Showing posts with label The Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Spirit. Show all posts

Monday, March 11, 2019

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for March 13, 2019

DYNAMITE

SEP181127    GAME OF THRONES CLASH OF KINGS #16 CVR A MILLER (MR)    $3.99
SEP181128    GAME OF THRONES CLASH OF KINGS #16 CVR B RUBI (MR)    $3.99
JAN191232    JAMES BOND ORIGIN #7 CVR A PANOSIAN    $3.99
JAN191233    JAMES BOND ORIGIN #7 CVR B WARD    $3.99
JAN191234    JAMES BOND ORIGIN #7 CVR C MOONEY    $3.99
JAN191235    JAMES BOND ORIGIN #7 CVR D MOUSTAFA    $3.99
JAN191236    JAMES BOND ORIGIN #7 CVR E BOB Q    $3.99
FEB181374    RED SONJA HYRKANIAS LEGACY BOARD GAME    $39.99
JUN188810    TERRY DODSON BETTIE PAGE B&W STATUE    $189.99
MAY181166    TERRY DODSON BETTIE PAGE STATUE    $189.99
AUG181284    WILL EISNER SPIRIT CORPSE MAKERS HC SGN    $39.99

Monday, December 17, 2018

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for December 19, 2018

DYNAMITE

SEP181232    BOYS HC LTD ED VOL 02 GET SOME ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $29.99
SEP181234    BOYS HC LTD ED VOL 04 WE GOTTA GO NOW ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $29.99
SEP181239    BOYS TP VOL 01 NAME OF THE GAME ROBERTSON REMARKED ED (MR) (    $89.99
SEP181220    BOYS TP VOL 01 NAME OF THE GAME ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $16.99
SEP181221    BOYS TP VOL 02 GET SOME ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181222    BOYS TP VOL 03 GOOD FOR THE SOUL ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181223    BOYS TP VOL 04 WE GOTTA GO NOW ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181225    BOYS TP VOL 06 SELF-PRESERVATION SOCIETY ROBERTSON SGN ED (M    $19.99
SEP181226    BOYS TP VOL 07 THE INNOCENTS ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181227    BOYS TP VOL 08 HIGHLAND LADDIE ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181228    BOYS TP VOL 09 BIG RIDE ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $24.99
SEP181229    BOYS TP VOL 10 BUTCHER BAKER ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181230    BOYS TP VOL 11 OVER THE HILL ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
SEP181231    BOYS TP VOL 12 BLOODY DOORS OFF ROBERTSON SGN ED (MR)    $19.99
OCT181073    JAMES BOND 007 #2 CVR A JOHNSON    $3.99
OCT181074    JAMES BOND 007 #2 CVR B SAUVAGE    $3.99
OCT181075    JAMES BOND 007 #2 CVR C HENRY    $3.99
OCT181076    JAMES BOND 007 #2 CVR D LAMING    $3.99
OCT171470    JOHN WICK #4 CVR A VALLETTA    $3.99
OCT171471    JOHN WICK #4 CVR B GARRIGA    $3.99
OCT171472    JOHN WICK #4 CVR C PHOTO    $3.99
OCT181110    KISS BLOOD STARDUST #3 CVR A SAYGER    $3.99
OCT181111    KISS BLOOD STARDUST #3 CVR B BUCHEMI    $3.99
OCT181112    KISS BLOOD STARDUST #3 CVR C SANAPO    $3.99
OCT181113    KISS BLOOD STARDUST #3 CVR D PHOTO SUB VAR    $3.99
OCT181148    RED SONJA #24 CVR A MCKONE    $3.99
OCT181149    RED SONJA #24 CVR B MORITAT    $3.99
OCT181150    RED SONJA #24 CVR C MANDRAKE    $3.99
OCT181151    RED SONJA #24 CVR D REILLY    $3.99
OCT181152    RED SONJA #24 CVR E COSPLAY SUB VAR    $3.99
AUG181283    WILL EISNER SPIRIT CORPSE MAKERS HC    $19.99

