Tag Archives: captain canuck

Review: Captain Canuck #5

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Captain Canuck #5Captain Canuck is in the clutches of Mr. Gold, Michael Evans is still missing, and the Equilibrium forces have been decimated. Lucky for them they have Kebec, the most notorious sharpshooter of the Afghanistan War, on their side and she believes revenge is a dish best served fast.

Captain Canuck #5 isn’t so much an origin issue, but a fascinating look into Kebec’s history, especially her time in the Afghanistan War. The story is particularly interesting in that it not only gives great insight into the character based on the unit she was involved in, but also how she acts in that situation. What’s really interesting though is the crap she put up with in that setting. In other words, this issue has given us not just a solid story in the present, but also opened up some great storytelling involving one of its character’s past.

We also get some action in the present as well, keeping up the comic’s fantastic tone of some how giving us some great fighting, but not falling into gratuitous violence. The comic is that fun entertainment I remember as a kid, a superhero without the gritty darkness. It’s so needed and this series it can be done in a top-notch way. That tone is set by writer Kalman Andrasofsky as well as artists Leonard Kirk and Simon Roy.

And each issue things have been solidly entertaining while looking great. Again, that positive tone and focus extends to the characters themselves, where we don’t see gratuitous sexualization of characters or strange brokeback poses. This is a comic I can give a kid who wants to read about superheroes and not worry.

You get not just one story, but two! The second is courtesy of the talented team of writer Ed Brisson and Simon Roy. The first part of “Double Star Crossed,” the Classic Canuck back-up stories have been out there in a fun way. They’re the crazy stories of Capatain Canuck dealing with aliens or creatures from the deep. There’s a goofy fun about it all, and they hearken back to some of the campier stories of comics from the 70s, which I loved.

Captain Canuck continues to be one of my favorite comics with each release going towards the top of my read pile. It has all the superhero action without the cynicism, which makes it a unique treat in today’s comic world.

Story: Kalman Andrasofsky, Ed Brisson Art: Adam Gorham, Leonard Kirk, Simon Roy
Story: 8.3 Art: 8.2 Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy

ChapterHouse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Moon_Girl_And_Devil_Dinosaur_1_CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: X-O Manowar #42 (Valiant) – The comic brings the conclusion to a four part story arc that has the potential to be world changing within Valiant’s Universe. I can’t wait to get this in my hands.

All-New Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – I really enjoyed the first issue’s introduction to Laura Kinney as Wolverine, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story carries on.

Ivar, Timewalker #11 (Valiant) – It’s a comic by Valiant, so I’m already excited for it, but Ivar has been one of the most entertaining comics each month. Well worth adding to your pull list.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (Marvel) – The comic has an intelligent Tyrannosaurus Rex. That sold me on the comic right there, but on top of that there looks to be a lot of soul here that I’m excited for.

 

Ash

Top Pick: Silk #1 (Marvel) – As a Silk fan from the moment we met her in the bunker, Silk #1 has got to be my top pick for this week.  Featuring everyone’s favourite feline, The Black Cat, this first issue promises to be packed with turmoil as we see Silk taking a turn for the sinister.  The artwork is bursting with colour that really strikes, and Silk is looking seriously stunning.

But will she go too far on her new found path? Only one way to find out…

Carnage #2 (Marvel) – Carnage brings chaos, destruction and devastation with him wherever he goes (this issue promises to be no different) so it is really little wonder that the FBI are tracking down this serial Killer with sonic technology, supported by former astronaut John Jameson and a newly reformed Eddie Brock. With a faultless (?) plan to trap Carnage in an abandoned mine, what could possibly go wrong?

 

Brett

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1 (DC Comics) – The comic has been hyped for quite a while and lets face it, Frank Miller’s previous two volumes are classics and important works (even if you dislike them). The third volume of Miller’s Batman tale hits shelves this week and he’s got the help of Brian Azzarello for writing. I love Azzarello’s work, so his inclusion only makes this more anticipated. Add on top of that, art by Klaus Janson and Andy Kubert.

Archie #4 (Archie Comics) – Archie has been killing it this year, and especially in recent months with their relaunch of their Archie line of comics. This one finally reveals the “Lipstick Incident,” and I know Mark Waid and Annie Wu will knock it out of the park.

