I have no idea what to expect with this. I’ve never read any Miracleman–or Marvelman for that matter–but I’m certainly willing to give it a try. Might take a miracle to keep me around, though. Seriously: have you seen this list?!
Uncanny X-Men #16 (Marvel): As a whole, it’s been more engaging than All-New X-Men. Yeah, that’s not saying much.
Archer & Armstrong #17 (Valiant): One of our Top Ten titles of 2013! Can’t wait to see what Van Lente and co. have in store for us this year! If it’s more of the same, all the better!

Archer & Armstrong #17

Harbinger #20 (Valiant): Dysart’s doing with Harbinger what I wish Bendis was doing with his X-books: writing an effin’ solid team book.
Unity #3 (Valiant): If I’m being honest, I’m keeping on ’cause of Kindt. I see more potential here than in any of his Marvel and DC work, which, as a whole, has been pretty blah even as he’s brought his unique narrative style into the mainstream mix.
Curse #1 (BOOM!): Another werewolf story? I hope not. I mean, Six-Gun Gorilla wasn’t just another gorilla story, was it? No, not even close. Time to go BOOM!

Curse #1

Imagine Agents #4 (BOOM!): This rounds out the series–which I haven’t started reading yet. Oops.
God Is Dead #5 (Avatar): Definitely on the dropping block. My interest is mostly dead–especially as Hickman’s participation in the creative process comes to its inevitable end.
Rover Red Charlie #2 (Avatar): As I mentioned in a prompt post-read tweet concerning an apocalyptic #1: “some really ruff moments I [couldn’t] seem to shake.” Poor doggies. It’s a real man-beat-man world, innit?
The Sixth Gun #37 (Oni Press): One of the best monthlies around. Writing and art of the highest caliber from Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt, respectively.
Department of Monsterology #4 (Renegade): A monstrous surprise! I’ve really enjoyed this series so far. Sad to see it come to a close. Gosh, I hope Gordon Rennie and P.J. Holden have something else in store for us!

Department of Monsterology #4

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (12/11)

09 Monday Dec 2013

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

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Tags

Alex + Ada, Archer & Armstrong, Astro City, Avatar, BOOM!, Brandon M. Easton, Brent Eric Anderson, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Canaan White, Carlos Magno, Cullen Bunn, Dave Stewart, DC Comics, Dead Body Road, Death Sentence, Deathmatch, Fred Van Lente, Geof Darrow, Greg Rucka, Harbinger, Howard Chaykin, Image, Indestructible, Inhumanity: Awakening, Joshua Dysart, Justin Jordan, Kieron Gillen, Kris Anka, Kurt Busiek, Larry Stroman, Lazarus, Manifest Destiny, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Matt Kindt, Matteo Scalera, Michael Dowling, Michael Lark, Montynero, New Paradigm, Olivier Coipel, Oni Press, Patrick Zircher, Paul Jenkins, RIck Leonardi, Satellite Sam, Shaolin Cowboy, Steven Harris, Suicide Squad, The Sixth Gun, Three, Titan, Uber, Uncanny X-Men, Unity, Valiant, Vertigo, Watson and Holmes

Oh, good: another small week.

Shaolin Cowboy #3 (Dark Horse): #2 was a wild ride, man, a dizzying display. I’ve never seen anything like it; in that, I really liked it. Geof Darrow’s attention to detail is ri-dic-u-lous. Wasn’t so thrilled with the end, however: seemed to run out of gas before the Cowboy did. I figured we were being set up for something–something more than a pin-up, you know what I mean? I guess we’ll find out what Darrow was hacking and slashing his way to here. Hold on to your head!

Shaolin Cowboy #3

Astro City #7 (DC/Vertigo): One solid story after another from Kurt Busiek and Brent Eric Anderson. Now, it’s time for an extended arc.
Suicide Squad #26 (DC): After #24, I was this close from jumping off the bridge, but I decided to give it another issue; and with #25, the suicidally prolific Matt Kindt grabbed me by the collar and yanked me back into the safety of his storytelling.
Indestructible #1 (IDW): Sounds interesting enough. Premise has me thinking Thurber’s “The Greatest Man in the World.”
Alex + Ada #2 (Image): “Christmas, [girl] in a box. Chanukah, [girl] in a box. Kwanzaa, a [girl] in box. Every single holiday a [girl] in a box.”

