The $40 Pull List – August 2007
If this is your first time reading the $40 Pull List, I invite you to see how it works by reading the first edition. Therin you will find all the rules governing the list, and the selection of titles. It isn’t too complicated, though, so just dive right in if you don’t feel like reading back issues! In addition, this column contains Spoilers, so if you are waiting for the trade, read at your own risk!
This was kind of a wacky month for the pull-list. Last month’s vote brought the new Star-Lord mini onto the list. Of course, a big reason behind that vote was to get a title into the last week – but late books combined with my own error of missing the double-ship of Superman last month made that kind of moot.
Lot’s to watch out for in July – did The Brave and The Bold shape up? Did Noble Causes ship? Just how would Sean McKeever say goodbye to Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane? Read and find out?
The Exterminators #19, $2.99, Vertigo/DC Comics. Due out 07/05/07. ON TIME
This is a little more the kind of thing I was expecting when I decided to add this book to the list. Crazy-weird bug stuff. The start of this new story arc was a definite step in the right direction. It still kind of had the feel of coming in at the middle of a story, but that is bound to happen whenever you pick up a series this late in the game. Now that the uber-intelligent cockroaches have been established, let’s see how they end up taking them on. This issue really helped stir some long term interest in this book. Definitely creepy in a gross sort of way. I like it.
Status: SAFE
Jonah Hex #21, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/05/07. ON TIME
It is a small nitpick, but I am starting to get the feeling that Palmiotti and Gray are trying too hard with story structure here. We have seen this format many times on this book – something is introduced (in this case, the caravan of women that is raped and killed), and then we move on to something completely different, only to have Hex show up and mop up the first plot that was introduced at the very end. There was really two stories here – and it almost seemed like they broke one up to make it more interesting. A minor qibble – I just think they are going to the well too often with that gimmick.
Even with the minor complaint, this is still a great title. This month, as almost always, was another single-issue story. Decent action, a nice twist… Everything you would expect from a solid western book.
Status: SAFE
Superman #664, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/11/07. ON TIME
This was an outstanding issue. The fact that bystanders in general have stopped being sheep in comics adds an interesting wrinkle. After the Max Lord killing, why wouldn’t people be suspect that Superman could be mentally controlled? Any responsible leader, while allowing Superman to continue to protect the people, would have just this sort of contingency in place show he fall under malevolent control. Superman’s simultaneous understanding and irritation completed the package. Very enjoyable read.
Status: SAFE
Superman #665, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/26/07. ON TIME
Yikes – this one wasn’t early, I just totally missed it when compiling my list. Mistakes can happen! Thankfully, with Noble Causes shipping late AGAIN, there was room in the budget to pick this one up. Though this might make things tight next month. This issue was the “Jimmy Olsen Countdown Dossier,” retelling the origin of Olsen. It does seem to contradict the origin presented in, specifically relating to Olsen’s first meeting with Superman. This can probably be explained as a change resulting from Infinite Crisis, though it may be jarring to some devoted fans of Superman and his supporting cast. Overall, a decent issue – a nice Countdown tie-in.
Status: SAFE
The Brave and the Bold #5, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/18/07. ON TIME
Welcome to the most bi-polar title in the DC line-up. After a couple duds, I was prepared to hate this issue, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. The interactions between Brainiac and Batman were absolutely fantastic. In any case – this arc is finally almost over, with but one issue left to go. Based on this issue and the prospect of a decent story in a Wonder Woman/Power Girl team-up in issue #7, this book may have gotten yet another stay of execution. We will see next month…
Status: (barely) SAFE
Hellblazer #234, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due out 07/18/07. RELEASED 7/25/07
A decent quick read, but surprisingly mundane for a Constantine story. Was expecting at least a zombie or two. The ending kind of confused the heck out of me, until I read that the speech balloons got left out of the second-to-last page. For those as confused as I was, they can be found here. Helps a bit, but with 12 pages of this issue devoted to ads and the Un-Men preview, it really lacked oomph. A decent issue that could have been a lot better.
Status: SAFE
Spider-man Loves Mary Jane #20, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/11/07 ON TIME
Ah, Sean McKeever’s final issue. And while decent, it really did feel like he pushed the giant reset button. Everyone is single, Mary Jane and Peter Parker are once again “really close friends,” and everyone has been dumped with a minimum of hurt feelings. Feel-good, but the quick ending really took the oomph out of the angst that would normally come with a relationship explosion of this magnitude.
Some great lines though – Peter’s comment that “reading is fun” was priceless.
McKeever will be missed, and it is a long wait until Moore comes aboard. Since we really don’t know for certain (as there hasn’t been a solicit) whether he will start with a new #1 or not, it is tough to know what to do with this one. For now it will remain safe – pending an announcement of a future issue.
Status: SAFE
Nova #4, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/11/07. ON TIME
Once more into the breach. Normally it would be a bit annoying that this title has done nothing but crossover since its very first issue. Thankfully, it really hasn’t been all that bad. Everything to this point has technically been a crossover, but it was all something that probably would have happened whether or not the crossover label was on the front cover. The same is true here – though it is serving as one of the 4 Conquest lead-ins, it is still very much a Nova story leading into what really is a Nova event. It was a pretty strong story with a real cliff-hanger ending. That wasn’t at all how I thought a new Nova would join the Corps.
Fantastic issue – can’t wait until next month!
Status: SAFE
World War Hulk #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/18/07. ON TIME
Not really much predictable here – The Hulk ran through everything and everyone that came against him. The real weaknesses in this issue were Reed’s utterly lame plan to deal with the Hulk, and well – the art continued to be a real drawback. Still, if you could call something a “popcorn comic,” this was it. Action packed, and not very mentally challenging.
Status: SAFE
Fear Agent #2, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 07/18/07. RELEASED 7/25/07
A tiny bit late, but well worth it. This issue took our “heroes” from victims at the mercy of alien invaders to something that resembles what the Fear Agents were supposed to be. Less cowering and hiding, more offense. Great pace, excellent art, and a captivating story is making this a joy to read. Can’t wait for the next issue.
Status: SAFE
Deadpool/GLI – Summer Fun #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/11/07 ON TIME
This issue was everything it promised to be. From the hilarity of Deadpool crashing the GLI’s headquarters, to Squirrel Girl’s perfect reaction to Robbie Baldwin’s idiocy – this issue really couldn’t have been done any better. It is a shame it was only a one-shot. Can’t wait for the next Great Lakes issue from Slott – he is batting a thousand!
