Showing posts with label Chris Samnee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris Samnee. Show all posts

Saturday, September 30, 2023

I Reads You Juniors: September 2023 - Update #56

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS:

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Here is a three-page first look at the one-shot, "Ultimate Universe #1," by Jonathan Hickman and Stefano Caselli, which will set up the Marvel's new "Ultimate" line which will begin in 2024.

IDW - From CBR:  Writer-artist Sophie Campbell, who worked on over 50 issues of IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," talks about her journey to "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #150."

COMIC STRIPS - From ICv2Mad Cave Studios will publish a new comic book series based on the classic newspaper comics strip, "Dick Tracy."

DYNAMITE - From ICv2:  The site has a five-page preview of Dynamite Entertainment's "Alice Cooper #1" comic book. There is also a preview of four of issue one's covers.

DC TV - From YouTube:  Max (formerly HBO Max) has released a trailer for the final episodes of "Doom Patrol" (Season 4).

DC CINEMA - From VarietyDavid Goyer takes fans behind the scenes during the creation of Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" trilogy.  Goyer wanted Jake Gyllenhaal to play Batman/Bruce Wayne.  The head of Warner Bros. wanted Leonardo DiCaprio has "The Riddler."

IMAGE COMICS - From BleeingCoolRick Remender has signed a three-year exclusive contract with Image Comics.  In doing so, he says that he turned down very lucrative offers to writer "Batman" for DC Comics and "X-Men" for Marvel.

EN MEMORIAM - From CBR:  The cartoonist and comic book creator Joe Matt has died at the age of 60, Monday, September 18, 2023.  Matt was best known for his autobiographical comic book series, "Peepshow," of which Matt produced 14 issues from 1992 to 2007.  The frank series dealt with his relationship and breakup with his girlfriend, Trish," his arguments with other cartoonists, and his self-proclaimed addiction to pornography.  He was a production assistant and colorist on Matt Wagner's "Mage: The Hero Discovered."  Joe Matt also colored other comics for Wagner, a longtime friend of his, including "Grendel," and "Batman/Grendel."

BATMAN - From DCBlog:  It's Batman Day - 2023 edition - September 16th.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Bill Willingham has put his long-running DC Comics/Vertigo series, "Fables," into the public domain... Developing story.

ONE PIECE - From Deadline:  The producers of Netflix's hit, live-action adaptation of the "One Piece" manga talk about winning over manga fans and about their six-year plan for the series.

From VarietyNetflix has renewed its live-action "One Piece" adaptation for a second season.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  The first official trailer for "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" has arrived.

From EW:  "Entertainment Weekly" has an exclusive article on "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," which includes an interview with director James Wan.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Apparently legendary writer Alan Moore does not accept royalty checks for Warner Bros. Discovery/DC Comics. So he asked them to give his royalties to Black Lives Matter!

EN MEMORIAM - From Deadline:  The playwright, Nathan Louis Jackson, has died at the age of 44.  He was a writer-producer on Netflix/Marvel Television's "Luke Cage" series.

MARVEL - From BleedingCoolChris Claremont is writing a five-issue miniseries that will act as a sequel to the events depicted in "Uncanny X-Men #268," which was the first issue in which Jim Lee became the regular series artist.  "Wolverine: Madripoor Knights #1" arrives in February 2024 with Edgar Salzar as the series artist.

BOOKS - From THRStephen King's latest novel, "Holly," has top Amazon's bestsellers chart."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  Writer Josh Trujillo talks about the end of the "Blue Beetle: Graduation Day" miniseries and the start of the new ongoing "Blue Beetle" series.

COMICS - From BleedingCoolAladdin Books has picked up the English-language publishing rights for the middle-grade graphic novel, "Earth... Every Other Wednesday" from writer Amy Brown and artist Kennedy Tarrell.  Tarrell a "story artist" for Walt Disney Animation Studios.

IMAGE - From GamesRadar:  Writer Robert Kirkman and Chris Samnee will end their comic book series, "Fire Power," with issue #30.

ONE PIECE - From GamesRadar:  The "One Piece" season 2 scripts are written, says the CEO of Tomorrow Studios, the production company behind Netflix's live-action "One Piece" and "Cowboy Bebop" series.

DC STUDIOS - From THR:  A look at the recent past and future of DC Comics' film in "Where Have All the DC Fans Gone?" by Richard Newby.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  "Action Comics" writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson talks Superman.

IMAGE COMICS - From GamesRadar:  Image/Skybound has released has released a four-page preview of writer-artist Daniel Warren Johnson's "Transformers #1," which goes on sale October 4, 2023.  The preview also includes images of the cover and five variant covers.

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AUGUST 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Aardvard-Vanaheim for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for August 2023
From BleedindCool:  CEX Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics X-Men's "Fall of X" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Fall of X" checklist and solicitations for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics "Summer of Symbiotes" for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics from August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Whatnot Publishing for August 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for August 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics LLC for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion/2000 AD for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for September 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for September 2023

OCTOBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Band of Bards for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Fairquare Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "Transformers" title for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Massive for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Valiant Entertainment for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for October 2023
From BleedingCool:  Zenescape Entertainment for October 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blackbox Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Blood Moon Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  CEX Publishing for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Clover Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics' "Batman" titles for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dstlry for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Frank Miller Presents LLC for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Keenspot Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics' "Avengers" for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Opus Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Rebellion / 2000 AD for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Seven Seas Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Sumerian Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  TOKYOPOP for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Udon Entertainment for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Webtoon Unscrolled for November 2023
From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for November 2023

DECEMBER 2023 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Image Comics "G.I. Joe" comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Kodansha Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Spider-Man" and "Gang War" titles for December 2023
From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "Star Wars" titles for December 2023

JANUARY 2024 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:
From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2024

