Amazing Spider-Man #700.1 starts off a 4-issue weekly look back at Peter Parker as Spider-Man.
Avengers Annual delivers a Christmas story by Kathryn Immonen.
The Hulk Annual is by regular writer Mark Waid and guest-stars Iron Man.
Marvel spins off the event Infinity with the launch of Inhumanity. I'm still confused myself on whether this is the start of a series or a one-shot and how it works with the Inhumans #1 that has been cancelled and is due to be relisted some time next year.
Garth Ennis gives us something a little different with Rover,Red,Charlie. A post-apocalyptic comic from the viewpoint of 3 dogs living through the end days.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
NEW COMICS NOVEMBER 27th
Looks like a really big week, I guess the publishers are trying to load the shelves up for the American Thanksgiving. Not much new or special to really note though.
Letter 44 #1...I didn't get my copies the first time this shipped for some reason, but it looks like a great book. Its only a buck, so pick it up and try it out, the 2nd issue will be on the shelves with it for the regular $3.99 price.
Maxx Maxximized is just new printings of the classic Sam Kieth stuff, but it will be fun to see it all again.
Sandman Overture Special is the first issue with some added material( sketches and interview type stuff) plus the word balloons will be dropped out so as to show off the art.
Marvels Infinity event comes to a close with a big last issue with a $6.00 price tag.
Letter 44 #1...I didn't get my copies the first time this shipped for some reason, but it looks like a great book. Its only a buck, so pick it up and try it out, the 2nd issue will be on the shelves with it for the regular $3.99 price.
Maxx Maxximized is just new printings of the classic Sam Kieth stuff, but it will be fun to see it all again.
Sandman Overture Special is the first issue with some added material( sketches and interview type stuff) plus the word balloons will be dropped out so as to show off the art.
Marvels Infinity event comes to a close with a big last issue with a $6.00 price tag.
Harley Quinn #0
Harley Quinn #0
Harley's new ongoing title kicks off with a zero issue in which every page is provided by a different artist. Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner are the writers for this one and, along with the artists, they've put together a fun, experimental "jam session" of a comic. Everyone involved gets to have a little fun with it, and that translates to a neat, unique read.
There's no real story in this issue, though the last page sets you up nicely for the upcoming #1. Harley Quinn #0 starts off when Harley decides she wants to play the starring role in her own ongoing series, and essentially decides to try out different artists; each of whom provides a page for this zero issue. Conner and Palmiotti keep the script fun and lighthearted, while taking a few cracks at the talent as well as the business. Jim Lee's page is basically a reprint from a previous Batman comic. Simonson's lack of backgrounds is brought to light. Tradd Moore's ability to finely illustrate motion is mentioned. There's a lot of humor for fans of comics, and fans of the industry.
This issue is pretty much the definition of breaking the fourth wall. It's also absolutely suited to a character like Harley Quinn. It looks like future issues are going to be more of a comedic serial title with less fourth wall-breaking, allowing with writers to craft some good ongoing Harley stories without involving the reader. For a zero issue, however, this is an extremely fun idea and it's well executed. I wouldn't mind seeing 'gimmick' issues like this hit shelves once in a while, or at least artist jam session issues. You never know when you'll discover a new artist you enjoy. Issues like Harley Quinn #0 can not only be interesting and helpful for readers discovering new talent, but most importantly, issues like these are just plain fun to read.
Harley's new ongoing title kicks off with a zero issue in which every page is provided by a different artist. Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner are the writers for this one and, along with the artists, they've put together a fun, experimental "jam session" of a comic. Everyone involved gets to have a little fun with it, and that translates to a neat, unique read.
There's no real story in this issue, though the last page sets you up nicely for the upcoming #1. Harley Quinn #0 starts off when Harley decides she wants to play the starring role in her own ongoing series, and essentially decides to try out different artists; each of whom provides a page for this zero issue. Conner and Palmiotti keep the script fun and lighthearted, while taking a few cracks at the talent as well as the business. Jim Lee's page is basically a reprint from a previous Batman comic. Simonson's lack of backgrounds is brought to light. Tradd Moore's ability to finely illustrate motion is mentioned. There's a lot of humor for fans of comics, and fans of the industry.
