Thursday Morning Superhero

We have officially reached June so that means that San Diego Comic Con is next month!  Badges are currently being mailed out and some fans have already received their ticket for the magical four days that is SDCC.  If you are on the fence on whether or not you should embark into the wonderful world that is modern comics, you should immediately go and pick up Saga #43 as it is only 25 cents!!  You can get one of the best series on the stands for a quarter!  Seriously!!

Pick of the Week:
Old Man Logan #24 - Jeff Lemire's run with Old Man Logan reached its conclusion today and it was an emotional one.  Logan realizes that he can't just live in the past and bend it to his will.  He needs to return to his body and forge his own path.  When I heard Lemire was going to be authoring this series, I was hopeful and skeptical.  Lemire's books really hit close to home with me as a father, and he did a phenomenal job exploiting that strength of Wolverine and making it a central theme that carried itself throughout all 24 issues.  This was a phenomenal story and a must read for any Wolverine or Jeff Lemire fan.

The Rest:
Saga #43 - If you have never read Saga before and don't want to start at the first issue (what is wrong with you?), this is a great point to jump on the series.  I warn you that it deals with some heavy issues, including miscarriages and abortion, but it is well worth your time.  This issue is a solid reminder that the story we are being told is through the eyes of a child.  That perspective is sometimes lost in the chaotic world that Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have created, and the quick recap served as a way to ground this series from the viewpoint of Hazel.  The number of social issues that Vaughan has addressed through this series is impressive and it continues to be one of the more powerful books on the market.  Even if the heroes are battling poo beings sometimes.

Secret Empire #3 - Nick Spencer and crew continue to impress with Marvel's big summer event.  Yes it is cliche and yes, it feels like most big Marvel events, but this one feels more cohesive and intertwined then previous events.  You have the crew of heroes trapped outside of the earth, the group trapped in New York, and the rest trying to chase down cosmic cube fragments spread out across the earth.  Captain America, or Stevil as Rocket calls him, is a ruthless villain and it will be interesting to see if he ever shows signs of cracking.  As of this issue, he is not holding back one bit.  Add in the intrigue of the ghost like Steve Rogers who appeared at the end of last issue and I am on board.  I haven't enjoyed an event this much since Original Sin, despite its lackluster ending.



Doctor Aphra #7 - Luke and Aphra are attempting to activate an ancient Jedi crystal, but it turns out that the Queen of the Screaming Citadel is not to be trusted.  Leia, Han, and Sana arrive to help Luke, but are immediately conflicted as he has befriended Aphra, Beetee and Triple-0.  Not sure how they feel about the rogue wookiee Krrsantan.   Needless to say, things don't quite go as planned and they learn that the Queen has been weaponizing viruses and symbiotes.  The pairing of Leia and her crew along with Aphra and hers is a site to behold.  The line of the issue award goes to Triple-0 when talking about how Han was piloting the ship says "The unkempt one insisted he should fly."



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

While July still might be a long ways off, San Diego Comic Con plans are starting to come together and I couldn't be more excited.  My group survived the Hotelpocalypse, ended up with a room not too far, and have already began to line up the off-site fun.  Looking forward to seeing my fellow nerds in San Diego and providing coverage of the con for those who can't attend.

Pick of the Week:
Old Man Logan #23 - After waiting a couple of issues, we finally return to Logan's body where Asmodeus is attempting to auction off its remains to the highest bidder. With Logan lost in the time stream, his vacant body could fetch quite the price.  Meanwhile Logan continues to travel through his own past in attempt to return to his body when something changes at the end of this issue.  It saddens me that Jeff Lemire is wrapping up his run with this series when he finishes this arc in issue #24, but it has been one hell of a ride.  I really questioned how this series would work as an ongoing, but Lemire had no issue writing a compelling story about the human element of Logan and the suffering he has had to endure.

The Rest:
X-Men Blue #3 - I have to admit that it feels good to be reading an X-Men series again.  It has been too long and Cullen Bunn is doing a great job dropping in little Easter Eggs for the fans, while creating something that feels new and fresh.  The original X-Men (Marvel Girl, Cyclops, Angel, Beast, and Iceman) have been displaced in the time continuum and find themselves in a future where their very existence is threatened.  Not sure who to trust, the team is working with Magneto, but it appears that he is hiding his true motives.  The latest twist in this series has the X-Men dealing with a group of Sentinels that refer to themselves as "fellow mutants".  I won't spoil why the Sentinels seem friendly, but rest assured that Bunn has a firm grip on what fans want and is a master of keeping the reader guessing.  Really enjoying this series.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Mother Entropy #2 - After riding the high of watching Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 I decided that it was time for me to revisit the comic book world of this dysfunctional team.  I enjoyed the Free Comic Book Day issue and decided to give this odd book a go.  The Mother Stone, a sacred relic of great power, transported the Guardians and Pip the Troll to another dimension in which they must pass a series of tests to determine who dimension's Mother Entropy.  It is a bizarre issue that has the Guardians reliving their past, facing their deepest fears, and switching bodies.  Despite how odd this book was, it was fun and does a good job highlighting the quirks of the heroes and what sets them apart from your standard superhero.

