It's Wednesday... 11/19/14

November 19, 2014

Just one single issue today:

Intersect #1 (Image) 

Story and Art: Ray Fawkes

The official description from Image: 

“Blood rains from the skies. A hypnotic voice trills over the airwaves as bodies shift and grow in horrifying new directions. Are you ready for the new world? RAY FAWKES, acclaimed creator of One Soul and writer of Constantine and Batman: Eternal, launches a terrifying monthly odyssey of madness and warped flesh in this lush, fully painted debut issue!”

I’ve certainly enjoyed Fawkes’s previous work and look forward to this new ongoing horror title. If you’re in the Annapolis, MD area and would like to meet Fawkes, he’ll be at Third Eye Comics on December 13, 2014.  

Saga Deluxe Edition Volume 1 (Image)

Story: Brian K. Vaughan

Art: Fiona Staples

The Big Kahuna of the week - maybe even the year - is the much-anticipated hardcover deluxe edition of Saga, covering the first 18 issues (or three trade paperbacks) of one of the most imaginative comics I’ve read in years. It’s definitely not for kids, but Saga is a true wonder of imagination and storytelling. There’s a reason it just keeps winning award after award. 

Mind MGMT Volume 4: The Magician (Dark Horse)

Story and Art: Matt Kindt

I know you’re tired of hearing it, but along with The Massive, Mind MGMT is the best title being produced in comics today. Seriously. Get on that. This volume also features my favorite comics cover of 2014. (Hey Matt - Any chance we'll be able to buy prints of that cover?)

Cerebus Volume 1 Remastered (Aardvark Vanaheim)

Story and Art: Dave Sim

I’m not sure if I’m ready for the long commitment that is Cerebus in its multitude of volumes (6,000 pages running from 1977 to 2004) , but I know that at some point I should at least attempt this important series. (I've heard that High Society - the second volume in the series - is a better place to start.) Interlibrary loan may be my best course of action...

That’s it for me. How about you? 

It's Wednesday... 11/12/14

November 12, 2014

Lots of good stuff coming out today. Here's what's on my radar: 

Drifter #1 (Image) 

Story: Ivan Brandon

Art: Nic Klein

The copy on the Image website calls Drifter a title “joining the dark revenge themes of Unforgiven with the mind-bending sci-fi universe-building of Dune.” Looking forward to this. 

The Fade Out #3 (Image)

Story: Ed Brubaker

Art: Sean Phillips

Brubaker and Phillips continue with what might be their best collaboration yet. The first two issues have been absolutely killer and these guys’ track record speaks for itself. If you love crime noir and haven’t read The Fade Out, get to it. 

 

Kitchen #1 (Vertigo)

Story: Ollie Masters

Art: Ming Doyle

(Variant cover on the right by Becky Cloonan)

When three mobster husbands are busted and sent off to jail, their wives are left to collect protection money from the neighborhood locals. But things get a little rough... I’ve actually already read an advance copy of Kitchen #1, set in New York City in the 1970s. In fact, Derek and I discussed it (and other titles) on The Comics Alternative Podcast, which should be up sometime today, 11/12/14. The tension built during the last seven pages is incredible. Check this one out.  

  

Mouse Guard: Baldwin the Brave and Other Tales (Boom! Studios) 

Story & Art: David Petersen

I just started reading Mouse Guard earlier this year, and although Winter 1152 is next on my list, I know I’ll want to pick up this new volume. Since this is a collection of tales, it’s probably a good jumping-on point for new readers.  

Zenith Phase 1 (2000 AD)

Story: Grant Morrison

Art: Steve Yeowell

Except for a deluxe edition, Zenith (which originally ran from 1987-1992) has been out of print for quite awhile. All four volumes are being reissued with the next scheduled for a December 2014 release. I’m certainly going to check it out. 

That’s it for me. How about you? 

It's Wednesday... 10/29/14

October 29, 2014

Just a couple of single issues on my radar this week, starting off with Rasputin #1 by Alex Grecian and Riley Rossmo with colors by Ivan Plascencia (Image). I’m onboard for any work by Rossmo, plus, after reading Petrograd a few years ago, I can’t deny a affinity for anything related to the Mad Monk.

