It’s new comic book day tomorrow, and we’ll have our picks for this week in a few hours. Until then, here’s some news and reviews from around the web to keep you busy in our morning roundup.
Around the Tubes
ArtsBeat – ‘Puppies’ Unrewarded at Sci-Fi Book Awards – Awe, sad puppies…
CBS St. Louis – Could A Superhero Reduce Violence in St. Louis? – This is a good idea.
Around the Tubes Reviews
CBR – 1872 #2
CBR – Ares & Aphrodite
Dead man’s hand! Bullseye! Elektra! Grizzly! Doc Ock! ‘Nuff said, partner!
Secret Wars as a whole has been Marvel‘s best event in quite some time. The spin-off series have been as solid as the main series, and as a whole they’ve been all really good. What’s interesting though is that most of the various series have been remixes of classic stories or events.
1872 as far as I know pretty much stands on its own. There’s been a lot of wild west based Marvel series, but I can’t think of one called 1872.
What I’ve liked about this event is because it involves worlds that’ll be gone after, anything can happen, and it does here in the second issue. Like any good western tale, this is a stand off in the town’s main road, and that involves shoot outs and death, and anyone can die. In a series where anyone can die, it keeps me on my toes. You never know what will happen. Written by Gerry Guggan, the first issue had some things that made me cringe due to a non-PC nature (but appropriate for the genre). That’s gone in this issue where Duggan has moved on to the next chapter of his western tale.
Nicole Virella‘s art is solid. Not sure what there really is to say except the design is fantastic. The characters are all familiar, but a western vibe, and it doesn’t fall too much into a steampunk trap.
I’m really close to saying this should be a buy. The main reason I don’t is I want to see where it goes from here. It could be great, or it could go off the rails, and the issue doesn’t quite stand on its own, but it’s really damn close.
Story: Gerry Duggan Art: Nicole Virella
Story: 8.5 Art: 8 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read
Sleep is slowly returning post Comic-Con. Have you recovered if you went? While you do that, here’s some news and reviews to keep you busy.
Around the Tubes
GamePolitics – SPJ AirPlay experiences some turbulence – Shocker.
Blabbermouth – FEAR FACTORY’s BURTON C. BELL To Release Graphic Novel ‘The Industrialist’ – Well ok then.
Around the Tubes Reviews
Talking Comics – 1872 #1
CBR – Runaways #2
CBR – Saga #30
CBR – Starve #2
In the course of an average week, there are over a hundred comics released, each of about twenty pages, and each of those pages with between one and six panels. This makes for several thousand panels in the course of any week which are released. In the middle of that whole mix one panel was printed this week, and it might have been noticed and it might not have. In fact its place might have been there simply for historical accuracy, or it might have been a bit of a jab at an ongoing controversy. The panel was from the new comic series 1872, part of the massive crossover that is Secret Wars. This story is set in the year 1872 in the Old West, with Steve Rogers more or less becoming Wyatt Earp and Tony Stark becoming Doc Holliday. Part of the background of this story is that it involves a tycoon diverting water away from a small town for his mine, and the town struggles in the middle of a desert to find a way to live. Among those struggling is a Native American, who plans to blow up the dam controlling the water and thus giving water back to the area. He is caught in the act of sabotage and strung up in a noose ready to die, before Sheriff Rogers intervenes. While the story is interesting for its recasting of the characters into different roles, the panel in question comes from the execution scene involving the native. As the executioner hits the horse upon which he sits to tighten the slack on the rope, he utters a phrase which is one which is charged with so much debate in modern culture – Redskin.
There is one specific reference to this word which causes so many issues and that is the name for the Washington team in the NFL, the Redskins. Many have had issues with the team name before, stating that it is offensive, much along the same lines as people are troubled by the Cleveland Indians. Other teams have addressed racism claims in different ways, but the Redskins approach is perhaps the only one which says that it is using the team name out of respect for the brave Indian fighters known as Redskins and not as a racial slur. Despite this claim, it is evident that the team has struggled with racism throughout its history, though its defense (or more accurately non-defense) this has been primarily targeted at black people, not at Native Americans. The team’s original owner George Preston Marshall was the last holdout in terms of racial assimilation in the NFL, having held out for almost twenty years after other teams had been drafting and playing black players, and only did so after being forced to do so b y the federal government.
