Parliament of Rooks #1
Author, Letterer: Richard Starkings
Cover Art, Artist, Colorist: Abigail Jill Harding
Purchase
After waking from a strange dream, architect Darius Ravenscar makes plans to head to the city of Eborvik to show the princess the designs she had commissioned. However, at the masquerade ball it becomes clear that something is terribly wrong.
Let’s face it, there’s just some entertainment where you turn your brain off and enjoy the ride. Disaster films is an entire genre of that as you just sit in the awe of the scale of destruction before you. Often, kaiju films fall into this concept where how and what gets destroyed is the fun. It’s popcorn popculture, made to fill you up on the joy of the insanity of it all. Let’s face it, Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 kicks off exactly that. And it’s it’s a hell of a lot of fun.
While we don’t get into the battle royale that we all want, Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 sets things up as Clark Kent is attempting to have a very important dinner with Lois when Godzilla rises from Metropolis’ shore. How did things get to this point? That’s the comic, setting up the Justice League attempting to help Clark have a vacation and the Legion of Doom causing mayhem in all their dysfunction.
Writer Brian Buccellato seems to be having fun with it all as it feels like the comic mines more of a B-movie vibe and a Legion of Doom that’s more silly like we’ve seen in their animated form in the classic animated series Super Friends. They squabble and screw up and it all leads to the main event. It’s the exact camp you’d expect and want, never taking itself seriously and just having fun with the concept.
The art by Christian Duce is solid. With color by Luis Guerrero and lettering by Richard Starkings and Jimmy Bentacourt, the comic handles its genre smashing well and the art quickly shows off the concept of a giant gorilla fighting superheroes isn’t as silly as it might seem. But what’s interesting to me is that the art, like the comic itself, doesn’t take itself too seriously. The characters’ body language and facial expressions show a loose nature about it all. Like the comic’s concept, they’re just having fun and going with the flow. This is the more joking, smiley Justice League, not the seen some shit beat down version.
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 is exactly what you’d expect and want and is great because of that. It begs you to just sit back and enjoy the ride, taking you on an adventure that can only happen in comics. I have no doubt what’s to come will be predictable with the Justice League teaming up with Godzilla and Kong to fight the Legion of Doom but who cares, this is a wild journey to just sit back, enjoy, and not think too much about.
Story: Brian Buccellato Art: Christian Duce
Color: Luis Guerrero Letterer: Richard Starkings, Jimmy Bentacourt
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
Blending modern horror, historical fact, and western lore, Dark Horse Comics, Scott Snyder, and Dan Panosian bring Canary to print in stunning oversized issues, featuring 56 pages! Written by Snyder, illustrated by Panosian, and lettered by Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Tyler Smith, Canary #1 will also feature variant covers by Panosian, Emma Rios (1:10 incentive variant), and Jill Thompson (1:25 incentive variant).
During the final days of the Gold Rush, one mining company in Colorado pulled up radioactive uranium–and then the mine collapsed in on itself. Legends sprang up about the mine being cursed or even haunted. Now, the Frontier is closed, the gold and silver mines have dried up, the country is becoming “civilized,” and yet, in one stretch of the Rocky Mountains, a terrifying, new kind of violence is suddenly emerging: random killings as people go mad and murder neighbors or classmates without real cause. When a schoolboy kills his teacher with a hatchet, a famous federal marshal named Azrael William Holt is called in to investigate the killings. What he and a brilliant young geologist uncover is stranger and more horrifying than anything they could have ever imagined.
Dig deeper into Canary #1 (of 3) November 1, 2023. It is now available to pre-order for $4.99 at your local comic shop.
Canary TPB (152 pages, $19.99) will also be available for pre-order starting September 12, 2023 at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and your local comic shop and bookstore. Canary TPB will be available in bookstores June 11, 2024 and in comic shops June 12, 2024.
The Devil’s Cut
(W) Mirka Andolfo, Brian Azzarello, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay, Jamie McKelvie, Stephanie Phillips, Scott Snyder, James TynionIV, V. Ram (A) Elsa Charretier, Becky Cloonan, Francesco Francavilla, Lee Garbett, Jo?lle Jones, Ariela Kristantina, Tula Lotay, Jamie McKelvie, Junko Mizuno, Eduardo Risso, Christian Ward (A/CA) Jock
In Shops: Aug 30, 2023
SRP: $9.99
The Devil’s Cut is your introduction to DSTLRY, a new publisher redefining creator-owned comics. In the aging process, the whiskey that evaporates is called the Angel’s Share. But the most potent spirits are captured in the wood-the Devil’s Cut.
