Thursday 30 April 2015

Marvel Pull List - Week of May 6th, 2015



Watching The Elephant Man, continuing my David Lynch marathon, and I'm having a hard time taking my eyes off it!  So well shot!  But that's enough exclamation points that don't directly relate to Marvel. With Age Of Ultron about to dominate the box office I actually thought the Big Red would have published almost exclusively Avengers related material for next Wednesday but it turns out I'm wrong.  What they did do, surprisingly, (or at least to me), is release mainly hardcovers.  And even those, minus an art book and an omnibus, aren't Avengers related either.  They made my job easy by only releasing two trades.  Hardcover high light is a toss up between the Star Wars release, (basically just because it's Star Wars related), and the omnibus, (because I like omnibus').  My gut says go with the Winter Soldier and splash that cover!



!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested. Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available. Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves.


All-New X-Men Vol. 5: One Down



Time travel can be tricky.  Alternate time lines, events changing, personalities and histories being bent.  Every action is a delicate thread balancing on a, generally, precarious plot device.  This series seems to be popular if it's printing it's fifth volume so I can only assume the past, present and future collisions are being handled competently.  I'm curious about Marvel Now, too.  Is it like The New 52 from DC or more of an event?  

Non-sequiter alert - the make-up in The Elephant Man never stops being effective.  



SRP: $19.99
Contains: All New X-Men #25-30 
CRD: May 26th, 2015 

Secret Wars: Prelude



I originally thought this would be an entirely new series or maybe reprints of the original 1984 event, (not my birth, the other thing, the one with the Beyonder and a bunch of heroes being transported to an alien world to fight for his pleasure).  It turns out it's BOTH things!  The events of this new series spiral out of the climax of the original series which, if it's pulled off correctly, could be very interesting. 

On a completely non-related and totally irrelevant side note, the score by John Morris for The Elephant Man is fantastic, so haunting.  

SRP: $34.99
Contains: New Avengers (3rd Series) #1-3, Secret Wars (1984) #10-12, Fantastic Four (3rd Series) #611, Ultimate Spider-Man (3rd Series) #1 and Ultimates #4
CRD: May 26th, 2015 


THE REST

Captain America Return Of The Winter Soldier Omnibus (HC)
Figment (HC)
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 1 (HC - 2 versions available)
Marvel Masterworks - Doctor Strange Vol. 1 (HC)
Marvel Masterworks - The X-Men Volume 1 (HC)
Road To Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron (Art Book - HC)
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (HC)





Monday 27 April 2015

DC Pull List - April 29th, 2015



So, there was a debate on a comic book related Facebook group today that, essentially, constituted what makes a true comic book fan.  Most of them seemed to feel that if you haven't read a comic book you aren't a true fan; if you only watch the movies or the TV shows you're of no use to real nerds.  Most of them also took issue to kids who talk like they know-it-all when they don't.  I'll admit that some of them had some good points, but what I kept thinking was: who cares?  What does anyone get from being the bigger nerd or the "True Fan", (as many of them like to be called)?  The answer is: Nothing.  You get Nada. Zilp. Zero - at least from the people around you. It's not like DC is going to phone me up tonight and say, "Hey, Lee, you're a True Fan and we'd love to offer you a job as our resident, go to, geek-about-town.  We're going to fly you to New York and pay you X amount of dollars a year because you know the most about our universe."  That has never happened and it will never happen.  Being a "True Fan", (God, I hate that phrase), or knowing more then the kid down the street doesn't get you anything.  My whole point, that some people seemed to miss or just didn't care, (don't blame you), is why can't we all just get along? We're all supposed to love comic books and the mythology behind them so why let it drive us apart? Why not use our shared loves as a way to come together, to meet new people and maybe even make a new friend?  And, for God's sake, why do we have to be so holier-than-thou, elitist about it all?  How miserable is someone's life that the only joy they can seem to muster is telling some NooB how stupid he is for not having read 75 years worth of Batman stories?  Instead of berating him and alienating a potential new fan, (who may one day write something you debate hotly on some stupid Internet chat room), why not talk to them?  They may be wrong, sure, but, if you know everything, point them in the right direction.  Help them take those first daunting steps in to a densely packed universe.  And if they truly are an ignorant little know-it-all then shake your head and walk away, secure in the knowledge that you've had the pleasure of discovery that they will never have.





Batman Vol. 5 Zero Year - Dark City



The idea of the Zero Year stories is to let us know how these new incarnations of our favorite heroes got to be where they are.  Batman's new origin story is told across two different trades, this one being the second and final.  I haven't read it yet but I have read the first three volumes of Scott Snyder's New 52 run and they were great.  I was not surprised at all that the Court and City of Owls were used for the latest DC animated feature.    

