Category Archives: Comics

Review: Justice League of America #1

justice-league-of-america-1This start up issue of the new JLA line-up is a nice beginning to what I’m sure will be one bad ass arc! There’s a Killer Frost upgrade, a brooding Batman, Vixen looking fierce AF and, a well-written story. We even get to see a little bit of fun being poked at Batman’s historical inability to get along with the JLA for the long haul. I’m excited to see where the story goes with Frost, villain backstory & Suicide Squad history aside, being added to the mix.

Steve Orlando sets the story up in multiple locations so the reader gets to see all of the JLA out and about on life-saving missions. Killer Frost, or Frost as she prefers to be called now, is working on upgrading the sanctuary’s generator with Atom, who like most of us will take some time getting used to her dropping the Killer. Things get hella real when Lord Havok shows up on Earth with his crew, collective known as The Extremists, who are ready to take away Earth’s freedom and restore “order” to our chaotic planet.

Orlando changes up the game for the usually boring JLA and has Batman, of all people, concerned about creating a JLA that is relatable to humans. The characters seem to be more kick ass and have more agency than in previous incarnations of the league. Orlando has created a league that I actually care about and, doesn’t seem as goody goody or bland as the League’s previous versions. He also creates formidable foes and the addition of a former Suicide Squad bad girl adds not only crossover potential between the two groups but, a bit of tension that keeps the reader on their toes.

Ivan Reis is an amazing artist and the details that he provided as the base for the colors added is amazing. There is real emotion and passion in his work and it add another dimension to an already brilliant story.

I found this starter issue to be a great jump off point for the series. I’m a big fan of the Atom / Frost colleague pairing since both are newbies to the JLA they both want to prove they deserve to be there, for very different reasons. Frost is more fleshed out as a character and there’s an element of will she or won’t she return to her old ways that makes her presence always exciting. Orlando seems to have put the characters goals, emotions and, needs on the page in a way that makes them compelling and real. There’s a sense that a lot of politically correlating story lines can come from this arc and series as a whole, that in ways will parallel the current political climate. Orlando’s storytelling skills seem more than ready to tackle whatever turn this current arc will take and I’m excited to tune in for his action-packed stories that couple perfectly with Reis’s killer modern comic realist art style.

Story: Chris Orlando Art: Ivan Reis
Story: 9.1 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a free copy for review

Archie Comics in May 2017

ARCHIE #20

Cheryl Blossom finally goes on the warpath, and her target will surprise you! And why does Betty have second thoughts about her new boyfriend every time Archie walks by…?

Script: Mark Waid
Art: Pete Woods, Andre Szymanowicz, Jack Morelli
Archie #20 CVR A Reg: Pete Woods
Archie #20 CVR B Var: Adam Gorham
Archie #20 CVR C Var: Rebekah Isaacs
On Sale Date: 5/17
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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THE ARCHIES ONE-SHOT (RESOLICIT)

BRAND NEW ONE-SHOT SPECIAL! Follow Archie’s quest to make his songwriting dreams a reality, and see what happens when the rock ‘n’ roll dream starts affecting his relationships with his closest friends. Join co-writers Alex Segura and Matthew Rosenberg (Archie Meets Ramones) and artist Joe Eisma (Archie) for a power-pop one-shot that goes loud on the music, fun and friendship.

Script: Alex Segura and Matt Rosenberg
Art:  Joe Eisma
The Archies One-Shot CVR A Reg: Jaime Hernandez
The Archies One-Shot CVR B Var: David Mack
The Archies One-Shot CVR C Var: Audrey Mok
On Sale Date: 5/24
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

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BETTY AND VERONICA BY ADAM HUGHES VOLUME 1 (TR)

BETTY AND VERONICA BY ADAM HUGHES VOLUME 1 collects legendary artist Adam Hughes’ iconic three issue run of the ALL-NEW Betty and Veronica comic series. Betty and Veronica are America’s sweethearts… until they turn on each other! Friendships will shatter. Cities will burn. Nails will be broken.

