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Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 9/28/11

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Brett

I’ve already posted reviews for the DC comics that came out, but here’s everything else.

American Vampire #19 – I guess this could be subtitled “the origin of Skinner Sweet.” I think we’ll finally learn how he became a vampire by the end of it. But so far, we’re thrown into the Civil War, the American war with the Indians and get to learn a lot about Sweet and his history. An interesting start to the new arc.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Annihilators: Earthfall #1 – The Annihilators still have the Universal Church to deal with which has now splintered into two factions fighting each other. That leads them to Earth which gets noticed by a whole lot of folks. A bunch of aliens beating up humans doesn’t go over too well. Hopefully there’ll be more than fighting to this four issue limited series. The Rocket Racoon and Groot story is entertaining, but not enough to put this issue over the top.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Avengers Academy #19 – The battle with Absorbing Man and Titania comes to an end with very uneven art and a story I shrug my shoulders about. I don’t understand the praise over the series.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Astonishing X-Men #42 – The battle with the Brood is over and there’s so much wrong here. Storm goes from being infected to not in one panel, there’s a lot of sappy foreshadowing. This series is anything but astonishing.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Black Panther: The Most Dangerous Man Alive #523.1 – An ok issue, that unfortunately again puts women in danger to get at the hero. An all too easy plot device. There’s a lot I liked, and a lot I didn’t (replacing bullets!?). Not the best of the series and definitely not a good point one. Also, following this with an event issue just isn’t smart planning.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

Brilliant #1 – The latest from Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley asks the question, “what if super powers were real?” There’s some promise here, but the first issue doesn’t hook me like it should have. I also can’t help but think I’ve seen this all before.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Captain America & Bucky #622 – Bucky takes center stage as he has to deal with the fact he’s the only person without power. The Invaders get captured and he has to rush to their aid. The series has been fun so far with solid art. It’s nice it gives a look into Bucky’s early years without have to retcon a bunch of stories. So far so good.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself: Hulk vs. Dracula #2 – Two issues in and all this is, is one big fight scene between the Hulk and Vampires. So far it adds little to the great Fear Itself storyline and the fact it’s release schedule is compressed makes me think this was a last minute thing or extremely late. While not horrible in any way, I struggle to think of a reason one should buy it other than being a completist.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

Fear Itself: The Deep #4 – The series itself was blah, but that’s what’s known as foreshadowing. It’s clear we’ll see a lot of these characters in the new Defenders series that will sure start. Whether that’ll be better, that remains to be seen, but if it’s not, I don’t see it lasting long.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

FF #9 – The Inhuman’s whip some ass and with one issue Black Bolt is back and just dominates. The way he dismisses everyone just is so bad ass. A great issue that continues the problem with the Reed Richards’. There’s also something with Valeria that’s up and who knows where that’s going. A great continuation of a fantastic series.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Incorruptible #22 – Max Damage continues to do his thing to try to clean up his act as a new villain comes on the scene. Plutonian also decides to show up, which should be interesting in the next issue. Not the best of the series, but it’s a fun series overall.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Iron Man 2.0 #9 – The Palmer Addley story continues as we finally learn how he’s “survived.” It’s an interesting issue and a lot I liked, but a bunch I had some issues with. It’s unfortunate in that the series had a lot of momentum and then got derailed by Fear Itself. If this was a straight story, without the break, it’d of been much better, but Marvel f-ed this up and a few other series with the distraction.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Journey Into Mystery #628 – Loki leads the troops against the Serpent in hell. It’s interesting, but not quite sure exactly what’s going on. I like it, but I’m confused about it all.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Kick-Ass 2 #4 – For all of the talk about how women are treated and portrayed in comics, how did this not cause more of an uproar? The comic is violent porn and the fact there isn’t an outcry over the rape of a teenage girl, the killing of small children and the murder of god knows how many cops makes me question the recent outcry. But, onto the comic, it’s pure violence, with a lot of holy shit moments. I’m a bit torn because it’s so over the top, but like a Tarantino movie, there’s something entertaining about it.

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.25

The Mighty Thor #6 – Not a bad ending to the battle with Galactus, but the issue remains as to when this takes place? It can’t be post Fear Itself, then there’s the Silver Surfer’s involvement with the Annihilators. It doesn’t exactly add up and for this Marvel fan, it bothers me.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

The New Avengers #16.1 – Why did this have to be a point one issue? There’s some good stuff here but the story telling and art are just off from the regular series. If the point ones are supposed to not be just jumping on points but also get folks interested in a series, I just don’t see this doing that.

Story: 7 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7

New Mutants #31 – I don’t know what it is, but these Fear Itself tie-ins are so bad. The story here is pointless other than a big fight, the art is horrible too. I liked some of the page layouts, but it’s not enough to make is enjoyable.

Story: 6 Art: 6 Overall: 6

Rachel Rising #2 – WTF!? That ending was so disturbing for so many reasons. This is such a creepy horror comic….

