Tag Archives: southern cross

Around the Tubes

It was new comic book day yesterday. What’d folks get? What’d you like? What’d you not like?

While you figure that all out, here’s some comic book news from around the web.

Around the Tubes

Kotaku – PlayStations Get Free Civil War And Ant-Man DLC For LEGO Avengers – Nice.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1

Comic Vine – Batman & Robin Eternal #15

Comic Vine – Captain America: Sam Wilson #5

Comics Alliance – The Legend of Wonder Woman #1

CBR – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #0

Talking Comics – Red Sonja Vol. 3 #1

Comic Vine – Secret Wars #9

CBR – Secret Wars #9

Talking Comics – Southern Cross Vol. 1

Preview: Southern Cross #3

Southern Cross #3

Story By: Becky Cloonan
Art By: Andy Belanger
Art By: Lee Loughridge
Cover By: Becky Cloonan
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: MAR150599
Published: May 13, 2015

The Southern Cross begins to give up its secrets, and Braith finds that the more she learns about her sister’s death, the less she actually knows her.

SouthernCross03_Cover

Preview: Southern Cross #2

Southern Cross #2

Story By: Becky Cloonan
Art By: Andy Belanger
Art By: Lee Loughridge
Cover By: Andy Belanger
Cover By: Lee Loughridge
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: FEB150634
Published: April 8, 2015

Day two on board the SOUTHERN CROSS’s five-day voyage to Titan, and the mysteries are already piling up. Like where has BRAITH’s cabin-mate disappeared to? Just how many people have died on board the ship? And how many of those spirits are still haunting the dark corners of the SOUTHERN CROSS? The plot thickens as BRAITH starts making connections, leading her through doors that should have been kept shut.

SouthernCross02_Cover

Review: Southern Cross #1

SouthernCross01_CoverNOW BOARDING: Southern Cross, tanker flight 73 to TITAN! Alex Braith is on board retracing her sister’s steps to the refinery moon, hoping to collect her remains and find some answers. The questions keep coming though—how did her sister die? Where did her cabin mate disappear to? Who is that creep across the hall? And why does she always feel like she’s being watched? Inspired by classic mysteries and weird fiction, Southern Cross is a crucible of creeping anxiety and fear as Braith struggles with the ghosts of her past on board a ship that holds secrets best kept buried.

The first issue of Southern Cross is an interesting one, and I’m honestly torn a bit about it. The series is completely fascinating, following a woman who’s traveling to retrieve the body of her sister, and figure out how she died. All of that is set against a sci-fi world, where travel back and forth in space feels like a throwback to ocean travel of the early 1900s. The setting, story, style, and more is just a fascinating combination.

What really stands out is the vibe of the first issue, and how that’s especially present in the art. Writer Becky Cloonan is joined by Andy Belanger and Lee Loughridge on art. All of it together feels like a futuristic throwback where you can almost see the rust on the ship, feel the claustrophobic hallways, and hear the creaking of the ship. The series could be set on board the Titanic, and the vibe would be similar. For as futuristic the series is, it’s also very retro in its nature, and that’s what’s very cool about it.

The story is a solid one, and I want to see where Cloonan goes with it. The biggest issue I have is with some of the art, which is a bit uneven. The problem I see peppered throughout is with perspective, especially with the ship, which at times doesn’t quite look right. Which is interesting, because some of the page layouts are very cool and inventive.

The first issue of Southern Cross is really good, but there’s absolutely some flaws to it. But, there’s more than enough to make me want to come back and see where the mystery goes from here.

Story: Becky Cloonan Art: Andy Belanger, Lee Loughridge
Story: 8 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Around the Tubes

It was new comic book day yesterday! What did everyone get?

Around the Tubes

The Beat – San Diego Comic-Con parking goes to lottery system – So glad I don’t drive.

