What's New Comic Book #4

And we are back after a brief hiatus with a new edition of What’s New Comic Book!  Now more then ever it's important to pre-order in this market as Marvel and DC are releasing so many titles that crossover into major events that's it’s causing the smaller publishers to get lost on the self.  Just the other day Joe and myself went to a comic shop in Rahway, NJ that we haven’t visited since the new 52 was rolled out from DC.  It was a shop that had large wall space for Marvel and DC while also providing a huge section for Image, Dark Horse, and the other various smaller publishers and indie titles.  When we stopped back in recently the amount of non Marvel and DC rack space was cut in half and what was there was overcrowded and prominently featured good girl / bad girl comics.  It was disappointing because I was really looking to discover something new to read.

Why is pre-ordering the comic books you want so important?  To start with your local comic shop has a lot to work with as they’re placing orders in March for what they plan on selling in May.  The Previews catalogue for May shipping titles has 346 pages that they have to wade through.  Then there are the different discount levels they receive per publisher.  Higher the discount means the more money they make for each copy sold.  There’s a lot stacked against non Marvel and DC comic books and I like using this column to showcase a handful of new books that I feel deserve an extra look.  As always if you see something you might find interesting let your LCS now as soon as possible.  It’s the word of mouth from their customers that can help retailers determine where the demand is.  I’ve included the Previews catalogue page number for reference as well as the item codes that can be given to a LCS when placing orders.

X-O MANOWAR #1
(W) Robert Venditti (A) Cary Nord
Publisher Valiant Entertainment
In Shops 5/2/2012
Price $3.99, 32 pages, FC
Cover by Esad Ribic - MAR121221
Pullbox Exclusive Variant by Cary Nord - MAR121222
Variant Cover by David Aja - MAR121223
QR Voice Variant by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic - MAR121224
Catalogue pages 326 - 331

Let’s start things off with not just one of my most anticipated comics, this really covers the publishing line as a whole.  X-O MANOWAR is the first of 4 new titles coming from the launched Valiant Universe.  I want you to forget about the recent Dark Horse line, even when Acclaim came in and took over, this looks like it’s going back to its roots and that is what has me excited.  I got into comics big back in the day when Valiant and Image where at their height, reading and collecting comic books at that time was something special.  I’m also happy to see is such strong creative teams being attached, Cary Nord is a perfect choice of artist here.  

MAN OF GOD #1 (of 6)
(W) Craig Partin (P) Yvel Guichet (I) Stu Berryhill (L) Jonathan Swinney (CA) Yvel Guichet & Dan Brereton
Publisher Pinwheel Press
Price $3.50, 36 pages, B&W
MAR121160
Catalogue page 311
 
That’s a nice segway into our next title featuring Yvel Guichet one of Valiant’s alumni.  Now I didn’t find out about MAN OF GOD through the catalogue, or any of the various comic book news sites I visit, not even though twitter.  I stumbled across this title while clicking around Kickstarter.  This is a site where creative people can bring their projects to get funded by everyday people by offering various levels of incentives.   It was Brereton providing covers that caught my attention and as I read up on this it sounds like it could be interesting.  Right now I’m not reading any horror comics and this could fill that void.

MIND THE GAP #1
(W) Jim McCann
(A/CA) Rodin Esquejo (C/CA) Sonia Oback
Publisher Image Comics
In Shops 5/2/2012
Price $2.99, 48 pages, FC
Cover A - MAR120401
Cover B - MAR120402
Catalogue pages 182 - 185
 
MIND THE GAP looks like it’s going to be an incredibly suspenseful mystery comic book.  There are a lot of interesting titles starting up this month for Image but I just want to focus on this one today.  In addition to a great concept the creative team behind this comic is a must see.  Rodin Esquejo well known for his cover work mostly on creating the stunning look for MORNING GLORIES every month brings his talents here illustrating the interior.  I can’t wait to see what Rodin along with Sonia Oback bring us.  If you’re not familiar with Jim McCann I highly recommend trying out his HC book with Janet Lee titled RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN.  Or if superheroes are more your thing he was very instrumental in bringing Hawkeye & Mockingbird to the forefront at Marvel.  If you’re looking for something completely different then what’s on the selves now MIND THE GAP is for you.

