Aztec Ace, the cult classic from the mind of comics legend Doug Moench, is reprinted for the first time in Aztec Ace: The Complete Collection. A collaboration between Dark Horse Comics and IT’S ALIVE!, Aztec Ace: The Complete Collection is an archival hardcover that restores all 500+ pages of Moench’s fan-favorite time travel adventure series.
First published by Eclipse Comics in 1984, Aztec Ace is an action-packed, intellectual, time-travel adventure starring Caza (AKA Ace) as he travels between the Aztec Empire and his home in the 23rd century. Ace, along with his pupil Bridget Chronopolis and his navigator Head (the floating disembodied head of Sigmund Freud), struggles to save his dimension from time paradoxes created by his enemy, the mysterious Nine-Crocodile.
Aztec Ace: The Complete Collection hardcover collects the full fifteen-issue run for the first time, and includes a bonus Aztec Ace short story by Moench and Tim Sale, a pin-up gallery featuring new artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz, ChrisCross, Dan Day, Jeff Lemire, Joe Staton, Jok, Kelley Jones, Matt Kindt, Michael Avon Oeming, Michael Wm Kaluta, Paul Gulacy, Paul Pope, Ron Harris, and more!
Aztec Ace: The Complete Collection hardcover will be available at comic shops on July 20, 2022, and from bookstores August 2, 2022. It is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at your local comic shop and bookstore. Aztec Ace: The Complete Collection hardcover will retail for $79.99.
ComiXology has eight new digital comics available for purchase right now. There’s a mix of what you can get including new digital comics from Marvel, Harlequin, and graphic novel from SelfMadeHero. Check out all of the releases here or the individual releases below.
Captain America And The Falcon: The Swine
Written by Jack Kirby Art by Jack Kirby Cover by Jack Kirby Purchase
Collects Captain America #206-214 and Annual #3-4.
The King keeps Cap’s quests coming with menaces from deep in space and deeper in the human soul! Even the evil of the Red Skull might pale before the fearsome Bio-Fanatic! Plus: Magneto and a rarely seen batch of evil mutants! Featuring the Falcon and Nick Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D.!
Fury: Peacemaker
Written by Garth Ennis Art by Darick Robertson Cover by Gary Frank Purchase
Collects Fury: Peacemaker #1-6.
Before he presided over S.H.I.E.L.D., before he ran with the Howling Commandos, Sgt. Nick Fury fought on the blood-stained sands of the Tunisian desert. It was there that he came face-to-face with the incomparable might of the 21st Panzer Division and its skilled warrior commander, General Stephen Barkhorn, and barely lived to tell about it. And it was there that he got a second chance at life – and revenge. In this gripping tale, Garth Ennis (GHOST RIDER, PUNISHER) and Darick Robertson (PUNISHER: BORN) offer a never-before-seen glimpse into the soul of a warrior you only think you know.
The Guardian’s Dilemma: The Steepwood Scandal
Written by Gail Whitiker Art by Chieko Hara Purchase
Schoolteacher Helen starts sweating the moment she sees Oliver, the guardian of a new student. She wonders if he remembers saving her all those years ago from her aristocratic employer’s wandering hands. Oliver remembers, all right, and can hardly believe an aristocrat’s prostitute could become a teacher! Does he dare leave his young stepsister in the care of this lewd woman?
