Tag Archives: jim henson’s the storyteller

NYCC 2016: BOOM! Announces Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Giants and Exclusives

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BOOM! Studios will be making ten announcements on the way to this year’s New York Comic Con. Up first, the publisher has revealed that Archaia will be launching the limited series Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Giants in December.

Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Giants is the follow-up to Archaia’s Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches and Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Dragons.

The limited series is a collection of mythic tales of when giants roamed the Earth, inspired by folklore from around the world and told in the spirit of Jim Henson’s beloved television series.

In this first issue, rising newcomer Conor Nolan reimagines the “The Peach’s Son,” a Japanese tale of a giant who was raised by humans but never accepted by them.

When a nearby village is overrun with evil beings, the giant will take a chance to be a hero and prove himself to be part of the community he calls home.

Upcoming issues will include stories by Brandon Dayton, Jared Cullum, and Feifei Ruan.

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BOOM! Studios will have four exclusives available for sale at its booth, #1828, at New York Comic Con.

The Backstagers #1

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Rian Sygh
Cover artist: Michael Dialynas
Price: $10.00

Our continuing theme of paying homage to classic musicals on the covers to The Backstagers continues with this tribute to Audrey II from “Little Shop of Horrors,” rendered by The Woods artist, Michael Dialynas.

the-backstagers-1

Lumberjanes #29

Publisher: BOOM! Box, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Rian Sygh
Cover artist: Natacha Bustos
Price: $10.00

“Hamilton” is the hottest Broadway show to hit New York City, appropriate for resident Lumberjane Ripley to pay the musical a visit, as illustrated by Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur artist, Natacha Bustos.

lumberjanes-29

Kong of Skull Island #1 NYCC Exclusive

Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writer: James Asmus
Artist: Carlos Magno
Cover artist: Adam Hughes
Price: $10.00

Superstar cover artist Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Betty and Veronica) pays homage to the most famous ape of all time in this visceral image.

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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 2016 Annual NYCC Exclusive

Publisher: BOOM! Studios
Writers: Kyle Higgins, Ross Thibodeaux, Marguerite Bennett, Trey Moore, James Kochalka, Jorge Corona
Artists: Rod Reis, Rob Guillory, Huang Danlan, Terry Moore, James Kochalka, Jorge Corona
Cover artist: Felipe Smith
Price: $20.00

The fourth and final part to Felipe Smith’s (Ghost Rider) connecting covers is a New York Comic Con exclusive for the MMPR Annual! The previous three covers appeared on the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0 WonderCon exclusive, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 Emerald City Comicon exclusive, and the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Pink #1 San Diego Comic-Con exclusive.

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Here is what Felipe’s covers look like all connected:

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Preview: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller Witches #4 (of 4)

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Jim Henson’s The Storyteller Witches #4 (of 4)

Imprint: Archaia

Author: Anthony Mighella
Adapted by: Jeff Stokely
Artist: Jeff Stokely

In this final stand-alone issue, Harvey Award-nominated artist Jeff Stokely (Six-Gun Gorilla) adapts an unproduced teleplay by writers of the The Storyteller television show Susan Kodicek, Anne Mountfield, and Academy Award winner Anthony Minghella that weaves together the legend of the Russian witch, Baba Yaga.

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Preview: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #3 (of 4)

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Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #3 (of 4)

Imprint: Archaia

Author: Matthew Dow Smith
Artist: Matthew Dow Smith

Matthew Dow Smith (X-Files, Hellboy) tells the epic Irish folktale of “The Phantom Isle.” When a young man shipwrecks on a mysterious island ruled by a council of witches, he has the choice of freedom or staying on the isle where he does not age. The lure of immortality is hard to resist, but it comes with a price he may not be willing to pay.

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Preview: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #2 (of 4)

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Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #2 (of 4)

Imprint: Archaia

Writer: Kyla Vanderklugt
Artist: Kyla Vanderklugt

Kyla Vanderklugt, artist of Spera and Archaia’s 2014 Free Comic Book Day Labyrinth story, tells the beautiful Japanese tale of “The Snow Witch” in a gorgeous horizontal format stand-alone issue. When an old woodcutter and his young apprentice are caught in a blizzard, a mysterious woman dressed in white appears and freezes the woodcutter to death before eating his soul. She spares the apprentice if he vows never to tell of what he has seen, but keeping his word may not be so easy when he falls in love.

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Review: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #2

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StorytellerWitches02_coverFairy tales can sometimes be a challenging source to draw upon.  While many famous story tales have an obvious moral or theme, some of the more obscure fairy tales have a theme or moral which is either hard to comprehend or outright inappropriate by modern standards.  This was in part what caused the first issue in this miniseries to be a bit of a misfire, as the choice of fairy tale was not a good match for an engaging story.  Part of that is because of the nature of this miniseries, as it identifies itself as focusing on fairy tales that deal with witches, and so in addition to finding new fairy tales to highlight that it also has a thematic challenge of finding the right material.  For the second entry into this series, the writer has gone a bit further afield and turned to Japanese fairy tales, though with an evidently better result.

Japanese fairy tales are a bit of a mystery to me.  My only exposure to them is from a collection of them that my wife downloaded to her e-reader.  As opposed to the more familiar European stories, these stories have a different presentation, and their resolution often results in more questions than answers.  That is the case here with the snow witch, a story about a wood gatherer in the mountains of Japan who meets the snow witch, and she changes his life in an unforeseen way.  While anything like morality is very ambiguous in this story, it is still well interpreted to this medium, and the writer (who is also the artist) does a good job at making the characters approachable and immediately likeable.  Though they only share a few panels, the romance between the wood-cutter and wife is evident, and it made the scenes between them touching.

As this series stands, there is still almost nothing here to tie this into Jim Henson, only using the franchise name as a boost to sell some extra issues about fairy tales.  The first issue didn’t do the man much justice, but the second issue at least captures the quality if not the content that he would be known for.  This second issue does redeem the series though, and with this more successful adaptation it makes me wonder what the series might hold for its remaining two issues.

Story and Art: Kyla Vanderklugt 
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! studios and Archaia provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.  

