The $40 Pull List Live – April 2009 (Transcript)
7:30 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:30:50 PM
Welcome once again to the second Live edition of the cX $40 Pull List!
7:31 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:31:06 PM
Coming at you live from the bowlesSPAM Corporate Annex in beautiful Nanuktuk California!
7:31 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:31:14 PM
I’m Craig, and this is Brandon. Say hello Brandon!
7:31 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:31:34 PM
Hello Brandon!
7:31 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:31:49 PM
Also? That was meant to be bowels. I’m a terrible person.
7:32 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:32:18 PM
Yes you are. You screwed up already. You ruined it.
7:32 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:32:27 PM
OK
7:32 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:32:59 PM
Let’s cut right to the chase and start with March’s titles! First up on the list is War of Kings #1.
7:33 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:33:03 PM
Hopefully you got the chance to see our last column, our War of Kings #1 Special, where we discussed that issue in great detail. If you missed it, you can read the transcript here – http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46291 . If you want an incredibly brief recap, it is safe to say we enjoyed it.
7:33
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:33:22 PM LbTn7ZMGajWarofKings1.jpg
7:33 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:33:27 PM
Very much. If you didn’t read the thing before, then we hate you. Why are you here? Jerks.
7:34 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:34:25 PM
Posting as I type is a short poll – did you like the last War of Kings Special? Should we do one for issue #2? Vote now!
7:35 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:35:20 PM
Quickly, I should point out that you are welcome to comment. Periodically, we will post user comments and include you in the discussion.
7:36 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:36:00 PM
Definitely. I will make my best effort to approve them when I’m not supposed to, and incur the wrath of Craig. Which is fun to do.
7:36 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:36:13 PM
Next up, we have:
X-Men/Spider-Man #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 03/04/09 ON TIME
Written by Christos Gage, Art by Mario Alberti
7:36
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:36:19 PM FsuhbUMpdmXMSM4.jpg
7:36 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:36:29 PM
This issue jumps forward again to the events following M-Day. One of the few surviving mutant Morlocks has been killed by something that strongly resembles the deceased Kraven the Hunter, and the X-Men decide to call upon Spider-Man to figure out exactly who the killer really is.
7:37 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:37:07 PM
Well for starters, I just have to say this: the deceased Kraven clone? Calls himself Xravin. Because apparently, this is the 90s. And we all suck at anming things.
7:37 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:37:27 PM
That was the most retarded name ever, I really have to say.
7:37 Comment From Adam Chapman
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:37:28 PM What an odd ending to a series, X-Men/Spider-Man #4 was. Overall the series was enjoyable… but clone Kraven? huh? misfire!
7:38 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:38:00 PM
Seriously, even Kraven X is better. Not by much, but…
7:38 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:38:10 PM
I kind of found the ending to be severely anti-climactic. An epic spanning decades, to finally face… a weird hybrid Sinister Kraven clone? Seriously.
7:38 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:38:32 PM
Sure, it was better than issue #3, but as an ending, it was a real let down.
7:38 Comment From Adam Chapman
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:38:43 PM Series was still worth it just to see Ben Reilly. That’s the only reason I was originally interested in the series, sadly.
7:39 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:39:09 PM
Yeah, I only with the Ben Reilly issue was better. Oh well – this one was a novelty only.
7:39 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:39:40 PM
Suffice to say, this mini ends this month, so it is safely ushered off the list.
7:39 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:39:57 PM
Well, the art was phenominal. Alberti was a dynamo all through this book – even switching from era to era. But sadly, minis need to be judged on their ending – and this one… even though it started really strong… ended up being a fail.
7:40 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:40:06 PM
Agreed.
7:40 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:40:18 PM
Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #4 (of 8), $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 03/04/09 ON TIME
Written by Mike Mignola, Art by Duncan Fegredo and Guy Davis
7:40
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:40:21 PM Ltfa5XB6YGhtwh4.jpg
7:40 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:40:31 PM
This issue finds Hellboy being led to what he believes to be the army he is supposed to lead. As you might expect, their misgivings prove accurate as Hellboy is lead into a trap.
7:40 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:40:55 PM
A quick backtrack -
7:40 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:40:57 PM so would you say pass on the Xmen Spider-Man trade whenever it comes out?
7:41 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:41:23 PM
ABSOLUTELY. It isn’t worth $10. Read it in the library, but not buy. Now, back on topic…
7:42 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:42:02 PM
In regards to Hellboy: So, uh… what? I really need to school myself with some trades beforeI really do stuff.
7:43 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:43:09 PM
It was a little easier to understand – this issue made sense – save the giant-killing beginning. But still, I was underwhelmed on the whole. Maybe it will be better when it all shakes out, but the best I can say about this issue is that I followed it a lot easier than previous issues.
7:43 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:43:36 PM
Of course, I have a fair bit of anger over the upcoming hiatus.. but I will save that until later.
7:43 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:43:48 PM
There wasn’t as much attached to old events, I agree – but I still feel like I’m way behind the eight ball on this.
7:43 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:43:58 PM
Ooooohh… cliffhanger! Dun dun Dunnnnnnnnn!!!
7:44 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:44:02 PM Brandon I recommend the Hellboy trades in order and BPRD ones.
7:44 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:44:47 PM
I do so excel at those. But yes – I have read Hellboy before, and it has never taken me this long to really get into what is happening. Is there too much continuity here for an occasional reader? More regular Hellboy readers will have to answer that.
7:44 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:44:47 PM
Virtuadept: I definitely have them… I’m just… lazy? Lazy might be the word. Each and every one of them sit proudly on my shelf.
7:45 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:45:05 PM
Moving
7:45 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:45:09 PM
on!
7:45 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:45:14 PM
Jonah Hex #41, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 3/04/09 ON TIME
Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by David Michael Beck.
7:45
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:45:17 PM FrNIL1QIwwjonah41.jpg
7:45 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:45:29 PM
The conclusion to the two part Sawbones story spends most of the time following Jonah Hex in his recovery from Doctor Zimmerman’s torture. We are treated to an interesting series of exchanges between Hex and Tallulah Black, a little consensual sex (a Jonah Hex rarity), and the eventual comeuppance for Zimmerman.
7:45 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:45:54 PM
This week: no rape. Wait, what? is this still Jonah Hex??
7:46 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:46:02 PM
Very
7:46 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:46:06 PM
much so!
7:46 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:46:12 PM
I mean, I guess there could’ve been some rape. Maybe Ms. Black had her way with old Hex… but still.
7:46 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:46:28 PM
He definitely asked for it though. Can’t rape the willing.
7:47 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:47:49 PM
Concent by unconciousness. My favourite kind.
7:47 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:47:59 PM
I’m kidding kids. Rape is bad.
7:48 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:48:02 PM
Overall – this issue was honestly a bit boring. The interplay and development betweenHex and Tallulah was nice, but it seemed like a lot of filler. This didn’t need to be a 2 parter. I was anxious to see a little more depth out of a Jonah Hex story – a nice change of pace from the done-in-one format, but this was just a one issue story stretched into two. A “love-play interlude” if you will.
7:48 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:48:15 PM I really hope DC doesn’t cancel Hex, it’s one of my favorites but i’m reading in trade.
7:48 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:48:38 PM
Well, with the movie coming out – what, next summer? It is safe to say this book isn’t going anywhere soon.
7:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:49:15 PM
Definitely. There’s a six parter coming up – and then a double sized issue 50 and beyond. So very, very safe.
7:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:49:37 PM
Also? Yeah, I was kinda bored too. But I’m getting that way with Hex.
7:49 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:49:38 PM
Hopefully the 6-parter isn’t as thin on content as this one was. Maybe this was just.. what, practice?
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:50:01 PM
OK
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:50:08 PM
Moving on!
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:50:15 PM
Ghost Rider #33, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 03/11/09 ON TIME
Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Tony Moore.
7:50
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:50:18 PM OrS4aeLaiXGhostRider33.jpg
7:50 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:50:27 PM
Having not read Ghost Rider in some time, but this seemed to be something of a transition issue, which made it a little easier to follow. We are basically treated to the rise of the new Caretaker, and an examination of the long history of the Spirit of Vengeance in America. I would imagine that this issue had more weight to those that read the previous issue, but that isn’t unexpected.
7:51 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:51:07 PM
Okay, seriously? This was an issue of Ghost Rider that had a World War I Ghost Lfyer calling out for Lufftewaffe blood – AND a Smokey and the Bandit Ghost Rider.
7:51 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:51:14 PM
Oh. And that Chuck Norris based Ghost Rider too.
7:51 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:51:20 PM
Seriously.
7:51 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:51:48 PM
I have one thing to say about this one – Kung-fu nuns with nunchucks. Awesome. I found a few of the old Ghost Rider incarnations a bit cheesy – maybe they went a bit too far with that, but I appreciated the parody.
7:52 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:52:20 PM
I just got a brief taste, but so far, everything you said about this book was right on. Pure simple fun – I am very much a fan. Can’t wait to see what happens next issue.
7:52 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:52:30 PM
The art by Tony Moore was fantastic – and the whole thing was like this beautiful Death Metal grindhouse of a read – and I can’t wait to find out what the hell is going to happen with this war in Heaven that’s already been lost.
7:52 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:52:53 PM
I can never get enough Tony Moore. Shame he never seems to last long on titles.
7:53 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:53:11 PM Cover art looks pretty good too, I may need to jump back in this title after dropping it during WWH
7:54 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:54:10 PM
You definitely need to. Try it with this issue – which is a great jumping on point. The next might prove to be too.
7:54 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:54:10 PM
For real. If it stays like this, I forsee a long stint on the list. We need more plain FUN comics, straight-up.
7:54 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:54:34 PM
With that, we move on!
7:54 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:54:45 PM
Invincible Iron Man #11, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/11/09 ON TIME
Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca, Colors by Frank D’Armata.
7:54
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:54:49 PM r2xyexmzcEironman11.jpg
7:54 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:54:59 PM
We get a brief snippet of Pepper Potts familiarizing herself with the Iron Woman Armor (Mark 1616). Meanwhile, Tony has an encounter with Jon Rhodes, and forces War Machine into a fight in order to protect him from Osborne’s wrath.
7:56 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:56:32 PM
Talk about blow-em up awesome sauce. We have Rhodey going to take his old buddy down – more or less. And it’s really becoming evident here that Tony Stark is really losing everything. His brains and everything are kind’ve melting away. Dude is SO BONED.
7:57 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:57:08 PM
Overall, not a bad issue – more of the same. It was kind of nice seeing an UNDER-powered Iron Man for a change, but he still finds a way to achieve his goals. Tony does the JOB for Jim, but he still comes out on top. Well done.
7:57 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:57:36 PM
Does
7:58 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:58:03 PM
anyone have any idea what the “Mark 1616″ was referring to? It seemed like it was supposed to mean something, but I couldn’t figure out what.
7:58 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:58:23 PM
Seemed an odd thing to make a point of discussing, only to have no explaination in the end.
