Thursday Morning Superhero

I had the good fortune to check out Alamo City Comic Con last weekend and I have to say I am impressed with the crowds this convention drew.  I got my wife a photo op with David Tennant and Billie Piper for our anniversary and was impressed with how Wolf Photography and the volunteers at ACCC ran things.  Thanks for a memorable Saturday!

Pick of the Week:
Nailbiter #26 - While it is a bit early for a holiday special, I am thrilled beyond words that my favorite horror series is back.  The dynamic of Charles Warren (the Nailbiter) and his former lover Shannon (the police officer currently holding him behind bars for kidnapping).  Their conversation really provides a great overview of the series and creates a nice jumping on point for new readers.  Warren is dealing with his own internal demons and seems like a good character despite the fact that he is truly a serial killer.  Detective Finch was derailed on his attempt to return to Portland and now finds himself in the same predicament that brought him to Buckaroo in the first place.  The only difference is that he is the one captured, not the one looking for his missing partner.  Joshua Williamson hints at potential new secrets to be revealed in the next issue and I sure hope we don't have to wait another month!

The Rest:
Southern Bastards #15 - It has been too long since my last trip to Craw County and things aren't looking good to Coach Boss.  After getting crushed by their rival on homecoming, the Running Rebs are looking to make the most out of their season.  The mayor's wife isn't shy about mixing things up in an attempt to get Coach Boss fired, but if he can find a way to win then his job is secure.  The seedy comic about high school football in the South is back and just as good as ever.  This quote from Coach Boss pretty much sums up the series in a nutshell.  After one of his "coaches" offers to hurt an opponent's star tight end before their game, he responds "I may be a murder and a gangster and a whole helluva lotta other fuckin' things.  But not on Friday nights.  Some things is Goddamn sacred, boy."

The Walking Dead #160 - Both sides are making strategic pushes as part 4 of The Whisperer War really brings the pain.  Both sides are going to suffer major losses and it isn't entirely clear who we can trust.  Lydia and Carl are bunking up (he is old in the comics!), but her mom was the leader of The Whisperers.  Negan seems to be helping, but he is someone you can truly never trust.  What is clear is that the loser of this one is going to be absolutely decimated.



 

Batman #10 - I really am giving the new Batman a go, but I just can't get into it.  It is my DC staple so I imagine I will continue to read it, but it just doesn't have the punch that it once did.  Batman is trying to free Psycho Pirate from Bane's stronghold on Santa Prisca.  His mantra is that he needs to get Psycho Pirate to save someone otherwise he is going to break Bane's back.  I nice throwback to when Bane actually broke Batman's back, but it did little to draw me into the story.  Hopefully when they return to Gotham things will pick back up.  Bane is also boring now that he is off the juice.




Battlestar Galactica: Gods and Monsters #1 - When I saw that Dynamite Comics was publishing a new Battlestar comic I got pretty excited.  I loved the revamped series (minus the ending) and have enjoyed some of the previous iterations of comics.  After reading this debut, which involves Gaius building a Cylon Centurion ala Dr. Frankenstein and his monster, I feel that it is probably time for Battlestar Galactica to take a long break.  The spin-off Caprica was a disaster, the movie "The Plan" was awful, and this series first issue did nothing to capture the magic of what made the series great.  If you want to revisit this world I highly suggest playing the board game, which is excellent and will make you feel as if you really are on the fleet and possibly a sleeper agent.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Image courtesy of DC Comics

It is the time of year when little sprinkles from San Diego Comic Con begin to appear.  My schedule is starting to take shape and I hope it has room for another taping of Conan and maybe some Conan Bingo in addition to the fun that takes place in the convention center.  Each year I make the trek to SDCC I try to find some cool exclusives for my kids and this year I hope my daughter adds to her DC Super Hero Girls collection and asks for Katana.   Just a truly beautiful collectible that will be ripped out of the box and thrown into a bin of toys to be played with.  Onward to the comics!

Pick of the Week:
Birthright #16 - There has been a bit of a break since we last visited Birthright, but man was the wait worth it.  To catch people up, Mikey vanished when he was a child and everyone assumed his dad killed him.  He returned, much aged, a couple of years later claiming to have been abducted and living in Terrenos as the chosen one.  It is thought that he defeated Lore, but the spirit of Lore (the Nevermind) infected Mikey and he returned to Earth to bring destruction.  In addition to this, there are a series of mages who have been traveling to and from Terrenos and have a vested interested in Mikey and the Nevermind.  With that in mind, understanding there are a lot of details that Joshua Williamson packed into this series that I don't have time to get into, we are gearing towards an epic battle between the mages.  In addition to that, it turns out that Mikey's grandfather is a mage from Terrenos, and didn't even stand up for Mikey's dad when he was missing.  There is another twist that I oh so want to mention, but don't want to spoil anything.  Mikey, his brother, his father, and his grandfather have a lot to figure out if they are going to come together and stand a chance against the other mages.   I thought this series had slowed down and I was quite wrong.

