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Marvel Announces Three New Inhumans Titles For 2017!

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Graphic Policy Team

A new day dawns on the Inhumans this Spring as the super-powered race charges headlong into RessurXion! From the ashes of Inhumans vs. X-Men comes new stories, new creators and unbelievable action. Today, Marvel is pleased to announce three brand-new Inhumans titles – Royals #1, Black Bolt #1 and Secret Warriors #1 – coming in 2017

It all kicks off in April as blockbuster creators Al Ewing and JonBoy Meyers travel to the stars and beyond in Royals #1! Abdicating the throne and leaving the destiny of Earth’s Inhumans in the hands of the next generation, the Royal Family of Inhumans will travel to the far reaches of space on a grave mission. Back to the Kree homeworld and beyond, they’ll seek out he origins of the transformative Terrigenesis itself. They must uncover who they are, if they ever hope to discover who they may be. And thousands of years from now, the legends will say that seven set out on the journey, but only six returned…

Then, Hugo Award Nominated novelist Saladin Ahmed makes his Marvel Comics debut alongside fan-favorite artist Christian Ward to bring you Black Bolt #1! With a voice that could crack a planet in half, the monarch of the Inhumans finds himself somewhere he never thought possible – imprisoned on the edges of the cosmos! The newest resident of a prison designed to house the most dangerous criminals in the galaxy, Black Bolt must throw his lot in with murderers and thieves in an effort to plot the impossible: an escape!

Finally, the action returns to Earth as the next generation of Inhumans comes together to keep the future of their race alive in Secret Warriors #1! Rising star creators Matthew Rosenberg and Javier Garron bring you a tale of action, adventure and a group of heroes that play by their own rules. Be there as Quake assembles Ms. Marvel, Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur, Inferno, Karnak and a few surprises to make up the most dysfunctional super hero team out there – a group of kids in way over their heads, fighting to save the world.

The die is cast. The table is set. The future of the Inhumans begins this spring as RessurXion brings you three exciting new titles!

black_bolt_1_cover_by_christian_ward royals_1_cover_by_paul_mccaffrey secret_warriors_cover_by_david_nakayama

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. adds Secret Warriors for Season 3

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Brett

agents of shield secret warriors 1 I hinted at it in my review of the second season finale, but Marvel has confirmed we should expect to see a version of the Secret Warriors in the third season of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In the third season the team will introduce “new friends and foes inspired by” the Secret Warriors comic series.

In the comics the Secret Warriors was a team of superpowered individuals who were the sons and daughters of classic Marvel characters. The team was assembled by Nick Fury who had figured out that there was something up with S.H.I.E.L.D. and a connection to Hydra.

The series ran for 28 issues and ran from 2009 to 2011. The team was introduced in the Secret Invasion and their own series was plotted by Brian Michael Bendis with Jonathan Hickman on writing duties.

In the aftermath of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s battle with Jiaying and the Inhumans, Director Coulson will search the world for more powered people and assemble an extraordinary new team to deal with threats unlike the world has ever seen. However, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will soon find out they’re not the only ones tracking down these new Inhumans.

Marvel will be promoting the team at San Diego Comic-Con. From Thursday, July 9 through Saturday, July 11, S.H.I.E.L.D. ambassadors will be searching the convention for the most dedicated fans and rewarding them with limited edition “Secret Warriors” pins. Follow @AgentsofSHIELD on Twitter to see what the S.H.I.E.L.D. ambassadors are up to.

Those lucky enough to be recruited to the “Secret Warriors” at Comic-Con will complete their first mission by posting a photo of themselves wearing the pin to social media using #SHIELDSecretWarriors. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” cast members will select some of their favorite photos, which could get posted to the show’s official Twitter page, @AgentsOfSHIELD.

Marvel will reveal more at the “Marvel Television Presents” panel at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 10 from 3:00 PM – 4:15PM in Ballroom 20.

The new season premieres on Tuesday, September 29 at 9/8c on ABC.

