Tag Archives: doomed

DC Comics Ends Five Series, Changes Creative Team on One

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dc comic logoDC Comics has released to CBR that they’re calling it quits on five series which will wrap up in November and December. Justice League United, Gotham By Midnight, The Omega Men, and Lobo will end in December. Doomed will end with issue #6 in November (we think, CBR wasn’t quite sure).

None of the series have been burning up the charts, though The Omega Men is critically acclaimed (bet you the trade does well).

DC Comics has also announced that Catwoman #47 will kick off a new creative team of writer Frank Tieri and Inaki Miranda. Outgoing writer Genevieve Valentine will be a part of the Batman and Robin Eternal writing team.

So, for those keeping track Justice League United #16 will be its last. Gotham By Midnight #12 will be its last. The Omega Men #7 will be its last. Lobo #13 is the final comic for that run.

The full DC Comics’ December solicitations will be released this Monday.

 

Review: Doomed #3 and Doctor Fate #3

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doomed003DC Comics’ newest promotional wave is one which finally let go of the number 52 and has instead looked to cash in on the immense popularity of some other recent successes at the company under the imprint of DC You, notably focused around Batgirl and Gotham Academy.  This character first kind of approach is one that has been effective over the years, and in different applications can be used to explain the popularity of Spider-Man and others.  This new focus on characters is what has defined this new approach, though it is not yet evident if it is working.  One of the cornerstones of this new approach has been to turn Superman into a depowered version of himself to see what he is really made of, but it has somewhat failed.  Although not technically under DC You, the same has been done with Batman with the same level lack of success.  While the executives might have been hoping that the popularity might give these two a boost, it has not worked so much in a critical sense except as a stunt, especially as the regular versions of the characters are doing so well elsewhere as in Justice League.  As usual, DC tends to rise and fall on those two characters, and so this new wave might not last, but if that is indeed the case then it would be a shame, as it would lose two of its most intriguing recent characters, in Doomed and the new Doctor Fate.

df003The reading of the two series is so close that they do bear being compared to one another.  Doctor Fate features a young cast with characters dealing with their personal problems, and Doomed is not much different except for the manner of problems and their specific location with New York City (well Metropolis is not officially NYC, but whatever).  Both hit the stands with a strong main character and a strong collection of supporting characters that breathe life into the main character and both have stories which are engaging and fun.

Perhaps most evident is the fact that the success of these two series comes from the fact that there is a real organic nature to the story telling, something that has been missing elsewhere in DC You.  The locales seem real because they are real, and the characters work despite the fact that they have been “Batgirled” even though there is nothing girl-like about them.  That is perhaps the true success of these two series, and why they can be discussed as one even when they are in effect quite different in their overall focus on story telling, and on their basis on the occult or science-fiction.  It is the only two examples thus far of either comic company being able to spread the idea of Batgirling to a male character, and it proves that not only the young female characters at both companies needed a makeover, but that the male characters needed it as well.  As these series are unlikely to survive on their own without the help of the bigger two heroes making DC You into something sustainable, it is also unlikely that these will survive into the long run, but also worth noting that they should.

Story: Scott Lobdell/Paul Levitz Art:  Javier Fernandez/Sonny Liew
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0  Overall: 9.0  Recommendation: Buy

 

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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JUSTL_Cv42_R1_552c48ea8ad336.43158695Wednesdays 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

The Divine (First Second) – This graphic novel written by Boaz Lavie and art by Asaf Hanuka and Tomer Hanuka is based on real guerrilla freedom fighters, who just so happen to be kids. They were believed to have magical powers and able to summon spirits. The graphic novel is magical look at this odd history, but with an emphasis on the magical aspect in the second half of the graphic novel.

Black Canary #2 (DC Comics) – Lets rock and roll! The first issue knocked it out of the park with not only a punk rock vibe in the writing, but also with the art. There’s an interesting mix of genres so far, and I fully expect the second issue to be top notch.

Book of Death #1 (Valiant) – This is the future of the Valiant universe as their summer event kicks off!

Letter 44 #18 (Oni Press) – President Blades commits his coalition forces to a take-no-prisoners drive across Europe. It’s science fiction at its best. Consistently one of my favorite comics.

