Thursday Morning Superhero

The torch has been passed.  George Lucas set fate in motion when he sold the rights of Star Wars to Disney and this was clearly one domino that was destined to fall.  Beginning in 2015, all Star Wars comics will be handled by Marvel.   Dark Horse, who has held the right for as long as I can recall, has one year to wrap up its runs.  This includes Brian Wood's critically acclaimed story that takes place immediately after Episode IV and the newly announced Clone Wars finale that never happened.  I must honestly say that I am not too happy about this, but wanted to thank the good folk at Dark Horse for all of their great work on such a beloved franchise.  Not that I feel Marvel will do a bad job with the franchise, I felt that it had a good home at Dark Horse and was hoping it would continue with them.

Pick of the Week:
The Walking Dead #119 - When the latest arc was dubbed "All Out War" it was no joke!  Robert Kirkman continues to up the ante and this is now one of the best arcs of The Walking Dead I have read in some time.  This issue was packed with Ezekiel attempting to come to terms with the loss of Shiva, Rick discussing the next phase of his strategy, and the big shock, the return of Holly at the hands of Negan.  This arc has been one of the most intense reads in the series that has featured some of the highest highs and lowest lows.  I fear for who else will die at the hands of Negan and crew, but still have faith in Rick.  If you are someone who watches the show and doesn't read the comic I would suggest hopping on at this arc.  While you would be missing a ton, you would have a good clue on how vastly different the comic is from the show and how they are both good in its own light.  Also, while I saw the twist before it was fully revealed, as I am sure many readers did, it was still shocking and well delivered.  Bring on #120!

The Rest:
Star Wars #13 - Wood begins the first part of a Vader-centric run that sees him bent on revenge after being blamed for the destruction of the first Death Star and the embarrassment he felt after a spy was found on the Star Destroyer he commanded.  Vader is portrayed through the eyes of Ensign Nanda, a newly assigned special assistant to Vader.  She is horrified as she witnesses the wrath of Vader first hand as he goes against the Emperor on this secret mission.  While I did enjoy this issue and think that Wood's addition to the lore should be read by every Star Wars fan, I didn't find my self horrified from what Vader was doing.  One aspect that I truly loved was that Nanda justified being on the mission due to the losses she suffered from the destruction of the Death Star.  It is refreshing to get a perspective other than the Rebels and it does a nice job to portray Darth and company as something more than pure evil.  This would be a good jumping on point for the series if you are interested.

D4VE #2 - This gem from MonkeyBrain is about your typical former defense robot who is frustrated with his marriage, his job, and his recently purchased son.  D4VE takes place in a future in which the robots that were created by man have, not only killed off mankind, but eradicated every living being within our galaxy.  D4VE is a former defense bot who was instrumental in that and a hero in his heyday, but currently is working a dead end job and is in a loveless marriage.  He is always daydreaming and is ostracizing all of those who surround him.  In issue #2, we are properly introduced to his slacker son, SC0TTY, and it appears that an alien invasion may provide the opportunity for D4VE to once again shine.  Humorous writing coupled with great art make this title a must read.  MonkeyBrain once again has a hit on its hands that is well worth $0.99 each issue costs.

Black Widow #1 - Solid little debut from Nathan Edmondson and Phil Noto.  Natasha Romanov, Black Widow, is seeking some side jobs on the side that pay cash.  The catch is that she is donating the proceeds to a variety of trusts, etc. to atone for the sins of her past.  In issue one we are treated to a job that has a nice little twist in terms of how she gets her target.  I am hoping to get some insight into her past in future issues, and it was nice to see Black Widow get her own book that provides more depth on the complex character she is.  I will be back for issue #2.

Thursday Morning Superhero

Another week of comics has arrived and I did my best to round-up what comics I am reading and my impressions of said comics.  This week felt a little slow, but there were still quite a few good books in the mix.  The Walking Dead is fast approaching a boiling point, Batman reached the end of a short arc, and Artful Daggers continues to impress.  Without further ado, it is time for Thursday Morning Superhero.