MIKE NORTON’S BATTLEPUG VOLUME 1 HC
(W/A) Mike Norton (C) Allen Passalaqua
In Shops 7/4/2012
Price $14.99, 72 pages, FC, 8 1/2" x 12"
MAR120034
Catalogue page 48
 
Everybody knows Mike Norton right?  He has a huge backlist of outstanding work including THE WAITING PLACE, QUEEN AND COUNTRY, GRAVITY, and most recently FEAR ITSELF: YOUTH IN REVOLT.  He’s currently working on his own web comic BATTLEPUG, yes a web comic.  Just go to http://battlepug.com/ and you can read it right now for free.  Much like me you will fall in love with it.  Why buy a collected edition when you can get it for free?  Honestly there’s nothing like holding a book in your hands and reading it.  Also for the collector that has to have everything there’ll be extras included that aren’t even available at the website.  

That’s it for this month. 4 titles that can be found in the newest Previews catalogue, issue #282, that are honestly completely different from each other.  Superheroes may dominate the market but if you look a little deeper you’ll find so much more.  Check out our link section on the site located at the upper right hand side for more information on everything listed. 

 
George (@GLGJ) 

Would you like a digital copy with that comic?

Okay stay with me here this will make sences soon.  I love my LCS but because I didn't tell them to stop pulling a title soon enough I had to keep buying it.  In this instance it's Ultimate Spider-Man ... oops I mean Ultimate Comics Spider-Man.  I've decided to take it off of my pull list, now don't get me wrong I've loved reading this comic.  And I undestand that anything to bring in new readers is always a plus.  Really as long as the creative team is telling the best stories they can even if they made Peter Parker a 65 year old woman I would've enjoyed it too. ... well maybe not but you get what I'm saying.  So back to the question of why I'm cutting this comic.  It's not because of the story or art, both are truly great, it's because of this "Free" digital copy code.  It may seem little and meaningless but to me free doesn't expire.  "While Supplies Last" or "For a Limited Time Only" does tell me I have to act quickly.

Digital comics are fastly becoming the new way to read your comics.  Be it old or new, having them at your finger tips is just a nice feeling.  Want to read a new issue of The Last Of The Greats?  Just download it and enjoy whenever.  Can't remember what happened in Savage Dragon some odd months ago, which happened to me all the time,  and you have WAY to many long boxes to dig throught,  just scroll throught you digital libery and Bob's your uncle.  As time goes by and digital seems to be the easy answer to solveing where to keep your 1,000 issue plus colloection.  Now that's great and all but I still want to buy old, favorites, or missing issues in physical form.  But with the new comics using the keyword "Free" but only giving a 2 day window to redeem the code it turns me away from your comic books.

The thing is I don't go to my LCS every wednesday or thursday.  I mainly go on a friday or over the weekend so with me not showing up on the day when UCSM is released or even the very next I'm out of luck for the free digital copy.  Only giving buyers 2 days to use your FREE code just doesn't seem right to me.  Even the people who work at my LCS didn't know that was how Marvel's FREE code worked!  So I ended up being forced to buy a $3.99 comics with an expired FREE digital code.  Marvel should at least put this information on their comics so you're aware when putting down your money, that there's a tiny limited window.  

Over at DC Comics if you just paid $1 more over the cover price there seems to be no time limit.  I bought Batman #6 on 2/26, it came out on 2/15 and I was still able to get the digital copy.  This really comes down to wanting it free with a 48 hour window or be willing to pay a $1 more for your free digital comics. 

So unless Marvel is willing to sell copies of Ultimate Comics Spider-Man for $2.99 WITHOUT the free digital copy code, I'll just look for the comics I've missed in the quarter boxes when I attend my next Comics Con.