Alex + Ada #2

Dead Body Road #1 (Image): I liked what Justin Jordan did on Shadowman. Doesn’t hurt that he’s working with Matteo Scalera, who’s done fine work on Indestructible Hulk and, more recently, Black Science. And, all together now: it’s an Image #1!
Lazarus #5 (Image): Love, love, love Lazarus! Can’t beat the creators of this one: Greg Rucka and Michael Lark flood every panel with intense action. So, if you’ve heard about the book but have held off because you missed the boat, now’s your time to jump on board because this issue kicks off a brand new arc. (See what I did there?)
Manifest Destiny #2 (Image): We thoroughly enjoyed the first leg of this re-imagined journey with Lewis, Clark, and friends. Picking up #2 is a no-brainer.
Satellite Sam #5 (Image): Matt Fraction and Howard Chaykin are bringing sexy back and are making black and white look as colorful as can be all while keeping the answers we want sequestered in the shadows. Teases. Speaking of:

Satellite Sam #5

Three #3 (Image): I think I’m being fair here: I’m giving this one from Kieron Gillen–who’s killing, well, just about everyone in the uber Uber–a third issue.
Inhumanity: Awakening #1 (Marvel): I picked up Inhumanity #1 by Fraction and Olivier Coipel. Despite its flaws–and you didn’t have to be Karnak to find them–it was a decent read. A drawn out, but decent read. Now it’s Kindt’s turn.
Uncanny X-Men #15 (Marvel): “Special issue”? Uh oh. Seeing “special issue” in a preview for a comic is a lot like seeing “delicious” on a package of gluten-free anything.
Archer & Armstrong #16 (Valiant): I’m still drunk on #15! I kinda hope Fred Van Lente writes this forever. Smart, funny, and beautiful… Hey! This book is the perfect woman!

Archer & Armstrong #16

Day Men #2 (BOOM!): Wow. Kinda got to thinking that the odds of vampires being real were better than the odds of #2 seeing the light of day. Gonna have to drag #1 out of the ol’ comic coffin and hammer out a new stake in the series.
Death Sentence #3 (Titan): I’ve been infected by MontyNero’s G+ premise and his A+ character development. That’s right: I’m invested in three characters–and a series–not long for this world. Damn it! I don’t want to be cured!
Deathmatch #12 (BOOM!): The finale to a darn good superhero saga from Paul Jenkins and Carlos Magno. Brilliantly ludicrous and delightfully derivative. If you missed it, make sure you grab a collected edition; it’s well worth your time.

Deathmatch #12

Harbinger #19 (Valiant): Every time I think it’s about time to give it up, Joshua Dysart plays some seriously fun mindgames and convinces me to stick around.
The Sixth Gun #36 (Oni): I recently finished Vol. 5, which ended up as my favorite of the bunch. It showcases the fantastic storytelling that Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt have exhibited over the course of the series–a series that stands as one of the best around. I can’t wait to get into the monthlies, which I’ve been hoarding for a while now. If you haven’t tried The Sixth Gun yet, do yourself a favor and score yourself a copy of Vol. 1. Need more of an incentive? The end isn’t too far off now; so it’s a good investment.

The Sixth Gun #36

Uber #8 (Avatar): Didn’t love most of #7. Left me seeing the book, at this point, as more flawed than fabulous. The end was good, though; it screamed: Don’t give up quite yet! OK, I won’t. Not gonna lie, though: my faith in Gillen’s being tested.
Unity #2 (Valiant): More Kindt in my bag! More money out of my pocket!
Watson and Holmes #6 (New Paradigm): It’s no longer a surprise: Watson and Holmes has been really, really good. Karl Bollers–along with his partners Rick Leonardi (#1-#4) and Larry Stroman (#5)–has set a high bar for the new creative team Brandon M. Easton and Steven Harris; but the foundation–built upon two solid characters–is a strong one, so expectations are pretty high. The only mystery, really, is why you aren’t reading this yet! (Good news: Vol. 1 is out this week, too!)

Watson and Holmes #6

Yup. That just happened.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (11/20)

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

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

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A Voice in the Dark, Abstract Studio, Afterlife With Archie, Ales Kot, Amanda Conner, Archie, Batman and Two-Face, BOOM!, Brain Boy, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Buzzkill, Cary Nord, Chip Zdarsky, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Clone, Daredevil, Dark Horse, Darwyn Cooke, David Lopez, David Schulner, DC Comics, Donny Cates, Ed Brisson, Eternal Warrior, Francesco Francavilla, Fred Van Lente, Greg Pak, Harley Quinn, Image, Imagine Agents, Javier Rodriguez, Johnnie Christmas, Jordie Bellaire, Juan Jose Ryp, Larime Taylor, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Morgan Jeske, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, R.B. Silva, Rachel Rising, Robert Venditti, Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, Scott Snyder, Sean Murphy, Sex Criminals, Sheltered, Terry Moore, The Wake, Trevor Hairsine, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, Vertigo, X-Men, X-O Manowar, zero

Something for everyone!