The Maid Of Lorne
Written by Terri Brisbin Art by Kaishi Sakuya Purchase
During a revolt by the Scottish army against the king, Lara and her siblings are captured along with their father, the leader of their clan. By order of the king, Lara is forced to marry Sebastien, the king’s loyal subordinate. If she refuses, she and her family will be killed. On the verge of despair, she makes up her mind to fulfill her duty as the daughter of a clan leader. On their wedding night, Lara is terrified, but Sebastien treats her gently. She is surprised at first but ultimately follows his lead. But there is a secret behind his gentle demeanor…
Marvel Westerns
Written by Steve Englehart, Justin Gray, Karl Kesel, Joe R. Lansdale, Jim McCann, Jimmy Palmiotti, Jeff Parker, Dan Slott, Fred Van Lente Art by Homs, Eduardo Barreto, Tomm Coker, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Rafa Garres, Federica Manfredi, Jimmy Palmiotti, Marshall Rogers, David Williams Cover by Eric Powell, Marshall Rogers Purchase
Collects Marvel Westerns: The Two-Gun Kid, Marvel Westerns: Western Legends, Marvel Westerns: Kid Colt And The Arizona Girl, Marvel Westerns: Strange Westerns Starring The Black Rider, And The Marvel Westerns: Outlaw Files Handbook.
Marvel’s masked men ride again in all-new tales by a posse of today’s most talented creators! It’s the raucous return of Two-Gun Kid, Hurricane, Red Wolf, the Man From Fort Rango, Kid Colt, Arizona Annie, the Black Rider, Gunhawk and more! And introducing the Philadelphia Filly and Spender! Plus: re-presenting the origin of Rawhide Kid by Jack “King” Kirby and other classic Marvel Western tales.
Punisher: Very Special Holidays
Written by Andy Diggle, Justin Gray, Jimmy Palmiotti Art by Paul Gulacy, Kyle Hotz, Mark Texeira Cover by Mark Texeira Purchase
Collects Punisher: Red X-Mas, Punisher: Bloody Valentine And Punisher: Silent Night.
Spend the holidays with the Punisher! In RED X-MAS, ’tis the season – for revenge. Following an eight-casket funeral, a group of vengeful mob widows go holiday shopping for the perfect assassin to take down the man responsible – and enlist the services of the lovely and lethal Sicilian assassin known as Suspiria! In BLOODY VALENTINE, something sparks the little black pit in Frank Castle’s chest – the one that used to be a heart! Suspiria’s back, and she wants to kiss and make up. It seems the murderous pair have a mutual enemy, an arch-villain whose pursuit will take them to Suspiria’s home turf of Rome. Can Frank withstand his partner’s charms? Does he want to? And finally, are you ready for a little holiday cheer? No? Neither is Frank Castle. In SILENT NIGHT, he’s more interested in tracking down a mob rat in the witness protection program and punishing him. But to do that, he’ll have to face his greatest foe. Hint: He’s fat, dresses in red and sports a white beard!
Shanna, The She-Devil
Written by Frank Cho Art by Frank Cho Cover by Frank Cho Purchase
Collects Shanna The She-Devil #1-7.
She’s bold, she’s beautiful, and she’s your best hope of escaping the raptors nipping at your heels. She’s Shanna, the She-Devil! Award-winning creator Frank Cho brings you Marvel’s bodacious jungle girl as you’ve never seen her before: Reborn from Nazi science gone mad to battle her genetic destiny on an island full of prehistoric horrors. Trust us, Shanna has never looked this good…or acted this bad.
Emil Zátopek is arguably the greatest Olympic champion of all time. The Czech runner’s three gold medals at the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympics, for the 5,000 meter, 10,000 meter, and marathon is an achievement that has never been matched. His success as a runner made him a national hero, but as a public figure, outspoken and unafraid to take a stand, he was equally impressive. Even before the Helsinki Games, Zátopek had scored a remarkable victory, successfully pressuring the Communist regime to allow his colleague Stanislav Jungwirth, who until then had been excluded on political grounds, to compete. In Zátopek, Jan Novák and Jaromír 99 trace the extraordinary life and times of the great Olympian, from his first meeting with Dana, the love of his life, to the victories that would ensure his lasting legacy.
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When it comes to James Bond movies, to say that the endings are nothing short of satisfying, is definitely a disservice to the theatrics connected to it. The movies that Sean Connery starred in are probably some of the most iconic movies of all time. The style and flair that he brought to every scene is what has made the character so immortal. Even George Lazenby’s foray into the character, though only lasting one movie, was probably the best in the series. Three more actors would inhabit the role but the one that has always stood out in my mind is, Sir Roger Moore.