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Secret Avengers #17 – Warren Ellis took over the series I was expecting some big explosions and master story telling. We’ve had to self contained issues for his first two issues and neither were all that good. The art isn’t quite up to snuff and the plot is ho-hum. It’s like the comic is treading water until Fear Itself is done.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #2 – I can’t say I like how a story that took one issue to tell in the 1960’s will be dragged out for four or five issues, but the pacing and how things unfold are still solid. There’s some great touches that really updates the Spider-Man mythos for the modern world wrapping in technology and discussions of tolerance. Even the stereotypical chat about “responsibility” is updated. This is Spider-Man for a new millennium and that has to do with more than just his skin color.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Ultimate Comics Ultimates #2 – Well that got a bit complicated quickly. I think the pacing was very off in the issue cramming in too much for a new reader, but it’s theme of technology and progress killing myth and god is very intriguing.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Venom #7 – A bit torn on the issue, it’s easy to dismiss it as a tie-in for yet another event, but there’s a lot of focus on Flash and his connection to Venom. It’s very subtle but it’s there. Instead of asking Anti-Venom to come with him, he attacks, there’s then a scene with him and his father. It’s two parts of a comic that’s really a focus on a character and the demons that lie within.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Wolverine #16 – The fallout of Wolverine finding himself after killing his children continues, but I can’t help feel like I’ve read this exact same story before….

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

X-Men: Legacy #256 – It’s great to see these characters back, but the story is boring and the art atrocious. Spinning wheels until the shake up is all I have to say really.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

New Releases From BOOM! Studios! – 9/28/11

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

9/28/11 Releases!

INCORRUPTIBLE #22 (A)
INCORRUPTIBLE #22 (B)
Max’s efforts at rebuilding Coalville and redeeming himself to the world have suddenly been cut short by the return of The Plutonian —and Max finds he’s woefully unprepared. What lengths will he go to in order to be ready to take Plutonian on —and what sacrifices will he have to make to ensure Earth’s survival? The showdown you’ve been waiting for is here! Don’t miss this game-changing issue of Mark Waid’s stirring superhero saga!

IRREDEEMABLE VOL.7 TPB
Plutonian has been banished by the Paradigm to an off-world insane asylum… but it’s proving too weak to hold him. Meanwhile, upon seeing a darker side of Survivor, Qubit has entered into an uneasy alliance with Modeus, the Plutonian’s arch-nemesis and one of Earth’s most feared supervillains to figure out how to stop the Plutonian once and for all. But what will happen when the Mad God returns to Earth? From Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid (KINGDOM COME, EMPIRE) comes the latest volume in this epic superhero series!

JENNY FINN: DOOM MESSIAH
Before Troy Nixey directed the Guillermo Del Toro movie “DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK” he drew HELLBOY creator Mike Mignola’s script for a new tale of the macabre with acclaimed OMEGA THE UNKNOWN artist Farel Dalrymple! Singularly impressed by Nixey’s horrifying and creepy art, Mignola created a whole new character and mythology outside the HELLBOY universe with JENNY FINN. Now, catch this new, updated and redesigned edition of this lost horror classic, which Booklist calls “Good, creepy stuff!” and ComicMix says has “Mignola’s trademark spirit mediums, ghastly tentacles, and general all-around weirdness.”

Preview – Incorruptible #22

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

INCORRUPTIBLE #22

Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Marcio Takara
SC, 32pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
COVER A: Garry Brown
COVER B: Matteo Scalera
Diamond Code: JUL110938

Max’s efforts at rebuilding Coalville and redeeming himself to the world have suddenly been cut short by the return of The Plutonian —and Max finds he’s woefully unprepared. What lengths will he go to in order to be ready to take Plutonian on —and what sacrifices will he have to make to ensure Earth’s survival? The showdown you’ve been waiting for is here! Don’t miss this game-changing issue of Mark Waid’s stirring superhero saga!

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 8/24/11

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Brett

Just need to finish this week’s books and I’m totally caught up reviewing purchased books, and you get to see those reviews later today.

American Vampire #18 – Pearl and Skinner duke it out as time ticks down until the island goes boom. There’s some nice action and great art with a very solid ending to this story arc. Here’s hoping the next one is just as solid. Snyder has been continuously improving as the series has gone one.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Astonishing X-Men #41 – The story switches back to Mentallo. The ending is ok, but overall, I can’t say I cared about the story or it’s conclusion. The art was also a bit inconsistent at times. The arc was forgettable to me, but it was nice to see Roxxon play a bigger role.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

The Bionic Man #1 – Kevin Smith blows the dust off another classic series and gives it a bit of a modern spin. All the basics are there and this issue is full of set up for what we know is coming. It’s more than enough to get me to come back for a second issue and here’s hoping he does for this as to what he did for The Green Hornet.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Brightest Day Aftermath: The Search for Swamp Thing #3 – What a cop out crap ending. Absolutely nothing is resolved and the ending just feels so convoluted and a waste. I’m absolutely baffled as to the point of this three issue limited series other than bringing Constantine into the DC universe. There’s so much wrong with this last issue, I don’t even know where to begin.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Captain America & Bucky #621 – The early adventures of Captain America and Bucky don’t feel wedged in like they should and the focus on the beginning of their partnership, void of over the top villains, is a great change of pace from the bigger stories that have been occurring lately in their other and past series. It’s a nice “retro” comic whose focus is on character.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Chew #20 – The series continue it’s mystery as to what the strange writing in the sky is. I really have no idea what to expect, but the humor is great as usual, I love the art and I always walk away being entertained with a smile on my face. This is consistently one of the best comics out there.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Daken: Dark Wolverine #13 – The idea that Daken is “The Claw Killer” is thrown into question in this issue and now I don’t know the answer myself. The series continues to show it deserves a lot more respect than it gets and has improved throughout it’s run. A solid comic that keeps you on your toes.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #4 – Gravity and Hardball fight it out over Hardball’s actions in the last issue, while everyone else reacts to it, but none really do anything. There’s some things I really like, but the fact so many stand around and just talk about their fighting, as opposed to reacting to it, the overall issue is a bit silly.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

