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.

NEW COMICS NOVEMBER 6th

A little quiter as we start November, but still some great stuff.
Marvel starts off Amazing X-men to replace the cancelled Astonishing. The first storyline involves bringing back the REAL Nightcrawler I think.
The end of the Ultimates Universe continues as Ultimates Last Stand brings the
big guns up against the all new improved Galactus.
A bunch of the DC books celebrate their 25th issues with more story pages for an extra buck as they tell Zero Year stories.

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NOVEMBER 6

ABSOLUTION RUBICON #5
ABSOLUTION RUBICON #5 WRAP CVR
ACTION COMICS #25 (ZERO YEAR)
ALEX + ADA #1
AMAZING X-MEN #1 DEADPOOL  VAR
AMAZING X-MEN #1 MCGUINNESS WRAPAROUND
AMAZING X-MEN #1 YOUNG VAR
ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #245
BALTIMORE INFERNAL TRAIN #3 (OF 3)
BATMAN BLACK & WHITE #3 (OF 6)
BATMAN SUPERMAN #5
BATMAN SUPERMAN #5 VAR ED
BATWING #25 (ZERO YEAR)
BETTY & VERONICA  DIGEST #217
CAPTAIN AMERICA #13
CAPTAIN MARVEL #17
CATACLYSM ULTIMATES LAST STAND #1 (OF 5)
CATALYST COMIX #5 (OF 9)
CYBER FORCE #7
DAREDEVIL DARK NIGHTS #6 (OF 8)
DARK SHADOWS #22
DC COMICS ESSENTIALS JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 (N52)
DETECTIVE COMICS #25 (ZERO YEAR)
DETECTIVE COMICS #25 VAR ED (ZERO YEAR)
DOCTOR WHO PRISONERS OF TIME #10 (OF 12)
EARTH 2 #17
EAST OF WEST #7
EMERALD CITY OF OZ #4 (OF 5)
FANTOMEX MAX #2 (OF 4)
FATALE #18
FOREVER EVIL #3 (OF 7)
FOREVER EVIL #3 (OF 7) VILLAIN CVR A
FOREVER EVIL #3 (OF 7) VILLAIN CVR B
FOREVER EVIL #3 (OF 7) VILLAIN CVR C
GHOSTBUSTERS #9
GHOSTED #5
GI JOE COBRA FILES #8
GOD IS DEAD #3 (OF 6)
GOD IS DEAD #3 (OF 6) END OF DAYS CVR
GOD IS DEAD #3 (OF 6) ICONIC CVR
GOD IS DEAD #3 (OF 6) PANTHEON  INCV CVR
GREEN ARROW #25 (ZERO YEAR)
GREEN ARROW #25 VAR ED (ZERO YEAR)
GREEN LANTERN #25
GREEN LANTERN #25 VAR ED
GRINDHOUSE DOORS OPEN AT MIDNIGHT #2
HEAVY METAL #265
HINTERKIND #2
HIT #3 (OF 4)
IRON MAN #18
LEGENDS OF RED SONJA #1 (OF 5)
LEGENDS OF RED SONJA #1 (OF 5) THORNE
LONGSHOT SAVES MARVEL UNIVERSE #1 (OF 4)
LONGSHOT SAVES MARVEL #1 (OF 4) DEADPOOL
MAD MAGAZINE #524
MARVEL KNIGHTS SPIDER-MAN #2 (OF 5)
MARVEL  HULK AGENTS OF SMASH #2 (OF 4)
MARVELS FIRST AVENGER ADAPTATION #1 (OF 2)
MICHAEL AVON OEMINGS VICTORIES #6
MIGHTY AVENGERS #3 INF
MORNING GLORIES #34
MOVEMENT #6
OCCULTIST #2 (OF 5)
PAINKILLER JANE PRICE OF FREEDOM #1 (OF 4)
PROTECTORS INC #1 CVR A PURCELL & ATIYEH
PROTECTORS INC #1 CVR B PORTACIO & ATIYEH
QUANTUM & WOODY #5 VAR.
QUANTUM & WOODY #5 REG
REGULAR SHOW #5
REGULAR SHOW SKIPS #1 (OF 6)
SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #39
SHADOW NOW #2 (OF 6)
SHADOW NOW #2 (OF 6) WORLEY VAR
SHADOWMAN #12  KOTAKI VAR
SHADOWMAN #12 REG JOHNSON
SPAWN #237
STAR WARS #3 (OF 8) LUCAS DRAFT
STORMWATCH #25
SUICIDE RISK #7
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #4
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #4  VAR ED BRONZE AGE
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #4  VAR ED MODERN AGE
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #4  VAR ED REBORN
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #4  VAR ED SILVER AGE
SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #4  VAR ED VILLAIN
SWAMP THING #25
TEN GRAND #5
THE LONE RANGER #19
TRILLIUM #4 (OF 8)
TRINITY OF SIN THE PHANTOM STRANGER #13
UBER #7
UBER #7 PROPAGANDA CVR
UBER #7 WRAP CVR
WALKING DEAD #115 2ND PTG
X-MEN LEGACY #19

