It’s a new week! We’ve got lots coming up as we get ready for this coming weekend’s Comic-Con@Home! Who’s taking part in the virtual convention? Anything you’ve seen you’re excited for? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web.
Wednesdays (and now Tuesdays) 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
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Bequest #1 (AfterShock) – Magical items from the world of Tangea are being traded on the black Market in Chicago.
Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #1 (Marvel) – Black Knight is coming to the Marvel Cinematic Universe so we’re always interested in seeing how the comics reflect that.
Count (Humanoids) – A sci-fi take on the classic The Count of Monte Cristo.
Hero Hourly (21 Pulp) – Working as a superhero isn’t easy. The critically-acclaimed hit is collected! If you missed it, here’s your chance to catch up.
Muhammad Ali: Kinshasa 1974 (Titan Comics) – The graphic novel is a mix of fantastic art and photography. We have some glowing reviews here and here.
Orphan & the Five Beasts #1 (Dark Horse) – James Stokoe delivers a kung-fu epic featuring an adopted warrior having to kill their masters’ former disciples who are now corrupted.
Radiant Black #2 (Image Comics/Skybound) – The first issue showed off a lot of potential and was a fun read. We want to see where it all goes and this issue will be key to see how much longer we stick with the series.
Red Atlantis #5 (AfterShock) – We want to see where this action/political thriller goes. There’s so much to cover and so many different ways it can go.
Savage #2 (Valiant) – Savage has been captured. What’s the plan? The first volume of the series was great and the first issue caught us off-guard in a good way.
Science Comics: Digestive System (First Second) – These graphic novels have been educational and we want to learn about the digestive system!
Superman: Red & Blue #1 (DC Comics) – Publishers continue their “color” anthology kick, this time Superman is up! We always want to see what various creators do with the same character.
The Trials of Ultraman #1 (Marvel) – The first volume was solid. And we’re excited to see how this classic character evolves in the hands of Marvel.
Ultramega #1 (Image Comics/Skybound) – People are turning into kaiju and only three people with incredible powers can stop them! The final reckoning is coming but is this a way they can even win? Kaiju have been popular recently so we’re interested in seeing how this series differs from the pack.
Do you know who one of the best new publishers, and pound for pound one of the best around period, are? If you guessed 21 Pulp, you’d be absolutely right. While I admit that with only two comics published as of the end of January (although I was able to read the first issue of Imposter – it’s great), that may seem like an overly inflated hyperbolic statement, but you tell me if you think I’m wrong after you’ve read the two issues of Hero Hourly that are out right now.
Alex had the opportunity to talk with the man behind 21 Pulp, and the writer of the publisher’s first two comics, James Patrick, about where things stood, and how things have progressed since we last checked in back in September.
Graphic Policy: It’s been a few months since we last spoke; how have things over at 21 Pulp been?
James Patrick: Really good. I guess that’s how to best sum it up. There are good things, and there are things we’re trying to improve as a company.
The good has been reaction to our books. The people who’ve read them genuinely seem to be enjoying them or are ecstatic about them. Hero Hourly‘s reaction, the pre-release reaction to Imposter by the few who’ve read it, and people who are anticipating our other books like Planet of the Dinosaurs.
If I were to say there’s been a disappointment it’s that the quantity of reaction. And that may just be us being impatient. We only have a few books out, we’re slowly getting traction, and that comes with time. Especially when you’re not coming out of the gate with names like Warren Ellis or Jim Lee. When you’re building on the hooks of your products and what we feel is the quality. It’s a mountain to climb. It’s also why we’re not releasing a whole bunch of books at once. We want everyone to read our books whether they’ll love or hate them, though – to give them a shot.
A good example of this has been reviews, which have been stellar, but which there haven’t been a ton of. There’s just so much product out there competing, new companies popping up all the time, and everyone wants to run reviews of books that will get them hits, recognized books, and they honestly don’t trust us yet.
But I’ll also say that when those books get into people’s hands, we see results. In other areas other than just readers.
Like how we’ve seen success with distribution avenues outside of Diamond, how retailers have responded, how our numbers keep growing – it’s all been very fascinating. Every single one of our books has been in one or multiple subscription boxes. We feel like that’s because of their quality and their shelf/box appeal.
So yeah, good things in certain places, improvement needed in others.
GP: How different was funding and publishing the first issue of Hero Hourly through Kickstarter compared with the first issue of Imposter?
JP: Very, since Hero Hourly was successful and Imposter wasn’t. Heh.
Firstly, funding isn’t necessarily the goal of our Kickstarters, and I’m only saying this so I can give the most accurate answer as possible. We see Kickstarters as a way to do some market research, general marketing, a unique way to provide extras for fans with the books, and, yes, partly revenue. And the reason I’m saying this is because if you look at Imposter it wasn’t funded, but it’s still being published. So we don’t rely on the Kickstarters, but they offer a piece to the puzzle, so to speak – and if we can learn to do it effectively, then it’s a great bonus to what we’re doing.
But the two were vastly different from start to finish. Imposter actually went on Kickstarter before Hero Hourly, and we learned from that that we weren’t marketing it properly. We also learned a way not to approach a Kickstarter. Our approach with Imposter turned out to be confusing, not marketing savvy, and was insight maybe to which books work on Kickstarter and which don’t – at least for us.