FF #8 – Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? It’s pretty damn unclear at this point, cause it’s pretty obvious there’s a lot more going on than we’re aware of and the story we’re being given isn’t all of it. Jonathan Hickman continues his guiding of Marvel’s first family and while single issues might falter here or there, the overall vision is solid.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #3 – Am I supposed to have mixed feelings about the Hal Jordan of this world? In one way he’s a hero, but in other ways he’s a complete coward and shit head. Not the best of endings, but it’s a piece in the bigger puzzle of the story.

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Flashpoint: Kid Flash Lost #3 – I liked the final chapter more than the first two and wish the first two had Kid Flash doing more of what he’s doing here. There’s also a nice homage to the White Lanterns. Another piece of the Flashpoint puzzle that’s kind of cool and feels like an end chapter to the convoluted story that is The Flash.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Flashpoint: Lois Lane and the Resistance #3 – Released a week later than it should have been, this issue has a key part of the Flashpoint storyline and it makes it a good one to read for that. Overall though, it’s not so much a story as a series of events that all tie into Flashpoint and it can’t really be enjoyed without that.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Flashpoint: Project Superman #3 – I’m a bit mixed on this one. There’s a lot more potential in this than three issues and a Superman created out of torture and grief instead of love and ideals is an interesting idea. Too bad the story was so short and often not as focused as it should of been.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #13 – Guy Gardner and Batman team up to solve a murder. I can’t say this was the best way to end the series. A lot to be desired, but at least it’s a self-contained story. It’s just one that didn’t need to be told.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Incorruptible #21 – Max Damage is building something, no one knows what and someone has shown up from Plutonian’s past that’s scaring the crap out of all of the loose villains. It’s an interesting story that’s starting to focus more on Damage atoning for everything he’s done and out of everyone, he’s stuck to the straight and narrow.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Kick-Ass 2 #3 – Long delays have taken the shine off of this series. The super villains make their move though, and there’s the over the top violence you’d expect. This feels like Tarantino doing a super hero movie, except the violence is just for violence sake. Not quite sure what I think, but it just doesn’t feel as much fun or interesting as it used to.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

Mystery Men #4 – There was a fun pulp feel to the comic, but it just feels really slow paced now and a bit boring. The story is ok, but I can’t say I’m blown away by it at this point. It’s not what I was hoping for, but it’s not really bad in any way.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25

New Mutants #30 – Yawn. Another Fear Itself tie-in that derails the progress a series was making. The team is in Hell while Dani is trying to help Hela in Hel. And even with all of that, it’s still boring.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

The Punisher #2 – Greg Rucka mixes a noir crime drama with a traditional super hero comic which is pretty cool. The focus of the comic is more on two detectives figuring out a wedding massacre, instead of the Punisher dispensing justice, and it works really well. A great comic that welcomes back a much missed character.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 – It’s great to see the Turtles back in action, and the comic has a great feel towards the grittier version of the comics. There’s some nice digs at the slapstick version of them, but it looks like the series is the welcome return I’ve been waiting for. There’s enough there that makes the comic feel like it’s classic version, but also a lot hinted at that gives me a reason to come back for more.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

The Ultimates #1 – Are the past volumes like this? The first issue of this relaunch packs a punch right from the start as global crisis light up and Nick Fury and his team must respond. It’s enough to get me to come back for more. One hell of a start.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Uncanny X-Force #13 – The team scrambles to save Warren and lots of sacrificing happens. It’s all action this issue that doesn’t really stand out by itself, but it’s a solid addition to the great story that’s being told.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Wolverine #14 – While the lead up hasn’t impressed me at all, that ending was one hell of a twist I didn’t even think about. This story arc and the one that preceded it haven’t impressed me at all, but this issue finally puts the pieces together and lifts up what’s come before a bit. It’s not the best Wolverine, but, in the end it packed a punch.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

X-Men #16 – The FF and the X-Men have to team up to save a friend. The story is ok so far, but the interaction between everyone is great. Some pretty good stuff so far, but not great.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

X-Men Legacy #254 – The team is trying to figure out what the hell is going on as they attempt to rescue Havok, Rachel and Polaris. The story is ok and there’s a nice build up of mystery and also a tie-in to a past story arc. Overall decent, but not quite the exciting return I was hoping for with these characters. But thankfully they’re back.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Explosive New Releases From BOOM! Studios Available Today!

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

8/24/11 Releases!