Monday, January 30, 2017

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for February 1, 2017

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

DEC162063    A&A #12 CVR A KANO    $3.99
DEC162064    A&A #12 CVR B PEEPLES    $3.99
DEC161434    ADVENTURE TIME #61    $3.99
DEC161435    ADVENTURE TIME #61 SUBSCRIPTION LUX CVR    $3.99
DEC161272    ARCHIE 75TH ANNIV DIGEST #6    $6.99
DEC161274    ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #276    $6.99
NOV161828    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #1 BLANK SKETCH VAR (MR)    $3.99
NOV161823    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #1 CVR A RONALD (MR)    $3.99
NOV161824    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #1 CVR B SUNSETAGAIN (MR)    $3.99
NOV161825    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #1 CVR C SALGADO (MR)    $3.99
NOV161826    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #1 CVR D HOLDER (MR)    $3.99
NOV161827    ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #1 CVR E DOUBLELEAF (MR)    $3.99
DEC161957    ASSIGNMENT #2 (OF 3) CVR A SHIBOA    $5.99
DEC161958    ASSIGNMENT #2 (OF 3) CVR B DI MEO    $5.99
DEC161959    ASSIGNMENT #2 (OF 3) CVR C JEF    $5.99
DEC161960    ASSIGNMENT #2 (OF 3) CVR D JEF    $5.99
OCT161401    BEARDO TP VOL 05 MIRACLE OF CREATION    $24.95
NOV161762    BIG GAME HUNTERS DIGEST TP BOOK 01 LIZARD BARON    $15.99
DEC161418    BIG TROUBLE LITTLE CHINA ESCAPE NEW YORK #5 SUBSCRIPTION CAM    $3.99
DEC161417    BIG TROUBLE LITTLE CHINA ESCAPE NEW YORK #5 WRAPAROUND BAYLI    $3.99
NOV161074    BLOOD BLISTER #1 (MR)    $3.99
NOV161120    CAVEWOMAN 2016 WINTER CONVENTION BOOKLET    $PI
SEP161268    CAVEWOMAN ANKHAS REVENGE #3 (OF 3) CVR A MASSEY    $3.99
SEP161269    CAVEWOMAN ANKHAS REVENGE #3 (OF 3) CVR B MASSEY    $PI
SEP161271    CAVEWOMAN ANKHAS REVENGE #3 (OF 3) CVR D ROOT    $PI
NOV161401    CHUM TP (MR)    $12.99
DEC162209    DARLING I LOVE YOU POEMS FROM HEARTS OF MUTTS SC    $17.00
MAY161474    DF DETECTIVE COMICS #934 CGC GRADED    $89.99
DEC161758    DISNEY DESCENDANTS CINESTORY TP VOL 03    $9.99
SEP161771    DISNEY FROZEN #5    $3.99
SEP161969    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR TWO #14 CVR A CARANFA    $3.99
SEP161970    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR TWO #14 CVR B PHOTO    $3.99
SEP161971    DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR TWO #14 CVR C BAXTER    $3.99
DEC161687    EIGHTBALL CARICATURE NINE STORIES TP (CURR PTG) (MR)    $16.99
DEC162050    FAITH (ONGOING) #8 CVR A KANO    $3.99
DEC162051    FAITH (ONGOING) #8 CVR B TAN    $3.99
DEC162052    FAITH (ONGOING) #8 CVR C LAFUENTE    $3.99
NOV161567    FARMER NEDS COMICS BARN GN JABLONSKI COLLECTION (MR)    $30.00
DEC161547    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS #4 (OF 5) CVR A HAMM    $3.99
DEC161548    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS #4 (OF 5) CVR B NELSON    $3.99
DEC161549    FLASH GORDON KINGS CROSS #4 (OF 5) CVR C EXC SUBSCRIPTION    $3.99
NOV162034    GFT DAY OF THE DEAD #1 (OF 6) CVR A OTERO    $3.99
NOV162035    GFT DAY OF THE DEAD #1 (OF 6) CVR B SALONGA    $3.99
NOV162036    GFT DAY OF THE DEAD #1 (OF 6) CVR C CHEN    $3.99
NOV162037    GFT DAY OF THE DEAD #1 (OF 6) CVR D PREITANO    $3.99
NOV162057    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #3 CVR A KIVELA (MR)    $3.99
NOV162058    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #3 CVR B OTERO (MR)    $3.99
NOV162059    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #3 CVR C REYES (MR)    $3.99
NOV162060    GFT RED AGENT HUMAN ORDER #3 CVR D LUIS (MR)    $3.99
OCT162141    GFT VAN HELSING VS FRANKENSTEIN #5 (OF 5) CVR A PREITANO (MR    $3.99
OCT162142    GFT VAN HELSING VS FRANKENSTEIN #5 (OF 5) CVR B METCALF (MR)    $3.99
OCT162143    GFT VAN HELSING VS FRANKENSTEIN #5 (OF 5) CVR C REI (MR)    $3.99
OCT162144    GFT VAN HELSING VS FRANKENSTEIN #5 (OF 5) CVR D COLAPIETRO (    $3.99
DEC161429    GIANT DAYS #23    $3.99
DEC161500    GODS & THUNDER OLD NORSE MYTHS GN    $14.95
DEC161427    GOLDIE VANCE #9    $3.99
DEC161555    GREEN HORNET REIGN OF DEMON #3 (OF 4) CVR A MORITAT    $3.99
DEC161556    GREEN HORNET REIGN OF DEMON #3 (OF 4) CVR B MARQUES    $3.99
NOV161479    INTERTWINED #4 (OF 6) (MR)    $3.99
DEC161807    INVADER ZIM #1 1 DOLLAR ED    $1.00
DEC161255    JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS #4 CVR A REG AUDREY MOK    $3.99
DEC161256    JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS #4 CVR B VAR SANYA ANWAR    $3.99
DEC161257    JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS #4 CVR C VAR MICHAEL WALSH    $3.99
NOV161320    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 (MR)    $5.99
NOV161326    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 LUSCIOUS CVR (MR)    $5.99
NOV161331    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 LUSCIOUS NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
NOV161322    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 NATURAL BEAUTY CVR (MR)    $5.99
NOV161330    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 NATURAL BEAUTY NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
NOV161328    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
NOV161325    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 SULTRY CVR (MR)    $5.99
NOV161332    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 SULTRY NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
NOV161321    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 WRAP CVR (MR)    $5.99
NOV161329    JUNGLE FANTASY IVORY #6 WRAP NUDE CVR (MR)    $7.99
NOV161967    JUNJI ITOS DISSOLVING CLASSROOM GN (MR)    $12.95
DEC161808    KAIJUMAX #1 1 DOLLAR ED    $1.00
OCT161772    KINDRED SPIRITS ON ROOF COMP COLL TP    $20.99
DEC161809    LETTER 44 #1 1 DOLLAR ED (MR)    $1.00
DEC161810    LIFE AFTER #1 1 DOLLAR ED    $1.00
NOV161691    LIGHTHOUSE HC    $15.99
NOV161502    LIGHTRUNNER DOVER ED GN    $19.95
SEP161624    LITTLE TULIP GN (MR)    $14.95
NOV161763    MAGE INC DIGEST TP BOOK 01 INTERN    $15.99
NOV161879    MONIKA GN MASKED BALL (O/A) (MR)    $16.99
NOV161856    MOORCOCK ELRIC HC VOL 02 (OF 4) STORMBRINGER    $14.99
NOV161756    MY PATHETIC VAMPIRE LIFE GN VOL 02    $12.99
OCT169071    NO ANGEL #1 2ND PTG (MR)    $3.99
NOV161568    NOT WAVING BUT DRAWING GN CUNEO COLLECTION (MR)    $25.00
NOV168936    PLANET OF APES GREEN LANTERN #1 FOC PEREZ ORDWAY CONNECT VAR    $3.99
DEC161345    PLANET OF APES GREEN LANTERN #1 MAIN CVR    $3.99
NOV168681    POKEMON COMPLETE POCKET GUIDE SC VOL 01 2ND ED    $10.99
NOV161644    POORCRAFT GN VOL 01    $10.00
NOV161880    RIVERS OF LONDON BLACK MOULD #4 (OF 5) CVR A STOTT    $3.99
NOV161881    RIVERS OF LONDON BLACK MOULD #4 (OF 5) CVR B SULLIVAN    $3.99
NOV161882    RIVERS OF LONDON BLACK MOULD #4 (OF 5) CVR C ASSISI    $3.99
NOV162068    ROBYN HOOD I LOVE NY #1 COLORING BOOK ED    $10.00
DEC161226    ROGUES TP VOL 03 HEARTS AND TOMBS (RES) (MR)    $19.99
NOV161503    SEEKERS INTO MYSTERY TP (MR)    $34.95
DEC161539    SHADOW DEATH OF MARGO LANE HC LTD PX ED    $199.99
NOV162053    SPIRIT HUNTERS #4 (OF 12) CVR A SPAY (MR)    $3.99
NOV162054    SPIRIT HUNTERS #4 (OF 12) CVR B LEISTER (MR)    $3.99
NOV162055    SPIRIT HUNTERS #4 (OF 12) CVR C REI (MR)    $3.99
NOV162056    SPIRIT HUNTERS #4 (OF 12) CVR D TOLIBAO (MR)    $3.99
SEP161259    STARGATE ATLANTIS GATEWAYS #2 MAIN CVR WIERINGO    $3.99
SEP161261    STARGATE ATLANTIS GATEWAYS #2 SHEPPARD PHOTO CVR    $3.99
SEP161260    STARGATE ATLANTIS GATEWAYS #2 SUB CVR    $3.99
MAY161747    TWISTED LIGHT GN    $14.99
NOV161054    VAMPBLADE #12 CVR C COSTUME ONE (MR)    $4.99
DEC161533    VAMPIRELLA #0 CVR A TAN    $0.25
NOV161436    WILL EISNER SPIRIT CORPSE MAKERS #1 (OF 5) CVR A FRANCAVILLA    $3.99
DEC161416    WOODS #29    $3.99
NOV160483    YOU MIGHT BE AN ARTIST IF HC    $19.99

