July 2010

by: Craig Reade and Brandon Schatz    
Craig Reade:Welcome to the first edition of the $40 Pull List on the brand new comixtreme.com! By way of reintroduction, I am the Administrator of comixtreme, and my partner is our esteemed Comics Editor, Brandon Schatz    .

Brandon Schatz     : Please, don’t call me esteemed. It makes me sound respectable. And considering the fact that I was very close to making an “esteemed vegetable” joke, we should not be trying to make me sound respectable.

Reade: Ahem.

And my partner is our sauteed Comics Editor, Brandon Schatz     .

Schatz: Delicious. What say we start this, yeah?

Reade: Outstanding. Decidedly not-live from Nanuktuk, and all that jazz. off we go.

JUNE ISSUES Demo #5 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 06/02/10 ON TIME

Written by Brian Wood, Art by Becky Cloonan

Elizabeth isn’t a happy person. While the life she’s built for herself is flush with success, her nights are spent alone mostly, emotional damage from her childhood leaking into her later years, poisoning her ability to let someone – anyone – in. One day, after erasing a night of passion from existence, she decides to fix this by using her ability to go through time to talk to herself from years past. Every piece of sci fi bullshit tells her that this will end horribly, that time-space will collapse in upon itself, sending shards of the future off into startling and terrifying directions… but whatever, she’s going to be careful.

First, she meets Evey – the one girl who was always there for her. It soon becomes apparent to Elizabeth what she must tell her younger self, and how. Sitting herself down, she attempts to steer a teenage mind away from what it naturally wants to do – cling to the experiences as they’re happening, believing that nothing will be more important than what’s happening right now. She knows that if she does this, it will ruin her in the future – and nobody really wants to be miserable.

In short order, she returns to the present, to find her father waiting for her. She got her ability to travel through time from him, it seems, and he’s here to make sure that. She takes out her frustrations with her father’s actions in her past on him in the present. It does not end well for him, but it ends in the sweetest way possible for her.

Reade: The best way that I can sum up this issue is “a confusing story that ends up good.” Occasionally Wood lapses into this unneeded dreamy, disconnected narrative voice that I think hurts his work, but is expected to maintain his “indie cred.”

Overall the issue is solid, has a good half-twist, and has a good purpose. If something could have been done to clear the fog we got in the first half, it would have been much better.

Schatz: I honestly have no idea why you were confused during that first half. Elizabeth bangs some poor girl, regrets the decision to let her stay the night, and goes back in time to correct that mistake.

Reade: I didn’t say I was confused, I said the presentation was confusing. The presentation of what was going on was not very clear – there was all this extra flourish and deliberately forced “artsyness” that I felt hurt an otherwise decent story.

Schatz: The best way you could sum the story up was “a confusing story that ends up good”. But I get the shape of your idea. Demo was and is built for story telling that’s just a little more avant-garde, which in this case, doesn’t not mean “douchily pretentious”… like it normally does.

Reade: Actually, that’s exactly how I would define it, but I was trying to be a little kinder by referring to his “Indie Cred.” Avant-garde used to refer to art that was forward thinking and innovative. Now its just a word that artists who do crappy work used to try and make you look stupid for not liking their stuff.

Wood is better than that. What we got in the beginning of this issue struck me as an example of “Old habits die hard.” We see a lot of this kind of thing in Independent comics because most of the writers aren’t very skilled, and hide their inexperience crafting strong comic strips with artsy-looking fluff.

Anyway – I know how you feel about Wood, and I am really not trying to bash him, but I have to be honest – I am not sure he knew quite how to start this issue. It is plain that the resolution was well defined in his mind when he sat down to write this, I just think he could have done a better job getting there.

Schatz: Well, clearly you’re wrong.

—

The Thanos Imperative #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/02/10 ON TIME

Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Art by Miguel Sepulveda, Color by Jay David Ramos

We start with a flashback – two years ago, during the Annihilation War. Nova and Star-Lord have a little heart to heart about the nature of Galactic War, and what happens when “Abstracts” get involved. Back in the present, Thanos has escaped, and is about to beat Star-Lord to a pulp when an armored Rocket Raccoon arrives and manages to talk Thanos down.