7:58 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:58:43 PM
Only real thing that stuck out for me that I found worrisome.
7:58 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:58:54 PM
Overall,
7:59 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:59:24 PM
the title is still freaking awesome. I can’t believe I am enjoying an Iron Man book, but I am
7:59 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:59:27 PM the 616 thing could be a ref to the 616 universe? beats me.
7:59 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 8:59:28 PM
There’s a chance that it might have something to do with the bible passage, Mark 16:16 “Anyone who believes and is baptised will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.”
8:00 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:00:06 PM
It might fit. Tony’s got the odd Jesus complex thing going. Ish. And he’s probably memorized it for funsies.
8:00 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:00:17 PM
That could apply – it seems like a stretch, but it is the best theory I have seen. I thought about the “616 Universe” thing too, but then, why “1616″ an not “Mark 616?”
8:00 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:00:57 PM
There is almost too much going on here… Pepper barely got any page time, and that bit with Maria Hill is developing way too slowly.
8:00 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:00:58 PM
But yeah – more of the same from this team and this book – which is always a good thing.
8:01 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:01:20 PM
How he managed to make Maria Hill an interesting character, though, is beyond me.
8:01 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:01:23 PM
True – apparently this is a 12 part story… and we’re just at part four now.
8:01 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:01:44 PM
Yeah, this one will read very well in trade.
8:01 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:01:56 PM 12 part?!! wow.
8:02 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:02:05 PM
Moving on!
8:02 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:02:15 PM
Green Lantern Corps #34, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 03/11/09 ON TIME
Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Art by Pat Gleason and Rebecca Buchman
8:02
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:02:18 PM oyCHzC777Cglc34.jpg
8:02 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:02:29 PM
We get a look at Mongul’s occupation of Daxam from two sides here – the first being the brawl between Mongul and Arkillo, and the other being Sodam Yat’s mother begging him to come and help his people. We also get another peak at the blossoming relationship between Kyle Rayner and Soranik Natu, and the reaction to the appearance of the first Blue Lantern. As usual, this title is quite packed.
8:03 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:03:01 PM
Things are still ramping up nicely – with a heftly dose of forboding. Oddly enough, it’s this book – and not the regular GL book that is pressing the start button on Blackest Night.
8:03 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:03:07 PM
Which I like.
8:03 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:03:30 PM
I found it funny that Arkillo’s tongue getting ripped out doesn’t make his character any less cool. It wasn’t like he ever had anything interesting to say. But I will say that how he lost was a bit of a confusing point to me. He WON, and then suddenly, he didn’t. And you really couldn’t see how that happened.
8:04 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:04:32 PM
Yes, I have found this title to be – in general - the stronger of the two for a long time. I always chalked that up to the fact that I haven’t really cared for Hal Jordan – or about him – since his return. This is the “Alpha” Green Lantern book to me.
8:04 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:04:35 PM
Craig, your elderly eyes need to recognize a schooling when they see one. Mongul popped up and SCHOOLED Arkillo. Or something.
8:04 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:04:40 PM
By being AWESOME.
8:04 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:04:49 PM
Yeah,
8:04 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:04:50 PM
that
8:05 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:05:25 PM
would be the very definition of “jobber aura” if that is how he won – he didn’t even touch Arkillo. He just popped up and Arkillo fell over in shock, I guess.
8:06 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:06:23 PM
Overall, you really can’t say anything bad about this book – you are correct – it is ramping up to Darkest Night quite nicely. Now moving on…
8:06 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:06:31 PM
Nova #23, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 03/25/09 ON TIME
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Pencils by Wellington Alves, Inks by Scott Hanna, Colors by Guru
8:06
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:06:35 PM YTOh0Oxcjjnova23.jpg
8:06 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:06:46 PM
Not a lot of action in this issue – we do see Ego and the Nova Corps departing to try and intervene in the war between the Kree and Shi’ar, the new Nova Prime, and Richard Rider coming to grips with his impending death. We also learn something totally random and kind of surprising about Eve Necker, and the image on the cover of Richard Rider as Quasar is fully explained. So not a lot of action, but a lot sure happens.
8:06 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:06:59 PM
Man, what a spoilerific cover.
8:07 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:07:43 PM
Again, I really liked this issue – and the revelation of Hottie McSmokin’s character working for AIM. I really hope more is done with that, because… well, it kind’ve seems a shame to just drop something like that after a casual mention.
8:08 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:08:33 PM
Here is where I have to point out a problem in Marvel’s philosophy of constant “earth-shattering” events strategy. Characters never have a chance to settle into ANYTHING. I appreciate a little chaos, but sometimes you need a status quo to work off of. The bit with Neckler is a classic example – you got the feeling her AIM affiliation was something DnA wanted to work in a major story later, but with the constant shifting tides, they realized that they would never get to it, and just decided to work it in ther.
8:08 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:08:38 PM But awesome. great cover art.
8:09 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:09:17 PM
Knowning DnA, they’ll find a way to work it in. I’ve noticed that none of their errant plot points go unchecked for long.
8:10 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:10:00 PM
While this is true, it is sometimes a little frustrating to read constant editor-mandated changes. You stop caring about the loss when a character never has stability – you expect it to be gone two issues later.
8:10 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:10:40 PM
Don’t get me wrong – awesome book, and I am one happy Nova fanboy, but man, the reveal of her double life while still AT PEGASUS would have been awesome to read.
8:10 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:10:41 PM
I don’t know. I actually don’t feel like this is an “editor” project – especially since DnA are writing all four books that are taking part.
8:11 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:11:06 PM
Referencing War of Kings, there. Stupid internal thoughts.
8:11 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:11:33 PM
War of Kings still has a whiff of the editor in it – only because Quesada likes to get his grubby hands on everything really QUALITY in Marvel. The Planet Hulk to World War Hulk transition being a prime example.
8:12 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:12:56 PM
I am happy that Bill Rosemann is caretaking this, and DnA writing makes me feel a little more secure, but when his eye is on something, you have to be wary.
8:13 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:13:45 PM
Sure, sure. In the end – in THIS instance – I’ll take the editor’s hand. If this big event sparks more interest in the books, I don’t mind selling them. Avengers books on the other hand… well, that’s a discussion for elsewhere.
8:14 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:14:02 PM
Most certainly. And with that, we move on.
8:14 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:14:10 PM
Avengers: The Initiative Featuring Reptil #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due out 03/25/09 ON TIME
Written by Christos Gage, Art by Steve Uy
8:14
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:14:19 PM XLruYV1S5freptil1.jpg
8:14 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:14:31 PM
Stegron is on the loose with his dinosaur reanimates, and with the Initiative in shambles, Tigra is forced to do a little recruiting to form a team to track the villain down. Enter Reptil – a teenager with the ability to mimic the powers of any dinosaur.
8:15 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:15:04 PM
These little one offs are always a mixed bag. The LAST one was fantastic – and had the HUGE defection of Hardball to Hydra. This one? Intersting enough – but nothing of huge consequence for the overall book.
8:16 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:16:10 PM
Unless it is introducing a regular team. Honestly, I am not enjoying the way Prodigy is being represented here I liked the little nod to his wrestling background, but he is coming off as a spoiled brat, and a punk. That isn’t Prodgy. He was always kind of a dick, but a brooding, capable dick. Not a rebel.
8:17 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:17:00 PM
Still, this just felt like a regular issue that was hyped a bit to gain attention – almost a signal that the book isn’t going anywhere. Nothing special, but I wasn’t disappointed by it. It could have been way worse than it was.
8:17 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:17:28 PM
Definitely. Prodigy was always a jerk – but one that would always follow the rules… even if it meant screwing his “friends” over.
8:18 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:18:28 PM
I actually like the little specials. They give the regular artist a breather and Humberto Ramos needed one, after doing 6 issues of Runaways – and two issues of this book in the span of 7 months.
8:18 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:18:31 PM
Yeah, I really didn’t get the “rebels against authority” thing. He wanted to be the authority – a leader. But hell, another Slinger is appearing in a book on a regular basis, written by a fairly competant writer. I really have no cause for complaint.
8:19 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:19:13 PM
Now, if we could only have all the Slingers in one book… or at least have Cassie appear… and the not-really-dead Hornet.
8:19 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:19:18 PM
Who isn’t really dead.
8:19 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:19:42 PM
Hornet’s not dead – that was a Skrull. They just couldn’t tell because of the armor.
8:19 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:19:55 PM
Agreed. Onward, cracker!
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:20:10 PM
And that is why Electra wanted to behaead him – so no one would find out.
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:20:19 PM
Yes! Onward!
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:20:35 PM
Proof #18, $3.50, Image Comics. Due out 03/25/09 ON TIME
Written by Alex Grecian, Art by Riley Rossmo
8:20
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:20:38 PM ntPkhEi6vUproof18.jpg
8:20 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:20:50 PM
Proof runs into a young woman who is fleeing from a killer called Springheel Jack. Meanwhile a “Baboon Lady” named Julia is forced to undergo a humiliating strip-tease circus sideshow act. Jack strikes again at the circus… and we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger. Was Julia his target?
8:21 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:21:54 PM
I liked this issue – after a couple of breaks, it looks like we’re really jumping into two mysteries – one taking place now – and one taking place back in the day.
8:22 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:22:52 PM
I kind of enjoy Proof, but I am still a bit lost. I need more to really get a feel for what is going on. The monkey-people all kind of look the same, so I was getting the feeling that they were all Bigfeet. That ended up being a major distraction for me.
8:23 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:23:29 PM
It is a lot for a new reader. Not terrible – mind you, but I am still a fair bit lost. Hopefully things shake out next issue for me. And hopefully, I am not saying that for very much longer!
8:23 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:23:38 PM
Yeah, monkey people and bigfoots (bigfeet?) should definitely not have the same kind of face. It’s scientific fact.
8:23 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:23:48 PM
Yeah.
8:24 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:24:13 PM
They really need their old recap page back – I thought it was much more servicable than this, as it gave you a brief run down of each character too, just in case.
8:24 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:24:52 PM
When I realized that Proof had this longish face with a big forehead, and the monkey-people didn’t – that was a clue, but then, that ruined the whole mindset I had when reading this. I was wondering about Proof’s attitude towards a stripper Bigfoot chick…
8:25 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:25:00 PM
YES. A recap page would rock.
8:25 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:25:32 PM
That
8:26 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:26:16 PM
concludes theMarch issues that actually came out – of course, we are left with a delayed Teen Titans.
Teen Titans #69, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 03/25/09 DELAYED 04/01/09
8:26
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:26:19 PM 2Ue3LbMV9gtt69.jpg
8:26 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:26:25 PM
The only late book this month was Teen Titans, pushed back one week. I’m not entirely sure why, but the future of this book does now seem to be in flux.
8:26 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:26:40 PM
Well, McKeever is off the main part of Teen Titans as of issue #71. He’ll be writing the Raveger back-up, starting in issue #72… but there’s something screwy going on between him and DC right now.