SRP: $16.99
Contains: Batman (2nd series) #25-27, 29-33
CRD: May 5th, 2015

Gotham City Sirens Vol. 2




 The image says "Cover Not Final" but this is the only image I can find associated with the book. 

These are Deluxe Edition reprints of the, sadly, short lived series starring Catwoman, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy as a group of anti-femme fatales. This was one of those books that was just plain fun, as most of Paul Dini's work tends to be.  He wasn't actually involved with the second half of the series but the first half he wrote was great.  Antony Bedard and Peter Calloway do an admirable job taking the reigns and kept the tone of the book in tact.  If you're trepidatious because Mr. Dini isn't involved, don't be.  The other writers were, technically, involved from the get go and it seemed to be a natural transition to them taking over.  

SRP: $24.99
Contains: Gotham City Sirens #14-26
CRD: May 5th, 2015



THE REST

Fables Vol. 21: Happily Ever After
Green Arrow Vol. 6: Broken 


Batman Vol. 6: The Graveyard Shift (HC)


Don't forget to check out my TWITTER if you're in to that sort of thing to be notified on the newest Trade developments, (or whatever random crap comes to mind and can be expressed in 140 measly characters).    

Thursday 23 April 2015

Marvel Pull List - April 29th, 2015


This absolutely has nothing to do with Marvel specifically but I finally read, (and subsequently can't stop thinking about), Lost Dogs, Jeff Lemire's first book.  It was good but very heavy and oh so depressing, making it the first comic book I ever read where I had tears in my eyes when it was done and I felt like I needed a break or a shower or something.  I read the introduction where he talks about how he was drinking a lot at the time and working long hours, not sleeping enough etc. which was a smart move by Top Shelf to tack on the front.  It at least let me know why it seemed like such an angry book drawn in stark blacks, whites and reds and looking like it was scribbled by a madman. All of that sounds harsh, and it is to a degree, but, regardless of the bleakness, Lost Dogs IS a good book to read to see the emerging uniqueness that Lemire would bring to later works like Essex County and Sweet Tooth to name a few but it is not to be taken lightly and should NOT be a starting point for those interested in the Canadian who's toiling away doing some good work in the DC Universe right now. 


!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested. Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available. Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves.


   Avengers - Epic Collection Vol. 4: Behold...The Vision


Three books this week with the Vision's name in the title from the marketing machine known as Marvel.  I've always maintained it is smart business especially for a company that, I'm sure, is bringing new people in based solely on their big screen franchise. Out of the three I'd say this would be the one to get over the other's.  This features the debut of the Vision and covers two years of Avenging Action, including a battle with Ultron himself.  It'll be interesting to see how much of this material makes it into the final movie.  I'm sure Mr. Whedon had his hand's full with this one!  

SRP: $34.99
Contains: Avengers (1st series) #57-76 and Marvel Super Heroes (1st series) #17
CRD: May 12th, 2015



Original Sin



I remember an X-Men event a few years ago called Original Sin, but that was to do with Xavier and Logan, if I remember correctly.  This seems to be about the Watcher being murdered and collects a mini series from last year.  Confusingly, there's also a smaller trade coming out this week called Original SinS, (S has been capitalized for emphasis).  The pluralized publication does tie-in to it's singular forefather and focuses on the Young Avengers.  The only thing I wonder is - why didn't they call it something else, like, Young Avengers - Original Sin or Young Avengers Sin, or something along those lines.  Seems unnecessarily confusing to do it this way. Also seems confusing to reference an older, (but not THAT old), arc from the X-Men series when it has NOTHING to do with this new mini series.  But, what do I know?  I'm just a silly DC fanboy, (and believe me, my company is no less confusing - 52 Earths anybody?)

SRP: $34.99
Contains: Original Sin #0-8 and material from Point One #1
CRD: May 12th, 2015



THE REST

Amazing Spider-Man - Edge Of Spider-Verse
Avengers - Vision And The Scarlet Witch
Avengers West Coast - Vision Quest
Elektra Vol. 2: Reverence
X-Force Vol. 3: Ends Means
Original Sins

Marvel’s Avengers - Age Of Ultron: The Art Of The Movie (HC)
Spider-Verse (HC)

Monday 20 April 2015

DC Pull List - April 22nd, 2015



Looking at post views, DC seems to be the most popular which warms the cockles of my heart, to say the least.   Slow week for DC which makes it better for me, honestly, because I'm late posting this. The hardcover highlight wins by default this week, Batman '66 Vol. 3, and since it's being featured in the trades I'm going to break the mold, combine the two and get this party started.  Just remember - all the info is suggested.  Oh ya, check out my Twitter if you're inclined to do that sort of thing.