Script: Adam Hughes
Art: Adam Hughes, Jose Villarrubia, Jack Morelli
Cover: Adam Hughes
978-1-68255-985-7
$12.99/$14.99CAN
TR
104 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/10

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JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS #7

Josie and the Pussycats are on a roll like never before, racking up award wins and climbing the charts! But are the “and the Pussycats” living their dreams, or just Josie’s? Are Melody and Valerie ready to try their hand at succeeding on their own terms?

Script: Marguerite Bennett, Cameron DeOrdio
Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Josie and the Pussycats #7 CVR A Reg: Audrey Mok
Josie and the Pussycats #7 CVR B Var: Jen Bartel
Josie and the Pussycats #7 CVR C Var: Tom Grummett
On Sale Date: 5/31
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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JUGHEAD #15

Sabrina the Teenage Witch tries to do something nice for Jughead, but it ends up creating a comedy of errors in which he’s the most desired bachelor in town. From new writing team Mark Waid (Archie) and Ian Flynn (Sonic the Hedgehog)!

Script: Mark Waid and Ian Flynn
Art: Derek Charm, Matt Herms and Jack Morelli
Jughead #15 CVR A Reg: Derek Charm
Jughead #15 CVR B Var: Sandy Jarrell
Jughead #15 CVR C Var: Marguerite Sauvage
On Sale Date: 5/17
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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LITTLE JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS ONE-SHOT

Josie and the Pussycats’ drummer Melody comes across colorful kitties and decides to adopt them as band mascots. But these aren’t ordinary kittens—they’re magical, and they’re about to rock Little Josie, Valerie and Melody’s world like never before!

Script: Art Baltazar and Franco
Art:  Art Baltazar
Little Josie One-Shot CVR A Reg: Art Baltazar
Little Josie One-Shot CVR B Var:  Katie Cook
Little Josie One-Shot CVR C Var: Franco
On Sale Date: 5/10
48-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

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JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS VOL 1 (TR)

JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS VOL. 1 is the first collection of an all-new take on the world’s biggest comic book band. Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics’ Bombshells, Marvel’s A-Force) and co-writer Cameron DeOrdio team with Audrey Mok (Heroine Chic) to retell the origin and story behind the music for Josie, Valerie and Melody. Collects issues 1-5 of the top hit Josie and the Pussycats ongoing series.

Script: Marguerite Bennett and Cameron DeOrdio
Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick and Jack Morelli
Cover: Audrey Mok
978-1-68255-989-5
$17.99/$19.99CAN
6 5/8 x 10 3/16”
TR
144 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/24

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REGGIE AND ME #5

Forced to face the consequences of his recent actions, Reggie also confronts his most painful crisis as we learn Vader’s fate. Plus: Big Moose lashes back! Midge makes a startling revelation! Betty makes a daring move and Archie gathers the gang for a climax you won’t want to miss!

Script: Tom DeFalco
Art: Sandy Jarrell, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli
Reggie and Me #5 CVR A Reg: Sandy Jarrell, Kelly Fitzpatrick
Reggie and Me #5 CVR B Var: Shawn McManus
Reggie and Me #5 CVR C Reg: Jim Towe
On Sale Date:  5/3
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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RIVERDALE #2 (RESOLICIT)

Set in the same universe as the hit CW series, Riverdale continues to reveal untold stories of the world’s most famous teenagers.  When five students from different social cliques (Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and Josie) end up in Saturday detention together—will they kill each other or come together against the forces of evil that brought them there?

Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa & Various
Art: Joe Eisma, Andre Szymanowicz, Janice Chiang, John Workman
Riverdale #2 CVR A Reg: Francesco Francavilla
Riverdale #2 CVR B Var: Michael Dooney
Riverdale #2 CVR C Var: Matthew Southworth
On Sale Date: 5/3
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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ARCHIE COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #279

It’s MUSIC MONTH! In the BRAND NEW LEAD STORY “And the Winner Is….” The Archies win an NTV music award, but an overzealous pop star steals their thunder! When they find out she was just using their moment for publicity, the gang decides to turn the tables on her!!