Thanos safely reconfined, the team turns its attention back to the Fault. They get a communication from the Imperial Kree Fleet, informing them that the Universal Church has opened the Fault, and that they are under attack by the creatures from the other side. The battle is a disaster, but one noticed from afar by the Silver Surfer.

Meanwhile, back in the Cancerverse, Lord Mar-Vell talks with Vaugh, or the Cancerverse Quasar, and orders him to assemble the Revengers to hunt down the Avatar of Death in this universe. The Guardians discuss their options back on Knowhere, and decide that they need to unleash Thanos into the fight. Back on the Resolute Duty, Nova, Quasar, Robbie Rider and Namorita fight for their lives at the mouth of the Fault, when the Revengers arrive from the other side. Meanwhile, the Guardians of the Galaxy deploy with Thanos, and run into trouble of their own.

Schatz: I’m trying to remember if that conversation really happened in the pages of Annihilation, or just in between. If they happened on the page, that’s pretty damn snazzy – but even if they didn’t, its a nice scene.

Reade: I am pretty sure it didn’t – there weren’t too many quiet moments in Annihilation, and whenever they had a scene like that, Richard was usually crawling out of a tent with Gamora or something.

Speaking of Gamora, I am really looking forward to the eventual encounter with Namorita.

Schatz: Yeah, I have a feeling that Gamora isn’t going to take Namorita well for some reason. Though with the pace of this series, there might not be time for too much of that.

Reade: For some reason, I picture Gamora just ignoring her, actually having no problem that Richard had a “diversion,” it isn’t like she didn’t while they were apart. I think the tension will come from Namorita not wanting to be considered a non-issue.

Alas, you are probably right. Just one more reason I am not thrilled Nova was canned. Dammit.

—

iZombie #2, $2.99, DC Comics/Vertigo. Due Out 06/09/10 ON TIME

Written by Chris Robertson, Art by Michael Allred, Color by Laura Allred

The book starts with a quick look at the were-terrier’s real job (tech support, no wonder he can’t get a date, pow!) and then we return to look in on Gwen, who is dealing with the memories of her most recently consumed brain. Turns out the guy was murdered, and he really wants to find out who did it. The only clues she has are painted – which sets her off on the trail of a bandaged man (who makes his first appearance in this series here, but was featured heavily in the prologue to this tale in last year’s House of Mystery Halloween Special). Meanwhile, a few vampire vixens talk about the ins and outs of properly baiting and consuming foolish young men , and some crazy looking detectives start… detecting. And junk.

Reade: This might come as a surprise to you, but I actually liked this issue. Sadly, it re-enforced my opinion that last issue was drivel, only because we finally got to the story. I believe that Robertson tried to get way too cutesy with the introduction, and as a result, a lot of the last issue was completely wasted. If they would have added a page to this issue with a cast of characters (This chick’s a ghost, etc), they could have forgotten the last issue all together. This made a way stronger introduction, and actually had a hook worth caring about.

Schatz: I’m very shocked. Personally, I liked this issue a little less than the first. Either way, I have a tough time thinking that first issue was useless. It entertained me, and it was a buck. But hey, whatever, I’m not going to look a horse in its teeth on any other Tuesday if you’re happy enough to keep this book around.

Reade: There was definite plot advancement in this issue, and it made that random encounter with the vampire chicks in issue one actually make sense. I guess I am just not the kind of reader that needs an overblown, contrived character introduction… I honestly learned more about each of the characters from this issue than I did the last.

You do bring up a good point though – the $1 issue. Maybe I was expecting too much out of this issue – it seemed more like an issue #0 preview than a full blown issue #1. Strange how a number can change so much.

Schatz: I hate zero issues. Seriously, try explaining their existence to anyone not hip deep into comics. Ridiculous.

Reade: It’s quite simple. An issue #0 is a series preview. Which seems like the effort put into iZombie #1.

