Thursday Morning Superhero

I am going to forego my normal intro and get right into the books!

Pick of the Week:
Ether #4 - Matt Kindt has a gift when it comes to creating intrigue and really forcing you to focus on small details throughout his books.  Ether took an unexpected turn today, when we were introduced to Hazel and learned about her journey into the Ether as a child.  With no way of telling people where she had been for five years, she had to carry this secret until she connects with Boone Dias.  Through the fantastical art of David Rubin we are reminded that the Ether can be both amazing and utterly horrifying at the same time.  I look forward to learning more about Hazel (Kindt revealed some nuggets in this issue that have me salivating) and can't recommend this series enough.

The Rest:
Dept. H #11 - Another Kindt book this week?  With double the Kindt (Sharlene is also working on this title)?  Mia is not much closer to figuring out who murdered her father, but she has uncovered some evidence and had an epiphany that should provide clarity moving forward.  She had this vision as she recounted a story her father told her when she was younger.  It was a beautiful escape from the danger that her and the crew are currently in.  It finally clicked that the art in this series reminds me of Nausicaa in the Valley of the Wind and it couldn't be more appropriate.



Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #67 - The new arc of TMNT kicked off with a bang and I am quite concerned.  Slash was recaptured by government officials and they are attempting to control his rage and use him as weapon.  Meanwhile, Leonardo is struggling to get all of the turtles on the same page given the recent string of events.  Hopefully he will get things sorted out soon, because the government's first test with Slash is on the Mutanimals and it is a doozy.

The Walking Dead #164 - I am still amazed that this series is still chugging along and even more surprised by the supposed friendship between Rick and Negan.  One thing that Robert Kirkman has done is build a deep seeded hatred and mistrust in Negan.  No matter how many times he appears to have redeemed himself, you still don't trust his intentions.  Even after learning at what may have caused him to become evil incarnate, I can't feel sorry for him or trust him.  I hope I'm wrong.





Old Man Logan #18 - We reach the exciting conclusion to the arc in which Logan went to save a crew from a ship that had been overtaken by Brood.  Seemingly pulled between two different realities, he is finally able to free Jeanie and with her help subdue the beasts.  The vision of the baby he left behind in the wastelands haunts him and will steer his next course of action.  Really excited with the direction this series is headed.

Daredevil #17 - Daredevil's new arc kicked off in exciting fashion as Matt Murdock visited a confessional in a local church!  Nothing like sharing something that you feel shamed about with a total stranger!  In all seriousness, it is a fine vehicle for Daredevil to get something off of his chest.  The secret of how he put the secret back in his secret identity.  If you didn't know, his identity became known to the public and it created all sorts of problems for him.  Somehow he was able to put the rabbit back in the hat, and it will be interesting to learn how.  I'm oddly really looking forward to this arc.




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

Best Cinematic Comic Adaptation Tournament (Final Four)

By virtue of what I will assume was a generational divide, Jack Nicholson's Joker dropped Heath Ledger's Joker into a vat of Smilex to make it into the Final Four, and NoaF staff-favorite Dredd got a faceful of ugly from Hellboy and has gone to the great ink and pencil cubicle in the sky. No surprise that Captain America: The Winter Soldier is still riding high, nor that the atomic-powered Akira has made it to the big stadium.

Click to expand

In the tournament to establish the Best Comic Book Movie Ever, I give you your Final Four.

Previous rounds here, here, here, and here.

Thursday Morning Superhero

The big news in the world of San Diego Comic-Con is that DC and Warner Brothers are taking over Saturday Night.  Kevin Smith has been booted from Hall H so that DC can promote four titles.  From the official release, " [k]icking off the exclusive evening is the world premiere public screening of the highly anticipated new drama series Gotham (the only screening of Gotham at this year’s Comic-Con), followed by a screening of the complete pilot of new action-drama The Flash, and exclusive video presentations from returning hit Arrow and new thriller Constantine. Cast members and producers from all four shows will make special appearances throughout the night."  Sounds like people will be lining up early and hanging out in Hall H all day.  I will attempt to make my way in, but will most likely be enjoying something else at the convention.  Time for the books!

Pick of the Week:
Southern Bastards #3 - As someone who grew up in Texas, I can fully relate to high school football running a small town.  I am pretty sure it was nothing like what Earl Tubb is dealing with in Craw County, Alabama.  After watching his old friend stumble into and die on the football field during a game, he has reached his breaking point.  As it says at the start of this book, "Now Earl has a stick. And some questions he'd like answered."  Tubb begins to fight back against Coach Boss and his crew and we finally learn just how far Coach Boss' power reaches.  Jason Aaron captures the feel of a small, seedy southern town and Jason Latour's art is a bit rough around the edges to fully immerse you in a situation that would make most people uncomfortable.  I am not sure if this duo has worked on any other projects, but I will be on board with any future books they are a part of.  It was great to see Tubb finally step up and fight back and I look forward to seeing him beat people with his stick in issue #4.

The Rest:
Nailbiter #3 - The mysteries that surround the town of Buckaroo, Oregon continue to grow with each issue from this entertaining thriller from Joshua Williamson.  I was in search of some answers in this issue, but find myself with more questions than I began with.  Has Edward Warren truly retired from killing?  Something tells me we will see him begin to develop a body count again soon.  Williamson has done a masterful job crafting complex characters that provide real depth for this small town mystery.  Mike Henderson sets a dark tone that evokes real moments of terror and shock.  If you are a horror fan then it is not too late to hop on board.  I sure hope that Detective Fish begins to unravel the mystery as to why so many serial killers have sprung up in this small town.

