NUTMEG TPB
Writer(s): James F. Wright
Artist Name(s): Jackie Crofts
Cover Artist(s): Jackie Crofts
96 pgs./ Teen/ F
$11.99
“Early Fall: Taste Buddies” collects issues 1-3 of Nutmeg, following 8th-grader Poppy
Pepper’s partnership with new girl Cassia Caraway and their plan to sabotage rich girl rival Saffron
Longfellow’s brownie fundraiser, taking their first steps toward a life of crime. Cover by Jackie Crofts
NUTMEG #3
Writer(s): James F. Wright
Artist Name(s): Jackie Crofts
Cover Artist(s): Jackie Crofts
32 pgs./All ages/ FC
$3.99 (reg.)
Fall, Part 3: “What Girls Are Made Of.” Bobby Benson and friends devour Poppy and Cassia’s illicit brownies and find they have a completely different effect than any of them expected. Meanwhile, Poppy learns something sobering about the nutmeg they used. Will it be enough for her to quit the game?
Wednesdays 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: Secret Wars #1 (Marvel) – Possibly the biggest event ever for the company starts here. It’ll reshape the Marvel Universe and here’s hoping it exceeds my expectations, which are admittedly low. Recent big events have been let downs. I’m crossing my fingers this one is the exception.
Afterlife with Archie #8 (Archie Comics) – Each issue entertain. And I still can’t believe I’m so hooked on an Archie comic. It’s fantastic horror, and the art is as solid as the writing.
Dead Drop #1 (Valiant) – Ales Kot puts together this series of connected stories featuring a big threat to the Valiant universe.
Descender #3 (Image) – A beautiful story about an android in a futuristic world. There’s an almost fairytale feel to it all. Not too late to start reading.
Nutmeg #2 (Action Lab Entertainment) – The first issue was absolutely fantastic. Two girls must deal with the popular girl in school. Yes, the comic is that simple.
Edward
Top Pick: Secret Wars #1 (Marvel) – Marvel’s big crossover kicks off here. Expect some of the ordinary and some of the new for this rebooted story.
Inhuman Annual #1 (Marvel) – The Inhumans have been picking up momentum for a while now at Marvel. The Annual should work well to help keep that momentum going.
Swords of Sorrows #1 (Dynamite) – A combination of all the female superheroes from Dynamite should be interesting, even if the story sounds a little ordinary.
Thief of Thieves #28 (Skybound/Image Comics) – Is it payback time for the eponymous thief of thieves? Cohen will return to challenge him.
The Wicked and The Divine #10 (Image Comics) – The Pantheon goes through their version of Ragnarok.
NUTMEG #2
Writer(s): James F. Wright
Artist Name(s): Jackie Crofts
Cover Artist(s): Jackie Crofts
32 pgs./ Teen / FC
$3.99
Fall, Part 2: “…And Everything Nice:” After some initial trepidation, Poppy takes her first step on the dark side, deciding to go through with Cassia’s plan to sabotage rival Saffron’s Brownie Brawl fundraiser—and Saffron’s chances with local heartthrob Bobby Benson—using some strategically-placed baked goods, and just a dash of malice.
Poppy Pepper just wants to survive junior high and avoid her rich rival, Saffron Longfellow, and her brownie-baking minions, The Lady Rangers. But when mysterious new girl Cassia Caraway arrives, she teams up with Poppy and together they plot to bring Saffron and crew down.
Nutmeg is the latest in the line of comics featuring young women focusing on their everyday lives. Written by James F. Wright with art by Jackie Crofts. This one has a new girl quickly make a friend and learn all about the cliques in her school. It’s a simple story and something we can all relate to growing up. That’s the brilliance of the comic, it really is just a slice of life. It’s a relatable comic, and no matter if you’re a man or women, you’ve probably experienced at least one thing in the comic directly and if you haven’t you probably know someone who has. All of this is helped with Wright’s writing which sounds real and what teenagers sound like. It doesn’t come off as forced or trying to be hip, it’s just real.
The fantastic and fun writing is helped by Crofts’ art which is absolutely beautiful to look at. I fully expect Crofts to be snatched up by one of the big two rather soon as the style is perfect for the broadened demographic they’re now going after. Absolutely fun and fantastic work.