Status: ONE SHOT
The Order #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/18/07. ON TIME
This one was decent, but problematic. They spent so much time introducing the team at first, time that ended up being a total waste once they fired half the team. Then we had to go through another lengthy introduction session, only to have the cliffhanger “verge of a battle” ending. Some interesting concepts are on display here, but the actual story flow was a a bit mismanaged.
Still – it wasn’t a total loss, and provided we aren’t treated to another team re-boot next issue, things should shape up a bit next issue.
Status: SAFE
Annihilation Conquest: Star-Lord #1 (of 4), $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/25/07. ON TIME
The winner of last month’s vote – and all-in-all another solid issue. This month’s Nova shed a lot of light on what the Phalanx are, and what kind of threat they pose. While this issue was enjoyable on its own, the juxtaposition of the two made both just a little richer. Some of the characters chosen to be a part of Star-Lord’s team are unique to say the least – it will be a treat to see them interact with one another once their mission starts.
Lots of great sci-fi this month!
Status: SAFE
LATE OR UNRELEASED PULL LIST ISSUES
Noble Causes #31, $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 06/13/07. NOT YET RELEASED
STILL not out – Diamond has this one set to ship on August 8th. The month off will help catch things up, but the big axe looms on the horizon. If this issue doesn’t ship by August 8th, Noble Causes will fall victim to the 2 month late rule. Hopefully it will not come to that.
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07.
Wyrms #6, $2.99, Marvel/Dabel Brothers. Due out 08/15/07.
-=JULY PULL LIST=-
Titles carrying over:
Superman #666, $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 08/08/07.
The Exterminators #20, $2.99, Vertigo/DC Comics. Due out 08/01/07.
The Brave and the Bold #6, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/15/07.
Wyrms #6, $2.99, Marvel/Dabel Brothers. Due out 08/15/07.
Hellblazer #235, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due out 08/15/07.
Jonah Hex #22, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/01/07.
Nova #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/08/07.
World War Hulk #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. 08/01/07.
Fear Agent #3, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 08/22/07.
Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/22/07.
The Order #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/22/07.
Noble Causes #31, $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 06/13/07. Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07.
TOTAL: $41.34
Budget = $40.00 + $1.17 (Banked) + $3.77 (LATE books) – $3.22 (Superman #665) = $41.72
$41.72 (Budget) – $41.34 (August issues) – $3.20 (tax) = -$2.80
Yikes! Looks like we have a problem. Not only are we over budget this month, but we also have to keep in mind that according to the rules, one brand new title must be tried each and every month. Which means we have some hard choices at hand here. First – we need to cut one title to get within budget. Second – another title has to be dropped to make room for this month’s new book.
The first choice is a sad one, but an obvious one. Noble Causes has to go. Seems like this title is late each and every month. It’s new release date is scheduled for the last possible week before it had to be dropped anyway, and there is no guarantee it would even meet that date. After that, Image has delayed solicitation to allow the title to catch up, so we could be without the title for a few more months at that rate. Even then, there is still no guarantee that the title would ship monthly and on time once that occurs. The recent art change has been a real boon for the title, but its continued unreliability and its future inconsistency make it a poor choice to continue on.
Noble Causes #31, $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 06/13/07.
Status: DROPPED
Which brings us to our second title. Though it did redeem itself somewhat this past issue, 3 bad issues put next to 2 fairly decent issues does not instill much confidence in this title’s future. The Brave and the Bold is the one title on this list that seems to be hanging by a thread, and the one that does not inspire excitement to see it in the pull-box week after week. As such, it has to be put on the chopping block at a time like this.
The Brave and the Bold #6, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/15/07.
Status: DROPPED
So now the question remains – what new title should be selected this month? Since Noble Causes was the last Image title on the list, it seems appropriate that another should take its place.
New Titles:
Bomb Queen IV #1 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 08/15/07.
Maybe we will have better luck with an Image mini. It seems that through the years, they have always had a real problem shipping ongoings in a timely manner. Which, of course, gives us the perfect opportunity to sample Jimmy Robinson’s 4th Bomb Queen volume. Heard good things about it – so why not give it a try?
With that selection, let’s take a look at the updated list.
-=JULY PULL LIST=-
Superman #666, $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 08/08/07.
The Exterminators #20, $2.99, Vertigo/DC Comics. Due out 08/01/07.
Wyrms #6, $2.99, Marvel/Dabel Brothers. Due out 08/15/07.
Hellblazer #235, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due out 08/15/07.
Jonah Hex #22, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 08/01/07.
Nova #5, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/08/07.
World War Hulk #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. 08/01/07.
Fear Agent #3, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 08/22/07.
Annihilation: Conquest – Star-Lord #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/22/07.
The Order #2, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 08/22/07.
Rex Libris #9, $2.95, Slave Labor. Due out 08/07.
Bomb Queen IV #1 (of 4), $3.50, Image Comics. Due Out 08/15/07.
TOTAL: $41.34
$41.72 (Budget) – $38.35 (August issues) – $2.97 (tax) = $.40 banked for September
Much better. Making a cut like that was hard, though quite honestly it was a lot easier than I suspected it might eventually be when this column was first conceived. It is a surprise that it took six months to happen, however.
Here is this month’s Pull-List to print out and bring with you to the store: Here you go! Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the file, as always.If you don’t have it, you can download the latest version for free at Adobe.com.
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July 25, 2007
On The Shelf This Week – 07.25.07
ON THE SHELF THIS WEEK
by Craig Reade
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Order any of the below titles by clicking here!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #542, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by J. Michael Straczynski, Art by Ron Garney, Bill Reinhold, and Matt Milla.
Going into One More Day, who knows what can happen in this issue. Since One More Day is supposed to “fix” Spider-Man, the rumors that they are going to completely erase the last several years of Spider-Man’s history is plausible. That being the case – anything could happen here. With just two issues left the Back in Black arc on Amazing, and provided this story will be completely erased once it is all said and done, just what will Peter Parker do here? Having a partial reboot of the Spider-Man continuity already planned is practically a license to let it all hang out.
These next two issues may well be the craziest ones this title has seen in a long time.
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST STAR LORD #1 (OF 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Keith Giffen, Art by Timothy Green III, Victor Olazaba, and Nathan Fairbairn.