MAGAZINES
DEC162227    RUE MORGUE SPECIAL PHANTASM    $14.95

BOOKS
NOV161890    BEST OF STAR WARS INSIDER SC    $19.99
DEC161497    DEADWORLD COLORING BOOK    $9.99
DEC162211    DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 46 BAMA VAR CVR    $14.95
DEC161285    EXPLORERS GUILD ILLUS SC VOL 01 PASSAGE TO SHAMBHALA    $18.00
DEC162183    GOOD MORNING SUPERMAN YR PICTURE BOOK    $15.95
DEC162180    LOIS LANE DOUBLE DOWN YA SC NOVEL    $9.95
JUL161326    OFFICIAL ART OF BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA HC    $39.99
SEP162217    PHANTOM COMP AVON NOVELS VOL 02 SLAVE MARKET OF MUCAR    $14.99
AUG162001    RESIDENT EVIL FINAL CHAPTER MMPB    $7.99
NOV162123    SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 114 DEATH BY PROXY & LOOT OF DEATH    $14.95
DEC162184    SUPERMAN SCIENCE REAL WORLD SCIENCE BEHIND SUPERMANS POWERS    $9.95
DEC163178    WARHAMMER 40K MACHARIAN CRUSADE OMNIBUS    $21.00


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 10, 2016

DARK HORSE COMICS

DEC150072     ABE SAPIEN #31 MAIN CVR     $3.50
DEC150081     ALABASTER THE GOOD THE BAD & THE BIRD #3     $3.99
OCT150077     ARCHIE ARCHIVES HC VOL 12     $59.99
OCT150067     BTVS SEASON 10 TP VOL 04 OLD DEMONS     $18.99
OCT150048     ELTINGVILLE CLUB HC     $19.99
OCT150080     GIGANTO MAXIA TP     $13.99
DEC150078     HARROW COUNTY #9     $3.99
DEC150103     KINGS ROAD #1     $3.99
DEC150106     LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS SURVIVING MEGALOPOLIS #2     $3.99
DEC150110     MASSIVE NINTH WAVE #3     $3.99
DEC150053     MIRRORS EDGE EXORDIUM #6     $3.99
OCT150078     WILL EISNERS SPIRIT NEW ADVENTURES HC 2ND ED     $24.99
SEP150067     ZODIAC STARFORCE #4     $3.99

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Review: THE SPIRIT: The New Adventures #1

THE SPIRIT: THE NEW ADVENTURES No. 1
KITCHEN SINK PRESS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Alan Moore
ART/LETTERS: Dave Gibbons
COLOR: Angus McKie
COVER: Dave Gibbons
MISC. ART: Will Eisner with Charles Shadoian
32pp, Color, $3.50 U.S., $4.90 CAN (March 1998)

The Spirit is a comic book character created by cartoonist Will Eisner (who died in January 2005).  The Spirit first appeared on June 2, 1940 in what readers called “The Spirit Section.”  This was a 16-page, Sunday newspaper supplement or insert that was carried in various newspapers from the 1940s and into the early 1950s.  Once known as Detective Denny Colt (believed by some to be dead), The Spirit is a masked vigilante who fights crime in Central City.

Beginning in the early 1980s, Kitchen Sink Press did a complete reprinting of the post-World War II Spirit, which many readers and fans consider to be Will Eisner’s best and most influential work.  After the end of The Spirit’s newspaper run, there was very little new Spirit material…

That was until Kitchen Sink Press started publishing The Spirit: New Adventures in 1998.  This was an anthology title wherein a number of noted comic book creators and cartoonists chronicled new, post-Eisner Spirit adventures.  Over the course of the series run of eight issues, readers got new Spirit tales from Alan Moore, Eddie Campbell, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, Paul Pope, and James Vance & Dan Burr, to name a few.

The Spirit: New Adventures #1 features three interconnected tales written by Alan Moore and drawn by Dave Gibbons.  In “The Most Important Meal,” Doctor Cobra has his last meal, a solid breakfast, before his execution for double-murder.  Cobra shares his breakfast with a young cellmate, whom he regales with a tale of how Denny Colt, a promising young criminologist became The Spirit.

In “Force of Arms,” Homer Creap has complaints about The Spirit and shares them with a young lad.  Homer knows the truth about Doctor Cobra, and that tale returns to a time when Homer was the fiancé of one Ellen Dollan, daughter of Police Commissioner Dolan.  That was before The Spirit interfered.  The final story, “Gossip and Gertrude Granch,” finds widow, Gertrude Granch, entertaining a series of young men who seem to get younger with each new date… or so it seems to her gossipy neighbors.

Among the back matter in The Spirit: New Adventures #1 is a short feature article, “The Many Origins of the Spirit,” written by Catherine Garnier.  Until I read it, I did not know that Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ trio of tales were a retelling of The Spirit’s origin.  In fact, it turns out that The Spirit’s creator, Will Eisner, told his character’s origin in his very first Spirit section (June 2, 1940) and then, retold it twice more.  With the debut of The Spirit: New Adventures, Moore and Gibbons were merely telling the origin story again, retelling, re-imagining, and adding to the canon.

Moore and Gibbons, using just a few of the elements they employed so fantastically in Watchmen, offer a few nods to the graphic and stylistic hallmarks that were Will Eisner’s Spirit.  As usual, Moore is clever and imaginative, here, more of the former than the latter.  Gibbons’ stoic and mercurial surrealism manages to capture the spirit of… The Spirit.  This issue’s closing tale, “Gossip and Gertrude Granch,” is pure Eisner and typical Moore.  In fact, the story reveals how much Eisner obviously influenced Moore.

I read The Spirit: New Adventures when the series was originally published.  Something made me think of it again, so I’m going to go back and re-read it.  I strongly recommend to you, dear reader, that you discover this comic book.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.


Friday, November 6, 2015

Review: THE SPIRIT #1

THE SPIRIT #1 (2007)
DC COMICS – @DCComics

WRITER/PENCILS: Darwyn Cooke
INKS: J. Bone
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Jared Fletcher
EDITOR: Scott Dunbier
32pp, Color, $2.99 U.S., $4.00 CAN (February 2007)

The Spirit created by Will Eisner

“Ice Ginger Coffee”

Beginning in 2007, DC Comics brought Will Eisner’s classic comics character, The Spirit, back with a new monthly comic book series, the first of two DC published over a five-year period.  The first 12 issues of the first series were written and drawn by acclaimed cartoonist and writer/artist, Darwyn Cooke.  I reviewed the first issue for the 105th edition of my old “Mr. Charlie” column for the ComicBookBin.