The Rest:
Darth Vader #21 - I would have never guessed that a wise-cracking, murdering droid similar to C-3PO would steal the show in this comic.  While Vader is tracking down a traitor and on a Cylon Raider type "living" ship, Triple-0 is tasked with tracking down Dr. Aphra.  Triple-0 delivers lines like "Answering DID keep him alive, Beetee! Just not for very long." and "I'm sure you'll find not telling anyone anything a far less demanding task when you're safely disposed of, master." while commanding a droid army and slaughtering a large number of friendly locals.  In an odd turn of events I find myself much more interested in the droids then of Vader himself.  Dear Mavel.  Please give us a spin-off of these ultra-violent droids.  I want to learn more about them.


Wonder Woman: Rebirth #1 - I will say that this is the first title that made me truly appreciate the whole "Rebirth" event.  While it is an attempt to reverse course from the New 52, it is also an opportunity for readers to catch up with a character's past.  The New 52 wiped that clean, but "Rebirth" brings everything back.  As someone who is not an avid Wonder Woman reader, this was a bit overwhelming and I was lost a couple of times, but I feel that I can stick with this series and learn to appreciate Princess Diana.  While I am not sold on "Rebirth" and feel it is a bit of a gimmick to sell books, it accomplished its goal as I picked this up and will likely check out the series for at least the first arc.

Daredevil #8 - We have a new arc and the first issue is a fun Texas Hold 'em tournament in which Daredevil uses his ability to read people as he hopes to win it all.  The only problem is the person the casino wants to win is a telepath named Mr. Apex who has a clear advantage over everyone.  That is except for a player who is unaware of what the house has dealt him.  Fun intro in what is setting up to be a team-up with Spider-Man as the two pursue something overseas in Macau.





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 think we can definitively say that this is the best week of new comics of 2016.  This may have been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in terms of what should be the pick of the week.  I stand by my decision, but Dept. H and The Walking Dead: The Alien were both brilliant as well.  Sadly I haven't read my copy of Divinity II #1 yet, but from what I have heard that would also be a contender.  This week speaks to how innovative comics can be.  We have a 10th anniversary special that is a beautiful homage to a staple in this industry, a digital pay what you want one-shot for a series with over 150 issues, and a stunning water colored mystery that takes place six miles under the sea.  Good stuff.

Pick of the Week:
Criminal 10th Anniversary Special - It is hard to believe that Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have been producing their crime noir series for 10 years.  While I haven't read all of the past issues, I have enjoyed the vast majority of them and am pleased that Image is rereleasing all new editions of the entire library.  You can tell that this is a series that Brubaker and Phillips are passionate about and that it is personal to them.  The special focuses on a father who is trying to tie up some loose ends that might cause trouble for him.  To help maintain a low profile, he enlists the help of his son who has the bad fortune of spending a lot of time alone in motel rooms while his father seeks out information.  Criminal does an amazing job of humanizing violent and troubled offenders.  At no point do you feel sympathy for the father, but the characters all feel real.  As an added bonus, we are treated to a comic within the comic ala Watchmen.  Elizabeth Breitweiser does an amazing job with the colors in this book, as the feeling of switching between our story and the comic that the child is reading is extremely immersive.  Fang, the Kung Fu Werewolf is the comic in question, and it does a great job synching with the young boy's experience.  I will be surprised if this title is not nominated for an Eisner next year, as it is a beautiful edition to this amazing series.  Fans of crime novels and noir should really check this series out.

The Rest:
Dept. H #1 - Matt Kindt has teamed up with his wife, Sharlene, in a murder mystery set deep in the midnight zone of the ocean.  Mia's father was murdered when he was stationed miles below the surface at Dept. H.  Dept. H is a deep sea station managed by Underwater Science Exploration and Research (USEAR), a government organization who has been supporting Mia's father's research for over a century.  Since the crime and the murderer are self-contained at the bottom of the ocean, Mia's friends urge her not to make the trip to the bottom of the ocean, but she knows the truth will haunt her.  Featuring some of the most stunning water color work to grace the pages of a comic book, Sharlene's artistic chops really bring a sense of peace and horror to book.  The ocean seems peaceful, yet heavy, and the potential suspects stationed at Dept. H all seem flawed, and likely candidates in this whodunit that has me mesmerized.  This should fill the gap that has been missing in my pull list since the conclusion of Mind MGMT.

