Tag Archives: superior

Around the Tubes

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Wondercon was this past weekend and the 2012 news deluge is underway.

Around the Blogs:

Bleeding Cool – Mark Waid Sells His Print Comics To Fund His Digital Comics – Some nice dedication.

Bleeding Cool – “Why Doesn’t Each Issue Start With Matt Holding A Gun In His Mouth?” – The Mark Waid Panel At WonderCon – Once panel I wish I could have attended.

Comics Alliance – IDW Publishing Announces Ongoing ‘Womanthology’ Comic – Some great news.

Bleeding Cool – DC, Dynamite And Earthworld Comics Give Troops In Afghanistan Their Own Free Comic Book Day – Great to see folks support the troops.

Bleeding Cool – The Digital Comics Price Fight – Chip “Cuddles” Mosher Vs Mark Waid – This had to be an interesting panel.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews:

CBR – The Shade #6

Saffron Walden Reporter – Superior

Comic Book (sort of) Weekly Reviews – 1/18/12

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Getting closer to being caught up with reviews….

Avenging Spider-Man #3 – So much fun and entertaining.  The art is fantastic and the story got me laughing.  If this is what all Spider-Man comics are like I definitely am missing something.  Everything clicks here.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

the Avengers #21 – Norman Osborn takes on this team as well and kicks the crap out of them.  Not a stand alone issue, it’s just a small sliver of the bigger story.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Batman #5 –  The story has Batman captured by the Court of Owls and he’s being broken down mentally.  The story is interesting, but mix it with the presentation and you have the best single issue so far this year.  Absolutely amazing in it’s presentation and package.

Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10

Captain Atom #5 – Captain Atom is struggling with who he is and what he can do.  He flies around and fights a thing.  The art is still solid, but the story is not quite as good as previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Chew #23 – As usual, the comic had me roaring with laughter.  So twisted and so entertaining at the same time.  There’s so much win in this one issue.  One of the most unique comics on the market and a must read for everyone every month.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Daredevil #8 –

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

DC Universe Presents: Deadman #5 – Deadman stands up for himself and holds all the cards.  Will he be able to get out of the quests he must live through?  The story is a decent ending, but overall, not sure what I think of the series as a whole.  I think I’d rather have an anthology with shorter stories.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.75

Fables #113 – Speaking of short stories…. this one has a bunch of lessons to be learned with various short stories acting as the entertainment.  It’s a break from the usual plot line, but that takes away from a rather complicated story.  It’s a not needed distraction from the usual story.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Generation Hope #15 – Hope is standing up for Sebastian Shaw as others on the island don’t really like that there’s some mutants who are treated better than others.  Overall, an ok issue.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7 Overall: 7.25

Fear Itself: The Fearless #7 – A lot of fighting and a big twist I didn’t see coming.  Now I’m interested in seeing where this goes.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.25

Green Lantern Corps. #5 – We get the story behind the Keepers as Guy puts together a team to take them on.  Lots going on in the Green Lantern world and a lot of history being revealed.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

The Invincible Iron Man #512 – Tony is dealing with his issues as so many people are out to get him.  On top of that a war is breaking out he needs to help stop.  The series isn’t quite as good as it was pre-Fear Itself, but it’s still damn good.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

Moon Knight #9 – Moon Knight takes on a big baddie as his mind continues to shatter.  It’s awesome cutting back and forth between the fight and his preparation and that ending is awesome.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

New Mutants #36 – The team fights a being from another world and I yawn.

Story: 6.75 Art: 6.75 Overall: 6.75

Nightwing #5 – Um, what the hell did I read.  There’s some ok stuff, but the story with a demon falls flat.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.75

Supergirl #5 – Supergirl heads to Krypton to get answers.  The story is ok, and doesn’t have quite the emotional impact it should, but there’s some great art at points.  There’s definite quality here, it’s a series that’s trying to find it’s role right now.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.5

Superior #7 – And that’s the end.  With one hell of a fight scene and a rather touching post fight wrap up, Mark Millar shows he doesn’t have to dip to the lowest level to tell a good story.  The series is great and I can’t wait to see this on the big screen, should be one hell of a movie because it’s one hell of a comic.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.75

Thunderbolts #169 – The team is now in Camelot times.  The story is ok, but there’s something about the time travel arc that just doesn’t click with me.  The story is good, I’d imagine many will like it, but I’d rather have them in the present and move on with the story of the team dealing with their being on the run.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #6 – I still dig this series as Miles Morales deals with being the new Spider-Man.  His uncle heads to Mexico and there’s a lot of foreshadowing.  The art takes a dip, but the story and the enthusiasm that oozes from it is so much fun.

