November 2006
November 1st:
Midnighter #1:
(Wildstorm Comics, $2.99)The gay Batman finally gets his own series! I've never read the Authority (Midnighter's team book), but I have enjoyed Garth Ennis' (Punisher) hilarious spinoff books about the team's oddball, Kevin. Readers seem to either love or hate the "Kev" books, and I can see why. They are filled with black humor that will either induce nausea or belly laughs. While I was reading The Magnificent Kevin (guest starring Midnighter), I thought, "This Midnighter guy could probably carry his own book if Garth Ennis were writing it." Call me Nostradamus de Comicus. You might think that Ennis (that sick bastard) would exploit the character's homosexuality for cheap laughs, but from what I've read, he doesn't make an issue of it. It's more like, yeah the dude's gay... so what? Wildstorm promises an action-packed first issue, kicked off by the mysterious kidnapping of our hero. For more about Ennis' take on the character, check out this report from Wizard World LA: http://www.newsarama.com/WWLA06/DC/Ennis_Mid.htm
Supergirl #12
(DC Comics, $2.99)This title is finally on track after major delays, the loss of Jeph Loeb's (Batman: The Long Halloween) writing, and then the loss of Greg Rucka's (Checkmate) writing. Writer Joe Kelly (Action Comics) had to pick up the pieces of a crummy storyline where Supergirl was trapped in the magical and painfully boring world of Kandor. The internet buzz for the book has been downright horrible. However, a major turnaround happened with issue #9. Kara (Supergirl) is finally out in the "real" DC world, interacting with the likes of Batman, Power Girl, and Wonder Girl. Kelly's writing isn't going to win any Eisners, but he knows how to deliver an enjoyable read, finding a careful mix of character development and action. Ian Churchill's (Cable) artwork kept the book off of my drop list through the rough times. His style is similar to Jim Lee's, detailed and not too cartoon-y. November's release promises an appearance by Batgirl and Supergirl's new mystery boyfriend. Pick up this issue to find out who's hooking up with Superjail-bait.
Superman Confidential #1
(DC Comics, $2.99)Now that Jeph Loeb (Batman: Dark Victory) has been poached by Marvel, who will be Tim Sale's (Superman: For All Seasons) creative partner for his trademark old-school-style gems? Darwyn Cooke, that's who! After Cooke won the 2005 Eisner award for best limited series (The New Frontier) with a tale set in the 1950's, he became the "go to guy" for retro stories at DC. Tim Sale's unique artistic style evokes the feeling of the Golden Age without simply imitating it. This series will delve into Superman's past, touch on some key points in the development of the character, and reveal some super secrets along the way. Check out this four page preview (scroll down a bit after you click on the link): http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Nov06/previews.html
November 8th:
52: Week 27
(DC Comics, $2.50)This weekly book continues to surprise me. A great creative team (too long to list!) turns out stories that prove you don't need "the big three" to carry a book about the colorful characters in the extensive DCU. We're coming up on the halfway point and we haven't had a late book yet. Sometimes I can't make it into the store to pick up my books for a few weeks, and I just love it when there are a few 52's waiting for me. Plus, it's the only DC series left that sells for just two and a half bucks an issue. So what's the big deal about week 27? Cover artist extraordinaire Adam Hughes illustrates a short backup story about the origin of Power Girl. He doesn't usually draw interiors, so this really is a special occasion. For a look at his impressive artwork, check out: http://www.adamhughesart.com
Casanova #6
(Image Comics, $1.99)Writer Matt Fraction (Punisher War Journal) puts me through the same routine every time I get this book, and that's a good thing. I read through it once, totally confused, then I come to the ending and it all makes sense. I flip back to page one and start over, kind of like watching The Sixth Sense for a second time. I always enjoy these issues twice. So what are the stories like? It's James Bond meets psychedelic sci-fi (and no, it's nothing like Moonraker). Gabriel Ba's (De: Tales) artwork has a retro/futuristic look (I know that's a terriblel oxymoron, but pick up the book and you'll see what I mean). Entertainment Weekly gives the series an “A-” in this short write-up: http://www.mattfraction.com/archives/002726.php
The Escapists #5
(Dark Horse Comics, $2.99)Brian K. Vaughn (Runaways) and crew continue to knock my socks off with this book. This limited series is sure to receive an Eisner nomination in 2007. Take a look at the latest preview from the Dark Horse website (from issue #3): http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/preview.php?theid=13-853
November 15th:
Birds of Prey #100
(DC Comics, $3.99)This super-sized anniversary issue promises big changes in the team's roster. Black Canary is joining the JLA, so we know she's out for sure. Oracle is in for sure, but the rest of the lineup is a mystery. It would be logical to keep at least one character with a bird-related name, but maybe DC will use the term "bird" as you might hear it in an old Beatles tune (bird = girl in the UK to all the groovy hepcats). In San Diego, writer Gail Simone (Villains United) told me that she has an open-ended deal at DC with this title, so she won't be yanked from this book anytime soon. The artwork has been uneven since penciler Ed Benes left the book (he followed Black Canary over to the JLA), but Simone's clever writing style will always keep Birds of Prey on my pull list.