The Independent – The All-Islamic super-heroes: Muslim children love ‘The 99’ comics, but hardliners loathe their creator – whose trial for heresy is looming – Ugh.

iO9 – The Secret History Of Marvel’s Movies Before Iron Man: Part 1 – Some good history here.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – Action Comics #40

Comic Vine – The Amazing Spider-Man #16

Comic Vine – Ant-Man #3

Comic Vine – Batman Eternal #49

Comic Vine – Bill & Ted’s Most Triumphant Return #1

Comic Vine – Captain Marvel #13

Comic Vine – Deadpool #43

Comic Vine – Ghosted #18

Comic Vine – Green Lantern Corps #40

CBR – Hellbreak #1

Comic Vine – Howard the Duck #1

CBR – Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Vol. 3 #1

CBR – Ms. Marvel #13

Comic Vine – New Suicide Squad #8

The Beat – Ninjak #1

Comic Vine – Ninjak #1

The Outhousers – Ninjak #1

Comic Vine – Southern Cross #1

The Beat – Southern Cross #1

Comic Vine – Star Wars #3

Comic Vine – Thor #6

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

HOWARD001_COVWednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Brett

Top Pick: Howard the Duck #1 (Marvel) – Chip Zdarsky is generally hilarious. Just search for his history with Applebees. His writing Howard the Duck hopefully will be half as funny. I’m expecting it to be just insane, and beyond entertaining.

Bill & Ted’s Most Triumphant Return #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Hopefully this comic series based off of the two films is excellent and not heinous. While I somewhat expect the latter, I love the first Bill and Ted film, so hoping for the best.

Ninjak #1 (Valiant Entertainment) – Valiant is the best superhero universe out there right now. They consistently put out fantastic comics with great art. This series puts the focus on Ninjak, the sometime MI-6 and Unity team member. It’s an awesome first issue, with amazing art, another solid debut from Valiant.

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Vol. 3 #1 (Archaia/BOOM! Studios) – Mouse Guard is consistently a fantastic series with a beautiful story and art to match. A new volume is always something to celebrate, especially since the series is perfect for kids and adults alike.

Southern Cross #1 (Image Comics) – NOW BOARDING: Southern Cross, tanker flight 73 to TITAN! Alex Braith is on board retracing her sister’s steps to the refinery moon, hoping to collect her remains and find some answers. The questions keep coming though—how did her sister die? It’s science fiction meets a murder mystery.

 

Edward

Top Pick: Thor #6 (Marvel) –  Neither gods nor readers yet know the identity of the new Thor.  Answers are unlikely here, but the path to finding out has been pretty fun so far.

Ant-Man #3 (Marvel) – The first issue was a gem, and the second was a bit of a dud. Which will the third issue be?

Postal #2 (Top Cow Productions/Minotaur Press) – The first issue of this mystery series from Image was compelling, combining unexpectedly engaging characters with a one-of-a-kind setting.

Spider-Gwen #2 (Marvel) – After a near frenzy of excitement over the alternate universe Spider-Woman/Spider-Gwen, the first issue somewhat failed to capitalize on it with a good story.  It will be interesting to see if they are going to.

Wonderland #33 (Zenescope) – Calie and the Cheshire go on another quest to rid Wonderland of madness. The first was pretty great, so the second arc looks promising.

 

Elana

Top Pick: The Humans TP (Image Comics) –  My top pick of the year. 1970 outlaw bikers: they are animals! The animals are us! Literally. Tom Neely and color artist Kristina Collantes’ art puts others to shame. Mind blowing scenes of insanity with period-accurate costumes (I’d know) and bikes (they tell me) composed by an artist with the best chops around. It feels like a real underground comic from 70 but more accessible, action-heavy yet character driven. It is living proof of the value of hand lettering. It has an online soundtrack of garage punk/metal/ “is this a john carpenter movie?” soundtrack. https://m.soundcloud.com/the-humans-soundtrack

Oh and it’s by the Henry and Glenn crew. This has a cult-like following. One of us!

