August 2007
The giant-sized month of August (five Wednesdays) is chock full of comic goodness. Here are a few books per week that will be worth a look:
August 1st:
New Warriors #3
(Marvel Comics. $2.99)This one did not make it to my pull list after I saw the list of unknown creators and characters attached to the project. The first issue was a pure impulse buy, and to my delight, I enjoyed the heck out it. The strongest part of the series is the artwork from Paco Medina (New X-Men), which reminds me a lot of Billy Tan’s smooth penciling. As far as the story goes, the New Warriors are gathering forces in order to stick it to the man (Tony Stark). The first issue sold out from Diamond, but it would be worth checking with Mike at Pulp Fiction to see if he has any extras on hand. Even if you have a pull list and think you know about everything you like, browse through the shelves once in a while and try something new. I’m glad I did. Check out these eye-catching sample pages: http://comics.ign.com/articles/797/797840p1.html
Shanna The She-Devil: Survival of the Fittest #1
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)I was thrilled to see Shanna return to Marvel Previews, but bummed to see that Frank Cho was not drawing this four issue mini. At last year’s Comic-Con, Cho told me that he had more Shanna coming down the pipeline, but I suppose Mighty Avengers is taking up most of his time now. Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, also released this week, buy it!) will be writing this tale, so all is not lost. I have faith that Gray and Palmiotti will make this series about more than butt-shots and dead raptors, and hopefully not about butt-shots of dead raptors. Cho’s replacement, Khari Evans (Daughters of the Dragon), does an excellent job drawing the infamous buxom beauty on the first issue’s cover: http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/lib/view2.htm?filename=/comics/onsale/covers/0807/Shanna.jpg
World War Hulk #3
(Marvel Comics, $3.99)I’m recommending this one for the third month in a row. It’s shaping up to be Marvel’s best “event” comic of all time. The pacing, dialogue, action, and artwork make this series a joy to read. I can’t vouch for all the tie-ins, but the core series is a winner.
August 8th:
newuniversal Vol 1: Everything Went White, Premiere HC
(Marvel Comics, $19.99)I’ll admit I won’t be buying this because I already own the “floppies” of this amazing version of Marvel’s old “New Universe.” Writer Warren Ellis (Fell) took the best bits of Marvel’s flop from the 1980’s, keeping great characters like Justice and Nightmask, and brought the concept back to glorious life. The story takes place on an Earth where people with powers begin to appear after an unexplained celestial event occurs. If you enjoyed Rising Stars, Supreme Power, or the TV show Heroes, you will not be disappointed. Salvador LaRocca’s (X-Men) photorealistic artwork is the icing on the cake. Check out this stunning page: http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/lib/view2.htm?filename=/i/content/6085093_full6957669.jpg
Omega Flight #5
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)This was announced as an ongoing, then downgraded to a five issue mini before it even started. Hopefully fan support (several issues have sold out) will warrant a shift back to an ongoing status. Writer Michael Avon Oeming (Cross Bronx) and artist Scot Kolins (Thor: Blood Oath) have created a compelling team book with little known Canadian characters (USAgent aside) and little support from their publisher. Take a gander at these sample pages from “the little comic that could:” http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=11062
Thunderbolts #116
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)A new story line, “Caged Angels,” begins with this issue, making it a great jumping on point for new readers. Luckily the same stellar creative team is staying on the book (Warren Ellis and Mike Deodato) so I’m expecting the same high quality stories we’ve been getting. The bad guys (Bullseye, Venom, and more) work for the government now, but they’re still scumbags at heart, breaking every rule in the S. H. I. E. L. D. handbook. Click this link for a glowing review of the last issue: http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/118348485378813.htm
August 15th:
Captain America #29
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Yep, he’s still dead, but somehow this series keeps going strong. It really should be called The Winter Soldier because he has become the main character. He stole Cap’s shield back from the government and is plotting to assassinate Tony Stark. Once Marvel decides to resurrect Cap (I give it about 18 months) I’m hoping the Winter Soldier (formerly known as Bucky) gets his own ongoing series. It’s no surprise that this book has a 2007 Eisner Award nomination for Best Continuing Series.
Justice League of America #12
(DC Comics, $3.50)Wow, I just wrote about seven books from Marvel in a row! Finally a DC book to change things up. Be sure to pick up writer Brad Meltzer’s (Identity Crisis) final installment of JLA before he returns to writing “real” books. Ed Benes (Birds of Prey) has delivered beautiful images of the JLA on a monthly basis. I hate to see this creative team go.
I try to keep things positive in this column, BUT why can’t DC keep high profile creators on its flagship books? Dwayne MacDuffie is the new writer for JLA? The man who ruined Fantastic Four?!?. Big creative names are announced for books like Action Comics, Detective Comics, and Batman, then they either have a very short run or are interrupted by “surprise” fill-in issues. WTF?!? It’s no wonder DC got this unhappy news from June’s Diamond sales report: MARVEL COMICS 43.62% (dollar share), DC COMICS 27.02%. Ouch. Someone at DC needs to be fired. Okay, end of rant. Buy this issue of JLA, it should be good.
Shadowpact #16
(DC Comics, $2.99)Writer Bill Willingham (Fables) drew me into this series with the “Day of Vengeance” mini a couple summers ago when he introduced his incarnation of the Shadowpact. This weird little book is filled with oddball characters like Detective Chimp, Ragman, and Enchantress who keep me coming back to watch them hang out at the Oblivion Bar and battle the minions of Hell. The artwork has never been fantastic, but Willingham’s trademark wit has kept things light and smart. Unfortunately, Willingham is not slated to write issue #17 or #18, so I’ll enjoy this one and hope he comes back soon. This issue features a guest appearance by Zatanna, one of my favorite heroine’s in the DCU. Check out DC’s promo blurb: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=7835
August 22nd:
All Star Superman #9
(DC Comics, $2.99)DC is getting this one right. Keep the same stellar creative team of Grant Morrison (Batman) and Frank Quitely (New X-Men) on the title and they will continue to turn out an Eisner Award winning series. The only problem is the wait between issues, it ships bimonthly at best. The wait is ALWAYS worth it. Fans and critics alike love this book: http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/118373526319589.htm
Birds of Prey #109
(DC Comics, $2.99)Writer Gail Simone is leaving this series to take on her dream assignment, Wonder Woman. The reins are being handed to Tony Bedard (Black Canary) who plans to write “done-in-one” issues starting with #109. Nicola Scott is staying on pencils, so I’m hoping the book keeps the general tone that Simone spent several years developing. To keep me on the hook, the promo blurb announces that a New God dies. Is Big Barda toast? Pick up this issue and find out.
X-Men #202
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)After the exciting events of issue 200, X-Men has a firm spot in my must-read pile. It’s hard to believe that I bought my first issue accidentally (I thought it was Uncanny X-Men). Over the past year writer Mike Carey (Faker) has proven to me that can control this massive cast and deliver genuine surprises. Humberto Ramos (Revelations) is filling in on pencils with his quirky style. Some may be turned off by his highly stylized artwork, but I applaud his originality: http://www.marvel.com/comics/onsale/lib/view2.htm?filename=/comics/onsale/covers/0807/XMen_202.jpg
August 29th:
Daredevil #100
(Marvel Comics, $3.99)This mega-sized issue (104 pages!) marks the beginning of Ed Brubaker’s (Captain America) new arc for the Man Without Fear. A pile of the industry’s best artists are on hand to help put Matt Murdock through the ringer in this landmark 100th issue. Place your orders now or you just might miss out!
Silver Surfer: Requiem #4
(Marvel Comics, $3.99)When Marvel changed its Marvel Knights imprint to a strictly out-of -continuity line, I figured, why bother? Then I missed out on the critically acclaimed Spider Man: Reign series (but my brother got me the HC for my birthday, thanks Sean!). Anyway, I learned that even though these are “What if?” stories, it doesn’t make them a waste of time. This brought me to my off-the-rack purchase of Silver Surfer: Requiem #1 and it’s subsequent addition to my pull list. The second issue was even better than the first. The painted artwork by Esad Ribic (Loki) is downright stunning and J. Michael Straczynski’s (Amazing Spider-Man) words are pure poetry, telling the story of the dying Surfer. He returns to his home planet of Zenn-La in this final issue, and I’m sure we’ll get a gut wrenching death scene, complete with Salieri at his bedside. Check out this insightful review of issue #2: http://forevergeek.com/comics/silver_surfer_requiem_2_marvel_-_comic_review.php
Star Wars: Dark Times #6
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)A new story line begins with issue, helping to bridge the gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. This series sheds light on the early days of the Rebellion and Empire, complete with Darth Vader and his bottomless can of whoop-ass. The only problem with this book is the ridiculous shipping delays, so if you’re doing a trade-wait, I won’t hold it against you.
Please don't step on my foot at Comic-Con.
Peace out,Cory Johnson
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