February 2007
Here are a few books for each week in February that will be worth buying with your grocery money:
February 7th:
Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Born #1
(Marvel Comics, $3.99)Western and fantasy genres collide as writer Peter David (X-Factor) takes a shot
at writing for a character created by Stephen King. I was on the fence about adding
this title until I got a copy of Marvel’s sketchbook freebie, loaded with Jae
Lee’s (Inhumans) unique artwork from Dark Tower. Stephen King won’t be
writing this, but he will be hovering creepily over Peter David as he pens the tale.
Check out Lee’s stunning pencil work:
http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/King/JaeLee_DarkTower.htm
Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears #1
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)The talented team that brought us the last mini-series about Ol’ Flame-head
is back for another exciting round. Artist Clayton Crain’s (Sensational
Spider-Man) highly detailed digital painting is beautiful and frightening at the
same time. I’m sure Garth Ennis (Preacher) will do his usual duty of turning
out a twisted script loaded with black humor and action. This book will serve as a
prequel to the previous series, “Road to Damnation,” so be sure to pick
up that TPB if you missed out. Click this link for an impressive preview of Trail of
Tears:
http://popcultureshock.com/index.php?p=40691
Justice Society of America #3
(DC Comics, $2.99)After the last JSA series went out with a whimper, I wasn’t too jazzed about this re-launch. Now that I’ve read the new #1, I’m changing my tune. It was the best single issue from the regular DCU in a long time, well paced with a perfect balance of action and characterization. Now that Infinite Crisis is over, Geoff Johns (Green Lantern) can focus his energy on making the crusty old JSA relevant again. Dale Eaglesham’s (Villains United) strong pencils and Alex Ross’ (Justice) gorgeous painted covers are the icing on the cake, making this THE team book to watch in 2007. Don’t miss it!
February 14th:
Batman #663
(DC Comics, $2.99)Grant Morrison (All Star Superman) is back! The lackluster Grotesk story line will finally be ending and Bruce Wayne’s archenemy, The Joker, will return in all his fiendish glory. Wasn’t Joker shot in the face a few issues ago? Tune in to find out how Morrison brings the scary clown back to life. My only complaint is that Andy Kubert (Ultimate X-Men) will not be returning for this issue (except to draw the cover). However, Morrison + Batman is more than enough to keep this title on my pull list.
Gen13 #5
(Wildstorm Comics, $2.99)I tried most of the Wildstorm Universe re-launches, and they were a mixed bag for me. Some titles seemed to require familiarity with previous volumes, while some books like Gen13 were starting from square one. Since my knowledge of the WU is limited, this “new reader friendly” approach was crucial for my enjoyment of the book. The series is similar to Marvel’s Runaways, kids figuring out how to use their new powers while running away from big bad adults. It doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite writers, Gail Simone (Birds of Prey), is on board. Her other new Wildstorm series Welcome to Tranquility is also a “must read.”
Star Wars Legacy #9
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)Cade Skywalker turns his back on his family legacy of fighting the good fight and acts like a selfish pirate (a lot like Han Solo in the first Star Wars movie). Aside from the inclusion of Jedi and Sith, this book has very little to do with the films because it is set so far in the future, over a hundred years after ROTJ. Nevertheless it’s still an enjoyable read. Cade’s character is adequate but predictable, we know he’ll eventually pick up that lightsaber and fight the the bad guys. The real interest in this book lies with Legacy’s new Sith characters, the best Star Wars baddies since Darth Vader. Jump on with this issue (a new arc) or pick up the first TPB available in April. Check out this blurb from Wookieepedia (yes, that’s what it’s really called): http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars_Legacy_9:_Trust_Issues%2C_Part_1
February 21st:
Civil War: The Initiative One-Shot
(Marvel Comics, $4.99)As a postlude to the event of the century, Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate
Spider-Man) gives us a glimpse of what lies ahead in the Marvel Universe with debuts
of both Avenger teams, Omega Flight, and an all new Iron Man. One of my favorite
artists, Marc Silvestri (Hunter-Killer) is slated to draw the interiors. Silvestri
drew a portrait of the X-Men’s Cyclops for me while I was stuck in the Marvel
signing line at Comic-Con ‘06. The thugs running the booth were yelling
“NO SKETCHES!” but he drew it anyway. Silvestri found the perfect way to
get this comic geek to buy his books forever. Back on topic, Warren Ellis (Fell)
will be filling out this mega-sized issue (64 pages) with a Thunderbolts tale.
DISCLAIMER: Due to the use of the phrase “Civil War” in the title, this
book will be 2 to 24 weeks late.
Conan #37
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)Writer Timothy Truman (Scout) starts a new arc for the noble savage with Cary Nord (Daredevil) on pencils and Richard Isanove (Ultimate Iron Man) on colors. This is a landmark moment for Best Bets, a colorist is mentioned! Why would I bother? Isanove is the guy that made Marvel’s Dark Tower sketchbook really pop with his digital coloring technique. This is a far cry from the paint-by-numbers coloring style I was used to seeing in comics as a kid. Pick up this issue of Conan and you’ll be hooked. For further Conan reading, stick with the trades from Dark Horse Comics, the one publisher who is consistently faithful to creator Robert E. Howard’s vision.
Criminal #5
(Icon Comics, $2.99)Ed Brubaker (Daredevil) and Sean Philips (Sleeper) deliver comic book noir at its best. Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man) called this series “an absolute home run,” and Warren Ellis (Thunderbolts) referred to it as “really f***ing good.” Do the right thing and add this to your f***ing pull list. Did I mention that this book is for mature readers?
February 28th:
Amazing Spider-Man #539
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Cue Angus Young. BACK IN BLACK! Spidey finally gets rid of the monstrous red and yellow getup and dons some dark threads. This brings back great memories of Secret Wars #8, when Peter Parker first wore the suit. Best costume ever! J. Michael Straczynski (Squadron Supreme) will attempt to dig Spidey out of the hole he dug for himself in Civil War. Will he get his secret ID back? What will happen to Mary Jane? Find out in the beginning of this new era for Web-head. Check out the cover art!: http://www.sequart.com/images/?image=22106
The Boys #8
(Wildstorm Comics, $2.99)This book is filthy! After several gross-out issues, we finally have a story going. I was ready to drop this title until Garth Ennis (Punisher) toned down the group sex and dismemberment scenes and started an actual plot line. In this self-contained world, superheroes are scumbags and The Boys are putting the smackdown on them. If you aren’t easily offended, check out the first TPB coming in March. Adults only!
Captain America #25
(Marvel Comics, $3.99)This double sized tie-in with Civil War: The Initiative should give us some idea about Cap’s future in the Marvel Universe. S.H.I.E.L.D. has determined that any further information is classified at this time.
Back in thirty!Cory Johnson
cmjmusic@yahoo.com <TOP>