Original Sin #5 - This event continues to gain momentum as we draw nearer to who actually pulled the trigger and killed the Watcher.  We learned last time that the Winter Soldier merely killed a replicant of Nick Fury, but we also learned that Nick Fury is one old dude.  This issue gives us the background on Mr. Fury and was a delight to read.  If you are a fan of Fury, even if you haven't been keeping up with this event, then I would encourage you to check this out.  This event continues to impress and surprise me with each new issue.  It is a bit of a disappointment that not many of the Watcher's secrets have been revealed, but still a joy to read.

Rocket Raccoon #1 - With all the hype about the Guardians of the Galaxy I would be remiss if I didn't check this title out.  I am happy to report that Rocket Raccoon is just plain fun.  Over the top action, tongue humor, and a solid little story to go along with it.  While not in the same category as Southern Bastards or Nailbiter, Rocket Raccoon is a good comic to read for pure entertainment.  The Lego variant that featured Stan Lee was enough for me to open up my wallet and I would encourage you to check out this title as well.

Legendary Star Lord #1 - Sticking with this Guardians theme, I went ahead and picked up this issue as well.  Another fun title, but with a lot more heart.  The debut was sweet, but not sure if it is enough to bring me back.  I enjoyed learning more about Peter Quill and the one-shot story was nice, but I don't know if it quite delivered the hook.  If you are a Guardians fan then you already picked this title up.  If you are new to the series like I am, then you may want to wait for the trade.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

This week's crop of comics was truly epic.  I didn't get a chance to review all of the comics I wanted to read and still ended up with one of the larger Thursday Morning Superhero entries to date.  This week featured a new comic from Warren Ellis, Matt Kindt doing what he does, and an epic crossover.

Pick of the Week:
Star Wars: Rebel Heist #2 - Matt Kindt continues to tell what I consider his love story for Star Wars.  We learned of his love for Han Solo in the first issue and now we are treated to his love of Princess Leia.  Kindt's take on Leia makes her an even stronger woman than portrayed in the movies.  What I love about Kindt's series is how each story is told by a different member of the rebellion and we get to see the Star Wars characters through their eyes.  It is a personal view into characters I have known since childhood.  The comics are fun, can be enjoyed on their own, and should most likely be made into an animated series.  Kindt does such a nice job of painting heroes as relatable humans.  He takes these characters that are larger than life and makes them human.  Highly recommend for any Star Wars fan.

The Rest:
Southern Bastards #2 - The duo of Jason Aaron and Jason Latour give us an insight into the seedy underbelly of small southern towns in which high school football is king.  Earl Tubbs returned to Craw County to simply pack up his father's stuff and get the hell out of dodge. His father, the former Sheriff, loved and cared about this small town dearly.  Earl wanted nothing more than to escape.  He finds himself mixed up with Coach Boss and his cronies.  Dark, gritty, and vastly entertaining, Southern Bastards should make its way to the top of your pull list.  Now is the time to catch up because based on the conclusion of this issue, #3 is going to be one you won't want to miss.


Mind MGMT #22 - One of my favorite comics continues to ramp up as both the rebellion and the Management are attempting to sway The Magician.  We learn a good deal about her background and why Meru shutting down her ability was so harmful to who she was trying to become.  Dark Horse hinted that one would not survive this arc and I am worried for Henry Lyme and crew.  Matt Kindt goes the extra distance to continue to produce one of the most beautiful and thoughtful comics of all time.

Chew/Revival #1 - In theory a mash-up between Chew and Revival doesn't make a lot of sense.  I have read the first trade of Revival (it is great) and am current with Chew and never saw these two worlds interacting.  Despite my reservations, this issue was a lot of fun and worked really well.  If you are a fan of either series it is worth your time.  You get two separate stories that are both quite entertaining and the juxtaposition of the drama of Revival with the insanity that is Chew simply works.  It was hinted at a Poyo/Saga crossover and I think that would be glorious.

Trees #1 - The new title from Warren Ellis paints a picture in which the world has been invaded by intelligent life.  The problem is that the intelligent life that invaded the earth don't recognize humans as intelligent or living beings.  While we have not seen what they look like yet, they have planted trees across the globe.  Giant pillars that grow through the clouds and occasionally release a waste product.  This issue really sets the tone for the series and introduces us to some key players.  Nothing major happens, but Ellis does a nice job setting up the pins.

Batman #31 - Zero year continues to rush towards its epic showdown between Batman and the Riddler. Batman and Gordon's plan comes to fruition as they attempt to trace the signal from the Riddler's signal in order to pinpoint his location within Gotham.  Mix in some gladiatorial style combat and a flashback to the high school days and you have another successful issue from Snyder.  While not my favorite arc thus far, it is shaping up to have quite the exciting conclusion and has given me a new found respect for the Riddler.

Inhuman #2 - This series is rapidly approaching my favorite from Marvel.  With similarities to classic X-Men faire, the Inhumans are seeking acceptance from humans.  Medusa, the queen of the Inhumans, has a crew that is following the Terrigen cloud and providing assistance to the newly discovered Inhumans.  Captain America shows up in this issue and proposes that S.H.I.E.L.D. help out Medusa to ensure the safety of both humans and Inhumans.  After A.I.M. attempts to secure a piece of Attilan technology that has fallen into Times Square she reluctantly agrees.  This series really feels like a natural throw-back story filled with super human abilities and it makes me one happy reader.