Story: 8.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 8.25

Uncanny X-Force #20 – Hmmm, so much I want to praise and so much wrong.  The series is very much deep in “X” continuity with a concept only hardcore fans will enjoy.  The story has Fantomex put on trial and the team needing to go save him in Otherworld.  There’s a lot that’s good, the team interaction and ideas, and lots that’s wrong, the story is a bit muddled.  Not a good start for the next story arc.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #5 – The fallout from Archangel’s decent into madness is being investigated and there’s a lot that’s interesting here.  The art doesn’t fit at times, nor does some of the characters’ statements.  It’s good though, better than what’s come before.  That ending was interesting, not sure what to expect.

Story: 8 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8

Venom #12 – We find out what Venom is supposed to steal and he loses his shit when it becomes clear.  Lots of fighting all to get him to a different spot and in Vegas.  We’ll see where the next arc takes him, this one started out solid, but ended a bit flat.

Story: 7.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.25

Wonder Woman #5 – What the hell did I just read?  The story is off, the art is off.  Something just didn’t sit right with me this issue.  Not the best it’s been in the past.  I know this creative team can do better, we’ve seen it in the four previous issues.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 10/19/11

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A week behind in comics, but I’ll be caught up with reviews this weekend.  What stands out?  What’s not worth the read?  Find out below!

The Avengers #18 – The battle is over and Avengers Tower has fallen, so everyone has gathered in the mansion.  There’s also a back story about a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.  That’s all that really happens.  The cover asks who will be a part of the Avengers, and it’s not answered in this issue.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Batman #2 – A pretty solid second issue.  There’s a nice mystery here and we still don’t quite know who or what the villain is.  Unfortunately, an interesting character is done away with and part of the comic stretches belief a bit, but an entertaining comic.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

The Bionic Man #3 – Steve Austin is a broken man and an offer is made to him that’ll change his life.  But, the world thinks he’s dead and he wishes he was.  The series isn’t as straight as the original and seems that it will focus a bit on a man whose life is shattered and has to deal with not being the man he once was.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Captain Atom #2 – This second issue gives us a bit of the origin for Captain Atom and we learn a little bit more about his powers.  I like how the issue slows it down a bit having the character taking on a very real opponent instead of some grand villain.  It’s a quieter issue for the series and I think it actually improves upon the first.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

DC Universe Presents #2 – The second issue sees Deadman attempting to figure out what the hell is going on and what his mission is.  Not quite as good as the first issue and I can’t say I was a big fan of the denizens of the club he visits, but I like the overall direction of the comic.  An interesting take on the character and fun to see a non-superhero comic be a part of DC’s new 52.

Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5

Fables #110 – The debate as to who will be the next North Wind continues as the other three winds plot about how to handle the situation.  Meanwhile a revolution is brewing in Oz as more and more allies join the team.  The series has a lot going on, and I can’t help but feel what’s going on in Oz isn’t similar to things we’ve seen before.  Still, an excellent series.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Fear Itself #7 – The final issue of the main story would work much better as an animated movie with such action, but it’s the numerous endings that steals any emotional impact at all.  This isn’t really an ending at all, but the beginning of what comes next.  For such an event, it feels hollow in a way as it just leads into an even longer story.  No real conclusion steals any impact that might have been had.

Story: 7 Art: 8 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: The Fearless #1 – The first of the series to spin out of Fear Itself picks up right where the event ended with the decision as to what to do with the hammers being made, others would disagree or try to gain them.  Interestingly enough, this first issue is better than the series it spun out of.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Fear Itself: The Homefront #7 – Generally forgettable, the final pages to Speedball’s story is ok, and the last story is actually pretty decent, but overall this miniseries, like so many tied into Fear Itself, wasn’t a must read and added little to the overall storyline.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #6 – That last little bit with Prodigy was awesome, really funny.  The rest of the comic, especially Thor Girl’s bit, what the hell!?  Especially Thor Girl’s part!  I’m just totally confused.

