DMZ leaps off the pages of the acclaimed DC/Vertigo comic series into the visual landscape of a dangerous and distorted Manhattan as one woman navigates a demilitarized zone in a harrowing quest to find her lost son.
DMZ begins streaming on March 17.
It’s one of two new comic book days! What are you all excited for? What do you plan on getting? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Book Riot – 9 Queer Adventure Comics – What would you suggest?
DC – DMZ TV Series Takes Shape with New Cast and Character Announcements – So torn about this series.
The Beat – A Year of Free Comics: Sometimes the only way to survive is to become a GHOST WIFE – Free comics!
Reviews
The Beat – Nationalist Love
CBR – Skybound X #1
It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d everyone get? What’d you like? What’d you dislike? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.
Newsarama – Kodansha USA Names New CEO/President, CCO, Publisher, Senior Marketing Director – Congrats to all!
Newsarama – Rosario Dawson Nabs Lead Role for HBO Max’s DMZ – Report – Interesting casting.
The Beat – Report: JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot working on a series of Justice League Dark films and tv shows – This has been worked on forever. We’ll believe it when we see it.
The Beat – Annie Koyama announces Koyama Press Provides grant program – Great idea.
Reviews
Newsarama – Batman #87
The Beat – Best of 2000 AD #1
Comics Bulletin – John Constantine: Hellblazer #3
Comics Bulletin – Protector #1
It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d everyone get? Was there anything that really stood out?
Around the Tubes
Kotaku – The Wolf Among Us‘s Dark Second Chapter Remains Faintly Unsatisfying – Hmm.
Kotaku – LEGO Spaceship Is Seven Feet Long, Took Four Years To Build – This is just amazing.
CBR – Wood & Burchielli’s “DMZ” in the Works as Syfy TV Series – Yes please!
Around the Tubes Reviews
Comic Vine – Action Comics #28
Comic Vine – Detective Comics #28
Comic Vine – Forever Evil #5
Comic Vine – Green Arrow #28
CBR – The Punisher #1
Nerd Reactor – Snowpiercer Vol. 1
Government shutdown getting you down? While we wait to for our elected officials to do their job and act like adults, hundreds of thousands of individuals are sitting at home. Here’s our suggestions of ten comics, series, or graphic novels to pick up and read through while you await your return to working for the American people.
If you have suggestions, sound off in the comments with them and why you suggest them!
– A nation divided. Maybe it’s best to go back and read through and remind ourselves about real division and some of the toughest times in this nation’s history. While everyone is at it, maybe brushing up on the constitution with The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation
too.
– As head of the National Center for Infectious Diseases, Dr. Laura Regan is one of the world’s foremost authorities on viral and bacteriological study. Having dedicated her career to halting the spread of infectious disease, she has always considered herself one of the good guys. But when her research partner is murdered and Laura is blamed for the crime, she finds herself at the heart of a vast and deadly conspiracy. Aided by three rogue federal agents who believe the government is behind the frame-up, Laura must evade law enforcement, mercenaries, and a team of cyber-detectives who know more about her life than she does – all while trying to expose a sinister plot that will impact the lives of every American. Set in the Orwellian present, The Homeland Directive is a modern-day political/medical thriller.
– As an act of violence spirals out of control to encompass the entirety of the news media, a cult has emerged from the errors and retractions that have ruined careers, marriages and even lives. Under direction from his cult master, The Hand leads an army of followers committed to revolution, willing to die for their cause.
– Scarlet is the story of a woman pushed to the edge by all that is wrong with the world…A woman who will not back down…A woman who discovers within herself the power to start a modern American revolution!!
– After years of selfimposed exile from a civilization rife with degradation and indecency, cynical journalist Spider Jerusalem is forced to return to a job he hates and a city he loathes. Working as an investigative reporter for the newspaper The Word, Spider attacks the injustices of his surreal 23rd century surroundings.