Kinda moot really – this issue was much better, taking it from “humoring Brandon” to “I’m kinda interested myself.” So positive step!

Schatz: In theory a zero issue is a preview. Or with DC, it ties in with an old event. Or with Avatar, it’s either a preview of the first five pages of the first issue with extras, or its sixteen pages of an actual story, which will leave people completely lost by issue #1. And then there’s Boom, which launched all their Pixar ongoings with zero issues – that weren’t prologues but full fledged outings. And, and, and…

Zero issues are a headache – I’d rather a first issue at a cheep price point than a zero issue with a cheep price point any day.

Reade: I can appreciate that, but if they are going to number it #1, they should make sure it is a good starting issue. iZombie #1 had nothing to make you want to read on, and nothing that couldn’t be explained on a character introduction page was needed to follow what happened in this issue.

I don’t disagree with you. I like cheap issue #1s, and I wouldn’t miss #0s if they vanished.

—

Booster Gold #33, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/09/10 ON TIME

Written by Keith Giffen & J.M. Dematteis, Pencils by Chris Batista, Colors by Hi-Fi, Inks by rich Perrotta & Prentis Rollins

Rip Hunter plays babysitter for Rani while Booster looks for Max Lord, but gets a Scottish behemoth named Brigadoom instead. After a quick victory, Booster heads to a coffee shop and runs into Cyborg, who lectures him about the property damage he caused, and chastises him for not waiting for the Justice League. Booster Gold snaps, and lays into Cyborg, finally leaving in disgust. But why doesn’t Cyborg know who Maxwell Lord is? Booster comes up with a plan to prove Max Lord existed, and decides to go back in time and get that evidence from his time in the JLI itself.

Unfortunately, Booster lasts about 3 seconds, as the Martian Manhunter instantly sees that this Booster is not the Booster Gold of his time. Booster manages to worm his way out of trouble, and after a few close encounters with old Leaguers, he finds the proof he thinks he needs. Unfortunately, it doesn’t survive the trip.

Schatz: There are weird holes in my Booster Gold collection. When Geoff Johns left the book, I grabbed Dan Jurgens’ first two issues as a writer, but it didn’t grab me. So I quit – until the Blue Beetle back-ups started up… and then those stopped (and were skipped over during the Blackest Night tie-ins) and I dropped the book again. And now…

I don’t think I’ve ever said this in the $40 Pull List setting, but I love, love, love me some JLI – so clearly, I loved this issue. Plus, man, do you get a bang for your buck with all this reading material.

Reade: JLI is something I like occasionally. I mean, if they were ever to bring the title back, it would likely be terrible within a year. But occasions like this where old members feel forced to defend their honor – it works very well.

Schatz: Oh, JLI is definitely a time-and-place thing, and works today in just short bursts… but man, do I miss the days where superheroes were having fun. Reading those, you never felt like anyone hated their “job” – and serious stuff still happened and hit hard.

Reade: You will get no argument from me. There is far too much angst and stress in comics today – it seems like the creators all think that this means realism. I think a healthy dose of escapism is in order.

Schatz: Exactly why I’m enjoying the crap out of this book right now.

Reade: For real. I mean, there is dark, angsty stuff here, but the levity overwhelms it. Booster’s appearance in Power Girl being the exact opposite of what we are seeing here.

I’m willing to give this team a chance for a while.

—

Birds of Prey #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/16/10 ON TIME

Written by Gail Simone, Pencils by Ed Benes and Adriana Melo, Colors by Nei Ruffino, Ink by Ed Benes and Marian Benes.

Black Canary and Huntress square off against the White Canary (who I guess they believe not to be Shiva after all… here I thought it pretty clearly was), and fight her pretty well to a standstill, despite help.

Black Canary realizes that whoever this White Canary is, she isn’t Shiva, and she hates Dinah with a passion. Oracle realizes that the fight was a set-up, and that the Black Canary is going to be framed for murder.After the police arrive to make the arrest, the team decides to fight – and things begin to unravel. Oracle realizes just how precisely they’ve been played – their public image is quickly and completely destroyed, and a call from Creote confirms the worst… the White Canary is making good on her pledge to kill, and Savant is her first victim.