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Monday, March 1, 2021

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for March 3, 2021

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

DEC201937    AKASHIC RECORDS OF BASTARD MAGICAL INSTRUCTOR GN VOL 11    $12.99
DEC201938    ARIFURETA COMMONPLACE TO STRONGEST GN VOL 06 (MR)    $12.99
DEC201939    ARPEGGIO OF BLUE STEEL GN VOL 17 (MR)    $12.99
JAN211214    BAD MOTHER TP    $9.99
DEC201192    BEWARE WITCH`S SHADOW WINTER SPECIAL CVR A CALZADA MAIN (RES    $3.99
DEC201193    BEWARE WITCH`S SHADOW WINTER SPECIAL CVR B WOLFER (RES) (MR)    $4.99
DEC201194    BEWARE WITCH`S SHADOW WINTER SPECIAL CVR C CALZADA RISQUE (R    $9.99
JAN211217    CASUAL FLING #2 (MR)    $3.99
JAN211212    CHARIOT #1 CVR A DEKAL    $3.99
JAN211213    CHARIOT #1 CVR B DEODATO JR    $3.99
JAN211764    DR STONE REBOOT BYAKUYA GN    $9.99
DEC201759    ENGINEWARD #8 CVR A EISMA    $3.99
DEC201760    ENGINEWARD #8 CVR B HICKMAN    $3.99
NOV200896    GIRLSPLAINING ORIGINAL HC (MR)    $17.99
DEC208520    GRIMM UNIVERSE RETAILER PROG JAN 2021 BRONZE EXC (Net)    $10.00
DEC208521    GRIMM UNIVERSE RETAILER PROG JAN 2021 GOLD EXC (Net)    $40.00
DEC208522    GRIMM UNIVERSE RETAILER PROG JAN 2021 PLATINUM EXC (Net)    $75.00
DEC208523    GRIMM UNIVERSE RETAILER PROG JAN 2021 SILVER EXC (Net)    $20.00
DEC201915    HAPPY SUGAR LIFE GN VOL 08 (MR)    $13.00
DEC201901    I WILL NOT REACH YOU GN VOL 01    $13.00
DEC201948    IDEAL SPONGER LIFE GN VOL 08 (MR)    $12.99
DEC201904    IVE BEEN KILLING SLIMES 300 YEARS MAXED OUT GN VOL 05    $13.00
JAN211331    JOE FRANK ASCENT SC    $25.00
JAN211452    JONNA AND THE UNPOSSIBLE MONSTERS #1 CVR A SAMNEE (RES)    $3.99
JAN211453    JONNA AND THE UNPOSSIBLE MONSTERS #1 CVR B MAIHACK (RES)    $3.99
DEC208321    JONNA AND THE UNPOSSIBLE MONSTERS #1 CVR D BARTEL    $3.99
DEC201905    KAKEGURUI TWIN GN VOL 09 (MR)    $15.00
DEC201377    LADY DEATH LINGERIE #1    $20.00
DEC201378    LADY DEATH MASTERS #1 MIKE KROME PREMIERE ED    $20.00
JAN211763    MY HERO ACADEMIA TEAM-UP MISSIONS GN VOL 01    $9.99
JAN211760    MY HERO ACADEMIA VIGILANTES GN VOL 09    $9.99
DEC201774    MYTHS & LEGENDS QUARTERLY DARK PRINCESS CVR A SALAZAR    $8.99
DEC201775    MYTHS & LEGENDS QUARTERLY DARK PRINCESS CVR B COCCOLO    $8.99
DEC201776    MYTHS & LEGENDS QUARTERLY DARK PRINCESS CVR C GARVEY    $8.99
DEC201898    PENGUIN GENTLEMAN HC (MR)    $18.00
NOV201854    PETER GRILL & PHILOSOPHERS TIME GN VOL 04 (MR)    $13.99
DEC201903    PLAY IT COOL GUYS GN VOL 01    $15.00
SEP201566    PLOT #8    $3.99
NOV208158    PLOT #8 CVR B SHEHAN    $3.99
DEC201761    RESONANT #8 (MR)    $3.99
DEC201911    RESTAURANT TO ANOTHER WORLD GN VOL 04    $13.00
JAN211461    RICK AND MORTY PRESENTS JERRYBOREE #1 CVR A ALLNATT    $4.99
JAN211462    RICK AND MORTY PRESENTS JERRYBOREE #1 CVR B KAYCEE CAMPBELL    $4.99
JAN211464    RICK AND MORTY WORLDS APART #2 CVR A FLEECS    $3.99
JAN211465    RICK AND MORTY WORLDS APART #2 CVR B WILLIAMS    $3.99
NOV201858    SAINTS MAGIC IS OMNIPOTENT GN VOL 02    $12.99
DEC201520    SCOOP GN VOL 02 BURIED LEADS    $12.99
JAN211777    SNOW WHITE WITH RED HAIR GN VOL 12    $9.99
NOV201860    SUPER HXEROS GN VOL 01 (MR)    $13.99
NOV201715    THIS WONDERFUL SEASON WITH YOU GN (MR)    $14.99
JAN211044    UNDONE BY BLOOD OTHER SIDE OF EDEN #1 CVR A KIVELA & WORDIE    $4.99
DEC201575    WALUK THE GREAT JOURNEY HC    $19.99
DEC201964    WE SWORE TO MEET NEXT LIFE WHEN THINGS GOT WEIRD GN VOL 02 (    $12.99
DEC201492    WHAT UNITES US GN    $28.99
DEC201965    WONDERCAT KYUU-CHAN GN VOL 01    $14.99

MAGAZINES

DEC201382    COMIC SHOP NEWS [90CT BUNDLE] #1750    $PI
OCT201433    HEAVY METAL #304 CVR A DOMINICIS (MR)    $13.99
OCT201434    HEAVY METAL #304 CVR B SUCHANEK (MR)    $13.99
DEC201578    SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE #120    $9.95

BOOKS

DEC201922    COMBATANTS WILL BE DISPATCHED LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 05 (MR)    $15.00
DEC201917    EXECUTIONER & HER WAY OF LIFE NOVEL SC VOL 01    $15.00
DEC201967    FAILURE FRAME LIGHT NOVEL VOL 01    $14.99
DEC201891    NARUTO SHIKAMARUS STORY MOURNING CLOUDS SC    $10.99
DEC201971    ROLL OVER AND DIE LIGHT NOVEL VOL 02    $13.99
DEC201921    SISTERS ALL YOU NEED LIGHT NOVEL SC VOL 09 (MR)    $15.00

MERCHANDISE

JUL201913    BATMAN TAS LEGENDS IN 3D HARLEY QUINN 1/2 SCALE BUST    $175.00
JUL201915    MARVEL ANIMATED STYLE DOCTOR DOOM STATUE    $49.99
AUG202101    MARVEL COMIC MILES MORALES BUST    $99.00
AUG202099    MARVEL LEGENDS IN 3D WOLVERINE 1/2 SCALE BUST    $175.00
JUL201914    MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION OLD MAN LOGAN STATUE    $175.00