PBKS & HRDCVRS

ALL-STAR WESTERN TP VOL 03
ASTERIX WHERES DOGMATIX SC
BATMAN NIGHT OF THE OWLS TP (N52)
BLACKACRE TP VOL 02
DC SUPER HEROES BATMAN YR TP ARCTIC ATTACK
DC SUPER HEROES BATMAN YR TP BAT MITES
DC SUPER HEROES BATMAN YR TP HARLEY QUINNS
DOCTOR WHO 3 TP VOL 03 SKY JACKS
HAWKEYE HC VOL 01
INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE TP VOL 01
JUDAS COIN TP
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA HC VOL 01
MANHATTAN PROJECTS TP VOL 03
MARK WAID GREEN HORNET TP VOL 01
MISS FURY TP VOL 01 ANGER IS AN ENERGY
OZ ROAD TO OZ GN TP
QUANTUM & WOODY TP VOL 01
SANDMAN OMNIBUS HC VOL 02
SHIELD ORIGINS TP
STEAM ENGINES OF OZ TP VOL 01
THANOS TP REDEMPTION

MANGA
ALICE I/T COUNTRY HEARTS MAD HATTERS  PARTY GN
DANCE IN VAMPIRE BUND OMNIBUS VOL 04
FAIRY TAIL GN VOL 31
NARUTO TP VOL 63
POKEMON ADV BLACK & WHITE GN VOL 02
POKEMON  HEARTGOLD & SOULSILVER GN VOL 02
POKEMON ADVENTURES TP VOL 19
SAILOR MOON TP  BOX SET #2 VOL 7-12
TEGAMI BACHI GN VOL 15
VAMPIRE KNIGHT TP VOL 17

TOYS & FIGURES
BATMAN ARKHAM ORIGINS SER 1 BANE AF
BATMAN ARKHAM ORIGINS SER 1 BATMAN AF
BATMAN ARKHAM ORIGINS SER 1 BLACK MASK AF
BATMAN ARKHAM ORIGINS SER 1 JOKER AF
DOCTOR WHO 8IN ADIPOSE TALKING PLUSH
WALKING DEAD LUNCHBOX VER 2

Neil Gaiman's The Sandman: Overture - familiar and fresh

The Sandman returns 20 years after I was first introduced to this fantasy-horror series with Neil Gaiman at the helm again in a new mini-series titled OVERTURE, to help mark the 25th anniversary of the book.

If you’ve been around comics for a while, you recognize the critically-acclaimed, award-winning and commercially successful series and its creators (Gaiman, Sam Keith, Mike Dringenberg) as iconic for the era of storytelling they helped to usher in with this book.

But even if you’ve never read a single issue or were only a casual reader of it back in the ‘90s, I recommend this new mini-series if your taste in comics dips into the realm of speculative fiction or dark fantasy.

A lot has already been written about this highly anticipated book and a lot more will be added once people have a chance to read this gorgeous first issue, which arrives in stores today. So I will only say this story tells the tale leading into very the first issue of the original series which debuted in 1989, an early wave of the invasion of British creators crashing upon the shores helping to launch the Vertigo brand with its suite of mind-bending books to warp impressionable minds.

I followed this book for nearly two years as it was drawing to a close. Season of Mists was my initial foray into this world. It’s been so long since I’ve read anything to do with these characters, and because I'm not a disciple of the cult of The Sandman or Gaiman, it almost feels like I'm approaching this as a first-timer. For instance, I don’t know if the interesting reveal at the end of this issue is new or known to long-time fans.