Creote becomes her second when he takes his own life. Black Canary is destroyed publicly when her identity is revealed, and the world is told how she “abandoned” Sin. Could this be a clue to the White Canary’s identity? Oracle resolves to put an end to the manipulation, and gets to work.

Schatz: Part of me wants to say that it’s Sin – which chronologically wouldn’t quite make sense – but frick, this is comics, and Ed Benes is a, uh… interesting artist, so who knows.

Reade: Yeah, I definitely get the impression that it is Sin at this point. And she was prepubescent when we last saw her, and we all know that in comics, girls instantly become these voluptuous sex-pots the moment they turn 15. That, or there is some weird time travel thing going on.

Simone really mishandled the introduction of the White Canary I think. She used an identity associated with Shiva, had the protagonists do the “It can’t be her, if it is her, she’s gotten so much better!” What villain doesn’t come back bigger and badder? It’s a nitpick, but the last issue basically screamed “Shiva is back!” But this issue, we are told right off the bat that isn’t the case. It’s like that old Batman serial in the 40s where Batman’s plane crashes, and at the beginning of the next episode he just stands up out of the wreckage, dusts himself off, and walks away with no explanation. Great in cheesy serials, not so good in a comic that is supposed to be a little more sophisticated.

Anyway, a minor complaint. This issue was far stronger than the last one.

Schatz: As far as I know, you were the only person who thought it was Shiva. Though to be fair, I only asked one other guy in the shop. He also said you’re gay.

Reade: That’s because he didn’t see what I did to his Mom. ZING!

I also have to compliment the art in this issue – it was very well done. Even if you are bothered by Benes’ usual presentation of the heroines, the look of this issue was something I am not sure I have seen in comics before. Though I should probably credit Ruffino for that – the colors were outstanding.

Schatz: That, and the other artist that filled in for a large chunk of the issue. Way to hit those deadlines, Benes.

Reade: For real. My philosophy on comic art remains the same. If a guy can’t hit deadlines, hire one of the next hungry, high-skilled guys dying for the job. Melo’s work was fantastic. I’d love to see him work on this book again.

Schatz: Me too. Unfortunately, he’s not going to float the sales as much as Benes will – and trust me, he’s sold quite a few. It boggles my mind, because I’m not really a fan of his, but whatever.

Reade: Benes is a decent artist… he’s obviously well-liked for a single reason. But he isn’t that good an artist, especially when you consider his back-up blew him off the page.

This is why I dislike comic fans so much… it’s all brand over quality. It’s like the AT&T store the day a new iPhone is launched.

Schatz: The new what? And what’s an AT&T. You mean like a Telus, or a Rogers?

Reade: A place that sells shiny boxes because they are pretty. People line up for shiny boxes that don’t really do much, but look good. And even though they are sold out, the people won’t buy the shiny boxes that actually do something. They want the iBox.

Schatz: The time Drunk Scott took my phone, I had to phone and get a replacement one – and the lady on the other end was going on and on about these phones that did things, and I kept going, “Does it phone out?” All I want is a phone that does phone stuff. Kids these days.

—

Batman Beyond #1 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/16/10 ON TIME

Written by Adam Beechen, Pencils by Ryan Benjamin, Color by David Baron, Ink by John Stanisci

At Cadmus Labs, one of their high-profile “residents” has escaped, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. Amanda Waller quickly goes into damage control mode, looking to protect Cadmus from the backlash of having that particular resident running loose.

Meanwhile, Batman is having a hard week, tangling with a Jokerz convention, a couple of nights of Inque, he’s running out of steam dealing with Spellbinder. But that old slave-driver Bruce Wayne isn’t having any of his whining. After wrapping up Spellbinder, Bruce sends him on to deal with an arson. Terry’s interrupted by Micron, who once again offers Terry a position in the Justice League, an offer once again declined.