– A powerful story about loss of freedom and individuality, V For Vendetta takes place in a totalitarian England following a devastating war that changed the face of the planet. In a world without political freedom, personal freedom and precious little faith in anything comes a mysterious man in a white porcelain mask who fights political oppressors through terrorism and seemingly absurd acts. It’s a gripping tale of the blurred lines between ideological good and evil.
DC Entertainment Releases New VERTIGO App
And Announces SANDMAN Digital Comics Sale for $.99
Starting today, VERTIGO fans can download a new dedicated app featuring all Vertigo digital titles. The new app, available on the App Store, is free to download and features popular VERTIGO series THE SANDMAN, FABLES, Y: THE LAST MAN, PREACHER, 100 BULLETS, HELLBLAZER, AMERICAN VAMPIRE, THE UNWRITTEN, DMZ, THE INVISIBLES, TRANSMETROPOLITAN, and SWEET TOOTH, among others.
As an added bonus, readers who download the new VERTIGO app will have exclusive access to a three-day in-app sale that offers all SANDMAN digital comics for $.99 per issue. Written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman, THE SANDMAN is one of the most acclaimed titles in the history of comics. Norman Mailer described the series as “a comic strip for intellectuals.” With a rich blend of modern myth and dark fantasy in which contemporary fiction, historical drama and legend are seamlessly interwoven, the series is considered to be one of the most original and artistically ambitious comic books of the modern age.
The launch of the app is timed to the release of four new VERTIGO series debuting each week this month, beginning with today’s publication of FAIREST by New York Times best-selling and award-winning writer Bill Willingham. A spin-off of FABLES, the series stars some of the fairest in the land and balances horror, humor and adventure. Each FAIREST storyline will explore the secret histories of one character, from Sleeping Beauty to Rapunzel to Cinderella to Thumbelina to Snow White and more. The first six issue arc drawn by Phil Jimenez (WONDER WOMAN, THE INVISIBLES) follows the misadventures of Briar Rose along with Ali Baba and the Snow Queen.
Also available same day digitally this month are the following new Vertigo series:
“Making all of our digital titles available in one downloadable location provides readers even more accessibility to our vast array of ground-breaking stories. What’s better than that? I can’t wait to get the app on my phone.” said Karen Berger, executive editor, VERTIGO. “With four new series launching in March, this is the perfect time for fans to download the VERTIGO app and keep coming back each and every week.”
“As the digital landscape becomes increasingly crowded, this stand alone app underscores DCE’s commitment to growing and spotlighting Vertigo by directly addressing its unique reader base,” stated Hank Kanalz, senior vice president of digital, DC Entertainment. “Vertigo fans can now access same day digital content faster and more conveniently on their iOS devices.”
Click here [http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vertigo-comics/id503929481?mt=8&ls=1] to visit the App Store and download the new VERTIGO App.
Previews of all four new series are available for viewing here: http://www.vertigocomics.com/2012/02/08/graphic-connection-vertigo-preview-2012
I’m WAY behind in my reviews, but here’s there first batch of them. Hopefully I can be nice and caught up in a week or so. It was the last week of the year and that saw a lot of new releases. It was a thick stack of books… did the year end on a good note? Find out below.
All-Star Western #4 – Jonah is still in Gotham, this time hired to look for missing children. The story is decent and pretty entertaining, but there’s a hint as to what he stumbles into, and while I like him being tied into the greater DCU, I’m not sure if connections like this are a bit too cute. Still though, we have a western comic that’s a great read in both story and art.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
Alpha Flight #7 – Wolverine shows up to see what’s going on and it turns into good guys versus good guys before they team up to take on the bad guys. This limited series turned ongoing turned back into limited series has one more issue to go. It hasn’t been a bad read, but also hasn’t knocked it out of the park like I’d hope.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
American Vampire #22 – Flash forward to 1954 and we have a new story arc from the vampire hunter angle. It’s a completely different comic in a way and so damn good. The main character just exudes the time and bleeds cool. Add in some great story telling when it comes to revealing the plot and you’ve got a hell of a way to end the year.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Annihilators: Earthfall #4 – Hmmm, not the best of cosmic Marvel. Hopefully whatever 2012 has in store, it’ll be better than this.