Here’s is that review:

In 1997-98, the now-defunct Kitchen Sink Press published eight issues of The Spirit: New Adventures.  It was an anthology title wherein a number of writers, artists, and cartoonists chronicled new, post-Eisner Spirit tales.  Over the course of those eight issues, Alan Moore wrote two stories:  an issue-length tale drawn by Dave Gibbons and a short story drawn by Daniel Torres.  Neil Gaiman teamed with Eddie Campbell.  Paul Chadwick and Paul Pope were two of the many artists who drew stories for the new series.  Perhaps, it was The Spirit: New Adventures that opened my mind to the idea of new Spirit tales from modern comic book creators.  I was saddened when Kitchen Sink Press troubles meant the cancellation of this series, and if I remember correctly, at least a nine issues was published.

Now, it’s DC Comics' turn to launch a new Spirit comic book.  When I learned that Darwyn Cooke would write and draw The Spirit in a new ongoing series, I instantly knew that I was likely going to like this book, and after reading the first issue, I look forward to #2, #3, #4…

I think I like this because so far it seems as if Cooke doesn't plan on making major changes to Will Eisner's famous costumed hero.  Even in this first issue, Cooke eschews "making the character his own," by transforming The Spirit into something else.  He's modernized the setting, the sets, and backdrops, but the characters are basically the same.  The plots are similar in style, but Cooke takes more pages to do what Eisner did in fewer pages (and need I say better).

The sole major change Cooke makes is to Eisner's lovable Sambo, Ebony White, The Spirit's "colored" sidekick for much of the 1940's.  The character, a thick-lipped, black kid who spoke the way many White people still think African-Americans speak (broken, minstrel English), remains hugely controversial.  Eisner apologists and/or racists defend Ebony's characterization as being acceptable at the time Eisner and others wrote Spirit stories (well, at least it was acceptable to White folks).  Now, Ebony is a sassy, young Negroid who spouts the kind of witty banter that might make him safe for The Disney Channel.  He's urban and hip-hop-ish, but not so dangerous that he couldn't date Raven of the Disney’s Channels’ “That’s So Raven.”

This first issue story, entitled "Ice Ginger Coffee" finds The Spirit racing to rescue a cable news network anchor.  Ginger Coffee (a light-skinned African-American type who blends Halle Berry and Gabrielle Union) has just been promoted to anchor of National News Network.  Her big expose to celebrate her rise is an interview of a mystery guest with insider information on the criminal organization of Amos Weinstock, aka "The Pill."  The Pill, whose obese body is covered in pustules that secrete flesh-dissolving fluids, has Ginger kidnapped.  It's The Spirit to the rescue, but Ginger, ever determined to break news, has found a way to give her audience an insider's view of her precarious situation, much to The Spirit's chagrin.  She may cost her and The Spirit their lives.

Cooke's art (inked by J. Bone) is a close relative of the style Eisner and his studio used on The Spirit back in the 1940's.  Dave Stewart's coloring is good, but comes across as a candy-coated version of Batman's dreary world.  The Spirit's world is vibrant and four-colored, and I'm hoping to see more of that in future issues.  In the meantime, I'm a satisfied fanboy and I'm curious about the future of this new series. [END]

So that’s what I had to say about The Spirit #1.  You can see the original version of this review at this link: http://www.comicbookbin.com/thespirit200701.html

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

 --------------------------

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Review: BATMAN/SPIRIT #1


BATMAN/THE SPIRIT #1
DC COMICS – @DCComics

SCRIPT: Jeph Loeb
PENCILS: Darwyn Cooke
INKS: J. Bone
COLORS: Dave Stewart
LETTERS: Comicraft
48pp, Color, $4.99 U.S., $6.75 CAN (January 2007)

The Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

The Spirit created by Will Eisner

“Crime Convention”

Batman/The Spirit was a one-shot, stand-alone comic book starring Batman and Will Eisner’s classic comic book character, The Spirit.  The comic book was released in late 2006, but has a 2007 cover date.  This crossover comic book is a collaboration between award-winning and celebrated creators, Jeph Loeb and Darwyn Cooke.  I reviewed it early 2007 as the 104th edition of my old “Mr. Charlie” column at the Comic Book Bin.

Here, is the classic review:

Sometime in the last few years or so, DC Comics obtained the rights to publish new comic books featuring Will Eisner's famous costumed hero, The Spirit.  As a prelude to the new series, DC presents Batman/The Spirit #1 with a script by Jeph Loeb and pencils by Darwyn Cooke (who will write and pencil the new Spirit title).  Entitled "Crime Convention," it tells of the first meeting of Batman (Bruce Wayne) and The Spirit (Denny Colt), which apparently happened several years in the past.  Robin is only 13 in the story.

The denizens of Batman's Gotham City and The Spirit's Central City come together in Hawaii for The Policeman's Benevolent Association's Annual Law Enforcement ConventionCommissioners Gordon of Gotham City and Dolan of Central City are eager to take this working vacation.  What they don't know is that the convention is the epicenter of a diabolical plot with The Spirit's mysterious nemesis, The Octopus, as the mastermind.

Aiding him are such Spirit villains as P'Gell (who has seduced Commissioner Gordon), Carrion, The Vulture (and his pet vulture, Julia), among others.  From The Batman's rogue's gallery, many bad guys join the plot including The Joker and Harley Quinn, Catwoman, The Penguin, and Poison Ivy (who gains control of Commissioner Dolan through her poisonous kisses).  Gordon's daughter, Barbara (who apparently hasn't become Batgirl at this point), and Dolan's daughter, Ellen, also make small appearances.

Batman (and Robin) and The Spirit join forces in Hawaii to discover the details of plot and foil it, but first Batman and The Spirit have a small tussle.  It's after their first misunderstanding they find that with so many of their adversaries in town, they might have their hands full, so joining forces is the way to go.

Batman/The Spirit is like a love letter to both the creators and fans of these two venerable characters and their supporting casts and places.  Jeph Loeb's story is light, breezy, and moves fast - being more like Will Eisner's comix than what Bob Kane and Bill Finger did in their Batman comic books.  It should be no surprise that Loeb, who brought together the most prominent Bat-characters in the 12-part serial, Batman: Hush, does much the same thing in Batman/The Spirit, although in a lighter… spirit.  Still, the story is a bit dark.  There are murders committed in the background of this tale, and readers may interpret the scene in one panel to mean that Commissioner Gordon had sex with P'Gell, the long-time Spirit villainess.

The real treat here is Darwyn Cooke's art (with inks by J. Bone).  One of those artists with a "cartoony" style, Cooke worked on the popular "Batman: The Animated Series" television series.  Cooke draws a great looking Batman.  His art has a tone and style that captures the fun, B-movie, sci-fi spirit of DC Comics from the 1950's and 1960's.  Cooke displayed that so well in DC: The New Frontier, and his comic art for Batman/The Spirit looks like an untold tale set in the era of The New Frontier.  Cooke brings his own style to the table, though he references Eisner and also some of the Batman comic book artists who worked from the 1930's to the 60's without mimicking them.  You could say that he captures the spirit of those artists and those times.