The fugitive kills again – this time the victim is an old Bat-foe named Signalman – to leave Batman a message, and Terry is sent out to investigate. He decides to check on the Mad Hatter, but after finding that it’s not Jervis Tetch in the cell, they quickly realize what old Bat-villain is on the loose.

Schatz: Is it an old Bat villain? I’m not just saying that because the introduced villain is a fairly recent addition to Batman’s rouges… I’m just saying I don’t think it’s the same guy.

Reade: Yeah, I am pretty sure it is Hush, which is a real disappointment. So far, things are fitting his MO, and I can’t see Amanda Waller caring about someone she didn’t see as a serious threat that way. Plus, they print the title on the very last page, the kind of thing they do when there is a Spoiler in the title. Though they really didn’t need to – I guessed about who it was pretty much right away.

Just about any other Bat-villain would have been a better pick to me – I thought Hush was a lot of hype, and not much more. Hell, from the way they built him up being drug resistant, I thought at first we might be dealing with Bane. Hush was an enormous let-down.

Schatz: I should be more specific – I don’t think it’s the Hush. It’s clear that the story is going to feature the villain, but there’s going to be a twist.

Reade: That is entirely possible, but I am not sure which is worse, the actual Hush, or someone emulating Hush.

Schatz: As long as the motivation is similar, then it should all work out. I’m not sure if it completely fits properly with the MO, but I thought it would be neat if this Hush turned out to be Derek Powers.

Reade: What was Hush’s motivation again? I am not even sure I remember what it is.

Derek Powers would be a solid antagonist here. They’d have to drop the Hugh gimmick pretty quick though…. I’d much prefer his comic introduction to be something a little more solid than “irradiated Hush wannabe.”

Actually, strike that. I hope it isn’t him at all. That would be depressing.

Schatz: Well, it all depends on how they play it. Hush was supposed to be some kind on yang to Batman’s yin – in that Hush hated his parents as a child, and orchestrated their deaths – which didn’t come to pass because Thomas Wayne saved his mom. Basically, I was old Bruce would be like, “Hush hates Batman, because of something retarded that happened in the past”, which would mesh with Powers. But it would really all come down to execution.

—

DC Universe Legacies #2 (of 10), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/16/10 ON TIME

Written by Len Wein, Art by Scott Kolins, Andy Kubert, Joe Kubert, J.H. Williams III, and Dave Stewart.

We begin again with the elderly Paulie, reminiscing about the Justice Society and the groups like the Seven Soldiers that followed them. He goes back again to this youth, beginning after his encounter with Sandman and The Atom, where he is working as a paper boy, while his delinquent friend Jimmy is living far more comfortably, looking to unsuccessfully recruit him again. Some hooligans try and force Paulie to give them a cut of his earnings, and when he refuses they work him over a bit, when some of the Guardian’s Newsboy Legion arrive to save the day.

The Justice Society is attacked by the newly formed Injustice Gang, but they ultimately prevail. Jimmy’s boss, Vandal Savage is busted, and Jimmy barely escapes. He goes looking for Paulie for some money to help him get to Gotham, where Ra’s al Ghul is apparently looking for henchmen. His sister comes looking for him, and begs him to go straight – but he reacts angrily. Paulie then makes an enemy of his former friend when he stops him from beating his own sister.

Later, the Justice Society is grilled by a Congressional Committee, who is insisting that they remove their masks.

The second story starts with the Seven Soldiers of Victory being challenged by The Black Star, who even goes so far as to tell them where he will be striking. The team goes out to stop him, but it all turns out to be an elaborate ruse woven by The Dummy, who just wanted to distract them while he robbed the Museum of History. Somehow, the Seven Soldiers arrive to stop him.

Schatz: This book has been a pleasant surprise for me. The stories are solid and feature some fantastic art – these issues are done by the Kuberts’, the next will be done by Jose Garcia-Lopez and then there’s some George Perez – hitting the different influences from different eras. I love it.

Reade: The art is really helping to make this series as good as it is – if they tried to portray these guys with more modern styles, it wouldn’t come off nearly as well.