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Aquaman #4 – Aquaman and Mera head into the trenches to free the people kidnapped by the weird fish people. All of that raises lots more questions that don’t get answered, but gives a good place to go over the next year. The art is fantastic, writing top notch. Aquaman is one of the best super hero comics being put out by DC and one of the best on the market.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Astonishing X-Men #45 – Astonishing X-Men to me has struggled as to where it’s stood in the “X” cannon and how it stood out from the other “X” series out there. This story arc which has Cyclops in another universe is pretty damn interesting, but I’m still not sure it’s enough to really justify it’s existence. Still, much better than what’s come before.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
Avengers: Children’s Crusade #8 – So I guess this character wasn’t big enough to make headlines about being killed off? It’s been a while since we saw the last issue for this series which feels like it started years ago. The two teams fight Doom who then hints that he was behind Wanda going crazy. Did we just get a crappy retcon!? Ugh. This limited series has dragged as far as release schedule and not lived up to what I’d hope as far as story, but the art has been solid.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 7.75
Batman: the Dark Knight #4 – Batman investigates Ivy’s hideout and chases some leads in an ok issue of the comic. Really, the focus is on friendships and how being Batman crushes Bruce Wayne’s personal life and limits his personal friendships. There’s a bunch I like about the comic, but some things seem a bit forced. Some foreshadowing though that could get interesting. This is the Batman book that’s more about the visuals than the plot.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 7.75
Black Panther: the Most Dangerous Man Alive #527 – The Panther and Kingpin’s chess game continues as each attempts to out-maneuver each other. It’s sad the series only has a bit to go. It’s such high quality and deserves and audience. The art too is great with a very interesting style in this particular issue.
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8
The Cape #3 – Um wow. To say the moment my jaw dropped would ruin the comic. The issue and series is balls out, just going full throttle. The body count is rising but how can someone prove there’s a flying person out to get them?
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Captain America #5 – Hydra is starting to role again as Cap battles in the dream world. The ending to the first story arc wasn’t bad, but there was something a bit off about it. The good part is we start to get a sense of a weakness when it comes to Steve Rogers and Captain America.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75
Captain America #6 – Steve’s got some doubts and he also might be having issues with the super soldier serum. He and Hawkeye head out for a night of crime fighting and run into an old nemesis. The arc has been solid so far, the art I’m not totally sold on though.
Story: 8.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.25
Captain America & Bucky #625 – Cap is drawn into a murder mystery surrounding the Cap and Bucky that replaced him after he was frozen (yes a bit confusing to explain). The story is pretty damn interesting and very entertaining and shows off some more “lost” history of Captain America.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
DMZ #72 – And with that, the series comes to an end. Brian Wood’s series about war and those impacted by it turns into a love letter to New York City and those that live there. The series for seventy-two issues has been solid and some of the best political commentary in an entertainment medium. The ending is bitter sweet. A great comic, but you don’t want it to end, because that brilliance comes to a close with it.
Story: 9.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.25
FF #13 – The kids, Doom, Reed Richards and Nathaniel Richards stand against the made Celestials. It’s interesting, but the bigger questions is how does writer Jonathan Hickman’s crazy storytelling all weave together. he’s put together an epic Fantastic Four story for the ages.
Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8.25
the Flash #4 – Mob Rule is causing all sorts of issues as folks have to deal with the affects of the EMP blast and folks are confused by the Flash’s passing a plane through a bridge. This issue has some amazing visuals and the story has some good pacing. It doesn’t stand on it’s own, but as part of the story arc, it’s solid.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Green Hornet #20 – The new Hornet and Kato take on a bad guy that their parents did in this self contained issue. The relationship between the two is the focus really and it’s a reminder that this isn’t your parents’ Hornet. The art takes a bit of a dip, but the story is solid enough to keep this series entertaining.