Preview: Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #1 (of 4)

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Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Witches #1 (of 4)

Imprint: Archaia

Writer: S.M. Vidaurri
Artist: S.M. Vidaurri

Jim Henson’s The Storyteller is a beloved celebration of fairy tales and folklore. After releasing a critically acclaimed graphic novel Archaia is thrilled to bring the property’s magic to single issues. In the spirit of Henson’s inventive imagination, this series dives into the mythology of witches and witchcraft through the ages with an incredible blend of art styles and storytelling techniques, taking full advantage of the comics medium.

Four anthology-style one-shots explore classic witch stories and fairy tales from all over the world, each told by a different creator with a breathtaking style and original voice. It’s tales of magic and wonder as only these storytellers could imagine them.

In the first of four stand-alone issues, S.M. Vidaurri, writer and watercolor illustrator of the award-winning graphic novel IRON: OR, THE WAR AFTER, unfolds the stunning tale of “The Magic Swan Goose & the Lord of the Forest.” When her brother is kidnapped by a witch, a young princess must venture into the mysterious forest beyond the castle. There, the Lord of the Forest, an armor clad spirit who watches over the wilderness, comes to her aid, but the princess must rely on her wits to discover who she can trust before her family is cursed forever.

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BOOM! Studios in August 2014

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NEW LAUNCHING SINGLES

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY #1 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.99

Authors: Victor LaValle, Ben Meares, Mark Miller
Artists: Colin Lorimer, Carlos Magno, Conor Nolan
Cover Artists: A: Conor Nolan B: Kim Herbst (Incentive) C: Sam Shearon (Incentive)

WHY WE LOVE IT: Over the past three years, Clive Barker has re-imagined the HELLRAISER mythos as only he could, building a long-form narrative that became one of the best-received horror comics in recent memory. Now, the Master of Horror takes us into his Bestiary for an anthology series free of continuity, but full of shocking consequences.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: HELLRAISER: BESTIARY will pick up where classic horror comics anthologies like Tales From The Crypt, Vault of Horror, and the more recent Flinch left off. And not only will some of comics’ rising stars, such as Ed Brisson (Sheltered), and Michael Moreci (CURSE), get a chance to open the puzzle box in this series, but the first issue features the comics debut of award-winning novelist Victor LaValle (The Devil in Silver, Big Machine).

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Step into the Bestiary for all-new tales of the LeMarchand Device and its guardians! This first issue contains the start of a six-part serial written by Mark Miller (CLIVE BARKER’S NEXT TESTAMENT) and Ben Meares (HELLRAISER ANNUAL 2013), and drawn by Carlos Magno (DEATHMATCH), where a group of mercenaries are hired to steal Pinhead’s pins. Also, superstar author Victor LaValle teams with artist Colin Lorimer (CURSE) to tell a story set on the outskirts of New York City, as a close-knit community is torn apart by the presence of the puzzle box.

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY Cover A by Conor Nolan

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY #1 Cover A by Conor Nolan

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY #1 Cover B by Kim Herbst

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY #1 Cover B by Kim Herbst

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY #1 Cover C by Sam Shearon

HELLRAISER: BESTIARY #1 Cover C by Sam Shearon

FAIRY QUEST: OUTCASTS #1 (of 2)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Paul Jenkins
Artist: Humberto Ramos
Cover Artist: A: Humberto Ramos B: Humberto Ramos B&W (INCENTIVE)

WHY WE LOVE IT: FAIRY QUEST is the passion project of Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos, the team behind REVELATIONS and a legendary run on Spectacular Spider-Man. They have put their heart, love, and creative wonder into this groundbreaking series, and we’re excited to explore more of the world of Fablewood!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: We all grew up reading fairy tales. We all love fairy tales! But if you enjoy your fairy tales with a twist like Fables, Fairest, or Once Upon a Time, FAIRY QUEST is the perfect series for you. Plus, Paul and Humberto have already made the fans their co-publishers with a successful Kickstarter.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: The adventures of Red and Mister Woof have only just begun. In Fablewood, all of the stories that have ever been told live side-by-side. But it is an evil place, overseen by the awful Mister Grimm and his cadre of Think Police. Red and Woof want to escape to a world where their friendship isn’t prohibited, but nothing can prepare them for what lies ahead in the Dark Forest.
FAIRY QUEST: OUTCASTS #1 Cover A by Humberto Ramos

FAIRY QUEST: OUTCASTS #1 Cover A by Humberto Ramos

HEXED #1

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Dan Mora
Cover Artists: A: Emma Rios B: Dan Mora (INCENTIVE)

WHY WE LOVE IT: DAY MEN. 28 DAYS LATER. DINGO. Besides being one of our favorite writers, Michael Alan Nelson is one of the industry’s preeminent voices in horror, and we couldn’t be happier to be bringing back his fan-favorite creation HEXED for another dive into the depths of the Aether with an ongoing series!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Lucifer is the perfect mash-up of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Lara Croft. Plus, HEXED was Pretty Deadly and Amazing Spider-Man superstar Emma Rios’ introduction to the American comics scene back in 2008, and new series artist Dan Mora is poised to continue the trend with his lyrical, horrific, and wholly unique take on Lucifer.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Luci Jennifer Inacio Das Neves (most people just call her “Lucifer”) is a supernatural thief-for-hire, stealing wondrous objects from the dark denizens of the netherworld for her mentor/mother figure, Val Brisendine. But when Lucifer accidentally unleashes a terrible evil from one of the paintings hanging in Val’s art gallery, will any of the tricks up her sleeve be enough to stop it?

HEXED #1 Cover A by Emma Rios

HEXED #1 Cover A by Emma Rios

HEXED #1 Cover B by Dan Mora

HEXED #1 Cover B by Dan Mora

STEVEN UNIVERSE #1

Imprint: KaBOOM!
Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Jeremy Sorese
Artist: Coleman Engle
Cover Artists: A. Bridget Underwood B. Andrea Fernandez C. Coleman Engle (INCENTIVE) D. Matt Cummings (INCENTIVE)

WHY WE LOVE IT: STEVEN UNIVERSE™ is a show that captured our hearts almost immediately. We’ve been fans of Rebecca Sugar’s from her work on ADVENTURE TIME for years and as the first lady to run her own show at Cartoon Network, we couldn’t wait to collaborate with her!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: A comic about a boy and his friends living in a small beach community, who just happens to have magical powers and fight monsters on the side?! Fans of ADVENTURE TIME and Sailor Moon are gonna dig this series presented in a zine-like format of mini-comics, recipes, games, and more!

