Thursday Morning Superhero

I'm not sure if you've heard the big news this week, but Brian Michael Bendis signed an exclusive multi-year deal with DC.  A staple for various Marvel titles since 2000, Bendis' impact on the Marvel universe is immense. He helped lauch the MAX imprint and put Jessica Jones in the spotlight, and was one of my favorite authors for Daredevil and others. DC sales have lagged behind Marvel in recent months, so the move isn't too shocking. I feel that DC is still figuring out where to go after the New 52, Rebirth, and the issues on the big screen (Wonder Woman is the exception). Congratulations are in order for Mr. Bendis.  DC landed a great talent and I am curious to see the impact.

Pick of the Week:
Royal City #7 - It bears repeating, but this series hearkens back to older Jeff Lemire titles Sweet Tooth and Essex County.  Essex County even gets a nod on the first page of this issue and it brought a huge smile to my face. Lemire gives us a sneak peak back when Tommy was still living. We learn that he has some irregular patterns in his brain, and are given some hints as to why some of the other characters are currently hearing him over the radio waves. There is still a lot to unpack in this series, but it is one of the rare series where all of the characters are real and I am able to connect with each one. Lemire excels at writing parental and spousal relationships and this series reflects that. Definitely a phenomenal series that would be a good gateway book to bring in non-comic book readers. Really breaks the mold in terms of what normally graces the pages of a comic book.

The Rest:
Daredevil #595 - Kingpin has been elected Mayor and Daredevil is not too happy. One of Mayor Fisk's first tasks is to restrict the authority of the masked vigilantes roaming the streets. This is part of the Marvel Legacy series and it oozes the classic tension that exists between legal authority and superheros. Despite Murdock successfully arguing his case in front of the Supreme Court, Fisk is not backing down and is using his resources to build up cases against Daredevil and his buddies. Interesting start to a new arc and a definite throw-back that fits well with the legacy framework.



Birthright #28 - Is Joshua Williamson pulling a fast one on us? After painting a pretty one sided picture of Lore, the evil overlord who Mikey is trying to save Terrenos from, just healed his greatest foe and is shows us his vision of peace in Terrenos. This was a twist I didn't see coming and I am very interested to see how this pans out over the next two issues in this arc. It seems that there is a lot more to this story than I initially thought. It has been an up and down ride for me personally, but I definitely want to wrap up this arc before making my decision to continue the series. Very interesting development this week.




POSTED BY MIKE N. aka Victor Domashev -- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

Thursday Morning Superhero

The best news of the week has to be Saga taking home a Hugo.  Congrats to Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples.   If you haven't checked out their Hugo Award winnings series you owe yourself a favor to pick it up.  A big week for DC with the debut of Forever Evil some new talent is getting a crack at things in Villains Month.

Pick of the Week:
Trillium #2 - Jeff Lemire's next gem of a comic continues as Nika, from the year 3797, struggles to communicate with William on earth in 1921.  As they attempt to figure out why the temple that let Nika pass from the Atabithi colony to earth has sealed itself.  Nika's attempt to protect the Atabithi may have fallen short as she learns upon her return to her own time that the attack is imminent.  I am on pins and needles to see what happens next.  The air of mystery is still thick with this one and Lemire has me hooked.

The Rest:
Marvel Infinity #2 - Jonathan Hickman drops a bomb at the end of issue 2 as things look bleak for Earth.  Thanos and his army seem unstoppable, but with the help of the builders all hope isn't lost.  In an act of desperation, Black Bolt enlists the help of the Illuminati to thwart the Titan's plan.

Forever Evil #1 - The New World Order have arrived on earth as Ultraman and his crew of villains are hell bent on destruction.  Stage one appears to be busting out every criminal out of jail and forming a team that seems unbeatable.  Superman is nowhere to be seen and things look bleak.  While the story is nothing new, the writing worked well and I actually enjoyed this one.  I am on board for issue #2.

Artful Daggers #7 - The best bargain in comics continued this week as the Tricksters are fighting amongst themselves.  Colin disapproves of Marcus' methods and is fearful that the First of Cornwall will be so outraged that, with the help of a corporation, may target the Tricksters.  Did Arden sell out the Tricksters in order to secure stronger footing with Kent United?  Thrilling and stressful issue that is making the wait for new material difficult!

Batman #23.1 aka Joker #1 - This one-shot featuring the Joker for the Forever Evil event was a fine story, but really didn't do anything for me.  I appreciated how the storytelling connected to Joker's youth, but it is ultimately forgettable.  