Star Wars: Screaming Citadel #1 - After enjoying the Doctor Aphra spin-off I am happy to report that she is teaming up with Luke Skywalker for this miniseries.  If you recall, Aphra has a valuable artifact from the Jedi Temple that she needs help unlocking.  Luke desires to train in the ways of the Force and together they might be able to work something out.  Aphra continues to be a much more complex character then when we first met her working with Vader.  Luke's trip with Aphra has caught the attention of his friends and the person they are dealing with to help them with the artifact is highly suspect.  There is going to be a lot of drama in the next few issues and I can't wait!



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

After some pretty packed weeks, my pull list only had two books this week.  I decided that I would give the second issue of Man-Thing a whirl as I have enjoyed reading other R.L. Stine titles with my son.  Enjoy this rare all-Marvel edition of Thursday Morning Superhero.

Pick of the Week:
Old Man Logan #20 - This series has really shown off the versatility of Jeff Lemire as a writer.  The series opened with familiar dark tones that were a central part of the original Old Man Logan, and then shifted to show us the more caring and fatherly side of Wolverine.  With Logan desperate to return home, Lemire has brought in the lighter side of this superhero.  This issue featured Wolverine lifting a valuable artifact from Dr. Strange by requesting to use the restroom and a storage unit in New Jersey.  All to persuade Asmodeus, a powerful sorcerer, to beam Wolverine back to his own timeline.  Logan should no better than to strike a deal with someone like Asmodeus and I am super excited about the next arc that this story will take us.  I had my doubts about this being an ongoing series, and I was dead wrong.

The Rest:
Man-Thing #2 - I am not sure if it is the fact that I don't know enough about Man-Thing or I don't enjoy comics that feel like they were written in the silver age, but it is safe to say that this series isn't for me.  It definitely has an old timey feel to it and reminds me of reading old silver age comics.  The art is stunning in this series and I enjoyed the short story from Stine's "Chamber of Chills" at the end of the book.  If you are looking to read something nostalgic or are a big fan of Man-Thing then this title is likely up your alley, but this is one that will not be on any of my future pull lists.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

Before jumping into this week's issues (an all-Marvel edition!) I wanted to wish my fellow nerds good luck this weekend for those attempting to secure badges for San Diego Comic Con.  While not as scary as general registration, this Saturday's visit to the virtual waiting room is for returning attendees only.   Make sure you have all of your groups information and may the odds be ever in your favor!

Pick of the Week:
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #18 - If you are looking for a good spot to jump on this series I highly recommend doing so with this issue.  Squirrel Girl, after enjoying the new functionality of her new suit, decides to help out a couple of her superhero friends.  She invites them over to meet Melissa Morbeck, the woman who recently revamped her own suit and added the power of flight.  Apparently Ms. Morbeck isn't quite the good guy she claimed to be and we are now setting up for a battle of animals.  Squirrel Girl and her, well, squirrels versus Ms. Mobeck and her microchipped beasts! Ryan North does a great job interjecting humor into this series that benefits from not taking itself too seriously.  It is a joy to read and one that would make a great gateway comic and bring new fans over to this medium.   I still owe my buddy Jeff for encouraging me to hop on this bandwagon.

The Rest:
Old Man Logan #19 - Jeff Lemire's run on this series continues to surprise and this issue was thrilling from start to finish.  Logan is breaking into a super prison attempting to free someone that is kept on the "Black Level", a part of the prison where the baddies that are associated with the supernatural and the occult.  It seems that, despite all of the death and loss that occurred in the wastelands, feels that he owes it to Hulk's child to return and ensure his safety.  After trying a collection of individuals who might be able to help him, he has nowhere else to turn.  I have a bad feeling about this.



Doctor Aphra #5 - In what remains my favorite of the current Star Wars spin-offs, Aphra and her dad have reached the citadel of the Ordu Aspectu, an ancient Jedi order of a very mysterious nature.  Unfortunately they are followed, and must overcome the mysteries of the citadel in addition to Imperial forces in an attempt to reach the core and the Immortal Rur.  What I really like about this series is that it has a very Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider feel to it, but with all of the excitement and lore that we associate with Star Wars.  There is something satisfying about learning about the Ordu Aspectu through the lens of an archaeologist.  I cannot recommend this series enough.