Another week, another Annihilation Conquest mini kick-off. Last week’s Quasar was a decent start – and with Keith Giffen at the helm for this mini, expectations are similarly high. The solicit for this issue mentions Rocket Raccoon – heck, if DC can bring back Detective Chimp and make it work, why not Rocket Raccoon?
This latest Annihilation event is chugging along quite smoothly. Best get aboard now before you miss out on it again!
CABLE DEADPOOL #43, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Fabian Nicieza, Art by Reilly Brown, Jeremy Freeman, and Gotham.
After a nice long run that focused almost solely on Deadpool, we are coming off a two-parter that remembered that Cable was also a star of this book. While that will satisfy fans of Cable, it is kind of nice to tip the scales back towards the Merc With a Mouth. With Wolverine to boot. While some people may get tired of Wolverine, who often makes guest appearances throughout the Marvel Universe, his pairings with Wolverine have always been entertaining.
Despite some initial misgivings about the direction Nicieza was taking his co-creation, he has really taken ownership of the character, paying due respect to the aspects of Deadpool’s history that came from other writers (forgetting some of the less-than-stellar moments), and really advancing the character. It has been a while since we had a good, old-fashioned Deadpool/Wolverine match-up. If recent history is any indication, Nicieza will spin another good tale here.
GRENDEL BEHOLD THE DEVIL #0, $0.50, 16 Pages, Dark Horse.
By Matt Wagner.
50 cent books are always worth at least a peak, especially from publishers like Image and Dark Horse. It always seems easier to jump into a new ongoing from DC or Marvel, but with Dark Horse, most of their titles like this are minis. Why gamble the full cover price on a 1 of 6 when you will have to work harder to find the issues, and fewer people you know will be reading it?
Plus, preview issues like this one give you everything in one shot. If it is well put together, you will walk away from this issue knowing everything you need to about Hunter Rose, the original Grendel, and the focus of this mini. Of course, Matt Wagner is the same writer who will be taking on the upcoming Zorro series – this would be an excellent chance to sample his work.
IRON MAN #20, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Christos Gage, Art by Butch Guice and Dean White.
It can’t be an easy task for a writer to helm the solo series of Iron Man. But there are some perks to writing him these days as well. Sure, there are those that don’t even consider Tony Stark a hero anymore. But if you think about the intent of Civil War, he was never supposed to be the villain. A failure in writing lead to the current perception of the character. In his eyes, he really did intend to do good. For Gage to take this damaged character and tell this story through his eyes, and actually make him the hero of his own title – lesser writers couldn’t pull it off. Thankfully, Gage doesn’t seem bothered by the challenge.
This issue follows up on Tony Starks crushing defeat by the Hulk. What happens to SHIELD now that Stark is missing? And what did happen to Iron Man? Many people dislike tie-in issues these days, but this one is probably worth checking out.
JSA CLASSIFIED #28, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Fabian Nicieza; Art and Cover by Steve Uy
This is exactly the kind of story this title was made for. Jakeem Thunder is a newer character that a lot of newer DCU readers would have no clue about. He has had relatively few appearances over this short 10 year history, despite being a regular member of the Justice Society, and since his backstory is somewhat complicated, it is difficult to really flesh out that history for the DC neophyte, especially when he is part of an ensemble book.
So, we get this issue, a stand alone that will focus on Jakeem and the Thunderbolt, and if done properly, will answer any of the basic questions people might have about the character. This title is a perfect supplement to the Justice Society of America title.
WONDER WOMAN #11, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics,
Written by Will Pfeifer; Art by Paco Diaz ; Cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson
After wrapping up Jodi Picoult’s run last month, the slow countdown to Gail Simone’s ascension begins with this issue, a stand-alone from Will Pfeifer. You may recall Pfeifer stepping up and filling in on issue #5 of this title after the delays on Allan Heinberg’s arc. That issue was decent – it did get a lot of criticism, mostly from people who were really disappointed at the change, though. He has done a decent job on the Amazons Attack event, and that parallel should work well for this issue. Anyone who has been reading Catwoman since he took over will tell you that he can spin a great story.
Pfeifer would no doubt do fairly well as an ongoing Wonder Woman writer – but that is something we won’t get the chance to see for some time. Odds are we will be seeing Gail Simone at the helm of this title for a long, long time.
SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK
FEAR AGENT LAST GOODBYE #2, $2.99, 32 Pages, Dark Horse.
Written by Rick Remender, Art by Tony Moore, Ande Parks, and Lee Loughridge.
Fear Agent moving over to Dark Horse really was a spot of good news. Sure, it wouldn’t be ongoing anymore, but considering that almost all of the really successful properties Dark Horse puts out are in the “series of minis” format, there was little concern there. Cal McDonald and Hellboy fans seem plenty happy with the system, so why couldn’t it work for Fear Agent? It is still really early yet, but so far, so good.
After a brief nod to those readers who followed the title over from Image, Remender turned back the clock, and began the tale of how the Fear Agents came to be. A real change of pace, but it has already added a great deal to the background of Heath Huston, adding read depth to the stories that came before this.
There really isn’t a sci-fi series out there right now that approaches this level of quality. We really need more like it.