Nutmeg is exactly what we need more of in the comic industry, and hopefully this series becomes the hit it deserves to be. One of the most fun comics released this week.
Story: James F. Wright Art: Jackie Crofts
Story: 8.5 Art: 9 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Action Lab Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
It was new comic day yesterday. What’d everyone get? What are you getting this week?
Around the Tubes
ScreenCrush – ‘Wonder Woman’ Officially Hires Director Patty Jenkins – Well that happened quickly.
Around the Tubes Reviews
The Beat – Archie vs. Predator #1
Bleeding Cool – Giant Days #2
BlogCritics – Gremlin Trouble
Talking Comics – Nutmeg #1
Talking Comics – RunLoveKill #1
Wednesdays 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: Nutmeg #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – There’s been such a fresh amount of releases of comics that break the mold of the traditional comic recently. This new series is another example of that focusing on some high school girls and their revival. Yup, it’s that simple, yet so welcome.
Archie vs. Predator #1 (Archie) – The first issue is great, mixing in classic Predator moments with a style that’s all Archie. So subversive. So much fun.
Bloodshot Reborn #1 (Valiant) – The Valiant left a very different Bloodshot out there at the end. This series picks up from there with a new status-quo and one I’m fascinated to see.
The Fox #1 (Archie/Dark Circle) – Archie’s going dark and mature with their new line of superhero comics. So far so good, and this first issue has very lofty expectations from me.
Letter 44 #15 (Oni Press) – It’s been six months since the last issue, and all hell has broken loose.
Edward
Top Pick: The Tithe #1 (Image Comics) – Comics are all the much better when they mix interesting concepts with social commentary. Such seems the case here with a group that robs from mega-churches and gives the money to the poor.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #2 (Marvel/Disney) – This is not just a Disney ride. Instead it gives a different take on the Western genre, while staying true enough to the roots of the story.
Ms. Marvel #14 (Marvel) – Those getting caught up in the Batgirling of all comics forget that Marvel did it here first without the fanfare. This standout series delivers more of what has given it such acclaim.
Thor #7 (Marvel) – This “Love It or Hate It” title should just be just the former. Since the introduction of the new Thor there has hardly been a misstep.
Grimm Fairy Tales Presents Wonderland #34 (Zenescope) – Erica J. Heflin’s run on Wonderland has been great so far, and this story arc promises more to come for Zenescope’s most complex superhero.
NUTMEG #1
Writer(s): James F. Wright
Artist Name(s): Jackie Crofts
Cover Artist(s): Jackie Crofts (main cover), Josh Eckert (variant cover)
32 pgs./FC/ Teen
$3.99 (reg.) $4.99 (var.)
Poppy Pepper just wants to survive junior high and avoid her rich rival, Saffron Longfellow, and her brownie-baking minions, The Lady Rangers. But when mysterious new girl Cassia Caraway arrives, she teams up with Poppy and together they plot to bring Saffron and crew down. Variant cover by Josh Eckert, limited to 2000 copies!
AERO GIRL #2
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra
Artist Name(s): Axur Eneas
Cover Artist(s): Axur Eneas & Juan Paul Reibeling (V) Jose “Dex” Garcia
Jacqueline Mackenzie, the daughter of Foxbay’s preeminent hero, was coming into her own as a sidekick when her world was shattered. Now, racked with guilt, she must decide between the responsibility of protecting her city and a mother that no longer wants her to be a hero. Thankfully, she won’t face this dilemma alone… Variant Cover by Jose “Dex” Garcia!
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
HERALD: LOVE CRAFT AND TESLA #4
Writer(s): John Reilly
Artist Name(s): Tom Rogers (pencils), Dexter Weeks (ink, color, letters)
Cover Artist(s): Michelle Nikolajevic
While Earhart fights her way through the Elsewhere dimension, Lovecraft and Tesla spend an evening graverobbing before attending Mark Twain’s retirement party. The critically acclaimed Action Lab series continues!