Man-Thing #1 - When I heard that R.L. Stine was going to pen a series for Marvel, I was quite curious to check it out.  While I was never a big Stine reader, my son has absolutely poured through his Goosebumps series and I was hoping that this might be a series we enjoy together.  After reading the first issue, I am not sure it is age appropriate for him or a series that I will continue to read.  I plan on giving the second issue a whirl and Stine spent a decent amount of time setting up the origin of Man-Thing.  I am not sold of the premise of Man-Thing trying to make a career in the moving pictures, I will give Stine the benefit of the doubt and see how things develop.



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 Comics is turning 25 this year and to celebrate Robert Kirkman is making his three primary comics only 25 cents each during the month of February.  New issues of The Walking Dead, Invincible (which I am about 60 issues into and it is amazing!), and Outcast can be yours for only one quarter!  Each issue marks the beginning of a new arc and the sale will hopefully bring some new readers to one of the best publishers in this industry.  When it was founded on the principle of creator owned content it was ground breaking and continues to be one of the most creator friendly publishers, if not the most creator friendly, out there.  The trust Image has in the leading artists and authors in this industry is probably the biggest reason for its success and for the truly ground breaking titles it produces.

Pick of the Week:
Nailbiter #29 - Joshua Williamson finally revealed the secrets of Buckaroo, Oregon and I couldn't be happier.  We are in the second-to-last issue in this series and we finally understand why there is a temple under water in a lake and an underground tunnel system throughout the town.  We learned this as the entire town of Buckaroo burns to the ground in a final attempt to hide its dark history from the world.  As we approached the end of the series I was worried that there would be some supernatural reason for the serial killers that would leave a sour taste in my mouth, but I am pleased to report that the secret (I'm not going to tell you!) is worth the wait and extremely satisfying.  Not only that but the set up for the series finale has me biting my own finger nails!  Congratulations to Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson for delivering such a horrifying series that truly had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning.  I look forward to reading the epic conclusion to this series and re-reading it on an annual basis.

The Rest:
Darth Maul #1 - You had me at Darth Maul and Cullen Bunn.  I was beyond excited to learn that Bunn was writing a solo Darth Maul series.  Darth Maul is one of those characters that captivated audiences without us ever learning anything about him.  We have learned more through his appearances on Clone Wars and Rebels, but still know little about his time prior to the events in Episode One.  In this first issue we learn about the blood lust that Maul has and how it may be what ultimately leads to his downfall.  Darth Sidious needs Maul to be patient, but it doesn't appear that he will be able to keep him occupied as he waits for things to line up politically.  Really impressed with the first issue and looking forward to where this one is headed.

The Walking Dead #163 - The best 25 cents I have spent in some time, this issue marks a drastic turn in the series and appears to be setting up a chaotic arc that will likely leave a number of dead bodies in its wake.  The herd that the Whisperers led to Rick's city are approaching as rapidly as zombies can manage and have everyone in the town in a total panic.  To let you know how crazy things are, Rick and Negan fight side-by-side and appear to be patching things up.  I am never going to count Negan out from mixing things up, but he has really played the ally card effectively and will likely throw a major wrench into the gears soon.  One of the most zombie packed issues in a long time and it can be yours for only a quarter!

Paper Girls #11 - One of the best series of 2016 continues to shine in 2017 as the girls find themselves trapped in 11,706 BCE.  The girls have a minor incident with some locals before a mysterious time traveler named Dr. Qanta Braunstein makes a landing and will surely mix things up in the next issue.  I have given up trying to predict where this book will take me and am merely happily along for the ride.






Old Man Logan #17 - Wolverine's journey through this time-shifting adventure continues to tread the border of the events in space and the Wastelands.  The two incidents appear to be happening concurrently as he tries to remember what happened to Banner's grandson who he was trying to protect.  Everything seems real, but like a dream at the same time and Logan appears to be walking a fine line between reality and madness.  As he battles these alternative realities, he is confronted with the one who is doing this to him and it should set up another exciting issue from Jeff Lemire.  I really thought this would be a mini-series and am blown away with where Lemire has taken this story.