Deadpool #29 - This was the first Original Sin tie-in that I picked up and it was ok.  I am excited for what it set up, Disco era Dazzler battling Vampires, but this issue felt a little flat.  It still had the usual crude Deadpool humor, but not much really happened.  I enjoyed learning about Deadpool's daughter, but was hoping for a bit more.  If you are a fan of Deadpool then you should be reading this as it sets the stage for what I hope is great, but if you were thinking about leaping on for the tie-in I would suggest waiting.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

As I hack away at my keyboard searching for a fitting opening to this week's post, I find myself very distracted by the thoughts of C2E2.  I will be making the drive north late Friday night and plan on enjoying 2 days of convention glory.  Once again this convention boasts an impressive lineup and I look forward to picking up my Artful Daggers trade and some other fun things.  It is starting to feel a lot like convention season!

Pick of the Week:
The Walking Dead #126 - The end of "All out War" is upon us.  Robert Kirkman and crew wrap up this series in a surprising fashion and I am never surprised by the sheer physical sense and insanity of Negan.  This has been a memorable run that had a truly fitting ending. Maybe I am being optimistic thinking that issue #127 and future comics will be printed in color.  Maybe I think too highly of the human race.  Despite our differences I like to think that the vast majority of us are good people.  Whether I am wrong or right, one thing is clear.  I have a feeling we aren't in Kansas anymore.

The Rest:
Mind MGMT #21 - Matt Kindt brought the thunder on the latest issue of his supernatural thriller and I was not disappointed.  It was dubbed by Dark Horse as a "silent issue" as the characters did not speak, but we were treated to their inner monologue as the fight broke out.  Caught in the Magician's traps, the agents have their abilities clouded as they attempt to solely survive this frightening ordeal.  A departure from your traditional Mind MGMT issue, but not in a bad way by any means.  One of my favorites.

Skull Kickers #26 - While it may not offer the depth of other comic series, Skull Kickers has a warm place in my heart as it is a title that is simply fun.  This tongue-in-cheek book delivers a lot of high quality, and some low brow, laughs and serves as a type of palette cleanser when it appears in my pull list.  This issue pokes fun at traditional dwarven lore and is chalk full of puns.  Fun stuff.

Batman Eternal #3 - As I said last week, I am glad that this series is coming out each week.  Things aren't looking up for Gotham (are they really ever?) as Falcone wastes no time usurping power and establishing his order.  Corruption seems to breed in Gotham and this tale is no different.  Once again the police force is targeting Batman while he is trying to prevent a civil war amongst the villains at large.  Throw in a new origin story for the New 52 and we have quite the exciting book.

Original Sin #0 - Marvel's new event is off to a great start with Mr. Mark Waid at the helm.  Nova seeks answers from The Watcher and gets more than he bargained for.  A rare insight into the origin of The Watcher makes for an interesting debut.  I am hoping that it goes beyond a traditional Marvel event, but it has my attention for now.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

I must admit that I am at a bit of a loss in how to open this week's entry.  One frustration I have had of late, is that I don't have the time or the money to read all of the great books that are coming out each week.  From this week I am bummed that I wasn't able to read the new issue of The Hacktivist, Tomb Raider, Skull Kickers, and others. I know I will read them soon, but the amount of good books on the market is simply ridiculous.  Good, but challenging times for us comic book fans.  Mix in the amazing sales that ComiXology has and the unreal volume of old books available on Marvel Unlimited and it seems I will be reading for some time.

Pick of the Week:
Mind MGMT #20 - I can't say enough for the world that Matt Kindt has created.  This is, not only one of the most gorgeous books on the market, but one of the best spy stories I have ever read.  While the "big picture" story is enough to keep you hooked, Kindt does the little things to really draw his reader in.  The stories in the sidebars, the watercolor art, and the subtle bits of storytelling that really connect you to his characters.  The story of the former dog agent had me in tears before this book even started.  I also love the notion of individuals who have undergone large amounts of experimentation end up finding cover in the circus sideshow.  I urge you not to be moved by the story of these former experiments trying to make sense of their world in a traveling circus spreading murder and propaganda. This is all in one issue!  Go join the Mind MGMT revolution today!

The Rest:
Silver Surfer #1 - I admit that I was excited to take a ride with this cosmic entity as he seeks out planets fit for consumption from Galactus, but was a little surprised to hear they weren't getting along any more.  I haven't read much Silver Surfer, but found this tale enjoyable despite some artistic issues that I had with the Impericon (a world created with technology to shield it from the Heralds.  It was decent with a good hook, but I am not sure I will be hanging ten with the Silver Surfer again on issue #2.

Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #3 - I know it is always dangerous to admit that I am not the biggest Firefly fan (I do enjoy it, but it is not my favorite), but this comic has been quite good.  What intrigued me the most in this issue was the visions that River had.  I felt that the tv show was at its best when it revolved around her.  What she saw and the direction she would like Mal to take may keep me on board.  Fans of the show will no doubt enjoy this title, but those that are casual fans or new to the world will most likely enjoy it as well.

The Walking Dead #124 - The mystery of if Rick was shot with a contaminated arrow is not resolved, but the drama it should bring in the next issue will be very interesting.  Rick and crew just learned that Negan's weapons were poisoned.  Despite getting the better of Negan in this attack, it is going to be an uphill climb.  I have really enjoyed this arc, but hope it ends soon.  While Negan is a vile and disgusting villain (one of, if not my favorite in this series), I am ready to move past him and see where this series is heading.