DARK HORSE COMICS
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #5, $2.99 Now: $2.69
FEAR AGENT LAST GOODBYE #2, $2.99 Now: $2.59
GRENDEL BEHOLD THE DEVIL #0, $0.50
HELLBOY DARKNESS CALLS #4 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.59
DC COMICS
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #6, $2.99 Now: $2.25
ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN VAR EDITION #6, $8.99
BLUE BEETLE #17, $2.99 Now: $2.69
COUNTDOWN 40, $2.99 Now: $2.59
CROSSING MIDNIGHT #9 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.69
DEATHBLOW #6, $2.99 Now: $2.59
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #2 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.59
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #14, $2.99 Now: $2.69
HAWKGIRL #66, $2.99 Now: $2.59
JSA CLASSIFIED #28, $2.99 Now: $2.59
NINJA SCROLL #11, $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER HEROES #32, $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUPERMAN #665, $2.99 Now: $2.39
TEEN TITANS #49, $2.99 Now: $2.69
TEEN TITANS GO #45, $2.25 Now: $1.99
TESTAMENT #19 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.59
WONDER WOMAN #11, $2.99 Now: $2.69
IMAGE COMICS
HIDING IN TIME #1 (OF 4), $3.50 Now: $2.99
MARVEL COMICS
ALL NEW OFF HB MARVEL UNIVERSE A TO Z UPDATE #3, $3.99 Now: $3.49
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #542, $2.99 Now: $2.69
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST STAR LORD #1 (OF 4), $2.99 Now: $2.79
BLACK PANTHER #29, $2.99 Now: $2.69
CABLE DEADPOOL #43, $2.99 Now: $2.79
FANTASTIC FIVE #2 (OF 5), $2.99 Now: $2.69
GHOST RIDER 2ND PTG SALTARES VAR #12, $2.99[/strike] Now: $2.69
HEROES FOR HIRE 2ND PTG VAR #11, $2.99[/strike] Now: $2.69
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #7, $2.99 Now: $2.69
INCREDIBLE HULK #108, $2.99 Now: $2.69
INCREDIBLE HULK 2ND PTG FRANK VAR #107, $2.99 Now: $2.69
INCREDIBLE HULK 3RD PTG VAR #106, $2.99 Now: $2.69
IRON MAN #20, $2.99 Now: $2.39
IRON MAN 2ND PTG VAR #19, $2.99 Now: $2.69
MAGICIAN APPRENTICE #9 (OF 12), $2.99 Now: $2.79
MIGHTY AVENGERS #4, $2.99 Now: $2.69
ONSLAUGHT REBORN #4 (OF 5), $2.99 Now: $2.69
SENSATIONAL SPIDER-MAN #39, $2.99 Now: $2.69
SILVER SURFER REQUIEM #3 (OF 4), $3.99 Now: $3.49
ULTIMATE FANTASTIC FOUR #44, $2.99 Now: $2.69
WOLVERINE #55, $2.99 Now: $2.69
WOLVERINE B&W VAR #55, $2.99 Now: $2.79
WOLVERINE LAND VAR #55, $3.99
X-MEN #201, $2.99 Now: $2.79
X-MEN FIRST CLASS VOL 2 #2, $2.99 Now: $2.69
SNIKT!
The often discussed Wolverine feature film has found a director in the form of Oscar Winner Gavin Hood. May not be huge news, but this does make the film one step closer to reality.
It is tough to say whether this selection is good news or not – he really only has 4 feature films to his credit. And though Tsotsi won the Best Foreign Language Film, the only Hollywood feature he has directed is the upcoming Rendition. His lack of American film experience, particularly this genre, might be a liability. Of course, Stargate SG1 fans might remember Hood as the Russian Colonel Alexi Vaelov from the Lockdown episode. Maybe this bit of sci-fi experience is enough to put him in touch with the wants of his target audience.
COMICON
Light news this week, no doubt all the major stuff is holding for panels at this years San Diego Comicon, which is being held at the usual place from July 26th-29th. Apparently, tickets are already sold out for Saturday, so if you are planning on attending and still haven’t purchased tickets, you should do so now through their website at – http://www.comic-con.org/.
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!
Post your comments in the Forum!
July 18, 2007
On The Shelf This Week – 07.18.07
ON THE SHELF THIS WEEK
by Craig Reade
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Order any of the below titles by clicking here!
ACTION COMICS #852, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Kurt Busiek; Art and Cover by Brad Walker and John Livesay
This one is set to be “on the heels” of Superman #665 (which has been delayed until next week), and is supposed to tie into Countdown #40, which is also due out next week – so it might be a good idea to pick this issue up and sit on it until those other two come out. Probably won’t make a huge difference either way – but it is something to keep in mind when reading this issue. If you don’t follow Superman, but are a particular fan of Jimmy Olsen (or are enjoying his Countdown subplot), you really should pick up the two Superman books this month, (and this title for the next three issues, wrapping up next month when Action ships 3 times), as they all directly relate to what is going on in Countdown. Busiek is usually solid when he takes on the Man of Steel, so this should be an entertaining story.
ALL FLASH #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Mark Waid; Art by Karl Kerschl, Ian Churchill, Manuel Garcia, Joe Bennett and Daniel Acuña.
Those of you expecting The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #14 this week, pick this up instead. All Flash #1 is a one-shot that follows the events in Flash #13, to be followed by Flash #231 (replacing The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #15) which is due out in late August. There is still a lot of confusion about who The Flash will be once the changeover is over. Smart money seems to be on Wally West – the outcome of the Justice League/Justice Society crossover combined with the fact that they are picking up the numbering of Wally’s volume of the Flash once again tilts the scales in his favor. Anything could happen though – that is why we read the issues, after all.
DC will no doubt get some grief from comic readers about this backtrack, but to be fair – the whole idea of dumping Wally West was probably a mistake in the first place. Backing out of that at this point might be a little messy, but it is the right thing to do.
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST QUASAR #1 (OF 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Christos Gage, Art by Eric Basaldua and Rick Basaldua.
The first half of the new Annihilation is gearing up this month, and things are looking bright. The Wraith issue last week was a mixed bag – not amazing, but with some potential. Not all the lead-up minis were five-star blowouts last time, so no one was expecting it this time either. The Nova ongoing has been stellar, of course, which brings us this mini which comes with some higher expectations than the Wraith effort. This new Quasar has some interesting history and a lot of potential ground to be covered in a mini like this. Christos Gage has been on the receiving end of a lot of positive buzz in recent months, and readers are expecting a real winner out of him here.
So it is still early in the game for this new Annihilation, but it seems like it is going well. Hopefully Gage has a blockbuster here.
BLACK CANARY #2 (OF 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Tony Bedard; Art and Cover by Paulo Sequeira and Amilton Santos.
Issue one of this mini was really a pleasant surprise. Not that this mini was expected to be bad, but it coming so close to the upcoming wedding it seemed a good opportunity for a fluffy tie-in that was light on the story. Thankfully this was not the case. Black Canary has a lot of dangling threads left over from her time on Birds of Prey, and having a few issues set aside just to focus on her and Sin is a great idea.
Issue #1 just came out two weeks ago, so it may not be too late to grab that issue if you missed it. Tony Bedard is spinning a decent story here that will be a good bridge between Birds of Prey and whatever comes after this wedding for Dinah.
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Paul Benjamin, Art by David Nakayama.
I could swear there was already a Marvel Adventures Hulk. Maybe I am just thinking of Marvel Age Hulk – either way, it is good that Marvel has returned with an all-ages Hulk book.
