This week snuck up and slapped me on the back of the head. Originally I looked at my virtual pull list and saw 2 books. What a bummer. And I was thinking, Well the podcast will be a quick one this week, and I also thought about doing a column about digging through the quarter bins. Luckily Marvel Comics unleashed a flurry of #1 issues, and between them and a few surprises, by pull list exploded. These may be a bit short, but I wanted to cover everyone.
One Month To Live #1 (OF 5)WRITER: Stuart Moore, John Ostrander, RICK REMENDER & Rob Williams
PENCILS: Mike Del Mundo, Andrea Mutti & Koi Turnbull
INKS: ANDREA MUTTI
COLORED BY: ANDREA MUTTI
This book looked semi-interesting, and I must admit that I only picked it up for a few reasons that weren’t too compelling. But I enjoyed the crap out of it, and I think the average reader will too. We are introduced to Dennis Sykes who is your average joe working for a greedy-evil bank that won’t lend to a kids orphanage because the fat cats want their bonuses. After he delivers the bad news, he tries to help someone out of a robbery and gets beaten and poisoned with toixic waste (only in the Marvel U) but is rescued by The Thing (again only in Marvel’s NY). After Dr. Richards revives him, he give him the bad news that he has serious cancerous growths, and only a month to live.
Invigorated by the short deadline of his life, Dennis discovers he has weird matter-altering powers and decides to steal the money owed to the orphanage, but is caught by his family who think poorly of him for being Robin Hood. Since he feels guilty, he breaks back in to return the money, only to be captured by Spider-man, who eventually lets him go. Instead he uses his powers to give the orphans what they wanted (which is a rock garden) putting him on the radar of a bad guy who runs the neighborhood.
Now after that synopsis, I’m sure you can’t find many appealing mind-altering ideas that make your rush out to buy it. The real magic behind it isn’t the “It’s Clobbering Time!” or the witty commentary by Spider-Man, but it’s the interpersonal emotional dialogue between Dennis and his wife, and the awkward dialogues with his adopted daughter. The story is actually wracked with tragedy, but as a comic book reader, you get sucked into this world hoping for him, and hoping for a happy ending.
What also gives the book more impact that it should is the artwork by Mike del Mundo. The artwork is bright, dark, gritty and clean when it needs to be to illustrate the moods of the book. The darker panels give the proper somber tones and even a stressful tension that the teenage girl brings to her scenes. This book may be finite, and given its more grounded approach, we have a sense of reality that isn’t present in Avengers. Sure Spidey and Thing show up, but they are the same as seeing a bright green camaro, or a woman with a short skirt. They give you a sense of rare instance, but don’t dominate the overall mood.
It may be because I enjoy Vertigo books, but I really took a liking to this more grounded Marvel book, and the human problems that are in it. I like to escape to a world filled with super powers as much as the next guy, but as a comics reader, I enjoy books like this because they demonstrate what the medium is capable of. Not once did I turn the page and roll my eyes when Dennis manifested powers. I didn’t sigh heavily when the Thing yelled “Clobbering Time!!!”. I was able to set the fan boy down, and embrace the story for the emotions that Rick Remender wanted me to feel, and that my friends is a rare thing.
Avengers Children’s Crusade #2 (OF 9)WRITER: ALLAN HEINBERG
PENCILS: JIM CHEUNG
INKS: MARK MORALES
COLORED BY: JAYPO LLC
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: JIM CHEUNG
Jimmy Cheung is a great guy, and I have had the pleasure of hanging out with him since he is here in the boondocks of Florida. When you see his work, you automatically are drawn to the great character drawings, the framed action sequences, and the panel layouts. It’s always great work. And then when you meet the guy, you just become a rabid fan. He’s one of the nicest dudes, and a genuinely good guy. So of course I’ll pick up this book. I don’t even need Heinberg on it.
This book is a fantastic return of the too short lived Young Avengers title, and I am one of those fan boys that winces at the idea that anyone different from Hienberg and Cheung handling the book. Luckily we get a breath of fresh air, and this dynamic and young group can once again have adventures in an old-fashioned Marvel way.