Captain America: Homecoming #1 - When I was reading this new Captain America, I had very mixed feelings.  It lacked the depth of character that I grew to love reading Ed Brubaker's run, but it had a nice nostalgic feel to it.  Simple, but good classic comic book action.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that this issue contained a bonus classic issue of Captain America (Issue #117).  I have no idea where this series is heading, but this was a nice trip down memory lane.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Looks like the first week of February is going to be a memorable one.  The polar vortex continues and I am ever thankful that ComiXology can pull through when it isn't safe to drive to the LCS.  My preregistration code has been secured and I will join the mass hysteria this Saturday to see if my random spot in line will be good enough to secure my pass for the four day nerd nirvana that is San Diego Comic Con.  In the mean time I will turn to some comics to calm me down before the storm.

Pick of the Week:
Ms. Marvel #1 - Kudos to Marvel for launching a powerful, female, Muslim, superhero.  Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, is a teenager who is trying to fit in.  Hailing from New Jersey and the daughter of immigrant parents, Kamala seeks approval from her peers.  She writes Avengers fanfic and secretly wants to join the super team and fight for the cause of justice.  She is granted that wish and it appears as if she may have bit off more than she can chew.  This book was refreshing, respectful, and seemed very honest to me.  I think there are probably many individuals who will identify with Kamala right from the get go.  For whatever reason people are treated differently, religion, gender, sexuality, etc., Kamala seems to be someone they can all look to.  I feel this book has a lot of pressure on it and I hope it can live up to its potential.

The Rest:
Secret #5 - This is a very difficult book to review.  It is very well written, features great art, and is has been very enjoyable to read.  The issue, like Infinite Vacation, is that there is such a huge delay between books.  Issue 1 came out almost two years ago and the web that Hickman has weaved is one that is easier navigated if the content is fresh.  With each title I feel I need to go back and reread the series.  It is an enjoyable reread, but I wish these were coming out with more regularity.  Issue #5 is a great success and Grant is seeking revenge on the Kodiak group.  We are teased with how the plan will unfold and I hope it is not a long wait before we see how things turn out.  If you haven't picked this book up yet I highly encourage checking out the entire five issue run to this point.

Bad Blood #2 - I must say that issue #2 was both unexpected and enjoyable.  I was surprised by the lack of action, but Trick's journey through the "vampire" underworld felt realistic and helped ground this title.  The fact that, even with the help of Lolly, a stripper and purveyor of "vampire" themed bars and bondage clubs, Trick can't seem to find any hint of actual vampires.  This slow pace served this book well and really made it easier to suspend my disbelief over the existence of vampires and fully engage with the characters on a personal level.  Very interesting series that is worth your time.

Archer and Armstrong: Archer #0 - If you are looking for a fun new title to pick up then the good folk at Valiant have given you a chance to hop on the critically acclaimed Archer and Armstrong series.  I have read a few Archer and Armstrong comics and have enjoyed them, but this book really impressed me.  It demonstrated just what Obadiah Armstrong might be capable of and was much darker then I had envisioned.  It also begins the connection that Archer and Armstrong have and definitely lays the foundation for a good origin story.  Throw in some fantastic art and I am an immediate fan.  Definitely worth your time and money this week.

Apocalypse Al #1 - Allison Carter, Al, is a private investigator that specializes in stopping demons that want to devour the world.  This responsibility has remained in her family for generations, but Al is the first female to carry the torch.  Issue 1 does a solid job introducing the colorful cast of characters and establishing a premise that warrants some attention.  Humorous tone that has good potential.  Another bonus is included for having Al jump in a toilet to escape from a dream in which she is trapped as a legal temp.

POSTED BY: Mike N.-- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

Thursday Morning Superhero

What a week of nerd rage. The good folks at SDCC announced that the badge system was going to be essentially a lottery and Gen Con had some hotel booking issues that left people high and dry. If you followed the action on social media it seemed like the world was ending and that blood will be shed in some hallowed halls. Once the dust settles I think we will all be fine and fortunately there are some great comics this week to distract us from the drama. On to the books!

Pick of the Week:
Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1 - I am going to preface this by declaring I am not a huge Firefly fan (waits for the nerd rage to commence).  I did enjoy the TV series and the movie, but still remained surprised the level of fandom that exists for this complex world that Master Whedon has created.  I do revisit the series from time to time and am a fan and think its great, but not to the extent of most con goers (my brother included).  When I heard that Dark Horse was publishing a new Firefly comic I hoped that they would be as good as the new Star Wars comics and am pleased to report it is.  Now Joss is a pretty busy guy so who better to entrust such a beloved title to than your little brother who has worked on other Whedon properties in the past.  So what are we left with here.  The action picks up after the conclusion of the movie (sorry Wash fans) and both sides are actively seeking out Mal and his crew. The Alliance seeks to silence them and stop them at all costs, while the rebellion seeks to use the momentum of Serenity's last broadcast as a catalyst for change.  Zach does a great job maintaining the feel for the original series and the artwork will put you back on your couch circa 2002 watching Fox (I mean this in a good way).  This title feels very true to the original and like a natural continuation of a series that ended before it should have.  I hope Whedon and Dark Horse can maintain this trajectory. 

The Rest:
Saga #19 - Saga continues to impress me with each and every astounding issue.  The thought that Brain K. Vaughan put into each character is simply amazing.  One of the things I love about this book is, despite the fact that it is narrated by Hazel, I find myself worried that something is going to happen to her.  In addition to that, Vaughan makes me care for characters that on the surface seem one dimensional, but as the story develops end up being very complex beings.  I am still very worried about Marko and Alana, but I am happy to report that a malfunctioning Prince Robot IV is quite entertaining and who knew how amazing Izabel would turn out to be!  I have a feeling there is way more to her then we are getting right now.  If you aren't reading Saga then I feel sad for you and you should stop reading this and pick it up.  It doesn't get much better than this.