Of course, Matt Kindt’s Mind MGMT #27 (Dark Horse) is a must-buy. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if you’re not reading Mind MGMT, you’re missing one of the best titles out there. 

I picked up the first issue of C.O.W.L. a few months back and enjoyed it enough to put it on my “Pick up the trade” list. The tale of the first superhero labor union is told in C.O.W.L. Vol. 1: Principles of Power (Image), story by Kyle Higgins & Alec Siegel, art by Rod Reis. (Collects C.O.W.L. #1-5)

I won’t be getting this one today, but I’d love to take a look at Basil Wolverton’s Weird Worlds Artist’s Edition from IDW. Wolverton (no relation, at least as far as I know) produced some really wild stuff, so if you’ve never experienced his work, this might not be the place to start, and certainly not the cheapest. (A couple of good places to start might be with the more affordable Spacehawk or the upcoming volume Creeping Death from Neptune: The Life and Comics of Basil Wolverton Vol. 1, both from Fantagraphics. 

This one’s been out for a week, but you should certainly consider it: Lynda Barry’s new non-fiction work Syllabus: Notes from an Accidental Professor, reviewed by me recently at The Comics Alternative. 

That’s it for me. How about you? 

It's Wednesday... 10/22/14

October 22, 2014

Not much on my radar this week - no single issues, just one trade and one new deluxe edition.

Although I picked up a couple of Marvel trade paperbacks at the Annapolis Comic Con last weekend, I’m not a huge Marvel (or DC, for that matter) reader. I am, however, a Silver Surfer fan, and bought the first couple of issues of its current run by Dan Slott and Michael Allred. It’s wacky, goofy, and of course, cosmic. I’m looking forward to this new trade Silver Surfer, Vol. 1: New Dawn, collecting Silver Surfer (2014) #1-5 and some material from All-New Marvel Now! Point One #1. Cosmic, man...

 

A few months ago I read a slim volume of Scandinavian author Tove Jansson’s Moomin tales and thought it was delightful. I certainly wanted to read more and later saw the solicitation for Moomin: The Deluxe Anniversary Edition, a hardcover slipcased edition of mostly black-and-white work, 448 pages. I actually looked through a pre-release copy of this at SPX and it looks beautiful. This edition also celebrates Tove Jansson’s legacy, 100 years after her birth. Check out some stills from the book at Drawn & Quarterly. 

That’s it for me. How about you? 

   

It's Wednesday... 10/15/14

This is my story and I’m sticking to it: I’m saving up for the December release of Jack Kirby Mister Miracle Artist’s Edition (IDW), which is going to be a wallet-breaker, so I’m really limiting myself at the comics shop for awhile. I’m really not that interested in any single issues this week, but I hope to eventually pick up one new trade and possibly two reissues:

As far as new releases, hands-down it’s Rai Vol. 1: Welcome to New Japan by Matt Kindt and Clayton Crain (Valiant). A few months back I bought the first issue of Rai and was just blown away. Kindt is one of my favorite creators, so I’d probably buy anything he writes, even if he decided to write a history of laundry detergent. (Really, Matt, don’t feel obligated to write that, but if you do...)  

Although I’ve perused it several times, I’ve never completely read Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey’s Action Philosophers. This new 10th anniversary edition looks like the way to go, with 20 pages of bonus material, covers, pin-ups, photos and script excerpts from the theatre production and a new 8-page story. Plus a new introduction by Hegel! (Just kidding about that last part...) 

And apparently Will Eisner’s Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative (originally published in 1996 by W. W. Norton & Company) is getting a reissue this week. This, along with Eisner’s other instructional books (Comics and Sequential Art, Expressive Anatomy for Comics and Narrative), are part of my constantly growing must-read pile. 

That’s going to do it for me. Be sure to tell me what you plan to pick up today.

It's Wednesday... 9/24/14

September 24, 2014

Lots of temptations this week, so I’m only listing a few...

Roche Limit #1 - Michael Moreci, Vic Malhotra (Image)

Man, all you have to tell me is crime noir, science fiction and Image. I’m in. Lots of folks have been waiting for this one for months, including me. 

Mind MGMT #26 - Matt Kindt (Dark Horse)

If you haven’t read Mind MGMT yet, I’m telling ya, get the first collected edition and dive in. Have I ever steered you wrong? Well??? Trust me. Read Mind MGMT. 