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99
HEROCATS OF STELLAR CITY # 6
Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer
Artist Name(s): Marcus Williams
Cover Artist(s): Jenny Parks
It’s off to school we go! Cassie calls on the Hero Cats to help with a curious college caper. Professor Tabart’s growth accelerating machine has been stolen and it’s up to the Hero Cats to catch the culprit
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99
KIDS OF THE ROUND TABLE #2
Writer(s): Robert Tinnell
Artist Name(s): Brendon Fraim (p) Inker: Brian Fraim (i)
Cover Artist(s): Penciler: Brendon Fraim Inker (p): Brian Fraim (i)
Creator Robert Tinnell returns to the world of his popular film, KIDS OF THE ROUND TABLE. Middle school student Kevin thought his vivid dreams of Merlin, Excalibur, and some of King Arthur’s most dangerous enemies were rough – but now those dreams have spilled over into reality – and brought the danger with them! Can Kevin protect his friends with the power of the magical sword Excalibur?
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99
NUTMEG
Writer(s): James F. Wright
Artist Name(s): Jackie Crofts
Cover Artist(s): Leia Weathington
“Early Fall: Taste Buddies” collects issues 1-3 of Nutmeg, following 8th-grader Poppy Pepper’s partnership with new girl Cassia Caraway and their plan to sabotage rich girl rival Saffron Longfellow’s brownie fundraiser, taking their first steps toward a life of crime. Cover by Jackie Crofts.
96 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $9.99
PRINCELESS: BE YOURSELF #1
Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley
Artist Name(s): Emily Martin, Brett Grunig
Cover Artist(s): Emily Martin, Brett Grunig
Adrienne and Bedelia are off to the swamp to rescue Adrienne’s sister Angoisse, but when a crash landing leaves them separated and stranded in a swamp full of dangerous creatures, Adrienne, Bedelia, and Sparky must face their fears just to find eachother.
32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $3.99
VAMPLETS: THE NIGHTMARE NURSERY #3 (of 6)
Writer(s): Gayle Middleton and Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Amada Coronado (p), David Dwonch (i) Bill Blankenship (c)
Cover Artist(s): Amanda Coronado (Regular), Gayle Middleton (Variant)
While Destiny has her hands full with Undead Dragons, Howliss goes missing! Vammette springs her master plan, leaving Destiny one step closer to doom. Will she ever make it back to Earth? Variant cover by Gayle Middleton herself (limited to 2000 copies!).
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
VENTURE #1
Writer(s): Jay Faerber
Artist Name(s): Jamal Igle (penciller/ Inker) James Brown (Colorist)
Cover Artist(s): Jamal Igle
Down-on-his-luck reporter Reggie Baxter has stumbled onto one of the greatest secrets of all time…superpowered high school history teacher Joe Campbell! But who is Joe Campbell and more importantly, how rich will Reggie become by blackmailing him? Two variant covers limited to 2,000 copies each!
Co-created by Jay Faerber (Copperhead, Dynamo Five, Noble Causes) and Jamal Igle (Molly
Danger, Supergirl, The Terminator: Enemy of my Enemy).
Will feature variant covers by series co-creator Jamal Igle.
32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
PUPPET MASTER #4
Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin
Artist Name(s): Michela Da Sacco (pencils, inks) and Yann Perrelet (colors)
Cover Artist(s): Standard Cover: Michela De Sacco (Pencils/Inks) and Daniel Morales (Colors)
Jester Cover: Michela De Sacco (Pencils/Inks) and Yann Perrelet (Colors)
After a lifetime of being manipulated by a succession of Masters, Andre Toulon’s Puppets may have finally found a way out. Is the psychic Madam Adon the savior they have been looking for? And if so, what is the price of freedom? The REBIRTH starts here!
Great jumping on point for new readers!
Variant Covers: Color, Sketch, & Photo cover of Jester limited to 1500 copies each
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
ZOMBIE TRAMP #12
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza. Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TBD
Cover Artist(s): TMChu (regular, risqué variant), Dan Mendoza (limited variant)
Risque variant cover (limited to 2500): TMChu
Mendoza variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza
In an effort to make it to Miami faster, Zombie Tramp takes to the air this time on a one-way ticket to chaos. Can Janey control her temper and her human form on a 6-hour flight full of annoyances?
Maybe. But add one more unexpected element to the mix and you’ve got yourself one angry zombie on a plane.