Brain Boy #3 (Dark Horse): Kind of glad it’s over. Of late, I’ve been high on anything Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong, The Mocking Dead), but this has been rather underwhelming. The art from R.B. Silva, however, has been brain blowing!
Buzzkill #3 (Dark Horse): A sniper of a first issue, followed up by an even sharper second shot. Here’s to hopin’ Cates et al don’t kill the buzz–cuz we know what happens all too often to minis that rely on clever premises: Can you say Colder? How ’bout Dream Thief?
Batman and Two-Face #25 (DC): #24 started off a little rough for me. Then came the moment Dent became Two-Face. Wow. Peter J. Tomasi’s got a knack–a Knight knack not seen in the big Batbook. He and his book deserve more credit and attention for what he and it are accomplishing here in the rather unforgiving confines of the New 52.

Batman and Two-Face #25

Harley Quinn #0 (DC): I love Harley. Not so sure I’m going to love this. Will too many artists spoil the birth of this series? We’ll see. Heh.
The Wake #5 (DC/Vertigo): Wake me when it’s over.
A Voice in the Dark #1 (Image): I’m not familiar with Larime Taylor, but I am intrigued by the premise. Oh, and it’s an Image #1, so… Not that that’s any sort of guarantee: see Umbral. Ugh.
Clone #12 (Image): #11 was, perhaps, the best issue yet. It’s a high energy read that’s expertly crafted: from the ridiculously detailed art to the danger drummed up in the dialogue. An absolute clinic in the power of the page turn.

Clone #12

Sex Criminals #3 (Image): Expect another Fraction-packed issue! Fantasizing: in the end, will this series prove to be no more than an experiment in creative masturbation, or will it all come together into something far more satisfying? Either way, I’m open ~~for~~ to another session.
Sheltered #5 (Image): Doggone it! Now, that’s the way to end a comic book! With #4, Ed Brisson bared his teeth and the series’ soul. Sure, there’s long-term concern; but in the short term, this hard-hitter comes with high expectations.
Zero #3 (Image): Ales Kot has found his playground. #2 was brilliant. There is a 0% chance of my missing this one.

Zero #3

Daredevil #33 (Marvel): A monster #32 was overshadowed by the horrifying news of the imminent demise of this remarkable run of Daredevil. I’m not sure that I’m down with the daring jump to digital only. Makes me super sad, especially since it’s this run–starting with #1–that brought me back to comics after too many years away. Who knew they’d be wrapping it up so soon?

Daredevil #33

Uncanny X-Men #14 (Marvel): I long to be an ex-X-reader. Seriously. In fact, I really thought Battle of the Atom would be enough to drive me away for good. Thing is, I’m buying into Bendis’s Cyclops. And Bachalo’s awesome. Oh, and…
X-Men #7 (Marvel): After a terrible #6 (a BotA tie-in, of course), I swore up and down that I was out. But Brian Wood’s so good–well, at writing comics, anyway.
Eternal Warrior #3 (Valiant): So far, so good. Greg Pak is keeping my interest by keeping things above sword.
Imagine Agents #2 (BOOM!): I haven’t read #1 yet. Gonna grab this, you know, just in case. Heck: Derek liked it! Usually, that’s good enough for me!
Rachel Rising #21 (Abstract Studio): #20 was filled with Moore amazing moments–a masterful mix of horror and humor. Loved the first two pages with the serpentine smoke, snaking from panel to panel. Speaking of snakes…

Rachel Rising #21

X-O Manowar #19 (Valiant): Has really taken off of late. Ironic, eh? You know, because they’ve finally returned to Earth and… Oh, you know.
Afterlife with Archie #2 (Archie): You know you loved #1. And if you didn’t, it’s only because you didn’t read it. Great storytelling from Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla. That’s right: get you some Archie!

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (10/16)

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

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

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Alberto Alburquerque, Ales Kot, Animal Man, Avatar, Batman and Two-Face, Batman/Superman, Batwoman, Bloodshot, BOOM!, Brain Boy, Brian Azzarello, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Buzzkill, Charles Dickens, Chris Bachalo, Christos Gage, Cullen Bunn, Dark Horse, David Aja, DC Comics, Dynamite, Ed Brisson, Eric Stephenson, Extinction Parade, Fred Van Lente, Greg Pak, Hawkeye, Image, J.H. Williams III, Jae Lee, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Stokely, Johnnie Christmas, Joshua Dysart, Letter 44, Marvel, Matt Fraction, Max Brooks, Nate Bellegarde, Nowhere Men, Oni Press, Patrick Gleason, Peter J. Tomasi, R.B. Silva, Rafael Albuquerque, Robert Venditti, Sheltered, Simon Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, The Sixth Gun, Trevor McCarthy, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, W. Haden Blackman, Wonder Woman, X-O Manowar, zero

Still riding a post-Comic Con high. You know what that means: I’ll be looking to buy, buy, buy!