Batman ’66 Vol. 2 
&
Batman '66 Vol. 3 (HC)


I had heard about the Batman '66 movie coming out, how they were getting original actor's back to do the voices, and I was amused by that, looking forward to some fun Batman again, but I wasn't aware that it was a monthly series as well.  My first reaction to the books was indifferent but, upon further reflection, I don't think these should be entirely written off.  They could be put in continuity and may even be better then what was being put out during the 60's for Batman comics.      

SRP: $14.99 & $19.99
Contains: Batman '66 #6-10 & Batman '66 #11-16 
CRD:  April 28th, 2015



Justice League 3000 Vol. 2: The Camelot War



Keith Giffen is one of the few writers who can do convincing humorous super hero books.  Most of the time it comes off sounding like something for children, but Mr. Giffen is able to keep it feeling more mature while letting the quips and sarcastic rejoinders fly.  Any skepticism I may have had about this book, (the far future stories always seemed like Elseworlds tales to me - not necessary for the canon timeline), was erased when I saw his name on it.  Well played DC, well played.  

SRP: $14.99
Contains: Justice League 3000 #8-13
CRD: April 28th, 2015


(there is no) THE REST








Saturday 18 April 2015

Indie Pull List - April 22nd, 2015


I just want to give an anonymous shout out to a good friend, good writer, good editor and all around great guy who's been helping me a lot by giving me suggestions and feedback during my fledgling steps to building a presence on the vast world of the web.  He know's who he is and now he knows how much it means to me.  Thanks, man!  


And then that happened.  Weird.  Moving on.  

!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested. Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available. Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves.

Terrible Lizard Vol. 1



This sounds weird and, I can only assume, oddly compelling.  Scientists accidentally punch a hole in time and space and bring a dinosaur into the present.  Said dinosaur, a T-Rex naturally, imprints itself on to a little girl.  Ok, that sounds like the beginning of a children's story, minus the time and space thing.  Then it gets really weird when mutated prehistoric monster's, who came through the same hole as the T-Rex, begin attacking our planet and it's up to the little girl and her T-Rex to save us all.  I feel like I shouldn't be intrigued by this but I kind of am.   

Publisher: ONI Press
SRP: $19.99
Contains: Terrible Lizard #1-5
CRD: May 5th, 2015


Akame Ga Kill Vol. 2


Yukai, Yukai...  Zank the Beheader is featured in these five chapters of the fantastic Akame Ga Kill!  Akame is probably my favorite ongoing manga at the moment.  It has everything that makes a good Shounen and doesn't fall in to some of the cliches of the usual Shounen fair.  These characters are capable and while not always sure of themselves they do posses more honor and camaraderie then the usual pack of assassins.  And dead is dead in Akame which is appropriate when all the characters are assassins.  Don't get me wrong, it's nice to see a beloved character make their return, but, unfortunately, life isn't like that so it's nice when a book keeps the reader on their toes by killing off characters we've legitimately come to like.  

Publisher: Yen Press
SRP: $13.00
Contains: Akame Ga Kill #5-9
CRD: April 21st, 2015


Turok - Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 2: West



I used to play Turok back in the Nintendo 64 days.  I don't remember it being the greatest game in the world, but it does seem like it'd make a decently entertaining comic book.  There's lots of talk of flying reptiles and cursed parents and defeated Crusaders in the plot but in the end it seems that Turok will be given a choice on whether to become the Khan of the evil Mongul's or fight until his last breath.  I've read good thing's from Greg Pak so this has the potential to be more then just a nostalgia trip. 

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment
SRP: $16.99
Contains: Turok: Dinosaur Hunter #5-8
CRD: May 5th, 2015



THE REST


ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
Fight Like A Girl Vol. 1: Learning Curve

ALTERNATIVE COMICS
Haunter

AMAZE INK (SLAVE LABOR GRAPHICS)
Woodland Welfare Manifesto

AMULET BOOKS
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales Vol. 5: The Underground Abductor (HC)

BLACK LIBRARY
Warhammer 40K - Damnation Of Pythos
Warhammer 40K - Damocles

BLACK MASK COMICS
Ballistic Vol. 1

BONGO COMICS
Bart Simpson - Blastoff

BOOM! STUDIOS
Evil Empire Vol. 1
Realist (HC)

CINEBOOK
Blake And Mortimer Vol. 20: The Septimus Wave
IR$ Vol. 6: The Black Gold War
Kenya Vol. 2: Encounters
Lucky Luke Vol. 51: The Painter
Melusine Vol. 1: Hocus Pocus
Wisher Vol. 3: Glee
XIII Vol. 20: The Bait