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Steven really wants to enter the annual Beach City Bike Race but everyone else is a little worried. Steven just makes the cut-off for age, which means the other bikers will be a lot older than him. Connie agrees to help Steven the old-fashioned way through good ol’ exercise but Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl have other plans… This issue also features a sneak peek of the upcoming Uncle Grandpa comic series!

STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover A by Bridget Underwood

STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover A by Bridget Underwood

STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover B by Andrea Fernandez
STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover B by Andrea Fernandez

STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover C by Coleman Engle
STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover C by Coleman Engle

STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover D by Matt Cummings
STEVEN UNIVERSE #1 Cover D by Matt Cummings

BOOM! STUDIOS ONGOINGS AND LIMITED SERIES

BLACK MARKET #2 (of 4)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Frank J. Barbiere
Artist: Victor Santos
Cover Artist: Victor Santos

Under Denny’s coercion, Ray has successfully procured and sold his first batch of Super DNA on the black market. The scary part? He’s a natural, so much so that he and Denny need to expand their operation by bringing in some added muscle—a former hero with an axe to grind against the Supers who forced him out of the life.

BLACK MARKET #2 Cover by Victor Santos

BLACK MARKET #2 Cover by Victor Santos

STEED AND MRS. PEEL: WE’RE NEEDED #2 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Ian Edginton
Artist: Marco Cosentino
Cover Artist: Alice X. Zhang

John Steed continues the quest for the truth about his fellow agent, uncovering some secrets about the remote seaside resort he’s investigating—and the locals are willing to go to extreme measures to keep Steed quiet. Meanwhile, Mrs. Peel weaves her way through the London Underworld before hitting the beach, as the return of Britain’s coolest secret agents continues.

STEED AND MRS. PEEL: WE'RE NEEDED #2 Cover by Alice X. Zhang

STEED AND MRS. PEEL: WE’RE NEEDED #2 Cover by Alice X. Zhang

ROBOCOP #2

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Carlos Magno
Cover Artists: A: Goñi Montes B: Carlos Magno (INCENTIVE)

OCP’s massive overhaul on gun control has left the city of Old Detroit in the midst of an uprising. With RoboCop and Officer Lewis in the middle of a law they cannot support but must uphold, there is no end solution in sight that doesn’t paint the streets in the blood of the innocent.

ROBOCOP #2 Cover A by Goñi Montes

ROBOCOP #2 Cover A by Goñi Montes

ROBOCOP #2 Cover B by Carlos Magno

ROBOCOP #2 Cover B by Carlos Magno

THE EMPTY MAN #3 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey
Cover Artist: Vanesa R. Del Rey

After the harrowing attack at the precinct, Langford and Jensen continue to follow the tenuous leads they’ve uncovered, traversing deeper and deeper into the dark underbelly of the Witness cult. But will they find the kidnapped children before Patient Zero strikes again?

THE EMPTY MAN #3 Cover by Vanesa R. Del Rey

THE EMPTY MAN #3 Cover by Vanesa R. Del Rey

THOMAS ALSOP #3 (of 8)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Chris Miskiewicz
Artist: Palle Schmidt
Cover Artist: Palle Schmidt

What is the supernatural mystery that tortures Thomas Alsop? To discover the truth, he must take a psychedelic journey to the past. There is a dark secret that will bring together colonial New York with the 21st Century, but only Thomas Alsop knows it. But will the world believe him?

THOMAS ALSOP #3 Cover by Palle Schmidt

THOMAS ALSOP #3 Cover by Palle Schmidt

THE WOODS #4

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: James Tynion IV
Artist: Michael Dialynas
Cover Artists: A: Ramón K. Pérez B: Michael Dialynas (INCENTIVE)

In the woods, Karen, Adrian, and Calder explore the mysterious ruins of a past civilization as Sanami, Ben, and Isaac face off against a threat much scarier than the local fauna. At the school, Maria stokes revolution in the face of Coach Clay’s fascist disciplinary committee.

THE WOODS #4 Cover A by Ramón K. Pérez

THE WOODS #4 Cover A by Ramón K. Pérez

THE WOODS #4 Cover B by Michael Dialynas
THE WOODS #4 Cover B by Michael Dialynas

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: John Carpenter and Eric Powell
Artist: Brian Churilla
Cover Artists: A: Eric Powell B: Joe Quinones (Connecting) C: Tommy Lee Edwards (INCENTIVE)

Charging down the Black Road of Hell in the Pork Chop Express, Egg, Pete and ol’ Jack Burton are facing off against the mythical past of China. Demon thugs and the bulbous Seven-Faced Widow may stand in their way, but you know what ol’ Jack Burton says at a time like this? “Have ya paid your dues, Jack?” “Yessir, the check is in the mail.”

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3 Cover A by Eric Powell

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3 Cover A by Eric Powell

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3 Cover B by Joe Quinones

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3 Cover B by Joe Quinones

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3 Cover C by Tommy Lee Edwards

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA #3 Cover C by Tommy Lee Edwards

CLIVE BARKER’S NIGHTBREED #4

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Marc Andreyko
Artist: Piotr Kowalski
Cover Artists: A. Riley Rossmo B. Christopher Mitten (INCENTIVE)

“A monster lies in wait in me.” The faith that once kept the demon inside at bay is abandoned. Ashberry’s quest for the end times will break the beast out in full form. In another time and another nightmare, Chocolat must rip her children free from the clutches of the Vatican. Though her children are made by monster, they were born by egg in the nest of priest’s clothing. A holy war for the ownership of her children must be waged.