I'd love to see Batman team up with The Spirit again, but only face one villain each from their respective rogue's gallery.  There are many other writers besides Loeb who could write this possible sequel, but if Cooke isn't available to draw it, hopefully DC will realize that the shortlist of artists who could do this project justice is indeed very short. [ENDS]

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

So that’s what I had to say about this comic book 7(!) years ago.  You can find the original version of this review at the following link: http://www.comicbookbin.com/batmanandthespirit2006.html

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.


Sunday, September 13, 2015

Review: Will Eisner's THE SPIRIT #1

WILL EISNER'S THE SPIRIT VOL. 1 #1
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT – @dynamitecomics

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Matt Wagner
ART: Dan Schkade
COLORS: Brennan Wagner
LETTERS: A Larger World Studios
COVER: Eric Powell
VARIANT COVERS: Matt Wagner with Brennan Wagner; Alex Ross; John Cassaday; Francesco Francavilla; Dan Schkade; Matt Wagner; Dennis Calero; Jenny Frison; Stephen Mooney
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2015)

Rated T+

The Spirit (a.k.a. Denny Colt) is the masked crime-fighting hero created by legendary cartoonist, the late Will Eisner.  The Spirit first appeared on June 2, 1940 as the main feature of what would come to be known as “The Spirit Section.”  This was a 16-page, tabloid-sized, newsprint comic book insert first distributed in the Sunday edition of Register and Tribune Syndicate newspapers.  “The Spirit Section” ended in 1952.  With only a few exceptions, Eisner did not produce new stories featuring The Spirit as a regular feature after 1952.

In the last two decades, Kitchen Sink, DC Comics, and IDW published comic book series featuring new Spirit stories created by other writers and artists.  Sometime in the last year, Dynamite Entertainment obtained the rights to produce new Spirit comic books.  July 2015 saw the debut of Will Eisner's The Spirit, written by Matt Wagner, drawn by Dan Schkade, colored by Brennan Wagner, and lettered by A Large World Studios, with covers by Eric Powell.

Will Eisner's The Spirit #1 opens some time in the 1940s, two years after the last sighting of The Spirit.  Central City Police Commissioner Eustace Dolan wonders about the fate of his loyal, crime-fighting friend, but he must focus on the city's politics, which are not necessarily playing in his favor.  Commissioner Dolan's daughter, Ellen Dolan, is busy with her role as a city councilman, and though she was romantically involved with The Spirit, she has moved on with her life.  She even has a new boyfriend, attorney Archibald “Archie” Shale.

The Spirit's former sidekick, Ebony White, is now part of “Strunk and White: Private Investigators.”  Ebony has grown bored of chasing people, and has decided that it is time to chase The Spirit.

There have been some good recent Spirit stories produced by creators other than Will Eisner; Alan Moore and Darwyn Cooke come to mind.  Even back in The Spirit's original run, the comic was produced by people other than Eisner.  I imagine that readers who are not familiar with Will Eisner won't know the difference between his Spirit and that of other creators, so I will partly review Will Eisner's The Spirit #1 in that context.

It is a decent comic book.  It has potential, but I wouldn't pay a cover price of $3.99 for it on a regular basis.  Series artist Dan Schkade draws so that his compositions try to capture the graphic style of a comic book from the 1940s.  However, his drawing, in terms of comic book art and storytelling, is raw, and the quality of his work says semi-pro webcomic.

Now, as a longtime fan of The Spirit, who has liked both Eisner and non-Eisner Spirit comics, I have to say that Will Eisner's The Spirit #1 simply does not live up to the best of either Eisner or non-Eisner Spirit.  The reality is that anyone who takes on The Spirit works in the shadow of Eisner, one of the greatest and most influential comic book artists and creators of all time.

So truthfully, Dynamite Entertainment needs to do better than Dan Schkade as the series artist.  Flashy cover artists cannot hide that this book does not even come close to living up to its pedigree.  [I must admit to loving Alex Ross' gorgeous “Subscription Cover” variant cover.]  I want this to be better, and I think writer Matt Wagner and artist Dan Schkade can do better.  They must.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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


Tuesday, July 7, 2015

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 8, 2015

DC COMICS

MAY150173     ALL STAR SECTION 8 #2     $2.99
APR150284     AQUAMAN SUB DIEGO TP     $16.99
MAY150153     ARROW SEASON 2.5 #10     $2.99
MAY150192     BATMAN #42     $3.99
FEB150258     BATMAN ARKHAM KNIGHT HC VOL 01     $19.99
APR150286     BATMAN ETERNAL TP VOL 02     $39.99
MAY150190     BATMAN SUPERMAN #22     $3.99
APR150260     BATMAN THE JIRO KUWATA BATMANGA TP VOL 02     $12.99
MAY150199     CATWOMAN #42     $2.99
MAY150263     COFFIN HILL #20 (MR)     $3.99
MAY150138     CONSTANTINE THE HELLBLAZER #2     $2.99
MAY150145     EARTH 2 SOCIETY #2     $2.99
MAY150267     FABLES THE WOLF AMONG US #7 (MR)     $3.99
MAY150210     GOTHAM ACADEMY #8     $2.99
MAR150308     HINTERKIND TP VOL 03 THE HOT ZONE (MR)     $14.99
MAY150154     INJUSTICE GODS AMONG US YEAR FOUR #5     $2.99
APR158686     JUSTICE LEAGUE #41 2ND PTG (NOTE PRICE)     $4.99
MAR150273     JUSTICE LEAGUE HC VOL 06 INJUSTICE LEAGUE (N52)     $24.99
MAY150124     JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #2     $3.99
MAY150129     JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED #11     $3.99
MAY150270     MAD MAX FURY ROAD MAX #1 Of(2) (MR)     $4.99
MAY150164     NEW SUICIDE SQUAD #10     $2.99
MAY150171     RED HOOD ARSENAL #2     $2.99
MAY150230     SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #59     $2.99
APR150300     SINESTRO TP VOL 02 SACRIFICE     $16.99
MAY150174     STARFIRE #2     $2.99
APR150305     WILL EISNERS THE SPIRIT A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS HC     $49.99


Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Comics, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributors for July 1, 2015