I can blab on and on about Jimmy all day, but let me swing the spotlight on Heinberg. I was frustrated as hell when he left Wonder Woman since he was doing and awesome job of rebuilding her after Infinite Crisis. Heinberg seems to get comics. He’s fantastic at TV writing, but I love his comics work. He actually reminds me of Jeff Loeb the way he stays within the standard tropes of comic books, but where Loeb loses me, Heinberg excels. Heinberg doesn’t insert everyone’s favorite one-liners for the sake of defining the book and giving people “What they want”. He merely writes a good story, stays true to the characters, and gives us some fun twists and turns along the way.
I’ll admit that the first issue gave me whiplash as they went back and forth to Avengers Tower, but this issue was fluid, and had a confluent idea behind it to keep driving the Young Avengers on their quest. The idea of the kids pairing up with Magneto was delicious, and the torn loyalties and tension was fantastic. All of which eventually leading to a fantastic teaser for next issue which I am anxious to read. Damn it Jimmy! Hurry up!!!
Brightest Day #9Written by GEOFF JOHNS & PETER J. TOMASI
Art by IVAN REIS, PATRICK GLEASON, ARDIAN SYAF, SCOTT CLARK & JOE PRADO
Covers by DAVID FINCH
Variant covers by IVAN REIS
Another solid hit. I was worried to death that we would have a run of Haws stuff, but luckily, it was J’honn and Aquaman. Although the book seemed brief compared to Superman:Last family #2, and 1 Month to Live, it was still filled with good stuff. J’honn is torn and decimating Ollie’s magic forest, as Ollie has to stop the out of control Martian Manhunter, we learn the new Aqualad is the son of none other than Black Manta. That will make for some great stories in the future. In the hands of Geoff Johns Aquaman goes from confusing-crap-character to cool water-avenger.
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero #158Writer: Larry Hama
Artist: Agustin Padilla, Rod Whigham
The Joes turn up the heat, and rally at COBRA’s secret Silent Castle. Scarlett and Snake Eyes, infiltrate the castle while Duke and boys rouse bloody hell outside. The issue is filled with great action sequences that leap out of an 8-year old imagination (not a bad thing), and story really does a fine job of giving everyone their minutes of glory. My only gripes were that a few twists in logic drew me out of the story. Even though the story was a bit muddled near the end, and telegraphed everything happening in simple terms, I still enjoyed the book as an enjoyable military toy book. I’m looking forward to seeing the Joes kick the crap out of COBRA this time, and especially anxious to see Cobra Commander’s new battle armor.
Superman The Last Family Of Krypton #2 (OF 3)Written by CARY BATES
Art by RENATO ARLEM
Cover by FELIPE MASSAFERA
I had no idea how much I missed the “Elseworlds” books until this book showed up. And it’s hard to “break in the room”, especially with this crowd or over-analyzing fan boys. Cary Bates continues to write a logically different Superman book, and Renato Arlem illustrates it with balanced and beautifully rendered imagery.
The saga of the Els continues as Clark tries to find his place on Earth. His super-powered twin siblings learn that they are half-mortal due to their earth-birth (sounds like a disgusting beer), and Lex continues to outshine Clark. Only in this book we get a look at the growing cult called “Doomsday” that wants this fantastic super-family off Earth.
Much of the book’s imagery and famous lines can still be found in Mario Puzo’s screenplay of Superman:The Movie, but it wasn’t too awkwardly jammed into the book. I still enjoyed the twist of the half-super twins, the way Lex is playing both sides (naturally) and I especially liked the artwork. These double issues are great, and I’m happy I grabbed this is in issues instead of trade.
Thor For Asgard #1 (OF 6)WRITER: ROB RODI
PENCILS: SIMONE BIANCHI
INKS: SIMONE BIANCHI
COLORED BY: SIMONE PERUZZI
LETTERED BY: NEUROTIC CARTOONIST, INC
COVER BY: SIMONE BIANCHI
I know some fans must hate it, but I’m loving the influx of Thor titles, and I really enjoy these side books. Some fans have cried foul on the account that the movie is coming out, and Marvel is trying to rip-off the readers. Horse hockey! Here’s why: Shut up. Enjoy the extra Thor books, and no one is putting a gun to your head to buy them.