8:27 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:27:11 PM
Case in point – when this issue does hit – Sean’s credit in this issue reads “original story by”… indicating heavy rewrites.
8:27 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:27:26 PM
I do believe shenanigans are afoot.
8:27 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:27:35 PM
With that, I am going to transition right into the Chopping Block, since it is pertinant.
8:27 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:27:46 PM
In general I am fairly happy with the list as is, but I must admit that I have some misgivings about Teen Titans. I have a lot of patience with titles at times, but this one has a perfect storm of things going against it. The late issue, McKeever’s departure, the upcoming crossover… I would suggest picking up #69 as planned, and dropping it after that. Your thoughts, B?
8:28 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:28:32 PM
HOT DAG! I agree entirely. Even though last issue was a bit of an uptick in quality – but it seems like a crap shoot is on the horizon.
8:29 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:29:05 PM
Too much uncertainty – you don’t destroy a team with the intent of creating something new, and then switch directions before the build. Bad things are afoot.
8:29 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:29:46 PM
So we are agreed – Teen Titans is DROPPED.
Hellboy is also something very much worth discussing. We have no idea when issue #5 is coming out – the letters page in #4 indicated “a few months,” but it hasn’t been solicited yet. This angers me, to be frank. It’s a limited series, and had I known that it was “planned” to take a few months off in the middle of the series, I wouldn’t have put it on this list. It has effectively cancelled itself – since there is no telling where we will be when it finally comes out. We are going to have to add things to the list to replace it, and I am not about to cancel an otherwise good book just to make a home for this when it returns.
8:30 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:30:34 PM
Sounds cool with me. If there’s space to add it back when it hits again, then cool. But if we forget, or don’t care by then… well, there’s our answer.
8:32 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:32:12 PM
Well, I won’t officially mark it dropped – you never know what we will have when it finally comes out, but I will consider our attitude towards it hostile at the moment.
8:32 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:32:24 PM
Done and done.
8:32 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:32:42 PM
On to New titles. We’ve got a bunch of stuff coming out in April – lots of events starting up, and interesting story starts to choose from. Marvel’s got Marvel Zombies 4 kicking off, a Jeff Parker penned Exiles series, Savage She-Hulk #1 by Fred Van Lente, the start of Deadpool: Suicide Kings, the Skrull Kill Krew, – heck, I even would put the Pride & Prejudice adaptation in the running this month. We seem to have a bit of room on the list – so we could potentially fit two books this month. Maybe you will go with one of these, but for my suggestion this month, I would like to offer two. The first looking at DC.
Now DC’s a tough nut to crack these days – I am not exactly very thrilled with the direction the company as a whole is taking, and I am certainly not thrilled with the genesis of this event in the slightest – but using history as a guide, it will likely be pretty good. The Flash: Rebirth #1 comes out this month ($3.99 cover price), which will feature the return of Barry Allen. Geoff Johns did Green Lantern: Rebirth, and while I didn’t like the idea of Hal Jordan coming back (still don’t, honestly), I can’t deny that it was a fantastic read. I feel the same way about Barry Allen – but Johns has a reputation of handling these things well.
8:33 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:33:23 PM
We’re a bit light on DC lately – not without cause, but I think Flash: Rebirth would be a good way to go.
8:34 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:34:34 PM i’m waiting on the trade for it hehe
8:34 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:34:56 PM
So our first addition is The Flash: Rebirth #1 (of 5), $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 04/01/09
The other title I would suggest this month is Dark Horse’s Star Wars: The Dark Times. Issue #13 is the start of the five part Blue Harvest arc which picks up from where the two part story presented in MySpace: Dark Horse Presents issues 18 and 19 (http://www.myspace.com/darkhorsepresents). That two-parter was an interesting prelude – enough to make me curious about where the story will progress. Plus, it’s a 40 page book with a $2.99 cover price – you can’t beat that.
8:34 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:34:57 PM
There is no trade waiting for the $40 Pull List!
8:35 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:35:39 PM
No,
8:35 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:35:45 PM
Well, I made you buy Ghost Rider – so I can take a chance on some Star Wars.
8:35 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:35:46 PM
no there isn’t!
8:35 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:35:53 PM Yes! Star Wars! Good choice
8:35 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:35:57 PM Flash Rebirth preview put me to sleep. 5 pages of hero-hero-worship.
8:36 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:36:23 PM
I don’t KNOW if it will be good, but I think it is worth taking a chance on.
8:36 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:36:53 PM
Well, here’s something that might help us decide: I have only seen episode 1 and 4 of Star Wars.
8:37 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:37:57 PM Turn in your geek card right now.
8:38 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:38:58 PM
WHAT? I can’t even write this column with you. Episodes 2-3? OK, whatever, miss them. But the original?
Seriously, I am this close to tossing you!
8:39 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:39:07 PM
Oh. I mean, I have seen all of the Star Wars.
Hey! Remember that time that they fought in that war? For the stars? That was… that was awesome.
8:39 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:39:26 PM
Okay – I promise – by next column, I will have seen the Star Wars.
8:39 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:39:50 PM
You shame me sir. Well, you are required to watch Empire and Jedi before the next column. In the meantime, we have added:
Star Wars: Dark Times #13, $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 04/22/09.
8:40 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:40:35 PM
I’ll definitely get on that, and give my report in the next column
8:41 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:41:16 PM
Looks
8:41 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:41:37 PM
Looks like we can fit another $2.99 book… suggestions?
8:43 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:43:11 PM How about a humor comic of some sort?
8:43 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:43:25 PM Deadpool?
8:43 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:43:58 PM
Now I am a major Deadpool fan, but that book is mid-crossover. Plus we are way Marvel heavy at the moment. Humor is not a bad idea though.
8:44 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:44:48 PM
Of course, I have a long list of good Marvel starts, but this is a consequence of the price-hike – they are all $3.99 starts, and might continue at that price. Of course, it will be interesting to see how the list fares as that price point becomes more and more common.
8:45 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:45:51 PM Yeah, true, Marvel is rocking it lately (except the $3.99 thing)
8:46 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:46:41 PM
Howsabout Secret Six #8? It’s a one-off, in between story arcs – and it’s the good book by Gail Simione.
8:47 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:47:26 PM
That sounds like a starter for me. So we shall add it.
Secret Six #8, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/08/09.
8:48 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:48:02 PM
Rockin’.
8:48 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:48:51 PM
So while Craig’s doing some math, let’s go over the list of things that make a comic better automatically.
8:48 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:48:57 PM
It’s a working list.
8:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:49:11 PM
Goes like this. Stove top hats. Abe Lincoln. Jet pack bears.
8:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:49:20 PM
John F. Kennedy.
8:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:49:27 PM
Kicks to the face.
8:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:49:40 PM
Hillbilly marraiges
8:49 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:49:51 PM
Stone age lawyers.
8:50 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:50:34 PM
Oh! Which reminds me. The cover to Proof? Totally had a stove pipe hat.
8:51 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:51:09 PM
(Suggestions are appreciated, and encouraged)
8:51 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:51:59 PM
Cross-dressing Hitler. Always golden.
8:52 Comment From virtuadept
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:52:19 PM Shark robots with laser beams
8:52 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:52:37 PM
Yes. Agreed. Very nice, Virtuadept.
8:54 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:54:22 PM
Touring rock bands who also go on fun adventures.
8:54 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:54:34 PM
Mystical mexican luchadors.
8:54 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:54:42 PM
OK! Back!
Here is the list for April. (crap, what did I miss here???)
Teen Titans #69, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/25/09 DELAYED 04/01/09
The Flash: Rebirth #1 (of 5), $3.99, DC Comics. Due out 04/01/09
War of Kings #2 $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/01/09
Invincible Iron Man #12, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/01/09
Jonah Hex #42, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/01/09
Secret Six #8, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/08/09
Green Lantern Corps #35, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/15/09
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #5 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/15/09 DELAYED 04/22/09
Star Wars: Dark Times #13, $2.99, Dark Horse Comics. Due out 04/22/09
Avengers: The Initiative #23, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/22/09
Ghost Rider #34, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/22/09
Nova #24, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/29/09
Proof #19, $3.50, Image. Due Out 04/29/09
8:55 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:55:19 PM
The Math:
$40.00 + $1.69 (Bank from March) + $3.22 (Teen Titans $69) = $44.91
$44.91 – $41.38 (April Issues) – $3.21 (tax) = $.32 (Banked for May)
A whole 32 cents!
8:55 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:55:25 PM
You missed nothing. And everything.
8:55 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:55:45 PM
Heck yeah. I promise not to spend it all in one place.
8:55 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:55:55 PM
Thankfully, the transcript is saved, so I can always go back and read that, or any portion of this lovely event once it concludes!
8:57 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:57:25 PM
Oh man, we’re still doing this? I was talking elsewhere, because I’m rediculous. Should we wrap this baby up?
8:57 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:57:35 PM
I believe we are starting to come to a conclusion here. As always, we would love to hear your comments in the thread once the event concludes.
8:58 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:58:10 PM
Posting both here and in the thread automatically makes you 67% more awesome than your peers. And that’s the truth.
8:58 Craig Reade
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:58:18 PM
Thanks kindly for reading, and we will see you next time!
8:58 B. Schatz
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:58:33 PM
Out!
8:58
Monday, March 30, 2009, 9:58:36 PM
Post your comments in the Forum!
March 17, 2009
On The Shelf This Week – 03.18.09
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Order any of the below titles by clicking here!
AZRAEL DEATHS DARK KNIGHT #1 (OF 3), $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Fabian Nicieza; Art by Frazer Irving; Cover by Guillem March
With just about anyone with any kind of claim to the Batman mantle coming forward now, so it stands to reason that Azrael would make an appearance. It seems pretty clear that he will not be taking up the cowl again this time around, but it is good to see that he is getting some deserved attention. Tough to say how much it will tie into Battle For The Cowl directly, but it will certainly be running along side it. Fabian Nicieza is writing this one, so automatically it shows some promise. It should be interesting to note that this character is probably not going to be the Azrael we are all familiar with – Nicieza has said that John Paul Valley is not going to be the man in the armor. It should be interesting to see how Nicieza develops that – reworking this concept can only add color to Gotham City when it is all said and done.
DEADPOOL GAMES OF DEATH, $3.99, Marvel Comics
Written by Mike Benson, Art by Sean Crystal
You will find little complaint about Deadpool getting a few extra promotional books thanks to his part in the upcoming Wolverine movie. This one shot has some potential – Deadpool finds himself the contestant on a controversial reality show in which the winner is the last one still alive. Sure, he has been hired to find a millionaire’s son, but Deadpool’s moral ambiguity might skew his priorities in this story. Gotta hand it to Benson – this is a great concept for a Deadpool story. Of course, Mike Benson has been the man behind Moon Knight since issue #14. His run has met with mixed reviews, but he has certainly developed a following on that book. Can’t wait to see what he will do with Wade.