City: The Mind in the Machine #1 - In the not so distant future San Francisco has been outfitted with thousands of cameras in an attempt to thwart terrorism activity.  The issue lies in how to monitor so much activity. The answer, Golden Shield. The Golden Shield is an artificial intelligence that monitors all of the cameras and has the ability to manipulate traffic lights and take control of police cars to get where they're needed.  What can go wrong?  Quite a bit and we are left with a story of an ambitious programmer who desperately needs Golden Shield to be successful.  I don't want to spoil how things turn out in issue one, but an opening that left a lot to be desired delivered a setup that was quite satisfying.  Fischer, the man behind Golden Shield, undergoes quite the impressive transformation in this issue and finds himself even deeper in his code then he ever imagined. I need to keep my eye on this one.

Fables #137 - Winter, one of Bigby and Snow's cubs, learns that being the wind of the north is as much of a curse as it is a blessing.  While it is amazing to be everywhere at once, you are constantly breaking the rules and are privy to that which you should not see.  We get a new perspective on Rose and her roundtable and the magic that is gathering around her.  While from Rose's viewpoint it is good and powerful, but Winter notes that it may be beyond her ability to control it.  Winter decides to amass an army of those powerful beings she now controls (Santa!) in preparation of a war between her mom and her aunt.  Add in some intrigue about what has truly happened to Bigby and Fables continues to please.  






POSTED BY: Mike N.-- comic guy, proudly raising nerdy kids, and Nerds of a Feather contributor since 2012.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Happy New Year fellow nerds.  2013 was an amazing year of comics that brought us the conclusion of Locke and Key, Matt Fraction's Hawkeye, Saga, and the sci-fi epic Trillium.  2014 has some big shoes to fill and it will hopefully get off to a good start.  This week's issues technically dropped on December 31, so we will see what 2014 next week.  Here is to the last week of 2013 comics!

Pick of the Week:

Bad Blood #1 - Jonathan Maberry and Tyler Cook bring us a stunning debut in Bad Blood from Dark Horse.  What I liked about this comic is that it gave a new twist to the vampire genre.  It didn't feel like a cash grab on a hot genre.  Bad Blood is the tale of Trick, a senior in High School and former football star who has been sidelined with cancer.  He is very pale and sickly and wants nothing more than to have a normal senior year.  Due to his sickness, he unknowingly poisons a vampire that bites him and unleashes a series of attacks on his friends.  Given that this comic is set in Anytown, USA, the cops react like most would if a witness described a vampire.  Trick is understandably frustrated as he has nobody to confide his unbelievable story in.  I foresee issues associated with both his sickness and his vampire bite in future issues.  Great art from Crook paired with the witty writing of Maberry make this a must read title.

The Rest:

The Superior Foes of Spider-Man #7 - I caved to peer pressure this week and returned to Nick Spencer's humorous look at some of Spidey's villains.  Superior Foes has had positive buzz since it launched and I read a couple of issues that I enjoyed, but was not hooked.  I am pleased to report that this issue was fantastic and I look forward to picking up the back issues.  This reads great as a stand alone issue and is essentially the origin of the Beetle, a female foe who has fought Captain America and Black Widow.  Janice, the Beetle, started her life of crime at a young age, stealing birthday presents from a friend.  This book is peppered with genuinely funny moments as we learn about Janice's growth into the Beetle.  Great issue from Spencer and company this month.

Fables #136 - I decided to return to an old favorite this week as Bill Willingham has announced that Fables will be concluding in the near future.  While I wasn't current with the Camelot arc, it was surprisingly easy to pick up what was happening and it was enjoyable to see how much Rose has grown.  The art continues to shine and I don't think any comic delivers as frequently with beautiful covers.  While I am going to miss this series, I feel it is time to move on and this issue captivated this mundy's interest for one more trip with this rag tag crew.

Thursday Morning Superhero

It is good to be back after taking a week off for Turkey Day.  I was very happy to learn that Artful Daggers is making it to print and the first trade of Ghosted dropped.  Two series that are well worth your time and your dollars.  All Out War is living up to the hype in the world of the Walking Dead and I am proud to report that Abraham's Army raised over $3,000 in its Movember campaign.  Thanks to all who contributed!

Pick of the Week:
Trillium #5 - What Jeff Lemire is doing with this medium simply isn't fair.  Not only is this sci-fi tale of time travel and intersecting worlds fascinating, he is challenging the notion on how comics should be read.  Nika and William find themselves in each others' worlds and struggle to find meaning in their new environments.  Nika feels ill as she is seeming trapped in her Victorian world and William struggles with his life in the future.  There are hints at what can bring these two back together and I can't wait to get my mitts on the next issue.  Lemire should be an intimidating force to other creators with the work he is producing.

The Rest:
The Victories #7 - Brian Avon Oeming has a series on his hands that has been a pure pleasure to read. It was hinted that a big event was occurring in this issue and Oeming delivered.  I will not spoil anything, but I was left with my jaw on the floor.  The Victories are trapped and D.D. is attempting to free them.  Despite a large number of superheroes in their unmentionables, Oeming delivers an issue that is both emotional and exciting.  If you are a fan of Powers and are not reading this title, what is wrong with you?

Six Gun Gorilla #6 - This series came to its conclusion as Blue was able to topple the corrupt corporations that televised the death of countless humans for entertainment.  The ending left the door open for the series to continue, which would be fine by me.  This series has had its highs and lows, but is original enough that I would continue to check out this title.

Inhumanity #1 - Matt Fraction has taken the helm of the Inhumans and his debut issue should give all fans of the Inhumans reason to celebrate.   The destruction of Attilian has revealed that Inhumans have been living amongst the humans for many years.   Fraction manages to provide a quality history on the Inhumans and sets the stage for how the destruction of Attilian could impact the Marvel Universe.  Solid debut issue.

Microreview [comics]: The Fifth Beatle

Tiwary, Vivek J., Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker. The Fifth Beatle [Dark Horse, 2013].

Available via: Independent Bookstores; Amazon 

The Meat

Graphic novel The Fifth Beatle, published last week by Dark Horse comics, was a labor of love by writer Vivek Tiwary, who felt that in all the mountains of volumes ever written on the Beatles, there had never been a fitting amount of ink devoted to the story of Brian Epstein, the band's manager. He's right — Epstein has largely been relegated to the corners of the Beatles' story, possibly because of his early death at age 32 in 1967, and his attendant inability to get his own version of events out there and write books and whatnot. The problem with The Fifth Beatle is that it may string together a series of events that tell a more-or-less complete story, but there's very little emotional or psychological insight or storytelling prowess on display here, so the whole thing seems a bit like a very pretty Cliff's Notes version of a better work.

Epstein was Jewish, and secretly gay, which were two big strikes against him in a blue-collar, Protestant town like Liverpool in the early 1960s. While working at his family's record store, he saw local band The Beatles perform, and got the crazy idea that they could be "bigger than Elvis." Epstein talked the boys into letting him manage them, even though he'd never attempted to do anything like that before. He paid for them to record a demo, shaped their image, got them signed to a record deal, and a couple of years later they were, in fact, bigger than Elvis. But according to The Fifth Beatle, Epstein was never satisfied, was obsessed by mistakes he had made, like negotiating a bad deal for merchandising rights, and fell into prescription drug abuse to combat his exhaustion and homosexuality, until he overdosed and died at home after Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band was released.

I kept feeling like the pieces for a compelling story were all in front of me while reading this graphic novel, but they never came together. Epstein's struggles were all internal — he certainly had every trapping of external success and accomplishment — yet this book does a poor job of conveying anything but the externalities. Sure, I can take a guess as to what it may have felt like to have always felt like an outsider, always harboring secrets and fear, but this telling doesn't help me out any. And then in the final pages, it takes such a bizarre, Surreal turn that hinges around Epstein's assistant Moxie, a character I didn't know was a composite character, made up of several people who filled many roles in Epstein's life, that I found myself lost. I had to Google Moxie, and after a little background reading, found the ending a little more comprehensible. But it seems like a big mistake to make, assuming a baseline level of knowledge in your audience about a story you're telling because you don't think enough people know about it...

The Math

Baseline Assessment: 6/10

Bonuses: +1 for the hand-painted, watercolor artwork by Andrew Robinson. It's quite remarkable, even if much of the overt symbolism on the pages is heavy-handed.

Penalties: -1 for its inability to get inside its main character; -1 for a clumsy ending

Nerd Coefficient: 5/10. Equal parts good and bad.

Thursday Morning Superhero

I am proud to report that Abraham's Army has raised over $2,400 for the month of Movember! To check in on my sad mustache or to contribute to the cause, click here.  Not a lot of books on my pull list this week, but very pleased with the titles I picked up.  The Wake from Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy was outstanding and a new Star Wars title from Dark Horse examines the life of Han and Leia's daughter.

Pick of the Week:
The Wake #5 - Scott Snyder and Sean Murphy should work on more projects together.  Murphy's ability to elicit emotion and horror pair perfectly with the heart-filled, dark stylings of Snyder.  This was a huge turning point in the arc that delivered on all levels.  It was exciting, terrifying, emotional, and surprising.   We learn that the rig was never the target, but that the mainland is what is at stake.  An all out charge is unleashed and our group of heroes make one last ditch effort to save the world.  It sounds cliche, but this story is anything but.  An absolute gem of an issue.

The Rest:
Star Wars: Legacy #1 - Taking place 138 years after A New Hope, Star Wars Legacy looks at the Star Wars Universe through the eyes of Ania Solo, daughter of Han and Leia.  She is a scapper who stumbles upon a communications droid that is carrying some valuable information for the Empire.  The first issue sets the stage nicely as the Jedi don't swear loyalty to the new Empire and the Sith seek to regain control.  It was confusing to think of the Empire as the good guys, but something tells me that power still corrupts.  Good debut for a series I will continue to read.

Daredevil #33 - Daredevils dance with the occult continued in this issue as he sought to gain some pages from the Darkhold, a mystical book.  While I enjoyed how light and fun this issue was, the monsters post-Halloween lacked their initial appeal.  It was a fine issue with a nice ending, but the monsters seemed out of place in a Daredevil comic.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Apple was in the spotlight yesterday, not only for their newly announced products, but for their stance on Matt Fraction's Sex Criminals.  As of this writing the comic was "under review" and not available digitally from Apple.  You can still purchase the comic from ComiXology, Kindle, or Google, but Apple is intent on playing morality police and restricting what comics it sells.  While you can still get the comic on the ComiXology app, you can't purchase it via Apple's iOs.  Hopefully these types of shenanigans won't be a trend with Apple.  This is the second comic (Saga) of recent memory that was restricted by Apple.

Pick of the Week:

Velvet #1 - Ed Brubaker has done it again.  He is bringing a unique twist to the crime/mystery comic. The personal secretary, who is in possession of key information, turns out to be less of a traditional administrative assistant and more of a spy herself.  She is privy to unique information on many operatives, and when one of their own is killed on a mission, the hunt for the mole is on.  The first issue feels like the WWII-era Captain America books that Brubaker wrote and if you have read any of the Criminal series then you know how able he is in regards to writing about crime.  Really excited about this one.

The Rest:

Mind MGMT #16 - Matt Kindt continues to weave an interesting tale that is one of my current favorite ongoing series.  This issue is a stand alone that provides a chilling background to the eraser.  Kindt's ability to push the comic medium is second to none and I highly encourage anyone who enjoys a good mystery to pick up this title. A sci-fi story that occurs on the perimeter of the pages leaks into the issue to take the storytelling to the next level.  Kindt is one-of-a-kind and I hope his imprint on the world of comics is lasting.

The Massive #16 - I decided to see if I could resume reading this title from Brian Wood after taking a break from its impressive debut.  This week's issue is part one of a new three story arc entitled "Longship".  Callum discovers an old friend has helped with the resurgence of the whaling industry.   Whales are not endangered and provide many needed resources following the crash, but the Massive and Callum are intent on stopping it.  Looking forward to seeing how this develops and glad I returned to this title.

Daredevil #32 - Murdock is not fooled by the Jester's trick, but needs to get to the bottom of the Sons of the Serpent and figure out a way to stop the riots in New York.  A tip from Foggy leads him to Kentucky where a seemingly normal cab ride leaves him in some monstrous company.  Nice to have an occult feel around Halloween, Waid continues to deliver the goods on this Eisner winning series.

Pretty Deadly #1 - Another impressive debut from Image Comics, Pretty Deadly pairs the supernatural with the wild west.  The daughter of death, Ginny, is seeking a missing page from a diary.  The story is narrated by a pair of traveling minstrels, Sissy and a blind man named Fox.  Packed with intrigue, magic, and the west, this book has a very Sixth Gun feel to it.  That is a compliment and I look forward to reading more. 

Thursday Morning Superhero

I am not sure how to open this week's post.  There was a really impressive group of comics this week, but one stood above the rest.  The simple idea of a superhero gaining power by being drunk or on drugs has such a wealth of opportunity I am stunned nobody has come up with the concept.  Buzzkill has me excited on so many levels I just want to jump into this week's books.

Pick of the Week:
Buzzkill #1 - The concept is so simple it's brilliant and Mark Waid's quote on the cover is classic.  "God, I wish I'd thought of this."  Rueben, the name he gives his AA group, is an alcoholic superhero.  When he drinks and does drugs he gets superpowers and he is seeking to clean up his act.  In the AA group he recounts some stories on how he found out what powers he has and the moment that caused him to seek help.  I guess when you seemingly destroy a town and have no memory of it because you were so drunk you blacked out it might take a toll on you.  To say the least, the superheroes are not too pleased about his treatment, but the villains are celebrating the demise of a formidable foe.  It is currently billed as a four-issue miniseries, I am hopeful that staying power to be an ongoing title.  Can't recommend this one enough.

The Rest:
Sixth Gun #34 - Becky's journey in the dream world continues as she unknowingly assists Gord, Kirby, and Asher's attempt to save her by wielding the gun in Hume's twisted world.  Drake is able to communicate to Becky and send her hopefully in the right direction as she seeks to leave the dream world and awaken.  She is confronted with a world that she did not expect to see that may leave her not wanting to wake up.  Another great issue from Cullen Bunn.

Daredevil #31 - I think Mark Waid enjoys tormenting poor Matt Murdock.  After all that Matt has been through lately, the final panel in this issue is infuriating and I love it.  The D.A. is in trouble after he seemingly released the names, faces, and addresses of a jury of 12 that rendered a not guilty verdict in an obvious nod to the George Zimmerman case.  Chaos ensues as Daredevil believes the Jester is behind it, but needs help calming a riot.  Hank Pym lends a hand as an army of tiny ants, in a beautiful series of panels, seed the clouds to bring down a downpour.  The pacing is quick and the hook at the end of the book is quite nice.  I am still really enjoying Waid's Daredevil and will continue to purchase it.

Infinity #3 - Things begin to look positive as the fate of the universe lays in the hands of the Avengers battling the builders and the crew left on earth stopping the mad Titan Thanos.  Some hacking comes in handy and turns the builders weapons on themselves and Blackbolt spoils Thanos' trip to earth.  This series continues to be good, but not sure if I will stick with it.  I am intrigued, but nothing is jumping out at me that tells me this series is special.  I am guessing I will be on board for the next issue as I love me some Thanos.

Zero #1 - This debut issue from Image Comics had my eyes peeled to the book.  A former soldier is recounting his life stories to a child and the first story involves a secret mission to extract technology from a biomodified Palestinian terrorist.  Zero stumbles into a brutal brawl between the Palestinian and an Israeli soldier that has also utilizing this technology.  The fight between the two doped up soldiers is horrifying and Zero is willing to add to the body count in the process of completing his mission.  I couldn't read this title quick enough and am excited about the next issue.  Fast paced, fun, brutal, and very intriguing.  Image is quickly becoming my favorite publisher.