This is The Devil’s Cut-unfiltered stories from the most fearless creators, offering a distinct taste of the quality to come. 88 oversized pages printed on premium paper, featuring a flight of high-proof work from our Founding Creators including Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Tula Lotay, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Becky Cloonan, Brian Azzarello, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, Lee Garbett, Joelle Jones, Stephanie Phillips, Ram V, Jamie McKelvie, Junko Mizuno and friends including Francesco Francavilla, Ariela Kristantina, Eduardo Risso, Christian Ward, and more. Edited by the legendary Will Dennis.
This kick-off issue will never be reprinted in this format again.
All covers full wraparounds.
The Devil’s Cut is your introduction to DSTLRY, a new publisher redefining creator-owned comics. In the aging process, the whiskey that evaporates is called the Angel’s Share. But the most potent spirits are captured in the wood-the Devil’s Cut. This is The Devil’s Cut-unfiltered stories from the most fearless creators, offering a distinct taste of the quality to come. 72 oversized pages printed on premium paper. This kick-off issue will never be reprinted in this format again.
Estimated release: August 30, 2023
Writer: James Tynion IV, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, PK Colinet, Stephanie Phillips, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Brian Azzarello, Scott Snyder, Jamie McKelvie, Ram V, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Art: Christian Ward, Ariela Kristantina, Elsa Charretier, Joelle Jones, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Eduardo Risso, Francesco Francavilla, Jamie McKelvie, Lee Garbett, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Color: Lee Loughridge, Nick Filardi
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar, Bernardo Brice, Clayton Cowles, Lucas Gattoni, Fabio Amelia, Jared K. Fletcher, Andworld Design, Richard Starkings
Localization: Steve Orlando
Story Assistant: Tyler Jennes
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
The Devil’s Cut
(W) Mirka Andolfo, Brian Azzarello, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay, Jamie McKelvie, Stephanie Phillips, Scott Snyder, James TynionIV, V. Ram (A) Elsa Charretier, Becky Cloonan, Francesco Francavilla, Lee Garbett, Jo?lle Jones, Ariela Kristantina, Tula Lotay, Jamie McKelvie, Junko Mizuno, Eduardo Risso, Christian Ward (A/CA) Jock
In Shops: Aug 30, 2023
SRP: $9.99
The Devil’s Cut is your introduction to DSTLRY, a new publisher redefining creator-owned comics. In the aging process, the whiskey that evaporates is called the Angel’s Share. But the most potent spirits are captured in the wood-the Devil’s Cut.
This is The Devil’s Cut-unfiltered stories from the most fearless creators, offering a distinct taste of the quality to come. 88 oversized pages printed on premium paper, featuring a flight of high-proof work from our Founding Creators including Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Tula Lotay, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Becky Cloonan, Brian Azzarello, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, Lee Garbett, Joelle Jones, Stephanie Phillips, Ram V, Jamie McKelvie, Junko Mizuno and friends including Francesco Francavilla, Ariela Kristantina, Eduardo Risso, Christian Ward, and more. Edited by the legendary Will Dennis.
This kick-off issue will never be reprinted in this format again.
All covers full wraparounds.
Years after the battle of Venarium, a weary Conan returns to his homeland to seek rest and solitude. However, a mysterious scout rides in to warn the Cimmerians of an imminent threat on the march from the Pictish wilderness. Will Conan and his new ally be able to hold off this new horde of invaders? Conan the Barbarian #1 is a fantastic debut feeling like a continuation of the great stories that have come before.
Written by Jim Zub, Conan the Barbarian #1 is the latest start in comics for the classic character. While the story might be knew, its look and feel are classic Conan. For those who have been fans of previous comic volumes, you should find plenty to like with this debut.
Zub is a master at swords and sorcery and it should be no surprise to those who know his work that he nails the debut. We’re introduced to a much younger Conan, in his mid-20s, fresh off of adventure and not happy with the leadership he’s dealt with. Zub plants a flag that this a Conan who is and is not a leader. One that you would follow to the ends of the earth but at the same time wouldn’t want to be in that position. He fights for what he sees is right and standing up for what’s right and others, though never wanting that recognition. Conan, Zub shows, is a complicated character in many ways. He should be leading and would be great at it, but doesn’t want to. He sees himself as doing what must, and should, be done.
Before him lays a challenge of a horde of individuals, possessed by unknown dark magic that turns them into zombie like beings. While it’d be easy to just make it zombies, that doesn’t quite seem to be the case, delivering a take that’s more than just Conan vs. undead hordes. With a new companion, he’s faced with a dilemma as to what to do and where to turn for the manpower to turn the tide and end the wave of destruction.