I always loved the Guardian, and I am glad to see that he got a little page-time here. He is one character that I would always love to see again. The Manhattan Guardian series was decent, but something about the modern era really doesn’t suit the Guardian. A Newsboy Legion would have to be a Blogger Brigade or something like that. Not the same flavor at all.

Schatz: I actually really enjoyed the Manhattan Guardian stuff, with the subway pirates, and his job as the exclusive Superhero of the paper – goosing sales. To me, that’s how a paper might try and survive in the world of comics.

Reade: Oh, I am not saying that series wasn’t good – I don’t think it would have lasted long. Then again, it is kind of a mistake to think that a character isn’t worth having around unless they can carry an ongoing. I think comics are worse for the lack of quality back-ups. I understand that you need someone who can sell an issue, but there is no reason you can’t have random characters spotlighted in back-up stories. We are seeing a little more of that now, but it isn’t anywhere near enough.

Heck, this Legacies concept would make a great occasional back-up feature. Old-school heroes with old-school-feeling art. I like it.

—

Zatanna #2, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 06/23/10 ON TIME

Written by Paul Dini, Pencils by Stephane Roux, Color by John Kalisz, Inks by Karl Story and Stephane Roux

Zatanna is tapped by the JLA to stop a mass of were-hyenas from attacking New Orleans, with the help of Vixen and Black Canary. The hyenas are quickly dispatched, and Zatanna goes home to pass out. While she sleeps, the Lord of Nightmares (Fuseli!) searches for a way to penetrate her mansion, but decides to pass the time by twisting the dreams of a few nearby people. Zatanna finally asleep, he probes into her mind and strikes – battling Zatanna at the request of Brother Night.

Brother Night reveals himself to Dale Colton, and tells of his plans to take over all the crime in San Francisco. He also bears a gift… the deaths of three of the cities criminals, and a promise for more if the is allowed to operate.

Schatz: Well, damn. I was all set to hate this, but… this story was pretty good. I mean, very good – and despite there being a small child trapped in a world of nightmares, there was nary a threat of Rape! Which is odd for DC Comics lately.

Reade: Heh – the story wasn’t terrible, if a bit uncreative. Demons haunting your dreams is hardly a new concept.

I have to say, after two issues, I completely hate how Dini portrays Zatanna. Hate it. He is more concerned with putting her in situations where she might be mostly naked than he is having her solve problems. Zatanna is a character with so much potential, and he is wasting her. Bugs the hell out of me.

Schatz: Ha! Irony. I was just happy that there wasn’t a whole lot of rapey subtext to this issue, and so I counted it as an improvement. Truthfully, Paul Dini writing a story about his wife… oh no wait, sorry, Zatanna always makes me feel like he’s writing creepy fan-fic (especially ones in which her and Batman hook up), so I wouldn’t be adverse to sending this one out to pasture.

Reade: I think you pretty well nailed it. Zatanna is more interested in going to bed than she is performing, or fighting to protect the innocent. This Zatanna doesn’t study, doesn’t expand her mind to understand the mysteries of reality – she gets naked a lot.

Don’t share your overall negative opinion of Dini, but he should be damned ashamed of himself for this.

Schatz: Well, here’s my problem with Paul Dini’s DC comics work – he’s got some great ideas sometimes, but most of the work comes across as being way too self indulgent, as if there’s no one at the company telling him “no”, because he’s Paul Dini. I won’t argue with the fact that he’s written some of the best Batman stories ever, both in film and in comic book form – but seriously, the guy needs to keep his fetishes in check.

—

Power Girl #13, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 06/23/10 ON TIME

Written by Judd Winick, Art by Sami Basri, Colors by Sunny Gho

Karen Starr is briefly seen at the office, then she is summoned by Superman, who is rounding up every hero he can to try and track down the resurfaced Maxwell Lord. After a little background on who Max Lord is, some of the Justice Society members check out the Justice League International Embassy in Moscow, in which are some mercenaries having a stand-off with local police. They develop a workable plan, but they are interrupted by Booster Gold, who has plans of his own.