What I should have read:
The Dark Knight #23.3 featuring Clayface - As a Batman and John Layman fan I came very close to picking this issue up, but passed on it to save some cash.  From what I have read, if you are a fan of Clayface then you should pick up this issue.  Might be one I try to scoop on sale.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Before we dive into this week's comics I thought I would share a comic that can be enjoyed by all ages for the low price of FREE!  Bad Apple Castle is a free webcomic from Chris Eliopoulos who has penned numerous kid-friendly titles that I have enjoyed with my kids .  Started in December of last year, Chris has graced us with over 100 comics to date and it is full of the zany humor I have enjoyed in his other titles.  Dewey Dreadful is the grumpy ruler of Bad Apple Castle and the hijinks that ensue within the walls of the castle are fun and unexpected. Give it a look and if you enjoy it you should check out his other work.  Our favorites from Chris are Okie Dokie Donuts, Monster Party, and Mr. Puzzle.  Now onto this week's titles.

Pick of the Week:
Itty Bitty Hellboy #1 - Dark Horse was graced with a kid friendly version of Hellboy from the Eisner-winning duo of Art Baltazar and Franco.  Full of good natured fun and truly funny moments, this comic ended too quickly.   Baltazar and Franco prove that they are able to create kid-friendly versions of a wide arrange of properties in a way that captures the essence of the characters and remains true to the comic.   I am always grateful for comics that I can actually enjoy reading with my kids.  I am pleased to report that Itty Bitty Hellboy delivers and it will be a long wait for issue #2.

The Rest:

Skullkickers #24: Before Skullkickers - Jim Zub is not finished with his parody on the world of comics.  Before Skullkickers includes four tales that were never intended to be written created by all-star teams.  In a review of another similar stunt, I am tempted to only comment on the great art.  That being said, this was quite enjoyable.  Kusia's story was my favorite and I particularly enjoy how she took out a giant creature with a small dagger and a poke to the hand.  Well played Mr. Zub.

Secret #3 - It has been a long wait since issue #2, but I enjoyed my return to this book from Jonathan Hickman and Ryan Bodenheim.  I have learned its best to trust Hickman for the ride he takes you on and Secret began to payoff this month.  Grant is beginning to learn who is behind the death of his friend and it doesn't bode well.  I just hope that issue #4 won't take as long to come out.

Thumbprint #3 - This mini-series based on a short story from Joe Hill came to its grisly end this month.  Mal learns who is behind the mysterious thumbprints that have been tormenting her and the 2-spread page in the middle of this book is one of the most disturbing and hilarious things I have ever read.  Just be warned, I am now well versed in how to chop off someone's thumb thanks to a handy guide.

What I should have read:

Morning Glories #30 - I made the decision to switch to trades for future issues of Morning Glories and it takes all of my willpower not to pick up the latest issue at my LCS.  This issue focuses on the past of Irina and we meet her mom who isn't the nicest of ladies.  It is going to be a tough wait for the next trade.  Maybe ComiXology will have a sale. 

Thursday Morning Superhero

Scott Snyder may be having one of the best weeks in comics ever.  He debuted the new DC title Superman Unchained, began a new arc in Batman that explores his origin and examines the time he spent away from Gotham City after the death of his parents, and released a one-shot American Vampire story.  I didn't get a chance to read American Vampire, but both Superman Unchained and Batman warrant your attention.  I was especially pleased to enjoy the Superman title as he is one of my least favorite superheros.  In the most shocking news ever to hit this feature, I did not pick a comic from the mind of Joe Hill as pick of the week!

Pick of the Week:

Helheim #4 - This series seems to get stronger with each issue and it was the pacing of this issue that set it apart from the herd.  It begins slow and you get the feeling that it is going to be an issue that develops the story, but doesn't involve much action.  It really felt like the calm before the storm and then the storm hits out of nowhere.  The battle of the two witches is taking a greater toll on all of those involved and so both must be destroyed.  Kirk, Rikard's father, faces quite the emotional decision.  His goals involve killing the monstrosity that his son has become and both witches for the good of his people.  He must swallow his pride and accept the help of the Draugr in the hopes that he survives the war only to kill what was once his son.  The sheer amount of conflict that Cullen Bunn has packed into this series, both internally and externally, really gives this title the depth needed to counter the violence.

The Rest:

Superman Unchained #1 - Minus the $4.99 price point and the gimmicky poster spread, this book was very enjoyable.  To me what made me begin to appreciate Superman, who I find very boring and wholesome, was that you see him heading towards his breaking point and actually showing some emotion.  The reveal at the end was enough to get me on board for the next issue.

Batman #21 -  The Zero Year arc has begun and Scott Snyder plans on providing some insights into some of the holes in Batman's past.  Based on the first issue I am hopeful that this arc will be as enjoyable as the Court of the Owls.  Batman will even be squaring off against a new foe in this run that should be as fun as solving a riddle!

Thumbprint #1 - Based on a novella penned by Joe Hill, Thumbprint tells the story of a woman who has been discharged from the Army after participating in some questionable acts when stationed at Abu Ghraib.  Her life at home is not without complication and her world is truly rocked when she is left a mysterious thumbprint in her mailbox.  Filled with some of the more disturbing and realistic scenes I have seen in a comic, this one is not for the faint of heart.

Killjoys #1 - Gerard Way, author of the fabulous Umbrella Academy, has a new series published by Dark Horse.  A girl who rode with the Killjoys, a group of heros who were killed trying to stand up to the evil empire of Battery City, may be the savior to the rebels who remain underground in their nest.  With her trust cat as the only companion she truly trusts, she relies on the radio waves and a rebel DJ to stay informed.  Way pens an interesting post apocalyptic tale that has the potential to be a great series, but we will have to wait and see.

Walking Dead #111 - Just when you think things are going to move in a straight line to the inevitable showdown between Rick and Negan Robert Kirkman throws in another wrinkle.  Negan somehow becomes more unlikable and things that were looking hopeful for Rick and his crew now seem worse than ever.  It will be a tough wait for issue #112.