August 2006
Five Wednesdays in August! This giant-size month deserves a giant-size column.
Here are a few books for each week in August 2006 that I think will be worth our time and money:
August 2nd:
Bomb Queen Vs. Blacklight One-Shot
(Image Comics, $3.50)Bomb Queen shows up in Vegas for a weapons convention and Blacklight turns up in town for a comic convention. Then comes the obligatory battle royale between scantily clad super-chicks. I'm looking forward to this book because of Jimmie Robinson's "Bomb Queen: Woman of Mass Destruction" limited series (the trade paperback is coming out soon). In WMD, the uber-evil Bomb Queen controls the government and everything that goes on in her city. People may dismiss it as a T & A book, but I think it's more about people getting the government they deserve. In the end, the real villain is apathy. Did I mention it's funny? Back to this one-shot, it won't be for kids or the easily offended, but it should be a fun ride.
The Creeper #1
(DC Comics, $2.99)I'm not really into horror comics, but this one looks intriguing. Master of creepiness Steve Niles (30 Days of Night) dusts off this old DC villain for a total reboot with this six issue mini-series. Starting with a clean slate might annoy some longtime fans, but not me. The advance artwork from Justiniano (Day of Vengeance) looks fantastic. He depicts the Creeper like a furry version of the Joker, a menacing clown that will happily tear your face off. I'll forgive Justiniano for being pretentious enough to go by only one name.
Phonogram #1
(Image Comics, $3.50)A male chauvinist dirt-bag cruises a feminist music festival for chicks, then things get weird. Check out the first ten pages at http://www.phonogramcomic.com and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I've never heard of the creative team, Keiron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, but their online sample has me hooked. This book has a black and white "indie" feel, so don't expect to be blown away by the artwork. It looks like the story will be more than enough to keep things interesting. I got a kick out of this promo blurb:
"Phonogram: a world where music is magic, where a song can save your life... or end it."
August 9th:
Squadron Supreme #6
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)This issue will feature Nighthawk, Marvel's version of Batman, who will be officially asked to join the supergroup. Of all the Supreme mini-series, I enjoyed Nighthawk's the most (the trade paperback by Daniel Way is worth checking out). Imagine Batman, except this one's black and a lot more pissed off. I'll admit I enjoyed this series more when it was under the Marvel MAX (mature readers) imprint. It wasn't gratuitously violent or sexual, it was like a good HBO series. At last year's Comic-Con in San Diego I attended a Q & A session with writer J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man) to ask him how his creative process might change in writing his "adult" characters for a wider audience. I held my hand in the air for 45 minutes while I listened to people tell him how Babylon 5 (the TV series he created) changed their lives. I walked out without an answer. After reading a few issues of SS, the changes are pretty obvious. In the re-launch he has to get his team together quickly and get to some action. The wider audience isn't willing to wait around while he slowly builds his characters for two years. It's a completely different book, but it still works.
Ultimate Spider-Man Annual #2
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Last summer's Ultimate Annuals were a mixed bag for me. The one that really stood out was Brian Michael Bendis' take on Spidey. The tale (guest-starring Kitty Pryde) had a great one-shot feel, not all wrapped up in continuity. The same creative team is back for this year's installment, and this time Daredevil and Punisher will be joining the web-slinger. It's funny that the Ultimate Universe was created to get rid of the weight of decades of Marvel continuity. Now, after several years, the UU has it's own giant mass of continuity to keep straight. Anyway, if #2 is anything like #1, you can probably follow the story even if you don't read the series on a regular basis.
Wonder Woman #3
(DC Comics, $2.99)This book has plenty of things going for it. First off, the brilliant writer of Young Avengers, Allan Heinberg is on board (I just read the first YA trade paperback, great stuff). Artist Terry Dodson (Spider-Man/Black Cat) draws a beautiful and stately Wonder Woman, taking the focus away from the cleavage and directing the reader's attention more towards the character. And last but not least, Wizard Magazine has done an advance review of #1, calling it "the best Amazon princess we've ever read." I've never collected Wonder Woman before. Looks like a great time to start.
August 16th:
The Boys #1
(Wildstorm Comics, $2.99)Writer Garth Ennis (Ghost Rider) is laying his reputation on the line when he writes, "This book will out-Preacher Preacher." It's safe to say that Preacher is Ennis' best work to date (read Preacher if you're old enough!). The Boys are a government supported team that keep super-heroes from getting too big for their britches. Expect cursing (the two pages shown in Previews are riddled with blacked out words), violence, nudity, sex, gross-out scenes, and dark humor. Preacher played a big part in bringing me back to comics as an adult. Needless to say, I have high expectations for this new monthly series.
JLA #1
(DC Comics, $2.99)Writer Brad Meltzer (Identity Crisis) and artist Ed Benes (Birds of Prey) team up for the re-launch of The Super Friends. Aside from "the big three," Meltzer is keeping readers guessing about who will be on the team. The first storyline is called "Tornado's Path" so it will most likely feature the Red Tornado, but that doesn't mean he's on the team for sure. I'm hoping for the Wonder Twins. I'm so glad Ed Benes is getting to draw a major book for DC, he deserves it. His runs on Superman and Birds of Prey proved that he is the next Jim Lee. This book ships with three covers: two by Benes and a special variant by Michael Turner (the guy drawing almost every variant cover for Marvel right now).
Manhunter #25
(DC Comics, $2.99)This is listed in Previews as the final issue. However, Newsarama is reporting that the recent outcry from fans over the impending cancellation will save the book. For at least five more issues anyway. My good friend Mark always spoke highly of this book, but for some reason I never picked it up. When "One Year Later" started I gave it a try and I really enjoyed it. By the time I added Manhunter to my pull list it was probably already doomed. As for the premise, the heroine is a lawyer by day and a hero by night. Sound familiar? OK, the basic idea is a lot like Daredevil but trust me, it's a great book. I'll bet that writer Marc Andreyko (Torso) will be writing one heck of a story knowing that if sales don't pick up quick, this series will disappear.
August 23rd:
Daredevil #88
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)I never really cared for Bendis' popular run on Daredevil. Since Ed Brubaker (Captain America) took over writing duties, I love this book. Michael Lark's (Gotham Central) artwork perfectly suits the gritty story. We're four issues in at the moment and Matt Murdock hasn't even put on the DD suit yet. Matt is stuck in prison with the Punisher and the Kingpin, all while dealing with his grief over the murder of his best friend, Foggy Nelson. This issue, "The Secret Life of Foggy Nelson," would be a great jumping on point for new readers because it is a stand-alone story. I'm looking forward to seeing how Brubaker makes the whitest white guy in the Marvel Universe seem edgy.
Fantastic Four #540
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)This is a Civil War crossover book, but don't let that scare you off. I've been pleasantly surprised with the summer "events" from Marvel and DC. Civil War and 52 have been solid so far. I felt a little burned by last summer's "events," but especially by one particular title. I'm not going to name any names but it starts with an "H" and ends with "ouse of M." Anyway, I'm enjoying Civil War and I've also had fun with Fantastic Four since J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man) took over as writer. JMS "gets" the whole family aspect of the series and he's no stranger to science fiction. This issue of FF promises a split in the team over the superpower registration act. From the teaser art it looks like the Thing will be leaving the group. He'll probably be back in a few issues, but you never know!
Fell #7
(Image Comics, $1.99)In the crime-ridden, Godforsaken city of Snowton, detective Richard Fell comes across some weird stuff. Each issue (for just 2 bucks!) contains one complete story, so readers can jump on at any time. Warren Ellis' (Down) concise writing and Ben Templesmith's (Wormwood) creepy artwork come together for something truly satisfying. The stories don't feel rushed, but it doesn't feel like time is wasted either. The books can stand alone, but as the series progresses, readers watch Richard Fell develop as a complex character. This title ships late quite often, but it's worth the wait.
August 30th:
The Boys #2
(Wildstorm Comics, $2.99)Two issues in one month? Shweet.
Emissary #4
(Image Comics $3.50)Putting this book on my pull list a few months back was a total crap shoot. I knew nothing about the creative team, J. R. Rand and Juan Ferreyra (the team behind Small Gods, a book I never read). All I knew was that Image Comics got it on the cover of Previews and the premise sounded interesting: a super-guy comes to earth and people wonder if he's a messiah, an alien, or who-knows-what. Fast forward to now: I still haven't read #1 but the online buzz for Emissary is fantastic. Google for some reviews and you'll see what I mean.
X-Factor #10
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)I gushed enough about writer Peter David (Fallen Angel) last month. For some reason this book has a new penciler every month, but the writing is the main attraction here anyway. This is super-hero noir at its best. Even if you think you don't like books with capes, this one will win you over. Issue #10 is a great time to jump on because it's brand spankin' new storyline called "Multiple Disclosure." This book promises a major betrayal, don't miss it.
Odds & Ends:
Athena Voltaire #1
(Ape Entertainment, $4.50)Speakeasy released #1 of this book shortly before they went out of business. Luckily, Ape Entertainment is releasing Speakeasy's original #1 and an unreleased #2 in this same volume. I had a great time with #1. Athena is a fighter pilot, actress, and all around tough cookie. The book feels a lot like Raiders of the Lost Ark, complete with Nazis and mystical artifacts. The story is dense, but in a good way. It's refreshing to have a comic that takes more than a few minutes to read. These indie books never have firm shipping dates, but this should come out some time in August. I know four and a half bucks is pricey, but this is a 48 page issue so you'll get your money's worth. Check out this quote from Warren Ellis: "Imagine the likes of the Mummy & Van Helsing were actually, you know, good." You can read the first 22 pages at: http://www.athenavoltaire.com/
Devi #1 & #2
(Virgin Comics, $2.99 each)People around Pulp Fiction have been asking about Virgin Comics, but last month I didn't have much info. VC finally released an impressive preview of Devi #1. Virgin is trying to tap into the global comics market, not just the typical American and Canadian readers. Their titles seem to be geared toward the Indian market. But you never know, it could work in the States. And as I wrote, Devi looks pretty darn good. With new companies, there's always the fear that they will go under before stories get wrapped up. Virgin is a giant corporation that could weather the tough beginning that new publishers usually have. They might be willing (and able) to give their titles time to catch on.
Check out this feature story at Newsarama: http://www.newsarama.com/virgincomics/Devi/Devi01Pre.html
Drop me a line if you have any comments. Have fun putting together a list of your own!
Peace out,
Cory Johnson
cmjmusic@yahoo.com <TOP>