ON THE SHELF IN JULY
by Craig Reade

MARVEL COMICS
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Page M5 – Halo: Uprising #1 (of 4), $3.99, 40 Pages. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Alex Maleev. Wow – who expected the former Daredevil golden boys to reunite to do Halo? As well as the graphic novel did, it isn’t a surprise that they are doing a series. This story picks up from the end of the second Halo game (ug, don’t need to be reminded of that – a video game cliffhanger? Come on!), where the Master Chief is battling the Covenant who are attacking Earth. Looking forward to a nice action-packed story with this one.

Page M10 – Ultimate Spider-Man #111, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Mark Bagley and Stuart Immonen. This issue is the last for pupular artist Mark Bagley, and the first for the incoming Stuart Immonen. One thing is clear right off the bat – this isn’t anything close to the Ultimate Spidey style we have grown accustomed to for 100+ issues. But that isn’t really a bad thing. As good as Bagley was, a comic title shouldn’t be married to a single style, and it is a sign that USM is growing up that it can absorb a stylistic change and still remain strong. Of note this issue is Ultimate Spot. Yes – Spot has been Ultimized. While Ultimization is generally a bad thing, one positive about it is that you can take old corny characters and update them. And I have to admit that the Ultimate Spot looks pretty sweet.

Page M14 – Ultimate X-Men #84, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Robnert Kirkman, Art by Yanick Paquette. Kirkman gets a second chance here as an all new team line-up makes its debut here. Outside of retconning the entire series out of existence and starting again, this really might be the only way to solve the problems that have been plaguing this book. Kirkman is an outstanding writer, but there were just too many problems for him to make sense out of. And while his opening art was a decent read, it didn’t take too long to go down here. Here is to a fresh start!

Page M20-25 – Annihilation: Conquest
A:C Star-Lord #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Keith Giffen, Art by Timothy Green.
A:C Wraith #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach, Art by Kyle Hotz.
A:C Quasar #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Christos Gage, Art by Mike Lilly.
Nova #4, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Art by Sean Chen.

Marvel wasted no time in getting a sequel put together to the popular Annihilation event of last year. Starting with almost no attention whatsoever, and coming off a horrid prelude issue, the preliminary minis exploded in popularity, and that excitement reached a fever pitch by the time the series was finished. With no marquee characters at the start, no one expected there to be much interest in the event at all, but great characterizations and terrific storytelling made stars of the characters that were a part of the event. So why not try it again? In addition to Nova and the new Quasar, Conquest will feature the return of Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon, and Captain Universe, and a new character in Wraith. Be on the lookout for the Prologue issue in June, and watch as the story unfolds through these four titles until November, when the event starts in earnest. It is a little scary to see Marvel jump on this so fast – the potential for let-down is high. BUt the same creative minds are a part of this evolution as well, so it is definitely worth trying out at the very least. Here is to hoping this is at least as good as the original!

Page M29 – The Champions #1, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Barry Kitson. So the return of the Champions of Los Angeles? Hopefully this incarnation will be better remembered than the previous, which continues to be the butt of many on-panel jokes. If this series is even called The Champions at all – as it turns out, Heroic Publishing actually owns the trademark to the name “Champions,” so it is entirely possible that this title will either be released under a different name, or delayed until a solution can be reached. This sort of thing isn’t impossible to deal with – Captain Marvel, the DC character, has a name that is trademarked by Marvel. The only real drawback of that is that all Captain Marvel comics can’t have Captain Marvel in the title (hence the use of Shazam!). Marvel will no doubt eventually pay Heroic off for use of the name, or just rename the team. It isn’t like the Champions is a name that inspires confidence in the Marvel Universe anyway. In any case – the fact that we are getting another LA based team is nothing but a good thing. How long until this crosses over into Runaways?