DARK HORSE COMICS
Crimnial Macabre - The Third Child
Strain Vol. 2: The Fall (HC)
Witchfinder Vol. 3: The Mysteries Of Unland
X Vol. 5: Flesh And Blood

DIGITAL MANGA PUBLISHING
Captain Ken Vol. 1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Chastity Vol. 1: Life Death
Frank Thorne’s Red Sonja Art Edition Vol. 3 (HC)
Mage Wars - The Nature Of The Beast
Pathfinder Vol. 3: City Of Secrets (HC)
Red Sonja Travels Vol. 2


FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS
Harvey Kurtzman - Man Who Created MAD And Revolutionized Humor In America (HC)

HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
Neil Gaiman’s Instructions - Paper Over Board (HC)

IDW PUBLISHING
Best of EC Vol. 2 (Artist’s Edition - HC)
Cartoon Network All-Star Omnibus
Complete Little Orphan Annie Vol. 11 (HC)
Rot And Ruin - Warrior Smart
Starling Vol. 1: Ashley Wood (HC)
Transformers Classics Vol. 8
Wild Blue Yonder (HC)
Winterworld - The Stranded Vol. 2
Wormwood - Gentleman Corpse: The First Few Pints (HC)
X-Files - Season 10 Vol. 4 (HC)

IMAGE COMICS
Criminal Vol. 4: Bad Night
MPH

JOE BOOKS
Disney’s 101 Dalmations - The Cinestory
Disneys Phineas And Ferb Comics Blowout

KODANSHA COMICS
Let’s Dance A Waltz Vol. 1
Your Lie In April Vol. 1

LEGENDARY COMICS
Town Called Dragon Vol. 1

MAGNETIC PRESS
Adventures Of Basil And Moebius (HC)

ONI PRESS
Scott Pilgrim - Color Edition Vol. 6: Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour (HC)
Sixth Gun - Gunslinger Edition Vol. 2 (HC)

PANTHEON BOOKS
Thrilling Adventures Of Lovelace And Babbage (HC)

REBELLION
2000 AD Pack - March 2015 (1920-1923)

SELFMADEHERO
Room For Love (HC)

SEVEN SEAS ENTERTAINMENT
12 Beast Vol. 1
Clay Lord - Masters Of Golems Vol. 1

TITAN BOOKS
Elder Scrolls Online - Tales Of Tamriel Vol. 1: The Land (HC)

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT
Armor Hunters - Deluxe Edition (HC)
Death-Defying Dr Mirage

VERTICAL
Witchcraft Works Vol. 4

VIZ MEDIA
Vagabond Vol. 37


YEN PRESS
Barakamon Vol. 4
Devil Is Part-Timer Vol. 1 (Light Novel)
Inu X Boku SS Vol. 7
Kagerou Daze Vol. 1
Log Horizon - The Beginning Of Another World Vol. 1 (Light Novel)
No Game No Life Vol. 1 (Light Novel)
Puella Magi Tart Magica - The Legend Of Jeanne D’Arc Vol. 1
So I Can’t Play H Vol. 1
Spice And Wolf Vol. 14
Sword Art Online - Progressive Vol. 2
Tena On S-String Vol. 7

Thursday 16 April 2015

Marvel Pull List - April 22nd, 2015



Before I whisk off and watch Flash and Arrow, (I tape them and watch them back to back - they both make each other better), I thought I'd pop on and do a quick survey of the Marvel trades.  Slow week, relatively speaking, for the movie moguls of the comic book world.  Only 1 hardcover, Superior Iron Man, doesn't seem like anything too fancy.  Reprint of Hulk and a Vision book, which is good timing for the upcoming Avengers debut.




















!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested. Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available. Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves.



Loki - Agent Of Asgard Vol. 2: I Cannot Tell A Lie


So, Loki is transitioning in to an anti-hero, eh?  Makes sense.  He's doing missions on the sly for the All Mother.  Again, makes sense.  These issues tie in to the Axis event from a couple years ago and feature Dr. Doom, Red Skull, Thor, Latveria, Enchantress etc.  With all those names there was barely time to mention that Loki gets inverted.  Ok, that doesn't really make sense.  And then Thor is the god of evil?  Uh-huh, ok, alternate timeline stuff going on.  Well, there ya go, if that's your thing. 

SRP: $17.99
Contains: Loki: Agent Of Asgard #6-11
CRD: May 12th, 2015


Spider-Man - The Complete Alien Costume Saga Vol. 2


It's funny how much the costume can inform the character.  Usually drastic costume changes would happen for character's being rebooted or trying to be saved from cancellation, But Spider-Man fans know there was no danger of Peter Parker's four color fables being cancelled.  At the time of the costume change he had two ongoing series and a third on the way.  This time the costume change was the start of a big arc's for the character.  Seems the Beyonder liked Mr. Parker the best because he sent him home with a fancy new suit made from high grade, authentic alien symbiote.  Oh boy!  This is definitely on the Spider-Man 101 curriculum.  