Top Five Recently Canceled Series I Wish Were Still Being Published

Posted on May 13, 2012 by

Sorry haven’t posted in a while, but life has been getting in the way, but I should be back in the regular mix here at Graphic Policy from now on. My first post back is pretty straightforward, I’m going to take a look at five series that have ended recently that I wish were still going on. Not limited series, but ongoing series that have been canceled.

Honorable Mention: The Order, all of Marvel’s cosmic titles

OMAC 5. OMAC (8 issues, last in April 2012): OMAC wasn’t brilliant and it was, of course, little more than a tribute to Jack Kirby that hadn’t really been developed into anything of its own yet, but it had a lot of potential. Keith Giffen gave us art that was as true to Kirby as if Jack had done it himself. Dan DiDio was starting to establish an original character in Kevin Kho (the only Cambodian-American character in comics I know of) and there were a lot of Brother Eye stories to be told. Many crappier titles survived into the Second Wave of the New 52, hopefully we’ll see more from Kho, OMAC and Brother Eye again soon.

4. Heroes for Hire (12 issues, last in November 2011): Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning showed us with this series that there are no small characters, just small stories and small writers. Misty Knight and Paladin were turned into compelling and entertaining characters in a way they rarely have been in the past. The first issue of this series, with its shout-out to The Warriors, remains one of the best first issues of any series I’ve ever read. Luckily we got to see the story continued in Spider Island and Villains for Hire, but with the team having no current home, I worry that we won’t be seeing them as much.

3. 28 Days Later (24 issues, last in June 2011): In the days when zombie comics are rightfully dominated by The Walking Dead and wrongfully imitated by dozens of inferior titles, 28 Days Later was one of the few non-Robert Kirkman series that actually added something to the genre. Every issue started with a brilliant cover (most of the recent ones by Sean Phillips), continued with solid interior art by Alejandro Aragon and top-notch storytelling by Michael Alan Nelson. Following in the footsteps of the first movie, the series was always compelling and gave us a look at the aftermath of the British zombie outbreak that broke new ground in a well-worn genre. The comic did the same.

SWORD 2. SWORD (5 issues, last in March 2010): SWORD is exactly what I’m looking for when I pick up comics. It was one of the smartest comics on the shelf, fast-paced, funny, filled with references and jokes that you don’t need to know, but if you do they add layers to the story, action-packed, and consistently awesome. It featured a strong female lead who could’ve developed into one of Marvel’s better characters and introduced us to one of the more intriguing characters to come along in years in the Unit. Luckily, we’re still seeing flashes of these characters and SWORD in X-Men comics, but it’s sad, that from what I understand, the comic was never really given a chance. Keiron Gillen gets most of the credit for how great this comic was.

1. Secret Warriors (28 issues, last in September 2011): Secret Warriors beats out SWORD, to me, because, while SWORD is exactly what I come to comics to find, Secret Warriors consistently surprised me. It was way better than I expected and it brought to my attention things I wouldn’t have otherwise read or thought about. It also had better art than SWORD. Another series with consistently brilliant covers and superior art by the likes of Allesandro Viti and Stefano Caselli (among others), the comic clearly had its own visual style and it was better than most of what was on the market. On top of that, the writing was even better. Originally a Brian Michael Bendis project and later taken over by Jonathan Hickman, the comic delved into the espionage side of the Marvel Universe, particularly the ongoing tale of Nick Fury, better than it has been done in decades. I’m not even that big a fan of Fury and the espionage stuff. Well, I wasn’t until this series. The only thing that still touches on this stuff in a good way are the ongoing Captain America and Secret Avengers titles, but neither of them is as consistently good (and shocking) as Secret Warriors was.

Top Five

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

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 5/25/11

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Brett

It was a long weekend and week and I took my time with last week’s reviews. It was a pretty thick stack of books though. Here’s what was worth the purchase and what should have been left on the shelf. Expect another edition this Sunday for this week’s releases.