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS

APR151683    A CENTAURS LIFE GN VOL 06 (MR)    $12.99
MAY151121    ARCADIA #3    $3.99
APR151049    ARCHIE COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #262    $4.99
MAY151467    ASTERIX OMNIBUS SC VOL 09    $22.99
MAY151302    BERLIN #19 (MR)    $5.95
MAR151061    BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #12    $3.99
MAY151210    BOBS BURGERS ONGOING #1 CVR A FORTE    $3.99
MAY151211    BOBS BURGERS ONGOING #1 CVR B SCHROEDER ORDER UP    $3.99
MAY151212    BOBS BURGERS ONGOING #1 CVR C SCHROEDER WORK OF ART    $3.99
MAY151213    BOBS BURGERS ONGOING #1 CVR D BLANK AUTHENTIX    $10.00
MAY151125    BROKEN WORLD #2    $3.99
APR151627    BUNKER #12 (MR)    $3.99
APR151295    CAPTAIN CANUCK 2015 ONGOING #2    $3.99
JAN150970    CAVEWOMAN CASTAWAY ONE SHOT CVR A    $3.99
JAN150971    CAVEWOMAN CASTAWAY ONE SHOT CVR B    PI
APR151004    CAVEWOMAN THE RETURN #3 CVR A DURHAM    $3.99
APR151005    CAVEWOMAN THE RETURN #3 CVR B DURHAM    PI
MAY151123    CLUSTER #5    $3.99
APR151503    COMPLETE PEANUTS TP VOL 03 1955-1956    $22.99
MAY151795    COOL JAPAN GUIDE FUN IN LAND OF MANGA LUCKY CATS & RAMEN SC    $14.95
MAY151006    CROSSED BADLANDS #75 CALGARY ART DECO (MR)    $9.99
APR151299    DAMOCLES GN VOL 01 BODYGUARDS    $11.95
MAY151322    DF SECRET WARS #1 DF EXC & BONUS BOOK PK    $19.84
MAY151321    DF SECRET WARS #1 DF EXC LAND CVR    $10.00
JAN151413    DF STAR WARS #1 DF EXCL LAND CGC GRADED 9.8    $99.99
MAY151443    DIARY COMICS GN    $15.00
MAR151539    DOCTOR WHO 12TH #9 REG WILLIAMSON    $3.99
MAR151540    DOCTOR WHO 12TH #9 SUBSCRIPTION PHOTO    $3.99
MAY151183    EMBER #0 BIKINI CVR (MR)    $5.99
FEB151681    ETERNAL WARRIOR DAYS OF STEEL TP    $14.99
APR151169    FUTURAMA COMICS #75    $2.99
MAY151701    GFT COVEN #1 A CVR CHEN (MR)    $3.99
MAY151702    GFT COVEN #1 B CVR LEISTER (MR)    $3.99
MAY151703    GFT COVEN #1 C CVR TYNDALL (MR)    $3.99
MAY151704    GFT COVEN #1 D CVR QUALANO (MR)    $3.99
MAY151715    GFT ROBYN HOOD ONGOING #12 A CVR LASHELY TALE OF ROT    $3.99
MAY151716    GFT ROBYN HOOD ONGOING #12 B CVR INGRANATA TALE OF ROT    $3.99
MAY151717    GFT ROBYN HOOD ONGOING #12 C CVR BROOMMALL TALE OF ROT    $3.99
APR151888    GFT TALES OF TERROR #12 A CVR QUALANO (MR)    $3.99
APR151889    GFT TALES OF TERROR #12 B CVR EHNOT (MR)    $3.99
APR151890    GFT TALES OF TERROR #12 C CVR ERIC J (MR)    $3.99
APR151894    GFT WONDERLAND TP VOL 07    $15.99
APR158446    GIANT DAYS ORIENTATION EDITION    $3.99
APR151140    GOD IS DEAD #37 (MR)    $3.99
APR151142    GOD IS DEAD #37 CARNAGE WRAP CVR (MR)    $3.99
APR151144    GOD IS DEAD #37 ENCHANTING CVR (MR)    $3.99
APR151143    GOD IS DEAD #37 END OF DAYS CVR (MR)    $3.99
APR151141    GOD IS DEAD #37 ICONIC CVR (MR)    $3.99
MAR151019    GODKILLER WALK AMONG US #6 (MR)    $3.99
MAY151408    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #1 COSMIC KRISHNA CVR    $9.99
MAY151406    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #1 CVR A KANG    $1.00
MAY151407    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #1 CVR B SINGH    $1.00
MAY151409    GRANT MORRISONS 18 DAYS #1 ORACLE CVR    $9.99
APR151233    HELP US GREAT WARRIOR #5    $3.99
MAY151621    IMPERIUM #6 CVR A EATON    $3.99
MAY151622    IMPERIUM #6 CVR B CAFU    $3.99
MAY151243    JUSTICE INC AVENGER #2 CVR A FRANCAVILLA    $3.99
APR151301    KENYA GN VOL 03 ABERRATIONS    $11.95
APR150960    KIDS OF THE ROUND TABLE #2    $3.99
MAY151182    LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #10 AUSTIN VIP CVR (MR)    $19.99
MAY151184    LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #21 MID OHIO VIP CVR (MR)    $19.99
MAY151186    LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #24 ISIS CVR (MR)    $9.99
MAY151185    LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #25 MOD GIRL CVR (MR)    $9.99
APR151284    LADY DEATH 2007 SWIMSUIT DLX COLL BOX SET    $99.99
APR151279    LADY DEATH APOCALYPSE #5 CENTURY SET (MR)    $199.99
APR151490    LAST MAN GN VOL 02 ROYAL CUP    $9.99
APR151402    LEGENDERRY GREEN HORNET #5 DAVILA VIRGIN    $50.00
MAY151245    LOOKING FOR GROUP #4 CVR A HAWK    $4.99
MAY151246    LOOKING FOR GROUP #4 CVR B TINDALL    $4.99
APR151302    LUCKY LUKE TP VOL 52 BEAUTIFUL PROVINCE    $11.95
MAY151451    MANSPRESSIONS DECODING MENS BEHAVIOR GN (MR)    $9.95
APR151558    MARIA THE VIRGIN WITCH GN VOL 03 (MR)    $10.99
MAY151247    MASKS 2 #4 CVR A GUICE    $3.99
MAY151248    MASKS 2 #4 CVR B LEE    $3.99
MAY151249    MASKS 2 #4 CVR C EXC SUBSCRIPTION CVR    $3.99
MAY151423    MISS BETTER LIVING THROUGH CRIME HC (MR)    $29.95
MAY151486    NANCY DREW DIARIES GN VOL 05    $9.99
MAR151518    NON NON BIYORI GN VOL 01    $12.99
APR151693    NOX GN    $15.99
DEC141458    PLUME V2 #4    $3.99
MAR151352    PRINCE VALIANT HC VOL 11 1957-1958    $34.99
APR150968    PUPPET MASTER #4 MAIN CVR (MR)    $3.99
MAY151153    REGULAR SHOW #25    $3.99
MAY151797    ROGER DAHLS COMIC JAPAN BEST OF ZERO GRAVITY CARTOONS SC    $15.95
MAY150979    SHAHRAZAD #4 DIRECT MARKET CVR A    $3.99
MAY150980    SHAHRAZAD #4 DIRECT MARKET CVR B    $3.99
APR151069    SONIC BOOM #9 REG CVR    $3.99
MAR151525    SPACE GOAT PRESENTS HC VOL 01    $19.99
MAY151076    SPIRE #1 MAIN CVRS    $3.99
APR151002    STEAMPUNK FABLES LITTLE MATCH GIRL ONE SHOT    $3.99
MAY151228    SWORDS OF SORROW THORIS ADLER #2    $3.99
MAY151452    TEENAGE REBELS STORIES OF HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVISTS GN    $11.95
APR151303    THORGAL GN VOL 16 ARACHNEA    $11.95
APR151597    TOWER CHRONICLES DREADSTALKER #11    $3.99
APR151150    UBER #26 (MR)    $3.99
APR151152    UBER #26 PROPAGANDA POSTER CVR (MR)    $3.99
APR151153    UBER #26 WAR CRIMES CVR (MR)    $3.99
APR151151    UBER #26 WRAP CVR (MR)    $3.99
MAY151269    UNCANNY SEASON 2 #4 CVR A JOCK    $3.99
MAY151270    UNCANNY SEASON 2 #4 CVR B OLIVER    $3.99
MAY151271    UNCANNY SEASON 2 #4 CVR C EXC SUBSCRIPTION CVR    $3.99
MAY151044    WAR STORIES #10 (MR)    $3.99
MAY151046    WAR STORIES #10 GOOD GIRL NOSE ART CVR (MR)    $3.99
MAY151045    WAR STORIES #10 WRAP CVR (MR)    $3.99
MAY151205    WILL EISNER SPIRIT #1 CVR A POWELL    $3.99
MAY151206    WILL EISNER SPIRIT #1 CVR B WAGNER    $3.99
MAY151207    WILL EISNER SPIRIT #1 CVR C ROSS SUBSCRIPTION CVR    $3.99
MAY151208    WILL EISNER SPIRIT #1 CVR D BLANK AUTHENTIX    $10.00
APR151795    WITCHCRAFT WORKS GN VOL 05    $12.95
MAY151133    WOODS #14    $3.99
MAY151599    X-O MANOWAR #38 CVR A WRAPAROUND SANDOVAL    $4.99
MAY151600    X-O MANOWAR #38 CVR B NORD    $4.99
MAY151601    X-O MANOWAR #38 CVR C CAFU    $4.99
MAY151602    X-O MANOWAR #38 CVR D BLANK INVITATION CVR    $4.99
MAY150877    ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #13 MAIN CVR (MR)    $3.99