Script: Dan Parent
Art:  Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 5/31
160-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

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ARCHIE’S FUNHOUSE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #27

In the BRAND NEW MUSICAL LEAD STORY “Viva la Vinyl,” Archie gets in on the vinyl record craze! But when he accidentally destroys an old autographed “Elton Pretzley” album from his parents’ collection, he has to go on a hunt to track it down again… and get it autographed by “Elton” himself!

Script: Dan Parent
Art:  Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 5/24
256-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.

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ARCHIE 1000 PAGE COMICS HOOPLA (TR)

Get ready for the biggest collection EVER of the best and brightest stories Archie Comics has to offer! In this edition of the ARCHIE 1000 PAGE COMICS series, get ready for a HOOPLA of fun and entertainment with Archie!
Script: Various
Art: Various
Cover:  Various
978-1-68255-974-1
$14.99/$16.99CAN
TR
1000 pp, Full Color
Direct Market On-Sale Date: 5/31

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ARCHIE’S 75th ANNIVERSARY DIGEST #9

Celebrate Archie’s 75th anniversary in a special way with this commemorative digest that revisits the momentous “Love Showdown” storyline!

Script: Various
Art:  Various
Cover: Various
On Sale Date: 5/3
224-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.

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ARCHIE’S 75th ANNIVERSARY DIGEST #10

Celebrate Archie’s 75th anniversary in a special way with this commemorative digest that presents the always-entertaining fairy tale stories!

Script: Various
Art:  Various
Cover: Various
On Sale Date: 5/31
224-page, full color comic
$6.99 U.S.

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BETTY & VERONICA SUMMER ANNUAL #254

The MUSICAL MAYHEM continues in the NEW lead story “Brigitte’s Jingle Jangle”! There’s a silly commercial jingle going around that the girls can’t stop laughing at—except one person who doesn’t find it funny—Brigitte! It’s her voice in the jingle, but is the payout worth the humiliation? Betty and Veronica have some advice…

Script: Dan Parent
Art:  Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 5/17
192-page, full color comic
$5.99 U.S.

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WORLD OF ARCHIE COMICS DOUBLE DIGEST #68

More MUSICAL MADNESS in the NEW story “The Fill-In”! The Archies are at the end of their latest tour when the unthinkable happens: Jughead gets sick from eating some bad food at a hole-in-the-wall on the road. They need a replacement drummer …fast!  Introducing… Jughead’s little sister Jellybean!

Script: Dan Parent
Art:  Dan Parent
Cover: Dan Parent
On Sale Date: 5/10
160-page, full color comic
$4.99 U.S.

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Auburn, NY to Celebrate Will Eisner Week

Explore the life and work of Will Eisner with Auburn, N.Y.’s Seymour Library on Monday March 6th with a panel presentation/film screening and on Tuesday, March 7th with a documentary at Auburn Public Theater.

Will Eisner (1917-2005) was a trailblazer in the comic book world, showing the public that comics could be a genuine form of literature and popularizing the term graphic novel. His landmark comic series The Spirit (1940-1952) was noted for its expressive artwork and experiments in content and form. This year marks the centennial of Will Eisner’s birth.

Geek Culture expert Ed Catto will host a panel on Will Eisner: Celebrating Graphic Novels: An Appreciation of Comics as Literature at Seymour Library on Monday, March 6th at 6:30 pm. The panel will provide an overview of Eisner’s work and highlight other graphic novels that demonstrate the enduring power of Eisner’s convictions. There will be a screening of the 2008 film adaptation of Eisner’s The Spirit, after the panel.

The documentary Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist will be held at the Auburn Public Theater on Tuesday, March 7th at 7pm.  Ed Catto will introduce the documentary.