Story: 6 Art: 7.75 Overall: 6.25

Green Lantern Corps. #2 – Looks like Guy and his team have bumped up against a bunch of other folks who use willpower.  The story is pretty crazy and entertaining and that ending was really solid.  It seems quite a few of the DC revamp second issues haven’t lived up to the first, but this one remains solid.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Invincible Iron Man #509 – The back story of how the heroes got their weapons from Odin ends here and that part is forgettable.  What’s great is Tony struggling with his drinking and what happens to Pepper.  Not as solid as past issues, but the story works, even if it’s tied into Fear Itself and that’s primarily due to it’s focus on the human aspect of it all.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Journey Into Mystery #629 – The first half of the story I wasn’t the biggest fan of but the end where Loki discusses what he’s done and what the reaction might be is fantastic.  I can’t say I’ve gushed over the series, but I’ve really appreciated it’s style and what it’s doing.  Now that it no longer has to deal with Fear Itself, I’m expecting some big things.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Justice League #2 – The team is still coming together and I can’t say the character portrayals is all that good.  Superman is still a dick and Batman like a dad, but Green Lantern and The Flash have a nice thing going and hints there’s been interaction before.  The story slowly is revealed and it’s ok.  If this is the lynchpin of the new DCU, it still needs some help.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 7.75

Nightwing #2 – Nightwing/Dick Grayson seems to be getting back to his roots with the circus in this series.  It’s nice to see him getting pulled back to that and that makes him unique from Batman.  I’m not quite totally sure where the series is going, but so far so good.  I really like Dick being the playboy he should be, there’s something fun about his version of it, like you get a sense he’s having fun versus Bruce’s brooding.  Not great, but an entertaining second issue.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Superboy #2 – An interesting second issue, what might keep me going with the series is it’s tie in with the Teen Titans.  I really like Superboy’s attitude and what they’re setting the character up as, but the rest is meh.  I feel like I’ve seen it before.  It’s all interesting, and the question of where it’s going may keep me around, but none of it is totally original or stands out.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25

Supergirl #2 – We learn Kara/Supergirl’s connection to Superman, but not the why she’s now on Earth.  I’m digging the story.  Her reaction seems natural and there’s a slow progression I dig.  This is a series I’ll be sticking with for a bit I think, cause I really like what I’ve read so far.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Superior #7 – Become a super hero at the cost of your soul, that’s all one handicapped kid has to do to become god-like.  This second to last issue is utterly fantastic in the type of series Mark Millar should constantly be writing.  There’s a few holy shit moments and some great personal ones as well.  Beyond top notch.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.5

Ultimate Comics Hawkeye #3 – Hawkeye and his team assault the two cities.  There’s some cool moments, but this third issue isn’t quite as tight as the first two.  Still, entertaining.

Story: 7.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.5

Uncanny X-Men #544 – A pretty solid look back at the X-Men with some great interaction and discussions between various folks.  There’s also a lot of hints as to what’s to come as we see the next villain the X-Men will face.  A bitter sweet end.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wolverine #17 – Ok, now this is the type of Wolverine story I like.  Before heading back East, there’s still some things Wolverine needs to take care of in Chinatown.  A great mix of humor, action and a touch of heart.  After a few arcs of Wolvie I haven’t enjoyed, it seems we’re getting something I can finally get behind.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Wonder Woman #2 – We’re given a story about Wonder Woman’s origin, but I’m not convinced that’s the whole story.  Overall, a really entertaining second issue that has this series standing out as one of the best of the DC relaunch.  Great art and a solid story.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

X-Factor #226 – The team is back in all of their entertaining form.  Great banter and interaction and some things I wasn’t expecting.  After a few issues that seemed very off in tone the team is back on track it’d seem.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Comic Book Weekly Reviews – 10/5/11

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This week was the first big test for DC as the first wave of second issues hit the stands and the X-Men’s event wraps up setting them upon a relaunch of their own…

Animal Man #2 – Um, yeah… the second issue of the series goes of the deep end into Vertigo territory with a straight up horror story.  It’s beyond weird and I feel like I should drop some LSD while reading it.  But, it looks like what we saw in the first issue of Swamp Thing might be tied into this series, which is interesting.  The second issue is still very solid, but maybe not for everyone.

Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25

Batman: Detective Comics #2 – This is for teens?  The series continues it’s gruesome ways at Batman gets closer to the Dollmaker who has an interesting group of folks hanging around him.  There’s a lot interesting here, but it feels like a more gruesome, by the numbers Batman story.  It’s not bad in any way and pretty entertaining, but with two other Batman comics out there, this isn’t the best of the bunch.