Skullkickers #33 (Image Comics) – One of the most entertaining and funniest comics on the market. Jim Zub’s off the rails fantasy adventure never disappoints.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Moon Knight #17 (Marvel) – I’ve been loving the new Moon Knight series right from the get go; the combination of standalone single issue stories (for the most part), and the striking way the colourists simply don’t colour the white on Moon Knight’s costume.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – This epic story has been nothing short of fantastic thus far, but then again it is the Justice League versus Darkseid vs. the Anti-Monitor, so what would you expect?  More big developments are sure to follow in this next chapter.

Doomed #2 (DC Comics) – Probably the biggest surprise of the DC You relaunch, featuring an approachable main characters and a strong group of supporting characters.

Dr. Fate #2 (DC Comics) – Another impressive DC You title, with a character focused story to try to put this character back into the mainstream.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special Alice (Zenescope) – The two Grimm Fairy Tales 10th anniversary specials thus far have been really fun.  Mix that with its best property, Wonderland, and this should promise to be pretty amazing.

Guardians of Knowhere #1 (Marvel) – Secret Wars gets its chance at taking on the Guardians of the Galaxy tie-in which looks to be pretty fun.

 

Elana

Top Pick: Island Magazine #1 (Image Comics) – 116 pages a month of genre defying, artist driven comics and writing. This is Brandon Graham’s (“Multiple Warheads” King City” “8House”) creator-owned comics magazine and every month will be something new. Imagine if Heavy Metal Magazine (the sci-fi and comics magazine full of Crepax and Moebius, not a magazine about Megadeath) was debuting in 2015. This would be that. It’s not like anything else you have. This month’s has a comic about skateboarding by Ludroe. Kelly Sue Deconnick writing about writing. Lovely Emma Rios art.  There’s just a whole lot here and it’s not like anything else.

The 6 Voyages Of Lone Sloane GN (Titan Comics) – This is the 1970s psychedelic scifi fantasy artgasm of my dreams. Dreams with Hawkwind space rock soundtracks.  The writer/artist is Philippe Druillet known for his work in Heavy Metal Magazine. He created Elric of Melniboné fan art so good that the character’s creator, Michael Moorcock himself actually wrote it into his world. No surprise that the world  Duillet creates here looks a lot like something out of Moorcock’s brain. Good choice as that’s one of the trippiest brains of all time!

Black Canary #2 (DC Comics) – Black Canary’s in a rock band touring the U.S. And fighting space ninjas before they kidnap her band’s adorable kid guitarist. Do you like rock? Do you like comics? You need this.

Lumberjanes #16 (BOOM! Studios) – “For the love of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, please” by this comic! It won an Eisner. It is warm and funny and creative and educational (it turns the names of important Women In History into exclamations). It has queer kids experiencing their first crushes. It’s the comic you wish you had when you were a kid. So make a kid’s day and buy this comic to share.

Secret Six #4 (DC Comics) – Last issue featured a now rightfully legendary “who had weird sex on the couch last night?!?” cover. It was a simple joke but it was damn funny and do you know what? I think this book is finally getting in the swing of things. In fact, it’s quite literally going to a strange and alien local. It’s going to The Suburbs where few anti-heroes/villains have gone before.

 

Johnny “Big Daddy Cool” Dellarocca

Top Pick: Ant-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) – I am a die hard fan of hank Pym. Without apology. So, to see him return as a feature star yet again in an Ant man book has given me hope about the future of the character, and suggests that his final fate in Rage of Ultron is not in continuity and is at best an alternate future “What if?” Hank Pym fans unite!

Hail Hydra #1 (Marvel) – Everyone knows the bad guys are the coolest characters, right? This, and the Red Skull Secret Wars spin off should give everyone their does of Marvel’s evil goodness for a while! Plus, it is a Remender book. How can you go wrong, really?

Mistry PI #1 (Graphic India PTE. Ltd) – I have a feeling based on the publisher that this one is going to be hard to find on shelves, but it has all the stuff that intrigues me so I’m going to hunt it down or at least find it on digital. “There are things that exist in the shadows that ordinary people know nothing of. Another world that lies underneath our very own; a world of demons, monsters, djinns, mummies, werewolves, vampires and demi-gods. It’s in this world that Darius Mistry and his friend, Amos Golem, operate as Paranormal Investigators for hire.” What else can you ask for? I mean, really?