-Joseph (@AliasJoeG)-

The Afterlife of Deadman

 

DC Universe Presents

Deadman in "Twenty Questions"

Issues 1 - 5

Writer: Paul Jenkins

Artist: Bernard Chang

Colorist: Blond

Letters: Dave Sharpe

Cover Artist: Ryan Sook

Price $2.99 (each)

I really loved DC Universe Presents!  Hopefully DC Universe Presents or DCUP for short will not end up getting cancelled anytime soon.  It's a great way to learn more about DC's New 52 (do I really still need to call it "New"?)  as well as finding out about the characters that aren't featured in their own titles yet.  The first story arc introduces us to Deadman.  Yes he had a large role in Brightest Day and Blackest Night but those stories were from the Old DCU.  With Deadman also appearing in the monthly Justice League Dark (which I LOVE as well) we get to see a new take on the story of how Boston Brand became Deadman.  With DCUP we're getting the origin stories set for this new universe.  This is just the beginning and I already want more!

So the long/short version of the story: Boston Brand dies (how did you think he got the name "Deadman"?) and goes to this Purgatory-ish place and meets Rama, some kinda Alien-Goddess being, who tells him he must "jump" into other people for "enlightenment" so he can get closer to finding himself.  Basically similar to Quantum Leaping into other people, helping them out with the problems that they have.  So why doe he have to do that?  Ummm ....... well Deadman (and myself) don't really know.  Rama never truly did explain why he has to do this.  We move onto Deadman finding out about this club where in the basement there are books about everyone's lives guarded by a sweet old blind fallen angel.  Think of your Grandma but with wings.  She wouldn't give him a straight answer.  Deadman had to threaten setting her place on fire before she would tell him about the Morning Son.  Now where would one find this Morning son?  Why at a carnival of course.  One weird roller coaster ride later that also looked back at all the lives Deadman has touched, Deadman and Morning Son play 20 questions and Deadman finally had his answer (but I was still lost).  It seems Rama has been looking for a new question to answer, that's why she had Deadman leaping through so many people. Just to find her a new question. 

The artwork in this arc was stunning.  The way Bernard Chang and Blond manipulated the pages to make some panels stand out more was genius!  Really loved the way the panels where arranged into the roller coaster in issue 4.  Even every time you saw Deadman's face you felt his pain, that's how powerful the art was.  Also having Ryan Sook illustrating the covers really made these issues stand out on the shelves.  But the true sign of a great storyteller is making you enjoy a character that you don't truly know.  Paul Jenkins did that and then some.  Jenkins' story had me wanting to find older comics with Deadman appearances just to learn more about his past.  I would truly love to see this creative team come back to tell more Deadman stories. 

Hopefully DC Universe Presents can keep this feeling on the upcoming story arcs.  Stories from Abra Kadabrao to Zatanna, from John Constantine to Captain Marvel..... oops, I meant Shazam, and every DC character in-between.  Here's to more first time great reads and the growth of the DC Universe!

~ Joseph (@AliasJoeG) ~

The Ray #1 (2012)

Writers: Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti

Penciller: Jamal Igle

Inker: Rich Perrotta

Colorist: Guy Major

Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $2.99

4 Issue Mini Series

To begin with forget everything you know about The Ray and the hero’s lineage as this is a brand new take on the character.  I know I was thinking the same thing, no more cool helmet or badass leather jacket.  If you where expecting the reintroduction of Ray Terrill into the New DCU you’ll be disappointed but I promise that will not last long as Justin, Jimmy, and Jamal have created a great launch and have produced the ideal jumping on point for new and existing readers.  Keen eyes will notice a mention regarding Happy Terrill, so not all has been forgotten.

Here's a couple of reasons why I found this comic book so enjoyable to read:

A Diverse Cast!  The lead Lucien is Korea, his parents are hippies (and Caucasian … interesting), his best friend Darius is African American, and Chanti his understanding girlfriend is Indian.

Comic books should be Fun!  The humor weaved together with the action made this story stand out.  I kept cracking smiles as I was reading and that will keep me coming back each month.

Secret Identity?  There is none (at this point), Lucien’s family and close friends all know what’s happened to him as well as supporting him in his new role as a Hero.

Shocking Ending!  Violent and shocking, what a way to end the first issue.  I did not see that coming and honestly it caught me off guard, in a good way.  I also liked how it incorporated a location from the Batman mythos, it helped cement this story into the DC Universe.

The next time you visit your local comic shop see if they still have a copy on the shelf.  The second issue is expected on or around January 11th.  It was the creative team of Justin & Jimmy working with Jamal that first caught my attention and if you enjoyed what they’ve produced here make yourself a note to look for some of their past work the next time you’re back issue diving.  I always make a point in trying any comic book that I see their names attached to. 