Story: 8 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75
Green Lantern: New Guardians #4 – We start to get down to the mystery of the rings and Kyle. There’s a lot here that I’ve never seen before, especially at the end. The story is a giant fight scene and a bit muddled, but there’s some original stuff here and that has to be given lots of props.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
I, Vampire #4 – Bennett meet Constantine, Constantine meet Bennett. It’s a good story as these two individuals must deal with another vampire. There’s a twist at the end I wasn’t expecting at all which just makes it that much better. This is easily one of the best comics to come out of DC’s relaunch.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75
Iron Man 2.0 #12 – Wow, such a bad ending…. the series had a great start and then just went off the track into a wall.
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
Justice League Dark #4 – What the hell did I read. The series is just not doing it for me. The story is muddled and really confusing. It’s too choppy without a really solid narrative to pull it all together. The series has a lot of potential, but so far I haven’t seen it come close to living up to it.
Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75
Kick-Ass 2 #6 – The most entertaining thing about this issue is seeing Hit-Girl spout out really inappropriate things. The series is over the top violence at this point without much of a narrative. The first volume was Shakespeare compared to this mess of a follow up. Millar wants to shock and awe, but missed the mark you need a story first to really pull that off.
Story: 6.25 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.25
the Mighty Thor #9 – Loki still tries to figure out who Thor is. Taranus does his thing and the All Mothers decide to turn Asgard into a Republic. Um yeah… things got rather interesting in this series.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5
Secret Avengers #20 – Wow did this issue make my head hurt. Lots of time jumping and the story and art are interesting, but overall, call we move the series forward instead of these pointless self-contained stories?
Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7
Spaceman #3 – The series is beyond unique and creative but I think it doesn’t read all that great as single issues. I’m definitely waiting for the trade and reading it all at once.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Teen Titans #4 – Superboy takes on Wonder Girl as the Teen Titans finally get their members together. The series has a great tone and some entertaining interaction. The art is solid as well. This is one of my favorite series of the DC relaunch.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Micro-Series Michelangelo – Michelangelo gets caught up in a diamond heist. The story is entertaining and the art is solid. I’ve loved the new TMNT series from IDW and these self contained issues have been just as good. Great for TMNT fans new and old.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
Ultimate Comics the Ultimates #5 – This issue is just solid. All kinds of great moments just building up to the eventual battle. This issue doesn’t stand on it’s own, but as part of the greater story so far, it’s so good. As usual, great art and great plot.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
Ultimate Comics X-Men #5 – Um, holy crap. So the beginning of the comic hinted at the ending, but I didn’t put two and two together as to what it all meant until those last few panels. This comic just is so tense and so amazing. The series as a whole just rocks. The art, story, like the other Ultimate comics, I’m so happy I took chance with the relaunch.
Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75
Uncanny X-Men #3 – The team continues to fight Sinister and also have Celestials to deal with. The story and art is ok. To me, that’s it, just ok. There’s two different teams basically and I think the quality is different too. Out of all of the “X” books two stand out to me, Wolverine & the X-Men and Uncanny X-Force. Uncanny, just doesn’t live up to the relaunch and continues on it’s meh course.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5
Voodoo #4 – Voodoo is on a mission to learn about the world’s super heroes. Seriously, Marz has been booted from this series? His mix of action heroine/spy/super hero comic is fresh and is as solid as they come. Hopefully the series keeps it up, but I have my doubts the quality will keep up.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
X-Men: Legacy #260 – In a transition issue, Rogue and friends rescue Ariel and Korvus is dealt with. The issue really just moves the story along with a dip in art and overall a ho-hum.
Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25
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 2011. 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 have read. If it’s not on here, I just might not have read it.
Daredevil has had an interesting 2011, we started with Shadowland and then got Matt Murdock finding himself and then a relaunched back to basic series written by Mark Waid with art by Paolo Rivera. Shadowland wasn’t too bad, a bit uneven, but as a whole Marvel had issues with this year’s events. Seeing Murdock corrupt and the emotion from his friends was an interesting read. After you had Murdock wandering the country in short mini-series followed up by the relaunch.