So in this tale Thor is putting down rebellions in the 9 realms after Odin has gone missing for two years and Blader is dead. Can anyone say Ragnarock? Thor must carry the weight of Odin’s throne a she tried to lead the Gods through this dreary time. He Doesn’t have the power of Mjoner, and times are getting leaner and leaner. It was a dreary read, but the tale is dreary. My highlight of the book is when Thor and company have to attack civilians and front giants alike since the frost giants are using the simple folk as human shields. Interesting commentary there. Bianchi draws a pretty good Thor book. The photo-real renderings and character designs are really easy on the eye, and the layouts break up the pages in refreshing ways.
Wolverine #1WRITER: JASON AARON
PENCILS: RENATO GUEDES
INKS: ART & COMICS INT’L
COLORED BY: MATTHEW WILSON
COVER BY: JAE LEE
Jason Aaron has joined the ranks of Geoff Johns, Warren Ellis and Brian K Vaughn as a writer whom I will try anything their name is on. He writes a solid story, with good cliff hangers, true characterization, great experimentation without compromise of character, and a great balance of reality and fantasy. I have always felt that the great comic book writers are the one s that can take chances, remember the stories that have come before, and still write a book that is something new without betraying the true nature of the character.
Here Aaron writes a Wolverine book that gives us the gritty back-story that accompanies Wolverine, and manages to move along at a good pace without being mired in inner-dialogue. Wolvie meets up with Wraith, and then a mysterious group attacks wraith, Wolvie’s girlfriend, and presumably everyone he cares about. Mystique comes to the rescue, and explains that Logan is actually separated. At this point the story ends with Logan about to be tortured in the bowls of Hell. I know right? Craziness. But it all worked. Renato Guedes art is well done, and I enjoyed the thin lines that cleanly rendered the characters. He had great action panels, and some cool character designs.
I also enjoyed the Silver Samuri backup story even though I had no idea he died. It was great, and you can really tell that Aaron has read every issue of Wolverine and that is why he gets him. Not a cliché in sight.
Wolverine Road To Hell #1WRITER: JASON AARON, MARJORIE LIU, RICK REMENDER & DANIEL WAY
PENCILS: Mico Suayan, Guiseppe Camuncoli, Will Conrad & Jerome Opena
This book stole my lunch money. Another one of those books with 9-page previews of other books that I shouldn’t be charged for since it is a big advertisement. Boooooooo Marvel for this book.
The Hollywood Reporter has an article on Wednesday night with developing news of a series based on Niel Gaiman’s series The Sandman.
“Warner Bros. TV is in the midst of acquiring television rights from sister company DC Entertainment and in talks with several writer-producers about adapting the 1990s comic. At the top of the list is Eric Kripke, creator of the CW’s horror-tinged “Supernatural.”
There was an earlier attempt to bring Gaiman’s masterwork to TV by HBO, but it never came to fruition. Gaiman is not currently involved with this project, which is unusual since the author usually works closely with all his project when they transition to other media. Given that The Sandman is his best known work, and with the legion of fans who celebrate the series, this development process is still in early stages.
File this review under: Extremely Late to the Party. Like many of the issues you can grab on the digital outlets, The Pro was published a while ago, and for those of us reading them for the first time, we get a false sense of discovery. The Pro, written by Garth Ennis and Jimmy Palmiotti, was first released in 2002. That’s gives you a sense of how late to the party I am. The pizza isn’t just cold, it’s at the curb. But, despite my tardy arrival I still felt special for reading this book. Who wouldn’t feel special after reading a book about a hooker who gets super powers? And better yet, I proudly read this in public on Saturday while getting my oil changed. That’s right a family of four got to watch me read a comic on my iPad that had a guy who looked like Superman get a blow-job.
This is purely a satire/comedy prestige format book that takes some wild swings at DC and Marvel’s mainstream comic characters. Here’s the basic plot, A hooker gets powers from a Galactic overseer, and despite being rough around the edges she saves New York. The super team, villains, and other characters are simple satires of the JLA and the Avengers (mostly JLA), and portrayed as overly-sexual yet restricted shadows of what we have all grown up with. Some sections could be seen as childish humor, while other scenes made me laugh out loud at times. Ennis certainly showed no restraint (why would he?) as he took some swings at the Bat-family dynamic, Wonder Woman’s ambiguous nature, and Superman’s chaste reputation.
Amanda Conner was a brilliant accompanist to illustrate this raunchy parody. Her honest look at a hooker who has to care for a baby on her own had great touches of realism mixed into the sexual tinsel. There were two panels that made my jaw drop, by the way they were laid out, and the humor that was infused with them. But the use of bruises, band-aids, knobby knees, grungy apartments, and implied actions was brilliant from page to page. Now, I don’t have any censorship issues, but I’m sure certain readers do, so I’ll keep this review brief. I would however like to take a small stab at Comixology’s “Guided View”.