Story: 8 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8

Batwing #2 – The bad guy going around killing retired heroes is called Massacre and this issue’s focus is to show how tough Batwing is.  It’s an ok story, but the art is what makes it stand out.  Not as solid as the first issue, but for a series trying to find it’s legs (or wings in this case) it’s not too bad.

Story: 7.5 Art: 8 Overall: 7.75

Blood Red Dragon #0 – The lead up between the much hyped new series from Stan Lee and Yoshiki.  The series is a big yawn, been there done that.  Mechanized demons want to take over the world, but a champion in the form of a pop star is there to stop them.  It’s very anime influenced, but just feels like a bad knock off.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75

Chew #21 – One of the most entertaining comics on the market shakes it up by firing Tony Chu, well really transfering him.  The story is funny and beyond fun as expected.  There’s a lot of plot threads that are out there, but each issue is such a pleasure to read, I don’t mind how long it takes to get to any of them.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Men of War #2 – Two stories again, neither really hold up.  Sgt. Rock continues his mission to grab a Senator held hostage while some weirdness goes on.  Then there’s a back up story of another squad.  Neither work very well and all together it’s a jumbled mess.  I said I’d give the series another chance with the second issue, but it heads to the chopping block for me.

Story: 6.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.5

Moon Knight #6 – Such a good series.  Moon Knight and Echo make up and there’s some great play on the fact that Moon Knight has been seeing folks.  The art is fantastic, story pacing is solid and interaction and dialogue really great as well.  This is a definite must read series and one of the best Marvel is putting out right now.

Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5

Red Lantern #2 – Atrocitus is still figuring out his Corps.’ role in the universe, but really it’s the DC version of Ghost Rider.  He’ll enact revenge on those who can’t do it themselves.  It’s not bad and there’s something poetic to the writing, but the series and the character has a long way to go to make it stand out on it’s own.

Story: 7.75 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7.75

Spider-Island: Heroes for Hire – I didn’t pay enough attention and thought I was grabbing a new issue of Heroes for Hire, but instead it’s a one shot.  The story is ok and there’s development of the characters, but being tied into yet another event isn’t helping the series.  A yawner and not needed unless you’re really into the Spider-Island story line.

Story: 6.75 Art: 7.25 Overall: 6.75

Stormwatch #2 – I wasn’t very familiar with the series before reading last month’s first issue, but this is just out there.  I’m still torn as to what to think about it, but will give it the first arc to play out before I really make my final decision.  Overall though it’s not quite as easy to follow as it probably should be,

Story: 7 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7

Superior #5 – That other “Mark Millar book” takes a look at what happens when a super hero is real and what he’ll do to keep the power he has.  It’s a much better series than that other one with some great moments and feel to it.  Hopefully it can start coming out on time again.

Story: 8 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8

Swamp Thing #2 – A very interesting second issue that seems to tie in a lot with Animal Man.  The series explained really what’s up with Alec Holland and his time as Swamp Thing.  It’s a lot of rewriting of history (I think) but it puts the series in it’s own place.  A solid read that cements DC as a go to company for horror.

Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8

Thunderbolts #164 – There’s lots of talk about changing history and it’s all good.  Not the best the series has been, but I’m interested in seeing where it goes.

Story: 7 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7

The Walking Dead #89 – Rick has been having some doubts about his leadership and by the end of the issue there’s no doubt the bad ass is back in charge.  Just a great issue that really focuses on the human aspect of it all.

Story: 8.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.75

X-Men #19 – A pretty meh story arc, but the best part was the interaction between Magneto and Doom.  I’d love to see more of them together debating the line between villainy and heroism.

Story: 7 Art: 8.25 Overall: 7

X-Men: Schism #5 – The first half of the comic was very blah, but the second half was solid.  The debate between Cyclops and Wolverine was fantastic and that last page gave me chills.  The line of “X” comics has needed a shake up and it looks like this is exactly the thing to do it.

Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75

X-23 #15 – So bad, so very very bad….

Story: 6 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.25

Your First Look At The Kick-Ass/Nemesis/Superior Crossover!

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Official Press Release

Your First Look At The KICK-ASS/NEMESIS/SUPERIOR Crossover!

Get your first look at three awe-inspiring variant covers from superstar artist Leinil Francis Yu, uniting the characters of Kick-Ass, Nemesis, and Superior in one climactic battle scene! When placed together, the Kick Ass 2 #2 Yu Variant, Superior #4 Yu Variant, and Nemesis #4 Yu Variant covers form a showdown between three of Millar’s most celebrated series!

