Thursday Morning Superhero

The other day the wife and I decided to check out Stumptown.  The show appeared to have some solid buzz, had a decent splash at SDCC, and was based on a book by Greg Rucka that is also supposed to be quite good. We haven't watched the second episode yet, but enjoyed the first one to the point that I would recommend giving it a shot. I was impressed with the cast of characters and after watching the first episode I might have to pick up the Oni Press book as well.

Pick of the Week:
Dark Ark: After the Flood #1 - This book is built on the premise that there were actually two ark that were built in preparation of the great flood. There is the Noah's ark that most people are familiar with that held two of every animal, but there was another one that carried a much more sinister cargo. This ark belonged to the powerful sorcerer Shrae and has an origin associated with the destruction of a city and its residents. Cullen Bunn is one of my favorite creators and does an amazing job drawing the reader in as we learn about the origin of Shrae's daughter, Kahlee, and a bit about the world following the flood.  It is quite a bit different from the story I was told as a child and I am very excited to learn more about Kahlee and the how and why she survived.

The Rest:
No One Left to Fight #4 - After briefly squaring off with the Hierophant, Vale and company make their way to Arboreal Sanctum. Despite seeking refuge, Kaya is not too keen on opening the door to Vale and the drama that tends to follow him. The Arboreal Sanctum was created as an escape from the rest of the world and trouble seems to follow Vale as he attempts to understand what is happening with him. This is a bizarre, but wonderful series that features some of the best colors in the business via Fico Ossio and Raciel Avila. I have enjoyed the story and the art, but it really is the colors that have completely drawn me to this book.  That and the fact that there is a promise of an issue-length brawl in the next issue as it turns out there actually is one person left to fight.

Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle #1 - While I didn't enjoy this spooky tale as much as the others in this series, it felt like a Tales from the Crypt episode featuring Darth Maul as the beast that haunts a labyrinth. On paper that sounds amazing and might have worked better as a multi-issue story, but the one shot made it feel a bit shallow despite the nice twist as to what brought the ship to Lotho Minor, the planet with the labyrinth, in the first place. Despite not enjoying this story as much I plan on picking up the next issue as most of the horror stories in this line have been a lot of fun.

Daredevil #12 - This was a shocking issue that saw both Murdock and Fist get back to their roots. Daredevil is finally starting to gain some of his confidence back and has his first go at taking down a group of bad guys ensuring that nobody gets killed. Meanwhile, Mayor Fist is attempting to rub elbows with some of the elite members of society and has a hard time running away from his criminal past. Electra makes another appearance and the final scene involving Fisk is really going to create some drama moving forward. I am super stoked for issue #13.





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 first book for the return to the world of Locke and Key has a name and has a release date. On October 16, Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are bringing us back to the Locke family in a book entitled Dog Days.  Rodriguez teased some art on his instagram and I couldn't be happier!  Just over one month to go!

Pick of the Week:
Trees: Three Fates #1 - Fresh of getting a television adaptation of the original series, Warren Ellis and Jason Howard have returned to the world of trees. This books takes place in Russia, where the trees fell 11 years ago and the residents of this small town are still adjusting. Things take a dark turn when Klara Voranova, a police officer, is alerted to a dead body.  The mangled body was found near one of the trees and it appears that there is a lot going on behind the scenes in this small town that Klara doesn't know about.

The Rest:
Babyteeth #16 - Five years have passed since Sadie's father sacrificed himself in order to save everyone.  We cut to five years later when Sadie is still trying to make everything right and is currently separated from her daughter and recording videos.  If I remember correctly, this is where we started in issue #1.  She is telling the video of how they escaped from the devil and made it out of Hell.  It is nice that this book has come full circle, but Joshua Williamson is keeping the reader on its feet as the bomb that is dropped on Sadie when she decides that she should head home was quite shocking.



Daredevil #11 - Matt Murdock better get his stuff together quickly or a lot of people in Hell's Kitchen are going to get hurt.  Not only is he not offering them his protection, despite Electra wanting to help, imposter Daredevils are taking the law into their own hands and don't have his restraint. It also looks like Mayor Fisk's power might be nearing its end thanks to Owlsley.  An attempt to get Owlsley out of Hell's Kitchen for a period of time, Fisk is betrayed and severely underestimated Owlsley and the reach of his people.  There was a nice cameo from a certain web slinger to boot!  What I love about Daredevil is how real Murdock has always been and how he isn't shy of admitting the struggles he faces day in and day out.  Murdock is a character a lot of people can relate to and look up to, even when he is feeling down.

Star Wars Adventures #25 - I took a short break from this series and based on seeing Princess Leia on the cover decided it was probably a good time to come back. The story follows Leia with one of her oldest friends Amilyn Holdo on a short adventure on Coruscant.  Holdo is learning how to drive and taking Leia on a tour of the shady underbelly of Coruscant where Leia makes a surprising discovery. Tales of friendship like this are something that the Star Wars Universe needs more of. It is nice to see stories that are more run of the mill, while still set in this fantastic environment.  As I note almost every time I write about this series, it is a fun all-ages series that I highly recommend.




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 big nerd controversy this week is the tangled web that still exists between Sony and Disney and Spider-Man. It appears that Disney has pulled Kevin Feige from the next film as Disney doesn't technically own the IP.  As nerds often do, they overreacted and will hopefully realize that there are concerns with the growth of Disney and the negative impact that can have on the television and film industry.  Don't get me wrong, I hope Spider-Man remains in the MCU as much as the next person and think he will, but I do have concerns with Disney seizing control of everything.

Pick of the Week:
Criminal #7 - Chapter three is off to a dark beginning that feels all too realistic given the current climate. This issue follows Teeg's son, Ricky, after he returns home after a stint in juvenile hall.  He is surprised to learn that his dad appears to have cleaned up his act, is with a younger woman, and moved the family to the suburbs. Juvie changed Ricky and he is currently an outcast amongst his group of friends and he no longer feels like a part of his family. I won't spoil the ending, but this series from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips has always felt incredibly real and poignant and it appears Chapter three will be no different.

The Rest:
Daredevil #10 - It has been interesting watching Matt Murdock struggle with his own identity. He can sense Hell's Kitchen falling apart all around him, but he isn't ready to return as Daredevil until he comes to terms with the fact that he killed someone. Toss in the crooked cop story and the pot starts to boil over in this issue, but in helping Detective North, he only made things worse for himself. Chip Zdarsky brings back a familiar face at the end of the issue that will definitely have a big impact moving forward.




Doctor Aphra #35 - After taking some time off from this series I decided to revisit it and there is a lot to take in.  Aphra is currently wanted by both the Rebels and The Empire because of a powerful Jedi artifact she stole. She does not want to turn it over to the Rebels as they plan on building a Death Star Jr. that would kill the Emperor, along with thousands of innocent bystanders. In turning herself over to the Empire in an effort to at least make it out alive, she is taken under the tutelage of Minister Pitina Voor, part of the propaganda and misinformation wing of the Empire. Turns out she wants to overthrow the Emperor and with Aphra being in known possession of the Empire Vader has his eyes sought on his former partner.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Now that I have finished my re-read of N0S4A2, I am looking forward to watching the series on A&E.  I watched the first episode the other day and was surprised at how different it was from the book, but I am going to maintain an open mind about the changes as television is a much different medium than a book.  Thinking about this series, the upcoming Watchmen series, Amazon's The Boys, other comic book based series, and the fact that we have a future Locke and Key series and Y: The Last Man, reminded me that we are truly in a golden age of comics (and comic adjacent books) reaching the small screen. Streaming platforms have embraced comics after the success of The Walking Dead and I am all for it. I am sad The Sixth Gun series wasn't picked up, but would love to see Sweet Tooth and Mind MGMT on the small screen in the future.

Pick of the Week:
No One Left to Fight #2 - This series from Aubrey Sitterson and Fico Ossio is quickly becoming one of my favorites. It is a book that I would recommend to my friends who have an interest in comics, but think that all books are about superheros. Sitterson and Ossio do an incredible job focusing on the complicated relationships between characters in the first two issues. Vale is a hero who saved the world a few years ago. He has returned to join his old classmates and visit the site of his battle and connect with his old teacher. Timor, a former friend and classmate, measures his worth compared to Vale and is having a hard time seeing his warm reception. Ossio's color palette and art in this book feel like a fusion of Saga and anime and immerse you in this fantastical world of interesting people and creatures. Vale is also suffering from some sort of condition and there is a shady looking being who was spying on them as they ventured out to meet their teacher. I fear that the individual is going to return to Timor's home and attack his kids. This is a great time to hop on board with this series as the first issue got a reprint so picking up issues one and two from your local comic book store should be a breeze.

The Rest:
Babyteeth #15 - Donny Cates and Garry Brown got me good on this issue.  It has been a while since we have visited Sadie and Clark, but it looks like they have escaped back through the portal due to the literal wrath of God.  God shows up and kicks ass in a chaotic and thrilling fight that is a delight to read. Sadie's father appears to be redeeming himself and it looks like he is finally putting his daughter's needs before his own. After Sadie and crew made it through the portal I was not prepared for what happened next and am beyond thrilled for the next issue.  This made me want to go back and read issues 1-14 again.


Daredevil #9 - Matt Murdock is asking some pretty big questions as he ponders God and why humans exist on this planet we call Earth. Talking to a nun about understanding signs from God, Murdock learns about a missing boy. In addition to this he is currently trying to understand why Mindy Libris, of the Libris crime family, called a hit on him. She is a sweet person who is tangled in the drama of her family and only wants a simple life.  After helping out with the missing kid, despite wanting to retire from being Daredevil, Matt finds himself in Mindy's bookstore. With the current arc being penned by Chip Zdarsky you can guess where this is heading.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

My fellow nerds who ventured into the world of SDCC hotels are hopefully receiving confirmation that they got the location of their choice for this year's 50th anniversary of SDCC.  Meanwhile I am counting down the dates until the premiere of NOS4A2 on AMC. What AMC has shared with the public up to this point has me very excited that Joe Hill's creation will have a faithful adaptation to the small screen.

Pick of the Week:
Gideon Falls #12 - The new arc is upon us and we are treated to some of the history of Gideon Falls and the origin story of the Black Barn and the evil with in. It all began in 1886 when a serial killer named Norton Sinclair had killed 13 people.  It is unknown if this is the same Norton Sinclair who was suffering from mental illness and questing for pieces of the Black Barn early in the series, or someone he is related to.  What is clear is that the evil, the man who laughs, is using Sinclair as a doorway between alternate realities.  Father Burke is in pursuit of Sinclair and understands that his religion may serve as a strength in confronting this evil. Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino really outdid themselves in this surprising new issue that is getting at the core of the evil in their creation.

The Rest:
Daredevil #4 - When we last checked in on Daredevil, he had just been rescued by no other than the Punisher himself.  After losing badly to detective Cole following a sting operation, it was looking grim for Murdock until Frank Castle surprised us all and unleashed a torrent of gun fire raining down on the police. In this issue we learn why Castle saved Murdock and the juxtaposition of Punisher vs. Daredevil plays out effectively as Murdock makes his case for his no kill policy.  Punisher follows a simple rule of math and figures that killing on bad guy saves the lives of many. The philosophical debate is capped with Daredevil making an exciting exit and pondering what is next for him as he attempts to clear his name. I remain impressed with the new creative team of Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checchetto, and Sunny Gho.

Morning In America #2 - I read the premise of this series, group of teenagers in 1983 small town USA investigate why their peers are disappearing, and I was intrigued. I am a sucker for a supernatural mystery that is nostalgic (Stranger Things, Paper Girls) and I am happy to say that this is an entertaining book. The book centers around a group of young women, known as the Sick Sisters, and their lives in Tucker, Ohio.  Tucker, Ohio is dealing with the issues associated with local industry jobs shutting down and the Sick Sisters are all dealing with the issues they face breaking numerous rules.  A classmate turns to them for help when nobody believes him when he describes some sort of monster that took his sister. The Sick Sisters go to investigate when they learn the police are actively trying to classify all of the disappearances as runaways.  While much lighter than Paper Girls and lacking a bit in the nostalgia factor up to this point, this series has been enjoyable and I look forward to reading more about what the Sick Sisters uncover. Props to author Magdalene Visaggio for giving us a diverse set of protagonists at the heart of her story.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

This might be blasphemous, but I decided not to drop $9.99 on issue 1,000 of Detective Comics. Reaching this milestone is an amazing accomplishment and it is hard to fathom that people have been enjoying this title for 80 years! DC did an amazing job rounding up a group of talented creators to contribute to this landmark issue, but it wasn't in the budget this week. I did, however, pick up the new Sabrina the teenage witch comic!

Pick of the Week:
Star Wars: Vader: Dark Visions #2 - This was one of the most surprising and entertaining Star Wars stories I have read. It felt like an animated short that would have fit in well at the Spike and Mike's Animation Festival. Brian Level absolutely killed it on the art in this issue and watching Tylux stressing over dealing with Vader and his desperation to capture a Rebel Spy had me rolling on the floor. The issue is all about the aftermath of dealing with Vader. We are treated to a story about a General who failed to capture a spy, and upon learning that Vader is en route to pick up the spy goes to extreme lengths to try and deliver said spy. I cannot recommend this issue enough and want to applaud Marvel for allowing the creators to take such creative risks in telling a story about Darth Vader. 

The Rest:
Sabrina The Teenage Witch #1 - This week I was treated to this delightful title penned by Kelly Thompson.  If you need a refresher, Sabrina Spellman is a witch who lives with her aunts and Salem, a warlock trapped in the body of a mischievous black cat. Thompson lays out some fairly routine issues that teenagers deal with when they move to a new town and start attending a new school. Sabrina navigates this awkward stage and isn't too shy about using her magic to steer things a bit in her direction. This issue does a nice job introducing us to Sabrina's world and to some of the characters I am sure we will get to know a bit more. It currently reads as a great all-ages title, but with teenagers and high school romance who knows what the future holds.

Doctor Aphra #30 - Aphra and Triple-Zero have less than three hours to reach their destination if they hope to defuse the proximity bombs that are keeping them close together.  After dealing effectively with an Alliance ambush that sought to use Aphra for propaganda, it appears that Aphra and Triple-Zero are close to becoming friends again.  After torturing the Alliance group that captured them, Triple-Zero reveals that Aphra's former romantic partner, Tolvan, is alive and working for the Rebellion. In a moment of kindness, Aphra returns the memories to Triple-Zero that he has been searching for and it appears to have back-fired.  This issue does a nice job furthering the Running Man narrative and planting some seeds for the next arc in which I hope Aphra and Tolvan are reunited.

Daredevil #3 - Chip Zdarsky delivered one of the most surprising Daredevil issues of recent memory. This issue picks up after Daredevil had been shot by a detective after he was found at a crime scene for a murder that he is being framed for. The detective is not one to mess with, and Daredevil finds himself being pursued by someone who has a slight upper hand. The last issue felt a bit cliche, with the hero being framed for a crime he didn't commit, but the payoff that Zdarsky delivered and the surprise guest at the end of this issue was well worth the wait. I am 100% on board with the new creative team and am going to have a hard time waiting for the next issue.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

This week has not been the best in terms of my New Year's resolutions. I have failed at watching any new DC movies (or even their new show Doom Patrol) and am bringing you all a trio of Marvel reviews including two major titles.  I will admit that I feel a bit intimidated hopping into the Valiant Universe, but will make an effort to improve moving forward.

Pick of the Week:
Daredevil #2 - Chip Zdarsky is not wasting any time bringing us a thrilling new arc for Daredevil.  After being framed for a murder, Daredevil is struggling to figure out who set him up.  He investigates a couple of leads, but not even Foggy believes that he is innocent.  Grasping at straws, he finds himself back at the scene of the crime and runs into a pair of detectives who are looking for him. If there is one thing you don't do when you meet a pair of cops looking for you is attack them.  Daredevil goes on the offensive and suffers some major repercussions. There is a lot to unfold, including the new detective who is on the case and his conversation with Fisk, and it appears that once again this series has done a great job passing the torch to a new creative team.

The Rest:
Doctor Aphra #29 - In a very Running Man-esque plot, Aphra must remain close to Triple-Zero to prevent their proximity bombs from exploding. Doctor Cornelius Evazan is broadcasting the entire event as they race to find the one specialist in the galaxy that can remove the bombs in time. The audience remains captivated as the two appear to grow as friends through their trials and tribulations, but a bounty hunter has an effective trap that might ruin the entire gambit.  The witty dialog between Aphra, Triple-Zero, and BeeTee (who makes a late appearance) brings me back to the early days of the comic when the trio was working with Vader. This has been a fun arc.


Captain America #8 - Speaking of super heroes with legal troubles, Steve Rogers finds himself locked up in a prison designed for people with super powers after being framed for, wait for it, a murder he didn't commit.  Rogers was framed because a man who looked like him installed a Hydra regime that didn't earn him any fans. That regime has been overthrown, but Rogers has a lot of enemies and is currently locked up with a lot of them. Fisk is mayor in this scenario and it makes me wonder where this fits with what is happening to Daredevil.  Is Marvel possibly setting up this year's summer event?  Doubtful, but fun to think about.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

I am happy to report that my New Year's resolutions are already off to a pretty good start. My weekly recap is back to its usual format and includes one Marvel book, one DC book, and three from smaller publishers.  Nothing too indie, but a step in the right direction. I finally watched Justice League and it was pretty solid. It had a slow start, but did a good job of setting up the DC Cinematic Universe. It definitely has me more motivated to check out Aquaman while it is still in the theaters.

Pick of the Week:
Criminal #1 - I have long enjoyed the Criminal series from Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips and was stoked to learn they were kicking off 2019 with a new monthly version of Criminal. If you are looking for some solid noir I cannot recommend this book or any of the previous entries enough. Brubaker is on my short list of favorite comic book authors and his collaborations with Phillips have been second to none.  If the first issue is any hint, Teeg Lawless is in for quite the ride in 2019 and it all started when his son robbed a former professional wrestler for a diamond necklace. Lawless now has two weeks to raise $25,000 and he has lost most of his contacts, including his best friend, while he was behind bars. The first issue maintains the gritty tone established many years ago and I cannot wait to see what is in store for Lawless and his family throughout the year.

The Rest:
Batman #62 - If you took a break from Batman like I did early last year now is a great time to revisit the Dark Knight. Tom King has really made this character his own and part two of the "Nightmares" arc completely lives up to its name. I am not entirely sure what I read, but it was gripping and felt like a page out of a Saw movie. Batman wakes up in a befuddled state, hanging by his feet surrounded by butchered pigs in a slaughterhouse. He spends the bulk of the issue trying to communicate with his captor, a creepy villain dressed in a pig mask, and understand why he is there and why he can't speak or hear anything. King, through Batman's inner monologue, places the reader in the middle of the stench and fear that Batman is facing in this mysterious location.  This was a thrilling read that leaves me hopeful for where King is heading in 2019.

Prodigy #2 - Mark Millar's over the top series gets even more ridiculous in its second issue and that is a good thing. He gives us villains who literally hunt orphans for sport, Edison Crane bribing the Kremlin for 30 minutes of time in a library, and a quest for an ancient scroll that will save the earth from an invasion from a parallel Earth. Crane is one of the most arrogant and entertaining leads I have seen in a book lately and this book honestly reminds me in a strange way of John Layman's work in Chew. You have cartoonish villains, a hero who commands immense power, and a surreal setting that feels somehow realistic.

Star Wars Adventures: Destroyer Down #3 - It looks like this series is spinning off to a potential ongoing focused on the Star Destroyer's past and how it came to be abandoned on Jakuu. The current timeline of Rey attempting to scavenge the ship came to a fitting end after she ran into an Imperial Droid that was sworn to protect the ship. The comical scenes involved her getting tossed into the airlock for what the droid thought was an instant death and in actuality was her falling back onto the barren wasteland that is Jakuu.  Not sure if I will continue this series as it continues, but it was a great all-ages read for Star Wars fans.



Man Without Fear #2 - Daredevil's reboot continues in an emotionally gripping issue in which Matt Murdock admits that he is afraid. Now that Daredevil has been killed and he may never walk again, Murdock has to convince others that he really is leaving that character behind him.  It is easier said than done as Matt is haunted by the ghosts of his past.  I thought it was a bold move to keep this issue confined to the hospital in which he is recovering and was impressed how effective it was.






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

Thursday Morning Superhero

After a two-week hiatus it is good to be back in the driver's seat for another edition of Thursday Morning Superhero. The end of the year is rapidly approaching and I am reminded that it is nearing the time to reflect on the state of comics in 2018.

Pick of the Week:
Daredevil #612 - Charles Soule wrapped up an amazing run as he wrapped up "The Death of Daredevil" and set the stage for Chip Zdarsky to take over the reigns. While Soule may not have been able to tie up all of the loose ends he created, he brought Daredevil back into Hell's Kitchen and allowed him to return to his roots. Drawing strong parallels to the current situation in the White House, Daredevil's final fight is leveraging the system to remove Kingpin from power following an illegitimate election. In one of the final scenes in the courtroom Soule brought out Marvel's star power with cameos from Captain America, Spider-Man, and She-Hulk to name a few.  While the ending will give you pause and cause you to re-read some of the final panels again, Soule did a great job setting the stage for a new creator to take over on the Man without Fear. I thoroughly enjoyed Soule's run and would rank it up near Mark Waid's run which remains my favorite.

The Rest:
Stranger Things #3 - This mini series is nearing its conclusion and it has been an interesting peek at Will's time in the Upside Down. If you ever wondered how Will communicated to his mom and maintained hope he could survive then this series is well worth your time. In a particularly devastating scene, Will returns to try and talk to his mom only to find his dad boarding up his only window into reality. He is pleading with his dad, but he doesn't hear him leaving Will feeling hopeless. I can't see this book appealing to non-Stranger Things fans, but if you enjoyed the Netflix series I highly recommend giving this one a whirl. If it is successful maybe they will consider a spin-off set during the time of season two. My only wish is that it featured more flashbacks of Will and the boys prior to his abduction.

Darth Vader #24 - I will admit that the current arc of Vader has me scratching my head and being highly entertained at the same time. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and feel it might be the best Star Wars comic in the Marvel arsenal. It gave us the Dr. Aphra spin-off and has finally provided insight into Vader's rise to power. As Dean noted in our Holiday Gift Guide, this book accomplishes what the prequels never did and is must read material for Star Wars fans. Having said that, this current arc and Vader's return to Mustafar features a horde of insects and a Sith Master's spirit rising from the dead to teach Vader about his misunderstanding of what the dark side truly is. The highlight in this issue was watching Vader command his army of Storm Troopers in battle. Watching how he inspires them with his actions on the battlefield highlight how he may indeed be the chosen one. This issue fell a bit flat, but I am looking forward to the conclusion and am still enjoying this series.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

It might seem a bit too early to start your Halloween planning, but time is running out if you want to be cool and give out mini-comics to your trick-or-treaters!  Thanks to Halloween ComicFest, you can pre-order bundles of 25 mini comics from your local comic book store. I placed my order last week and look forward to introducing the neighborhood kids to the amazing Johnny Boo! Check out the comics you can pre-order here!

Pick of the Week:
Darth Vader #21 - We are starting to learn why Vader has selected the world of Mustafar for his prize from the Emperor. He was given Padme's royal starship as his vessel to embark to Mustafar and there is something very odd about Vader piloting such a pristine and shiny vessel. It seems that Vader has similar feelings and has an odd and surprising method of altering the shiny exterior. It seems that Vader has never felt more connected to the Force than his time on Mustafar. The location where he lost so much, including his life, has some sort of power over him and drives him forward with a blind allegiance. Marvel has really done a great job filling in the holes between the movies and providing us with valuable insights of characters that we have know since our childhood. When I think back to my first impression of Vader I thought he was simply a bad dude that could force choke someone out. We learned more about him as the movies progressed, but nothing like the nuance we get in the comics. The Clone Wars cartoon does a similar thing in regards to Anakin and I would love to see similar treatment given to other franchises.

The Rest:
Birthright #31 - It has been quite some time since I revisited this series and will admit that I will need to read the  previous few issues to properly catch up, but am instantly reminded why this series from Joshua Williamson and Andrei Bressan stood out to me when I first read it. The lore (inside joke) of Terrenos, the mages, and the world add such depth to what started as a missing child story. This week we learn more about the tragic upbringing of Mastema and the sheer power that consumes her. This issue is a nice pause in the story and Williamson promises the next few issues are insane.



Daredevil #608 - Matt and Mike Murdock have some family issues to work out. I was unaware that Matt had a twin brother, but apparently he died many years ago and was brought back through the powers of The Reader. He is already causing quite a few headaches and kidnapped Foggy, but Daredevil is conflicted faced with the prospect of killing his brother or a realistic copy of his brother. I am not entirely on board with this development, but it became more interesting with this issue and has me very intrigued given the fact that Mike just went to visit Kingpin and informed him of Matt's research into the legitimacy of the mayoral election. If only our current political environment was this entertaining. I think some good old fashioned superheros would really liven up the Mueller investigation!




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Pull list was longer than usual so we are diving right into the books this week!

Pick of the Week:
Royal City #14 - While I am sad to see one of my favorite current books come to an end, I am happy that I was able to experience the life of Royal City and highly recommend this series to everyone. Learning about how everyone in this messed up family is coming to peace with the changes in their small town, a death in the family, and the other issues they are dealing with really gives me hope. Hope that people are able to roll with the bad times and persist. The quote that sums this series up for me is from Pat's inner monologue. "That's the thing about the past. It's gone. Just because it forms us, it doesn't mean you have to let it define you forever." Wise words that have a profound meaning given the turbulent times in which we all exist.

The Rest:
Cold Spots #1 - A spooky tale from Cullen Bunn and Mark Torres debuted this week and it leaves me with more questions than answers. There are some sort of presence in the form of ghosts that seem to be gathering in a central location. This has drawn the attention of the town folk and has brought with it unseasonable cold weather. Add in a missing woman and child and we have a very intriguing mystery forming. This book had me at Bunn and horror, but Torres does a phenomenal job with the overall atmosphere and tone for this story. One to keep an eye one.



Daredevil #607 - For the first time since he took the helm I am a bit concerned with where Charles Soule is taking this series. After surprising us with Matt Murdock meeting his twin brother Mike, we learn that Mike was accidentally created by Reader after going over case files Matt sent over to help bring down the Kingpin. While I appreciate the issues that may arise having a Matt Murdock twin interfering with things, I am not quite sold on the idea. It is novel and I will check out the next issue to see what grand plans Soule has for this development.

Darth Vader #20 - After not being sure about the direction Soule is going with Daredevil, it is crystal clear which way he is headed with Darth Vader. I sounds like a broken record talking about this series, but the sheer power and force of Vader in the comics is something to behold. Vader takes swift revenge on a pair of inquisitors he has concerns with and then openly defies the Emperor in order to make a very interesting demand. I won't spoil what Vader wants, but it is clear he wants some space to himself after his slaughter of the Jedi.




Doctor Aphra #23 - To set the scene where this book is headed, Aphra is currently trapped in a floating jail that is dealing with a toxic spore issue and is on a crash course with a neighboring inhabited planet. She and other prisoners have been abandoned and she is currently hatching an escape plan.  I will admit that this arc left a bit to be desired, but it is setting up an epic clash involving Aphra's knowledge that Vader wants to supplant the Emperor. It seems an encoded message has reached Vader and it will be interesting to see how it pans out and the impact it has on the Empire.  After all, public knowledge of such a plot would provide a lot of fuel for the Rebellion.

Redneck #14 - We are finally seeing the bigger universe in which the Texan vampires in Donny Cates' series exist and I am very curious to see what this next arc will bring. We are introduced to the Parliament of Elders who apparently own all of Austin. The Bowman family has houses on the land, but that land is property of this powerful group. These individuals have grand plans for Texas and I have a feeling that this series is going to take a very interesting turn.





Hit-Girl #7 - In part 3 of this mini-series from Jeff Lemire, Hit-Girl remains in Canada and is currently trying to escape from Billy Baker and his gang of thugs. It has been an odd journey with Lemire penning such a violent series, but his subtle touches that hearken back to his ability to connect characters with meaningful relationships add an interesting element as people get their heads lopped off. I will finish this mini-series, but will probably take a break from the upcoming Kevin Smith arc in which Hit-Girl is in Hollywood surrounding the making of an upcoming Hit-Girl movie.




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

Thursday Morning Superhero

It was rough watching Gen Con from afar, but from what I gathered on social media there were a lot of amazing games to be had, big announcements, and some sweet exclusive promos. I am hoping to write up another Gen Con from afar post and will attempt to return next year. At least I still have my comics!

Pick of the Week:

The Sandman Universe #1 - This week we are welcomed back into the world of The Dreaming with a debut issue brought to us from Neil Gaiman, not written by Gaiman. I was introduced to this series after picking up the first trade paperback many years ago prior to my first trip to SDCC. In the current world, Morpheus is dead and his successor, Matthew, is missing. This does not bode well as there are changes in The Dreaming that need to be addressed. A raven is able to escape The Dreaming and learns that Matthew embarked on a quest of his own and may not be able to respond to the call for help. I love the way this series juxtaposes real life horror with the main arc in The Dreaming. It provides a human element that makes this series all the more horrifying. While it would have been great to have Gaiman penning this series, his impact is felt and the first issue reminds me why this series drew me in so many years ago.

The Rest:

Darth Vader #19 - The start to a new arc called Fortress Vader is off to a shocking and satisfying start. Vader and his Inquisitors are attempting to wipe out the Jedi. This book opens with an attack on an old Jedi and his family. This Jedi has left the order and his wife literally just gave birth to a baby boy. Enter Vader and the Inquisitors and we have the most amazing child abduction that I have ever seen in a comic, television show, or movie.  I won't spoil it, but it was chilling and horrifying and sets the scene for what is likely an extremely dark chapter in the Vader playbook. I have chills just thinking about it. 

Daredevil #606 - To bring everyone up to speed, Matt Murdock just left his job as deputy Mayor in order to prove that Fisk rigged the election to become the current Mayor of New York City. He is enlisting the help of other heroes, but it is no easy task to prove a case of corruption of this magnitude. It is an oddly familiar tale. Meanwhile he still has a city to protect and has to deal with a bad guy of the week. This week it was the classic Hammerhead in a relatively generic bank heist/social media stunt. The twist at the end of the issue has me scratching my head and I'm curious where Charles Soule is taking us with this reveal. I won't spoil it, but I don't trust it.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Here is hoping that everyone attending SDCC was successful in their hotel endeavors. My attempt to help out a friend was a failure, but when you have far more people trying to book rooms than are available it is to be expected. Fortunately I have family that I stay with on my annual trip to San Diego.

Pick of the Week:
Kick-Ass #3 - This is the first issue that feels like the Kick-Ass of old. We are introduced to our first super villain in Violencia, a creep who enjoys going to prison when he feels he has become soft. Once he feels he is himself again he breaks out and rejoins his group. Patience follows up a tip on raiding a money laundering ring, only to find herself face-to-face with Violencia. This is happening as her children as sleeping at home and it doesn't look promising that she will return. Throw in the twist that her brother-in-law is involved with Violencia and things are not looking good. This issue featured some of the over the top violence that came to define it.  I am currently very afraid for Patience and will remain on the edge of my seat until issue #4.

The Rest:
Daredevil #601 - The city is under seige from a group of ninjas being controlled by a demon known as The Beast. Fortunately for Daredevil, a pair of ninjas attempt to kill him when he is locked in the paddy wagon and end up setting him free. Due to the fact that Kingpin is undergoing life saving surgery, Matt Murdock is acting Mayor.  His first act as mayor is to free the superheros who were just jailed and next issue we will enjoy the team of Daredevil, Luke Cage, Spider-man, Iron Fist, Moon Knight, Jessical Jones and Misty Knight. The next issue is going to be a lot of fun.



Star Wars Adventures #9 - While it would have been nice to start a bigger story in this issue, we get two cute stories featuring R2D2 and C3PO and a nice look at IG-88 rounding up some bounties. Of course this is all handled in a family friendly way and remains a book I highly recommend to Star Wars fans of all ages. This series shines in the stories that go beyond one issue, but still manages to provide bite size nuggets that will hold the attention span of your youngest fan.

Infinity Countdown #2 - The quest for the infinity stones pick up some steam as Drax and the pregnant Eve Bakian get some assistance from the Guardians of the Galaxy. To complicate matters, Galactus pays a visit and Bakian does give birth to a healthy baby girl during the battle. While that was an interesting development, the arrival of Adam Warlock to the story and what follows is what will drive the conversation between this issue and the next. I won't spoil the end of this issue, but it actually has me feeling excited about this Marvel event. I should note that I often fall for the gimmicks in these events to ultimately be disappointed at its conclusion. Hopefully with Gerry Duggan writing the main story it will deliver.


A look back:
The Sixth Gun #1 - When I reflect on the impact that this series has had on bringing me back into the world of comic books I can't help but feel nostalgic. Cullen Bunn does a phenomenal job introducing the reader to the mystical world he created with Brian Hurt in the opening few pages. We learn about a mysterious group called the Pinkerton Detective Agency, witness the horrifying Gallows Tree, and learn about a powerful weapon known as the Sixth Gun. Taking place following the Civil War, this Western is an absolute delight that only got better as the series progressed. It had me on edge throughout and is well worth reading through all 50 issues.




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