Moore was James Bond for a good part of the 1980s, the era when I fell in love with movies. His interpretation of the character brought what is fun about spy movies, and what The Kingsmen movies can’t help but steal in the best ways possible. His best Bond movie in my mind, Octopussy, which was both funny and action-packed but showed moviegoers how to build up a story to a satisfying big bang ending. In the final issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi as he confronts both his brother and father in a fight which may cost many including his, their lives.
We find Moving Shadow and Shang Chi facing off as Fu Manchu spectates in delight, as his two sons face off for the first time, testing if this fateful battle is his will. Meanwhile, Leiko, Blackjack and Clive, meetup with up Spetz and the Omega team, as they fight Fu Manchu’s men on their way off the island, as Spetz suffers his own death. Eventually, Leiko,Blackjack, Clive and what’s left of the Omega team neutralize the threat Fu Manchu was about to unleash.
Overall, the satisfying conclusion that gives diehard fans of this character what we expect from Doug Moench’s masterwork. The story by Moench is brilliant and amazing. The art by the creative team is mesmerizing. Altogether, a well-woven tale that feels as epic as the stories it was inspired from.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.4 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Netflix’s venture with Marvel Studios is one of the most fruitful partnerships in modern entertainment. It’s true that DC has been making their own splash on television for a few years but comic book fans wanted more. They wanted shows that showcased more than the studios were offering. We mostly had to rely on movie offerings, from the two houses, and some offshoots like Image, i.e. Kick-Ass series.
The buzz radiated from when comic book fans first saw the television version of Matt Murdock. Then comic books fans got to see Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist onscreen soon after. It made fans more than happy. In the television version of the Avengers movies, The Defenders saw a team-up between these Heroes of New York culminating in a final big fight. In the fifth issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi and Leiko in the fight of their lives.
We catch-up with Spetz and his MI-6 Omega team as they reach the shores of Fu Manchu’s island, where they are met crossfire as soon as they arrive on the beach. Meanwhile, Blackjack and Clive, reach the other end of the island, to rescue Leiko and Shang, unknowing of what lies in their way. We also find Leiko and Shang finally finding their way out, as they help the Omega team get to Fu Manchu’s lair. By issue’s end, Shang fights his way to exactly where Moving Shadow is, as they begin their final fight.
Overall, the story ramps up on the action, giving fans the penultimate issue the story requires before a satisfying conclusion. The story by Doug Moench is wonderful and remarkable. The art by the creative team is spellbinding. Altogether, this issue is a callback to the best kung fu films of the 1980s. It’s enough to make you want to pull out your old VHS tapes of Kung Fu Theatre.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.4 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Denzel Washington is known most for these days, his work with Antoine Fuqua, in Training Day and The Equalizer movies. One of my favorite movies by him was Out Of Time where he starred with Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan. In the film, an old flame reignites something in Washington’s character while a new obsession gets him in hot water. In the fourth issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi finding that his love for Leiko is still there which may lead to more trouble than he ever foresaw.
Leiko and Shang Chi are reliving their past for a short moment when Shang Chi regains some semblance of honor and gets Leiko to reveal what she found about the Mandarin’s plans. The Mandarin is in his hidden lair where we find out the full power of the weapon he created as it eviscerates everything in a nearby fishing village. Lieko’s husband is caught in the crossfire between a group of commandos that work for Reston and the Omega team. Spetz saves her husband only to imprison him. By issue’s end, Leiko and Shang reunite with Tarr and we find out exactly who Moving Shadow is.
Overall, the story gets even more exciting, giving readers a spirited tale, which keeps readers wanting more. The story by Doug Moench is delightful and impressive. The art by the creative team is entrancing. Altogether, a book that gives readers a deeper understanding of who this character is.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.7 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy was quite ahead of this time. Movie critics rarely had heralded superhero movies up until the trilogy’s release, many did Nolan’s vision. The movies did something that adaptations struggle with. It satisfied the diehard comic book fan and the regular movie watcher. It pulled from the different stories already in canon while remembering that a good story must always be told.