Star Trek: City on the Edge of Forever #4 - Harlan Ellison, Scott Tipton, David Tipton (IDW)

The penultimate issue of Harlan Ellison’s original teleplay adaptation arrives today. This project has been a wonderful experience. I’ve been buying all the single issues with the Juan Ortiz covers, which are absolutely stunning. Don’t wait for the trade. 

American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1970s - Jason Sacks, Keith Dallas (TwoMorrows) 

The folks at TwoMorrows have done a bang-up job of collecting an informative and entertaining archive of American comic book history so far, and I’m sure this edition is no exception. This is actually the volume I’ve been looking forward to the most, since I spent a large part of the 70s reading comics. If you’re interested in comics history, these volumes are a must-own.

Fatale Vol. 5: Curse the Demon - Ed Brubaker, Sean Phillips (Image)

I’m sad to say that this is the final collection of Fatale, but happy to say that Brubaker and Phillips have delivered a series that’s nothing short of stellar. If you’ve never read their collaborations, Fatale is a great title to start with.  

The Incal - Alexandro Jodorowsky, Moebius (Humanoids - new third printing)

Okay, let’s get this out of the way... If you haven’t read The Incal, you really shouldn’t call yourself a comics fan. The books from Humanoids are expensive, and I’ll confess, this is the only one I own, but it’s worth every cent of the $44.95 list price. Get it now. The Incal has gone out of print before and who knows if it’ll be reissued? Don’t risk it - pick it up.    

Batman: Gordon of Gotham - Chuck Dixon, Dennis O’Neil, Klaus Janson, Jim Aparo, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dick Giordano (DC) 

Aaaaaand... I’m not sure I’m going to get this one. This volume collects Gordon of Gotham #1-4, Batman: GCPD #1-4, and Batman: Gordon’s Law #1-4. Sort of looks like it might be a money-grab on the part of DC to cash in on the new TV series Gotham. If they’d been smart, DC would’ve collected Gotham Central into a nice omnibus edition, which I would gladly purchase. Don’t know why they didn’t... So for me, the jury’s out on Gordon of Gotham. (If you pick it up, or if you’ve read the individual issues, let me know what you think.)

That’s going to do it for me. Be sure to tell me what you plan to pick up today.

It's Wednesday... 9/17/14

Since I spent a significant amount of $ at SPX this past weekend, I won't be going to the comic shop today.... But if did go, here's what would be on my radar:

Okay, I'm cheating a bit here since I already picked up Michel Fiffe's Copra Round One at the Baltimore Comic Con (where I also met and greatly enjoyed talking with/interviewing Fiffe). This volume collects the first six amazing issues of Copra (Bergen Street Comics), a book you should run out and get right now if you haven't already. Superheroes, action, mayhem, and boundless energy. This is a great book - do not miss it! 

I only read the first book of Michael Moorcock's Elric series many years ago, so I'm hoping to start Elric: The Ruby Throne, the first in the graphic novel series from Titan Comics. I'm somewhat surprised that this one comes in at a slim 64 pages, but hey, I'm onboard.

Who out there is not reading Peter Panzerfaust? C'mon, raise your hands... You in the back, there - you haven't read it, have you? Didn't think so... Your assignment is to read Peter Panzerfaust (Image) starting with Vol. 1: The Great Escape, then catch up to the newest volume, Vol. 4: Hunt. 

So tell me what's on your radar for today....

It's Wednesday... 9/10/14

With the Small Press Expo coming up this weekend, I’m going to force myself to stay out of the comics shop today... But if I were to somehow, I don’t know, accidentally find myself in the vicinity of Third Eye Comics today.... (Hey, I just remembered I do have a meeting in Annapolis this afternoon....)

Anyway, I hope to pick up these comics at some point:

 

Copperhead #1 by Jay Faerber, Scott Godlewski and Ron Riley (Image), which sounds like a Western on a distant planet - my kind of thing. Check out the Third Eye Comics variant as well. 

And speaking of Copperhead, creators Faerber and Godlewski will be at Third Eye on Saturday, September 20. More info here.