This issue is pretty much the definition of breaking the fourth wall. It's also absolutely suited to a character like Harley Quinn. It looks like future issues are going to be more of a comedic serial title with less fourth wall-breaking, allowing with writers to craft some good ongoing Harley stories without involving the reader. For a zero issue, however, this is an extremely fun idea and it's well executed. I wouldn't mind seeing 'gimmick' issues like this hit shelves once in a while, or at least artist jam session issues. You never know when you'll discover a new artist you enjoy. Issues like Harley Quinn #0 can not only be interesting and helpful for readers discovering new talent, but most importantly, issues like these are just plain fun to read.
Friday, November 15, 2013
New Comics Wednesday November 20th
Dc starts off a new regular title for its latest version of Harley Quinn. They had a little controversy with the whole suicide story submission idea, but I don't think that will hurt sales much.
Scooby-Doo gets a 2nd title, featuring at team-up with Batman.
Marvel conntinues to confuse things by renaming all their Ultimates comics as Cataclysm Ultimates.
Fairest in all the Land, is an all new original hardcover of stories from the Fablesverse by Bill Willingham and various artists, including Phil Noto and Adam Hughes.
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Scooby-Doo gets a 2nd title, featuring at team-up with Batman.
Marvel conntinues to confuse things by renaming all their Ultimates comics as Cataclysm Ultimates.
Fairest in all the Land, is an all new original hardcover of stories from the Fablesverse by Bill Willingham and various artists, including Phil Noto and Adam Hughes.
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Wednesday, November 13, 2013
REVIEWS FOR THE WEEK
Unity #1
Valiant is a comic universe much smaller than the big two, but based on Unity alone, it's clearly quite vast and fairly expansive. Unity is their new team book that encompasses the characters from a few of Valiants' ongoing titles. Or most of them, anyways. Going into Unity having not read the recent Valiant titles, this new #1 has sparked my interest in the universe and in the characters. It seems to be a great jumping-on-point for the Valiant ongoings.
The main story (or most of what you'll need to know going into Unity) is summed up on the inside of the cover. A nice little timeline will support you though the title and help you understand why the characters are at war. It's a little reminiscent of Irredeemable, actually. An unstoppable, violent superpowered (or super suit-powered) man is waging war on Romania to avenge his people, and no one on earth can match his strength, speed, and abilities. Even the most well-timed, properly executed plans are ineffective. How can the world stop the fighting and prevent a possible World War 3?
At the forefront of Unity is Manowar. His story is explained early in the book and, for this reason, readers new to Valiant titles don't have to have read the previous titles to enjoy Unity #1. While the supporting characters aren't given backstories or explanations, Matt Kindt does a great job helping the reader understand what roles these characters play. As usual, Kindt's writing is spot on. Doug Braithwate illustrates the book quite well, though there doesn't seem to be any other credits inside the pages of Unity #1. No lettering, colouring, or editing credits anywhere. Adding value to the book is the short backup story, which leads into XO Manowar #19 next week.
The Valiant team has mentioned that more characters will be added to this new ongoing as time rolls on, as it's a team book at its core. Should be interesting to see how this changes the Valiant universe, and how it affects all of the current titles. New readers should consider Unity #1 this week if the Valiant universe seems appealing.
Marvel Knights: X-Men #1
Next up in the relaunched Marvel Knights lineup is X-Men. Marvel Knights X-Men seems to take place in the current Marvel Universe and in the current X-Men timeline. The story focuses on Wolverine's team, including Kitty, Rogue and Beast. Taking the reins on story and art is Brahm Revel (Guerrillas) and Chris Peter on colours. MK: X-Men #1 reads a lot like a horror story, which is a fun change for an X-Men title.
After Rachel Grey is plagued by the haunting vision of a young mutant being hunted in a forest, the X-Men discover a small town with a history of missing children. Investigating the mutant's disappearance leads only to new questions, and eventually to an old cabin smack in the middle of a foggy swamp. Things heat up from there. A small backwoods town and a dark winding forest provide an excellent setting to tell a creepy mystery story, and it's actually pretty fun with the X-Men doing the investigating. It feels like an older comic, and it's certainly not plagued by continuity or an abundance of characters.
