Thursday Morning Superhero

Happy Thorsday to all!  Lady Thor is here and she is here to stay (for at least a little while).  I will delve into the details a bit more below, but an interesting twist that may have me reading Thor for the first time.  The big news this week is that Marvel finally settled with the Kirby estate.  They won't release details, but hopefully it featured a lot of cold hard cash.   Finally, if you missed out on the great Valiant Humble Bundle, or if you picked it up, you should act now and pick up the new Humble Bundle from Oni Press!  Not only to you get amazing digital comics, including Scott Pilgrim, The Sixth Gun, and Helheim, you are raising funds for charity!

Pick of the Week:
Brides of Helheim #1 - When this was announced some time back it was like music to my ears.  I could not wait to return to this beautiful and savage world that Cullen Bunn and Joelle Jones created. Following the events of Helheim, Rikard, now an undead Draugr, lives an isolated life with Bera and Groa.  A girl who is desperate to protect her village from an evil force, seeks Rikard's help.  Jones should be allowed to illustrate any comic book she wants.  Her style is a perfect match for this story.  It is a dark horrific tale, but with a glimmer of hope.  Her juxtaposition of the beautiful with the horrific are a reflection of Rikard himself.  It is going to be a long wait for next month's issue.

The Rest:
Thor #1 - Lady Thor is here.  While I feel that this is purely a gimmick, the idea that Thor is deemed unworthy due to one of the Watcher's secrets is an interesting premise.  I was surprised how emotional it was to see Thor struggle with the fact that he is no longer worthy.  In a true confession, I have read very little Thor in my day.  Despite this, it was enjoyable and included Thor riding a goat to the bottom of the ocean.  That is not a typo.





Gotham Academy #1 - Becky Cloonan, Brandon Fletcher, and Karl Kerschl deliver an amazingly fun debut this week.  People within the industry were hyping up this title on the Twittersphere and it was an absolute blast.  In a bizarre mash-up that includes Harry Potter, Rushmore, Morning Glories and Batman, we learn about a preparatory academy in Gotham that is likely haunted. The mystery surrounding the school and the rebellious Miss Silverlocke are enough to keep me hooked until the next issue.

The Walking Dead #132 - My jaw hit the floor at the conclusion of this issue.  What started out well and good, as the issue is titled "Happiness", Robert Kirkman pulled a fast one on me and delivered a shocking answer as to how the dead might have evolved to the point of speaking.  I still have chills thinking about what lies ahead for Rick and crew when they learned what is going down beyond the walls.

Death of Wolverine #3 - While skeptical of this series, Charles Soule and Steve McNiven have really produced a solid story in a great looking package.  While the basic story is pretty simple, each issue has been an enjoyable read that I would strongly recommend.  It will be interesting to see how long Wolverine remains deceased, but that shouldn't take away from a quality series that is worth your time.






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

Thursday Morning Superhero

San Diego Comic Con is only one week away and you can already feel the anxiety and the excitement.  It seems like the off-site events are getting bigger and bigger each year and with the complete takeover of Petco Park this year is setting a new standard.  The Nerd HQ, Walking Dead Escape, and others are taking over the ballpark as rabid fans compete for swag.  I am really looking forward to immersing myself once again among the thousands, but before I can make my annual trip to San Diego we have some books to check out.

Pick of the Week:
The Walking Dead #112 - The fact that Robert Kirkman is able to keep this book fresh after over 100 issues is a testament to the power of this series and the success it has had.  In the last issue Negan surprised the survivors with a visit while Rick was out gathering supplies before attempting the overthrow.  When Rick discovers that Negan is in his territory early and has killed one of his men he is ready to deliver the final blow to Negan.  The twists and turns that have been an integral part of this title for 112 issues will always keep me coming back for more.  Can't wait for the 10th anniversary panel at Comic Con!

The Rest:
Hawkeye #12 - After the lighthearted adventures of pizza dog, we are treating to a moving story about Clint and his brother Barney.  I can't think of another book that feels as real as this title.  Simple and powerful issue that highlights why this book should win an Eisner. Matt Fraction's writing and ability to portray Hawkeye as real person and capture so much real emotion on the page of a comic book is astounding.

Batman #22 - Scott Snyder has really stepped up his game with Zero Year.  In part 2 of the new arc, Batman becomes aware of the corruption of Wayne Enterprise and just how far of a reach the Red Hood has.  The Red Hood is always steps ahead of the Dark Knight and the rumblings of the Riddler are quite enjoyable.  Loved the end of the issue, but the highlight was the creative use of a game board panel on a conversation between Bruce Wayne and Edward Nygma.

Daredevil #28 - Mark Waid's run on Daredevil continues to impress.  In an issue devoid of action, Matt Murdock is reunited with a foe from his childhood who needs legal help.  Murdock agrees to take the case and is now entangled in a new web involving the Sons of the Serpent, a racist hate group.  Add that to Foggy's cancer and things aren't looking too good for the man with no fear.

Helheim #5 - Cullen Bunn's latest title continues to deliver the goods.  The fear the witches feel in this issue is clear as they prepare to deal with the wrath of the Draugr.  Rickard's father maintains his relationship with his former son, the Draugr, knowing that once the witches are defeated he must kill the beast that was formally his son.

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.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Another week of comics and another week of all really good titles. It was a struggle to select one title as pick of the week when all of them were so good. The intrigue from Sex #1 leaves me wanting more (easy there tiger), Snapshot continued the fast pace of the first issue, and Age of Ultron was simply great. In the end only one title can garner top honors and that goes to the one with vikings.

Pick of the Week: Helheim #1 - The creative team of Cullen Bunn, Joelle Jones, and Nick Filardi sure manage to cram in quite a bit into one issue. The pace is frantic, the action is fierce, and the art from Jones captures the fear and intensity that these vikings possess. I challenge you to read through this issue and not be clamoring for the second one. It hooks you early and delivers an ending that will bring you back.

In the story we learn that Rikard and his fellow Vikings have a common foe in the witch Groa. They are returning from an unsuccessful attempt to kill her in which many vikings were lost. It seems that the witch is interested in Bera, Rikard's special lady friend, who Rikard's father isn't afraid to sell out. In this debut issue we see prophetic visions, humans rising from the grave, magic, and a hero that appears invincible while his enemies are still alive. Who doesn't love a good nordic tale involving witches and magic penned by a mind the likes of Bunn. It looks like the Oni Press has another hit on its hand courtesy of Bunn and his crew.

The Rest:

Sex #1 - Simon Cooke seems to be a Bruce Wayne with more flaws as he returns home to Saturn to take over the family company and remain retired from his role as the armored saint in this new Image title with great potential and interesting characters established in one issue.

Snapshot #2 - The pace of this comic does not slow down in issue #2 as Jake escapes and finds an ally in Callie, the daughter of the man who was supposedly dead in the photos, and tries to uncover more information in this web of deceit he is now knee deep in.

Age of Ultron #1 - Stunning first issue that just barely missed pick of the week honors from Brian Michael Bendis as the Avengers seek to merely survive in a post apocalyptic New York controlled by Ultrons.