The claim and partial defense of the Redskins is that their name is not offensive, but rather is meant as a token of respect, that there were brave warriors from the past that used the name. While this itself is up to debate, it is only an attempt to try to slice up a small piece of history and to leave the bigotry behind. This panel exemplifies that perfectly. At someone’s execution, one wouldn’t talk about the highlights of their life, or to describe their status as a brave warrior, instead one would probably shout all kinds of obscenities at them, including in this case the use of the term Redskin. There have been other examples of the same, and even closer to the historical source. For instance, the comic Western Fighters used the term on its twenty fourth issue in the early 1950. At this time there was far less concern for racism in pop culture, as it was before the civil rights movement, and thus the truer use of the term was more apparent.
Thus while the Redskins say that it is used out of respect, it is actually a lot of historical revisionism, framing an offensive word in a way that makes it look like it is not offensive. From a legal standpoint they might have the right to use the name (though this is also being slowly eroded), but their moral stance that this is done out of respect for an obscure group of warriors has no ground to stand on. It is racism and it is racist, and there should be no history to hide behind on this subject, and that was highlighted this week by a single panel in a single comic.
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: Princeless: Raven, the Pirate Princess #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – The excellent series Princeless gets its first spin-off series focused on Raven, the Pirate Princess. The fundamentals are here, this time looking at swashbuckling tales. Raven must seek revenge against her brothers who have stolen her rightful place out from under her.
Archie #1 (Archie Comics) – This is huge! Archie is kicking off a whole new era with Mark Waid and Fiona Staples at the helm. This is one folks will be talking about.
Invader Zim #1 (Oni Press) – Jhonen Vasquez’s creation is back in a new comic. This is one I’ve been waiting for ever since it was announced. It’s kind of hard to not like the cartoon it’s based on, and expect this to be a hit.
Star Wars: Lando #1 (Marvel) – Everyone’s favorite scoundrel is back and in his own mini-series. Marvel has been killing it when its come to their Star Wars comics, and I expect no difference here.
Transference #1 (Black Mask Studios) – This is an interesting time travel series that is a hell of a mind bender in the first issue alone. There’s subtle things throughout the first issue that makes it stand out from the other special teams as time travelers story. A solid first issue.
Alex
Top pick: The Fox #4 (Dark Circle Comics) – If you’re not reading The Fox, you’re missing out. Plain and simple, this is one of the best comics on the rack every month.
Batman #42 (DC Comics) – Although I’m not a big fan (yet) of the Bat-bunny-mech suit, I’ve got more than enough faith to see how Snyder plays this out.
Edward
Top Pick: Wonderland #37 (Zenescope) – There has hardly been a misstep in this series since the change of direction under the new creative team. The series never fails to impress and surprise and that will continue here with a new story.
Archie #1 (Archie Comics) – There is finally a lot of buzz for this publisher, and it comes in the form of a revamped Archie. No one quite knows what that means yet, but we will know soon.
Bloodstrike #1 (Image Comics) – Rob Liefeld causes a riot any time he works on comics, as he has fans and others who are pretty much the opposite of fans. This is his best setting though, with nothing to prove and his imagination to fuel him. How will the new sci-fi series work out for him?
Civil War #1 (Marvel) – One of Marvel’s most contentious crossovers meets the Secret Wars world. The mix is not an obvious one, but neither have a lot of crossovers that have involved strange mixes thus far.
Gotham Academy #8 (DC Comics) – Olive returns to Gotham’s most interesting school. A one issue break (plus the break for Convergence) means that she has been gone for a while, and it will be interesting to see what her return means for this series.
Elana
Constantine the Hellblazer #2 (DC Comics) – Funny, pretty, creepy, creative and hey everyone— it stars a bisexual character who’s not treated as a joke or fetishized! More please!
Also props on the diverse creative team behind the comic, which may have something to do with the diversity inside the comic. PS, co-writer Ming Doyle was one of our podcast’s all time best guests. Go listen to her!
Gotham Academy #8 (DC Comics) – This book is one of the most creative things coming from DC. This issue is Olive’s mysterious Mother’s funeral. I’m gonna say it’s all Batman’s fault because he has a terrible track record with people with mental health issues.
Princeless: Raven, the Pirate Princess #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – The name says it all. Charming, feminist, racially diverse. The number one book for kids of all ages including kids with mortgages. The new art is stronger then ever!
Storm TPB Vol. 2 (Marvel) – Storm’s first solo series was groundbreaking. If you like Storm at all, or just want to see more comics featuring women of color buy this! The story explores her personality, playing her off against some interesting foes and even more interesting friends. And the Gambit team-up is so much fun it’s criminal!
Paul
Top Pick: Age of Apocalypse #1 (Marvel) – I collected every issue of Age of Apocalypse when this storyline came out a million years ago. This, to me, was one of the best X-Men runs ever released. And I cannot wait to see the AoA region of Battleworld. I know it won’t be exactly like the original run…but I am so excited to see these versions of the X-Men again.