The Marvel Knights lineup has been showcasing some great talent with MK: Spider-Man written by Matt Kindt and illustrated by Marco Rudy. This month we have X-Men, and next month will be Hulk's turn to get the Marvel Knights treatment. Each series is a five issue arc, and based on the Spider-Man and X-Men titles, these books should give a neat new look at these characters, telling some weird, experimental stories in odd new ways. The art by Rudy on MK Spider-Man shows just how much fun these books can be.
Marvel Knights X-Men is definitely recommended if you're a fan of X-Books and horror stories, or if you want to expand your comic tastes with new up-and-coming talent.
Valiant is a comic universe much smaller than the big two, but based on Unity alone, it's clearly quite vast and fairly expansive. Unity is their new team book that encompasses the characters from a few of Valiants' ongoing titles. Or most of them, anyways. Going into Unity having not read the recent Valiant titles, this new #1 has sparked my interest in the universe and in the characters. It seems to be a great jumping-on-point for the Valiant ongoings.
The main story (or most of what you'll need to know going into Unity) is summed up on the inside of the cover. A nice little timeline will support you though the title and help you understand why the characters are at war. It's a little reminiscent of Irredeemable, actually. An unstoppable, violent superpowered (or super suit-powered) man is waging war on Romania to avenge his people, and no one on earth can match his strength, speed, and abilities. Even the most well-timed, properly executed plans are ineffective. How can the world stop the fighting and prevent a possible World War 3?
At the forefront of Unity is Manowar. His story is explained early in the book and, for this reason, readers new to Valiant titles don't have to have read the previous titles to enjoy Unity #1. While the supporting characters aren't given backstories or explanations, Matt Kindt does a great job helping the reader understand what roles these characters play. As usual, Kindt's writing is spot on. Doug Braithwate illustrates the book quite well, though there doesn't seem to be any other credits inside the pages of Unity #1. No lettering, colouring, or editing credits anywhere. Adding value to the book is the short backup story, which leads into XO Manowar #19 next week.
The Valiant team has mentioned that more characters will be added to this new ongoing as time rolls on, as it's a team book at its core. Should be interesting to see how this changes the Valiant universe, and how it affects all of the current titles. New readers should consider Unity #1 this week if the Valiant universe seems appealing.
Marvel Knights: X-Men #1
Next up in the relaunched Marvel Knights lineup is X-Men. Marvel Knights X-Men seems to take place in the current Marvel Universe and in the current X-Men timeline. The story focuses on Wolverine's team, including Kitty, Rogue and Beast. Taking the reins on story and art is Brahm Revel (Guerrillas) and Chris Peter on colours. MK: X-Men #1 reads a lot like a horror story, which is a fun change for an X-Men title.
After Rachel Grey is plagued by the haunting vision of a young mutant being hunted in a forest, the X-Men discover a small town with a history of missing children. Investigating the mutant's disappearance leads only to new questions, and eventually to an old cabin smack in the middle of a foggy swamp. Things heat up from there. A small backwoods town and a dark winding forest provide an excellent setting to tell a creepy mystery story, and it's actually pretty fun with the X-Men doing the investigating. It feels like an older comic, and it's certainly not plagued by continuity or an abundance of characters.
The Marvel Knights lineup has been showcasing some great talent with MK: Spider-Man written by Matt Kindt and illustrated by Marco Rudy. This month we have X-Men, and next month will be Hulk's turn to get the Marvel Knights treatment. Each series is a five issue arc, and based on the Spider-Man and X-Men titles, these books should give a neat new look at these characters, telling some weird, experimental stories in odd new ways. The art by Rudy on MK Spider-Man shows just how much fun these books can be.
Marvel Knights X-Men is definitely recommended if you're a fan of X-Books and horror stories, or if you want to expand your comic tastes with new up-and-coming talent.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
NEW COMICS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 13th
The Ultimate Cataclysm continues as Ultimate Spider-Man faces the end of his universe.