Industry support for this event has been strong:

  • Dynamite Entertainment is donating comics and a hardcover collection of their recent Spirit series as giveaways to attendees
  • Syracuse’s Salt City Comic-Con (June 24th-June 25th) will randomly give away tickets during both events
  • Paul Levitz, author of Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel will be donating a signed copy of this recent book to Auburn’s Seymour Library

Ed Catto is a marketing strategist and speaks frequently on Geek Culture and Comic Book History.

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Review: Night’s Dominion #4

nightsdom-4-marketing_preview-1Emerane and her companions narrowly escape the Cult of Uhlume and the relentless Furie, exhausted but no richer for their efforts. Going their separate ways into in the pitiless streets of Umber, they each find a dead end waiting. Now penniless, Emerane’s quest to free her younger brother from debtor’s prison seems more hopeless than ever. Until a possible solution comes from the most unlikely ally imaginable—the Furie himself. But his help comes with a dangerous price.

The twists and turns continue in Night’s Dominion #4, as things get complicated for Emerane. It seems she is much more then she appears, in terms of her character. Even more so the Furie has an interesting backstory than first thought. Yet it seems the Cult of Uhlume has a lust for power that they want by any means necessary.

The art by Ted Naifeh (who also writes the series) is much darker this time around. Which I think is partly due to the darkening of the story. The sheer amount of action scenes is impressive and well done in every aspect. Yet this issues does show the contrast between the various classes in the city in superb fashion.

Story: Ted Naifeh Art: Ted Naifeh
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Scout Comics in April 2017

GIRRION: THE CHRYSALIS AND THE STONE  — VOLUME ONE

Written and Illustrated by Tom Lintern

Collecting the first five issues of Book One of the fan-favorite series. GIRRION is a sweeping sci-fi fantasy story of a hero’s journey in a distant time and world, in a realm called Gania inhabited by peaceful creatures known as the Gunflins. For centuries they have learned to harness the power of varied and ancient technologies from wars from a violent past until only one remains a mystery…until now. The saga is told through the eyes of Jarra, a poor factory worker who dreams of escaping his world of endless toil, until one day his deepest wish comes true, though not in a way he would have ever wanted, when his city is attacked by a dark entity called the Halodron. He manages to escape the conflict, but only to be thrust into a war of other-worldly magic and weaponry. This is a great jumping on point for new readers.

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LITTLE GUARDIANS #1

Written by Ed Cho, Illustrated by Lee Cherolis

The new monthly fantasy adventure begins! The Zucchini Festival Part 1. LITTLE GUARDIANS tells the story of two young people switched at birth, unknowingly living each other’s lives.  One was destined to protect the village from demons and monsters, the other to live a simple life working at the local Item Shop.  In this first issue, the townspeople prepare for their annual Zucchini Festival, but strange occurrences plague the celebration. Thoom, the award winning farmer, suffers from blackouts where he becomes violent and uncontrollable, while Idem struggles with his guardian training and learns just how dangerous his Summoning Orb can be. Subira, the local shop girl, is visited by a wandering spirit animal that will not leave her alone. All events lead to the showdown at The Zucchini Festival.

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SMOKETOWN #2

Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Illustrated by Scott Van Domelen

The next chapter in this thought-provoking new series from acclaimed writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Warlords of Appalachia, Last Sons of America). When Dale’s high school idol Marcus comes home from Afghanistan, he finds that Marcus’ wartime experiences have left him unrecognizable… and dangerous. When Marcus’ volatile new behavior culminates in a brutal assault, Dale has to defuse the situation before people are killed. SMOKETOWN revolves around an American soldier in the days leading up to his murder. Each chapter reveals a new facet of that soldier’s life as he unravels, exposing another criminal or desperate element of his supposedly quiet Pennsylvania town.