Captain Canuck #5/Captain Canuck: Unholy War (Chapter House Publishing) – Are you reading Captain Canuck? Well, you should. The series is a superhero comic in its purest form without the dark and gritty negativity so many others have. This week also has a double dose with a brand new issue, plus a collection of a limited series from 2004 reprinted as a trade. This week is a double dose of Captain Canuck awesomeness!

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (Marvel) – The comic looks and sounds beyond cute and awesome. It’s one of the most intriguing new series from Marvel.

Ringside #1 (Image Comics) – I loved wrestling growing up in the 80s. While it’s been a long time since I was a regular viewer, this new series by Joe Keatinge and Nick Barber sounds awesome with interconnected stories exploring the relationship between art and industry from the view of the wrestlers.

 

Elana

All-New Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – This is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. Marvel’s most exciting post Secret Wars title so far. Check these reviews out to see why.

Art Ops #2 (Vertigo) – If you see Mike Allred’s art on this comic and it speaks to you (and it’s trademark Allred pop-art enthusiasm certainly speaks to me) then it’s certainly worth picking up issue #2 to see where it goes.

Black Magic #2 (Image Comics) –  A “witch noir” from one of the top creative teams in comics. I gave the first issue a 9 out of 10 score in my review. This is a brand new series from creators I trust to write fascinating female protagonists in interesting worlds with beautiful art.

The Fade Out #11 (Image Comics) – The best noir comic. Fascinating female characters. Beautiful, era evocative art.

Kaptara #5 (Image Comics) – The funniest and most outlandish fantasy series on the shelves. It’s actually Chip Zdarsky’s best work if you ask me. That’s saying something since I think he’s currently working on 100 different titles, all of which are of some renown.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #1 (Marvel) – One of Marvel’s most anticipated debut issues. A black girl genius and her dinosaur. I know this is going to be a hit and I know you’ll be buying it for all the kids in your life and for yourself.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Guardians of the Galaxy #2 (Marvel) – Kitty “Star-Lord” Pryde and her Guardians, who now include The Thing, have come to Spartax..but is Emperor Peter happy to see them?  The first issue of this relaunch was fun and brought me right back to the Guardians we left before Secret Wars (though now The Thing is a member…which is fantastic!…see what I did there?) and I am looking forward to more space fun with this crew and to see if Quill has let power go to his head.

All-New Wolverine #2 (Marvel) – This title was a pleasant surprise for me.  I was worried we’d get a typical hack and slash Wolverine book, but issue 1 definitely set Laura up as her own heroine and now she’s facing a problem that looks exactly like her…and she needs to know how and why this is happening; and I will be right there with you.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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PaperGirls01_CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: Old Man Logan #5 (Marvel) – I loved the first Old Man Logan, it remains to this day one of the best Wolverine stories told in the last fifteen years. This sequel doesn’t quiet measure up to those lofty heights, but I never expected it too. This story is a fun exploration of a character that has been missing from our comics for a long time, and I’m enjoying every page.

Detective Comics #45 (DC Comics) – Honestly, if it wasn’t for the possibility of more Harvey Bullock, this comic wouln’t be on my list at all. Who doesn’t love Harvey Bullock?

 

Brett

Top Pick: Drawn Onward (Big Planet Comics/Retrofit) – I picked up a copy of this small press indie book a while ago, and seriously it’s one of the best comics I’ve read this year. A comic that looks at a relationship from two perspectives, you need to read the comic front to back, and then back to front to get the full experience. Absolutely brilliant. You can read my review here.

Captain Canuck #4 (Chapterhouse Comics) – Remember when superheroes were supposed to be fun? This comic series follows Canada’s champion and is exactly that, fun with lots of action!

Cyborg #3 (DC Comics) – A comic that has parts superhero and part reflection, Cyborg’s solo series has been a breath of fresh air in many ways, especially since its tackled so many issues such as race and disabilities head on.

Jughead #1 (Archie Comics) – Archie’s relaunch of their titles have been amazing so far. Chip Zdarsky and Erica Henderson are masters at what they do, and the fact they’re on this comic has me beyond excited.