American Vampire #15 – The battle against the new breed of vampires rages on in this excellent war meets vampire story arc. What’s the secret of the island and why are these vampires so different? We’re slowly learning the secrets in this excellently paced comic story.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #6 – The story didn’t always make sense, but at the same time it was a hell of a lot of fun. Spider-Man and Wolverine’s adventure through time is over in a rather convoluted sort of way. It was definitely fun and an entertaining read. Here’s hoping we get a second volume of this.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Booster Gold #44 – There was a lot of buzz about this comic book that came out last week. It was definitely entertaining and I can understand why folks enjoyed it, but generally the humor wasn’t for me. But I see this being the sleeper of the the entire Flashpoint storyline.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.75

Captain America #618 – The mystery of why Bucky has been sent to Russia deepens as it turns out to be a bigger conspiracy than expected. There’s rumors swirling as to what will happen to Bucky and it’s clear Steve Rogers is returning to the red, white and blue, and this leads up to it all. A new cap series launches soon with this one switching it’s focus. An interesting ride so far.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Daken: Dark Wolverine #9.1 – Daken has been a character who lives in the shadow of his father Wolverine. That’s true in the story and in the eyes of comic book fans. This point one comic gives him a fresh start wrapping up the previous arc and charting him on his unique path. The character has so much potential and hopefully we’re finally seeing it. No matter what though, this is a fantastic comic.

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9

Deadpool #37 – Deadpool is on a mission to get killed and the action is over the top and missing the usual that makes Deadpool so much fun. This series has dipped quite a bit, falling more into the slapstick end of things. Give me the depiction in X-Force any day, it’s far superior.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7 Overall: 6.75

FF #4 – While the council still decides what to do with the Reeds, Susan, Spider-Man and Alex head to the other Atlantis. Hickman has had a vision that’s still ongoing and I have no idea what the end game is going to be. The series is solid, and deserves the renewed attention it’s gotten.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

G.I. Joe: Cobra #1 – Another G.I. Joe comic debuts and like the previous two, it ties into the search for a new Cobra Commander, this time from Cobra’s perspective. Like the previous two, the first issue is beyond solid and makes me wish I had been following all the lead up.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Green Lantern #66 – It’s part seven of the War of the Green Lanterns and Jordan and Gardner are having some issues as the corrupted guardians run amok.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Green Lantern Corps. #60 – I’ve been waiting for that holy shit moment and it’s the eighth part of the War of the Green Lanterns that delivers it. Rayner and Stewart are on a mission to stop Mogo and what’s done to achieve that is shocking.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #10 – The battle and War of the Green Lanterns continues. With the impending shift at DC, it’ll be interesting to see how much of this remains vital, what’s used and what’s disregarded.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Hellraiser #2 – Unless you’re familiar with the Hellraiser series, it’s hard to care about or figure out what’s going on. I’m not familiar with the characters and the story is ok, but not enough to make me want to continue as a new reader. Please, please, please explain more in upcoming issues.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Incorruptible #18 – Max continues his road to redemption and attempts to recruit a politician to help, but as you’d expect things aren’t exactly as they seem. Meanwhile others conspire to gain control of the damaged city as it attempts to rebuild. The ending is a bit predictable, but it still doesn’t hurt the issue overall. Mark Waid has done amazing things with this series and it’s sister comic Incorruptible.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Iron Man 2.0 #5 – A Fear Itself tie-in that is all set up and little substance. Sadly, I have a feeling this side step and distraction of an event is going to kill the great momentum the series had. The story is blah and art so-so.

Story: 6.5 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.5

Kirby: Genesis #0 – I liked the beginning of the issue and overall this is a tribute to Jack Kirby’s genius. It’s familiar and riffs off of all the work he’s known for and some that didn’t see the light of day. It’s impressive his style can be copied and the issue feels like Kirby did it himself. Overall though, the issue is for those who appreciate the legend.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

The Mighty Thor #2 – A certain cosmic being is headed towards Asgard and Thor versus him should be pretty damn interesting. The issue is all lead up and setting up what’s to come, but it’s pretty decent.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25

Namor: The First Mutant #10 – The series still is struggling to find it’s foot hold. Instead of just focusing on Namor’s rule and separatists/terrorists, we get distractions of time travel and other crap. Keep it simple and the series would be excellent.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Onslaught Unleashed #4 – An interesting ending and I’m not quite sure what to think. Mostly because I’m not sure exactly what it means. The art continues it’s interesting style as the battle against Onslaught concludes. I can’t imagine this is the end, and hopefully someone picks up the story from here.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Planet of the Apes #2 – Much like Hellraiser the series is written for those familiar with the material, but broken down, the story is really a search for an assassin, not much more. Sadly, overall the issue isn’t as inviting to new readers not familiar with the material as you’d hope it’d be.

Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7

Power Man and Iron Fist #5 – Wait, what!? What started as a great C-list exploitation comic turned into a nonsensical story. Seriously, what the hell did I read?

Story: 5.5 Art: 7 Overall: 5.75

Secret Avengers #13 – A Fear Itself tie-in that tries to tell a decent story focused on a member of Congress, but overall the story makes no sense and falls so short. There’s some interesting moments, but as a whole, wtf?! It was kind of cool to see a comic artist’s take on where I live though.

Story: 6 Art: 7 Overall: 6

Secret Warriors #27 – Hickman brings in back to the politics and shows us again how much of a badass Nick Fury is. Such a good comic, it’s sad to see there’s only one issue left. Here’s hoping we’ll get more of this in the future.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

Uncanny X-Men #537 – The Breakworld story continues and I roll my eyes. I’m just not into this story at all. It’s not bad, but as I haven’t read the lead up, I just don’t care.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.25

Venom #3 – The fight continues as Venom’s adventure in the Savage Land continues. The series is a pleasant surprise, but there’s somethings in this issue I wish was kept for a later date. Still, it’s very entertaining.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

The Walking Dead #85 – So where can writer Robert Kirkman take this series that he hasn’t so far? We get a look at the long term and begin to ponder what a new civilization would be like. As usual, the comic is more about the emotional impact and human interactions than the zombies.

Story: 9 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9

Wolverine #9 – The silliness of this issue just gets out of hand. Guns that can shoot through the planet? A gun fight for what seems to be no reason whatsoever? Wow has this series just crapped out.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

X-Men: Legacy #249 – It’s impressive how much a series can bounce back with one issue. This is the prelude to the new team the series will focus on and it looks like it’s going to be really interesting.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5

Around the Tubes

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Brett

The weekend is almost here, and even better it’s a long weekend. As usual there’s a long list of reviews for this week’s comics as well as other news you might have missed while you saw The Hangover 2.

Around the Blogs:

MTV Geek – Space Invaders Chair Looks Like A Geek Throne – I want. I want. I want.

The Mary Sue – Disney Will Not Trademark “SEAL Team 6″ – Reason wins for once.

Comics Alliance – 8 of the Best Noir Comics: Crime Does Pay – I love me a good noir comic.

The Mary Sue – There Are Fully Eight Directors in the Running for The Wolverine – I could pull this off…

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – Action Comics #901

IGN – Amazing Spider-Man #662

IGN – American Vampire #15

IGN – Astonishing Spider-Man & Wolverine #6

IGN – Captain America #618

IGN – Detective Comics #877

IGN – Ducktales #1

Comic Book Resources – FF #4

IGN – FF #4

IGN – G.I. Joe: Cobra #1

IGN – Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters #3

IGN – Green Lantern #66

IGN – Green Lantern Corps. #60

IGN – Green Lantern: Emerald Warriors #10

IGN – Hack/Slash #4

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #629

IGN – InFamous #6

IGN – Iron Man 2.0 #5

IGN – Kirby: Genesis #0

The Herts Advertiser 24 – Marvel Platinum: The Definite Thor

IGN – The Mighty Thor #2

IGN – Planet of the Apes #2

IGN – Secret Avengers #13

IGN – Secret Warriors #27

IGN – Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command #5

IGN – Strange Adventures #1

IGN – The Tattered Man

IGN – Uncanny X-Men #537

IGN – Venom #3

IGN – The Walking Dead #85

IGN – Wolverine #9

IGN – X-Men: Legacy #249

Comicvine – Comic Book Reviews For The Week of 5/25/11

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 5/15/11

Pick of the Week – Kill Shakespeare #11

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Brett

How do you make Shakespeare cool? I know my eyes would roll in my head any time I had to learn about the Bard’s stories. But something impressive has been done in Kill Shakespeare, arguably the greatest writer ever and his creations are made fun and enjoyable. Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery have taken the creations of William Shakespeare and mashed them together into a really entertaining read. Kill Shakespeare #11 is the penultimate issue of the first volume and if you haven’t picked up an issue, you better get to it and start from the beginning, it’s well worth the time. A fun story line, with known characters interacting in new ways, makes the series familiar but not dry. The art is top notch and most importantly, it makes you want to learn more about Shakespeare’s creations. An impressive thing to do.

