March 2007
If you’re low on cash in March, try selling plasma for comic money. These books are worth it.
March 7th:
Jonah Hex #17
(DC Comics, $2.99)When I first saw covers for this series with the word “hex” accompanied by drawings of a cowboy with a melting face, I thought, “A hocus-pocus zombie book set in the old west? No thanks.” There are, in fact, no zombies or anything supernatural going on in this series, just solid western tales. Even if you think you don’t like westerns, this one will intrigue you. Writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti (Freedom Fighters) present old style stories, but their Jonah Hex is no Gary Cooper. He’s more of a Frank Castle. The artwork for this series is all over the place, sometimes fantastic, sometimes... not so much. Phil Noto handles the artwork for #17, so this issue should be fantastic. Try one issue and you will be scooping up the TPB’s (Vol. 2 is due in April). Check out Noto’s unique style: http://www.notoart.com/Hex17fr.html
Manhunter #29
(DC Comics, $2.99)Get it while you can! Marc Andreyko (Nightwing) writes this smart series that critics, creators, and discerning readers love. Sales aren’t where they need to be, so after this issue, there’s only one left. Tune in this time to learn the final verdict for Wonder Woman in the case of Maxwell Lord’s murder. Also, don’t forget about the fantastic event coming up at Pulp Fiction on February 7th: Marc Andreyko will be making a personal appearance! Have your Manhunter issues signed and find out what incredible work he has coming down the pipeline.
Mighty Avengers #1
(Marvel Comics, $2.99) After Civil War concludes, the Avengers will disassemble once more and we’ll end up with two ongoing books. This is the powerhouse team, filled out by Iron Man, Sentry, Wonder Man, Ms. Marvel, Ares, Black Widow, and Wasp. Both Avenger books (“New” and “Mighty’) will be written by Brian Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man), but this one should have a lighter tone. Frank Cho’s (Shanna the She-Devil) sample artwork in Previews and Wizard looks stunning. My one gripe is that Cho puts Wonder Man back in the cheese-ball leisure suit costume. I’ll forgive him after I see a few more of his Ms. Marvel drawings. Click here for an interview with Cho, complete with artwork samples: http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/MightyAvengers/Cho_01.html
March 14th:
Punisher War Journal #5
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Writer Matt Fraction (Casanova) is making a smooth transition from indie darling to mainstream smash. One of his latest projects, Punisher War Journal, is the best series to spring out of Civil War so far. Frank Castle is back in the world of men in tights (he got his butt kicked by Captain America in a recent issue). I’m enjoying the look back at Frank’s past (like the Vietnam flashbacks) and I’ve been happy to find that there isn’t any hint of a ret-con. Fraction stays true to Frank’s twisted code of ethics. The Punisher refuses to fight back when Cap throttles him, but he’ll be happy to fill a bad guy with lead at a moment’s notice. Artist Ariel Olivetti’s (Daredevil) detailed work maintains the same high level of quality from covers to interiors. He recently signed an exclusive deal with Marvel. Check out his website and you’ll see why this guy deserves to be an A-lister: http://www.arielolivetti.com.ar/
Ultimate Power #4
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Writer J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man) takes over for Brian Bendis in
a new chapter of this collision of Marvel’s Ultimate Universe and the
Supremeverse. Reed Richards is currently on the “wrong” earth, being
held by Squadron Supreme for unintentionally wreaking havoc in their world with his
misguided experiments. These issues have been a quick read so far, but the story is
intriguing and the books are loaded with action. Greg Land’s (Ultimate
Fantastic Four) detailed artwork is easy on the eyes, but has caused a bit of
controversy across the ‘net. He uses photos for reference and even traces on
occasion. Some call this unforgivable, I say, “Who cares?!?” All I care
about is the beautiful finished product.
Just for shiggles, here’s a typical online argument about Mr. Land, complete
with “damning” evidence. You be the judge: http://remix17.livejournal.com/12070.html
Tales of the Unexpected #6
(DC Comics, $3.99)David Lapham’s (Stray Bullets) haunting stories about the Spectre bring me back to this title every month. Unfortunately, the portion of the book written by Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets) featuring unusual characters from the DCU hasn’t grabbed me like I hoped it would. However, Lapham’s writing is downright amazing and the Spectre is one of the DCU’s most fascinating characters. Hopefully sales will warrant an ongoing solo series for Crispus Allen as the Spectre.
March 21st:
Justice League of America #7
(DC Comics, $2.99)The complete JLA roster is finally revealed, along with a new headquarters for the team. Best-selling novelist Brad Meltzer (The Book of Fate) continues this series with the help of Ed Benes’ (Birds of Prey) dynamic pencil work. Many readers have been hoping for another Identity Crisis from Meltzer, but so far it hasn’t been quite as gripping as his landmark DC mini-series. Even so, JLA gets better with each issue, so count me in for the long haul.
Moon Knight #9
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)When I heard artist David Finch (New Avengers) was leaving Moon Knight, I thought, “Great! I can save a few bucks every month!” Marvel cut me off at the pass and showed impressive samples from the new artist, Mico Suayan, in Previews. In the immortal words of Michael Corleone: Just when I thought that I was out, they pull me back in! I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of Suayan’s work in the future: http://glasshousegraphics.com/creators/pencilers/micosuayan/index.htm
X-Men #197
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)For those of you who weren’t digging Humberto Ramos’ (Wolverine) artwork on this series, you’ll be happy to learn that Chris Bachalo (New X-Men) returns to the series with this issue. Mike Carey (Ultimate Fantastic Four) writes this three issue arc that begins with the X-team rushing to save their critically injured leader, Rogue. This story leads up to the landmark 200th issue for the “adjective-less” X-Men. This book is a reliably fun read for all ages, so feel free to recommend it to any kid or adult who enjoys quality super-hero tales.
March 28th:
Action Comics #848
(DC Comics, $2.99 standard edition, $3.99 3-D edition)From the teaser art, it looks like Superman will be trapped in the infamous
Phantom Zone! Strap on your handy-dandy 3-D glasses for some eye-popping visual
effects. This story from film director Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon) and writer
Geoff Johns (JSA) is what Superman III should have been: an action-packed showdown
with General Zod and his gang of super-thugs.
Sorry, there won’t be a wacky Richard Pryor character this time.
Check out this intense cover from artist Adam Kubert (Ultimate X-Men): http://supermanhomepage.com/images/solicitation-artwork/March-2007/ACT848.jpg
Batman #664
(DC Comics, $2.99)Writer Grant Morrison (All Star Superman) and artist Andy Kubert (Ultimate Iron Man) are back together at last! ‘Nuff said!
Daredevil #95
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)If it weren’t for All Star Superman, this would have been my pick for best ongoing series of 2006. Writer Ed Brubaker (Criminal) found clever ways to get Matt Murdock out of prison, bring back Foggy Nelson, and bring an overall feeling of excitement to the series. I may be in the minority here, but I thought most of Bendis’ run on Daredevil was a snooze-fest. Brubaker has definitely turned things around for the book. Michael Lark’s (Gotham Central) artwork has a heavy noir feel, plenty of dark shadows accompanied by unusual “camera” angles. This issue is the start of a new arc, a great opportunity for new readers to jump on the DD bandwagon.
Good luck at the blood bank! I hear they give you a cookie afterwards.
Back in thirty!Cory Johnson
cmjmusic@yahoo.com <TOP>