Brain Boy #2 (Dark Horse): Underwhelming initial effort on Fred Van Lente’s part. Hard to live up to the standard he’s set for himself with the Grade A Archer & Armstrong and the hilarious The Mocking Dead. R.B. Silva’s art, however, is stunning.
Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse): Liked #1 more than I expected to. Surprised me not unlike the way BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla #1 did. No, I’m not saying I expect it to be as good on as many levels as SGG; it’s clearly not that kind of book. But expectations have been raised. Let’s hope it doesn’t fizzle out like Dark Horse’s Colder and Dream Thief.

Buzzkill #2

Animal Man #24 (DC): OK, now they’re getting serious: American Vampire‘s Rafael Albuquerque has taken over art duties. Let’s see if this is the change Jeff Lemire needed to set this ship aright.
Batman and Two-Face #24 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit than they’ve received for the work they’ve been doing over here. Anyone not under a spell should be able to tell: this is the best Batman book going. Don’t take my word for it; pick it up and find out for yourself. This issue kicks off a new arc, so jump on board now and find out what all of the buzz should be about.

Batman and Two-Face #24

Batman/Superman #4 (DC): So far, so good. Greg Pak’s making sense despite treading in Morrison-like territory, and Jae Lee’s work is beautiful, as always.
Batwoman #24 (DC): Battle of the Bat-Sexes. Sad to know we’re coming up on the end of what’s been a tremendous run with this character.
Wonder Woman #24 (DC): “Strange new era of Wonder Woman“? OK. Why not?
Nowhere Men #6 (Image): From out of nowhere comes the sixth issue of one of our favorite series. I may have to break into the box and ground myself before taking off with this.

Nowhere Men #6

Sheltered #4 (Image): #3 showed some cracks. I’m concerned that Brisson’s going to break down like he did during his Comeback.
Zero #2 (Image): Ales Kot proved he’s still got it with his opening salvo. Easily wiped the terrible stain of his awkward run on Suicide Squad from my brain.

Zero #2

Hawkeye #13 (Marvel): Fraction’s back on his home turf. He’s shown, however, that he’s comfortable just about anywhere nowadays, as evidenced by the sensational Satellite Sam and the arresting Sex Criminals.
Uncanny X-Men #13 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom will undoubtedly end with a considerable amount of collateral damage–including all of the X-books that have been tied to the debacle that has been Battle of the Atom. Yes, this may very well be the push I need to get off of the X-[insert conveyance here].
Bloodshot #15 (Valiant): Definitely on the chopping block. See: I haven’t cared too much for Bloodshot since we said goodbye to Gamma. I’ll give it this one to grab me good. If it doesn’t, then it’s goodbye.
X-O Manowar #18 (Valiant): Not long ago, I almost quit on X-O. Glad I didn’t.
Extinction Parade #3 (Avatar): My wife likes it more than I do.
Letter 44 #1 (Oni Press): If you haven’t read the ubiquitous raves for Charles Soule’s latest offering, then you haven’t…well…read the…ubiquitous…raves for Charles Soule’s latest offering.

Letter 44 #1

The Sixth Gun #35 (Oni Press): As fun an ongoing as your bound to find.
Six-Gun Gorilla #5 (BOOM!): Ah, the best for last. So far, we’re talking contender for Book of the Year. Met Jeff Stokely at the NYCC, and–I don’t think he’d mind my saying–he promised that this one’s a wild ride. I believe him.

Six-Gun Gorilla #5

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott

I&N Scott’s Bag (9/18)

29 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Alberto Ponticelli, Ales Kot, Barry Kitson, Battle of the Atom, Bloodshot, Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps, BOOM!, Brian Michael Bendis, Buzzkill, China Mieville, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Christos Gage, comic books, comics, Daniel Quinn, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Donny Cates, Dream Thief, Emanuela Lupacchino, Frazer Irving, Geoff Shaw, Greg Smallwood, Harbinger, Image, Ishmael, Jai Nitz, James Thurber, Javier Rodriguez, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Stokely, Jim McCann, Jordie Bellaire, Joshua Dysart, Juan Ferreyra, Justice League, Justice League: Dial E, Kiss Me Satan, Lee Garbett, Mark Reznicek, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mateus Santolouco, Michael Walsh, Mind the Gap, Moose Baumann, Numbercruncher, P.J. Holden, Robert Venditti, Simon Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Titan, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, Victor Gischler, zero

Mind the Gap #14 (The penultimate issue of Act I follows the same formula as #13: it’s another harmonious dual narrative visualized to perfection by artists Rodin Esquejo and Dan McDaid. The flashback is particularly fantastic: McDaid’s art is beautiful and emotionally effective–especially the wordless nine-panel page, which transitions terrifically on the turn from three cross-marked graves in the past to three cups of coffee in the present. No matter the time period, Jim McCann’s in complete control of the complex storyline; in fact, he’s given birth to the equivalent of a classy lady, this gorgeous Mind the Gap: it’s sexy, sure, enough to lure you in; but it doesn’t give away all its secrets; it knows it’s the mystery that brings ’em back for more.)