Page M35 – Fantastic Five #1 (of 5), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Tom DeFalco, Art by Ron Lim. Would you look at that – another MC2 mini! Boy has it been a long time since that universe got this much consistent love. This story will feature a cosmically powered Doom coming for revenge on Reed, and highlight all of the First Family, from the original members to Lyja, Psi-Lord, and Kristoff. These MC2 books are always light, fun reads with a real classic feel – there is no reason to believe that this series will be any different. Can probably expect a cameo from Spider-Girl as well, as there really hasn’t been an MC2 book in a long while that she hasn’t been a part of.

Page M41 – World War Hulk: Gamma Corps #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Frank Tieri, Art by Carlos Ferreira. At this point, World War Hulk will be in full swing, complete with crossovers galore. Including this one – a team of genetically altered volunteers (The Hulk, Abomination, Leader, Harpy, and Doc Sampson) lead by General Ryker with the sole mission of taking down the Incredible Hulk. Whether this team will have a life beyond this event really is in the hands of Tieri and the readers – if he can tell a compelling enough story, who knows? Expect an action packed read for these four issues at the very least.

Page M59 – New Avengers/Transformers #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Stuart Moore, Art by Tyler Kirkham. Really – do you have any doubts about what kind of series we are going to get here? These Transformers crossovers usually pan out to be about the same every time, but the ride is usually worth it. This looks to be the pre-Civil War New Avengers, so it does look like we will get to see Cap teaming up with Optimus after all. Who knows, could be fun!

Page M69 – Thor #1, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by J. Michael Straczynski, ARt by Oliverl Copiel. Despite the permanent nature of Thor’s departure, we all knew he would be back eventually. Such is the nature of comics. While this series might have been better off with Oeming at the helm, JSM does seem to have a plan, one that actually explains how Thor could return from Ragnarok. Hope he has a good story – that is going to be a heck of a tough one to pass off on us! The Marvel Universe has deeply felt Thor’s absence, hopefully the return of their main powerhouse will help fill in some gaps.

Page M78 – Deadpool/GLI – Summer Fun Spectacular, $3.99, 48 Pages. Written by Dan Slott, Art by Fabian Niceza and various. There aren’t enough different kinds of awesome to apply to this book. A new Dan Slott Great Lakes ___ team book? Always fun. That same team interacting with Deadpool? Again? Takes it to a whole new level. This issue is guaranteed to be a fun and possibly disturbing read, especially when you consider that it promises to reunite Squirrel Girl with her first love, the now “Penance” Robbie Baldwin. That alone is worth the cover price. Don’t miss this issue.

DARK HORSE COMICS
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Page 22 – Zero Killer #1 (of 6), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Arvid Nelson, Art by Matt Camp and Dave Stewart. This is a new mini from Arvid Nelson, who many of you will know from Rex Mundi. Superhero set in a post-apocalyptic future kind of seems like it should be a well worn concept, but it isn’t used nearly as much as you might think. A preview of this title will be available in this year’s Dark Horse Free Comic Book Day entry this Saturday – a prefect chance to see how you like it before buying.
Page 31 – Who Wants To Be A Superhero #1, $3.50, 40 Pages. Written by Stan Lee, Art by Will Conrad, Joe Pimentel, and Michael Bartolo. This was set to come out a few months ago, as many of you may recall, but Dark Horse decided to push it back to coincide with the premier of the new season of Who Wants To Be A Superhero. A little irksome, but from a marketing standpoint, that move does make sense. This issue features last year’s winner Feedback, in an origin story that pits him against Ironside. Should be some good, corny fun.

DC COMICS
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Page 69 – Action Comics #852, $2.99, 32 Pages. They are wasting no time at all with the Countdown tie-ins! 52 was pretty isolated as it basically took place in the “past,” but Countdown is supposed to mirror the current events in all the DC titles and kind of tie them together. There is a good bet that you don’t need to read this to get Countdown (that would be kind of disastrous), but if you are a Jimmy Olsen fan or just like that part of the Countdown story, you might consider picking up this three-parter.

Page 72 – Batman Confidential #7, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Michael Green, Art by Denys Cowan and John Floyd. If you didn’t already recognize the name, Michael Green is a writer for the insanely popular Heroes – something you are probably already watching. So can he write a comic book? He seems to have the imagination, now we will see if the medium works for him. It is generally a bad thing to put untested big name novelists and TV producers on big ongoing projects, but a test one shot or short arc on an ancillary title? That is a great place to let them have a go.