What I Should Have Read:
X-Men Battle of the Atom #1 - Brian Michael Bendis pens a new event for the X-Men as Beast brings the original five X-men from the past to the current to see the ramifications for its decisions.  All out war with some sentinels breaks out and the issue ends with X-men from the future making an appearance to prevent the current X-men from sending the old X-men back.  Three teams of X-men from different times penned by Mr. Bendis.  Might have to check this one out.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Despite over 12 hours of driving and over 750 miles on the road returning home from my Texas trip, Thursday Morning Superhero is delivered on time and loaded with quality titles.  I think it is unfair to the other comics that I read this week to be compared to Locke and Key.  I have never been so vested in a universe or a set of characters like the ones that Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez have created.  Time for the least shocking pick of the week!

Pick of the Week:
Locke and Key: Omega #5 - This is a difficult book to review without spoiling it.  Anyone who has frequented this blog should know of my love of Locke and Key.  We left the last issue with Kinsey and a group of the senior class trapped in the drowning cave with Dodge and the Omega door wide open.  Rufus was in pursuit, but lagging behind and Tyler just took a bullet to the gut.  Things don't improve much in book 5, but we are left with a chance for hope and redemption.  Not only for the Locke children and their mother, but their father and, I hope, Dodge.  It is easy to forget what a tragic figure he is and I don't think that Hill and Rodriguez have either.  It is going to be difficult to wait for book 6, but I have no doubt that it will be worth it.

The Rest:
Age of Ultron #9 - Still enjoying this series and found a good amount of humor in what I will call the "Plan B" issue.  Multiple Wolverines travel  through time, alternative future Tony Stark has a plan, and Hank Pym thinks he gets it.  Should set up an interesting conclusion to a very entertaining series.

Artful Daggers #4 - I will admit that this title is beginning to confuse me with all of the backstabbing and politicking that is taking place in four short issues.  I am intrigued by this universe and the backstory of the Tricksters and will reread the series later this week, which I take as a good sign.  Really solid title, stunning artwork, and a great bargain from MonkeyBrain Comics.  Really worth your time and spare change.

Fairest #16 - Maharaja Charming continues to try and woo Nalayani when they are attacked by the Dhole.  The two team up to hunt down the remaining wolves when they find themselves in another sticky situation.  This arc has been packed with action, fun, good looking women, and some mysterious characters who have yet to reveal their true purpose.  Good times.

All New Secret Skullkickers #1 - Jim Zub brings more humor, action and fun to part four (yes, part four) of the Eighty Eyes on an Evil Island arc.  In an issue featuring a handy dandy Island map complete with where to get the best melons, a dangerous dungeon exploration montage, and a magical sword that prefers proper manners, Zub is able to poke fun at the comics industry, craft an interesting tale, and blend humor and action in a way that is uncanny.

Ten Grand #2 - J. Michael Straczynski has a hit on his hand with Ten Grand.  Joe Fitzgerald continues his searching for Debbie's sister Sarag, who was last seen with the man who killed both him and his lover.  A man he put a bullet in his head a couple of years back.  After crossing paths with a fleshist, Fitzgerald learns that the Divine Will cult is one step ahead of him and has taken possession of Debbie. Straczynski has managed to develop quite a bit of depth in 2 issues and has me on board.

Thursday Morning Superhero

I feel bad that I haven't been able to name Age of Ultron pick of the week because I have truly been loving this series.  This week it is pitted against the third to the last issue of Locke and Key and is once again runner-up.  If you haven't checked out Age of Ultron by Brian Michael Bendis I highly recommend it.  That being said, Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are wrapping up one of the best pieces of fiction that I have ever read.  Hard to compete with a title like this.  Time for the least shocking pick of the week ever!

Pick of the Week:
Locke and Key: Omega #4: The sheer amount of emotion that this series is currently evoking in me should be illegal.  Never have I been more concerned about a group of characters in a comic or have I felt tension that is this palpable.  Dodge's plan to unleash the demons from beyond the door is looking like a foregone conclusion and I know that I am going to shed some tears as this series reaches its conclusion.  Tyler's growth as a character may be my favorite thing about this series.  From the young man who bottled up his emotions to the leader he has become has been a pleasure to witness.  I am sad that there are only two issues left, but I can't wait to complete this journey that has been a true pleasure to be a part of.

The Rest:
Age of Ultron #4 - After the shocking reveal that Ultron was using Vision to manage his destruction, the remaining survivors have a plan that we will begin to see in the next issue.

Snapshot #3 - This fast-paced tale from Andy Diggle takes an unexpected twist in what has been a fun ride that will reach its conclusion next issue.

Miss Fury #1 - This pulp title from Dynamite Entertainment is fun and worth your time if you think you would enjoy a curvacious superhero, Nazis, time travel, and a daring heist.