DARK HORSE COMICS
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Page 26 - Solomon Kane #1 (of 5), $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Scott Allie, Art by Mario Guevara, Dave Stewart, Joe Kubert, and John Cassaday

Pretty well everyone out there has at least a passing familiarity with Robert Howard’s most popular and enduring creation, Conan the Barbarian. Some might not be so familiar with some of the other characters he created. Solomon Kane was seem mostly in Weird Tales and Red Shadows, and the character was later portrayed in comic form by Marvel in several different titles over a couple decades.

The history lesson aside, there is an easy way to see if this book will be for you - Dark Horse has posted an 8 Page Solomon Kane story (by the same creative team as the mini) on their Dark Horse Presents Myspace Page. Check it out - the story isn’t bad, and it has a strange cowboy/fantasy feel. There is definitely an audience out there for this.

DC COMICS
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Page 58 - DC Universe: Decisions #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Judd Winick & Bill Willingham, Art by Rick Leonardi

Politics. Sometimes (well, lately), it is the bane of comics. Political viewpoints are often a good way to bring depth to a character, but all-too-often these days we have seen writers not use political ideologies to do that, but rather to soapbox about some current event they feel the need to preach about. Not good.

Politics is undeniably a part of the DCU, in some fashion, but it usually is presented much better. The Hawkman/Green Arrow political feud is the classic example of this - Both fall on opposite sides of the political spectrum ideology-wise, but both are heroes who respect one another in the end. It isn’t too often that you see a writer abuse a Green Arrow story by using it to make some point about how evil Bush, or some other Republican is, or another use Hawkman to alienate Liberal readers. The basic ideologies are there, but the best stories remain untainted by current events.

Hopefully, this mini continues the trend of having DC exist in its own political bubble - the one that elected Luthor President in 2000, and not some quasi-realistic reality where there are strong similarities to the current real political environment. Willingham has a good history of the “good” kind of political presentation in comics, and the balance between a right-leaning Willingham and a left-leaning Winick should keep things on an even keel. I am not sure I ever really wanted to know if Batman and Superman were Republicans or Democrats, but if we were going to find out, might as well make it a good story. Hopefully Winick and Willingham deliver here.

Page 63 - Secret Six #1, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Gail Simone, Art by Nicola Scott and Doug Hazlewood

A new Secret Six series is good, especially penned by Gail Simone. Catman and Ragdoll don’t get nearly enough exposure these days, and she does such a good job with the characters. Of course, there will be two new members - DC is starting to do the same kind of redacting in the solicits that Marvel does these days (really kind of annoying - either write the solicit with no spoilers or tell us if it is so important!), so who they are will be a surprise. This is a strong team with a good recent history - this issue should be a good one to pick up.

Page 64 - El Diablo #1 (of 6), $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Jai Nitz, Art by Phil Hester & Ande Parks

Recently we have seen Jai Nitz as the writer of the “all-Spanish” issue of Blue Beetle - before that, he was writing the Batman Strikes comic… maybe not the best resume, but a series like this is a good place to start. The series is going to feature a new El Diablo named Chato Santana, a criminal, who in the present day gets involved with a somehow still living Lazarus Lane, the original El Diablo. It would have almost been preferable to get a new Lazarus Lane series set at the same time as Jonah Hex, but that doesn’t mean this series will be bad, per se. Could be worth a peak.

Page 67 - Superman #680, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by James Robinson, Art by Renato Guedes and José Wilson Magalhaes

Robinson got his start on issue #677 this past month, and already the jitters are gone. It looks like Superman is in safe hands - and Krypto as well! Superpets in general are a bad idea, but for some reason Krypto just works, and when he is used properly, great things result. This issue might be an example of that as the Canine of Steel takes center stage to step up for a fallen Superman. Good stuff.

Page 78 - Jonah Hex #35, $2.99, 32 Pages.
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, Art by J.H. Williams III

One of the only real drawbacks of this title has been the rotating art teams - well, it looks like in September, we will be getting a good one. Promethea readers will remember J.H. Williams III - and while Promethea as a complete story fell apart and ultimately was a failure, the art on that tile was always amazing. If he brings that level of quality to this issue, it is going to be a real treat to look at. The story should be good - as always - hopefully Williams doesn’t ruin us for the artists that are sure to follow on this title.

Page 87 - The Spirit: Femmes Fatale TP, $19.99, 192 Pages
By Will Eisner

So there is a Spirit movie coming out this December - heard about it? There is a teaser trailer out… go ahead - check it out…

OK, now that you are done screaming, take a little solice. This trade will be out in October - you can keep it handy and read The Spirit - clean and pure, as Will Eisner intended, instead of going to the movies to see Sin City 2.