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SOLAR FLARE #1

Written by James Haick III, Illustrated by Branko Jovanovic

Where were you when the world went dark? The world has been plunged into darkness and society as we know it has launched into chaos. Jake Clifford was just a regular guy–a man trying to achieve greatness in his career and a father doing his best to be the man his daughter deserved. That is, until a Solar Flare makes contact with earth, wiping out all electricity and modern technology with one fatal blow. Now, Jake must adapt to this new world hoping to one day be reunited with his daughter who was states away when the lights went out.

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Action Lab Entertainment in May 2017

ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER #7

Writer(s): Vito Delsante & Scott Fogg
Artist Name(s): Reilly Leeds
Cover Artist(s): Cover A – Reilly Leeds, Cover B – David Golding

WHO is this canine from the future? WHEN in the past has he taken Percy? WHAT is going on here?! It’s a story that could only be called…BARK TO THE FUTURE! And this is just Part One! With an action figure variant cover by David Golding (Infested Earth)!

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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AMERIKARATE #3

Writer(s): Brockton McKinney & Corey Kalman
Artist Name(s): Devin Roth
Cover Artist(s): Devin Roth (art) & Joey McCormick (cover color art)
Cover A – Main by Devin Roth (unlimited)
Cover B Bloodsports by Daniel Arruda Massa (limited to 1500)
Cover C – 16 Bit by Dave Perillo (limited to 1500)
Cover D – Photo Cover: April O’Neil (limited to 1500)

Sam Kickwell is captured by the nefarious henchman Bloodbreaker! The evil dictator Neon gloats, certain he has imprisoned the only thing standing between himself and world domination! But Karate MasterForce Agent Cynthia Weaver has infiltrated the megalomaniacal tyrant’s lair, and is prepared to kill her way to the top—with karate!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (AB), $4.99 (CDE)

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BLUE HOUR: COLLECTED EDITION

Writer(s): Dino Caruso
Artist Name(s): Chad Cicconi
Cover Artist(s): Chad Cicconi

After the great resource wars on planet Earth, a group of disillusioned colonists set out to establish a utopian colony on another planet. Can they overcome basic human nature, a treacherous environment and a hostile indigenous race? This collection presents the entire five-issue series in one beautiful package.

160 pgs./ T / FC                   $14.99

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DOLLFACE #5

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza & Bryan Seaton
Artist Name(s): Dan Mendoza
Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza, Marco Maccagni, Colette Turner
Cover A – Dan Mendoza (unlimited)
Cover B – Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000): Dan Mendoza
Cover C – Marco Maccagni Pin-up variant cover (limited to 1500)
Cover D – Marco Maccagni Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000)
Cover E – Colette Turner Pin-up variant cover  (limited to 1500)
Cover F – Colette Turner Pin-up Tattered & Torn variant cover (limited to 2000)

Now that Ivan has perfected his Witch Positioning System (WPS), the gang take off to sunny Southern California to track down the next witch on their list. Be sure to check out this nightmarish 2nd story arc of DollFace: Tales of the Ball Jointed Witch Hunter!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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HERO CATS: MIDNIGHT OVER STELLAR CITY VOL. 2 #1

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer
Artist Name(s): Alex Ogle
Cover Artist(s): Alex Ogle
Inks: Alex Ogle
Colors: Julie Baclay

The claws of justice are BACK!  Midnight is forced to deal with the fallout of a prison break at the Taurus County Jail.  Can Midnight corral the criminals so Stellar City can sleep safe and sound?  With the help of fellow Hero Cat, Cassiopeia, they might just have a chance!

32 pgs./ E / FC                   $3.99

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INFINITE SEVEN #4

Writer(s): Dave Dwonch
Artist Name(s): Arturo Mesa (Pencils), Geraldo Filho (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Arturo Mesa (Covers A, B, D), Axur Eneas (Cover C)

Lines have been drawn and war between the Infinite Seven and Chimera has been declared. The first arc in the hit series comes to an end, but one question remains: Who will draw FIRST BLOOD? This issue is chock full of revelations, and a shock ending that will leave readers reeling!