Adventure Time: Marceline Gone Adrift #3 (KaBOOM!/BOOM! Studios) – I haven’t read this yet but I need to. She’s a remarkable creation and I’m glad they keep making series with her in the lead. Do you know a kid that digs this series? Let me know in the comments.

Ms. Marvel #13 (Marvel) – Some day your kids will ask you “Parent, did you read Ms Marvel when it was coming out? I learned it revolutionized the industry and was utterly charming.” And you will say yes, or you will be ashamed. SHAMED!

Silver Surfer #10 (Marvel) – I’m no expert Whovian but this book is less Doctor Who then I expected. It’s more something of its own and I think that’s because Surfer’s voice is unique. At times Dawn feels too childlike. But with art this fun I’ve got to keep buying it.

Southern Cross #1 (Image Comics) – The panels from this that have been trickling out on social media are stunning. Colleen Doran’s art is dark and beautiful. I don’t even know the concept. I’m getting it anyway

 

Nevada

Top Pick: Roller Girl (Dial Books) – Junior high school was a really difficult time for me so I can relate to Roller Girl’s challenges as she navigates that minefield. Wish I would’ve had roller derby—can’t wait to see Roller Girl in action!

Artist & Models: The Glamour Art of Kent Steine (Binary Publications) – Love the cover of this volume and look forward to perusing the pages filled with glamour art & photographs as well as commentary by Mr. Steine.

Constantine #23 (DC Comics) – I’m a big fan of the show and new to the comic so I look forward to giving this a look to see Constantine on the page. Love his attitude and supernatural noir sensibility.

Juxtapose #171 (High Speed Productions) – I always feel so in the know and cutting edge when I read Juxtapose, with its up to the minute art and graphic news and lavish layouts; this Underground Art issue looks like one not-to-be-missed.

Lisa Simpson Figurine (Monogram Products) – I love Lisa and share many of her interests and concerns, so I’ll have to get this figurine for my desk to inspire me when I’m feeling somewhat misunderstood—just keep playing that sax, Lisa! Also it makes me want to listen to jazz music.

Preview: Southern Cross #1

Southern Cross #1

Story By: Becky Cloonan
Art By: Andy Belanger
Art By: Lee Loughridge
Cover By: Becky Cloonan
Price: $2.99
Diamond ID: JAN150571
Published: March 11, 2015

NOW BOARDING: Southern Cross, tanker flight 73 to TITAN! Alex Braith is on board retracing her sister’s steps to the refinery moon, hoping to collect her remains and find some answers. The questions keep coming though—how did her sister die? Where did her cabin mate disappear to? Who is that creep across the hall? And why does she always feel like she’s being watched? Inspired by classic mysteries and weird fiction, SOUTHERN CROSS is a crucible of creeping anxiety and fear as Braith struggles with the ghosts of her past on board a ship that holds secrets best kept buried.

SouthernCross01_Cover

SDCC Image Expo 2014: Image Announces 12 New Series

Image_Comics_logo_largeImage Comics to kick off San Diego Comic-Con held a special Image Expo where they announced a dozen new series!

Check out below for a complete listing and some art from the series.

Rick Remender and Sean Gordon Murphy’s TOKYO GHOST:

TOKYO GHOST welcomes readers to the isles of New Los Angeles, 2189. Humanity has become nothing more than a sea of consumers, ravenous and starving wolves, sick from toxic contamination, who have to borrow, beg, and steal for the funds to buy, buy, buy their next digital fix. Getting a thrill, a distraction from reality, is the only thing left to live for. Entertainment is the biggest industry, the drug everyone needs, and gangsters run it all. And who do these gangsters turn to when they need the “law” enforced? Led Dent and Debbie Decay, constables of the law, which is a nice way to say “brutal killing machines.” The duo are about to be presented with an assignment that will force them out of the decay of LA and into the mysterious lost nation of Tokyo.