GI JOE COBRA #1, $3.99, 32 Pages, IDW
Written by Christos Gage and Mike Costa, Art by Antonio Fuso
Well, the movie is fast approaching, so it is best to get prepared for a slew of G.I. Joe material. This one has an interesting twist on the concept. The book focuses on an undercover agent calling himself “Chuckles” that has been sent to infiltrate the COBRA organization. The idea certainly has a lot of promise, and Christos Gage is writing it, so you can expect quality. Definitely worth giving a shot.
SPIDER-MAN NOIR #4 (OF 4), $3.99, Marvel Comics
Written by David Hine and Fabrice Sapolsky, Art by Carmine Di Giandomenico
This mini turned out to be something of a surprise. Marvel frequently releases a few gimmick books like this one, but this time around all of the “Noir” books turned out to be pretty good, and in fact spurred a Wolverine: Noir book which will start out in mid-April. This one is getting wrapped up this month, but if you can’t manage to track down back issues, it is sure to see a trade release soon. It is worth tracking down if you are so inclined… this has been a very enjoyable series.
SUPERGIRL #39, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics
Written by Sterling Gates; Art by Jamal Igle and Keith Champagne; Cover by Joshua Middleton
This book has taken a step forward, but it may not be quite enough. Gates really deserves a lot of credit for shifting the focus on Supergirl from eye-candy to something a little more substantial, but the New Krypton tie-in that launched his run on this book might have done more harm than good. At present, the title is solely focused on the so-called mystery of Superwoman. Trouble is, this was the moment that this book was supposed to focus on Supergirl herself, instead of jumping on a gimmick that doesn’t have a lot of legs. The “reveal” is coming very slowly, and the rest of the story just doesn’t deliver as much as it should.
Perhaps this book will continue to improve once it is out from under the shadow of New Krypton. Gates has made considerable strides, and should be commended for that, but now is the time to start making the reader care about Supergirl herself, instead of trying to convince them that they need to care about Superwoman.
ULTIMATE X-MEN #100, $3.99, Marvel Comics
Written by Aron E. Coleite, Art by Mark Brooks, Karl Story, and Edgar DelGado
Slowly we are reaching the end of the Ultimate Universe as we know it. Coliete was the final writer to take up this troubled book, and to his credit he has done a fairly good job with it. Of course, this latest arc hasn’t been quite so-well received… thus far readers don’t seem very receptive to the Ultimatum event, and the tie-in stories across the board are suffering as a result. This finale might be long-overdue, hopefully Coliete can pull it together and make a solid ending out of it. It would be great to see the title end in a way that validates a little of the promise it had when it began.
UNCANNY X-MEN #507, $2.99, Marvel Comics
Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, and Justin Ponsor
The entire X-Men franchise has been on a nice upswing over the past couple years. Brubaker’s Rise and Fall of the Shi’ar Empire was a fairly decent start (and did lead to what has been an outstanding War of Kings event going on now), but Fraction’s start on this title really brought Uncanny X-Men back to excellence. Really, it has gotten to the point where any book with his name on it is worth checking out – you can’t say that about too many other writers in comics today. This is the most enjoyable the X-Men have been in quite some time.
SPOTLIGHT PICK OF THE WEEK
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #30, $3.99, Marvel Comics
Written by Ton DeFalco, Art by Ron Frenz, Sal Buscema, and Bruno Hang
Once again, we have the final issue of Spider-Girl. This time around, there seems to be little push to “save” this book. The fact that Spider-Girl is moving over to become a regular part of Amazing Spider-Man Family seems to be mostly responsible for the lack of fan outrage. Still, it is sad to see this ongoing book disappear – Spider-Girl has had its ups and downs over the years, but it always remained remarkably consistent. It was never wrapped up in overhyped event nonsense, and at several points in its long history, it was actually the best Spider-Man book on the market, certainly the closest to what made Spider-Man such a great concept. It will be missed, though not too much since the character will still be around.
DARK HORSE
KULL #5 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.69
STAR WARS KNIGHTS O/T OLD REPUBLIC #39 DUELING AMBITIONS $2.99 Now: $2.69
DC COMICS
AZRAEL DEATHS DARK KNIGHT #1 (OF 3) $2.99 Now: $2.59
BLACK LIGHTNING YEAR ONE #6 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.59
MYSTERIUS THE UNFATHOMABLE #3 (OF 6) $2.99 Now: $2.59
OUTSIDERS #16 $2.99 Now: $2.69
SUPERGIRL #39 $2.99 Now: $2.59
TINY TITANS #14 $2.50 Now: $2.19
WORLD OF WARCRAFT #17 $2.99 Now: $2.59
IDW
ANGEL #19 $3.99 Now: $3.59
GI JOE COBRA #1 $3.99 Now: $3.49
IMAGE COMICS
INVINCIBLE #60 $3.99 Now: $3.49
MARVEL COMICS
AMAZING SPIDER-GIRL #30 $3.99 Now: $3.49
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #588 $3.99 Now: $3.49
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN EXTRA #3 $3.99 Now: $3.49
DARK AVENGERS #3 $3.99 Now: $3.49
DEADPOOL GAMES OF DEATH $3.99 Now: $3.49
ETERNALS #9 $2.99 Now: $2.59
MIGHTY AVENGERS TP VOL 03 SECRET INVASION BOOK 01 $14.99 Now: $11.99
MOON KNIGHT #28 $2.99 Now: $2.69
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL TP VOL 04 $16.99 Now: $12.99
SPIDER-MAN NOIR #4 (OF 4) $3.99 Now: $3.49
SQUADRON SUPREME TP PRE WAR YEARS $16.99 Now: $13.99
SQUADRON SUPREME TP VOL 01 POWER TO THE PEOPLE $16.99 Now: $13.99
ULTIMATE X-MEN #100 $3.99 Now: $3.49
ULTIMATUM #3 (OF 5) $3.99 Now: $3.49
UNCANNY X-MEN #507 $2.99 Now: $2.69
UNCANNY X-MEN #507 GOLDEN VAR $39.99
WOLVERINE #71 $2.99 Now: $2.69
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #34 $2.99 Now: $2.69
X-FACTOR #41 $2.99 Now: $2.69
X-FORCE #13 $2.99 Now: $2.69
X-MEN FIRST CLASS TP WONDER YEARS $19.99 Now: $15.99
X-MEN LEGACY #222 $2.99 Now: $2.69
YOUNG X-MEN #12 $2.99 Now: $2.59
DC ANNOUNCES ‘CO-FEATURES’
Mark me down as someone who really likes this idea. More content in a comic book is always a good thing, and this idea is a great way to give exposure to some underselling characters, and tell a good story about a character in a team book that doesn’t necessarily get the solo treatment otherwise. So far, DC has announced that we will get Metal-Men back-ups in the new Doom Patrol series, Blue Beetle in the current Booster Gold book, and Ravager will be backing-up the current Teen Titans book.
Yes, it would seem that this is a way of softening the blow of what appears to be an inevitable increase to $3.99 for DC and Marvel books (something you have seen predicted here for some time), but if they are going to increase the price, increasing the content to match seems a good way to do it. Hopefully this is a long term thing, and we don’t see them try to go back to 32 page books a couple months down the line.
The opinions in this article are the writer’s alone, and no not necessarily reflect the views of X-World Comics or comiXtreme.com.
Post your comments in the Forum!
March 5, 2009
The $40 Pull List – War of Kings #1 Special – LIVE (Transcript)
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6:30 |
Craig Reade: The time has come… welcome to the first live broadcast of The $40 Pull List! |
| 6:31 | [Ad] | Lost Toast View |
| 6:31 | [Ad] | X-World View |
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6:32 |
B. Schatz: That’s right… we’re airing live from the bowels of the SPAM Corporate Annex in beautiful Nanuktuk California. I don’t know about you, but I’m nervous as heck. And this is just a little thing on the internet. |
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6:33 |
Craig Reade: Thank you all for reading. Of course, tonight we are here to discuss one of the new titles on the List this month, Marvel’s War of Kings #1. And since it is a “Special Event” – we thought we would give it a special treatment. |
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6:35 |
Craig Reade: War of Kings #1 was released ON TIME yesterday, at a cover price of $3.99. More than a usual issue, but it was a special event, so we figured what the heck. |
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6:35 |
B. Schatz: As well as a little test of this system. So far, so good. Quick introductions, for those of you just stopping by – my name is Brandon Schatz, and I’m the Newsroom Editior here at ComiXtreme. Sitting kitty-corner from me in the annex is the two-and-a-half foot wonder himself, Craig “the Craigerton” J. Reade. I’m sure he does something around here. |
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6:35 |
Craig Reade: Not usually! |
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6:36 |
Craig Reade: Tonight I figured we would start with the basic stats about the issue, and then we will move into a little more in-depth conversation.
Please excuse any hiccups we have – this is our first time using this, and we are bound to screw a few things up! |
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6:37 |
Craig Reade: A note – you are free to comment at any time, but your comments will not appear right away. At select points during the broadcast, we will post reader comments for discussion. Thanks for watching! |
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6:38 |
Craig Reade: War of Kings #1 credits: Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning Pencils by Paul Pelletier Inks by Rick Maygar Colors by Wil Quintana Letters by VC’s Joe Caramanga with Bill Rosemann editing. |
| 6:38 |
Would you like to see a full version of the $40 Pull List done Live?
( 100% ) No!
( 0% ) |
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6:40 |
B. Schatz: Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning have been hanging around American comics for a while now. I’ve heard tales about contributions they’ve made to a few British publications, but seeing how we have no evidence that England actually exists, I highly doubt there’s any truth to those words. |
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6:41 |
Craig Reade: Even still, they have done an outstand job making everything they touch at Marvel simply awesome. Their reputation on both Annihilation events made this event a must-have. |
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6:42 |
B. Schatz: Not to mention sucessfully spinning off ongoing Nova and Guardians of the Galexy titles. Seriously, the fact that Nova is looking healthy enough to go beyond issue #25 in this market is an accomplishment. |
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6:42 |
[Comment From Chimpion] Good luck guys! |
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6:42 |
[Comment From Mike Jibb] The legend of England has always been fictional. |
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6:43 |
Craig Reade: You don’t have to remind me about Nova – I’ve been a geek for Nova since a bygone era.
Personally, I was also really happy to see Bill Rosemann attached as an Editor. I am often critical of Editors for the general poor story-quality and crack-pot ideas we seem to see in comics these days. Rosemann gets it - and always seems to be involved in good books. |
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6:45 |
B. Schatz: Heck yeah. And let’s not forget about Paul Pelletier. He worked a bit on Dan Slott’s She-Hulk before being pulled into the cosmic arena. He’s making a bit of a return to the books here, to stunning effect. The pencils in this book are gorgeous. |
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6:46 |
Craig Reade: Not entirely true – Pelletier did an outstanding job on Negation – the old CrossGen title. I felt perfectly safe seeing him take on a Marvel Cosmic book. He’s an old hand, and did a great job on this issue. |
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6:47 |
B. Schatz: I missed most of Crossgen… and up until Marvel Cosmic really started going recently, I stayed away from space books like the plague. Soooo… uh… yay Negation! |
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6:48 |
Craig Reade: Yay Negation indeed. They STILL need to find some way of finishing Negation War. But moving on…
Of course, like almost anything Marvel does these days, War of Kings #1 was put out with a few variant covers. Let’s take a look at those now. |
| 6:48 | 
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| 6:48 |
Which War of Kings #1 cover do you like best?