Mind the Gap #14

Six-Gun Gorilla #4 (We’re almost to the point where words are no longer enough to describe this soon-to-be classic from Simon Spurrier and Jeff Stokely. These guys are putting on an absolute clinic! Consider: we’ve swung from Thurber’s “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” in #3 to Quinn’s Ishmael here in #4, all while wearing a classic Western motif with an “unconventional twist”–and it’s all done so damn effortlessly.)
Numbercruncher #3 (Suddenly, Simon Spurrier’s vaulted to the top of the Must Read list. As good as Six-Gun Gorilla has been for four issues, this is as good a single issue as you’re gonna find; and Bastard Zane is as unique a voice as you’ll ever hear. Wow. Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow. The artwork, too, is worth celebrating; it’s no accident: P.J. Holden and Jordie Bellaire amplify the conflict between the variables of life and the accounting for them in the after through the perfect balance of black & white and color. If you’ve missed this series, do yourself a favor: plan on picking up the trade.)

Numbercruncher #3

Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14 (Better than I expected it to be.)
Harbinger #16 (Harbinger meets The Matrix. Dysart’s playing mind games with the Renegades–and with us!)
Kiss Me Satan #1 (I’m not a big werewolf guy, but I liked this. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and Colder‘s Juan Ferreyra elevates Victor Gischler’s story enough to warrant a second issue.)
Uncanny X-Men #12 (The best issue of Battle of the Atom thus far. I know: that’s not saying much. A lot of the credit has to go to Chris Bachalo, who’s done his best work on the series here.)

Uncanny X-Men #12

Buzzkill #1 (Biggest surprise of the week. The promise of the premise is fulfilled over twenty-two intoxicating pages. Expectations have been raised like an upside-down college kid over a keg.)
Justice League: Dial E #23.3 (A brilliant way to say goodbye to a brilliant book: China Mieville dances with the dial and some seriously talented artists–including Mateus Santolouco, Jeff Lemire, Frazer Irving, and Alberto Ponticelli–for the last time? If so, what a dance, indeed.)

Justice League #23.3

Zero #1 (This is the Ales Kot who drew me to Change, the one I was counting on to make something of Suicide Squad. Well, that certainly didn’t happen. Here, however, Kot shows some courage while going Gaza over the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and he makes great use of time and space. All told–or story-wise, some told , anyway–this book is good therapy: took just this one issue of Zero to get me to stop thinking about Suicide.)
Daredevil #31 (Ripped straight from the headlines and brought straight down upon our heads. Makes me long for the days of the Omega Drive.)
Dream Thief #5 (The series started off really well. It was innovative in its design and was full of energy. And then it just got, well, stupid. Thank goodness it’s over.)
The Sixth Gun #34 (To the pile with ye!)
X-O Manowar #17 (Solid, as always. Aric, one of my favorite current comic characters, channels his father as he does his all-important king thing. But despite his super-powered armor, which he wears arrogantly and aggressively, he may prove powerless against Volo, the uppity upstart, who wields the power of–get this–a super market.)

X-O Manowar #17

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (9/18)

18 Wednesday Sep 2013

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

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Tags

Ales Kot, Barry Kitson, Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps, BOOM!, Brian Hurtt, Brian Michael Bendis, Buzzkill, Chris Bachalo, Chris Samnee, Christos Gage, Cullen Bunn, Daredevil, Dark Horse, DC Comics, Donny Cates, Dream Thief, Emanuela Lupacchino, Geoff Shaw, Greg Smallwood, Harbinger, Image, Jai Nitz, Jeff Stokely, Jim McCann, Joshua Dysart, Justice League, Lee Garbett, Mark Reznicek, Mark Waid, Marvel, Mind the Gap, Numbercruncher, Oni Press, P.J. Holden, Robert Venditti, Simon Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, The Sixth Gun, Titan, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant, X-O Manowar, zero

Here’s the game plan for this week:

Buzzkill #1 (Dark Horse): Looks like it could be a guilty pleasure: an booze-fueled hero looks to sober up–much to the delight of the local baddies. Drink up!

Buzzkill #1

Dream Thief #5 (Dark Horse): The series started off really well but fell apart pretty quickly. Not really sad to see it go.
Justice League 23.3 (DC): Haven’t touched any of villain-oriented books, but this one’s special. China Mieville and page after page of top-notch artists–including one of our favorites, Mateus Santolouco–turn back the dial, no, not to H, but to E.

Justice League #23.3

Mind the Gap #14 (Image): Last issue was pretty great. I gushed about it here.
Zero #1 (Image): I’m rooting for Ales Kot. Big time.