Marian Churchland, Claire Gibson, and Sloane Leong’s FROM UNDER MOUNTAINS:

Set in the isolated country of Akhara, rival houses face off in the struggle for political power and military security in FROM UNDER MOUNTAINS. Three unlikely figures—a lord’s daughter, a disgraced knight, and a runaway thief—will change the fate of their world, but the only hope of peace may lie with the mystery shrouded goblins and witches, and the ancient powers they command.

Joe Casey and Paul Maybury’s VALHALLA MAD:

VALHALLA MAD introduces a set of brand new characters: the Glorious Knox, Greghorn the Battlebjorn and Jhago the Irritator. The series depicts this

particular trio of fun-loving gods’ return to Earth—Manhattan, specifically—to drink and party and revel in their resplendent godhood after many decades of being away. Needless to say, they find a very different world than the one they last visited.

John Arcudi and James Harren’s RUMBLE:

RUMBLE is a strange book, that’s for sure—like a scarecrow-Conan fighting in a Louis C.K. TV show directed by David Fincher—with a supporting cast of odd characters, many of whom aren’t even human.

Ray Fawkes’ INTERSECT:

Bodies shift and merge, warring with themselves. Blood rains from the skies. A child’s song is translated into toxic, thought-destroying whispers. Everything is changing. Everything is wrong. This is the world of INTERSECT.

Tom Neely and Keenan Marshall Keller’s THE HUMANS:

Apart, they are nothing… deemed by society as outcasts, misfits, losers, no good punks! But together, they are THE HUMANS! Follow Bobby, Johnny, and all The HUMANS as they fight and fly down the road to oblivion on a ride filled with chains, sex, leather, denim, hair, blood, bananas and chrome.

Gabriel Hardman’s KINSKI and Hardman and Corinna Bechko’s INVISIBLE REPUBLIC:

KINSKI, previously a digital-only collection, both written and drawn by Hardman, promises to be a quirky crime thriller about Joe, a down-on-his-luck salesman who finds a cute puppy. The thing is, this puppy already has a home. What starts as a simple rescue mission from neglectful owners quickly escalates into a righteous crusade. Hardman announced a second project to be executed with frequent collaborator Bechko (HEATHENTOWN, Savage Hulk, Star Wars: Legacy). Described as a gritty sci-fi series, INVISIBLE REPUBLIC explores the secret history of one man’s rise to power after an unspeakable act of violence elevates him to folk-hero status on a war-torn planet seeking independence.

Becky Cloonan and Andy Belanger’s SOUTHERN CROSS:

Now boarding: SOUTHERN CROSS, tanker flight 73 to Titan. Alex Braith is on board retracing her sister’s steps to the refinery moon, hoping to collect her remains and find some answers. The questions keep coming though—How did her sister die? Where did her cabin mate disappear to? Who is that creep across the hall? And why does she always feel like she’s being watched?

Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen’s DESCENDER:

DESCENDER will explore one young robot’s struggle to stay alive in a universe where all androids have been outlawed and bounty hunters lurk on every planet.

Ivan Brandon and Nic Klein’s DRIFTER:

Mankind’s colonization of the galaxy has left countless planets mined bare and lifeless in DRIFTER. A space transport crashes onto a backwater world whose unique properties set the stage for a story that combines the dark wonder of a strange and alien landscape with the struggles of an abandoned and lawless frontier town.

Kurt Busiek and Ben Dewey’s TOOTH AND CLAW:

In TOOTH AND CLAW, a secret conclave of wizards brings a legendary champion back through time to save the world, with disastrous consequences. Swords, sorcery, animal-wizards, gods, empires, golems of radioactive decay, crystalline badlands, con women, ancient armories, young love, mystery, blood and death and treachery and destiny…TOOTH AND CLAW is an epic story you won’t want to miss out on.

Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey’s INJECTION:

INJECTION explores how loud and strange the world is becoming, and the sense that it’s all bubbling into chaos—a chaos poised to become the Next New Normal—and that we did this to ourselves without thinking for a second about how we were ever going to live inside it.