SRP: $44.99
Contains: Amazing Spider-Man (1st Series) #259-263, Marvel Team-Up (1st Series) #146-150, PETER PARKER, The Spectacular Spider-Man (1st Series) #96-100, ANNUAL #4, and Web of Spider-Man (1st Series) #1.
CRD: May 12th, 2015
THE REST

Hulk - Future Imperfect
Vision - Yesterday And Tomorrow
Wolverines Vol. 1: Dancing With The Devil

Superior Iron Man Vol. 1: Infamous (HC)

Tuesday 14 April 2015

DC Pull List - Week of 15/04




Convergence is upon us in the world of single-issue living and to offer anathema to the trade buying crowd DC focused more on their alternative titles or Deluxe Reissues of proven favourites like the Harley Quinn classic Mad Love this coming week.  It's also nice to see that a paperback volume of a title is being published alongside the next volume in hardcover for people who don't care what the collection looks like and just want the story.  I've always thought that was kind of cool.  Shazam is getting some love in his own 75 year commemorative hardcover.  My high light for the week would probably be the aforementioned Mad Love and if I didn't all ready own it I would definitely buy the deluxe edition.




!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested. Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available. Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves.


Top 10


Top 10 is sweet - a city full of super beings policed by other super beings.  I've got these issues in the original two volumes and I'm hoping if DC is reprinting this maybe they'll also reprint the GN Top 10: The Fourty-Niners as I don't have that yet and possibly the Smax mini series. This title is a lot more "fun" then the usual Alan Moore fair.  I'm not going to say it's haha funny like a Keith Giffen book but it's definitely not Jack the Ripper serious or existential plant monster weird. I love Alan Moore's writing and Watchmen, From Hell, V For Vendetta, his run on Swamp Thing etc. are all books that made me fall in love with the medium and while Top 10 may not be as essential as some of his other work it is a lot of fun.  Now that I think about it, this would make a pretty sweet Netflix show, too...  

EDIT:  
It appears Top 10 has spent all of it's life associated with DC which I did not know.  Originally as part of the Wildstorm imprint and now being republished under the Vertigo imprint.  Interesting.

SRP: $24.99
Contains: Top 10 #1-12
CRD:  21/04


100 Bullets Vol. 2 



I've heard good things about this series and these reissues are a perfect starting point for people, like me, who haven't read the Eisner winning crime/revenge series by Brian Azzarello or people who just want to streamline their existing collection. Volume 1 offered the first nineteen issues while Volume 2 gives readers another seventeen issues. There's not much else I can say other than what I all ready have.

SRP: $24.95
Contains: 100 Bullets #20-36 
CRD: 21/04


Deadshot: Bulletproof


Collects the mid 2000's mini series for the first time.  Parts of the plot will be reminiscent of a recent episode of Arrow so anybody who hasn't been staying current has my permission to surf away.  I thought it was kind of random when they said Deadshot had a daughter and stuff but I guess that all came from this mini series.  Wonder if it has all the army stuff as well?  We'll just have to see.  This could all be used in next year's Suicide Squad movie as well.   

SRP: $14.99
Contains: Deadshot (2nd Series) #1-5 and Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #214
CRD:  21/04


THE REST

Astro City - The Dark Age Vol. 1: Brothers And Other Strangers
Earth 2 Vol. 4: The Dark Age
Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Two Vol. 1

Earth 2 Vol. 5: The Kryptonian (HC)
Injustice: Gods Among Us - Year Two Vol. 2 (HC)
Batman Adventures - Mad Love (HC - Deluxe Edition)
Filth (HC - Deluxe Edition)
Frank Miller’s Ronin (HC - Gallery Edition)
SHAZAM: A Celebration Of 75 Years (HC)

Saturday 11 April 2015

Indie Pull List - Week of 15/04

Pretty slow week for the Indie's when compared with the 100+ titles that some weeks hold. Frank Frazetta playing cards, coasters and a, I would assume, a beer stein, (it just said stein - same difference, right?) were all on the list for Dark Horse but I removed them. I'm seeing the art of Frank Frazetta popping up on all kind of merchandise lately. That's good for his estate if they held any rights.  I know things have come a long way for creator's and their rights, which is always good but I can only assume it's still far from perfect.  Dark Horse also has a very timely Brienne of Tarth statue listed so when the fire that is Thrones is reignited tomorrow you can drop $225 and think it's a good idea.  Also, Dark Horse, (busy, busy), is offering a limited edition of their He-Man art book.  The regular is $40 which is reasonable for a hardcover with just over 300 pages.  They offer a limited edition for three times as much, ($125), that has a different cover, an art print and Castle Greyskull slipcase for it.  Not really worth another $85 even if it is limited to 4000.  Hey!  Full circle on the Frank Frazetta playing cards. They're purty.....