Pick of the Week:

Batman #20 - Scott Snyder wraps up the short Clayface arc in entertaining fashion.  With nods to Star Wars, and Batman Beyond, Batman finally takes down Clayface version 2.0.  There are some twists and turns throughout the issue, but ultimately Batman succeeds in taking down his foe and clearing the name of Bruce Wayne.  Snyder continues to dazzle with Batman and I can't wait for the next major arc.

The Rest:

Artful Daggers #3 - Available from Monkey Brain Comics on ComiXology, this creator owned title continues to impress.  Things begin to come together in issue three and you start to understand the political game various individuals are playing.  The story has me intrigued and the art is like nothing I have ever seen.  Well worth the $.99 an issue!

Walking Dead #110 - The assault on Negan and his men gets nearer as Rick and his crew make their way to the kingdom.  Not too much happens, but the scene at the end between Michonne and Ezekiel reminds me why this title is so special.

Deadpool #9 - Deadpool continues his quest to appease the demon named Vetis by killing those who sold their souls for superpowers.  In this issue he takes down one who traded his soul in order to breath underwater, but in the next issue Deadpool may be turning his sights to one of his own.

Thursday Morning Superhero

It is Thursday and we have all had a chance to read our weekly books so it can only mean it is time for another edition of Thursday Morning Superhero.  DC is continuing its #0 push and I ventured into the world on digital only comics by picking up Bandette from Monkeybrain for only 99 cents on ComiXology.  The Walking Dead continues to bring the thunder and Fables maintains its current upswing.  Not a bad week at all.

Pick of the Week:

Walking Dead #102 – Has Rick finally been defeated? One of the strongest characters in comics may have finally been bested.  In the last issue Negan and his men launched two attacks on Rick and his crew and things aren’t looking good.  The impact from Glenn’s death in #101 has taken its toll and things look bleak.  Per Kirkman’s style, you are led down one path throughout this issue only to have a twist that leaves you drooling for the next issue.  Walking Dead has managed to maintain my interest and remain fresh through 102 issues.  I don’t know how he does it, but this book will continue to get my money each week.

Runner-up:

Bandette #2 – Chris Roberson launched Monkeybrain, his digital only line, with great success.  He has launched some books on Tuesdays and this week, from the team of Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover, we are able to scoop this fun title for under a buck.  Bandette is a superhero/thief who has her team of cohorts (The Urchins) who help her in both pursuits.  In this issue Bandette upsets a local crime organization by foiling their heist and the infamous cat burglar Monsieur returns.  This fun, light comic keeps you on your toes.  It comes across as a simple and fun comic, which it is, but has a breadth of characters that can sustain this one for quite some time.  Count me in!

The Not as Good:

Wonder Woman #0 – I really have not been into the DC #0 line.  It was nice to read about Wonder Woman’s past and her training with War, but it seems like this has happened before and it is a retelling that doesn’t wow me.

Daredevil #18 – This should be a book that you buy each time a new issue comes out.  Mark Waid continues his great Daredevil run.  Has Matt Murdock lost his mind?  Did he dig up the bones of his father and lie about it to his partner?  Waid raises some interesting questions and I will continue to read to find out the answers.

Fables #121 – Therese learns of her brother’s sacrifice and begins to restore order to Toyland by making the banished toys save 100 lives for every one they have taken.  Therese is finally able to return home but has aged much as time passes faster in Toyland. You really get the feeling that she has matured a great deal and learned much from her ordeal and her redemption.  The covers lately for this series have been phenomenal. 

Justice League #0 – We see the birth of Shazam and the underlying temptation of being a teenager with the ability to turn into a superhero.  This was a fun read and my current favorite DC #0 title.

What I missed:

Spider-men #5 – The conclusion of Peter Parkers journey into the world of Miles Morales concluded quite nicely, or so I have read.  It seems that this event, headed by Brian Michael Bendis, wrapped up nicely and provided an exciting tale for all.  I will have to get this as a trade.

The Pound: Ghouls Night Out #1 – Apparently Howie and Scottie have an animal control company that have handled werewolves in the past and are currently after something new.  It sounds like this is a light, humorous read that I should really consider.