INCORRUPTIBLE #21 (A)
INCORRUPTIBLE #21 (B)
Have you been sitting on the sidelines while INCORRUPTIBLE has been serving up some of the best and most interesting superhero comics being written today? Yes? Well, this is the issue to pick up. As legendary writer Mark Waid sets the stage for events that will change the IRREDEEMABLE/INCORRUPTIBLE universe forever, this is a great issue for new readers to jump aboard one of most wild, unpredictable comics on the stands today. Longtime reader? You won’t be disappointed with this singularly epic issue! Miss this one at your peril.

CTHULHU TALES OMNIBUS: DELIRIUM
Collecting your favorite CTHULHU TALES from the sold out volumes 1, 2, and 3 into one overstuffed 224 page volume: completely original tales of darkness and the macabre based on Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythology featuring some of today’s hottest talents, including Mark Waid, Keith Giffen, Steve Niles, William Messner-Loebs, Michael Alan Nelson, screenwriters John Rogers (Leverage), Andrew Cosby (Eureka), Henry Alonso Myers (Chuck) and Johanna Stokes (Eureka) with grab-you-by-the tentacles art by Chee (Transformers), Ben Roman (The Cryptics), Shane Oakley (Channel Evil), Andrew Ritchie (Necronomicon), Andy Kuhn (Firebreather), Lee Carter (The Darkness), Filip Sablik (Artifacts), Chris Lie (Drafted) and Joe Abraham (Hero Squared). Don’t miss this primal journey into a dark arena of horror. Featuring a cover from 100 BULLETS cover artist Dave Johnson!

WORDGIRL: COALITION OF MALICE
Word up! KABOOM! proudly brings you all-new adventures of WordGirl —based on the Emmy Award-winning animated children’s show of the same name. Join WordGirl and Captain Huggy Face as they fight for truth, justice and use of the right word! But a titanic team-up spells trouble when WordGirl’s arch-villains The Butcher, Mr. Big, Dr. Two-Brains, Granny May and Chuck the Evil Sandwich-Making Guy join forces…as the fearsome Coalition of Malice!

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 7/27/11 Part 2

Posted on August 20, 2011 by Brett

I’m still a bit behind in my reviews. Here’s the second part of reviews from releases weeks ago. Hopefully I’ll be caught up this week.

Green Hornet #17 – Phil Hester continues to move this action packed comic forward. It’s some great pulp action that shows how bad the movie was. Too bad quality like this couldn’t represent the Hornet on the big screen. Tons of fun and a definite read for fans of Batman or pulp hero comics.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Incorruptible #20 – This series along with it’s sister title is about taking the villain and hero dynamic and archetypes and breaking them down. What’s interesting with this issue is that so common villain soliloquy is used and of course things go wrong for the bad guy. For a series that makes us rethink about the typical super hero comic, in this issue it falls upon such a common writing tool.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Kirby Genesis #2 – This series is for Kirby die-hards. The ideas are very much him and the designs mimic his style quite well, but overall, I give it a big meh. It’s interesting but a bit too much too quickly I think.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

The Mighty Thor #4 – Thor vs. Silver Surfer, Odin vs. Galactus, it’s big battles here. But, when does this take place? Pre-Fear Itself it doesn’t make sense, but post may not have a Thor around. So confusing…. but still entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

New Mutants #28 – To me, this is the quality I expect from the series. Faced with doubt and the after affects of everything they’ve been through an outside shrink is brought in to help them deal. It’s a solid story, worth the read. Here’s hoping the quality keeps up.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8

Secret Avengers #15 – An issue that gets very meta discussing “death” in comic books. Even though it has Fear Itself on the cover, it’s more a statement about the recent deaths of comic book characters and the reaction by the public. A very interesting read if you take it that way.

Story: 8.75 Art: 7 Overall: 8.5

Secret Warriors #28 – Not a thing I would change, a perfect ending to the series. There’s so much hope, so much advice, and so much left out there. It’s a shame it couldn’t continue. But a big thanks goes out to the team that brought twenty eight pages of awesome. Bravo.

Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.75

Uncanny X-Force #12 – Wow, that was certainly interesting. A hell of an issue that really dives deep into the characters and focuses on them instead of the action, and then wham, one hell of an ending. So, so good. The art surrounding Wolverine was a bit off and inconsistent, but otherwise, a solid issue.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Venom #5 – After all of the action, all of the swinging around, this issue quiets it down and instead focuses on Flash the man. It’s interesting that the two books in this batch by Rick Remender focused not on the action and instead focused on characters. It’s a solid book about a man who’s haunted by the past which is guiding his present.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #222 – The issue with Rhane’s unborn child continues. I can’t say I’m too crazy about the plot, but it has it’s moments and a few times the art is really good. There’s a style that sneaks through that’s solid, but overall the art is ok.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7 Overall: 7

X-Men #15 – Overall a decent story arc that introduces a pretty cool villain. It seems a bit odd to have such a solid story before a big event, and it’s a bit choppy with Schism occurring now. But as a whole, I’ll give it high marks.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Men: Legacy #252 – Legion seeks out Styx with an ending I’m not quite sure I understand, but there’s clearly more going on involving Rogue, so we’ll see where this series goes next.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

X-Men: Schism #2 – The major shake up to the “X” universe continues as the world reacts to terrorist acts and the X-Men must assemble to take on antiquated Sentinels. Meanwhile the Hellfire Club continues their movies. This is the event us X-Men fans have been waiting for.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Take A Peek At The Boom! Studios July/September Previews!

