Tomorrow is new comic book day! We’ve got coverage of this week’s new releases and our picks in a bit. We’ve also got a really cool announcement today too!
Until then, here’s some comic news from around the web.
Around the Tubes
Huffington Post – Graphic Novel Captures What It’s Like to Be Gay in Iran: Part 4 – Keep saying it, but it’s awesome to see this.
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Astonishing Ant-Man #5
CBR – Chew #55
CBR – Faith #2
Days are counting down until a new year, but we still have one more new comic book day! We have our picks in a few hours, but are there any you’re excited for?
While you await for that, here’s some news from around the web to keep you entertained.
Around the Tubes
CBLDF – 10 Comics CBLDF Defended in 2015 – Go support them!
Advocate – Steve Orlando Isn’t Waiting for Gay Heroes, He’s Creating Them – And you should read what he’s doing!
GamePolitics – FTC Closes 2015 With No New Secret Shopper Report – Maybe because everyone realized they were doing a good job?
Around the Tubes
CBR – Chew #53
CBR – Daredevil #2
Talking Comics – King Conan: Wolves Beyond the Border #1
Talking Comics – Rocketeer at War #1
BlogCritics – Zombillenium: Control Freaks
Around the Tubes
CBR – The Mission: Captain America & “Civil War,” “Creed” and the Ongoing Struggle – As always, a great read.
Democrat & Chronicle – Another conviction in Medina comic collector death – Good.
CBR – Marvel’s “Secret Wars” #9 Delayed Until January, 2016 – Pay up folks.
Comic Vine – WB Montreal is Expanding Their DC Universe Games – Nice!
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – Black Magick #2
CBR – Chew #52
CBR – City of Clowns
CBR – Saga #31
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
Cage Hero #1 is a surprisingly enjoyable mix of superpowers and mixed martial artists. A fun comic that has an amusingly unique take on the superhero origin story (even if the high school setting is somewhat familiar). Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read.
One of the more interesting takes on the vigilante heroes lately has come in the form of The Black Hood. Issue #6 is a standalone tale that focuses on the title character’s battle with an addiction to prescription pain killers while he continues to go beyond the law in administering justice. The art is crisp and the colours entice you into the brutally honest world within these pages. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Mono is a superbly envisioned collection about a secret agent with a prehensile tale that is, frankly, visually stunning. This was a collection that captivated me from start to finish with it’s mix of pulpy goodness and pseudo history, it was a joy to read. Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Brett
Art Ops #1 – A fascinating new Vertigo series I’m still trying to wrap my head around. It’s basic idea is that art is real, and there’s this agency that protects the beings within the pictures. At least that’s my understanding of it. It’s pretty out there. Not sure if I’m totally sold, but it’s absolutely original. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
The Black Hood #6 – A one-shot that seems like it’ll lead into the next story arc. Howard Chaykin joins on art, and while I figured out the twist a bit before it was revealed, the comic is still really entertaining. If you’re looking for a comic about a cop/junkie/vigilante, then look no further! Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Chew #51 – The series is coming to its finale and this is our first look after its major confrontation and battle. We get to see where some characters are in their lives and what the world is like. There’s still some big questions to be answered, but this comic continues the over the top humor that consistently gets me to laugh. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
The Hangman #1 – This first issue is fascinating. It doesn’t quite get us to what I think is where the series goes next, but we learn about the boogeyman that is the Hangman in the mob. The comic is absolutely adult, and really puts the “dark” in Dark Circle. It definitely piqued my interest. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Revival #34 – What brought all the folks back to life? We still don’t know what’s behind Revivers, but this issue has some impressive revelations that started to make the puzzle clearer. It’s also a hell of a confrontation between Dana and her father. It’s an issue full of emotion and catharsis, a great jumping on point. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Daphne
The final issue of the A-Force miniseries was awesome. Ending it with an all-out war that showcased dozens of Marvel Comics ladies was a great decision, and makes me super excited for the full series to come out. The series itself wasn’t as strong in the middle as its beginning, but it ended with a great climax and I can’t wait to see more. Overall Score: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Ms. Marvel ended on a high note in time for the big company-wide relaunch initiative. With Kamala’s world ending we finally get some plot points wrapped up in really satisfying ways, and the story ends in a really optimistic and emotional that is totally worthy of the Miss Marvel name. This was probably the best “Last Days” story to come out of Secret Wars, and I love that it left us with both closure and a great setup for things to come. I can’t wait to see what happens with the relaunch. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
Elana
This has been a banner month for Catwoman, Constantine and Gotham Academy. Each has just printed it’s best issue yet. Each of these comics reaches a pinnacle of a completely compelling storyline here and delivers and delivers and delivers. These are among the best comics today. Buy. Buy. Buy.