Now, either we took what we learned from Imposter, or Hero Hourly was just a better candidate for Kickstarter, or a combination of those two things, and we went out and did very well with a Hero Hourly Kickstarter. We had a great hook and we explained it simply and in a way people could relate. The difference was success. None of the means Hero Hourly is a better book, just that different books may have different audiences and different ways to be presented.
GP: With two issues of Hero Hourly published, the third on the way, how has the reaction been for the comic?
JP: Stellar, with the disclaimer of what I said above. We hear a lot of “this is what the industry is missing” and “this is the funniest book out.” People are relating to it, too. Connecting with Saul’s trouble, the situations he finds at work, which are basically any job.
The few criticisms are it’s too raunchy, but we understood when you put a book that foul-mouthed out there that’s one of the risks.
New reviews pop up frequently and people are just glad to have discovered it. We really do want to build enough word-of-mouth and momentum to do a sequel, but time will tell.
GP: So what you’re saying is that even though 21 Pulp isn’t focusing on a long running series yet, that doesn’t mean we won’t revisit the world of Hero Hourly for some new stories down the road?
JP: Correct. I’m ready to go if we feel Hero Hourly justifies a sequel. Saul‘s story is done, though – for now. It would be a different character or character with a new story in that world, at that employer.
Imposter has the option to go long-form as well. It all works as both. But Imposter is made so that the long-form continues a more natural arc, if need be.
GP: Yeah, the buzz for Hero Hourly that I’ve seen both online and heard in my local comic shop has been phenomenal. I understand that both issues have sold out at Diamond; are there any plans to do a second printing, or collect the series in a trade paperback down the road?
JP: The trade follows the singles, yes. It’s already been solicited and will come out after Issue 3 sometime, about a month later.
We don’t feel the need to go to second printings yet – partially because there’s a trade coming.
GP: You have Imposter debuting in a couple of weeks [February 10th]; I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy, and I really enjoyed it. What can you tell us about the comic without verging onto spoiler territory?
JP: Wow. That’s hard. There’s so much I can say about Imposter. The easiest way to describe it is that there a bunch of different archetype characters – a crime vigilante like Batman or the Spirit, a sc-fi character like Buck Rogers, a Dr. Strange-like character, and a jungle adventurer – and they’re all connected by a secret.
I guess I’ll just say that what makes it unique is that it crosses into so many genres. Each issue can be a different genre and story that supports the overall story, or it can seamlessly cut between the genres. That and that it’s a dense story told on a huge canvas – all while being about one thing. How lies can erode a person and the people around them. The consequences of having to tell lies to make the world a safer place.
If you want a crime, sci-fi, sorcery, and jungle adventure all in one, I guess it’s the perfect book for people. Ha.
GP: Jetpack Jump is the next book your releasing, and from the sneak peak we saw in the back of Imposter, it looks like it’s an entirely different setting for the story than the two series released already. I know you said the last time we spoke that you goal was to release excellent comics (and that’s certainly been the case so far), are you also aiming to publish stories in multiple genres as well, or is that a happy coincidence?
JP: We have a brand that we’re inching towards perfecting, but I’m not going to completely reveal what that is yet. All I’ll say for now is that that brand isn’t necessarily a genre or a style. And if you look at Jetpack Jump, it’s a lot of fun and different in tone from Imposter or Hero Hourly. It’s like a suped up Saturday morning cartoon. It’s all out action and high-octane. Right now we’re making the best books we can and chiseling into what we want to be.
Sorry to be so cryptic :) but we really are just about making the best books and building who we are with the parts that add up to it, rather than saying, we are this or that. At least not yet.
GP: There’s actually a lot I want to ask you about Imposter, but I’ll hold off on that so folks can get a chance to read an issue or two… so moving before I slip up and do that; with Imposter #1 hitting the racks on February 10th, and Hero Hourly #3 later that month, when can we expect the debut issues of Jetpack Jump and Planet of the Dinosaurs to hit the physical and digital racks?
JP: Jetpack Jump Issue 1 will be available online when Imposter #1 hits shelves. So by Feb 10th. It’s four issues, It’s a bit of an experiment as the previews in the back of Imposter and Hero Hourly #3 throw back to it. Planet of the Dinosaurs is penciled in to follow Imposter.
We had a far more aggressive approach to publishing, but we’re learning to let people get to know us first rather than releasing books too soon and before we have the potential exposure of our brand.
It’s always an evolving thing as we learn more each day.
GP: The last time we spoke, when given the choice of pirates, ninjas, cowboys and aliens, you went for Frank Miller ninjas. What if vikings replaced ninjas?
JP: Cowboys. Aren’t enough freakin’ cowboys in comics.
GP: I really appreciate your time James, thank you!
Imposter #1 is due to hit shelves February 10th. Do you have your copy reserved?