The Walking Dead: The Alien - What a pleasant surprise!  The Panel Syndicate, a creator owned DRM-free comics website, published a one-off Walking Dead story from the creative duo of Brian K. Vaughan and Marcos Martin.  For the first time to my knowledge, we get a glimpse on an international level of the zombie apocalypse as our story opens in Spain.  In "The Alien", which is confirmed as canon by Skybound, we meet Claudia and Jeff.  Jeff is an American who wants to get back to the states to check on his brother in the hospital, and Claudia has a plan to get out of Europe, but needs something that Jeff possesses.  After reading well over 100 issues of the Walking Dead featuring the art of Charlie Adlard, it was an interesting experience to see another artists take on this world.  Brian K. Vaughan gives us another fabulous leading lady in Claudia and I hope she makes her way into the print series in the near future.

The Haunted Mansion #2 - When we left off, Danny Crowe had ventured into the Haunted Mansion in an attempt to set the spirit of his grandfather free.  In another friendly nod to the ride, Danny makes his way into the Grand Hall.  Much like the ride, our first glimpse into the party that is taking place is from up above as we peer down on the ghosts enjoying themselves.  We learn more about the curses placed on the mansion by the Captain, the ghost in control of the building, and a bit more about the perils that Danny must overcome in order to help the residents who wish to be free.   While not my favorite book, I love the nostalgia that this fun all-ages title provides.



Huck #6 - Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque's tale about the kind lad with super powers reached a very fitting conclusion.  In what might be my shortest review, it was great to see this title come full circle and return to the warm and fuzzies it had early on.  It took a dark turn, that was enjoyable, but it is nice to see things wrap up with daisies, kittens, and buttercups.







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 hope you are preparing yourself for this weekend's general San Diego Comic Con sale.  If you haven't created your official Comic Con ID, I think you are already out of the game.  In an event that is sure to fill your social media feed with complaints and tales of victory, I wish my fellow nerds the best of luck as they try for the coveted golden ticket.  Good luck all!

Pick of the Week:
Huck #4 - Holy twist, Mark Millar!  Huck is the only superhero that is even more of a goody-goody than Superman and Captain America combined and his story has been one of the most endearing I have read in recent memory.  Thanks to his powers going public, Huck has reconnected with his brother and has learned that his mom escaped from the Russians during the Cold War.  Using his special abilities, Huck is on the trail of his mother, but being the good Samaritan he is, he is delayed in his efforts to help others along the way.  This title needs to be developed into a television series or movie so that this story can reach the masses.   This is the issue that cements it as a must read.

The Rest:
Birthright #14 - The tension between Mikey and Brennan reaches a boiling point in an emotional issue that is setting up an epic ending to the current arc.  Brennan finally has had enough and stands up for himself in a series of panels that I can relate to as a younger brother.  It is amazing to think about how composed he has been considering what his family has been through.  This was the issue that humanized Brennan and Mikey's relationship and Joshua Williamson should be applauded for doing so in such a realistic fashion.  Add in the drama that breaks at the end of the issue with their parents and we are fully set up for a truly special ending of this arc in the next issue.


Star Wars #16 - Dr. Aphra has just been secured in a secret rebel prison that exists on a star.  Leia is ensured that this is a secure location, but Aphra reminds the prison that she is a friend of Vader and that she won't remain long on this star.  Meanwhile, Han Solo is gambling with funds that were intended for supplies and may be a bit rusty on his act.  The Marvel take on Star Wars continues to shine as it sheds light on events that took place between the movies.  I am curious to see where Solo's failed gambling brings him and Luke as they attempt to strengthen their tie to the rebellion.  It is easy to think they were always a key part, but both of them fell into their roles and their struggle to fit in is an enjoyable read.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

When I learned that the going rate for Star Wars was $4 billion and Disney had forked it over to George Lucas, I wasn't sure that the investment would pay off so quickly.  In addition to the cash that The Force Awakens has brought in, I imagine that comic book sales of Marvel's Star Wars line has been quite successful as well.  For evidence I will now devote over 2/3 of my weekly post covering the beloved franchise.  It would be easy to call this a shameless money grab if the comics weren't so darn good!

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #4 - Brian K. Vaughan is a genius.  He not only delivered the best ever having your life flash before your eyes (sooo much time wasted playing Breakout), but he also threw in a Bozo the Clown Grand Prize Game reference to boot.  If only I made it on the show I would have landed myself a brand new, crisp, $100 bill.  Vaughan is truly the master of delivering a moment that truly connects with his reader and following up with something so far out there that you question what you are reading.  This is a good thing and I wish more writers would push the envelope in the same manner that he does.  Not only that, but he is one of the best authors in terms of writing strong female characters.  I look forward to the day when my kids are old enough to read his work.

The Rest:

Obi-Wan & Anakin #1 - It's a new year and a new Star Wars title.  It surprisingly opens with a steam punk arc that is sure to please fans.  This story examines what takes place between Clone Wars and Revenge of the Sith.  The two Jedi journey to a planet to respond to a distress call.  What is surprising is that the planet is thought to be void of life following a brutal war.  Enter the zeppelins and steam punk tribes and you start to lose me a bit, but learning more about Anakin's downfall might be worth the ride.  We learn that he has had discussions with Obi-Wan about leaving the Jedi Order due to disagreements in philosophy.  That will bring me back for the second issue.  Hopefully the steam punk planet arc isn't too long.