Where Monsters Dwell #3 (Marvel) – I’ve got to admit that the I wanted to love this book. The Dieselpunk in me, was so excited about a serial style adventure pitting the Phantom Eagle against dinosaurs in the sky. BUT, when the first issue went in a completely different direction, I was less than trilled. HOWEVER, Issue #2 came along and the series started to grow on me. The final panel of issue #2 had me hooked and now I can’t wait to see what issue #3 hold in store for our heroes!
Mr. H

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – Darkseid! The Antimonitor! The all powerful newcomer Grail! Sounds like the ultimate cosmic battle royale. So get your tickets. As good ol J.R. would say “It’s gonna be a sloberknocker!!” Oh yeah and those Justice League guys? They’ll be there too.

Green Lantern: The Lost Army #2 (DC Comics) – Here’s to new rings and ramifications! The mythos expands let’s see where it goes!

Red Sonja #1973 (Dynamite Entertainment) – A anniversary anthology of the sexiest woman to ever brandish a blade, blood and guts, leather and chain mail bikinis, how can it miss! Looking forward to a sterling celebration where hopefully it makes the Red Wedding look like a spilled glass.

Siege #1 (Marvel Comics) – Zombie hordes, death machines and Annihilation waves. Count me in. In Doom we trust

Superman/Wonder Woman #19 (DC Comics) – The former man of steel and amazing Amazon battle the Suicide Squad deep in the fields of Smallville! This title has been a sleeper as of late. Here’s to it fully waking me up.

 

Matt

Top Pick: Justice League #42 (DC Comics) – The start of Darkseid War in the last issue was a wonderful and epic culmination of the entire Johns run on Justice League, and I can’t wait for it to continue.

Ant-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) – The Ant-Man movie coming up has me and I’m sure others craving some Ant-Man action in comics; surely this annual will hit the spot.

Hawkeye #22 (Marvel) – Matt Fraction’s critically-acclaimed, soon-to-be-classic run on Hawkeye will finally come to an end this Wednesday.

Planet Hulk #3 (Marvel) – I’ll admit that I’m an issue behind on this book, but I can’t help but be excited for another issue of this ridiculous spirital successor to Planet Hulk, a comic I truly love.

Silver Surfer #13 (Marvel) – This issue’s solicited promise of offering a story important to the state of the cosmic Marvel Universe as well as another story focused on just the two leads of this great series means that there is something special to look forward to here.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Siege #1 (Marvel) – This title promises to show us The SHIELD, which protects most of Battleworld for the more violent, monstrous elements of this new world.  Anyone who breaks the law from any region in Battleworld is sent to The SHIELD to defend it, so I’m very curious to see which band of characters we’ll be following.  Plus, it has Abigail Brand, so I am looking forward to this one.

Captain Britain and The Mighty Defenders #1 (Marvel) – I was a fan of the Mighty Avengers title, and this book spins off from that, so I’m interested to see how that concept plays out in Battleworld.  This is a shorter series, only looks like it will be 2 issues, so I hope the story gets across in that time, and doesn’t feel rushed.

Secret Wars: Battleworld #3 (Marvel) – I’ve enjoyed this title, as well as Secret Wars Journal, giving us shorter stories from areas of Battleworld not focused on in the main books.  This shows us other versions of some of our favourite characters…and this one gives us a story of a Wolverine who has found peace and a non violent life, who is confronted with other, more ferocious versions of himself.  Could be a fun read.

Years of Future Past #3 (Marvel) – This Secret Wars tie in consistently keeps me engaged and enjoying the story of this area of Battleworld and the mutants fighting for their survival.  Also, Lockheed is a big ass dragon breathing fire at sentinels..so yeah, I’m in.

Review: Doomed #1

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doomed001The Truth story line from the Superman comics is one that is meant to make the character more approachable to the average fan, while also giving long term fans something more to read as the character’s fundamental meanings are laid out to be more apparent.  While it has only been partially effective in doing so, the intention is evidently there, to make Superman more of a likable hero than superpowered alien god.  That being the case, it makes one wonder why a different approach was not taken for this examination of the archetypal superhero, and Doomed serves as an example of a different route which could be equally effective.  This series is also interesting as DC has played at the idea of a Hulk rip-off before, notably with the new 52 version of O.M.A.C. but it has never really worked.  The dynamics of the Marvel characters are such that they are hard to replicate, but perhaps DC has found its green goliath after all, except in this case as one that can kind of turn into Doomsday.