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
Batman: Europa #1 (DC Comics)* – Yeah, I’m three months behind here, but after dropping the lackluster Detective Comics during the last crossover, I needed some Batman this week. I was not disappointed here. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 (DC/IDW)* – There is nothing wrong with this second chapter. Nothing. It’s exactly the fun comic I wanted, and I love it. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Cage Hero #3 (Dynamite) – I don’t know if this has become a guilty pleasure for me, but I’m enjoying this series. I can’t tell if it is being deliberately tongue in cheek,or if it’s just that cheesy, but either way it’s fun. Is it worth reading? Honestly, I don’t know – the review copy is entertaining, but I wouldn’t rush out to buy it. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Faith #1 of 4 (Valiant) – My reservations on picking this comic up were utterly groundless (that of a character spun out of Harbinger – a book I’ve never read), and I should have known that before going in because it’s a Valiant comic. The first of four issues is brilliantly illustrated, with some fantastic moments within the story where Faith does what we’ve all done once or twice and imagines…. what if? This issue is fantastic, and is exactly why you need to have Valiant on your pull list. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Holy F*cked! TPB(Action Lab) – Satan is pregnant with Jesus’ baby. But will the skate boarding son of God make it to the hospital in time, when an immortal is out to stop him? Holy F*cked! is as brilliantly wrong as it sounds, but it’s such a great collection that you can’t help but love it. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Huck #3(Image) – Y’know I could talk about the emotional power in the largely silent opening pages, or the genuine warmth you feel when reading this, but why don’t you just buy the series so far and find out why I love this so much? Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
The Precinct #2 (Dynamite) – There’s a lot here that, in theory, I should love. Unfortunately, despite the fact that there’s a lot of boxes checked off in my “like” column this comic just didn’t do it for me. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it, but I felt it fell a bit short of the first issue. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read
The Troop #2 (Titan) – Despite the promise shown in the first issue, I couldn’t help but feel that this comic felt familiar. The concept of a man (with a secret!) building a team of superheroes has been done before, and in enough cases it’s been done better. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass
Rebels #10 (Dark Horse) – Is, as far as I can tell, a standalone story. It’s also the first issue I had read, and I was impressed. Rebels is a solid offering that stands alone this week in terms of it’s setting, so if you’re looking for a comic that takes place during the Revolutionary War, then this is for you. If you’re not? Think about this anyway. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Brett
Abe Sapien #30 (Dark Horse) – Beautiful art plus a new villain (at least I think he’s new), this is an issue that can be a standalone, but I’m sure will have some big impact. The Mignolaverse is one of the best out there, and this issue shows off why. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Batman ’66 Meets the Man From U.N.C.L.E. #2 (DC Comics) – The comic is campy goofy fun, capturing the two series it mashes together. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 (DC Comics/IDW Publishing) – I still go back and forth with the coloring but this series has no right being as good as it is. Didn’t think it’d work, totally does. Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy
Birthright #13 (Image Comics) – The comic still continues to be entertaining, and there’s some solid twists and turns that have kept me on my toes. A fun fantasy comic set in the real world. Overall: 7.9 Recommendation: Read
Citizen Jack #3 (Image Comics) – Can’t say I saw that twist coming, or is that realistic at all, but the sniveling campaign staff is spot on. Fun political satire. Overall: 8.1 Recommendation: Buy
Descender #9 (Image Comics) – One of the best comics out there continues on doing so. Amazing read. Amazing art. Nuff said. Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Buy
Extraordinary X-Men #5 (Marvel)* – The series is growing on me, but it’s still missing something that makes it really stand out. I’m still interested in seeing where it goes though. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Hero Hourly #2 (21 Pulp) – How aren’t more people talking about this series. The biggest surprise of 2015 also is one of the best of 2016. Holy crap is it good. Overall: 9.6 Recommendation: Buy
Huck #3 (Image Comics) – When I think I have Mark Millar pegged, he does a series like this. Still waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under me, but so far an amazing comic. Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy
Illuminati #3 (Marvel) – Turn your brain off fun. The comic is giving us some interesting villains and great banter. A fun comic that definitely entertains. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Leaving Megalopolis: Surviving Megalopolis #1 (Dark Horse) – I hated the first volume of Leaving Megaloppolis, and was a Kickstarter backer. The rather incomplete, abrupt ending irked me. This new volume has been so long in the making I forgot much of the series, and this new issue doesn’t give me much to care going forward. A lot feels like we’ve seen it before and little is new. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Pass
The Massive: Ninth Wave #2 (Dark Horse) – I’m loving this new volume of the series which shows Ninth Wave’s actions before the crash. A great comic which makes environmentalism entertaining. Plus they’re self-contained stories, even better! Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
Robin War #2 (DC Comics) – The ending isn’t too shocking, especially the twist. Still, this event was entertaining and should shake things up nicely in the Bat universe. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
The Sheriff of Babylon #2 (Vertigo)* – Great police procedural comic set in Iraq’s Greenzone. I’m hooked. Overall: 8.3 Recommendation: Buy
Spirited Leaves #1 (Chapter House Comics) – It reminded me of a Miyazaki animted film in many ways. A very pretty, almost poetic story. This feels like a fairy tale you might tell your child. Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy
Squadron Supreme #3 (Marvel)* – The first issue had promise, these past two, not so much. The series is very paint by numbers in its set up after a great start. So far, one of the biggest let downs. Overall: 6.8 Recommendation: Pass
The Violent #2 (Image Comics) – Holy crap is this good. We have comic of the year material here. Just heartbreaking in so many ways. Overall: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy
Weirdworld #3 (Marvel)* – Could be Marvel’s best All-New, All-Different comic. Great art and a real fun story. Just fantastic writing with a great look. Overall: 8.7 Recommendation: Buy
Elana
Catwoman #48 (DC)* It’s a good Catwoman story. It posits that NYC is a place that Gotham’s rogues steer clear of because NYC but the NYPD is just that dirty and violent (I take it the creative team’s been reading the local news). The streetscapes in this comic ring true though the grand scale of NYC’s Selina’s safe house is far too large for anyone who’s last name isn’t Wayne. The art is inky and sleek and colorist Eva De La Cruz knocks it out of the ballpark. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Princeless: Save Yourself #0. Princess Adrienne has been flying across the land on her dragon, saving other princesses and she hasn’t had much time to save herself from social norms that still weigh on her mind. This is a wonderful exploration of a girl freeing herself from beauty standards. When she chopped her hair off I absolutely cheered! Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Red Sonja #1(Dark Horse) This is a Sonja I’ve been waiting for! Marguerite Bennett shows her in and out of her element in a great introduction. She’ll be wrestling with some interesting politics in her homeland with her fists and her brains. She’s also scoring with ladies (whoop!). Looks beginner friendly too. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy!