Zero #1

Daredevil #31 (Marvel): Waid and Samnee made me like the Silver Surfer, if only for an issue. Now, it’s Jester time. Yeah, there’s a court joke in there somewhere.
Uncanny X-Men #12 (Marvel): #11 was an unexpected treat! Irving’s art was stunning and Bendis finally hit the right notes with Cyclops. Unfortunately, it’s Battle of the Atom time.
Bloodshot and H.A.R.D. Corps #14 (Valiant): Two new teams for Bloodshot! H.A.R.D. Corps, sure; but there’s also a new writing team: Christos Gage and Joshua Dysart. Are you ready for this?
Harbinger #16 (Valiant): How are they going top that killer ending?
Numbercruncher #3 (Titan): Crunch this!

Numbercruncher #3

X-O Manowar #17 (Valiant): Good enough to forge ahead.
Six-Gun Gorilla #4 (BOOM!): Through three, this may be the second best mini of the year, behind only the brilliant Mr. X: Eviction. Boy, I really hope Spurrier’s got three more in him. The countdown to classic begins here.

Six-Gun Gorilla #4

The Sixth Gun #34 (Oni Press): Yet another issue to place atop The Sixth Stack. That’s right: I’m still waiting on Vol. 5, which, apparently is available. Gotta get on that.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

I&N Scott’s Bag (8/28)

07 Saturday Sep 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

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Aaron Campbell, Andy Diggle, Avatar, Batman/Superman, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Dan McDaid, Dark Horse, David Marquez, DC, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, Frazer Irving, Garry Brown, Greg Pak, IDW, Image, Jae Lee, Jason Ciaramella, Jim McCann, Joe Hill, Marvel, Matt Kindt, Max Brooks, Mind MGMT, Mind the Gap, Raulo Caceres, Robbi Rodriguez, Rodin Esquejo, Simon Oliver, The Extinction Parade, The Massive, Thumbprint, Ultimate Spider-Man, Uncanny, Uncanny X-Men, Vertigo, Vic Malhotra, Yildiray Cinar

Wow. A rough week. My go-to joint didn’t have all of the books I expected it to have. As a result, my bag’s a little lighter than I hoped it’d be.

Uncanny X-Men #11 (This is what I’ve been waiting for! It’s Bendis’s best turn on an X-book: stuff actually happens, which is remarkable on its own, sure, but it happens to happen with an uncanny urgency, which is actually kind of all-new for Uncanny; and Irving’s art is stunning–sometimes impossibly so–and exciting, upping the urgency ante page after page. OK, so, this either sets up really well the Battle of the Atom crossover to come, or, more likely, it has set the bar too high. Who knows what the future holds?)

Uncanny X-Men #11

The Massive #15 (The opening sequence, which establishes a tipping point in the relationship between Mag and Georg, is like walking the plank and falling into a sea of tension. Amazingly, Wood and Brown are able to keep the sea roiling even as they rush awkwardly toward the end of the arc; yeah, they certainly haven’t heeded Callum’s wise yet naive call for a more tempered pace: “This isn’t a race”; but, thanks to some shrewd moves, the tension is still very much in-your-face. Oh, and suddenly Mary’s The Massive‘s Mara? Can’t wait to see how that works out.)

The Massive #15

Mind the Gap #13 (An excellent issue. The stingy Jim McCann answers some important questions and does so using two terrific narratives. The juxtaposition of the past and the present is played up superbly, in part, thanks to the very different styles of artists Rodin Esquejo and Dan McDaid. Elle may be dying, but Mind the Gap is very much alive!)
Mind MGMT #14 (If you’re the kind of person who can’t help but judge a book by its cover, then this is the book for you. So wonderful–inside and out. Kindt unearths more about Meru–herself a novel nymph–and does so beautifully, inundating each page with his signature watercolors, proving once and for all that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence.)

Mind MGMT #14

Batman/Superman #3 (Similar to Mind the Gap, the past and the present are tackled by two artists with decidedly different styles–here, it’s Jae Lee on “now” and Yildiray Cinar on “then.” Interesting idea, having Clark and Bruce meet as children. Outside of that, Greg Pak continues to serve up a potentially clumsy story with a deft hand. Yup: he’s still monkeying about in Morrisonville, but it’s all good: see, he’s making good on the majesty we all crave when it comes to Superman–Supermen, in this case–and the mystery we want from any and all Batmen.)
Thumbprint #3 (The challenge was pretty great: live up to or surpass somehow the first two issues–each an I&N Book of the Month, by the way. Unfortunately, in the end, like Mal’s necklace, the creative team–adapting Joe Hill’s original story–proved to be all thumbs as they twiddled together this finale. Thumbprint–last month, one issue away from glory–is left to join the ranks of the many mediocre minis that misfired the final round.)
Uncanny #3 (Ended up better than I expected it’d be after last issue. I guess I’ll stick around for another.)
Ultimate Spider-Man #26 (Here I was, after #25, all excited that Miles was back in the suit; heck, I even gave Bendis credit for manipulating me–a staunch maskless Miles supporter–toward that excitement. And what do I get for my trouble? An homage to Where’s Waldo? I guess they weren’t kidding with the “Spider-Man No More” banner on the cover. Sheesh.)
FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #2 (Umm…what was wrong with Collider? “A rose by any other name,” right? Whatever the title, not particularly interesting–not until the end, anyway. Don’t think it’ll be enough to inspire me to grab #3, though. There’s got to be a formula… Where’s Mr. McKlinsky when I need him?)
The Extinction Parade #2 (Not bad. Despite globetrotting at a bite-neck pace, a bit leaden at times. No surprise here: my wife, again, enjoyed it more than I did.)
American Vampire Anthology #1 (Herein lies the brilliance of Scott Snyder: teams of renowned writers and artists rip and tear their ways through the AV mythology, leaving a blood trail of vignettes, one better than the next. Like the vamps in Ba and Moon’s “Last Night,” I’m “hungry for more. Very hungry”–and I can’t wait to see what happens next!)