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

THE RINSE #1 (A)
THE RINSE #1 (B)
Written by Gary Phillips
Drawn by Marc Laming
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $1.00
Diamond Code: JUL110956

SPECIAL $1 DEBUT ISSUE! Acclaimed crime novelist Gary Phillips (THE JOOK, VERTIGO’S ANGELTOWN and COWBOYS) returns to BOOM! with a new brand of crime! High finance and low-down greed rear their ugly heads as Jeff Sinclair, the premiere laundryman in San Francisco—and we’re not talkin’ wrinkled jeans and dirty gym socks—is unwillingly pulled into a dangerous gig laundering $25 million in stolen casino skim money. Forced to truly consider his line of work and the evil that he facilitates, Jeff must find a way to clean the cash and wash away his own sins. A grounded, gritty look at the world of money laundering in the vein of Elmore Leonard, THE RINSE is a modern crime classic in the making! For fans of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ CRIMINAL!

ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #3 (A)
ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #3 (B)
Written by Chris Roberson
Drawn by Francesco Biagini
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110936

Signs continue to appear throughout the Multiverse that the Cosmic Balance is in peril, and the Eternal Champion is caught in the crosshairs! Across worlds, Elric, Hawkmoon and Corum begin to face the force that threatens to overpower them all, while Eric Beck, a modern-day video game designer, must acknowledge that his reoccurring dreams of a Pale Prince aren’t all in his head… Join New York Times bestseller Chris Roberson (SUPERMAN, iZOMBIE, STAN LEE’S STARBORN) as he teams up with legendary fantasy author Michael Moorcock to bring Elric back to comic books in an original ongoing series! See why Neil Gaiman called Moorcock “my model for what a writer was” while Warren Ellis said he is one of the “eight core sites in my creative genome.”

FARSCAPE #23
Written by Rockne S. O’Bannon, Keith R.A. DeCandido
Drawn by Will Sliney
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110935

Crichton’s plan to stop the Kkore onslaught starts here. It’s a major risk, involving knowledge discovered through the secret history of the Delvians. Nothing like this has even been attempted, but taking this risk might be the only hope for the crew of Moya. The penultimate chapter of The War for the Uncharted Territories! From FARSCAPE creator Rockne S. O’Bannon and fan-favorite novelist Keith R.A. DeCandido!

HELLRAISER #7 (A)
HELLRAISER #7 (B)
Written by Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette
Drawn by Stephen Thompson
SC, 24 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110930

One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites…and Pinhead! He thought he knew his place in the void, but in this issue Pinhead discovers something that will shake HELLRAISER fans to their core.

INCORRUPTIBLE #22 (A)
INCORRUPTIBLE #22 (B)
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Marcio Takara
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110938

IRREDEEMABLE #29 (A)
IRREDEEMABLE #29 (B)
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Eduardo Barretto
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110939

Hope is slipping from society as Plutonian returns to earth and lays waste to Earth’s protectors. With all opposition broken and all defenses shattered —what’s left of the Paradigm is scattered across the globe. Now the only beings in existence that may stand any chance of taming Plutonian are…his parents? Don’t miss this stunning issue of Mark Waid’s multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated epic superhero series!

PLANET OF THE APES #6 (A)
PLANET OF THE APES #6 (B)
Written by Daryl Gregory
Drawn by Carlos Magno
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110947

The hit series continues! The ferociousness of the apes’ plans against humans is finally revealed! As humans face oppressive tactics not seen in centuries, they choose to fight with newfound viciousness — committing an act so severe it will have reverberations for years to come! Superstar writer Daryl Gregory and white hot artist Carlos Magno ensure you have to “get your hands on these damn dirty apes!”

STAN LEE’S SOLDIER ZERO #12
Written by Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning
Drawn by Javier Pina
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110949

LAST ISSUE! Stan Lee, Dan Abnett, and Andy Lanning bring the year’s most colossal crossover to a close with the series finale that will forever change the universe! Soldier Zero, the Traveler, Starborn, the Inheritors…what is their fate? Find out as Stan “The Man” Lee concludes the finest superhero run of the year!

STAN LEE’S STARBORN #10
Written by Chris Roberson
Drawn by Khary Randolph
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110952

The crossover fans have been clamoring for continues to be NOT OF THIS WORLD! With a new menacing threat terrorizing Earth, will Starborn fight for us…or against us? SUPERMAN’s Chris Roberson and SPIDER-MAN’s Khary Randolph bring you a Stan Lee superhero scorcher that redefines the sci-fi superhero genre! Worlds collide this month in true Stan Lee fashion!

STAN LEE’S THE TRAVELER #11
Written by Mark Waid, Tom Peyer
Drawn by Chad Hardin
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110954

With the horrific plans of The Inheritors finally revealed, it’s up to the Traveler and Soldier Zero to find the source of their power before the entire planet is sucked into the cataclysmic fray! The crossover event of the year continues as Tom Peyer joins comic book icons Stan Lee and Mark Waid to bring you more time-traveling mind-benders!