Star Wars #14 - Part 4 of Vader Down is here and things are looking pretty bleak.  The arrival of Commander Karbin, the half-Admiral Akbar half-Darth Maul creature, throws a wrench into the plans of Leia and Vader.  It turns out that Karbin wants to kill Vader and claim Luke to gain points with the Emperor.  To summarize the chaos, Vader is after Luke, Dr. Aphra's droids are after Luke (BT-1 is amazing!), and Karbin is after Luke. Han Solo and Chewbacca are attempting a rescue, but are thwarted by a Wookiee bounty hunter names Black Krrsantan.  Princess Leia, in her attempt to kill Vader in the process, orders a strike on her location to kill Vader and sacrifice herself.  Clearly this doesn't happen, but this story continues to entertain.  I would love to see Jason Aaron write some of the movie spin-offs.

Darth Vader #15 - In what was the shortest cliffhanger in the history of comics, the finale of Vader Down also dropped this week.  I will say that I enjoyed the first event of the Star Wars line and thought it had a fitting conclusion.  I won't spoil anything, but the more I read about Dr. Aphra the more impressed I am with her as a character.   It is also always nice to be reminded about how powerful Vader truly is.  I don't think this was conveyed as effective as it could have been in the films, but watching him take down a spaceship with the force is always satisfying. 




Nailbiter #19 - Very interesting issue this week.  While it seems we are getting closer to identifying the Devil Killer in Atlanta (turns out he is killing people who have fled Buckaroo in an attempt to live a normal life), the real action lies in the fact that Crane has now gained access to Buckaroo's records.  It turns out that Fairgold is willing to help the FBI, but only if it means that the Nailbiter goes down.  Still distraught by the death of his son, I think he will be a character to keep an eye on as we uncover a bit more with each 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

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, I thought I would open this week's post with an abbreviated gift guide.  Without further ado:

For the DC Fan:
If you have a DC fan you are shopping for, I would highly recommend The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland.  It is referred to as one of the best Joker stories ever told and is something that any DC fan should read.

For the Marvel Fan:
If you have read this column before, you know that I am a big Captain America fan.  What brought me into the fold was the work of Ed Brubaker.  If you have a Marvel fan on your list look no further than the Captain America Omnibus.  Packed with the first 25 issues of his run, it includes the Winter Soldier, which was way better than the movie (which I quite liked!).  Although as of this posting I see that it is out of print, so you can either pay big bucks for the omnibus or scoop the individual trades.


For the Indie Fan:
I catch some flack from my friends for liking "hipster comics", but there are some titles that are simply must reads.  If you have a quirky friend on your list, I highly recommend The Underwater Welder from Jeff Lemire or My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf.  Both are stunning and well worth your time.

Pick of the Week:
Birthright #12 - Oh how I want to drop a spoiler in this recap.  Joshua Williamson has been holding out on us and it isn't fair!  We learn more about the five mages that Mikey is tracking down, but we still don't know why or if they are good or bad.  Mikey and Brennan are close to tracking down one of the mages, Sameal, but we learn that he may not be the best one to pursue.  Meanwhile, the feds are upping their play to track down Mikey and Brennan, resorting to force to attempt to use their parents to assist them.  One of my favorite aspects of this book is the relationship between Brennan and Mikey.  Brennan wants to trust his brother, but has a healthy dose of skepticism that keeps Mikey on his toes.

The Rest:

The Violent #1 - Holy depressing debut Batman!  This debut issue from Ed Birsson, Adam Gorham, and Michael Garland is very upsetting, but very compelling.  Mason has just been released from jail, and is adjusting to life with his wife and toddler.  His wife wants nothing but for them to go on the straight and narrow, but the deck is stacked against them.  I found myself shouting at Mason throughout the comic with each bad decision he made.  As a dad, it was very easy to connect with his character and to want nothing but for him to have a meaningful relationship with his child.  This is going to be a rough ride, but it appears to be worth it.


The Walking Dead #149 - I had high hopes given the cover and the title "Devil on your Soldier'.  It didn't quite live up to expectations, but Negan is able to exert some influence on Rick and things are about to become a lot less peaceful.  Something tells me that Negan may not be the best person to take advice from.  Things are still moving at a slow pace, but this surely is the calm before the storm.  Right?

Batman #47 - I am still having a hard time with the way things are in Gotham, but it sounds like Scott Snyder is ready to allow Bruce to wear the cowl again soon.  Not that Jim Gordon has been a bad Batman, but it just doesn't feel right.  Mr. Bloom continues to be one of the best villains I have seen in Gotham, but I am ready for a return to normal.  While the twist at the end was a doozy, it makes me worry that Gordon will remain as the Batman for longer than I would prefer.