Ryan C
Code Pru #1(Avatar) *: Garth Ennis is back at his tasteless best here, and without the editorial constraints that hindered him from going quite as far as you know he wanted to with All-Star Section Eight (although, hey, bless him for trying, and he did manage to at least get a rapping Phantom Stranger in there). Raulo Caceres’ B&W art is superb, with richly-detailed linework and lush expressions. Not sure how the two competing/corresponding plotlines to which we’re introduced — one involving our college-age heroine, Pru, and her various roommates doing some occult dabbling and some boozing (more of the latter, of course) and the other involving an extra-dimensional Cthulhu-esque entity playing checkers and trading barbs with his captor —will come together as the series progresses, but it’ll be fun to find out. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Snow Blind #1 & #2 (BOOM! Studios)**: Ollie Masters, last seen cooking up a pretty tasty crime story with Vertigo’s The Kitchen, hops aboard the “rural noir” bandwagon that’s been growing in the wake of “Revival” with this intriguing little four-parter about a teenage kid in BF Alaska named Teddy who accidentally exposes his family to danger when posting a picture on social media leads a killer to come after them — and to the revelation that his folks have been in witness protection since before he was even born, and never bothered to mention that pesky little fact to him, even once he was old enough to understand what it meant. The first issue’s a bit of an overly-deliberate table-setter, but such is often the case with short-run books like this; in #2, the mystery really heats up and events move into a decidedly faster and more dangerous gear. The loose, sketchy art style of Tyler(“Peter Panzerfaust”) Jenkins may be an acquired taste that not everyone acquires, but I dig it and think it suits the material just fine. Overall: 6.5 (5 for issue one, 8 for issue two) Recommendation: Buy
Shean
Manchette’s Fatale TPB (Titan): I am moon big sucker for Crime Noir novels and Fatale is right up that alley. The Reader is introduced to the alluring character of Melane on her many adventures throughout Europe by way of train meeting individuals of different shades of integrity. Story feels very much like a cross between a Long Kiss Goodnight and A Rage Up In Harlem. By story’s end, you not only feel for Melane but you are rooting for her to fight on for another day. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: The Interconnectedness of All Kings TPB: Supernatural detectives are everywhere in pop culture most noticeably John Constantine Jim Dresden and the greenest one, Antoine Wolfe. Dirk Gently is quite different from all these characters, as he does not take himself as seriously as he comes off as a British Lupin the 3rd. We join Dirk and his cronies as they solve a very odd case dealing with Egyptian Pharoahs. By story’s end, the reader has gone on a whirlwind trip around the world, as he realizes the world needs his skills.
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
I came across an interesting quote via my twitter feed the other day from @existentialcoms:
“A good novel distracts you from how shitty life is.
A great novel makes you realize that life is shitty in ways you never even thought of.”
I’m going to add/paraphrase a third refrain: “a great comic book makes you realize that life is shitty in ways you never even dared to think of.” Hero Hourly #2 is such a great book. If you haven’t picked this one up, rush out and buy it, and if you can find issue #1 pick that one up too (even if you have to pay a premium).
I connect to this one at all levels. It’s a funny fast page-turner that leaves you wanting more. I haven’t laughed this hard reading a comic book in a very long time.
It’s for all of us whom have had our dreams stepped on, but yet persevere to live our lives with dignity, in spite of it all. It’s a humanistic existential, but profane, action comedy with heart. Saul is the hero we all want to be: the gal or guy who goes to work everyday in and out looking for a little recognition, a small display of appreciation from their corporate overlords– and if we don’t get it today, maybe tomorrow. The art can be a bit cartoony, but it meshes well with the comedic story.
I’m going to have to reach out to the editors at Graphic Policy to add a new rating for this one. It’s not a BUY; it’s a BUY2. Get two copies; they might appreciate enough in value one day to be able to sell them to pay off your mortgage to avoid The Foreclosure.