Gaiman’s writing is lyrical, especially in the opening pages, and is accompanied with interior art by the masterful J.H. WiIliams III. The story is well-crafted on many levels, approachable to everyone from newcomers to long-time readers. It does not appear to pre-suppose you know anything about the cast or the story from its 75-issue run in order to enjoy, so you can come to the book cold. However, if you have even only a passing knowledge of the characters, it will feel warm and familiar.

At $5, it’s priced on the high end. But when you consider how many $3 of $4 books you probably rip through in a couple of minutes, this “extra-sized” first issue is worth your entertainment dollar. Regular price will be $4.00 for issue 2 and on.

Is Damian alive or am I Dreaming?

Sandman Overture #1

Whether or not you're a fan of the original books, Sandman Overture #1 is enjoyable if you like very unique storytelling. Just like the original books, the pages in this first issue of Overture seem surreal and intricate in presentation, both in storytelling and artwork.

The first issue of Sandman Overture opens with a brief history of far away planet. On this planet exist carnivorous, mildly sentient plants. While dreaming, one of these plants encounters a tall, twisted, familiar black and white plant. This black and white plant expresses an uneasiness in the dreams of this planet, right before erupting into flames. Certainly an interesting look at what is to come.

Some familiar faces show up including Destiny, Death, Merv and Lucien, and the Corinthian, though first time readers don't necessarily need to understand who these characters are to be able to follow the story. Gaiman does a good job at not overcomplicating who these characters are and what their relationships might be.

It should be interesting to finally uncover just where Dream was before his capture, as well as why he was weak enough to be captured in the first place. Ideally, this six issue bi-monthly story ends where the original Sandman books started. Complimenting Gaiman's writing is the art by JH Williams III and Dave Stewart, which is pretty astounding. This is one of the nicest looking titles, and probably one of the more visually diverse, that's been on shelves this month. Maybe even all year. The four page spread at the end is incredible as well.

All in all, it looks like fans old and new have something great to look forward to with his new installment of Sandman.

Damian Son Of Batman #1

Finally, a look at an older Damian Wayne filling his father's boots. Damian Son of Batman takes place in the future (and likely not in continuity) where Batman has been taken out of the picture presumably by the Joker. With his father's death weighing on his shoulders, Damian must take of the mantle of Batman and clean up Gotham his own way.

Of course, Batman and Damian always had rather contrasting brands of justice to deal, which raises questions of morality and legacy. Will Damian do things his own way? Or will he finally adopt his fathers' more lenient practices? Only one issue in, and Son of Batman looks like it's going to be a fun character piece on Damian.

Andy Kubert is on story and art for this book. A master of the craft, Kubert does a great job with both tasks. Son of Batman is as much fun to read as it is to look at. The pace of this book is quite quick as well. Kubert also sneaks in a quick look at Damian's origin story as well, allowing new readers unfamiliar with the character to understand why Batman has a son, and just where he came from.

We get to see a few familiar faces in Gotham's rogues gallery, as well as Damian's parents and the League of Assassins. Ra's Al Ghul gives Damian some advice warrior to warrior, making for a fun little moment, of which this book is full of. Damian Son of Batman is definitely recommended for fans of the Bat-Books, and for those who want a fun new Damian story to enjoy.

NEW COMICS OCTOBER 30th

Its a BIG week at DC this time around.
5th Wednesday of a month means Annuals, and we get a good batch this time. A few like Action, Swamp Thing and Titans lead off or tie directly into the regular storyline in the ongoing comic. The Green Lantern one actually wraps up the current Lights Out battle against Relic.
A few other companies are getting into the 5th week Annuals set up as well, as we get an Adventure Time Halloween Special labeled as an annual, and My Little Pony Annual, that features the human versions of the ponies as seen in the recent movie.
Forever Evil spin-offs continue as Steve Trevors team, Argus, gets 6 issues to battle the villains without the aid of their top heroes.
Damian may be dead...but he lives on in Damian Son of Batman. A 4 issue series where hes all grown up and ready to take his fathers place. Not sure if its being called an Elseworlds or not.. could be this story may still fit continuity at some point.
Superior Spider-Man Team-up Special, ties up the 3 part story from All New X-Men and Hulk. The Ultimate Universe faces the end...again..as Galactus runs amok. It all starts in Cataclysm #0.1. I'm not even sure how much of this stuff will be totally overlooked when you consider
Sandman Overture #1 will be on the shelves with them. The FIRST NEW Sandman story in over a decade, looks to be the biggest seller of the year. My advance pre-orders are already dwarfing anything I've seen in years. And with good reason, advance looks have been popping up on the internets and it looks amazing. Don't wait for the trade on this one, buy it as it comes out every 2 months.