Southern Bastards #11 (Image Comics) – The best ongoing comic being produced hands down, no question.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Paper Girls #1 (Image Comics) – The writer of Saga (aka the comic even my Dad will read) and the artist of Wonder Woman team up for some 1988 newspaper girl badassness.

Top Pick: Jughead #1 (Archie Comics) – I never read Archie till the relaunch and boy does this one look like fun. Zdarsky and Henderson are aces at comedy without being mean spirited. Both are zany and oddball talents, making them the most Jughead-worthy team ever.

8House: Yorris Part 1 (Image Comics) – 8House is always something interesting and new. I’d suggest getting all #1 of the 8House mini imprint if you’re hungry from something unique and strange. This book has a euro-comic feel shared by many of the 8House stories.

Cyborg #3 (DC Comics) – A seriously smart comic about disability and race. It’s also great as pure sci-fi. Because those are things good sci-fi is supposed to do.

Doctor Strange #1 (Marvel) – I’ve wanted a new Doctor Strange book for a long time. Jason Aaron’s pitch is a strong one: “Who do you call when things are coming out of your dreams and trying to kill you? He’s the only person standing between us and the forces of darkness, but has he been paying his tab?” –  The mildly de-aged Doctor sounds like he could be the Marvel version of John Constantine. But I’d prefer if it goes its own way since Constantine is winning at Constantine-ing (boy do I love that comic).

The Humans #8 (Image Comics) – Serious shit went down last issue in my favorite historical-fiction/funny-animal/ape-sploitation comic. Now, the biker gang’s old ladies are on the cover of this month’s issue with semi-automatic weapons pointed. That’s all I’m saying.

 

Kenny

Top Pick: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50 (IDW Publishing) – Shredder vs. the Turtles. 90% of my childhood was built around this rivalry and time has made me no less excited to see these mortal enemies go at it again.

Doctor Strange #1 (Marvel) – I have always had a special place in my heart for comic book characters that are so far on the fringe of their own universe that people with outrageous super powers rarely dare to go into their realm and Doctor Strange personifies this better than almost anyone.

The Omega Men #5 (DC Comics) – After all the push back resulting from DC attempting to end this series at issue 6 I had to check out what all the fuss was about and I have yet to be disappointed.

What If? Infinity – Thanos (Marvel) – Anyone who has ever heard a story has always wondered “What if?”. And I always get a kick out of Marvel trying to answer these questions. Especially, ones I never thought to ask like how Thanos joining the Avengers would turn out.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Siege #4 (Marvel) – This has been a fantastic Secret Wars tie in, and I am very excited for this issue….Thanos has arrived!  Can Abigail and the defenders of The Shield survive?  Can’t wait to find out!

Avengers #0 (Marvel) – A slew of new Avengers titles coming down the line, and this issue #0 gives us a look at the new teams.  Very excited to get inside the teams we’ve only seen teaser pics about; the rosters, their missions…and apparently someone is keeping a close eye on these Avengers.  Can’t wait!

Contest of Champions #1 (Marvel) – Heroes fighting in a cosmic game of chess, to see who can wield incredible power.  Yeah, it’s been done before, but with different versions of heroes and villains to pull from?  Ok, I’m interested.

 

Pharoah

Top Pick: Doctor Strange #1 (Marvel) – Jason Aaron tackles another iconic Marvel property, and I got a feeling, he is about make this legend, even more relevant and exciting than ever!!!

Amazing Spider-Man #1 (Marvel)- any storyline that brings back Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson into the Spiderverse, is one at least finding out why, which is only part of the fun.

Batman and Robin Eternal #1 (DC Comics) – The reintroduction of Dick Grayson into Batman’s world??/ I cannot wait to read this, as Dick revisits a case when he was Robin.

Contest of Champions #1 (Marvel) – a classic showdown between Thanos, Maestro, Venom Gamora, and a host of others battle it out

Paper Girls #1 (Image) – I love Brian K.Vaughn’s work , as he truly has the Midas touch when it comes to series, especially when it original series , and this one is right up his alley and he teams up Cliff Chang of Batman fame for this one.