One of the gifts that the movies gave audiences was the introduction of Ra’s Al Ghul, a storied character, who never saw his time onscreen until Nolan used him. As the character’s influence is evident not only those movies but the Gotham television show. In the third issue of Shang Chi: Master Of Kung Fu, we find Shang Chi’s father in an omnipotent position much like Ras Al Ghul, giving our heroes an intimidating adversary to face.
We find Leiko in the middle of who is behind the Hellfire Apocalypse, and it just so happens to be Shang Chi’s father, who faked his own death so no one would be the wiser. As Shang Chi enters the lair, he is able to reach Leiko and escape only to take on a hail of gunfire, as the truth is revealed about what his father had been up to, and where this doomsday weapon may be headed. As Leiko and Shang Chi look to escape the fortress, these two must fight their way out, through the failed experiments that his father created, where they were once humans but are mindless ravaged beasts who no wonder the compound. As the two are alone, Shang realizes he still feels some sort of way about Leiko, knowing that she is married only complicates his intentions. By issue’s end, the Omega team is getting closer, someone close to Leiko and Shang has other intentions and things between the two are reignited.
Overall, the story feels like a James Bond movie that more than tilts its hat at the famous spy. The story by Doug Moench is thrilling and commanding. The art by the creative team is enchanting. Altogether, a story that maybe Shang’s big-screen debut may aspire to.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.7 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.66 Recommendation: Buy
Bruce Lee’s influence on film cannot truly be put into words. His impact is far reaching and ineffaceable in so many ways. He was one of a kind and his mark on everyone who has seen him in action can be seen in every action movie to this day. You can see his mark on every martial artist to grace the screen from Steven Seagal to Jean Claude Van Damme to Donnie Yen to Jet Li and to the one man who can be called his contemporary, Jackie Chan. David Carradine even referred to him as the James Dean of Martial Arts.
His first movie made in the west and probably the first commercialized worldwide martial arts film, was Enter The Dragon. The movie had some well-established American actors, like Jim Kelly, but anyone who has seen the film has no doubt in their mind, that Bruce Lee was the star. The idea of a fight amongst the greatest fighters continues to be a recycled idea since that iconic movie. In the second issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, to find Leiko, he must fight his way to her.
We are in Singapore, where Chi and Reston are surrounded by
a ninja clan, as Chi fights them off, Reston find escape, one that will give
the way to fight another day. We are taken back to France, where we find more
about the Hellfire Objective, and its mission to recruit zealous men to become
part of the army of Saint Germain, the same secret operation Leiko was sent by
MI-6 to investigate. They also find out about the Omega Team, lead by Morgan Spetz,
who MI-6 has assembled to find Leiko. By issue’s end, another assassin looks
for Chi’ while Leiko finds out that the person behind everything, is the one-person
Chi is the closest to.
Overall, the story begins to get better, as we soon find out just how big of a conspiracy Leiko was looking into, making this story resemble Lee’s classic western made crossover. The story by Doug Moench is electrifying and powerful. The art by the creative team is captivating. Altogether, an exhilarating introduction to a hero which everyone will soon know.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
With all the buzz coming from SDCC from the past few weeks, the most interesting news, as usual, came from Hall H. This is where some of the biggest news gets released and the world holds their collective breath until it does. As in previous years, this year was no disappointment. It was a sign of things to come. One of the biggest announcements to come was from Marvel and the next phase of movies that will be released over the new few years.
One of the surprise announcements, though there had been some industry buzz over the last few months, had been that Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu, would be making getting how own Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. Most of the world doesn’t know who he is but serious comic book fans do. Much of his original story had been marred with distasteful racist stereotypes and outdated ideas. In a reboot of sorts, the original writer returned in 2002 to update the story for a new generation in the debut issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse.