Story & Art: James Patrick Letters: Carlos Trigo Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
The most enjoyable book of the year. Yes, I’m calling it already.
Hero Hourly is easily the funniest book in years. Constant, inappropriate and laugh-out loud humor waits on every page.
In a corporate ruled by middle management, defined by rules that make no sense and plagued by the laziest co-workers imaginable, even superheroes aren’t immune. In this world, wearing a mask and matching underwear outside your one-piece suit is the same thing as wearing a green apron. Of course, being an hourly employee at a company that specializes in super heroics has its own drawbacks. Imagine instead of dealing with a pain-in-the-ass customer you had to deal with Godzilla.
The book features Saul, our modest narrator trying to get ahead in the world. Armed with a brightly colored suit and a great attitude, he’s taking on the dangers and frustrations life throws his way.
Something that should be made very is clear is that this is not a book that stars a funny protagonist. Every person in this book has great lines, the kind that get you stuck re-reading individual panels out of amusement. This book is an authentic work of comedy from start to finish. While comics like Spider-Man know their character should be funny and struggle to somehow make it work, Hero Hourly shows the web-slinger how it’s done. Reminiscent of books like the original Tick and Quantum & Woody, the title captures the nostalgia of when reading comics was purely fun. It reminded me of when I was a boy reading Wizard Magazine back when it was funny and… still a thing.
Certainly not an all-ages read, Hero Hourly doesn’t shy away from adult language or themes. However, when paired with the cartoonish stylings of Carlos Trigo, this makes for a very disarming feel, rather than a crass grab at toilet-humor. Trigo’s work also helps capture the absurdity of modern life. Yes, everything in this book is surprisingly relatable to the working class, even as its main characters are forced to undergo sexual harassment sensitivity training for a mishandled rescue.
The book isn’t easy to find so make sure you start calling your local book stores now to see who will be carrying the second issue this Wednesday. The first issue is listed for an average of ten dollars on eBay.com but truth be told it’s probably best to go directly to the publisher to order the first issue. This three-issue miniseries from 21 Pulp will be what you’re loaning to your friends and insisting they read years from now.
Story: James Patrick Art: Carlos Trigo Story: 10 Art: 8 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
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.
Alex
Top Pick: Hero Hourly #2 (21 Pulp) – The first issue of the first series from new publisher 21 Pulp took me by complete surprise Telling the story of a man employed at a minimum wage company who employs superheroes, Hero Hourly is a comic that, quite frankly, you have to be reading.
Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 (DC Comics/IDW Publishing) – Batman and the Ninja Turtles. There’s really nothing else for me to say about why I’m looking forward to this other than the last issue was actually really good.
Huck #3 (Image) – This comic just makes feel all warm and fuzzy inside. A great feel good series from Mark Millar (at least so far) that you should look into before the inevitable movie.
Brett
Top Pick: The Walking Dead #150 (Image Comics/Skybound) – It’s going to be a huge issue and it’s been hinted to expect fireworks out of it. Big anniversary issues like this tend to bring huge shifts in Robert Kirkman’s series, and I’m expecting no less.
Captain Canuck #6 (Chapter House Comics) – I’ve been loving this series and continue to do so. It’s a throwback to fun superheros without the gritty darkness.
Hero Hourly #2 (21 Pulp) – The first issue was hilarious and an amazing debut for this new publisher. I’ve been awaiting the second, and it’s one of the first comics I’m reading this week.
Legend of Wonder Woman #1 (DC Comics) – I really am not a fan of the main Wonder Woman at DC, but this digital turned print series is a breath of fresh air as it looks at the early years of the Amazonians and Wonder Woman as she was growing up. Much like Superman: American Alien, this is trying to get at what makes Wonder Woman wonderful.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0 (BOOM! Studios) – I was never a Power Rangers fan growing up. I was just a bit too old and out of the age range for the show. Still, the concept was always interesting to me and I’ve been looking forward to seeing what BOOM! does with the series as a comic.
Elana
All-New Wolverine #4 (Marvel) – One of Marvel comics’ bests. Complex, haunted but heroic, Laura is trying to take care of her abused clones by seeking help from Doctor Strange! I never considered this team up and I can’t wait!
Constantine the Hellblazer #8 (DC Comics) – It is DC’s best comic. It’s about the mad, bad and dangerous to know exorcist who’d left his date in a bit of a lurch. It’s going to be great!
No Mercy #6 (Image Comics) – I hate Chad. I want him to die. He is an abuser and a bully and he’s on the cover of this month’s issue with a skull imposed over his head. So maybe this most brutally harsh comic will kill someone who’s really got it coming? Maybe?
Raven Pirate Princess TP Volume 1 (Action Lab Entertainment) – Teenage Lesbian Asian Pirate Princess in an all-ages comic!!! One of the year’s best new series for older-kids and tweens (and adults who like things that are funny, exciting and feminist). Get caught up with the all girl pirate crew. A perfect introductory comic to the Princeless world of diverse, feminist heroic heroines who take no guff and save the day. Here’s my review of the first two issues featured in this compendium.