NOTE:  Cover D, in addition to the variants from 1-3, completes the MASSIVE Infinite Seven Poster!

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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MEDISIN #1

Writer(s): Jeff Dyer and Mark McKeon
Artist Name(s): David Brame (Pencils), Joaquin Pereyra (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): David Brame (Covers A, B and C)

“First Do No Harm” Chapter 1
Health care for super villains! Criminal mastermind Malady has recruited a team of down on their luck physicians to provide medical aid for the world’s worst bad guys. Led by the brilliant Ethan Sharp, the blackmailed doctors struggle to uphold their own ethical codes (or lack thereof) in violent and confusing battlefields. And when one doctor goes rogue, the rest learn a terrifying lesson from Malady.

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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MIRACULOUS #13

Writer(s): Zag Entertainment
Artist Name(s): Zag Entertainment
Cover Artist(s):  Zag Entertainment
Arranged and Adapted by: Cheryl Black & Nicole D’Andria

Rose, a student who goes to high school with Marinette, gets akumatized by Hawk Moth and starts bewitching everyone with her perfumes. While this formidable Princess Fragrance causes mayhem in the Palace, Marinette has a serious problem: Tikki has disappeared, and with her… the power of Ladybug!

64 pgs./ E / FC                   $4.99

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MIRACULOUS VOL. 4 AKUMATIZED!

Writer(s): Zag Entertainment
Artist Name(s): Zag Entertainment
Cover Artist(s):  Zag Entertainment
Arranged and Adapted by: Cheryl Black and Nicole D’Andria

Ladybug and Cat Noir, the defenders of Paris, continue to face off against Hawk Moth and his akumatized victims. First they must fight Dark Cupid, whose heart gets broken on Valentine’s Day. Then they must survive Horrificator, a slimy monster that grows more powerful as it causes fear. Finally, the duo encounter Le Mime, whose powers may be just too real for them to handle!

Collects MIRACULOUS #10-12.

192 pgs./ E / FC                   $9.99

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PETER DAVID’S ARTFUL #6

Writer: Adapted by Nicole D’Andria from the Peter David novel
Artist Name(s): Laura Neubert
Cover Artist(s): Laura Neubert

Mr. Fang’s plan to take over the royal family is almost complete. Narrator Charley Bates finally joins our tale proper! Alongside the Artful Dodger and Van Helsing’s son Bram, the group attempts to save Drina from the clutches of the nefarious Mr. Fang.

32 pgs./ A / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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SPENCER AND LOCKE #2

Writer(s): David Pepose
Artist Name(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Pencils), Jasen Smith (Colors)
Cover Artist(s): Jorge Santiago, Jr. (Cover A), Maan House (Cover B)

Spencer and Locke’s investigation leads them to the seedy nightclub known as the Red Rose, and its dangerous owner who holds power over Locke. Meet Ramona Sinclair. If this femme fatale doesn’t do these gumshoes in, a death-defying car chase just might.

32 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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THE CIRCLE TPB

Writer(s): Damon Clark
Artist Name(s): Alyzia Zherno
Cover Artist(s): Ivan Shavrin, Dave Murdoch

After his mother dies, Christian, a teenage boy, moves to Shell Bay with his single  father only to be bullied as the new kid at school. He finds friendship with the  “Weird” kids and unknowingly joins them in an occult ritual that allows a darkness to  possess each of them. Through the help of his gypsy neighbor, Christian will learn  that the only way he can reverse the ritual is by killing off his circle of friends before  they kill him, or before the darkness takes over his soul. One by one he will face them  all, and in the end he will have to make the hardest decision of his young life. Collects issues #1-5

160 pgs./ M / FC                   $14.99

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VAMPBLADE SEASON 2 #3

Writer(s): Jason Martin
Artist Name(s): Winston Young
Cover Artist(s): Winston Young (cover A-B), Marco Maccagni (cover C-D), Pow Rodrix (cover E-F)
Cover A – Standard cover (unlimited)
Cover B – Risqué variant (limited to 2000)
Cover C – Artist variant (limited to 1500)
Cover D – Artist risqué (limited to 2000)
Cover E – 90s variant (limited to 1500)
Cover F – 90s risqué (limited to 2000)

Katie and her comic shop gang continue their first team Vampblade mission at SoCal Comic Con, but things aren’t going as planned. Instead of them finding the local vamp hub, they find the vamps turning the convention floor itself into an other-dimensional death trap!