The story here follows Reiser, a bit of a scientific prodigy who has gotten himself a job at S.T.A.R. Labs.  Although he is first introduced in his Doomsday persona, it is is not Doomsday which really defines this first issue.  The character is shown as a fish out of water, as the Metropolis, the City of Tomorrow, is seemingly replaced with New York City.  The character has to fight transit to make it to work, is hired basically as an intern, and has to squeeze an extra roommate into an already cramped apartment.  As these sequence of events take place he is accidentally exposed to something which causes that he has some kind of powers, although they are not powers that he seems to be interested in.

If there was meant to be a shake-up in Metropolis, then this is evidently a better route than the story arc that is dominating the other Superman titles.  This is s fresh take on the city and its superheroes, and the first real bit of something different for the city in a long time.  The character feel real and they are approachable, and his supporting characters even beg for more panel time as they themselves seem to have interesting stories.    Although this might be a little low on some people’s reading list, it probably shouldn’t be.  It was a fun read and it leaves the reader waiting impatiently for the next issue.

Story: Scott Lobdell Art: Javier Fernandez
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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black-canary-1-promo-121636Wednesdays 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: Prez #1 (DC Comics) – A teenager is elected President by Twitter in this future send-up of the state of politics. Working in politics I found myself laughing, and cringing at how accurate the series was, especially in its more satirical moments. It hit close to home, which is a good thing. A fantastic send-up perfectly timed for the 2016 Presidential race.

The Kitchen #8 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – I’ve loved this series since the start. It’s a take on the mob genre, except set in the 70s, and it’s the women in charge. The last few issues have had twists and turns of double crosses and all sorts of deals. This final issue of the miniseries is going to be explosive and entertaining.

Letter 44 #17 (Oni Press) – It’s WWIII people!!! Writer Charles Soule has gone all out in this series focused on a President dealing with first contact with aliens, and the crew that’s doing so. The story has been amazing and when I think I have things down, the series throws a curve.

Princeless: Be Yourself #1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – It’s a new volume of the fantastic series that has a young princess saving herself, as well as her sisters. Destroying tropes, pointing out the idiocy of some accepted things in entertainment, and doing it while entertaining too!

Southern Bastards #9 (Image Comics) – One of the best (if not the best) comic on the market right now. The writing, the art, all of it is beyond amazing. It’s the homecoming game, but there’s also been a murder. It’s never too late to hop on and check out this Southern noir series.

 

Chris

Top Pick: Ei8ht # 5 (Dark Horse Comics) – Travelers lost in time, check. Selfless heroism, check. A merciless opposing force, check. This time travel thriller has its bases covered. The art style consisting essentially of black and white shading with contrasting color to provide surface texture may drive away those interested in other titles with bright colors and intense detail. However they would be missing out  on an intriguing tale of time travel where the character connection across time and place are more than meets the eye.

Archie vs. Predator #3 of 4 (Dark Horse Comics) – Even without reading the previous two issues this comic immediately called out to me as a must read. I have to admit that my love for Predator and comic mash-ups is to blame for that. Right away I could see this is not the Archie I was expecting. This issue has it all classic Archie humor,  blood and gore, and a captivating storyline complete with satirical introspective of those stuck in a horrific movie like situations.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – The beginning of a 4 part series where our heroes are unknowingly transported to an alternate dimension when the will of a God is thwarted. To return home they must work with their counterparts from this dimension who luckily just so happen to have experience with this sort of adventure. Reference Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Ghostbusters. This issue lays the ground work for what I expect to be yet another great series from the Burnham, Schoeing and Delgado team over at IDW.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey & April #1 (IDW Publishing) – Love TMNT but tired of the Turtles then this comic is for you. Take all the turtle powered action and replace it with a teenage love story between Casey and April. While this reviewer is not regretting the time spent reading this issue, it did not rouse much more than a fleeting interest in the series. This issue is a definite pass in my book.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Prez #1 (DC Comics) –  DC is committed to trying something new, and while that hasn’t necessarily worked so far, this new #1 looks like an intriguing updates on the short-lived series from 1973, as a teenage twitter sensation becomes the next President of the United States.  Hopefully it is equal parts social commentary and Bartgirling.

Alex + Ada #15 (Image Comics) –  The finale to this engaging series is here and we get to find out the final fate of the unlikely lovers.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad #4 (Marvel/Disney) –  Did you ever watch a Disney movie and think to yourself that it is pretty entertaining despite the G rating?  That same feeling permeates this series.