Now Sin City was a good movie. But The Spirit is not Sin City, it should never be done in the style of Sin City, and Frank Miller shouldn’t be allowed to go anywhere near it. It is almost like blasphemy.

Sorry - so much anger about this. There are just some things you don’t ruin. It was scary enough when Darwyn Cooke started the new Spirit series, and he is someone who’s credentials when it comes to classic remakes can only be described as “impeccable.” The fact that anyone let the man responsible for All Star Batman anywhere near the Spirit is impossible to believe. What is next - Chuck Austen and Howard Chaykin on a Mary Marvel movie?

Deep breath - back to The Spirit trade… ah yes, 23 stories to wash the pain away…

IMAGE COMICS
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Page 132 - Back to Brooklyn #1 (of 5), $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Garth Ennis and Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Mihailio Vukelic

Not quite the Punisher, but this looks like it will definitely satisfy those fans who are still mourning Ennis’s departure from the Punisher comic. There are a few advance pages of this comic in the recent Previews and they look pretty good. It follows one brother, under arrest and giving up his other brother to the police. Only he ends up killing all the police who are sent after him. So Bob asks to go after his brother himself. Could be an interesting, if violent read.

Page 138 - Four Eyes #1, $3.50, 24 Pages
Written by Joe Kelly, Art by Max Fiumara

Talk about a twist in a concept - this story is about a ten year old boy in Brooklyn during the Great Depression who must sacrifice to take care of his mother. Sounds like a nice, introspective, historical character story, no? Only the job he takes is training dragons in the Ring of Fire for combat! Certainly an inventive idea to say the least…

Page 144 - Kick Drum Comix #1 (of 2), $5.99, 48 Pages
By Jim Mahfood

There are few more original creators in comics today than Jim Mahfood. It has been a couple years, but it looks as if we are finally getting a new original work by him. It also looks like Justin Stewart will be doing the ink and color on at least the cover of #2 (I don’t see him credited on #1, but it is hard to miss that “Stew” on the side of the drum) - which is great news indeed.

Mahfood is a dense read just because of the pure chaos in his art - every inch of his pages is full of little tidbits. Take your time with this one, and you will enjoy it.

MARVEL COMICS
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Page M3 - The Stand: Captain Trips #1 (of 5), $3.99, 32 Pages
Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Art by Mike Perkins
Page M7 - Dark Tower: Treachery #1 (of 6), $3.99, 40 Pages
Written by Robin Furth and Peter David, Art by Jae Lee and Richard Isanove

Well - it looks like the Dark Tower adaptations have been really popular, so why not try another Stephen King epic? This will most likely be the first of several mini arcs (I can’t imagine adapting The Stand in just 5 issues). Yet another Dark Tower mini begins this month as well, so there will be plenty this month to keep you King fans out there busy. If you missed the start of the Dark Tower and are now regretting it, here is another opportunity not to miss.

Page M6 - Samurai #1 (of 4), $5.99, 56 Pages
Written by Jean-Francois Di Giorgio and Jake Forbes, Art by Frederic Genet

Another new Soliel book getting its start this month is Samurai - which is quite obviously set in feudal Japan. SkyDoll has proven to be a strong opening effort for this European line. Even with the smaller pages, the art is still beautiful and the story doesn’t seem to suffer much at all from the translation. Similar hopes for Samurai - of course, samurai stories are often a dime a dozen, but this story was a bestseller in Europe for a reason. There is certainly an affinity for Japanese culture here in America - the Samurai has always been a popular subject matter in stories, so the interest is there. It will be interesting to see a European take on the genre. Hopefully it holds up well in the American format.

Page M10 - Ultimate X-Men/Fantastic Four Annual #1, $3.99, 48 Pages
Written by Aron Coleite & Joe Pokaski, Art by Brandon Peterson

Everyone else is having their spectacular events, why not the Ultimate Universe? (One might answer that one of the good things about the Ultimate Universe has been that stories weren’t constantly broken up for major events, but we will let that one rest a while). This is the first of two Annuals this month that will tie into “Ultimatum” - the second being Ultimate Fantastic Four/X-Men Annual #1. Confusing? It sure is. I see what they are trying to accomplish there, but the titles do need work. About Ultimatum, I wonder, will we get to see the Ultimate Underground Liberated Totally Integrated Mobile Army To Unite Mankind? I suppose that would be U.U.L.T.I.M.A.T.U.M…. so I guess that wouldn’t work. If you intend to be following this Ultimate X-Men and Fantastic Four crossover, you definitely need to pick up both of these issues.