Then there’s Annihilator #1 (of 6) from Grant Morrison and Frazer Irving (Legendary Comics), about a nearly-washed up screenwriter joining up with one of his created characters to save the universe. It’s Morrison; you buy it. 

I’m so glad to see the return of Stumptown, now starting its third volume. Greg Rucka is always worth your time and if you haven’t read the first two volumes of Stumptown, do yourself a favor. Art by Justin Greenwood from Oni Press. 

It’s a tough call... Pick up Velvet #7 or buy the trade when it comes out? I’ll probably do both. This espionage tale from Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting (Image) is right on target. (No pun intended, but probably accurate.) Brubaker's work is always great and Epting's art is just killer. 

I don’t know if I’ll pick it up, but I’m mildly interested in Teen Dog #1 by Jake Lawrence (Boom! Studios). Previews calls it “John Hughes meets 90s Nickelodeon cartoons,” so it might be worth a look. 

First Second has really been knocking it out of the park lately and it looks like Above the Dreamless Dead: World War I in Poetry and Comics - edited by Chris Duffy - is no exception. The two guys with PhDs recently spoke with Duffy about the book, so check that out. 

Be sure to tell me what's on your radar today.

It's Wednesday... 9/3/14

With the Baltimore Comic Con coming up this weekend, I probably won't stop by Third Eye Comics, but will instead see them at the con. (You should see them, too - They'll be at Booth 307 with lots of great stuff.) If I don't pick it up this week, I'll eventually pick up The Mercenary Sea, Vol. 1, one of my favorite Image titles of 2014 so far. Kel Symons writes a great story and makes good use of both the South Seas setting and the time period (late 1930s). The Mathew Reynolds art reminds me of the original Jonny Quest TV show and my memories of The Phantom comics, but this is more than just a nostalgic journey: this is a really fun series. 

It's Wednesday... 8/27/14

I think I’m going to need a self-imposed limit at the comic shop today, maybe 10 minutes or so, otherwise my wallet is going to be in sad shape....

I do plan on picking up the first issue of Sundowners (Dark Horse) by Tim Seeley and Jim Terry. Hard to tell if this an action/adventure, sf, horror, or superhero title (or all of the above), but I’m onboard. 

After last month’s first issue, I’ve been rabidly awaiting Low #2 (Image) from Rick Remender & Greg Tocchini. 

And of course picking up Matt Kindt’s Mind MGMT #25 is a no-brainer. 

I’m really enjoying Harlan Ellison’s The City on the Edge of Forever: The Original Teleplay (IDW), so I’m planning on picking up #3 today. I’m normally not a licensed comics buyer, but this is an exception worth making. 

I should just pick up these three issues and stop there, but there are a couple of trades I may linger around for...

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Charley’s War by Pat Mills and Joe Colquhoun and the first omnibus collection comes out today from Titan. 

Also I missed out on the initial hardcover release of Tales Designed to Thrizzle, Volume I by Michael Kupperman, so I’m pleased to see the trade paperback coming out today from Fantagraphics. 

Be sure to tell me what you plan to pick up today.

It's Wednesday... 8/20/14

 

There may not be that many titles on my list today, but the main one is huge, The Fade Out #1 (Image) by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. This will certainly help fill the Brubaker/Phillips void left after the completion of Fatale. If you’ve read any of their other works, such as Criminal, Sleeper, Fatale, and others, you’ll be on board for this one. If these guys are new to you, this looks like a great place to jump in to experience one of the best collaborations in comics. The Fade Out #1 will also be published in a larger magazine-sized format. I’m planning on getting both. 

Anytime there’s a new Grant Morrison title, it’s big news, so I’ll be giving Multiversity #1 (DC) a shot.

As far as trades, I’m intrigued by the new English language release of a title originally published in France called ZAYA by JD Morvan and Huang-Jei Wei (Magnetic Press). You can read more about it (and view some sample art) here. 

 

Finally, I want to get the second volume of Hip Hop Family Tree (Fantagraphics), but first I’m going to have to finish Vol. 1. (Which I got from the library, but had to return before I finished it...) I’ve been talking to one of my co-workers who is practically a hip hop scholar, so this series intrigues me. (A box set of both volumes will be out in October.) 

Be sure to tell me what you plan to pick up today.