Features 3 covers (regular, artist, and 90s style), each with a risqué variant as well!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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VORACIOUS VOL. 2: FEEDING TIME

Writer(s): Markisan Naso
Artist Name(s): Jason Muhr
Cover Artist(s): Jason Muhr

Hunting dinosaurs and secretly serving them at his diner has helped Chef Nate Willner become a big success. But when he discovers his hunts take place on an alternate Earth where dinosaurs evolve to rule the far future, his world begins to burn around him faster than any beast he’s ever roasted. This second volume collects the critically acclaimed VORACIOUS: Feeding Time #1-5.

VORACIOUS named one of the Best New Series of 2016 by Comics Alliance!

160 pgs./ T+ / FC                   $14.99

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ZOMBIE TRAMP #35

Writer(s): Dan Mendoza
Artist Name(s): Marcelo Trom
Cover Artist(s): Dan Mendoza (cover A – regular, B), Bill McKay (cover C-D), Pow Rodrix (cover E-F)
Cover A – Standard cover
Cover B – Risqué variant (limited to 2500): Dan Mendoza
Cover C – Artist variant (limited to 2000): Bill McKay
Cover D – Artist risqué variant (limited to 2500): Bill McKay
Cover E – Artist variant (limited to 2000): Pow Rodrix
Cover F – Artist risqué variant (limited to 2500): Pow Rodrix

Janey’s been on the road desperately searching for Morning, the little redhead of the dead, but she’s not the only one. Where did Morning run off to? What does she know about the Kaiju Queen? And who else is looking for the ginger-haired ghost child? Find out in this issue of Zombie Tramp!

Features 3 regular and risqué variants, including two covers from series creator Dan Mendoza (DollFace)!!

32 pgs./ M / FC                   $3.99 (reg.), $4.99 (var.)

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Sins And Secrets Revealed in The Unworthy Thor #5!

This is it! A mystery years in the telling will finally be unfurled! Once upon a time, the God of Thunder was rendered unworthy. Not by a great and terrible foe, but by a mere whisper. At long last, the contents of that whisper will be revealed! Marvel has released a look inside The Unworthy Thor #5 – the senses-shattering final issue! Superstar creators Jason Aaron, Olivier Coipel, Pascal Alixe, and Kim Jacinto bring the thunder and give fans the answers they’ve been waiting for – just HOW did the Odinson become unworthy of his magic hammer Mjolnir? Is redemption on the horizon for the fallen son of Asgard? No matter what happens next, life will never be the same for the Odinson. No fan should miss out on the blockbuster conclusion in comic shops everywhere on March 22nd!

Featuring covers by Coipel, Leinil Yu, and Chris Stevens.

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Review: Elektra #1

elektra__1Matt Owens starts off this reboot, or continuation, of the Elektra story by giving us an escapist vibe. Elektra is trying to sort herself out and figure out her next move, she chooses Las Vegas as the jump off point for her adventure/awakening. While there she goes after a woman beating rapist and sets herself up to possibly be used in a very dangerous game.

Owens provides a bit of girl power and sisterhood by having another woman, Elektra, come to the aid of a woman whose attack she catches on the tail end of her assault. Outside of a short bar scene, a bathroom scene and, her retaliation against the misogynistic scum bags running the casino, there isn’t much Elektra in this issue. I get that the first issue is supposed to set up the story but, the story seems to be more about the foul-mouthed bad guys than Elektra.