Javier
Top Pick: Slash and Burn #3 (DC Vertigo) – This is my top pick of the week. I happen to be a Volunteer Firefighter in the town I live in, so I’m digging this one at a personal level.
Bad Moon Rising #4 (451 Media) – This one is filling my Showhole left behind by the cancellation of Sons of Anarchy. It’s got Motorcycle Gangs (possibly Buddhist), Werewolves, and a Murder Mystery.
Hero Hourly #2 (21 Pulp) – Who can’t relate to the plight of the under-paid and under-appreciated working man with super powers? And if you can’t relate, at least have a good laugh.
Limbo #3 (Image Comics) – More Detective Work in a Dead End … oops … in Dedande City. I recommend you snack on some lizards while reading it.
The Violent #2 (Image Comics) – A violence filled tourist’s guide to Canada’s Strathcona: the Canadian Brooklyn (condos and all).
Logan
Top Pick: New Romancer #2 (Vertigo) – New Romancer is the crown jewel in the Vertigo Renaissance and the perfect 21st century love story for someone who uses Tinder and OK Cupid, but misses the love sonnets and romance of yore. Plus Casanova and Lord Byron facing off is going to be a blast.
Red Sonja #1 (Dynamite) – If anyone had to take over for Gail Simone on Red Sonja, it’s Marguerite Bennett, who last wrote the She-Devil with a Sword in the funny, action-packed Red Sonja and Jungle Girl miniseries. I expect nothing but the best in interesting female characters, swashbuckling action, and tongue-in-cheek humor.
Robin War #2 (DC Comics) – The most woke crossover of 2015 comes to a close in the New Year as Damian Wayne doesn’t check his privilege and joins the Court of the Owls to fight Gotham’s teen defenders, We Are Robin, and their more seasoned mentors. It will be interesting to see if there is any last political commentary from writer Tom King, and the martial arts battle will be fun to see unfold.
Secret Wars #9 (Marvel) – This crossover has been a little uneven to say the least, but the previous issue had some Return of the King worthy pitched battles and sheer badass moments, like Doom crushing Thanos’ skulls. Hopefully, Jonathan Hickman sticks the ending in his Marvel epic, doesn’t just push the reset/reboot button via a plot device or something, and gives the Fantastic Four a sendoff worthy of Marvel’s First Family.
The Violent #2 (Image) – Ed Brisson and Adam Gorham are going into some murky, moral territory in their new series The Violent from Image, and he pulls no punches showing the effect gentrification has had on the city of Vancouver. I am intrigued to see how far Mason is willing to go to be a good father while battling the spectres of his criminal past and trying to make ends meet.
Mr. H
Top Pick:Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #2 (DC Comics/IDW Publishing) – The Dark Knight, Shredder, Turtles. Need I say more? Nope grab a slice and set aside some time for this one!
Secret Wars #9 (Marvel) – Come see how it all ends and how it all begins again. The conclusion to Marvel’s best event in ages. I’m with Uatu on this one, just want to be ringside as it unfolds.
The Walking Dead #150 (Image Comics/Skybound) – The big one. Let’s hope much more walking than talking. Oh yeah and blood. Lots of blood. Come see where Rick Grimes goes next.
Patrick
Top Pick: The Walking Dead #150 (Image Comics) – Tensions have been building in Alexandria over what’s to be done with the Whisperers, a rival community that wears the flesh of walkers. Rick has been struggling to maintain control. In this issue, we find out what that means for him. Negan made a name for himself fifty issues ago, and the Governor fell fifty issues before that. I wonder what will happen tomorrow…
Hero Hourly #2 (21 Pulp) – There’s really no reason you shouldn’t be looking for this book at your local comic store. Do you like laugh? Pick it up. Do you like grabbing comics that people will be talking about for years to come? Pick it up. Do you have a rash your trying to hide while walking back to work? Maybe… maybe this would work for that. But it’s a fantastic comic if you’re just looking for something to read.
No Mercy #6 (Image Comics) – The horrors that have befallen these students continue to unfold as they live in danger of coyotes, drug cartels and even each other. Don’t pass up the chance to keep up with who kills whom.
Paul
Top Pick: Extraordinary X-Men #5 (Marvel) – This title has been BANG since issue 1 and doesn’t show signs of slowing down. New school in limbo; demons attacking; Mr. Sinister is back…and the reveal from the last issue! Where is this going?? Loving the team line up and the art. If you aren’t reading this X book, you better get caught up….I’ll wait.
All-New X-Men #3 (Marvel) – I wasn’t really sure I would enjoy the whole road trip vibe with the time displaced X-Men (as X-Force tried this way back when and it didn’t really work), but I’m kinda digging it. Feels a little rehashed with the Ghosts of Cyclops coming across as junior Acolytes, but they are an interesting gang to counter our band of mutants so I’ll stick along for the ride. Not really feeling Kid Apocalypse and Oya as part of the group, so I’m hoping they gel as the series goes on, but it is fun and I do enjoy the read. But I am really getting tired of Angel treating Wolverine as the damsel in distress….enough already.