Monday, June 22, 2020

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 24, 2020

IMAGE COMICS

MAR200120    ASCENDER TP VOL 02 (MR)    $16.99
MAR200042    DEAD BODY ROAD BAD BLOOD #1 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
MAR200057    DIE #11 CVR A HANS (MR)    $3.99
MAR200058    DIE #11 CVR B OLIVER (MR)    $3.99
MAR200152    FARMHAND TP VOL 03 (MR)    $16.99
FEB200019    FIRE POWER BY KIRKMAN & SAMNEE TP VOL 01 PRELUDE    $9.99
OCT190109    ISOLA TP VOL 02    $16.99
FEB200190    MIDDLEWEST #17 (MR)    $3.99
MAR200232    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #3 (OF 6) CVR A ANDOLFO (MR)    $3.99
MAR200233    MIRKA ANDOLFO MERCY #3 (OF 6) CVR B SEJIC (MR)    $3.99
MAR200236    MONSTRESS #28 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200191    NOMEN OMEN #6 (OF 15) CVR A CAMAGNI (MR)    $3.99
FEB200192    NOMEN OMEN #6 (OF 15) CVR B MANCINI (MR)    $3.99
MAR200243    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #3 (OF 3) CVR A CHAN (MR)    $3.99
MAR200244    OUTER DARKNESS CHEW #3 (OF 3) CVR B GUILLORY (MR)    $3.99
JAN200287    REDNECK #27 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200202    SEX CRIMINALS #29 (MR)    $3.99
FEB200203    SEX CRIMINALS #29 XXX BARTEL VAR (MR)    $4.69
JAN200294    SPAWN #307 CVR A MCFARLANE    $2.99
JAN200295    SPAWN #307 CVR B TAN & MCFARLANE    $2.99
JAN200296    SPAWN #307 CVR C MATTINA    $2.99
JAN200297    SPAWN #307 CVR D VIRGIN TAN & MCFARLANE    $2.99
MAR200029    THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1 CVR A JACOB PHILLIPS (MR)    $3.99
MAR200030    THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1 CVR B SEAN PHILLIPS (MR)    $3.99

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Review: STAR WARS Adventures #1

STAR WARS ADVENTURES No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cavan Scott
ART: Derek Charm
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
COVER: Derek Charm
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Eric Jones; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Craig Rousseau; Mike Maihack; Tim Levins
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2017)

Better the Devil You Know” Part 1

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, IDW and not current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and will reportedly feature one and two part stories that are not steeped in continuity.

Shortly before the recent launch of Star Wars Adventures, IDW published a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, also geared towards readers of all ages.  The art for Star Wars Adventures is also intended to “bridge the gap” between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation.  Star Wars Adventures is written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.

Star Wars Adventures #1 (“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1) opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.

Star Wars Adventures may be geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  In fact, I adore Derek Charm's art because I have been a fan of animation-style comic book art for a long time.  [ I think that love goes back to the early issues of DC Comics' Batman Adventures comic book, which was the comic book tie in to the classic early 1990s animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series.”]

I think this comic book is closer to traditional, classic comic books with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – that does not have to run six issues.  I think writer Cavan Scott and Derek Charm are going to do in 30 pages what many comic book creators cannot do in 100+ pages – give readers a comic book story that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books.

I can't wait for the second issue.

Tales from Wild Space – “Stop, Thief!”
STORY: Cavan Scott
PENCILS: Jon Sommariva
INKS: Sean Parsons
COLORS: Charlie Kirchoff
LETTERS: Tom B. Long

The back-up, “Tales from Wild Space,” looks to be an anthology feature which will star various Star Wars characters from different eras and which will be narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  It does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but this could be good.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that it offers.

“Tales from Wild Space” just makes me more certain that Star Wars Adventures will be one of my favorite comic books.

9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Monday, June 4, 2018

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 6, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

APR180707    ANT-MAN AND THE WASP #1 (OF 5)    $3.99
APR180710    ANT-MAN AND THE WASP #1 (OF 5) BLANK VAR    $3.99
APR180882    ANT-MAN AND WASP #1 BY NAKAYAMA POSTER    $8.99
MAR180989    ANT-MAN AND WASP ADVENTURES DIGEST TP    $9.99
APR180786    ANT-MAN AND WASP LIVING LEGENDS #1    $3.99
APR180787    ANT-MAN AND WASP LIVING LEGENDS #1 NAUCK VAR    $3.99
MAR180987    ANT-MAN ASTONISHING ORIGINS TP    $17.99
APR180826    ASTONISHING X-MEN #12    $3.99
MAR188682    AVENGERS #1 2ND PTG MCGUINNESS VAR    $4.99
APR180773    BEN REILLY SCARLET SPIDER #19    $3.99
MAR180999    BLACK BOLT TP VOL 02 HOME FREE    $17.99
APR180885    CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 BY ROSS POSTER    $8.99
APR180756    CAPTAIN AMERICA #703    $3.99
APR180757    CAPTAIN AMERICA #703 TEDESCO CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
MAR180991    CAPTAIN AMERICA BY WAID AND SAMNEE TP VOL 01 HOME OF BRAVE    $17.99
APR180789    DAZZLER X SONG #1    $3.99
APR180790    DAZZLER X SONG #1 SIENKIEWICZ VAR    $3.99
APR180698    DEADPOOL #1    $4.99
APR180884    DEADPOOL #1 BY KLEIN POSTER    $8.99
DEC170941    DEADPOOL WORLDS GREATEST HC VOL 04    $34.99
APR180726    DOCTOR STRANGE #1    $3.99
MAR188610    HUNT FOR WOLVERINE #1 2ND PTG MARQUEZ VAR    $5.99
MAR188683    HUNT FOR WOLVERINE WEAPON LOST #1 (OF 4) BUFFAGNI 2ND PTG VA    $3.99
APR180738    HUNT FOR WOLVERINE WEAPON LOST #2 (OF 4)    $3.99
APR180739    HUNT FOR WOLVERINE WEAPON LOST #2 (OF 4) KOBLISH VAR    $3.99
APR180691    IMMORTAL HULK #1    $4.99
APR180740    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #4 (OF 5)    $4.99
APR180742    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #4 (OF 5) KUDER CONNECTING VAR    $4.99
APR180741    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #4 (OF 5) LIM VAR    $4.99
APR180743    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #4 (OF 5) TURK HOLDS INFINITY VAR    $4.99
FEB180923    MARVELS ANT-MAN AND WASP PRELUDE TP    $14.99
DEC170940    MILES MORALES ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
MAR180899    MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #31 LEG    $3.99
MAR188496    MSH ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN VIBRANIUM #1 NEW PTG    $3.99
MAR188611    OLD MAN HAWKEYE #4 (OF 12) 2ND PTG CHECCHETTO VAR    $3.99
APR180794    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #6 (OF 6)    $3.99
APR180795    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #6 (OF 6) ADAMS VAR    $3.99
APR180796    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #6 (OF 6) GAME VAR    $3.99
DEC170944    RUNAWAYS BY BRIAN K VAUGHAN & ADRIAN ALPHONA OMNIBUS HC    $125.00
APR180883    SENTRY BY HITCH POSTER    $8.99
APR180829    STAR WARS #49    $3.99
APR180833    STAR WARS LAST JEDI ADAPTATION #3 (OF 6)    $3.99
MAR180990    TALES OF SUSPENSE HAWKEYE AND WINTER SOLDIER TP    $15.99
MAR188612    THANOS ANNUAL #1 2ND PTG VAR    $4.99
APR180779    TRUE BELIEVERS ANT-MAN & WASP BIRTH GIANT-MAN #1    $1.00
APR180816    WEAPON X #19    $3.99
APR180809    X-MEN GOLD #29    $3.99
APR180805    X-MEN RED #5    $3.99