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

Thursday Morning Superhero

With all of the negatively floating around in the comic book world due to some issues with San Diego hotels, I will turn to my other big hobby which is celebrating its biggest day in a couple weeks.  International TableTop Day is on April 11 and I couldn't be more excited.  Now is the time to reach out to your FLGS and see if they are hosting an event and how you can get involved.   If you don't have an FLGS, many other groups are hosting events and you can find one near you here.   I am going to be running multiple demos and hosting a Machi Koro tournament.  I wish I had a creative segue to this week's reviews, but I don't.  Sorry.

Pick of the Week:
Nailbiter #11 - We are so close to finding out the secrets of Buckaroo, Oregon!  I feel that any issue we will learn more about why this town has created so many serial killers.  In the new arc (which is a great leaping on point and has a nice reference to the cover of issue #1) Finch opens with a brutal interrogation of the Nailbiter himself.  Meanwhile, Barker is imprisoned by the horned man and is forced to witness truly horrifying events.  The back and forth between the two subplots is one of the most terrorizing and suspenseful pieces I have ever read in a comic.  The brutality of Mike Henderson's art and the tension between Finch and Warren (the Nailbiter) make this one of the most intense issues in this series to date.  It is going to be a long wait for issue #12 in May.

The Rest:
Southern Bastards #8 - Throughout this current arc I had to hand it to the creative team (Jason Aaron and Jason Latour) behind this book that they made me feel sorry for Coach Boss.  In the first four issues he was the Darth Vader of high school football.  He did the bidding of the powerful individuals in town and would strike you down if you crossed him.  This arc we learned about his troubled past and in this issue he went from Annakin to Vader in a matter of panels.  Beware the power of high school football.  Coach Boss should have followed in my footsteps and played tennis instead.





Convergence #0 - The event that will lead to the new new 52 began this week as Superman learned that Brainiac has been collecting domed cities from the various DC timelines in an attempt to allow editors to start over from square one, bring in new readers, and roll around in cash.  I do like it when there is an effort made to bring in new readers, but I fear this is a slippery slope that will hinder the creativity of the authors.  The event starts this week and it is looking like I will take a break from DC titles until June.







Feathers #4 - If the good folk at Laika are looking for a new project after the Box Trolls, I would sure love it if they considered picking up this title.  Feathers is full of intrigue and whimsy, and took a very interesting turn this week.  I don't want to spoil anything, but highly suggest you start reading this series.  A mysterious stranger has been kidnapping the mice (homeless children) and nobody knows why.  Bianca, a princess, runs away and meets Poe, a feathered creature who appears to be a child himself.  Poe has been helping the mice from the shadows and has drawn the attention of the mysterious stranger.  As we learn more about the world that Jorge Corona has crafted his story becomes more endearing.  The best all-ages book currently being published.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Huge week of comics and sadly I wasn't able to read as many titles as I would have liked.  I will likely check out Squirrel Girl, the return of Hawkeye and The Nameless this weekend.  Despite that, I picked up a great stack of comics at my LCS and am riding the wave of excitement of these books and the new Daredevil teaser right into the weekend!  If you don't have Netflix, make sure you sign up as Daredevil drops in April and Wet Hot American Summer isn't far behind.

Pick of the Week:
Birthright #5 - If you are not reading Birthright then I would highly encourage you to stop what you are doing and either go to your LCS or purchase it on ComiXology because you won't be disappointed.  The story centers around Mikey, a young boy who disappeared in the woods as a child.  Everyone suspects that his father murdered him, but are shocked to see him return as a grown man.  We learn that he was kidnapped to another dimension to stop the evil Lore.  Joshua Williamson does a wonderful job switching between Mikey's journey as a child to his current quest as an adult.  The juxtaposition of the young and innocent Mikey with his grizzled adult counterpart really help paint a complex picture of what he is dealing with.  There were two key moments in this issue that make it difficult to wait for the next issue.  I am officially hooked.

The Rest:
Star Wars #2 - As of this moment I am thrilled that Star Wars is in the hands of Marvel.  This series is off to an exciting story that takes place between Episode IV and Episode V.  I do fear that this will raise the bar for what is expected of J.J. Abrams this summer, but I am going to enjoy reading every page.  This issue featured Han Solo driving and AT-AT and Vader attempting to take it down with only the Force.  Vader has been a total bad ass thus far and it has been nice to see a rebel operation not go according to plan.  Still not sure how they are going to get out of things, but completely loving this series.  Add in that Mark Waid is going to be penning a solo Princess Leia title and I am all in on Marvel owning the license.