Kill Shakespeare #11 – See above.
Secret Warriors #27 – This is the second to last issue of the series and I honestly have no idea how this will wrap up. Jonathan Hickman has weaved a complicated plot line that leaves you guessing as to what’s coming next.
G.I. Joe: Cobra #1 – The head of a terrorist organization has been killed and the remaining infrastructure has to deal with the PR blow and scramble to fill the void of leadership. Can this comic be any more timely?
Captain America #618 – What will be done with Bucky? That’s the million dollar question.
The Walking Dead #85 – The last issue brought me to tears. We’ll see what this one can do.

Around the Tubes

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Brett

It’s Friday, Friday… and the reviews for this week’s comics are pouring out of other websites. Check out what they had to say as well as the other news you might have missed.

Around the Blogs:

Arts Beat – For One Last Weekend, a Chance to See ‘Spider-Man’ 1.0 – Might be your last chance to see someone get injured.

Bleeding Cool – Movie Version Of Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns In The Works – Please, please, please let this not be untrue.

Con Coverage:

Comic Book Resources – Long Beach Comics Expo Announces Programming

Comic Book Resources – WC11: Friday Photo Parade

IGN – Kapow! ’11: Comic History Rewritten On The IGN Stage

Around the Tubes Reviews:

IGN – The Amazing Spider-Man #658

IGN –Batgirl #20

IGN – Batman and Robin #22

IGN – Black Panther: The Man Without Fear #517

IGN – Butcher Baker, the Righteous Maker #2

IGN – Cinderella: Fables Are Forever #3

ICv2 – The Comics: The Complete Collection HC

IGN – Deadpool #35

Comic Book Resources – The Flash #10

IGN – The Flash #10

IGN – Fraggle Rock #3

IGN – Hawkeye: Blindspot #3

IGN – The Incredible Hulks #626

IGN – inFamous #3

IGN – The Infinite Vacation #2

IGN – Iron Man 2.0 #3

IGN – Journey Into Mystery #622

IGN – Justice League: Generation Lost #23

IGN – The New Avengers #11

IGN – Secret Warriors #26

IGN – S.H.I.E.L.D.: Infinity #1

IGN – Starborn #5

IGN – Steve Rogers: Super-Soldier Annual #1

IGN – Superboy #6

IGN – Superman #710

IGN – T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #6

IGN – Ultimate Comics Avengers vs. New Ultimates #3

IGN – Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #157

IGN – Uncanny X-Force #7

IGN – Uncanny X-Men #535

IGN – X-Men Legacy #247

Comics Alliance – Digital Comics Weekly: Five Comics You Should Be Downloading

Comic Book Resources – The Buy Pile

IGN – Comic Book Reviews for 4/13/11

Pick of the Week – Secret Warriors #26

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Brett

It’s a new week of comics and there’s a lot of thinking as far as what the pick of the week should be. This week the honor goes to Secret Warriors #26. Jonathan Hickman‘s run has been a slow epic and I have no idea what to expect as it wraps up. It looks like there’s some ties to S.H.I.E.L.D. and I’m sure there’ll be some long running repercussions knowing Hickman’s writing.

Secret Warriors #26 – See above.
Flash #10 – Flashpoint is coming and it’s clear it all starts with this series. I’ve been really digging it, it’s the first DC series I’m absolutely sucked into.
“X” Books – Uncanny X-Force, Uncanny X-Men and X-Men: Legacy are all out this week and each are on a resurgence of late. With Schism coming, 2011 is looking like a banner year for the “X” line.
Iron Man 2.0 #3 – War Machine is back and has a feel to make it stand out from the regular Iron Man series.
Battle Chasers Anthology – It’s expensive, but if you have a bit of nostalgia, it’s worth it. I’ve read it and am a bit saddened the series remains unfinished, but this brought back some great memories.