ChapterHouse Comics in December 2015

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CAPTAIN CANUCK #7

Site ALEPH is secured. Captain Canuck and his brother Michael finally have a working pact. Equilibrium is ready to explode onto the world stage and do good on a global scale. So everything’s great, right? WRONG. Captain Canuck’s second dynamic arc ‘The Gauntlet’ starts here!

32 pages, 6.25/10.18,
Full Color  | 3.99

Cover by Kalman Andrasofszky

Cover by Kalman Andrasofszky

CAPTAIN CANUCK #7 KRIS HOLDEN-RIED PHOTO-VARIANT

The first of 6 Photo Variants to kick-off The Captain Canuck Animated Series Two- The Prometheus Protocol!
Collect them all!
#7- Kris Holden Ried is
Captain Canuck
#8- Paul Amos is Mr. Gold
#9- Thomas Craig is Professor Walker
#10- Laura Vandervoort is
Blue Fox
#11- Tatiana Maslany is Redcoat
#12- Jason Priestley is Michael Evans

32 pages | 6.25/10.18 |  Full Color
$3.99

CAPTAIN CANUCK #7 Photo Variant

NORTHGUARD COMPENDIUM

Chapterhouse is proud to present the return of Northguard! Created by Mark Shainblum and Gabriel Morrisette in 1984, Northguard follows the story of young Philip Wise. Recruited as a private corporation’s field agent and equipped with the UniBand, Wise dons the mantle of Northguard to defeat a conspiracy known collectively as ManDes (Manifest Destiny). Thwarting an assassination attempt on the Quebec Premier and joining forces with Manon Deschamps- aka Fleur de Lys, are only a few of the misadventures you won’t want to miss!

Packed with never-seen before extras and remastered in Full Colour for the first time, the Northguard Compendium collects issues 1-5 of the New Triumph series and issues 1-3 of The ManDes Conclusion.

256  pages | 6.25/10.18 | Full Color Trade Paperback | 24.95

NORTHGUARD COMPENDIUM

THE PITIFUL HUMAN LIZARD #4

Toronto’s most pathetic superhero duo – Human-Lizard and Majestic Rat – battles the city’s meanest basketball hooligans: the Terrorno Grrls!  Plus, another thrilling adventure of Barb!

Chapterhouse proudly presents the fourth of five reprinted issues of Loo Harvest’s The Pitiful Human Lizard. Creator Jason Loo will continue his highly-lauded series  under the Chapterhouse banner, beginning with #6 in February 2015.

32 pages | 6.25/10.18 | 2.99

THE PITIFUL HUMAN LIZARD #4

THE PITIFUL HUMAN-LIZARD #1 SKETCH VARIANT

NEVER-BEFORE RELEASED AND HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE!

1 in 10 Retailer Incentive.

The 64-page issue 1 Sketch Cover for Chapterhouse’s reprint of Jason Loo’s The Pitiful Human Lizard.

64 pages | 6.25/10.18 | 3.99

THE PITIFUL HUMAN-LIZARD #1 SKETCH VARIANT

Jason Priestley Joins the Captain Canuck Animated Series

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Jason Priestley Captain CanuckJason Priestly, of 90201 fame, is joining the cast of the Captain Canuck animated series. In Captain Canuck – The Prometheus Protocol, Priestly will voice the brother of Captain Canuck, Michael Evans.

Captain Canuck – The Prometheus Protocol is the second instalment of the Animated Web Series follows on the heels of the wildly successful Captain Canuck- Fool’s Gold, and like the first, also features the voice talent of Kris Holden-Ried as Captain Canuck, Paul Amos as the villainous Mr. Gold, Laura Vandevoort as BlueFox and Emmy Award Nominee Tatiana Maslany as Redcoat.

The new series is being written by Kalman Andrasofszky who is also behind the Captain Canuck reboot by Chaptherhouse Comics.

The character is celebrating his 40th anniversary having been created in 1975. The latest series to feature him launched in May 2015, and has sold over 75,000 copies so far.