CLIVE BARKER'S NIGHTBREED #4 Cover A by Riley Rossmo

CLIVE BARKER’S NIGHTBREED #4 Cover A by Riley Rossmo

CLIVE BARKER'S NIGHTBREED #4 Cover B by Christopher Mitten

CLIVE BARKER’S NIGHTBREED #4 Cover B by Christopher Mitten

TRANSLUCID #5 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert
Artist: Daniel Bayliss
Cover Artist: Jeff Stokely

When did The Navigator truly become the legend? See the child become the man when young Cornelius steps up and helps a friend in need. But what will this victory cost him? Find out as The Horse’s masterstroke is revealed. Will this be checkmate for our hero?

TRANSLUCID #5 Cover by Jeff Stokely

TRANSLUCID #5 Cover by Jeff Stokely

CLOCKWORK ANGELS #6 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart
Artist: Nick Robles
Cover Artist: Hugh Syme

Once, he was just a boy tending to the apple orchards. Now, Owen Hardy is flying a magnificent airship across the skies of Albion! In the course of this adventure he learns a secret about his own family, one that will take him to the hallowed Seven Cities!

CLOCKWORK ANGELS #6 Cover by Hugh Syme

CLOCKWORK ANGELS #6 Cover by Hugh Syme

EVIL EMPIRE #6

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Max Bemis
Artist: Marco Turini
Cover Artist: Jay Shaw

New story arc! With the true face of the Evil Empire revealed, the entire world has been turned on its head. Those who never thought they’d find themselves on the opposing side of society now have to resort to conforming to evil or go into hiding. Reese is now the leader of the underground resistance, but with the lines between right and wrong so blurred, she’ll have to watch her every move.

EVIL EMPIRE #6 Cover by Jay Shaw

EVIL EMPIRE #6 Cover by Jay Shaw

SUICIDE RISK #16

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Mike Carey
Artist: Elena Casagrande
Cover Artist: Stephanie Hans
Having embraced her birthright, Tracey Winters taps into her power to set the world right—by whatever means necessary. And if she is anything like her father—now the vengeful Requiem—those means can be very bloody…

SUICIDE RISK #16 Cover by Stephanie Hans

SUICIDE RISK #16 Cover by Stephanie Hans

SONS OF ANARCHY #12

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Ed Brisson
Artist: Damian Couceiro
Cover Artist: Garry Brown

In the wake of Damon Pope’s death, there’s a power vacuum left all along the West Coast and the Sons of Anarchy are determined to make sure the right crew fills it with whatever force necessary, and deadly force is always on the table.

SONS OF ANARCHY #12 Cover by Garry Brown

SONS OF ANARCHY #12 Cover by Garry Brown

KABOOM! ONGOINGS AND LIMITED SERIES

ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 (of 6)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Kent Osborne
Artist: Mad Rupert
Cover Artists: A. Aimee Fleck B. Kelsey Sunday C. Eva Cabrera (INCENTIVE)

Root Beer Guy has his first class of Banana Guard recruits and it’s time to send them to boot camp. With the Head Banana Guard looking over his new class, what could possibly go wrong? Unfortunately, these Bananas are a little more than bruised by this new class and they’re not going to make it easy. Will Gingerbread Muto, Tree Trunks, Gum Drop Lass, Peppermint Butler, and Mr. Cupcake make it through?

ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 Cover A by Aimee Fleck

ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 Cover A by Aimee Fleck

ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 Cover B by Kelsey Sunday

ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 Cover B by Kelsey Sunday

ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 Cover C by Eva Cabrera
ADVENTURE TIME: BANANA GUARD ACADEMY #2 Cover C by Eva Cabrera

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Frank Gibson
Artist: Tyson Hesse
Cover Artists: A. Missy Pena B. Christina Chang C. Garrett Hanna (INCENTIVE)

It’s a game of truth or dare and Gumball is determined to win. He’s going to prove that he’s got the guts and he definitely wants the glory and completing all the dares without ever having to resort to a truth…hopefully no one breaks an arm!

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3 Cover A by Missy Pena

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3 Cover A by Missy Pena

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3 Cover B by Christina Chang

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3 Cover B by Christina Chang

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3 Cover C by Garrett Hanna

THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL #3 Cover C by Garrett Hanna

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Natasha Allegri and Garrett Jackson
Artist: Natasha Allegri
Cover Artists: A. Natasha Allegri B. Zac Gorman C. Megan Brennan (INCENTIVE)

Bee and PuppyCat are running for their lives! Things are taking a drastic turn on this mission and Bee might be the only one who can save the day…if only she knew how to actually use a sword! PuppyCat has its hands full this time around. Hopefully, things aren’t as bad as they look.

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4 Cover A by Natasha Allegri

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4 Cover A by Natasha Allegri

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4 Cover B by Zac Gorman
BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4 Cover B by Zac Gorman

BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4 Cover C by Megan Brennan
BEE AND PUPPYCAT #4 Cover C by Megan Brennan

GARFIELD #28

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Mark Evanier
Artist: Andy Hirsch
Cover Artist: Andy Hirsch

The Fat Cat keeps on bringing the laughs through the summer! This month, a trip to the park for a barbecue leads the gang to meet a genie, and Garfield also gets caught up in a hilarious case of mistaken identity.

GARFIELD #28 Cover by Andy Hirsch

GARFIELD #28 Cover by Andy Hirsch

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Kate Leth
Artist: Ian McGinty
Cover Artists: A: Tara Helfer B: Renata Latipova C: Mike Bear (INCENTIVE)

Chris is missing and it’s up to the Bravest Warriors to save their good friend and kind of leader. Will the Bravest Warriors be able to save Chris from the slug people even though they’re one member short? And what nefarious purpose could they have for the team’s residential Emotion Lord? Join Danny, Beth, and Wallow as they try to get to the bottom of this and save their friend.

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23 Cover A by Tara Helfer

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23 Cover A by Tara Helfer

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23 Cover B by Renata Latipova

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23 Cover B by Renata Latipova

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23 Cover C by Mike Bear

BRAVEST WARRIORS #23 Cover C by Mike Bear

ADVENTURE TIME #31

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Ryan North
Artists: Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb
Cover Artists: A: Kostas Kiriakakis B: Sam Ellis (Subscription Cover) C: Rachael Hunt (INCENTIVE)

The world of Ooo is a quiet place, where candy and creatures stick to themselves and nothing ever happens…it’s almost ACCEPTABLE. It’s a twisted adventure starring Ooo’s most yellow Earl and there is pretty much nothing Finn and Jake can do about it. Featuring the reunion of the original creative team!