Scarlet Witch #2 (Marvel) – Honestly, Issue 1 was just meh (you can read my review if you like), I didn’t hate it, but I wasn’t wowed. I loved the art and I do have a soft spot for Wanda, one of my favourite characters. I’m holding out hope that this whole ‘witchcraft is broken’ story really goes somewhere different and takes Wanda in a unique direction.
Secret Wars #9 (Marvel) – END ALREADY. You’ve already launched your All New All Different; confused the readers by hinting at things in the new titles that haven’t happened. You started with a bang…yes, you had some great tie ins, but lets be honest, you are definitely limping to the finish line.
Uncanny Avengers #4 (Marvel) – Like the last volume of this title, I just can’t stop checking it out….not that it’s good, I just can’t stop looking. Maybe I’m hoping it turns around, maybe I just feel sorry for it, I don’t know. I feel there’s potential here…I just wish it could be reached.
Written by James Patrick,
Drawn by Carlos Trigo
Colors by Alex Sollazzo
Lettered by ET Dollman
Everyone has one of those days at work. The one where nothing goes right. Where the copy machine jams or you spill coffee on your pants. Saul’s about to have one at Hero Hourly, and let’s just say it’s not exactly the same.
I’m willing to bet that you’ve worked a job just for the paycheck, whether it be flipping burgers or asking if you’ve tried turning it on and off again. Sometimes those jobs are taken when we’re young and just starting out in the work force, but sometimes we take them because there is nothing else available; and so we find ourselves fighting through minimum wage and battling stupid corporate policies just to put food on the table. Welcome to Hero Hourly, where you get paid $9.75 an hour to save the world, and your job still sucks.
But while their job may suck just as much as yours, the comic sure doesn’t.
Written by James Patrick (Batman, Green Arrow), Hero Hourly is a unique take on the whole concept of superheroing. Rather than fighting the good fight because it’s the right thing to do, these men and women do it because there’s a paycheck involved at the end of the day (although maybe not a very good one), and there are some fairly decent benefits. That probably sounds familiar to a lot of us, minus the yellow spandex, that is. With Hero HourlyJames Patrick has delivered the opening salvo in a three issue mini series that manages to be both relevant to today’s economic problems, and yet timeless in it’s approach to the back drop of the tale; most of us have had jobs where we counted down to the weekend. On top of that, though, indeed even because of it, this is a funny comic. Maybe because the story has struck so closely to periods in my life, but I absolutely love this series.
Issue #1 follows Saul as his life takes a series of turns from a promising career to getting punched in the face in a mask, before experiencing the all too mundane side of the superhero business. Watching him suffer through work place politics, unemployment and misery is fantastic; it’s not exactly a good trait to watch somebody suffer, but when it’s as funny as Hero Hourly #1, how can you not enjoy it? Carlos Trigo (2000AD) does some really great work here that compliments the dialogue between characters like milk does cookies (especially the scenes depicting Saul‘s first day on the job – oh man). Hero Hourly is a breath of fresh air, and as the first offering from 21 Pulp that I’ve read, it really excites me for what else this promising new company has up their sleeve (and Graphic Policy have an interview with James Patrick where he gives a little away about what’s coming down the pipeline).
Hero Hourly #1 is part one of a three part miniseries published by James Patrick‘s new publishing company 21 Pulp, that is absolutely worth your time and money.
Story: James Patrick Art: Carlos Trigo Colours: Alex Sollazzo
Story: 9.5 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
21 Pulp provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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.
Alex
Top Pick: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #1 (Valiant) – The Eternal Warrior has become one of my favourite comic book characters recently, and with this new series being the first released when my ear is turned toward Valiant has really got me excited.
Hero Hourly #1 (21 Pulp) – What if your day job was to be a superhero? What if instead of asking “you want fries with that?” you were punching people just waiting for the clock to tick own? Yeah, I can’t wait to get my hands on this inaugural offering from 21 Pulp.
The Paybacks #3 (Dark Horse) – Probably one of the funniest series on my pull list, the idea of a superhero repo squad is hillarious. If you can’t tell, I seem to have a hankering for non-traditional superhero fare this week.
Red Thorn #1 (Vertigo) – After talking with David Baillie and Meghan Hetrick about this comic (the writer and artist, respectively), I’m really pumped to check this out on Wednesday. That it’s chock full of Scottish mythology is also very interesting, as I know very little about that, and I’m looking forward to read some more.
Brett
Top Pick: Hero Hourly #1 (21 Pulp) – You think your job sucks? 21 Pulp kicks off their publishing slate with this new series which sees an average joe who can’t get the work he wants after college taking on a low paying gig as a superhero. Yes, superheroes are hired out as hourly security guards
Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven (Lion Forge/IDW Publishing) – I remember watching WWE/WWF when I was a kid in the 80s, and one of the rockstars of that time was Andre the Giant, the mountain of a man. This graphic novel, working with his daughter, presents us the life of this legend. There’s already been one graphic novel released on Andre, and I loved that, and am looking forward to seeing how this one compares.
The Paybacks #3 (Dark Horse) – One of the funniest comics out there right now. It’s a superhero repo team. If that idea alone doesn’t put a smile on your face…
Star Wars: Vader Down #1 (Marvel) – I’ve read the first issue and if you’re a fan of Marvel’s Star Wars comics, you’ll love this start of their first crossover event. So good.