There are a ton of readers like me out there who have a soft spot in their heart for the wandering Bruce Banner – yes, it was very sitcom, but it works very well in the comic format, and was used very successfully in the Marvel Age Hulk incarnation. It allows for some sophisticated storytelling without getting too bogged down with adult themes and continuity, making it a great format for young readers and casual adult readers who might be confused about the current 616 Hulk.
The Marvel Adventures line is a quiet success for Marvel – great sales and quality, accessible, all-ages stories are a great combination. Who says comics can’t be for kids anymore?
SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #1 (OF 5), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Fred Van Lente, Art by Francis Portela and Terry Pallot.
This could be a great humor mini – with the notable return of the Spot! Wait a tick – we are getting ULTIMATE Spot in this month’s Ultimate Spider-Man #111 this week also. Did you ever think that the Spot would be a major player in two Marvel titles at the same time in this day and age?
It did always seem weird that with fewer titles, DC was still deeper in the villain department than Marvel has been, especially these days. A mini like this one could serve to change that. Even the corniest villain has its uses, and with a little imagination and a touch of humor, even the cheesiest villain can have some life. Look at what Dan Slott did for the Awesome Android. A little love and hard work and all of these characters will be right at home in today’s Marvel Universe. I have to wish Fred Van Lente the best of luck here. This mini succeeding will make the Marvel Universe a much more pleasant place.
THE ORDER #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Barry Kitson, Mark Morales, and Dean White.
If you still haven’t heard – this is the title formerly known as The Champions. So if you have been in a cave for the last couple months and were waiting for this title, here you go!
This title is one of the better things to come out of Civil War. Marvel has been very NYC centric for a long, long time, and for some of us on the West Coast, that has been something of a turnoff. How many superheroes does New York City need, anyway? There was the Hulk roaming around out West, but that almost makes it seem like everything west of the Mississippi is a barren wasteland. If I were a super villain, I’d set up shop in LA, or Seattle – away from the hundreds of super heroes (and wannabes) crammed on a tiny island and the surrounding area.
Well, the Initiative has the potential to change that. Possibly. Not sure if that one-year gimmick will last the year – it is tough to build long-term fan loyalty if characters won’t last 12 issues ever, after all. Add some known West-Coast names to this title somewhere down the road, combined with the most popular of the new creations, and The Order could be a title with some real long term potential, especially under Matt Fraction’s pen. Here’s to hoping anyway. SoCal needs a super team too!
WORLD WAR HULK #2 (OF 5), $3.99, 48 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Greg Pak, Art by John Romita, Jr., Klaus Johnson, and Christina Strain.
Got to say that it is so nice to see that World War Hulk is off to an awesome start, as expected. And for purely selfish reasons too boot. After House of M and Civil War, it was starting to seem like I was bashing Marvel Events out of pure anti-Marvel bias. Finally, quality won out, and despite severe event fatigue, World War Hulk is off to an outstanding start, and has become something I am really looking forward to. The first issue was action-packed and fantastically paced. Outside some art issues, there was very little to complain about.
This event is off to a fantastic start. Hope to see Pak keep the ball rolling in issue two.
SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK
BIRDS OF PREY #108, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Gail Simone; Art by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood.
It is kind of surprising that Gail Simone’s final issue of Birds of Prey is here, and there is almost no fanfare. Her run on this title has been nothing short of phenomenal, and really should be remembered for a very long time. She set the bar so high that it is hard to say if Sean McKeever is capable of meeting it (not that he won’t give it a real shot).
All good things have to end eventually, though it is kind of sad that we won’t get to see a little more of Gail Simone’s take on the new Birds of Prey team. They are all characters who would benefit greatly from the kind of character depth Simone brings to the table, and there is a definite loss there.
Simone’s run has been outstanding, and there is no reason to expect that her final issue won’t be explosive. As exciting as it is to see her on Wonder Woman, losing her on Birds of Prey almost isn’t worth it. To be honest, I am still undecided whether or not it is worth it.
DARK HORSE COMICS
CONAN #42 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.59
ZERO KILLER #1 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.39
DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #852, $2.99 Now: $2.69
ALL FLASH #1, $2.99 Now: $2.69
AMAZONS ATTACK #4 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.79
AQUAMAN SWORD OF ATLANTIS #54, $2.99 Now: $2.59
ARMY @ LOVE #5 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.69
BIRDS OF PREY #108, $2.99 Now: $2.69
BLACK CANARY #2 (OF 4), $2.99 Now: $2.69
BRAVE AND THE BOLD #5, $2.99 Now: $2.59
CATWOMAN #69, $2.99 Now: $2.69
COUNTDOWN 41, $2.99 Now: $2.59
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #11, $2.99 Now: $2.69
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA VAR ED #11, $9.99
LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #4, $2.25 Now: $1.99
PROGRAMME #1 (OF 12), $2.99 Now: $2.25
PROGRAMME VAR ED #1 (OF 12), $7.99
ROBIN #164, $2.99 Now: $2.69
SPIRIT #8, $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUPERMAN BATMAN #38, $2.99 Now: $2.69
IMAGE COMICS
REPO #2 (OF 5), $3.50 Now: $2.99
MARVEL COMICS
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST QUASAR #1 (OF 4), $2.99 Now: $2.25
AVENGERS CLASSIC #2, $2.99 Now: $2.79
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #4, $2.99 Now: $2.69
CAPTAIN AMERICA #28, $2.99 Now: $2.69
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #22, $2.99 Now: $2.69
GHOST RIDER #13, $2.99 Now: $2.79
GHOST RIDER TRAIL OF TEARS #6 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.69
GIANT SIZED MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #1, $3.99 Now: $3.49
MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR #26, $2.99 Now: $2.59
MARVEL ADVENTURES HULK #1, $2.99 Now: $2.59
MARVEL ILLUSTRATED TREASURE ISLAND #2 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.59
SILVER SURFER REQUIEM 2ND PTG VAR #1 (OF 4), $3.99 Now: $3.49
SUPER VILLAIN TEAM UP MODOKS 11 #1 (OF 5), $2.99 Now: $2.59
THE ORDER #1, $2.99 Now: $2.39
THUNDERBOLTS DESPERATE MEASURES, $2.99 Now: $2.59
ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #111, $2.99 Now: $2.69
WOLVERINE ORIGINS ANNUAL #1, $3.99 Now: $3.49
WORLD WAR HULK #2 (OF 5), $3.99 Now: $3.49
WORLD WAR HULK FRONT LINE #2 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.69
WORLD WAR HULK X-MEN #2 (OF 3), $2.99 Now: $2.59
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT
DARK XENA #3, $3.50 Now: $2.99
GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY
Thankfully, that wait didn’t take long. In the next DC solicits comes the announcement that a new Green Arrow/Black Canary series will be starting up in October, penned by Judd Winick. That really is a relief. It seemed weird that his outstanding run on the Green Arrow would be cut short for a wedding. But then, a team-up book was the natural result of the wedding story, so it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise. If anything, this is going to provide a tremendous opportunity for new readers. Winick’s Green Arrow was one of the best stories going in the DCU prior to the abrupt conclusion, but it was understandably difficult for a new reader to hop aboard. Now we will all have a chance.