ADVENTURE TIME #31 Cover A by Kostas Kiriakakis

ADVENTURE TIME #31 Cover A by Kostas Kiriakakis

ADVENTURE TIME #31 Cover B by Sam Ellis

ADVENTURE TIME #31 Cover B by Sam Ellis

ADVENTURE TIME #31 Cover C by Rachael Hunt
ADVENTURE TIME #31 Cover C by Rachael Hunt

REGULAR SHOW #14

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: Minty Lewis
Artist: Allison Strejlau
Cover Artists: A: Andy Hirsch B: Chelsea McAlarney (Subscription Cover) C: Jake Wyatt (INCENTIVE)

It’s time to check out what happens at the coffee shop when Mordecai and Rigby are off on their own and Eileen is definitely up to something. What could possibly go wrong? Well, Mordecai and Rigby aren’t the only ones who get into crazy things during the day!

REGULAR SHOW #14 Cover A by Andy Hirsch

REGULAR SHOW #14 Cover A by Andy Hirsch

REGULAR SHOW #14 Cover B by Chelsea McAlarney

REGULAR SHOW #14 Cover B by Chelsea McAlarney

REGULAR SHOW #14 Cover C by Jake Wyatt

REGULAR SHOW #14 Cover C by Jake Wyatt

BOOM! BOX ONGOINGS AND LIMITED SERIES

LUMBERJANES #5

Retail Price: $3.99
Authors: Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis
Artist: Brooke Allen
Cover Artist: A. Noelle Stevenson B. Perry Maple (INCENTIVE)

Archery is a vital skill for any Lumberjane—it teaches balance and precision, which these scouts are definitely going to need with the Bear Woman back! The Lumberjanes are on a chase through the woods and it might be time for some answers…as long as they don’t lose anyone on the way…

LUMBERJANES #5 Cover A by Noelle Stevenson

LUMBERJANES #5 Cover A by Noelle Stevenson

LUMBERJANES #5 Cover B by Perry MapleLUMBERJANES #5 Cover B by Perry Maple

ARCHAIA ONGOINGS AND LIMITED SERIES

THE LAST BROADCAST #4 (of 7)

Retail Price: $3.99
Author: André Sirangelo
Artist: Gabriel Iumazark
Cover Artist: Gabriel Iumazark

Ivan uses his hypnotism skills on Landell in hopes of finally helping Harumi locate Damon. However, what they learn may not be what they want to hear, especially when it leads them straight into the hideout of the Nonchalants, Backbone’s arch-rival urBex team.

THE LAST BROADCAST #4 Cover by Gabriel Iumazark

THE LAST BROADCAST #4 Cover by Gabriel Iumazark

BOOM! STUDIOS TRADE PAPERBACKS, ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS, AND HARDCOVERS

GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA VOL 4 TP

Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Grace Randolph
Artist: Russell Dauterman
Cover Artist: Russell Dauterman

From rising star writer Grace Randolph (Marvel’s Nation X, Her-oes) and hot new talent Russell Dauterman, GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA is a unique new twist on the superhero genre that takes a scandalous, TMZ-fueled look at what it’s like to live with a superhero. Collecting the critically acclaimed fourth arc, join Hella, Eve, Gio, Zari, and Sara as the evil shapeshifter “Ruth’s” ultimate plans come to fruition and the war is brought to the homefront.

GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA VOL 4 TP Cover by Russell Dauterman

GRACE RANDOLPH’S SUPURBIA VOL 4 TP Cover by Russell Dauterman

DEAD LETTERS VOL. 1 TP

Retail Price: $9.99
Author: Christopher Sebela
Artist: Chris Visions
Cover Artist: Chris Visions

WHY WE LOVE IT: Here at BOOM! Studios, crime is in our blood. From our comic-turned-feature film 2 GUNS to our critically acclaimed series HIT, we’ve always had a passion for all things noir. DEAD LETTERS is the next step in our exploration of the genre.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Creators Christopher Sebela (Ghost, High Crimes) and newcomer Chris Visions have combined to create a perfectly moody tale that will evoke memories of your favorite noir story—then turn it on its head. Don’t miss out on a wholly unique take on crime fiction perfect for fans of Richard Stark’s Parker, Criminal, and Fell.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Waking up in a fleabag motel with bandaged arms and a revolver on his desk, Sam doesn’t remember a thing—not how he got here, where here is, or who he is. But the armed men knocking on his door do and Sam will have to use every trick from his forgotten repertoire to outrun and outsmart his way through a hard-boiled wonderland of gang wars, femme fatales, and big secrets. Collects issues #1-4.

DEAD LETTERS VOL. 1 TP Cover by Chris Visions

DEAD LETTERS VOL. 1 TP Cover by Chris Visions

SUICIDE RISK VOL. 3 TP

Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Mike Carey
Artists: Elena Casagrande and Jorge Coehlo
Cover Artist: Tommy Lee Edwards

Now awake, aware, and furious about what’s been done to him, the murderous super-villain known as Requiem wants answers. There are huge gaps in his memories—he doesn’t understand how he comes to be in this world he doesn’t know, in this life that isn’t his. But he does know there’s no one he won’t hurt or kill to get information. Not even Leo Winters’ family. Mike Carey (Lucifer, The Unwritten) and artist Elena Casagrande (Hulk, Hack/Slash) continue to tell amazing stories in this critically acclaimed third arc of SUICIDE RISK, which also includes the thrilling standalone story illustrated by spotlight artist Jorge Coehlo (Polarity, Venom).

SUICIDE RISK VOL. 3 TP Cover by Tommy Lee Edwards

SUICIDE RISK VOL. 3 TP Cover by Tommy Lee Edwards

KABOOM! TRADE PAPERBACKS, ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS, AND HARDCOVERS

ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 4 MATHEMATICAL EDITION HC

Retail Price: $34.99
Author: Ryan North
Artists: Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb
Cover Design: Hannah Nance Partlow

Join best pals Jake the Dog, Finn the Human, and…the ICE KING?! It’s a Dungeon Bro-Venture as this crazy trio jumps into a game of danger and feelings. Will the treasure at the end be worth all the crazy emotions, or have Finn and Jake finally found a quest they won’t be able to finish? Don’t miss these brand-new adventures written by acclaimed cartoonist Ryan North (Dinosaur Comics) and illustrated by dynamic art duo Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb in this deluxe hardcover edition.

ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 4 MATHEMATICAL EDITION HC Cover by Hannah Nance Partlow

ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 4 MATHEMATICAL EDITION HC Cover designed by
Hannah Nance Partlow

BRAVEST WARRIORS VOL. 3 TP

Retail Price: $14.99
Author: Joey Comeau
Artist: Mike Holmes
Cover Artist: Tyson Hesse

Catbug is the most dangerous creation in the universe and now it’s up to Chris to save the world and Catbug…through punches. It’s the tournament everyone has been waiting for—MULTIVERSE BATTLE CHESS BLITZ BLOODBATH! Will our heroes be up to the challenge or is it already too late? Find out in these brand-new missions, written by acclaimed cartoonist Joey Comeau (A Softer World) and illustrated by Mike Holmes (True Story), featuring short stories from Three Word Phrase creator Ryan Pequin.

BRAVEST WARRIORS VOL. 3 TP Cover by Tyson Hesse

BRAVEST WARRIORS VOL. 3 TP Cover by Tyson Hesse

ARCHAIA TRADE PAPERBACKS, ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS, AND HARDCOVERS

JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: THE NOVELIZATION HC

Retail Price: $19.99
Author: Anthony Minghella
Artists: Hannah Christenson and Eva Eskelinen
Cover Artist: Hannah Christenson

WHY WE LOVE IT: Jim Henson was a master of fantasy stories perfect for all ages, and we’re thrilled to get the novelization of his classic television series, The Storyteller, back in print in a beautiful hardcover collection featuring all-new illustrations.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: This gorgeous hardcover includes stunning illustrations by Hannah Christenson (SPERA) and Eva Eskelinen (SPERA), as well as photographs from The Jim Henson Archives that provide a rare look behind the scenes of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop during the filming of the Emmy Award-winning HBO television series.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: THE NOVELIZATION features nine tales of fantasy and folklore based on Jim Henson’s beloved television series, beautifully written by late Academy Award winner Anthony Minghella, head writer on the show.

JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: THE NOVELIZATION HC Cover by Hannah Christenson

JIM HENSON’S THE STORYTELLER: THE NOVELIZATION HC Cover by Hannah Christenson

THE COLLECTOR HC

Retail Price: $29.99
Author: Sergio Toppi
Artist: Sergio Toppi
Cover Artist: Sergio Toppi

WHY WE LOVE IT: The late Sergio Toppi remains one of the great master sequential artists whose work inspired a generation of illustrators and comic artists who followed him. THE COLLECTOR is Toppi’s longest-running original series, now translated into English for the first time since its debut in 1984.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Toppi’s breathtaking line work and composition will leave you staring at his pages for hours. While this oversized edition serves as much as an art book as a comic, the adventures of the globe-scouring, daredevil Collector will appeal to fans of Indiana Jones, Five Ghosts, or Doc Savage.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Far from the auction halls of the elite, The Collector seeks out rare and mysterious artifacts across the world. He is at home in the salons of Paris as he is in the jungles of Borneo. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century colonialism, The Collector is a delightful, swashbuckling adventure! Featuring an introduction by Sean Gordon Murphy (The Wake).

THE COLLECTOR HC Cover by Sergio Toppi

THE COLLECTOR HC Cover by Sergio Toppi

Archaia Reviews – Berona’s War Vol. 2, Everlast, Immortals, Tales of Sand, The Storyteller, Killing Pickman and more!

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Archaia is synonymous with quality and this year, especially towards the end shows off why we named them publisher of the year in 2010.  What you see below makes the case as to why they’re in consideration this year as well.  There’s a mix of genres and something for folks of all ages.  What you don’t get when reviewing digital copies is the quality printing as well.  The books are not just great reads but also beautiful to pick up and look at.

Berona’s War Vol. 2 – Fight for Amity

I loved the first volume of this series which chronicles the battle between two races on an island.  There’s something cute and twisted about the short stories throughout the book and the types of stories varies.  Everything from descriptions of missions, journal entries, one page jokes and prose can all be found.  Also included are the expected unit and weapon breakdowns that add depth to it all.

You’ve met the characters, you’ve seen their weapons, you’ve witnessed their war. And now, you can know their stories. BERONA’S WAR VOL.2: THE FIGHT FOR AMITY brings to life the blood-hungry warriors and races of Berona and takes you deep within their individual tales. Follow the soldier as he enters his final battle. Witness the elite teams at work behind the scenes. Learn the savage ways of the Condyle warriors, and the vicious speed of the Ele-Alta Slayers. Watch as the brave struggle for glory, obtain it, then live to see it stripped from them. Will it be a glorious death, or will it be the death of a coward? The battles have just begun to rage, and the War has so much left to claim.

Like that first volume I gushed.  This world is so rich and so entertaining and I found my emotions being all over the place.  Stories will get you choked up a bit and the next will get you to laugh.  My only complaint is it’s so long between the books, I want more!  And sooner!  Absolutely fantastic and beyond entertaining fun.

Story: Anthony Coffey and Jesse Labbé Art: Anthony Coffey and Jesse Labbé

Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Everlast

Ok, I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive of this graphic novel written by actor Chad Michael Murray.  Seeing him at New York Comic Con I giggled a bit at all of the people flipping their lids over Murray.  The list of comics written by musicians and actors that are good feel few and far between and it all seemed like a vanity trip.  Boy would I have eaten my words here.  This graphic novel is pretty damn good.

A pre-apocalyptic tale, Everlast follows Derek Everlast, a man whose destiny in life is guiding others to a place of rebirth for mankind called Haven. Following an instinct called the Nudge, bestowed on him by a higher power, Derek is guided to the next chosen human destined to survive, a little girl named Melissa. In a harrowing adventure, he must deliver her safely to Haven before the End of Days. Everlast tells a story of choice, love, friendship, and, most of all, survival. Will you be chosen? Created and written by actor Chad Michael Murray (“One Tree Hill.”)