The art by Rob De La Torre is fantastic. With color by Jose Villarrubia and lettering by Richard Starkings, the comic looks like it’d fit right into the Conan comics that have come before. But, there’s something slightly different to this, the page layouts give it all a slightly more modern feel and flow. There’s beautiful double-page spreads and amazing use of space in the page layout. It all comes together for a comic that’s a perfect match of story and style.
I had high expectations going into Conan the Barbarian #1. Somehow it met all of them and then some. This is a hell of a debut and new chapter for the classic character that will hopefully launch adventures of this quality for many years to come.
Story: Jim Zub Art: Rob De La Torre
Color: Jose Villarrubia Letterer: Richard Starkings
Story: 8.75 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy
Titan Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
Lex Luthor is dying, and he wants the Man of Steel to help him find the cure for whatever is causing his rapid decline. While the world would rather see Lex die, Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 highlight’s Superman’s greatest strength, his compassion.
Written by Mark Waid, Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 is an interesting debut with a nice setup and taking us through the first steps to trying to find someone who’s sick a treatment. There’s something methodical about it all. But, that aspect is driven by humanity and compassion as Waid also flashes back to the childhood of Clark and Lex and their experiences together. What we find is a guilt from Clark that has stayed with him all of these years.
It’s an interesting comic that is a tour of Clark/Superman and Lex’s relationship through the years. It hints at what drives some of how Superman treats the villain, a feeling of guilt. Juxtaposed to the world’s reaction of Lex’s condition, it’s an overall interesting concept and start to things and is far more than it’s tour for a cure that it feels like at times. Add in a reoccurring messianic concept, the comic delivers a lot to chew on.
The art by Bryan Hitch is good. Overall Hitch’s art for me is hit and miss but here there’s some really nice spreads and panels and there’s a subtle emotional aspect to it all that captures what Waid is going for. Hitch is joined by Kevin Nowlan on ink and David Baron on color. Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith handle the lettering. The visuals are interesting overall, with a muted, almost dialed back aspect to it that matches the borderline dirge of a story. Grand visuals would belie the basic concept of the comic.
Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 is an intriguing start to a comic. It’s more about Clark and Lex’s relationship over the years than finding a cure. It’s a comic about how our past can impact us decades later and shapes who we are and what we do. Mixed with a nice look overall, it’s an interesting take on a relationship we’ve seen explored many times before.
Story: Mark Waid Art: Bryan Hitch
Ink: Kevin Nowlan Color: David Baron Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
The Devil’s Cut is your introduction to DSTLRY, a new publisher redefining creator-owned comics. In the aging process, the whiskey that evaporates is called the Angel’s Share. But the most potent spirits are captured in the wood-the Devil’s Cut. This is The Devil’s Cut-unfiltered stories from the most fearless creators, offering a distinct taste of the quality to come. 72 oversized pages printed on premium paper. This kick-off issue will never be reprinted in this format again.
Estimated release: August 30, 2023
Writer: James Tynion IV, Marc Bernardin, Elsa Charretier, PK Colinet, Stephanie Phillips, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Brian Azzarello, Scott Snyder, Jamie McKelvie, Ram V, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Art: Christian Ward, Ariela Kristantina, Elsa Charretier, Joelle Jones, Mirka Andolfo, Jock, Eduardo Risso, Francesco Francavilla, Jamie McKelvie, Lee Garbett, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Color: Lee Loughridge, Nick Filardi
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar, Bernardo Brice, Clayton Cowles, Lucas Gattoni, Fabio Amelia, Jared K. Fletcher, Andworld Design, Richard Starkings
Localization: Steve Orlando
Story Assistant: Tyler Jennes
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
This December, Dark Horse Books presents Four Gathered on Christmas Eve, four stories from four renowned comics creators: Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Becky Cloonan, and James Harren. Powell will be illustrating his story and James Harren’s with the rest of the writers also illustrating their own stories. Eric Powell and Dave Stewart will be coloring the anthology with letters by Richard Starkings.
Four beloved comics storytellers come together to continue the Victorian tradition of sharing ghost stories on Christmas Eve. They will spin tales of the bizarre and terrifying to keep readers company on a cold Yule night. This is a unique approach to the ghost story format where the creators themselves become part of the story, presented in a deluxe hardcover designed by the award-winning Phil Balsman.
Four Gathered on Christmas Eve (72 pages, 6.25 x 9.25”) arrives in bookstores December 12, 2023 and into comic shops December 13, 2023. It is now available to pre-order for $24.99 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local comic shop and indie bookstore.