George (@GLGJ)

Which side are you on?

 Cover Art Team vs Interior Art Team

A while ago I was tweeting with a friend of mine, Lee Stone twitter tag @nwcomics, about what DC Comics New 52 titles he'll keep reading and he tweeted ”@nwcomics: @AliasJoeG @dccomics I, Vampire: More Bram Stoker & Dark Shadows than Twilight. Much more interesting than the covers give credit for”.  That made me think because there has been some comics were the cover art team didn't, to me, sell the issue the right way. I can see what he ment with I, Vampire, the interior art by Andrea Sorrention with colors by Marcelo Maiolo does not have the look or feel of the cover artwork by Jenny Frison. Now I love the interior art, it has a really nice Jae Lee feel to it, it's dark and gritty. But the cover art. . . . It's  has a "Teen Comics" Twilight feel to it. And I know that Twilight is a BIG deal with movies, novels, and has a storm of teenage girls (& boys?) obsessed with the franchise. So I can see why DC would want to try puling them into reading I, Vampire just with the cover alone. It will draw their attention and as new readers they'll get a really enjoyable comic. But that's where this post is going. The cover doesn't "sell" what's inside the issues. Heck! Make a 50/50 cover shipment. Let Andrea Sorrention and Marcelo Maiolo have a shot at doing some covers as well.

This isn't the first time I've felt this way. To me the most recent and noticeable one was DC's Identity Crisis. Before I go any further let me say I'm a big fan of Mr. Michael Turner's art.  I've loved his work from Witchblade to Soulfire and then some.  But seeing Rags Morales, Michael Bair, and Alex Sinclair's interior artwork was just . . . in a word: Breathtaking. Turner's cover art seemed to give Identity Crisis a different feel then what was inside the comic. As if to say the covers were an Action Movie but the interior was a Drama. When i see that I tend to worry that the company doesn't feel the comic will sell well without a "Big Name" cover artist or that the art team on the book just won't sell the numbers they want.

Now if an indie comic company is doing this then I can understand why you'll want/have a big name artist doing your covers. It's a great way to make your comic stand out and have more eyes on it. But having a Marvel/DC comic with a cover done by a Big Name that doesn't show the same style as on the inside that always turns me off.

There are exceptions, unless the Big Name is an artist who made a huge impact on the title. Like Todd McFarland coming back to Spider-Man. (that'll never happen, but it would be awesome to see) Stuff like that I wouldn't mind. Then there's Dynamite Entertainment line of comics which get shipped with 3 to 4 different cover for just 1 issue.  You can pick and choose which one you want. Granted, not all comic company's can do this with every issue. That's an  idea i would like to see more often though, having the option to choose what cover I'd want with out having to pay anywhere up to $25 bucks for the art team i like. I could go on and on about this, how I want to see more cover art done by the interior team and not just some Big Names or even an art team that looks nothing like what's in the interior of the comicbook.  But as long as comic fans keep buying them I guess they'll keep making them.

-Joseph (AliasJoeG)-

What’s New Comic Book issue #3

And we are back with the newly titled What’s New Comicbook shinning a light on new titles that will be shipping in January 2012.  I’ve chosen 3 very different comicbooks for our third column because honestly there’s so much more out there then superhero comics.  If see something you like please let your local comicbook retailer know in advance.  As always the only way to guaranty you will be able to get what you want is to preorder.  Head over to our links section not only for more information on the comicbooks listed here but also a direct link to the Comic Shop Locator service.  Just plug in your zip code to find comic shops in your area.

There are few creative teams producing comics right now that when I hear they something new I’ll jump on board sight unseen.  When Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips along with colorist Dave Stewart announced their new title FATALE (January 4th $3.50) will be published by Image Comics that’s really all I needed to get interested.  Based on the preview pages this looks to be what we’ve come to expect from Brubaker and Phillips but this time with added monsters.  If you’re like me and have a soft spot for Sleeper and can’t get enough of Criminal this one’s not to be missed.