Features a variant cover by series creator Dan Mendoza (limited to 2000 copies) and a risqué variant cover (limited to 2500 copies).
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
ZOMBIE TRAMP VERSUS VAMPBLADE #2
Writer(s): Jason Martin, Dan Mendoza
Artist Name(s): Winston Young
Cover Artist(s): Winston Young (Regular)
Risque variant cover (limited to 2000)
Zombie Tramp’s biggest showdown yet continues! But how will the zombie queen overcome swapping bodies – and powers – with the mystical Vampblade?!? Can the two gothic foes work together long enough to undo their body swap voodoo?? The back alley horror brawl is just getting started! Features a risqué variant, limited to 2000 copies!
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
AERO GIRL #1
Writer(s): DeWayne Feenstra
Artist Name(s): Axur Eneas
Cover Artist(s): Axur Eneas & Juan Paul Reibeling (reg); Joel Gomez & Beth Sotelo (var)
As Aero-Girl, Jacqueline Mackenzie is the protector of Foxbay. As the sidekick to Battle Jack, her father, her life couldn’t be any better; but tragedy is just around the corner! Will she be ready to defend her city against the evil of Dr. Chimera and his army of AniMen? Can Aero-Girl be the hero she (and her father) alway.
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
BEYOND THE WESTERN DEEP Vol.1
Writer(s): Alex Kain
Artist Name(s): Rachel Bennett
Cover Artist(s): Rachel Bennett
For over 100 years, the animal races of the Four Kingdoms have lived side-by-side in uneasy truce. But when conflict ignites in the north, old alliances threaten to send the world into chaos. Experience the beginnings of an epic all-ages fantasy in this first collected volume!
80 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $9.99
GRONK: A MONSTER’S STORY VOLUME 4 TPB
Writer(s): Katie Cook
Artist Name(s): Katie Cook
Cover Artist(s): Katie Cook
The latest, full-color volume of Katie Cook’s popular webcomic, Gronk! This new installment has never been in print before and is coming to Action Lab as a brand-spankin’ NEW book! Follow Gronk and her friends’ adventures for another silly, fun, weird year. Like cats? This book has ‘em. Like dogs? We have those too. Like tiny green monsters? Look no further, you’ve found your new favorite book!
64pgs./All Ages/ FC $9.99
KIDS OF THE ROUND TABLE #1
Writer(s): Robert Tinnell
Artist Name(s): Brendon Fraim (p) Inker: Brian Fraim (i)
Cover Artist(s): Penciler: Brendon Fraim Inker (p): Brian Fraim (i)
Creator Robert Tinnell returns to the world of his popular film, KIDS OF THE ROUND TABLE. Kevin is a normal middle school kid who suddenly finds himself encountering the legendary wizard Merlin – and discovers he has a destiny that involves King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, and grave danger in the form of the king’s greatest enemy!
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99
NUTMEG #3
Writer(s): James F. Wright
Artist Name(s): Jackie Crofts
Cover Artist(s): Jackie Crofts
Fall, Part 3: “What Girls Are Made Of.” Bobby Benson and friends devour Poppy and Cassia’s illicit brownies and find they have a completely different effect than any of them expected. Meanwhile, Poppy learns something sobering about the nutmeg they used. Will it be enough for her to quit the game?
32 pgs./ All Ages/ FC $3.99
PIRATE EYE: EXILED FROM EXILE TPB
Writer(s): Josiah Grahn
Artist Name(s): Carl Yonder
Cover Artist(s): Carl Yonder
Former pirate Smitty is finally adjusting to his new life as a detective for hire when an old enemy takes it all away. Now Smitty will be forced to find out just how far he will go to stay alive, to retrieve what he’s lost and to take revenge.
Collects the critically-acclaimed Pirate Eye: Exiled from Exile #1-4.
128 pgs./Teen/ FC $14.99
PRINCELESS :THE PIRATE PRINCESS TPB
Writer(s): Jeremy Whitley
Artist Name(s): Rosy Higgins, Ted Brandt
Cover Artist(s): Rosy Higgins, Ted Brandt
The complete collected edition of Princeless: The Pirate Princess. Adrienne has been on the run and working to save her sisters, but when she finds another princess locked away in a tower, she decides to spring her! But Raven Xingtao, the daughter of the Pirate King, is more of a handful that Adrienne could have ever expected. Before she knows it, Adrienne is off on a whirlwind adventure to complete Raven’s quest for revenge!