Nailbiter #10 - Joshua Williamson has an impressive track record of horror titles and Nailbiter is no exception.  This issue almost felt like a one-shot, but Williamson had two tricks up his sleeve that really made this issue sing.  The one-shot was entertaining and had a mini-twist of its own, but what it contributed to the overarching story has me salivating.   This issue would work as a great jumping on point if you don't want to pick up the back issues (you should though).

Saga #25 - Just when I think that Brian K. Vaughan can't possibly push the envelope more than he has with this series, a dragon marks a group for slaughter with her urine.  I feel not a lot happened in this particular issue, but much has to be resolved in the current state of affairs.  A rare week in which the new Saga is not the pick of the week, but one of my favorite series nonetheless.

Feathers #2 - This is what an all-ages comic should be.  It is approachable to young readers, and complex and entertaining for older readers.  In the second issue of a six-part mini-series (I would love to see it picked up as ongoing), Poe and Bianca's friendship grow as he explains how things work in the maze.  Bianca is much smarter then she appears, and quickly figures out Poe's current role.  This series has been packed with humor, action, and is just plain fun.  I would recommend this title for readers of all-ages, but especially those hoping to introduce young readers into the wonders of comic books.






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

Thursday Morning Superhero

New York Comic Con is this weekend and I am bummed that I can't make the trip to the Big Apple.  This is on my bucket list of conventions to attend and hopefully I will attend it before it gets too big.  An interesting note that may or may not impact SDCC next year, is the plan to empty the main hall after each panel.  Fans will get wristbands for specific panels and then line up 35 minutes before the panel begins.  I am curious how quick a hall that seats 3,000 can be emptied and filled back up, but feel that if NYCC can do this well then it could be the solution to camping out issue that SDCC dealt with last year.  Anyhoo, great week for Image Comics.  Given the recent growth that its had lately and the A-list talent that is developing new series for Image, it is a great time for fans and creators alike.

Pick of the Week:
Wytches #1 - Scott Snyder and crew (Jock, Matt Hollingsworth, and Clem Robins) are onto something special.  While the comic was exceptional on its own, Snyders insight as to the inspiration of the title and how personal it is made it feel extremely special and intimate.  Snyder has a good track record on the horror genre (American Vampire, The Wake) and Wytches takes it to an entirely new level.  The witches of this tale live in the woods and seek pledges for favors.  Sailor Rooks (the troubled teen at the center of this tale) and her family have some sort of connection to these witches and the world of magic and it isn't pretty.  Jock, Hollingsworth and Robins immerse the reader in this world that switches from the mundane to the horrific at ease.  The results are the moments when you jump out of your seat and have that split moment of terror.  Perfect reading for October.

The Rest:
Punks: The Comic #1 - As someone who hit his "punk" phase later than most and was more poser than a real punk, I am left confused with this title.  It was a fine read, but did absolutely nothing for me.  Image is allowing its creators to push the boundaries of what a comic book should be and that should be applauded.  There are some people who probably quite enjoyed this title, but I was not one of them.  Maybe if I were a real punk and my store had Mojo Nixon then I wouldn't think this title needed any fixing.




Birthright #1 - The time to jump on the Joshua Williamson bandwagon is now.  If you missed Ghosted and Nailbiter (you should pick up the trades) you have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor with this title.  The premise of the title, without spoiling anything, revolves around a boy named Mikey who vanishes in the woods after playing catch with his dad.  Over a year later a man who is much older, claims to be Mikey.  Dressed like someone from your local LARPing group, he claims that he was brought to a fantasy world because he was the chosen one.  Andrei Bressan (co-creator and artist), Adriano Lucas (colorist) and Pat Brosseau (letterer) team up to produce a beautiful book that effectively captures the emotions of losing a child.  Emotional, exciting, and intriguing.

Batman #35 - Another new arc is upon us and I am once again reminded how paranoid Bruce Wayne is.  We begin what is entitled Endgame, and learn that the Justice League wants Batman dead.  Why would they turn on their friend?  Who could possibly be behind this devious scheme?  While the plot is Batman 101, I love seeing the lengths that Bruce Wayne goes to in order to cope with his paranoia.  I guess when you have no super powers and you surround yourself with a bunch of supers you worry that at some point at least one of them will turn.  My favorite item in this issue is called the "blind of veils" and it is woven by Hephaestus after he made Wonder Woman's famous lasso.  The thought of Bruce Wayne packing a wool blanky inside a Batsuit is just too great.  Snyder knows what he is doing and I look forward to where Endgame goes.  As a bonus the short story from James Tynion IV at the end is extremely well done.  A horrific tale about the rebirth of the Joker.  Worth the price of admission on its own.

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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Another new comics book day has passed and another large haul from my LCS.  When I approached the shelf to pick up this week's titles, it dawned on me that this was quite the big week for Marvel.  The much hyped Death of Wolverine began (with a great issue!) and we enjoyed the conclusion of Original Sin.  I quite enjoyed this event and hope it has a lasting impact on the Marvel Universe.  Not to be outdone, DC began its Futures End push complete with lenticular covers.  I picked up the Batman Detective one shot and might add more to the collection next week.