IMAGE IS ALL ABOUT THE LADIES

2 new books from Image this week, both featuring female leads

PRETTY DEADLY #1

Pretty Deadly  is Kelly Sue Deconnick's new Image title, and a good start to a promising series.

Legends passed down tell of Death's daughter - the result of Death's love with a beautiful human woman. Songs and poems are told to entertain, but it turns out that they're not just stories. Death has a daughter named Ginny, and she's just as deadly as her old man.

Pretty Deadly follows a band of horse riding misfits as they travel town-to-town and saloon-to-saloon, telling the story of Death's daughter and collecting tips from their performance. After working a performance, one of the group members is handed a mysterious feather by a peculiar man, which turns out to be trouble for the gang later on. This feather is important, and it appears Death's daughter needs it for herself. The band ends up on the run from Death's daughter, and must do whatever they can to keep their distance.

Pretty Deadly #1 is a little ambiguous, which is great if you like long payoffs and intriguing mysteries one after the other. Not a lot of information on the main characters is provided in issue one, but the characters themselves clearly have stories of their own, as well as rich histories for the reader to unravel. Fox is an old bearded blind man who can shoot his targets with deadly ease and accuracy. Sissy is a sharp, smooth-talking youngster who's eyes are different colours. There's a lot to explore.

The story is set in the Wild West, with what seems to be a touch of magic or spirituality involved. Certainly the setting makes for some interesting storytelling, but the mythology that Deconnick has wrapped this world in seems rich in itself. How the story is unfolding is still a little unclear at this point, but for a first issue, there's certainly enough information to enjoy the book, and more than enough to look forward to the next installment.

Pretty Deadly is recommended for the older crowd as well, due to some adult themes that pop up. All in all, a great addition to the Image line.


VELVET #1

Velvet is the newest addition to Brubaker's crime fiction books. Whether you're a fan of his existing material or not, you'll enjoy Velvet if you like crime fiction books.

Arc-7 is a secret government organization that trains an elite group of special ops spies known as X-Ops. When agent code name X-14  is found murdered on the street, questions are raised and accusations are thrown around, resulting in distrust between agents. One of the X-Op agents named Velvet is affected on a more personal level, due to her past relationship with X-14. This leads to an investigation of her own. That's when things go from bad to worse.

Brubaker is the leading creator of crime fiction comics, and Velvet is no exception of his skill with the genre. The characters and locations are mysterious and secretive. The book is paced quickly with more than a few pages of action, though there is a lot of breathing room to present questions and answers to fuel this murder mystery. Another strong female lead is always a welcome addition, and it looks as though Brubaker is on his way to achieving that with this first issue.

The art by Steve Epting is solid as usual, and compliments the writing perfectly. Lots of heavy shadow and graphic blacks enhance the story, something most pulp crime mysteries strongly benefit from. It's clear just how well Brubaker and Epting understand this genre, and Velvet is a great example of just how well this creative team works.

Velvet #1 is highly recommended if you are a fan of the genre, or if you'd like to try it out.

NEW COMICS OCTOBER 23rd

2 more chapters in the Forever Evil ship as we find out whats become of the Justice League and Justice League Dark. Sounds like Constantine and friends will have their hands full with the Blight.
Marvel Now What? is a humour anthology like the old What The comics from years ago. Should be  a fun read.
Image starts off a couple more female lead titles as Pretty Deadly and Velvet launch. The first is Kelly Sue Deconnicks ( Capt. Marvel)supernatural western, the 2nd is a spy thriller from Ed Brubaker.
Beware the Batman is based on the current cartoon series.
Hellboy Midnight Circus is a NEW  original story by Mignola about Little Hellboy running away to join the circus.
Vertigo Essentials Sandman is a $1.00 reprint of the classic first issue, timed to lead into the new series Sandman Overture arriving next week.

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