JLA #4
(DC Comics, $2.99)I'm buying this book because of Red Tornado. Who gives a crap about Red Tornado?!? Exactly. Writer Brad Meltzer (Identity Crisis) launched this book with a storyline about a character that I have zero interest in. Now I can't wait to find out what happens to the dumb robot! It just goes to show you what a brilliant writer can do for a book. If he can make a Red Tornado storyline a page-turner, just imagine what he can do with a Superman story. If you're new to Meltzer, pick up the TPB of Identity Crisis and enjoy a gripping mystery from start to finish. Ed Benes (Birds of Prey) could be my favorite penciler in the business, kind of a cross between Michael Turner and Jim Lee. The new JLA lineup is: Arsenal, Batman, Black Canary, Black Lightning, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Red Tornado, Superman, Vixen, Wonder Woman, and a mystery member. I appreciate the clever mix of old and new characters. Black Lightning brings a heavy nostalgia factor for me (he reminds me of reading Batman and the Outsiders by the pool as a kid in the 80's), and king of the handlebar mustache Green Arrow gets snubbed while they pick Green Arrow Jr., Arsenal. Love it.
For more about Meltzer's work in comics, check out: http://www.bradmeltzer.com/comics.php
Russian Sunset #1
(Image Comics, $3.99)Do I really need to add another book to my pull list? After seeing an impressive preview at Newsarama, yes, or as Image often writes in their promotional material, "AWWW YEAH!" Is their marketing department run by a ten year old skater? Click and enjoy (mature readers only): http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=83607
November 22nd:
Immortal Iron Fist #1
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Writer Ed Brubaker (Captain America) is swamped with work at Marvel, so he called in youngster Matt Fraction (Casanova) to help with writing chores on this ongoing kung-fu series. I predict that Fraction will sign an exclusive deal with Marvel within the year, so enjoy his indie material while it lasts. It seems like Fraction will be handling the bulk of scripting duties, but it doesn't hurt to have Ed Brubaker's name on the cover, especially since he just won the 2006 Harvey Award for best writer. Making the project even more appealing, David Aja's (Daredevil) distinct preview artwork has started a terrific buzz across comic websites. The series will take us back to Iron Fist's mysterious city of origin, K'un-Lun, and we'll learn about other Iron Fists throughout history. Click here for an interview with Fraction and a taste of Aja's artwork: http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=8118
Moon Knight #7
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)Moon Knight finally leaves his apartment as writer Charlie Huston (Ultimates Annual 2) begins this new Civil War-related storyline. OK, I know this book's pacing has been SLLOOOWWWW to say the least, and many readers have already dropped the title. David Finch's (New Avengers) spectacular artwork has kept me hanging on to the series, waiting for some action. Moon Knight will kick butt in this issue. I promise. How can you say no to this cover?: http://hyp88.actifforum.com/ftopic801.Moon-Knight-7-Cover.htm
X-Men #193:
(Marvel Comics, $2.99)I accidentally bought this book at this summer's San Diego Comic-Con. I was heading over to a signing session with Ed Brubaker (Daredevil) when I realized I didn't have a copy of Brubaker's first issue of Uncanny X-Men with me. I quickly purchased what I thought was Uncanny, but it was really a copy of the "adjective-less" X-Men. Oh man, was I pissed when I finally made it to the Brubaker line with the wrong book. In order to get the signature, I bought the Uncanny issue from a kid in line for twenty bucks. It's worth five bucks max, but there was no way I was getting out of line and hiking through the sweaty mob to find another retailer. When I got home I thought, "I bought it, I might as well read it before I throw it away." To my surprise, X-Men's new creative team has me hooked. This issue will be the action packed conclusion to writer Mike Carey's (Hellblazer) and Chris Bachalo's (Generation X) first arc, "Supernovas." Sorry, Tommy's Lee's latest band doesn't make an appearance. The current team headed by Rogue is filled out by Cable, Cannonball, Iceman, Mystique, and Sabretooth. Carey's writing is well paced, and he pulls off the difficult task of turning Sabretooth into a believable good guy. Bachalo's artistic style leans a little towards manga, but he doesn’t go too far with it. This happy accident is on my pull list for good.
November 29th:
Batman/The Spirit One-shot
(DC Comics $4.99)I attended the DC panel at Comic-Con when this was first announced, in the summer of 2005! Another clue that this project has been stuck in purgatory is that Jeph Loeb (script writer for the film Teen Wolf, seriously) is listed as co-writer. He's had an exclusive deal with Marvel for several months now. Where the heck has this book been? It's finally here, and I thought, "Why bother?" until I saw this four page preview of Darwyn Cooke's (Catwoman) classic artwork: http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Nov06/morepreviews.html
Eternals #6
(Marvel Comics, $3.99)Before this series came out, Newsarama ran a series of features on the history of the Eternals. It was about as exciting as reading the Old Testament. With Neil Gaiman (Black Orchid) on writing duties, I imagined a convoluted "Sandman in Space" storyline that would bore me to tears. Not so! After years away from the comic biz, Gaiman has not lost his writing chops. Gaiman understands that he only has six issues to get his story across, so his writing must be economical. The result is an accessible, engaging tale. John Romita Jr.'s (Sentry) artwork may be too simplistic for some, but it does a fine job supporting the story. This king-sized final issue of the mini-series promises to "solidify the Eternal's place in the Marvel Universe." Are they going to outer-space? Will they register as super-heroes? Pick up this issue and find out!
Punisher MAX Vol. 6: Barracuda TPB
(Marvel Comics, $15.99)Marvel's MAX imprint is going through an identity crisis. The storylines used to occur within the Marvel Universe, but were geared toward an adult audience. This produced great books like Alias, The Hood, and Cage. All those books ended and were replaced by horror titles for the most part. The one remaining title that has even a remote connection to the Marvel U. is a great one, the Punisher. In the MAX version written by Garth Ennis (Preacher), Frank Castle is an old war-torn, weather-beaten killing machine. There are no costumes and no super-heroes, just Frank cussing up a storm and filling bad guys with lead. Each arc reads like a short novel, so you can jump on with any volume of the trade series. This sixth installment collects Punisher #31-36. Enjoy Ennis' run before Joe Quesada (Marvel’s EIC) decides the book would sell better if the Punisher became a brain-munching zombie.
Odds & Ends:
Here are some indie books worth checking out in November. These titles never have firm shipping dates (neither does Marvel lately), but they should come out at some point in the month.
Hero Squared #4
(Boom! Studios, $3.99)Superman meets The Jerk.
Freshmen Vol. 2 #1
(Top Cow Productions, $2.99)The Avengers meets Animal House.
Local #9
(Oni Press, $2.99)Stray Bullets meets Garden State.
Snakewoman #5
(Virgin Comics, $3.99)Elektra meets Anaconda.
Back in thirty!
Cory Johnson
cmjmusic@yahoo.com <TOP>