MAGAZINES
MAR151795    AMAZING FIGURE MODELER #59    $10.00
APR152055    CINEFEX #142    $12.50
MAY151845    COMIC SHOP NEWS #1463    PI
APR152039    COMICS REVUE PRESENTS JUN 2015    $19.95
APR151541    HEAVY METAL #275 (MR)    $7.95
FEB151879    HOBBY JAPAN MAY 2015    $18.00
JAN151881    MEGAMI APR 2015    $18.00
JAN151882    NEWTYPE APR 2015    $18.00

BOOKS
APR151916    BATMAN CLASSIC 5 MINUTE BATMAN STORIES HC    $12.99
MAY151745    BEST OF CLINT LANGLEY ART BOOK HC    $29.95
MAY151747    BEST OF MIKE RATERA ART BOOK HC (MR)    $29.95
MAY151746    BEST OF MIKE S MILLER ART BOOK HC    $29.95
MAY151748    BEST OF PAUL RENAUD ART BOOK HC (MR)    $29.95
MAY151749    BEST OF VINCENZO CUCCA ART BOOK HC (MR)    $29.95
MAY151791    BRICK VEHICLES FLEXIBOUND    $18.99
MAY151800    GUILD OFF COMPANION SC    $19.95
SEP141604    MIKE DEODATO JR SKETCHBOOK DLX HC    $29.95
MAY151771    ON THE GRAPHIC NOVEL HC    $60.00
APR151843    PANDORA HEARTS CAUCUS RACE NOVEL VOL 01    $14.00
APR151954    PRINCESS & THE PONY YR HC    $17.99
MAY151796    PSYCHO GIRLS IN BONDAGE CLASSIC FETISH ART & FICTION SC (MR)    $27.95
MAY151438    SCIENCE OF ATTACK ON TITAN MMPB    $10.99
MAY151783    SCIENTIFIC SECRETS OF DOCTOR WHO HC    $19.99
MAY151790    SKETCHING FROM THE IMAGINATION SCI-FI SC    $29.99
APR151797    SKY LONGING FOR MEMORIES ART OF MAKOTO SHINKAI SC    $34.95
MAY151798    SOFT BRIDES FOR BEAST OF BLOOD FROM MENS ADV MAG SC (MR)    $29.95
MAY151752    STEAMPUNK RISING ART OF SANDRA CHANG ADAIR SC    $14.95
APR151844    SWORD ART ONLINE NOVEL PROGRESSIVE VOL 02    $14.00
MAY152739    WARHAMMER LORD OF THE END TIMES TP    $16.00
MAY151792    WE DONT NEED ROADS MAKING OF BACK TO FUTURE TRILOGY    $17.00

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for April 23 2014

IDW PUBLISHING

FEB140371 24 #1 $3.99
FEB140462 7TH SWORD #1 $3.99
FEB140464 CITY THE MIND IN THE MACHINE #3 $3.99
FEB140411 DANGER GIRL MAYDAY #1 $3.99
FEB140460 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS FORGOTTEN REALMS OMNIBUS TP VOL 01 $29.99
FEB140347 GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #201 $3.99
FEB140366 GODZILLA RULERS OF THE EARTH #11 $3.99
FEB140461 MAGIC THE GATHERING TP VOL 04 THEROS $19.99
FEB140401 POPEYE CLASSICS ONGOING #21 $3.99
SEP130468 PRINCESS OF MARS ILLUSTRATED PROSE HC $29.99
JAN140496 ROCKETEER SPIRIT PULP FRICTION HC $21.99
FEB140421 ROGUE TROOPER #3 $3.99
FEB140394 SAMURAI JACK CLASSICS TP VOL 02 $19.99
FEB140436 STAR TREK ONGOING #32 $3.99
FEB140385 TMNT ADVENTURES TP VOL 07 $19.99
FEB140382 TMNT NEW ANIMATED ADVENTURES #10 $3.99
FEB140387 TMNT ONGOING #33 $3.99
FEB140331 TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #28 DAWN O/T AUTOBOTS $3.99
FEB140419 X-FILES SEASON 10 HC VOL 02 $24.99


Thursday, February 6, 2014

I Reads You Review: THE ROCKETEER/THE SPIRIT: Pulp Friction #4

THE ROCKETEER/THE SPIRIT: PULP FRICTION #4
IDW PUBLISHING with DC Entertainment – @IDWPublishing and @DCComics

WRITER:  Mark Waid
ART: J Bone
COLORS: Rom Fajardo
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
EDITOR: Scott Dunbier
COVER: J Bone
SUBSCRIPTION VARIANT COVER: Chris Samnee with Jordie Bellaire
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2013)

Two classic characters unite in the four-issue comic book miniseries, The Rocketeer/The Spirit: Pulp Friction.  The Rocketeer is a modern-day comic book character whose adventures are set in the era known as the “Golden Age” of comics.  The Spirit is a comic book character that actually appeared in that Golden Age.