Page M18 - Big Hero 6 #1 (of 5), $3.99, 48 Pages
Written by Chris Claremont, Art by David Nakayama

Big Hero 6 - basically, Japan’s Alpha Flight. This mini will feature 4 of the original members (minus Silver Samurai and Sunfire), but who the remaining two are is yet unrevealed. Probably safe to say that they will ne new characters, since I can’t seem to recognize them on the cover. I do say that I like David Nakayama’s idea to push the art in a more manga-influenced direction. Some might look at that as a bit of pandering to the fans of Manga, but it really makes some sense. Perhaps not as a permanent change, but it is something worthy trying. Overall, it does kind of have the look of a couple old Tsunami books like Sentinel and Runaways - not sure if the tone is going to be the same, but that line had a lot of good titles, so it isn’t a bad thing to hope for.

Page M34 - Marvel Apes #1 (of 4), $3.99, 40 Pages
Written by Karl Kesel, Art by Ramon Bachs

It’s a fact - when it comes to Simians, DC is miles ahead of Marvel. Is this the first step towards a level playing field? Marvel Apes recalls the old J.L.Ape crossover DC did some years back, with more of a Marvel Zombies flare. In this story, there is an alternate universe where the other simian species rule, and humans don’t exist at all. This series is going to be completely ridiculous, and as long as you go into it with that in mind, it is sure to be enjoyable. There is nothing at all wrong with silly - as long as it is fun. This should be that. High cover price, but there are extra pages, a back-up story, and no ads, so you get every penny.

Page 44 - Deadpool #1, $3.99, 48 Pages
Written by Daniel Way, Art by Paco Medina

Deadpool’s solo book is finally here. Granted - it isn’t the ideal situation. It is tough coming off of Fabian Nicieza’s excellent portrayal, but Way did a passable job with the character during his arc on Wolverine Origins. And Medina is a solid artist - way, way better than Steve Dillion, who was supposed to be on this book. Thank heaven for small favors. So it might not be perfect, but it is far and away better than no Deadpool at all, so it’s a start. This series is starting right off with a Secret Invasion tie in - also not ideal, but if anyone has experience saving the planet from an alien threat, its Deadpool, right? High hopes for this one. Two issues will be out this month, so look for them both.

Page M60 - Sub-Mariner: The Depths #1, $3.99, 32 Pages
Written by Peter Milligan, Art by Esad Ribic

A new Marvel Knights mini, this time with a darker look at Namor, the Sub-Mariner. This series looks like it could be a really good one - it will follow the story of Randolph Stein, a deep-sea explorer, who is lost deep in the sea near the Marianes trench. There he finds - well, as you might have guessed, Atlantis. His experiences will be the core of this story. This should be a more… realistic look at Namor (well, as realistic as he can be) which will make an excellent fantasy tale. Looking forward to this.

Page M64 - The Twelve #1/2, $3.99, 48 Pages
Written by Joe Simon, Joe Cal Cagno, & Stan Lee, Art by Joe Simon, Al Carreno, & Basil Wolverton

A little more color for those of you who are enjoying The Twelve, and wouldn’t mind having a little more background on some of the characters. No new material here - this issue features reprints of old stories from Daring Mystery Comics, Human Torch Comics, and USA Comics - some of the early Fiery Mask, Mister E, and Rockman stories. If you are the type who doesn’t like reprints, this is one to avoid. Considering the obscurity of these characters, there is a good chance that you haven’t read any of these stories yet, which might make it more palatable.

INDEPENDENT COMICS
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Page 350 - T-Bird and Throttle #1, #3.25, 32 Pages, Viper Comics
By Josh Howard

If there is one indie publisher out there you can count on, its Viper. Sure there are publishers like Oni, who put out good stuff, but their products have a very narrow market. Viper generally has a universal appeal - and they consistently put out quality work that is too often under the radar. (On a side note, did you hear that the Middleman has been made into a TV show on ABC Family? I sure missed that news… I’m actually going to have to watch that channel now?)

Here is a new series from Viper’s original “star,” Josh Howard, of Dead@17 fame. This one looks like a bit of a superhero story - T-Bird being a former astronaut who gained super powers from a mysterious alien device. This one look like it might probably be a “superhero gone wrong” kind of story, at least with public perception. Should be a good one to try out this month.

Craig’s Top Five of the Month

5 - Jonah Hex #35, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics Really looking forward to seeing what J.H. Williams III will do with this issue.

4 - Samurai #1 (of 4), $5.99, 56 Pages Soliel is off to a great start in the States.

3 - Marvel Apes #1 (of 4), $3.99, 40 Pages Comics need to be more fun. Monkeys=fun!

2 - DC Universe: Decisions #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics Politics and Comics together are sometimes scary. This might have the right formula though.

1- Deadpool #1, $3.99, 48 Pages, Marvel Comics - The Marvel Universe just isn’t right unless there is a Deadpool ongoing of some kind.

NOTE: Opinions here may not reflect those of X-World Comics LLC or its staff and are solely the opinions of the writer.

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