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Rasputin07_CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Southern Bastards #10 (Image Comics) – One of the, if not the, best comic out there right now. It’s usually a slow burn, but each issue has more character insights than many comics have in a year. This Southern noir is fantastic on every level.

Captain Canuck #3 (Chapter House Publishing) – Some times you want your heroes to lose the gritty aspect, and just be heroes. This series gets back to that courtesy of some talented Canadian creators. Fun action, that’s entertaining and loses the cynicism of today’s superhero comics.

Invisible Republic #5 (Image Comics) – An amazing series that definitely doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It involves a reporter digging into the revolutionaries that took over a planet, and digs up a bit of dirt. An amazing focus on history being used as propaganda.

Princeless: Be Yourself #2 (Action Lab Entertainment) – The new series hasn’t missed a beat and continues the fun fantasy adventure with a bit of girl power mixed in.

Rasputin #7 (Image Comics) – The first arc focusing on the historical figure was interesting. Flash forward 100 years, and not only is he alive, he’s also advising a Presidential candidate. Now you have my undivided attention.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Hacktivist Vol. 2 #1 (BOOM! Studios) –  The second series dealing with the group of hackers follows on the plot from the first series, and tries to answer some unresolved questions.

Batgirl Annual #3 (DC Comics) – Kind of a catch-all for Batgirl, as she faces off against Helena Bertinelli, a former Batgirl (from No Man’s Land) and Dick Grayson (her pre-new 52 romantic interest).  Throw in a visit to Gotham Academy and this sounds pretty fun.

He-Man: Eternity War #8 (DC Comics) – There has been no missteps in this entire series as the creative team has pushed the envelope of what defines the core group of characters.  This is not your childhood’s He-Man.

Jem and the Holograms #5 (IDW Publishing) – This series has been nothing but fun since its launch.  It doesn’t look likely to stop any time soon either.  One can only hope that the suggested food fight from the cover gets realized inside.

Lazarus #18 (Image Comics) – Lazarus goes to Duluth to win the war, as different plot lines begin to intersect.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight: Trade Paperback Vol 3: Slay Ride and Blood Lagoon (Dark Horse) – “Books like ‘Grindhouse’ were the reason the Comics Code was invented.” – creator Alex De Campi.

That’s a promise and a warning. De Campi absolutely delivers on grindhouse cinema gratification in comic book form– even better, it comes from a frankly female perspective on the genre. This series is messed up in all the RIGHT ways.

Each trade contains self-contained story arcs so you can pick up volume 3 even if you’ve never read the series before. In Volume 3 my entirely fictional girlfriend, Deputy Garcia is back with her motorcycle and eyepatch. I can’t wait!

Series creator Alex de Campi is our podcast guest next week!

Batgirl Annual #3 (DC Comics) – Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher art by Bengal, David Lafuente, Mingjue Helen Chen, Ming Doyle…. Look at that list of awesome writers and artists! Not only do we get Babs catching up with Dick Grayson but we also see her meet with Batwoman and the Gotham Academy kids! These are all of my favorite things in one place! It is a standalone story you can read even if you aren’t reading the new Batgirl series. But after reading this I’m sure you’ll want to.

Phoebe Gloeckner: Diary of a Teenage Girl (North Atlantic Books) – Considered one of the best graphic novels of last decade it’s probably time that you (and I) finally read it! Plus there’s a movie of it coming out soon and you don’t want to be called a “poser”, right? The book is a combination of prose and illustration reads like autobiography. The press release calls it “a dark story of sex and drugs in the life of a 1970s teenage girl.” You should read Sean T Collins review because I can’t do it justice till I read the book.

1602 Witch Hunter Angela #2 (Marvel) – This is the funniest series in Secret Wars and the prettiest too. Last issue we met Shakespeare, Marlowe and King James (Logan Howlett aka Wolverine) and other Faustians (aka people with superpowers). This issue Angela and Sera will meet “Ye Olde Guardians of the Galaxy.”

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Thors #2 (Marvel Comics) – The case is heating up as the murder mystery of the Gods continues. Blood, Hammers, and Justice shalt be served!

Daredevil #17 (Marvel Comics) – The last days of The Man Without Fear? Could be. This creative team has been white hot so I know Matt is in good hands, but I want to see the payoff.