Doomed #1 (DC Comics) – Another DC #1, this series looks at a person that can change into Doomsday.  Part of the problem of the appeal of Superman stories is that they lack the street level outlook that some readers like (with the present Truth storyline only sort of helping that.)  Maybe this series is DC’s way of finally shaking up its Superman mythos.

Grimm Fairy Tales 10th Anniversary Special #2 Red Riding Hood (Zenescope) –  Zenescope’s least celebrated superhero, Britney Waters, gets another chance to shine here.  Just when will they give her an ongoing series?

 

Elana

Top Pick: Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Spinning off of the hip, young Batgirl series is a new series featuring one of the all time best characters in comics. It’s about time she gets a solo series. The book’s premise is that our super powered vocalist becomes the singer of a rock band, goes on tour and fights bad guys on the road. The awesome rock and roll outfits get my approval.

Wu’s art is hip as hell– the line at her booth at Special Edition was enormous.  Fletcher star is rising fast (see hits like Gotham Academy & Batgirl for starters). This is a creative, modern duo writing for an inclusive audience. The future of super hero comics. So I was pleasantly surprised to read in an interview with Fletcher that some of the legacy of the great Silver Age social issues comics series Green Lantern/Green Arrow is continued in this book. Here’s to a new generation’s “hard traveling heroes“.

Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) – The multiverse at stake so who will take care of Jersey City? Kamala is breaking my heart with this cover. Who needs a hug!?

Runaways #1 (Marvel) – Noelle Stevenson’s series Nimona is a runaway hit on the Internet that appeals to a younger and often female Fanbase. This is her big two debut. Her work on Lumber Janes is going to win an Eisner. Having her write a Runaways story about kids with super powers sounds like a match made in heaven. And boy do I miss these kids.

Secret Six #3 (DC Comics) – I need to know what the hell is happening! Gail’s original Secret Six series is kind of the best thing ever. The new series had a good premise but it’s been a rough go. I will keep giving this a series chance. I still have faith!

Thors #1 (Marvel) – Because unlike the Highlander there CAN’T be only one. Most excited for of course our female Thor and Storm. Cute detective story premise seals the deal.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Thors #1 (Marvel) – Jason Aaron has been on fire lately and if he’s that good with one God of Thunder, I’m dying to see what he does with a whole roster! In brightest day, in blackest.. oh wait. Nope just pumped for this book! Go Thors!

Justice League of America #1 (DC Comics) – It’s by Bryan Hitch, the man who brought us the cinematic epic which was The Ultimates, I’d like him to take the true Ultimate team in comic books, let him cut loose and see what he can do.

Old Man Logan #2 (Marvel) – Wolverine is dead. Long live a more cranky, aged and badass version of Wolverine. Dystopian futures always bring me a semblance of hope. All I can say is, yes.. and SNIKT!!

Robin: Son of Batman #1 (DC Comics) – First off it’s got Damien Wayne, A Giant Pet Man-Bat, it’s written and drawn by Patrick Gleason. Umm did I mention a Giant Pet Man-Bat??

Wonder Woman #41 (DC Comics) – So far the Finch’s take on the Iconic Amazon have intrigued me. While I don’t think they are at the top of what they could do, I’d like to see what they have further in store. This book has been a guilty pleasure of mine and my gf Ms. B too. Plus, I hope to get some reasoning behind Diana’s new costume.

 

Pharoah

To Pick: Ms. Marvel #16 (Marvel) -This is my top pick of the week just because this character has been nothing but fun since she entered the universe, and it looks like Secret Wars, has come to Jersey City, definitely curious to see how Kamala Khan will be tested!!!

Astronauts In Trouble #1 (Image Comics) – As a company, Image is basically the Jerry Bruckheimer of the comics world, producing blockbuster after blockbuster, and with Charlie (Walking Dead) on this, it definitely has high hopes.

Black Canary #1 (DC Comics) – Brenden Fletcher (BATGIRL) and Annie Wu (HAWKEYE) bring this character to the forefront, after her much needed exposure on the show, Arrow, she finally gets her own shot in this DC reboot.

Mad Max: Fury Road: Furiosa #1 (DC Comics/Vertigo) – After watching the newest Mad Max movie, it definitely has one curious about that whole universe and this comic aims to explore the origin of The Furiosa and it definitely has cred, as it is written by mad Max creator, George Miller himself.

Ghostbusters: Get Real #1 (IDW Publishing) – this sounds so cool, as the film versions and cartoon versions become part of the same world in what can only be interesting chaos