Monday, March 5, 2018

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 7, 2018

MARVEL COMICS

DEC178863    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #795 2ND PTG VAR LEG    $3.99
JAN181081    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #797 BY ROSS POSTER    $8.99
JAN180892    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #797 LEG    $3.99
JAN180893    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #797 RAMOS CONNECTING VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC178354    AVENGERS #679 2ND PTG JACINTO VAR LEG    $3.99
JAN180898    AVENGERS #683 LEG    $3.99
DEC170937    AVENGERS & THE INFINITY GAUNTLET TP    $15.99
JAN180986    BLACK BOLT #11 LEG    $3.99
JAN180947    CAPTAIN AMERICA #699 LEG    $3.99
SEP170983    DAREDEVIL BY WAID & SAMNEE OMNIBUS HC VOL 02    $100.00
SEP170984    DEADPOOL MINIBUS HC VOL 00    $75.00
JAN180931    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #2 (OF 4) LEG    $3.99
JAN180932    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #2 (OF 4) LIM VAR LEG    $3.99
JAN180935    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #2 (OF 4) SMALLWOOD CONNECTING VAR    $3.99
DEC178374    DOCTOR STRANGE DAMNATION #2 (OF 4) TARNATION VAR LEG    $3.99
JAN180983    HAWKEYE #16 LEG    $3.99
JAN181002    ICEMAN #11 LEG    $3.99
JAN180886    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #1 (OF 5) CAPTAIN MARVEL HOLDS INFINITY V    $4.99
JAN180883    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #1 (OF 5) KUDER CONNECTING VAR LEG    $4.99
JAN180879    INFINITY COUNTDOWN #1 (OF 5) LEG    $4.99
SEP170982    INFINITY GAUNTLET BOX HC SLIPCASE SET    $500.00
JAN181083    MARVEL SUPER HERO ADVENTURES POSTER    $8.99
JAN180985    MARVELS ANT-MAN AND WASP PRELUDE #1 (OF 2)    $3.99
JAN181080    MIGHTY THOR #705 BY DAUTERMAN POSTER    $8.99
SEP170991    MOON KNIGHT BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & ALEX MALEEV HC    $34.99
JAN180972    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #3 (OF 6) LEG    $3.99
JAN180973    RISE OF BLACK PANTHER #3 (OF 6) MARVEL SUPER HEROES ADVENTUR    $3.99
JAN180995    ROGUE & GAMBIT #3 (OF 5) LEG    $3.99
JAN180946    SHE-HULK #163 LEG    $3.99
JAN180954    SPIDER-MAN #238 LEG    $3.99
SEP170992    SPIDER-MAN DEADPOOL BY KELLY & MCGUINNESS HC    $34.99
JAN181025    STAR WARS #44    $3.99
DEC178667    THANOS #13 3RD PTG SHAW VAR LEG    $3.99
DEC170959    THE SENTRY TP NEW PTG    $24.99
JAN180959    TRUE BELIEVERS VENOM SYBIOSIS #1    $1.00
JAN180960    TRUE BELIEVERS VENOM VS SPIDER-MAN #1    $1.00
SEP170985    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL HC VOL 03    $34.99
JAN180958    VENOM #163 LEG    $3.99
JAN181082    VENOMIZED BY BRADSHAW POSTER    $8.99
JAN180991    X-MEN GOLD #23 LEG    $3.99
DEC178664    X-MEN RED #1 2ND PTG ASRAR VAR LEG    $4.99
JAN180996    X-MEN RED #2 LEG WW    $3.99

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Review: CAPTAIN AMERICA #695

CAPTAIN AMERICA No. 695
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Mark Waid
ART: Chris Samnee
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Ross (after John Romita, Jr. and Bob Layton); John Tyler Christopher with Ariel Olivetti; Adi Granov; Mike McKone with Rachelle Rosenberg; Jim Steranko
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated “T+”

Captain America created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby

“Home of the Brave” Part 1

Captain America is a Marvel Comics superhero. He was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby and first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 (cover dated:  March 1941), which was published by Timely Comics, a predecessor of Marvel Comics.  Captain America Comics was canceled in 1949, but there was a revival of the series from 1953 to 1954.  Captain America fully returned to modern comic books in The Avengers #4 (cover dated: March 1964).

Marvel Comics is in the middle of its “Legacy” event, returning many titles to its original numbering after a decade of relaunching a number of titles with new #1 issues – three, four, and even five or more times.  The ongoing Captain America comic book series has a new creative team for the Legacy launch.  The team of writer Mark Waid and artist Chris Samnee, the creative duo behind Marvel's critically acclaimed Daredevil relaunch (2012) several years ago, brings Captain America into the “Legacy era.”  Matthew Wilson is the colorist, and Joe Caramagna is the letterer.