It’s that relaunch that makes Daredevil stick out in my mind. It’s a comic I look forward to reading each month. Waid has given it a pulp action feel like classic Green Hornet or the Shadow and Rivera’s art is fantastic. The comic is just fun to read. On top of Waid’s take, Daredevil is now an Avenger and each of his brief appearances so far has enhanced that series. When you show up in an ensemble comic and steal the show, that says something.
Waid has set up a lot going into 2012, can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Runner Ups – Moon Knight, Uncanny X-Force, Aquaman
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. Fittingly, this final week also brought us the final issue of the series, a perfect way to end the year.
Runner Ups – American Vampire, Chew, The Walking Dead
Really, just sign me up for whatever Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips have in store. This latest volume of their crime/noir series from Marvel/Icon gave us a shit-head of a main character and kept us on our toes as to what to expect. Sean Philips also showed us something new by changing up the art style every so often.
These two are one of the best teams in comic books today. Early 2012 brings us Fatale from them to be published by Image which is more horror/noir. Hopefully we’ll be seeing another volume of this series as well.
I’m a huge fan up pulp/noir comics, and this is the gold standard by which all others are judged. Just fantastic.
Runner Ups – Critical Millennium, Severed, 27: Second Set
Technically it’s two issues, but the story is spread out between the two issues and either stands out as the best. On top of that Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime reflects on what’s discussed in these issues as well. Megatron is captured and the two issues reflect on his and Optimus’ past and how they became who they are. Flash forward to the present and the two leaders debate politics and motives. It’s an adult discussion coming from two giant robots.
DMZ might have been “the” political discussion of the year, but these two issues I just didn’t expect it from. Absolutely fantastic and enough to give me pause and make me think.
What’s the difference between a terrorist and freedom fighter? Find out in these issues.
Just a holy piece of crap. This is up there as one of the worst things I’ve ever read. The graphic novel by legend Frank miller is racist, xenophobic, sexist and horribly written. Can’t believe we’ve waited so long to read it.
Runner Ups – The Infinite (any issue)
Dark Horse’s Green River Killer is a true-crime story focused on the Green River serial killings. The writer was close to the subject, as his father was one of the lead detectives. The story has multiple layers, looking at how families were affected, the struggles the police went through and at the end, why the killer did what he did.
The graphic novel is haunting. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for many days it was that disturbing and unsettling. The art is good, but it’s the story that gets you. The whole time you’re wondering how they’re going to solve this, but also why is this happening.
Add in the fact this is a true story. It’s a disturbing true story. Being able to get some of the behind the scenes to a story I only know from newspapers and the nightly news, just adds more to it all.
Runner Ups – Any Empire, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand
I’m counting this as an event, though it’s really a long story arc. Rick Remender has put together the best “X” book put out by Marvel. This event which saw the rise of a new Apocalypse in the form of Archangel and X-Force is all that stands in the way between him and world destruction.
Diving into “X” lore with trips to the Age of Apocalypse universe, this was a story for the hard core “X” fans. But, more than that, everything was thrown into it. You had no idea what was going to come next and what to expect.
It wasn’t until I finally read the last issue that I know the ending, that’s how much of a big question mark Remender gave us. The follow as well was fantastic as why characters did what they did and a new status-quo and direction were set.
Runner Ups – Artifacts, Flashpoint
Horror was where it was at this year with DC folding in some Vertigo books and some great limited series like Severed. Animal Man, Swamp Thing, I, Vampire, B.P.R.D. and more lead the way to dethroning last year’s winner, a bunch of shuffling zombies (though that’s also horror in a way). I’ve never been creeped out more and enjoyed it as much.
Runner Up – Steampunk, Zombie
I enjoy a video game or two (dozen). One of the best video games of the year, not just comic book tie-ins was Batman: Arkham City which just brought more of the brawler game. There’s a reason many are naming this as one of the best video games of the year and it’s sold so well. It’s that damn good.