Back at Starrware Industries, Karen learns that their bank is sending some executives for a visit, and that her Head of Finance has been missing for three days.

Back to the present, a frustrated Power Girl heads to Northern China to check out a lead, and finds a factory filled with OMACs. The fight goes poorly for her, until they mysteriously stop – and Max Lord finds a way to make the entire world forget he exists.

We see a quick recap of Power Girl’s most current origin story, and then learn that all of Starrware’s assets have vanished.

Schatz: Well, that’s quite a tone shift. I mean, Winick totally gets points for referencing The Wire, and for telling a pretty coherent story without much cringe-worthy dialogue, but I’m not sure if I’m in the mood for keeping on.

Reade: The tone was totally different. Starrware was presented as a relatively small company in the last dozen issues, here it is more of a corporation, and she the CEO with half a dozen lackeys following her around. I’m not totally impressed with this either – a fun, unique title has become somewhat dry and overdone.

Schatz: A title to get back to when we reach the end, me thinks.

—

Secret Avengers #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 06/30/10 ON TIME

Written by Ed Brubaker, Art by Mike Deodato and Will Conrad, Color by Rain Beredo

Sharon Carter tries to figure out who breached their security. Meanwhile, Captain America and his team arrive on Mars to try and find out what happened to Nova. After they are attacked by an ineffectual squad of soldiers, they split up to follow a few leads on the planet. Each group runs into a unique problem, including three who finally find Nova, wearing the third Serpent Crown, and wielding a strange power.

Schatz: I’ve really enjoyed this story so far. Clearly something screwy is going on, and it looks like Brubaker has a plan for Nova to fight all these people out in space – which should be nifty, should he not go out like a punk. I have a feeling this next issue will be make-or-break for you Craig.

Reade: You might be right. Nothing happened in this issue! It took me like 4 minutes to read it!

The padding is just ridiculous. I love seeing Nova in an Avengers book, and I’ve always kind of liked Moon Knight, but I have no reason to care about any of these other characters, and Brubaker sure isn’t giving me any reason to start.

I should be clear – it’s not terrible – it’s nothing. We’ve gotten about a half an issue’s worth of story over the last two months. That is far too much padding for my taste…

Schatz:This has been my general reasoning for just reading the Avengers titles and a bunch of other books in the store for product knowledge. Clearly, they’re hitting some people’s sweet spots, as they sell like crazy, but I’d rather give my money to books that need it than books that ride comfortably on being “important”.

That said, I’m still enjoying this book.

Reade: I still think that some readers are into the story, and the “universe,” and aren’t really savvy enough to notice the story’s quality. This is the same phenomenon that gives up All Star Batman selling at #1 for a month, and is similar to comic readers who will follow a title into a ditch because they are afraid of missing an issue and breaking their run.

It doesn’t hurt that this isn’t horrible, but jeez – you think they would show a little restraint. Read as a single issue, #1 and #2 together are actually quite passable.

—

The Chopping Block

The List So Far:

Demo #6 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/08/10

iZombie #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/08/10

The Thanos Imperative #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/14/10

Booster Gold #34, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/14/10

Birds of Prey #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/14/10

Power Girl #14, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/14/10

Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/08/10 DELAYED UNTIL 07/14/10

Batman Beyond #2 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/21/10

DC Universe Legacies #3 (of 10), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/21/10

Zatanna #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/21/10

Secret Avengers #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/28/10

Trade Bank Value – $5.25

Amulet 3: The Cloud Searchers, $10.99, Graphix. Due Out 09/1/10

Reade: Cutting to the chase, I am open to dumping Power Girl and Zatanna at this point.

Schatz: Yeah, both aren’t really grabbing me at all. Should probably send them off to pasture.

DROPPED: Power Girl #14, $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/14/10

DROPPED: Zatanna #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/21/10

Reade: I am reasonably satisfied with the rest. Shall we move on?

Schatz: Infinitesimally.

New Books

Reade: Well, I’ve actually got 2 in mind this month – we are very light on Marvel, so I was thinking that Casanova #1 and Hit-Monkey #1 deserve a look. What say you?