Page 73 – Batman: Secrets of the Batcave, $17.99, 192 Pages. Written by Bill Finger, Dennis O’Neil, and others. Art by Bob Kane, Sheldon Moldoff, and others. This is actually a really clever concept for a trade collection – a group of stories all centered on the Batcave. Could be a lot of fun – especially seeing how Batman’s lair has changed over the years. This collection includes stories from Batman #12, 35, 48, 109, and 348, Detective Comics #158, 186, 205, 233, 235, and 244, World’s Finest #30, Brave and the Bold #182, Bizarro Comics #244, and Secret Origins TP.

Page 76 – Supergirl #19, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Joe Kelly, Art by Alé Garza and Mario Alquiza. So as it turns out, this is the last issue for Joe Kelly on Supergirl. No word yet on who is set to follow him, but this might be a change for the good. The editorial direction for this character has been pretty poor of late, and it is definitely time for a new direction. Perhaps this is an opening ready-made for the newly DC-Exclusive Sean McKeever?

Page 81 – Green Lantern #21, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Ivan Reis & Oclair Albert. Outstanding! This issue marks the start of the Sinestro Corps arc. The entire Green Lantern line has been handled perfectly ever since the Rebirth storyline a couple years ago. Hal Jordan’s return was cause for concern, but Rebirth turned out to be solid and Jordan’s return to the Green Lantern ongoing weathered the initial lag and has become a wholly readable book. The Green Lantern Corps Recharge series was exciting, and the ongoing continued that feel. Now the whole Green Lantern cast is well developed and dynamic – what a perfect time to bring back Sinestro! Can’t wait for this story, it is going to be one of the best of the summer.

Page 83 – Black Canary #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Tony BEdard, Art by Paulo Sequeira and Amilton Santos. This is perfect timing for a series like this. Black Canary has moved on from Birds of Prey, and while her character is getting some advancement in Green Arrow (with the upcoming proposal), there are still a great deal of plot threads that could be picked up, including her adoptive daughter Sin. Both of the first two issues come out in July, so this series will go by in a blink. A great pick-up for those who have followed Birds of Prey over the last few years.

Page 89 – Shadowpact #15, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Bill Willingham, Art by Tom Derenick and Wayne Faucher. Zauriel features prominently in this issue, as he officially joins the team. His Helmet of Fate one-shot was strong and entertaining, it is nice to see that he is sticking around. Hopefully we see some of the other characters pop up on this book from time to time!

Page 89 – Supergirl and the Legion of Superheroes #32, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Tony Bedard, Art by Dennis Calero. Wha-huh? A new creative team? When did that happen? The Legion has been Mark Waid’s baby for the longest time, it is kind of a shock to see someone else on the book. As has been said countless times, Waid write a very skillful story on this book, but it had a certain quality about it that drove some readers away. This is the first real chance for a lot of those readers to give this book a try once again in a number of years. Waid’s fans will no doubt be heartbroken (with good reason), but this should be good for the long-term health of this title.

Page 103 – The Programme #1 (of 12), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Peter Milligan, Art by C.P. Smith. After a painful run on the X-Men, it is a relief to see Milligan back where he belongs. Or at least close (ALMOST Vertigo…). This title deals with a resurgent Soviet threat to the United States that is superhuman in origin. It seems to be set in modern day – perhaps some kind of Soviet sleeper program – regardless, it does show potential due mostly to the writer.

Page 122 – Faker #1, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Nike Carey, Art by Jock. Another new Carey ongoing – Lucifer fans rejoice! This story centers on a college freshman who doesn’t exist – no one but a tight group of friends can remember seeing him before, and all of his records have vanished. An interesting concept that looks like it is going to rely more on character development than specific plot. Should be an interesting read.