( 67% ) Ron Lim Variant Cover
( 33% ) Leinil Francis Yu Variant Cover
( 0% ) |
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6:49 |
Craig Reade: First we have the standard cover by Brandon Peterson. |
| 6:49 | 
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6:49 |
Craig Reade: And here is the Ron Lim Variant cover, released in a 50/50 ration to the Peterson one. |
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6:49 |
Craig Reade: And finally, there is the Leinil Francis Yu cover. |
| 6:49 | 
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6:49 |
B. Schatz: (For the record, I believe England is a mythical place, existing in-between cracks in reality. It was created in a hive-mind experiment between Alan Moore and Grant Morrison in the 80s. Some claim to have been their, and Alan Moore claims to live there, but no one has able to confirm this) |
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6:50 |
B. Schatz: Nice move by Marvel getting the artist of their last big crossover to pencil for the incentive. And odd bit of sychronicity there. |
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6:50 |
Craig Reade: I’ve posted a poll where you can vote for the cover you like best. Personally I like Peterson’s – they are all basically pin-ups, which is kind of a downer, but I like the look of that one best. |
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6:51 |
Craig Reade: Sure – there are readers who buy specifically for an artist – it is always a good idea to spread the wealth a bit. |
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6:52 |
B. Schatz: Peterson’s is nice, but I feel like most of his recent stuff doesn’t feel “real”. I know that sounds weird, considering how we’re talking about a medium involving drawings, but the whole computer-rendered look really pulls me out of a piece. |
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6:54 |
Craig Reade: That I agree with. It is a problem throughout comics – “pretty” work that looks completely fake. But that is probably a debate for another time. I don’t think the other two had better feels, hence my selection. |
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6:56 |
Craig Reade: Much like Annihilation, there has been some lead-up to this event, specifically in Guardians of the Galaxy, Kingbreaker, War of Kings: Darkhawk, and the Secret Invasion: War of Kings special. Before we get into the details of this issue, let’s take a moment to discuss some of the events that lead up to War of Kings #1. |
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6:58 |
Craig Reade: Guardians of the Galaxy was the first real lead into this event. The team, if you recall, was breaking up thanks to the discovery that Mantis had telepathically compelled everyone to join. Star-Lord ended up being sent to the Negative Zone by Blastaar, and in issue #7, Drax and Gamora heard first mention of a “War of Kings” from a prophet. |
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6:59 |
Craig Reade: Since then, the new team lead a rescue mission in the Negative Zone, that found Blastaar taking over the 42 prison, and the guards and wardens there evacuating to Earth, and freeing all of the prisoners. |
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7:02 |
B. Schatz: Guardians was definitely to make mention of trouble brewing, but things have been slowly building in space for a while now. All the Negative Zone drama wouldn’t even be possible without what took place in Annihilation – and the trouble between the Shi’ar and the Kree wouldn’t be going on without the giant Rise and Fall of the Shi’ar Empire arc Ed Brubaker wrote years ago. |
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7:02 |
B. Schatz: But I’m getting a little ahead of old man Craigerton, here. |
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7:04 |
Craig Reade: Most certainly. One of the best things about each of the Cosmic events thus-far is the continuity. Of course, you mention the Rise and Fall of the Shi’ar Empire, which brings us to Kingbreaker, where a lot of that story continues.
Kingbreaker has thus-far focused on the reuniting of the new Starjammers group – working within Vulcan’s expanding empire to rescue Havok and Polaris, who have made it their mission to kill Vulcan. Of course, Lilandra is eager to reclaim the throne from the usurper Vulcan, and has joined their group to assist. Here we are seeing the current state of the Shi’ar, and most of Vulcan’s plans for empire are revealed. |
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7:06 |
B. Schatz: Vulcan almost seems like the Superboy-Prime of the Marvel universe – although without such on-the-nose irony. |
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7:06 |
Craig Reade:
The Secret Invasion: War of Kings special served as the bridge between the two events, and followed the Inhumans – angry after what happened in Secret Invasion, decide that it is time to take their revenge on the Kree, their creators. This great issue saw them take their city, lay waste to the retreating Skrull, and eventually move on to the Kree Empire where they trashed their creators, and saw Ronan bow to Black Bolt as the new Kree ruler. |
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7:07 |
B. Schatz: And it was awesome. Seriously, the Inhumans have been sitting in their own corner, gather dust for far too long. Getting them mad enough to kick some butt seems to have a great effect on the characters. |
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7:08 |
B. Schatz: So, the stage is set. It’s time to throw DOWN. |
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7:08 |
B. Schatz: ”…or, you know, we could discuss what Darkhawk is up to,” he said, totally blowing the transition. |
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7:09 |
Craig Reade:
Without a doubt – this is the most interesting the Inhumans have been for a while. The David Hine books were interesting – but there was way too much drama and whining. I like seeing the Inhumans as a real threat. Finally, the War of Kings: Darkhawk series has released 1 issue thus-far, and doesn’t seem connected to the main event all that much yet. We see Darkhawk struggling once again to maintain control of his amulet – only to eventually come face to face with another alien with similar abilities who seems to know all about him. I am an old New Warriors nerd, and I am glad to see Marvel paying attention to Darkhawk again as well. I can’t wait to see where this one goes. |
| 7:09 |
Who will win the War of Kings?
( 67% ) The Shi’ar (Vulcan)
( 0% ) The Negative Zone (Blastaar)
( 0% ) Someone unexpected.
( 33% ) |
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7:11 |
Craig Reade: Of course, if you are reading this now, we would love to hear your comments on the build-up thus-far to War of Kings. |
| 7:11 | [Ad] | Lost Toast View |
| 7:11 | [Ad] | X-World View |
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7:12 |
B. Schatz: I think you’re one of two New Warriors fans, Craig. And heck, I’ll take your David Hine Inhumans books and raise you the last aborted ongoing by Sean McKeever. I liked that book, but in the end it didn’t really deal with the Inhumans so much as it dealt with teen angst. |
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7:12 |
B. Schatz: Not that I have anything against teen angst. Teen angst is boss, son, and don’t you forget it. |
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7:13 |
[Comment From Mike Jibb] All of the cosmic titles have been amazing lately, but I like Nova the most, so I’m most interested in what’s going to happen to him and the Nova Corps. I also definitely agree about the Inhumans. They seem more interesting to me now than they’ve ever been. I can’t wait to see Blackbolt take on some Shiar. |
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7:14 |
Craig Reade: Without a doubt. Marvel has clearly had the desire to push the Inhumans, but didn’t really know what to do with them. Good drama is one thing, but all of those books didn’t do a very good job of re-establishing for newer readers what the Inhumans are all about.
Excellent points there, Mike. Nova made the first Annihilation, and has been an excellent cornerstone of the new Marvel Cosmic Universe. He has played no role in this event so far, but you can’t help but be excited about what contributions he will eventually make when he arrives. The insane Worldmind and his new Nova Corps are going to make an appearance very soon, without a doubt. |
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7:16 |
B. Schatz: The end of this past Nova made mention of the trouble going on in space right now. I think that’s going to collide in a very messy and very awesome way. |
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7:17 |
Craig Reade: Can’t wait – the set-up to this event has been awesome, as expected. |
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7:18 |
B. Schatz: Onto the nutmeat! |
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7:20 |
B. Schatz: I don’t really think we’ll be duking it out with differing opinions on this Crai, but I have my boxing glove ready to punch you in the junk. |
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7:20 |
Craig Reade: On to the issue itself. War of Kings #1 starts us at the lead-up to the promised wedding between the Inhuman Crystal, and Ronan – the former leader of the Kree. The two were betrothed during Secret Invasion as part of an alliance, and this wedding was seen as a way of further legitimizing Black Bolt’s rule. Crystal, of course, sees it as a political marriage, but Ronan appears to feel differently. The moment where he showed up with flowers was uncomfortable and funny at the same time. It seemed a little out of character, but it worked. |
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7:21 |
Craig Reade: You watch it – if I am as short as you say, I think I am better suited to the junk-punching :P. Moving on! |
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7:22 |
Craig Reade: Of course, the wedding is interrupted in true comic form by the first wave of the Shi’ar invasion. And thus the War begins in earnest. |
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7:22 |
B. Schatz: Ronan with flowers is awesome. I love it when a book that’s going for “weight” isn’t afraid of the small laugh. The scene with Ronan with flowers was one of those, as were the mentions about Black Bolt always being so tight lipped. |
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7:24 |
B. Schatz: But definitely, when the wedding started, you could feel the gears in motion, ready to kick things into gear. You couldn’t see them right away, but still. |
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7:24 |
Craig Reade: Light moments make the “serious” ones all the better. Makes the characters seem so much more real. Ronan “courting” is just an odd thought though, but it seems to be working so far. The brute brought FLOWERS – the #1 most basic thing, instead of being more bold in his approach. |
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7:24 |
Craig Reade: It was perfect. |
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7:24 |
Craig Reade: I almost wanted to see his thought process deciding to do that. |
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7:25 |
B. Schatz: I want a 22 page one shot of Ronan on a date. I need this to happen. |
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7:25 |
[Comment From Mike Jibb] Yeah that was pretty cool. I’m sure the Ronan/Crystal dynamic will be explored more in the series. |
|
7:26 |
Craig Reade: Without a doubt. That relationship has wheels – even if it is just a prolonged “I want you, I hate you” thing, and they never end up together, the drama works well. A nice character piece in the background – something DnA have excelled at. |
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7:27 |
B. Schatz: In this series, and in the online comics Marvel will be rolling to go along with the series. You can check out more on those by hitting this link: |
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7:27 |
B. Schatz: http://www.comixtreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45866 |
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7:27 |
Craig Reade: For my part, I am digging the Medusa/Black Bolt symbiosis. The two have always been great together, and they way she just exudes the raw rage of the entire group at the end is outstanding. |
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7:28 |
B. Schatz: I know one of the people the online comics will focus on is Crystal. |
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7:29 |
Craig Reade: Naturally. Hopefully with that comes a little work on Ronan, and her opinions (and how they evolve) of him. |
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7:30 |
B. Schatz: And speaking of some nice online content, over at the Marvel website, they’re going all out for War of Kings – and have posted an incredible time-line site for the series. |
|
7:30 |
B. Schatz: http://www.marvel.com/war_of_kings |
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7:31 |
B. Schatz: Its a beautiful piece of work, and helps keep track of where everyone involved is at all times. |
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7:31 |
Craig Reade: I did take a look at that earlier, and it is quite pretty. It is light on content now, but the time-line and intergalactic map set-up they have is simply gorgeous. Marvel needs to promote that more in the issues themselves. |
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7:32 |
B. Schatz: Nerds love maps, and this is one sweet map. |
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7:32 |
Craig Reade: I can’t argue there. |
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7:33 |
Craig Reade: Overall, I think it is safe to say that we both enjoyed this issue. I can’t see it being dropped, but that is something that will be discussed when we do our regular column prior to the first Wednesday of next month. |
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7:33 |
Craig Reade: We are getting ready to wrap things up here, so last chance for comments! |
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7:34 |
B. Schatz: Make sure to check http://comixtreme.com for updates about when we’ll be doing the next $40 Pull List. We’re looking to do it live, just like this… so it should be interesting. And terrifying. And awesome. |
|
7:34 |
Craig Reade: I did want to thank everyone who took the time to join us here today. If you missed the discussion, the transcript will remain up and you can reply to the thread as normal.