Red Sonja Vol.2 #17 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Red hot chick swinging a sword, as usual all over this one. The 1973 one shot gave me a rejuvenation for this title. Hope the momentum doesn’t wane.

Superman #42 (DC Comics) – I am actually enjoying the prelude to the “Truth” storyline a lot more than the actual crossover. I’m interested to see just what it was that made Lois out Clark’s ID to the world? This intrepid reporter needs some answers. By Rao, I need them now!

TMNT Ongoing #48 (IDW Publishing) – The Stockman Swarm, The Shredder and Karai all move in for the kill. How could this not be good?

 

Paul

Top Pick: Thors #2 (Marvel) – the first issue of this story was fantastic; a crime story following the ‘police’ of Battleworld, the Thors.  Law and Order meets Asgardian officers, working on the orders of Lord Doom to keep the peace, and the foundation of Battleworld, in one piece.  Excited for what happens next.

Top Pick: X-Men ’92 #2 (Marvel) – the first issue totally brought me back to Saturday mornings, watching Marvel’s merry mutants as most of us remember them, complete with colourful costumes and Wolverine and Cyclops sniping at each other.  I am looking forward to see more from Cassandra Nova and what her rehabilitation facility for mutants is really all about.

1602 Witch Hunter Angela #2 (Marvel) – This was a very interesting first issue, following Angela hunting ‘witchbreed’, which turns out to be mutants.  The second issue puts Angela on the path to see dire omens not come to pass, and also introduces use to “Ye olde Guardians of the Galaxy”.  Looking forward to this.

S.H.I.E.L.D. #8 (Marvel) – I am a huge fan of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. tv show, and just as big a fan of the comic book treatment of the show.  It’s fun to see the tv agents paired up with various heroes from the Marvel universe an work together to solve the problem of the issue.  This issue has Agent May and Mockingbird setting out to kick some ass….sign me up!

 

Steven Attewell

Batgirl #42 (DC Comics) – despite not being remotely in the target demographic for this book, I’ve been enjoying the hell out of this series’ exploration of fame and identity.

Conan the Avenger #16 (Dark Horse) – Dark Horse’s Conan run has been one of the most consistently enjoyable comics for me in recent years (with the exception of that odd bit where Belit went to Cimmeria), so if given an option I’ll always pick one up.

Copperhead #9 (Image Comics) – Read the first trade of this unusual space-western/single-mom comic and really enjoyed the strange little world that Jay Faerber and Scott Godlewski have thrown together, so I’ll keep following this story.

Rasputin #7 (Image Comics) – A really strange little gem, this series posits a revisionist history of the infamous Russian mystic in which Grigori Rasputin’s powers not only are quite real and extend to genuine resurrection and clairvoyancy, but he’s also secretly a prince in communion with the forces of Russian folklore.

Southern Bastards #10 (Image Comics) – having really enjoyed Scalped, I eagerly anticipated Jason Aaron’s new series. Took me a while to get into the first trade – something about the way Jason Latour draws mouths threw me off until I got used to it – but the second trade’s revelation of Coach Boss’ backstory was mesmerizing and made this a must-read for me.

Chapter House Comics’ July Diamond Solicits

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Captain Canuck #5

Captain Canuck is in the clutches of Mr. Gold, Michael Evans is still missing, and the Equilibrium forces have been decimated. Lucky for them they have Kebec, the most notorious sharpshooter of the Afghanistan War, on their side and she believes revenge is a dish best served fast.

Plus: Ed Brisson (Secret Avengers) and Simon Roy (Prophet) take Classic Canuck into the far reaches of space!
32 pages, 6.25/10.18 | MSRP 3.99
cover A 50/50: Kalman Andrasofszky,
Cover B 50/50: Leonard Kirk & Paris Alleyne,
Cover C Variant: Karl Kerschl

1 in 10 Variant by Karl Kerschl 50 50 Cover A by Kalman Andrasofszky 50 50 Cover B by Leonard Kirk

THE PITIFUL HUMAN LIZARD #1

Toronto’s got a new superhero! And he’s pitiful! Lucas Barrett is a 9-5 office lackey during the day and a struggling superhero on evenings and weekends. He’s also broke. While his job salary is not enough to support his crime-fighting hobby, Lucas finds an alternate plan that may heighten his superhero status. This is the 52-page, full-colour debut issue of The Pitiful Human-Lizard!