Juann Cabal serves up some pretty sleek artwork. It’s halfway between manga and old school Marvel. It’s sleek,y et dark and Archer-esque while being well linked and detailed. The fight scenes and the Elektra reveal are drawn extremely modern giving the readers a visual upgrade to add tone to the action.

Overall I found this issue interesting as a story but, not as an Elektra comic. The title character appears on less than half of the pages which I haven’t seen happen in any other comic book. Getting past the lack of Elektra, I can say that the story was realistic to a degree and gave us a nice little cameo in the end. Elektra’s retreat is ruined by having to be the bad ass ninja assassin that she provides a nice parallel to the abused bartender part of the story.

There’s a lot of trapped women going on and, not only does Elektra use the male abusers communication method of violence against them but, she turns it up a notch. We get a woman as an avenging angel with her own goals and agenda. I’m curious how it will turn out when she’s put in the inevitable situation of being used by men as an object of violence. I’m hoping that they keep up with the girl power vibe that Elektra embodies and don’t cop out, create a type of comic book torture porn or, remove her agency like she was removed from most of the pages.

As a stand alone issue this is a good kick off point for a story and worth having a look at. Unfortunately, I would have liked to have seen more Elektra.

Story: Matt Owens Art: Juann Cabal
Story: 7.8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a free copy for review

Swordquest Launches in May with a Special 25-Cent #0 Issue

Dynamite Entertainment continues its partnership with Atari, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, to create a new comics line based on beloved Atari titles. In the early 1980’s, as video games lit up living rooms across the country and licensed comic books saw prominence in the industry, Atari released their own based on their popular line of titles. Now, Dynamite Entertainment brings fans Swordquest comic we’ve been waiting for since 1983!

Peter Case was a boy on a quest… the quest to win the prizes from Atari’s Swordquest challenge! He was counting down the days to the release of the final game, AirWorld, only to be shattered when the news surfaced that it would never be released. Now Peter is an adult… and things aren’t going well. The bad news is he has to move back in with his mother. The good news is she still has all of his old Atari stuff. With nothing else to look forward to, his obsession with Swordquest is reignited, in a more daring — and fantastic — way!

Written by Chad Bowers and Chris Sims and art by Scott Kowalchuk, Swordquest makes its triumphant return to the printed page at a special introductory price of just 25 cents!

Swordquest #0 is slated for release in May.

Review: The Wicked Righteous #1

wicked righteous 1 cover.PNGIt’s been two years since a biological attack decimated the world’s population. Lucas Goodspeed and his brothers have spent that time preparing to escape the dangers of San Diego, CA. When a beautiful girl named JC is abducted their plans appear to be in jeopardy. The Brothers must now choose how far they’re willing to go to save a life… even if it means endangering one of their own.

When it comes to post-apocalyptic stories, there’s usually one of two things that has caused the apocalypse – war or disease. In the case of The Wicked Righteous it’s a disease that we don’t really know a whole lot about just yet, other than for as-yet-unexplained reasons it didn’t infect everyone. Terry Mayo uses the opening of the comic to establish the world of The Wicked Righteous as the mystery disease is already rampant infecting some and ignoring others; although we don’t find out how or why, the cause of the plague doesn’t really matter at this point because that’s not the focus of the story.

The comic itself is an almost by the numbers take on establishing a story in the post-apocalyptic landscape, although contrary to what you may be thinking, that’s not actually a bad thing as you’re able to focus more on the characters than the setting of the story. It’s always the characters, and their relationships, that make any good post-apocalyptic tale, and The Wicked Righteous has the potential for us to explore some very interesting angles of character development – and that’s why the formulaic backdrop upon which the story is set works so well.

At the end of the day, this is a very solid first issue and is well worth your time if you’re looking for a fresh take on a familiar setting.

 Story: Terry Mayo Art: Lucas Romero Colours: Christopher Hall
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Graphic Policy was provided with a FREE copy for review

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