Marvel Knights X-men gives us a more indy look at the team as they track down a killer in a backwoods town.
The Valiant characters team up in Unity. With Matt Kindt writing we should get a good story here.
Batman continues Zero Year as the Riddler blacks out Gotham City.
Green Lantern Corps gives us a Zero Year story too, but probably has nothing to do with the riddler.
X-Men Gold is a one-shot 50th anniversary special with a new story by Claremont and a bunch of pin-ups and stuff by X-men artists through the years.
The Injustice League Annual sees Superman hiring Lobo to hunt down the now Super-powered Harley Quinn.
Marvel Knights X-men gives us a more indy look at the team as they track down a killer in a backwoods town.
The Valiant characters team up in Unity. With Matt Kindt writing we should get a good story here.
Batman continues Zero Year as the Riddler blacks out Gotham City.
Green Lantern Corps gives us a Zero Year story too, but probably has nothing to do with the riddler.
X-Men Gold is a one-shot 50th anniversary special with a new story by Claremont and a bunch of pin-ups and stuff by X-men artists through the years.
The Injustice League Annual sees Superman hiring Lobo to hunt down the now Super-powered Harley Quinn.
X marks the spot
Amazing X-Men #1 is the latest addition to the X-books. Written by Jason Aaron and drawn by Ed McGuinness, it marks the return of fan-favorite character Nightcrawler.
Amazing X-Men immediately feels like it's been in the X-Men family for a while. The book seems to revolve around Wolverine's school, using the same characters and setting established in Aaron's other book Wolverine and the X-Men. It feels like they could be sibling books. This first issue is divided into two. The first half reveals a bit of information about where Nightcrawler has been, and just what he's been up to. The second half takes place in the school, with the staff investigating an odd machine located deep within the school's walls. The two halves tie in together nicely.
Amazing X-Men #1 throws some other fun characters into the mix. Firestar is now a teacher at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, and Azazel is back looking to cause some trouble. This five-part story looks like it's going to be taking place with half the X-Men cast out to hell, with the other half sent to heaven in a search to revive their long dead teammate.
New readers can jump into this new #1 pretty easily. The first page gives a little bit of backstory about Nightcrawler, though nothing too detailed. Just enough information for new readers to get up to speed. For those who have followed Nightcrawler's tale up to his death, this is a pretty satisfactory, refreshing look at the character. There are some action packed scenes right from the start, but you also get to see calm-minded, peaceful, serene Nightcrawler as well. A lot of fans have been waiting for his return for quite a while, and some of the X-books have been foreshadowing it in the later issues. This new #1 has not disappointed. Recommended for fans of the X-Men or new readers looking for an action packed, comical approach to the team.
Amazing X-Men immediately feels like it's been in the X-Men family for a while. The book seems to revolve around Wolverine's school, using the same characters and setting established in Aaron's other book Wolverine and the X-Men. It feels like they could be sibling books. This first issue is divided into two. The first half reveals a bit of information about where Nightcrawler has been, and just what he's been up to. The second half takes place in the school, with the staff investigating an odd machine located deep within the school's walls. The two halves tie in together nicely.
Amazing X-Men #1 throws some other fun characters into the mix. Firestar is now a teacher at the Jean Grey School for Higher Learning, and Azazel is back looking to cause some trouble. This five-part story looks like it's going to be taking place with half the X-Men cast out to hell, with the other half sent to heaven in a search to revive their long dead teammate.
New readers can jump into this new #1 pretty easily. The first page gives a little bit of backstory about Nightcrawler, though nothing too detailed. Just enough information for new readers to get up to speed. For those who have followed Nightcrawler's tale up to his death, this is a pretty satisfactory, refreshing look at the character. There are some action packed scenes right from the start, but you also get to see calm-minded, peaceful, serene Nightcrawler as well. A lot of fans have been waiting for his return for quite a while, and some of the X-books have been foreshadowing it in the later issues. This new #1 has not disappointed. Recommended for fans of the X-Men or new readers looking for an action packed, comical approach to the team.
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