IMAGE COMICS
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Page 141 – The Astounding Wolf-Man, $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Jason Howard. I saw #2 on this, and I couldn’t figure out how I missed the solicit for #1. Turns out it comes out this Saturday as an Image Free Comic Book Day effort. From the looks of it, it is definitely one to keep an eye out for. Kirkman’s work at IMage has been outstanding, and there is no reason why this should be any different. So long as Kirkman’s workload doesn’t get to him! If you happen to miss the FCBD issue, they are re-releasing it in July as a Director’s Cut, along with some bonuses. So all is not lost if your shop runs out!

Page 146 – Hiding in Time #1 (of 4), $3.50, 32 Pages. Written by Christopher E. Long, Art by Ryan Winn. This series looks really clever. The story centers on an advanced Witness Protection Program that hides its clients in the past. Only someone has found a way to track the witnesses, and is murdering them. So they have to stop them! Long’s got a clever idea here, and if well exectuted, this could be a very captivating series. Definitely give this one a shot.

Page 176 – First Born #1 (of 3), $2.99, 32 Pages. Written by Ron Marz, Art by Stjepan Sejic. Looks like Top Cow is going to try their hand at the summer crossover event this year. The focus of this series seems to be the soon-to-be-born child of Sara Pezzini, who Angelus wants as a potential host. Of course, it looks like Darkness will be involved as well, and Angelus wants him dead. Should be a real exciting event for Top Cow fans.

INDEPENDENTS
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Page 230 – The Clockwork Girl #0, $.25, 16 Pages, Arcana Studio. Written by Sean O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, ARt by Grant Bond. This is essentially a preview of an upcoming new series from Arcana that is descrined as an All-Ages Fairy Tale. Chances are there is something to this. O’Reilly has a writing style that would lend itself well to something like this, and the involvment of anyone from Disney gives the project a lot of credibility. Definitely one to look out for, especially for only a quarter.

Page 248 – The Legend of Isis #1, $3.50, 32 Pages, Bluewater Comics. By Ruiz, Strauss, Lubera, and Rantz. OK, the ad blurb “At least 52% better than any other Isis book” is what really earned this mention. That is an awesome bit of humor. It is nice to see that this series found a home after that mess at Alias – it was an decent read and this new ongoing deserves a chance. Hope they manage to land on their feet!

Page 271 – Kid Kosmos, $19.99, Dynamite. By Jim Starlin. Did you catch the Cosmic Guard mini, also by Starlin, released by Dynamite a couple years back? It was a great sci-fi read, and a little too short for my taste. This graphic novel is a direct continuation of that outstanding story. Starlin is set to take on Mystery in Space for DC in the coming months, so this story will be a great way to try get a good taste of his work before checking that series out. Cosmic Guard was a fantastic read – hopefully the follow-up is just as entertaining, even after all this time.

Craig’s Top Five of the Month

#5 – Black Canary #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics. Black Canary really came into her own over the course of her stint at Birds of Prey, and it is nice to see that she isn’t just going to be a second fiddle to the Green Arrow. Should be a good series.

#4 – Thor #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel. A pretty major return – and some pretty high stakes. Hopefully JMS & Company are up to the task.

#3 – Deadpool/GLI – Summer Fun Spectacular, $3.99, 48 Pages, Marvel. The temptation was great to put this at #1 this month, but the competition was just too fierce. This is a guaranteed fun read that you shouldn’t miss.

#2 – Annihilation: Conquest (all four tie-ins), $2.99 each, 32 Pages each, Marvel. Why not #1? One word – sequel. The expectations are still great – Nova is still a player, and the creative teams are there, but it might be a good idea to play it safe and not get your hopes up. Still exciting, but not a guaranteed slam dunk.

#1 – Green Lantern #21, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics. The Sinestro Corps – what more do you need to know? This summer is a great one for the cosmic parts of both major universes. Can a resurgence in the sci-fi genre be too far behind?

NOTE: Opinions here may not reflect those of X-World Comics LLC or it’s staff and are solely the opinions of the writer. Want to comment on this week’s newsletter? Give your feedback here!

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