Published by IDW Publishing (in association with DC Comics), The Rocketeer/The Spirit: Pulp Friction is written by Mark Waid and drawn by Paul Smith (#1), Loston Wallace (#2), and J Bone (#3 and #4).  Pulp Friction unites the two heroes, as they try to solve a peculiar murder case.

First appearing in the 1980s, The Rocketeer was created by artist and illustrator, Dave Stevens (who died in March of 2008).  Stunt pilot Cliff Secord discovers a mysterious jet pack, which he straps to his back.  Adding a helmet, Secord becomes “The Rocketeer,” and begins a series of adventures set mainly in and around Los Angeles and beginning in the year 1938.

The Spirit was created by legendary cartoonist Will Eisner (who died in January 2005) and first appeared on June 2, 1940 in a 16-page, Sunday newspaper supplement (or insert) called “the Spirit section.”  Once known as Detective Denny Colt (believed by some to be dead), The Spirit is a masked vigilante who fights crime in Central City.

After the corpse of Alderman Tommy Cunningham, a Central City politician, is found in Los Angeles, The Spirit travels to LA. to investigate, as it is physically impossible for Cunningham to have been in the city when he was.  Meanwhile, longtime Spirit nemesis, The Octopus, joins Hollywood “producer,” Benedict Trask, in a plot to use the new medium of television to launch a worldwide criminal enterprise

The Rocketeer/The Spirit: Pulp Friction #4 opens in Central City.  The Spirit finds himself imperiled by Cliff’s girlfriend and actress, Betty, who is under the thrall of the Octopus.  Trask, feeling assured of victory, prepares to “fire a bullet that will draw blood from the world.”  The Rocketeer and The Spirit have been at odds of late.  Can they come together in time to save the world?  They can with the help of a very special leader.

The Rocketeer/The Spirit: Pulp Friction #4 is the best issue of what has been an entertaining series and a welcomed union of two special comic book characters.  Comic books like Pulp Friction remind me of the fun I had reading comic books as a child, flipping pages as fast as I could read them.  Sometimes, I had to go back and reread a comic (several times) because my rapid reading was causing me to miss things.

In this final issue, writer Mark Waid brings everything together:  all the themes, conflicts, personality clashes, and subplots.  Waid cleverly constructs a scene that explains why The Spirit and The Rocketeer might clash that makes perfect sense in the context of the story that Waid is telling.  Also, the surprise way in which he turns a famous historical figure into a kind of action hero makes me glad that I read this series.  And there are many reasons to read this comic book.

Although he did not draw the opening chapters, J Bone made Pulp Friction his own.  His art has an old-timey quality that captures the… ahem… spirit of Will Eisner’s art in terms of mood, graphic design, and pacing, which is appropriate here.  The Central City side of this story arc should resemble classic Eisner, as the L.A. side of the story recalls classic Dave Stevens Rocketeer.  When it comes to comic books, this is the good stuff.

Once again:  more Mark Waid Rocketeer, please, Mr. Dunbier.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.




Tuesday, December 10, 2013

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for December 11 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IDW PUBLISHING

OCT130432 DANGER GIRL THE CHASE #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP130390 DOCTOR WHO SERIES 2 HC GIRL WHO WAITED BOY WHO LIVED $49.99
OCT130377 GHOSTBUSTERS ONGOING TP VOL 06 $17.99
OCT130394 GI JOE #11 [DIG/P+] $3.99
SEP130409 GI JOE IDW COLLECTION HC VOL 03 $49.99
OCT130396 GI JOE SPECIAL MISSIONS #10 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130438 HAUNTED HORROR #8 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130440 INDESTRUCTIBLE #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130445 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CARLOS EZQUERRA HC VOL 01 RED LABEL ED PI
SEP130467 LIL ABNER HC VOL 06 $49.99
SEP130448 MAGIC THE GATHERING THEROS #2 [DIG/P+] $4.99
OCT130351 MAXX MAXXIMIZED #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130428 MEMORY COLLECTORS #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130425 OTHER DEAD #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130365 POWERPUFF GIRLS #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130368 POWERPUFF GIRLS CLASSICS TP VOL 02 POWER UP [DIG] $19.99
OCT130333 RICHARD STARKS PARKER SLAYGROUND HC $17.99
OCT130434 ROCKETEER SPIRIT PULP FRICTION #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130321 STAR TREK ANNUAL 2013 [DIG] $7.99
SEP130426 THUMBPRINT BY JOE HILL HC $21.99
OCT130355 THUNDER AGENTS CLASSICS TP VOL 02 $29.99
AUG130470 TMNT 25TH ANNIVERSARY HC $49.99
OCT130408 TMNT COLOR CLASSICS SERIES 2 #2 $3.99
NOV120362 TMNT ULT COLL HC VOL 05 $49.99
AUG130500 TMNT ULTIMATE COLLECTION HC VOL 02 RED LABEL ED PI
OCT130393 TRANSFORMERS MONSTROSITY TP $19.99
OCT130390 TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS #8 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130330 WRAITH WELCOME TO CHRISTMASLAND #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
OCT130417 X-FILES CLASSICS HUNDRED PENNY PRESS ED #1 [DIG] $1.00
OCT130414 X-FILES SEASON 10 #7 [DIG/P+] $3.99


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

IDW Publishing from Diamond Distributors for July 24 2013

Digital Comics: Digital new releases available from your local comic book shop are marked below. [DIG] = Digital version available. [DIG/P+] = Print-Plus digital/print combo pack available. For more information, go to www.digitalcomicsreader.com.

IDW PUBLISHING

MAY130377 CROW CURARE #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130311 DANGER GIRL TRINITY #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130362 DOCTOR WHO VOL 3 #11 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130371 DOOMSDAY.1 #3 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130305 GHOSTBUSTERS #6 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130340 GI JOE COBRA FILES #4 [DIG/P+] $3.99
APR130315 GODZILLA ONGOING TP VOL 03 $19.99
APR130397 JINNRISE #6 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130316 JUDGE DREDD #9 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130332 LOCKE & KEY TREASURY ED $9.99
MAY130384 POPEYE CLASSICS ONGOING #12 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130385 POPEYE TP VOL 03 $17.99
MAY130295 ROCKETEER SPIRIT PULP FRICTION #1 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130323 STAR TREK ONGOING #23 AFTER DARKNESS PT 3 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130333 THUMBPRINT BY JOE HILL #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130350 TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS #3 [DIG/P+] $3.99
MAY130351 TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS #3 SUBSCRIPTION CVR $3.99
MAY130379 VITRIOL THE HUNTER #6 $3.99
MAY130373 WILD BLUE YONDER #2 [DIG/P+] $3.99