We would love to hear your thoughts! What do you think of this format, would you be interested in seeing something like this again? Reply to the thread and let us know. |
|
7:35 |
Craig Reade: Thanks to Mike for your excellent comments, and quickly, we have to wish Chimpion, the cX Mascot, a Happy Birthday. He came into being 3 years ago today. Happy birthday, little guy. |
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7:35 |
[Comment From Mike Jibb] It was cool, but it was a little slow sometimes. There must be a way to speed up the discussion a little. But I did enjoy the discussion. Nice work guys. |
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7:36 |
B. Schatz: It’ll come with a bit of practice. :) I know I want to be more awesome next time. |
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7:36 |
Craig Reade: That’s all about practice, really. Part of the draw of this format is the live discussion – we have to avoid too much writing in advance. Future installments will be a bit quicker, when we get our rhythm down a little better :) |
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7:37 |
B. Schatz: Typing with boxing gloves on make things hard to. I don’t know how Strong Bad does it. |
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7:37 |
Craig Reade: That’s it tonight. Thanks for reading – see you around the board!
And do remember to visit http://www.x-worldcomics.com for your monthly pre-orders. Thanks to everyone for reading! |
|
7:38 |
B. Schatz: Thanks a bunch! We’re oot! |
|
7:38 |
 |
Post your comments in the Forum!
March 3, 2009
On The Shelf In May 2009
DARK HORSE COMICS
Pre-order any of the below titles by clicking here!
Page M33 – Rapture #1 (of 6), $2.99, 40 Pages
Written by Michael Avon Oeming and Taki Soma, Color by Val Staples
Oeming’s demonstrated a real talent on his creative efforts, especially on his non-franchise works which are always worth checking out. This one looks interesting – so often, writers like to try and be original by telling their own story about what it would be like in a world where Super-heroes appeared… the stories have their variations, but the concept has been done to death. This title takes the opposite tack – what it would be like for all the super-powered heroes and villains to vanish, leaving the world in shambled behind them. As the title suggests, this story is thematically tied to the biblical rapture, painting the heroes and villains as warriors in the promised battle between heaven and hell. It looks like there is a lot going on here… this is definitely going to be worth your time.
And hey – full color, $2.99… and 40 pages? A real bargain considering the way comic prices have been going up and content going down these days.
Page 34 – Aliens #1 (of 4), $3.50, 32 Pages
Written by John Arcudi, Art by Zach Howard and Mark Irwin
Dark Horse is really ramping up for the 30th Anniversary of the Alien film – their effort on Free Comic Book Day will be an Aliens/Predator special, followed by this issue which will relaunch the Aliens comic franchise. (Predator will follow closely thereafter). Aliens was a popular comic in its heyday, so it will be nice to see it return. Comics focusing on a villain or an antagonist are always difficult, but so long as Arcudi sticks with what works, this title should be a success.
DC COMICS
Pre-order any of the below titles by clicking here!
Page 64 – Final Crisis Aftermath: Dance #1 (of 6), $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Joe Casey, Art by ChrisCross
There are three Final Crisis Aftermath books hitting this month, all focusing on either unknown or low profile characters. This one seems a little different – this team first appeared in Final Crisis, and are supposed to be Fifth World versions of the Forever People. The team seems to be more concerned with image than heroism, and this story will show what becomes of them after Final Crisis, when no one seems to have noticed the “contribution” they made. Could be good – art should be solid… of the three, this one seems to have the most potential.
Page 80 – The Last Days of Animal Man #1, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Gerry Conway, Art by Chris Batista & Dave Meikis
Animal Man has been at the center of some interesting stories over the last few years. This one looks like it is in the mold of Marvel’s “The End” books. Gerry Conway is handling the writing chores which gives this title some promise – personally, I always find these “End” stories to be much more interesting when they are written by old-school guys who actually had a hand in creating legendary characters. Could well be interesting.
Page 81 – Power Girl #1, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray, Art by Amanda Connor
Finally! This one was announced how long ago? We got a taste of this team’s work on the recent Terra mini series, and that ended up being pretty good. This title might have had a little more oomph if it had come sooner – interest in Power Girl really peaked around Infinite Crisis, but better late than never. Power Girl, despite the controversy around how she is portrayed at times, is a very interesting character with a lot to offer storywise. Pick this one up.
Page 100 – Astro City Dark Age Book 3 #1 (of 4), $3.99, 32 Pages
Written by Kurt Busiek, Art by Brent Anderson
Time to dust off those old Astro City issues and get caught up, the third chapter of the ongoing story is finally getting started this month. Really, the only weakness in this title is how infrequently it comes out. We got a one-shot back in February of 2008 – prior to that, the last issue of Dark Age (Book 2) came out in November of 2007. (issues of Book 2 came out about once every 3 months)
Astro City is a fantastic comic, but it is incredibly difficult to follow on a monthly schedule. If you don’t mind delays and are patient with that sort of thing, you should definitely pick this issue up. Otherwise – watch for the trade. It will be a good read, it all depends on your personal patience.
Page 105 – Starcraft #1, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Keith Giffen & Simon Furman, Art by Federico Dallocchio
Well, the World of Warcraft comic did ok for a while, so why not try Starcraft? Actually, Starcraft might make for a better ongoing comic, truth be told. Giffen should add a hint of humor to the book which will make it more appealing than it otherwise would have. Usually video-game comics are something to avoid, but there are some things with potential on this one. Worth trying out.
Page 108 – The Unwritten #1, $1, 40 Pages
Written by Mike Carey, Art by Peter Gross
Man, when it comes to value, this one is even better than the Rapture comic, and that is saying a lot. A 40 Page, regular issue for $1? That is how you give something to the reader and make them want to try your comic.
The Harry Potter theme seems to be strong here – with a series about the adventures of a “boy wizard” being at the forefront. Of course, that is just a prop, the comic really is more of a blend of Fables and Thursday Next – an exploration of the concept of fiction and reality coming together.
Oh, and this team was responsible for Lucifer – another reason to give this book a shot. In fact, if Carey has long-term plans for this title, it would be a good idea to jump onboard now. If it is anything like Lucifer, it will be a fantastic series that is nearly impossible to jump on board in the middle.
IMAGE COMICS
Pre-order any of the below titles by clicking here!
Page 136 – Olympus #1, $2.99, 24 Pages
Written by Nathan Edmondson, Art by Christian Ward
Here is a bit of genre blending I haven’t seen before – Mythology, and crime drama. In a way, it kind of makes sense. What would existence be like today for Castor and Pollux, who were granted a kind of immortality by Zeus? Of course, the old gods still exist in the modern world, and old faces don’t want to abide by the current order. Series shows some promise, even after seeing a couple preview pages.
Page 150 – Dead@17: Ultimate Edition TP, $24.99, 408 Pages
By Josh Howard
Hey now, neat to see this one over at Image. I imagine this means a new Dead@17 will be coming at some point from Image. Not that Viper wasn’t a good place for it (Viper remains the home of awesome comics), but Image is certainly a bigger venue for the title. If you still haven’t sampled Dead@17, you should check this omnibus out. It’s decent reading.
Page 156 – Invincible #62, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Ryan Ottley & FCO Plascencia
It funny how Image is still promoting Kirkman’s books with an “On Time in 2009! Guarantee” even though they broke that guarantee 3 weeks into the year.
Still no apology or even acknowledgement about that. It’s kind of sad, really.
Page 165 – Evil and Malice Save the World, $14.99, 128 Pages
By Jimmie Robinson
This is definitely the antithesis of Robinson’s more famous work, Bomb Queen. This trade collects the story of a pair of 13 year old twin daughters of a villain who rebel against their father(as any teenage girl would) by becoming superheroes. Knowing his sense of humor, I can see him making an all-ages title work. Definitely one to take a look at.
MARVEL COMICS
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Page M12 – Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #1 (of 4), $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Chris Eliopoulos, Art by Ig Guara
Sweet – the Marvel Universe did need more Niels! Well, the title on this is a little misleading, Lockjaw isn’t entirely a “pet,” and outside Redwing, the remaining aren’t really pets of Avengers. But then, that is looking at this too seriously. This series is all in good fun, after all. Chris Eliopoulos has exactly the right sense of humor for this book, it looks like it is going to be a humorous read, right in the middle of the summer event season. Just in time!
Page M17 – The Trojan War #1 (of 5), $3.99, 32 Pages
Written by Roy Thomas, Art by Miguel Angel Sepulveda
Unlike other Classic Literature adaptations “Marvel Illustrated” has done, this one looks like it is only partly based on Homers’ Iliad and Odessey, but is instead drawing upon them and “other ancient sources” to tell the story from a different perspective. Thomas pretty well started his career with the sword and sorcery stuff, so this is right up his alley. Sepulveda previously did the art chores on the Marvel Illustrated adaptation of The Illiad – if you liked the look he brought to the table there, you should be pleased with this one.
Page M21 – Ultimatum: Spider-Man Requiem Book #1 (of 2), $3.99, 40 Pages
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by Stuart Immonen and Mark Bagley
Who hasn’t said something to the effect of “Hopefully Ultimatum is good, but even if it isn’t, as long as they don’t screw with Ultimate Spider-man, it will be ok?” Everyone who has ever talked about Ultimatum has said something to that effect. Even when the poor reviews for the event rolled in, still, Ultimate Spider-man was the light at the end of the tunnel. After the book’s cancellation was announced, everyone naturally assumed that they would just be relaunching it with a new #1.
Now this… a book told from J. Jonah Jameson’s perspective, “memorializing” the “death” of Spider-Man. Are they actually going to kill him off? Even if it is just for some gimmick to put the female-clone in there, it is maddening to think that they would actually level the one consistently good thing in the Ultimate Universe.
I just can’t get my mind around it…
Page M32 – Dark Reign: Young Avengers #1 (of 5), $3.99, 32 Pages
Written by Paul Cornell, Art by Mark Brooks
Still missing Young Avengers? Well, this title won’t entirely fill that need. On the cover is a new Young Avengers team taking up the whole “underground teenage hero” gimmick. Of course, it wouldn’t be interesting unless this new team crossed paths with the old – so it looks like you long-lamenting Young Avengers fans will have something to look forward to after all. Could be good.