The downloadable material which seems to be coming as a steady flow, the fact you can play as so many characters, that all adds up to a comic book experience you can control. Add in amazing graphics, game play and there you have it, it’s a must buy video game.
Runner Up – Marvel Universe toys, DC Universe Super Heroes Legos
This year’s crop of comic book related movies wasn’t as amazing as I’d hope, but it’s a solid bunch. Marvel’s batch as what stood out and all three really deserve to share the honors. Each was excellent and flawed in their own ways, but out of the three Thor holds up best.
The story is pretty standard, didn’t really challenge me at all, but the visuals and Chris Hemsworth’s acting is what really makes it all stand out. The flaws also are the least of the bunch with only the final fight between Thor and the Destroyer really bothering me.
Out of the bunch, this was also the highest grossing, showing it wasn’t just me that liked it.
Runner Ups – Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class
This is a mixed one as DC’s relaunch is also a disappointment, but I’ll address it all here. DC made a bold move this year to shake up their sagging line of comic books by starting from the beginning and relaunching the entire line. It was gutsy. On top of that, their digital initiative was bold.
The story that lead up to it all, Flashpoint, was pretty damn good and what came out of it as well. I took a chance on all fifty-two issues and came away with giving half of them a chance for the second issue. From there, I made further cuts, but today, I’m reading more comics from DC than I ever have and their higher volumes they’re selling that the initiative has worked for the short term.
The disappointing part is that they didn’t go far enough. The comics were pretty standard and we didn’t get anything out of the box. There also was a clear audience, adolescent males (or men stuck in their adolescence). While we saw more advertising to the general public, we haven’t seen a sustained campaign. For all their gains in 2011, I think we’ll see a good chunk of it erode in 2012.
Fear Itself and it’s follow up were and are bad. X-Men: Schism was ok, but much better than what was before. Shadowland was uneven. Marvel has been having some issues when it comes to their events. I won’t call it overall event fatigue in the industry as others have put out quality and showed what works.
Too many tie-ins, stories not thought out and gimmicky tricks paved the way to a substandard experience.
Marvel relied on the tired gimmick of death, killing the Ultimate Spider-Man, Bucky, the Human Torch and more, that all made headlines but some of it is already undone. There’s only so many times you can call death before the masses catch on and shrugs their shoulders.
Already we’re heading into more events at Marvel in 2012, here’s hoping there’s some improvement.
Runner Up – Green Lantern (movie), DCnU
Moon Knight has always been a character that’s intrigued me. Brian Michael Bendis, along with amazing art by Alex Maleev, have given us a new series that really looks at the many personalities of Marc Spector. The new series really has fun with the idea having Moon Knight drawing upon his personalities at different points.
Moon Knight is the psychotic Batman, a super hero struggling with mental illness. But is he really suffering from it? And should it be this much enjoyable to read?
Archaia received the honor last year as well, so let me really explain my logic here. Lets start with the big two, Marvel and DC. Marvel’s line has suffered in 2011, they’re out. DC made a bold choice, but four months letter, it all feels empty. There’s quality, but there’s also a lot that just doesn’t excite.
BOOM! made it’s case towards the end of the year with some great original series, along with some on-goings that continue to show off their quality. Add in a lot of licensed comics and they’ve got a line that has something for everyone. There were also some busts, but they’ve got a great line of comics. Image Comics, for all the quality also has some major duds. Inconsistency is the issue, but their quality is some of the best out there.
Dark Horse has some amazing comics. A lot of big name licenses and some good original, but there’s a lot of series I read and just didn’t interest me. Their quality though is up there. If your a Star Wars or Buffy fan too, they put out excellent product. Then we come to IDW Publishing. A lot of license there too, and also a lot of original material. Each week I see their new releases, I get excited, as a whole, I’m probably interested in more of their monthly comics percentage wise than any other publisher, and it’s all excellent.