The story is pretty cool, the whole time I was thinking how I’d like to see this as a movie or a television series.  There’s definitely an eye towards that feel, and that’s not a bad thing.  The art is cool, changing up a bit with each phase of the book.  The worst part of it all?  It ends.  I want more!  It’s clear we can expect a second volume that picks up on Everlast’s further adventures.

There’s also something cool about the world.  It’s not quite clearly heaven and hell existing in our world and we just don’t notice.  There’s more to it, as this is all just before the apocalypse.  With that aspect there’s a clock ticking pacing to it all.  I was surprised when I finished up reading it and the worst thing I can say is, I wanted to read more.

Story: Chad Michael Murray Art: Trevor Hairsine, Andrew Huerta, Robbi Rodriguez,

J.K. Woodward and Danijel Zezelj

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Immortals: Gods and Heroes

I had no interest in seeing this movie at all.  I saw the ads and thought, well the visuals are cool, but I saw it all when it was called 300.  So, with that I went into reading this with some hurtles to get over.  On top of that, it’s a comic based on a movie, something else against it (I just think like comics written by actors and musicians, there’s more flops than successes).  Again, I walked away impressed.

Spinning from the upcoming epic 3-D film Immortals from visionary director Tarsem Singh (The Fall, The Cell) and starring Mickey Rourke and Henry Cavill comes Immortals: Gods and Heroes, a stunning hardcover featuring ALL-NEW tales of Greek myths as you’ve never seen them before! Featuring incredible untold tales by Brian Clevinger (Atomic Robo), Dennis Calero (X-Men Noir), Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jock (Detective Comics, The Losers), Ben McCool (Captain America, Memoir), Ron Marz (Witchblade, Green Lantern), Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night) and more!

The graphic novel is a series of short stories all building up to the movie and fleshing out the background of the world.  It’s all familiar with gods and titans doing battle, but there’s also just enough that’s different to make it pretty unique and keep you on your toes.

The stories are varied but all are at least good, some are great.  The art is similar and varies from good to great.  But, by the time I got to the end of reading this, I actually wanted to see the movie.  There was enough here to get me interested and want to spend money to see more.

If you dug the movie, absolutely buy this.  If you like battles like Spartacus, Gladiator, 300 or Clash of the Titans, you’ll probably dig this as well.  It’s swords and sandals and really damn entertaining.

Story: Brian Clevinger, F.J. DeSanto, David Gallaher, Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, Jock, Ron Marz, Jim McCann, Ben McCool, Jeff Parker and Paul Tobin Art: Dennis Calero, Kevin Colden, Steve Ellis, Trevor Hairsine, Scott Hampton, Phil Hester, Jock, Rafael Kayanan, Patrick Scherberger and Ben Templesmith Cover: David Mack

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Inanna’s Tears

Inanna's Tears CoverInanna’s Tears is an interesting graphic novel mixing religion, politics a love story all together in an Egyptian like society.  The story pits two people, those outside the temple and those that rule within.  All with an art style you just don’t see a lot.

In Sumer, before the rise of the kingship, the prosperous city of Birith is known throughout the land for its devotion to the goddess Inanna. But after a thousand years of plenty, the city is in danger of being overrun by the nomadic refugees that swell in number outside of its walls. Even as her high priest makes plans to preside over his final ritual to Inanna and name a successor, powerful interests outside of the city begin to question the wisdom of continuing to submit to the Temple’s authority. When the role of consort is passed unexpectedly to a woman named Entika, she must overcome not only the prejudices of her own people but a cunning enemy backed by the rising tide of history. Collects and completes the INANNA’S TEARS series, a proto-historical romantic tragedy in five acts, 5,000 years in the making.

Overall, I’m kind of torn on this one.  It’s very unique, but felt a bit like a choir to get through.  It’s not bad in any way, I think it just wasn’t for me.  I felt a bit like I was in Sunday School hearing an extended story.  It’s definitely different, both in it’s pacing, subject and art style.  For that it gets points, but I can’t enthusiastically get behind it.  Might be for you, just not for me.

Story: Rob Vollmar Art: mpMann

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand

Think Jim Henson was all happy and kids stuff?  Think again.  Tale of Sand is a play on visuals and time.  Really, I’m pretty sure it was written on acid, it’s that out there.  But when it was over, I loved it.

Join us as we explore this missing piece of Jim Henson’s career in a celebration of his creative process. Discovered in the Archives of The Jim Henson Company, Tale of Sand is an original graphic novel adaptation of an unproduced, feature-length screenplay written by Jim Henson and his frequent writing partner, Jerry Juhl. Tale of Sand follows scruffy everyman, Mac, who wakes up in an unfamiliar town, and is chased across the desert of the American Southwest by all manners of man and beast of unimaginable proportions. Produced with the complete supervision of Jim’s daughter, Lisa Henson, Tale of Sand will allow Henson fans to recognize some of the inspirations and set pieces that appeared in later Henson Company productions.

To really go into the reasons why I dug this so much would ruin the story for you, but it just plays with visuals and the concept of time to create a unique story that I’ve never seen anywhere else.  Football players, cowboys, Indians, it’s all there.  And it’s perfect for the graphic novel form.  I think as a movie, it might have been horrible, but in printed form where you can linger on the art, it works perfectly.  I won’t go so far to say this is a modern classic, but it’s up there. I lingered on pages, went back and reread some to see the build up and the ending made me want to start again.  The graphic novel will throw you for a loop and it’s totally worth it.

Story: Jim Henson and Jerry Juhl Art: Ramón Pérez

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Jim Henson’s The Storyteller

I swear it’s Jim Henson month between the movie and all of the comic releases.  The Storyteller is classic Henson featuring an old man telling stories to his talking dog.  You can almost picture the gentleman telling them on tv to his puppet dog.  It’s just what I’d expect and love about Henson’s creations.