Page M45 – Captain America #50, $3.99, 48 Pages
Written by Ed Brubaker, Art by Luke Ross
The big issue 50 – no, Steve Rogers doesn’t look to be coming back. Sure, Marvel could surprise us but knowing their track history, that info will be leaked to the press before the issue comes out, if that were the case. Instead we are getting one of the tried-and-true anniversary issue formats where Bucky Barnes contemplates his most and least favorite birthdays over the years, wrapped up in an action issue.
Page M50 – Howling Commandos #1, $3.99, 40 Pages
Written by Jesse Alexander, Art by John Paul Leon
At first, this seemed like just another effort at a war comic. Tucci’s Sgt. Rock is doing very well over at DC, and this was just Marvel’s effort to parrot that. Looks like there might be a little more to it though – in the solicit, Marvel says that this story “sets the stage” for the upcoming Captain America: White series from Loeb and Sale. I can’t recall set-up stories for any of their previous colors efforts, it will be curious to see where they are going with this. If you are getting White, you might want to give his issue a shot.
Page M54 – Planet Skaar Prologue, $3.99, 40 Pages
Written by Greg Pak, Art by Dan Panosian
You know, maybe not bad. Planet Hulk seemed like a silly idea when it first started up, but Greg Pak made that something to remember. His son, Skaar, being exiled to Earth might just make for an interesting event series. Curious that the mini about his “sister” is ongoing at the same time. Wonder what big Hulk plans Marvel has in the works.
Page M68 – Nova #25, $2.99, 32 Pages
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, Art by Andrea DiVito
Congratulations to Nova this month! As ongoing books go, Nova was always something of an underdog. To this point, the longest a Nova title lasted was the original Man Called Nova, which went on for 25 issues in the late 70s. With this issue Nova ties that mark, and since we haven’t really heard a cancellation announcement, it looks like it will pass that original mark. Who says the underdogs don’t have their day? Looks like we aren’t getting any sort of anniversary special here but we really don’t need one. In conjunction with the War of Kings event, this issue finally finds Richard Rider attempting to wrest control of the Nova Force from Worldmind. Should be a very exciting issue.
INDEPENDENT COMICS
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Page 232 – Buck Rogers #0, $.25, 16 Pages, Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Scott Beatty, Art by Carlos Rafael
The look is weird, but if there was ever a concept that had a lot of miles left in it, it is Buck Rogers. The original show quickly took a turn for the worse when they tried to make it into a Star Trek clone, many of you probably recall. Dynamite promises a “modern edge,” which could go either way. This is one to tentatively be excited about, at least until we get some preview pages and see what it is going to look like. Can’t beat a quarter though.
Craig’s Top Five of the Month
#5 – The Last Days of Animal Man #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics Strong character that has been in too many underrated stories not to take a chance on.
#4 – The Unwritten #1, $1, 40 Pages, DC Comics/Vertigo A new Mike Carey series could be the next long-term hit. Always have to check out his books early.
#3 – Nova #25, $2.99, 32 Pages, Marvel Comics A big milestone for nova, and a huge issue.
#2 – Power Girl #1, $2.99, 32 Pages, DC Comics Almost waited too long for this!
#1 – Rapture #1 (of 6), $2.99, 40 Pages, Dark Horse Oeming is always good for an outstanding story.
The opinions in this article are the writer’s alone, and no not necessarily reflect the views of X-World Comics or comiXtreme.com.
Post your comments in the Forum!
March 2, 2009
The $40 Pull List – March 2009
Welcome back to The $40 Pull List!
This was a very mixed month. There were some strong outings from the usual suspects (Nova and Iron Man), but on the other side of the coin, it was a very, very bad month for DC.
Seriously? It was almost a stabby-stabby kind of bad.
Yeah, once upon a time, DC had some seriously reliable books that you knew would be awesome month in and out. Those seem to be getting to be fewer and farther between. Time for that line of thought as the column progresses, however. For now, on to last month’s books!
FEBRUARY’S ISSUES
Bang! Tango #1, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/04/09 ON TIME
Ummm… Huh?
…yeah… this was just… man. I don’t even know.
Let’s see… your old girlfriend turned porn star from your mafia days shows up, so you decide to rape your dance partner who is really, really into rehearsals. And rape, apparently.
Love you Joe Kelly, but this is just too weird for words.
Yep. This was a mega-fail. Off with it.
Let us never speak of this again.
Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #3, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 02/04/09 RELEASED 2/11/09
I found this issue a bit easier to follow than the previous two, but it is becoming increasingly obvious that it relies heavily on events from past stories – the continuity makes it a little hard for someone who hasn’t read the previous books to truly grasp and appreciate what is taking place here.
So. Totally. Lost. Seriously, I catch the odd thing here and there, because… well, you hear a lot about Hellboy and what he’s punching when you work in a comic shop, but really… I need an infusion of information, and fast.
At this point, we are around halfway, so you would think that he would be working towards the resolution now. I get that they want him to lead an army against the new Witch Queen, and that it is kind of his fault she is there (in a weird, convoluted way). I will say that how he got there from being invited to hunt giants is a total mystery to me. And that was supposed to have happened in this series…
Maybe it all comes together in the end? This is an 8 part series, after all…
Yeah, but I hate it when things “come together at the end.” This is a serial story, not a graphic novel. If you wanted it to be a graphic novel, that is how it should be released…
Jonah Hex #40, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/04/09 ON TIME
Hey Brandon – no hint of rape at all here!
This issue wasn’t half bad. The art was markedly improved from the normal – though the critic in me has to point out that I really think David Beck has a real problem with Jonah’s teeth on the right side. Yeah, he is scarred, but the bone structure isn’t deformed, just the skin really.
The story is solid. A good antagonist for Hex, a return for Tallulah Black – I am a real fan of Jonah Hex being one issue stories, but if it takes two and three parters to get consistently good stories, I suppose I will take it.
This issue was an improvement, but I’m still feeling the formula here. Someone bad comes along, beats the crap out of Jonah Hex, and then Jonah extracts his revenge. Lather, rinse, repeat, over and over and over again. Granted, we haven’t gotten to the revenge part of the story yet… but seriously? You can feel it coming.
Of course it is. To be fair – every comic has that formula, particularly superhero books. Not a lot you can do about it, it’s the genre. As long as the story is ok, then it works.
Comics are built around formulas, for sure. Unfortunately, the one here is limited due to the circumstances of the time period, and Jonah Hex’ give-a-crap attitude towards lesser crimes. “Evil” comes in the form of rape, murder, or murderous rape, in every single issue. It gets to be a whole lot of the same, especially after such a long run.
But, again, you could say the same about Superhero comics. There are only so many stories, no matter what genre you are discussing.
I still think the superhero genre allows for more variety in the formula though. I know I might be re-using some examples here, but with Jonah Hex, you could only add the stove top hat, and a bear to make it more awesome. But a superhero book can have the stove top hat, the bear, the jetpack, evil destructo robots, monkeys with Hitler brains, communist space dogs, and on and on and on. Both are stuck with their formulas, but rape and murder in this comic will not happen with a monkey that has the brain of Hitler.
I still have to disagree there. Take a look at Usagi Yojimbo, a close cousin of the Western comic. The whole Western genre throughout multimedia basically comes from Musashi Miyamoto, the basis for Usagi. Usagi has been ongoing for over 100 issues, and is strong and varied. I don’t disagree with you about the themes in Jonah Hex getting a little overused, but Usagi Yojimbo is kind of proof that a Western-type comic can last a long, long time without getting stale. Perhaps Palmiotti and Gray should give Stan Sakai a look for some theme advice. The sooner the better – you know this book is going to last at least through 2010 with the movie coming out and all…
Looks like I need to get into some Usagi.
Invincible Iron Man #10, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/04/09 ON TIME
Overall this issue was much better than the last one… talk about bouncing back. The thing with Maria Hill, well, that was weird, but ok, Tony’s kind of a playboy, so maybe I could see it.
As usual, Fraction is making a weird concept work. Having Osborne the head of HAMMER seems totally off, but for some reason he is making for one heck of an antagonist here. I can’t wait to see where he this story will end up.
Tony’s been making goo-goo boink eyes at Hill for most of this series… it made sense that they sort of hated each other so much, that they’d get together, self-loathing style. Fraction is definitely firing on all cylinders on this book – and I definitely have no clue where this story is going to go… now that Tony is being stripped of all his cash and (soon enough) his smarts. Guy is soooooo screwed.
Tony makes goo-goo boink eyes at everything female, it’s his thing.
As far as him losing everything, well, that isn’t exactly new (it has been done before), but it is certainly being handled well. Tony kind of got broken in Civil War, he wasn’t called the biggest villain in the Marvel Universe for no reason. It is interesting to see that he is redeeming himself and becoming a real hero once again by being painted the villain.
Of course, Fraction’s writing is making it work flawlessly. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Green Lantern Corps #33, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/11/09 ON TIME
A pretty good issue. Outside of the last two pages (which were totally confusing), I rather enjoyed this one. I like seeing each of the different Corps in action – having the different cultures develop so strongly is really going to contribute well to the upcoming event.
I’m glad Geoff Johns ended up “sharing” and spreading the colour love around a bit – lemme tell you, it’s caused Corps sales to uptick closer to regular Green Lantern levels… which is a good thing. But I’m not sold on these “Omens & Origins” back-ups. While they’re being handled 100% better than the previous month’s banner initiative, in most cases it seems to throw off a book’s pacing. This was definitely one of those cases.
The Origins and Omens thing frankly is a horrible idea, and I haven’t seen a single good one yet. DC needs to stop screwing around with gimmicks and get back to focusing on good storytelling. That hasn’t been their focus since Infinite Crisis finished up, and they have paid dearly for it.
For as much crap Marvel gets for their gimmicks, you have to admit, when they do one anymore, they do it right. More often than not, the only thing insteresting about the Origins and Omens pages are the page or so devoted to “The Future”… and some of those are executed pretty badly…
That’s just it. I hate it when Marvel pulls the gimmicks, but they are good at it. The thing about DC was that they were always good at just telling quality stories that spoke for themselves. They have abandoned that in favor of the Marvel mold, and it just isn’t working for them. Not in the slightest.
DC is definitely strongest when it’s not Marvel. Sounds weird, but it’s true.
Supergirl #38, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/18/09 ON TIME
Oh boy, the best I can say with this issue is meh. I couldn’t bring myself to care one bit about anything that was happening here. The tiny revelation was portrayed as huge when it was next to nothing, and the whole rest of the issue felt like padding. I am not feeling inspired to continue on this book much longer.
This book needs an infusion of jetpacks. Or talking bears. Or a talking bear wearing a jetpack. Or Abe Lincoln wearing a jetpack, fighting a talking bear. Or something else interesting. Like Craig’s saying, it’s kind’ve a bland book. Not bad… just bland.