Trade Paperback 52 pages
25.9 x 16.8 x 2.5 cm
Full Color

THE PITIFUL HUMAN LIZARD #1 1 THE PITIFUL HUMAN LIZARD #1 3 THE PITIFUL HUMAN LIZARD #1

Review: Captain Canuck #2

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Captain Canuck #2 CoverThe Oilsands are burning! Captain Canuck must fight his way through the inferno to find out what has turned the workers into zombified puppets, while getting the survivors out alive and uninfected. Across the country, Canuck’s brother, Michael Evans is tested on whether he can put loyalty, to his brother and to Equilibrium, before an opportunity for revenge.

You know that whole, comics should be fun thing? Captain Canuck is exactly that, superhero fun. There’s no over the top violence, or blood, or swearing, just good ole action and entertainment.

Writer Kalman Adrasofsky seems to be making it his mission to create a superhero comic that has a modern look, but classic vibe in the fact you don’t have to fear handing it to kids and also making it entertaining for adults too. There’s subtle jokes peppered throughout the issue to this affect, especially when it comes to the Captain’s exclamations at different points.

The issue is lots of action though picking up from the first issue which put us directly into Captain Canuck’s first mission, to rescue some folks from an inferno where there also happens to be zombies. At the same time, the build to the big bad named Mr. Gold is happening, and that involves the Captain’s brother Michael.

The art continues to be solid with Leonard Kirk helping out for some of it. Kirk also takes over next issue as the artist too, so we get a taste of what to expect.

The issue also contains the “classic” Captain Canuck back-up story, “Arctic Assault pt. 2” with Ed Brisson and writing duties and Marcus To on art. The back-up story is fantastic as expected from those two. I left wanting to see a spin-off series featuring the creators and this character. Again the story is a lot of action, and a bit of a lesson in the end. Perfect for a kid who wants to read a superhero comic that’s not dark and brooding.

Overall, the second issue like the first doesn’t disappoint at all. The series has a modern look and a classic heart. This is a superhero series that’s about being a hero, saving individuals, doing what’s right. The art and action doesn’t hurt too. A classic hero relaunched, and one that everyone should be checking out.

Story: Kalman Andrasofsky and Ed Brisson Art: Kalman Andrasofsky, Leonard Kirk, Marcus To
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Chapter House Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Captain Canuck #1

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Captain.Canuck 1 coverBorn of the True North and tested in war, Captain Canuck is a soldier granted a choice of how to use incredible power that could alter the fate of the world. Thrust into battle at the head of the global crisis intervention agency called Equilibrium, Canuck must find his way as warrior, leader and ultimately, hero in order to save humanity.

I grew up in Buffalo, not far from the Canadian border, and thus spent a lot of time in the country, and interestingly also reading some Captain Canuck. The classic character is back, with a new series, and updated look. I have to say, the first issue is awesome.

Captain Canuck #1 is full of action, infused with enough that makes it “feel” Canadian. That means more than just references to locations, there’s use of French, and a general vibe that just feels like our friends up North. It’s those small touches that writer Kalman Andrasofsky (who also does double duty on art) adds that makes the comic feel more than an American super hero with a Canadian skin over top.

Since I first heard this series was coming, and especially after reading the Free Comic Book Day release, I’ve been looking forward to this debut issue, and it didn’t disappoint at all.

You’re thrown directly into the action as Captain Canuck learns about his new suit on what seems like his first mission out. You’re in the center of action, and it doesn’t let up at all. You learn as you go through the comic, things aren’t explained overtly, you need to pick up things as the story progresses, which makes this issue feel much further along than a debut.

The action too is solid, and fun, having a bit more down to Earth vibe than going out and battling some super villain. Instead Captain Canuck is thrown into a burning refinery. I know that might sound boring, but it isn’t there’s some surprises he has to deal with while there. Forgoing some stereotypical villain fight for the first issue also makes the comic a bit more grounded. In reality, what Captain Canuck goes through would be much more realistic if heroes existed.