We’re taken to France, where Agent Leiko Wu is infiltrating a crime syndicate’s fortress, one that she realizes soon enough that she just walked into a trap. We also find Shang Chi, in solitude on an island, where his meditation supernaturally syncs with Leiko, the woman he once loved, as he knows what he must do next, but his actions are interrupted by an intruder in sanctum sanctorum. We also find Leiko being tortured, as the crime organization is trying to find just how deep MI-6 is into investigating them. By issue’s end, an old friend looks for Chi’s help, while his exploits bring him to Singapore retracing Leiko’s trail.
Overall, an interesting story thus far, slow-moving, but well developed. The story by Doug Moench is exciting and intense. The art by the creative team truly stands out, simply beautiful. Altogether, an exhilarating introduction to a hero which everyone will soon know.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.6 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy
The Mutant Messiah has been found and she’s Mutantkind’s last Hope. Cable heads to the future to protect her and is joined by X-Force. But, Bishop, Stryfe, and Apocalypse are all looming.
Cable: The Last Hope Vol. 2 includes X-Force/Cable: Messiah War, Cable (2008) #13-25, X-Force (2008) #14-16 an X-Men: Hope by Craig Kyle, Christopher Yost, Duane Swierczynski, Mike Choi, Ariel Olivetti, Paul Gulacy, Gabriel Guzman, Humberto Ramos, George Caragonne, Paco Medina, Clayton Crain, Steve Dillon, and more!
Get your copy in comic shops now and book stores December 24! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
For us fans of Bruce Lee, in his limited filmography lies a treasure trove of life lessons. Ones that pushes people beyond what they accept for themselves and ones in which infinite potential is the ceiling. His book, the Tao Of Jeet Kune Do, impresses on its readers to“Not being tense but ready. Not thinking but not dreaming. Not being set but flexible. Liberation from the uneasy sense of confinement. It is being wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.” As these words would confuse most, but to see the forest through the trees per say, is what his philosophies demanded for comprehension.
These philosophies were embedded in every role he played, as these backstories for each character, he had something to do with it. Enter The Dragon carried many of his philosophies about martial arts and life in general. His most personal film was his last, Game Of Death, very action packed and one which intertwines his philosophies all throughout. In the last book of Green Lantern: Dragon Lord, our hero must go on his ow quest to find the woman who holds his heart and to purge evil throughout the kingdom.
We find Jong Li, about to enter the fabled Lung Mountain, where a series of trials and marauders await his arrival, each one he must conquer and save Jade Moon. General Shan plots to have the power of the Green Lantern to himself as well as overthrow the emperor, both are at his grasp, if he defeats Jong Li. As Jong Li, fights his way to the top of the mountain, he brings back the Dragon Lords, is finally able to confront Shan. By book’s end, not everything goes as planned, as he saves Jade Moon, but she still suffers a fatality, her son becomes the new emperor and Jong Li enters history a legend.
Overall, a heart rendering end to a great story, one which gets to the core of what makes Jonng Li, one of the greatest Green Lanterns of all time. The story by Doug Moench is whimsical, thriving with lore and gives the reader a nice slice of history. The art by the creative team more than complements the story, it illuminates these great characters. Altogether, an almost perfect ending to a such a momentous story.
Story: Doug Moench
Art: Bob Lappan, Dave Stewart, Joe Rubinstein, Paul Gulacy and James Sinclair Story: 10 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy
For us fans of Bruce Lee, in his limited filmography lies a treasure trove of life lessons. Ones that pushes people beyond what they accept for themselves and ones in which infinite potential is the ceiling. His book, the Tao Of Jeet Kune Do, impresses on its readers to“Not being tense but ready. Not thinking but not dreaming. Not being set but flexible. Liberation from the uneasy sense of confinement. It is being wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.” As these words would confuse most, but to see the forest through the trees per say, is what his philosophies demanded for comprehension.