Pick of the Week:
Nailbiter #5 - I enjoy this series more with each passing issue.  Joshua Williamson has spun quite the complex web in the town of Buckaroo, Oregon.  The shocking reveal that Agent Carroll was alive last issue has turned the investigation up on its head.  Some of the pieces aren't quite fitting together properly as if Finch and Shannon, the two currently on the case, are having their strings pulled.  One thing I love about the characters in this book is that they are neither completely good or completely evil.  It reminds me of the characters in Miyazaki films.  Even the villains have their redeeming qualities and are far from being one-note.  Here's hoping they collect the first arc into a deluxe trade with lots of extras.

The Rest:

Death of Wolverine #1 - Even though it set me back $4.99, this title was simply breathtaking.  The artistic team of Steve McNiven, Jay Leisten and Justin Ponsor really produced a beautiful book and Marvel went the extra distance with the glossy cover and the bonus features in the back.  Normally when a book has the extra pages and costs more I am not too pleased, but was happy Marvel included this.  In terms of the story, I had my doubts about this one, but Charles Soule (who I shouldn't have doubted) delivered and I am looking forward to issue #2.  I am just curious how long Logan will remain dead.

Legendary Star Lord #3 - While not the deepest or most compelling story of this week's haul, Legendary Star Lord sure has been a fun ride.  Any issue that includes lyrics from the Aquabats and has Kitty Pryde dressed up in a banana suit can't be that bad.  The humor, when it hits, is quite good, but there are some times it feels like it's reaching.  Despite the jokes that miss, Sam Humphries has a quality title on his hands and I look forward to seeing where the story goes.  It seems he has put some pieces into place that could pay huge dividends moving forward.

Original Sin #8 - We finally know who killed the Watcher!  Original Sin came to its conclusion this week and I must say that I enjoyed this event.  While I feel it didn't deliver as much in the end as I initially hoped, it was a quality event that will hopefully have some lasting effects.  Some of its immediate impact were felt at the conclusion, but I am curious how long Marvel will stick to them.  My favorite thing about the final issue is that a secret is kept from someone at the end.  I thought it was very fitting to end an event that was about having secrets revealed with the start of a new cycle of deception.  After all, sometimes secrets are best kept secret.

Batman: Detective Comics #1 - Nice one-shot that any fan of Batman will enjoy.  It had a fun twist at the end and was an overall enjoyable read.  It mentioned some facts that should come to light in Futures End so it was a nice tease.  Lenticular covers normally don't do much for me, but this one is very impressive.







God Hates Astronauts #1 - I have no idea what I just read.  I am certain that Image is the only publisher that would run with a title like this and am fond of the character Admiral Tiger Eating a Cheeseburger.  Turns out that his name is extremely literal and he is the son of King Tiger Eating a Cheeseburger.  3-D Cowboy (who is a ghost?) narrates this bizarre title.  I think I am intrigued enough to return for the second issue as King Tiger Eating a Cheeseburger has declared war.  The appeal of this book, aside from how absolutely insane it is, might be the idea that it inspires hope that I may have an idea for a comic that is better than this one.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Now that I have finally resumed life as normal after Comic Con, my mind is reeling with next week's adventure at Gen Con.  While not specifically linked to comics, I did meet Cullen Bunn last year and am looking forward to checking out some games from IDW.  Kill Shakespeare looks to be a promising game and the Chew game will be a must purchase.  Oh yeah, they are also working with a small property that some people like called the X-Files.  In the meantime here is what I read this week and what is worth your time and hard earned money.

Pick of the Week:
Nailbiter #4 -  I was introduced to Joshua Williamson's writing with Ghosted (which you should go buy) and was immediately a fan.  When I heard he had a new horror title with Image I knew that I should check it out.  Nailbiter has been amazing since issue #1, but this issue featured the jaw-dropping moment that solidifies this as one of my favorite series. Nicholas Finch and sheriff Crane literally start to get to the bottom of the mystery as to why 16 serial killers all had roots in this small town.  This issue had me on the edge of my seat as Finch and Crane attempted to dig up the grave of the Book Burner, the serial killer that spawned the Buckaroo Butchers.  It might be premature, but I have already to put together a wish list for what should be included on a nice deluxe hardcover trade of this title.  It really deserves the royal treatment once Williamson finishes the first arc.