Over the Garden Wall issues 1 and 2 are lovely contributions to the world of the animated show. I rewatched the cartoon after reading them and they fill in the blanks in the series so well that I would strongly suggest anyone who likes the cartoon pick up these comics immediately. They are charming and wistful like the series. They even contain a page of sheet music in the back! Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Heathen from comixology submit: promising fantasy/folklore story from a promising new creative talent Natasha Alterici. Compelling queer female lead. Evocative painted art. You can shiver it it looks so cold. I hope she continues the series! I’ll give it an 8 if she can keep this up! Recommendation: Buy.
Revenger from comixology submit: this is an angry comic. The art evokes Benjamin Marra (his art is also angry). If you are in the mood for angry, revenge violence with a very raw nerve core then give this a go. It’s got that ugly but compelling look to the art. Badass black butch female lead who reminds me of a cross between Grace Jones and The Man with No Name. Feels pretty punk rock. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy
Concrete Park Volume 2 this is a radical scifi book with politics on it’s sleeve. Striking character design. Impeccable world building. Check out those maps! The world they invent is completely unique. An urban dystopia in space. Strong critique of the prison-industrial system and sexism. It deserves a full length review. This was the best thing I got at New York Comic Con. I love it so much! And I’ve only read the 2nd volume. Definitely going to buy the first one but I think it speaks to how well written the 2nd volume is that I was able to get totally involved in it without any of the earlier information. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Kenny
Colder: Toss the Bones #2 continues its trend of being creepy as hell. Nimble Jack’s relentless tormenting of Declan plays on the idea of that feeling that someone is watching you. The story toys with that psychological idea to great effect. It is uncomfortable seeing Declan unknowingly having his life manipulated by Jack. Each of Jack’s action are so dark and uncomplicated by morality, that he has become a menacing figure who seems unstoppable at this point. This comic is still proving to be one of the best horror comics out and one that needs your attention. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is moving in a completely new and exciting direction after the epic conclusion of TMNT #50. Issue #51 sets the stage for a Turtles’ arc as they try and navigate their new position as, well, I won’t spoil it for you. Find out for yourself and see the one of the most interesting premises for a Turtles story I’ve seen in a long time. Overall 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
This is it, the landmark Chew #50, and the showdown everyone’s been waiting for. With 10 issues to go this is the showdown between Tony Chu and The Vampire Cibopath in the cold snowy lands of Russia.
For quite a while now, the series has been building to the showdown between these two characters in what you know will be an all out battle between various powers gained. It’s been clear what Tony has to do to defeat The Vampire for a bit, and the question is would he go through with it? Yes. Yes. And Yes.
The issue is the excitement and kinetic energy you’d expect courtesy of the team of writer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory. No matter how sad an issue might be, or how much pure action it is, there’s an infusion of humor that puts it all over the top and makes each issue one of the most enjoyable comics on the market.
Each issue Layman lays out food and eating related powers that are so out there it’s hard to not crack a smile, laugh, and just enjoy it. For 50 issues he’s consistently delivered in that department, and even with a build up so big, he still delivers. The issue doesn’t disappoint at all.
Part of that charm is Guillory’s art. With powers so over the top, it takes a talented artist to deliver, and he does. The small details that pepper each issue, and especially this issue, tells us a story even if it’s not directly laid out with the script and dialogue. We know (and can imagine ourselves) what happened off panel. And through it all, and a kinetic zaniness worthy of Loony Tunes, it puts a smile on your face.
While the series is heading towards its sixtieth and final issue, there’s not time like the present to start from the beginning and catch up. With games and a television show in the works, Chew is still poised to be a massive break-out in the comic world. It’s kind of hard for it not to be when it’s this so infectiously fun.
Story: John Layman Art: Rob Guillory
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
My daughters love plushies. They have loved these things since they were 3 years old. Myself, I love comic books and replicas of comic book items. My house full of comic book themed items I bought from Etsy and conventions throughout the country. This industry started years ago, as something just for children, but along the way, those children became adults, and are still enthralled by these replicas ( including myself) So when I heard that Skelton Crew Studio produces items based on comic book items, including plushies, I wanted to see for myself how close they actually come to the real thing. Founded by Israel Skelton, Skelton Crew Studio makes officially licensed, high quality replicas. It started with keys for IDW‘s Locke and Key and now has included Hellboy and Chew and the always excellent Mouse Guard. Skelton Crew Studio certainly takes their job seriously and the love sure is not lost either, as both are evident in their attention to detail. I opened my package I got from the company in my mail, and found a treasure trove of items. It was like Xmas, and boy, do these guys deliver.