The much-loved, live-action/puppet combination TV show is now a graphic novel series! Archaia and The Jim Henson Company are proud to present ALL-NEW tales of fantastic wonder and extraordinary myth, as told from the tongue of The Storyteller and his loyal canine companion! Witness worded wonderment from a cavalcade of crafty creators, including Roger Langridge (The Muppet Show Comic, Thor The Mighty Avenger), Marjorie Liu (Black Widow), Ron Marz (Green Lantern, Artifacts), Jeff Parker (Hulk, Thunderbolts), Jennifer L. Meyer (Lady Pendragon), Tom Fowler (Green Arrow, Batman), Chris Eliopoulos (Pet Avengers, Franklin Richards), Colleen Coover (Spider-Man, Pet Avengers) and more! Plus: A never-before-seen story adapted from a screenplay by The Storyteller’s original author, Academy Award Winner Anthony Minghella (The English Patient)!

A series of short stories and some work better than others, but each feels like an episode.  They’re all moral tales as Henson seemed to do and entertaining at the same time.  It’s a great read and one I’d love to sit down with my nieces and nephews and read aloud to them.  This is volume one, lets hope we see volume two and see it soon.  Reading it just made me miss Henson’s genius that you could share with the entire family.

Story: Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, Nate Cosby, Chris Eliopoulos, Roger Langridge, Marjorie Liu, Ron Marz, Jeff Parker and Paul Tobin Art: Ronan Cliquet, Katie Cook, Colleen Coover, Tom Fowler, Roger Langridge, Mike Maihack, Jennifer L. Meyer, Craig Rousseau and Evan Shaner Cover: Patrick Scherberger and Mike Maihack

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Killing Pickman

Um, I’ll just say it aloud, this graphic novel is fucked up.  It’s twisted and made me disturbed, which has to mean it was pretty decent.  The story is part Se7en and part Silence of the Lambs mixed in with a supernatural element.  It’s messed up and really entertaining.

Homicide Detective William Zhu has just made the arrest of his career. With the apprehension of Richard Pickman he has solved over 100 missing child cases, some of which date back over 30 years. The excavation of Pickman’s basement reveals horrors beyond imagination—the bodies of children mutilated in bizarre satanic rites. Frustrated with his role of clean-up man to the detritus of the world, Zhu makes what may be a fatal mistake: He decides to kill Pickman. Fatal, for Richard Pickman is no ordinary psychopath. The rituals he performed were not the work of a madman but sacrifices made to a very real demon. A demon who has granted Pickman near immortality. Killing Pickman is going to be a lot tougher than Zhu could have imagined. It may not even be possible.

You have the cop that wants to move on and the crazy psychopath that he needs to deal with.  But, that psychopath also has made a deal with a demon.  Is that part true?  Is it all just some psychological play?  It’s twisted is what it is.  The story is creepy enough but the layout and art just add to it all.  The layout is actually brilliant really using the book to enhance the story and for that it’s all enhanced.  The use of tape like visuals, the margins, it all blends together and makes the whole more.  If you like psychological thrillers, you’ll dig this.

Story: Jason Becker Art: Jon Rea

Story: 8.75 Art: 9.25 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury

Comic books are supposed to be fun and The Many Adventures of Miranda Mercury is just that.  There’s a pop adventure feel to it all that made me tear through the graphic novel and come away wanting to read more.

She’s the greatest adventurer in this, or any other galaxy, the kind of old-fashioned, classic science-fiction heroine that can successfully defeat The Time Raiders of Xaxium, brave the wonders of The Glass Planet, survive The Perils of Yor, and battle The Infinity Class to a veritable standstill! All while facing the one enemy that perhaps even she cannot defeat, a microscopic poison rushing through her veins, courtesy of her greatest adversary, Cyrus Vega. With only one year left to live, Miranda Mercury will have her morality tested and values shaken to see her life’s mission completed.

I like the pulp stories like Flash Gordon and this has that feel to it all, showing off crazy worlds and crazier villains.  It also stars a kick-ass woman which just makes it even more of a treasure, since that seems to be lacking.  It’s a space adventure that’s perfect for kids and gives little girls a heroine to look up to.

The stories, art, it all just comes together to create a pulp world that makes me just want to read more.

Story: Brandon Thomas Art: Lee Ferguson

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Mouse Guard: Black Axe #2 and #3

Mouse Guard: The Black Axe #2 CoverI love, love, love Mouse Guard.  The Black Axe is the latest series that features this magical fantasy world featuring mice.  I really have no idea what to say to get people to pick it up, other than the various volumes are absolutely modern classics.

The new volume of the Eisner Award-winning MOUSE GUARD series continues! On an unmapped island, Celanawe and Em discover the land of Ilder ruled by a ferret king. Shipwrecked and with no sign of their ship’s captain Conrad, they become the audience of Ilder’s imposing sovereign and hear of his hunger, his power and his fear—all while a mythic weapon dangles just out of reach preventing destiny from marching forward for the bloodline of Farrer, forger of the Black Axe.

The story is great, feeling like the best that fantasy has to offer.  My only complaint is it feels so long between issues.  But, overall, I’ve gushed over Mouse Guard in the past and it’s a comic I’d put in anyone’s hands, especially when it comes to a comic the entire family can enjoy.  Much like previous volumes, this one is an instant classic.

Story: David Petersen Art: David Petersen

Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

The Sigh

Marjane Satrapi is internationally known for her classic Persepolis, which was utterly brilliant.  The Sigh is an illustrated prose book that reads like a night time story you’d read your kids before putting them to bed.

Rose is one of three daughters of a rich merchant who always brings gifts for his girls from the market. One day Rose asks for the seed of a blue bean, but he fails to find one for her. She lets out a sigh in resignation, and her sigh attracts the Sigh, a mysterious being that brings the seed she desired to the merchant. But every debt has to be paid, and every gift has a price, and the Sigh returns a year later to take the merchant’s daughter to a secret and distant palace. Written and illustrated by Marjane Satrapi, author of the award-winning Persepolis.

I’m not the biggest fan of prose, and an illustrated story isn’t really for me.  I’m not the audience for the book, and I recognize that.  So for me, it’s a meh, not like her previous work at all, this is a kids fairy tale, not a story of political repression.  But, if I had kids, especially daughters, this would be one of the first things I’d be reading to them.  The story is cute and entertaining, great for kids.  So, if you’re looking for something to read to your kids, you can’t go wrong with this.

Story: Marjane Satrapi Art: Marjane Satrapi

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Archaia provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review

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