DRACULA: THE COMPANY OF MONSTERS VOL. 3 TPB
Written by Daryl Gregory, Kurt Busiek
Drawn by Scott Godlewski, Damian Couceiro
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $14.99
ISBN13: 9781608860586
Diamond Code: JUL110932

The terrifying conclusion to the critically acclaimed series from comics legend Kurt Busiek! After a powerful, predatory corporation acquires Dracula as a valuable asset, they soon discover one terrifying truth: no one can own the Son of the Dragon! As the vampire armies of the corporation and Dracula face off against each other, our hero Evan must enter into an unlikely alliance with Marta and her team of vampire hunters. As Dracula and the corporation’s fight reaches a fever pitch, can Evan and Marta work together long enough to rally a rebellion that will be able to withstand the onslaught? It’s bloodsuckers vs. bloodsucker, as Busiek brings an incredibly modern spin to the Dracula mythos with award-winning author Daryl Gregrory (PANDEMONIUM, PLANET OF THE APES) and rising star artists Scott Godlewski (CODEBREAKERS) and Damian Couceiro (NOLA).

HELLRAISER VOL. 1 TPB
Written by Clive Barker, Christopher Monfette
Drawn by Leonardo Manco, Stephen Thompson
SC, 112 pgs, FC, SRP: $9.99
ISBN13: 9781608860722
Diamond Code: JUL110928

One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites…and Pinhead! So prepare your soul for an epic journey into horror from one of the medium’s greatest voices, and starring one of the medium’s greatest characters, in an unforgettable new chapter of HELLRAISER.

IRREDEEMABLE VOL.7 TPB
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Diego Barreto, Peter Krause
SC, 128 pgs, FC, SRP: $16.99
ISBN13: 9781608860555
Diamond Code: JUL110940

Plutonian has been banished by the Paradigm to an off-world insane asylum… but it’s proving too weak to hold him. Meanwhile, upon seeing a darker side of Survivor, Qubit has entered into an uneasy alliance with Modeus, the Plutonian’s arch-nemesis and one of Earth’s most feared supervillains to figure out how to stop the Plutonian once and for all. But what will happen when the Mad God returns to Earth? From Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid (KINGDOM COME, EMPIRE) comes the latest volume in this epic superhero series!

STAN LEE’S SOLDIER ZERO VOL.2 TPB
Written by Mark Waid
Drawn by Diego Barreto, Peter Krause
SC, 128 pgs, FC, SRP: $16.99
ISBN13: 978-1-60886-060-9
Diamond Code: JUL110951

STAN’S BACK! Now in trade paperback! Stan Lee, the most colossal force in the history of comics, teams up with critically acclaimed writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (THE LEGION, IRON MAN/THOR) and artist Javier Pina (SUPERMAN, BATMAN) for the dramatic, action-packed superhero scorcher, SOLDIER ZERO! Half-Human. Half-Alien. All Weapon…and all in this brand new collection! Compiling the highly celebrated debut story arc by hot writing team Abnett and Lanning, find out the secret behind Soldier Zero’s flight to Earth and why Stewart Trautmann has become an intergalactic weapon of war. This can’t-miss edition features a cover by fan-favorite X-MEN artist, Trevor Hairsine!

ZOMBIE TALES OMNIBUS: OUTBREAK
Written by Mark Waid, John Rogers, Willliam Messner-Loebs and many more!
Drawn by Andy Kuhn, Keith Giffen, Jon Schnepp and many more!
SC, 220 pgs, FC, SRP: $19.99
ISBN13: 9781608860760
Diamond Code: JUL110957

We’ve got plenty more mad creations spilling out of our zombie kitchen! Delivering smart, accessible, high-quality zombie short stories, this anthology has met with great acclaim amongst both comic and zombie fans, featuring more great zombie stories from more great writers and artists that you know and love. Don’t worry about leaving room for dessert — you’re it! Featuring work from writers Mark Waid (IRREDEEMABLE, KINGDOM COME), John Rogers (Leverage, Transformers), William Messner-Loebs (THE FLASH, THE MAXX), Brian Augustyn (JLA: YEAR ONE, B.P.R.D.), role-playing game master Monte Cook, Karl Kesel (FANTASTIC FOUR, SUPERMAN), Michael Alan Nelson (28 DAYS LATER), Ian Brill (DARKWING DUCK), Tom Peyer (THE FLASH), Pierluigi Cothran (HEROES webcomic), Bryce Carlson (WALL•E), plus art from the likes of Andy Kuhn (FIREBREATHER), Keith Giffen (52, LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES), Jon Schnepp (Venture Brothers, Metalocalypse), Toby Cypress (KILLING GIRL), and more. With talent like this, neither the dead nor the living stand a chance!

SPACE WARPED #3

Written by Hervé Bourhis
Drawn by Rudy Spiessert
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110966

Spaced Warped Strikes Back! Far away, in a land long ago…an unlikely band of travelers embarked on a hilarious journey through one of the greatest science fiction franchises of all time! In the tradition of ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS and SPACEBALLS, this loving, affectionate parody continues! The next chapter in this hilarious saga begins here, as the fan-pleasing romp that skewers one of the greatest adventure stories ever strikes back!