In the first item, I opened up, it was a replica of the Sushi Ono takeout carton, just like from the Chew comics.
A replica of Chogs from Chew!
Looks pretty dead on to me!!!
Let us take a look at one of the keys from Locke & Key.
Another dead on replica, as you can see how it looks like on this cover of Locke & Key.
The last item I opened up from Skelton Studios was a replica of Ogdru Jahad Amulet from Hellboy.
Much like what I saw in Hellboy: Seed of Destruction.
All of these items are available for purchase from Skelton Crew Studio.
Skelton Crew Studio provided Graphic Policy with FREE items for review
Chew is getting a Doctor. David Tennant, who is best known as the Tenth Doctor in the BBC’s Doctor Who has joined the voice cast of Chew. The animated feature, based on the Image Comics series, created by John Layman and Rob Guillory. Robin Williams was originally going to have the role. Tennant will voice Chu’s mentor-turned-menace Mason Savoy.
The series already has a few other voices already, including Walking Dead star Steven Yeun, and Felicia Day.
Jeff Krelitz, who helmed the animated Torchwood: Web of Lies and Peter Panzerfaust, is directing the project. He is also producing with David Boxenbaum via Heavy Metal, the duo’s multimedia company.
The series is about Tony Chu who’s a cop with a secret. A weird secret. Tony Chu is cibopathic, which means he gets psychic impressions from whatever he eats. It also means he’s a hell of a detective, as long as he doesn’t mind nibbling on the corpse of a murder victim to figure out whodunit, and why. It’s a dirty job, and Tony has to eat terrible things in the name of justice. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the government has figured out Tony Chu’s secret. They have plans for him, whether he likes it or not.
https://twitter.com/themightylayman/status/612021644903583748/photo/1
Chew #48
Story By: John Layman
Art By: Rob Guillory
Cover By: Rob Guillory
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: FEB150597
Published: April 22, 2015
BLOOD PUDDIN’ 3 of 5. FDA Director Mike Applebee and Special Agent Caesar Valenzano get new parts. Olive is out for revenge.
It was new comic day yesterday! What’d everyone get? If you’re still undecided check out all the links to numerous reviews below.
Around the Tubes
GamePolitics – Report: YouTube finally taking game streaming seriously – Maybe we’ll start streaming?
Kotaku – Please Stop Putting Stan Lee’s Name on Things – Amen.
iO9 – 9 Batman Knock-Offs That Utterly Miss The Point Of Batman – Have any to add to the list?
The Huffington Post – Charlie Hebdo To Receive PEN Award – Congrats!
Bleeding Cool – ‘It’s About Ethics In Comic Book Publishing’ – All conflicts should be disclosed at all time, and free items should be disclosed as well.
The Outhousers – Interview: Erik Larsen Goes In-Depth on CostumeGate, Costume Design, and the State of Comics – Great interview.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comic Vine – Amazing X-Men #18
Comic Vine – Aquaman #40
CBR – The Autumnlands: Tooth & Claw #5
Comic Vine – Batman and Robin #40
Comic Vine – Batman Eternal #51
Comic Vine – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #1
Comic Vine – The Black Hood #2
The Outhousers – Chew #47
Bleeding Cool – Curb Stomp #2
Comic Vine – Daredevil #14
Comic Vine – Darth Vader #3
Comic Vine – Deadpool #44
Comic Vine – The Flash #40
ICv2 – The G-Man Super Journal: Awesome Origins HC
Comic Vine – Gotham Academy #6
Bleeding Cool – Gotham Academy #6
Comic Vine – Gotham by Midnight #5
The Outhousers: Grindhouse: Drive In, Bleed Out #3
The Beat – Hit: 1957 #1
Talking Comics – Hit: 1957 #1
CBR – Jem and the Holograms #1
Comic Vine – Jem and the Holograms #1
CBR – Miami Vice Remix #1
CBR – The Multiversity: Ultra Comics #1
Comicsgirl – Part-Time Princesses
The Beat – Past Aways #1
Bleeding Cool – Providence #1
Comic Vine – Rumble #4
Comic Vine – Wytches #5
Chew #47
Story By: John Layman
Art By: Rob Guillory
Cover By: Rob Guillory
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: JAN150674
Published: March 25, 2015
Poyo gets trashed!