Captain America #695 begins with a brief recount of how Steve Rogers became the “super solider,” Captain America; his exploits on the battlefields of World War II, and how he disappeared.  Then, we learn how Captain America became a legend and an inspiration to the town of Burlington, Nebraska after stopping a group of neo-Nazi, white supremacist-types, something he may have to do again.

I have said that when Mark Waid is good, he is really good.  [On the other hand, when he is not good, he can be an exceedingly, irritatingly pedestrian comic book storyteller.]  I am a huge fan of Chris Samnee's classic, cartoonists drawing style.  In Captain America #695, Waid is in top form, and Samnee hits the heights of throwback, Silver Age comics style.

Waid's script creates a standalone story that epitomizes what seems to be the essence of Captain America's mission and message: the strong protect the weak.  We look out for each other against those who would do harm, and every man, woman, and child (of at least a certain age) can lend a helping hand, if they choose.

I love Captain America #695.  It is a standalone treat, the kind of single-issue comic book that we need in between long story arcs and of which we don't get often enough.  I really like Waid's story.  I wish more comic book art looked like Chris Samnee's art.  If I were a comic book publisher, my comic books would look like Captain America #695.  If you have time to read only one comic book today, read Captain America #695.

[This comic book includes an “Legacy” character summary written by Robbie Thompson; drawn by Valero Schiti; colored by Frank D'Armata; and lettered by VC's Joe Caramagna.]

A+
10 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------------



Thursday, December 14, 2017

Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, VOL. 1: HEROES OF THE GALAXY
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Cavan Scott; Landry Q. Walker; Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Derek Charm; Jon Sommariva; Elsa Charretier
INKS: Derek Charm; Sean Parsons; Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Derek Charm; Charlie Kirchoff; Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Tom B. Long; Robbie Robbins
PIN-UPS: Derek Charm; Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Mike Maihack; Craig Rousseau; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Eric Jones; Tim Levins
COVER: Derek Charm
ISBN: 978-1-68405-205-9; paperback, 6” x 9” (October 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN

“Better the Devil You Know” Parts l and 2; Tales from Wild Space - “Stop, Thief!” and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin”

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, from IDW and not from current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.  Star Wars Adventures will feature a rotating casts of characters, and the stories will range from settings that take place before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace all the way up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) and beyond.

Now, comes the first book collection of Star Wars Adventures.  It is entitled Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy.  It collects Star Wars Adventures #1 and #2 and the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan, which was given out at San Diego Comic-Con International 2017 ahead of the release of Star Wars Adventures #1.

The main story of Star Wars Adventures #1-2 is a two-part tale, entitled “Better the Devil You Know,” written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.  “Better the Devil You Know” opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.  Rey realizes that dealing with Plutt, terrible as he is and can be, is better than dealing with the aliens determined to kill him.

Each issue of Star Wars Adventures has a back-up feature, “Tales from Wildspace.”  This anthology-like features various Star Wars characters from different eras of the Star Wars universe and is narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  The two “Wildspace stories here are “Stop, Thief!” (Star Wars Adventures #1) and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin” (#2).

I like Star Wars Adventures.  I know that it is geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  I like Derek Charm's art, which is a blend of animation-styled art and the art found in Archie Comics.  Cavan Scott's storytelling in “Better the Devil You Know” is true to the spirit of Star Wars – emphasizing adventure, imagination, and, of course, wisdom and justice.

The story from the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan (written by Landry B. Walker and drawn by Charm) is narrated by C-3PO and R2-D2 and presents a rather interesting overview of Star Wars history.  That overview alone, especially the Luke Skywalker parts, is worth the cost of this book.

“Tales from Wild Space” does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but it is a good back-up.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that “Wildspace” offers.

I think Star Wars Adventures is closer to traditional, classic comic books – with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – than many comic books available in comic book shops today.  This is a comic book that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books, and I think Star Wars Adventures Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy is a great way to introduce young readers to comic books.

[This volume also includes a section of character designs by Derek Charm.]

A+
9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Monday, October 30, 2017

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for November 1, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

SEP170958    ASTONISHING X-MEN #5    $3.99
SEP170900    AVENGERS #673 LEG    $3.99
AUG171036    AVENGERS BY BENDIS COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 03    $39.99
SEP170951    BLACK BOLT #7    $3.99
AUG171042    BLACK PANTHER BY HUDLIN TP VOL 01 COMPLETE COLLECTION    $39.99
SEP170802    CAPTAIN AMERICA #695 LEG    $3.99
MAY170937    DEADPOOL AND X-FORCE OMNIBUS HC    $100.00
AUG171017    DEADPOOL WORLDS GREATEST TP VOL 10 SECRET EMPIRE    $17.99
AUG171032    GENERATION X TP VOL 01 NATURAL SELECTION    $17.99
SEP170868    GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #146 LEG    $3.99
SEP170934    ICEMAN #7 LEG    $3.99
SEP170952    INHUMANS ONCE FUTURE KINGS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
SEP170953    INHUMANS ONCE FUTURE KINGS #4 (OF 5) NOTO CHARACTER VAR    $3.99
SEP170916    IRON FIST #74 LEG    $3.99
AUG178500    LEGACY FREE NOVEMBER PREVIEWS SPOTLIGHT (BUNDLES OF 25) (NET    $5.00
JUL171194    MARVELS THOR RAGNAROK ART OF MOVIE SLIPCASE HC    $50.00
SEP170962    OLD MAN LOGAN #30    $3.99
SEP170946    PETER PARKER SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #6    $3.99
SEP170891    POWER PACK #63 CHRISTOPHER TRADING CARD VAR LEG    $3.99
SEP170889    POWER PACK #63 LEG    $3.99
AUG178699    SPIDER-GWEN #24 2ND PTG RODRIGUEZ VAR    $3.99
SEP170809    SPIDER-MAN #234 LEG    $3.99
MAY170936    SPIDER-MAN CLONE SAGA OMNIBUS HC VOL 02    $125.00
SEP170973    STAR WARS DARTH VADER #7    $3.99
MAY170940    UNCANNY INHUMANS HC VOL 02    $34.99