And the big winner is Archaia. I should start with the presentation of the books. Beautiful covers and packaging is the first thing that sticks out. Their entire line of graphic novels are beautiful to look at on a shelf. Then there’s what’s in between those fancy covers. The variety of the books and quality is unmatched. I can find something for everyone and hand out one of their series or a graphic novel and know I’m good with my choice. All of what I read was good to great and much challenges story telling and comic book visuals.
Licensed books, original books, it’s all here. And it’s amazing. There’s comics for kids and adults and books kids and adults will love together. Books from the US and Europe, we have different styles and perspectives, it’s like the publisher goes out of it’s way to present choice and variety. And it’s all good.
I said it last year and it still holds true this year, when I think Archaia, I think high quality and expect the best. They continue to not let me down.
Runner Up – IDW Publishing
It says a lot that a character who at one point was a punchline is now one of the best comics DC is putting out. This year’s relaunch was an attempt to invigorate a sagging line of comics, and it’s seen mixed results. I will say Aquaman is one of the characters and series that’s benefited the most out of it all. With amazing art, story and writing that keeps me interested, it’s a comic that I look forward to reading each month.
It’s a long weekend, which is perfect cause there’s a lot of comics out this week to read! What was worth it? Find out below!
All Star Western #3 – While I generally like the Hex story, the ending is a bit abrupt and the story doesn’t seem resolved at all. Maybe it’s because it’s not and we can expect more from the villains, but something was a bit off. The back-up story too was just ok, in a retro sort of way. Overall, not quite as solid an ending as the beginning.
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75
Alpha Flight #6 – The limited series that turned into a regular ongoing and then back to a limited series is almost wrapped up with two issues to go. It’s an interesting read, but for some reason it feels like an “also ran” when compared to other comics. It’s a feeling I’ve had for Alpha Flight series of the past. It’s never quite had the edge like others or enough to get me really interested.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
Annihilator: Earthfall #3 – The epic factor kicks up a bit, but overall the story is still puttering on. Something just seems off overall about this chapter of DnA’s Marvel cosmic opus. The art is inconsistent which doesn’t help matters at all. Overall, these characters have seen better days.
Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75
Aquaman #3 – Three issues in and the series hasn’t dipped in the quality of story or art. I’ve never cared for Aquaman but Geoff Johns’ writing and Ivan Reis’ art has changed all of that for me. It’s such a high quality story that just pulls off so well what on paper should be a meh story and character. One of the best of the new DC universe.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5
Astonishing X-Men #44 – Uh, what the hell is going on?
Story: 7 Art: 7 Overall: 7
Batman: The Dark Knight #3 – The art is fantastic, the story is a bit shaky. Why is The Flash involved at all? He just seems to be a needless cameo. Oh well, the comic is entertaining and stands out enough from the other “Bat” comics on the market.
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75
Captain America & Buck #624 – We get a bit of Bucky’s time as the Winter Soldier as he tells his story to someone. I wish I could go into detail about that, but it’s nice to see that part of his life fleshed out some. I’m a bit torn on his confessing to his sins the way he does. It seems a bit shallow and empty, but overall the story is good and the art strong.
Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8
Daken: Dark Wolverine #17 – Daken starts to put two and two together to figure out who Rolston is and then goes about seeking some help to stop him. The story is pretty decent with a lot of voice over from Daken that adds depth to the character. It’s not shocking the series is coming to an end, but it’s a shame more people didn’t see this character grow from a knock-off Wolverine.
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5
DMZ #71 – As we come closer to the end, this issue reflects on all Matty Roth has done over the last six years and the “crimes” he’s guilty of. After so many issues, you begin to wonder too what is fact and what is fiction. But as Matty himself points out, he can’t have done the good he did without also doing all the horrors. It’s been an amazing run by Brian Wood and it’s sad there’s so little of it left.