The Rest:
The Sixth Gun: Days of the Dead #1 - When you have a book as special as The Sixth Gun, spin-offs provide great insights into the complex characters that Cullen Bunn has created.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Sons of the Gun spin-off that shined light on the holders of the six, and with Days of the Dead providing insight into the Sword of Abraham, the Pinkertons, and the Knights of Solomon.  The only problem I have with this title is that it is over and I'm not sure how long I will have to wait for more background on these mysterious groups.  As usual, Brian Hurt delivers a gorgeous book and Bunn lets readers explore the amazing world he has created with this title.  I am so happy that there is a plan for an ending for the main series, but so many great excuses to return to the world of the six.

Legendary Star Lord #2 - Peter Quill has a past that is likely to catch up to him.  Due to his past indiscretions, Quill is actually a pretty selfless and likable guy.  He may be a little cocky and may not use the most orthodox methods, but Star Lord seems to becoming a staple in the Marvel Universe rapidly.  This series is off to a solid start and I will continue to pick it up as I am intrigued by Quill's past and why he is seeking Thanos.  If you are a fan of the movie, then you will be a fan of this title.

Imperial #1 - Mark McDonald is a guy that most comic book readers can relate too.  He corrects his girlfriend on how comics and graphic novels are different, doesn't like his action figures called dolls, and isn't afraid to wear a baggy hoodie with a monkey on it.  Things change for McDonald when Imperial, the superhero of this tale, selects him to be his successor.  While not the most original concept, Imperial has genuine moments of humor and a cast of likable characters.   Definitely worth checking out.

Big Trouble in Little China #3 - I really want to like this title.  The overall story is good and would be a fitting sequel, but the gags and jokes just fall flat.  If you enjoy fart and pee jokes, then maybe this is the title for you.  I might continue to read this as a fan of the classic John Carpenter film, but can't imagine anyone not familiar with Jack Burton and the Pork-Chop Express would show any real interest in this title.  There is enough to keep me along for another issue, but that is mainly to see the rebirth of the three storms.





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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Temperatures have finally picked up and San Diego Comic Con will be here before I know it.  There have been quite a few reveals about this year's con, but I am most excited to hear that there will be a Gravity Falls panel.  The show has a great super natural feel to it and isn't a terrible segue into this week's books.  Genres rise and fall within the medium of comic books and it appears that horror comics are trending upward currently.  This week features some incredible tales of horror and I didn't even get a chance to read the Wake

Pick of the Week:
The Sixth Gun #40 - Becky Montcrief never ceases to amaze me.  The arc of her character has been a joy to read and I love seeing how far she is from the young lady who was dealing with the death of her father when this series began.  Her actions in this issue set the tone for what hopes to be an epic conclusion to this masterpiece.  The situation for Drake and company has never seen so bleak.  Part of me wonders if Bunn has a sad ending to this story or if Ms. Montcrief can save the day.  I hate to admit it, but I don't think Drake is going to make it out alive.  He appears to be out of ideas, Jesup may be the most formidable foe that the crew has faced (thanks a lot Griselda), but I think Ms. Montcrief has seen the future and has a plan for how to keep Jesup from using the six.  At least I hope she does.

The Rest:
Nailbiter #1 - Welcome to Buckaroo, Oregon, home of 16 serial killers and a struggling tourism industry built on that fact.  Edward Chalres Warren, aka the Nailbiter, was acquitted of the atrocities he inflicted on many, and moved back home.  Detective Carroll, who arrested Warren, has returned to town to investigate a theory and reaches out to an old friend for help.  Finch, a man at the end of his own rope, reluctantly agrees and learn that there is more than a coincidence to the fact that 16 serial killers all hail from the same town.  I am really digging the premise and the art is as horrifying as it is stunning.  If the book can live up to its premise and what it establishes in issue 1, this will be a series that you won't want to miss.

The Woods #1 - Horror comics seem to be all the rage this week and The Woods does a nice job of putting a new twist on the genre.  An explosion rocks a high school and is transported to an alien world (or a moon as pointed out by Benjamin).  The teachers and principal urge everyone to remain in the school, but Adrian recognizes a sign from the alien beings.  In addition to the interesting plot, the characters appear to have more depth than your cookie cutter variety and the issue is filled with some genuine laughs to mix in with the terror and mystery.

Bad Blood #5 - The conclusion to this vampire poisoning tale somewhat let me down this week.  While I still enjoyed it, I felt that more questions needed to be addressed.  It was hard to top the big reveal from the last issue, and the twist in the conclusion did not have the same impact.  The series is still worth your time and if you haven't read it I would encourage you to either pick up the back issues or check out the trade if it is ever collected.  Nice take on a tired genre and worth your time and energy.

Original Sin #1 - While not horror per say, the new Marvel event is a murder mystery full of intrigue.  The Watcher has been murdered and had his eyes swiped.  Whoever is behind this evil plot seeks to open the Watcher's eyes and use them to his or her own benefit.  There is an assembly of superheroes and a classic whodunit plot.  I was hyped up about this series after the Marvel panel at C2E2 and this issue did not disappoint.  Definitely does not feel like the usual Marvel event.

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