Monday, October 9, 2017

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for October 11, 2017

MARVEL COMICS

AUG170910    ALL NEW WOLVERINE #25 LEG    $3.99
AUG170779    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #789 LEG    $3.99
AUG170941    AMAZING SPIDER-MAN RENEW YOUR VOWS #12    $3.99
JUL171229    AVENGERS BY BENDIS COMPLETE COLLECTION TP VOL 02    $39.99
JUL171222    AVENGERS STANDOFF TP    $34.99
AUG171053    CAPTAIN AMERICA #695 BY ROSS POSTER    $8.99
AUG171052    CAPTAIN AMERICA #695 BY SAMNEE POSTER    $8.99
AUG170959    DAREDEVIL #27    $3.99
AUG170899    DEFENDERS #6 LEG    $3.99
AUG170830    DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #287 LEG    $3.99
AUG170785    FALCON #1 LEG    $3.99
AUG178163    GENERATIONS BANNER HULK & TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #1 3RD PTG VA    $4.99
JUL178866    GENERATIONS CAPT MARVEL & CAPT MAR-VELL #1 2ND PTG NAKAYAMA    $4.99
AUG178164    GENERATIONS MS MARVEL & MS MARVEL #1 2ND PTG VAR    $4.99
AUG170906    GWENPOOL #21 LEG    $3.99
JUN171066    HOWARD THE DUCK TP COMPLETE COLLECTION VOL 04    $34.99
AUG170940    HULK #11    $3.99
JUL171201    INCREDIBLE HULK BY AARON COMPLETE COLLECTION TP    $34.99
AUG170952    INHUMANS ONCE FUTURE KINGS #3 (OF 5)    $3.99
AUG170954    INHUMANS ONCE FUTURE KINGS #3 (OF 5) NOTO CHARACTER VAR    $3.99
JUL171233    MARVEL HORROR MAGAZINE COLLECTION TP    $34.99
AUG170963    MARVEL UNIVERSE GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #23    $2.99
AUG171054    MIGHTY THOR #701 BY ROSS POSTER    $8.99
APR171139    MMW MIGHTY THOR HC VOL 16    $75.00
APR171140    MMW MIGHTY THOR HC VOL 16 DM VAR ED 251    $75.00
AUG170955    MS MARVEL #23    $3.99
AUG171051    PUNISHER #218 BY CRAIN POSTER    $8.99
AUG170977    ROCKET #6    $3.99
AUG170966    RUNAWAYS #2    $3.99
JUL171220    SECRET EMPIRE UNITED WE STAND TP SE    $24.99
JUL171219    SECRET WARRIORS TP VOL 01 SECRET EMPIRE SE    $15.99
AUG171003    STAR WARS DOCTOR APHRA #13    $3.99
AUG178122    STAR WARS READS FREE SAMPLER (BUNDLE OF 25)    $PI
JUL171215    STAR WARS SCREAMING CITADEL TP    $17.99
JUL171198    THOR BY WALTER SIMONSON TP VOL 01 NEW PTG    $24.99
AUG170968    UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #25    $3.99
AUG170870    UNCANNY AVENGERS #28 LEG    $3.99
AUG170965    VISION DIRECTORS CUT #5 (OF 6)    $6.99
AUG170984    WEAPON X #9    $3.99
AUG170863    X-MEN BLUE #13 LEG    $3.99
AUG170936    ZOMBIES ASSEMBLE 2 #3 (OF 4)    $4.99
AUG170937    ZOMBIES ASSEMBLE 2 #3 (OF 4) BUFFAGNI VAR    $4.99

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Review: DARTH VADER #25

DARTH VADER No. 25
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Keiron Gillen
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Juan Gimenez
VARIANT COVERS: Cliff Chiang; John Tyler Christopher; Michael Cho; Adi Granov; Greg Land; Salvador Larocca; Jamie McKelvie; Sara Pichelli; Joe Quesada; Chris Samnee; Kamome Shirahama
52pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Rated T

Book IV, Part VI: “End of Games”

Of course you know that The Walt Disney Company owns Marvel Comics, dear readers.  Shortly after acquiring Marvel Entertainment, Disney bought Lucasfilm, Ltd., the owner of all thing Star Wars.  Just a (relatively) short time later, Dark Horse Comics lost the license to produce Star Wars comic books, which it had held for two decades.  It was obvious that Marvel would be the new home of Star Wars comics, and around the beginning of 2015, Marvel released the flagship title, Star Wars.

Shortly afterwards, Marvel began its second Star Wars series, Darth Vader.  Written by Keiron Gillen, drawn by Salvador Larroca, colored by Edgar Delgado, and lettered by Joe Caramagna, this series chronicled the quest of Star Wars' most (in)famous and beloved villain, Darth Vader, has he delved into his past and fought for his present in order to prepare for his future.

Basically, this is how Darth Vader the comic book worked.  Emperor Palpatine held Vader responsible for the destruction of his ultimate weapon, the Death Star, by the Rebel Alliance – as seen the original Star Wars from 1977 (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope).  Suddenly, the Emperor had appointed others in position of power that basically rivaled Vader's position of power and authority under the Emperor, and some of those rivals wanted to see Vader dead.

To defend himself, Vader essentially created his own secret Empire within the Emperor's Empire, from which he could defeat his adversaries and secure his position in the Empire.  Vader even learned that the young pilot who launched the torpedoes/missiles that destroyed the Death Star is Luke Skywalker, his son by his late wife from another life.  As the series progressed, Vader had much success, but some of his rivals prove to be formidable adversaries who could destroy him.

Now, the series comes to an end and wraps up its remaining story lines/threads in Darth Vader #25.  As the story begins, Darth Vader prepares for his final showdown with the one who has proven to be his most wily rival, Cylo, but the traitorous scientist has a fail safe that may give him victory over Vader.  Meanwhile, Vader's secret ally, Dr. Aphra, moves to protect herself from Vader – by seeking counsel with the Emperor!

After the first story arc of this series, entitled “Vader,” it was clear that Marvel's best Star Wars comic book was Darth Vader, which was saying a lot because the flagship Star Wars was also quite good.  I think series writer Kieron Gillen did a good job of connecting the past, which contained the wreckage resulting from the transformation of Annakin Skywalker into Darth Vader to the present, filled with Vader's problems and dilemmas.  Gillen gave his readers the chance to watch Vader discover some of the secrets of his past, which were not secret to readers, while also offering readers the opportunity to see how Vader “discovered” Luke Skywalker.