OUT OF THE NIGHT, WHEN THE FULL MOON IS BRIGHT
Some time ago, I had the chance to enjoy the Papercutz version of Zorro. While I enjoyed the all-ages approach to the character, I had to admit that I was really longing for a darker, more adult-oriented look at The Fox. With Dynamite picking up the license, that could become a reality.
Enter Matt Wagner, who is going to be writing and the covers for the new series. Wagner has had some experience with one of Zorro’s “offspring,” Batman, in the Trinity mini and the Monster Men and the Mad Monk. Seems like he might have just the right touch for an outstanding modern Zorro comic. Keep an eye out for this series – it will be one to pick up when announced.
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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July 16, 2007
The Gamer’s Quagmire #48: Console Track & Field Disaster
Everything you wanted to know about gaming, and less.
by Jamison DeLorenzo
Last week, in case you missed it, E3 was debuted in its new format. That is, it debuted in its new, trimmed town, invite-only, debut. For gamers this is like football fans needing the NFL giving them permission to purchase tickets to the Super Bowl. One of my must-do items in my life was, at one point, to take the trek over to the West Coast and attend this event. Getting knocked off of my feet with an overload of gaming was one of those things that just felt like it needed to be done. Some other form of gaming event is going to have to take place instead. To tie me over until I figure out what this may be, I decided to hunker down on my couch after a ton of meaningless housework (repairing some electrical wiring, doorbell repair, deck cleaning, weeding, etc.) and go back to Final Fantasy XII. This was never going to be a monumental event for me, but it has been making my skin crawl that I have not completed this game yet. So I spent the next day and half leveling all 6 of the characters in the game to almost level 60… and nothing else. Good times all around, right?
Unfortunately, E3 did force me to think about something during this gaming marathon. Watching all of the coverage from G4, including the commercial break in the middle of the new Halo 3 trailer on Day 1, I got some pretty big messages from each of the console developers. Being the person that I am, it wasn’t the message they were intending. Let me share with you my impressions of where each of the consoles is going over the next few months:
Xbox 360: If you ask me by now Microsoft should know exactly what is going on with their hardware difficulties. One of its hardware consultants even posted on his own web log (or perhaps it ran in a tech journal… who cares?) where the heat problem came into play with the console. Good news right? The Elite version that was announced recently is going to solve this problem? Okay, the timing was a little off. Fine. There is an announcement from Microsoft that makes us think they have a good idea what the problem though, right? Well, they did announce eating $1.5 billion in warranty costs. Luckily for us, who are still nervous about their console dying at any second, that there’s no end in sight.
If there was a way to transfer saves off my hard disk for when the new console comes in this wouldn’t be an issue. I’m not going to replay all of my old games so I can go after the bigger achievements, are you? Wait, they still have no meaning, so why even bother caring? Well, then perhaps that is one problem solved.
On the plus side their online services are still a major selling point and they do have several intriguing games coming around the corner. Mass Effect, the new BioWare RPG, looks especially mouthwatering. Granted, you may not have much to look forward too if shooters or RPG’s are not your thing, but game selection for a lot of people is not an issue. Still, it should bother everyone who pays attention to games that Microsoft is too (ignorant?) to see that if they solved their hardware problems then they would own the U.S. market and perhaps the European one as well. It’s tough to love a console that you are scared to death of will die any second.
PS3: We just started to get a glimmer of hope that Sony was going to start to turn their PR image around. The firmware updates have dramatically improved the functionality of the console, their price drop felt like an admission of guilt and a decent market correction, and even working on getting the rumble functionality back into the controller made many people feel good about what Sony has been doing since Katuragi left with his tail between his legs. People wanting to like the PS3 were just starting to feel good about themselves.
Fear not- the recent price drop has been a liquidation of what is now a hardware configuration that is no longer in production. It is now time to make room for the 80GB model because… well… um… the extra 20 GB is the next step in the console’s evolution? Did Sony forget how awesome it was that they allowed people to take out the hard drive of the PS3 and swap it in for any hard drive we wanted? Microsoft wants strict control over their hardware and doesn’t allow this (and they’re the ones who still have the hardware failures- neat, huh?). I can pop in a 400 GB hard drive at any time into my PS3. The manual that comes with the PS3 tells me how to do this.
Nobody should be buying a console for this reason, and while technical superiority should never be the top selling point of a console (games should always be #1, in case you are lost), it should at least be able to be a selling point. It is rather pathetic when you are unable to point to such a powerful piece of hardware and convince people that you know how to sell it. The price dropped by $100, and while it is not enough for everyone it was enough to get plenty of people jumping at the console. Now the price is back to $599. Does anyone at Sony with a brain have an MBA?
The positive news for the PS3 is that there are a good set of games coming out soon and a ton in development. The current PS3 library pales greatly in comparison to the 360, but it is not hard to see that the library is growing at a good pace. If the good games do not come out for it soon then it is very possible that the consoles will never start selling. You can’t ride the PS2 sales forever (which, remarkably, are still selling quite well).
Wii: This is the most difficult console to like because I was a huge Nintendo fan for a long time. Their new controller, while somewhat scary, looks like a phenomenal idea (ignore the extra wrist strain for now). The Wii has reached into a previously untapped gaming demographic and is easily the most intriguing selling point out of any this generation. Gamers should be thrilled, not only at the idea, but that because their older relatives would actually by the Wii for themselves that they are way more likely to be getting games for their gift-receiving holidays.