Why the Hell did it censor certain panels when I have to prove I am over 18 when I purchase or update my comic reader? Clearly I am over 18, and don’t give a rat’s ass about the adult content. Now I can see how a kid could find my iPad, somehow flip thought he comics, and see some inappropriate panels, but take the restrictions off if you are going to have me sign on.
Anyways, if you want a fun, Dick & Fart joke comic book that takes a swing at mainstream comics, this was a really enjoyable one.
If you are a comic book reader, know of one, or ever had a slight run it with one, you know that Wednesday ahs been the traditional day for new comic book releases. Every Wednesday, the local comic book readers will make their pilgrimage to whatever strip mall, shopping complex, or dark alley to pick up the latest books. All of these books come from Diamond Comics Distribution who has announced that in January if 2011, new comics can come out in Tuesday. Well at least your local comic shop CAN get the books earlier if they pay a $5/week extra charge. I know things are tight at my LCS, so I’m not too sure if they would pony up for it, but Perhaps Diamond is making progress by offering this extra incentive. What do you think? Comment below.
Here is the official press release by Diamond:
“Effective in January, 2011, Diamond retailers in North America and the UK will have the option of “day-early” delivery of weekly product shipments on Tuesdays for sale on Wednesdays.
Day-early delivery – which was outlined to retailers in the form of a Q&A following Diamond’s Retailer Summit in April — will take effect with shipments delivered on Tuesday, January 11, that have a scheduled on-sale date of Wednesday, January 12.
Please Note: The current industrywide Wednesday new release day will remain unchanged, and retailers who do not wish to use the new option may continue to receive their shipments on Wednesdays.
“Our decision to proceed with day-early, Tuesday-for-Wednesday delivery resulted from positive discussions with leading publishers and vendors, from retailer requests and feedback, and from retailer responses to our recent survey on the topic,” explained Diamond Vice President of Sales & Marketing Roger Fletcher.
In that survey, retailers were asked how they thought the day-early option would affect their business and the Direct Market. “Of more than 1,000 retailers who responded to the survey,” Fletcher said, “75% believe day-early delivery will benefit their business, while 72% believe it will benefit the entire Direct Market.”
The survey also asked retailers: “If given the choice between Monday delivery for Tuesday on-sale, and Tuesday delivery for Wednesday on-sale, what would be your preference?” Retailers could choose between the two options, or for “Either Monday for Tuesday or Tuesday for Wednesday.”
“The number of respondents who selected Tuesday delivery for Wednesday on-sale and the ‘Either’ option totaled 63%,” Fletcher said, “while those selecting the Monday-for-Tuesday alternative and the ‘Either’ option totaled 38%. This encouraging consensus has convinced us that moving forward with day-early delivery for Wednesday on-sale holds considerable advantages for vendors, retailers, and the industry.”
With the implementation of day-early delivery, Diamond will also initiate a “mystery shopper” program to ensure that participating retailers abide by the industrywide Wednesday release date for books received on Tuesday.
Fletcher urged retailers to “stay tuned” to Diamond Daily and Diamond Dateline for more details about registering for the day-early delivery option.
Additionally, Diamond has announced that — working in concert with vendors — Diamond will deliver product on its normal Wednesday schedule in December. The first shipment of 2011 will arrive after the New Year’s holiday on Wednesday, January 5. Day-early shipping will commence the following week.
“During the holidays, our retailers and their customers depend upon Diamond to keep the newest and hottest product flowing into stores, and we’d like to thank our vendors for working with us to maintain our regular schedule,” Fletcher said. “We’d also like to thank our vendors and our customers for working with us to get 2011 off to a great start by making the day-early shipping option a reality. We look forward to a smooth transition to what we feel will be a highly beneficial and profitable service.”
The Internet is a-buss with rumors of Bruce Willis lending his voice to a CGI version of The Thing in Marvel Entertainment’s new production of The Fantastic Four. Even though several sources are coming up with this information…it just feels a bit wrong. While Bruce can deliver on a wide range of roles, I’m having trouble visualizing him as The Thing.
Well….That helps.