Batman #16 - In another odd issue that featured a lot of humorous dialogue at a fast food joint, Batman urges his collection of sidekicks to take a vacation while he deals with Bane.  Not wishing any harm to come to them, it is clear that Batman's past and the pain and suffering that have happened to those around him still have a big impact on how he cares for those who surround him.  While the issue seemed a bit odd overall, Tom King delivers a stunning panel to keep readers coming back for the next issue and the arrival of Bane.  While things look grim, I am not buying what Bruce Wayne finds in the Bat Cave and will still hope for this series to improve.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

As I am starting to write this post I am reminded that this is one of the last editions of Thursday Morning Superhero in 2016.  Our annual Holiday Gift Guides will grace our page next week and then it will be a spring to leave 2016 behind and move on to 2017.  Since there isn't a dedicated comic book guide, I want to share one more tasty pick for your comic book reading loved one.  Even though it is an older title, I can't give a higher recommendation to Invincible by Robert Kirkman.  A good buddy of mine lent me the first few trades and it is like no other superhero title you will read.  Go find a used copy on the cheap and spread the comic book love this season!

Pick of the Week:
Daredevil #14 - Charles Soule sure knows how to pen a dark Daredevil story.  When we last left, Blindspot had been taken captive by Muse after freeing some hostages.  Feeling lost and responsible for what might happen to Blindspot, Daredevil challenges himself to hone in on what makes Muse unique so he can pick up his scent or heartbeat out of the millions that surround him.  The sheer terror of this issue should not be understated.  We are taken to Muse's lair where he keeps his victims and turns them into art.  In a scene straight out of a horror movie, Muse is showing Blindspot his works of art when Daredevil breaks things up.  I won't get into any spoilers, but what happens next left me absolutely stunned and will have serious repercussions moving forward.  Soule's run with Daredevil is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I cannot wait for issue #15.  One of the best ongoing series on the market today.

The Rest:
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #15 - We are treated to a fun one-shot this week featuring an intelligent cat (aren't they all!) and a battle against Taskmaster.  This comic never ceases to surprise me, and this issue included one page cat dream comics (which were great!), cats taking over social media, and the unrelenting power of Squirrel Girl's tail.  I don't like giving my friend Jeff much credit, but steering me towards this series was a great call.





Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #65 - This week we are treated to a legitimate comic book holiday special.  Pulling on the nostalgic heart strings of Christmas specials from your childhood cartoons, the turtles get together and throw a holiday party as a distraction to what is going on with Splinter leading the Foot.  You know it is going to be a good party when Michelangelo is hosting and Pigeon Pete and the other mutanimals show up.  There is a nice surprise at the end and this comic is a jolly good time for all.

Old Man Logan #15 - When we last left Wolverine he had just been bit by Dracula and it is unknown if his healing power are quick enough to fight off the bite of this vampire.  His rescue mission definitely takes a hit as it appears that Jubilee is still under control of Dracula.   The Howling Commandos, about whom I know virtually nothing, are a fun team and I met Orrgo and couldn't be more delighted.  I was a bit surprised to see this story line wrap up in two issues, but what an exciting pair of issues it was.  While it is well known how much I love Jeff Lemire, I was equally blown away by the art that Filipe Andrade, Jordie Bellaire and VC's Cory Petit delivered.



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

Thursday Morning Superhero

It is official.  The convention season has caught up with me and I am not sure how much longer I can continue to immerse myself in my fandom.  I arrived home today from a road trip that brought me to Gen Con, for three days (I missed Sunday) of gaming bliss.  While this served as a distraction from my comic books, despite driving over 30 hours on this trip, I am bringing you an abbreviated recap of this week's comics.

Pick of the Week:
Old Man Logan #10 - When I learned that Jeff Lemire was penning this series, I didn't know what to think.  The original Old Man Logan is a classic and one of my favorite Wolverine stories, yet Lemire has managed to put his own spin on the series and it has been delightful.  Wolverine, still struggling to save his future family, is up against his greatest foe yet, General Sohei of the Silent Order.  This issue did an amazing job of bringing Logan's past and future together in a way Guy Ritchie would be proud.  The next issue is going to be an epic battle as Wolverine is determined to save his family no matter what the cost.  I love the emotion that Lemire has been able to evoke from Logan.  While he has always been emotional, I don't recall a story that has impacted me in the same way this one has.

The Rest:
Birthright #18 - I am going to assume that we are nearing the end of this epic tale, as Mikey is getting closer to being free of the Nevermind that has possessed him since he returned to Earth from Terrenos.  This is the moment that readers have been clamoring and kudos for Brennan, Mikey's younger brother, for sticking by his side throughout this entire ordeal.  Despite the fantasy elements, Birthright is all about family and I hope we are closer to bringing this family together properly after it was all taken away in the first issue.  Really excited to see how things pan out in the next couple of issues.