American Vampire Anthology #1

So, yeah, my local shops, for some reason, were not well-stocked this week. They didn’t have Lazarus #3, TMNT #25, or FF #11. Crazy, right? Luckily, I have a friend in DerekNerd, who just so happens to call Midtown Comics his regular Wednesday haunt. He was able to score them for me; just have to wait until Monday to get my hands on ’em.

Turning pages,

Scott

What’s I&N Store (8/28)

28 Wednesday Aug 2013

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

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Tags

Aaron Campbell, American Vampire, Andy Diggle, Batman/Superman, Brian Michael Bendis, Brian Wood, Collider, Dark Horse, David Marquez, DC Comics, Dynamite, Extinction Parade, FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics, FF, Frazer Irving, Garry Brown, Greg Pak, Greg Rucka, IDW, Image, Jae Lee, Jason Ciaramella, Jim McCann, Joe Hill, Kevin Eastman, Lazarus, Marvel, Mat Kindt, Mateus Santolouco, Matt Fraction, Max Brooks, Michael Lark, Mike Allred, Mind MGMT, Mind the Gap, Raulo Caceres, Rodin Esquejo, Scott Snyder, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Massive, Thumbprint, Ultimate Spider-Man, Uncanny, Uncanny X-Men, Vertigo, Vic Malhotra

Gonna bang this one out.

The Massive #15 (Dark Horse): A monthly highlight. This time around, looks like the plan is to light up a submerged NYC.
Mind MGMT #14 (Dark Horse): Another gorgeous cover for an issue covering Meru.

Mind MGMT #14

American Vampire Anthology #1 (DC/Vertigo): A buncha big names takin’ a bite outta Snyder’s AV? Sounds good to me! However, it looks like they’ll be takin’ a bite outta my wallet, too. $7.99? Ack!
Batman/Superman #3 (DC): So far, so good. Jae Lee’s killing it.
FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics #2 (DC/Vertigo): Or is it Collider #2? Color me a bit confused about the title. Still gonna buy it, though.
Thumbprint #3 (IDW): A terrific first two issues–both I&N Books of the Month–have led to this. The highest of expectations.

Thumbprint #3

Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles #25 (IDW): Speaking of expectations: I didn’t expect to be here this long. Thing is, it’s really good. And to think I jumped on board simply to support artist Mateus Santolouco.
Lazarus #3 (Image): Rucka’s rocking it out, and Lark’s leaving it all on the page.

Lazarus #3

Mind the Gap #13 (Image): Surprise! Doublin’ up in August, eh? Works for me: a quicker turnaround for a title with a complex storyline is definitely appreciated.
FF #11 (Marvel): Sure, #10 was a tad self-indulgent. It was also friggin’ fun. F-ing Fraction.
Ultimate Spider-Man #26 (Marvel): Can’t believe how Bendis was able to manipulate me into wanting Miles to suit up. And then he was kind enough to give me what I wanted. Son of a gun.

Ultimate Spider-Man #26

Uncanny X-Men #11 (Marvel): This is going to sound really strange: I’m looking forward to this. Felt weird to type it, even. But it’s true: #10 was darn good, after all–especially with Frazer Irving’s finally coming into his own.
Extinction Parade #2 (Avatar): Oddly enough, my wife is looking forward to this more than I am. Still can’t get her to read Saga, though.

Extinction Parade #2

Uncanny #3 (Dynamite): #2 wasn’t particularly good. This may be it for me.

What are you looking forward to this week?