DUCKTALES #5 (A)
DUCKTALES #5 (B)
Written by Warren Spector
Drawn by Leonel Castellani
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110961

It’s the epic conclusion to “Rightful Owners.” Scrooge McDuck is on the brink of restoring his collection of returned rarities, but will a crisis of conscience be his ultimate undoing? You won’t want to miss the action brought to you by EPIC MICKEY’s Warren Spector and MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD’s Leonel Castellani, and of course the Disney Afternoon Revolution!

DARKWING DUCK #16 (A)
DARKWING DUCK #16 (B)
Written by Ian Brill
Drawn by James Silvani
SC, 32 pgs, FC, SRP: $3.99
Diamond Code: JUL110960

It’s a super-powered stampede as waves and waves of brand new baddies pop up all over St. Canard, in the midst of a mayoral race you have to see to believe! How many more meta human menaces are gonna show up to crash Darkwing’s political party? Count ’em all in “The Ballot of Darkwing and Launchpad!” Fan-favorite writer Ian Brill and superstar artist James Silvani bring you another fantastic issue of DARKWING DUCK!

HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET, CHARLIE BROWN
Written by Charles Schulz, Craig Schulz, Stephan Pastis
Drawn by Bob Scott, Ron Zorman, Vicki Scott
SC, 96 pgs, FC, SRP: $9.99
ISBN13: 9781608866816
Diamond Code: JUL110962

Now in trade paperback! Charles Schulz’s world-renowned comic strip, PEANUTS, takes the stage as a graphic novel! Adapted from the animated special, Happiness is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown, this timeless retelling takes us back to the neighborhood and features Linus’ insecurities, Charlie Brown’s kite-flying woes, Lucy’s unrequited love for Schroeder, and everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy, in a lively and colorful spin through Charles Schulz’s imagination. HAPPINESS IS A WARM BLANKET, CHARLIE BROWN is certain to please old and new fans alike!

WORDGIRL: THE COALITION OF MALICE
Written by Chris Karwowski
Drawn by Steve Young, Pat Lapierre
SC, 64 pgs, FC, SRP: $7.99
ISBN13: 9781608866786
Diamond Code: JUL110967

Word up! KABOOM! proudly brings you all-new adventures of WordGirl —based on the Emmy Award-winning animated children’s show of the same name. Join WordGirl and Captain Huggy Face as they fight for truth, justice and use of the right word! But a titanic team-up spells trouble when WordGirl’s arch-villains The Butcher, Mr. Big, Dr. Two-Brains, Granny May and Chuck the Evil Sandwich-Making Guy join forces…as the fearsome Coalition of Malice!

GRANDPA WON’T WAKE UP
Written by simon max hill
Drawn by Shannon Wheeler
HC, 80pgs, FC, SRP: $7.99
ISBN13: 9781608866557
Diamond Code: MAY110945

This is not the children’s book your mother read to you! Best known for TOO MUCH COFFEE MAN and I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, Eisner Award-winning talent Shannon Wheeler brings you this Li’l Golden parody that takes a look at the lighter side of discovering a cadaver in your living room. See what ridiculous lengths will be reached in trying to wake up Grandpa…and were those fishnets really necessary? A hilarious send-up from new writing talent simon max hill and Shannon Wheeler!

CAPITOL HELL
Written by Pete Von Sholly
Drawn by Pete Von Sholly
HC, 24pgs, FC, SRP: $11.95
ISBN13: 9780971008090
Diamond Code: JUL110959

Jaded Americans can find some levity in the impending 2012 presidential campaigning with CAPITOL HELL, a creepy and hilarious 24-image postcard book by satirist Pete Von Sholly (REPUGLICANS). The recombinant DNA of recent and current White House occupants, presidential aspirants from each party, pundits and others are mixed with classic horror and sci-fi flicks in the author’s inky lab. Skin-crawling monstrosities result.

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 6/29/11

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Brett

It’s a holiday weekend and what better way to spend it than sitting back and enjoying a stack of new comic books. We read through to figure out which were worth the purchase so you don’t have to. Check out below what was worth the cash and which we wish we didn’t spend the money on.

American Vampire #16 – We get a better sense as to why the team was captured and what the facility is and Skinner’s identity is revealed. There’s a few bad ass moments in this issue, especially that last panel. Such a great series that gets better with every story arc.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6 – Some interesting revelations and one hell of an ending. Is this what really causes the upcoming schism in the mutants? And how does the world react to the Scarlet Witch returning? We’ve got three issues to go in the series that’s been delayed a wee bit too much.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Fear Itself: Black Widow #1 – The issue could stand on it’s own and having Fear Itself emblazoned on it, made me go in with a negative reaction straight out. This one shot is actually pretty good, but the art at times is a bit off.

Story: 8 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75

FF #5 – Much of the cosmic end of the Marvel universe has lately revolved around finding Black Bolt, well, he just kind of shows up at the end of this issue, and causes me to just say “huh!?”. The issue has some lows and highs and as usual falls into Hickman’s writing style where not all issues are winners, but the overall story is excellent and even those low points are vital.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Flashpoint: The Canterbury Cricket #1 – The first dud of Flashpoint, I just don’t see the point of this issue (yet). The feel to it is vintage 80s which might be part of the issue, but overall it’s the origin issue of a character that I just don’t see playing a big enough role he needs one. Hopefully I’ll be proven wrong.