I can say that Gillen was good enough at what he did with Darth Vader that this series is worth preserving in trade paperback for future readers.  For the time being or until Star Wars is inevitably rebooted (probably sooner than we think), Gillen's Darth Vader is Star Wars storytelling for posterity.

And before we go, I must praise the stellar work of series artist, Salvador Larroca.  It is a shame that it seems easy to take Larroca for granted, but his work defined this series' sense of cloak and dagger and the title character's relentless aggression.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

---------------------



Friday, March 10, 2017

Review: THE PUNISHER #1

THE PUNISHER (2016) No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Becky Cloonan
ART: Steve Dillon
COLORS: Frank Martin
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Maleev; Tim Bradstreet; John Cassaday; John Tyler Christopher; Francesco Mattina; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Phil Noto; Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson; Christopher Stevens with Frank Martin; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory – Not for Kids

The Punisher is a Marvel Comics vigilante and antihero.  The Punisher was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist John Romita, Sr. and made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (cover-dated: February 1974).  The Punisher is Frank Castle, a man whose wife and children were killed during a mob shootout in New York City's Central Park.  That tragedy was the impetus for Castle's one-man war on crime, especially against organized criminals like the mob, street gangs, drug dealers, etc.

Over the last 30 years, Marvel has published numerous ongoing comic book series and miniseries starring The Punisher and even a few variations on the character.  Now, there is the launch of a new ongoing comic book series.  The Punisher is written by Becky Cloonan; drawn by Steve Dillon; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Cory Petit.

The Punisher #1 opens in the Brooklyn warehouse district.  There, the organization, Condor, prepares a major push for its news narcotic product, “EMC.”  However, in a nearby warehouse, the D.E.A. (Drug Enforcement Agency) watches and prepares for an early morning take down of Condor's operations.  Meanwhile, The Punisher plans to strike first.

After John Romita, who designed the character, of course, I consider Mike Zeck and Steve Dillon to be the iconic Punisher comic book artists.  I am reading this new Punisher comic book because Steve Dillon is drawing it.  His interpretation of The Punisher always came across to me as a rock-solid, relentless, machine-monster with some hellbent programming that directs him to kill mobsters and criminal scum wherever they are.

However, there is something else about this new series that intrigues me.  Becky Cloonan is writing The Punisher, and she may be the first woman to write an ongoing Punisher comic book.  I am curious to see where Cloonan takes this series, especially as she offers at least three supporting characters with the potential to capture her readers' imaginations.

So I'm down to give this fresh start of The Punisher a chance.  It could be the best Punisher in a long time.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint or syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Review: BLACK WIDOW #1

BLACK WIDOW No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Chris Samnee and Mark Waid
ART: Chris Samnee
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: John Tyler Christopher; Stephanie Hans; Tula Lotay; Phil Noto; Kevin Wada; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2016)

Rated “T+”

Black Widow is a Marvel Comics female superhero.  She was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Don Rico, and artist Don Heck and first appeared in Tales of Suspense No. 52 (cover dated: April 1964).  When she was first introduced, Black Widow was Natasha Romanova, a Russian spy who did not wear a superhero costume.  She was an antagonist of Iron Man, but later defected to the United States, where she became an agent of the spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D., and a member of the Avengers, becoming, of course, a superhero.

The All-New, All-Different Marvel presents a new comic book featuring Ms. Romanova, entitled (of course), Black Widow.  The series is written by Chris Samnee and Mark Waid; drawn by Samnee; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Black Widow #1 opens with the title character fighting her way through an office section of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.  Black Widow has gone rogue and is fighting former colleagues.  She is now S.H.I.E.L.D. public enemy #1.  Why?

I have never read a single issue of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's Eisner Award-winning run on Daredevil, but I keep planning on doing so.  I did read their thrilling IDW Publishing miniseries, The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, which I quite enjoyed (Encore! Encore!).

I'm curious about Black Widow because I am a fan of actress Scarlett Johanson's portrayal of the character in several Marvel Studio films.  So now I'm all like, let's read some Black Widow comics.  Well, this new Black Widow #1 is comprised of a long action sequence.  It is neither imaginative nor thrilling.  At the end of the book, Waid, Samnee, and editor Jake Thomas swear that we are in for something really good.  Just wait until the next issue... or the one after that... or the one after that...  [Just wait for the trade!]

This first issue is but a taste... OK.  So I'll give Black Widow #1 a grade of “B-” with the hope of a better grade on layaway.

B-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 16, 2014

MARVEL COMICS

MAY140815     100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 X-MEN     $3.99
MAY140910     ALL NEW X-FACTOR #11     $3.99
MAY140828     AVENGERS WORLD #9     $3.99
APR148506     BLACK WIDOW #4 2ND PTG NOTO VAR     $3.99
APR148507     BLACK WIDOW #5 2ND PTG NOTO VAR     $3.99
APR148508     BLACK WIDOW #6 2ND PTG NOTO VAR     $3.99
APR140771     BLACK WIDOW TP VOL 01 FINELY WOVEN THREAD     $17.99
MAY140950     CAPTAIN AMERICA #22 75TH ANNIV BY ROSS POSTER     $8.99
MAY140890     DEADPOOL DRACULAS GAUNTLET #2     $3.99
MAY140854     ELEKTRA #4     $3.99
APR148509     GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #15 2ND PTG BRADSHAW VAR     $3.99
APR148516     INHUMAN #1 2ND PTG MADUREIRA VAR ANMN     $3.99
MAY140953     LEGENDARY STAR LORD #1 POSTER     $8.99
APR148510     LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #4 2ND PTG FRISON VAR     $2.99
APR148511     LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #5 2ND PTG FRISON VAR     $2.99
APR148514     MAGNETO #1 3RD PTG RIVERA VAR ANMN     $3.99
APR148515     MAGNETO #2 3RD PTG SAMNEE VAR ANMN     $3.99
APR148517     MAGNETO #4 2ND PTG SHALVEY VAR ANMN     $3.99
MAY140904     MAGNETO #7     $3.99
APR148512     MILES MORALES ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #2 2ND PTG MARQUEZ VAR     $3.99
FEB140825     MMW AVENGERS HC VOL 14     $69.99
APR148513     MOON KNIGHT #4 2ND PTG SHALVEY VAR     $3.99
MAY140864     MS MARVEL #6     $2.99
MAY140791     NOVA #19 SIN     $3.99
APR140642     ORIGINAL SIN #3.2     $3.99
MAY140768     ORIGINAL SIN #6     $3.99
MAY140951     ROCKET RACCOON #1 POSTER     $8.99
MAY140867     SAVAGE HULK #2     $3.99
MAY140908     SAVAGE WOLVERINE #21     $3.99
MAY140823     SECRET AVENGERS #5     $3.99
APR148518     SHE-HULK #4 2ND PTG WADA VAR     $2.99
MAY140869     SHE-HULK #6     $2.99
APR140694     SILVER SURFER #4     $3.99
MAY140952     SPIDER-MAN 2099 #1 POSTER     $8.99
MAY140863     THUNDERBOLTS #28     $2.99
MAY140832     ULTIMATE FF #4     $3.99
MAY140792     UNCANNY X-MEN #23 SIN     $3.99
MAY140897     X-MEN #16     $3.99

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for June 11 2014

MARVEL COMICS

APR140635 ALL NEW INVADERS #6 SIN $3.99
APR140670 ALL NEW ULTIMATES #3 $3.99
APR140725 ALL NEW X-MEN #28 $3.99
APR140681 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1.2 ANMN $3.99
APR140793 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1.2 BY ROSS POSTER $8.99
MAR140778 AVENGERS TP LEGACY OF THANOS $34.99
MAR140764 AVENGERS TP VOL 03 PRELUDE TO INFINITY $19.99
APR140665 AVENGERS UNDERCOVER #5 ANMN $2.99
APR140710 CAPTAIN MARVEL #4 $3.99
APR140696 DEADLY HANDS OF KUNG FU #2 $3.99
APR140647 DEADPOOL #30 SIN $3.99
APR140657 FIGMENT #1 $3.99
APR140791 FIGMENT POSTER $8.99
MAR148372 GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #14 2ND PTG BRADSHAW VAR ANMN $4.99
MAR148373 HULK #2 2ND PTG OPENA VAR ANMN $3.99
APR140712 HULK #4 $3.99
MAR140783 INVADERS CLASSIC TP COMPLETE COLLECTION VOL 01 $39.99
APR140716 MARVEL UNIVERSE AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #9 SYU $2.99
APR140646 MIGHTY AVENGERS #11 SIN $3.99
JAN140788 MMW CAPTAIN MARVEL HC VOL 05 $69.99
MAR148374 MS MARVEL #1 4TH PTG PICHELLI VAR ANMN $2.99
APR140663 NEW AVENGERS #19 ANMN $3.99
MAR140768 NIGHT OF LIVING DEADPOOL TP $16.99
MAR148375 NIGHTCRAWLER #1 2ND PTG SAMNEE VAR ANMN $3.99
APR140735 NIGHTCRAWLER #3 $3.99
APR140638 ORIGINAL SINS #1 $3.99
APR140790 OZ OMNIBUS BY YOUNG POSTER $8.99
APR140792 SAVAGE HULK BY ROSS POSTER $8.99
APR140733 SAVAGE WOLVERINE #20 $3.99
APR140667 SECRET AVENGERS #4 ANMN $3.99
APR140703 SHE-HULK #5 $2.99
MAR140763 THOR GOD OF THUNDER TP VOL 02 GODBOMB $19.99
APR140718 UNCANNY X-MEN SPECIAL #1 $4.99
APR140740 UNITED STATES OF MURDER INC #2 (MR) $3.99
APR140729 WOLVERINE #8 $3.99


Friday, June 6, 2014

I Reads You Review: NIGHTCRAWLER #1

NIGHTCRAWLER (2014) #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Chris Claremont
ARTIST: Todd Nauck
COLORS: Rachelle Rosenberg
LETTERS: VC’s Cory Petit
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson; Humberto Ramos with Edgar Delgado
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2014)

Rated T+

Nightcrawler (also known as Kurt Wagner) is a Marvel Comics superhero character and is best known as a member of the X-Men.  Nightcrawler was created by writer Len Wein and the late artist Dave Cockrum, and the character debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 (cover dated: May 1975).

Nightcrawler is a mutant and his most obvious power is the ability to teleport across short or long distances.  He also possesses superhuman agility and adhesive three-fingered hands and two-toed feet.  He has indigo or blue-colored fur (which allows him to blend into shadows), yellow eyes, pointed ears, and a prehensile tail.

Nightcrawler has appeared in numerous X-Men and related publications, including the 1980s and 90’s series, Excalibur.  He has been the star of two miniseries and a short-lived ongoing series.  Nightcrawler was killed off in X-Force (Vol. 3) #26 (cover dated:  April 2010), which was part of the X-Men: Second Coming crossover publishing event.

Nightcrawler recently returned to the Marvel Comics land of the living.  Now, there is a new Nightcrawler ongoing comic book series from the creative team of writer Chris Claremont, artist Todd Nauck, colorist Rachelle Rosenberg and letterer Cory Petit.

Nightcrawler #1 opens at the Jean Grey School of Higher Learning.  In the Danger Room, where the X-Men hone their skills, Nightcrawler engages Wolverine in a fierce one-on-one battle session.  Storm, Beast, and Dr. Cecelia Reyes watch.  Nightcrawler is also having a difficult time with his new surroundings, especially a school full of strange, new mutant students.  Nightcrawler travels to Manhattan to visit his longtime girlfriend, the witch Amanda Sefton.  But a normal romantic evening is not to be – not for an X-Man.

Chris Claremont is not credited as a creator of Nightcrawler.  He has written the character longer than anyone else, and he was the first to write the character extensively.  So Claremont is practically Nightcrawler’s father and co-creator, but you could not tell that judging by Nightcrawler #1 alone.

It is not a bad read.  This is just mostly nothing.  It is as if Claremont’s creative engine has not only run out of fuel, but has also simply worn down from overuse.  Even if it could be re-energized, I wonder if Claremont’s imagination could ever deliver the X-Men stories he once did.  Lord, how I hope that I am wrong.

I cannot explain exactly, but I think that Nightcrawler #1 would be different if Marvel were not publishing so many X-Men comic book series.  I think Claremont would have more leeway in what he could do with this character and this series without having to work around all the other X-books.  I hope for better because I really looked forward to this new Nightcrawler comic book series.  I love the character, and I love Claremont writing the X-Men.

Even Todd Nauck’s art is uninspired.  It is like a step down from what he has done before now.  My review grade is generous.

C+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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