 !!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested.  Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available.  Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves.



Punks - The Comic Vol. 1: Nutpuncher 


Honestly, this probably won't be anything worth checking out.  I could be totally wrong, but based on the name's and the set up it seems like a comic book Young Ones.  I was hoping it would be something to do with Punk Rock Jesus, which was pretty entertaining.  So, it seems, Abe, Fist, Skull and Dog live in a house and vomit and punch each other and murder gnomes, (OK, that sounds a little interesting unless they mean garden gnomes and then it's retarded).  If that's all there is I'm not sure how long it could last.  Even the Young Ones get old, (Bottom on the other hand is delightful). 

Publisher: Image
SRP: $14.99
ContainsPunks - The Comic #1-5
CRD: 28/04

Godzilla - Rulers Of Earth Vol. 5

I actually like Godzilla movies, and movie monsters in general, but I look at these tie-ins, (comics, tv shows etc.), and I can't help but get a little high and mighty. I don't know why. Anyone who's seen more then 2 seconds of a Godzilla movie know's it's nothing to take seriously and more often then not is actually quite bad. But, like all things firmly rooted in the letter B, (and sometimes Z), they have a charm and a "magic of movies" factor that always appeals to me. Looking at this fantastic cover and reading the plot outline, which seems straight from the best movie they never made, it might be time for me to reconsider these books.   
Publisher: IDW
SRP: $17.99
ContainsGodzilla: Rulers of the Earth #17-20
CRD:  28/04

Halo - Escalation Vol. 2

These tie-ins I have been, more or less, keeping up on.  If you want to enjoy the games you basically don't have a choice but to read the novels and comics.  Like any sort of spin-off fiction the Halo universe is very hit and miss.  I'm almost done Primordium, the second book in Greg Bear's trilogy, and I've had to force myself many times to just keep reading.  On the other hand I enjoyed the first book, Cryptum. I've read most of Escalation and it's not too shabby.  The artwork is a little on the Saturday Morning Cartoon side of things, which doesn't quite match the games, but the plots are engaging and legitimately add things to the Halo Universe.  
Publisher: Dark Horse
SRP: $19.99
Contains: Halo - Escalation #7-12
CRD: 21/04

THE REST
BOOM! STUDIOS
Bee And Puppycat Vol. 1
Gunnerkrigg Court Vol. 1

DARK HORSE COMICS
Art Of He-Man And The Masters Of The Universe (HC - Limited Edition also available)
Art Of The Uncharted Trilogy (HC)
Bandette Vol. 2: Stealers Keepers (HC)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Season 10 Vol. 2: I Wish
Crime Does Not Pay Archives Vol. 9 (HC)
Oreimo Kuroneko Vol. 1
Polar Vol. 2: Eye For An Eye (HC)
Prometheus - Fire And Stone
Witchfinder Vol. 3: The Mysteries Of Unland

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
Shadow - Year One Omnibus

IDW PUBLISHING
Cartoon Network All-Star Omnibus
Complete Little Orphan Annie Vol. 11 (HC)
Starling Vol. 1: Ashley Wood (HC)
Transformers Classics Vol. 8
Wild Blue Yonder (HC)
Wormwood - Gentleman Corpse: The First Few Pints (HC)
X-Files - Season 10 Vol. 4 (HC)

IMAGE COMICS
Cyber Force Rebirth Vol. 2
Spread Vol 1. No Hope
Superannuated Man

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT
Bloodshot Vol 6. The Glitch And Other Tales

Thursday 9 April 2015

Marvel Pull List - Week of 15/04

Got a cold.  Boo.  Oh well, it'll give me time to get some reading done.  I'm just going to throw up the disclaimer and get right to it.  Hopefully that's OK with everyone.

!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested.  Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available.  Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves. 




Moon Knight Vol. 2: Dead Will Rise


Back in the days when I used to try and keep up with Marvel and DC I used to enjoy the occasional foray into Moon Knight territory.  I liked his costume a lot for some reason and being a fan of the macabre his shadowy nature appealed to me.  Sounds like it's still got a supernatural/weird vibe to it - I don't remember multiple personalities though.  Maybe I was just too young to know the difference. Either way.  This volume picks up where Warren Ellis left of and the write up makes a point of saying that it'll answer questions posed in the first chapters.  Must be nice for Warren Ellis to set up all the mystery and then not have to worry about sticking around for the unsatisfying answers. Hopefully Brian Wood is up to the task.  Side note, this is the fifth series for Moon Knight which seems high even for the love of re-invention that pervades the comic landscape. Has he not been a popular character?  If so, what made it a good time to bring him back.  Trying out new properties for future film projects perhaps?      