Schatz: Casanova! Good lord, Craig, why did you even ask me that question? Matt Fraction, Gabrial Ba and Fabio Moon, all in one hyper-concentrated book. You’re either going to really like it, or absolutely despise it.

ADD: Casanova #1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/08/10

Reade: I take it you are not too hit on Hit-Monkey then?

Schatz: Well, the basic concept is sound, but the last batch of Hit-Monkey stuff left me a little cold. Though to be fair, if you’re up for it, I can be too. See how it goes.

Reade: I am certainly open to discussion. Do you see anything else coming out next month that looks remotely appealing?

I know you are all excited to pick up X-Women…

Schatz: Right? A little digging let me find out that X-Women is drawn by a European artist known for his erotica artwork. Buh.

You know, a glance at that month’s titles says we should probably go with Hit-Monkey. There’s a few others, but I don’t think they’re going to land right for one of us or the other.

ADD: Hit-Monkey #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/08/10

Reade: Well, we are pretty filled to the brim right now. As it stands, we are only going to have 91 cents to put in the bank for Amulet. I say we do this – September 1st is on a Wednesday, so we have two more months to accumulate funds to put in the bank and cover it. And with Demo off the list in August, and Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine once again on hiatus in August, I think it is likely that we will be able to add a little extra in next month.

ADD: $.91 to Trade Bank for Amulet 3: The Cloud Searchers, $10.00, Graphix. Due Out 09/01/10

July List

Demo #6 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due out 07/08/10

iZombie #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/08/10

Casanova#1, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/08/10

Hit-Monkey #1, $2.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/08/10

The Thanos Imperative #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/14/10

Booster Gold #34, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/14/10

Birds of Prey #3, $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/14/10

Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine #2, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/08/10 DELAYED UNTIL 07/14/10

Batman Beyond #2 (of 6), $2.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/21/10

DC Universe Legacies #3 (of 10), $3.99, DC Comics. Due Out 07/21/10

Secret Avengers #3, $3.99, Marvel Comics. Due Out 07/28/10

Trade Bank Value – $6.16

Amulet 3: The Cloud Searchers, $10.99, Graphix. Due Out 09/1/10

The Math

$1.74 (Bank from June) + $40 (July Budget) = $41.74

$41.74 – $37.89 (July issues) – $2.94 – $.91 (Trade Bank Deposit) = $0.00 Banked for August

Reade: I’ve been reasonably pleased with the lack of late issues, though Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine looks like its been pushed back a week, and it also hasn’t been solicited for August. I am not sure if it was meant to be semi-monthly, but there doesn’t seem to be much urgency to put that title out. I don’t think this bodes well.

Schatz: It’s shipping bi-monthly, like a few other titles Marvel has been putting out. Ultimate Comics X, Ultimate Comics New Ultimate, SHIELD, Avengers: Children’s Crusade…

Reade: That certainly puts the time between issues in a different perspective. I do wish they would actually say that in the issue though. You shouldn’t have to read the “comic dirt sheets” to know when the next issue is coming out…

Schatz: I was going to come back at you saying that it did, but even the tiny text in the back – wherein comics usually state their frequency – says “monthly”. Oh well. That’s why I’m here, I suppose.

Reade: Indeed. Though, unlike Astonishing Spider-Man/Wolverine, we actually are monthly. So unless you have anything further, we may as well wrap this up until next month!

Schatz: I don’t really have much else to say. Except for this whole month? I’ve had Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” stuck in my head. And I didn’t mind that one bit. Mostly because I’m always noddin’ my head like yeah, and moving my hips like yeah.

Reade: Well, it’s the 5th now, so the Party in the USA is done and over. Back to self-loathing, apologizing for being awesome, and shooting ourselves in the foot. Miley, it is your fault, dammit.

Schatz: See you later guys (Wavin’ his hand like yeah).

See you again on August 2nd!

The Rules: $40 budget, 7.75% tax on books, at least one new title each month. Any book more than 2 months late is automatically dropped.