128 pgs./Teen/ FC $14.99
STRAY TPB
Writer(s): Vito Delsante
Artist Name(s): Sean Izaakse
Color Artist(s): Ross Campbell and Simon Gough
Cover Artist(s): Dean Haspiel
Collecting the hit mini-series, STRAY tells the story of Rodney Weller, the former sidekick known as “the Rottweiler.” When his mentor, the Doberman, is murdered, Rodney has to decide if he wants to come back to the world of capes and masks and, if he does, who he wants to be. Cover by Emmy Award winner, Dean Haspiel (The Fox)! Collects Stray #1-4.
128 pgs./Teen/ FC $14.99
VAMPLETS: THE NIGHTMARE NURSERY #3 (of 6)
Writer(s): Gayle Middleton and Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Amada Coronado (p), David Dwonch (i) Bill Blankenship (c)
Cover Artist(s): Amanda Coronado (a), Bill Blankenship (c)
Teenager Destiny Harper continues her adventures in the world of Gloomvania, where dark creatures lurk the streets, and the world is being mysteriously overrun by baby vampyres called Vamplets! Can Destiny serve her term as Governess of “The Nightmare Nursery” and return home? Fairy tales get a modern update in this coming of age tales of monsters, mayhem, and magic! Variant cover by Gayle Middleton herself (limited to 2000 copies!).
32 pgs./All Ages / FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
PUPPET MASTER #3
Writer(s): Shawn Gabborin
Artist Name(s): Michela Da Sacco (pencils, inks) and Yann Perrelet (colors)
Leech Woman Cover: Michela Da Sacco (pencils/inks) , Yann Perrelet (colors)
Leech Woman Sketch Cover: Michela Da Sacco (pencils/inks)
Leech Woman Photo Cover
And then there were two.
Two friends still trapped at the Bodega Bay Inn. Two friends being hunted by Andre Toulon’s twisted Puppets. Or is only ONE of them truly in danger? The Offering has been made…will it be accepted? Features three variant covers depicting Leech Woman! Limited to 1500 copies each.
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
ZOMBIE TRAMP #11
Writer(s): Dan Mendoza, Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): TMChu
Cover Artist(s): TMChu (regular, risqué variant), Dan Mendoza (limited variant), Winston Young (limited variant)
Risque variant cover (limited to 2500): TMChu
Mendoza variant cover (limited to 2000):Dan Mendoza
Vampblade variant cover (limited to 2000): Winston Young
Zombie Tramp creates a flesh beast from cemetery inhabitants to do battle with the hulking meth monster that’s plagued her visit to Detroit; but will Motown’s supernatural defender Vampblade help Janey in her fight, or team-up against her? It’s a boneyard brawl of beasts and beauties, as Janey fights for her right to ease on down the road! Features a variant cover spotlighting guest starring character Vampblade, as well as a variant cover by Dan Mendoza (limited to 2000 copies) and a risqué variant cover (limited to 2500 copies).
32 pgs./Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
ZOMBIE TRAMP VERSUS VAMPBLADE #1
Writer(s): Jason Martin, Dan Mendoza
Artist Name(s): Winston Young
Cover Artist(s): Winston Young
Connecting character variant covers (limited to 1500)
Connecting risque variant covers (limited to 2000)
In a story too big to contain in the pages of her regular monthly series, fan-favorite undead antiheroine Zombie Tramp breaks out into an all-new limited series that pits her against a new larger-than-life supernatural foe… Vampblade! Can Zombie Tramp hold her own against this new interdimensional weapon-wielding comic book bad girl brought to life, or has she met her sexy/crazy/cool match? Let the hair pulling and blood spilling begin! Features special variant covers featuring each character that connect to form one image, in both regular (limited to 1500 copies) and risqué designs (limited to 2000 copies).
32 pgs./ Mature Readers/ FC $3.99/ $4.99 Variant
