July 2007
Here are a few books per week in July that will be worth our time and money, I promise:
July 5th:
The Astounding Wolf-Man #2
(Image Comics, $2.99)Thanks to Free Comic Book Day, I was turned on to this exciting new title from writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible). Nothing terribly innovative here, just a thrilling story about a nice guy who just happens to be a werewolf. As soon as I was finished reading number one, I thought, “This is going on my pull list for sure!” If you missed the first issue, a director’s cut is being released in July along with issue two. Here’s a taste from the Image Comics site: http://www.imagecomics.com/previews.php?start=12
Faker #1
(Vertigo Comics, $2.99)After a simple yet entertaining read like Wolf-Man, I’m ready to balance things out with a high-concept title like Faker. Mike Carey (X-Men) has always been a reliable writer in the world of super-heroes, but I’m curious to see what he does with this one. Vertigo’s website does a terrific job laying out the premise for this intriguing story, and they also give us six sample pages. Check it out: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=7709
Thor #1
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Where hast thou been O Mighty Thor? We’re about to find out. Writer J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man) ended his stellar run on Fantastic Four to start plans for this epic series. With Olivier Copiel (House of M) on pencils, this creative team is bound to knock this one out of the park. These stunning preview pages will have you hooked for sure: http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=10790
July 11th:
Star Wars: Legacy #14
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)Usually in the Star Wars universe, anything that is set far away from the original SW trilogy is guaranteed bantha-poo, like Episodes 1 and 2. To dispel fears, Dark Horse wisely released an inexpensive issue #0 of this series two years ago and has had me hooked ever since. Besides the recent addition of R2D2, the characters are all new creations. We still have Jedi, Sith, etc. but the creators have built this engaging story from the ground up, not relying on the success of the films at all. Our reluctant hero, Cade Skywalker, carries the burden of Luke’s legacy and struggles with finding his true path. Is he destined to be a pirate, a Sith, a Jedi, or a busboy at the Mos Eisley Cantina? This issue marks a brand new storyline, a great jumping on point for new readers.
Superman Confidential #6
(DC Comics, $2.99)This issue marks the end of writer Darwyn Cooke’s (The New Frontier) and artist Tim Sale’s (Batman) take on the Man of Steel’s early days. The story and artwork have a timeless quality about them that long time readers will find appealing. Though I’m sorry to see Cooke and Sale go, I’m interested to see what new writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, one of my favorite books) have in store for us next month. Until Heroes comes back to our Tivo boxes in the fall, get your Tim Sale fix with this beautiful issue: http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=7624
World War Hulk #2
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Issue one is getting fantastic reviews across the board. Told ya it wouldn’t suck!!! Marvel is making me believe in “event” comics again. Take a look at this insightful review: http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2007/06/12/world-war-hulk-1-review/
July 18th:
Amazing Spider-Man #543
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)In this issue Aunt May is on life support and Peter knows that the Kingpin is responsible for her dire condition. Tune in to find out if May kicks the bucket, or if Peter exacts vengeance on the Kingpin by destroying all the KFC’s in New York. Straczynski is leaving this title soon so be sure to savor this one. It was recently announced that this title will soon be shipping three times a month. Good idea or major editorial blunder? You be the judge: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=116780
Avengers: The Initiative #4
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)This book’s premise (S. H. I. E. L. D. training youngsters to be super-heroes) didn’t appeal to me when issue #1 was solicited. However, I gave this book a chance because of writer Dan Slott (She-Hulk). Slott consistently delivers clever stories with his unique blend of humor, drama, and action. Interesting characters are being created from scratch here, a difficult thing to do in the already crowded Marvel Universe. In short, the book works for me. With Stefano Caselli on board doing sharp pencil work, this title is on my pull list for good. This issue marks the beginning of a thrilling two issue crossover with World War Hulk. Take a look at this thorough review of issue #3: http://www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com/reviews/118134393483358.htm
Zero Killer #1
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)While the esoteric Umbrella Academy left me cold on Free Comic Book Day, this hidden gem in the back of Dark Horse’s collection of new material had me intrigued. The draw for me here is the writing talents of Arvid Nelson, creator of Rex Mundi (pick up the trades if you haven’t already). While that series is a brilliant look at an alternate past, Zero Killer is a glimpse at an alternate future in a nuke-ravaged New York City. Imagine a cross between Y: The Last Man, Wasteland, and The Road Warrior. To quote Previews, “Zero is a bounty hunter who hunts the dregs of a ruined society... he is the Zero Killer.” Count me in.
July 25th:
Criminal #8
(Icon Comics, $2.99)If fantasy and sci-fi aren’t your bag, check out Criminal from writer Ed Brubaker (Captain America) and artist Sean Phillips (Sleeper). It’s a bit like Sin City with better character development and a tad less violence. To catch up, pick up the first TPB, Coward. Not that you’re a coward, just buy the book, Coward. Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying that you... nevermind.
Fell #9
(Image Comics, $1.99)When this book comes out (a few times a year) it is one of the most enjoyable comics on the stands. Creepy detective stories from Warren Ellis (Black Summer) and eerie artwork from Ben Templesmith (Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse) combine to create a compelling series that will have you ordering the first TPB, Feral City, as soon as you read this issue. Don’t worry about continuity, these are all concise one-shots. It’s still holding steady at just under two bucks an issue! Take a gander at the artist’s unique style: http://www.templesmith.com/faze3/
She-Hulk #21
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)This is writer Dan Slott’s last issue! NOOOOOOOO! I’ll read this one REALLY slowly. Slott has rescued She-Hulk from obscurity with his unique tales of the Jade Giantess. The legendary Peter David (X-Factor) will be taking over as the regular writer, so Shulkie will remain on my pull list. Here’s an interview with Slott about his departure from the book: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=113759
Enjoy!Cory Johnson
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