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #1 (Valiant) – When I think of Valiant, I think quality. The event Book of Death really shook up the Eternal Warrior setting him upon this new path. When it says Valiant, I know I’m going to be entertained and this kicking off a new series is a great place to start and find out yourself.
Elana
Top Pick:Phonogram: The Immaterial Girl #4 (Image Comics) – Phonogram is the best new comic around. I wrote an essay on why. A must for all music lovers and comics fans alike.
Jughead #2 (Archie Comics) – It’s a new world — one in which people who mostly read super heroes or read creator-owned comics are won over by the quirky humor and art of Chip Zardski and Erica Henderson. A world where people like me actually read an Archie comic. I truly enjoyed this new take on the world of Archie. From what I know of Jughead (ok, not much) Erica and Chip are channeling Jughead’s spirit for a new age. Really fun.
The Mighty Thor #1 (Marvel) – Thor is still Doctor Jane Foster, therefore I’m still interested.
Pretty Deadly #6 (Image Comics) – Pretty Deadly is about Death’s Daughter. But the real focus is the comic’s atmosphere — like a psychedelic Western movie, and the unusual poetic rhythm of its prose. This new arc takes place many years after issue 5. It starts like a psychedelic western too but it ends like…. you’ll just have to read it.
Do you know who one of the best new publishers, and pound for pound one of the best around period, are? If you guessed 21 Pulp, you’d be absolutely right. While I admit that with only two comics published as of the end of January (although I was able to read the first issue of Imposter – it’s great), that may seem like an overly inflated hyperbolic statement, but you tell me if you think I’m wrong after you’ve read the two issues of Hero Hourly that are out right now.
GP: With two issues of Hero Hourly published, the third on the way, how has the reaction been for the comic? 
GP: You have Imposter debuting in a couple of weeks [February 10th]; I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy, and I really enjoyed it. What can you tell us about the comic without verging onto spoiler territory?
GP: Jetpack Jump is the next book your releasing, and from the sneak peak we saw in the back of Imposter, it looks like it’s an entirely different setting for the story than the two series released already. I know you said the last time we spoke that you goal was to release excellent comics (and that’s certainly been the case so far), are you also aiming to publish stories in multiple genres as well, or is that a happy coincidence?
Holy F*cked! TPB (Action Lab) – Satan is pregnant with Jesus’ baby. But will the skate boarding son of God make it to the hospital in time, when an immortal is out to stop him? Holy F*cked! is as brilliantly wrong as it sounds, but it’s such a great collection that you can’t help but love it. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Abe Sapien #30 (Dark Horse) – Beautiful art plus a new villain (at least I think he’s new), this is an issue that can be a standalone, but I’m sure will have some big impact. The Mignolaverse is one of the best out there, and this issue shows off why. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Descender #9 (Image Comics) – One of the best comics out there continues on doing so. Amazing read. Amazing art. Nuff said. Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Buy
The Massive: Ninth Wave #2 (Dark Horse) – I’m loving this new volume of the series which shows Ninth Wave’s actions before the crash. A great comic which makes environmentalism entertaining. Plus they’re self-contained stories, even better! Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
Catwoman #48 (DC)* It’s a good Catwoman story. It posits that NYC is a place that Gotham’s rogues steer clear of because NYC but the NYPD is just that dirty and violent (I take it the creative team’s been reading the local news). The streetscapes in this comic ring true though the grand scale of NYC’s Selina’s safe house is far too large for anyone who’s last name isn’t Wayne. The art is inky and sleek and colorist Eva De La Cruz knocks it out of the ballpark. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Code Pru #1 (Avatar) *: Garth Ennis is back at his tasteless best here, and without the editorial constraints that hindered him from going quite as far as you know he wanted to with All-Star Section Eight (although, hey, bless him for trying, and he did manage to at least get a rapping Phantom Stranger in there). Raulo Caceres’ B&W art is superb, with richly-detailed linework and lush expressions. Not sure how the two competing/corresponding plotlines to which we’re introduced — one involving our college-age heroine, Pru, and her various roommates doing some occult dabbling and some boozing (more of the latter, of course) and the other involving an extra-dimensional Cthulhu-esque entity playing checkers and trading barbs with his captor —will come together as the series progresses, but it’ll be fun to find out. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Manchette’s Fatale TPB (Titan): I am moon big sucker for Crime Noir novels and Fatale is right up that alley. The Reader is introduced to the alluring character of Melane on her many adventures throughout Europe by way of train meeting individuals of different shades of integrity. Story feels very much like a cross between a Long Kiss Goodnight and A Rage Up In Harlem. By story’s end, you not only feel for Melane but you are rooting for her to fight on for another day. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy
I came across an interesting quote via my twitter feed the other day from @
I’m willing to bet that you’ve worked a job just for the paycheck, whether it be flipping burgers or asking if you’ve tried turning it on and off again. Sometimes those jobs are taken when we’re young and just starting out in the work force, but sometimes we take them because there is nothing else available; and so we find ourselves fighting through minimum wage and battling stupid corporate policies just to put food on the table. Welcome to Hero Hourly, where you get paid $9.75 an hour to save the world, and your job still sucks.
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!