I think a talking bear wearing a jetpack and a stove-top hat would make this title a little more interesting. But that’s just the thing – I don’t care about what is happening here one bit. Art’s good, but that’s really about all I can say about it.
A talking bear wearing a jetpack and a stove-top hat would make any title more interesting. The Adventures of Jetpack Bear and Cap’n Stove Top Hat would sell billions. Billions!
It would make it to the list, that is for sure…
Wonder Woman #29, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/25/09 ON TIME
Well, yawn. Seriously… I wanted Gail Simone to be great on this title, I really do. I gave her way longer than I would have given almost any other writer.
But this is just bad. I can’t muster any reason to really care about this book at all. This arc is a great example of that – there is zero focus. Each issue dances around a different plot point, which becomes totally irrelevant by the time the next issue hits. It is becoming painfully obvious that the acclaim Gail Simone is getting for this book from some camps is simply because she is Gail Simone, and little more.
You know, you covered absolutely everything I wanted to say. The only thing that’s stopping this book from being great, is just a little bit of focus – I know this is meant to be an epic, but the strands just aren’t pulling together snug enough for my liking.
You are kinder than I. This title seems like it was supposed to be a grand tapestry, but someone let a cat get in the basket of yarn.
Nova #22, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/25/09 ON TIME
See, this is how it is done. Real plot movement, instead of a tease wrapped in 20 pages of padding. Much, much better. Of course, we all knew there was something wrong with Worldmind, but DnA has done a great job of showing us the sights along the way. This ties into the War of Kings story fairly well, and I think we have a pretty decent explanation as to why Richard ends up with Wendell’s powers. Good stuff.
Richard ends up with what now? Truth is, other than checking the creative team notes, I haven’t been reading too deep into the solicits for Nova and Guardians and whatnot. Blerg. Aaaanyway, yeah, this issue was all kinds of awesome. Somewhere in the middle of the last issue, I was starting to wonder if Worldmind was right – because on the surface, everything did seem fine. But man, it looks like the crap’s going to hit the fan, and in a big way. And knowing DnA, this book will be readable on its own during all the War of Kings hoopla, just like it was during Annihilation: Conquest and Secret Invasion. I actually kinda’ doubt this book will leave the $40 Pull as long as they continue to write it.
Oh yeah… spoiler? Oops? Well, it is plastered all over the solicits, so I don’t feel too bad.
See, prior to this issue, DnA did a fantastic job allowing for the possibility that either could be right – Worldmind or Richard. But this issue off the bat settled it when they went through Worldmind’s recruitment process. The moment you saw that he was causing their brains to release endorphins, you knew something was up.
My gut tells me that the Nova Corps eventually will be no more. All the signs point to that. Richard’s entire body has been molecularly altered to hold the Nova Force. The Nova Corps will never be seen as anything other than a goofy-rip off of the Green Lantern Corps. And let’s face it – Nova reached its popularity peak when it was just one guy with a lot of power. Excellent fan service for those of us who have followed Nova for many years to make the ultimate end of the Corps such an awesome story. Could be wrong, but my gut says otherwise.
Avengers: The Initiative #22, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 02/25/09 ON TIME
Full circle in a single issue – here we find current events working all the way back to the first issue of the series, and the death of Michael Van Patrick. We also get some strong development for his clones, the Scarlet Spiders – all in an action-packed issue.
I will say that the styles of Humberto Ramos and Edgar Delgado clash horribly. Ramos’s style doesn’t work with lots of lines and shadows, and that’s what we got here. It wasn’t terrible, but it could have been better.
I still like this book, and the art didn’t bother me a whole lot. Ramos has certainly come a long way from his issues of Spider-Man with Paul Jenkins… sometimes, you could barely make out what was happening, because there was so much chaos on the page. I agree, darkness doesn’t really suit his art, but it definitely suits the tone of the script.
Oh, definitely. Though, truth be told, I liked his stuff with Jenkins on Spider-Man. Here, there was just a very pronounced clash. Again, nothing to be overly concerned with, but it was worth pointing out.
Teen Titans #68, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/25/09 ON TIME
This wasn’t half bad – it was focused, Kid Eternity’s inclusion made a little more sense, and we got some solid development for Red Devil. Not bad on the whole, really. Could have been better, but I get the feeling that something is preventing the plot from really moving forward. The Origins and Omens back-up kind of gave a clue about why… I fear that DC is working on yet another Mega Event. This makes me sad – it is almost as if they are intent on destroying everything good about their universe. Blackest Night is not something that needs to infect the entire DCU, and by doing so, they are going to do more harm than good.
Are you sufficiently ready for this? I, uh… I enjoyed this issue. It wasn’t spectacular, but a huge step in the right direction after last issue. There was a lot more cohesion, and a lot less with the cutesy backhanded nicknames between Blue Beetle and Red Devil. Next issue is the last before the big Titans crossover… so while this book might survive to live another month on this list, I’m afraid it won’t last much longer, if we’re only getting half the story…
Proof #17, $3.50, Image. Due Out 02/25/09 ON TIME
If nothing else, this is an Image title that was on time two straight months in a row. That really is saying something!
In all seriousness, it wasn’t bad at all. The titular character was absent… but in a way I think that helped me. While there were references to some continuity items, they weren’t needed to understand the story at all. “Proof knows this thing, now this is its story.” I liked it. A fairly enjoyable opening story – the back-up seemed more a continuation of what was going on in the rest of the Proof-verse… which made it a little harder to follow and thus a little less enjoyable. But more than passable.
This is an Image book that’s been on time for 17 months – really, its just rock solid for shipping. I hope that the next issue (which starts the next “arc”) can be an easy pick up, because I really think this is a book you’re going to end up enjoying. One of my favourite reads each and every month.
This time around, a good chunk of the art was done by the back-up artist… and really, what a novel idea… have a guy whose already contributing to your book help out when the regular artist needs a break.
Hey, you know me. I am all for filler artists on occasion. If they have found a way to make the idea more palatable to everyone, then so be it.
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #4 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 02/25/09 ON TIME
The best part about this issue was the Johnny Cloud appearance… though he was in a fighter instead of a PT-boat. Actually, the change was better. I don’t know if Booth, Griffith, and the rest of the squadron were established characters in DC’s war-catalogue or not… Tucci might be drawing on something a little too obscure for me. Still – the concept is cool – I can see a 12 issue series around a fighter squadron being a real treat. Especially from an artistic standpoint.
Alas, for the meat of the issue, however, I am kind of leaning towards your side of the fence. It was pretty, for sure, but there was no meat to the story. Seemed like Tucci took a time-out to get political. Man, I hate that. Is there truth to the message he was trying to convey? Probably. But that is a deep and nuanced debate. I don’t read comics for that – I wanted the story, not the soapboxing. Basically… there is a more appropriate forum for that kind of thing. I probably wouldn’t have been as bothered by it if it wasn’t the only thing going on in this issue…
Yeah, once again, I was bored out of my mind. Very pretty, very capable, but still. The political part… unfortunately, it ends up being in a lot of war stuff. If you’re getting shot at, chances are, after a while, you’re gonna’ get sick of it.
THE CHOPPING BLOCK
This won’t be much of a surprise to you, but I think it is finally time to pull the plug on Wonder Woman. This title for several arcs has hung on based on hype. “It’s Gail Simone writing it, she is often good at the slow build, and needs a little time to establish herself… it’s Gail Simone writing Wonder Woman.” Enough is enough though. The excitement of having her on the title has worn off, and it is time to accept the fact that she just isn’t getting the job done. Her stories are all over the place, and it is even more frustrating because there is some good stuff in there, but it gets glossed over constantly in favor of things that make no sense at all. Time for Wonder Woman to go.
Agreed, actually. But only if we take Bang! Tango with it.
You think I am done cutting here? Agreed – Bang! Tango is out. And I will raise you Supergirl. My patience is done on that one. I had high hopes that the new creative team would turn things around. While it is better than it was – it still stopped being interesting once New Krypton ended.
That can be arranged. And I didn’t think I’d be saying this… but… let’s keep Teen Titans.
Agreed.
DROPPED
Wonder Woman
Supergirl
Bang! Tango
TITLES FOR MARCH
X-Men/Spider-Man #4, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/04/09
Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #4, $2.99, Dark Horse. Due Out 03/04/09
Jonah Hex #41, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/04/09
Invincible Iron Man #11, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/11/09
Green Lantern Corps #34, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/11/09
Nova #23, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/25/09
Teen Titans #69, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 03/25/09
Proof #18, $3.50, Image. Due Out 03/25/09
Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion #5 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 04/15/09
Avengers: The Initiative #23, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 04/22/09
NEW TITLES
Well, I am responsible for Bang! Tango, so I am going to punt the first selection here. What do you have in mind?
Craig? Seriously? Ghost Rider.
Jason Aaron. Tony Moore. B-movie, grindhouse hillbilly horror. Your face will love this book.
I suppose I asked for that one. I hope you are right, but do keep in mind that the last Ghost Rider comic I actually enjoyed starred Dan Ketch. So we will see.
Well, looking at the list, we have dropped three titles, and two more are not being released in March. Avengers: The Initiative is off in March, but they are releasing a one-shot, Avengers: The Initiative Featuring Reptil. Dunno what to make of that, but since we aren’t getting a regular issue, we might as well add that one.
After that, this leaves us $5.56 (before tax) to fill. Looking over the DC list, there really isn’t much there that appeals to me (what is it with DC these days?). There are two events starting up next month – Battle For The Cowl, which could be interesting, and fills the DC quotient. On the other hand, War of Kings also starts up, and from past experience, this event is probably going to be something special. Both are $3.99 books, which means we can only pick one. What do you think?
Well, if we’re going for track record, I’d stick with War of Kings. DnA have rocked the sauce with every cosmic thing they’ve touched. And honestly? While I know it’s a comic book staple, there is little to no reason why a bunch of adult heroes need to spend three issues fighting it out to see who “deserves” to be Batman.
Oh, and the Ghost Rider series? Entirely has Danny Ketch in it. See, him and Johnny Blaze totally fought it out during the last arc, with the fate of heaven hanging in the balance of their awesome motorcycle race across the earth. Of course, that didn’t go entirely well, because it was interrupted by the dude what got his hand chopped off by a cannibal in Jason Aaron’s first arc on the book…
I can’t argue with your logic there. Of the two, I wanted to get War of Kings, but somehow felt duty bound to get Battle For The Cowl. Glad to see I am not alone in my instinct, War of Kings it is.
Ghost Rider #33, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/11/09
Avengers: The Initiative Feturing Reptil #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/25/09
War of Kings #1 $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 03/04/09
THE MATH
Budget = $40.00 + $.91 (bank) = $40.91
$40.91 (Budget) – $36.40 (March Titles) – $2.82 (Tax) = $1.69 Banked For April
THE ARCHIVES
2007 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12
2008 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12
2009 – 1 – 2
The opinions in this article are the writer’s alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of X-World Comics or comiXtreme.com.
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