Best Comic Books of 2010

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Brett

It’s the first day of a new year and so that means we’re doing our “best of” listing of the top comic books for 2010. Generally these are comic books that came out in 2010, though some are from earlier times and we got around to reading them. Keep in mind, this is what I read. We’ve added some new categories this year, but without further delay, here are the winners!

Best Super Hero Comic – The Invincible Iron Man

Yes, this series won last year too, but writer Matt Fraction has kept up the excellence with an amazing plot mixing superhero heroics, politics, corporate rivalry and with the latest issue, we learn this is all the tip of the iceberg.

In single issues there’s usually some bigger worldly issue we’re presented with, great banter, often fantastic action and beautiful art.

This is a superhero comic for adults and one series I look forward to each month.

The upcoming Invincible Iron Man #500.1 is the perfect jumping on point to see what you’re missing.

Runner Ups – Secret Warriors, Uncanny X-Force

Best Non-Super Hero Comic –DMZ

Is there a more politically relevant comic book series out there? Every month we’re given something to think about as we follow Matty Roth through Manhattan which is now a DMZ in the middle of the second American Civil War.

Writer Brian Wood is able to pivot and comment on what’s currently happening in politics and the world challenging our perceptions and not seem preachy at the same time.

With some single issues that stand as some of the best of the year and numerous holy shit moments, this isn’t just one of the most relevant comics out there, but some of the best political commentary of any entertainment medium.

Runner Ups – American Vampire, Chew, The Walking Dead

Best Limited Series or One Shot – Daytripper

I’ve handed this comic off to so many people and not only sucked them into this series, but also got them to ask what else is out there? This showed that comics aren’t about just spandex anymore.

There’s no other series out there that created such an emotional reaction each month. I’m not embarrassed to admit there were numerous moments I broke down crying or teared up. No other series has done that before to me.

It’s a shame it ended and hopefully we see more soon from the phenoms Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá.

Runner Ups – Killer: Modus Vivendi, Taskmaster, Velocity

**Best Single Issue – Unknown Soldier #21 (New Category)**

This series saw it’s conclusion this year but it also brought the best issue of any comic book during it’s end run.

This issue focused on the history of one Avtomat Kalashnikova rifle as it’s passed from one owner to another. It’s a powerful issue looking at the mass distribution of a weapon that’s been a driver and common tool in today’s conflicts .

Powerful, heart wrenching, and an amazing political and historical statement, this issue is a must read for comic book fans and non-comic book readers.

**Worst Single Issue of the Year – Fantastic Four Annual #32 (New Category)**

Three words as to why – Time. Travel. Abortion.

Best Graphic Novel/Trade Paperback – Return of the Dapper Men

There’s no other graphic novel that was more magical this year than Jim McCann‘s and Janet Lee‘s Return of the Dapper Men.

This is a magical world of wonder where time has stopped and adults have disappeared. Neverland in a modern setting.

A modern classic is the only way I can describe this graphic novel that seems to evoke the best of those magical tales we read, watched and were told as kids. This is a graphic novel parents will be sharing with their children for years to come.

Runner Ups –How to Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less, Cuba: My Revolution, Revolver

Best Event of the Year – Artifacts

The first issue had me gasp “holy shit” out loud and the subsequent ones have just been setting up what will be a hell of a ride.

The public seems to have reacted well with issues going back for numerous printings.

All hell is about the break loose in the Top Cow universe and with Ron Marz‘s talented writing to drive it and some fantastic artists to back him up, there’s a chance this might be next year’s top event as well.

Best Genre of the Year – Zombie

One thing makes zombies get the win here, The Walking Dead. The comic book series continues it’s excellence and the television show had us wanting more after it’s first season’s six episode run. There’s a reason it was one of the top rated cable series ever, it’s that damn good. Evidence of it’s spread beyond the normal comic book reading public are the numerous people reading it on my daily commute and my non-comic book reading friends asking me about the series and comic. I don’t see this type of legs with the big movie blockbusters. Congrats to Robert Kirkman and AMC.