“People kept suggesting I do a crossover with the Millarworld characters and I kind of loved the idea,” said Mark Millar. “It wouldn’t make sense as a story as they all exist in their own distinct universes. But I was talking to Leinil in New York about this a few weeks back and we came up with this idea of spreading the image across three variants, each character touching the front cover of another book and it seemed very exciting. These are my wee babies so to see them all playing together gives me a warm glow. I’m collecting them to form one big image and to have it framed over my desk.”

KICK ASS 2 #2 (AUG100660)

KICK ASS 2 #2 YU VARIANT (OCT108129)

Written by MARK MILLAR

Pencils & Cover by JOHN ROMITA JR.

Variant cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

Mature…$2.99

FOC – 12/3/10, On-Sale – 12/29/10

SUPERIOR #4 (of 6) (NOV100628)

SUPERIOR #4 (of 6) YU VARIANT (OCT108130)

Written by MARK MILLAR

Pencils & Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

Variant cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

Mature…$2.99

FOC – 12/10/10, On-Sale – 1/5/11

NEMESIS #4 (of 6) (JUN100644)

NEMESIS #4 (of 6) YU VARIANT (OCT108131)

Written by MARK MILLAR

Pencils & Cover by STEVE McNIVEN

Variant cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

Mature…$2.99

FOC – 12/3/10, On-Sale – 12/29/10

Millar World Triple Cover

Superior #1 Sells Out And Returns With Second Printing!

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Official Press Release

SUPERIOR #1 Sells Out And Returns With Second Printing!

After an overwhelming debut, Superior #1 has sold out at Diamond (though copies may still be available at the retail level) and will return with Superior #1 Second Printing Variant! From the superstar creative team of writer Mark Millar and artist Leinil Francis Yu comes the tale of one unfortunate boy who finally gets his chance at greatness! Witness the birth of Superior, the ultimate superhero brought to life! And with a brand new gorgeous cover by Yu, no fan can miss this chance to get in on this groundbreaking new series!

Look what the critics have to say about Superior:

“Millar is a master at getting all of his pieces in play before letting the action unfold. We care for Simon, we like Chris, we feel sorry for the mother, we hate the school bullies, etc. By the end splash page Millar has completely invested us in what’s going on.” – Iann Robinson, CraveOnline.com

“Leinil Yu turns in some mighty fine work.” – Richard George, IGN.com

“…what Millar is trying to do with most of his stories is convey a sense of fun.” – Johnny Destructo, AintItCool.com

Through what mystical force has the young Simon Pooni been granted the awe-inspiring powers of the legendary celluloid superhero Superior? What will Simon do with this newfound power? Start your journey into the world of Superior with Superior #1 Second Printing Variant this November!

SUPERIOR #1 SECOND PRINTING VARIANT (SEP108105)

Written by MARK MILLAR

Pencils and Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU

Mature…$2.99

FOC – 10/29/10, On-Sale – 11/24/10

SUPERIOR #1 SECOND PRINTING

Get a Comic Character Named After You for Charity

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Mark Millar SuperiorSay what you will about Mark Millar, but the man is dedicated to raising money for his brother’s charity.  He’s at it again, this time allowing to bid and have your name be the main character’s in his upcoming comic Superior.

Following in the footsteps of his auctions for the lead roles in Kick-Ass and Nemesis, Millar has pledged to give everything he can raise here and more towards a special needs unit in a school where his brother, Dr Bobby Millar, has been raising cash for handicapped children for several years.

“Resources are tight at all schools and hospitals in the current economic climate, but we had great success with the Kick-Ass and Nemesis auctions, and hopefully we can raise a similar sum again with this opportunity. To star as a comic-book hero is pretty cool and the intense movie-studio and production-company interest for “Superior” should bode well that whoever wins this auction will get their name out there in many other media too. Dave Lizewski is now an action figure and movie icon as well as a comic-book character and both Matt Anderson and Blake Morrow are delighted to find themselves as the leads in the upcoming Tony Scott adaptation of Nemesis. This could be your big chance and whatever money I receive from the auction will be added to with a private donation of my own and given to the school to celebrate the new term ahead.”

Be sure to bid for your chance to be Millarworld’s next big hit!

Again, a fantastic use of comics, and we applaud Millar for doing this not once, but now a total of three times.  Just great to see.

Head over to ebay to get your bid in which ends on September 9.