Archie Comics is publishing one of my favorite reads, seriously, Life with Archie is always at the top of my pile.  And after attending their panel at this years NYCC my whole outlook on Archie’s line of comics has changed.  I find myself picking up more and more of their titles.  Which brings us to KEVIN KELLER ($2.99) one of the upcoming titles that were spotlighted at the con will make its debut this January by writer / artist Dan Parent with Rich Koslowski of 3 Geeks fame on inks.  I was able to get my hands on two of the Veronica Presents issues that lead into Kevin’s own series I found the stories positive, upbeat, and above all else fun.

Not necessarily with a new number one but PROPHET (January 18th $2.99)  is returning with his 21st issue after being away from the comicbook landscape for years.  

I’ll be upfront about this, I am a big fan of Rob Liefeld’s Extreme line of comics and I’m still trying to track down all of the issues plus variant covers.  Now visually the 2012 Prophet has nothing in common with the original incarnation’s artwork by Liefeld, Dan Panosian, or Stephen Platt.  The artistic direction from the preview has turned from the big budget over the top movie to more of a small independent sci-fi film.  I doubt that you’ll find thousands of bullet casings scattered anywhere.  I’m not familiar with the creative team behind this relaunch, writer Brandon Graham (King City) with artist Simon Roy, but I view that as a positive.  Really looking forward to finding out what’s in store for John Prophet.

George (GLGJ)

Looking for a comic outside of the "Big 3"? Aspen Comics Broken Pieces fits your needs.

Broken Pieces #1, from Aspen Comics

Writer: Mark Roslan

Artist: Micah Kaneshiro

Cover A: Micah Kaneshiro

Cover B: Adam Kubert, Mark Roslan & Peter Steigerwald

Cover C "New York Comic Con Edition": Alex Konat, Mark Roslan & Peter Steigerwald

I'm always looking out for new comics outside of DC, Image & Marvel. And most of the time i look at Aspen Comics. They seem to have a lot more verity then just what Michael Turner did when they first started. They can definitely give the "Big 3" a run for their money with their comic lineup. And that kinda what brings me to Broken Pieces. That plus the sweet cover Adam Kubert did for this issue. Now i don't know who Mark Roslan & Micah Kaneshiro (Who's art reminds me of Girls' artist Jonathan Luna & Superman/Supergirl: Marlstrom's artist Phil Noto.) are but the story they told was well done.  Sad to say i was unable to pick up the #0, but still enjoyed #1

 

So whats this comic about? In the year 2032 a Bio-Bomb was set off in the Gulf & is been a year after. We kinda see the world through the eyes of Dr. Gabriella Adams & Dr. Richard Adams. As they are offered an "Once in a lifetime" opportunity to help humanity find a antidote/cure for the aftermath of the Gulf Bio-Bomb from Damon Ludas, the lead director at Trinion Ind. What/who is Trinion Ind & Damon Ludas? Their main goal (so far) is to help humanity repair their vital organs with its own natural way. Not with implants, but with regrowing the damaged parts. Six months later the two doctors are still working on a cure with a dead body infated (Remember this!) by the Bio-Bomb. But the part i liked the best was what happened next. 

Outside of Trinion Ind. there was a mob of people that just wanted to past this border. Screaming "We can pass the Bio test! Let us pass!". So it would seem that this world has quarantine  areas & only healthy  people may cross. As the mob got more intense outside, Damon Ludas calls out Harrick to deal with them. I got the feeling that Harrick was an "old school" war vet. I'll be wanting to see more of him in later issues. (Yes, that means i enjoy it so much i'll be coming back for more).At the end of this issue two thing happened. 1) Dr. Gabriella stumbles upon a secret about Trinion Ind & some kind of "project". And 2) a SWAT team is ordered to do a search & recover for any info they could find. But you remember that dead body? (See! I told you to remember it) Well it ain't dead & it's looking for Gabriella?! So all in all a great first issue setting up the overall story. See what can happen when you look outside the "Big 3"!

-Joseph (AliasJoeG)-

Ultimate X-Men #1. . . . Opps! Its Ultimate Comics X-Men now.