SRP: $17.99
Contains: Moon Knight (5th series) #7-12 
CRD: 28/04


Skrulls Must Die - The Complete Skrull Kill Krew


I used to like the Skrulls, too.  Probably more for the look of them as well.  I don't remember much about them.  The plot for this has some Skrull's, (that Reed Richards brainwashed into living their lives as cows, natch), being ground up for meat and said meat being consumed by people who become the Skrull Kill Krew.  Ya, I could believe they'd want to kill all Skrulls.  Can't imagine it tasted very good.  This has the original series from 1995 and the second series from 2009, plus some pertinent material from other books.

SRP: $34.99
ContainsSkrull Kill Krew (1st Series) #1-5, Avengers: Initiative #16-19, Skrull Kill Krew (2nd Series) #1-5 and material from Dark Reign: New Nation
CRD:  28/04



THE REST


Deadpool Classic Companion
Fantastic Four Vol. 3: Back In Blue
Men Of Wrath
Nova Vol. 5: Axis
Marvel Masterworks The Avengers Vol. 15 (HC - Variant available)

Sunday 5 April 2015

DC Pull List - Week of 08/04

Watching Fear Itself, munching on some cashews, might as well skim the trades, see what's coming up, how many times I can use a comma, all right I'll stop.  Hardcover Highlight for this week would definitely be the Orion omnibus.  I've got the Orion: The Gates of Apokolips trade all ready which covers the first five issues of Walter Simonson's Orion series.  The omnibus will give me the other twenty issues and some stuff from Jack Kirby's Fourth Worlds - absolutely worth the upgrade.

 

!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested.  Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available.  Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves. 

So, without further adieu and absolutely no fanfare, we begin!



Deathstroke The Terminator Vol. 1: Assassins


I'm kind of surprised this didn't come out during the second season of Arrow, or even the first, when Slade was more of a fixture.  Maybe they tried and there was problems?  Either way, it doesn't matter because it's here now!  I'm pretty excited about this coming out.  I'm a big fan of DC's run in the 90's and with Marv Wolfman behind the wheel I'm sure it'll be enjoyable. Hopefully it sells well enough to get a Volume 2!

SRP: $19.99
Contains:  Deathstroke The Terminator #1-9 and The New Teen Titans #70
CRD: 14/04


Harley Quinn Vol. 1: Hot In The City


Harley's New 52 solo title.  I like the new Harley look.  Less clown, more roller derby.  Works for me.  Especially with Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner at the helm.  There's also a whole laundry list of who's who artists attached to this, (Walter Simonson, Jim Lee, Charlie Adlard, Darwyn Cooke, Bruce Timm, Sam Keith etc. etc.), so there's either an issue where everyone and their mother gets to do a page or each issue switches artists.  Either way, it'll be interesting to find out. 

SRP: $16.99
Contains: Harley Quinn (2013)  #0-8
CRD: 14/04


Astro City - Family Album


Just wanted the excuse to research this a little bit, have no idea what it is.  Turns out it's a reissue of a book they printed 17 years ago in conjunction with Homage who, I'm assuming, are no longer around - hence the reissue.  If this sells well there's a good chance DC will reissue the other volume's from Kurt Busiek's alternative superhero title. 

SRP: $16.99
Contains Astro City (2nd Series) #1-3 and 10-13
CRD: 14/04 

THE REST

Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman Vol. 1
Mortal Kombat X Vol. 1
Orion By Walter Simonson Omnibus (HC)
Harley Quinn Vol. 2: Power Outage (HC)


Indie Pull List - Week of 08/04

Not as daunting a list this week for the Independents and no miscellaneous or misplaced titles. Things have been pretty quiet for me this week, not a whole lot to talk about.  Finally grabbed Great Darkness Saga by Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen.  Looking forward to devouring that after I've devoured Easter Dinner.  Oh ya, I wanted to give a quick refresher on my little legend underneath the write ups in case I've picked up any newcomers.  SRP = suggested retail price, CRD = Canadian release date, ('cause I'm Canadian, eh?) and, as always, TPB = trade paperback. And for no reason at all check out this Joan Jett comic book.  I bet it sold like crazy!

!!!DISCLAIMER!!!

All of this information is suggested.  Sometimes books get delayed, sometimes they get cancelled all together. Most of the time the trades will be available.  Prices are also suggested and subject to change at the discretion of the shop owner or the publisher themselves. 

So, without further adieu and absolutely no fanfare, we begin!