Runner Up – Noir

Best Comic Tie-In of the Year –Heroclix

I’m a sucker for Heroclix and picked up the Blackest Night set at Gen Con this year. I don’t play, but love looking at the detailed figures. There’s something so much fun about it and I wish I had some local gamer friends that I can break out my figures once in a while and give me an excuse to get more.

With sets based off of Watchmen, Blackest Night, Brightest Day, Jonah Hex, Iron Man, Spider-Man and the DC 75th Anniversary it’s impressive this was a game and company on the brink of collapse not too long ago.

Runner Up – Marvel Universe toys.

Best Comic Book Related Movie – Scott Pigrim vs. the World (New Category)

It’s been an up and down year for movies based off of comic books. Next years crop of movies looks strong, but this year had one stand out and that was the kinetic Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

This was a movie for the Nintendo generation with so much in there even our ADD generation missed some of the winks and nods littered throughout the film.

It holds up after multiple viewings and I know I left with a smile on my face. Overall it was a year of weak competition but even in a strong year this would be a contender.

On an aside my favorite movies of 2010 were The Social Network, Black Swan, The Town and The Fighter.

Runner Up – The Losers

Best Series Finale of the Year – Ex Machina (New Category)

I can’t think of a series which ended so perfectly. To say more would give it all away, but I was beyond satisfied when I finished reading it and hoped for a second volume.

The finale of this superhero as Mayor series answered our questions, gave us some jaw dropping moments at the end and presented a Presidential ticket I might even vote for.

A lot of series left unanswered questions or gave us disappointing ones, but this one never seemed like a cop out and never treated us like children.

The ending was damn near perfect and the series one of the best of modern times.

Runner Up – Daytripper

**Best Surprise of the Year – Killer: Modus Vivendi (New Category)**

This is a new category that I thought was appropriate to throw out there. I look at this as comics you probably skipped in 2010, but you really should go back and check out.

Killer: Modus Vivendi is the third volume for this character and saw him being manipulated by the CIA and Cubans in a tale about oil and spheres of influence. Bond and Bourne, eat your heart out.

Not only do we have great action, some intense moments, but there’s also politics and a worldly view you don’t find out in too many other comics. It’s the complete package in comics for adults.

Runner Up – Velocity, Kill Shakespeare

Biggest Disappointment of the Year – Brightest Day and Heroic Age

I “Entered the Heroic Age” and looked forward to tomorrow’s “Brightest Day” and can say “no thanks.” Does no longer being dark and gritty also mean convoluted and boring?

Marvel and DC comics took a dip this year as they moved away from dark stories and attempted to hark back to the golden age of black and white heroes and villains. We also got the return of the 90’s with the return of characters we thought and hoped were dead and stayed that way.

This all clearly isn’t lasting long as the Marvel event Fear Itself looms over 2011. As a hole things just aren’t quite as exciting as they’ve been in years past.

Runner Up – Iron Man 2

Best Character – Killer

I’m so happy Archaia put Killer: Modus Vivendi in my hands. With it I got one of the best politically charged noir comics on the market and a badass anti-hero in the man we only know as Killer.

He beds the hot chicks, assassinates people with a shot, causes revolutions and destabilizes regions. Bond and Bourne are wimps compared to writer Matz‘s creation.

We get to see politics and the world from outside of an “American” perspective and a cold unrepentant killer and assassin who it’s all a job to.

This was the third volume with more to come. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Publisher of the Year – Archaia

So where’d this company come from? I don’t think there was one comic I read I was disappointed in or didn’t enjoy in some way. The hardcovers are just high quality products and stories in between the covers reflect that. The Killer, Mouse Guard, Cyclops, Critical Millennium and so many more are series you should be reading and if you’re not then you need to check them out.

Many of these series continue into 2011 and there’s many new ones to come. When I think Archaia, I think high quality and expect the best. So far they haven’t let me down.

Runner Ups – Top Cow, Marvel

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