Story: 9.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.75
Fantastic Four #600 – Wow, a 600th issue just packed with awesome. Jonathan Hickman has been weaving an epic story here and while at times I might have been bored and didn’t see the big picture, over the last few issues of FF he’s been putting all the puzzle pieces together so we can see the big picture. We knew Johnny Storm wasn’t dead, but that’s a hell of a return. The various stories in this stuffed issue all tie together adding layer after layer like Hickman has been doing for a while now. Bravo.
Story: 10 Art: 8.75 Overall: 9.5
The Flash #3 – The Flash is another series and character that’s stood out in the new DC universe. I was a fan of the previous volume and this one has been a lot of fun so far as well. The character is expanding a bit in what he can do, so it’s nice to see his abilities expanding and thus what we can expect from him. What I’m really looking forward to is the eventual return of the Rogues. It’s coming…
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
Green Lantern: New Guardians #3 – The big picture starts to reveal itself as we get a better idea as to why all of the rings are attracted to Kyle. There’s some awesome art here and the Guardians aren’t putting up with any crap anymore, which after the years of insubordination makes sense. An interesting read that’ll hopefully play out in the other series.
Story: 7.25 Art: 8 Overall: 7.25
I, Vampire #3 – So the first negative thing can be said about the series, whoever chose the blue and orange to show off the locations in the beginning needs to be slapped upside the head. But, other than that, the series continues to impress. The story seems a bit Blade, but there’s a mood and look to it that makes it stand out. It’ll be interesting to see where it all goes and especially how the greater DC universe is tied into it. Looks like we’ll be finding that out pretty soon.
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5
The Invincible Iron Man #510 – Fear Itself has wrapped and Stark has to deal with his drinking again. At the same time his enemies are planning something big and it’s a whose who of bad guys involved. There’s a big plan here and it looks like the series has righted it’s direction in one issue and then some.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Iron Man 2.0 #10 – How do you take on a bad guy that’s nanotechnology and spreads like a virus? This series run seems to be exploring that till the end. It’s been interesting, but not enough to stand out, not a shocker it wound up on the chopping block. Good, but not great.
Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7
Justice League Dark #3 – While I think the series will play a lot into what’s happening in Swamp Thing and Animal Man, I just can’t get through it. It’s not clicking for me at all.
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75
Kick-Ass 2 #5 – Action gore porn. Jump. The. Shark.
Story: 6 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6
The Mighty Thor #8 – Well that was quick. Now we know who Tanarus is and what the deal is, for the most part. It’ll be interesting to see how they get Thor back in time for next year’s Avengers film. The first issue of the new status quo is interesting and a decent read.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Secret Avengers #19 – Warren Ellis’ final single issue of the series before the new creative team takes over next issue. This one was a blip up compared to the last few issues. Something about it was really interesting and entertaining. A decent issue that’s a pretty good read for folks who are looking for a self-contained story.
Story:8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8
Teen Titans #3 – And we get to meet a new member, Bunker. The story is great with a few different parts all going at their own pace and speed. There’s a great kinetic, fun feel about it all. I’m really enjoying the series so far and looking forward to seeing where it goes.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25
Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #4 – Hawkeye has a mission and we learn the history of what’s going on in Asia. It’s all interesting and I’m finally sucked into the Ultimate universe. The limited series wasn’t totally needed but it did it’s purpose in fleshing out the current storyline.
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75
Voodoo #3 – Ron Marz continues to show there’s more depth to the series than the stripping from the first issue. Many dropped it at that point or wouldn’t even pick it up, and that’s a shame because he’s mashed together a spy/super hero mash-up that’s a slow, but fun burn. Too bad he’s not going past this first arc. DC has made a bad decision when it comes to that because he’s bringing us a character and series that has a lot of different skins much like it’s main character.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25
Wolverine & the X-Men #2 – The attack on the school continues in an over the top wave after wave, crazy on top of crazy, mish-mash of everything. All hell has broken loose really and the second issue is a bit over the top, but there’s something still very fun about it all. Hopefully the entire series won’t be one big issue of ADD, but so far it’s a welcome change.
Story: 8.25 Art: 8 Overall: 8.25
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