While the consoles are flying off the shelves for this reason, it also begs the question- will people who never cared about gaming for the Wii buy any new titles after they get the initial box? There are going to be a percentage of people that do not get anything else. Most will probably only be a select few party games for the system and call it a day. Honestly, Nintendo could simply walk away from the Wii right now and still point to a big profit and laugh and Sony and Microsoft. I wouldn’t blame them for this at all, because at least that would explain their upcoming list of games.
This the one console that I want to like but fail to see any games on the horizon worth playing. One or two I can sort of talk myself into renting to check out, but a console needs more than that. I’m not picking up a console just to play bowling or go fishing. I have way more fun doing the real thing. Something like Smash Brothers is worth getting people over at a house and getting drunk to play, but, again, a console needs more than that to survive. E3 should have been an announcement of all the cool games Nintendo was working on, and instead we get a steering wheel, mat, and gun peripheral (the latter of which I thought the base controller handled quite well).
Give a gambler a reason to gamble and they’ll thank you for it. Gamers are a similar breed, and each console is struggling to give me a reason, although honestly the PS3 is giving me the best reason… assuming that I can focus on the upcoming games list and not the business decisions. If Microsoft can solve their hardware issues and Nintendo can solve their software issues than we would finally have a good battle of games between all three consoles- something that Nintendo would probably win. Instead, we have three hurdlers knocking over several gates past the first turn in the race. In other words, things are hardly a pretty sight.
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July 11, 2007
On The Shelf This Week – 07.11.07
ON THE SHELF THIS WEEK
by Craig Reade
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Order any of the below titles by clicking here!
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST WRAITH #1 (OF 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel.
Written by Javier Grillo-Marxuach, Art by Kyle Hotz and Gina Going Raney.
It is a real surprise that Grillo-Marxauch is still being promoted based on his work on Lost and Medium. He doesn’t have that extensive of a comic resume, but when your first two books are Viper’s Middleman series and the Super-Skrull mini from last year’s Annihilation, one would think he has earned more than enough credibility among comic readers that you wouldn’t have to fall back on his TV projects.
Looks like this is going to be a new Wraith (no, it seems as if Brian DeWolff will not be rising from the grave, at least I don’t think so!), and a new character is likely to play to Grillo-Marxauch’s strengths. He is still fairly new to the comic genre after all, and having a little more creative liberty with characters usually helps newcomers tell a better story. It takes a lot of skill to deal with editorial constraints, and a new character just won’t have as many of those.
This Annihilation is already off to a better start than the last one – hopefully it keeps up!
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #7, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Michael Green; Art and Cover by Denys Cowan and John Floyd
This one might serve to divide readers, but it is what the Confidential line is supposed to be about. Set in the early days of Batman’s career, this six-parter will focus on the Joker in the days before he was the Clown Prince, and possibly shed some light on who he was before he was disfigured. How closely this origin will match the Killing Joke remains to be seen, of course. Should the Joker’s real origin be revealed? Well, there is certainly something to be said for both sides of the argument. On the one hand, it doesn’t really matter who he was – his character now is so firmly established that what he was before is nothing more than an interesting side-story. On the other hand, the Joker being such a powerful character, it is almost impossible to craft an origin worthy of such an iconic character.
DC has put together an interesting creative team for this arc. Michael Green was a producer on Smallville and a co-executive producer on Heroes. He doesn’t really have any comic experience, but he has been involved with two proven properties – he may be able to bring some fresh ideas to the table. Denys Cowan is known for his artwork on The Question, and more recently for his work on animated series like The Boondocks and Static Shock. Maybe not the ideal team for major revelations, but they might have an idea here.
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #1 (OF 6), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Andy Diggle; Art and Cover by Jock
A little something more for Losers fans, who were just happy enough getting Diggle on Hellblazer – this month he reunites with Jock for the first issue of the Green Arrow Year One mini. Year One stories do seem to be all the rage these days, but with the Black Canary/Green Arrow wedding upcoming, it does make sense to highlight Ollie Queen like this. If anything, this mini is supposed to be definitive, so it will probably clean up some of the frayed ends to the Green Arrow origin story. The basics were always solid, but there were small differences (Were those homegrowers, pirates, or drug runners anyway) – this should straighten all of that out.
A good pick this week if you are new to Green Arrow and are curious about where he came from.
FANTASTIC FIVE #1 (OF 5), $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel.
Written by Tom DeFalco, Art by Ron Lim and Scott Koblish.
You know, it is really something of a shock that the MC2 resurgence has gone on this long. Not that it isn’t worthy – I’ve been a fan since the early days of MC2 (the J2 ongoing is still sorely missed), but it was lucky enough that Spider-Girl managed to survive so long. Sales aren’t really any higher than Spider-Girl ever was – maybe Marvel is just doing better in the trades on these – whatever the reason, they are a joy to read and it is great that they are around, no matter how long they last. Hopefully long enough for J2 to get a mini of his own! Enjoy them while they last.
GREEN LANTERN #21, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Geoff Johns; Art and Cover by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert.
Getting sick of hearing about the Green Lantern yet? Well, you should probably brace for it, it is going to be a hot topic for the next several months. Following up on the outstanding Sinestro Corps Special, this issue starts the Sinestro Corps crossover arc in the Green Lantern titles. I do think that DC has struck on something good in the big picture here. As good as World War Hulk is so far, readers are really tired of mega-events. Crossover fatigue has set in, and when that happens, it is time to go for the smaller events. A Green Lantern-only event is a good way to give readers that break. It will draw new readers to a core title, without requiring them to sacrifice some of their other monthly reads, or require them to empty their already tight wallets to buy dozens of crossover issues. This is an exciting storyline, but it is made even better by the fact that we don’t need to buy 3 issues of Supergirl, Superman, Batman, Nightwing, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Shadowpact, and the Blue Beetle to enjoy it.
You do need to buy Green Lantern to enjoy it, though, so if this isn’t on your list yet – add it. Between this and Annihilation once again, it is suddenly a good time for fans of the cosmic.
SHADOWPACT #15, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics.
Written by Bill Willingham; Art and Cover by Tom Derenick and Wayne Faucher.
Slowly and steadily, this title has become a very enjoyable read. Of course, some readers, particularly ardent fans of Bill Willingham, will say that it has been a great read from the first issue. And while well written, the artistic problems combined with some continuity issues really made this title difficult to get into. Things have finally hit a stride, though, and this has become a title to look forward to month after month as a complete package, not just a decent script. The addition of Zauriel is a good one – it is something of a shock that we haven’t seen the characters from the Helmet of Fate one-shots more than we have, but it is nice to see one of them find a regular home.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #84, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel.
Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Yanick Paquette, Serge Lapointe, and Stephane Peru.
Robert Kirkman has been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism for his work on this title, and to be blunt, it has been deserved. Not that he hasn’t had flashes of brilliance, but since he took over this title has been rocky and for the most part not all that great. Not that this is any worse than Ultimate X-Men has been for a long time – this title suffered for the better part of its history due to a bloated cast and an over-reliance on ultimizations of 616 characters and storylines. If there was even an issue to give Kirkman one last chance, it is this one.
#84 is going to feature a brand new team under the leadership of Bishop. A clean slate and a fresh storyline is exactly what the doctor ordered here. The ball was set in motion a few months back, but this issue looks to be the key – it will either be the beginning of something special, or proof that there is no hope for improvement here. One to watch very closely.
SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK
DEADPOOL GLI SUMMER FUN SPECTACULAR, $3.99, 48 Pages, Marvel Comics.
Written by Dan Slott and Fabian Nicieza, Art by Nelson Decastro.
In a week with two parts of the new Annihilation saga, the next part in the Sinestro Corps storyline, Green Lantern Year One kicking off, and the origin of the Joker, just how do you pick a single issue as the top pick? The easy way – you go with the funny.
Finally – the question will be answered – just what does Squirrel Girl think of the newfound fetish of her first love Robbie Baldwin, now Penance?
There is really so much to love about this issue. Naturally, with the Initiative in full swing, it makes sense that the Great Lakes Gang would step up as the official Wisconsin group. In a way, this is everything they have ever wanted – recognition and “official” status. And whenever they cross paths with Deadpool, it is all the better.
This will be the lighter side of the Civil War fallout to be sure, but don’t count Dan Slott out – he has a mean dark streak, if the GLA mini is any indication. But you can bet that the laughs will be there. With so many high impact issues to choose from this week, it might be easy to overlook something like this. But if you want some pure, uncomplicated comic fun, you really can’t miss this one.
DARK HORSE COMICS
BLADE OF THE IMMORTAL #127 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.59
BPRD GARDEN OF SOULS #5 (OF 5), $2.99 Now: $2.59
STAR WARS LEGACY #14, $2.99 Now: $2.59
STAR WARS REBELLION #8, $2.99 Now: $2.59
DC COMICS
100 BULLETS #84, $2.99 Now: $2.59
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #7, $2.99 Now: $2.69
BATMAN STRIKES #35, $2.25 Now: $1.99
COUNTDOWN 42, $2.99 Now: $2.59
DMZ #21 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.69
FABLES #63 (MR), $2.99 Now: $2.69
GEN 13 #10, $2.99 Now: $2.69
GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE #1 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.39
GREEN LANTERN #21, $2.99 Now: $2.69
GREEN LANTERN VAR ED #21, $10.99
GRIFTER MIDNIGHTER #5 (OF 6) , $2.99 Now: $2.79
JLA CLASSIFIED #40, $2.99 Now: $2.69
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #7, $2.99 Now: $2.69
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA VAR ED #7, $9.99
SHADOWPACT #15, $2.99 Now: $2.79
STORMWATCH PHD #9, $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUPERMAN #664, $2.99 Now: $2.69
SUPERMAN CONFIDENTIAL #5, $2.99 Now: $2.69
IMAGE COMICS
REPO #2 (OF 5), $3.50 Now: $2.99
MARVEL COMICS
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #10, $2.99 Now: $2.69
ANNIHILATION CONQUEST WRAITH #1 (OF 4), $2.99 Now: $2.25
BLADE #11, $2.99 Now: $2.69
CIVIL WAR CHRONICLES #1, $4.99 Now: $4.39
DEADPOOL GLI SUMMER FUN SPECTACULAR, $3.99 Now: $3.49
EXILES #96, $2.99 Now: $2.69
FANTASTIC FIVE #1 (OF 5), $2.99 Now: $2.25
HEDGE KNIGHT 2 SWORN SWORD #2 (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.59
NEW AVENGERS #32, $2.99 Now: $2.69
NOVA #4, $2.99 Now: $2.39
OMEGA FLIGHT #4 CWI (OF 5), $2.99 Now: $2.69
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #9, $2.99 Now: $2.59
SPIDER-MAN LOVES MARY JANE #20, $2.99 Now: $2.59
SUB-MARINER #2 CWI (OF 6), $2.99 Now: $2.59
ULTIMATE X-MEN #84, $2.99 Now: $2.59
WONDER MAN MY FAIR SUPER HERO, $13.99 Now: $10.99
WORLD WAR HULK GAMMA CORPS #1 (OF 4), $2.99 Now: $2.69
X-FACTOR #21, $2.99 Now: $2.69
Zuda
DC announcing a new imprint might not seem so exciting, but the fact that it is a web-comic imprint is worth raising an eyebrow.
Zudacomics.com is going to feature all new content in a variety of genres, all submitted by the general public.
The prospect of getting your work officially “published” by DC is enough to get a lot of “aspiring” creators excited, but this is potentially important for a totally different reason. We are in a transitional period in media. While it is unlikely that the print format will die all together, we are at a time when electronic media is taking the place of the print. It makes sense that comics would start to go that direction as well. Of course, as any comic reader will tell you, reading a paper comic is way more enjoyable than reading one on a computer screen. What if that very fact is what kills comics all together some years in the future?
You have to adapt with the times, and it is entirely probable that because comics are generally better in print that in a future dominated by electronic media, sequential art storytelling could become obsolete, and wither away. What does all this have to do with Zuda beyond the obvious?
One of the things that caught my eye was the format of the submissions. One of the reasons traditional comics aren’t as enjoyable on a computer screen has everything to do with format. Who likes to scroll to see the rest of the panels on a page, or have a large panel broken up by the limitations of size? Comics aren’t as fun to read on the computer because they aren’t made to be read on one. Zuda may change that. By standardizing all of their work to a 4:3 aspect ratio, they are in essence creating a standard format for a new digital comic media. Not that they thought of it first, mind you, but they are certainly in the best position to implement it.
This might seem like a novel idea, and a great opportunity for aspiring creators, but it is far bigger than that. This is a test balloon for the future form of sequential art. Definitely something to keep an eye on.
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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