Turning pages,

Scott

I&N Scott’s Bag (8/14)

19 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by ScottNerd in I&N Scott's Bag

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Ales Kot, Archer & Armstrong, Barry Kitson, Batman, Becky Cloonan, BOOM!, Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem, Brian K. Vaughan, Brian Michael Bendis, Carlos Magno, Dark Horse, Dave Wachter, DC Comics, Deathmatch, Fiona Staples, Fonografiks, Frazer Irving, Fred Van Lente, Gerard Way, Ghosted, Goran Sudzuka, Greg Capullo, Harbinger, IDW, Image, Janet Lee, Jeff Stokely, Jim McCann, Joshua Dysart, Joshua Williamson, Lost Vegas, Marvel, Mind the Gap, Miroslav Mrva, Paul Jenkins, Pere Perez, RIck Leonardi, Saga, Sami Basri, Scott Snyder, Simon Spurrier, Six-Gun Gorilla, Steve Niles, Suicide Squad, The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, Uncanny X-Men, Valiant

Buying comics shouldn’t be so darned complicated! Or maybe it should be. Maybe therein lies the worth.

Saga #13 (Read it! This thirteenth impression’s a pretty damn good one, proving that, yes, even after a few months off, this baby–despite its modesty, this “sacred text”–has still got legs.)
Suicide Squad #23 (Read it! Really, really not good. Ales Kot–scribe of the magnificent mindf___ Change–clearly wasn’t suited for the book. But that’s OK: he’s got a couple of promising books in the Image pipeline; and Matt Kindt, who’s got even more irons in the fire, is the new god of the Squad. Can’t wait to see how that pans out.)
East of West #5 (Read it! Hickman’s hitting the “Wow!” button and making it look easy! Some writers out there should be taking notes.)

East of West #5

Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem #3 (Read it! It was OK; I mean, it certainly is what I was hoping for from the get-go: the golem finally kicks some serious Nazi hintern. But, in the end, I was left a bit flat–kind of like my own hintern–perhaps because the grandfather, who was the source of most of the emotional punch, is replaced by the brutish golem, whose punch is of a more physical sort. Wait a sec. Hmm. Suddenly I ain’t feelin’ so flat anymore. Clever, Mr. Niles. Very clever.)
Batman #23 (Read it! Starts off well enough–very well, in concept, anyway. Execution-wise, it’s a bit clunky. This is supposed to be the moment in Bruce’s life; instead, it feels like a moment–one that’s not nearly the same caliber as Red Hood’s gun. As the story crawls its way toward Bruce’s Batpiphany, Snyder struggles with drawing out the psychological side of the journey. In fact, he would’ve been better off letting Capullo carry it through to the end without the weight of his burdensome words. That would’ve been something.)

Batman #23

Uncanny X-Men #10 (Read it! Gonna be honest: I liked it. Oh, how I’ve longed to say it! I want to say it again: I liked it! I especially enjoyed Frazer Irving’s work this time around; it’s the first time he’s left me feeling like he owns the characters.)

Uncanny X-Men #10

Deathmatch #8 (Read it! Two monster matches! Each fight hits the right notes, reaching the height of harmony between the physical and the psychological. Plenty brutal, sure; but emotionally engaging, as well.)

Deathmatch #8

Lost Vegas #4 (Read it! A satisfying conclusion.)
Ghosted #2 (Read it! Not bad. Feels a lot like Revival. I’ll try another.)
Mind the Gap #12 (Read it! A really good read. Like the issues come before, this one peels back another layer and brings, however briefly, a feeling of satisfaction–of “almost there.” Thing is, it’s all a tease: we’re dealing with a “one step forward, two steps back” narrative; and wouldn’t you know, as frustrating as it is, the experience is all the better for the strategy. Kudos to Mr. McCann–for effing with our minds and making it feel oh so good!)
Harbinger #15 (Read it! Sneaky, sneaky. Dysart sets a trap early on with the title–“Perfect Day”–and a general feeling of frivolousness, and then he springs it with a crazy ending. My only wish: that the final page followed a page turn. That would’ve delivered a bigger punch. And as it turns, Kitson’s art isn’t much of a drag here as it was on Bloodshot. See, folks: I can be fair, after all.)

Harbinger #15

Archer & Armstrong #12 (Read it! As solid as always. Fred Van Lente’s got it down to a science, and Pere Perez’s art is the perfect complement.)
The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys #3 (Read it! An odd experience. Feels scattered and tidy all at the same time. Not sure how much value there is in this story or in the storytelling, but I’m going to ride it out, nevertheless; it’s only a six issue series, for goodness sake.)
Six-Gun Gorilla #3 (Read it! So good. Spurrier adds another dimension as he builds upon Blue’s background as a librarian: in doing so, he joins Saga‘s Vaughan by plowing into the power of fiction. Monkey bar raised yet again!)

Turning pages,

Scott

Images and Nerds

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Tag Archives: Uncanny X-Men

What’s I&N Store (2/19)

What’s I&N Store (1/15)

What’s I&N Store (12/11)

What’s I&N Store (11/20)

What’s I&N Store (10/16)

I&N Scott’s Bag (9/18)

What’s I&N Store (9/18)

I&N Scott’s Bag (8/28)

What’s I&N Store (8/28)

I&N Scott’s Bag (8/14)

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