The art is fantastic the updated look of the new character is awesome, a design worthy of the Big 2. The design is cool, makes sense in many ways, and use of color is just fantastic. The interiors are solid with great coloring, and angles of some of the poses. What really stood out to me was the use of panels, especially in some of the two page spreads.

As if the main story wasn’t enough, writer Ed Brisson and artist Marcus To team-up bring us a story of an earlier Captain Canuck case file involving some mysterious monsters and a drilling platform. This story too is fantastic, and To’s art is amazing. The two are top talents so it shouldn’t be a surprise at all. The back-up story actually makes me want a “sister series” following earlier adventures of Captain Canuck with these two at the helm.

It’s a first issue and you get two stories from three top-notch creators. I’ve waited for this first issue, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. It was a fun first issue, with a mix of classic and modern sensibilities about it. It also presents a super hero that can stand with the Big 2, and that’s not easy to do. Can’t wait for the second issue to hit.

Story: Kalman Andrasofsky, Ed Brisson Art: Kalman Andrasofsky, Marcus To
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

ChapterHouse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Fight Club 2 #1 CoverWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Top Pick: Fight Club 2 #1 (Dark Horse) – Fight Club is both a fantastic book and movie. When I heard a sequel was being made as a comic, I was initially apprehensive, even with it being written by Chuck Palahniuk. But, after the first issue, I’m beyond all in. The first issue is absolutely amazing, both in story and art.

Captain Canuck 2015 #1 (Chapter House Publishing) – I grew up mostly in Buffalo, right along the Canadian border. And due to that, I’ve known about Captain Canuck for a while. A new updated version? Hells yes!

Fubar: Mother Russia #2 (Alterna Comics) – The Fubar series of comics gives us a zombie twist on history. The latest volume puts us in Russia during World War II, where a zombie outbreak is causing the Russians some issues.

Material #1 (Image Comics) – A man comes home from Guantanamo Bay, irrevocably changed. An actress receives an offer that can revive her career. A boy survives a riot and becomes embedded within a revolutionary movement. A philosopher is contacted by a being that dismantles his beliefs. Ales Kot‘s latest sounds fascinating.

You Don’t Say (IDW Publishing/Top Shelf) – Nate Powell‘s latest release from Top Shelf. All you need to know is it’s Nate Powell. That should be enough for you to pick this one up.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Surface Tension #1 (Titan Comics) – This new series puts a twist on the zombie/post-apocalyptic genre by taking a look at the world’s oceans and the environmental impact of our actions there.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #3 (Marvel/Disney) – This Disney adaptation is doing what the best adaptations do – remind nothing of the original material (in this case a theme park ride) while capturing the same spirit.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #3 (Archie Comics) – Archie’s darker comics have been pretty fun so far.  Sabrina is not getting as much attention but she returns here for some more dark tales of sorcery.

He-Man Eternity War #6 (DC Comics) – Fantasy and Sci-Fi meet here and produce the best in the genre at the moment.  Those with inhibitions about He-Man should let go of the past and hop in for a wild ride.

Inhumans: Attilan Rising #1 (Marvel) – There has hardly been a misstep in Marvel’s relaunch and rebranding of the Inhumans.  It continues here with a big development.

 

“Big Daddy Cool” Johnny Dellarocca

Top Pick: Convergence: Shazam #2 (DC Comics) – It’s Steampunk vs. Dieselpunk! Plus the creative team of Parker and Shaner is an unbeatable combination.

Captain Midnight #23 (Dark Horse) – One of the best monthly series out there, and it looks like it’s coming to an explosive end with issue 24!

King Flash Gordon #2 (Dynamite Entertainment) – If all of the Dynamite King titles this has been the best. The creative team of Acker and Blacker has done a great job of continuing the amazing work of Parker and Shaner and have preserved the pace and fun of what went before. This has become one of favorite monthly titles.

Where Monsters Dwell #1 (Marvel) – As a Dieselpunk fan it really doesn’t get any better that flying ace The Phantom Eagle taking on monsters and dinosaurs! Sign me up!

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