Daredevil #10 - Charles Soule sets up an intriguing new Daredevil arc that has the man without fear and his sidekick, Blindspot, discovering what could be a new serial killer.  Soule has really done a nice job delivering a darker feel to Daredevil as others have before, and it has been working well.  While I'm not sold on Blindspot yet, it adds a nice element to see him mentor him on both the side of the law and the side of being a superhero.  In the issue, Blindspot is given an invitation that leads to a crime scene that includes a painting made entirely of blood, which Daredevil concludes is made up of at least 113 different people's blood, including his own.

Darth Vader #24 - This book has become increasingly frustrating to me as a reader.  There are aspects that I enjoy, and aspects that I really struggle with.  When we last saw Vader he was at the mercy of Cylo, who had a kill switch for his cybernetic suit.  This issue opens, which is supposed to be a demonstration of how powerful Vader is in the Force and how he can overcome this kill switch, but it was an awkward flashback that didn't feel impressive.  Despite this opening, the book concludes with Dr. Aphra showing up at the doorstep of the Emperor.  She is the only link to Vader and his crimes against the Empire, and things could get very interesting quickly.  I hate that I didn't really enjoy this issue and it makes me want to read the next one.


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

Thursday Morning Superhero

My pull list was quite full this week despite passing on a few titles this week.  Continuing with our theme of rebirth, I felt like this was a theme throughout all of the titles I read this week.  Each book felt like a fresh beginning.  The Walking Dead has Rick at war again, we return to Buckaroo in Nailbiter, and something snaps in Logan in Old Man Logan.  Given the drama behind last week's releases this feels like a fresh start to my summer reading season.

Pick of the Week:
Paper Girls #6 - Things get very interesting for the girls in this issue as they are transported forward in time to 2016.  Not only that, but they cross paths with future Erin (who is listening to Coast to Coast AM which is excellent).  Trying to locate KJ, back in 1986, we learn that these four girls are the key to saving that world.  The elephant in the room is how do they locate KJ and how do they somehow make it back to 1986?  The only things they have going for them is an Apple device from the future and the fact that KJ is nearby.  We learn something about KJ that I won't spoil that will be interesting to see what impact it has.  If you are looking for a nostalgic time travel adventure with flying dinosaurs then you should look no further than this spectacular title.

The Rest:
Civil War II #1 - The new Civil War is here.  This time the line drawn in the sand is between Tony Stark (who else really would consistently choose the wrong side) and Captain Marvel.  The divisive issue is whether or not to trust an Inhuman who has the ability to see the future.  The catch is that he's been an Inhuman for all of a month and Jean Grey can't even see in his mind.  I will avoid spoilers, but was pleasantly surprised with this issue and really look forward to seeing where this event takes the characters.  With any big event, I am wondering if it will have any lasting issue on the Marvel Universe, as this event wasted no time going on Game of Thrones right off the bat.


Old Man Logan #7 - This is the best issue of the series so far.  This issue felt like it was written by Jeff Lemire and really focused on the emotional bonds that Logan has with those who he loves, and how he is torn apart by how much hurt comes to them on his behalf.  It feels like he snaps in this issue, and things are going to dramatically change for this series moving forward.  I have to admit that this series had taken a dip from my perspective after the first three, but this is the lift that I was waiting for.  Cannot wait for issue #8.

Nailbiter #22 - Everyone is back in Buckaroo and it seems like we are a bit closer to getting to the bottom of this town, but the real drama is between father and daughter.  Alice learns some valuable information as she narrowly escapes from the real butcher.  Toss in the fact that Finch informs the Nailbiter that Alice is his daughter, triggering a biting attack, and all hell (or even more hell) has broken loose.  I must admit that I wasn't crazy about the arc outside of buckaroo, and am very happy to see our characters return home.





The Walking Dead #157 - Looks like there is another war for Rick and his crew.  It has slowly been building to this, but the first act of war between Rick and the Skinwalkers has occurred.  In a twist that everyone saw coming, but is great nonetheless, Negan has connected with the Skinwalkers and will likely aid them in this war.  This was a pretty violent issue and I imagine that we ain't seen nothing yet.  It was great to see Michonne wielding her katana again.

Batman: Rebirth #1 - I shouldn't be surprised that this issue is all about rebirth.  It is in the title after all.  While I am glad it didn't reboot any origin, because it is not a reboot, it felt like Batman was born again.  Through the effective use of Calendar Man, Bruce Wayne and company are off to a fresh start with a fresh creative team at the helm.  I like that Scott Snyder passed the torch to Tom King in an enjoyable, albeit inconsequential, issue.






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