Ultimate Comics X-Men #1 

Writer: Nick Spencer

Penciler: Paco Medina

Inker:  Juan Vlasco

Colorist: Marte Gracia

Cover Artist: Kaare Anderws

When the Ultimate Marvel first came out i was all for it. A new modern telling of our old favorite Marvel Super-Heroes. I loved what Brian Bendis & Mark Bagley did with Ultimate Spider-Man. But wasn't to keen on Ultimate X-Men & didn't really know WHO, (My Fan Boy cred is slowly dropping yet again), Mark Millar was. So Ultimates was just not the Avengers i wanted to read. Then there was Ultimate Fanatics Four, which i did enjoy. But this is not about the Ultimate Marvel line. This is about the Ultimate Comics (Why did they change the name to that anyway? . . . ) X-Men #1 & how i'm now wanting more Ultimate X-Men.

As i said before i didn't really read X-Men. I did pick up the first story arc & liked it. Then years later started reading them in TPB.  So i'm not that much up to date with who or whats happened to the mutants. And haven't read Ultimate X. . . . So maybe you're asking yourself "Why then did i pick up Ultimate X-Men any?". Two words: Nick Spencer. I love what he & Joe Eisma are doing with Morning Glories (printed out from Image Comics). So with a price tag of $3.99 & a writer i'm truly enjoy, i gave it a shot & was very pleased that i did. After reading it my first thought was to hunt down the Ultimate X issues. Just to find out more about Wolverine's son. Still shocked to know that Logan is still dead (from Magneto ripping out his amadmenton skeleton in Ultimatum)

So the mutants are pretty much back to square one. Humanity hates & fears them again. Mutants are on the run (What is/had happened to Colossus?) & Kitty Pryde has turned into a true leader. That's something i didn't see coming. But those first couple of pages. . . That got me hooked. Just the storytelling of the old married couple that had a mutant daughter, having the sadness in Miss. Pleasant face before her husband killed their child. . . Was very moving. You truly felt their sadness in Paco Medina & Juan Vlasco art work. And that's what's making me come back for the next issue. The great storytelling that this creative team had done in this first issue. Didn't know what i was getting into, but now. . . . Now i can't wait for more.

-Joseph (AliasJoeG)-

Looking for new Comic Books to read? 2.0

Yes, we’re late getting the second edition of “Looking for new Comicbooks to read?” posted.  A tiny event called the New York Comic Con sort of threw our scheduling for a loop.  This isn’t how we wanted to start our first reoccurring column here at QBHQ but preparation, attending, and even recovery for NYCC everything else takes a backseat.  There’s still time left in October so if you see something that interests you make sure to let your local Comicbook retailer know.  As always the only sure way to get a copy is by preordering.

Okay let’s get into this!

DCU readers don’t let this first title get lost in your New52 buying. The Ray has a new 4 issue series that’s being solicited alongside the main line’s 4th issues.  Not familiar with the Ray?  Not a problem!  You don’t need to know the history of the character, much like what DC has done with jumpstarting their whole line this is a new fresh take on The Ray.  The creative team bringing this to you is the writing duo of Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (you’re all still reading Jonah Hex right, if not you really should try it) working along side the always awesome Jamal Igle.  I do miss the helmet just a bit.   

Think IDW is all about licensed properties?  You’d be wrong.  IDW is rolling out a new creator owed series called Memorial by Chris Roberson and Rich Ellis with covers by Michael Wm Kaluta.  I was happy to find a preview of this in the new Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes crossover (recommended!) and if you look in our links section at the top right of this page we’ve directed you to an 11 page preview found on the internets.  This looks like it can turn into a big fantasy world building story, I liked what I saw and plan on seeing where it goes.    

I’ve always been a big fan of Dan Brereton’s painted artwork and what he’s doing with The Last Battle from Image Comics is spectacular.  Don’t let the high price tag ($7.99) dissuade you this is going to be 80 pages of ancient Roman history in all out action and violence.  This title has already been published internationally and is finally coming to the States.

 

For my finale suggestion from the December shipping Previews catalogue we have Phazer published by RZG Comics.  I’m going to be upfront with you outside of the copy solicitation and cover art shown I know nothing about this comicbook.  It was Jim Steranko’s cover art that I noticed, Steranko is a legend and any new work from him should get attention.  I also liked the early sixties retro vibe of an origin story.  I’m taking a chance on this one hoping for a fun read.

George (GLGJ)