Thursday Morning Superhero

The Walking Dead and Skybound have created Movember team entitled Abraham's Army.  It not only celebrates the mustachioed man, it is raising money for men's health and I would encourage all of you to check it out here.   I joined the team and am currently sporting a dirty lip for a good cause.   You can also purchase Abraham shirts with 20% of the proceeds going towards Movember here.  Enough about facial hair, let's move on to the three great books I picked up this week.

Pick of the Week:

Trillium #4 - Jeff Lemire continues to impress with his sci-fi drama that connects an earth in the past with the planet Atabithi.  Nika and some of the Atabithians have been trapped on earth and venture to a native tribe with Billy.  Meanwhile, Clayton is captured by the humans who are planning a raid on Atabithi to secure the Trillium.  The tension and uncertainty that exists in both times is palpable and the unexplained energy source that is coming from the temple that connected the two times simply compounds things.  Lemire's artwork continues to amaze me in its ability to connect the reader with the character.  Some of the most powerful panels show the struggle these various groups have communicating with one another and the frustration and terror these individuals have.  There are some hints as to what is connecting the two times, but there still remains a lot of intrigue around the Atabithian, the Trillium, and the humans from different times.

The Rest:

Ghosted #5 - This new title from Joshua Williamson has been a pure joy to read thus far and the first arc was brought to an enjoyable conclusion.  When we left Jackson and his crew last time Trick, the only member of the team capable of performing an exorcism, had just been possessed by an evil spirit.  Night has fallen on Trask Mansion and things do not look good for Jackson and company.  Throw in some back-stabbing, bribing, and the real reason for the Trask Mansion invasion and you are provided with an entertaining book that provides great closure to the first arc. Williamson has clearly put a lot of thought into the characters and it remains wide open just how far he can take this series.  Definitely worth your time and money to pick this supernatural title up.

Ten Grand #5 - It has been quite some time since we were able to visit J. Michael Straczynski's Ten Grand and I am happy to be back.  C.P. Smith is the new artist on board and the timing seemed very appropriate.  As a refresher, Joe is cursed and can only spend time with his deceased wife if he dies in a righteous cause.  He is then granted five minutes with her before returning to life.  In the last issue we learned that his wife is not in Heaven or Hell.  Smith's first task was drawing the purgatory in which Joe finds himself as he searches in wife.  The dramatic change from Ben Templesmith's style is welcome and worked with the dramatic shift in the story.  A lot of questions remain, but Straczynski's ability to create meaningful characters and intrigue will bring me back.  An unexpected issue that was pleasantly surprising.  

Thursday Morning Superhero: Friday Edition

The boss was kind enough to give me yesterday off so you are getting a delayed version of Thursday Morning Superhero.  Big news in comics this week.  The Image Expo had attendees drooling over their new projects and DRM free digital comics.  Then yesterday San Diego Comic Con announced its schedule for Thursday, including Ender's Game, X-Files reunion, and a farewell to Dexter. Vertigo, DC Digital, and a panel on gender and comics caught my eye as well.  Onto the books!

Pick of the Week:
Ten Grand #3 - This title from J. Michael Straczynski really hit its stride this week.  I have been thoroughly enjoying the title, but the twist at the end of this issue opened up even more possibilities.  Joe is a former mob enforcer who was killed alongside his fiancee but given the chance to be resurrected to make up for the horrible crimes he committed as a human.  For every honorable death he dies, he gets to see his fiancee for five minutes.  This book featured a beautiful flashback about how he met his love for the first time and the life he had before it was all taken away.  This is one of the most original titles I have read that has heart, is illustrated beautifully, and has a fresh take on the supernatural. 

The Rest:
Dark Skullkickers Dark #1 - The relaunch of Skullkickers reaches its conclusion this week as our trusty group of heroes are reunited with the dwarf!  Jim Zub continues his jabs at the industry in what has increasingly become one of my favorite lighthearted reads.

Avengers A.I. #1 - The post Age of Ultron world begins with a new artificial intelligence threat.  Vision gains new powers and this crew of the avengers team up with a hacked Doombot to defeat the current threat.  Enjoyable, but forgettable issue.

Deadpool Kills Deadpool #1 - He has killed former presidents, icons from literary history, and the Marvel Universe.  What else is left for the merc with the mouth?  Some version of Deadpool from the multiverse is killing other Deadpools.  Fans of Deadpool will be on
board for this one.

The Surperior Foes of Spider-Man #1 - Nick Spencer brings us a fun title that is in the same breath as the current run of Hawkeye.  We get to know the Boomerang and his crew of baddies who subject themselves to beatings and arrests week in and week out from various superheros.  Really fun title that warrants your time.

Satellite Sam #1 - Just your run-of-the-mill comic set in the 50's in a television studio of a live sci-fi television program.  The lead actor is missing and it turns out is involved in some sort of pin-up ring and probably worse.  Very interesting idea that could be great.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Once again it is time for our weekly comic round-up.  Sandwiched between C2E2 and Free Comic Book Day was quite a good week for comic book readers.  There is a new Fairest arc which you know about already, Ten Grand debuted, and the Age of Ultron continues to impress.   Onward to the books!

Pick of the Week:

Ten Grand #1 - Joe is a private eye for hire who is looking to make good on his previous life.  He was granted a second chance to spend time with his wife on the condition that he make amends for his past discretions.  The twist is that he struck a deal with the angels and if he fails to uphold his end of the bargain then he will spend eternity separated from his one true love.  Throw in the brilliant writing of John Michael Straczynski and the dark muddled art of Ben Templesmith and you have an instant classic.  This book had me hooked from the first panel and delivered until the end.  It appears that Image has another hit on its hand.

The Rest:
Age of Ultron #7 - The repercussions of time travel are present in this book as Wolverine and Sue Storm quickly learn the risk in messing with the timelines.  Another great issue that may have a lasting impact on the Marvel universe.

Hawkeye #10 - Matt Fraction takes Hawkeye on a darker trip setting up a new arc that has me intrigued.  This issue adds depth and complexity and is a welcome departure from the lighthearted fun that he has infused in the series.

Fairest #15 - As a fan of Fables I was certainly excited about the spin-off Fairest, only to remain a little underwhelmed.  The new arc, however, feel reminiscent to the Fables that hooked me years ago with the beauty of its pages and the thoughtful storytelling.

Thanos Rising #2 - The origin of Thanos continues as he turns his knife from animal specimen to his classmates and more.  A little, ok a lot, cheesy at times, but still enjoyable to see the twisted path that took Thanos from a misunderstood child to the tyrant he is.