Civil War #1 (Marvel) – Another storyline given a region in Battleworld, and I’m looking forward to it. So much happened in the original run of Civil War, so I’m looking forward to reading a story where the war never ended; see what allegiances were formed, which fell apart…and who survives to see it end.
Runaways #2 (Marvel) – I really enjoyed the first issue of this series. I’ve always enjoyed books focusing on the younger heroes of the MU (New Warriors, Young Avengers, Runaways), and I liked how this tie-in to Secret Wars took some of my favourite heroes (Cloak and Dagger especially) and took them back to school, literally, to find their way in this new Battleworld.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman #42 – Capullo. Snyder. Every issue in this run has been white hot. I have no reason to believe the train will slow down. I don’t even want to buckle in!
Batman/ Superman #22 (DC Comics) – Gordon vs. Kent round 2. Can these two get on the same page so the World can have a Finest again?
Civil War #1 (Marvel Comics) – Where it all went wrong the first time, I’d like to see how they try to correct their mistakes or are they doomed to repeat themselves?
Spider-Man: Renew your Vows #2 (Marvel Comics) – This is the Spider-Man that I have waited for since the return of Norman Osborn wayyy back in the pages of Spider-Man #75. Last issue was very disappointing. I’m hoping Slott gives Peter the reunion with his daughter he deserves. Give him a happy ending for once!
TMNT Color Classics Series 3 #47 (IDW) – Classic Eastman/ Laird in color? Hell yeah. Loving this trip down memory lane!
Pharoah
Star Wars: Lando #1 (Marvel) – Definitely had my interest piqued when I saw it in Previews for this month’s solicitations. He is probably one of the coolest characters within the Star Wars Expanded Universe, and now he gets his own graphic treatment, the only thing I can say truly, it is about time!!!
1872 #1 (Marvel) – I love the exploration of alternate universes with familiar characters, and this is definitely one to watch out for, as they got the Avengers living in the Wild Wild West
Archie #1 (Archie) – When you have the top talents of Mark Waid of Empire fame and Fiona Staples of Saga fame, working on one of comics’ most iconic characters, it is more than worth a look.
Providence #2 (Avatar) – Alan Moore and Jacen Burrows, are reviving Lovecraft in the most exciting way possible, as he has made the mythology scary again for all of us. I have not loved a Moore series as much as I loved this one, definitely his best work yet.
Star Trek/Green Lantern #1 (DC Comics/IDW Publishing) – This team up has been creating a huge amount of buzz since it was first announced and as a fan of both franchises, it reminds me of the Batman/Spawn crossover.
This July, the frontier gets a bit more marvelous! Today, Marvel has released a new look at 1872 #1 – the debut issue from writer Gerry Duggan and rising star artist Nik Virella! Prepare to see the Marvel Universe like you’ve never seen before as fistfuls of action, drama and suspense await you on Battleworld! Welcome to the small frontier town of Timely. Among the grit and the gristle of everyday life, corruption runs rampant in this tiny settlement. Local Sheriff Steve Rogers is out to clean up his town – but casino owner Wilson Fisk has other ideas! But when a mysterious stranger comes to town from parts unknown, everything in Timely is about to change – for anyone left standing, that is! Who is this mysterious Red Wolf and what business does he have in Timely? Saddle up, True Believer, it’s going to be a wild ride!
1872 #1 (APR150784)
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by NIK VIRELLA
Cover by ALEX MALEEV
Variant Covers by EVAN “DOC” SHANER (APR150785)
And SKOTTIE YOUNG (APR150786)
FOC – 06/08/15, On-Sale – 07/01/15
This June, the frontier gets a bit more Marvelous in 1872 #1 – the debut issue of a blockbuster new Secret Wars series! Fistfuls of action, drama and suspense await you as critically acclaimed creators Gerry Duggan and Evan “Doc” Shaner bring you the Marvel Universe as you’ve never seen it before!
All is not well in the small frontier town of Timely. Among the grit and the gristle of day-to-day life, corruption runs rampant. A steadfast lawman armed with a six-shooter and his bare knuckles, Sheriff Steve Rogers is out to clean up the town–but casino owner Wilson Fisk has other ideas. And when a mysterious stranger blows in from parts unknown, everything in Timely is going to change–for anyone left standing, that is!
This June, witness one man’s quest for justice through the wildest Marvel Universe you’ve ever seen. Saddle up, True Believer – 1872 #1 is coming to comic shops and digital devices this June!
1872 #1
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by EVAN “DOC” SHANER
Cover by ALEX MALEEV
Variant Cover by EVAN “DOC” SHANER
On Sale in June!