Samurai Jack Vol. 3: Quest For The Broken Blade



I used to love Samurai Jack!  The story telling was original, propulsive, compelling and all with miniml use of dialogue.  Don't get me wrong, people talked, but the best moments, the one's I remember with more clarity, are long sequences of silence and captivating animation.  I had actually forgot about Samurai Jack so God bless IDW for realizing he'd be an awesome comic book character and a begrudging nod to Cartoon Network for making a good decision for once regarding one of their properties. Character design looks similar so that's good a good start.  After I finish binge watching the 4 seasons I might be digging these up... 

Continuity Alert:  Seems there's a Samurai Jack Classics that precedes this title which includes stories from a Cartoon Network comic called Action Pack.  Doesn't sound essential to enjoy this new title, but, depending on your level of fandom, it could be worth checking out.

Publisher: IDW
SRP: $19.99
Contains: Samurai Jack #11-15
CRD: 21/04


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters



I don't really like highlighting the same publisher multiple times, but IDW's got the goods this week! Alongside this magnificent mash-up and the previously highlighted Samurai Jack they're publishing new stories from Transformers and Star Trek, (love Trek!!).  IDW's just plain fun usually.  Even though the plot for this is pretty thin, (some sort of invention goes haywire and the Turtles are sent in to the Ghostbusters version of NYC), it doesn't matter.  No one reads a mash-up for the stunning word play and literate, thought provoking characterization.  And if they do, they probably only read one.

Publisher: IDW
SRP: $17.99
Contains: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles/Ghostbusters #1-4
CRD: 21/04


Wild Stars - Book Of Circles Vol. 1: Recalibrated



The reason I chose this is the publisher is releasing volume 2 and a hardcover of some sort all at the same time which piqued my curiosity.  What I've gathered is this particular book, (Volume 1), is a 25th anniversary reprinting of a "complicated, multi-genre tale".  The Volume 2 that's listed in The Rest is a prose novel, (no pictures), and a prequel written by the author to go along with this book. The hardcover that's listed is this book, only without the Recalibrated sub-title.  That's why I love doing this blog; I found out about a book that's supposed to be smart and action packed, (a rare combo), that I probably would not have heard of otherwise. One day I'll have to read it and see if it lives up to the considerable hype.   

Publisher: Little Rocket 
SRP: $19.95
Contains: 256 pages that collect the initial story
CRD: 13/04/2014 (weird, possibly a reissue in the U S of A?)



THE REST


ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT
Herald - Lovecraft and Tesla Vol. 1: History In The Making
Skyward Action Pack

AMULET BOOKS
Rutabaga The Adventure Chef Vol. 1 (HC also available)

AVATAR PRESS
Crossed Badlands Vol. 12 (HC also available)

BERGEN STREET PRESS
Copra Round Two

BOOM! STUDIOS
Peanuts Vol. 5
Translucid

DANGER ZONE
Double Jumpers

DISNEY PRESS
Before Tomorrowland (HC)

DK PUBLISHING
LEGO Star Wars In 100 Scenes (HC)

DOVER PUBLICATIONS
Sam Glazman: A Sailor’s Story

FAB PRESS
Funky Bollywood

GINGKO PRESS
Alex Pardee: Doppelgangers (HC)

HARPER COLLINS PUBLISHERS
Neil Gaiman: Chu’s Day At The Beach (HC)

HASHTAG COMICS
Tailwands Vol. 1: Kaya’s Journey Begins

IDW PUBLISHING
Cerebus High Society Digital Audio Visual Experience (DVD Set)
Deadlands: Dead Man’s Hand
Milt Gross’ New York (HC)
Rogue Trooper Classics
Star Trek Vol. 9: The Q Gambit
T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents Classics Vol. 5
Transformers Vol. 7

IMAGE COMICS
Imperial
Jupiter’s Legacy Vol. 1
Sheltered Vol. 3
Sinergy

JVJ PUBLISHING
Vadeboncoeur Collection Of Images Vol. 13: Golden Glory Of Art I Love

LITTLE ROCKET PUBLICATIONS
Wild Stars - Book Of Circles (HC)
Wild Stars - Book Of Circles Vol. 2: Force Majeure

ONE PEACE BOOKS
Aquarion EVOL Vol. 1

QUIRK BOOKS
William Shakespeare’s Forsooth The Phantom Menace (HC)

SANCTUM PRODUCTIONS
Shadow Double Novel Vol. 94 (they pump these things out fast!)

SUBLIME
World’s Greatest First Love Vol. 1

TITAN COMICS
Norman Vol. 1 (HC)

UNIVERSITY PRESS OF MISSISSIPPI
Comic Book Film Adaptation (HC)

VERTICAL
Ajin Vol. 4

VIZ MEDIA
Red Girls - The Legends Of The Akakuchibas