Story: 6 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.25

Flashpoint: Green Arrow Industries #1 – It’s an interesting story that sees what Oliver Queen’s up to in this new world but the story jumps at a weird point and the art is inconsistent. Maybe this is the week that Flashpoint puts out the duds?

Story: 7 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.75

Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1 – See what Hal Jordan’s up to in this new world. It’s not quite what I was expecting considering Abin Sur’s role, but we’ll see where everything goes in this three issue series.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Flashpoint: Project Superman #1 – The story is a bit choppy, and takes you a bit to figure out how this aligns with the greater Flashpoint story, but it’s a cool take on Superman, and it has potential to be a very solid mini-series.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #11 – Um, what happened to the War of the Green Lanterns storyline? That hasn’t exactly wrapped yet…

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Incorruptible #19 – Wow, so that was an ending I wasn’t expecting. Max Damage spends the issue trying to convince Whelan to stand up and lead the city out of chaos while the villains gather to do something. Damage also discusses his role and what he can contribute. In this one issue I can see so many directions the series can go and grow. And trust me, that last page will get your jaw to drop.

Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #1 – A prequel to Marvel Universe vs. the Punisher. We get to see how the plague began and Wolverine hunting for the killer of his friend. The art, the atmosphere and mood and the comic just have the scent of foreboding doom all about it. Very cool stuff.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Men #539 – Logan and Hope have some bonding time and I just count down until the shake up.

Story: 7 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7

Venom #4 – The series is a decent one and pretty entertaining. I just wished Spider-Man was saved for a later date.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

The Walking Dead #86 – After so many issues, the series continues to find new directions and themes to explore. In a world so full of dread and despair, writer Robert Kirkman finally gives us the hope we’ve been looking for. There’s also a flip copy of Elephantmen: Man and Elephantman #1 to check out at no extra cost.

Story: 9 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9

X-Men: Prelude to Schism #4 – Four issues that builds up to the big “X” event and we still don’t know what the threat is. The players have been focused on and we have a lot of foreshadowing, but we still get to wait to see what the fuss is all about. I’m not sure it needed four issues, but I can understand what it’s all about.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25

Around the Tubes

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Brett

A long weekend is almost here! BBQs, fireworks, and lots of beer is on the schedule, anyone doing something fun? While you figure out what your plans are this weekend, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – Thor 2 Set For July 2013, Will Need New Director – Not sure what I think about getting a new director.

Con Coverage:

Bleeding Cool – Why DC Would Love You To Protest Against The DC Relaunch At San Diego Comic Con

Popculture Zoo – SDCC 2011: Voltron Activates Interlocks In San Diego!

ABC News – Vampires, Ninjas and More Pack LA for Anime Expo

Sign On San Diego – 2011 Comic-Con Party Guide

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #664

IGN – American Vampire #16

IGN – Artifacts #8

IGN – Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #6

IGN – Batman: Arkham City #3

CBR – Batman Incorporated #7

IGN – Batman Incorporated #7

IGN – Detective Comics #878

IGN – Fear Itself: Black Widow #1

CBR – FF #5

IGN – FF #5

IGN – Flashpoint: The Canterbury Cricket #1

IGN – Flashpoint: Green Arrow Industries #1

IGN – Flashpoint: Hal Jordan #1

IGN – Flashpoint: Project Superman #1

IGN – Godzilla: King of Monsters #4

IGN – The Goon #34

IGN – Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #11

IGN – Incorruptible #19

IGN – The Incredible Hulks Annual #1

IGN – The Iron Age #1

IGN – Justice Society of America #52

IGN – Last Mortal #2

IGN – Magdalena #7

IGN – Marvel Universe vs. Wolverine #1

Juan Words – Mi Barrio

IGN – T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #8

IGN – Ultimate Comics X #5

IGN – Uncanny X-Men #539

IGN – Venom #4

IGN – The Walking Dead #86

IGN – Witch Doctor #1

IGN – Wonder Woman #612

IGN –X-Men: Prelude to Schism #4

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 6/29/11

Around the Tubes

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Brett

It’s the latter part of the week with new comic releases yesterday. What did you get? What do you plan on getting? While you look forward to a long weekend, here’s the news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

The Beat – Center for Cartoon Studies awarded $255,000 community development grant for Inky Solomon Center – Great to see expansion of this.

Media Bistro – How ComiXology Will Support Independent Creators & Publishers – An interesting conversation and well worth the read.

ICv2 – Transformers 3 Earns $13.5 Million on Tuesday – Or it doesn’t open as well cause it’s terrible.

The Beat – Adam Sandler wins legal battle against comic book – Seriously? Guess you’d have to sue every kid who did this too.

Con Coverage:

The Mary Sue – There Will Be a Full-Sized (at Least on the Outside) TARDIS Replica at San Diego Comic Con

MTV Geek – ‘Heroes And Villains’ Android Figures Heading To SDCC!

Comics Alliance – Plastic Avengers Assemble for Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Mini Muggs Pack

Bleeding Cool – Is Wizard World New England 2011 The Next To Go?

CBR – Fans plan protest at Comic-Con against DC relaunch

Around the Tubes Reviews: